USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan > Part 47
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105
Christian Eberbach was married to Miss Mar- garet Laubengayer, who was born in Germany in January, 1821, and when a maiden of twelve sum- mers came to America with her parents. Mr. Eberbach is still survived by his widow. who
CHRISTIAN EBERBACH.
425
PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
lives at the old homestead at the corner of Pack- ard and Wells streets. Eight children were born of their marriage, of whom five are yet living : Ottmar: Edward; Mary, the wife of Dr. K. Klotz, of St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada ; Ear- nest : and Clara.
Ottmar Eberbach, beginning his education in the public schools, continued his studies through successive grades until he had become a high- school student. In the spring of 1862 he went to Europe, where he remained for three and a half years, during which time he was a student in a polytechnic school at Stuttgart and also in a university at Tuebingen, Germany, where he re- ceived his pharmaceutical education. In the fall of 1865 he returned to Ann Arbor and entered his father's store, working as a salesman until 1874. when he was admitted to a partnership. The relation was maintained until about six months prior to the father's death, when Mr. Eberbach of this review became sole proprietor. He has con- ducted the store with constantly growing success and is to-day regarded as one of the leading mer- chants of Ann Arbor, having a well equipped es- tablishment in which he carries a large and care- fully selected line of drugs and sundry goods.
Believing that Ann Arbor, as the seat of a large university, offered special advantages for a busi- ness in the line of fine chemicals and laboratory supplies for schools and colleges, such an enter- prise naturally attracted the attention of Mr. Eberbach as it accorded with his views of phar- macy as a profession being in constant touch with the progress of the science, and soon after enter- ing the firm he began to develop the plans for this new line of business. In this undertaking he met with success and the business has grown to an in- dependent plant, sothat he now carries the best as- sorted line in the west of fine chemicals, chemical glassware and apparatus, physical apparatus and supplies for scientific investigations in general. These goods are shipped to all parts of America and exported. In connection with this business the firm also conducts a shop for the manufacture of scientific instruments and apparatus, many of which are of their own design, and they also man- nfacture special designs and new devices as de- veloped at the university and other institutions.
In 1870 occurred the marriage of Ottmar Eber- bach and Miss Catherine Ilaller, of Ann Arbor. They had a family of six children, of whom five are yet living and all were natives of this county. namely : Ottilie, the wife of Phillip Schaupner, by whom she has one child, Margaret : Oscar, who is a member of the graduating class of the Michi- gan University of 1900; Elsie, who has attended the university and is teaching in the summer of 1905 in Wyoming ; C'arl, who is a high-school stu- dent : and Linden, who completes the family.
Mr. Eberbach is a republican. He served on the state board of pharmacists for ten years and on the school board of Ann Arbor for four terms. He has a wide acquaintance in this city where he has always made his home and is best liked where best known, a fact which indicates the possession of qualities that are commendable and ever awaken respect and regard.
J. GEORGE BISCHOFF.
J. George Bischoff, a florist of Ann Arbor, was born on the 7th of December. 1861, in Goettel- finger, in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany. and one of the nine children of Gottlieb and Agatha ( Kirn) Bischoff. The father died in 1878. and the mother in 1884. Four of their chil- dren are now living in Ann Arbor : Mrs. Kather- ine Gaus. Mrs. Mary Becker. Joseph and J. George. Two sisters are living in Germany : Mrs. Rosina Doettling, in the bakery and hotel business at Calmbach. Wurtemberg; and Mrs. Agatha Locher, wife of Gottlieb Locher, a painter and plasterer at the same place.
J. George Bischoff spent his early life in the land of his birth, pursued his education in the schools of that country and served his time in the German army in accordance with the laws of the country. After coming to this country. he spent some time in Attica and Rochester, New York, in Pennsylvania. and for two years was en- gaged in the florist business in Detroit. He be- canie a resident of Ann Arbor in 1896 and has since made his home here. He is now doing a good business as a florist, his greenhouses cover-
426
PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
ing five acres so that he is conducting his inter- ests on an extensive scale. He is thoroughly fa- miliar with the best methods of cultivating flow- ers and shrubs and the products of his green- houses are unsurpassed on the city market, where they find a ready sale. His patronage has now reached extensive proportions and the trade is profitable.
