USA > Michigan > Huron County > Portrait and biographical album of Huron county Michigan, Containing biographical sketches of citizens also a complete history of the county, from its earliest settlement to the present time > Part 26
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illiam Engel, merchant and miller at Parisville, vas born April 8, 1847, in Prus- sia. His father, William Engel, Sr., was also a native of Germany, and was a Captain of a vessel 30 years of his life. He owned two vessels, which he sold and settled at Brom- berg, in the Province of Posen, Germany, where he was afterward engaged in the business of hotel-keep- ing until his death, about the year 1864, when he was 56 years of age.
Mr. Engel was thoroughly educated in his native land, and when he was 17 years of age he became a book-keeper in the mercantile establishment of his uncle, where he was employed four years. On the termination of his term of service he came, in 1870, to the United States, locating at first in Detroit, where he established himself in the grocery business, and prosecuted that enterprise five years.
In the fall of 1875 he came to Parisville and pur- chased a building for mercantile purposes, of James
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Erskine, where he did business until its destruction by fire in 1879. He at once erected an extensive business structure 40 x 52 feet, and attached his resi- dence. In 1883 he built a mill four stories in height; with three run of buhr stones, and having a capacity of about 50 barrels daily. The annual business transactions of Mr. Engel average $10,000.
He is a supporter of the principles and issues of the Republican party. Soon after he settled in Michigan he was elected Justice of the Peace, and has since held the office continuously. In 1876 he received the appointment of Postmaster of Parisville, and has since continued the incumbent of the posi- tion.
Mr. Engel was married Sept. 5, 1876, in Sherman Township, Huron County, to Henrietta Schader, and they are now the parents of four children, viz: Emma, born July 18, 1877 ; Theodore, June 9, 1879; Charles, July 14, 1881, and William, Sept. 28, 1883. Mrs. Engel was born Aug. 2, 1857, in Prussia, and emi- grated to this country with her parents, Charles and Minnie (Frederick) Schader, in 1869. They have been constant residents of Delaware Township, Sani- lac County, since their removal to the Huron Pe- ninsula, with the exception of one year, when they lived at Lexington.
Mr. and Mrs. Engel are members of the Lutheran Church.
illiam E. Webb, farmer, section 4, Sand Beach Township, is a son of John and Sarah (Shepard) Webb, of English nativ- ity, who emigrated to Canada in 1842, and lived there the remainder of their lives, Mr. W. dying July 25, 1870, and Mrs. W., Oct. 3, 1867.
In the above family were four children, of whom William E., the subject of this notice, is the youngest. He also was born in England; July 23, 1830, and attended the common schools of his native country until the emigration of the family to this country in 1842. He remained with his father until his death, as an assistant on the farm, which then came into his possession, and which he occupied until the spring of 1882, when he sold it and came
to Huron County. He bought a half-section of wild land in Sand Beach Township, built a fine dwelling, and began to advance the improvement and value of the place; now has about 45 acres in a good state of arability.
In general politics, Mr. Webb is in sympathy with the Republican party.
He was married in Canada Feb. 1, 1855, to Miss Mary, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Ingham) Hindley, natives of England, who emigrated to Can- ada in 1834, where they passed the remainder of their lives, Mr. H. dying Sept. 5, 1857, and his widow May 23, 1865. Mrs. W. was born in Canada Feb. 5, 1836, and there are now in her family the following chil- dren : John H., born Nov. 12, 1855; Annie M., born Feb. 3, 1858 (wife of James Ritchie); and Ermina D., born Sept. 1, 1861.
eorge M. Cross, farmer, section 13, Brook- field Township, was born March 2, 1845, in the Township of Tyre, Seneca Co., N. Y. William H. Cross, his father, is a native of New York, and is now a resident of Jeffer- son County, in that State, and is a member of the Assembly of the Empire State. His mother, Lucy A. (Boardman) Cross, was born at Seneca Falls, N. Y., and died at her home in the same county, in 1878, aged 61 years.
William H. Cross and five sons became soldiers in the Union army. Two died in a rebel prison, and one on the battle-field. The father sustained no in- jury save a sprained ankle. He was 53 years of age when he enlisted.
Mr. Cross, of this sketch, enlisted when he was 18 years old, enrolling April 30, 1863, in the Eleventh, which was consolidated with the Fourth New York Heavy Artillery. The battery was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and was in action at Gettys- burg, and was detailed for duty in the harbor of New York during the draft riot. After rejoining his com- mand, Mr. Cross was a participant in the battles of the Wilderness, at Spottsylvania and in the principal engagements of the Peninsular campaign. He was wounded April 2, 1865, at Weldon Railroad, receiv- ing a gunshot wound in his left arm and hand. He
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Henry Hellems
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was discharged July 26, 1865, at Harwood General Hospital, Washington, D. C.
