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1IOGRAPHICAL
O F
EMINENT&SELFMADE
MEN,
PORTRAITILLU5'TR"AT"OIN ON STEEL.,
F *MICHIGAN VOLUME,.'
V4STERN BIOGRAPHICALPUBLISHINGa.0
vCINCINNATI,0.
18                78.




Copyright i878, by F. A. BARN.ARD, Cincinnati, Ohio.

PRINrTyx CANiD BOUND BY
J.S. MORGAN & CO.,
CINCINNA TI.

STIERfOTYPED) AT
FRNANKLIN '1TIE )FOUNI)DRY,
CINCINNA I,




William Henry Gordon, M. D.
1102 David Whitney Bldg.
1553 Woodward Avenue
Detroit 26, Michigan
PREFACE.
IN undertaking the publication of the Biographical History of the Eminent and
Self-made Men of our native state, we have not been influenced solely by the
\K' prospective dollars to be thus gained, but by a desire to hold up before the young
the inspiring example of worthy self-made men; and to perpetuate the names of those
who, by their manly struggles and sterling character, have laid the foundation, and
reared the superstructure, of a great and prosperous state. The biographies gathered
embrace more than the history of individuals; for in the life-record of these is written
the history of the territory and state of their adoption. In the selection of subjects, we
have acted upon the best information furnished by leading citizens of each community.
We have tried to do our part thoroughly and well, and have spared neither pains nor
expense in our efforts to make this a book of which the people of the state might
be justly proud. Its compilation has been an arduous task of more than two years'
duration. Prejudices, indifference, inaccuracy, and imperfect records are among the
obstacles which have retarded the progress of the work.  In the preparation of
manuscript, our hands have often been tied by requests that sketches should appear
just as written, and that incidents which to us have not seemed important should be
retained. But our work is done; and we gladly send forth the completed volume,
believing it will prove a useful book.  No other state, of equal population, can furnish
so large a record of self-made men; of men who, under adverse circumstances, have by
their great energy and integrity achieved success, and won an enviable fame.
F. A. B
CINCINNATI, June, 1878.




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William  Ecnry Gordon, M. D.
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1553 W    xood r.vLoaue
Dctroit 20, Miichigan




7I




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.
FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

BBOTT, JUDGE JAMES, a life-long resident of
IDetroit, was born there in 1775; and died March
12, 1858.  At the time of his birth, the war of
the Revolution was beginning; and Detroit, then in
the possession of the British, was but a small settlement
of Indians and fur-traders.  Born within the space
enclosed as the fortified station, he lived to see his
native place become a great commercial city. It seems
difficult to realize that a single life should have witnessed
such changes. At the time of his birth, the entire State
of Michigan, except a few little ports along the lakes
and rivers, was a dense wilderness. The Indians occupied the forests, and their canoes dotted the lakes and
rivers, while the wolf and the wild-cat roamed unchallenged through the forest. Once an important actor in
all the interests of the place, Judge Abbott, atthe age
of eighty-three, had become a unit in its vast population,
and was almost lost sight of in the whirl of enterprise.
He lived in Detroit under two national sovereignties;
and was old enough, at its evacuation by the British,
to stand upon the bank of the river, swing his hat, and
send a boyish shout of triumph after them. His father
was a dealer in furs, and agent for one of the great fur
trading companies of those days; and Mr. Abbott grew
up in training for that occupation. This was the business of his life; he spent part of the time as agent for
the North-western Fur Company, and afterwards worked
on his own account. He was closely connected, in his
business relations, with John Jacob Astor, and Pierre
Chouteau & Co., of St. Louis. He was appointed Postmaster of Detroit about 18o8, which office he held until
1832, with some little interruption during the War of
1812. The office of Justice of the Peace was, at that
time, an important one, involving varied and comprehensive duties, and extended territorial jurisdiction.
This office he held for many years, and from it derived

his title of Judge. He was appointed a Major of militia
by General Hull; and performed the duties of Quarteimaster-General during the war, also adding to the duties
of these positions those of Receiver of the Land-office,
fur-trader, auctioneer, grocer, and numerous other minor
matters. He married a daughter of Major Whistler, of
Fort Wayne, Indiana, while that gentleman was stationed
at Chicago, and brought his bride home to Detroit;
making the entire journey from Chicago on horseback.  Judge Abbott was distinguished for his close
attention to business.  He accumulated a handsome
property, which he left mainly in the form of real
estate, in Detroit. He was scrupulous in his dealings,
giving to every one the full measure of his dues, and
requiring the same in return. During the last few years
of his life, he lived in great retirement, his infirmities
precluding any out-door exercise.  He died, without
suffering, from a gradual prostration and wearing away,
as the ripened fruit drops from its stem.
RNOLD, JOHN      MOTTE, D. D., of Detroit,
Michigan, was born in South Durham, Greene
County, New   York, October 15, 1824.  His
ancestors were English, who settled early in Rhode
Island. His father was a Baptist clergyman, who died
in 1825. By a series of misfortunes, he lost all his
property, and left his family penniless. His invalid widow,
with five little children, struggled with severe trials,
not the least of which was the ill health of her youngest
son, John Motte, Arnold. She devoted herself to his
care and education until he was eight years old. He
was a precocious child, taxing the utmost skill of his
instructors with questions upon moral subjects, and




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

annoying his seniors, for miles around, by borrowing
books. When he was nine years old, he signed the
temperance pledge, and, by this early decision, escaped
the family curse.  In 1839 he emigrated with his
mother to Michigan, and settled in Oakland County,
near Romeo.    He taught for several years after his
settlement there, and spent every available moment in
reading and study.    He perused, indiscriminately,
poetry, metaphysics, theology, and phrenology; without a tutor, he studied Latin, Greek, Hebrew, stenography, and algebra.  At seventeen years of age, he
went to a camp-meeting for the purpose of amusement,
but was there aroused from his indifference to serious
things; and, six months later, joined the Methodist
Church. His own convictions, and those of his friends,
soon marked him for the ministry, but his utter lack of
facility of speech, for many years, made his success
doubtful. He left the farm, and devoted five years to
study at an academy in Rochester, Michigan, founded
by Peter Myres. Here he prepared for college, but was
prevented from  entering by ill health. In 1849 he
entered the Methodist ministry. He was first stationed
on a four weeks' circuit, at Litchfield, embracing
twenty-two appointments.  From   there he was stationed, successively, at Port Huron, St. Clair, Flint,
Commerce, Dexter, and Detroit, where he now resides.
At the close of his pastorate in the Woodward Avenue
Methodist Episcopal Church, he conceived the project
of establishing, in Detroit, a Methodist Episcopal Book
Depository for the State; and   opened, in a room
twelve feet square, in the third story of the Fisher Block,
the nucleus of the business which has since grown to such
considerable proportions. His former extensive acquaintance with books gave him excellent qualifications for
this office. The General Conference of 1864 indorsed
the scheme; and he has maintained this important
interest of Michigan Methodism until it has reached a
sale of sixty thousand dollars per annum. As a bookseller, he has aimed to develop a purer taste, instead
of pandering to depraved intellectual appetites, and has
demonstrated that success may be attained on this
higher plane of business. This Depository is a center for
the diffusion of standard and religious literature, and is
an important factor of denominational influence in the
State. Doctor Arnold has had a controlling influence
in forming the tastes and directing the studies of the
younger members of the ministry, both of his own and
other denominations, many of whom hold him in filial
esteem. One of the most important outgrowths of his
business and literary enterprise is the Michigan Christian Advocate, with the founding of which he has been
closely identified. After maintaining for years the practicability of establishing a weekly Methodist journal in
the State, he united with others, in December, 1875, to
form a joint-stock company for this object. The success

has vindicated the sagacity and merit of its founders. It
has attained a circulation of five thousand copies in about
three years. Doctor Arnold's relations, as largest stockholder, assistant editor, and business manager of the
Advocate, give him a distinctive prominence in Michigan Methodism.   The various cares and business
engagements incident to his position have not, however, disqualified him for the pulpit. For several years
he held the position of Sabbath-school agent in his
conference; and he is still usually engaged in Sabbath
work, either for his own or other denominations. Few
men in his profession are better known in the State.
In person, he is tall and erect, rugged in features, with a
quick, penetrating eye; and, when absorbed in thought,
appears to be of a morose disposition. The observer
would never infer that he is of a facetious turn of mind,
a good   story-teller, approachable by the humblest
individual, and living in the sympathies of his friends.
As a preacher, he is original and suggestive; and, though
he lacks any remarkably popular element, one may listen
with profit.  His talents are exceedingly versatile,
rendering him  a good conversationalist, an effective
debater, and a valuable counselor. He has a wide
knowledge of the religious matters of his State, and
has filled every office in the gift of the church except
that of General Superintendent.  As a man, he is
above reproach, extremely plain in life and manners,
and generous to a fault. Doctor Arnold is a progressive
and independent thinker; in this respect, he is in advance of most men of scholastic reputation.   The
interests of the church are always safe in his hands;
and he is readily interested in all reforms and institutions tending to ameliorate the condition of society.
He has never taken part in politics, although, during
the war, he was earnestly loyal, and made his influence
widely felt.
TKINSON, JOHN, Lawyer, Detroit, of Irish deSscent, was born at Warwick, Canada, May 24,
"1- 1841. His father was James Atkinson, and his
mothernwas Elizabeth (Shinners) Atkinson. Mr. Atkinson
received his education at home and in the public schools
of Port Huron, Michigan. He graduated from the law
department of the Michigan University, in March, 1862,
and immediately commenced the practice of law, in
partnership with Hon. W. T. Mitchell, of Port Huron,
under the firm name of Mitchell & Atkinson. The following July he entered the army as Second Lieutenant,
being promoted to the rank of Captain in August. In
this rank he served in the 22d Michigan Infantry, in
Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia, until August, 1864,
when he became Major. He was then recalled to Mich



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iv "  ii2  i Y   /

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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

igan to organize the 30th Regiment Michigan Infantry,
but, after seven companies had been raised, it was decided to take them to fill up the 3d and 4th regiments,
which were then organizing. He was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of the 3d Regiment, and served in Tennessee and Georgia until the close of the war, when he
was ordered, with his regiment, to Texas, and served
for a short time on General Custer's staff, as Judge Advocate. He was mustered out of service on the 26th
of February, 1866. Mr. Atkinson returned to Michigan
in May, 1866, and commenced the practice of his profession, in Port Huron, with John S. Crellen and O'Brien
J. Atkinson, remaining until the fall of 1870, when he
removed to Detroit. From October I, 1866, to March
4, 1867, he was Collector of Customs, at Port Huron,
under the appointment of President Andrew Johnson.
In 1870 he was a candidate, on the Democratic State
ticket, for the position of Attorney-General; and, in
1872, for State Senator, but suffered a party defeat in
each instance. In his religious views, he is a believer
in the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church. February I, 1866, he married Miss Lida Lyons, of San
Antonio, Texas, by whom he has had five children. Mr.
Atkinson is considered one of the most promising lawyers of Michigan. He is a man of untiring industry
and research, possessing an indomitable will; and is
also a brilliant advocate. His remarkable success is as
much due to the straightforwardness and sincerity of
his character, as to his fine abilities.
LGER, RUSSELL A., of Detroit, Michigan,
Pine-timber Merchant and Dealer in Pine Lands,
was born in the township of Lafayette, Medina
County, Ohio, February 27, 1836. When eleven years
of age, his parents died. During the next seven years,
he worked on a farm in Richfield, Ohio, for the greater
part of each year, earning money enough to defray his
expenses at the Richfield Academy during the winters.
He obtained a very good English education, and was
enabled to teach for several winters. In March, 1857,
he entered the law office of Wolcott & Upsord, at Akron,
Ohio, remaining until March, 1859, when he was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of that State.
He soon afterwards removed to Cleveland, Ohio, and
entered the law office of Otis & Coffinbury, where he
remained until the fall of 1859. In that year, owing to
failing health, caused by hard study and close confinement to his business, he abandoned the practice of his
profession, and removed to Grand Rapids, Michigan,
where he engaged in the lumber business.   April 2,
1861, he married Annette H. Henry, daughter of W.
G. Henry, of Grand Rapids. In August, 1861, Mr.

Alger enlisted in the 2d Michigan Cavalry, and was
mustered into the United States service as Captain of
Company C. On the 2d of July, 1862, he was wounded
in the battle of Booneville, Mississippi. Owing to the
part taken in this engagement, he was promoted to the
rank of Major; his Colonel, now Lieutenant-General
Sheridan, was, at the same time, promoted to the rank
of Brigadier-General. On the I6th of October, 1862,
Major Alger was promoted to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy
of the 6th Michigan Cavalry; and his regiment was
ordered to the Army of the Potomac. June 2, 1863, he
was promoted to the Colonelcy of the 5th Michigan
Cavalry, his regiment being in Custer's famous Michigan
Cavalry Brigade. July 6 he was wounded in the battle
of Boonesborough, Maryland. In October, 1864, Colonel
Alger's health induced him to retire from the service.
He had engaged in all the battles of the Army of the
Potomac, from the time of the invasion of Maryland by
General Lee, in 1863, up to that date, except when
absent on account of wounds. He took part in sixty-six
battles and skirmishes during the war, aud was brevetted
Brigadier-General and Major-General " for gallant and
meritorious services in the field."  He was on private
service during the winter of 1863-64, receiving orders
personally from President Lincoln, and visiting nearly
all the armies in the field. In 1865 he removed to
Detroit, Michigan, where he has since been extensively
engaged in the long-pine timber business, and in dealing
in pine lands. He was a member of the firm of Moore
& Alger until its dissolution, when he became the head
of the firm of R. A. Alger & Co., the most extensive
pine-timber operators in the West.  In his political
views, he coincides with the Republican party.
IAGG, DR. JOSEPH        H., late of Detroit, was
born in the village of Lanesborough, Massachusetts, December 2, 1797. His grandfather, Joseph
Bagg, with four brothers, served in the war of the Revolution from 1777 to 1781. His father, Abner Bagg,
rharried Miss Eunice Hall, of Lanesborough.   Soon
after their marriage, they removed to Oneida County,
New York, where he bought a large farm, and supplied
it with fine stock; although not devoting his entire time
to the cultivation of the soil, he was a successful and
prosperous farmer. Two daughters and eight sons were
the fruit of this union; and, with the respect for a
professional life felt by the people of those times, Mr.
Bagg decided that his son Joseph should be a doctor.
Though averse to this profession, preferring to study
law, Joseph Bagg yielded to his father's wishes. When
seventeen years of age, he left the homestead, and went
to the beautiful little village of Trenton, New York.




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

where he became a student in the office of Dr. Luther
B. Guitteau, a physician of considerable note in that
vicinity. He remained two years, and then entered the
Medical College at Fairfield, Herkimer County, New
York, of which Doctor Willoughby was President at
the time. As a student, Mr. Bagg was thorough and
practical; a favorite with his class and associates. He
graduated in February, 1821, and immediately formed a
partnership with Doctor Smith, a celebrated physician
of Ogdensburg, New York. He remained there two
years, when some capitalists, who were investing funds
to a large amount in the village of Oxbow, then being
settled, persuaded him to remove to that place. Among
these was lion. Abram Cooper, a gentleman of large
wealth, strict integrity, and undoubted ability, to whose
sound judgment and excellent counsel Doctor Bagg was
indebted for the financial and professional success attained during this period of his life. The first year of
his residence in Oxbow, he became the owner of a large
tract of valuable land, together with a fine homestead;
being then only in the second year of his practice, and
but tw.enty-four years of age. On the Ioth of January,
1823, Doctor Bagg married Miss Eliza Sheldon, an
estimable, talented, and highly cultured young lady
from New Hartford, Oneida County, New York. Mrs.
Bagg's ancestors were English; her father, James Sheldon, was Captain of a company of grenadiers in the
Revolutionary army,- the entire number being over six
feet in height. He was one of the pioneer settlers of
Oneida County, New York, and was formerly from
Providence, Rhode Island. Her mother, Mary (Chesebrough) Lord, came from Connecticut.   Mrs. Bagg
inherited from the Sheldons an unusual amount of energy, sound sense, and perseverance; her ancestors on
both sides were remarkable for their longevity, accounted
for, in a great measure, by their prudent and Puritanical mode of life. Her grandfather, James Sheldon, of
Troy, New York, one of the oldest inhabitants of that
city, was a minister of the Gospel, of the Baptist denomination; and lived to be ninety-two, preaching until he
was over eighty years old. After their marriage, Doctor
and Mrs. Bagg continued to reside at Oxbow three
years; where, in connection with the practice of his
profession, he carried on an extensive drug store, and,
by untiring industry and strict attention to business,
amassed a large property. Finding the field too small
for his ambition, he removed with his family, in 1827,
to Watertown, New York, where he continued his practice until 1836. During the last year or two of his
residence in Watertown, with many others, he became
affected with the Western fever, and took a prospective
tour to Cleveland, then comparatively a small village.
He went in company with Mr. Goodrich, a capitalist
of large means, who induced him to remain several
weeks in Cleveland with the view to speculate in prop
erty. While there, Mr. Goodrich was taken alarmingly
ill with a prevalent disease known as Cuyahoga fever.
Fearing that he might die there alone, Mr. Goodrich
promised that, if Doctor Bagg would stay and nurse
him through the attack, he would buy some land and
deed it to him, on whatever site he should select.
Doctor Bagg remained and gave him, not only the
service of a skillful physician, but the kind care of a
brother. Upon his recovery, Doctor Bagg was himself
attacked with the fever, and for many weeks was in an
unconscious state. In the absence of such treatment as
'he had given his friend,-Mr. Goodrich having left the
city,-he experienced severe suffering.  At different
times he was obliged to give one dollar for a glass of
water. Upon a partial recovery, he disposed of his land,
which was the site of the Weddell House, Cleveland, and
returned to Watertown. He removed to Oswego in 1836,
and there remained until 1838, when he again decided to
go West. He removed this time to Detroit, where he had
two brothers living. Michigan was then the "far West,"
and emigrants to that Territory were considered as
going to the end of the civilized world; and their
friends, with tearful eyes, bade them farexwell, never
expecting to see them again. Upon his arrival in the
city of the straits, Doctor Bagg immediately entered upon
the duties of his profession, obtaining, in a short time,
a fair share of patronage and support. In the year
following, a tribe of Chippewa Indians were sent
from Michigan to what was then known as the Indian
Territory. Doctor Bagg was appointed Surgeon of this
expedition, and went with them, being desirous of exploring this unknown region. They were absent several
months, and performed the entire journey either on
foot or horseback. Doctor Bagg possessed a most earnest
and inquiring mind in scientific research; and, among
other subjects, he investigated and reduced animal magnetism to a science, far beyond what had hitherto been
accomplished. After several years of careful study of
the subject, he wrote and published a work called
Bagg on Magnetism, which has received high praise for
its scientific and original matter. It was not intended
for the beginner, or student, but rather for the professional man and ripe scholar. With reference to this
work, a writer of considerable renown said: " Its author
has lived a century in advance of his age;" and the
opposition and limited success with which the book
met, was virtually that encountered by every author of
new and startling theories. While yet int the practice
of medicine, having ever felt a strong inclination toward
the legal profession, he devoted his leisure hours to
reading law. After an incredibly short time, he was
duly admitted to the bar in Detroit, and commenced to
practice in the courts. His quick perceptions, extraordinary knowledge of human nature, and judicious
discrimination, made him an ornament to the profession,




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

and proved, in one more instance, that a youth should
be allowed to devote his life to the pursuits he naturally
prefers. During this time, Doctor Bagg filled several
important offices. He was elected Recorder of the city
of Detroit, and served two terms. He was a member
of the Common Council several terms; and was, for
some time, what was then called Side Judge of the
Circuit Court. He was a member of the State Constitutional Convention of 1850, where, among other
important measures, he introduced and advocated the
anti-license prohibition clause (Section 47 of Article IV.)
of the present Constitution of the State of Michigan.
He was Deputy County Clerk for two years, and was
Judge of Probate for Wayne County from 1853 to 1857.
In the Common Council, he was the originator and
advocate of having plank walks in the city, and, by persistence, succeeded in carrying the work to completion,
although exciting thereby great hostility from property
holders. In the cause of public schools, Doctor Bagg
did as much for the ultimate success of these institution as any man in the city. The late Samuel Barstow,
in conversation with him, once remarked: "Doctor
Bagg, you should have had a school-house named
after you, instead of myself, commemorative of your
efforts in promoting  public instruction."  Doctor
Bagg was enthusiastic in every undertaking whereby
the best interests of the city could be promoted.
He visited the Lake Superior country, while it was yet
considered in its infancy, several successive seasons,
accompanied by several gentlemen from Detroit, among
whom were Lucius Lyon, Doctor Ioughton, Jonas IH.
Titus, Hon. Omar D. Conger, and Anthony Ten Eyck,
all well known in that city. Doctor Bagg has often
related his experience, both of pleasure and hardship,'
while making the tour of Lake Superior in a bark canoe
with an Indian guide. lie was particularly impressed
with the Pictured Rocks; and, in speaking of the sublime grandeur of this scenery, seemed inspired with
that reverential awe and admiration due from a creature
to his Creator. According to his ideas, it far exceeded
anything that he knew in foreign lands. While thus
coasting along this great inland sea, they were once
overtaken by a severe storm of wind and rain, rendering
it impossible to effect a landing; they were carried
farther and farther from shore, ald were compelled to
lie prostrate in the bottom of the boat, and so remain
for several hours, until the fury of the tempest had
passed.  Doctor Bagg procured a fine collection of
specimens of copper, silver, agates, and valuable geological formations during these expeditions; and also
presented Doctor Caralli-a French gentleman whom
old residents of Detroit will remember-many fine additions to his museum. From his extended knowledge
of this mineral region, he became so impressed with the
value of the land as to invest considerable money there,

with the expectation of profit in the future. Among
other property, he bought a one-third interest in a harbor above Marquette, near Grand Marias. Doctor Bagg
was an old-time Democrat, working for his party with
an enthusiasm and zeal now almost unknown to any
party; and never deviating, even in the most active and
exciting political contests.  lie became interested in
religion in 1857, and united with the First Presbyterian
Church of Detroit, of which Doctor Duffield was pastor.
Throughout the remainder of his life, he lived an exemplary and consistent member of that church. Benevolent
to a fault, he never turned a deaf ear to the calls of
suffering humanity; and in him the poor and destitute
ever found a firm, generous friend. Though perhaps
not- as judicious in his charities as many, it may be
truly said of him that he never refused to assist those
in trouble. Full of generous sentiments, and actuated
by noble impulses, with a fund of ready wit, originality
of thought and expression, he was an agreeable and
entertaining companion, a true friend, and a favorite in
society. Doctor and Mrs. Bagg had six children,-Mrs.
Charles Goodhue, of Owosso, Michigan; Mrs. Cordial
Storrs, of Lowville, Lewis County, New York; B. Rush
Bagg, a lawyer, and formerly Police Justice of Detroit;
Mrs. Charles J. Halliday, of Syracuse, New York; Mrs.
George C. Halliday, also of Syracuse; and Mrs. Doctor
William G. Cox, of Detroit, Michigan. Of the character of their mother, we can give no better synopsis
than to quote from her biography, read before the Pioneer Society of Detroit, by lion. Levi Bishop:
"Mrs. Bagg has lived to see many of her grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren, around her. She
is now over eighty years of age, yet is in remarkably
good -health, and, in an extraordinary degree, retains
her mental powers. She is a lady of the old school,
and is contemplated by us as belonging to a generation
gone by. She was born in Washington's administration, and passed.her childhood and girlhood in the
latter part of the last century and in the first of the
present one. She was a contemporary of the elder and
the younger Adams, and of Jefferson, Madison, and
Monroe. She possessed many of the higher accomplishments and refinements of her sex, For the last seventy
years, she has been an intelligent and deeply interested
observer of the vast national panorama that was moving
before her eyes. She has lived to fill the full measure
of life and of womanhood; and we feel assured that
those who know her best will be ready to say that she
has done it nobly and worthily."
In 1861 Doctor Bagg removed to Owosso, where he
engaged in speculation. His health, however, had gradually failed, and he was obliged to relinquish active
pursuits. In the spring of 1862, having become a confirmed invalid, and being under the medical advice of
the late Doctor Zina Pitcher and others, he was removed
to Ypsilanti to the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Doctor
Cox. He never rallied; but, gradually growing weaker,
died at the family residence, November 2, 1864, in the
hope of a heavenly rest and a glorious immortality.




6

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.,AGG, JOHN S., Lawyer and Editor, of Detroit,
was born at "Lanesborough, Massachusetts, in
       1809; and died in Detroit, Michigan, in 1870.
Although the Puritans of New England, the Dutch of
New York, the Catholics of Maryland, and the Cavaliers of Virginia, stand first among the founders of the
nation, the men who carried civilization around the
great lakes, and across the Alleghanies and the Mississippi, must hold a conspicuous place in the history of
the progress of mankind. Among these last, the name
of John S. Bagg should be held in honorable remembrance. Owing to the removal of his parents to a new
country, his early years were spent in his native place
with his grand-parents, where he was surrounded by
all the best influences which characterize the homes of
intelligent Americans. His training was strict, but not
more binding than his natural self-control. Those who
knew him at that time state that his instincts were pure,
his affections warm, his habits orderly, and his sense
of honor high. The Puritan fiber running through his
nature showed itself in his morality, business integrity,
and devotion to religious and political principles. His
demeanor through life was grave and decorous. In his
early years, he was beloved in his home and by his
playmates;-one of whom, now an old lady, vividly
remembers his tenderness for birds, and his indignant
protests against the wanton violation of their nests.
This quality, combined with his firm principles, formed
a nature both gentle and strong. Upon arriving at the
proper age, Mr. Bagg entered, as a law student, the
office of Judge Robert Lansing, at Watertown, New
York, and remained there until he departed for the
West. Judge Lansing was noted, both politically and
professionally, in New York; and it is to Mr. Bagg's
credit that he soon so won the regard of his perceptor
as to become his friend and the confidential manager of
his business. Mr. Bagg frequently referred to his relations with Judge Lansing as having been of the highest
importance to himself; and, shortly before his death,
wrote a letter of grateful acknowledgment. While a
student in Watertown, he made the acquaintance of
Judge Bronson and his wife, who invited him to become
an inmate of their home. There he was surrounded by
refined social influences which proved of great value.
He cherished the utmost affection for Judge and Mrs.
Bronson, and, during his subsequent life, referred to his
home with them as affording great benefit to him. To
Mrs. Bronson's graceful example, he imputed the conquest of his natural timidity in society. While engaged
in his legal studies, before his admission to the bar, he was
in the habit of contributing to the Watertown Freeman,-a newspaper published by his cousin, Thomas A.
Smith. In 1834 he received his diploma as attorney-atlaw and solicitor in chancery. During that year, the
Freeman was bought by Archibald Smith, a brother of

its former owner. Its name was changed to the Watertown Standard, and Mr. Bagg was installed as editor.
In this position, notwithstanding his youth, he exhibited
marked ability. In 1835 he resigned and removed to
Detroit, Michigan. Soon after, he became proprietor
and editor of the Detroit Free Press, a paper now
famous throughout the United States. Upon the admission of Michigan as a State, he was appointed State
Printer, and at once took high rank among those who
molded the institutions of the new commonwealth. In
politics, Mr. Bagg was a Democrat of the Jacksonian
school; and, with all the power of his press, which rapidly gained influence at home and abroad, he upheld
and advanced the best doctrines of the best days of the
Democracy. He was noted for his careful and honest
methods, and his inflexibility of principle. He made
the acquaintance of nearly all the leading men in his
party. Upon the accession of James K. Polk to the
Presidency, Mr. Bagg became Postmaster, and gave
thorough attention to the duties of the position until
removed by Mr. Taylor. Before this appointment, he
had been the sole editor of the Free Press. With a
small staff of assistants, he had done an immense
amount of labor, and, by his industry and sagacity,
had made the paper a power in the land. Upon his
retirement from the position, he also severed his connection with the newspaper, and removed to the township of Hamtramck. There he purchased a large country
place, and devoted his attention to agricultural and
horticultural pursuits. In the latter he took much interest, and was especially successful in raising fruit. In
this, as in every other vocation of his life, he was
assiduous in acquiring useful knowledge. Under Mr.
Buchanan's administration, Mr. Bagg held the office of
United States Marshal for the district of Michigan, in
which he acquitted himself with great efficiency. After
the accession of Mr. Lincoln, Mr. Bagg retired from
official life; but his interest in public affairs never
flagged. The civil war, and the subsequent condition
of the country, filled him with solicitude. Like many
other good men, he feared that American institutions
could not bear the strain to which they were subjected by the civil war. Mr. Bagg was a member of
the Presbyterian Church. He was singularly well informed in theological matters, having studied the history of all the ancient and modern sects. He possessed
rare and extensive information upon almost every
topic of human interest, and was always willing to
impart his knowledge. He was very familiar with the
best English writers, and was especially fond of the
poets. He was unostentatious and even reserved. As
a political writer, his style was terse and logical. In
1847, Mr. Bagg married Frances Wells, of Kensington,
Michigan. She is the daughter of Doctor Wells, a gentleman widely known and respected, who is still living,




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NK \cs \an




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

at a very advanced age. They have had six children,
four of whom survive. This meager sketch can afford
no adequate idea of the sterling worth and public serv
ices of Mr. Bagg. He not only gave name and position
to a great journal, under an adverse condition of an
early American settlement, but held offices of public
trust, enjoyed the confidence of leading statesmen, and
lived as a worthy citizen. Hie d(lied in 1870, leaving to
his family and friends the knowledge that he had born
himself justly in all his relations.
ACKUS, WILLIAM WOODBRIDGE, was born
SSeptember 22, I836, in that portion of the townSship of Springwells now constituting the Ninth
Ward of the city of Detroit. He was of English descent, and was able to trace his ancestry, in a direct line,
back thirty-one generations, to William of Normandy.
This circumstance, while it never led him to boast of
his ancestry, doubtless had its effect, as an inspiring
thought, in that chivalrous standard which was the rule
of his life, and the fortitude which sustained him during
long years of suffering. In this connection, it is chiefly
important as an historical fact, that a known descendant
of the Conqueror has so recently lived in Detroit. His
father, Judge Henry Tytus Backus, who died at Greenwood, Arizona Territory, July 13, 1877, was a man of
great force of character, combined with a genial disposition and a rare gift of pleasing, which endeared him
to all who came within his influence. Hlie held many
positions of honor and trust. He represented his district in the State Senate, during the term commencing
with January, 1861, and was chosen President, pro temzpore,
of that body. He also discharged the dluties of Lieutenant-Governor during a portion of the term. In April,
1865, he was appointed, by President Lincoln, ChiefJustice of Arizona Territory; and, it is worthy of note,
that the signing of this commission was the last official
act of Mr. Lincoln, as he was assassinated two hours
later. The wife of Judge Backus, who is still living,
was, prior to her marriage, Miss Juliana Trumbull Wood.
bridge. She was the eldest daughter of Hlon. William
Woodbridge, second Governor of Michigan under the
State Government, and a Senator of the United States.
He died October 20, iS6M, at the age of eighty years.
Mr. William Woodbridge Backus was essentially a home
man in his tastes, education, and habits. His only
school instruction was that received under the tuition
of Moses H. Hunter, at Grosse Isle.   After leaving
school, he took charge of the extensive business affairs
of his mother, especially the landed interests in and
about Detroit. During the civil war, Mr. Backus organized a military company at Detroit, called the Robertson
2

SGuards, of which he was an officer. He was also a
I member of the old fire department of Detroit for ten
- years. He was a Republican, having acted with that
i party from the time of its organization, although, during
I his last years, owing to the physical indisposition under
- which he suffered, he took little active part in politics.
I His early religious training was in the Congregational
Church; but, later in life, although holding no special connection with any religiqus body, he was a patron of the
Swedenborgian or New Jerusalem Church. For a number of years preceding his death, Mr. Backus turned
his attention to the collection of curiosities and relics
of every description; and is said to have had the largest
private collection in the State. Among the specimens
to be found in his cabinet, are a number of rare coins,
said to be the oldest in the world; old papers, documents, precious stones, etc. On the Ist of February,
1866, Mr. Backus married Annie Elizabeth Fox, of
Detroit, whose father, David Fox, was a native of Hlalifax, and one of the pioneers of Michigan. He died at
Bay City, in March, 1875, at the age of sixty-seven years.
The foregoing brief outline embodies the principal events
in the public life of Mr. Backus, and forms an honorable
page in the record of worthy citizenship. Yet, honorable
as this is, his more private record was one of exemplary goodness and true heroism, during years of intense
and almost constant suffering, caused by a rheumatic
affection. This heroism was not merely of the negative
kind, which accepts with philosophical resignation or
grim indifference. It was of a more exalted type, not
only accepting the trials which had been ordained, but
waging a manful, aggressive warfare against them.
While thus fighting his hard battles, Mr. Backus found
ample time to strike many a goodly blow and bind up
many a wound for others. Few besides those directly
benefited had knowledge of the compassionate side of
his nature. The poor found in him the thoughtful and
generous friend; and the struggling never appealed in
vain for that sympathy and forbearance which are the
best stimulants to sincere endeavor. His genial nature
always rose superior to the small annoyances of life;
and, despite his almost unparalleled physical sufferings,
he never abated his cheerfulness or his cordiality. The
grasp of his hand was as earnest, his face was as sunny,
and his salutations were as hearty, as if he had never
Sknown the pain from which he rarely had release. His
nature was equally heroic with the knights who have
dared death in battle. Their deeds, however grand and
chivalrous, may not outshine the radiance of a life like
that of William W. Backus,-a life so beautiful, so suggestive as an example for the future, that all must
regard it with affectionate reverence. In the sacred
precincts of his home, the attributes of his nature found
their highest development. There, indeed, was an atmosphere of elevated domestic life; anrd there it was