In 1896 Mr. Bischoff was united in marriage to Miss Wilhelmina Zander, of Brandenburg, Prussia, and they have two children : Ella, eight years of age, now in school; and Emma, four years old. Mr. Bischoff belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees, to the Independent Order of United Workmen and to various local German societies, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Zion Lutheran church. He is a man of marked industry, giving close and unremitting attention to his business, and he stands high in citizenship and has a host of warm friends who recognize his genuine worth and give him their warm regard.
GEORGE W. SWEET.
George W. Sweet, who is engaged in the pro- vision business in Ann Arbor, was born in Ann Arbor township, Washtenaw county, on the 7th of November. 1865. His father, Spenser J. Sweet, was a native of the Empire state and there followed the occupation of farming but about 1844 he removed westward to Michigan, settling in Ann Arbor township and later in the city, where he engaged in contracting and building. His death occurred in the year 1901. His wife bore the maiden name of Eliza and they became the parents of eleven children, of whom nine are yet living. Silas T., who is with his brother in business in Ann Arbor, was born in An Ar- bor township, July 10, 1854, and was married in 1880 to Anna B. Ziegler, of this city. They have one child, Olive, now sixteen years of age. For many years Silas T. Sweet was connected with the Michigan Central and Ann Arbor Railroad companies, but is now engaged in the provision business. For twenty-two years he has been
affiliated with the Odd Fellows society and has passed all of its chairs. The other members of the family are : Zanias A., a traveling salesman living at Ann Arbor ; Mary, the wife of Edward Bycraft, of Webster township; Charles F., a farmer of Jackson county; Andrew J., who is assistant engineer in the fire department at Jack- son, Michigan; Ida May, the wife of William Ouley, of Ann Arbor ; George W., of this review ; Arthur J., who is engineer at the state prison at Jackson, Michigan; and Ella, the wife of George Clark, of this city.
Mr. Sweet spent his boyhood days in a manner not unusual to that of lads of the period, his time being divided between the pleasures of the play- ground and the duties of the school room. After leaving school he was engaged as a telegraph operator for five years and then went upon the road as brakeman, being later promoted to con- ductor. In 1891 he left the road owing to ill health and has since been a factor in mercantile life in Ann Arbor, being now connected with the provision business, in which he is meeting with fair success.
On the 3d of December, 1893, Mr. Sweet was united in marriage to Miss Louise Davies, a na- tive of Ohio and they have one son, Leslie George, who is now eleven years of age. Mr. Sweet is also educating a niece, Ella Louise, who, at the age of nineteen years, is pursuing a literary and musical course at the University of Michigan.
In his social relations Mr. Sweet is connected with the Maccabees and with the Odd Fellows and is in hearty sympathy with the teachings and purposes of these fraternities. In the last named he has filled all of the chairs. His political sup- port is given to the republican party and for two years he served as alderman for the third ward, being elected on the republican ticket although the ward usually gives a democratic majority. About four years ago he was a candidate for sheriff of the county and was defeated by only a few votes, although the county is strongly demo- cratic. This fact indicates his personal popu- larity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He holds membership in the Baptist church and is well known in Ann Arbor
427
PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
as a citizen of worth, who in fraternal, political and busines relations has ever maintained a high standard of conduct and thus won the favorable regard and friendship of his fellowmen.
WILLIAM R. SCHNEIDER.
William R. Schneider, who for twelve years has been engaged in the plumbing business at No. 204 Washington street, West, was born in this city, May 28, 1871, and is one of the enterprising young men here, possessing the spirit of energy and determination, which have been the strong and forceful factors in the rapid upbuilding of this section of the country. His father, John Schneider, Sr., was a native of Germany and, like many other sons of the fatherland, became a res- ident of Washtenaw county when he crossed the Atlantic to the new world. He early established his home in this locality and took a helpful part in its development and progress. He wedded Mary Stein and his death occurred in the year 1902 but his widow makes her home on East Washington street in Ann Arbor. In the family were ten chil- dren, of whom mention is made on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of Emanuel L. Schneider.
