USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan > Part 57
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
The paternal grandparents of Dr. Gates were Nathaniel and Susan ( Quackenbush ) Gates, both of whom were born. in New York. They had eleven chiklren but only two are now living : John .A. and Hannah.
John A. Gates, father of Dr. Gates, was born in Schenectady, New York, March 2, 1840, and pursued his education in the public schools. When a boy he worked in a machine shop as timekeeper and at the age of seventeen years began learning the carpenter's trade. When twenty years of age he came to Ann Arbor, Michigan, on his way south to visit his parents, but on account of the war could not go south. On Sunday the news was received that the rebels had fired upon Fort Sumter and he immediately enlisted in the Barry Guards. This was on the 14th of April, 1861. The troops were encamped at the fair grounds and drilled every day, hoping to get into some regiment, but the First, Second and Third Regi- ments of Michigan Volunteers were formed from the state militia. Eventually the company, how- ever, was made Company D of the Fourth Michi- gan Regiment and was mustered into the United States service at Adrian for three years on the 20th of June, 1861. They went to Harrisburg for arms and uniforms and thence proceeded to Baltimore and on to Washington, D. C., being first quartered in a building on Pennsylvania ave- nne. Later they proceeded to Meridan Hill, where they went into quarters and from that point went forth to take part in the first battle of
514
PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
Bull Run. Later they assisted in building Fort Woodberry and afterward went to Miners Hill, where they spent the winter of 1861-2. They then went with the First Brigade of the Fifth Army Corps and participated in all the battles of the Peninsular campaign. Mr. Gates, having joined Company H of the Second Cavalry of United States Dragoons, was detailed as body guard for General McClellan and later on was transferred to act as courier for General M. R. Patrick, provost marshal general of the Potomac. with whom he remained until the spring of 1864. and during that time, at the battle of the Wilder- ness, they had quarters near Brandywine Station and Mr. Gates was wounded by a rebel sharp shooter while carrying orders from headquarters to the front. His command engaged in the open- ing of the battle and the following day flanked General Lee's forces and participated in a raid around Richmond, liberating a regiment of in- fantry that had been captured on the first day of the battle. This regiment then joined its division. Moving along to Beaver Dam Station, the com- mand to which Mr. Gates was attached met Hampton's forces on their way to reinforce Lee. This was about sundown and they built fires so that the rebels would think they had encamped for the night but instead of doing so they started for Richmond. When within a mile of the city they came upon the torpedoes, which exploded. and this gave the alarm to the city and the battle was on. They cut their way through the Confed- erate troops, however, and later fell back to Gaines Mill. Subsequently they moved forward to join the Army of the Potomac and Mr. Gates was one of the four men that led the way on the march. He participated in the battle of Cold Harbor until relieved by the infantry forces, then fell back, and after being given seven days' rations was ordered on a raid to destroy the railroad station and rail- road to Trevillian and cut off the supplies which were being sent to the Shenandoah valley. Soon after this, his term of service having expired. Mr. Gates was discharged from the army at City Point and took the steamboat for Washing- ton. There he called on his old friend, Charles King, who was superintendent in the quartermaster's department, and by whom he was
appointed master mechanic in the department. A few weeks afterward, when Early made his raid on Washington, the government employes in and around the city organized into regiments to check his advance and Mr. Gates then served with the rank of major. The troops moved across the river into Virginia and took the cars for Manassas Junction. Later they moved back to Alexandria, where he remained until after the close of the war, when he was sent to Kansas as master me- chanic. During his first term of enlistment with the volunteer army he engaged in the siege of Yorktown and Williamsburg, and was in the bat- tle of Chickahominy, Hanover Courthouse, Gaines Mill, Savage Station, Turkey Bend, White Oak Swamp and Malvern Hill, where Colonel Wood- berry, the regiment commander, was killed. Later he was in the Pope campaign, participating in the battle of Gainesville, second battle of Bull Run and the battle of Antietam and Shepardstown. Following his transfer to the Second UnitedStates Dragoons he took part in the battles of Freder- icksburg and was also engaged at Chancellors- ville, at Gettysburg, at Culpeper, Brandy Sta- tion, Bristow Station. Rappahannock and the bat- tle of the Wilderness.