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

that he best demonstrated his capacity for enjoying and
imparting domestic happiness, b.y procuring every possible means of comfort and pleasure for those who were
nearest and dearest to him. It was there, too, that he
forgot his own grievous afflictions, and lived with the
least suffering possible in his cofidition. Mr. Backus
was released by death, at his home in Detroit, on the
24th of June, 1877. His life was rendered happy, and
his sufferings greatly assuaged, by the devoted attention
of his wife, who survives him.
AGLEY, HON. JOHN         JUDSON, of Detroit,
ex-Governor of Michigan, was born in Medina,
Orleans County, New York, July 24, 1832. His
father, John Bagley, was a native of New Hampshire;
and his mother, Mary M. Bagley, a native of Connecticut.  He attended the district school of Lockport,
New York, until he was eighteen years old, at which
time his father removed to Constantine, Michigan, and
he attended the common schools of that village. His
early experience was like that of many country boys
- hose parents removed from Eastern States to the newer
portions of the West.  His father being in very poor
circumstances, Mr. Bagley was obliged to work as soon
as he was able to do so. Leaving school when thirteen
years of age, he entered a country store in Constantine
as clerk, remaining there one year. His father then
removed to Owosso, Michigan, and he again engaged as
clerk in a store. From early youth, Mr. Bagley was
extravagantly fond of reading, and devoted every leisure moment to the perusal of such books, papers, and
periodicals as came within his reach. In 1847 he removed to Detroit, where he secured employment in a
tobacco manufactory, and remained in this position for
about five years. In 1853 he began business for himself as a manufacturer of tobacco. His establishment
has become one of the largest of the kind in the West.
Mr. Bagley has also been greatly interested in other
manufacturing enterprises, as well as in mining, banking, and insurance corporations. He has been President
of the Detroit Safe Company for several years. He was
one of the organizers of the Michigan Mutual Life
Insurance Company of Detroit, and was its President
from 1867 until 1872. He has been a Director of the
American National Bank for many years, and a stockholder and Director in various other corporations. Mr.
Bagley was a member of the Board of Education two
years, and of the Detroit Common Council for the same
length of time. In 1865 he was appointed, by Governor Crapo, one of the first Commissioners of Metropolitan Police for the city of Detroit, serving six years.
In November, 1872, he was elected Governor of Michi
gan; and, two years later, was re-elected to the same
office, retiring in January, 1877. He is an active worker
in the Republican party; and, for a number of years,
was Chairman of the Republican State Central Committee. He is quite liberal in his religious views, and
is an attendant of the Unitarian Church. He aims to
be able to hear and consider any new thought from
whatever source it may come, but is not bound by any
creed or religious formula. He holds in respect any
and all religious opinions, believing that no one can
be injured by a firm adherence to a faith or denomination. He was married, at Dubuque, Iowa, January 16,
1855, to Frances E. Newberry, daughter of Rev. Samuel
Newberry, a pioneer missionary in Michigan, who took
an active part in the early educational matters of the
State, and in the establishment of its excellent system
of education. It was principally through his exertions
that the State University was founded. Mr. Bagley's
family consists of seven children. As Governor of the
State, his administration was characterized by several
important features, chief among which were his efforts
to improve and make popular the educational agencies
of the State, by increasing the facilities of the University for more thorough instruction in technical studies;
by strengthening the hold of the Agricultural College
upon the public good-will; and by making a general
change, which has manifested itself in many scattered
primary districts. Among others, were an almost complete revolution in the management of the penal and
charitable institutions of the State; the passage of the
liquor-tax law, taking the place of the dead letter of
prohibition; the establishment of the system of dealing
with juvenile offenders through county agents, which
has proved of great good in turning the young back
from crime, and placing the State in the attitude of a
moral agent; in securing for the militia, the first time
in the history of Michigan, a systematized organization
upon a serviceable footing. It was upon the suggestion
of Governor Bagley, in the earlier part of his administration, that the law creating a State Board of Health,
and also the law creating a Fish Commission in the
inland waters of the State, were passed, both of which
have proved of great benefit to the State. The successful representation of Michigan at the Centennial Exhibition is also an honorable part of the record of Governor Bagley's administration.
ALCH, GEORGE W., Commission Merchant,
Detroit, Michigan, was born May 24, 1832, and
is a native of Vienna, New York. He removed
with his parents to Michigan in 1835, and settled at
Marshall, where they resided until 1848. In the winter
of 1849-50, he removed to East Tennessee, where he




'V~
J i.
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.,Ooc  ý--    - 7 -



REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

at first engaged in the dry-goods business, and, subsequently, in telegraphing.  In 1851 he was appointed
Superintendent of the Nashville, Chattanooga, and
Augusta Telegraph Company, holding the position for
one year; at the end of which time, he returned to
Michigan, locating in Detroit, where he acted as manager of the telegraph office. Removing to Chicago in
1853, he was manager of the telegraph office in that city
for a short time, and afterwards Superintendent of the
Southern Michigan Telegraph Company. In 1855 Mr.
Balch returned to Detroit, and, upon the reorganization
of the telegraph lines and the formation of the Western
Union Telegraph Company, during the latter portion
of that year, he was appointed manager of the Detroit
office. lie continued in this position, and as agent for
the New York Associated Press, until 1862, when he was
made Division Superintendent of the Western Union
Telegraph Company, in Michigan. In 1865 he became
Assistant General Superintendent of the same company,
and removed to Rochester, New   York. Upon the
removal of the executive head-quarters, in 1866, Mr.
Balch went to New York City; but was thence transferred to Buffalo, in special charge of a division of the
company's lines extending through Canada, New York,
Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois, to Chicago.  He sev
of the State. He married Elizabeth Ingham, a member
of a prominent family in that section of the country,
and reared a large family of children. His public contracts took him away from home, and his association
with the leading men of the State made him feel the
importance of giving to his children more than a common-school education.  He died, as he had lived, a
consistent Christian, at the age of seventy-three years.
His wife survived him some years, and had reached the
same age at the time of her death. Of the large family
left, the subject of this sketch seemed to be the leading
spirit. From early youth, Mr. K. C. Barker possessed
a personal magnetism which attracted all who came
within the circle of his influence. Many of his youthful
attachments clung to him through life. Wonderfully
tenacious in friendship, his enmity was of equal strength;
and, while he could cheerfully overlook the faults of his
friends, he had no charity for the imperfections of his
enemies. Thoroughly fearless and independent in his
actions and impulses, he would ask no one to share with
him the burdens of his misfortunes or mistakes. These
early characteristics were developed and strengthened as
he advanced in years. He received the rudiments of an
English education in the old red school-house of his
native village. When fourteen years of age, he attended

ered his connection with the telegraph company in a manual-labor school, in the town of Whitesboro, a short
1867, and returned to Detroit, engaging in commercial distance from East Schuyler, where he paid for his board
pursuits.  He constructed the Detroit Central Mills, by working a certain number of hours each day. He
which he operated four years; after which, he engaged labored and studied at this school for some time. After
in the grain commission business, and other enterprises, leaving it, he entered a store at Frankfort, New York,
In 1870 he was elected a member of the Detroit Com- where he served as clerk for about one year. It was
mon Council, and in 1871 was chosen President of the here that he laid the foundation of a business edusame body. IHe became a member of the Board of Edu- cation which seemed to be the key-note to his subsecation in 1873; and, during the latter portion of the quent success. He then went to Utica, entering a store
same year, was elected President, his term of service as clerk. Previous to this, he had felt a desire to try
expiring in January, 1877. Mr. Balch is President of his fortune in the comparatively new country on the
the Detroit Electrical Works, and of the American western borders of the great lakes; and, when eighteen
District Telegraph Company; he is also connected with years of age, went to Cleveland, Ohio, where resided a
various other enterprises,                         distant relative, who was Postmaster; here he found a
home, a counselor, and a friend. He obtained employment in a public warehouse, where his business ability
was soon recognized; and he was often sent to New
W.                                           York in charge of a boat, or as supercargo on the lakes.
)ARKER, HON. KIRKLAND C., Merchant, late While acting in this capacity, he became skillful in the
of Detroit, Michigan, was born September 8, management of sail-boats, which secured for him the
1819, in East Schuyler, Herkimer County, New distinguished honor of being elected Commodore of the
York. He was the second son of Mason Barker, who Yacht Club on the lakes, holding the title during life.
emigrated from the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts to Soon after his connection with the house in Cleveland,
Central New York, in the beginning of the nineteenth he went into the tobacco trade as salesman, making his
century. He possessed the habits of industry and ready head-quarters at Logansport, Indiana, and his home in
adaptability of his Puritan ancestors. He leveled the Detroit, Michigan. Having made a large acquaintance
forests and built houses until a larger field opened to while traveling, he concluded to engage in business for
his energies in the construction of canals and railroads. himself, and, gathering together his credentials, with a
He became extensively engaged in this work, and has very limited capital, started to New York. At Utica, he
left many evidences of his handiwork in various portions called at a well-known tobacco house, and casually men



I0

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

tioned his business to New York, when the proprietor
proposed at once to let him have all the goods hb
wanted on his own terms, at the same time suggesting
that he take into partnership a younger brother of one
of the firm. This arrangement did not prove advan
tageous, as Mr. Barker was led into a disastrous move
ment. In connection with the western house, they
opened one in New York, and also a factory in Jersey
City; but the latter having been consumed by fire, the
young firm was involved to the extent of several thousand dollars. The partnership was then dissolved, and
Mr. Barker concluded to start anew where he was best
known. He soon paid off the indebtedness of the late
firm, and established the house of K. C. Barker & Co.,
which has been a leading one in the United States for
the past thirty years. In 1861 he gave his brother, J. I.
Barker, who had been traveling salesman in his employment for a number of years, an interest in the business;
and, subsequently, took his son-in-law, Charles B. Hull,
into the firm. After the death of Mr. Barker, the busi/ness management devolved upon Mr. Hull; and the wellearned reputation of the house has not only been maintained, but steadily advanced. The firm is now composed
of Mr. C. B. Hull, Mr. J. I. Barker, and Mrs. K. C.
Barker. Although Mr. Barker was an active business
man, retaining the control of his affairs up to the time
of his death, he had resided, for the past eight years,
on Grosse Isle, a beautiful place at the mouth of Lake
Erie, about sixteen miles below Detroit. He selected
this spot, because it afforded him the best opportunity
to gratify his love for boating.  He always owned the
handsomest and fleetest yacht on the fresh waters; and,
a short time before his death, brought from New York,
where it had been built for him, the finest and largest
yacht ever seen on the lakes. By his experience and
enterprise in aquatic sports, he gave great impetus to
the yachting interests on the lake coast. From early
childhood, Mr. Barker was an enthusiastic sportsman,
and wished to elevate and ennoble the turf. He became
the presiding officer of the Horse Association of America,
and a member of the Board of Appeals. Hle owned a
large stud of the most improved imported stock, contributing greatly to the improvement of horse stock in
the country. Mr. Barker had no taste for politics;
and, although he served several terms as Alderman of
Detroit, it was not for emolument nor honor. He was
elected Mayor of the city in 1864, and ran ahead of his
ticket. He was married, in 1847, to a daughter of
Gilbert Bedell, of Ann Arbor, Michigan. At his delightful home, Mr. Barker loved to gather around him
congenial friends; and, to his accomplished wife, their
guests were indebted for a large share of their enjoyment under his roof. Much of his success in life can
be attributed to her early economy and subsequent management in domestic affairs. Mr.-Barker met an untimely

r death in Detroit River, on the 20th day of May, 1875.
e It is supposed that he was struck with apoplexy while
Ssailing a small yacht opposite his residence at Grosse
Isle. The boat capsized, and when he was taken out
- of the water, life was extinct. He left a wife, two sons,
- and a daughter, to mourn his loss. He was buried in
charge of the Masonic Fraternity, under an escort of
SKnights Templar, having been an honored member of
the order. Mr. Barker was a man of generous impulses
Sand deeds. Money had no significance with him except
as a means for making others happy, and no worthy
Sapplicant ever appealed to him in vain.
INGHAM, HON. KINSLEY SCOTT, late Governor of Michigan, and United States Senator,
was born in Camillus, Onandaga County, New
York, December 16, 1808. His father was a farmer,
and his own early life was consequently devoted to agricultural pursuits; but, notwithstanding the disadvantages
relative to the acquisition of knowledge in the life of a
farmer, he managed to secure a good academic education in his native State, and studied law in the office of
General James* R. Lawrence, now of Syracuse, New
York. In the spring of 1833, he married an estimable
lady, who had recently arrived from Scotland; and, obeying the impulse of a naturally energetic and enterprising disposition, he immediately emigrated to Michigan,
and purchased a new farm, in company with his brotherin-law, Mr. Robert Worden, in Green Oak, Livingston
County. Here, on the border of civilization, buried in
the primeval forest, our late law student commenced
the arduous task of preparing a future home, clearing
and fencing, putting up buildings, etc., at such a rate
that the land chosen was soon reduced to a high state
of cultivation. Becoming deservedly prominent, he was
elected to the office of Justice of the Peace, and Postmaster, under the Territorial Government, and was the
first Judge of Probate in the county. In the year 1836,
when Michigan became a State, he was elected to the
first Legislature. Ile was four times re-elected, and was
Speaker of the House of Representatives three years.
In 1846 he was elected, on the Democratic ticket, Representative in Congress, and was the only practical
farmer in that body. He was never forgetful of the
interests of agriculture, and was, in particular, opposed
to the introduction of "Wood's patent cast-iron plow,"
which he completely prevented. He was re-elected to
Congress in 1848, during which time he strongly opposed the extension of slavery in the Territories of the
United States, and was committed to, and voted for, the
Wilmot Proviso. In 1854, at the first organization of
the Republican party, in consequence of his record in




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

II

Congress as a Free-soil Democrat, he was nominated
and elected Governor of the State, and re-elected in
1856. Still faithful to the memory of his own former
occupation, he did not forget the farmers during his
administration; and, among other proofs of his zeal in
their behalf, he became mainly instrumental in the
establishment of the Agricultural College, at Lansing.
In 1859 he was elected Senator in Congress, and took
an active part in the stormy campaign in the election
of Abraham Lincoln. He witnessed the commencement
of the civil war, while a member of the United States
Senate. After a comparatively short life of remarkable
promise and public activity, he was attacked with apoplexy, and died suddenly, at his residence in Green Oak,
October 5, i86i.
-006--
JISSELL, GEORGE W., Vessel Owner, Detroit,
SMichigan, is a native of Ohio, and the son of
Elijah N. and Florella L. Bissell, who were born
in Torringford, Litchfield County, Connecticut.  His
father was a farmer, and while a young man -after
having married-emigrated, about the year 1815, to
what was then called the "New Connecticut,"-afterwards known as the "Western Reserve,"-in Ohio,
locating at Charleston, Portage County. Here, on February 12, 1821, George W. Bissell was born; the eldest son
of a family of six sons and three daughters, having two
sisters older and one younger. When he was twelve
years old, his father sold his farm; and, purchasing a
tract of wild land near Ravenna, Ohio, removed thither,
and began the work of clearing another farm; which,
by the aid of his sons, was effected when George Bissell
reached the age of twenty-one. The education received
by Mr. Bissell was limited to what the farm-boy in a
newly settled country could obtain in the frontier district
school, which he attended at intervals. After having
attained his majority, he determined to seek other means
of livelihood than those to be obtained on a farm, and left
his home, and proceeded to the city of Detroit. Arriving there in 1842, he entered the employment of Watkins
& Bissell, who were in the produce and grocery trade,the junior partner, A. E. Bissell, being his uncle. He
remained some four years; and, in the spring of 1846,
in company with several other gentlemen, made an expedition to the Lake Superior regions to explore for
copper and iron, which had then been discovered to
exist in that country in large quantities, the fact creating considerable excitement. The party spent several
months in making explorations, coasting from the Sault
to Marquette in a Mackinaw boat; located various mining lands, and built several houses on Isle Royale.
They returned to Detroit in the fall, after having ex
hausted all their capital, but without perfecting their
title to the land located, which consequently passed out
of their possession. In the spring of 1847, with F. W.
Backus, he started the produce and commission house
of Backus & Bissell. Two years afterwards, his partner
retired, and Mr. Bissell conducted the business alone
until 1863. Meeting with a fair degree of success, in
1850 he made his first venture in the vessel business,
having purchased the brig "Alvin Clark." This having
proved financially successful, he began to invest as
largely in vessel property as his means would permit;
and, in the course of ten or twelve years, became one
of the largest ship owners in the city of Detroit. In
1863 he retired from the produce and commission business, and devoted his time entirely to the management
of his vessels. lie has built ten sailing vessels and two
steamboats during this time, and has sent six ships laden
with grain, lumber, and staves from the western lakes to
Liverpool and return; one of them being the second
that made the voyage from Lake Erie to Europe. In
1872 he became a member of the firm of R. A. Alger &
Co., in the manufacture of long timber and lumber.
They are operating in Alcona County, owning large
tracts of pine lands, where they are getting out long
timber and logs. They have recently introduced there
the new system of logging by steam power, by means
of a narrow-gauge railroad running into the woods for
the transportation of logs to the lake shore. This has
proved a successful system, inasmuch as it enables them
to get out timber during the entire year, instead of being
obliged to confine their operations to a few months each
winter. Politically, Mr. Bissell has acted with the Republican party, but has refused to accept any political
office, though he has been repeatedly requested to do so.
He has given his whole time and energies to his business, meeting with a reasonable amount of success as a
reward. He was married, at Detroit, in December, 1847,
to Miss Eliza C. Sanderson, a niece of the late Colonel
Levi Cook, of Detroit. They have one daughter now
living, who is the wife of James E. Davis, of the firm
of Farrand, Williams & Co.
5412ATTLE, JAMES, of Detroit, Chief Engineer of
the Fire Department of that city, was born in
County Sligo, Ireland, July 19, 1830. His father,
John Battle, kept a public-house, but left the Green Isle
in 1831, for a home in America, settling first at Torontb,
where he was occupied in the commission business until
1838. Removing to Chicago, he engaged in the grocery
and provision trade; and, in 1839, carried on the same
business at Dresden, on the line of the Illinois and
Michigan Canal. In 1842 he sold his stock and invested




I3

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

his means in pork, which he shipped to St. Catherine's,
Canada, where'the work then in progress on the Welland Canal created a local demand for provisions, and
realized a handsome profit. He settled in St. Catherine's,
and died there in 1843. James Battle attended school
at St. Catherine's; and, in the spring of 1846, went to
Toronto, and engaged as an apprentice with a tin and
copper smith. Upon the failure of his employer, at the
end of a year, he went to Hamilton, where he worked
at his trade for nearly a year; and, in the spring of
1848, came to Detroit. After various adventures and
changes, consequent upon hard times and other circumstances, he completed his trade in 1852, and then worked
a year in Port Huron. Subsequently, until 1860, he was
in Detroit, most of the time in the capacity of foreman
of shop, when he engaged in business for himself, carrying it on successfully for fourteen years. Prior to the
year 1860, the Detroit Fire Department was composed
exclusively of volunteer hand-engine companies, and
took rank amongst the most efficient in the United
States, being known far and wide for its chivalry and
discipline. Mr. Battle became one of its members in
1848; and, after serving in all positions up to that of
foreman of his company, he was, in 1860, elected second
assistant engineer of the department, then numbering
about eight hundred. At this time, the introduction of
steam fire-engines made a change in the internal police
of the department, and the office of Fire Marshal was
created. This officer had charge of the entire wants of
the department, including supplies, repairs, etc.; while the
Chief Engineer and his assistants had supreme command
at fires. In 1861 Mr. Battle was strongly recommended
by his friends in the department for Chief Engineer, and
was elected over two competitors. The following year,
the office of Fire Marshal being vacant, he was designated to perform its duties also, and continued to hold
both positions until the spring of 1863, when he declined further service. The pay of the Chief Engineer,
prior to 1860, had been seven hundred dollars per year;
but, upon the creation of the office of Fire Marshal, it
was reduced to four hundred dollars. Mr. Battle, while
doing double duty, received two dollars per day, at the
same time giving attention to his private business. His
old love for the department, however, continued; and
he connected himself with one of the hand-engine companies, of which he was elected foreman, and was often
called upon at fires to take the place of the Chief Engineer, in the absence of that officer. In the fall of 1864, he
was strongly urged by members of the department and by
the Mayor of the city to again accept the position of Chief
Engineer,-this officer being then appointed by the Mayor
and Council, instead of being elected by the department,
as formerly. He peremptorily declined, at the salary
then paid; but, in January, 1865, his name was sent to
the Council by the Mayor, without his knowledge, and

he was confirmed by a unanimous vote. He consented
to serve only at the earnest wish of the Mayor, K. C.
Barker, that he would do so during the remainder of
his official term, and on his promise that he would use
his influence to have the salary increased. It was soon
after fixed at five hundred dollars per year, the duties
of Fire Marshal being performed by another officer,at that time, Mr. William Champ. Mr. Battle was reappointed Chief Engineer successively in 1866 and 1867,
by Mayor M. I. Mills.   In the last-named year, the
department passed under the control of the Fire Commissioners, created by act of the Legislature; and, in its
reconstruction, Mr. Battle was appointed Chief Engineer
and Fire Marshal, which position he still holds. In 1873
it became a question whether he should sacrifice his
private business or his official position, as he could not
do justice to both; but the Commission voted an increase
of salary, making it two thousand dollars, instead of
fifteen hundred; and, soon after disposing of his stock
in trade, Mr. Battle has since devoted his entire time and
attention to the duties of his office. The efficiency of
the department is the best eulogy that could be passed
upon Mr. Battle's administration; and his long continuance in a line of duty which was first entered upon as a
pastime, and his retention and promotion in it without
his own seeking, through political changes and against
personal ambitions, are the best testimony to his fitness
and faithfulness. Mr. Battle was united in marriage,
September 12, 1854, to Ann Moran, of Detroit. Eleven
children have been born to them, only four of whomtwo boys and two girls-are living.
iRADY, GENERAL HUGH, Detroit, Michigan,
was born at Standing Stone, Huntingdon County,
Pennsylvania, July 29, 1768, and was the fifth
son of John and Mary Brady. His father was a Captain
in the 12th Pennsylvania Regiment of the Revolutionary
army; and was actively engaged with this regiment
until after the battle of Brandywine, when he was
ordered home to protect the Western frontier from the
ravages of the Indians. He became celebrated as a
pioneer and Indian hunter in Western Pennsylvania, as
did also his sons,-Samuel, James, and John. Mr. Brady
was born during the excitement preceding the war;
and was reared at a time when no one was safe from
the savage. While yet a boy, he lost his father and two
brothers at the hands of the Indians. His mother was
left a widow with two sons; and many a time the
brothers walked side by side through the field, one on
guard with a musket, and the other holding the plow.
In this way they raised what crops they could to provide for the wants of the family; and devoted their




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

13

leisure hours to mental improvement.  At frequent
intervals, Mr. Brady joined small parties formed to make
raids on the Indians, when they became troublesome or
encroached on the settlements. This gave him an early
insight into their manners and habits of warfare, and
engendered a taste for army life. In 1792 he received,
from General Washington, a commission as Ensign in
General Wayne's army. He took part in the renowned
Indian campaign which wrested Ohio and Kentucky
from the hands of the savages, and terminated in a decisive victory, on the 20th of August, 1794. He continued with the army until the following July, when he
returned to his home in Pennsylvania, remaining until
the winter of 1798-99. lie then received, from President
Adams, an appointment as Captain; and served with
the army until it was disbanded. After spending a few
months at home, he became tired of a life of idleness,
and, in company with his brother, undertook the improvement of a large tract of wild land which they
owned. The land was situated on a branch of the Mahoning River, about fifty miles from Pittsburg, near the
present town of Indiana. During that summer, they
built a grist-mill and a saw-mill. All their provisions
had to be carried a distance of thirty miles, on horseback, but the woods abundantly supplied them with
game. Mr. Brady remained here until 1807, when, becoming convinced that his fortune could not be made
in that enterprise, he removed to Northumberland,
where he resided until 1812. The war again called him
to the front. lIe received a commission from Mr. Jefferson, and joined the army of Western Canada, serving
with it during the entire campaign, and taking part in
all the battles with great credit. He was promoted to
the command of the 22d Regiment of Infantry, and received, at the battle of Lundy's Lane, a wound which
disabled him for further service during the war. Upon
the reduction of the army, in 1819, he was transferred
to the Colonelcy of the 2d Infantry, then stationed at
Sackett's Harbor, New York, where he remained for six
years. In 1825 he was placed in command of the Northwestern Territory, having his head-quarters at Detroit,
Michigan. He received charge of the various tribes of
Indians, and superintended the removal of several tribes
to the country west of the Mlississippi River. From
this period, he became identified with the State of Michigan, as one of her prominent citizens. General Brady
rendered valuable service during the Black Hawk War;
and dlid much to allay the troublesome border difficulties
known as the Patriot War. At the breaking out of the
Mexican War, although having passed the age for active
field service, he took a prominent part, superintending
the raising and equipment of troops, and shipping supplies to the seat of war. In October, 1805, he married
Miss Sarah Wallis. As a soldier, he was eminent for
bravery and faithfulness, ever ready to take up the

sword when his country was in danger, and as willing
to lay it down at the dawn of peace. As a citizen, he
was free from reproach, winning the esteem of all who
knew him. It has been said of General Brady, "that
he rendered affection and love to his children and grandchildren; kindness and generosity to his kinsmen; cordiality and courtesy to his friends; public spirit and
liberality to the community; and his best blood, his
sword, and his body to his country." General Brady
died in Detroit, April 15, 1851I, at the advanced age of
eighty-three years. His death was the result of an accident, caused by his runaway horses. Ile was a man of
fine physical appearance, being over six feet in height,
and, at the time of his death, as straight as an arrow.
2RODIE, WILLIAM, M. D., Detroit, Michigan,
i  was born at Fawley Court, Buckinghamshire, England, July 28, 1823. His father was a native of
Perthshire, Scotlanid. While still a youth, he acquired
such a proficiency in horticulture that, at the age of
twenty-one, he was appointed horticulturist to the
Fawley Court estate. T1he cholera of 1831 and 1832
affected his business, and he emigrated to America in
1833, and settled on a farm about twelve miles west of
Rochester. Doctor Brodie is the eldest of five children.
lHe pursued his studies under the tuition of his father,
and attended the district school for two months of each
year. At the age of twenty-one, he became a pupil in
the collegiate institute of Brockport, New York, where
he remained three years, and paid his expenses by working during the vacations. A badly treated accident that
befell his brother turned Doctor Brodie's attention towards medicine; and, in 1847, he went to Michigan
and became a student in the office of Dr. William
Wilson, of Pontiac. While there, he paid his expenses
by working in the harvest' and hay fields, and serving
as clerk in the post-office during the winter. After spending a year in study in M1ichigan, and a year in Massachusetts and Vermont, he entered, in 1849, the College
of Physicians, in New York, and graduated in 1850.
He then commenced the practice of his profession in
Detroit.  From i850 until 1861, he was surgeon to St.
M1ary's Hospital. For this and other positions, he is
indebted to his valued friend, the late Zina Pitcher,
M. D. Doctor Brodie was also surgeon of St. Andrew's
and St. George's societies. He was, for some time, Secretary and Vice-President of the American Medical
Society; for three years he was editor of the Peninsular
Journal of Medicine and Surgery, published at Detroit.
He was one of the first members, and has been VicePresident and President of the Audubon Society, organized for the purpose of enforcing the laws against the




14

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

wrongful killing of game, and for the collection of zoological specimens. In 1850 he became a Mason; he
filled, successively, the offices, and became Master of
the oldest lodge in Michigan. He also took the degree
of Royal Arch Mason.    Under the first proclamation
of President Lincoln, for three months' troops, Doctor
Brodie was commissioned Surgeon of the Ist Regiment
Michigan Volunteers. During the first battle of Bull
Run, he took charge of the wounded, and narrowly
escaped capture. After this term of service he was appointed, by President Lincoln, Brigade-Surgeon, with
orders to report to General Fremont, in Missouri. IIe
accompanied the Sixth Division of the army to that
State, where it went into winter quarters at Sedalia.
For political reasons, this appointment was not confirmed
by the United States Senate, and Doctor Brodie returned to Detroit. In 1864 he was elected Alderman
of the First Ward of Detroit; in 1866 he presided over
the Common Council; he was Chairman, and, for some
years, President of the Board of Health. It is to him that
Detroit is mainly indebted for the lateral sewer system
of drainage, which has made it one of the most healthful cities. Doctor Brodie was one of the first members
of the Detroit Medical Society, of which he has been
Secretary and President; lie has also filled the same
offices in the Wayne County Medical Society. He was
a delegate from the State Medical Society to the International Medical Congress, and attended the sessions of
that body at Philadelphia, in 1876. In November, 1851,
Doctor Brodie married, at Pontiac, Miss Jane Whitfield,
daughter of James Whitfield, of Monk Sherbourne,
Hampshire, England. They have two sons and one
daughter. The youngest son is preparing for the medical profession. Doctor Brodie is liberal in his religious
views; he is a regular attendant of the Episcopal Church,
and has filled the office of vestryman. IHe is active and
earnest, sincere and fearless. lie is liberal and honorable in all his dealings, and simple in his mode of living.
Doctor Brodie enjoys an honorable reputation, both in
professional and private life, and merits the gratitude
and esteem of his fellow-citizens for his useful public
services.
---+*--,,EECHER, LUTHER, Capitalist and Real Estate
   Operator, of Detroit, was born February 16, 1815,
at Cheshire, Connecticut.  He is the eldest son
of Benjamin Dutton and Parmelia (Tuttle) Beecher.
His paternal grand-parents were both left orphans during infancy; his grandfather, Benjamin Beecher, being
bound to a farmer at the age of seven years. When
twenty-one, he went out into the world, his, only possessions being a suit of homespun, a Barlow knife, and
a Spanish silver half-dollar.  Guided by strict religious

principles, he dedicated one-tenth of his income to
benevolent purposes during his life; and, prior to his
death, made a large bequest of landed estate for charitable objects.  The successful career and strong characteristics which mark the subject of this sketch, have
their root far back in an ancestry inspired by indomitable energy, and governed by firm principles.  Mr.
Beecher's father, a mill-wright and machinist, possessed a genius for invention, being the inventor of the
revolving grain-cleaning fanning-mill; the automatic
button-maker; endless band-saw; automatic water-feeder
for steam boilers; endless belt horse-power; steam-ship
propellers; and many other machines.  As is the case
with most inventors, his expenditures in developing his
plans kept pace with his income, so that his acquisitions
were small.  Mr. Beecher's mother was the daughter
of a farmer, and her early care and training had much
to do with shaping the course of his after life. At the
age of nine, he commenced earning his own living,
gaining his subsequent education by a hand-to-hand
struggle with necessity in the practical school of life,
aided by such books as he could obtain, and as he
could find opportunity to study. Whether he worked
as chore boy; wagon-maker's apprentice; broke up coal,
pig-iron, and castings at the New Haven foundry; acted
as blacksmith's assistant; or was journeyman to a carpenter and joiner, he was always earnest and faithful.
He assisted a mill-wright in building a factory, and in
putting up water-wheels, shafting, and machinery, for
the first large broad-cloth manufactory in Waterbury,
Connecticut, acquiring a very good knowledge of the
trade. lie worked on machinery, and boat and bridge
building, designing to become a merchant when the
opportunity should offer.  During the panic in New
York, caused by the cholera, in 1832, an oil merchant
and master painter found himself entirely destitute of
help; and Mr. Beecher, then a boy of seventeen, obtained a situation with him, becoming a fair painter
and glazier, and a very efficient confidential clerk.
This position failing him, on account of the proprietor's
closing out his business, he became porter in a shipchandler's store, at twenty dollars per month, handling
chain cables, ropes, anchors, ship rigging, and supplies.
He remained here several months, and then entered a
dry-goods house as porter, with a salary of three hundred dollars, which was doubled the second year, and
the third year was made twelve hundred. The house
was burned in the great fire of 1836, and Mr. Beecher
was the last man to leave the establishment; coming out
of the basement with some valuables just as the roof
fell in. Declining a very liberal offer from his employers to continue in their business, he purchased a stock
of Yankee notions, calico, sheeting, cigars, etc., with
which he came to Detroit. Here he sold half his stock
for Michigan "wild-cat" money, and proceeded to a




j'v

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a\
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

I5

place near Rock Island, Illinois. Not feeling the fullest the political troubles of 1860-61, with consequent busiconfidence in his Michigan money, he traded it, with ness failures, and loss of confidence, so shattered Mr.
the balance of his stock, for a farm, a saw-mill, water- Beecher's fortunes, that, in the event of his death, his
power privileges, a two-horse team, a wagon, a promise estate would have been hundreds of thousands in debt.
of a quarter-interest in a country store, and a flock of His health and mind almost gave way under this pressheep on the open prairie.  After working until spring sure; but, after six months' enforced rest, he again set to
to improve his purchase, he found his health broken, work, and, during the past eighteen years, has recovered
and his money all gone to men much sharper than any from former losses, and has, for some time, been the
he had ever known. Returning to New York, he con- largest tax payer in the city and State. His property,
structed a number of hand-grinding grain-mills, and however, is largely unproductive, and consists of branch
other useful farm  implements; and, with a stock of railroads, Marquette iron rolling-mills, furnaces, mines,
goods bought on credit to the value of about three thou- docks, and river fronts, hotel property, and other real
sand dollars, returned to Detroit, and opened a store, estate, principally in and around Detroit. Mr. Beecher
where he readily sold his goods and machines at a fair is a Republican in politics; is in favor of free homeprofit, and became permanently established in busi- steads, and a home market for our manufacturing inness. He was, for many years, a large buyer and ship- dustries, and of exporting more than we import; but
per of wool, having shipped the first large lot from  he is also in favor of ignoring party politics in local
Detroit. HIe rewarded his clerks, and others whom he elections, and voting for the best men. His clear perfound worthy, by giving them a partnership interest in ceptions in political economy lead him to disapprove
his business. He was an operator in real estate, buy- the creation of public indebtedness in times of peace,
ing and holding for investments. lie took an active and he therefore opposed making municipal debts in
interest in the purchase and sale of the Michigan Cen- aid of railroads,-which was in such popular favor in
tral Railroad, by the State, in 1846. HIe gave the land, Michigan about the years 1867-70,-and a heavy local
and furnished fifty thousand dollars cash capital, to debt in the.,city of Detroit for the construction of a
establish the Detroit Bridge and Iron Works, in the park in 1873. He has, however, always favored liberal
western part of the city, which has contributed so appropriations for popular education; and his philanmuch towards the improvement of that locality. His thropic nature has made him zealous in his personal
first wife, Maria L. Williams, to whom he was mar- efforts for devising some better means of amusement
ried in 1845, died in 1850. Her death, and that of two for the working people and their families.  He would
of his children, with care and overwork, caused his doubtless, ere this, have carried out some plan for this
health to give way; and, in the spring of 1851, he went purpose by use of his own means, but for the difficulto Europe, and visited the World's Fair, at London, ties, embarrassments, and losses to which he has been
and the principal countries on the continent, returning subjected in attempts to do so.  lie has always been
with restored health in the fall. During the trip, he an earnest advocate of temperance, and believes that
made arrangements for importing goods directly from  education, good social privileges, and healthful governEurope, which, for many years, gave him advantages ment, with industry and correct principles, are the best
not enjoyed by his competitors in trade.   In 1852, preventives of intemperance. Though his religious printaking four young men as partners, Mr. Beecher gave ciples are of the orthodox New England type, he beup the general dry-goods trade, and established an lieves that familiar teaching in the Sunday-schools is
exclusive trade in carpets, doing business both in De- more beneficial to the masses than much preaching.
troit and Chicago. lie bought out all the other deal- In 1852 Mr. Beecher married his second wife, Mary A.
ers in the latter city; and, establishing the well-known Wilkins, daughter of David Wilkins and Anna Wyglie,
Carpet Hall there, was, for a number of years, at the of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, who, for twenty-five years,
head of the largest carpet trade in the North-west. In has brought sunshine and comfort to his home, always
1856, having a surplus capital, he was induced to loan aiding him in his work, and in carrying out charitable
both capital and credit to a Western railroad enterprise, and benevolent enterprises. In the midst of his multiIHis associates being unable to meet their engagements, farious business cares, Mr. Ieecher has been a constant
the whole burden was thrown upon him, and he made reader of newspapers, and thus kept himself thoroughly
the great mistake of risking the entire accumulations conversant w ith the current questions and events of the
of a life-time, together with his business reputation, in (lay. His mind and memory serve him well in converan effort to save about one-third of his estate. In rais- sation and discussion upon all subjects, especially those
ing a sum of something more than five hundred thou- relating to American and English progress during the
sand dollars, in a close money market, he sacrificed past fifty years. It would be useless to attempt to anamore than twice that amount in the forced sale of valu- lyze a character like that presented by Luther Beecher.
able real estate and securities. The panic of 1857, and His prominent traits are seen in his works. He has an
3