At the usual age William R. Schneider became a public school student and mastered the branches of learning consituting the curriculum here. After putting aside his text books he removed to Grand Rapids. Michigan, where he entered upon an ap- prenticeship to the plumber's trade, remaining for six years in the service of the firm of Hum & Schneider, during which time he became thoroughly familiar with the busi- ness in principle and detail and was recognized as an expert workman. Returning to Ann Arbor in 1893 he established a plumbing business at his present location at No. 204 Washington street. From the beginning his trade has increased and he now conducts an extensive business in furnaces and plumbers' supplies and in plumbing and gen- eral repair work. The business has had rapid and substantial growth and each year has added to his success as his income has increased to the in-
creased number of his patrons. Fair dealing and enterprise are perhaps the salient elements of his prosperity and in this regard his life certainly fur- nishes an example worthy of emulation.
In 1804 Mr. Schneider was united in marriage to Miss Johanna Weisenreder, a native of Ger- many, and they have become the parents of a most interesting family of seven children, namely : . Al- win William, Arthur John, Harold Wesley, Esther Johanna, Waldemar Edward, Carl Robert and William Clarence.
Mr. and Mrs. Schneider hold membership in the Bethlehem German Evangelical church and in politics he is a republican interested in the suc- cess of his party, its growth and the accomplish- ment of its purpose, yet he never seeks or desires office for himself. Ile has figured in fraternal circles as a member of the Knights of the Macca- bees and was first master of the guards. He is likewise first lieutenant of the Home Guards. Public spirited to an eminent degree, his labors benefit the city through the active co-operation which he gives to many measures for the general good and his business interests contribute to its industrial and commercial development.
CHAUNCY H. SHEARER.
Chauncy H. Shearer. a native son of Michi- gan, was born in Detroit. December 11, 1858, and in the control of extensive and important busi- ness interests in the line of real estate operations. displays not only broad familiarity with prop- erty values but also keen discernment and marked sagacity that are essential elements in a successful career. His father, James Shearer, born in Albany, New York, became a prominent lumberman of this state, and was regent of the University of Michigan from 1880 until 1888. His death occurred in 1806. His widow, Mrs. Margaret J. Shearer. passed away in 1808. In the family were three sons and a daughter: G. Henry : James B. : Ella M .. who married Morton J. Day and died in 1885 ; and Chauncy H.
When Channey H. Shearer was seven years of age his parents removed from Detroit to Bay
428
PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
City and since September, 1900, he has been a resident of Ann Arbor. He is a graduate of the high school at Bay City and attended Cornell University in 1875, 1876 and 1877, his liberal ed- ucation well equipping him for the conduct of im- portant business enterprises. For some years he was associated with his father and brothers in lumber dealing and real estate operations and is to-day connected with the real estate and insur- ance business in Ann Arbor with a large clien- tage that indicates his familiarity with property values and possibilities, as well as his capability in so placing property on the market as to secure a ready and profitable transfer thereof. In con- nection with his real estate operations he is rep- resenting the New England Mutual Life Insur- ance Company, the St. Paul Fire & Marine In- surance Company and the Orient and other in- surance companies.
On the 6th of April, 1880, Mr. Shearer was married to Miss M. Louise Deshler, of Columbus, Ohio, and they have two daughters, Margaret E. D. and Marie L. D. Mr. Shearer is a republi- can in his political affiliation and an Episcopalian in religious faith, and while a student in Cornell he became a member of the Alpha Delta Phi. He represents a prominent family of Michigan and his lines of life have been cast in harmony there- with. He has a beautiful home in Ann Arbor and his abilities and personal characteristics have made him a valued factor in the highest society circles of the city.
WILLIAM BIGGS.
The building operations of Ann Arbor have found an active representative in William Biggs for the past quarter of a century and as a con- tractor and builder he has gained a foremost place in the ranks of the representatives of this industrial art. A native of England, he was born in Braintree on the 9th of March, 1850, and is one of a family of three sons and a daughter, whose parents were William and Sarah ( Gold- ing) Biggs, who were likewise natives of Eng- land. in which country they spent their entire
lives. The father was a broker and died in the year 1875, while his wife passed away in 1874. Of their family Charles died in 1903, Samuel is now living in London, England, and Mary is also a resident of the world's metropolis.
