Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan, Part 7

Author: Beakes, Samuel W. (Samuel Willard), 1861-; S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago : The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 886

USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan > Part 7

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Mr. Clements was married in the east to Miss Agnes Macready, who died in this city in 1893. Of the children born unto them three are now liv- ing: Mrs. Ida C. Wheat, who resides in Ann Arbor and has two children, James Clements and Renville ; Mary A. Clements, who has always lived in Ann Arbor and makes her home with Mrs. Wheat ; and William L. Clements, who re- sides at Bay City and is in charge of the manufac- turing plant there.

The death of James Clements occurred on the 12th of November, 1895. He cast a presidential vote for Grover Cleveland but afterward became a republican in politics and continued to support that party for some time. He and his wife held membership in the Episcopal church of Ann Ar- bor, of which his children also became communi- cants. For many years he served as vestryman

PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

and was always deeply and actively interested in church work. He owned a home on South State street, where he always resided. For years he figured as one of the prominent and worthy citi- zens of Ann Arbor, winning prosperity through well directed effort nor was his path strewn with the wrecks of other men's fortunes. He was al- ways just in his treatment of those with whom he had trade relations but was watchful of oppor- tunity and his utilization of the advantages which came to him was one of the strong and moving forces in his success.

FRANK T. NEWTON.

Frank T. Newton is at this writing, in 1905. filling the office of sheriff of Washtenaw county and for many years has been identified with it ; manufacturing and agricultural interests. To sav that he has risen unaided from comparative ob- seurity to rank among the most successful men of the county is a statement that seems trite to those familiar with his record, yet it is but just to say in a history that will descend to future genera- tions that his business career has been one that any man would be proud to possess. Beginning at the very bottom round of the ladder he has stead- ily advanced step by step until he is now occupy- ing a position of prominence and trust reached by few who have no greater advantages at the outset of their careers.

Mr. Newton was born in Superior township. this county. September 30. 1867. His father, Thomas Newton, was a native of England and. becoming a resident of Washtenaw county, has since followed the occupation of farming, now owning a valuable and productive tract of land of one hundred and ten acres in Superior township. Ile married Sarah Ellen Seymour, who was also born in England and is also yet living. In their family were four children, Frank T. Newton be- ing the third member and only son.

Upon the homestead farm in Superior township the subject of this review spent the days of his boyhood and youth and when eighteen years of age he obtained a third grade teacher's certificate.

He then engaged in teaching in Wayne county and for seven terms was a capable and successful teacher, having charge of the Gardinier school three terms, the Monier school two terms and the Wallaceville school two terms, and when he gave up the active work of the schoolroom he engaged in the insurance business, representing the Union Central Life Insurance Company for some time. He subsequently became the agent of the Equitable Life Insurance Company. of New York, and at a later date he removed to Detroit, where in 1898 he became engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of extension ladders under the firm name of The Newton & Haggerty Ladder Company. This enterprise has been very prosperous and Mr. Newton is still at the head of the concern. Its output is now extensive, bringing an income of substantial proportions. All that Mr. Newton possesses has been acquired through his own la- bors and he is yet a young man. He has a fine stock farm of two hundred and sixty acres and has raised over one hundred and fifty tons of hay annually, while upon this place are more than seventy head of steers, mostly of the Durham breed. He purchased the farm in 1903, and it is a valuable property, conveniently located a few miles from Ypsilanti. It, too, has been a gratify- ing source of income and his agricultural interests have made Mr. Newton almost equally as well known as his manufacturing investments. In recent years he has made his home in Ypsilanti. but sinee elected to the office of sheriff has taken up his abode in Ann Arbor.

Mr. Newton is a stalwart republican, thoroughly informed concerning the principles of the party which he believes contain the best ele- ments of good government. It was upon that ticket that he was chosen sheriff of Washtenaw county in the fall of 1904, and in the discharge of his duties he has shown himself to be fearless and without favoritism. He is very prominent in fra- ternal circles, holding membership in the Ma- sonic lodge of Ypsilanti, the chapter at Ann Ar- bor and the commandery of the latter city, while of the Mystic Shrine of Detroit he is also num- bered with the nobles. He likewise belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, at Ypsilanti, to the Benevolent and Proteetive Order of Elks, at Ann

F. T. NEWTON.

PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

Arbor, and became a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Wayne, while teaching school there.

