USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan > Part 55
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he is a man popular with many friends. Of fine personal appearance, he has, moreover, a genial, cordial nature, which has gained him warm re- gard, while his business capacity and keen dis- cernment have been the strong elements in a sue- cessful career.
CYRENUS G. DARLING, M. D.
Dr. Cyrenus G. Darling, dean of the Dental College of the University of Michigan, and one of the professors in the state institution since 1889. was born in Bethel, New York, in 1856. His father. Walter Darling, was also a native of that state and was a carpenter by trade, but (levoted the greater part of his life to agricultural pursuits in New York. He married Eliza Starr. likewise a native of New York, and both have now passing away. In their family were the fol- lowing named: Cyrenus G .: Annie E., who be- came Mrs. John Miller, of New York: and Ulysses G., who is a resident of Pittsfield town- ship, Washtenaw county.
Dr. Darling acquired his early education in the public schools of Bethel, New York, and contin- ued his studies in Monticello Academy in that state. He came to Ann Arbor in 1879. matricu- lating in the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated in 1881 with the degree of M. D. He at once entered upon practice in this city and has remained to the present one of its most prominent representatives in the medical fraternity. The favorable judgment which the public passed upon him at the outset of his ca- reer has in no degree been set aside or modified, but on the contrary has been strengthened as his intellectual force has grasped the possibilities of the profession and his experience has given him a proficiency that classes him with the leading physicians of the state. He was appointed in 1889 assistant to the chair of surgery in the Uni- versity of Michigan and has continuously been a teacher in its medical department since that year. He is now dean of the dental college. His pro- fessional memberships are with the Ann Arbor Medical College, the Washtenaw Medieal Society.
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the Michigan State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
Dr. Darling has also been a factor in public life in Ann Arbor, wielding a wide influence in many matters pertaining to public progress and improvement, and in the years of 1894 and 1895 he was chief executive officer of the city. His political allegiance is given to the republican party. In 1884 he married Miss Augusta M. Payne, of Michigan, and they have three children, Harold, Donald and Cyrenus G., aged respectively eighteen, nine and six years.
REV. EDWARD D. KELLY.
Rev. Edward D. Kelly, pastor of St. Thomas Catholic church at Ann Arbor, was born upon a farm in Van Buren county, Michigan, December 30, 1861. and is a son of Thomas and Mary ( Hannan) Kelly, both of whom were natives of Ireland. In early childhood they crossed the At- lantic to America and their marriage was cele- brated while they were living in the state of New York. Soon afterward, however, they sought a home in the west. settling upon a farm in Van Buren county, Michigan, where the father de- voted his time and energies largely to stock rais- ing. He also placed his farm under a high state of cultivation and yet resides upon that place, which is now a well improved and productive property. Unto him and his wife were born eight children.
Rev. Edward D. Kelly, of this review, the youngest of the family, entered the district schools at the usual age and pursued his studies through the winter seasons, while in the summer months he worked upon the home farm. His education was continued in St. Mary's College at Cincinnati, Ohio, in which institution he matriculated in 1876. He spent three years there, after which he en- tered St. Charles College at Baltimore, Maryland, while his theological course was completed in St. Joseph's Provincial Seminary at Troy, New York, being numbered among its alumni of the class of 1886.
On taking holy orders Father Kelly was first assigned to a charge in Battle Creek, becoming the pastor of St. Phillip's church, where he labored for two years, when he was transferred to Monroe College as professor of English and Latin literature. On the death of Father Leavey, president of the college, the Rev. Father Kelly succeeded to the charge, remaining there until a pastor was elected. Later Father Kelly was trans- ferred to St. Joseph's church at Dexter, Michi- gan, where he remained for one year, and in June, 1891, he came to Ann Arbor to take charge of the present congregation, which comprises in his pa- rochial district over three hundred families. He was connected with the church at St. Thomas Parochial College. The building is a handsome structure erected in modern style of architecture. Immediately after being transferred to Ann Ar- bor Father Kelly built a temporary church to accommodate his large congregation. This build- ing is now known as St. Thomas hall and gym- nasium and also contains a large central heating plant, finished in 1905. In 1899 the present beautiful stone church, a perfect classic, was com- pleted. It contains marble altars, mosaic floors and a Pilcher pipe organ, valued at seven thou- sand dollars. The church could not be duplicated to-day for less than one hundred thousand dollars. In 1903 Father Kelly also built a beautiful pa- rochial residence which stands between the church and the school. St. Thomas school has been affiliated with the university ever since Father Kelly's time and St. Thomas Conservatory, the largest school of music at Ann Arbor. is also un- der his supervision.
