USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan > Part 53
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of Joseph Ditz. They have one child, Josephine A., who was born in Ann Arbor. Dr. Clark at- tends the Baptist church, and his wife the Bethle- hem church. They are prominent socially, having gained a large circle of friends whose homes are hospitably opened to them.
WILLIAM H. ESSLINGER.
William H. Esslinger, who although a young man, has already attained success in industrial circles in Ann Arbor, conducting a large horse- shoeing and blacksmithing establishment as a partner in the firm of Seybold & Esslinger, was born in Ann Arbor, July 15. 1873. His father, Frederick Esslinger, was a native of Wurtemberg. Germany, and by trade was a blacksmith and horseshoer. He also became a minister of the German Methodist church, and devoted his life to industrial pursuits and to the moral develop- ment of the community in which he lived. He married Mary Schlagel, and died June 22, 1905. at the age of fifty-six years. In their family were seven children, of whom six are living, namely : Charles, a manufacturer of Dayton, Ohio: Wil- liam, a horseshoer ; Edward, a grocer : Fred, who is with the American Express Company of Ann Arbor : Mrs. Julia Stark, of Ann Arbor ; and Mrs. Elizabeth Brinzer.
William H. Esslinger acquired his education in the public schools of this city, and in his youth learned the trade of blacksmithing and horsehoe- ing. He is now a partner of George W. Seybold under the firm style of Seybold & Esslinger, and they are conducting a large horseshoeing and blacksmithing establishment in the city, located at No. 113 South Fourth avenue. Mr. Esslinger has the reputation of being the best horseshoer in the county, and his excellent work has been the secret of his large patronage.
In 1804 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Esslinger and Miss Addie Holdridge, of Somer- set. Michigan, and they have two children, Ray- mond and Elwin, both of whom are attending school in Ann Arbor. Mr. Esslinger is a mem- ber of the German Methodist church, and he is
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likewise connected with the Knights of the Mac- cabees. In his political affiliation he is a repub- lican, but without political aspiration for office, as his time is fully occupied by his business cares wherein he is meeting with signal success.
BURTON LEONARD SWEET.
Burton Leonard Sweet, local agent for the Singer Sewing Machine Company of Ann Arbor, is a young business man, whose enterprise and laudable ambition constitute the secret of a well merited success. He was born in Salem town- ship, Washtenaw county, on the 26th of March, 1870. His father, William Sweet, is a native of the Empire state, and came to Washtenaw county in 1846, since which time he has carried on agri- cultural pursuits here, his home being now in Salem township. He is a member of the Congre- gational church, is a stanch republican in politics and is now seventy-seven years of age. He mar- ried Emily Hudson, who also survives. In their family were twelve children, of whom ten are yet living: Robert, who resides upon the home farm in Salem township: William, a resident farmer of South Lyon; Hattie, deceased; Phillip, a farmer of Salem township; Mrs. Mary Quentale, of Ann Arbor: Norman, a farmer living near Cadillac, Michigan : Mrs. Dolly Warren, of Salem township ; Mrs. Allie Ristin, of Ann Arbor : Rev. M. J. Sweet, of Hudson, Michigan: Burton Leonard, of this review : Mrs. House, of Detroit ; and Luella, now deceased.
garded as a worthy representative of trade circles in this city. He carries a full line of sewing ma- chines, all of its different parts and supplies, and his patronage is liberal.
In 1893 occurred the marriage of Mr. Sweet and Miss Minnie Jennings, of Pontiac, Michigan. Their home has been blessed with four children, Harvey, Burton, Gertrude and Mande. Mr. Sweet is a member of the Congregational church and is independent in politics. While he has never sought to figure before the public in any light save that of a business man, he has never- theless won the respect and good will of a large circle of friends who recognize his genuine worth. He has always lived in Washtenaw county, and from his boyhood days down to the present, he has gained the regard and esteem of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
WILLIAM B. COPELAND.
William B. Copeland, a contractor of Ann Ar- bor, was born in this city. January 10, 1875, and although yet a young man he has attained a cred- itable position in business circles. His parents were William and Ella (Coon) Copeland, the former a native of Lincolnshire, England, and the latter of Ann Arbor. The father, who was a contractor and builder, died in the year 1904. but the mother is still living and now makes her home in Delaware, Ohio. In their family were three children, of whom William B. is the young- est, the others being: Charles A., of Ann Arbor ; and Mrs. Lichty, who makes her home in this city and is now traveling in Europe.
