Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan, Part 9

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 9

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Mr. Holmes is an active advocate of the tem- perance cause and stands loyally by his convic- tions. He is a man of upright character. genial and kindly in his relations to all, and his personal characteristics have so endeared him to his many friends that the circle of his friendship is almost co-extensive with the circle of his acquaintances.

GEORGE AUSTIN HOWLETT, D. D. S.

Dr. George Austin Howlett, well known in pro- fessional circles of Ann Arbor as a practitioner of dentistry, was born in Lyndon township. Washte- naw county, Michigan, January 6, 1875. His fa- ther, William John Howlett, was a native of Lin- colnshire, England, and in his youth crossed the Atlantic to the new world, settling in this county in 1853. He was identified with agricultural in- terests, becoming a prosperous farmer as the years passed by. He married Betsy Ann Goodwin, a native of Lyndon township and a representative of one of the pioneer families of this portion of the state.

In his early youth Dr. Howlett was a student in the country school of Lyndon township and aft- erward continued his education in the high school at Chelsea, Michigan, where he acquired his more specifically literary education. His preparation for his chosen profession was made in the Uni- versity of Michigan, matriculating in the dental department in 1897 and completing the regular four years' course with the class of 1901. He en- tered upon practice at Stockbridge, Michigan, in 1902, but the same year came to Ann Arbor, where he opened an office. He now has a fine suite of rooms in Ann Arbor Savings Bank Building, equipped with the latest appliances

PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

known to the dental profession. His practice is large and constantly increasing and his position as a member of the dental fraternity was assured from the beginning because of the careful prepa- ration which well equipped him for his work, his laudable ambition and his strong determination to win success.

Dr. Howlett was married in 1903 to Miss Flor- ence N. Bachman, of Chelsea, Michigan, and they are well known and prominent socially in the uni- versity city. The Doctor belongs to the Masonic fraternity and to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was vice grand of Stockbridge lodge. His political allegiance is given to the democracy and he is a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal church.

JOHN LLOYD DAVIDSON.

John Lloyd Davidson, deceased, was a mason contractor, who aided in the erection of some of the first buildings in Ann Arbor, becoming a pio- neer settler of this city in 1833. He was of Scotch descent and was a native of Charleston, Montgomery county, New York, born on the 11th of August, 1805. His parents were John and Rhoda (Mudge) Davidson, both of whom resided at Sacket Harbor, New York, in early life. Sub- sequently, however, they removed to Montreal, Canada, where they spent a few years, after which they returned to the Empire state, locating at Charleston. The father was also a mason and builder and worked at his trade at Charles- ton for several years. For a short time he made his home in Syracuse, New York, and then re- moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan. There he followed the same pursuit and assisted in the erection of some of the fine buildings of that city, devoting his time and energies to the mason's trade at that point until his later years, when he retired from active business life to enjoy in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. Both he and his wife spent their last years in Grand Rapids.

John Lloyd Davidson acquired his education in the public schools of Charleston, New York, spending his youth in the Empire state. Having

arrived at years of maturity he was married in Syracuse, New York, to Miss Maria Holcomb, a native of that city, whose parents also resided in the east and spent their last years there. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson became the parents of five children : Helen M., the eldest, is now the widow of W. James Wainwright, of Troy, New York, who was a well educated man and during the lat- ter part of his life was employed in a railroad of- fice in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was taken ill. He died, however, in 1873, at the home of his parents in Clinton, Michigan. Mary Davidson, the second member of the family, has always re- sided in Ann Arbor, and now occupies her father's old home here. John, who was also a mason by trade, died in Grand Rapids, October II. 1902, at the age of sixty years. George Holcomb, who married Jennie Doty, by whom he has three chil- dren, Florence H., Arthur J. and Howard R., was also a builder by trade and carried on business for a number of years, after which he removed to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he was awarded the contracts for the construction of some of the finest buildings of that city, but he is now living retired, having accumulated a handsome compe- tence which provides him and his family with an excellent home and many of the comforts of life. Martha Davidson became the wife of Henry L. Holbrook, and both are now deceased.