CASSIUS M. WARNER.
Cassius M. Warner, deputy sheriff of Washte- naw county, was born in Ann Arbor, November 10, 1860. His paternal grandfather, Reuben War- ner, was a native of New York, and on coming to Michigan, settled in Milan township, Monroe county, casting in his lot with those who re- claimed a frontier district for the purpose of civ-
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ilization. He there followed farming for many years, dying in Milan township, at the age of fifty-six years. His wife bore the maiden name of Ann Tyler, and was born in Onondaga county, New York, while her death occurred upon the homestead farm in Monroe county, when she was sixty-eight years of age. They were the parents of six children, of whom Henry Warner was the eldest, and five of the family are living, the others being: Ann Martha, a resident of Wisconsin ; Rocilla, who is living in Barry county, Michigan ; Jane, of Canada ; and Isaac, also of Barry county. One son, Daniel, served for three years in a Mich- igan regiment during the Civil war, and died sub- sequent to the close of hostilities at Dundee, Michigan.
Henry Warner, who was born in Onondaga county. New York, arrived in this state in 1854, taking up his abode in Ypsilanti. He was a car- penter by trade and later became a contractor, and he is still living in Ypsilanti, where for many years he has been connected with building opera- tions. He was born July 4, 1825, and after ar- riving at years of maturity, he wedded Mary Burns, a native of Ohio, who died December 19. 1898. at the age of seventy-three years. They had two children, but Cassius M. is the only sur- vivor.
In the schools of Ypsilanti, Cassius M. Warner acquired his education, after his parents' re- moval to that city, when he was only a year old. He learned the carpenter's trade under the di- rection of his father, and followed that pursuit for seventeen years. first as a journeyman and afterward as a contractor. In 1894 he was ap- pointed policeman of Ypsilanti, and two years after was made chief of police, and during that period he likewise served for four years as dep- uty sheriff under Sheriff Judson. He was con- nected with the police force of Ypsilanti alto- gether for seven years and eight months, and on the Ist of January. 1905. he became deputy sheriff under Frank T. Newton of this county. He has always been a stalwart advocate of re- publican principles, taking an active interest in the growth and success of his party, and is known as one of its leading workers in Washtenaw county.
On the 7th of November, 1882, in Ypsilanti. Mr. Warner was united in marriage to Miss Ber- tha Brown, who was born in Detroit, but spent the greater part of her girlhood in the former city, to which she removed with her father, Charles Brown. There has been one child born of this marriage, Anna, who was born in Ypsi- lanti. August 11, 1884. Mr. Warner and his family still make their home there, although his business duties require that he spend considerable time in Ann Arbor.
J. F. RENTSCHLER.
J. F. Rentschler, conducting a fine photo- graphic studio in Ann Arbor, is one of the native sons of this city, his birth having occurred here on the 3d of June. 1868. His parents were George Frederick and Christina ( Guenther ) Rent- schler, natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, whence they came to Ann Arbor in the early 6os. The father was a well-to-do merchant, successfully carrying on business here for a number of years and the family have always been prominent in social circles of the city. Unto the parents were born five children.
At the usual age J. F. Rentschler began his education in the public schools of Ann Arbor. When his school life was ended he established a photographic studio at the corner of Main and Huron streets in Ann Arbor and entered upon a business career which has made him second to none as a representative of the photographic art in this city, while the quality of his work gives him equal rank with photographers throughout this part of the state. His patronage, too. is of extensive proportions and recently he has removed to new quarters, where he occupies an entire building erected especially for a studio under his immediate supervision. It is located at No. 319 Huron street, east, and is one of the best lighted studios in the country. There are large and spa- cious offices and reception rooms adorned with many good specimens of his work. He has the highest appreciation for form and color, light and shade, and understands as well all of the mechan-
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ical processes of the art, including the latest im- floor, supplied with modern machinery and turn- ing out first class work.
provements known to photography. He keeps in touch with all modern ideas concerning his chosen vocation and his work gives him high rank among the leading photographic artists of the state. He is a man of ambitious nature, of strong and landa- ble purpose, and could never content himself with mediocrity and thus he has worked continuously along progressive lines.