William Biggs, the youngest member of the household, pursued his education in the schools of England, in which country he remained until nineteen years of age. He had heard favorable reports concerning the new world, had become interested in this country and believing that he might have good business opportunities here he crossed the Atlantic and took up his abode in Ann Arbor in 1869. For some years he con- tinted his education in this city and as a pre- paration for the practical and responsible duties of business life he began learning the carpen- ter's trade, being employed by various contract- ors and buiklers, under whose instruction he mastered the various branches of the builder's art, becoming an excellent workman with thor- ongh understanding of the business both in prin- ciple and detail. He acted as journeyman until 1880, when he ventured upon an independent business career and soon found that his capability was recognized and that he was able to secure a good patronage. Since that he has been well known as a builder here and many important con- tracts have been awarded him, his skill and handi- work being seen in some of the fine structures of the city. In more recent years, however, he has practically lived retired, having acquired a handsome competence in the years of his former toil and activity.
In 1875 Mr. Biggs was married to Miss Fanny Cook, of Ann Arbor, whose father is superintend- ent of the University of Michigan grounds. They have three children : William Ambrose, who is assistant superintendent of the Bell Telephone Company at Dallas, Texas, and who was a student in the engineering department of the University of Michigan ; Austin Perry, also a student in the engineering department and now with the Edison Electric Company, of Detroit: and Fanny Bernice, who is now traveling in the west for her health. They also lost a child in infancy. Cella.
Mr. Biggs is a devoted member of the First Congregational church, while in politics he is in-
429
PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
dependent. He and his wife now occupy a beau- tiful home at No. 537 Elm street, where in a well earned ease he is enjoying the fruits of his former toil. He has ever been strong in his support of the temperance cause and is a man of high moral character and worth, whose influence has ever been on the side of right, justice and truth. In his business career he made a reputa- tion such as any man might be proud to possess because he was always conscientious in meeting his obligations nor did he ever make an engage- ment that he did not fill. He rose through suc- cessive steps to the plain of affluence, gaining prosperity and an honored name simultaneously.
HARRISON FAIRCHILD.
Harrison Fairchild, proprietor of a large and profitable meat market in Ypsilanti was born near Rochester, New York, on the 22d of March. 1848. His father was Myron S. Fairchild, a native of the Empire state, who for many years was engaged in the milling business but is now living a retired life in Ypsilanti in the enjoyment of a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserved. In early manhood he wedded Miss Mariette Yost, who died in 1878. In their fam- ily were two sons : Harrison and Charles M .. the latter now proprietor of a feed business and meat market in Ypsilanti.
Harrison Fairchild spent the days of his boy- hood and youth under the parental roof and ac- quired his education in the public schools of Rochester. During the periods of vacation he worked in his father's large meat market in that city and under his direction learned the butcher's trade, which he has followed throughout his entire business career. He came to Ypsilanti in April, 1873, and has been in the meat business in this city for thirty years, being one of the best known and successful and reliable merchants of the city. He is now located at No. 14 North Huron street near the Occidental Hotel, where he is conducting a large and thoroughly up-to-date meat market, enjoying an extensive patronage from the best people of the city. His business
dealings have ever been characterized by honesty and straightforward methods and many of his patrons have for long years given to him their business support.
In 1880 Mr. Fairchild was united in marriage to Miss Ann Mendill, of Ypsilanti. They have no children of their own but have adopted a son, H. H. Fairchild, who is now twenty-one years of age and assists his father in the conduct of the business. They have a pleasant home at No. 126 Huron street and both Mr. and Mrs. Fair- child have an extensive circle of friends in the city where they have so long resided. Frater- nally a Mason, Mr. Fairchild belongs to Phoenix lodge, No. 123. A. F. & A. M., and has also taken the chapter degrees. In politics he is in- dependent but is never remiss in his duties of citizenship and has co-operated in many measures for local progress and general improvement. He holds membership in the Methodist church and his life has been characterized by principles which are indicative of his fidelity to the teach- ings of that denomination.
FREDERICH C. KLINGLER.