He was a carpenter by trade, and on returning to his home resumed that occupation in connection with farming, and pursued his twofold vocation until his removal to Michigan. In the spring of 1867 he came to Huron County and purchased 80 acres of land in this township, to which he has added by more recent purchase until he owns double that amount in different parts of the county. He has since improved nearly the entire amount of the first "80" of which he became the proprietor. He is in- dependent in political principle, and is present Jus- tice of the Peace. He has officiated as Township Treasurer.
His marriage to Mrs. Leon (Cooley) Coulter oc- curred at Caro, Tuscola Co., Mich., March 1, 1878. She is the daughter of Smith and Celia R. (Pierson) Cooley. Her father was born in Massachusetts, and was a student of Oberlin College, Ohio. Her mother was born in the State of New York, and is the great-great-granddaughter of Mr. Pierson, the first President of Yale College. She is living at Caro. The father died at Caro, from the results of an injury caused by being thrown from a buggy. Mrs. Cross was born at Dansville, Livingston Co., N. Y., July 21, 1846, and was educated at Rochester, in her native State. She is a teacher by inheritance and practice, coming from a line of educators whose connection with the educational interests of this country dates back to its pioneer period. She has taught 26 terms of school.
She has two children by her first husband : David, born Feb. 2, 1868, and Helen, Nov. 12, 1869. She is a Presbyterian in her religious creed. Mr. Cross is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Cross have had two children : George L., born Jan. 14, 1879, and Adelbert R., born July 31, 1881.
Kenry Hellems, farmer on section 17, and a blacksmith by vocation, is the first settler in the present township of Dwight, of which he became a resident in the fall of 1856. He purchased his claim, and in order to reach his land, traversed an old lumber route from Port Austin, a distance of two and a half miles, and on
reaching its termination was obliged to cut his way through the unbroken forest. He was accompanied by his wife and five children. His farm included 320 acres, and he cleared a small space as soon as possible, on which he erected a log shanty. He afterward gave two of his sons 80 acres each, and sold 80; and of the 80 acres which has since re- mained in his possession, he has 50 acres under cultivation. The log shanty was long ago replaced by a modern dwelling, and the place is fitted with other suitable farm buildings.
Mr. Hellems is a Republican of decided views, and has been prominent in the management of the local township affairs. He has officiated 12 years as Notary Public, has been Supervisor five terms, Jus- tice of the Peace two terms, School Director three terms, and has held other minor official positions. In 1876 he was elected Master of the Dwight Grange, No. 602, and in the year following was re- elected.
Mr. Hellems was born Sept. 27, 1811, in Welland Co., Ont. He obtained such education as the public schools of the section and period offered, and when he was 13 years of age was " bound out" to learn the trade of builder, being apprenticed to serve his time until he was 21 years old. He remained under the bond four years, and then left his employer on account of ill treatment. On becoming his own master, he engaged as a carpenter in his own behalf, and passed 13 years in the business. He then bought a farm, and in connection with his agricultural projects established a turning-shop, which he continued to operate until he resolved in 1856 to come to Michigan, to seek a field for the improvement of his fortunes.
He is the youngest son of Matthias and Dorothy (Baker) Hellems, natives respectively of Pennsyl- vania and Germany. After the marriage of his parents, they located in the Keystone State, and about the year 1856 they removed to Canada, where they made a permanent settlement and passed the remainder of their lives. They had eight children.
Mr. Hellems was first married in Welland Co., Ont., March 3, 1833, to Harriet F. Clark. She bore him six children,-Joel M., Robert E. (deceased), Henry B., Jonathan B., Isaac B. and John T. (de- ceased). Their mother was born in the State of New York, and was the daughter of Major Joel B. Clark, of New England origin and a prominent actor
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in the war of 1812. She died Sept. 2, 1848, in Norfolk Co., Ont. Mr. Hellems was a second time married, in Canada, to Abigail Anger, and of this marriage one child was born, Dorothy E. The mar- riage of Mr. Hellems to Susan Cook took place Nov. 20, 1856. The names of their five children are Josiah C., Charles W. (deceased), George W., Allan G. and Mary J. (deceased). Mrs. Hellems is a na- tive of Canada.