^ ^  ^ *** t'l,;*?*.... *::,'
^l:!^

16                 REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

indomitable will and energy, unflagging industry, clear his academic life. This attachment was never broken,
perceptions,-especially in the direction of business ven- although the two men were bitterly hostile in politics.
tures,-extraordinary executive abilities, and principles Upon arriving at Cleveland, Mr. Bates was sea-sick and
firm as granite,- the stuff, in fact, good citizens are homesick, and remained but about a week, most of the
made of; to which may be added the sympathetic be- time in the office of John W. Allen. May 13, 1833, he
nevolence of a woman, and the affectionate tenderness crossed to Detroit, where his kinsman, Henry S: Cole,
of a child, that do not grow old and dull with years, then one of the most eloquent members of the bar, was
but are always quick and demonstrative, though often in full practice as one of the firm of Cole & Porter. As
imposed upon. "Live and let live," has ever been his Mr. Bates was not yet of age, and could not be admitbusiness, social, and religious creed,             ted to the bar, he went to Monroe, where he became a
pupil of lion. Jefferson G. Thurster, one of his tutors
at Canandaigua; and, at the same time, became clerk
in the land-office of Daniel Miller and Levi C. Humphrey. In October, 1833, he returned to Detroit, and
(,ATES, GEORGE          C., Counselor-at-Law, of entered the office of Cole & Porter. On the 5th of May,
Detroit, Michigan, was born in Canandaigua, 1834, after an all-day examination by Messrs. Frazer,
New York.       In 1791 his grandfather, Phineas Witherell, and Goodwin, he was admitted to the bar of
Bates, removed with his family, from Durham, Connec- Michigan. In company with Robert A. Kinsie, he then
ticut, to Ontario County, New York; and settled in left Detroit for Chicago, where he spent nearly a month
Canandaigua upon about four -hundred acres of land. with Lieutenant Kirby Smith, of the 5th United States
He had four sons,-Stephen, who was the first Sheriff Infantry, and bought a lot two hundred feet square for two
of Ontario County; Phineas P., Sheriff for eighteen hundred dollars. lie had intended to settle in Chicago,
years; Asher, who settled at Genesee River, and was but subsequently changed his purpose; and, on the 1st
the first Sheriff of Genesee County; and David C., for of August, 1834, opened an office in the Farmers' and
many years under-Sheriff of Ontario County.   The Mechanics' Bank of Detroit, of which he had, in the
second son, Phineas P. Bates, was the father of the sub- preceding month, been appointed attorney. The cholera
ject of this sketch.  lie was extensively engaged in was then raging in Detroit, and the bank was almost
raising cattle, sheep, and horses; and, as early as 1827, deserted during the first two months of his practice, he
imported a superb Arabian horse, called " Buesorah," in and the teller being about the only occupants of the
order to improve the breed of his horses. IHe married building. In June, 1836, Henry S. Cole died, and his
Miss Sallie Gould, a native of Lyme, Connecticut. partner, Augustus S. Porter, retired froml practice; conGeorge C. Bates attended the common schools, and sequently, the business of that firm  mostly passed to
worked, in vacations, on a farm, until he was twelve Bates & Talbott. In 1841 Mr. Bates was appointed, by
years old. He then went to Middlebury Academy, in President Harrison, United States District Attorney for
Genesee (now Wyoming) County, New York, where, the District of Michigan. He held the office four years,
under the teaching of Elder Bradley, of the Baptist and successfully prosecuted hundreds of Federal officers
Church, he commenced the study of Latin. In 1827 he who had become defaulters under Van Buren's adminisreturned to his home; and, at the Cnanandaiguacademy, tration. Among them was Henry R. Schoolcraft, former
under the instruction of George Wilson and Rev. Icha- agent for the Chippeway Indians, whose trial occubod Spencer, prepared for college. In September, 1828, pied a month; it was made deeply interesting by the
he entered Hobart College, at Geneva, New York, from  dozen or more Chippeway Chiefs who were witnesses.
which he graduated August 5, 1831. In Latin, Greek, Upon his retirement from  office in 1845, Mr. Bates
Belles-Lettres, philosophy, rhetoric, and history, he stood received letters of commendation from  Elisha Whitat the head of his class; but, in logic and mathematics, tlesey, Comptroller of the United States; Peter G. Washwas deficient. August 6, 1873, he entered the law office ington, Auditor of the Post Department; and Charles
of John C. Spencer, then the acknowledged leader of the B. Penroe, Solicitor of the Treasury, During the years
New York bar. There were always six clerks in the 1845, '46, '47, and '48, Mr. Bates was engaged on the
office, all of whom were kept closely at work for at least defense for nearly every cause against the United States,
ten hours a day, the rules being very rigid. Mr. Bates and his practice was very lucrative! In the fall of 1848,
remained as the inner clerk, and slept in the office, made he was nominated for Congress by the Whig party in
fires, swept, carried mails, and copied folios,-some- the First Congressional District, but was defeated by
times one hundred a day,-until May, 1833. He then Hon. A. H. Buel, Democratic candidate, aided by Docleft Canandaigua, for Cleveland, Ohio, where he had tor Ormsby, of Ann Arbor, all of whose votes were
arranged a copartnership with Stephen A. Douglas, drawn from the Whig ticket. In the spring of 1849,
with whom he had formed an intimate friendship during Mr. Bates was appointed and unanimously confirmed




C

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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

17

District Attorney, which position he had resigned by the
request of President Polk in 1845. For both of his
appointments, he was indebted to Secretary Webster
and Thomas Ewing.    Among his last official acts was
the arrest of James Strong, the Mormon prophet, and
some eighty of his followers, whom he took to Detroit.
The trial resulted in the Prophet Strong's losing all
control over his people, and being murdered in 1855 by
some men whom he had publicly whipped. Mr. Bates
resigned his position in June, 1852, while in California,
where he had gone the month previous. lie was there
retained, by various members of Fillmore's Cabinet, as
counsel for the United States.  He had a large and
remunerative practice, especially in admiralty; and, on
his return to Detroit in September, 1856, was in independent circumstances.  IIe was elected on the Whig
ticket, for several successive years, Alderman of the First
Ward of Ietroit.   He was appointed a delegate from
Michigan to the Whig Convention, at Harrisburg, in
December, 1839, and was the youngest man in that body.
HIe voted eleven times for Mr. Clay, and polled the first
vote for General Scott for President, which linally led to
the nomination of Harrison and Tyler. In the contest
of 1852, between Scott and Pierce, he took an active
part in California,-giving political addresses with General James Wilson, of Keene, New Hampshire, and
General Edwin Baker, two of the most eloquent men in
the United States, and both personal friends of Mr.
Bates. In September, I856, immediately upon his return
to Michigan, he made speeches for General Fremont in
Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Hle was one of the
most earnest advocates of Zachariah Chandler's election
to the Senate; and, after that event, made the salutatory
address at Lansing. In May, 1856, having heartily embraced the Republican platform, he delivered, at Sacramento, the first Republican speech ever made on tihe
Pacific. During this address, Mr. Bates was interrupted
by a mob, headed by Judge Terry, Senator Broderick's
murderer, and Judge James Hardy, who prepared resolutions denouncing him as a traitor, and threatening to
hang him if he ever spoke again in Sacramento. Subsequently, Mr. Bates, as one of the vigilance committee,
aided in the arrest of Judge Terry, and stood guard
over him for stabbing a policeman. The Judge escaped
hanging only because the wound did not prove mortal.
In August, I861, Mr. Bates moved to Chicago, and conmmenced the practice of law.  IHe was eminently successful until the great fire in 1871, when he lost
every thing. Ile had a large insurance in a noted
Chicago company, which paid only one hundred and
fifty-three dollars. Upon the breaking out of the civil
war, he immediately espoused the cause of the Union;
made speeches upon raising the flag over the I-re Press
office, and upon raising the 1st Regiment of Michigan
Infantry, in which his son, Captain Kinsie Bates, was

the first man to enlist.  During the war, Mr. Bates,
spoke constantly and earnestly in Illinois, Michigan, and
Wisconsin, endeavoring to obtain troops, money, and
aid of all kinds to uphold the Union.  In November,
1871, President Grant, at the suggestion of Judge David
Davis, Thomas M. Drummond, and Solicitor-General
B. H. Bristow, appointed- Mr. Bates United States District Attorney of Utah, which was then almost in a state
of revolution.  He entered upon his duties, December
I, 1871, and was ordered to his post with all possible
dispatch. At this time, the duties of his office were
precisely the same as those of the United States District Attorney in Michigan, namely: "To prosecute all
suits and crimes against the laws of the United States
only,"-lcaving the Attorner-General and Prosecuting Attorney of Utah to settle other affairs. But the predecessor
of Mr. Bates, Charles II. Hampstead, sustained by ChiefJustice James B. McKean, had embraced the doctrine
that, as the United States was sovereign in Utah as a
Territory, all violations of the Territorial laws of Utah
were crimes against the United States, and must be
prosecuted in the name of the United States by the
United States District Attorney,-a doctrine that, in
1873, the Supreme Court of the United States exploded
and stamped out. Acting upon this monstrous dogma,
a grand jury, drawn in violation of all the statutes of
Utah, had found nearly one hundred indictments, in
Chief-Justice McKean's court, against Brigham Young,
Major Wells, and Horace B. Stout, former United States
District Attorney, for murder, robbery, and other offenses against the local laws of Utah, which were presented
in the name of the United States by a pretended United
States District Attorney. A petit jury also, summoned
in direct violation of all the statutes of Utah, was ready
to convict and hang Brigham Young, on the testimony
of an apostate and murderer, Bill Iickman, by a solemn
judicial farce, and Mr. Bates was called upon to conduct the proceedings. Brigham Young and his people
were fully advised that these indictments were valueless
under the law; but, as there was no appeal to the
Supreme Court of the United States in criminal cases,
there was nothing to prevent their execution,-over
eighty being imprisoned at Camp Douglas. The Gentile population was, at that time, composed mostly of
miners and adventurers, who, urged on by the extraordinary decisions of Judge McKean, actually thirsted for
the blood of Brigham Young and his people. Appreciating the situation, Mr. Bates at once opened telegraphic
communication with Solicitor Bristow, which led to the
continuance of all these cases until April, 1872. In the
meantime, Mr. Bates went to Washington, and there, in
a civil cause then pending in the Supreme Court (Engleheeth and others versus Clinton and others), it was decided, unanimously, that both juries drawn by Judge
McKean were utterly null and void,-that they were a




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

mere mob. Soon afterwards, the same court decided, in came celebrated for his conduct in the navy, to which
the case of Hampstead and Snow, that the United he remained attached through life, and in which he was

States District Attorney of Utah had no right or authority under the law to prosecute or defend any suit, civil
or criminal, for or against the Territory of Utah. Upon
the decision affirming the law as laid down by Mr.
Bates at the outset, Brigham Young and eighty-two of
his people were released, after months of confinement,
which had cost his government, for lawyers' fees, etc.,
many thousand dollars.   Judge McKean, feeling aggrieved at the overruling of his decisions, and casting the
blame upon Mr. Bates, used his influence with the Administration to have him removed. The Judge, however, was afterwards himself removed for encouraging
polygamy. In October, 1873, Mr. Bates became the
attorney and counselor of the Church of Jesus Christ
of the Latter-day Saints, of Utah, by the appointment
of George A. Smith. HIe held this position until November, 1875, and, during that time, with his partner,
J. G. Sutherland, successfully defended every civil and
criminal suit brought into court against the Mormon
leaders. In January, 1877, on account of the bitter feuds
still existing between the Mormons and Gentiles, Mr.
Bates removed his library, consisting of some sixteen
hundred volumes, which he has purchased since the
Chicago fire, to Detroit, where he is again practicing his
profession. For over forty years, he has been a successful
lawyer, and has practiced in all the courts of Michigan
and California.  Twelve years of the time, he was
United States District Attorney in Michigan, California,
and Utah; and, although he has earned a large annual
income, is now poor. His health and spirits are, however, excellent.
X    IDDLE, MAJOR JOHN, formerly of Detroit,
was born in Philadelphia, in March, 1792; and
died at White Sulphur Springs, Virginia, August
25, 1859. He was the son of Charles Biddle, Vice-President of Pennsylvania during the Revolttion, and one of
the most active patriots of that period. His uncle,
Commodore Nicholas Biddle, of the Revolutionary navy,
also obtained an enviable reputation.  Major Biddle
graduated at Princeton College. He afterwards entered
the United States army; and, during most of the War
of 1812, was a Captain of artillery, and was promoted
to the rank of Major. He served with distinction
under General Scott upon the Niagara frontier, and
was, during a portion of the time, attached to his staff.
They continued, through life, on confidential terms.
His brother, Major Thomas Biddle, was also in the
United States army, and served in the same campaigns;
while an older brother, Commodore James Biddle, be
I

I

engaged in many noted enterprises. At the close of the
war, Major Biddle was stationed at Detroit. After some
years, he resigned, and retired to civil life. In 1819
he married Eliza F. Bradish, of New York, and returned
to Detroit, where he purchased the mansion formerly
owned by General Hull. He also became interested in
lands near Detroit. After the public lands were brought
into market, he was appointed Register of the Landoffice for the district of Detroit,-which included the
whole Territory,-and continued in that office, most of
the time, until 1832. In his capacity of Register, he
was one of the Commissioners for determining the ancient land claims at Detroit, Mackinaw, Sault Ste. Marie,
Green Bay, and Prairie du Chien;-a work involving
much labor and many delicate questions.  During a
portion of that time he was a delegate in Congress
from the Territory of Michigan, which included Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota; and was also employed in
various functions connected with the Indian Department. He took an interest in the municipal affairs of
Detroit, and held some city offices. He was one of the
Regents of Michigan University, when it was organized
under the Territorial Government, and was subsequently
selected to make disposition of such of the lands as were
allowed by Congress to be sold. He was also a trustee of
various organizations to encourage education in Detroit,
and was liberal in supporting seminaries established in
that place. He was one of the early vestrymen of St.
Paul's Church, the first Episcopal Church organized in
the North-west outside of Ohio; and was one of a small
number who individually assumed the expense of building a church. Throughout his life, Major Biddle was
fond of reading and study. lie was a fine scholar, and
his thorough knowledge of French, with which he was
as familiar as with English, enabled him to become
well versed in the history and antiquities of Michigan,
including the French settlements. He wrote with facility, and contributed frequently to the information of the
public by lectures and other literary works. Detroit
was long completely isolated from the rest of the country for more than half the year, and prominent citizens
were in the habit of delivering lectures through the
winter, which were of much more value than the majority of such productions at the present day. Among other
gentlemen who cheerfully co-operated in this work were
General Cass, General Henry Whiting, and Mr. Schoolcraft. The Ilistorical Sketches of Michigan include articles by these four writers, which cover, in a succinct
form, the entire history of the State, and are still regarded as high authority.  Major Biddle's style was
clear and forcible.  Like his distinguished brothers,
Nicholas and Richard Biddle, he possessed uncommon
aptitude for historical investigation. Whatever he wrote




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

19

was accurate and valuable. He took great interest irn
political matters. lie was chosen President of the convention which framed the Constitution of 1835, and,
although he was a Whig, and did not belong to the
party in power, le received a majority of the votes in
the State Senate for the office of United States Senator.
His opponent prevailed, by the vote of the Lower
House, which secured him a majority of three on the
joint ballot. Major Biddle was subsequently the Whig
nominee for the office of Governor. IIe took an active
part in sustaining his fellow-soldier, General Harrison,
for the Presidency, and also General Scott, when he was
Presidential candidate. In his later life, he spent much
of his time on his farm, which covered the site of the
present town of Wyandotte, and in traveling. A few
years before his death, he became possessor of a large
estate in St. Louis, which required much of his attention. On his return from Elurope, in 1859, he spent the
summer at White Sulphur Springs, Virginia, where lhe
died, suddenly, after taking a cold bath. le had a
large family, several of whom survived him. Among
these were, the widow of General Andrew Porter, William S. Biddle, Major James Biddle, and Edward I.
Biddle.
f    AYLDWIN, HENRY P., Detroit, Ex-Governor
of Michigan, is a lineal descendant of Nathaniel
SBaldwin, a Puritan from Buckinghamshire, England, who settled at Milford, Connecticut, in 1639. His
father was John Baldwin, a graduate of Dartmouth College, who died at North Providence, Rhode Island, in
1826. His paternal grandfather was Rev. Moses Baldwin, a graduate of Princeton College, in 1757, "and
the first who received collegiate honors at that ancient
and honored institution."  He died at Palmer, Massachusetts, in 1813, where, for more than fifty years, he
had been pastor of the Presbyterian Church. On his
mother's side, Governor Baldwin is descended from
Robert Williams, also a Puritan, who settled in Roxbury,
Massachusetts, about 1638. Ilis mother was the daughter of Rev. Nehemiah Williams, a graduate of Harvard
College, who died at Brimfield, Massachusetts, in 1796,
where, for twenty-one years, he was pastor of the Congregational Church. The subject of this sketch was
born at Coventry, Rhode Island, February 22, 1814.
Hie received a New England common-school education,
until the age of twelve years, when, both his parents
having died, he became a clerk in a mercantile establishment.  He remained there-employing his leisure
hours in study-until twenty years of age. At this early
period, Mr. Baldwin engaged in business on his own
account. He made a visit to the West in 1837, which
resulted in his removal to Detroit in the spring of 1838.

Here he established a mercantile house, which has been
successfully continued to the present time. Although
conducting very successfully a large business, he has
ever taken a deep interest in all things affecting the
prosperity of the city and State of his adoption. He
was for several years a Director and President of the
Detroit Young Men's Society, an institution with a large
library, designed for the benefit of young men and citizens generally. An Episcopalian in religious belief, he
has been prominent in all matters connected with that
denomination. The large and flourishing parish of St.
John, Detroit, originated with Governor Baldwin, who
gave the lot on which the parish edifices stand, and also
contributed the larger share of the cost of their erection.
Governor Baldwin was one of the foremost in the establishment of St. Luke's Hospital, and has always been a
liberal contributor to moral and religious enterprises,
whether connected with his own church or not. There
have been, in fact, but few social and public improvements of Detroit, during the past forty years, with which
Governor Baldwin's name is not in some way connected.
HIe was a Director in the Michigan State Bank until the
expiration of its charter; and has been President of the
Second National Bank of Detroit since its organization,
in 1863.  He was a prominent member of the State
Senate of Michigan during the years 1861 and 1862;
was made Chairman of the Finance Committee; a member of the Committee on Banks and Incorporations;
Chairman of the Select Joint Committee of the two
Houses, for the investigation of the Treasury Department, and the official acts of the Treasurer; and of the
letting of the contract for the improvement of the Sault
Ste. Marie Ship Canal. lie was first elected Governor in
1868, and was re-elected in 1870, serving four years,from 1869 to 1872, inclusive. It is no undeserved eulogy
to say that Governor Baldwin's happy faculty of estimating the necessary means to an end-the faculty of
knowing how much effort or attention to bestow upon
the thing in hand--has been tle secret of the uniform
success that has attended his efforts in all relations of
life. The same industry and accuracy that distinguished
him prior to his term as Governor was manifest in his
career as the Chief Magistrate of the State; and, while
his influence appears in all things with which he has
had to do, it is more notable in the most prominent position to which he was called. With rare exceptions, the
important commendations of Governor Baldwin received
the sanction of the I.egislature. During his administration, marked improvements were made in the existing
charitable, penal, and reformatory institutions of the
State. The State Public School for Dependent Children
was founded, and a permanent commission for the supervision of the several State institutions. The initiatory
steps toward building the Eastern Asylum for the Insane,
the State House of Correction, and the establishment of




C~ c'l
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20

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

the State Board of Health, were recommended by Governor Baldwin in his message of 1873. The'new State
Capitol also owes its origin to him. The appropriation
for its erection was made upon his recommendation,
and the contract for the entire work let under his
administration. Governor Baldwin also appointed the
Commissioners under whose faithful supervision the
work was commenced, has progressed, and is now drawing near completion, in a manner most satisfactory to
the people of the State. The re-compilation of the laws
in 1871, and the geological survey of the State, were
also fruits of his administration. ile advised and earnestly urged, at different times, such amendments of the
Constitution as would permit a more equitable compensation to State officers and Judges. The laws of!869,
and prior also, authorizing municipalities to vote aid
toward the construction of railways, were, in 1870,
declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Many
of the municipalities having in the meantime issued and
sold their bonds in good faith, Governor Baldwin felt
that the honor and credit of the State were in jeopardy.
His sense of justice impelled him to call an extra session of the Legislature, and to propose the submission
to the people of a constitutional amendment, authorizing the payment of such bonds as were already in the
hands of bona fde holders. In his special message he
says: "The credit of no State stands higher than that
of Michigan; and the people can not afford, and I trust
will not consent, to have her good name tarnished by
the repudiation of either legal or moral obligations."
A special session was also called in March, 1872, principally for the division of the State into Congressional
districts.  A number of other important suggestions
were made, however; and, as an evidence of the Governor's laborious and thoughtful care for the financial
condition of the State, a series of tables was prepared
and submitted by him, showing in detail estimates of
receipts, expenditures, and appropriations for the years
1872 to 1878, inclusive. Memorable in Governor Baldwin's administrations were the devastating fires which
swept over many portions of the North-west in the fall
of 1871. A large part of the city of Chicago having
been reduced to ashes, Governor Baldwin promptly
issued a proclamation, calling upon the people of Michigan for liberal aid in behalf of that afllicted city.
Scarcely had this been issued, when several counties in
his own State were laid waste by the same destroying
element. A second call was made, asking assistance for
the suffering people of Michigan. The contributions
for these objects were prompt and most liberal, more
than seven hundred thousand dollars having been received in money and supplies for the relief of Michigan
alone. So ample were these contributions during the
short period of about three months, that the Governor
issued a proclamation, expressing, in behalf of the peo
ple of the State, grateful acknowledgment, and announcing that further aid was unnecessary. Governor Baldwin
has traveled extensively in his own country, and has
also made several visits to Europe and other portions of
the Old World. He was a passenger on the steamer
"Ariel," which was captured and bonded in the Caribbean Sea, in December, 1862, by Captain Semmes, and
wrote a full and interesting account of the transaction.
The following estimate of Governor Baldwin, on his
retirement from office, by a leading newspaper, is not
overdrawn: "The retiriifg message of Governor Baldwin
will be read with interest. It is a characteristic document, and possesses the lucid statement, strong grasp,
and clear, practical sense, which have been marked features of all preceding documents from the same source.
Governor Baldwin retires to private life after four years
of unusually successful administration, amid plaudits
that are universal throughout the State. For many
years, eminent and capable men have filled the executive
chair of this State; but in painstaking vigilance, in
sterling good sense, in genuine public spirit, in thorough
integrity, and in practical capacity, Henry P. Baldwin
has shown himself to be the peer of any or all of them.
The State has been unusually prosperous during his two
terms, and the State administration has fully kept pace
with the needs of the times.  The retiring Governor
has fully earned the public gratitude and confidence
which he to-day possesses to such a remarkable degree."
4IRIGGS, HON. ROBERT V., Lawyer, of WyanI I dotte, Michigan, was born August 12, 1837, at
-,71 Potter, Yates County, New York. He received
an academic education; and, at the age of nineteen,
commenced the study of law in the office of B. W.
Franklin and J. S. Van Allen, at Penn Yan, New York.
Here he remained until September, 1858, when he was
admitted to the bar, at Rochester, New York, as attorney-at-law and solicitor in chancery.  He then entered
the office of the lion. John L. Lewis, Jun., at Penn
Yan, remaining until the spring of 1859, when he came
to St. John's, Clinton County, Michigan, and commenced
the practice of law. He delivered the Fourth of July
oration the same year; and was elected village Clerk in
the spring election of 1S6o. In the fall following, he
removed to Mississippi, and remained until the winter
of 1861, when he returned to Michigan, and settled at
Wayne. In May, 1864, he removed to Wyandotte, where
he still continues the practice of his profession. In
December, 1863, he married Miss Nellie K. Morse, at
Penn Yan, New York. Since his residence at Wyandotte, Mr. Briggs has held the office of Justice of the
Peace for five years, and that of City Attorney for




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

31

seven years.  He drew up the charter incorporating
Wyandotte as a city; and also drafted a code of ordinances for its municipal government. In 1868 he was
elected to the Michigan Legislature, as Representative
from the Third District of Wayne County. In 1870 he
became State Senator, and served for the years IS7I and
1872. While acting as Senator, he was a member of
the court for the trial of the impeachment of C. A. Edmonds, Commissioner of State Land-office. Mr. Briggs
has always been a Democrat. In 1872 he was a delegate to the convention, at Louisville, Kentucky, which
nominated O'Conor for President in opposition to Mr.
Greeley. Since this time, he has not taken any active
part in politics, but devotes his entire time to the practice of law.

for member of the State Legislature, but was defeated
with his party. HIe was a member of the Detroit Board
of IIealth for three years, this being the only public
office he has ever held. Dr. Brumme is a member of
the Michigan State Medical Society, and also of the
American Medical Association. IHe was educated as a
Lutheran, but his religious views have changed somewhat. HIe was united in marriage, May 2, 1852, to
Emilie Steiniger, daughter of a military surgeon. She
died June 30, 1873, leaving three children. In 1875
Dr. Brumme visited his native country, and, while there,
married his niece, the widow of lawyer Augustus Henze.
fi7 RATSHAW, JOSEPH B. I., Banker, of Detroit,
9 T was born in Belper, England, in 1814. He is,-, rdesceApnded from an old English famil.y whose

I'-- ----        - -   ---~--- ----^-- --- ----
liUMME, CARL CONRAD GEORGE, Physi- coat-of-arms adorns the floors of the stone house in
j   cian and Surgeon, Detroit, was born in the which he and his ancestors for several generations were
'   University of Goettingen, province of Ianover, born.  In 1819 he emigrated, with his parents, to
Germany, June 21, 1817. His father, Wilhelm I)iedrich America, first settling in Annapolis, Maryland. In the
Brummle, was born at Iamburg, Germany, April 4, following year, they removed to Wheeling, West Vir1777. His mother, Maria Dorothea Caroline (Muchlen- ginia, where six years of his boyhood were spent, and
pfordt) Brumme, was born May 4, 1783, in Goettingen. where all his school advantages were obtained. He
His grandfather, on the maternal side, was born )Decem- does not remember the time when he was unable to
ber 16, 1726; and died May 2, 1807. lie was a gold read. His father lost his means by misfortune, and, at
and silversmith, organist in St. Crucis Church, and City an early age, Mr. Bratshaw became the main support of
Senator. Two of his ancestors of the same name, who the family. At the age of twelve, he went to Wellswere prominent men of the city, were leaders in the burg, West Virginia, and was employed in the glassReformation. I)r. Brumme, the subject of this sketch, works until he was nineteen. In September, 1833, he
was educated in the schools of Gwuttingen, entering the proceeded to Zanesville, Ohio, and there wrought in the
high school when eleven years of age, and graduatingt i glass-works for six years. Having accumulated a small
five years later. It was his early desire and intention to capital, as the savings of his weekly wages, he embarked
study medicine; but, his father having died when he was in the grocery business in Zanesville, in 1839. In this
six years old, and his mother having married again, his he prospered from the outset; and, having in the course
step-father, a surgeon and dentist, apprenticed him for of nine years built up a good retail trade, he began
a term of six years to learn surgery and dentistry. the wholesale business in 1848, and established a large
During this time, he frequented surgical and medical house. In the year 1863, he removed to the city of
lectures, showing a persistent desire to obtain a knowl- Detroit, and opened a wholesale grocery house, which
edge of medicine. Iis parents finally allowed him to he continued until 1876. In that year he sold out the
study the profession of his choice. In May, 1840, he business; and, in connection with Joseph Black, and
was matriculated as student of surgery; and, in the fall Clarence A. Black, his son, established the bankingof 1842, as a student of medicine. At that time, the house of Bratshaw, Black & Co. Ilis business career of
term for medical study was four years; but, during the thirty-seven years was a prosperous one, and he retired
fall of 1843, Prof. Edward von Seibold made him assis- from commercial pursuits with a fair competence. Durtant physician in charge of the Royal Lying-in Hospital, ing his residence in Zanesville, Mr. Bratshaw did all in his
the appointment being confirmed by the Government. power to encourage the growth and prosperity of the place.
He retained this position nearly nine years. In June, At the firing upon Fort Sumter, though he had previ1852, he sailed for America, arriving at New York on ously been a Democrat, he zealously espoused the cause
the 25th of July, and in Detroit, Michigan, July 3oth. of the Union, and presided over the first Union meeting
He at once entered upon the practice of his profession, held in Zanesville. At this meeting, he made an earnest
in which he has ever since continued. He is a Repub- speech, strongly urging every man who claimed to be a
lican in his political views, and received the nomination loyal citizen, whether Democrat or Republican, to sup



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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

port the Government in its effort to preserve the Union. century, but emigrated, before many years, to New
This speech, and his subsequent action, alienated him  London County, Connecticut. Judge Brown graduated
from the Democratic party, and, from that time, he be- from Yale College in 1856; and then devoted a year
came an ardent Republican. During the war, he made to study and travel in Europe. In subsequent visits
numerous speeches in the encouragement of enlistments, abroad, he has renewed and enlarged the acquisitions
and contributed liberally for the same purpose. In 1862, of his early foreign residence.  He entered the law
while General John Morgan was making raids through school at Harvard, and remained there some time; but
Ohio, Mr. Bratshaw helped to raise and equip a company finished his law studies in the office of Walker & Rusfrom the First Ward of Zanesville, for the purpose of sell, in Detroit. He was admitted to the bar in that
going out to encounter him, and was elected commissary city in 1860. After a long service as Assistant United
of the company.   His company, with others raised in States District Attorney, he was appointed, by Governor
the vicinity, proceeded about eight miles down the Mus- Crapo, Judge of the Wayne Circuit,-the highest court
kingum River; but, not meeting the Confederate forces, of general law and chancery jurisdiction at that time in
returned again next day. In performing his duties as the city of Detroit. The duties of this position he
commissary, he impressed into the service the team and discharged to the satisfaction of the bar and the comwagon of a disloyal sympathizer, and foraged upon sev- munity. Leaving this office in 1868, he conducted a
eral citizens of that class for his supplies. This expedi- successful practice in Detroit until his appointment by
tion was replete with interesting and amusing incidents. President Grant, in 1875, to the position of United
In 186I he was elected County Treasurer of the county States District Judge for the Eastern District of Michiof Muskingum, which office he held until his removal to gan. The varied and responsible functions attached to
Detroit. Mr. Bratshaw has written many articles for the this position demand breadth of professional attainment,
press, upon finances and matters pertaining to the finan- unwearied industry, and high executive qualities. The
cial condition of the country.  He has, of late years, manner in which these requirements have been met has
given special attention to subjects of this nature. Iur- gained for Judge Brown a very flattering support for
ing the past year, he has written for the Detroit Pri-ce advancement to the United States Circuit Bench as sucCurrent, a widely circulated commercial paper.  Mr. cessor to its present occupant, Judge Emmons. Judge
Bratshaw has always been strongly in favor of total ab- Brown has always been connected with the Republican
stinence, and is an ardent worker in the cause of tem- party. He married, July 13, 1864, Caroline, daughter
perance. He never drank a glass of liquor; and, when of Samuel Pitts, Esq., of Detroit
a young man, was an active member of the celebrated
temperance order known as the Washingtonians. In
the fall of 1875, he was one of the prominent actors and
speakers in the "law and order" movement in Detroit,
which resulted in the election of Alexander Lewis for      i UHLI, CHRISTIAN  H., Wholesale Hardware
Mayor, and the strict enforcement of the State law for  ~1J  Merchant, of Detroit, was born May 9, 1812, in
the closing of saloons on Sunday. Latterly, Mr. Brat-,xA Butler County, Pennsylvania.  His father, a
shaw has been a prominent worker in the "Red Ribbon " leading business man in the community, engaged in
temperance movement, and has greatly aided the cause general merchandising, farming, etc., and gave his sons
by his means and influence. IIe is a member of the a common-school education and a trade as their start in
Masonic Fraternity, and, for six years, was Master of life. Christian H. Buhl, having learned the trade of
Amity Lodge, No. 5, of Zanesville, Ohio. He is now hatter, started out, at the age of twenty-one, to seek
a member of Detroit Lodge, No. 2. He married, in his fortune. After having traveled through some of the
1840, at Zanesville, Ohio, Susan J. Shimer, a daughter then settled portion of the West, he arrived in Detroit
of one of the pioneers of that State. They have two in 1833; and there, in company with his brother, Freddaughters, both married, and residing in Detroit.   erick Buhl, opened a hat and cap store,-manufacturing,
to some extent, their own goods. This business, in a
place so small as Detroit was at that time, was far too
limited for the ambitious aspirations of the young merchants. They entered upon the fur trade, which afterROWN, JUDGE HENRY BILLINGS, Detroit, wards assumed large proportions, extending throughout
was born March 2, 1826, at Lee, Massachusetts. the whole North-west. This branch of the business
His father, Billings Brown, was a manufacturer. was conducted principally by C. H. Buhl, his brother
His mother was noted as a lady of marked strength of managing the hat and cap department, which, with the
character and clearness of perceptions.  The Brown growth of the city and State, was also becoming extenfamily settled in Massachusetts early in the seventeenth sive. About 1842 or 1843, after the failure of the so



REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

23

called American Fur Company, their trading-posts falling
into the hands of P. Chouteau, Jun., & Co., of St.
Louis and New York, the Messrs. Buhl arranged with
them for the purchase of furs, on joint account, in the
States of Ohio, Indiana, Northern Illinois, Wisconsin,
and Michigan, and a part of Upper Canada. They
carried on a very large fur trade until 1853, when the
firm dissolved; F. Buhl taking the hat and cap department, and C. II. Buhl continuing to deal in furs, upon
his own account, for two years. lie then turned this
over to his brother, and formed a lpartnership with Mr.
Charles Ducharme, under the firm  name of Buhl &
D)ucharme, for the purpose of engaging extensively in
the hardware and iron business. They purchased the
large wholesale houses of Alexander II. Newbold and
Ducharme & Bartholomew, and consolidated the two,
thus forming one of the largest hardware establishments
in the West. After the death of the junior partner,
Charles Ducharme, in 1873, Mr. Buhl purchased his
interest, and then admitted his eldest son, Theodore D.
Buhl, to the firm, which has continued to be one of the
most prosperous of the kind in the West. About the
year 1863, Mr. Buhl, with several other gentlemen, purchased the works and effects of the Westerman Iron
Company, at Sharon, Pennsylvania, one of the most
successful in that section.  ile has ever since been connected with this company, and, having purchased the
interest of two of the parties therein, is now one of its
principal owners. At about the same time, lie bought
the controlling interest in the IDetroit Locomotive
Works, whose affairs were then financially in a bad coindition; and, with other gentlemen interested, infused
new life and energy into the business, which at once
revived, and for some twelve or fourteen years was very
profitable, giving employment to hundreds of mechanics. About the year 1863, shortly after the passage, by
Congress, of the law to provide for the establishment of
National banks, lie was one of a number of gentlemen
who, for patriotic purposes, started the Second National
Bank of Detroit, making it the leading bank in Michigan. At its organization, he was chosen Vice-President,
swhich position he has since held; and, for a considerable portion of the time, has performed the duties of
President in the absence of the President, Hon. H. P.
Baldwin, from the city, as Governor, and while traveling in Europe. Mr. Buhl has been mainly instrumental
in building two lines of railroads,-the Detroit, Hillsdale and Indiana, and the Detroit, Eel River and Illinois; was President of both companies for a number of
years, and is still President of the latter. During his
active business life of forty-five years, in the city of Detroit, he has been one of its leading citizens; has built
several elegant blocks and stores for business purposes,
and has encouraged and liberally aided all public imIrovements that have tended to the material welfare and
4

prosperity of the city. His whole business career has
been characterized by energy and industry, which have
overcome all difficulties, and placed him in the foremost
ranks of the successful merchants of Ietroit. He has
been a Republican since the organization of that party,
though he has never been a strict partisan, nor an aspirant for political honors. The only political office he
has held was that of Mayor of the city of Detroit, for
the years I860 and 1861, having been elected on the
Republican ticket. Ile was married, in 1843, to Miss
Caroline De Long, of Utica, New York. They have
four children-two sons and two daughters. His sons
are associated with him in the hardware business,-the
eldest, Theodore D. Buhl, being his partner.
"jLINDIBURY, IION. JOIIN, of Detroit, was
born February 22, 80o6, in the town of Lyon,
Way" ayne County, New York, and was the eldest
son of Joseph and Mary Blindblury. Ilis father served
in the war of 1812. At the age of twelve, Mr. Blindbury lost his mother, who died of consumption, leaving
a family of seven children. This loss was a severe
blow, and felt the more keenly because the family was,
at this time, in straitened circumstances, and the children required a mother's care and experience. At their
mother's death, the younger members of the family
became the charge of an elder sister. John Blindbury
was early trained to hard work. His education was
limited; he had only a few months in the year to devote
himself to study, and the district schools were far
inferior to those of the present day.  At the age of
nineteen, in the year 1825, he emigrated to Michigan.
His companion was his brother-in-law, James (running,
who afterwards became Judge of the State. Mx. Blindbury purchased eighty acres of land in the town of
Southfield, Oakland County; he erected a log house on
his purchase, and then sent for his father's family.
After seeing them settled, he began chopping, in the
forests of Michigan, at four dollars and a half per acre.
Unlike most young men of this day, he considered his time
as his father's until he came of age. Nine months before
that time, he gave his father a note to cover the value
of his labor during the remaining months. After this,
he went to what was then known as the Black River
country, and entered into the lumbering business, in
the employment of A. M. Wadhams. Here he remained
about four years, at the end of which time he returned
to Southfield, purchased one hundred acres of wild land,
erected a log house, and began to clear the land for
cultivation.  He married, December 2, 1831, Maria
Rogers, daughter of Moses and Polly Rogers, residents
of Southfield, and granddaughter of John Rogers, who