On the IIth of September, 1892, Mr. Newton was married to Ella E. Tyley, a native of Wayne county, and they have one child. Charles T .. whose birth occurred in Wayne county in 1893. Mr. Newton is a genial, whole-souled man, mak- ing friends wherever he goes by reason of a cour- teous disposition and kindly spirit that enables him to recognize the good qualities in others. His popularity is well deserved and his record in fra- ternal, political and business circles is indeed commendable.

F. L. HERRMANN, D. D. S.

F. L. Herrmann, who, starting out in life when but twelve years of age, has won a notable posi- tion as a representative of the dental fraternity in Ann Arbor although he is yet one of its younger members, was born here on the 28th of June, 1878. His father. Gustave Herrmann, a native of Germany. came from the old world to the United States in 1873, and was engaged in the merchant tailoring business up to the time of his death in 1893. He married Eva Relmus, the wedding being celebrated in Ann Arbor. where Mrs. Herrmann still makes her home. She became the mother of two sons and two daugh- ters: F. L., of this review; Mary. deceased ; Anna, living in Ann Arbor; Albert, who at the age of seventeen years is still in school.

Dr. Herrman at the usual age became a student in the schools of his native city and when his high- school course was completed he became imbued with a laudable desire to enter one of the walks of life demanding strong intellectuality, deter- mined purpose and careful preparation for the chosen calling. The year 1898 saw the fulfill- ment of his hope in his matriculation in the Uni- versity of Michigan and in the year 1902 he was graduated from the dental college. Prior to this time. however, he had long known what it was to earn his own living. He had lost his father when only twelve years of age and he provided for his support in early youth by employment under J. E. Beal of the Courier, also with the In-

land Press Printing Company. He afterward completed a course of credit work in the high school, devoting all of his leisure hours to the acquirement of an education. His own labors provided the funds necessary for the college course, for he worked for Hon. Samuel Beakes as pressman on the Ann Arbor Argus and in 1902 with his cherished diploma he entered upon active practice in his native city, where he has already secured a good patronage.

Dr. Herrmann was married in 1898 to Miss Clarissa Allen, of St. Clair county, Michigan, and they have an interesting little son, Lester, now six years of age. The Doctor belongs to the Trin- ity Lutheran church. The demands made upon him hy his professional duties leave him little leisure time and his constantly growing practice is an indication of public confidence in his skill and ability.

ANDREW REULE.

Andrew Reule, coming alone to America at the age of sixteen years with little more money than was necessary to pay the expenses of the voyage, is today one of the leading merchants of Ann Ar- bor, being a senior member of the firm of Reule, Conlin & Fiegel, clothiers of this city. His life record began in Wurtemberg, Germany, on the 25th of March, 1863. his parents being Michael and Christine ( Miller) Reule, who were also na- tives of that country. The father conducted busi- ness as a baker and confectioner and died in his native land. In the family were twelve children, most of whom are still living in Germany.

Andrew Reule, having acquired a knowledge of the common branches of learning in the public schools of the fatherland, became in his youth im- bued with the desire to seek a home in America, of whose privileges and advantages he had heard heard much. He therefore at the age of sixteen completed his arrangements to cross the Atlantic and made his way at once to Ann Arbor, where he arrived in 1879. He was for four years a stu- dent in this city, after which he entered the em- ploy of J. T. Jacobs, a clothier, with whom he re- mained for five years, his capability and fidelity

PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

winning a ready recognition in successive promo- tions. He gained a varied and comprehensive knowledge of the business and eventually became an independent factor in commercial circles of this city as a member of the firm of Wadham, Ken- nedy & Reule. Subsequent changes in the owner- ship have led to the adoption of the present firm style of Reule, Conlin & Fiegel. The business of the house is extensive and the trade is growing year by year. The methods employed by the firm are in harmony with such old and time tried maxims as "Honesty is the best policy" and "There is no excellence without labor." Fair treatment of employes and straightforward deal- ing with patrons have won for the firm a contin- uance of a most liberal and gratifying patronage.

Mr. Reule was married in 1891 to Miss Amelia Paul, of Ann Arbor, belonging to a prominent pioneer family of this city. They have two sons. Paul Andrew and Erwin, who are students in the city schools.