In 1898 Mr. Rentschler was married to Miss Jessie Doane, a native of Dexter, Washtenaw county, and they have two beautiful children, Ed- win and Freda, aged five and three years respect- ively. Mr. Rentschler is a chapter Mason and is also identified with the Knights of the Macca- bees. He is likewise president of the Ohio Michi- gan Photographers Association and is a member of the Photographers Association of America.
SID W. MILLARD.
Sid W. Millard, proprietor of a large job printing establishment in Ann Arbor, was born in Detroit, Michigan, on the 30th of March, 1862. and is a son of Edwin and Elizabeth ( Butler ) Millard, both of whom were natives of Oxford. England. The father was a contractor in carpen- tering and house building, and on coming to America, resided for two years in Detroit, Mich- igan, after which he removed to Ann Arbor. Both he and his wife were members of the Episcopa- lian church. Mrs. Millard died in June. 1903. In their family were two sons: Sid W. and Al- fred J., the latter connected with the metal works of Detroit.
Sid W. Millard pursued his education in the schools of Ann Arbor and afterward learned the printer's trade with R. A. Beal on the Ann Arbor Courier. Subsequently he worked in Detroit for a time, after which he returned to this city, and for seven years had charge of the press room of the Register. In 1892 he embarked in business for himself on Main street, opening a general job printing establishment, and for nine years he has been at his present location, where he has an excellent job printing office on the ground
Mr. Millard was married in 1888 to Miss So- phia M. Walz, of Ann Arbor. He is well known in fraternal eircles, and is now eminent com- mander of the Knights Templar commandery, No. 13, of Ann Arbor. He is likewise pastmaster of Golden Rule lodge, No. 159. A. F. & A. M .; seribe of Washtenaw chapter, No. 6, R. A. M .; Union council. No. 11. R. S. M .; and Moslem Temple of the Mystic Shrine in Detroit. He is also past commander of Arbor tent, K. O. T. M., which he joined on its organization; is a charter member of the Modern Woodmen camp, and a member of the Knights of Pythias fra- ternity. His activity in community affairs ex- tends to military and political circles. He is a democrat, who for two terms has served as super- visor of the second ward, and has been a member of the board of fire commissioners for eight years. He also belongs to Company I of the civil board. is captain of Company A of the Mich- igan National Guard, and major of the First Regiment. His activity in various lines has brought him a wide acquaintance, while his per- sonal characteristics have made him a popular citizen of Ann Arbor.
FREDERICK C. HORNING.
Frederick C. Horning, deceased. was the first German child brought into Washtenaw county, and reared to manhood here he eventually became actively interested in farming pursuits and at the time of his death was a prosperous agricultur- ist of the locality in which he had so long re- sided. He was born in Germany. September 21. 1829, his parents being Charles Frederick and Catherine Horning, both of whom were na- tives of the fatherland, whence they came to America in 1830. They did not tarry on the Atlantic coast but made their way at once into the interior of the country and took up their abode in Freedom township, this county, being among the pioneer settlers here. The father pur- chased land from the government and eleared
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a small farm, while eventually he became the owner of a large and valuable tract of land in the same township, carrying on agricultural inter- ests up to the time of his death. Both he and his wife died in that locality and their loss was deeply deplored by many friends for they had become recognized as worthy citizens of their community. Mr. Horning being held in high esteem because of his business success and his many excellent personal traits of character.
Frederick C. Horning of this review was reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life and the environments common on the frontier. He acquired his education in the public schools of Freedom township and studied both English and German. When not occupied with the duties of the schoolroom he aided his father in the labors of the home farm and subsequently he purchased a threshing machine, which he operated in various parts of the county, doing all kinds of threshing. For ten years he followed that busi- ness and then with the profits he had acquired he purchased a tract of land in Pittsfield town- ship and began farming on his own account.