^m^^' ' -;i.9-: ~~l ~';
^K^:.\
Ilx^ '*'

24                           REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAI
served throughout the Revolutionary War. They have Here he practiced hi
had three children, none of whom  are living.  He year 1859. During t
remained on the farm for six years; when, owing to editor of Brownson's
poor health, he was compelled to leave it. In 1837 he a number of articles,
removed to the Grand River road, eight miles out of jects. He translated
Detroit, and opened a small hotel. This proved a very which  was first pu
profitable undertaking, as many immigrants were then went to France in I
entering the State. He remained in this place nine turned, as he went,
years, and then opened another inn, two miles nearer breaking out of the c
the city, remaining eight years and doing a profitable York Volunteer En1
business. While living in the township of Greenfield, served with that regi
he was elected to several offices of trust, acting as he was commissioned
Supervisor thirteen successive years.  In 1844 he was tillery of the regular a
elected Representative of Wayne County in the State with the Army of th
Legislature. In 185o he sold the hotel, and erected the head, at the batt
a dwelling-house near by.  About this time he was For gallant and merit
appointed Marshal of Wayne County.    In 1852 he Mr. Brownson was n
removed to Detroit, and erected what was known for battle of Chancellorsv
many years as the Blindbury Hotel, on the corner of May 3, 1863, he was
Washington and Michigan avenues, now known as the Libby prison, from v
Antisdel House. Mr. Blindbury was brought up a Meth- exchanged on the 21s
odist, but never united with any church. He held very guished valor and bra
liberal views on religious subjects. His life was exceed- Chancellorsville, he w
ingly upright. In politics, he was always allied with States army. On the
the Democratic party. Mr. Blindbury died on the Ist missioned as Captain
of March, 1867, leaving a comfortable estate to his business, in Georgia a
widow, whom he made his sole executrix. His life was ization and reduction
eventful, and was marked by hard work, energy, and he was transferred, by
perseverance.  His labors were finally crowned with Infantry,-a colored
success; and he stands before us in his works, as a New Mexico. Upon
representative pioneer of Michigan.               ately resigned. In Ja
tice of law, at Detroit
Van Dyke, with whon
Mr. Brownson has alw;
on the 8th of Januar
"'ROWNSON, HENRY F., Lawyer, of Detroit, Dyke, of Detroit. T]
Michigan, the son of Obertes A. and Sallie and two daughters.
(Healy) Brownson, was born in Canton, Massa- law practice, and is a
chusetts, August 7, 1835. When he was a year old, his began the reading of
father began preaching in the Masonic Temple, at Boston, and then removed to Chelsea. Here Mr. Brownson attended the common schools until he was nine
years of age, when he was sent to the College of the..URNS, JAMES
Holy Cross, at Worcester, Massachusetts, and remained    born Novemb(
there for four years. He then went to the Seminary of     Lewis County
St. Sulpice, at Paris, France, returning in 1851, and years, and started in
spending three months at Worcester for the purpose of menced to learn his
graduating as Bachelor of Arts. He afterwards attended Turin, New York. Su
the university at Munich, Bavaria, remaining until the ville Academy, studyii
summer of 1854. In September of the same year, he mer working at his
began the study of law in the office of John P. Healy, Detroit, Michigan, w]
at Boston. His father removed to New York, in Octo- carpenter and joiner f<
ber, 1855, and Mr. Brownson continued his law studies ing year, he traveled
in that city, with T. James Glover, until September, 1856, the wilds of Michigai
when he was admitted to the bar at New York. lands, for himself anc

N.

is profession until the end of the
his time, he assisted his father, as
Quarterly Review, and contributed
principally on philosophical subSBalmes' Fundamental PhilosohI,,
blished in 1856. Mr. Brownson
860, remaining one year; but rein very delicate health. On the:ivil war, he joined the 15th New
gineers, as First Lieutenant; he
ment until December, 1861, when
as Second Lieutenant of the 3d Ararmy. He served, during the war,
ie Potomac; and was wounded in
le of Malvern Hill, July I, 1862.
orious services during that battle,
nade Captain, by brevet. At the
ille he was shot through the hand.
taken prisoner, and confined in
vhich place he was liberated and
t of the same month. For distinavery shown during the battle of
ias brevetted Major in the United
28th of July, 1866, he was com-, and engaged in reconstruction
and Virginia. Upon the reorganof the army, in )ecember, 1870,
r the War Department, to the 25th
regiment serving in Texas and
receiving this order, he immcdiInuary, 1871, he resumed the prac-:, in partnership with Philip J. I).
n he is still associated. In politics
ays been a Democrat. He married,
y, 1868, Josephine Desnoyers Van
hey have six children,-four sons
Mr. Brownson enjoys a lucrative
s much a student as when he first
Blackstone.
--~0.---
S, Retired Merchant, Detroit, was
er o1, 1810. He left his home in, New York, at the age of nine
life for himself; In 1826 he comtrade as carpenter and joiner, in
ibsequently, he attended the Lowng in the winter, and in the sumtrade.  In 1834 he removed to
here he pursued his vocation as
or one year. During the succeedon horseback over a large part of
n, buying largely of the available
I others. He afterwards became




h: U
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O
F










vý                  ý      -




. /

REPRESENTATIVE N

clerk in the dry-goods business for Olney Cook, with
whom he became partner after two years. April 20,
1838, he married Aurilla A. Bacon.  The dry-goods
house of Cook & Burns, which, for seven years, transacted its business in a store on Jefferson avenue, where
the old Masonic Hall now stands, was, during that time,
one of the best known houses in Detroit. Subsequently,
Mr. Cook retired, and T. L. Partridge was taken into
the partnership, under the firm name of James Burns &
Co.  In 1850 the business was removed to Woodward
avenue. For twenty years, the firm of James Burns &
Co. carried on a successful trade in Detroit. In 1866
Mr. Partridge retired, and Mr. Lucien A. Smith was
admitted as partner, the firm becoming Burns & Smith,
which continued until 1874, when Mr. Burns retired,
having been in the dry-goods business in Detroit for
nearly forty years.  In 1861 the Legislature organized the municipal boards of Detroit, and Mr. Burns
was appointed by the Mayor, C. H. Buhl, a member of
the first Board of Review. As such, he served the citizens of Detroit twelve years, having been nominated
and re-nominated by five successive Mayors, and appointed by five successive Councils of different political
principles from his own. This position he resigned in
1873, when he was elected to the Legislature, and served
two years. As a member of that body, he was appointed
upon the Committee of Ways and Means, and on many
of the most prominent special committees, and strove to
make himself useful rather than conspicuous. In the
same year, he erected what is known as the Burns
Block, on Griswold street, in Detroit; and, in 1877,
the Buhl & Burns Block, on Woodward avenue, on the
site of the old Odd-Fellows' Hall. In 1876 he was appointed, by the Governor of Michigan, a member of the
Board of Control of the State Public School, situated at
Coldwater, Michigan. In 1877 he was elected President
of the Board, and still retains that position. Mr. Burns
and his wife have been members of the Central Methodist Episcopal Church of Detroit for forty years,-longer
than any other married couple in a membership of over
seven hundred.  During this time, the location of the
church has been changed three times,-each time being
moved northward on Woodward avenue, as the city grew
in that direction. Mr. Burns has filled many of the most
prominent positions in the church, and has given largely
towards its support. As a business man, Mr. Burns'
unfailing characteristics have been industry and integrity. As a citizen, he has taken a spirited part in every
thing that tended to the prosperity of the city, doing
much towards its material improvement by the erection
of fine buildings, and contributing freely of his means
to worthy and benevolent enterprises. In his demeanor,
he is plain and unassuming; and, in all his relations to
society, he is the type of a generous, whole-souled,
Christian gentleman.

MEN OF MICHIGAN.                                25
a(RUSH, HON. EDMUND A., who died at
Gl rosse Point, near Detroit, Michigan, on the
Sloth of July, 1877, was one of the oldest
American natives of Detroit, and his life may be said to
have covered almost the entire history of that city. He
was born in the latter part of the year 1802. His father,
Colonel Elijah Brush, was a graduate of Iartmouth
College, who, having first settled in Marietta, Ohio,
removed thence, about the year 1798, to Detroit. There
he subsequently married Mrs. Adelaide Askin, whose
father had for many years been a leading merchant in
the last-named city.  In 18o6, Colonel Elijah Brush
received a conveyance of the Askin farm, subsequently
known as the Brush farm, and occupied it until the time
of his death; after which his widow, with her children,
continued to reside upon it for many years. Colonel
Brush was the first Attorney-General of Michigan Territory, and held that office up to the time of his death,
which occurred in December, 1813. Ile left four children,-three sons and a daughter,-of whom Edmund,
the subject of the sketch, was the eldest. At the time
of his father's death, Mr. Brush was but a lad, not
yet through with his preparatory studies. In 1814, he
entered Hamilton College, in company with Peter Desnoyers, of Detroit, who still survives him. lie there
completed his collegiate course and received his degree.
Throughout his life, he retained a love for classical
literature. He also spoke French fluently, which gave
him great influence among the old settlers of Detroit, a
majority of whom were French.   After he had completed his college course, he returned to Detroit, where
he entered into active duty in the care and development
of his father's estate. Ile was associated with General
Lewis Cass, who, in 1823, appointed him City Register.
His handwriting fills a considerable number of the early
books of registered conveyances.  lie was afterwards
admitted to the bar of the Territory, although he never
became a general practitioner. lie was a member of
the somewhat noted expedition conducted in the year
1826, by General Cass and Colonel McKenny, to the
Upper Lakes, in which arrangements were made with
the Indians for allowing mineral explorations.  Mr.
Brush, from his earliest manhood, took an important
part in the municipal affairs of Detroit, and in all its
local concerns. The town was incorporated as far back
as 1802, and in 1815, becoming a city, it was then, and
for many years after, the emporium of the great Northwestern fur trade, and the center of Indian affairs. Mr.
Brush helped to organize the volunteer fire department,
in which he served, and took great pride. He was also,
for one or more terms, Recorder, when no compensation
was attached to the office, and the amount of labor was
by no means inconsiderable. In 1852, when it became
necessary to enlarge our city water-works, and a Board
of Water Commissioners was appointed and organized




26

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

by the Legislature, Mr. Brush was among the first
named on this Board, and continued in it for upwards
of sixteen years.  His services in this capacity have
been universally regarded as valuable; and his whole
career, as wise and judicious. Mr. Bush continued all
through his life to watch closely our municipal politics
and legislation, and was always ready to bear a part in
all schemes designed for the common welfare; many public
abuses were effectually thwarted by his timely interference.
At the time of his death, he was still considering this
subject, hoping to devise some plan by which the best
citizenship could be, by law, commanded into the public
service. It failed of practical maturity; but, had Mr.
Brush been spared a year or two longer, there is little
doubt but he would     have done something which
would have greatly benefited the municipality. He was
a friend to all projects for facilitating travel and transportation to and from the city, and devoted no small
amount of time to the furtherance and development of
our first railroad routes. The improvement and enlargement of the city incidentally enhanced the value of his
extensive real estate; and, in the sales made from it in late
years, he compelled purchasers to erect substantial and
handsome buildings, the effect of which is now quite
apparent on that portion of his farm which lies in the
northern part of the city. Mr. Brush had some peculiarities in his way of doing business, but was never
hard upon his tenants where they acted in good faith
toward him; and, it is said, never enforced a forfeiture.
Through his long life, he retained, to a large extent,
his early tastes and habits. He was not only a reader,
but a student and thinker on all public affairs. Not a
partisan in politics, he was still a man of fixed and
decided opinions. In conversation, he was instructive
as well as entertaining, and enjoyed much the genial
society of cultivated men. Where he gave his affections,
they were strong and sincere, and he heartily enjoyed the
society of his friends and acquaintances. His attachment to his own family was especially strong. He was
happily married to Miss Eliza Cass Hunt, the accomplished daughter of General John E. Hunt, and a niece
of Mrs. General Cass.  By this marriage, five children
were born to him, who all reached early manhood and
womanhood; but all of whom, save one, died before
their father. This one alone survives to bear and transmit the family name. The early deaths of these children fell like pitiless blows on the heart of their father,
who loved them intensely; and it is feared his grief
contributed largely to hasten his own death. These
children were: Edmund Erskine, the eldest; Lillie, the
youngest; Adelaide, the eldest daughter, the wife of
William G. Thompson; and Eliot Hunt Brush, the
youngest son, who died within a year after his admission
to the bar. The married daughter, Mrs. Thompson,
leaves a young child, and these, with the widow of Mr.

Brush, are now the only representatives of this once
promising family.  Mr. Brush's death occurred very
suddenly at his summer residence at Grosse Point. Ile
never appeared better, or seemed more to enjoy life,
than an hour before his death; and, after rallying a little
from a struggle occasioned by retarded action of the
heart, he ran up stairs to his bed-room, where he laid
himself down, never again to rise. Mr. Brush was
widely known and esteemed, not only throughout the
State, but throughout the country, and his death was
lamented by a large circle of sorrowing friends. It will
be long before his name and memory can be blotted
from the history and records of the city of Detroit.
RUSH, ELIJAH, Lawyer, late of Detroit, was
JIl born at Bennington, Vermont. His father was
1    a Colonel in the Revolutionary War, and took
part in the battle of Bennington, where he was the first
man inside the enemy's works. To complete his education, Mr. Brush was sent to Dartmouth College, where
he graduated. He then began the study of law, and
was duly admitted to practice. His father gave him
one hundred dollars, and he at once directed his steps
Westward. He settled in Detroit, Michigan, which was
then a garrison village of about five hundred inhabitants, and commenced the practice of his profession.
He engaged in the first test case-involving the right to
hold slaves-that was ever tried in Michigan. In 18Io
the military force at Detroit consisted of United States
troops in garrison at Fort Le Noult,-previous to 1813
called Fort Shelby,-and the volunteers which Colonel
Brush had organized into a battalion known as "The
Michigan Legion." In the spring of 1812, General IHull
sent his baggage by water, in advance of his march
to Detroit, which was delayed at Malden; and this
was rendered more serious by the news of its seizure.
But the movement served to warn the garrison and the
inhabitants. Upon learning of the seizure of his baggage, General Hull crossed to the Canada side in force,
but soon returned. In the course of a few weeks, his
command was increased by the addition of three Ohio
regiments, commanded by Colonels McArthur, Cass, and
Findlay; the 4th United States Infantry, under Colonel
Miller; and the Ist Michigan Regiment of Infantry,
under Colonel Brush,-the "Legion," previously commanded by him, had been transferred, together with
detached companies, to Major Witherell. This was the
condition on the Ist of August, and the expectation of
an attack from the Canada side gathered strength every
day. On the morning of the i6th, Colonels Cass and
McArthur took up their line of march for the purpose
of relieving Colonel Brush, who was reported to have







<713 & o2




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

27

been attacked at the river Raisin. Having reached the
river Ecorse, they were ordered by messenger to return;
the expected attack had been made on Detroit. Early
the following day, Colonels Findlay and Brush were
ordered to take their commands to the edge of the
woods west of the town, there to repel the Indians in
the British service. Colonel Miller, in command of the
4th United States Infantry, which manned the fort and
garrison, had suddenly been taken sick. To the amazement and consternation of the Americans, the white flag
was run up and the fort surrendered. Colonel Brush
was sent to Quebec, in the following winter, as a prisoner of war. Reaching Toronto,-then known as the
town of York,-he met his brother-in-law, a British
officer, through whose interposition he was paroled, and
sent inside the American lines. In October, 1813, with
General Harrison's troops, Colonels Brush and Cass
re-entered Detroit, and, in the course of the following
week, the former entertained his brother-officers, including Commodore Perry and others, by giving a celebration dinner-party at the Brush mansion. Colonel Brush
married a daughter of John Askin, of Detroit. He died
in the winter of 1813, from exposure in attending the
funeral of a brother-officer. Colonel Brush knew no
personal fear, but was daring even to rashness. Many
incidents might be related of his bravery in defending
fugitive slaves and in conquering the Indians.

ment of the Life Association of America; Director of
the Second National Bank of Detroit; and Trustee of
Harper Hospital. He has found leisure amid the cares
of business to travel quite extensively through Europe
and the United States. Mr. Buhl was married, in 1836,
to Miss Beatty, of Butler County, Pennsylvania, by
whom he has had five children. The eldest son, Captain F. A. Buhl, entered the army on the breaking out
of the civil war; he was wounded, and died at Annapolis, Maryland, in September, 1864.
'ASTER, ELISHA E., Minister of the Gospel,
TDetroit, was born in Galen, Wayne County, New
York, March 19, 1836. His father, Christopher
W. Caster, was a native of Redfield, Oswego County,
New York; but, when quite young, removed to Western
New York, where he remained until 1850. He resided
in Ohio from 1850 to 1851, and then removed to Oakland County, Michigan, where he still lives. Elisha E.
Caster is the fifth of nine children, all of whom lived
to mature age. He attended the district schools and
academies of New York and Michigan until he had
reached his twentieth year. He was an attentive scholar,
and especially fond of history. Following in the footsteps of his father, he learned the trade of a carpenter
and joiner, and became a first-class workman. In 1853
he was converted, under the preaching of Rev. William
T_: -A1  11  C:-        I _ 1-,_1_ 1-1 -
Sirdsall. Six months after, ne received a license as an
UHL, FREDERICK, Hatter and Furrier, of exhorter; and, in 1856, as a local preacher. One year
Detroit, was born in Western Pennsylvania, from that time, he entered the traveling connection of
SNovember 27, 1806. His parents were natives the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1857 he was apof Saxony, and emigrated to this country previous to pointed pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church at
their marriage. Mr. Buhl is the second son in a family Byron, and was engaged, during seven years, at Corunna,
of eleven children; he enjoyed very few educational Owosso, Bay City, and Marquette,-the discipline of
advantages, owing to the irregularity of the schools in the Conference, at that time, allowing only two years
that then new country. When sixteen years of age, he at each place.  In 1864 he took charge of the Garland
went to Pittsburg for the purpose of acquiring a knowl- Street Church, at Flint, entering upon his duties with
edge of the jeweler's trade, but ill health forced him to an ability and enthusiasm which resulted in a great
devote himself to other pursuits. In 1833 he came to increase of his congregation. In the winter of 1855-56,
Detroit, Michigan, where he formed a partnership with his labors were rewarded with a revival of more than
his brother, C. H. Buhl, and opened a hat store, the firm  ordinary interest, so that it became impossible to seat
name being F. & C. H. Buhl, which remained in exis- all who attended the services. From Flint he went to
tence twenty years. At the end of this time, his brother Lafayette avenue, Detroit, where he labored zealously
retired, and Mr. Buhl continued in and increased the for three years, and received into the Church more than
business until he became one of the largest shippers of two hundred converts. He next went to Jefferson Avefurs in the country, as well as an importer and manufac- nue Church, where he remained three more years, meetturer of every thing pertaining to furs. The firm is ing with equally good success. From 1874 to 1876 he
now F. Buhl, Newland & Co. Mr. Buhl has occupied labored with the people at Romeo, during which time
many positions of trust and honor, having been Alder- their new church was completed, at a cost of sixty
man and Mayor of the city; Director of the State thousand dollars. He would have remained the third
Bank; President of the Fort Wayne and Elmwood year, had he not been called, by a delegation, to the
Railroad Company; President of the Michigan Depart- church at East Saginaw. He went to that place, where




.                           -..... -.

28

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

he has since been laboring with a zeal which has gained
a large and influential congregation. He joined the
Masonic Fraternity in 1860, and is a Knight of the Red
Cross.  In 1865 he became an Odd-Fellow, and is a
member of the Encampment. He is a member both of
the Good Templars and the Sons of Temperance. iHe
is a Republican, and has often been urged to make
political speeches, but has refused. He has devoted
much of his time, for the last four years, to lecturing on
temperance and other popular subjects, and is a fine
speaker as well as a ready writer.  For several years
he has been a correspondent of numerous papers and
journals. He possesses those powers of concentration
and fluency which enable him to preach without manuscript, and frequently without notes. He was married
in June, 1853, to Miss Hattie L. Wilbur, a graduate of
Spring Arbor, and a lady of fine literary attainments.
They have two daughters.;jIIHANDLER, HON. ZACHARIAH, of Detroit,
was born in Bedford, New Hampshire, December
10, 1813. He received an academical education.
In December, 1833, he removed to Detroit, Michigan,
where, shortly after, he engaged in the dry-goods business, and in a few years became a prosperous merchant.
In 1851 he was elected Mayor of Detroit, and, in 1852,
was the Whig nominee for Governor of Michigan. He
made a vigorous canvass and ran far ahead of his ticket;
but the Democracy held unbroken sway in the State
until after the advent of the Republican party. In 1857
Mr. Chandler was elected to the United States Senate, as
a Republican, to succeed General Lewis Cass, Democrat,
and took his seat, March 4, 1857. Among the distinguished men in the Senate, at that time, were William P.
Fessenden, Hannibal Hamlin, John P. Hale, Charles
Sumner, Henry Wilson, William IH. Seward, Preston
King, Simon Cameron, Benjamin F. Wade, R. M. T.
Hunter, James M. Mason, David C. Broderick, Andrew
Johnson, John J. Crittenden, John Bell, Stephen A.
Douglas, Samuel Houston, Jefferson Davis, Robert
Toombs, John Slidell, and Judah P. Benjamin.   In
the House of Representatives were Anson Burlingame,
Nathaniel P. Banks, Francis E. Spinner, E. D. Morgan,
Erastus Corning, Reuben E. Fenton, Galusha A. Grow,
John Covode, Henry Winter Davis, Charles J. Faulkner,
James L. Orr, Alexander H. Stephens, L. Q. C. Lamar,
George H. Pendleton, Samuel S. Cox, John Sherman,
Joshua R. Giddings, Horace Maynard, Schuyler Colfax,
E. B. Washburne, Owen Lovejoy, F. P. Blair, Jun.,
William A. Howard, and John F. Porter. The principal speeches made by Mr. Chandler during the administration of President Buchanan were those in opposition

to the admission of Kansas under the Lecompton
Constitution; in opposition to the annexation of Cuba to
the United States; and in favor of appropriations for the
construction of a ship canal through the St. Clair Flats.
lHe also made a vigorous protest against the character of
the standing committees of the Senate, which, while that
body was under Democratic control, were generally
composed of six Democrats and one Republican. Mr.
Chandler was re-elected in 1863, and again in 1869, and
thus served in the Senate eighteen years. In December,
I861, upon the motion of Mr. Chandler, after considerable discussion in Congress, a joint Committee on the
Conduct of the War, consisting of three Senators and
four Representatives, was appointed; its first business
being to inquire into the causes of the defeat of the
Union forces at the battles of Bull Run and Ball's Bluff.
The chairmanship of the committee was tendered to
Mr. Chandler, who declined to accept, and nominated
Senator Wade for the position. This celebrated committee, when first organized, consisted of Senators Wade,
of Ohio; Chandler, of Michigan; Johnson, of Tennessee;
and Representatives Gooch, of Massachusetts; Covode,
of Pennsylvania; Julian, of Indiana; and Odell, of New
York. It was continued until after the close of the
war, many changes taking place among its members
from time to time. Mr. Chandler remained on the committee, but declined at any time to become Chairman,
although he was the guiding spirit. As soon as the
Republicans gained ascendency, Mr. Chandler was
made Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, and
held the position until the expiration of his third term,
March 3, 1875. He was one of the most earnest supporters of President Lincoln's administration, as well as
of that of President Grant, and possessed the firm friendship, esteem, and confidence of Presidents Lincoln and
Grant, and Mr. Stanton. Mr. Stanton was appointed to
the Supreme Bench upon the request of Mr. Chandler,
on the same day that the request was made. July 16,
1862, Mr. Chandler delivered his greatest speech in the
Senate. It was in relation to the conduct of the war.
Its most notable feature was his severe criticism of
General McClellan's military career as Commander of
the Army of the Potomac, which doubtless hastened
the transfer of General Grant to that command. From
the time of his entrance into public life, Mr. Chandler
was an active, prominent, and skillful politician, and,
when his advice was followed, party success was generally assured. He has always been an advocate of protective tariff for the encouragement of home manufacture.
He has earnestly advocated and often secured aid from
the Government in the construction and repair of
improvements in rivers and harbors. He was among
the foremost of those who favored the overthrow of
slave-power, the preservation of the integrity and honor
of the country, and the protection by law of all the




C2







REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

29.

rights of the humblest citizen. He was regarded, alike
in public and private affairs, as a man of unquestioned
integrity and great practical ability. Hie had wonderful
powers of intuition, and moral courage second to none.
His word was as good as his bond. Hle was Chairman
of the Union Congressional Committee four years. He
was a member of one of the National Republican Committees in 1876, and was chosen Chairman for a term of
four years. His care and vigilance did much to secure
the election of Rutherford B. Hlayes to the Presidency.
On the morning after the election, he sent the report,
"I ayes has one hundred and eighty-five votes and is
elected;" which, though often disputed, after a contest
of a kind never before known in American politics,
proved to be true. October 19, 1875, Mr. Chandler
was appointed Secretary of the Interior, by President
Grant, and held the position until after the inauguration
of President Hayes. His administration of affairs showed
marked ability, surprising his friends and extorting
praise from his enemies. HIe introduced and carried
out a system of regeneration and reform in the civil
service, such as had never before taken place in Washington. In less than one week after his appointment,
he had dismissed every clerk from one room in the
Patent Office for dishonesty or immorality. He thoroughly examined and sifted other Bureaus, especially
the Indian Office, where bribery and corruption were
the rule, integrity and faithfulness the exception. The
Land and Pension Offices were subjected to the purifying process, and the whole department was thoroughly
renovated. These reforms, instituted in the civil service
of the Department of the Interior by Secretary Chandler, were radical, practical, and effectual; requiring an
amount of moral courage and executive ability seldom
possessed by public officials.
C  AMPBELL, JAMES VALENTINE, Detroit,
Judge of the Supreme Court of Michigan, was born
in Buffalo, New York, February 25, 1823, and came
to I)etroit in 1826. He was educated at Flushing, Long
Island, and graduated from St. Paul's College in July,
1841. After studying law, he was admitted to the bar
at Detroit in October, 1844. He was elected to the
Supreme Court Bench of Michigan for the term beginning January I, 1858; and was re-elected in 1863 and
1871. Mr. Campbell was appointed Professor in the
law department of the Michigan University in 1859,
and, in 1866, received the degree of LE. D. He was
a Whig as long as the party retained its separate organization; and has since been a member of the Republican
party. In 1876 he published a work entitled Outlines
of the Political History of Michigan. - He has been

connected with the Detroit Board of Education for several years.  Mr. Campbell belongs to the Protestant
Episcopal Church, and is a member of the Standing
Committee of the Diocese of Michigan.
LfiAY, WILLIAM, late of Detroit, born at Bath,
England, in the year 1807, served an apprenticei   ship as a broadcloth maker and dyer. Hle somehow became known to the celebrated George Crabbe,
the poet, theologian, and metaphysician, who, through
fancy or caprice, gave him a thorough course of instruction in metaphysics, supplying him abundantly with
text-books and reading. That Mr. Clay's natural tastes
lay in this direction is demonstrated by the history of
his life; but the patronage of his friend was doubtless
the determining force in his pursuit and acquisition of
knowledge. Mr. Clay came to America in 1828. With
but little money, he started West from New York, on
foot, following the stage route. When between Albany
and Utica, he became much disheartened. He could
get nothing to do at his trade, and destitution stared
him in the face. Passing a farmer's house, he inquired
of the occupant if he did not want his razor sharpened;
he had never done such a work, and probably, if he had
stopped to reflect, he would never have attempted it.
But we often act from impulse; and it is difficult to say
whether our actions are always so much the result of
deliberate purpose on our part as is generally supposed.
The young traveler sharpened a razor very acceptably
for the farmer, receiving in payment a supper, a night's
rest, and a breakfast, and went his way. lie did other
similar jobs, not only paying his way, but putting a little
change in his purse.  lie essayed shaving, also, and
soon acquired such a confidence in his new vocation that
he opened a shop in Canandaigua, and, subsequently,
at Westfield, a stage station between Buffalo and Erie.
Here he met and formed the acquaintance of W. II.
Seward, who was connected professionally with the Holland Land Company's interests,-a friendship springing
up between the two that was maintained up to the time
of Mr. Seward's death.   Here he met, also, Esther
Wood, a young lady who afterwards became his wife,
and who now, as the mature matron, survives and
mourns his loss. His next stopping-place was Detroit;
where, opening a shop in 1832, he added to the ordinary work of a barber the kindred avocation of wigmaking. His business and social history from this time
to that of his death, July Io, 1877, presents nothing
remarkable beyond a steady and conscientious discharge
of the average duties of life, and the rearing of a family
of seven children.  In connection with these duties,
however, the distinguishing elements of his character




. i/

30

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

were his intellectual ability, and that quality which is
comprehensively described as superior goodness. His
special study was metaphysics, and his acquirements
attracted the most scholarly men of Detroit to his shop,
while his reputation with this class was as wide as the
continent. He collected a large library; on the abstruse
topics of which it mainly treated, one of the largest and
best-selected in the country. fle wrote much, although
his modesty restrained him from offering his productions
to the public. The North-western University of Chicago, in recognition of his literary attainments, conferred upon him the degree of A. M., June 26, 1852.
A religious man, and a communicant of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, he was never tinctured with bigotry.
He was truly catholic in spirit and in heart. He was a
simple-minded, great man; and true greatness is always
wedded with simplicity.  He died without reproach,
and without an enemy. His pastor, Rev. W. X. Ninde,
in a modest though touching euolgy on the occasion of
his burial, paid this tribute to the native graces of the
good man: "We rejoice that our brother has entered
into rest. Heaven to him must have proved gloriously
welcome. He always seemed out of place in this rude
world.  So sensitive was his nature, so ethereal his
spirit, that the world, with its strifes, its vain pursuits,
its low ambitions, ever jarred painfully upon his feelings. Let us rejoice, therefore, in the triumph he has
won, glorifying that God who gives to all souls their
beauty and strength."
f  HAPIN, DR. MARSHALL, of Detroit, was born
in Bernardstown, Massachusetts, February 27, 1798.
He was the son of Dr. Caleb and Mary Chapin.
His ancestors, for more than two hundred years, had
lived in and about Springfield, and the Connecticut
River Valley. He was one of a family of nine children,
and was brought up in the frugal, industrious habits of
those early times. His father owned a farm, and he
assisted in the work; obtaining such education as was
possible during the winter months. A removal, which
the family made to Caledonia, New    York, was an
experiment which succeeded only in scattering the boys
from home. Mr. Chapin attended a medical course at
Geneva. He also studied some time with his uncle,
Dr. Cyrenius Chapin, of Buffalo, New York, and graduated at the age of twenty-one. In 1819 he established, with
the help of his uncle, the first drug store in Detroit,
Michigan, then a town of only five hundred inhabitants.
He had medical care of the fort; and, soon after his
arrival at Detroit, was invited to dine with Governor
Cass. A fire broke 'out on the roof while they were at
dinner, and the young doctor's coolness and presence

of mind in extinguishing it brought him into favorable
notice, and he was no longer a stranger. Citizens
came forward to encourage him, and to seek his counsel.
Doctor Chapin married in 1823, and, two years later,
built a comfortable home for his family. Besides his
professional labors, he gave due attention to the drug
and grocery store, which was the foundation of the
wholesale establishment now  carried on by T. I.
Hinchman & Sons,-the latter gentlemen are grandsons of Dr. Marshall Chapin. In 1831, and again in
1833, he held the office of Mayor of Detroit. But it is
as the good physician of that place in 1832, and again
in 1834, that his name will ever be held in grateful
remembrance. During those years, when the cholera
was so fatal to residents of Detroit, Doctor Chapin
worked night and day at the bedside of the sick and
dying. While the scourge lasted, he seldom took more
than two hours' sleep in the twenty-four. lie was one
of the few successful physicians in staying the progress
of the disease; and hundreds of the poor looked upon
him as their preserver. He invariably refused all compensation for his services, from those not readily able to
pay. His naturally delicate constitution gave way under
the great demand made upon it; he was attacked by a
fever, which affected the brain, and it was many months
before he rallied. A year of rest and good nursing
enabled him to enjoy three years of comfortable health.
In 1838 the fatal symptoms made their appearance
which ended a life of great usefulness and promise. lie
died December 26, 1838. Rich and poor crowded to
pay their last respects to a man universally beloved and
lamented. "A good name is rather to be chosen than
great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and
gold."
(HONANT, HON. SHUBAEL, Merchant, Detroit,
Michigan, was born in Mansfield, Connecticut,
August I, 1783. He was apprenticed to the
business of watch-making, at North Hampton, and
became thoroughly familiar with that trade.  When
twenty-six years old, he engaged in mercantile pursuits,
and July 5, 181o, came to Detroit with a stock of goods
and opened a store on Jefferson avenue.  Mr. Conant
remained in business there until the surrender of the
city to the British in 1812. lie was a sergeant in Captain Solomon Sibly's company of militia at that time,
and was one of those who vigorously protested against
the surrender. Amid the confusion which ensued upon
the occupation of the city by the British and Indians,
business became very insecure, and, at the suggestion
of his partner, Mlr. Conant packed and stored their stock
of goods, and left for New England. He remained there




