USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan > Part 52
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whig party, to the principles of which he was loyally devoted.
Mr. Corselius was married in 1835 to Clemen- tia Cardell, who was born in Bennington, Ver- mont, and who after living in Philadelphia and New York city came west to Ann Arbor to join her brother, who was a practicing physician here. She was descended from the Norman kings. Mr. and Mrs. Corselius became the parents of four children : Cornelia E., who for many years was a teacher in the schools of Ann Arbor and now lives in a pleasant home at 414 Lawrence street : William S .. who is living retired at Strawberry Lake, Michigan ; Alfred, who was killed in the battle of Gettysburg; and Edward, whe entered the Civil war at the age of sixteen years and is now living a retired life at Claremont, Virginia. He has four interesting children : Grace, twenty- two years of age, now spending a year with rela- tives at Niagara Falls, New York ; James, twen- ty-one years of age, preparing for a journalistic career : Helen, twenty years of age, who is a tele- graph operator at Spring Grove, Virginia: and Clara C., sixteen years of age, who is displaying considerable talent as a musician. The family are Episcopalians.
The father continued his journalistic work until 1849. Hoping that he might better his health and financial condition and provide a good home for his family he started for California, but he was taken ill at Panama and possibly homesick and heartsick by reason of his separation from his family, to whom he was tenderly attached, he started on the return voyage but died on the ocean passage between Panama and New York and his remains were lowered into the depths of the sea. One who knew him well and intimately wrote of him. "In days when partisan literature carried a keen edge Mr. Corselius knew how to wield it but if he ever wounded any person he was himself the greater sufferer. He was a man of most gentle and benevolent disposition. He was of a somewhat ungainly figure but of a spir- itual symmetry that is attained by but few. He could feel an injury most keenly but was incapable of resentment or malice. He lived so scrupu- lously by the golden rule that he had no gold in his purse." The New York Journal of Commerce.
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commenting on his demise, said, "The deceased was for some time editor of this paper, in which capacity he acquitted himself with great ability and to the entire satisfaction of its patrons. He afterward occupied a similar relation in the State Journal, a Whig paper, published at Ann Arbor, and was ever an active and true hearted advocate of the great conservative principles of the whig creed. He is also author of several able and well written articles, published in the magazines of the day, on moral and intellectual science. As a thinker he was calm and original, patient, acute and thorough in his investigations and of a de- cidedly philosophical turn. As a writer he was dignified, vigorous and correct, indulging at times his love of the abstract, but ever aiming to inspire his readers with that spirit of benevolence and philanthropy with which he was animated. A child of genius he was unqualified to struggle with the rigors of a world and in his calm contem- plation of ideal perfection, individual and social, he seemed forgetful of want and of need of "laying up for himself treasures of earth." He has died an honest man, and poor, leaving a family. His wife survived him until July 9, 1887. and passed away at the age of seventy-seven years.
HENRY G. PIPP.
Henry G. Pipp, a well known contractor of Ann Arbor, the extent and importance of whose business interests rank him with the leading rep- resentatives of the industrial art here, was born in Frankfort, Germany, February 7, 1866. His father, William Pipp, was also a contractor and builder, and he died in the year 1891. Further mention of him is made in connection with the sketch of Herman W. Pipp on another page of this work. He married Elizabeth Schmid, who still surviving, makes her home in Brighton, Michigan, and of their family of eight children, six are yet living, as follows: William, who is superintendent of a factory in Howell, Michi- gan ; Mrs. Matilda Case, who is living in Brigh- ton ; Minnie, who makes her home in Howell ;
Fred, who follows carpentering in Brighton; Herman W., of Ann Arbor ; and Henry G.
Although born across the water, Henry G. Pipp was reared in Michigan, his youthful days being spent in Brighton, where he was a public- school student. He afterward learned the car- penter's trade under the direction of his father and others by whom he was employed, and sub- sequently he went to Howell, Michigan, where he entered upon an independent business venture, being connected with building operations at that place for seven years. In 1892 he arrived in Ann Arbor and opened an office at No. 423 Fuller street, where he resides. He has become well known as a contractor and builder, the evidences of his handiwork being seen in many good struc- tures of the city, which add to its attractive ap- pearance and substantial improvement. He has erected a number of fine private residences here. including the elegant home of Dr. Warthin and the beautiful residence occupied by Father Kelly of St. Thomas church, and also public buildings ; and he has the reputation of being a man of his word, who holds fully to high business principles.