Burton Leonard Sweet is indebted to the dis- trict-school system of Salem township for the educational privileges which he acquired, and At the tistial age William B. Copeland entered the public schools, wherein he passed through successive grades until he had gained a fair Eng- lish education. He then put aside his text-books and entered upon the task of preparing for a business career, by learning the stone mason's trade. He followed masonry, becoming an expert workman, and during the past eleven years he has conducted business for himself as a carpen- ter contractor and builder. In this way he has which were supplemented by study in the Ypsi- lanti Normal. When his school life was over he sought employment in Ann Arbor and was va- riously engaged here for some time. Later he be- came manager of the Ypsilanti Sewing Machine Company, and in 1905 he took up his abode in Ann Arbor as local agent of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, located at No. 118 East Huron street, opposite the courthouse. Here he has developed an excellent business and is re- erected many fine residences in Ann Arbor, in-
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cluding the beautiful home of Dr. Hudson on Oxford road, of Dr. McMurrich on Hill street, and of Mrs. John Burg, also on Hill street. He is now erecting a fine home for himself at No. 208 Catherine street. A glance at these fine resi- dences is sufficient to indicate the character of his work, and his standing in the field of his chosen endeavor. He is a young man of marked enterprise, carrying forward with rapidity, en- ergy and exactness whatever he undertakes, and his labors have been crowned with a gratifying measure of prosperity.
In 1903 Mr. Copeland was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Weimer, of Ann Arbor, and they are widely known in this city. where they have always resided and where Mr. Copeland has so directed his efforts as to gain signal recognition of his ability in a business that has now reached extensive and profitable proportions.
DANIEL HISCOCK.
In the long list of their honored dead, whose passing away in recent years, the city of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw county have been called upon to mourn, few if any, will be found in that mute procession whose memory will be kept longer green than that of Daniel Hiscock.
Mr. Hiscock was born in Wayne county, Penn- sylvania, September 15. 1819. His paternal grandfather was Noah Hiscock, a native of Mas- sachusetts, and of English lineage. Ilis father. James Hiscock, also a native of the Bay state, and a farmer, was born in 1788, and was a soklier in the war of 1812. His mother, who bore the maiden name of Nancy Sprague, was the daugh- ter of Daniel Sprague. She was born in Massa- chusetts in 1794 and was married in her native state. She was also of English ancestry. James Hiscock and his wife, after their marriage, moved to Wayne county. Pennsylvania, where they re- sided for twelve years. When Daniel was about ten years of age. the family set out for Michigan. which territory had been thrown open for set- tlement only a few years previously, and was still part of the "Wild West." The journey, which
was made by wagon and a three-horse team, oc- cupied six weeks ; and they arrived at their des- tination October 20. 1829. During the trip they camped by the wayside, lodging two nights in the Maumee swamps. The family located in the woods on section 20, which has long since been forming part of the city of Ann Arbor. James Hiscock engaged in general farming, in which pursuit he continued up to the time of his death. Few of the present generation realize the hard- ships endured by those early settlers. The broil- ing sun of summer, causing the rise of vapors from the swamps and virgin soil, pregnant of fever and ague, and the rigors of the long win- ters were only a part of the tribute which nature exacted from those who conquered the wilder- ness.
In the family, in addition to Daniel, were six boys and three girls. Two of the latter died in childhood. The surviving one, Mrs. Rebecca Wood, died in Ann Arbor in the early '50s. The boys all lived to maturity, but only one, Levi, who lived for some years at Earlville. Illinois, and moved to California in the early part of 1906. now survives.