In his younger years John Lloyd Davidson worked with his father until he had mastered the builder's trade, after which he went to Syracuse, New York, where he followed the same pursuit. Subsequent to his marriage he continued his con- nection with building operations there until 1833, when he came to Ann Arbor, finding here but a small and unimproved town. However, he be- lieved in its future and began working at his trade. He built the first county jail here, also as- sisted in the construction of the courthouse and was employed on many of the other large public buildings. He built the medical college of the State University, the laboratory and other fine structures of the city and the importance of the contracts awarded him made him one of the lead- ing representatives of the builder's art in Ann Arbor. He continued in close connection with the trade until his death and his labors brought him

J. L. DAVIDSON.

PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

a gratifying measure of success. At one time he was also engaged in mercantile pursuits with Hiram Becker, but finding it was taking too much time from his other business he sold out.

He passed away August 6, 1881, respected and honored by all who knew him. He had long sur- vived his wife, who died August 31, 1860. In his early days he was a whig and cast his first vote in 1827. Upon the dissolution of that party, how- ever, he joined the ranks of the republican party and continued as one of its supporters until his demise. He was a member in good standing in the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Ann Arbor lodge, No. 15. A. F. & A. M. He was quiet and unostentatious in manner but possessed the indi- vidual worth that brings recognition in unquali- fied respect. He was well known, being a pioneer settler of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw county, and all who knew him respected him for his fidelity of principle. His business interests grew in volume and importance as the years went by and he also advanced in public regard as his acquaintance widened. His son George H. is likewise well known in Washtenaw county and is a graduate of the high school here. The family is now repre- sented in this county by two daughters. Mrs. Wainwright and Miss Mary Davidson. After the death of her husband the former returned to Ann Arbor and she and her sister, Miss Davidson. re- side at the old family home, at No. 338 East Kingsley street, where they own a nice residence. They also have a number of valuable building lots near by, for at one time Mr. Davidson was the owner of the entire block where the old homestead now stands.

GEORGE W. SAMPLE.

George W. Sample, engaged in the practice of law and also filling the office of the city treas- urer of Ann Arbor, was born in Iowa. July 4. 1868. His father, Ezekiel B. Sample, is a native of Pennsylvania and is still living in Iowa, where he follows the occupation of farming. He mar- ried Angeline Frazee, a native of Van Buren county, Iowa, and they became the parents of eight children, of whom six are living: Stewart

H., who is part owner and manager of a large rice plantation in Louisiana ; George W .; John C., a civil engineer living in New York city, who is also president and one-third owner of the stock of the Hawkins Iron Construction Company ; Arthur F., who follows agricultural pursuits on the old family homestead in Iowa: Mrs. Mate S. Warner, who is the widow of George N. Warner, and is living with her parents in Iowa ; and Jennie, the wife of Ralph L. Muir, a resident farmer of Iowa.

George W. Sample remained at home until seventeen years of age, pursuing his studies in the public schools and in the high school at Keosauqua, Iowa, where he was graduated with the class of 1888. In order to provide for his support during that period he engaged in teaching in the country schools to some extent. He also attended the normal school at Dixon, Illinois, for two years and received a teacher's certificate for that state. Following his graduation he contin- ued as a teacher in the district schools until the Ist of January, 1800, when he was selected by the county treasurer of Van Buren county, Iowa, to act as his deputy, in which capacity he served until 1894. when he was elected county treasurer. acting in that office for two terms or four years. His successor died shortly after assuming the duties of the position and at the urgent request of the county supervisors he assumed the va- cancy, continuing in the position until the follow- ing November, 1898, so that his active connec- tion with the office was almost continuous from 1890 until the fall election of 1898. Upon his retirement Mr. Sample came at once to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and entered upon a law course in the university and was graduated with the class of 1901. He also pursued a special course in the literary de- partment, after which he entered upon active practice in this city. In April, 1905. he formed a law partnership with Phillip Blum under the firm name of Blum & Sample. In the spring of the same year he was appointed by Mayor Francis M. Hamilton to the office of city treasurer of Ann Arbor, which position he is now filling, and in connection with the duties of the office he is continuing in the practice of his professions. He

PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

is interested financially in the Crescent Works, manufacturers of corsets, waists and skirts, in Ann Arbor, and also with his father and brother in the breeding and raising of fine and thorough- bred cattle and horses.