A lithographic portrait of Mr. Hellems is given on a preceding page, to accompany the above brief ac- count of his life. In the minds of his friends, his features, as thus presented, will be associated with a life of pioneer toil, and also with a life of success, such as is attained by steady industry and strict integrity.
orace R. Hitchcock, M. D., physician and surgeon, practicing at Sand Beach, was born March 9, 1845, in Martinsburg Town- ship, Lewis Co., N. Y. His father, Henry Hitchcock, was born in 1804, in Lewis County. His mother, Clarissa M. (Hubbard) Hitchcock, was born in Port Leyden Township, Lewis Co., N. Y., in 1819, and is now living at Lowville, Lewis Co., N. Y.
Dr. Hitchcock is the second of four children born to his parents. He came to Hillsdale, Mich., in 1865, and engaged as a clerk in a general mercantile establishment. After a short time he entered into a partnership for the prosecution of a mercantile en- terprise with Messrs. Ashbaughs, under the firm style of Ashbaugh & Hitchcock. Two years there- after they dissolved partnership by mutual consent, "and in the fall of 1872 he entered the office of W. R. Ditmars, M. D., at North Adams, Hillsdale County, where he read medicine for 18 months. He then came to Howell, Mich., in 1873, where he was em- ployed as a clerk for three years. Meanwhile he studied medicine, as opportunity presented itself. In the fall of 1874, he entered the Medical Department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated in the spring of 1878. He makes a specialty of diseases of the eye and ear. After
receiving his credentials, Dr. Hitchcock opened an office at Howell, where he practiced his profession six years, coming thence in March, 1884, to Sand Beach, and has already established a fine and lucra- tive practice.
Dr. Hitchcock is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity. He is a Quaker by birth and descent, and adheres to the general tenets of the Society of Friends. While in Howell he officiated four years in the village and township as Health Officer. In 1878 he represented his class at its Alumni meeting, and was the Vice-President.
His first marriage occurred June 14, 1865, at Lowville, Lewis Co., N. Y., to Alvina F. Putnam, a native of Jefferson Co., N. Y. Two children were born of this union, in Howell, Mich. : Horace H., Aug. 25, 1876; and Thomas F., May 28, 1880. Dr. Hitchcock was a second time married in Milford, Oakland Co., Mich., July 1, 1883, to Cordelia F. Allison, who was born in Brighton, Livingston Co., Mich.
Dr. Hitchcock enlisted in the United States ser- vice Jan. 28, 1865. He enrolled at Lowville, in Co. H, First Regiment Frontier Cavalry, under Capt. H. E. Turner. The command was sent to Sackett's Harbor, Jefferson Co., N. Y., where it was placed on patrol duty to guard the frontier coasts of Lake Ontario and the River St. Lawrence. He was dis- charged as Corporal, at Sackett's Harbor, July 7, 1865.
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eorge Anderson, farmer, section 14, Case- ville, was born April 2, 1839, in Berwick- shire, Scotland, and is the son of George and Jane (Young) Anderson. His father was a millwright and engineer by vocation, but he adandoned his trades on account of failing health, and removed to a farm; but the change availed nothing, and he died not long after. The funeral ceremonies were the first event in the life of Mr. Anderson, which impressed him, as he was but a child. The family removed to America in 1852, accompanied by an older brother and his wife. They landed in Montreal and located on a farm in Beau- harnais Co., Can., which was situated near the village
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of St. Louis de Gonzague. After a residence there of seven years, the place was sold to the oldest brother, and the four younger brothers came to Halton Co., Ont., where they prospected for a loca- tion and remained two years, operating as farm assistants. At the end of that time they decided on settling in Michigan and came accordingly to Huron County in 1860, each one locating a tract of Govern- ment land in Caseville Township, where they have since resided. Only the land sharks had been here previously, and the county was wholly unimproved ; there were no roads, and only a lumber route a part of the distance to the location where Mr. Anderson set- tled. He has 100 acres of land, all "stumped " and fenced, with a frame house, barn, sheds and wagon house, all of excellent quality.
Mr. Anderson is a Republican in political opinion. In the spring of 1863 he was elected Treasurer, and held the position 18 years. In 1864 he was elected Supervisor.
His marriage to Jane Brown occurred Sept. 3c, 1868, and they have three children, Isabella J., Jane A. and Jessie B. Mrs. Anderson was born in Can- ada March 14, 1836, and is the daughter of Robert and Isabella (Young) Brown. Her parents are both. Scotch. The father died in the fall of 1863; the mother resides at St. Louis de Gonzague, on the Canadian homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are members of the Presbyterian Church, and are among the leading people of Caseville.
ohn Gerstenschlæger, farmer, sec. 5, Sand Beach Tp., son of Melchior and Ann M. Ger- stenschlæger, natives of Germany, where Mrs. G. died. Mr.G. emigrated to America in 1843, and settled in Illinois, where he died. John also was born in Germany, Aug. 17, 1827 ; received his education in the schools of his native country, and came with his father to America in 1843.