Frederich C. Klingler has spent his entire life in Ann Arbor, his native city. He was born February 22, 1870. His father, Charles Klingler, was a native of Wurtemberg. Germany. After coming to Ann Arbor he followed farming in Lima township, Washtenaw county. He married Frederica Frey, who is living in Chelsea. Michi- gan, and they became the parents of seven chil- dren, of whom four are living: William, a farmer, residing near Grass Lake, Michigan ; Mrs. Amelia Henbriker, of Chelsea, Michigan ; Frederich C .: and Christian, a farmer, residing in Sylvan township, this county.
Frederich C. Klingler was a student in the Lima district school in his early boyhood and then entered upon his business career in the em- ploy of G. F. Stein, proprietor of a meat market at Ann Arbor, with whom he continued for four years. He was afterward in the service of Henry a MItthews for three years and five years ago en-
25
430
PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
tered the firm of Overbeck & Klingler, since which time he has had charge of the meat de- partment in this extensive establishment at the corner of Fourth and Liberty streets. The firm has enjoyed a very successful existence, a grow- ing trade adding continually to their prosperity. In 1893 Mr. Klingler was married to Miss Liz- zie Cox, of Petrolia, Ontario, and they have a daughter. Vivian, now eleven years of age, and a student in the Ann Arbor schools. The parents hold membership in the Zion Lutheran church and Mr. Klingler is also connected with Golden Rule lodge, No. 59. A. F. & A. M., and with the Knights of the Maccabees. In his political allegiance he is a democrat. Having always lived in Washtenaw county his acquaintance within its borders is wide and he is best liked where best known-a fact which indicates his fidelity to prin- ciples that in every land and clime command re- spect and confidence.
JAMES H. EATON.
James H. Eaton, who was born in New York in 1833, died in 1801. He was known in Ann Arbor in his student days, for his professional education was largely acquired in the medical department of the University of Michigan. Later he pursued spring and summer courses in Albany Medical College at Albany, New York, but he never entered upon the active practice of medi- cine and surgery, but gave his attention to mer- cantilepursuits. He entereda kindred field of busi- ness, however, becoming a retail drug merchant at Fayetteville, Onondaga county, New York. which was his native city. After conducting his store for six years he went upon the road as a salesman for a wholesale drug house of Syra- cuse, New York, and although he eventually be- came a member of the firm and was interested in the business as a partner up to the time of his death, he continued to travel, representing the house on the road with excellent success. He had the geniality, friendly disposition and un- failing courtesy as well as keen business sagacity without which the salesman is never prosperous.
On the 14th of February, 1855, Mr. Eaton was married to Miss Elizabeth Storms, who was born in New Jersey and is a daughter of Jacob Storms of that state. Her father died in Ann Arbor, on March 2, 1880, while her mother, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Taylor, and was a na- tive of New York, died in this city in 1903, at the age of seventy-five years. Mr. Storms was a shoemaker by trade, following that pursuit throughout his entire business life. He removed from New Jersey to Ann Arbor in 1841, and here he began work as a shoemaker, doing custom trade and repairing, while later he established a shoe store which he carried on until, because of ill health, he was obliged to retire and enjoyed a period of rest for several years prior to his de- mise. In his family were seven daughters and two sons, of whom seven are living, namely : Mrs. Eaton : Mrs. L. C. Kersey ; Mrs. Rachel Dickin- son : Mrs. Sarah Hadley, deceased : George Al- bert : E. Jay: Mrs. Susan Higgins : Flora M .. deceased ; and Mrs. Genevieve Jacobs. Mr. Storms was for many years a prominent and well known business man of Ann Arbor, active and enterprising in the work which claimed his at- tention, and as a merchant he contributed to the commercial prosperity here.
In 1892, following her husband's death, Mrs. Eaton removed from Syracuse, New York, to Ann Arbor, where she has since lived and where her early girlhood days were passed.
WILLIAM S. MILLS, D. O.
Dr. William S. Mills, who with a constantly growing patronage is engaged in the practice of osteopathy in Ann Arbor, was born in Martins- town, Missouri, on the 19th of July. 1865. His father, Sterling K. Mills, was a farmer by occupa- tion and married Anna Boyd, who died tweny- eight years ago. In their family were five chil- dren : William S .; Neal M., now deceased ; Ern- est M .. who is engaged in the practice of oste- opathy in Corsicana, Texas; Mrs. Mary B. West and Mrs. Laura E. Hatfield. both of Moscow, Idaho.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.