John A. Gates, following the close of the war, was married on the 8th of April, 1868, to Miss Dora McCormick, who was born October 11, 1845. They became the parents of seven children : William F., who was born January 28, 1871, and is a practicing dentist at Jackson, Michigan : Neil .A., of this review : Allie S., who was born July 12, 1875: Ola, born September 17, 1877; More G., who was born September 17, 1881, and is en- gaged in the conduct of a market at Ann Arbor ; Bessie, who was born November 30, 1883 ; and John H., born April 25, 1890.
After his marriage Mr. Gates returned to Els- worth, Kansas, where he had been stationed with the army for some time, and later went to Fort Larned, but that fall gave up his work in the west and returned to Ann Arbor. He here en- tered the employ of the firm of Partridge, La- force & Noble in their mill, having charge of the building for about four years. Subsequently he engaged in business with John D. Little and in 1892 he entered the service of the State Univer-
515
PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
sity, being in charge of the repair work until May, 1903, when he had to give up the position on account of ill health. He then went to a hos- pital, where it was found necessary to remove one rib.
Mr. Gates has been a member of Golden Rule lodge. No. 569. A. F. & A. M., since 1868 and has filled all of the chairs. He likewise belongs to Washtenaw chapter. R. A. M., and has served in all of its offices save that of high priest and king. He maintains pleasant relationships with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party.
Dr. Gates, whose name introduces this record. pursued his literary education in the public schools of Ann Arbor and later entered the University of Michigan, wherein he pursued a course in medi- cine and surgery and was graduated on the ist of July, 1897. Six days later, on the 7th of July, he was married to Miss Anna Schneider, who lived for only one year and ten months after her marriage. She was a daughter of Christian and Christina ( Bohnett ) Schneider. On the ist of January, 1900, Dr. Gates was again married, his second union being with Miss Amelia Schneider, a daughter of Michael and Magdalena ( Kerbley ) Schneider, both of whom were natives of Vir- ginia. Her father, who came to Ann Arbor at an early day, was a cooper by trade and after taking up his abode in Michigan carried on farm- ing and was also engaged in the cooperage busi- ness for a number of years, but is now living a retired life in Ann Arbor.
In July, 1897, Dr. Gates located in Dexter and from the beginning has been accorded a liberal patronage. He is recognized as one of the able practitioners in this section of the county with broad and accurate knowledge of the principles of medicine and surgery. He is very careful in the diagnosis of a case and accurate in his application of his knowledge to the needs of his patients. In tooo he erected what is known as the Gates Block in Dexter and on the ist of June, 1900, he purchased a fine residence, which he lias converted into a sanitarium. Here he treats people from far and near, having from three to fifteen patients in his care at all times. In com-
munity interests he is an influential factor and has acted as one of the trustees on the village board. Prominent in Masonry, he belongs to Washtenaw lodge, No. 65. A. F. & A. M., and both he and his wife are charter members of Washtenaw chapter, No. 302. O. E. S. He be- longs to Washtenaw chapter, No. 6. R. A. M., at Ann Arbor, and is also affiliated with the Elks lodge in that city, the Royal Circle, the Modern Woodmen camp and the Sons of Veterans, of Ann Arbor, together with Crystal tent. No. 279. K. O. T. M. For three years he was a member of Company A, of the First Michigan Regiment of the National Guard. He is a young man, alert and enterprising, who in the public interests of Dexter and Washtenaw county has become a valued factor, while in his profession he has won prominence and success that is only given in recognition of superior merit and ability.
LOUIS H. BOES.
Louis H. Boes, well known in the educational and musical circles of Ann Arbor, is now a teacher in the Zion Lutheran parochial school, an organist in the church and director of the choir. A native son of Indiana, he was born in Rich- mond, September 26, 1871, and is of German par- entage. His father, Adam Boes, is a native of Hanover. Germany, and is a carpenter by trade. vet connected with building operations in Rich- mond, Indiana. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Cutter, was also a native of Germany. They became the parents of five chil- dren, of whom four are living : Louis H. ; Minnie, a resident of Richmond, Indiana; Mrs. Flora Beck, who is living in Youngstown, Ohio; Elea- nora, also of Richmond : and Frederick, who died at the age of two years.