Mr. Pipp was married in 1888 to Miss Susan Russell, of Howell, Michigan, and their two chil- dren, Russell and Helen Catharine, aged eight and six years respectively, are now attending the parochial schools.
Mr. Pipp belongs to the Knights of the Macca- bees and the Knights of Columbus, and of the Catholic church is a communicant, while in the exercise of his right of franchise he supports men and measures of the republican party. He is a very energetic man, and his labors have brought him prosperity.
MISS FRANCES E. CASPARI.
Miss Frances E Caspari, whose reputation in musical circles is so wide that she needs no special introduction to the readers of this volume, having become well known in oratorio and concert work, was born in Ann Arbor. November 4. 1879, her parents being William and Catherine (Meuth) Caspari. The parents, natives of Germany, emi-
HENRY G. PIPP.
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grated to the new world in 1865, settling in New York city, where they lived for several years, re- moving to Ann Arbor, where they have resided for the last thirty years. There were six children in the family of whom four are living : Catherine, William, Cecelia and Frances E.
Miss Frances E. Caspari began her education in St. Thomas' Catholic school of this city. after- ward attending St. Mary's Academy at Monroe. Her attention was early directed to a musical edu- cation in the development of her natural talents. she having been a pupil of St. Thomas' Conserva- tory of Music, under Sister Boromeo, of John Dennis Mehan, of Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, and later of the University School of Music of this city under William Howland, from which school she graduated in June. 1905, with high honors. She is now teacher of voice culture in Ann Arbor. a fine soprano singer, who has become well known in oratorio and concert work, having been one of the soloists at the annual May Festival here, for the past three years. She possesses a soprano voice of wonderful power and quality and of dra- matic skill as well and is one of the most promi- nent leaders of musical interests in this city. She has been soloist in St. Thomas' church of this city for a number of years and in the Cathedral of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. She belongs to the Catholic church and to the Sigma Alpha Iota sorority and with her mother resides at 424 North State street.
FRED W. SCHOEN.
Among the native sons of Michigan who are now successfully engaged in business in this state is numbered Fred W. Schoen, who is successfully engaged in the hardware and general merchandise business in the village of Bridgewater. He was born in Detroit in 1868. His father. Anton Schoen, was a native of Prussia and in 1852 crossed the Atlantic to the United States. He was a merchant tailor and in his native country was employed in that capacity in the Prussian army. Industry was one of his strong character- istics and brought to him a gratifying measure of success. For a time he followed his trade in De-
troit but in 1871 he bought a farm of eighty acres in Freedom township. Washtenaw county. and there devoted his energies to the tilling of the soil and the care of his crops up to the time of his demise. He was a stanch republican and the family held membership in the Evangelical Lu- theran church. In early manhood he wedded Christina Beutler, a native of Germany, their wed- ding being celebrated in Detroit in 1854. Mr. Schoen passed away upon the old family home- stead in this county in March, 1901, in his eighty- first year and is still survived by his wife, who is living in Bridgewater. They had twelve children and reared them all, namely: Frank, who is now deceased : Charles, living in Dexter township. Washtenaw county : Paul, a resident of Roseville. Michigan : Fred W .: Henry, deceased ; Albert A .. a minister of the Evangelical Lutheran church at Chelsea. Michigan: Jacob, who is living in Bridgewater township; Rosie, deceased ; Carrie. the wife of Charles Rentschler, a farmer of Pitts- field. Michigan : Mary, the wife of George Rei- mold. living on the homestead farm in Freedom township : Christina, the wife of John Stabler, of Freedom : and Pauline, who is acting as house- keeper for her brother Albert in Chelsea.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Fred W. Schoen in his youth. He was reared upon the old family homestead and attended the district schools of Freedom township and high school of Manches- ter. He afterward taught for one term in a Ger- man school and for two terms in an English school. after which he became connected with commercial pursuits as a clerk in the general store of Jolin Kensler at Manchester, with whom he re- mained for eight months. In 1891 he bought out the stock of general merchandise at Bridgewater and added a line of hardware, carrying a large stock of goods for a village of this size. He is very successful and is the only merchant in the township. A liberal patronage is accorded him in recognition of his straightforward dealing, rea- sonable prices and earnest desire to please his customers.