Daniel was the eldest of the family. He at- tended school in Ann Arbor, where educational facilities were not far advanced in those early His father died in 1840 and his mother fol- lowed him about ten years later. After the death of his parents, Daniel found it necessary to as- sume the care of the family. This he did faith- fully, caring for the younger children until they were old enough to take care of themselves. The property was then divided among the family. Mr. Hiscock's farm was on section 20, and on it he erected several fine buildings. His cattle. which formed his chief line of live stock, were recognized as being of a very fine breed. He also raised sheep which. in their day, were famous both for their mutton and their wool. He was also a dealer in wool, the field of his operations extending over all Washtenaw county. His 48.2 PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY. peach orchard was one of the finest in the county. For over twenty-five years prior to his death, he was one of the directors of the Ann Arbor Savings Bank, and for six or seven years was an extensive coal and wood dealer. The field of his activities was, by no means, confined to that of farming and mercantile pursuits. He took an active part in politics, being elected one term as supervisor, and three terms as alderman from the third ward. In the beginning of his political career he affiliated himself with the old line whig party, but later became a republican. Mr. Hiscock was married on November IO, 1847, to Miss Maria White, daughter of Eber and Polly White, who came to Washtenaw county from Sheldon, New York, when Mrs. Hiscock was only six weeks old. Of this union were born Charles E., now president of the Ann Arbor Sav- ings Bank : Edward D., a prominent coal dealer and merchant of Ann Arbor ; and Mary, wife of J. J. Reed, a well known real-estate dealer of Chicago. Mr. Hiscock's tragic death, which occurred on the evening of May 30, 1901, was a great shock to the citizens of Ann Arbor. He was returning in his buggy to the city from a trip which he had made that afternoon into the country, and was crossing the Michigan Central tracks at Whit- more Lake crossing, when the vehicle was struck by a fast express train coming from the west, kill- ing him instantly. For several years prior to his death, Mr. Hiscock had been afflicted with deaf- ness, and it is generally supposed that he did not hear the approaching train. As a sad co-inci- dence, his son Edward D., was a passenger on the train, but although he learned that a man had been killed, he did not know it was his father un- til after he got into Ann Arbor. Mr. Hiscock had accumulated quite a competency ; and in this un - timely end. Ann Arbor lost one of her sturdiest and most progressive citizens. His death was deeply deplored by his hosts of friends and acquaintances, and. was considered a distinct loss to the community, whose .interests he had done so much to advance, and where in life he was honored and respected by all who knew him. His funeral was one of the largest ever held in Ann Arbor. He was buried in Forest Hill cemetery. His religious faith was that of the Methodist church. His wife, who still sur- vives him, lives with her son, Charles E., in the family residence at No. 911 North Main street, Ann Arbor. SAMUEL A. STADEL. That the building interests of Ann Arbor have some most competent representatives, men who have attained high proficiency in this line of in- dustrial art is evidenced throughout the beautiful university city in its fine residences, substantial business blocks and modern public buildings. The firm of Stadel & Alber, of which Samuel A. Sta- del is the senior partner, are receiving a liberal share of the public patronage in this line because of an ability and business integrity that has won for them an enviable position in industrial circles. Mr. Stadel was born in Ann Arbor, December 5. 1873. and is of German parentage. His father, Jacob Stadel, a native of Germany, came to Amer- ica in his boyhood days and spent his life in Ann Arbor. He married Christine Eckerd and both have passed away, the latter in 1897 and the for- mer in 1903. In their family were four sons and three daughters: George, who is with Sauer & Company, contractors of Ann Arbor : William, a resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan : Pauline, of this city: Mrs. Lydia Marsh, also of Ann Arbor; Samuel A .: Emanuel, who is engaged in the clothing business in Ann Arbor ; and Katherine, of this city. At the usual age Mr. Stadel became a public- school student and when his education was com- pleted he began learning the carpenter's and joiner's trade, being employed by John Lucas, J. Krumrei and others. In 1901 he formed a part- nership and established the firm of Stadel & Al- ber, contractors and builders, and they have since erected many fine homes in Ann Arbor, their labor adding to the attractive appearance of one of Michigan's most beautiful cities. Viewed from a financial standpoint their labors have also been successful and the record of the firm entitles them to further consideration and patronage. SAMUEL A. STADEL. 