Louis H. Boes, the only living son, was reared in his native city, acquired his preliminary educa- tion in the schools there and afterward attended the Teachers' Seminary at Woodville, Ohio. He came to Ann Arbor in 1800 and is now a teacher in the Zion Lutheran parochial schools, his effi- ciency and conscientious effort contributing to the
516
PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
excellent reputation which the school bears. He teaches the German language and is also organist in the German Zion Lutheran church and the di- rector of the choir.
In 1895 Professor Boes was married to Miss Anna M. Lutz, of Ann Arbor, and they now have two interesting children: Reinhold Erwin, now attending school : and Freida Agatha. Mr. Boes votes with the democracy but is not active in poli- ties, as his attention is occupied with his educa- tional and musical service, and in both lines he is making continued advancement, so that his ability makes his work entirely adequate to the require- ments.
GEORGE BLAICH.
George Blaich, in whose life history the fa- miliar but oft misused term of a self-made man finds exemplification, has from the age of ten years been dependent upon his own resources and his utilization of opportunity coupled with unre- mitting diligence has proved the strong elements in his success. He is a native of the Empire state. his birth having occurred in Fulton, Oswego county, New York, on the 7th of August. 1857. His father, David Blaich, was a native of Wur- temberg, Germany, and was a farmer by occupa- tion. Coming to America in 1852, he was for many years a resident of New York, while his last seven years were spent at the home of his son George in Chelsea, Michigan, where his death occurred on the 21st of February, 1897. He had for fourteen years survived his wife, who bore the maiden name of Frederica Keck. She was born March 8, 1834, and came to this country in 1852, being thirty-eight days upon the water. She arrived in Syracuse, New York, September 18. 1852, and was married February 2, 1854. She died at Onondaga Hill, New York, December 11, 1883. In the family were eleven children, eight of whom are yet living: David, a resident farmer of this county, his home being three miles west of Chel- sea : George: Charles, who follows farming in Salem township: Lillie, the wife of Theodore E. Wood, cashier of the Chelsea Savings Bank of Chelsea : William, a merchant of Cleveland, Ohio :
John, a merchant of Syracuse, New York ; Mrs. Rosa Garthe, of Syracuse; and Edward, who is with the National Biscuit Company at Cleveland, Ohio.
George Blaich spent his early boyhood in his parents' home but in 1867, when but ten years of age, left the parental roof and has since been de- pendent upon his own resources for a living. It was an early age for him to start out and fight life's battles but he soon realized the re- sponsibilities of life and valued conditions at their true worth. While working on farms at Onondaga Hill, New York, he also embraced the opportunity that came him to attend school and after a time determined to enter a walk of life demanding intellectuality, close application and special preparation. He worked for Dr. Wheating, with whom he re- mained for a year, after which he went to Syra- cuse, New York, where he secured a situation in the grocery store of Thomas Rice. Subsequently he was with the firm of Curtiss & Sandwald, car- riage manufacturers, for three years, on the expi- ration of which period he entered business on his own account and for three years was a factor in commercial life in Syracuse. He then sold out to his partner and entered the oil business, in which he continued for three years, subsequent to which time, on the 6th of April. 1886, he came to Chel- sea, Michigan, on a visit. Being pleased with this part of the country, he decided to remain and purchased the grocery store of L. D. Loomis. after which he conducted the business at Chelsea for ten years, when on account of failing health he retired from mercantile life there. After a rest of two and a half years he came to Ann Arbor and on the 18th of October. 1897, established a grocery store at No. 1219 South University ave- nue. He is still in business at this location, hav- ing a large trade in high class groceries and bot- tled and canned goods of all descriptions. He carries an extensive stock of a fine line of goods and has secured a large and profitable trade.