Mr. Schoen was married, in 1893, to Miss Mary Elizabeth Tag, who was born in the village of Saline. Michigan, in 1872, a daughter of Fred-
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erick and Margaret (Schlagel) Tag. The father was a native of Germany and about 1869 came to the United States, locating in Saline township, this county. He is a shoemaker by trade. In his family were seven children: Mrs. Elizabeth Schoen ; George, who is engaged in the shoe busi- ness in Clinton with his father; Amelia, the wife of Charles Anglemyer, of Bridgewater township ; Frederick, a bookkeeper at McConnel's dry-goods store, of Adrian, Michigan; Louise, the wife of Frank Leeson, of Manchester township; Katie, a graduate of Brown's Business College ; and Wil- liam, deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Schoen have two children : Viola L., who was born in 1894; and Norman A., in 1900. The parents are members of the German Evangelical Lutheran church and Mr. Schoen holds membership with the Benefit Association. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party. was appointed postmaster of the village of Bridge- water in 1897 and is a notary public. He is also a trustee and secretary of the Freedom Evangel- ical Lutheran church and gives active co-opera- tion to various movements for the material, social, political and moral progress of the community in which he makes his home.
JOHN J. EDWARDS.
John J. Edwards, engaged in the publishing of lectures and law books in Ann Arbor, with a large business that is indicative of his enterprise, care- ful management and modern methods, was born in Huron county, Michigan, July 17. 1859. His father, Thomas Edwards, was a native of Swan- sea, Wales, and became a sea captain. In their family were six children, three of whom are liv- ing: John J., of this review : Thomas, who is living in Washington, D. C .; and Daniel A., also a resident of that city, and associated with his brother as proprietor of the Columbian Corre- spondence College of that city.
John J. Edwards spent his school life in St. Clair county, Michigan, and for a number of years he resided in Wexford county, this state, devoting
his attention to the lumber business. He came to Ann Arbor in 1898, and here he established the lecture business, publishing lectures in all de- partments of the University of Michigan. He is located at No. 320 South State street.
When twenty-two years of age, Mr. Edwards was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Ward, of Port Huron, Michigan, and they became the parents of three children: T. J., who at the age of twenty-three years is in business with his fa- ther : William J., twelve years of age, who has already displayed marked talent in musical lines and is a student in the Ann Arbor schools; and Ward Daniel, eleven years of age, also attending school.
Mr. Edwards is independent in his political views and affiliations, voting for the best man or the best ticket without regard to political parties.
WILLIAM J. CLANCY.
William J. Clancy, conducting a large contract- ing business in Ann Arbor and elsewhere, to which he has devoted his energies for twelve years, is a native son of this city, his birth having here occurred in May, 1866. His father, William Clancy, was a native of Ireland and in his boy- hood days came to the United States. In early life he learned the mason's trade, which he fol- lowed throughout his active business career and for fifty years he was a resident of Ann Arbor, where his death occurred in 1892. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Nelligen, has also passed away. Their surviving daughter is Mrs. Katherine Powell, who is living in Howell, Michigan.
William J. Clancy, the only son of the family, was educated in the public and parochial schools of Ann Arbor and served an appreticeship to the mason's trade here, becoming a practical work- man, expert in his chosen field of labor. He was employed by others for some time and then about 1893 began contracting on his own account, since which time he has worked his way upward to a successful and growing business, owing to his thorough familiarity with the trade both in prin-
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ciple and detail. In all of his business interests he is systematic and methodical, is alert and enter- prising, is watchful of opportunities and quick to utilize the advantages that come to him and more- over he has sustained an unassailable reputation for integrity in all transactions.