1A
'\







h




- li1,~ 7 & 2,
/ -2 -



REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

31

until the victory of Perry on Lake Erie, September Io,
1813, rendered it evident that the American rule would
be permanently and securely established over the Northwest. Mr. Conant returned to Detroit in 1813, and
became connected with Colonel Stephen A. Mack, under
the firm name of Mack & Conant. For several years this
firm did as large a business as any house west of Albany,
and contracted with the Government for supplying the
different posts on the frontiers. In the prosecution of
this trade, they made large advances to the Government,
as well as to persons holding claims against it; and,
owing to the delay and losses occasioned by the action
of the Government in connection with these claims, they
were finally compelled to make an assignment for the
benefit of their Eastern creditors.  Mr. Mack dying
insolvent, the duty of paying the debts of the firm
devolved on Mr. Conant; who, after years of toil and
personal sacrifice, discharged every claim in full. After
closing his commercial career, Mr. Conant acted as
agent for the noted firm of Davis & Centre, of Albany,
New York, in the purchase of furs. By his business
skill, he managed to amass considerable means, and, at
his death, left a large estate. Ile was the builder of the
"Michigan Exchange" hotel, the block on Jefferson
avenue, which bears his name, as well as other buildings of less prominence. He was a firm believer in the
Christian religion, and a member of the Presbyterian
denomination. At the time of his death, which occurred
in 1867, he was connected with the Fort Street Presbyterian Church, and, in his daily life, bore witness to the
faith which he professed.
IP  HIPMAN, JUDGE HENRY, was born July 25,
1784, in Tinmouth, Rutland County, Vermont; and, died at Detroit, Michigan. He was one of the
early settlers of the Territory, and, in various capacities,
performed the full part in shaping its affairs. His
father, Judge Nathaniel Chipman, after serving honorably as an officer during the American Revolution, was
chosen to represent Vermont in the United States Senate. He was also Chief-Justice of the State for many
years.  He was a man of solid learning and sound
sagacity; and was as much resorted to by his neighbors, to settle their difficulties in a friendly way, as
he was trusted in his public functions as a distinguished
statesman and jurist. He was one of the earliest writers
upon law in the United States, having published, not
only text-books and reports, enriched with valuable
annotations and treatises, but also a work on the Principles of Government. This belongs to a class of productions called out by the new and peculiar political
conditions of the United States, which have been very
5

influential in shaping the affairs of the country. He
married Miss Sarah Hill, an estimable lady of Vermont. Judge Henry Chipman had a profound respect
for his parents, and his whole career was influenced by
his father's teachings and example. It was his good
fortune to receive a thorough education. He entered
Middlebury College, and graduated in 1803, before
attaining his majority. This college had already a high
reputation, and Judge Chipman left with solid acquirements and scholarly tastes, which were a source of
comfort and enjoyment through all his life. He was
present at the commencement exercises of 1866, and
was then the sole survivor of his class. On that occasion he received the degree of Doctor of Laws. Immediately after graduating, he began the study of law, and,
in due time, was admitted to the Vermont bar. His
unsparing devotion to study had been too much for his
physical strength, and his health failed. In hope of
amendment, he removed to the West Indies, and resided
four years in Jamaica. During that time his constitution
became so invigorated that the remainder of his life
was more than commonly free from sickness. On returning to the United States, he first settled in Charleston, South Carolina. From there he soon removed to
Walterborough, where he entered upon the practice of
his profession. The South Carolina bar was then, as
since, eminent, and Judge Chipman became intimate
with the leading lawyers,- Huger, Pettigrew, and their
cotemporaries. His most cherished friend was James L.
Pettigrew, a gentleman known throughout the United
States, not only for his legal accomplishments, but for
his unflinching love for the Union. This was unshaken
by the trials to which he was subjected, first, during
the nullification troubles, and, afterwards, during the
more painful times of secession, when he stood solitary
in his political fidelity. So long as they both lived, he
and Mr. Chipman were strongly attached to each other.
They found increasing pleasure in a frequent interchange
of correspondence, upon affairs of mutual interest. As
age crept upon them, and their circle of old friends
became narrower, this intercourse became more and
more valued; and, in the changes which party politics
introduce all over the country, they found their harmony
of sentiment very pleasing. Such lasting friendship is
as rare as it is honorable. While settled in Walterborough, Mr. Chipman formed the acquaintance of Miss
Martha Mary Logan, to whom he was afterwards married.
She was the daughter of John Logan, a wealthy planter
of South Carolina, and was a remarkable woman. Her
appearance was striking, and her intellectual and moral
superiority made her respected and influential. She was
warm-hearted and benevolent, of generous sympathies
and strong attachments. She read much, observed carefully, and was informed on public questions as completely as on matters of literature. She was a clear and

I-.:i "~~~;~
~-;-~~x~




@.^ ^ ^ ^. ^-::- -1.- 1':-.
ltpr e:^.p  ^ '^
g| ^ ^   ^-';"*

33

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

ready writer, and was especially brilliant in conversation. Such a woman could not fail to be a worthy
mistress of her household, and a mother who won the
strong affection, as well as filial respect, of her children.
She lived to a good age, and died in the full vigor of
her faculties, beloved and lamented. Mr. Chipman first
visited Detroit, in company with his father, in 1823.
Michigan Territory was then the extreme outpost of
civilization in the North-west. The population, exclusive of Indians, was less than fifteen thousand, and
Detroit had no more than fifteen hundred people within
its limits. Its business, however, was very large, as it
was the center of the fur and Indian trade of the Northwest. The society of the place was intelligent and cultivated, and Mr. Chipman had the sagacity to see the
great promise for its future. He, therefore, decided to
settle in Detroit, and, in 1824, moved there with his
family.  Soon after his arrival, he became associated
with Mr. Seymour in publishing the Michigan Herald,
an ably conducted and popular newspaper. Mr. Chipman's editorial labors did not interfere with his professional industry, and he soon became well established as
a lawyer.  He gave up his interest in the paper when
he was appointed Chief-Justice of the Court of Wayne
County, which was then the court of ordinary general
jurisdiction. In 1827, on the death of Hon. John
Hunt, he was appointed a Judge of the Territorial Supreme Court, to fill the vacancy. At the expiration of
the term, he was re-appointed by President Adams, and
held the office until 1832, when he was left out for political considerations. His colleagues on the bench were
Solomon Sibley and William Woodbridge, both men of
eminence. His judicial record was honorable in all
respects. For several years after leaving the Supreme
Court bench, Judge Chipman remained in public life,
attending to his practice and devoting more or less of
his time to writing for the press. Upon the organization of the Whig party, he became an active member,
and used his utmost means for advancing its principles.
He continued to labor for it until it was disbanded,
upon the repeal of the Missouri Corhpromise, and in
anticipation of the Presidential election of 1856. He
strongly denounced the Congressional action which repealed the compromise.  The new party arrangements
involved associations which were, in some respects,
disagreeable to him, and he thereafter voted independently. He was among the few in his own State who
voted for Bell and Everett, in the election of 1860.
Upon the breaking out of the civil war, in 1861, he
placed himself, unconditionally and zealously, on the
side of the Union; and, in spite of the physical infirmities of advancing age, entered heartily into all measures within his reach for helping the country and the
army. Judge Chipman wrote with great ease and rapidity, but his critical taste and desire to be accurate ren
dered extemporaneous speaking somewhat irksome, and
he preferred writing to speaking. His political views
were settled and his opinions well defined. In 1841 he
was made Judge of the District Criminal Court, comprising, within its jurisdiction, Wayne and some of the
adjacent counties. He held the office until it was abolished. This was his last public position, and, after
relinquishing it, he continued the practice of law until
his age rendered it burdensome. He furnished articles
for the press as often as circumstances called for them,
and never gave up the habitual use of his pen. At an
early period of his life, Judge Chipman became identified with the Episcopal Church,.and was, during a large
part of the time, either a member of the vestry of St.
Paul's, or a trustee of the Mariner's Church. The latter
was formed, with his advice and assistance, by one of
his old friends and clients. Judge Chipman had nine
children, three of whom died in childhood. His oldest
son-Henry Logan Chipman-became a Lieutenant in
the navy, and died at the age of thirty-two. He was
not only a brave and good officer, but a man of genius,
and a writer of much promise. The only remaining
son,-John Logan Chipman,-a man of eloquence and
recognized power, is a member of the Detroit bar. The
daughters have inherited the qualities of their parents.
In spite of the apparent frailty of his constitution in.
early life, Judge Chipman became a hale and vigorous
man, and lived to a good old age. He was of medium.
height, solidly, though not heavily, built, and of erect
carriage. He had clear, bright, blue eyes, and a countenance whose expression, though dignified, was usually
earnest and animated. IHe was a man of genuine old-fashioned courtesy, hospitable and friendly, of great, though
unostentatious, benevolence. He had perfect control of
his temper, and always guarded his expressions. To the
day of his death, he never lost his enthusiasm upon.
subjects which interested him. Except for the maturity
of judgment and experience which came from his long
and observant life, there was nothing in his style or
conversation to indicate the lapse of years. He was
tolerant of all honest differences, and thought that
views which were worth holding needed no apology
for being expressed.
e;RAPO, HON. HENRY         HOWLAND, Governor
of Michigan from 1865 to 1869, was born May
24, 1804, at Dartmouth, Bristol County, Massachusetts; and died at Flint, Michigan, July 22, 1869.
He was the eldest son of Jesse and Phoebe ( Howland)
Crapo. His father was of French descent, and was
very poor, sustaining his family by the cultivation of a
farm in Dartmouth Township, which yielded nothing
beyond a mere livelihood. His early life was conse



`~r ~ ~' z

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

33

quently one of toil, and devoid of advantages for intellectual culture; but his desire for an education seemed
to know no bounds. The incessant toil for a mere
subsistence upon a comparatively sterile farm had no
charms for him; and, longing for greater usefulness and
better things, he looked for them in an education. His
struggles to secure this end necessitated sacrifices and
hardships that would have discouraged any but the
most courageous and persevering. He became an ardent
student and worker from his boyhood, though the means
of carrying on his studies were exceedingly limited. Hie
sorely felt the need of a dictionary; and, neither having
money wherewith to purchase it, nor being able to procure one in his neighborhood, he set to work to compile
one for himself. In order to acquire a knowledge of
the English language, he copied into a book every
word whose meaning he did not comprehend; and, upon
meeting the same word again in the newspapers and
books which came into his hands, would study out its
meaning from the context, and then record the definition. When unable otherwise to obtain the signification
of a word in which he had become interested, he would
walk from Iartmouth to New Bedford for that purpose
alone; and, after referring to the books at the library, and
satisfying himself thoroughly as to its definition, would
walk back-a distance of about seven miles-the
same night. This was no unusual circumstance. Under
such difficulties, and in this manner, he compiled quite
an extensive dictionary in manuscript, which is believed
to be still in existence. Ever in the pursuit of knowledge, he obtained possession of a book upon surveying;
and, applying himself diligently to its study, became
familiar with the theory of this art, which he soon had
an opportunity to practice.  The services of a land
surveyor were wanted, and he was called upon, but had
no compass, and no money with which to purchase
one. A compass, however, he must and would have;
and, going to a blacksmith's shop near at hand, upon
the forge, with such tools as he could find in the
shop, while the smith was at dinner, he constructed the
compass, and commenced life as a surveyor. *Still continuing his studies, he fitted himself for teaching, and
took charge of the village school at Dartmouth. When,
in the course of time, and under the pressure of law, a
high school was to be opened, he passed a successful
examination for its principalship and received the appointment. To do this was no small task. The law
required a rigid examination in various subjects, which
necessitated days and nights of study. One evening,
after concluding his day's labor of teaching, he traveled
on foot to New Bedford, some seven or eight miles,
called upon the preceptor of Friends' Academy, and
passed a severe examination. Receiving a certificate
that he was qualified, he walked back to his home the
same night, highly elated in being possessed of the ac
quirements and requirements of a master of the high
school. In 1832, at the age of twenty-eight years, he
left his native town, and went to reside at New Bedford, where he followed the occupation of a land surveyor, and occasionally acted as an auctioneer. Soon
after becoming a citizen of this place, he was elected
Town Clerk, Treasurer, and Collector of Taxes, which
office he held until the form of the municipal government of New    Bedford was changed,- about fifteen
years;-when, upon the inauguration of the city government, he was elected Treasurer and Collector of
Taxes, a position which he held two or three years.
He was also Police Justice for many years. He was
elected Alderman of New Bedford; was Chairman of
the Council Committee on Education; and, as such,
prepared a report upon which was based the order for
the establishment of the Free Public Library of New
Bedford. On its organization, Mr. Crapo was chosen a
member of its first Board of Trustees. This was the
first free public library in Massachusetts, if not in the
world; the Boston Public Library, however, was established soon afterwards. While a resident in New Bedford, he was much interested in horticulture; and, to
obtain the land necessary for carrying out his ideas,
he drained and reclaimed several acres of rocky and
swampy land adjoining his garden. Having properly
prepared the soil, he started a nursery, which he filled
with almost every description of fruit and ornamental
trees, shrubs, flowers, etc. lie was very successful in
their propagation and growth, and took much pride in
the result of his experiment. At horticultural fairs in
Boston and elsewhere, he exhibited from his grounds
one hundred and fifty varieties of pears of his own
propagation, and one hundred and twenty varieties of
roses. In this, as in every thing that he undertook, he
always worked intelligently, and for the best results;
seeking the best methods, and looking for information
to the highest authorities. The interest he took in the
subject brought him into communication with the most
eminent horticulturists of the country; and the desire
to impart as well as to acquire knowledge soon led him
to become a regular contributor to the New England
tortticultural Journal, a position he filled as long as
he lived in Massachusetts. As an indication of the
wide reputation he acquired in that field of labor, it
may be mentioned that, after his death, an effecting
eulogy to his memory was pronounced by the President
of the National Horticultural Society, at its meeting in
Philadelphia, in 1869. During his residence in New
Bedford, Mr. Crapo was also engaged in the whaling
business, which was then the great specialty of local
enterprise. A fine barque built at Dartmouth, of which
he was part owner, was named the " H. H. Crapo," in
compliment to him.   Mr. Crapo also took an active
interest in the State militia, and for several years held




v31 -.'REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN...
34                   REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

a commission as Colonel of one of the regiments. In
speaking of the intimate relations of Mr. Crapo with
the interests of New Bedford, the Evening Standard of
that city says:
"No man connected with our municipal concerns ever
had, to a greater extent than Mr. Crapo, the confidence
of the people. He was exact and methodical in all
matters of record; 'conscientious and laboriously persistent in the discharge of every duty; clear in his
methods and statements in all that appertained to his
official transactions. He left, at the end of his long
period of service, all that belonged to his department
as a financial or recording officer so lucid and complete
that no error has ever been detected, or any improvement made upon his plans."
He was President of the Bristol County Mutual Fire
Insurance, and Secretary of the Bedford Commercial
Insurance, companies, in New Bedford; and, while an
Sofficer of the municipal government, he compiled and
published, between the years of 1836 and 1845, five
numbers of the New Bedford Directory, the first work
of the kind ever issued there. Mr. Crapo removed to
Michigan in 1856, having been induced to do so by
investments made principally in pine lands,-first in
1837, and, subsequently, in 1856. He took up his residence in the city of Flint, and engaged largely in the
manufacture and sale of lumber at Flint, Fentonville,
Holly, and Detroit, becoming one of the largest and
most successful business men of the State.  He was
mainly instrumental in the construction of the Flint
and Holly Railroad, and was President of that corporation until its consolidation with the Flint and Pere
Marquette Railway Company. He exhibited a lively
interest in the municipal affairs of Flint; gave his hearty
support to the cause of popular education; and was
elected Mayor of that city after he had been a resident
of the place only five or six years. In 1862 he was
elected State Senator to represent Genesee County, and
took rank among the leading men of the Michigan
Senate. He was Chairman of the Committee on Banks
and Incorporations, and a member of the Committee on
Bounties to Soldiers. lie at once became conspicuous
as a legislator; his previously acquired experience and
knowledge of State and municipal affairs admirably
fitting him for legislative duties. In the fall of 1864,
he received the nomination, on the Republican ticket,
for Governor of the State, and was elected by a large
majority. He was re-elected in 1866, holding the office
two terms, and retiring in January, 1869. During the
four years he occupied this office, he served the State
with unflagging zeal, energy, and industry. The features which especially characterized his administration
were his vetoing of railway aid legislation, and his firm
refusal to pardon convicts imprisoned in the penitentiary, unless upon the clearest proof of their innocence,
or of extreme sentence. Subsequent events and experience have proved, conclusively, that his action in vetoing

railway aid bills, passed by the Legislature of 1867,
was of great benefit to the State financially; and his
judgment in that matter has been generally approved.
While serving his last term as Governor, he was attacked
with the disease which terminated his life within one
year afterwards. During much of this time, he was an
intense sufferer, yet often while in great pain gave his
attention to public matters. A few weeks previous to
his death, which occurred July 23, 1869, a successful
surgical operation was performed, which seemed rapidly
to restore him; but he overestimated his strength, and,
by too much exertion in business matters and State
affairs, suffered a relapse, from which there was no rebound. The Detroit Tribune closes an obituary notice
with the following tribute to his worth:
" In all the public positions he held, Governor Crapo
showed himself a capable, discreet, vigilant, and industrious officer. He evinced wonderful vigor in mastering
details, and always wrote and spoke intelligently on
any subject to which he gave his attention. Michigan
never before had a Governor who devoted as much personal attention and painstaking labor to her public
duties as he did. His industry was literally amazing.
He was not a man of brilliant or showy qualities, but
he possessed sharp and remarkably well-developed business talents, a clear, practical understanding, sound
judgment, and unfailing integrity. In all the walks of
life, there was not a purer man in the State. So faithful, so laborious, so unselfish, so conscientious a man in
official life is a blessing beyond computation in the
healthful influence which he exerts in the midst of the
too prevalent corruptions that so lamentably abound in
the public service. We have often thought, that, in his
plainness, his honesty, his fidelity to duty, and in his
broad and sterling good sense, Governor Crapo closely
resembled the lamented Lincoln. HIe was a man of
the people, and most worthily represented them. IHis
decease is an occasion for public mourning. The State
has very few men like him, and can ill afford to spare
such an eminently useful citizen. His death will be
profoundly deplored throughout our Commonwealth,
and a general sympathy will be sincerely extended to
his bereaved family."
In the prosperity of the city of Flint he was deeply
interested, and his old love for agriculture and horticulture was further stimulated by his removal to a more
fertile section of the country.  He had an especial
fondness for landscape and ornamental gardening; and,
attached to his residence in Flint, he had upwards of
an acre of land which he took great pride in cultivating. In the town of Gaines, he possessed a farm of
about eleven hundred acres, most of which he reclaimed
from swamps by a system of drainage that he planned.
Extensive improvements upon the farm were made by
him from year to year, and it has now developed into
one of the finest in the State. Here he made an effort
to improve the breed of cattle and sheep, importing
Hereford, Short Horn, and Devon cattle; and Southdown, Cotswold, and Leicester sheep.   The farmers,
recognizing the interest he felt in agricultural pursuits,




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35

elected him, in 1863, President of the Genesee County
Agricultural Society, which position he held for a year.
During the last years of his life, he was a regular contributor of articles on agricultural topics to the Albany
County Gentleman. A Flint correspondent of a Detroit
paper, in announcing his death, says:
"To say that his death has cast a gloom over our
entire city, inadequately expresses the deep sorrow depicted on every countenance. He has now not only the
respect, but the affections, of our citizens. While the
State at large will regret his loss as an eminent and
upright public officer, we mourn his untimely end as an
energetic, influential citizen, a wise counselor, a prime
mover in the prosperity of our city, and a kind neighbor, who ever stood ready to aid the unfortunate. With
his administration of State affairs, the public are famniliar; it needs no eulogy at our hands. Suffice it to say,
that he assumed control at a very critical period, being
near the close of the war, when all public affairs were
in a very unsettled condition, and when the resources
of the State were being taxed to the greatest extent to
meet the demands of-the General Government. That
we emerged from the great contest with a proud record,
ranking with the highest for aid and counsel rendered
the Government, was attributable, in no small degree,
to the foresight and indomitable energy displayed by
our lamented ex-Governor, who so well took up and
carried forward the patriotic and untiring efforts of his
predecessor in the gubernatorial office.  The brave
boys who sustained the glorious reputation of our State
during the last year of the war, learned to love and
respect him for the almost parental affection shown
them; we know they will always revere his memory,
and in this they will be joined by all who knew him."
In the early part of his life, Mr. Crapo affiliated with
the Whig party in politics, but became an active member of the Republican party after its organization. IHe
was a member of the Christian (sometimes called the
Disciples') Church, and took great interest in its welfare
and prosperity. Mr. Crapo married, June 9, 1825, Mary
Ann Slocum, of Dartmouth, a young lady only one
year his junior. His marriage took place soon after he
had attained his majority, and before his struggles with
fortune had been rewarded with any great measure of
success. But his wife was a woman of great strength
of character, and possessed of courage, hopefulness,
and devotion; qualities which sustained and encouraged
her husband in the various pursuits of his earlier years.
For several years after his marriage, he was engaged in
teaching school, his wife living with her parents at the
time, at whose home his two older children were born.
While thus situated, he was accustomed to walk home
on Saturday to see his family, returning on Sunday, in
order to be ready for school Monday morning. As the
walk, for a good part of the time, was twenty miles
each way, it is evident that at that period of his life no
common obstacles deterred him from the performance
of what he regarded as a duty. His wife was none the
less conscientious in her sphere; and, with added responsibilities and increasing requirements, she labored faith
fully in the performance of all her duties. They had ten
children,-one son and nine daughters. His son, Hon.
William W. Crapo, of New Bedford, is now Representative to Congress from the First Congressional District
of Massachusetts.
ASS, LEWIS, of Detroit, was born in Exeter,
New Hampshire, October 9, 1782. His ancestors
were among the early pioneers of New Hampshire.  His father, Major Jonathan Cass, joined the
Patriot army the day after the skirmish at Lexington,
and fought for the independence of the struggling
colonies on the fields of Bunker Hill, Trenton, Princeton, Germantown, Saratoga, and Monmouth. Like all
the men of the Revolution, Major Cass felt the importance of educating the generation that was to guide the
fortunes of the new Republic, and spared no pains in
preparing his son for the high career which his youthful genius and ambition seemed to promise. In the
academy of Exeter, that venerable school in which so
many great men have received their first liferary impulses, he not only acquired a knowledge of the classical languages, but formed habits of study which
rendered him a ripe scholar. After teaching school for
some time in Delaware, where his father was stationed
under General Wayne, he set out, in his nineteenth
year, for the North-western Territory, to find a new
home. IHe crossed the Alleghanies on foot, and found
himself in the heart of a wilderness whose solitude was
almost undisturbed. The boy adventurer grew up with
that Territory; and, in fifty years, saw it covered by five
powerful States, and inhabited by five millions of people.
He studied law with the late Governor Meigs, and was
admitted to the bar in 1802. His success was rapid
and decided, and in four years he was in the Legislature
of Ohio, where he soon rose to distinction. The following year he was appointed, by Jefferson, Marshal of
Ohio, and continued to fill this office, with great ability,
until the War of 1812. At this time he resigned his
commission; and, at the head of the 3d Regiment of
Ohio Volunteers, marched to the frontier. He was the
first armed American to land on the Canada shore; and,
had his early successes been followed up by General Hull,
our armies would have been spared a year of humiliation. When ordered by his General to give up his
sword to a British officer, he broke it in despair and
indignation. For his gallant services, he was appointed
a Brigadier-General in the army of the United States.
The brilliant victory of Commodore Perry having swept
the enemy's fleet from Lake Erie, the American army,
under General Harrison, in the autumn of 1813, landed
once more in the enemy's country, determined to wipe
out the disgrace of Hull's cowardly surrender. Driven




S.........      -                -  -*  '
36                            REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.
from point to point by the victorious columns of Harri- scholar and Christian,-the city of Romulus and the
son, the British General at last took a strong position city of David,-he found a few months of grateful
"  on the banks of the Thames, where he concentrated his repose. On his return to his native city, he met great
Stried battalions, with the bloody Tecumseh and his tokens of regard from the nation he had represented,
two thousand murderous savages. The triumph of our from institutions of science and learning, and the great
arms was complete; Proctor fled, and Tecumseh was West and its advancing millions.    When the great
slain. General Cass, who had contributed so much to patriot of the Hermitage felt that he was drawing near
render the campaign successful, had his full share of his end, General Cass visited him at his home, and the
i  the perils, the heroism, and the glory of the day. In parting scene was filled with the tenderness of a final
the dispatches of the commanding General, his name separation. In 1845 he was elected to the United States
"/        was associated with Perry's, who fought with him side Senate, and for three years was one of its brightest
by side. The victory of the Thames left General Cass ornaments. During the days of trial, he stood firmly by
the military guardian of Michigan, of which he became the Constitution.  With Clay, Webster, Houston, and
civil Governor. At the close of the war, he removed other statesmen, who were worthy to have sat with our
with his family to I)etroit, where he commenced that fathers around the early council fires of the Republic, he
long series of civil services which won for him the could not be tempted to give up to party what belongs
gratitude of the \Vest. To his judicious counsels, per- to mankind. In May, 1848, on his nomination as a candisuasive eloquence, unwearied exertions, fearless adven- date for the Presidency, he resigned his position in the
tures, and generous patriotism, that vast and powerful United States Senate. After the election of his opponent,
region owes much. In the year 1820, Mr. Calhoun, General Taylor, to that office, the Legislature of his State,
who was then Secretary of War, approved of an expe- in 1849, re-elected him to the Senate for the unexpired
dition which was proposed by Governor Cass, to explore portion of his original term of six years. When Mr.
the sources of the Mississippi, and establish friendly Buchanan became President, he invited General Cass
intercourse with all the Indian tribes. His negotiations to the head of the Department of State, which position
had begun in 1815, and they were continued under he resigned in December, 1860.      lie devoted some
seven successive administrations. He was renominated attention to literary pursuits, and his writings, speeches,
on the expiration of his term of office, and each time and State papers would make several volumes; among
was unanimously confirmed by the Senate, without a which is one entitled, France; its King, Cour, and Govsingle remonstrance from the large territory over which ermnent, published in 1840. He died in Detroit, June
he presided. During this long period, he negotiated 17, 1866; and will long be remembered as the most
twenty-one treaties with the Indians of the North-west, eminent and successful statesman of Michigan.
and thus secured peace and prosperity to those brave
but fading races, and undisturbed progress to their conquerors. In 1831 he was called, by General Jackson,
to the position of Secretary of War. Of all the cabinet
of that great man, Cass remained longest in office, and  i:OOKE, MAJOR-GEN. PHILIP ST. GEORGE,
possessed Jackson's entire confidence. In 1836 he left   United States Army, was born in Loudon County,
the War Department for the mission to France.  ie        Virginia, June 13, 1809. His father was Dr.
was abundantly qualified for that high station; and, in Stephen Cooke, a well-known physician of that region;
the discharge of its duties, rendered signal service to and his mother, Catherine Esten, was a sister of Chiefhis own country, and gained the respect and admiration Justice Esten, of Bermuda (West Indies), whose memoir
of Europe. During this period, the Quintuple Treaty appears in Appleton's Cyclopedia. At the age of fourbecame the question of European cabinets. This was teen, he was appointed cadet in the United States Milintended, by Great Britain, to impart to her assumed itary Academy, at West Point, and graduated July I,
naval supremacy the sanction of the great Powers of 1827, receiving his commission as Second Lieutenant in
the continent, thereby making a law for the ocean the Sixth Infantry. He joined his regiment at Jefferson
that would give her the right of searching our vessels Barracks, Missouri, in November of the same year, reat sea. Mr. Cass was determined to defeat the project. maining on duty there ten months. In 1829 his comIn 1842 he made a formal protest against the ratification pany acted as escort to one of the Santa Fe caravans;
of the treaty by France, and wrote a pamphlet on the and, on the 3d of August, while Lieutenant Cooke was
"Right of Search," which was read by every statesman officer of the guard, a sudden charge was made upon the
in Europe. The scheme of the British ministry was camp by about five hundred Comanches. He asked
annihilated. During his mission, he visited the south orders to meet the charge, and did so at the head of
of Europe and the eastern shores of the Mediterranean. thirty-six men, and passed through and scattered the
At those shrines, which will forever be sacred to the savages.  During the Black Hawk War, he was acting

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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

37

Adjutant of his regiment, and in the battle of Bad Axe,
led the reserve, consisting of three companies, into
action. At the close of the war, he was appointed Adjutant by General Atkinson. In 1833 he was appointed
First Lieutenant of Dragoons, and marched that winter
from Jefferson Barracks to Fort Gibson, a distance of
five hundred miles. After serving on the South-western
Expedition, in 1834, he was promoted to a Captaincy
of the First Dragoons, -- 31, 1835, and detailed on
recruiting service. This was, however, a life entirely
too dull and inactive; and, in February, 1836, he
applied for orders to join his company. Receiving
these, he marched from Fort Gibson to Nacogdoches,
Texas.  From this date until 1845, Captain Cooke was

to "the great energy and discrimination displayed by
Colonel Cooke during moments when the want of
either of these qualities might have led to the most fatal
and extended disaster."  lie marched with his command to Utah, in 1857, remaining there during 1858;
and, on June 14, 1858, was commissioned Colonel of
his regiment. In 1859 and i86o Colonel Cooke was
engaged, by order of the War Iepartment, in compiling a new system of cavalry tactics, and went abroad,
during the Franco-Austrian War, for the purpose of
studying the European systems. The tactics thus prepared were adopted for the United States service. In
the summer of 1861, the military Department of Utah,
of which Colonel Cooke was then in command, was

constantly with his company on the frontier, engaged in discontinued, and he marched the troops to Washington,
garrison duty, or on long marches against the various arriving there in October. lie was here promoted to
tribes of hostile Indians. In 1834, while commanding the position of Brigadier-General, but found himself
four companies of dragoons, for the protection of the lower in rank than a large number of volunteer officers.
Santa Fe trade, he saved the caravan by capturing and It would seem that General Cooke's long service ought
disarming a large force under commission from the Pres- to have established him in full confidence with the Govident of the young Republic of Texas. For the courage ernment, but the fact of his Southern birth occasioned
and hardihood manifested in these perilous enterprises, a feeling of distrust not surprising, so that he was not
Captain Cooke and his companions were mentioned with placed in those important commands for which his
commendation by the General-in-Chief in his reports. skill and bravery-of which the Government stood in such
Captain Cooke was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of Vol- need-had so eminently fitted him. Hie commanded a
unteers in 1846; and marched overland with the force division of regular cavalry at Washington, up to March,
of General Kearney, which secured New Mexico and 1862, when he took the command of the cavalry reserve
California to the United States during the Mexican War. of the Army of the Potomac; and participated in all
Resigning his commission in the volunteer service, he the important engagements of McClellan's Peninsula
was promoted, February 16, 1847, to the rank of Major campaign. He had command of the cavalry forces in
of the Second I)ragoons, then in Mexico; and, four the battle of Gaines' Mill. In several accounts of the
days later, was brevetted Lieutenant-Colonel, for mer- close of that battle, a singular injustice seems to have
itorious conduct while in California. In 1848 he com- been done him, apparently founded on the official report
manded the rear guard of the victorious army which, of General Fitz-John Porter, which has never been pubunder General Scott, on its retirement from the City of lished,-he being soon after cashiered. A sufficient
Mexico for embarkation at Vera Cruz, had compelled a negative is given to these by the impartial testimony of
peace at the Mexican capital. In 1853, while in com- disinterested parties. In a letter from Prince De Joinmand of the Second l)ragoons, in Texas, he led an expe- ville to Duc D'Aumale, on the day following the battle,
dition against the Lipan Indians, driving them across and published in the newspapers at the time, he says:
the Rio Grande. On July 15, of the same year, he "The fusillade and cannonade were so violent that the
was promoted to the full rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, projectiles, striking the ground, raised a permanent cloud
and ordered to New Mexico. In the winter of 1854, he of dust. General Cooke at that moment charged at the
defeated the Jacavilla Apaches, after a pursuit of one head of his cavalry, but that movement did not succeed,
hundred and fifty miles, through deep snows, over a and his horsemen on the return only increased the dismountainous and broken route, and was mentioned by order. He made every effort, aided by all who felt a
General Garland with especial praise, in general orders, little courage, to stop the panic, but in vain."  In a
June 21, 1854. In 1855 Colonel Cooke commanded the letter of General Merritt, dated February 15, 1868: " I
Second Dragoons, and two companies of mounted artil- thought at the time, and subsequent experience has
lery and infantry, in the Sioux War; and, in the battle convinced me, that your cavalry, and the audacity of
of Blue Water, his command being detached, he encoun- its conduct at the time, together with the rapid firing
tered the enemy, pursued and defeated them, inflicting of canister at short range by the battery mentioned, did
a loss of seventy-nine men. In the Kansas troubles of much, if not every thing, to prevent the entire destruc1856-57, he commanded the forces in the field. General tion of the Union army at Gaines' Mill."  A letter of
Smith, in his reports of September io, October 14, and Colonel Martin, Adjutant-General, United States army,
November II, 1856, refers in terms of the highest praise dated March 24, 1870, says: "It is my opinion that,




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

38

but for the charge of the 5th Cavalry on that day, the
loss in the command of General Fitz-John Porter would
have been immeasurably greater. Indeed, I believe that
the charge, more than any other thing, was instrumental
in saving that part of the army on the north side of
the Chickahominy. You were the last general officer
of Porter's command to leave the field on the left,General Porter himself leaving before you did. You
had, therefore, an excellent opportunity to see what
was going on." From 1864 to 1866, General Cooke was
Superintendent of Recruiting Service; and, in April,
1866, took command of the Department of the Platte.
He was brevetted Major-General, March 13, 1865, for
gallant and meritorious services during the civil war;
and, in accordance with the law, was retired, October
29, 1873, after forty-six years of continuous service. As
a young man, General Cooke cultivated literary tastes.
He studied law as a pastime during his military service
in the West, and was admitted to practice, first in Virginia, and, in 1850, by the Supreme Court of the United
States. He contributed somewhat to various magazines,
a number of his sketches having been collected and
published, in 1850, under the title: Scenes and Adventures in the Army; or, Romance of T'hitaay Life. iHe
has lately published a work, entitled, Conquest of New.Mexico and California, which, singularly in this day of
many books, filled an unoccupied place in American
military history. As the author was a prominent actor
throughout, a personal interest and piquancy are added
to the historical value of the work. General Cooke was
married, in 1830, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to Miss
Rachel Wilt Hertzog, the daughter of a Philadelphia
merchant. They have four children. The eldest, John
R. Cooke, served in the Confederate army, in which he
reached the rank of Brigadier-General. The eldest
daughter was the wife of General J. E. B. Stuart, also
of the Confederate army. General Cooke, now in the
evening of his days, surrounded by the comforts of
home, and enjoying the peace of domestic life, has
richly earned the privilege of bequeathing to his posterity the record of a well-spent life, devoted to his
country's service, and untainted with aught of dishonor.
AMPAU, JOSEPH, late of Detroit, was born in
that city, February 20, 1769; and died there July
23, 1863.  "Famous, always, among men, are
the founders of States," said Hon. William M. Evarts,
in his oration, delivered in Philadelphia, July 4, 1876.
But it is frequently necessary to look behind the mere
political structure for the real foundation of the State,
and it is frequently unjust to look for the real founders
of the State to the men whose names appear the more

prominently in its political administration. The men
who go to our new Territories in official capacities,
their salaries provided by the Federal Government,
and their safety guaranteed  by its military power,
stamp the impress both of their names and characters upon the civil institutions of the upspringing State. While it is a political necessity that they
do this, they are frequently less entitled to honor by
the exercise of moral courage, energy, public spirit,
and devotion, than others whose names appear less
conspicuously in the public annals.  The State has its
foundation, not only in its political life, which is the
expression of underlying forces, but also in its religious, social, and commercial institutions.  Recognizing these factors in the life of our Peninsular State,
the name of Joseph Campau appears so prcminently
as to give him a clear title to having been one of its
founders.  As such, he exercised a greater influence
than any other man upon its early development and
progress, for a period of more than sixty years. Mr.
Campau was " to the manor born."    His father, Marquis Jacques Campau, born in 1730, was also a native
of Detroit, his father having arrived there in 1701, as
Private Secretary to M. de la Motte Cadillac.   He
fought under Montcalm, at Quebec; and distinguished
himself in the battle on the Plains of Abraham, in 1759,
which decided the fate of that city, and of the French
possessions in America. The mother of Joseph Campau was Catherine Menard, a relation of the early
French missionary of that name.   She was a native
of Montreal, and was educated under the refining influences of the religious establishments in that city.
Mr. Campau was essentially a Frenchman, both by
descent and education; and, as a scion of the French
nobility that controlled the early settlement of Detroit,
he maintained, throughout his life, the social checks
and peculiarities of the old school. He was a man
of liberal views,-making no distinction on account of
creed or nationality; was unassuming in manners; and,
though a man of few words, was always generous,
charitable, and courteous. His education, up to his
tenth year, was received at home under the instruction of his mother, and such religious teachers as the
frontier post afforded.  When ten years old, he was
sent to Montreal, where he remained five years at
school, returning, in 1786, an accomplished young
Frenchman, and a welcome addition to the small but
aristocratic society of the town.  His father having
died during his absence, he became clerk for Mr.
McGregor, then a merchant in the town of Sandwich.
He held this position until he had acquired some
means, when he made a contract with the British
Government to build a fort at Maiden.  He accumulated, for the purpose, a large quantity of lumber and
material, only to see his enterprise frustrated, the fruit