485 PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY In 1901 Mr. Stadel was married to Miss Sophia Zeifle, of Ann Arbor, and they have a little daugh- ter, Esther, three years of age. They hell mem- bership in the Bethlehem Evangelical church and Mr. Stadel affiliates with the Modern Woodmen. while his political views accord with the principles and policy of the democratic party. He is, how- ever, without political ambition, desiring rather to concentrate his energies upon his building busi- ness in which he is meeting with signal success. EDWARD L. SEYLER. Edward L. Seyler, who after seven years in- cumbency in the office of city assessor, has re- contiy resigned to become the cashier of the newly organized German-American Savings Bank of Ann Arbor, was born in this city. An- gust 17. 1866. His parents were Adam D. and Catherine ( Bessinger ) Seyler. The father was a native of Canada, and the mother's birth oc- curred in this county. She was a daughter of Conrad Bessinger, one of the early settlers of Washtenaw county, who arrived here when Ann Arbor was a very small town. He came to the west from Buffalo, New York, traveling across the country with an ox team ; and at the time of his demise, was the oldest man in the county. passing away at the very venerable age of ninety- four years. Adam D. Seyler arrived in Washtenaw county in the early '6os, having made his home in Can- ada up to that time. Here he began clerking for John Maynard, dealer in dry goods on Main street in Ann Arbor, with whom he remained until 1864. when he embarked in business on his own account as a retail shoe merchant on Main street. He continued in the trade up to the time of his death, and was very successful. He was a poor man when he arrived in this county, but as the years passed through his frugality, diligence and close application he accumulated a compe- tence that enabled him to leave his family in com- fortable financial circumstances. He was active in all of the affairs of the city, and had the wel- fare and prosperity of Ann Arbor at heart. His active aid and co-operation could be counted upon to further progressive public measures, and he rendered signal service to the city while filling the positions of recorder and alderman, acting in the latter capacity for two terms. Ile was also deputy county treasurer for one term, and his po- litical views were in accord with the principles of the democracy. Ile was a man, fearless in de- fense of his honest convictions, and true to every canse which he espoused. Active in church work, he was one of the organizers of Zion German church, and later he became a member and treas- urer of the First Presbyterian church, in which position he continued until the time of his death. He passed away in 1804. at the age of fifty-six years, and his wife died in January. 1004. at the age of fifty-nine years. They were the parents of five children, all born in Ann Arbor and three are yet living : Julins V., a resident of Detroit : Edward L. : and Phillapena, the wife of Alveck J. Pearson, now a resident of Pasadena, California. One daughter, Ida, became the wife of William J. Fowler, of Detroit, Michigan, and died, leaving a son. William J. Jr. Edward L. Seyler was a public-school student in Ann Arbor until he had completed the high- school course. He afterward went to Detroit, where he became connected with shoe mannfac- turing and also with the wholesale shoe house of Pingree & Smith, acting for a year and a half as city salesman and general clerk. during which time he gained an intimate and comprehensive knowledge of the business. He then returned to Ann Arbor and was admitted to a partnership by his father under the firm name of A. D. Seyler & Son, which relation was maintained success- fully until the father's death. Mr. Seyler, of this review, then sold out and became bookkeeper for the E. F. Mills dry-goods store of this city, acting in that capacity for two years. He was then ap- pointed city treasurer, filling the position in 1807 and 1808, and in the latter year he was appointed city officer, in which capacity he remained until the spring of 1906, when he resigned. He had given excellent satisfaction, winning high enco- miums from all concerned. He voluntarily retired from the position in order to become cashier of the newly organized German-American Savings 486 PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY. Bank. This bank was formed with C. W. Gill as president, George J. Mann as first vice presi- dent, Paul Snauble second vice president and Ed- ward L. Seyler cashier. The board of directors includes the officers together with John Feiner, C. WV. Wagner, William H. Murray, George Walker and John Lindenschmitt. The bank is capitalized for fifty thousand dollars, and there are seventy-five stockholders, no one having over one thousand dollars in shares. Eighteen of the number have just one thousand dollars, and the remainder hold shares to the value of five hun- dred dollars or less. Mr. Seyler was married in April, 1894, to Miss Flora A. Vandawarker, a daughter of the late Edward Vandawarker and a native of this city. They have two children, Genevieve and Katlı- erine, both born in Ann Arbor. The parents are members of the First Presbyterian church, and for the past ten years Mr. Seyler has been one of its trustees. They take an active part in church work and are interested in its growth and the ex- tension of its