MATTHEW E. KEELER.

Matthew E. Keeler is one of the extensive land owners of Washtenaw county, his farm compris- ing four hundred and thirty-six acres on section 17. Sharon township. This is a very valuable property improved with one of the finest country homes in the county and in the management of his farming and stock-raising interests Mr. Keeler displays excellent ability, being successfully en- gaged in the cultivation of crops and in the raising of Durham cattle. He was born in Fairfield county, Connecticut, in 1836. His father, Jesse E. Keeler, was a native of the same county and was of Welsh lineage, his ancestors having come to the new world in the seventeenth century. The family was represented in the Revolutionary war and during that conflict General Wooster and his troops slept upon the farm owned by the paternal grandfather of our subject. Jesse Keeler followed the occupation of farming and was a well-to-do man for his day. Four generations of the Keel- ers were reared in the same district in Connecticut and they owned slaves there at a time when that custom was in vogue in New England. Jesse

Keeler was a member of the Presbyterian church and his life was characterized by devotion to hon- orable principles. He was the fourth in a family of seven children. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Delia Raymond, was born in Fair- field county, Connecticut, and was of English lin- eage. At the time of the Revolutionary war her father was detailed to patrol the shore and watch for the approach of British vessels and it was in the town of Norwalk, where the family lived, that Major Andre was confined for a time after he was captured and tried as a British spy at Ridge- field. Mrs. Keeler was one of seven children. Both parents of our subject remained residents of Connecticut throughout their entire lives, the fa- ther dying in 1856, at the age of fifty-eight years, while his wife passed away in 1861, at the age of sixty-one years. They had two sons, the younger being Russell Raymond Keeler, who died Novem- ber 4. 1893, at his brother's home in Sharon, Michigan. He was a farmer on the old home- stead in Connecticut and his son is now conduct- that property being a representative of the family in the sixth generation residing upon that place.

Matthew E. Keeler was reared to farm life and attended school in his native town, while later he continued his studies for two years in Amenia Seminary in Dutchess county, New York. Com- ing westward to Michigan he settled upon the tract of land which he now owns, buying the first two hundred and forty acres of Mr. Porter, who broke it up. It is on section 17. Sharon township. and to the original purchase he has added until within the boundaries of the property are now comprised four hundred and thirty-six acres of rich and productive land. He has erected there- on one of the fine country residences in the county and also substantial barns and outbuildings which are in keeping with the home. His fields return good crops and he is also engaged in the breeding of thoroughbred Durham cattle and the feeding of sheep. He usually feeds from two to five hun- dred head of sheep annually and finds this a profit- able source of income.

In 1861 Mr. Keeler was married to Miss Anna E. Osborn, who was born in Wilton, Connecti- cut, and died February 3. 1880, at the compara- tively carly age of thirty-nine years. Her father

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PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

was William Osborn, a school teacher, who died in his eastern home, while her mother, Mrs. Anna (Lockwood) Osborn, eventually came to Michi- gan. Mr. and Mrs. Keeler had seven children : Wilton and Raymond, both deceased ; Emma W., at home: Fred L. ; Mary Delia, a teacher in the schools of Manistee, Michigan ; Will M., who is engaged in the livery business in New Milford, Connecticut ; and Annie E., the wife of Dell Bis- sell, telegraph operator at the Mount Pleasant station in Michigan. The eldest living son, Fred L. Keeler. is a graduate of the Michigan Univer- sity at Ann Arbor of the class of 1893 and pur- sued post-graduate work in 1894. He is now pro- fessor of science in the State Central Normal at Mount Pleasant. Michigan. He married Miss Bertina Bliss, of Ann Arbor, and they have two children. Marion Esther and Bliss.