About 1850 he bought a farm in St. Clair Co., Ills., which he carried on three years, then sold it and bought a 200-acre farm in Perry Co., Ills .; this he managed until 1879, then sold it; came to Huron
County and purchased 400 acres in Sand Beach and Rubicon Townships, 160 of which is under cultiva- tion and in a good farming condition.
Mr. G. was a soldier in the Mexican War, under Gen. Wool, and served a year. In the spring of 1884 he was elected Drain Commissioner. In poli- tics he is independent, and in religion he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church.
For his wife, he married Miss Eve Tuenger, in January, 1853, in St. Clair Co., Ill. She is a native of Germany. Of the 13 children born in the family of Mr. and Mrs. G., ten survive and three died in infancy. The living are, Edward, Julius, Anna, Eve, Wilhelmina, John N., Philip H., Mary, Albert W. and Joseph.
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ohn F. Welch, Probate Register of Huron County, was born Feb. 14, 1845, in Massil- lon, Ohio. He is the son of Samuel W. and Eunice C. (Ford) Welch. The family re- moved in 1848 to Palmyra Lenawee Co., Mich., where the father died, in 1872. The mother resides at present in Douglas, Allegan Co., Mich.
Mr. Welch was reared on a farm until the year preceding his majority. He received a good common- school education, and taught school about five years in Lenawee County. In October, 1870, he entered the Law Department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated in the spring of 1872. Soon after that event, he established his office at Morenci, in Lenawee County, where he con- tinued the practice of his profession until February, 1881, the date of his removal to Bad Axe. On com- ing hither, Mr. Welch associated his business with that of J. H. Hall, of Port Austin, and C. S. Hall, of Sand Beach, being established at the several places. This relation existed until the fall of 1882, since which date Mr. Welch has transacted his business singly. He is now acting Probate Register, and at- tending to the duties of his legal connections. He belongs to the Masonic Order and to the Knights of Maccabees. He is a member of the Board of Trus- tees of the Graded Schools at Bad Axe. His wife,
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Mrs. Ida E. (Swindell) Welch, was born Nov. 17, 1855, in Morenci. She is the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth E. Swindell, and belongs to one of the earliest pioneer families of Adrian. She was married to Mr. Welch Jan. 9, 1878, and. is the mother of two children,-Osa F., born Jan. 18, 1880, in Morenci, and John F., born Feb. 3, 1883, in Bad Axe.
idney A. Smith, farmer, section 24, Fair- haven Township, was born Feb. 18, 1843, in Orion Township, Oakland Co., Mich. His parents were natives of England, and about May, 1836, emigrated to the United States. They had eight children, of whom Mr. Smith is fourth in order of birth. He was carefully trained in the old-country thrift and economy, and at the age of 17 years he secured 80 acres of land in Huron County by purchase. In 1861 he made his first location on 160 acres, and in 1862, associated with his brother, he secured a further claim of 160 acres. He is present proprietor of 280 acres, and has cleared about 40 acres.
His parents died in Oakland County, the father June 12, 1865, the latter May 12, 1883. Mr. Smith managed the home farm in Oakland County about six years, the place including 80 acres. In 1869 he came to Huron County, where he has since resided.
In political faith he is a Democrat, and has held the position of Treasurer, Supervisor and Clerk, and other minor offices of his township. He is an active member of the Baptist Church.
rederick Empkie, farmer, section 6, Dwight Township, was born Feb. 26, 1850, in Prussia. His parents, Charles and Sophia Empkie, were also natives of that na- tionality, and emigrated with their family to . the United States in 1858.
At the age of 15 years, Mr. Empkie entered upon his single-handed strife with the world, and, besides
providing for his own maintenance, he contributed largely to the support of his parents. He entered the employment of Woods & Co., lumbermen at Port Crescent, and was occupied in their interest eight years.
He purchased 125 acres of land, lying chiefly in Hume Township, on which he settled in 1880, and now has 35 acres under improvement. Mr. Empkie is a Democrat in political connections.
His marriage to Mary Etzler occurred at Port Crescent, Huron Township, Dec. 31, 1879. Their children are four in number. Emma and Annie are twins. The third child is named Frederick, and an infant.