On May 20, 1888, Mr. Blaich was married to Mrs. Myrta Cornwell. of Chelsea. Michigan. Although their residence in Ann Arbor has cov- ered a comparatively brief period they have gained many friends here and the hospitality of
517
PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
many of the best homes is freely accorded them. Mr. Blaich is prominent in Masonry, holding membership in Golden Rule lodge, No. 156. A. F. & A. M., of Chelsea : Grass Lake chapter. No. 98. R. A. M. : Adoniram council, No. 24. R. & S. M .. of Manchester : Olive chapter. No. 108. O. E. S .. of Chelsea : and Ann Arbor commandery, No. 13. K. T. He is thoroughly in sympathy with the teachings and tenets of the craft, exemplifying in his life the principles of the fraternity. Promi- nent in the Baptist church, he transferred his membership to the First Baptist church of Ann Arbor on his removal to the city and has since been closely and helpfully connected with a num- ber of its acitvities. He has served as treasurer and in other offices and does all in his power for the growth and upbuilding of the church. His polit- ical faith is that of the republican party, but he is without ambition for office. preferring to give his attention to his business interests, his church activities and his social and home relations. He holds friendship inviolable and is a man of domes- tic tastes. The permeating influence of his life is shown forth in an upright character, in straight- forward dealing in commercial circles and in al- legiance to every trust reposed in him.
HERMAN KRAPF.
Herman Krapf. who is now living retired after many years of active connection with busi- ness affairs in Ann Arbor, was born in this city on the 3d of March, 1841, and is therefore among the oldest of its native sons. His parents were Conrad and Mary ( Anderlin ) Krapf. The father was a native of Germany, born January 15. 1810. and after spending the years of his boyhood and youth in the land of his birth. he crossed the briny deep to the new world in 1836, being then a young man of twenty-six years. He landed in New York and the following year came to Ann Arbor, where for many years he was engaged in the lumber trade and in contracting and building. He was also prominent and influential in public life in the city aside from his business interests and for eighteen years acted as supervisor here. He made a creditable record as an official and as
a representative of industrial interests, and his death, which occurred October 26, 1806, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. Thus passed away a valued pioneer resident, who had contributed in substantial measure to the upbuild- ing. progress and prosperity of the city in which he made his home for almost sixty years. His wife, Mary ( Anderlin ) Krapf, died when their son Herman was only six years of age, and two of their children. Henry C. and Mary, are also de- ceased. Our subject has one brother still living, Richard, a resident of Ann Arbor. The father was twice married and by his second union also had four children : Ottmer ()., a resident of Day- ton, Ohio : and Annie, Emma and Pauline, all de- ceased.
Herman Krapf was reared and educated in Ann Arbor. being indebted to its public-school system for the training which he received along the more specifically literary lines. He was a young man when the Civil war broke out and his patriotic spirit being aroused he enlisted at Ann Arbor in the First Michigan Cavalry, with which he served for four years and eight months, being with Custer's Michigan brigade. Following the close of his military service he returned to Ann Arbor and became engaged in the lumber busi- ness, after which he established a sash, door and blind factory. Throughout an active and useful business career he won a very gratifying measure of success that now enables him to live retired.
On the 25th of December. 1866. Mr. Krapf was united in marriage to Miss Julia Van Da Warker, a daughter of Jacob and Sarah L. { Branch ) Van Da Warker, pioneers of this county. Her father became a wealthy man in the shoe trade in Ann Arbor. To Mr. and Mrs. Krapf were born four children: Frank: Charles, who died in youth : William Herman ; and Edwin C. William is in the sash, door and blind business and is now with the firm of Luick Brothers & Company.
Herman Krapf is very prominent as an (dd Fellow, having been identified with the order for a half century, and he is now a member of Ann Arbor encampment, in which he has been scribe for ten years. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and thus maintains pleasant
518
PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
relations with his old army comrades and takes great delight in the camp fires. He usually gives his political allegiance to the republican party. though independent in local matters, and has always kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day, so that he is able to support his position by intelligent argument. He has acted as supervisor of the fourth ward but has never been active as a politician in seeking office. His religious faith is indicated by his attendance at the Presbyterian church. He has a beautiful home at 521 Detroit street.
Edwin C. Krapf, the youngest son of the fam- ily, was born March 29, 1876, and his education was acquired in the public schools of Ann Arbor. After leaving school he entered the employ of the dry-goods house of William Goodyear, later was engaged in the steam laundry business but owing to ill health he was compelled to seek outdoor em- ployment and since the 15th of November, 1904. has been in the government employ as a rural mail carrier. He was married in 1898 to Miss Flor- ence Hayden, of Ypsilanti. Michigan, and they had one child, Elmer, who died in infancy. They now have an adopted daughter, Agnes B., who is six years of age. Edwin C. Krapf is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry and the Knights of the Maccabees, and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He represents one of the old pioneer families of this city and is a worthy young man, richly meriting the esteem which is uniformly accorded him by his many friends here.