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

39

of his savings swept away by a flood, and himself left
penniless. He re-entered the service of his old employer; but, shortly afterwards, commenced trade on
his own account, thus beginning a career of unvarying
success. IIe bought his goods chiefly in Montreal, but
sometimes in Boston, being the first to open a trade
between that city and Detroit. In his visits to Boston
and Montreal, he induced many enterprising people to
come and settle in Detroit. He became a buyer and
seller of real estate, purchasing uncultivated lands especially, improving and building upon them; and then
selling or leasing them, fully stocked, on easy terms to
settlers, thus greatly facilitating the settlement of the
country. The cost of clearing the land averaged about
fifty dollars per acre, and the building improvements
reached from  three to four thousand dollars on each
piece of property. In his dealings with his tenants,
most of whom were poor, and some of whom occupied
the same farm for two and three generations without
paying any rent, he was always lenient.  When their
payments became due, and they were, for some good
reason, unable to pay, instead of sending them threatening messages, he would visit them   himself, and
assure them that the kind Providence who had entrusted so much property to his care had taught him
"to do unto others as he would that others should do
unto him."  Ilis books show uncollected rents and
dues of over two million five hundred thousand dollars.  He had seventy-four farms or plantations, the
greater number of which were in the vicinity of Detroit.  He had, however, lands in other parts of this
and in adjoining States, and there was scarcely an
organized county in Michigan, at the time of his
death, in which the name of Campau did not appear
upon the title deeds there recorded. He left an available estate, mostly landed, valued at over three million
dollars. Mr. Campau was interested largely in stockraising, especially horses, cattle, and sheep.  At one
time, he had over five hundred horses. Himself descended from the Norman-French stock, he took especial pride in the Norman horse, which, with its
remote Arabian blood, was imported from Normandy,
and from which has sprung the popular breed of horses
now used in Canada and the North-west.   He was a
member of the "Board of Trade Britannic" as early
as 1798. In 1812 he was connected with the Northwestern Fur Company, with John Jacob Astor, James
Abbott, and I. G. Schwarz.  Mr. Campau was never
an aspirant for public or official honors. He held the
office of Trustee for the town of Detroit in 1802; and
-was appointed Captain, and, subsequently, a Major, of
militia, by Governor Hull.  In 1812 he was ordered to
muster his regiment for immediate service; but the
occasion passed without the necessity of ordering him

multifarious, requiring not only constant personal activity, but great executive ability. In 1809 he erected,
and for many years operated, a large distillery; at the
same time conducting ten branch stores in the Territory. He was also one of the original stockholders in
the first banking institution in the city,-the Territorial
Bank,-of which his nephew, General John R. Williams,
was President. Mr. Campau and Mr. Williams were
also associated in various other business enterprises,
among which was the establishment, in 1831, of the
Democratic Free Press, a weekly paper, which has developed into the Detroit F-ee Press, of to-day. They
purchased, for the purpose, the material then used in
the publication of the Oakland Chronicle, in Pontiac.
He was also a stockholder in the Detroit and St. Joseph
Railroad, now the Michigan Central. Mr. Campau was
equally comprehensive and liberal in his benevolent and
social enterprises and in his business relations. In I806
he built, at his own cost, the first school-house in Detroit; and, in the same year, contracted for the erection of St. Ann's Church. Hie was a member of a
debating club, which included the prominent men of
the town, and which held its meetings in his office.
He materially aided in the establishment of Detroit
College, in 1817. lie was a member of the -Masonic
Fraternity, and took a leading part in the establishment of that society in the North-west. Without hope
of reward, he ransomed many white men who had fallen
into the hands of the Indians. Ile was liberal to his
relatives, providing for their education and comfort.
He was, at one time, the owner of several negro slaves,
purchased in Montreal, whom he subsequently freed.
In 1808 Mr. Campau married Adelaide Dequindre,
daughter of Antoine Ponchartrain    Dequindre and
Catherine (Desriviere) Lemoinodiere. A brother of
Mrs. Campau, Major Antoine Dequindre, won distinction in the battle of the Monguagon, in 1812. Mrs.
Campau died May 29, 1862. They have left nine children. Mr. Campau occupied his homestead (No. 140
Jefferson avenu'e, Detroit) from 1796 to the time of
his death, in 1863. The house was destroyed by fire
in 1805, but was immediately replaced by the present
structure, costing, at that time, seven thousand dollars.
Situated on the site of the head-quarters of Cadillac, the
associations of the place invested it with interest in the
estimation of Mr. Campau.   This feeling is not only
respected, but shared, by those of his children having
control of that part of his estate. It is probable that
the " Campau Mansion," although now in the heart
of the city, and an unpretending edifice compared with
those adjoining, will stand as long as a Campau remains.
In the rear of this homestead, and on the river front,
Mr. Campau subsequently built a store-house and dock
for the accommodation of his boats, of which he had

to the front.  Mr. Campau's business enterprises were several in the Montreal trade. The homestead has been

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40

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

used, since Mr. Campau's death, as a repository of
family relics, and an office for the settlement of the
estate.  The surviving children are Daniel J., Denis
J., Theodore J., James J., Alexander T., Adelaide.
Catherine I., Emily, and Matilda V. The sons-Theodore J., and Denis J.-were appointed administrators
of his estate. The funeral of Mr. Campau was probably the largest ever witnessed in Detroit; and was
attended by the entire Masonic Fraternity, municipal
officers, members of the bar, the La Fayette Association,
and citizens, with the leading men of the city as pallbearers. He was buried in Elmwood Cemetery, with
Masonic honors, July 27, 1863.
f  OX, WILLIAM G., M. D., of Detroit, was born
April 2, 1831, at Middlebury, Schoharie County,
New York.     His parents, Charles and Willmut
Cox, were members of the Society of Friends, erroneously called Quakers. In 1836, they removed to Orleans
County, Western New York, where they lived to the
advanced ages of eighty-eight and eighty-two, respectively. They were strictly of the old school in their
character and habits, and were among the pioneers of
the antislavery party. Their influence still lives in their
son's religious and political views. H e worked on his
father's farm until he was nineteen years of age, meanwhile receiving an academic education at Albion, New
York.   He then commenced the study of medicine,
which he had previously determined upon,' being influenced, no doubt, by the fact that an elder brother had
already graduated from a medical course, and was practicing in Virginia. Being, for the most part, dependent
upon his own exertions, he determined to teach and
pursue his studies at the same time. Accordingly, in
the spring of 1851, he went to Princess Anne County,
Virginia, where he taught school, and studied medicine
under the direction of his brother, Dr. Isaac Cox, then
of Pleasant Ridge, in that county. After two years
spent in this way, he returned to Albion, New York,
and immediately engaged in teaching, keeping up his
medical studies under the direction of the old family
physician, Dr. J. W. Randall. After one year, in the
spring of 1854, he removed to Kalamazoo County, Michigan, where he again taught and studied; and, in 1855,
went to Ann Arbor. There he continued study under
Professor Denton, and taught one year; and, in the fall
of 1856, entered the medical department of the University. He was the first one to take a full course of
analytical and applied chemistry, together with practical pharmacy, at that time optional studies, in the
institution.  He then chose the neighboring city of
Ypsilanti for a location, and built up an extensive and

successful practice. Always courteous in manner, genial
and sympathetic in nature, he won the esteem of a large
circle of friends and patrons. In the spring of 1871, he
removed from Ypsilanti to Detroit, as a field affording
a wider range for professional labor, and has there a
large practice.  Having been brought up a Friend, he
is a firm believer in the orthodox faith, but is tolerant
in his views. He has been a stanch Republican from
the organization of that party. IIe believes thoroughly
in free government, free institutions, free speech, free
press, and the right of suffrage to persons of all classes
and races. December 18, 1862, he married Miss Josephine S. Bagg, youngest daughter of the late Dr. Joseph
H. Bagg, one of the pioneers of Detroit, whose sketch
will be found elsewhere in this work. March Io, 1868,
two children-Charles Rush and Jessie Willmut-were
born to them.  Both are strong, healthy children, and
have a commendable love for school, and talent for
music..   ROUL, JEROME, of Detroit, Michigan, Merchant, Tanner, and Belt Manufacturer, was born
' at Lyons, New     York, March 19, 1829. IHe
received his early education in the public schools of his
native place, and graduated from the high school at
the age of fifteen. His father died the same year.
Being thrown upon his own resources, he went to
Rochester, New York, and spent two years in learning the
trade of a machinist. He then became clerk in the officeof
Hon. Aaron Erickson, a large wool dealer in Rochester,
where he remained two years. When twenty years of
age, he removed to Detroit, Michigan, and, in partnership with J. E. Parsons, of Rochester, under the firm
name of Parsons & Croul, engaged in the wool and
sheep-skin trade. At the end of five years, this partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Croul formed a new one
with his brother, William H. Croul, under the firm
name of Croul Brothers.   In addition to their wool
business, they engaged in tanning leather. They leased
a tannery for five years; and then erected the large
building they now occupy, at the junction of Bloody
Run with the Detroit River. In the fall of 1869, and
the following w inter, they erected a four-story brick
building, fifty-one by one hundred and twenty feet, on
the corner of Bates and Atwater streets, which they use
for a leather store and belt manufactory. They have
made a specialty of the manufacture of leather belting,
and supply hundreds of establishments in Michigan and
elsewhere.  Mr. William H. Croul died February S8,
1875; and, a year after, Mr. Jerome Croul purchased his
interest and became sole proprietor. Mr. Croul was one
of the original members of the Detroit Light Guard,
which was organized in I855. In I86i the greater num






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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

41

ber of the members enlisted for the war. Mr. Croul
took command of the company, numbering eighteen
men, recruited it to eighty, and held the command two
years.  In 1862 he was appointed, by Governor Blair,
a member of his military staff, and held the position
during Governor Blair's, and a part of Governor Crapo's,
administration. Mr. Croul was a member of the Military Contract Board from  1862 until its dissolution,
when he was transferred to the State Military Board, on
which he remained ten years.  In the days of the volunteer Fire Department, he was for many years an
active fireman. He was Vice-President of the old Fire
Department, and for two years its President. In April,
1873, he was appointed, by Mayor Moffat, a member of
the Board of Fire Commissioners of Detroit; and, after
serving four years, was re-appointed by Governor Lewis
for another term, which he is now serving.  He has
taken a deep interest in these matters, and has aided
materially in bringing the department to its present
degree of efficiency. Mr. Croul was one of the organizers of the Wayne County Savings Bank and the Safe
Deposit Company, and is a Director of the former, and
Vice-President of the latter. Hie is also a Director of
the Michigan Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of the
Detroit Fire and Marine Insurance Company, and of
the Detroit Gas-light Company. In politics, he was a
Whig, and has been an ardent Republican since the
formation of that party. While he has worked earnestly
for the interests of his party, he has never aspired to
political office. Mr. Croul is an energetic, hard working, cautious business man, and his'success is due entirely
to his own exertions. Hle married, in Rochester, New
York, in 1856, Ellen Parsons, daughter of Hon. Ezra
M. Parsons, a prominent citizen of that place.  They
have two sons and one daughter now living. The eldest
son, Frank, graduated from the Pennsylvania Military
Academy, in the summer of 1877; and subsequently
became receiving teller in the Wayne County Savings
Bank. The youngest son, William, is a cadet in the
Michigan Military Institute, at Orchard Lake.
/  HITTENDEN, WILLIAM         J., of Detroit, was
1F  born at Adams, Jefferson County, New York,
' April 28, 1835. He received his education at the
Jefferson County Institute, at Watertown, New York.
About the year 1853, he removed to Detroit, and secured
a position in the Post-office, which he held about two
years, while Colonel Brodhead was Postmaster.   lie
then returned to his home at Watertown, New York,
and occupied a position as clerk in a bank for some two
or three years, w-hen he again started for the West.
He arrived in Detroit in 1858; became a clerk in the
Russell House, the leading first-class hotel in that city,

and remained in that position for six years. In 1864 he
formed a partnership with Mr. Charles S. Witbeck, and
they became proprietors of the Russell House, and have
continued its management up to the present time. By
devoting his whole time and attention to his business,
he has been eminently successful as a hotel proprietor;
has won an excellent reputation for his house; and has
become widely known throughout the State and country
at large.  He was married, January 18, 1864, to a
daughter of General Alpheus S. Williams, of Detroit.
8,ROFOOT, MICHAEL E., of Pontiac and Detroit,
was born in Florida, Montgomery County, New
SYork, on the 14th of March, 1822; and is the son
of Charles and Louisa Crofoot. When he was seven years
of age, his father removed to Constableville, Lewis County,
where he remained for some years. Mr. Crofoot's early
educational advantages were confined to the public schools.
His great desire was to be able to support himself by teaching. In 1836 he went to Rome, New York, to live in the
family of B. B. Hyde, a canal collector. Here he remained two years, doing chores and attending the public
school. He then returned home, engaged in farm work,
and attended school a portion of the time, until 1838,
when he began teaching to earn the means necessary to
finish his education. As soon as he was able, he entered
the Temple Hill Academy, at Geneseo, New York, and
took a two years' course. In 1841 he undertook the
study of medicine, that being the only profession open
to his limited means. He continued his studies for
about one year, when he engaged to teach at Gates,
Monroe County, about four miles from Rochester, New
York. In the spring of 1843, acting under the advice
of Mr. Monroe, an officer of the school district, and a
warm personal friend, Mr. Crofoot entered, as a student,
the law office of General II. L. Stevens, then one of the
most prominent lawyers of Rochester. He continued
his law studies there for a period of three years, teaching school during the winter seasons; he also attended
to several suits in the Justices' Courts, and some matters
in the Police Courts, for which he received some small
compensation. In the spring of 1845, General Stevens
had business which called him to Michigan, and soon
after removed his family to Pontiac, Oakland County,
engaging in the practice of law.  Mr. Crofoot continued at Rochester in earnest pursuit of his studies.
Seven years of preparation were then required to gain
admission to the bar, yet four years might be allowed
for the study of the classics. During the fall of 1845,
lie was persuaded by General Stevens to remove to
Pontiac. In the winter of 1846, he was admitted to the
bar, since which time he has continued in the regular
practice of the law. In 1848 he was elected to the




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42

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

office of Probate Judge for Oakland County, and was
re-elected in 1852, serving his eight years. In 1862 he
became Prosecuting Attorney; and, in 1864, was reelected to the same position. Mr. Crofoot has been
connected with most of the public enterprises in Pontiac,
and has given much encouragement and attention to
the public schools. He is interested in the Oakland
County Agricultural Society, of which he has been an
officer for some years. He is now a member of the
Board of Building Commissioners for the Eastern Asylum
for the Insane, situated at Pontiac, and has been
appointed a member of the Board of Trustees for the
administration of the asylum after its completion. He
believes in the divinity of Jesus Christ, and in the Biblical
doctrines, with no sectarian connection or prejudice.
He is an attendant of the Episcopal Church. He married, on the 29th of October, 1849, Miss Annie E.
Fitch, of Bloomfield, New York.   They have three
sons and three daughters. Mr. Crofoot is distinguished
as a trial lawyer, and in putting in the evidence applicable to the issue. Although he now has an office in
Detroit, he still retains his residence in Pontiac.
-- **---
OOTS, WALTER H., of Detroit, Sheriff of Wayne
County, was born in England, in 1833. He
came, with his parents, to this country in 1844,
and resided in Brooklyn, New York, until he became of
age. After attending school two years, he spent eight
years in a provision store; and, in 1854, settled in Detroit. He established himself in the City Hall Market,
and carried on a successful business until he assumed
the duties of Sheriff of Wayne County, on the Ist of
January, 1877. He has always been deeply interested
in political matters, and is an ardent Republican. As
the Republican nominee for Sheriff, he was elected in a
Democratic County by a small majority, receiving nearly
three thousand votes ahead of his ticket. Mr. Coots
has three times become a member of the Common Council of Detroit, and has served in that capacity five years.
He also served a term of three years as member of the
Board of Sewer Commissioners of the city of Detroit,
and remained on duty until the Board was replaced by
the Board of Public Works. In 1854, at Syracuse, New
York, he married Miss Fannie Weldon, of England.
ICKINSON, DON M., of Detroit, was born at
Port Ontario, Oswego County, New York, January 17, 1846. His mother was a daughter of
Rev. Jesseriah Holmes, a Puritan, who was widely
known and respected for his profound learning and
unostentatious piety. Her ancestors came from Wales,

and, at an early day, settled in Pomfret, Connecticut,
near the scene of General Putnam's wolf-den exploit.
His father, Colonel Asa C. Dickinson, whose seventysix years of activity have not yet blunted his extraordinary mind, is a native of Nottingham, England; and
early settled in Stonington, Connecticut. In 1848 Mr.
Dickinson's parents removed to Michigan, where he has
continued to reside.  As a boy, he was an earnest
student, careful and thoroughly practical.  He was
richly endowed with natural genius, but was, nevertheless, patient and laborious. He was never satisfied
to accept a conclusion until he had mastered the reasoning through which it was obtained. After passing
through the public schools of Detroit, he spent one
term under a private tutor, and then entered the University of Michigan.  lie graduated from the law department; but circumstances prevented his taking a
full classical course. lie was now thoroughly imbued
with the spirit and philosophy of the law; and, as soon
as he became of age, entered upon its practice in Detroit.  His mind, combining, in a peculiar degree, the
qualifications for a successful worker in the profound
and beneficent science,-law,-would not allow him to
treat it as a mere mechanical system.  His early habits
of patient, thorough, and intelligent research; his intense
application, and excellent judgment, rapidly secured the
confidence of the foremost business men in the city,
who intrusted to him the protection of their large and
important commercial interests.  Such has been his
fidelity, and the success of his honorable management,
that he enjoys the esteem of every business man in
Detroit, as well as of the influential men of other business centers.  At the same time, he occupies a distinguished position among his professional brethren, who
rejoice at a success so worthily won. His generosity
leaves no room for jealousy; his fairness, no cause for
carping; and his inbred courtesy demands kind regard.
The primary cause of his success is his unswerving
integrity. The right never appeals to him in vain for
a defender, and the wrong never finds in him an advocate. He has aided largely in molding the bankruptcy
law in Michigan, especially in the Eastern District of
the State, where he is regarded as the leading practitioner. In politics, he is an earnest Democrat.  He
was Secretary of the Michigan Democratic State Central Committee, during the Greeley campaign of 1872;
and was an ardent admirer of Horace Greeley. Mr.
Dickinson's energy, clear judgment, and personal magnetism, were immediately recognized; and, in politics,
as well as in law, he is eminently a worker. At the
approach of the Presidential campaign of 1876, there
was a universal demand, on the part of the Democrats
of Michigan, that Mr. Dickinson should be Chairman
of the State Central Committee, and manager of the
campaign. He accepted the position with reluctance,




K
N>










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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

43

but in obedience to his view that no citizen is justifie(
in avoiding public duty to which he is called unsc
licited. The wisdom of their choice was proved by hi
political management.  His personal sacrifices durinn
the campaign were very great. The cause of his part'
in the State was almost hopeless from the beginning
but, being bold, fearless, intelligent, and inspiring, Mr
Dickinson encouraged the faint-hearted, and made ai
active worker of every available Democrat. Ile knev
the strength and weakness of his party, and what to dc
or leave undone in every part of the State. By system
atizing and giving proper direction to the efforts of hi,
friends, he procured the largest Democratic gain in an)
State in the Union,-thus securing one of the mosl
wonderful campaigns this country has ever known; and
showing that, as a political organizer, he has no superior
in the United States. Mr. Dickinson married, June 15,
1869, Miss Frances L. Platt, a lady of superior culture
and great strength of character. She is a daughter of
Doctor Platt, of Grand Rapids, and a granddaughter
of the late Doctor Brigham, of Ann Arbor. Mr. Dickinson is still young,-the youngest of the really influential men of the West. With his cultured mind, generous
heart, unsullied reputation, and masterful purpose, he is
destined to stand among the guardians of the country.
EWEY, HON. JAMES STODDARD, of Detroit,
was born in Broome County, New York, December 21, 1831; and is the son of Seth and Mary
(Kellogg) Dewey. In 1838 the family removed to Lapeer County, Michigan.   Here Mr. Dewey received
such elementary instructions as the common schools then
afforded; and subsequently prepared for college at an
academy in Almont, in the same county. His father
died in 1848, leaving his family in very limited circumstances; and Mr. Dewey was compelled to earn the
money necessary to complete his education. He worked
first in a saw-mill, then on a farm, and afterwards acted
as clerk in a dry-goods store in Almont, and Detroit.
He finally accumulated sufficient means to enter Miami
University, at Oxford, Ohio, and graduated from this
institution in July, 1858. Iis uncle, Orange N. Stoddard, with whom he lived during the four years of his
college course, was Professor of Natural Science and
Philosophy in the university; and Mr. Dewey assisted
him in experimental chemistry and philosophy before
the various university classes.  In the fall of 1858, Mr.
Dewey was employed as assistant principal in the high
school at Pontiac, Michigan; and, at the same time,
began the study of law. The following year, he entered
the law office of Hon. M. E. Crofoot; in 186o he was
admitted to the bar, and formed a partnership with his

d former tutor. Mr. Dewey was City Justice of the Peace
)- in Pontiac for nearly four years. In 1867 he was elected
s Circuit Judge for the Sixth Judicial Circuit, to fill a
g vacancy occasioned by the resignation of the Hon. Sany ford M. Green. In 1870 he was elected for the full; term of six years; but, the salary proving inadequate,.he resigned, September, 1873, and removed to Den troit, where he entered upon the practice of his prov fession. During his term of office, he held court in the
o county of Genesee, exchanging with Judge Turner, of
- that circuit. At the close of the term, the bar of that
s county, at a special meeting called for that purpose,
Spassed a series of resolutions highly commending the
t ability and fairness of his judicial decisions, and courteSous demeanor on the bench. Previous to his second
election, the bar of St. Clair County, one of the counties
in his circuit, resolved to support him for re-election
without regard to political parties; and passed a series
of resolutions expressing, in high terms, their confidence
in his integrity, fitness, and capability; their great
respect for his unblemished reputation, and their appreciation of his courteous and dignified demeanor. In
1871 he was elected compiler of the State laws, by the
Legislature in joint convention assembled, and completed
the same in 1872, with a complete index; aside from his
duty as compiler, he added to the margin of the statutes
citations of over two thousand adjudicated cases bearing
upon the text. Judge Dewey has taken the Chapter
degrees of the Masonic Fraternity; but motives of public policy induced him to retire from active membership
when he took his place upon the bench. He has always
been a stanch Republican; and is a warm supporter of
the civil service and other reforms advocated in the
Cincinnati platform  of 1876. January 22, 1862, he
married Mary G. Mollyneaux, eldest daughter of Samuel
R. Mollyneaux, Esq., of Oxford, Butler County, Ohio.
They have had three children.
IAVIS, WILLIAM, Inventor, Detroit, Michigan,
was the son of a Welsh weaver who emigrated
to this country in the year 18oo, and settled in
Pittsburg, where he commenced the manufacture of cloth
by hand looms.  Here Mr. William Davis was born, in
1812. At the proper age, he served an apprenticeship
in his father's factory, devoting his evenings to study.
At the age of eighteen, he entered college, and graduated when he was twenty-one, intending to enter the
ministry. After preaching six months in Pittsburg, and
teaching a country school in the Alleghany Mountains,
he was forced, by continued ill health, to seek some outdoor occupation. He turned his attention to marketgardening, and conducted this business successfully for




44

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

several years. While engaged in horticulture, he re
moved to Columbus, and cultivated what is now known
as the Goodale Park. While there, he kept the famous
pleasure resort, Northwood, three miles from Columbus.
In 1853 Mr. Davis established himself in Detroit, Michigan, and became interested in pisciculture; he then set
earnestly to work to invent some means by which fish,
meats, and fruits could be preserved for transportation in
the warm season.  His efforts were crowned with success.
He invented a refrigerator, and a refrigerating car, in
which the temperature is always near the freezing point.
This car has been in use for a number of years past for
transporting meats, fish, and fruits over the whole country.
Mr. Davis is also the inventor of an apparatus for freezing fish, which has proved useful and profitable. In
politics, he was an old-line Whig, and is now a stanch
Republican. At the beginning of the civil war, in I861,
he organized, at Detroit, the first Union League Club
formed in the State, and was its first presiding officer.
He never held any public office. In 1833 he married, in
Pittsburg, Mary Ann Sumner. He died, in Detroit, in
1868, aged fifty-six, leaving a widow and six children.
I'CKINSON, MOSES FIELD, Detroit, Michigan, was the only son of Captain David and
Mary Ann Field (Warner) Dickinson.     Their
two daughters,-Mrs. Mary Ann F. Clark, of IIubbardston, Massachusetts; and Mrs. Sarah W. Raymond, of Westborough, Massachusetts,- are still living.  Mr. Dickinson was born at Petersham, Massachusetts, on the
i8th of September, 1800. Ie attended the Amherst
Academy, where he     pursued  the ordinary English
branches of study, evincing a special fondness for mathematics and penmanship.   Born and reared on a New
England farm, his tastes were of the simplest kind; the
time that remained after performing his duties was
devoted to study and the practice of penmanship. After
leaving school, Mr. Dickinson went to Enfield, where
he served in the capacity of clerk for Woods & Co.,
merchants and manufacturers of woolen goods. Here
he remained for several months, at the end of which
time he returned home and engaged in teaching school;
he also gave instructions in stenography, and practical
and ornamental penmanship, as opportunity offered. In
1829 he devised and published a stenographic system.
He afterwards went to Boston, entering the dry-goods
house of James Brewer, where he remained for a short
time, and then removed to Hardwick, acting as clerk for
S. F. & E. Cutler.  In September, 1831, he came to Detroit, and was employed by Phineas Davis & Co. A few
years later, he went into business for himself, opening a
store for the sale of all kinds of shelf and house-furnishing

- hardware, and the manufacture of tin and copper ware.
SAfter twenty years of continued mercantile success, Mr.
SDickinson retired from active business life. The cultivatioh and care of his ten-acre city lot, and forty acres
Sof pasture and meadow land, together with the care of
L a large amount of real estate in the city, occupies his
entire time and attention. From childhood he accepted
the teachings of the Christian religion, except in the
formal union with a church. Although a regular attendant of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Detroit, the kind
and urgent admonitions of bishop and rector had
Snever touched his heart as did the few words of his
daughter Harriet; under God, these led to his conversion and baptism a month before his death. One morning, learning that his family had assembled in his room
to witness the baptism of his infant grandchild, he
answered with quiet simplicity, "I should like to be baptized."  The ordinance was administered, first to the
aged grandfather, who was not able to raise from his
chair, and then the infant grandson. On the 27th of
September, 1831, Mr. Dickinson married Maria Loraine
Wesson, only daughter of Rev. William B. Wesson, of
Hardwick, Worcester County, Massachusetts, where,
for several years, he was pastor of the Congregational
Church.  Mr. Dickinson's family comprised thirteen
children,-six sons and seven daughters,-of whom four
sons and four daughters survive him. His career has
been more strictly private than that of most men of his
capacity and energy. lie was a Democrat, but took no
more active part in politics than was involved in casting
his vote. The positions of Fire Warden, Moderator of
the School District, Justice of the Peace, member of the
Board of Education, and Commissioner on the plan of
the city, were the only public offices he ever held. He
was one of the original owners and Directors of the
Grand River Street Railroad.  Mr. Dickinson was a
dignified, courteous gentleman, reserved in his manners,
and not given to self-assertion. Domestic in his tastes,
he did not care to mingle in general society, yet keenly
enjoyed an occasional visit with old friends. The invariable rules of his whole life were, never to speculate,
never to indorse a note, and never to owe a dollar.
His death occurred April 7, 1877..t'ILLMAN, COLONEL LOUIS, of Detroit, Michigan, City Clerk, and Representative in the LegSislature, in 1877-78, was born December 25, 1830,
in the city of Friedrichshafen, Kingdom of Wurtemberg,
Germany. In the year 1849, being then a journeyman
tanner, he took an active part in the Revolution in Germany; and, in the fall of the same year, considered it
expedient to remove to the United States of America.







/YI




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

Shortly after landing in this country, he took up his gan, under great difficulties he had accumulated five
residence in Buffalo, New York. IHe worked at his hundred dollars, and was thus enabled to attend
trade for some time; and, in 1853, removed to Detroit, lectures, during the winters of 184o-41 and 1841-42,
Michigan, and started a leather and finding store. At at Geneva Medical College.  In due time, after the
the opening of the civil war, in 1861, Mr. Iillman was requisite  examination, he was granted  license to
Captain of the Scott Guard, of Detroit; and, with his practice, and entered into partnership with his precompany, volunteered his services to the Government at ceptor, Doctor Case, in 1843.  In 1845 he removed
the first call for troops. He was the first line officer again to Michigan, and commenced practice, in partnerand Captain from Michigan who was mustered in for ship with Doctors Thayer and Atlee, at Battle Creek.
three years' service. The Scott Guard was mustered in Iere he became acquainted with Miss Cornelia R.
as Company A of the 2d Michigan Infantry, under the Blakeslee, daughter of Levi Blakeslee.  Mr. Blakeslee
command of Colonel T. R. Richardson, afterwards a was formerly an extensive land and mill owner, at New
Major-General in the army. In March, 1862, Captain Berlin, New York, and was much esteemed as a business
Dillman was promoted to the rank of Major; and, July man and gentleman of the old school. Owing to re26, 1862, to that of Lieutenant-Colonel. He participated verses in his fortunes, by the fraud of those in whom
in the battle of Bull Run; the Peninsular campaign, he had placed confidence, he removed to Battle Creek,
under General McClellan; the battles of Yorktown, where he settled with his family. In 1846 Doctor Drake
Williamsburg, Seven Pines, Charles City, Cross Roads, married Miss Blakeslee, and continued to practice in
Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, Fredericks- Michigan until 1847, when he removed to Fremont,
burg; the Morgan raid in Kentucky; and Vicksburg and Indiana. While residing at Fremont, he spent a winter
Jackson, Mississippi. During most of the time, he was at Rush Medical College, of Chicago, and took his dein command of his regiment as M\ajor and Lieutenant- gree from that institution, February 16, 1853. Prior to
Colonel, having received those promotions for gallant this, the principles of homeopathy had attracted his
conduct on the field of battle.  In the fall of 1863, he attention, and were at the time receiving his sincere
resigned his commission, and returned to Detroit, where consideration.  Under the influence of Dr. John Ellis,
he became proprietor of Hotel Mauch. In the fall of a homeopathist of great intelligence, enjoying high
1876, he was elected on the Democratic ticket as Rep- honor in his profession, the Doctor embraced that sysresentative in the Legislature from the city of Ietroit, tem of medicine, with all the devotion that characterto serve a term of two years. IHe has been a candidate ized his adherence to any principle. Doctor Thayer,
for Auditor-General of the State, on the Democratic of Battle Creek, having also adopted the homeopathic
ticket, and shared in the defeat of his party.  In the practice, and being associated with Dr. John Ellis in
fall of 1877, he was elected City Clerk of Detroit, to Detroit, Doctor Irake removed thither with his family,
serve for two years from January I, 1878.          in the fall of 1853, and entered into partnership with
them. Here he remained during his life-time, displaying a skill and diligence which were rewarded by an
extensive and lucrative patronage. Of strong character,
with a healthful presence and sympathetic heart, he,14IRAKE, ELIJAI I AMBLIN, M. D., of Detroit, was always calm in the sick-room, impressing anxious
Swas born in Lyons, Wayne County, New York, friends unconsciously with his ability and conscientious
,^    November 16, 1821. His father, Reuben Drake, fidelity.  He was a typical "family physician," and
son of Colonel William Drake, of the Revolutionary enjoyed, in a marked degree, from his numerous patWar, removed from New York City, in 1812, to Wayne ronage, the love and confidence which belong to such a
County. Doctor Drake was the ninth of a family of relation. While in Battle Creek, in 1846, Doctor Drake
fourteen children, and his early boyhood was spent upon was introduced to the theological writings of Emanuel
his father's farm. At the age of fourteen, he went to Swedenborg, through the friendship and preaching of
live with a brother at Marshall, Michigan, to learn the Doctor Atlee. Born of Methodist parents, he was contrade of a mason. HIaving an active and aspiring mind, verted as a youth; but subsequently became doubtful
his spare hours were devoted to study, in which he concerning theological dogmas, and otherwise skeptical
made rapid advancement; particularly in that of medi- in religious matters. Falling in with the New Church
cine, which he had determined to master. While work- theology, he devoted himself to its study, not content
ing at his trade in summer, and teaching school in with its simpler formulas, but desirous to master its
winter, he pursued with diligence his reading and study underlying principles. In this he was successful; and,
of medical science. After a few years, he returned to as his confidence in the Bible was restored and enlightNew York, and entered, as a student, the office of ened, his faith in the Lord re-instated and illustrated,
Doctor Case, at Howard, near Bath. While in Michi- he devoted himself to the reformation of his life in obe



A4e

46

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

dience to the Lord's commandments..Upon moving
to Detroit, in 1853, he was baptized and confirmed,
together with his family, by Rev. Jabez Fox, then pastor of the New Church in that city. From that time,
he labored zealously for the propagation of the doctrines
of the New Church, believing that they are adapted to
many minds that find it impossible to acknowledge the
other forms of dogmatic belief.,  e took a warm interest in the affairs of the church in his city and State, and
was in an eminent degree instrumental in the upbuilding of the present prosperous condition of the New
Church Society in Detroit. In his extensive practice,
called often to administer to the heart and mind as well
as the body, his clear and intelligent faith gave him
power to speak words of counsel and administer comfort
that will be ever cherished in the memories that are

ting, he went to Leavenworth, Kansas, engaging in business there with his uncles, Jerome and Justus Ingersoll;
he afterwards removed to Valley Falls, in the same State.
From early boyhood, he was endowed with earnest piety;
and, in the new settlements of Western Kansas, he continued the missionary work which he had begun as a
student of the university.  The numerous emigrants
with whom he dealt, found in him a friend who considered their interests as well as his own. Having decided
to close his business in the West, he returned to his
home on Grosse Isle; his presence was marked by the
opening of St. James Chapel, in which he led the devotional exercises. Upon the morning of May 20, 1875,
about a week after his return from the West, he embarked with his friend and neighbor, Hon. K. C. Barker,
and two sailors, in an open river yacht, for a sail of ten

dearest to very many. At the death-bed, and by the miles down the river. When but a mile distant, and in
mourning wife and mother, he talked of the spiritual a direct line from their homes on Grosse Isle, the boat
world and the life after death, with a familiarity and suddenly sank from sight. A strong wind and rough
confidence, with an intelligence and conviction, that sea prevailed, and, before assistance could reach them,
reassured and comforted even where it sometimes aston- all on board were drowned. On receipt of the news of
ished. From such talks, many still date the departure his sudden death, the college society of which he had
of their fear of death, and the dawn of a satisfying and been an honored member, and the Great Bend, Kansas,
trustful conception of the life hereafter. Doctor Drake Masonic Lodge, passed appropriate resolutions to the
was a Democrat in his early life, but became interested memory of their deceased brother. We quote two stanzas
in the Free-soil agitation, and, at the formation of the from a poem written upon the occasion of his death, by
Republican party, became an earnest and'firm advocate a member of the Michigan bar:
of its principles.  His life, however, was principally  " From the deep waters, up the shining strand
devoted to his profession, in which he was highly         Unseen by mortal eyes,
esteemed abroad as well as at home.  He refused the    Itis steady feet have reached the promised land
proffered honor of a professorship in the Homeopathic     Where the green heights arise,
Glad with immortal flowers, unearthly bright,
College at Chicago, preferring the cares and pleasures  Blooming and fragrant in the golden light
of practice. His death occurred at Ypsilanti, Michigan,  Of day that never dies.
November 16, 1874, on the fifty-third anniversary of his  O gentle soul! O heart, so pure and bravel
birth. He had been called thither for consultation, and,  How oft, with vision clear,
having returned to the depot to take the last train for  Thy quickened sight has seen the broad wings wave,
his home, was standing upon the side-track, not antici-  The crystal walls appear.
For thee no sound of dread the billows bore,
pating the switching of the train. He was struck by     But broke in music on the lovely shore
the rapidly approaching engine, and instantly killed.    That seemed forever near."
It is the lot of few, indeed, to leave behind them a
more honored name, cherished with more grateful affection by young and old.
2 UDGEON, ANTHONY McREYNOLDS, of Detroit, was born January 8, 1818, at Stewartstown,
-" county of Tyrone, Ireland. He was the oldest
Michigan, son of Anthony McReynolds Dud- father was a native of Dublin, and a prominent citizen
geon, was born in Detroit, Michigan, May 26, of that locality; his mother was a daughter of Anthony
1849. He prepared for college in the schools of his McReynolds, a leading lawyer in the courts of Dublin,
native city; and, having graduated at the high school, and the north of Ireland. The family were of Scotch
completed a course of study at the Michigan University, Protestant origin. Mr. Dudgeon left his native country
whence he graduated in 1869. While a student, he was at the age of eighteen, and came at once to Detroit,
one of the editors of the University A'agazine, and where, for several years, he was attached to the Amerproved himself a writer of great merit. After gradua- ican Fur Company.  He was afterwards successful in