In 1890 Mr. Clancy was married to Miss Emma Tesmer. of Ann Arbor, and they have become the parents of two daughters and a son, Mary, Ruth and William. Mary is attending school in this city. Mr. Clancy is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, is an independent democrat in his political affiliations and is a com- municant of the Roman Catholic church. He lives in a beautiful home at No. 415 Lawrence avenue, where various evidences of wealth and a cultured taste are seen, his success in his chosen field of endeavor enabling him to provide his fam- ily with all of the comforts and many of the luxtt- ries of life.
WILLIAM A. CLARK.
William A. Clark, now living retired after active connection with business interests in for- mer years, was born in Lincolnshire, England. August 28. 1849. His father, James Clark, like- wise a native of the same country, crossed the At- lantic to the new world in 1850 and after spend- ing about a year in New York made his way westward to Michigan. He was a teacher by pro- fession and for many years was connected with educational interests in this state, where he re- mained until his death. July 31. 1892. He wedded Mary Ann Allaby, also a native of Eng- land, who died February 18. 1891. In their fam- ily were seven children, of whom the following survive, namely : Mary Ann Clark, who is re- siding in Ann Arbor: William A., of this re- view; Eliza Jane, now the wife of Byron Rob- erts, of Chicago: Mrs. Eve Edwards, of Okla- homa.
William A. Clark was only about a year old when his parents came to this city and he ob- tained his education here, after which he entered business life. As the years passed he accumitt-
lated a comfortable competency as the result of his carefully directed labors, good management and keen business discernment and is now living retired at his beautiful home in Ann Arbor at No. 311 North Main street.
At the time of the Civil war Mr. Clark es- pontsed the cause of the Union, enlisting in 1861 as a member of Company H. Eighth Michigan regiment. He served throughout the period of hostilities and at the close of the war in 1865 re- ceived an honorable discharge. He entered the army as a private, participated in many hotly con- tested engagements, and by his valor and meri- torions conduct on the field of battle won promo- tion from grade to grade until he was commis- sioned captain.
In 1860 Mr. Clark married Miss Lonise Wildt, of Ann Arbor, and they have two children : Win- nifred Louise, living at home: and William Walter, who is in the United States mail sery- ice. Mr. Clark belongs to Golden Rule lodge. No. 159. A. F. & A. M .. Ann Arbor chapter, No. 6. R. A. M. and commandery No. 13. K. T., and is thus familiar with the teachings and practices of the York rite, while the spirit of the craft finds exemplification in his honorable life and his straightforward relations with his fellowmen. In his religious faith he is an Episcopalian. Polit- ically a republican, he has long given stalwart sup- port to the party, and for two terms he served as city clerk of Ann Arbor. but has never been a pol- itician in the sense of office seeking. However. his labors have been beneficial to Ann Arbor in various lines. for his co-operation can always be counted upon to further progressive movements that have for their object the upbuilding and wel- fare of the city.
JOHN P. WALSH.
Among the native sons of Dexter township. still residing within its borders. John P. Walsh is numbered. his birth having occurred on the old family homestead here on the 2d of Septem- ber. 1857. His parents were John C. and Hon- ora (Wallace) Walsh, both of whom were na-
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tives of County Kilkenny, Ireland. In the fall of 1849 the parents crossed the Atlantic to Amer- ica, making their way from Waterford to Liver- pool, England, and there taking passage on a westward bound sailing vessel, which, after many weeks, dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. Soon they resumed their journey west- ward, proceeding by way of the Hudson river to Albany, thence by canal to Buffalo, and by way of the Great Lakes to Detroit, from which point they came by rail to Dexter. For a short time they remained with Mr. Dooly, and Mr. Walsh, seeking a favorable location, then purchased eighty acres of land, which he at once began to clear and farm. Later he added to his homestead until he had one hundred and sixty acres, and there he carried on general agricultural pursuits, making a specialty of wheat. He served on the school board for a number of years, and was in- terested in community affairs, giving his support and co-operation to many measures for the gen- eral good. In February, 1850, he went to Cali- fornia attracted by the discovery of gold in that state, and there he engaged in mining with vary- ing success until November, 1855, when he re- turned to Michigan. Here he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred in 1883. when he was seventy-one years of age. His wife passed away in 1870, when fifty-one years of age. Five children were born unto them in Ireland and five after they reached America, namely: Mar- garet: Patrick; Anastasia: Mary, who died in Ireland; Michael, who died in this country ; Alice : John, deceased; John P., of this review ; James, who is living in Grand Rapids, Michigan ; and Mary, who completes the family.