influence. Mr. Seyler likewise be- longs to Golden Rule lodge, A. F. & A. M., and Washtenaw chapter, R. A. M. of Ann Arbor. while his political support has always been given to the republican party. He has made a credit- able record in office, and the business qualities therein displayed recommend him for the position which he is now filling. CONRAD GEORGE, M. D. The favorable regard of the public concerning the professional career of Dr. Conrad George is the legitimate result of ability, which has been manifest in many years of active and able prac- tice. He was born in Germany, in 1848. His fa- ther. John George, likewise a native of that coun- try, married Catherine Grau, who was also born in Germany. They came to America in 1856, settling first at Buffalo, New York, and after- ward removing to Canada. The father died in 1886, but the mother is still living, having reached the advanced age of eighty-four years. Dr. George was a lad of eight summers when he accompanied his father on the voyage across the Atlantic to Canada. He established his home in Ann Arbor in 1870, when a young man of twenty-two years. He had acquired his early education in the schools of Berlin and Waterloo, Ontario, and subsequently entered the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated with the class of 1872 as a member of the medical de- partment. He then opened an office for practice in Ann Arbor, where he has continued success- fully to the present time. He has long been re- cognized as one of the leading physicians here, having an extensive patronage, and his labors are conducted along the most modern, scientific lines. He is an interested student of science in its va- rious branches, and has a very extensive library on the sciences and kindred topics, with the con- tents of which he is largely familiar. In 1873 Dr. George was married in Toronto, Canada, to Miss Ellen M. Reeves, who was born in that city and was graduated from the Normal School of Toronto, becoming a successful teacher in the schools of that place. They have nine children, of whom eight are living: Conrad, a graduate of the literary department of the Uni- versity of Michigan with the class of 1896, and of the medical department of 1800, is also a prac- titioner of Ann Arbor. He married Katherine Haller, a native of this city. Helen George be- came the wife of Lloyd Edward Gandy, a gradu- ate of Michigan School of Law, who is now liv- ing in Spokane, Washington. She is a gradu- ate of the School of Music of Ann Arbor, with the class of 1903, and has one son, Joseph Ed- ward, the second. William J. is the third of the family. Catherine R. completed the literary course in the University of Michigan with the class of 1903. Louise completed the same course with the class of 1905. Henry is a student in the engineering department of the University of Michigan. Thusnelda is attending the high school of Ann Arbor, and Chriemhilda completes the family. Dr. George has devoted his undivided attention to his professional labors and to investi- gation along lines that have prompted his effi- ciency and the consensus of public opinion places him in the front rank among the physicians of 487 PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY. Ann Arbor, while his close conformity to a high standard of professional ethics has gained him the good will and favorable regard of his fellow members of the medical fraternity. JOHN WISNER. John Wisner, of Ann Arbor, was born in Illi- nois, September 30, 1849. His father, Warner Wisner, was a native of the state of New York. and after his marriage to Sarah Graham, who was born in New York, March 6, 1817, he re- moved to Illnois, where he followed the mill- wright's trade, which he had learned in early life. In New York, however, he and his brother had owned a number of sailboats on the lake, used both for pleasure and for carrying merchandise ; but after establishing his home in the west, he re- sumed work at the millwright's trade. He spent a few years in Illinois, and then came to Michigan in 1859, settling in the southwestern part of Wash- tenaw county, in Manchester township. There he followed the carpenter's trade, and did general contracting. He engaged in moving buildings and other work of that character, and so con- tinued up to the time of his death, which occurred August 17, 1878, when he was seventy-eight years of age. His wife died there in March, 1895, at the age of eighty years and four days. She was a daughter of Samuel and Sarah ( Free- man ) Graham. Mr. and Mrs. Wisner became the parents of eight children. John Wisner, the sixth in order of birth in that family, acquired a public-school education, which he completed in the Union school in Manchester, Michigan. He then worked with his father in the general contracting business, and upon the latter's death, succeeded to the business of house mov- ing. He also does grading of all kinds and con- tract work for iron bridges and stone work. He has been employed in this way in all parts of the county, and in 1887 he came to Ann Arbor to move the building on the old fair ground to its present location. Since that time he has made this city his headquarters, and has maintained his residence here for the last four years. He has 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.