REP'FRESENT'ATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

47

lusiness enterprises, and, for a number of years, was at
the head of the firn of Iiudgeon, Lewis & Graves, in
the forwarding and commission business, at the foot of
"Woodward avenue. Though Mr. Dudgeon was never
an aspirant for political honors, he was elected Alderman of the Fourth Ward in 1854.  ie became President
of the Board of Aldermen in 1855; and, in 1858, represented Wayne County in the State Senate,-having for
his colleagues the late Colonel Blrodhead and Mr. Barns,
then the editor of the I)etroit Tribune. The records of
the Legislative session of 1859 bear witness that in
sound judgment, and devotion to his official duties, Mr.
Dudgeon had no superior, and few equals, in that body.
In 1845, he married Miss Harriet Ingersoll, a daughter
of Judge Justus Ingersoll, of Detroit. In 1855, Mr.
Dudgeon, having prospered in business, retired from
active life. At this time he purchased an estate, and
erected a beautiful residence on Grosse Isle, where his
later years were passed in the quiet enjoyments of the
home circle, which were of a literary as welt as social
character. In 1869, on the organization of the Republic
Insurance Company of Chicago, with a capital of five
millions, he went to that city, assumed the duties of
Auditor, and soon became President of the company.
When the great fire of 1871 terminated the business of
the company, Mr. Dudgeon exerted himself to meet its
large responsibilities; remaining in Chicago nearly a
year for that purpose. In all affairs of a public or private character, his quick perception, united with a conscientious performance of duty, commanded the esteem
of the community in which he resided. His honorable
and successful business career, extending over a period
of twenty years, fitly places his name among the representative business men of the past generation. His
private life was upright and exemplary, distinguished
by many quiet and unostentatious acts of charity. lie
was a man of powerful physique, and strong constitution; fond of out-door sports and recreations; possessing
a genial spirit, in which was developed, to a marked
degree, the faculty of winning and retaining friends.
In religious belief, Mr. Dudgeon was an Episcopalian.
His death, which was as peaceful as his life was useful,
occurred at Grosse Isle, December 22, 1875.
IUNCAN, HON. WILLIAM CHAMBERLAIN,
Iof Detroit, was born in Lyons, New York, May
S18, 1820.       His father's family removed from
Lyons to Rochester, New York, when he was about
five years of age. In the latter city his earlier years
were spent, and he received there the advantages of a
common-school education. At the age of twenty-one,
desiring to engage in some employment for himself,
7

which might lead him into active business, he accepted
the position of steward on one of the passenger steamers
then plying on the lakes, remaining until 1846, when
he became engaged in a similar occupation on Lake
Superior. Any one familiar with the vast commerce
which is now seen upon Lake Superior, and who knew
Mr. Duncan, will find it difficult to realize that he was
present and engaged in the enterprise of taking the
SJulia Palmer," the first side-wheel steamer that ever
floated on the lake, across the portage of Sault Ste.
Marie.  In 1849 Mr. D)uncan became a permanent
citizen of Detroit, and engaged in the business of a
brewer and maltster. Detroit was then a comparatively
small city, and Mr. Duncan grew with its growth. He
brought into business life great personal activity, strict
devotion to his chosen pursuits, prudence, sagacity, and
never-failing energy.  These qualities ensured his success, and enabled him to lay the foundation of what
became an am.ple fortune. Mr. Duncan early attracted
the esteem of his fellow-citizens, and was pointed out
as a suitable candidate for political preferment. He
was elected Alderman in 1853, and served in that
capacity five years. lie was the first President of the
Common Council, after that office was created by an
amendment to the city charter.    Mr. Duncan was
always a Democrat, and his personal popularity and
services to the City Council led to his nomination, in
1861, for the office of Mayor. To this post he was
triumphantly elected, and served during   the years
1862-63. lis administration was distinguished for careful attention to city affairs, rigid honesty, frugality, and
his particular efforts and influence in favor of the war
for the Union. In the fall of 1862, he was chosen as
a State Senator from the Second District, and filled the
office during the years 1863-64. In 1865 Mr. Duncan
retired from active business, his impaired health requiring that he should enjoy more recreation and rest.
From that time until his death he gave his attention to
the management of his large estate, and was a director
in several financial and manufacturing corporations. He
visited Europe twice, for health and recreation. Ever
having manifested a deep interest in the welfare and
prosperity of Detroit, after he had retired from active
business life his fellow-citizens did not cease to honor
him by calling into public employment his intelligence
and foresight. In the spring of 1873, upon the organization of the Board of Estimates, a body which has a
large control of the municipal expenditures, he was
chosen a member at large. In the fall of 1873, the
unanimous voice of his party selected him a second
time as its candidate for Mayor, but the condition of
his health compelled him to decline. Mr. IDuncan was
a notable example of the sound and practical business
qualities which lead to success, and of the personal
habits and character which retain public esteem. Ilis




4S

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

energy, integrity, and courtesy early gave him a high
place in the community in which he lived. His popularity never waned, and his friends indulged the hope
that his life would be spared for still higher duties in
business and political life; but, in the prime of his
manhood, the insidious destroyer terminated his useful
life, December 19, 1877.
UPONT, CHARLES, of Detroit, Michigan, was
born February 12, 1842, in Detroit, Michigan.
He is the son of Charles and Clarissa (Simoneau)
Dupont. His father was of French ancestry, and one of
the early settlers of Detroit,- having resided there for
more than forty years. He received his early education
in the public schools of his native city. At the age of
eleven, he entered Mr. Holmes' dry-goods store as cash
boy, and afterwards accepted a situation as roller boy
in the Free Press office. Upon leaving this place, he
became a sailor on the old steamer " Forest Queen,"
under Captain Cattrell. At the outbreak.of the civil
war, he was serving as an apprentice to his uncle in the
drug business; and, although but seventeen years of
age, he enlisted, as a private, in the 4th Michigan Infantry. This regiment was soon ordered to the front;
and took part in the battles of Bull Run, Yorktown,
Williamsburg, Hanover- Court House, and    Walnut
Church. At the battle of Gaines' Mill, Mr. Dupont
received a bullet wound that fractured his jaw, and
resulted in the loss of the right eye. lie was left on
the battle-field, reported killed, and was captured by
the enemy and confined in Libby prison.  He was exchanged four months later; and, on returning home, at
once engaged in raising the 13th Michigan Independent
Battery of Light Artillery. For this service, he was
commissioned First Lieutenant by Secretary Stanton.
In June, 1864, he received a commission as Captain.
When the Confederate Generals, Breckinridge and Early,
made their raid on Washington City, Captain Dupont
was placed in command of Fort Stevens, with a large
body of artillery and infantry troops. During the two
days' fight before Washington, on the IIth and 12th of
July, 1864, President Lincoln and the Cabinet viewed
the combat from the bomb-proofs of Fort Stevens, and
Captain Dupont was personally complimented by the
President on the excellence of his artillery practice.
His battery was afterwards mounted as cavalry, in preference to twenty-two other regular army batteries, and
detailed to hunt guerrillas in Maryland and Virginia.
After the assassination of President Lincoln, a detachment of Captain Dupont's command captured the conspirators, Atzerodt and Mudd.  Captain Dupont was
mustered out of service, with his battery, July I, I865,

Sand returned to his home in Detroit while yet in his
minority,- having attained a distinction seldom reached
by a mere boy. He had commanded, at one time, one
thousand four hundred men and c-er one hundred
officers, he being the youngest of all. After leaving the
Sarmy, he served as post-office clerk under William A.
Howard. He then became Assistant Assessor in the
Internal Revenue Department, under the administration
of President Johnson. For six years, he was clerk in
the City Assessor's office, and State collector for the
Wheeler & Wilson Manufacturing Company. In 1874
he was elected Register of Deeds on the Democratic
ticket; in the administration of this office, he so won
the esteem and approbation of his fellow-citizens that,
in 1876, he was again elected, for the term which expires
in 1879.
U FFIELD, GEORGE, D. D., of Detroit.
This distinguished man, who has left his impress
Supon the people of Michigan to as marked an
extent, perhaps, as any other one of its citizens, deserves a much fuller history than can be condensed into
the limits of our allotted space. As a scholar, preacher,
patriot, and friend, he was earnest and strong; and, as
an advocate of the best interests of the people, irrespective of rank, color, or condition, it may be safely said
that he had no superior in the State of Michigan.
Thirty of the best years of his life were given for the
building up of sound sentiment on all questions that
involved the highest welfare of the people; and the seed
which his brave hand sowed broadcast, not only in the
city of his home, but throughout the North-west, has
borne and is still bearing abundant and precious harvests. lie was born in Strasburg, Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania, on the 4th day of July, 1794; and the
spirit of his birthday's independence seemed to have
impressed his entire life. His father, for whom he was
named, was the son of the celebrated Rev. George Duffield, of Revolutionary memory; who, in conjunction
with Bishop White, was Chaplain of the first Congress
of the United States, and, at the same time, pastor of
the Pine Street Presbyterian Church, of Philadelphia.
His fame as a preacher and a fearless and eloquent advocate of liberty is well known to all students of American history. The father of the subject of this sketch
was at one time a prominent merchant of Philadelphia,
and, for nine years, Comptroller-General of Pennsylvania
under the gubernatorial administration of the distinguished statesman, Thomas Mackean. His son, George
Duffield, of whom we write, early showed great aptitude
for study, and graduated with honor from the University
of Pennsylvania, when but sixteen years of age. In June,







ve/ 42l




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

49

18II, he took his degree; and, in the autumn of the
same year, entered the Theological Seminary of New
York, then under the care of the celebrated John M.
Mason, D. D. There he spent four years; and, on the
20th of April, 1815, yet lacking a few months of his
majority, he was licensed to preach, by the Presbytery
of Philadelphia. From  that day until the day of his
death, full three and fifty years, he continued faithfully,
vigorously, and earnestly to preach the Gospel. In the
year 1817, in the city of New York, he married Isabella
Graham Bethune, daughter of D. Bethune, Esq., a prominent merchant of that city, and granddaughter of the
widely known Isabella Graham, whose memory is still fragrant in the churches of Scotland and America. The late
George W. lBethune, D. D., the distinguished orator and
lecturer of New York, was a brother of the lady whom
Doctor Duffield had chosen for his wife. Doctor Duffield's first settlement was at Carlisle, Pennsylvania,
over the same Presbyterian Church which had formerly
enjoyed the pastoral care of his grandfather.  Here he
remained a settled pastor for about nineteen years, when
he accepted a call to the Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, formerly under the care of Thomas II. Skinner,
D. D. His connection with this church lasted but two
years, when he was called to the Broadway Tabernacle,
of New York City, where he remained during the month
of October, 1838. lie then became settled pastor of the
First Presbyterian Church of I)etroit, at that time a
large church and the only one of that denomination in
the city. Shortly after his arrival in the State, he was
appointed one of the Regents of the State University,
where his scholarship, experience in collegiate affairs,
and earnest devotion to the cause of popular education,
enabled him to do much to shape and promote the interests of this now widely known institution of learning.
In those days, no one man did more effective service for
our then youthful university than did Doctor Duffield,
as the records of the institution amply disclose. The
character of the man of whom we write was that of an
untiring investigator after truth, both scientific and
moral; an earnest advocate of revealed truth; a determined and obstinate friend of liberty, civil and religious;
a strong ally of all engaged in the cause of education
and social reforms of every kind; and a sympathizing
friend of the distressed in every grade of life. A man,
unostentatious in his habits, yet of the highest culture,
capable of leading in the most learned circles of science,
theology or general literature, and still not ashamed to
yield his society to the very lowliest of the poor. With
a will which expelled all fear, even in the presence of
overwhelming opposition, he was still as tender-hearted
and sympathetic as a woman. He was largely vered
in the learning of both ancient and modern languages,
reading with ease no less than ten or twelve, and speaking several. His preaching was greatly enriched by his

tireless researches in the mines of ancient learning, so
that he was continually bringing before his people and
the public treasures both new and old.  The motto of
his family, which he carried upon his seal, was broad and
noble: Deo, rei publicce, et anmicis, esto fidelis,-" To God,
your country, and your friends, be ever faithful." Fully
did he appreciate its injunctions, and faithfully did he
live up to its mandate, even to the end of his honorable
career. On the 24th of June, 1868, while apparently in
perfect health, and engaged in giving welcome to the
delegates of the International Convention of the Young
Men's Christian Association, then assembling in Detroit,
and, when scarcely half through his address, his voice
faltered, and, with the expression: "My head reels, I
must stop," he fell into unconsciousness, in the arms of
General Howard; of the United States army. IHe was
borne to his own home, where, on the 26th of June,
I868, he died, lamented not only by the people of the
West, but, to a large extent, by those of the whole
country. Among those who knew him     well he will
long be remembered as a man of great learning; strict
purity of life; high and holy purpose; conviction strong
as walls of granite; and a will which, though held under
the control of conscience and judgment, was of that
type which we sometimes characterize as Roman; for
scarcely in the palmiest days of Rome could there have
been found, among patricians or plebeians, one whose
firmness was greater than his. As a patriot, no one was
in advance of him when the hour of danger dawned.
Then his clarion voice was heard, waking and rallying
the citizens to the defense of the country. When the
national life was threatened, during the dark days of the
civil war, he put the banner of his country into the
hands of his two sons and sent them, at the head of a
ilichigan regiment, to the field of battle. He never,
even in the darkest day, lost courage or hope; but, by
speech, prayer, and personal example, inspired others
with his own indomitable spirit. He was the stay and
the staff of thousands of loyal hearts, for his patriotism
was of no ordinary type; it was such as his country
could and did rely upon; and of the same inflexible
character as that of his Revolutionary ancestor. In
conclusion, we may say of Doctor Duffield, that he was
one of those who lived "in the age when men were
men, and not ashamed of Heaven."
UFFIELD, D. BETHUNE, Detroit, Michigan,
soli of George Duffield, D. D., and Isabella
Graham (Bethu-ne) Duffield, was born in Carlisle,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, where he resided
with his parents until their removal to Philadelphia in
1835. He early entered the preparatory department of
Dickinson College, at Carlisle, and was fitted to enter




5S

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICIIGAN.

the Freshman Class at twelve years of age, but was excluded under the rules which restricted applicants to
fourteen. He early manifested a talent for languages,
both ancient and modern, and is still regarded as one of
the best scholars of his day; especially in Greek and
Latin, though familiar also with French and German. lie
remained at school in Philadelphia until IS36, when he
entered Yale College. He came to Detroit in 1839, and
became, for a time, a student in the office of Bates &
Talbut. In 1843 he graduated from the Yale Law School,
at New Haven, when still under age. The following
year he spent in the Union Theological Seminary, of
New York; but, his health becoming affected, he returned
to Michigan, where, in the fall of 1843, he was admitted
to the bar. In the spring of 1844, he formed a law
partnership with George V. N. Lothrop, which continued until 1856; when, the latter essaying a venture into
the political field, the partnership was dissolved, although
the two members of it have continued in the practice of
their profession, side by side, ever since. HIe was early
elected City Attorney; and then one of the Board of
Education, where he served with great usefulness for
thirteen or fourteen successive years, in several of which
he acted as President of the Board. Iuring this time,
he recast the whole course of study in all the departments.and grades of schools, basing his action upon
careful experiment continued through a period of two
years; his plan remained unchanged for many years
thereafter. He is also credited with having originated
and established, not without much opposition,- though
well supported by two or three other members of the
Board,-the High School of Detroit. In 1855, contemplating a visit to Europe, he declined re-election to the
Board, and has never been an active member since,
although in full sympathy with its work. After his withdrawal, it was proposed to name one of the school
buildings for him, which he declined to have done; but,
subsequently, during his absence from the city, the
Board gave his name to the Union Building, on Clinton
street, which is still known as "Duffield Union School."
For a number of years he was a co-worker in the cause
with such men as Hon. James V. Cample, Samuel Barstow, Levi Bishop, William  D. Wilkins, and others
whose names have been identified with the early history
of the schools. Mr. Duffield still continues in the active
practice of his profession in Detroit, and his career has
been marked by industry, ability, and integrity. In
politics, he was a Whig from the time he cast his first
vote for Henry Clay until the formation of the Republican party, which he at once joined, and of which he
has since remained an active and leading member. Not
a single Presidential campaign has passed, in which he
has not earnestly and eloquently advocated his party
candidates, freely giving his time and service to the
work.   He was especially active during the war in sup
port of the Government, and the cause of the Union.
He has, however, persistently refused to participate in
the struggle of State or national politics, preferring to
follow his profession. In addition to the labors incident
to a large professional practice, Mr. Duffield finds opportunity to lend a helping hand to almost every work that
has for its object the welfare of the masses. He has ever
been an active friend of Sunday-schools, particularly of
mission schools, of which he was one of the earliest advocates. He has lately devoted himself earnestly to the work
of the "Red Ribbon" movement, having been chosen
its first President, and enjoyed not only the respect, but
the sincere affection of its eight thousand members. He
has also lately originated and caused to be incorporated
what is known as " The People's Tabernacle " of Detroit;
an association designed to give the poor the privilege of
a free Church and free Gospel. All sectarianism is absolutely excluded from the scheme by the terms of its
articles; and, sustained by some of the most prominent
citizens, it is fultilling admirably the purpose designed by
its incorporators. Mr. l)uffield enjoys, not only throughout our State, but throughout the East and West, a reputation for high culture in belles-le/tres; having been classed
as early as I86o among the prominent poets of the West.
In Coggeshall's volume, entitled Poets and Poctrjy of
the I'st, the author says: "His poems, while often
more the result of spontaneous expression than elaborate
labor, evince a degree of poetical talent which promises
eminence among the writers of the North-west, if not a
still wider sphere."  Not a few of his fugitive pieces
have been published in the various Eastern collections
of poetry; some without his name, others with his initials
merely, while others are openly credited to him.  IHe
was, while quite a youth, a contributor to the magazine,
published by Willis Gaylord Clark, known as the Anickerbocker; and has continued not unfrequently to write
for others of later date. Though often solicited, he has
firmly refused to publish his poems, and the only ones
which appear in print are the few gathered in the work
already mentioned. His "National Centennial Poem,"
written for and delivered at the celebration of July
4, 1876, in Detroit, is preserved in the volume, lichi5an and the Centennial, compiled and published in that
year, by S. B. McCracken. With his professional brethren,
Mr. Duffield has always stood in the front rank; as well
for legal attainments as for industry and fidelity, and for
that high professional courtesy which is equally characteristic of the true legal gentleman. Among the eminent
members of the Detroit bar, there are many who are his
seniors in years; but, as Secretary of the Bar Association for some years past, he has held a position next to
its President, who is chosen from among the oldest and
most distinguished of its members. In his professional
labors he is prompt, punctual, clear, and decisive, and
is a constant worker; his literary labors forming an




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

51

agreeable pastime.  His intellectual traits and habits
follow the law of descent, as he represents the fourth
generation in our American annals, distinctly in the line
of professional life; his grandfather, Rev. George Duffield, having been Chaplain of the Continental Congress,
and one of the prominent and eloquent advocates of
liberty in the city of Philadelphia, during the war of
the Revolution.
Ml      MONS, H. II., late of Detroit, was born in
kNew York; and, after acquiring the rudiments of
_      a good education at the common schools, lhe
became an assistant in the office of his father, who was
the editor of a paper. IIe studied law; was admitted
to the bar of that State; and soon afterwards settled in
Detroit, where his father was already located as a lawyer,
and with whom he became associated in the practice of
their profession, about the year 1840. In 1843 his father
died, and, in the year following, Joseph A. Van Dykel
became his law partner. Although devoted to his profession, in which he had an extensive practice, he paid
some attention to politics. HIe acquired distinction,
during a period of commotion in Detroit, by defending
the right of an American Protestant clergyman to preach
against Catholicism, Irish repeal, temperance, or secret
societies, or whatever he conscientiously believed to be
injurious to the welfare-temporal or eternal-of his
fellow-citizens.  In 1853 his health became somewhat
impaired by application to business, and lie partially
retired from active professional life; although his services
were yet in frequent demand by the railroad companies
of the State, whose business he had made a specialty.
Early in 1870 he was appointed, by the President, Circuit
Judge for the State of Michigan. He died in 1877.
dLDW~   ARDS, WILLIAM SHERMAN, of Detroit,
l was born at Ephratah, Fulton County, New
'5 York, August 23, 1835, and is the third son of
Henry and Elizabeth (Cook) Edwards.      His greatgrandfather, Tallmadge Edwards, was the founder of
the glove business, at Gloversville, New York, which
has since reached great magnitude, and has resulted in
the growth of a prosperous town, from which comes
the chief supply of this article to the whole continent.
His other great-grandfather, from whom he derives his
name, was a Sherman of New Lebanon, New York, and
a relative of Senator John, and General William T.,
Sherman. His grandfather, John Edwards, was a member of the Twenty-fifth Congress, which Benton (7 hirty
Years' View, Vol. II., page 29) declared to be the ablest
body of the kind that ever assembled as a Congress. The
mother of William S. Edwards, a true type of a noble

Christian womanhood, is a daughter of Casper B. Cook,
who was a Captain in the war of the Revolution.
Henry Edwards, the father of our subject, was extensively engaged in farming, milling, and manufacturing,
at Ephratah, and was known as the most prominent and
successful business man in that section of the country.
William Edwards attended school in his native village,
improving every opportunity for study with a keen
relish, until sixteen years of age; when, his father
having become Director in a projected railroad from
Troy to Utica, he engaged as Assistant Engineer. After
the survey was completed, he returned home, with the
intention of pursuing his studies further, contemplating
teaching school to defray his expenses, but his father
pursuaded him to remain at home, considering his
services peculiarly valuable in assisting him to superintend the details of his business; although he never
received any remuneration for his services, and in all
his subsequent career had to depend upon his own
resources. He attended Union College, taking a Civil
Engineering course; but, before conmpleting his studies,
his father met with severe losses by fire, and William,
against his inclination, was compelled to return home
to assist him in business. IHe still desired to renew his
studies; and, his father having yielded to his wish, he
was about to -do so, when an application was made to
Ihim to defend a man for assault with intent to kill.
This he performed ably, the result being an acquittal.
The event suggested, to him the idea of following the
legal profession; and, in due time, he entered the State
and National Iaw School at Poughkeepsie, remaining
one term. lie completed his studies at the Albany Law
School, where he was admitted to the bar after an examination before the Supreme Court. lie removed to
HIillsdale, Michigan, May I, 1858, and there entered the
office of Judge Wilson, for the study of common law
practice; and, in August following, was admitted to
practice in Michigan.  Hle soon after formed a copartnership with Judge Stacy, which continued for five
years.  For the next two years, he was in partnership
with James S. Galloway, under the firm name of Edwards & Galloway. In 1865 he married Hattie J. Van
Evra, of Canajohaire, New York. In 1873 he removed
to Detroit, where he had already obtained a large practice in the United States Courts and others, which soon
required the services of several assistants. In 1874 he
established a branch office at Grand Rapids, under the
name of Edwards & Thompson; this continued two
years, and was succeeded by Edwards & Deran, which
firm is still in existence. In February, 1878, he formed
a copartnership, in Detroit, with F. H. Chambers, exProsecuting Attorney, under the firm name of Edwards
& Chambers. He has made chancery, real estate practice, and collections, throughout the States of Michigan,
Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, a specialty.  He acts as




52

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

attorney for some of the largest mercantile houses in
the country, in claims aggregating hundreds of thousands of dollars. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and has been presiding officer in the Lodge,
Chapter, Council, and Commandery; and, in the State,
has been District Deputy Grand Master, and Thrice
Illustrious Grand Master. IIe was brought up under
the influence of the Reformed Church, but has since
become a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church,
in which he is an active worker.  He has held the
official positions of vestryman, warden, treasurer, and
secretary, and has been a delegate to the State Convention for years. He has never held public office; but,
being located in the banner county of the Republican
party in Michigan, and having been Chairman of the
Democratic County Committee many years, and a dele
his prime; and the former class will mourn his death as
sincerely as the latter. His history is largely the history
of Michigan, for he was closely identified with many of
its most important interests. His father, a farmer in
moderate circumstances, gave him what was then considered a good education in the New England schools.
His thirst for knowledge was remarkable; and, with
commendable courage and thoroughness, he surmounted
all obstacles. Hie always retained the habit of study;
and during the most active part of his professional career
was a constant reader. He removed to Detroit in 1822,
being then twenty-three years old, and began the study
of law with Judge Sibley. When that distinguished
gentleman was appointed to the Territorial bench, Mr.
Farnsworth was enabled to continue his studies with
Mr. Whitnev. who had been Tud-e Siblev's nartner.

-                   --.    -.I  I. - -..- -.. -... j.....  -  r.........
gate to two National and several State Conventions, he Mr. Farnsworth became a very able lawyer; and, upon
has often been called upon to defend Democratic prin- the death of Mr. Whitney, succeeded to the business of
ciples; and has always done it in a frank, honorable, the office. His fame rose rapidly, and, when still a
and consistent manner. During the last campaign, he young man, his professional opinions were considered
did effective work both in Michigan and New York; of great weight. Indeed, he was looked upon as almost
and wherever he appeared, his speeches received the infallible in legal matters. lie reached conclusions by
highest commendations from  the press, regardless of a process which those who knew him superficially called
party feeling, because of the candid and fair presen- intuition; but he was an indefatigable worker, and

tation ot tle political situation.  ie has made the
political history of the country the subject of much
thought, pursuing it with the same zeal that a scientist does a favorite study. In the language of one of
his friends, "he is a perfect encyclopadia of political
knowledge."  lie has an earnest and convincing delivery, and his speeches appeal directly to the reason
and judgment.   He is an enthusiastic admirer of
Shakspeare,-and takes much pleasure in reading to
his friends selections from  the great poet's works.
Close application to business, an earnest and conscientious study of his clients' interests, and a methodical
arrangement of all details of his practice, have been
the secrets of his success, and entitle him to a position
among the self-made men of his State.  His life illustrates forcibly to young men what concentration of
purpose, together with indomitable perseverance and
pluck, will accomplish. In personal appearance, he is
above the average height, of strong physique, sharply
cut features, with a decidedly intellectual cast of countenance, indicating strong will-power.
5ARNSWORTH, HON. ELON, one of Detroit's
oldest citizens, was born at Woodstock, VerS mont, February 2, 1799; and died March 24,
1877, aged seventy eight years. Although belonging to a past generation, the name of Chancellor
Farnsworth was almost as familiar to the-younger portion of the community as to those who knew him during

never gave an opinion involving a difficult legal question
until he had exhausted all available sources of knowledge. His extraordinary memory here stood him in
good stead, and his methodical habit of thought, which
had been cultivated in early life, enabled him to accomplish a large amount of work in a short time. In
1830 he married Miss Blake, of Vermont. His first
public position was as a member of the Legislative
Council of the Territory of Michigan. His election to
that office took place in 1834, when the Council held its
sessions in the building now known as the High School.
Shortly after the expiration of his term, he entered into
partnership with Judge Goodwin, and the firm became
one of the most extensive in the North-west. On the
organization of the State Government, in 1836, Mr.
Farnsworth was appointed Chancellor of the State; and
served until 1843, when the precarious condition of his
health obliged him to resign. Chancellor Kent, in the
fourth volume of his commentaries, says: "The administration of justice in equity in Michigan, under Chancellor Farnsworth, was enlightened and correct, and
does distinguished honor to the State."  His learning,
interest in public affairs, capacity for government, and
irrepressible activity, were qualities of too great value to
permit him to remain in retirement; and he was very
soon prevailed upon, by Governor Barry, to take an
appointment as Attorney-General. That office he held
two years. In 1839 he was the Democratic nominee for
Governor. Some idea of the high esteem in which he
was held, may be formed from the fact that even the
opposition journals paid him very high tributes. How






(A 2




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

53

ever, partisanship was rampant then, as in later campaigns, and, though he made a gallant fight, William
Woodbridge was elected by a majority of eleven hundred
votes. Chancellor Farnsworth was ex oficio Regent of
the University of Michigan from 1836 to 1843. Ie was
Regent by appointment from   1846 to 1850, and by
re-appointment until 1852, when he became Regent by
popular election, remaining in the position until 1858.
It will thus be seen that he held the office of Regent
continuously from 1836 to 1858, except from 1843 to
1846, his whole actual service covering a period of nineteen years. To say that he filled the office ably and
faithfully is to acknowledge indifferently the value of
his services to the University, and, indirectly, to the
educational system of the State; now grown to such
proportions as to engage the attention of European and
even Asiatic countries. It was chiefly through his influence that Doctor Tappan was called to the Presidency
of the University. More than this need not be said in
proof of his inestimable services. When the Michigan
Central Railroad Company was organized, in 1846, Mr.
Farnsworth was chosen resident Director, in which
capacity he 'served about twenty years. A significant
circumstance in this connection is the fact that he was
the only Director of that road who ever received a

was appointed, and a suitable memorial presented. The
following members of the bar constituted the committee:
Levi Bishop, Theodore Romeyn, Alfred Russell, Robert
P. Toms, and A. B. Maynard. The following gentlemen
spoke in warm   eulogy of the deceased: Theodore
Romeyn, Hovey K. Clarke, Alfred Russell, Sylvester
Lamed, G. V. N. Lothrop, Levi Bishop, and William
P. Wells. After the resolutions had been adopted, the
bar adjourned to attend the funeral in a body.  Mr.
Farnsworth was universally esteemed. By his immediate
circle of friends he was well beloved and will be affectionately remembered.  He was polished in manner,
treating every one with consideration. Ile was neat
almost to fastidiousness, giving scrupulous care to
his dress. This did not grow out of vanity, for he
did not possess this weakness, but was the result of a
conscientious belief that neatness of person is a social
duty. It was impossible to resist the genial atmosphere
of his home presence. In every room he had builded
an altar, and adored his household gods with a feeling
of mingled love and veneration. The worth of such an
example is incomparable; and, if Elon Farnsworth had
left no other bequest, his exaltation of home would
remain a lasting monument to his goodness and gentleness of heart. His aged wife and one daughter, Mrs.

salary. He became President of the Detroit Savings William F. Harrison, survive; his eldest daughter, Mrs.
Bank in 1849, and held the position at the time of his General O. B. Wilcox, died several years ago.
death. Mr. Farnsworth visited Europe in 1855, having
been sent thither by the Sault Canal Company to negotiate a sale of its lands; but the Crimean War affected
the financial affairs of Europe at that time, and his
mission was not wholly successful. Ile was a prominent  4  ERGUSON, ERALSY, of Detroit, was born in
member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church from the time         Oneida County, New York. When quite young,
of its organization.  For several years he limited his  b'j   he removed with his parents to Canada. In
work to the duties imposed upon him as President of         1826 they removed to Monroe, Michigan; and,
the Savings Bank; and these engaged his attention daily after about a year, to Detroit. For several years, his
until about three months before his death.  Despite father kept a small hotel on Woodward avenue, near
advancing years, Mr. Farnsworth kept himself thor- the river, and Mr. Ferguson well remembers the crafts
oughly abreast of the literature and history of the times; arriving at this port, among them the first steamboat,
and lost none of his interest in public affairs. He was " Walk-in-the-Water," which plied between Detroit and
fond of taking daily drives in and around the city, Buffalo. 'A small sail-boat served as ferry between Dewhose steady growth he watched with pleasure. IHe troit and Canada, and was called to and from     each
visited the Centennial Exposition in 1876. While in shore by a horn. This was succeeded by a horse-power
Philadelphia he took a cold, which hastened his death, boat, propelled by side-wheels, and used principally for
Shortly -after his return home, he was visited by a ferrying teams. Besides this, a small craft, propelled
renewed attack of a complicated disease of the kidneys, by steam, the hull consisting of two logs dug out and
from which he had long been a sufferer; but his good joined together, was used for passengers. This was the
constitution, unimpaired by any bad habits, enabled beginning of the ferry business between Detroit and the
him to resist its force, and gave his friends encourage- Canada shore. In 1829 his father settled on a farm"in
ment to hope that he might be restored to his usual Oakland County, owned by Hon. James Witherell,
vigor. Changeable weather, however, affected him un- who was then Lieutenant-Governor of the Territory of
favorably, and a congestive chill suddenly overpowered Michigan. After remaining with his father on the farm
him. He soon lapsed into a state of unconsciousness, for two years, Mr. Ferguson returned to Detroit, enterand thus passed away. At a meeting of the Detroit ing the service of Hon. James Witherell, who resided
Bar Association, in honor of his death, a committee on the Witherell farm, near the bank of the Detroit