In politics Mr. Sample has always been a stal- wart republican, taking a deep interest in the work of the party while living in Iowa, as well as since his removal to Ann Arbor, and in addi- tion to the offices already mentioned, he is serving as circuit court commissioner, to which position he was elected in the fall of 1904 for a two years' term. He is a member of various Masonic bodies, having been made a Mason in Keosauqua, Iowa, where he filled various offices in the lodge. He is now affiliated with the lodge in Ann Arbor and is likewise a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity in Iowa.

On the 12th of November, 1891, at Lebanon, Iowa, Mr. Sample was married to Miss Ida Vin- cent, who was born in that state, and they now have two sons : Paul V., a native of Iowa, and George W., of Ann Arbor. Mr. Sample is a highly esteemed and worthy citizen, regarded as one of the leading spirits here, because of his interest and activity in political affairs, as well as in his profession, and his friends hesitate not to predict for him a successful future, recogniz- ing in him the possession of those qualities- energy, ambition and diligence-which always in- sure success.

EUGENE ANDERSON WINES.

Eugene Anderson Wines, well known as an enterprising representative of business interests in Ann Arbor, was born in this city, June 30, 1873. His paternal grandfather, Daniel Erasmus Wines, was born in Canterbury, Connecticut, January 12, 1812, and afterward went to New York city, whence he removed to Augusta, Michigan, in 1837. He and his brother, William W. Wines. built a sawmill, and it was during their residence there that Abraham Baker Wines, the father of our subject, was born on the 26th of May. 1843. also Charles Augustus Wines, an uncle of our subject. From Augusta the family removed to

Sylvan Center, near Lima, and there purchased a farm, which they operated for a few years. In 1847 they left Sylvan Center and came to Ann Arbor, where Daniel E. Wines built the first planing mill standing on the site of Luick Broth- ers plant. He had two partners, and the business was conducted under the firm name of Wines, Mallory & Douglas. After a few years they sold out the planing mill and went into business at Walch Station. Finally, returning to Ann Arbor, Mr. Wines became a contracting carpenter of this city. He had been married on the 5th of December, 1835, to Miss Ann Maria Baker, the wedding being celebrated at her home at Sag Harbor, Long Island. She was born August 13, 1817, and died in this city January 11, 1850. Mr. Wines afterward married Mrs. Phebe Howell Ludlow. a widow, of Bridge Hampton, Long Island, on the 3Ist of October, 1850. She had one son, Charles H. Ludlow, by her former mar- riage. They returned to Ann Arbor and two children blessed this union: Professor Levi D. Wines, and Mrs. Annie Hale, of Detroit.

Abraham Baker Wines, father of Eugene A. Wines, accompanied his father on his various removals, and at the time of his marriage was working in the planing mill in this city. When the grandfather removed to Walch Station Abra- ham B. Wines also went with him and worked in his stave factory. Subsequently they returned and engaged in carpenting until a few years had passed, when the son purchased a span of mules and conducted a draying business for about three years. He was next associated with Christian Allmendinger in a picture framing business on Washington street for a few years, after which Mr. Wines resumed carpentering, and is still identified with that business. He married Miss Juliaett Josephine Wilmot, who was born at Pitts- field township. this county, October 2, 1844. Her paternal grandfather was Major Tracy B. Wilmot, who served as a soldier of the war of 1812. Her father, Charles Tracy Wilmot, of Paris, Oneida county, New York, came to Michi- gan in 1835. and bought a farm in Pittsfield township. Two years later he married Harriet Anderson, whose father, William Anderson, was the first sheriff of Washtenaw county. On re-