After losing his first wife Mr. Keeler was mar- ried in 1884 to Miss Josephine Campbell, who was born in Sharon township in 1847. a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (McCord ) Campbell, of Scotch-Irish ancestry. Her father came to the United States from Ireland and settled in New York. On coming to Washtenaw county. Michi- gan, in 1838, he first located in Freedom town- ship but afterward moved to Sharon township. His wife's people were natives of Scotland and in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Campbell were twelve children, of whom Mrs. Keeler is the sev- enth in order of birth. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and an estimable lady, who enjoys the warm regard of many friends. Mr. Keeler exercises his right of fran- chise in support of the republican party and its principles and has served as treasurer of his school district for thirty-six years. For years he has been entrusted with the settlement of his brother's and other estates as administrator or ex- ecutor and is a man of irreproachable integrity and unflinching business honor, who enjoys the unqualified trust and respect of his fellowmen. He stands today a strong man, strong in his honor and his good name and in his business qualifica- tions and success. In addition to his farming in- terests he was one of the organizers of the Grass Lake Farmers' Bank, which was established in 1882 and of which he was a stockholder and di-

rector. He possesses many of the sterling traits of character of his New England ancestry and is a high type of our American manhood.

WILLIAM H. MURRAY.

William H. Murray, the senior member of the law firm of Murray & Storm, of Ann Arbor, was born in York township. Washtenaw county. in 1875. His grandfather. Andrew Murray, was a native of Scotland and in early life joined an Irish regiment, which came to America in 1812. Together with other members of the military com- mand he deserted the British ranks and joined the United States army, his sympathy being with the republic. Following the close of hostilities he settled in Monroe, Michigan, where he followed farming. Unto him and his wife Maria were born five children, of whom two are yet living, Daniel and Mrs. Ellen Roberts.

Daniel Murray, born in Monroe, Michigan. removed from that place to York township, Wash- tenaw county, in 1864 and has since been closely identified with agricultural interests there. He married Miss Catherine McInnes, a native of London, England, and they have become the par- ents of eight children, of whom seven are yet liv- ing, as follows : Mary A. : Donald, who married Louisa Wardell and follows farming in Augusta township : Andrew. a resident farmer of York township, who married Hattie Blood : John, an agriculturist of Augusta township, who married Elizabeth Wanty : Ella, the wife of Lucian Lock, M. D., a physician of Haverhill, Ohio; Edwin W .. also a farmer of Augusta township, who mar- ried Elizabeth Feldman : and William H .. who is the youngest of the family.

In the township of his nativity William H. Murray was reared to manhood and after master- ing the elementary branches of learning he com- pleted a high-school course, being graduated with the class of 1893. Subsequently he entered the University of Michigan, where he won his degree of Bachelor of Laws, in 1895. and his degree of Master of Law. in 1806, having completed the literary and law courses. Between the two per-

PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

iods of his university courses he read law in the office of Edward Weeks, an attorney of Detroit, with whom he spent the summer months, and in 1897 he entered upon the practice of his chosen profession in Ann Arbor, where he has gained a creditable position. In 1901 he admitted Carl T. Storm to a partnership under the firm style of Murray & Storm, and this relation has since been maintained. Mr. Murray has been very success- ful and the recognition of his natural intellectual endowments, his laudable ambition and his strong determination lead the public to predict for him a successful future. His political allegiance is given to the democracy and for the past six years he served as circuit court commissioner, his term expiring in the fall of 1904. He is also one of the directors of the German American Savings Bank, one of the recently established financial in- stitutions of the city, and has an office in the Ger- man American Bank Building at the corner of Liberty and Main street, south.

In October, 1901, in Ann Arbor, Mr. Murray was married to Miss Julia J. Allmendinger, a daughter of David F. Allmendinger, an old resi- dent of the city. They now have one son, Ralph A., born in Ann Arbor. The parents are promi- nent young people here, enjoying the hospitality of many of the best homes of the city. Mr. Mur- ray belongs to the Masonic lodge and chapter and to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, with which he has been associated for five years and for three years as secretary.

JOHN KOCH.

John Koch, who as a member of the firm of Koch Brothers, contractors of Ann Arbor, has erected some of the finest buildings in this city, being closely identified with the material im- provement of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw county, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, January 30, 1858. His parents, John George and Mag- dalena (Ade) Koch, were also natives of Ger- many, and the father, who was a stone contrac- tor, died in the year 1864. His widow long sur- vived him, and passed away 1897. In their family

were five children: Anna Maria, who is living in the fatherland; John ; Sophia Agnes, who also resides in Germany ; Christian G., who is in part- nership with our subject; and Henry G., who was also a member of the firm from 1892 to 1897.