HENRY J. LANDWEHR.
Henry J. Landwehr, proprietor of a meat mar- ket in Manchester, is a native of Prussia, born in 1854. His father, Henry Landwehr, was also a native of the same country and died in 1902 at the age of seventy-six years. He came to the United States in 1864 and located near Freedom on a small farm. He was a tailor by trade, but after coming to the United States confined his attention to agricultural pursuits and was recog- nized as a hard-working, industrious and frugal man, whose carefully directed labors at length
made him well-to-do. He held membership in the Evangelical Lutheran church and gave his polit- ical support to the democracy. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Anna G. Schlicht, was born in Germany and is living upon the old home farm at the age of seventy-seven years. She, too, is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church. In their family were six children: Henry J .; Olive, the deceased wife of Barney Bertkie ; Car- rie, the wife of Jacob Hinderer, a farmer of Lima, Washtenaw county ; John, who is farming in Sa- line township; Lydia, the wife of Frank Felt- kamp, a farmer of Lima township: and Bernard. who resides upon the old homestead.
Henry J. Landwehr was reared upon his father's farm and attended the district schools. He continued to assist in the operation of the fields on the old homestead until 1895. He was married March 20, 1880, to Miss Harriet Da- vidter, who was born in Freedom township in 1857 and was a daughter of Justus and Catherine (Meyer) Davidter, natives of Germany, who came to Washtenaw county at an early day. Her father was a farmer by occupation and in the family were twelve children, Mrs. Landwehr be- ing a twin. Unto our subject and his wife have been born three children : Julia, Elmer and Helen. The parents are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church and Mr. Landwehr is a valued representative of several fraternal organizations, including the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Mutual Benevolent Association. In his political affiliation he is a democrat and he served as treas- urer and as highway commissioner of Sharon township. While residing there he had a farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres which he culti- vated for eighteen years. In 1895 he came to Manchester and opened a meat market, which he is still profitably conducting, being recognized as one of the enterprising business men of the vil- lage. Since taking up his abode here he has been active in community affairs and in 1901 was chosen supervisor of Manchester township, since which time by successive re-elections he has con- tinued to fill the office. He is a member of the village council, serving for the past six years, and at the present writing is president pro tem. In
521
PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
his life record he displays many of the sterling characteristics of his German ancestry, including the perseverance and diligence which have ever been strong features in the Teutonic race. He is, however, thoroughly American in thought and feeling and has a deep and sincere attachment for the stars and stripes.
ROBERT L. WARREN.
Robert L. Warren, editor and manager of the Ann Arbor Daily Times, was born in Caledonia, Shiawassee county, Michigan, December 2, 1842. His parents were Samuel N. and Anna K. War- ren, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of the state of New York. The father died in September, 1904. at the age of ninety-two years, and the mother, still surviving at the age of eighty-eight years, resides with her son Rob- ert L. in Ann Arbor.
Mr. Warren's birth occurred in what was then the wilds of Michigan, where there were few residents other than Indians. A few months afterward the family removed to Fentonville and in 1851 to Flint, Michigan, where Mr. Warren grew to manhood. He was graduated from the high school there in 1860 and in the fall of that year entered the literary department of the University of Michigan. Imbued with the spirit of patriotism, which the firing on Fort Sumter inspired. the following spring he entered the camp of instruction at Fort Wayne as a sergeant in Company A, Seventh Michigan Infantry, but at muster was rejected on physical account. In 1862, however, he enlisted in Company K. Twenty-third Michigan Infantry, leaving the state in July. While at Bowling Green, Ken- tucky, in January, 1863. a commission of second lieutenant of Company C, Twenty-seventh Michi- gan Infantry reached him. He at once returned to the state and joined his regiment then quar- tered at Ypsilanti. Soon after the regiment went south to Kentucky he was detailed to act as aid- de-camp on the staff of the commander of the First Brigade, First Division, Ninth Army Corps, continuing to serve in that capacity until the close
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.