John P. Walsh, spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, pursued his education in the public schools, and was reared in the usual manner of farm lads of the period. He has spent his entire life in Dexter township, and has carried on general farming on his own account since at- taining his majority. He raises wheat and corn and has one hundred and sixty acres of land un- der a high state of cultivation. He is practical in all that he undertakes, and his labors have been so carefully directed as to win for him a gratify- ing measure of success.
On the 7th of May, 1884, Mr. Walsh was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Cavanaugh, who was born January 6, 1858, and is a daughter of William and Anna ( Maloney) Cavanaugh. The parents were both natives of Kings county, Ireland, and the father died in Illinois, while the mother passed away in Dexter at the age of sixty-five years. In their family were three daughters and a son: Mary, now Mrs. Walsh ; Stephen, who is living in Dexter; Sarah, who makes her home in the same village; and Cath- erine, deceased. The father came to America in the '50s, and was engaged in steamboating on the Ohio river. Following his death the mother re- moved to Michigan and her last years were passed in Dexter. They were both members of the Catholic church. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Walsh has been blessed with six children, and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. They are as follows : William, born March 7, 1885 ; Margaret May, born March 16, 1886; Agnes, born March 29, 1887 ; Alice L .. born October 10, 1888; Honora A., who was born May 31, 1890; and James W., born on the 16th of July, 1893.
Mr. Walsh is a member of Crystal tent, No. 279, K. O. T. M., of Dexter, and he and his fam- ily are communicants of the Catholic church. He has been township clerk for four years, has been a member of the school board for twenty-one years, school inspector for two years, and is at present supervisor of Dexter township. He votes with the democracy, and in the various positions to which he has been called he has been found a faithful officer, true to the trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen, who recognize his worth and give to him their respect and confidence.
ERNEST A. CLARK, M. D.
Ernest A. Clark, physician and surgeon of Ann Arbor, is a native of Ontario, Canada, born De- cember 21, 1865. His paternal grandfather, Moses Clark, died in Detroit, Michigan. His father, Dr. George F. Clark, was one of a family of eight children, five sons and three daughters,
DR. ERNEST A. CLARK.
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of whom one of the sons died in early childhood, while the others are yet living. Three of the number are physicians, Dr. Whitman E. Clark be- ing a successful practioner at Three Rivers, and president of the Homeopathic Society of Michi- gan. Dr. C. W. Clark is engaged in practice at Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was graduated at the University of Michigan in 1875 with the degree of B. S., and took his medical course in Chicago. The third brother is Dr. George F. Clark, father of our subject. He is a graduate of the Cleveland Homeopathic Medical School and for forty-four years has practiced successfully in Ontario, hav- ing an extensive patronage. He was born in New Brunswick and wedded Abigail A. Birch, who was born in Ontario, where they still make their home. They have but two children, Ernest and George F. The latter completed the course in the medical department of the University of Michigan in 1893, and has practiced for the past six years in Bay City, Michigan.
Dr. Ernest A. Clark, after acquiring his early education in the common schools, continued his studies in the Collegiate Institute at Aylmer, On- tario, and in Woodstock College of Ontario, and then matriculated in the University of Toronto. where he was licensed to enter upon the practice of medicine. Later coming to Ann Arbor, he was graduated from the university here. completing the medical course with the class of 1800. He afterward entered upon practice in this city. where he has since remained, and he soon den- onstrated his ability to cope with the intricate problems that continually confront the medical practitioner in his efforts to check the ravages of disease and restore health. He has been assistant surgeon in the Homeopathic Hospital, was as- sistant in the eye, ear and throat department, was city physician of Ann Arbor from 1801 until 1897, and a member of the board of health from 1901 until 1903 inclusive.
His political views accord with the principles that constitute the platform of the democratic party. He is a Mason, belonging to Red Cross lodge of Ann Arbor. and he also affiliates with the Maccabees. In 1893 in this city he married Anna M. Ditz, who was born here, and is a daughter
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