While living in Freedom township Mr. Horn- ing was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Cook, a native of that locality, born October 3. 1830. She was the first white child born in this county, her parents being John George and Catherine Cook, who were natives of Germany. the former born on the 4th of July. 1813, and the latter on the 2d of February, 1816. They emi- grated to America in 1831 and landed in New York city, whence they made their way to Buffalo and on to Cleveland. As the father's supply of money gave out at that point he had to leave his family there while he came on by wagon to Washtenaw county, arriving here on the 19th of April, 1831. He then borrowed the money to send for his family and he took up his abode upon a small farm of forty acres. It was covered with timber but he at once began to clear away the trees and brush and in due time the land was ready for cultivation. He purchased a yoke of oxen and built a log house. At one end of the room was an immense fireplace with a spacious chimney and over this fire the cook- ing was done. His wife would walk to market
at Ann Arbor, a distance of seventeen miles, in order to dispose of butter and eggs and other farm products and buy the necessary supplies for the family. Hardships and privations were borne in those early days but eventually prosperity crowned the efforts of the family, who in the course of years purchased another farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Freedom township. A few years later Mr. Cook removed to Lodi township, where he owned several farms, his landed possessions aggregating over four hun- dred acres. Here he lived for seven years and then removed to Pittsfield township, where he purchased a large farm, making his home thereon for six years. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode in Ann Arbor, where he lived retired until his death, enjoying a rest which he had truly earned and richly deserved. He was a man of marked industry and enter- prise in his business affairs and his prosperity re- sulted entirely from his own well directed efforts for he came to America empty-handed but eventually became one of the substantial residents of Washtenaw county. He passed away August 7, 1902, at the very advanced age of cighty-nine years, while his wife died in November, 1900, at the age of eighty-four years.
Mr. and Mrs. Horning became the parents of six children : Martha, now the wife of Julius Bliss, of Lodi township: Samuel, who married Anna Heinzelman and lives on the old Cook farm in Pittsfield township, that he purchased from his mother : Lydia, the wife of Alfred Sites. of Lodi township: Emma, the wife of E. T. Alber, who is living at St. James Hotel in Ann Arbor ; Mary, the deceased wife of Charles Bliss ; and Nathan, who married Katie Roth and also lives in Ann Arbor, where he and his brother-in- law, Mr. Alber, conduct the St. James Hotel.
Following his marriage Mr. Horning con- tinned to carry on general farming in Pittsfield township and was thus closely associated with agricultural interests up to the time of his death, which occurred on the 17th of December, 1884. In all his work he was practical, realizing how to use his advantages in the best possible way and so improving his opportunities that he gradually advanced on the high road to prosperity and
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at his death left an excellent property. In politics he was a democrat, while Mr. Cook was a re- publican in his political affiliation. Both were gentlemen of genuine personal worth and no history would be complete without mention of them because of their close identification with pioneer life and the agricultural progress of the county. Mrs. Horning is a member of the Zion Lutheran church of Ann Arbor. Following her husband's death she sold the farm to her son and removed to this city, where she has since lived, owning a nice brick residence at No. 525 South First street. She has a nephew residing with her, William Horning, a painter by trade, who is now twenty-seven years of age. She has in her possession a very interesting family relic, a record of the Cook family and also of Washte- naw county prepared by her father when he first came to this county in 1831. It is a document of considerable historic value. Few people are so closely connected with two prominent families as Mrs. Horning, who was the first white child born in this county, while her husband was the first German child brought to the county. In her memory are many pictures of frontier scenes and pioneer experiences and she can relate many interesting reminiscences of the early days when the work of improvement and progress seemed scarcely begun here, when the land was untilled, the forests uncut and the rivers unbridged. Great changes have occurred and in the agri- cultural progress of this part of the state the Horning and Cook families have taken a most active and helpful part.
GEORGE H. MILLER.
George H. Miller is proprietor of a large shoe store in Ann Arbor and with a constantly grow- ing business has made his way to a foremost posi- tion in mercantile circles here. He is one of the native sons of the city, having been born in the fourth ward on the 28th of December, 1859. his parents being George and Dorothea (Katz) Miller. The father was a native of Hesse Darm- stadt. Germany, where he was reared and edu-
cated. He left Germany, March 13, 1851, and landed in New York on the 3d of May.