Mrs. Empkie was born July 3, 1859, at Port Aus- tin, this county, and is the daughter of August and Theresa (Richert) Etzler.
gilliam Kellogg, merchant in Sebewaing Township, was born Jan. 16, 1830, in
GYO. Steuben Co., N. Y., and is the son of
R: Nathan and Fanny (Price) Kellogg, the former a native of Connecticut, the latter of New York. After their marriage in the Empire State, they removed to Pennsylvania, and came thence to Washtenaw Co., Mich. The father went to California in 1852, where he died not long after. The mother lives in Lima, Washtenaw Co., Mich. Susan, Joseph and Jonathan (twins), William, Min- nie, Harriet, Daniel, Charlotte and George, and a child who died in infancy, comprise the ten children born to them.
Mr. Kellogg was three years of age when his parents came to Michigan. He was engaged in farming in Washtenaw County until 1861, when he became a resident of Huron County, settling in Seb- ewaing. Two years after that event, he entered the employwent of John Mullerweiss, and operated 'in his interests 12 years.
In 1876 he opened a general store in Sebewaing, and has since been engaged in the transaction of a prosperous business.
He was married Feb. 22, 1870, in Sebewaing, to Delphine Benjamin. Their children are two in num-
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ber,-William and Mary. Mrs. Kellogg was born in Pennsylvania, and is the daughter of Daniel S. Ben- jamin.
Mr. Kellogg is a member of the Masonic frater- nity. He is a Republican in political faith and con- nection, has been Treasurer of the township and village of Sebewaing, serving two years in each ca- pacity, and is also Village Councilman.
rancis Nash, farmer, section 12, Colfax Township, has resided in Michigan since 1862. In that year he removed from the Dominion of Canada and located in Worth Township, Sanilac County. After a residence there of two years, he came to Huron County, and in January, 1865, he obtained a farm of 120 acres of Government land, under the regulations of the Homestead Act, in Colfax Township. He has disposed of 40 acres, and of the remainder he has placed 60 acres under cultivation of the best style, his farm ranking among the finest in the county.
At the time he located in Huron County, the sec- tion where he settled was attached to Hume Town- ship, and at as early a date as possible Mr. Nash moved vigorously in the matter of separating the townships. He built the first school-house in Colfax, and has been constantly interested and active in school matters. He has officiated two terms as Jus- tice of the Peace, and held most of the local offices. He is a Republican of the stalwart kind.
Mr. Nash was born July 12, 1830, in England, and was but three years old when his parents emi- grated to Canada. He is the youngest of eight children, and grew to manhood in Ontario. School privileges were limited, and he obtained a fair educa- tion by his own application. He was apprenticed at the age of 15 years to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner, spending seven years to satisfy his inden- tures. He followed his trade until 1868.
His parents, James and Elizabeth (Hill) Nash, were natives of England, and emigrated to Canada in 1833. The mother died there in 1836, and the father in 1844.
Mr. Nash was married in Ontario Co., Ont., Oct.
26, 1851, to Elvira S. Bennett. Following are the names and dates of birth of 12 children, of whom Mr. and Mrs. Nash have been the parents: Abra- ham R. R. was born Sept. 23, 1852 ; John F. A., July 28, 1855; Alma E., Aug. 1, 1857; Norman J. B., Dec. 17, 1859; Robert W. C., Feb. 14, 1862; Abigail E., March 23, 1864; Elvira E., Oct. 24, 1866; Nina E., April 30, 1869; Francis A., March 30, 1871 ; Essa M., May 5, 1873; and Hugh C., May 7, 1876. One child died in infancy.
Mrs. Nash was born in Vermont, and is the daugh- ter of Richinond and Abigail (Hinkston) Bennett. They were natives respectively of Connecticut and Vermont. They settled after their marriage in the latter State, afterwards removing to Canada, where the father died, in 1853, and the mother in May, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Nash are members of the Bap- tist Church.
Mr. Nash is a fine sample of what a man may accomplish, even without capital, when he has the auxiliaries of energy and perseverance and judgment to guide them; and as a representative citizen of that class, we present his portrait in this volume, on a preceding page.
enry F. Pangborn, farmer, resident on sec- tion 23, Verona Township, was born Dec. 2, 1842, in Canada, and is the son of Thomas and Eliza Pangborn. He was reared to man- hood in the manner common to the training of farmers' sons in the Dominion, and came to the township where he has since resided, in 1867. He had become comfortably located and fairly started in business life when the first season of loss and dis- aster overtook Sanilac County. In the fire of 1871, Mr. Pangborn lost his house and other property, reaching an aggregate of several hundred dollars. In the fall of the same year he bought the farm on which he has since resided. It contains 80 acres, with 60 acres under cultivation. In the fire of 1881. he ex- perienced a loss of $2,000, his house, barn, grain hay, fences, orchards and stock being destroyed. There was no insurance on the property. Mr. Pang- born has made the improvements on his place him-
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