At the age of six years John Koch began his education in the schools of his native country, and he learned the builder's trade in Stuttgart, Germany, after which he came to the United States, believing superior business advantages were afforded in the new world. He was twenty- two years of age when he crossed the Atlantic to America, making his way direct to Ann Arbor. Here he secured employment at the builder's trade, and was employed by several contractors in this city. In 1880 he was with the firm of Walker Brothers, but since 1884 has been in business for himself. In 1892 he formed a part- nership with his brother, Christian G.

Under the firm style of Koch Brothers, they have erected some of the finest structures in Ann Arbor, including the State Savings Bank. the Farmers and Mechanics Bank, St. Thomas Cath- olic church, the Zion Lutheran church, the Zeta Psi, the Delta Kappa Epsilon, the Phi Delta, the Beta Zeta and Delta U., all fraternity houses, the new medical building and Perry school. The firm has also erected nine churches in the county and state, the Palmer Hospital and Homeopathic Hospital, and a large number of business blocks, factories and residences. Their work has given general satisfaction, and the character of their building operations has secured for them a con- tinuance of a liberal and gratifying patronage. They rank to-day with the leading contractors of this part of the state, and have an office at No. 501 South Ashley street, at the corner of Jef- ferson.

In 1884 Mr. Koch was united in marriage to Miss Kate Kuhn, a daughter of John William and Annie (Schopf) Kuhn. Her father was a railroad contractor, and made his home in Ann Arbor for some time. After his marriage Mr. Koch removed to Ithaca, Michigan, where he built a home and maintained his residence until 1885, when he returned to Ann Arbor, where he has since been engaged in business as a leading contractor and dealer in all kinds of building sup-

JohnBook.

PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

plies. Unto him and his wife have been born three children: Rupert W., born in 1885, and therefore twenty years of age, is now in the en- gineering department of the University of Mich- igan ; Mamie Charlotte, born in 1888, is acting as bookkeeper for her father, and is a young woman of good business ability ; Sophia B .. born in 1891, is now a student in the high school of Ann Arbor, and possesses considerable musical talent.

Mr. Koch is a democrat in his political views. and is a prominent Mason, having become a Knight Templar in 1898. He is also a member of the Mystic Shrine of Detroit, and is in hearty sympathy with the teachings and tenets of the craft. He is also a member of many other lodges and German societies, and he and his family are members of Zion Lutheran church, of which Mrs. Koch is a trustee. He served four terms as alderman from the second ward. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, for in its business con- ditions he has found the broader opportunities that he sought, and by the utilization of these has advanced steadily to a prominent and prosper- ous position in industrial circles.

ARCHER G. CRANE.

Archer G. Crane, who is serving for the sec- ond term as supervisor of Bridgewater township and is also a farmer, was born on the 3d of De- cember, 1858, in Lodi township, this county. His father. Charles T. Crane, was a native of the Em- pire state and in 1826 came to Michigan, settling in Freedom township, Washtenaw county, with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Archer Crane. The grandfather entered a tract of land from the gov- ernment there and began the development of a farm in this frontier district. Charles T. Crane was reared to the occupation of farming. chose that pursuit as a life work and became well-to-do. He stood high in the community, enjoying the regard of all with whom he was associated. His political support was given to the republican party and he capably served as justice of the peace. He

married Amarillis Judd, who was born in New York and was a daughter of Ozias and Martha Judd, who were pioneer residents of Michigan, settling in Lodi township, Washtenaw county. Mrs. Crane was one of six children, while her husband was one of five children. His death oc- curred in 1872 at the age of seventy-seven years, while his wife passed away in September, 1905. at the advanced age of eighty-three years. In their family were six children : Celestia, the wife of Calvin Lazell, a farmer of Jackson county ; Edith, the wife of Erastus Walter, a resident farmer of Clinton county ; Clarence, an agricul- turist of Saginaw county : Ida, the wife of Elroy Zimmerman, an upholsterer of Tecumseh, Michi- gan: Archer G .; and Lyle, who is living in Bridgewater township.

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Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan, Part 7

Author: Beakes, Samuel W. (Samuel Willard), 1861-; S.J. Clarke Publishing Company Publication date: 1906 Publisher: Chicago : The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 886

Author: Beakes, Samuel W. (Samuel Willard), 1861-; S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago : The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 886