Coming to Ann Arbor he engaged in business as a manufacturer of pumps and the enterprise which he established is still carried on by a mem- ber of the family. He died in the year 1901 after long and active connection with industrial inter- ests, during which time his labors proved not only of benefit to himself but also aided in promoting the, general prosperity of the city. He had for a number of years survived his wife, who passed away in 1878. They were married December 4. 1856, and became the parents of seven children, of whom four are living: William J., who is now a mail carrier in Ann Arbor and was at one time alderman from the fourth ward ; George H. ; Mrs. Carrie Wenk ; and Emma, both of whom are liv- ing in Ann Arbor.
George H. Miller pursued his education in the grammar and high schools of Ann Arbor and after putting aside his text-books to enter upon his business career secured employment in the store of Rinsey & Seabolt, grocers, with whom he was connected for sixteen years. In that time he steadily worked his way upward, his fidelity, close application and capability winning him suc- cessive promotions. He became fairly familiar with the trade and in 1892 he embarked in busi- ness on his own account as a shoe merchant in connection with Mr. Wahr under the firm style of Wahr & Miller. That relation was maintained for a time but eventually Mr. Miller withdrew and in 1900 began business alone at No. 212 South Main street, where he opened a fine shoe store, carrying a large and well selected line of men's and ladies' shoes, rubbers, boots, etc. From the beginning he has enjoyed a good patronage and many of his customers have given him their business support since he started out for himself. He is always conscientious and earnest in his de- sire to please, is reasonable in his prices and prompt in filling orders and thus he has gradually developed an excellent business.
In 1889 Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Mary N. Katz, of Ann Arbor, and they have a daughter, Ruth D., now a school girl of fifteen summers. They also lost a daughter, Esther N .. who was born June 25, 1893. and died June 23,
GEORGE H. MILLER.
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1807. Mr. Miller has fraternal relations with Otseningo lodge, No. 9. I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all of the chairs, being treasurer at the present time. He also belongs to the encampment. has occupied all of its offices and is now its treas- urer, and he is thoroughly in sympathy with the purposes of Odd Fellowship and also with the tenets and teachings of Masonry, belonging to Golden Rule lodge. No. 159. A. F. & A. M. He likewise affiliates with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is a man of fine personal appearance, of genial nature, and has a host of warm friends who esteem him highly because of his affability, kindly spirit and deference for the opinions of others.
C. A. SAUER.
C. A. Sauer is the senior member of the firm of C. A. Sauer & Company, manufacturers of lumber, building materials and architectural work, in which connection he has contributed to the commercial and industrial prosperity of the city, in which he resides. A native of Canada. he was born in 1867, and when six years of age was brought by his parents, Adam and Ann ( Schank) Sauer, both of whom were natives of Germany. After living for some time in the Do- minion they made their way in 1873 to this state, settling in Saline township, Washtenaw county. where the father has since followed carpentering. Unto him and his wife were born five children. all of whom are living: Barbara, C. A., Kate, -Adam and John.
C. A. Sauer pursued his education in the pub- lic schools at Saline, and in his youth learned the carpenter's trade with his father, becoming familiar with the business both in principle and detail, and he gained considerable skill in that line. He afterward came to Ann Arbor, where he followed his trade on his own account for two years, but before starting in business for himself. he was for two years in the service of George Scott, an architect, whom he represented as draughtsman. He then began general contract- ing and building, which he continued for twelve
years, a liberal patronage being accorded him. Ile entered upon his varied duties with admirable equipment because of his thorough training under his father : his excellent workmanship, fidelity to the terms of contract and straightforward dealing securing him a constantly growing patronage. When twelve years had passed he was joined by his brothers, Adam and John, in the organization of the humber firm of C. A. Sauer & Com- pany, and they are now engaged in the manufac- ture of all kinds of lumber, building materials, supplies and architectural work. They have a well equipped planing mill in connection with the lumber plant, and are doing an extensive business. their patronage having continually grown in grat- ifying manner since the organization of the firm in 1809.
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