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PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

moving to Ann Arbor Mr. Wilmot built the first brick house in the city, and it stands to-day upon the original site at the city limits on Packard street. He turned his attention to the cabinet- making business and later conducted a book store in partnership with Schoff, under the firm style of Wilmot & Company. While thus en- gaged in merchandising he also became one of the directors of the First National Bank, and later he disposed of his book store and engaged in the banking business under the firm name of Wilmot & Miller. Subsequently he became interested in a number of business concerns and was the pro- moter of commercial and industrial activity in the city, whereby the prosperity of Ann Arbor was largely advanced. After selling his home on Liberty street he built a house on Washtenaw avenue in what had previously been a farm, but he divided it into city lots, opened up Wilmot street and gave to the city a triangle in front of Forest Hill cemetery. While living in Pittsfield Mr. Wilmot lost his first wife, whose death oc- curred in March, 1850. leaving him with one child, Juliaett Josephine, who became Mrs. Wines. For his second wife he married Mrs. Phoebe Cath- erine Watkins, a widow, and to them was born a daughter, Alta E. Wilmot, in 1854. who is now a noted portrait artist of New York city. After their removal to Ann Arbor two other children were born to them: Charles, now a resident of Grand Rapids, and Mrs. Caroline Hall, of Chi- cago.

It will thus be seen that Eugene Anderson Wines is descended from two of the old pioneer families of this section of the state. Entering the public schools at the usual age he passed through successive grades until as a high school student he put aside his text-books at the age of sixteen years. He then went to work for Barker Brothers, of Ann Arbor, and learned painting and decorating. In the fall of 1901 he entered into partnership with Erich Thews, under the firm style of Wines & Thews, painters, decorators and glaziers, located at 537 Third street. In ad- dition to their contracting work, and a large pat- ronage is accorded them in that line, they engage on an extensive scale in the sale of painters' sup- plies. oils, colors and also wall paper, and have

secured a very gratifying patronage in this branch of the business. The firm is noted throughout the county for its efficiency and integrity and their business is constantly increasing.

On the 20th of April, 1896, Mr. Wines was united in marriage to Miss Eva May Blades, a daughter of George and Elizabeth Blades, natives of England, who settled at Pettysville, Michigan, Mr. Wines had one brother, Earnest Wilmot, who died of typhoid fever at Grand Rapids when twenty-two years of age, and his only sister, Pearl Ethel, died at the age of three years. In his fraternal relations Mr. Wines is an Odd Fel- low and is also a member of the encampment of the I. O. O. F. and Modern Woodmen and is now the worthy advisor of the local lodge in the latter fraternity. He was elected constable of the sixth ward in the spring of 1905 and is deeply interested in community affairs along po- litical and other lines. He lives in a beautiful residence at No. 1358 Geddes avenue.

J. GEORGE ZWERGEL.

J. George Zwergel, a well known and success- ful representative of the mercantile interests of Ypsilanti, is a native son of Washtenaw county, his birth having occurred in Freedom township on the 22d of December. 1851. He is a son of John Adam and Margaret Zwergel, natives of Germany, who came to America in early life and were married in Philadelphia. In the early 40s they made their way westward to Washtenaw county, where Mr. Zwergel engaged in business as a carpenter and joiner and also carried on gen- eral agricultural pursuits. He lived to the age of seventy-four years, while his wife reached the age of seventy-six years. They had a family of seven children : Mathias, who died in early man- hood ; Henry, now living in Chicago ; Mary Ann, who died in infancy; Phillip, whose home is in Niles, Michigan ; J. George, of this review; M. Louise, also of Niles, Michigan ; and Katherine, who died at the age of twenty-two years.

In the district schools Mr. Zwergel acquired his education and upon the home farm remained

PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

until twenty-two years of age, when, thinking that he would find commercial life more con- genial, he secured a clerkship in a grocery store in Niles, where he remained for three years. He then removed to Tuscola county, where he clerked for John C. Liken & Company, representing that house at Sebewaing, Huron county, and also at Unionville, in Tuscola county. He was in the employ of the firm for seventeen and a half years, giving strict attention to his business and not missing over four days from the store for vacation purposes in all that period. Ambitious, however, to enter business life on his own ac- count he severed his connection with the firm with which he had been so long connected, and in 1896 bought a vacant lot on Cross street, in Ypsilanti, where he erected his present store. It is located just opposite the Normal, and he has since engaged in the sale of school supplies, sta- tionery, books, papers and magazines. He also conducts an ice cream parlor and deals in fine confectionery and fruits, receiving a liberal pat- ronage from the students as well as the towns- men. He began the business here in 1896, and from the beginning has prospered, enjoying a constantly increasing trade. On the 4th of An- gust, 1903. he became connected with the Scharf Automatic Smoke Preventor Company, engaged in the manufacture of smoke preventors, and is the secretary and treasurer of the company. He is likewise the vice president of the Ypsilanti Evening Press. He is thus an active factor in business affairs of the city. his varied industries displaying his excellent business force and keen discrimination. He is seldom at error in matters of business judgment and his careful conduct of his interests have made him one of the substantial citizens of Washtenaw county.

On the 22d of November, 1875. Mr. Zwergel was imited in marriage to Miss Barbara Jauch- stetter, a native of Niles, Michigan, and a daughter of Thomas Jauchstetter. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Zwergel have been born three children : George W., who is a salesman for the Scharf Company ; Mary C., who is clerking in her fa- ther's store: and Eva M., who is a milliner.

Mr. Zwergel usually supports the democratic party, but at local elections votes for the candi-

dates whom he believes best qualified for office, and in 1904 cast his ballot for President Roose- velt. He has served as alderman of the third ward in the years 1902 and 1903, and while a member of the council acted as its president. During both years he was also chairman of the committee on ways and means, and he gave to the city efficient service while in public office, thus adding to his standing as a business man of ex- pedience and public spirited enterprise. He has become popular with his fellow townsmen during the ten years of his residence in Ypsilanti, having a generous nature and genial disposition that have gained for him many friends.

JOHN A. WESSINGER. M. D.

Dr. John A. Wessinger, practicing his profes- sion along modern scientific lines, his standing with the fraternity of the county being indicated by the fact that he is now the president of the Washtenaw County Medical Society, was born at Howell, Michigan. August 6, 1860, his par- ents being Joseph and Katherine (Aultmann) Wessinger, both of whom were natives of Ba- varia, Germany. In that country the father learned and followed the occupation of wagon- making, and in the year 1857 he crossed the At- lantic to the United States, making his way at once to Howell. Michigan. No longer pursuing his trade, he turned his attention to agricultural interests, settling on a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Howell. where he and his wife yet reside. This is a valuable property, the rich fields returning excellent crops, while his chief source of income, perhaps, is his stock-rais- ing interests, for he makes a specialty of fine Hol- stein cattle. In this he is quite successful. and has become widely known as a prominent stock- raiser of the county. In the family were ten chil- dren. eight of whom are yet living. as follows: Dr. Wessinger, of this review : George J., who is foreman for the Flint Lumber Company at Flint. Michigan : Frank A. and Joseph G., who are both living on the old homestead farm, and assist their father in the operation and manage-

John A. Wesinger.

PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

ment : Ben J .. an agriculturist, living near the old home farm in the vicinity of Howell : Mar- garet, of Ann Arbor: Mrs. Elizabeth Durfee, a resident of Howell ; and Mrs. Eva Weitbrecht, of Howell.

Dr. John A. Wessinger, reared under the pa- rental roof, began his education in the public schools of Howell and passed through successive grades until he had completed the high-school course by graduation. Determining upon the practice of medicine as a life work, he then began preparation for his chosen field of labor as a stu- dent in the office and under the direction of Dr. C. V. Beebe. of Howell. He subsequently at- tended the Detroit Medical College, in which he was matriculated in 1879. and was graduated with the class of 1882. He located for practice in his native city, and while living there he pur- sued a non-resident literary course in the Uni- versity of Illinois at Bloomington. In 1885 he pursued a course in sanitary science under the Michigan state board of health, completing this work in 1887. He continued in practice at Ho- well until 1891, when he removed to Ann Arbor, where he has since remained as an active prac- titioneer of medicine and surgery. He is in- tensely interested in the study of medical science. is a deep and earnest student, and in his work ap- plies accurately to the needs of his patients the knowledge that he has acquired. He has kept in touch with the progress that has characterized the profession and maintains a high standard of professional ethics. A very extensive patronage has been accorded him, and the consensus of opinion regarding his skill and ability is very favorable. His membership in Ann Arbor Medi- cal Club. the Michigan State Medical Society. the American Medical Association and the Missis- sippi Valley Medical Society is a means of con- tinually broadening his knowledge and promoting his efficiency, and his high standing among the members of the medical fraternity of Washtenaw county is indicated by the fact that he was for- merly chosen treasurer of the County Medical So- ciety and is now its president.

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Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan, Part 9

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