514

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

River. He worked upon this farm until about the year continued the management of this business. In the fall
1838, reserving two or three months of each winter for of 1877 he became one of the proprietors of the Cass
attendance at the old Detroit Academy, situated on the Hotel, with Mr. II. R. Johnson as partner. Mr. Fernorth-west corner of Larned and Bates streets.  About gusorl has always been a hard-working man, faithful and
the year 1837, Mr. Witherell's farm, situated one mile diligent in his services. By a wise management of his
from the City Hall, having a river frontage of twenty- financial affairs, he has acquired a competency for
five rods, and extending three miles in length, was himself and family. In 1837 Mr. Ferguson was comsold for thirty thousand dollars. The purchasers were missioned First Lieutenant of a militia company, by
not able to make good their contract; and, after his Governor Mason, the first Governor of the State. Durdeath, in 1838, the farm reverted to Mr. Witherell's ing the " Patriot War," in the following winter and
heirs. On the occasion of the sale, Mr. Ferguson, with spring, his company was called into the service of the
the family of Mr. Witherell, removed to a house facing General Government to guard the Canadian frontier and
Campus Martius, on the site now occupied by the De- the United States arsenal at Dearborn; and, also, to
troit Opera-house, and remained with the family until subdue the " Patriots," then in rebellion against the
after Mr. Witherell's death. Preceding this event, Mr. Canadian Government. The troops were under the
Ferguson had received from Mr. Witherell eighty acres command of Colonel Brookes, of the United States
of wild land, in Oakland County, in consideration of army. Mr. Ferguson has been a Whig, and is now a
his faithful services during seven years. In the winter Republican; but has never been a politician or officeof 1839, he conmmenced the work of clearing it, but, holder. lie was married at Detroit, in 1842, to Miss
after two months of hard labor, abandoned the idea of Nancy Canfield. They have four children. Mr. Ferbecoming a farmer, and returned to l)etroit, where lie guson has witnessed the growth of the city of Detroit,
engaged in driving teams. I)uring the "hard-cider from a village possessing a population of two thousand,
campaign," of 1840, he hauled from the woods many or even less, to its present large proportions. Having
of the logs used in the construction of the "log-cabin," spent his youth and early manhood in that city, he was
on Jefferson avenue, near Randolph street, which served associated with its Fire Department before a hand fireas the political head-quarters of the Whigs during that engine had been secured-at the time when firemen
campaign. In the following winter, he made three used the old leathern-buckets in extinguishing fires.
journeys, with his team and wagon, from Detroit to Mr. Ferguson had frequently joined in line to pass
Chicago, conveying the passengers and freight saved buckets of water from the river to burning buildings.
from a Chicago-bound steamboat, which was partly After the introduction of engines, he was a member of
wrecked on Lake Huron late in the season. Each of the Fire I)epartment for several years, and was foreman
these joirneys occupied from  nineteen to twenty-six of the company formed, among the employes of the
days. In September, 1844, Mr. Ferguson entered the Michigan Central Railroad, to protect their property.
employment of the Michigan Central Railroad as a
night-watchman, receiving seven shillings per night for
his services. At that time, the road was operated and
owned by the State, the depot being where the City
Hall now stands. Railroads were then in their infancy    'ERRY, D. M., of Detroit, Michigan, was born
in Michigan, the western terminus of this road being  il in Lowville, Lewis County, New York, in 1833.
at Kalamazoo. In 1847, the State sold the road, and  -<    His parents, Joseph N. and Lucy (Mason)
the company extended it, that year, to New Buffalo; to    Ferry, were of Puritan ancestry, natives of
Michigan City, in 1848; and to Chicago, in 1849. Mr. Massachusetts. Dexter Mason, the father of Mrs. Ferry,
Ferguson, having served faithfully as night-watchman represented the Berkshire District, in the Legislature at
for a time, became, successively, baggageman, freight Boston, for several terms.  Joseph N. Ferry was a
conductor, passenger conductor, as such having charge wagon-maker; he died in 1836; and, shortly after, the
of the passenger train that ran into Chicago over the family removed to Penfield, Monroe County, New York.
road; and, finally, depot and train-master at Detroit, There Mr. D. M. Ferry commenced life, on his own
resigning the latter position January I, 1875, after over account, in 1849. lie worked for a farmer, at ten dolthirty years' connection with the road. Some three lars a month, spending two summers in this way, while
years previous to his resignation, at the request of lion. his winters were employed in studying at the district
James F. Joy, President of the railroad company, he school. His desire to obtain a thorough, practical eduengaged in the truck transfer business, in the delivery cation induced him to secure a situation with a gentleof freights, which increased to such an extent as to man of means, near Rochester, that he might avail
demand his entire time, thus compelling him to retire himself of the benefit of more advanced schools. In
from the employment of the company. Hie has since 1852, through the assistance of his employer, he pro



AL,   ( R/ C7







REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

55

cured a position in the wholesale and retail bookstore
of S. D. Elwood & Co., of Detroit, where he was
advanced, from errand-boy to salesman, and, finally, to
book-keeper. In 1856 he entered the seed business,
on his own account, and was one of the organizers
of the firm of M. T. Gardner & Co. After a few
years, Mr. Ferry purchased Mr. Gardner's interest,
and took his place at the head of the firm of D. M.
Ferry & Co.   By matchless energy and enterprise, Mr.
Ferry has established, from  a small beginning, an
immense business, which extends into all parts of the
Union, and furnishes employment to hundreds. Mr.
Ferry is a member of the City Board of Estimates. He
is one of the Directors of the Wayne County Savings
Bank; of the Safe Deposit Company; and of the American District Telegraph Company. He is also a Trustee
of Harper Hospital and of Olivet College.  He owns
a controlling interest in the National Pin Company,
which he established in 1875, and is its President
and Trcasurer. This factory gives employment, during the entire year, to over seventy-five hands. His
main object in starting this branch of industry, in Detroit, was to assist in giving impetus to the manufacturing interests of the West.  Mr. Ferry is a Republican.
lie was educated in the Baptist faith, and united with
that church when quite young. At present, he is a
trustee of a Congregational Church.  He is strongly
opposed to extreme sectarianism.  He has traveled
extensively, in the way of business, through the greate'r
part of the United States. In 1876 he made an extended
pleasure tour, crossing the Rocky Mountains, and visiting California. Mr. Ferry is a practical man; he possesses great force of character; plain, unassuming
manners, and remarkable executive ability. His benevolence extends to all worthy objects; and he especially
delights in assisting those who are willing to help themselves. The names of few business men in the Northwest have become so familiarly and so favorably known.
He married, on the Ist of October, 1867, Addie E.
Miller, of Unadilla, Otsego County, New York.  They
have four children., IELD, GEORGE L., Dentist, of Detroit, Michjji igan, is of English parentage, and was born in
the year 1835. His father, Rev. George Field,
pastor of the New Jerusalem Church, sometimes
known as the Swedenborgian, removed from New York
to Michigan, in 1838. In 1850 he removed with his
family to St. Louis, Missouri, where Mr. George Field
was regularly apprenticed to learn the profession of
dental surgery with Dr. C. W. Spalding, acknowledged
to be the leading dentist of that city. After the close
8

of his engagement, Mr. Field entered into a partnership
with Doctor Durham; but, owing to the ill health of
each, the association was only continued for a few
months. Doctor Field, whose health had failed from
too close confinement to a dental laboratory, decided to
seek a locality where he could practice his profession
without too much confinement to in-door life. He went
to the western part of the State; and, after visiting
several towns, settled in Huntsville, Randolph County,
remaining there a few years. Feeling convinced that
the place would never be of sufficient importance to
enable him to gain the practice he desired, he left
Huntsville in the winter of 1857. His intentions were
to go to Dubuque, Iowa, on a visit to some relatives;
and, at the same time, to endeavor to secure an opening
for the practice of his profession. Upon reaching Mendota, Illinois, he discovered that he could proceed no
farther on his journey, the roads being completely
blocked with snow. Not caring to return to Huntsville, he concluded to go on to Chicago. There he remained several days; at the end of this time, his means
were exhausted, and he had found no chance of entering into business. He then decided to go to Detroit, to
which city his parents had removed two years before.
Wondering how he could carry out this plan, he suddenly remembered the name of a gentleman with whom
his father was acquainted; and, seeking him, introduced
himself, frankly told him how he was situated, and asked
and received the loan of ten dollars. He then returned
to Detroit, after an absence of seven years. Although
intending to remain only a short time, he was induced to
engage there in the practice of his profession. He borrowed seventy-five dollars from his father; and, out of
the amount, returned the ten dollars borrowed in Chicago. This left but sixty-five dollars to furnish an office,
and commence business. His office was not such as
would prove an attraction; the city was well supplied
with competent dentists, and the populace was extremely
conservative; but Doctor Field was young and determined to succeed. By strict attention to business, and
a thorough knowledge of the profession, he was soon
enabled to gain the confidence of the people, and he has
now a first-class practice, with one of the most completely fitted and elegantly furnished dental parlors in
the United.States. His income has reached several
thousand dollars per year. Doctor Field takes a deep
interest in the advancement of his profession, and has
been a member of the Michigan State Dental Society
for nineteen years,-having held all the prominent
offices. He has been an officer of the American Dental
Association, which is acknowledged to outrank all other
dental bodies in the world. He has also been elected
an honorary member of several other dental societies,having received the title of D. D. S. from the Ohio
Dental College, of Cincinnati. In field sports, such as




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

base-ball, shooting, fishing, and rowing, he has always
taken a lively interest. Doctor Field was one of the
originators of the Detroit and Lake St. Clair Fishing
and Shooting Club, and was elected Chairman of the
first Board of Directors, which position he held for four
years. The club passed a series of resolutions, thanking him for services rendered; and directing that the
said resolutions be engrossed, framed, and presented to
Doctor Field; and, also, that he be elected honorary life
member of the club. Both of these honors were declined, however, as he did not wish any display in the
way of engrossed resolutions, and preferred being an
active member, if connected with the club in any way.
In his political views, Doctor Field was formerly a Democrat; but of late years, he has become a member of
the Republican party. lie is not a strong partisan,
however, never having voted a straight ticket. In I86I
he married Miss Sarah A. Folsom, daughter of Simeon
Folsom, a prominent wool broker, of Detroit. Doctor
Fields has one daughter, Jessie, who is fourteen years
of age.
"ARRAND, JACOB SHAW, Wholesale Druggist, of Detroit, was born in Mentz, Cayuga
County, New York, May 7, I815. He removed
with his parents to Detroit, Michigan, in May,
I825; and, in the fall of the same year, to Ann Arbor.
He passed most of his boyhood on a farm; but, during
a portion of the time, carried the mail on horseback
between Ann Arbor and Detroit, and spent one year in
Lord & Denton's drug store, at Ann Arbor. February
5, I830, he became clerk in the drug store of Rice &
Bingham, iti Detroit. In 1841 he was appointed Deputy
Collector of the port of Detroit,-- Colonel Edward Brooks
being the Collector,-and held the office until 1845. He
is President of the First National Bank, and of the
Michigan Mutual life Insurance Company; Treasurer
of the Detroit Gas-light Company; a Director of the
Detroit Fire and Marine Insurance Company, and of
the Wayne County Savings Bank; a Trustee of Harper
Hospital; a member of the B ard of Water Commissioners of Detroit; and a Trustee of the North-western
Theological Seminary. For a number of years, he was
a member of the Police Commissioners, being President
of that body during the entire term of his service. I4e
has served as a member of the Common Council for
four years; and has been a member of the Detroit Board
of Education for eight years. He is the senior partner
in the firm of Farrand, Williams & Co., wholesale druggists, who occupy the largest building, for such purposes,
in the Uniled States, and c('rry on a very extensive business, amounting to upwards of one million dollars per
year. Mr. Farrand has been a ruling elder in the First

Presbyterian Church of Detroit since 1856. IHe was a
commissioner to the General Assembly which met at
Dayton, Ohio, in 1863; at New York, in 1869; and at
Detroit, in 1873. He took a prominent part in the
action that brought about the union of the old and new
school Presbyterians,-having been a member of the
Joint Committee on Reunion appointed by the assemblies in 1866; and, also, of the Committee of Conference
on the same subject appointed by the assemblies in
1869. He was on the Committee for the Reorganization
of the Board of Domestic Missions; and, for many
years, was receiving agent in Detroit for the American
Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. He was
President of the Wayne County Bible Society; and is
Chairman of the Sabbath Committee in Detroit.   In
July, 1877, he was a delegate to the Presbyterian Alliance held at Edinburgh, Scotland. Mr. Farrand was an
old-line Whig until the organization of the Republican
party, when he became a member of that body.
4',IELD, HON. MOSES W., of Detroit, was born
in Watertown, New York, February Io, 1828.
H e is the second son of William and Rebecca
Field. His father, a man of high moral character, was a farmer and shoe manufacturer. His mother
was distinguished for the interest she took in the education of her children. Upon the removal of the family
to Cato, Cayuga County, Mr. Field was sent to the
Victor Academy, from which he graduated with distinction.  To qualify himself for business life, he
became clerk in his father's store, of which he soon
received the entire charge. Not satisfied with the opportunities afforded by a village, he started for the then
far West.   Arriving at Detroit, Michigan, in June,
1844, he obtained employment in a large mercantile
house, in which, after a few months, he was promoted;
and  finally became the head of the etablishment.
During this time, he also engaged in farming, manufacturing, and shipping, in each of which he was prosperous.  Mr. Field has taken a promineut part in
public affairs.  In 1853 he wa; elec.e.l Alderman,
which position he occupied two term;. In 1872 he was
elected to the House of Representative-; and, from his
seat there, made an able speech oa the currency question. In this speech, he took the ground that panics
are wholly unnecessary, and are the results of the pernicious legislation of Congress in relation to the currency and finances of the nation. In April, 1874, he
made another speech upon the same subject, in reply to
the arguments which had been presented by those in
favor of specie resumption; and, subsequently, made
an elaborate speech on the tariff question, which was




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

57

highly approved by the press. In 1876 Mr. Field was
chiefly instrumental in organizing the third party, known
as the Independent Greenback party. He called for
the National Convention at Indianapolis, Indiana, May
17, 1876, at which Peter Cooper was nominated for
President of the United States. Mr. Field is an earnest
advocate of a high protective tariff, and a sound paper
currency, issued solely by the Government, in volume
sufficient to meet the demands of trade. In early life
he was a Whig; he afterwards supported the Free-soil
movement; and, in 186o, voted for Mr. Lincoln. He
continued to act with the Republican party until that
party abandoned its pledged financial principles of 1868.
In the spring of 1873, Mr. Field withdrew from active
commercial parsuits.  He now resides on his farm,
Linden Lawn, in the township of Hamtramck, a
suburb of Detroit. In 1875 he gave fifty acres of land
to the city of Detroit, to be converted into a park.
Linden Park affords an illustration of his liberality to
his adopted city. In February, 1858, Mr. Field married Miss Mary Kercheval, daughter of Hon. Benjamin
B. Kercheval, one of the pioneers of the State.
MROST, MILTON, Manufacturer, of Detroit,
was born in Cheshire County, New Hampshire,
April 30, 1823. His grandfather, a Colonel in
the Revolution, was regularly admitted a menmber of the Washington Benevolent Society, instituted in
the city of New York, on the 12th day of July, i8o8.
He was a very prominent man in his locality, and
represented his district in the State Legislature at
several different times. Mr. Frost's father was an officer
in the War of 1812. He lived to the age of three score
years and ten, and was a successful agriculturist and a
very worthy citizen. Mr. Frost's early education was
limited, and obtained under disadvantages; as he had
the benefit of only the common schools, and, what were
termed in those days, in New England, academies. At
the early age of seventeen years, he was apprenticed to
a manufacturing firm, receiving, as compensation for
his services, the meager sum of fifty dollars a year.
This business was of a general nature, embracing
wooden-ware as one of its branches, in which Mr. Frost
was, in after life, so successful. At the age of twenty,
he was admitted as a partner in the firm,-a great event
in his early history. After a time, for a better and
larger field for the increase of his business, Mr. Frost
removed to Fitchburg, Massachusetts, at that time the
terminus of the railroad.  Here he engaged extensively in manufacturing and jobbing goods, in which he
was very successful, and accumulated a large amount
of property. During the years of i855-56, he established

an upholstery, furniture, and wooden-ware business in
Detroit, Michigan, which proved to be very prosperous.
He had a large trade throughout the West, and passed
safely through the financial crisis of 1857, notwithstanding he suffered from many losses. Several years after,
he sustained a loss of the entire manufactory by fire;
but, being so firmly and advantageously established, he
struggled on, and has been enabled to weather all these
storms.  His very large and increasing business embraces the manufacturing of a large amount of lumber,
as well as the manufacture of almost every article in the
wooden-ware line, of which large shipments are made all
over* the country. Although personally superintending
every detail of his extensive manufactory, he has been
called to official position, having held various city offices,
and is now a member of the Board of Estimates. Since
the fire above mentioned he has discontinued the manufacture of furniture, and has greatly enlarged and
increased his lumber and wooden-ware business, until
to-day his goods find a market, not only all over the
United States, but large shipments have been made to
foreign countries. As may be readily inferred from this
brief record, Mr. Frost is a man whose enterprise no
difficulties can discourage. With a tenacity of purpose
as rare as it is admirable, he seems to possess that peculiar faculty of molding circumstances to suit his ends,
rather than being molded by them.   His business is
conducted with systematic exactness, and no man has
ever known him to fail in fulfilling an obligation. Truly
self-made in every sense of the term, he depreciates his
own abilities, and is unassuming in his demeanor, as
well as persevering in a course which he decides to be
right.  He was married, at Fitchburg, November 4,
1846, to Miss Annie Ashworth. She died May 26, 1874,
leaving one child, a son, now living.
INNEY, JARED WARREN, Detroit, Assistant
SUnited States Attorney for the Eastern District
of Michigan, was born at Detroit, Michigan,
March 15, 1842. He is the oldest son of Seymour
Finney and Mary A. Seger. He received a public school
education, graduating from the Detroit High School in
1861, the valedictorian of his class.  In the fall of I161,
he entered the classical course at Brown University,
Providence, Rhode Island, and graduated from   that
university in 1865. In 1866 he graduated from the
Albany Law School, with the degree of LL. B. On
leaving the law school, he went to New York City,
entering the office of Stewart L. Woodford, where he
remained until the fall of 1867. At this time, during a
visit to his home, he was offered the position of Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of




58

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

Michigan, which he accepted. Here he soon acquired
a thorough knowledge of the intricate duties of the
office, and has been retained through changes of administration, having general charge and direction up to the
present time. By reason of his early associations,-his
father being a prominent abolitionist,-Mr. Finney
grew up a Republican with strong party feelings. Soon
after graduating from the law school, while in New
York City, he was called upon to take part in the political canvass of his party, and made several speeches,
in connection with Horace Greeley. During the Presidential campaign of 1868, he was also engaged, by the
State Central Committee of New York, to take part in
the campaign in that State. His political services during the campaign of 1876, in his own State of Michigan, were arduous, and were recognized on all sides as
contributing largely to the success of his party. In
April, 1875, Mr. Finney married Miss Mabel Richards,
eldest daughter of the eminent writer and scientist,
Prof. William C. Richards, and of Cornelia H. B. Richards, a writer of ability, belonging to a family of note
in the literary world. Socially, Mr. Finney is a genial
companion, with warm and active sympathies, and a
fund of humor. As a speaker, he is forcible and original. His distinguishing trait is unquestionable integrity. This he inherits from his father, whose name in
the municipal records of Detroit is a synonym for vigilance and incorruptibility. With Mr. Finney, rare singleness and fidelity mark the performance of duties of his
station and office. Devotion to principle is manifest in
every action of his life, official, social, and domestic.
INNEY, SEYMOUR, of Detroit, is a native of
SOrange County, New York, and was born during our last war with Great Britain. At the
age of nine years, by the death of his mother,
he was thrown upon his own resources. His educational
advantages were limited, consisting of a common-school
education. At the age of sixteen years, he was bound
out to learn the trade of a tailor. When twenty years
of age, he came West with his father, who had lived in
Yates County, New York, and who now settled upon a
new farm in Redford, Wayne County, Michigan, about
fifteen miles west of Detroit. Here his father resided
until his death, in 1873, at the age of eighty-seven
years. Seymour Finney arrived in the summer, in very
delicate health; and remained until fall, when he returned to the State of New York. In the following
summer, he returned to Michigan as his future home,the climate proving more conducive to his health than
that of New York. During the Patriot War, he spent
a portion of his time in Canada, working at his trade;

and a portion in Detroit. In the year 1838, his health
rendered it necessary to give up his trade, and he
became a clerk in the old Franklin House, kept by J.
C. Warren, formerly known as Mrs. McMellan's boarding-house, on the corner of Bates and Lamed streets.
He remained there for three years, and next served as
clerk, for a short time, in another hotel, on the corner
of Bates street and Jefferson avenue.  In 1842 he
bought out the proprietor, and conducted the hotel foi
about a year. In 1843 he entered the grocery business,
but this proved an unprofitable venture. He lost all
the savings of the past six years, and was obliged td
resume daily labor to support his family. In 1846 he
rented the Franklin House, then a two-story frame building, on the corner of Jefferson avenue and Bates street,
with a barn in the rear, and kept the hotel five years.
Here he accumulated some means; and, in 1850, bought
the site of the present Finney House, on the corner of
Gratiot street and Woodward avenue. He moved the
several wooden buildings close to one another, and
opened a hotel here in the spring of 1851. He also
purchased a lot on the corner of Griswold and State
streets, and erected a barn. Mr. Finney, before opening the hotel, determined to conduct it on strictly temperance principles. It was opened as Temperance Hotel,
and is still conducted on the same plan. He met with
success from the beginning. In 1854 he erected the
present Finney House, without interfering with his hotel
business. In 1857 he retired, after having paid all his
debts, with a surplus on hand. Since then he has not
engaged in any active business. Mr. Finney was formerly an active and earnest Democrat. In 1852 he joined
the Free-soil branch of that party, and worked earnestly
to secure votes for John P. Hale, of New Hampshire,
who was the Free-soil candidate for President in that
year. Devoting the whole of the election day to working at the polls of the Sixth Ward, he succeeded in
getting thirty-six votes cast for Mr. Hale in that ward.
In 1854, when the Free-soilers nominated Kinsley S.
Bingham for Governor, Mr. Finney, with others, used
his influence to induce the Whigs, in their convention
at Jackson, to accept Bingham as a candidate, and to
unite both parties. This resulted in the formation of
the Republican party. In voting and acting with the
Free-soil party, Mr. Finney had expressed the sentiment
that upon this free soil every man should be free. Agents
of the under-ground railroad were then busily at work
in stealthily transporting slaves from the South to Canada.
The sentiments so openly expressed by Mr. Finney led
him to be of service to these agents, and he was induced to
give into the hands of one of them a key to his hotel barn.
This barn became, for several years, the passenger depot
of the under-ground railway, at the north end of the
line. Here, between one o'clock in the morning and
daybreak, might frequently be seen to arrive, a country.




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

59

man's wagon, freighted with slaves on their way to freedom. After hiding in the loft of the barn during the
day, they would be safely piloted to the river, and thence
across to the Canadian shore on the following night.
During their stay in the barn, they were provided with
food from the Finney House. On several occasions, the
masters of the slaves who were secreted in the barn
were stopping at the hotel with the hope of catching
the fugitives before they reached the haven of freedom.
Mr. Finney has been, for many years, a member of the
Baptist Church. In the fall of 1874, Mr. Finney was
elected Alderman of the Fifth Ward of the city of Detroit, and was re-elected in 1876, serving two terms.
He has, since his election, given up most of his time to
the duties of the office. As chairman and member of the
important Committee on Claims and Accounts, he devoted a great deal of his time to the examination of
claims, and rendered the city much good service. Being
a strong temperance man, he has exerted his influence
in behalf of the rigid enforcement of the law for closing
saloons on Sunday; and, whenever that question has
come before the Council, has cast his vote in its favor.
He married, at Detroit, in 1839, Miss Mary A. Segar,
a native of Steuben County, New York, who died in
1876. They have six children,-four sons and two
daughters,-all of whom are living. The oldest son,
Jared W. Finney, is Assistant United States District
Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. One of
the daughters has been, for several years, a teacher in
the Cass Union School, of Detroit.
4[ ARNSWORTH, JAMES H., Dentist, Detroit,
was born in the city of New York in 1818. His
Sparents, in the following year, removed to WestSfield, Chautauqua County, New York, where he
was reared and received a common-school education. At
the age of fifteen years, he left home for Cleveland,
entering the office of Doctor Ware, of that city, with
whom he studied dentistry for two years. He then
opened an office in Cleveland, and commenced the
practice of his profession, being at the time only seventeen years old. After remaining in Cleveland two years,
he removed, in the spring of 1837, to the city of
Detroit, where he has since been engaged in the practice of dentistry. He is the oldest practitioner in the
State of Michigan, probably the oldest in the country,
and has attained a wide eminence for skill in his profession.  He married, in 1841, Catherine Elizabeth
Connor, daughter of James Erwin Connor, one of the
early settlers of Detroit, and, in his time, a prominent
and wealthy business man of that city. Of this union,
twelve children have been born.

4  LANIGAN, GENERAL MARK, of Detroit,
Michigan, was born in the County Antrim,
Ireland, in 1825.  His parents, who belonged
to the sect of Presbyterians known as the Covenanters, emigrated to Canada in 1833, whence Mark
Flanigan came to the United States in 1841, and settled
in Detroit, Michigan, in 1845. Two years later, he
married Miss Sarah P. Saunders. From this marriage
have been born six children, four of whom are still living,-two boys and two girls. In 1847 he went into
business for himself, in which he continued until the
breaking out of the civil war. In 1858 Mr. Flanigan
was elected a member of the Common Council. In
1860 he was nominated on the Republican ticket for
Sheriff of Wayne County, and assisted in organizing
Republican clubs in every ward and township in the
county. He entered into the canvass with great energy;
and the whole Republican county ticket was elected for
the first time since the organization of the party. During his second year as Sheriff, on the call for additional
troops, in 1862, to carry on the war, General H. A.
Morrow, then Recorder of the city, and Mr. Flanigan
volunteered their services, and organized the 24th Regiment of Michigan Volunteers; Mr. Flanigan being
appointed Lieutenant-Colonel. The regiment was raised
in less than a month, and left for the front in August,
1862. It did gallant service in the Army of the Potomac; and belonged to the noted "Iron Brigade," which
experienced some of the severest fighting of the war.
It especially distinguished itself for bravery in the battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg.  Lieutenant-Colonel Flanigan
participated in every important engagement, until, at
the battle of Gettysburg, he received a wound which
resulted in the loss of a leg.  He obtained leave of
absence; and, when the news was received that he was
on his way home, the Common Council, in a series of
resolutions thanking him for his gallant services to his
country, voted him a public reception. He was met at
the depot by a vast concourse of citizens, who prevailed
upon him to ride in the procession. The ovation was
the largest ever given in Detroit to a single individual.
Major-General Doubleday, in his official report of the
battle of Gettysburg, speaks of Lieutenant-Colonel Mark
Flanigan as one of the bravest and most efficient
officers in the service. He was brevetted Colonel, for
gallantry at the battle of Fredericksburg, and BrigadierGeneral, for meritorious services in the campaign of
Gettysburg. Being incapacitated for services in the field,
he resigned his commission, and, in November, 1863,
was appointed Provost-Marshal for the First District of
Michigan.  His duties were onerous and varied, the
most important being to furnish the number of soldiers
called for by the Secretary of War. The promptness
and energy with which all demands on his district were




60

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

met, contributed largely to an early and lasting peace.
In 1866 he was appointed Assessor of Internal Revenue,
by President Johnson, and held this position until the
office was abolished, when he became Collector of Internal Revenue. Since 1875 he has been engaged in business at Detroit, and in the management of his farm on
Grand River avenue.   General Flanigan has been a
member of the Board of Education for eight years, and
its President for one year. He was, for several years,
Chairman of the Building Committee on that Board,
and some of the finest school buildings in Detroit were
erected during his term of service. In early years he
was a Whig, but has been an active Republican since
the formation of that party. Mr. Flanigan is entitled
to the gratitude of his fellow-citizens for having first
called their attention to the use of the cedar block pavements.   He procured a patent on a combined cedar
block and concrete pavement, in I871. Since that time,
nearly every city in which wooden pavements are used,
has adopted cedar as the cheapest and most durable.
In business and official life, he has been as energetic
and faithful to every trust reposed in him, as he was
the brave and gallant soldier during the war.
FOSTER, JAMES A., Manufacturer of Artificial
 Limbs, Detroit, was born in the town of Stockholnm, St. Lawrence County, New York, November 27, 1829. His father was born in the town
of Barnard, Vermont, but emigrated to New York in
the pioneer days of St. Lawrence County, purchased a
small farm, and erected a saw-mill.  James Foster's
boyhood life had little to make it memorable.  He
attended district school; helped on the farm and about
the mill; and his leisure hours were spent in constructing dams across creeks, building water-wheels, miniature
mills, etc. His father early remarked the bay's skill
and ingenuity, and, unlike many fathers, encouraged
them; as soon as he was old enough, giving him every
opportunity to learn the trade of mill-wright.  Just
before James A. Foster was twenty-one years of age, his
father died, leaving six younger children, who needed
care and protection. The mill was old, and about worn
out, and the estate in debt for nearly all it was worth.
The creditors, however, extended the time of payment,
and gave Mr. Foster a chance to see what he could
do. The mill was rebiuilt, the farm put in order, and
the young man began to push business. lie engaged
in lumbering; took contracts to build barns, houses,
and mills; and was rapidly acquiring a large and lucrative business.  But these flattering prospects he was
compelled to relinquish.  A year before his father's
death, he had become lame from a white swelling in

the knee; and, after about five years of hard work, his
lameness increased to such a degree that he uwas obliged
to give up business, sell out, place himself entirely under
medical treatment, and devote his whole time and attention to trying to save the limb. From 1855 to I86o, he
was in the hands of the doctors most of the time, and,
finally, despairing of ever being cured, he permitted
them  to amputate the leg.  Now   came the turning
point in his life. There were manufacturers of crude
artificial limbs in those days; and, after getting off his
bed, he cast around to replace his lost limb with the
next best thing to flesh and bone. He visited the most
prominent manufacturing establishments where they were
made; and, after examining the principles on which
they were constructed, came to the conclusion that an
article might be made lighter, and, at the same time,
less complicated and more durable. The result was
that he returned home without purchasing, and soon
commenced to construct a limb on an entirely new
principle, which was subsequently patented under the
name of " Foster's Patent Union Limb." The principle
and construction of the joints were very different from
those then in use; but the work lacked the finish and
artistic beauty that an experienced manufacturer would
give to it. To acquire this skill, he then served an
apprenticeship with one of the best manufacturers of
that day. After learning all that could be learned there,
he visited other manufacturers to see if something more.
could not be gained from them. He arrived at Detroit
in November, 1864, with tools, patterns, and a small
stock of material for manufacturing. With no influence
but his skill, no friend but a stout heart, but having
faith that real merit would soon make his goods known,
he opened a small manufactory; and, from this beginning, he has come to be the leading manufacturer of
the country, if not of the world. He prospered from
the start. Patents were granted him for his inventions;
and, in 1867, the demand for his limbs warranted the
establishment of another manufactory at Cincinnati,
Ohio; and, in 1869, one at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
In July, 1875, one was started at Chicago, Illinois; and,
in 1877, another at St. Louis, Missouri.  To-day his
sales exceed those of any other three manufacturers in
America. In April, 1869, he exhibited specimens of
his work to a Board of Medical Examiners appointed
by the Surgeon-General of the United States army, at
Washington, which were highly recommended by them,
the highest medical authority of the United States
army. HIe was authorized by the Surgeon-General to
furnish limbs to disabled soldiers, and thousands of the
cripped boys in blue have been benefited by his invention. Mr. Foster stands at the head, both of manufacturers and inventors of artificial limbs. That necessity
is the mother of invention is illustrated by his experience. His business affairs, and the location of his offices




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I.EIPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

at those large centers, are now so arranged that persons
in want of artificial arms or legs can reach the factories
with very little extpense, and have the limbs properly
adjusted to each particular case. Soldiers are furnished,
at the expense of the United States Government, with
free transportation to and from any one of the factories.
Mr. Foster has succeeded beyond his most sanguine
expectations; and the great secret of his success lies in
the care which is bestowed in the manufacture of his
goods. His aim is to turn out the very best; and his
patients, scattered from ocean to ocean, are his warmest
friends and well-wishers. At the Centennial Exhibition
in Philadelphia, there were ten exhibitors of artificial
limbs from the United States, and two from abroad,Mr. Foster receiving a medal and a diploma. Ile educated his younger brothers and sisters, and gave them a
home and a father's protection until they were able to
care for themselves. lie cared for and supported his
widowed mother until her death, which occurred May
31, 1877. Mr. Foster married, at the place of his family residence in New York, May 4, 1871, Electa A.
Marsh, of that place. lie received but a limited education; had a hard battle with misfortune; and only his
stern determination and iron will could have elevated
him to the position he now occupies as the leading
manufacturer of artificial limbs in the world.
4,RAZER, HON. ALEXANDER D., Senior Member of the Detroit Bar, has been a resident of
IDetroit for fifty-three years, and, consequently,
is connected with the early history of Michigan
Territory. fHe is a native of Scotland, having been
born in the vicinity of Inverness, the capital of the
Highlands, on the 20th of January, 1796. HIis father
was an extensive farmer. The rudiments of his education were obtained in one of the parish schools; after
which he was sent to a select school, and, finally, to the
Inverness Academy. In the spring of 1813, at his own
earnest request, his father placed him in the office of a
solicitor at Inverness, to study the law of Scotland.
HIere he continued until the close of the year 1814,
when he went to Edinburg.     In January, I815, he
entered, as a student, the office of a writer to the
Signet; that is, an attorney practicing in the Court of
Session, or Supreme Court, of Scotland. His advantages for study were now greatly increased; and, in
order to understand the practice as well as the theory
of the law, he devoted a portion of his time to attendance at the trial of causes before the court in the Parliament House. During the same year, he attended the
lectures on the scot law, delivered at the University of
Edinburgh by Professor Hiume, a nephew of the histo
rian; he also attended the lectures on conveyancing, by
Professor Bell.  Mr. Frazer continued his studies in
Edinburgh for several years; and, in the meantime,
having lost both parents, he determined to try his fortune in the United States. lie took passage for Savannah, Georgia, where he arrived, in June, I819, after a
voyage of six weeks. Hie then proceeded to Alabama,
where he had relatives. Here he was admitted to the
bar, on the ioth of November, I819, and entered at
once upon practice, meeting with much success. His
constitution, however, could not endure the Sou:hern
climate; and, after a residence of nearly two years, he
went North, and settled in Vincennes, Indiana. I)esiring to attend the courts on both sides of the river
Wabash, he procured admission to the bar in both
States.  Ile was admitted to practice in Illinois, by
Judges Brown and Wilson, of the Supreme Court of
that State, on the 24th of March, 1821. lie was admitted in Indiana, June 22, of the same year, and practiced in Vincennes and attended the Illinois Circuit
Court for nearly two years. At this time, he suffered
severely from fever and ague, and, acting under medical
advice, left for a more healthful climate. In June, 1823,
he started from Vincennes, on horseback, for Detroit,
Michigan.  At that period, traveling in the country
through which he had to pass was attended with great
difficulty; his course lay up the Wabash. At Crawfordsville, the settlements terminated; and the residue
of the journey, from  there to Fort Wayne, had to be
made on the Indian trail, with not a house intervening
but one, and that a trading-house. When Mr. Frazer
arrived at Fort Wayne, he was equally perplexed how
to get away from that point; it was the center of an
Indian country, without any facilities for the traveler.
Here he met a gentleman who was going to New
York, and who expected to get passage on some cha- ce
schooner going down I.ake Erie. As a last resort, they
purchased a canoe at Fort Wayne, in which they embarked, with all their worldly goods, on the Maumee
River, and worked-their way down to Maumee, where
they arrived without any accident. From this place,
Mr. Frazer might have had much difficulty i'n reaching
Detroit, but for the fortunate arrival of a pleasure party
from Detroit, who came in a large boat, and kindly
extended an invitation for him to take passage with
them on their return. This he most gladly accepted.
and arrived at Detroit early in August, 1823.   Mr.
Frazer found the bar of Detroit to consist of many eminent men,-all of whom were, apparently, in full practice. As he had not yet been made a citizen of the
United States, some time elapsed before he could be
admitted to the bar in Michigan. But this did not subject him to any great inconvenience; for, having been
admitted into the courts of several States, he was
allowed, in the meantime, to practice ex gratia. TheP




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

judicial system of the Territory, at this time, consisted
of a Supreme Court of three judges, which held its
annual session in the Indian Council House, at Detroit,
during the month of September; and of a County
Court in each of the organized counties, which held
session semi-annually. The Supreme Judges then were:
A. B. Woodward, James Witherell, and John Griffin.
About the year 1824, emigration began to set in; new
counties were organized; business increased; and Mr.
Frazer soon found himself in a large and remunerative
practice. One of the most important cases in which he
was ever concerned as counsel was the great railroad
conspiracy case that occupied so much of the public
attention twenty-five years ago, in which Mr. Frazer was
retained for the prosecution. It consisted of a series of
the most lawless acts committed on the property of the
Michigan Central Railroad Company, especially in the
vicinity of Leoni and Michigan Center, in Jackson
County. The life of a lawyer, in full practice, is one
of toil, severe study, responsibility, and anxiety. This
has been fully illustrated in Mr. Frazer's case. He continued the practice of his profession until early in the
spring of 1856, when, as he was engaged in the argument of an important cause, in the Supreme Court, he
instantaneously lost the use of his right eye, by amaurosis, the result of close application to study. Medical
advice suggested the necessity of withdrawing at once
from the active duties of his profession, in order to preserve the other eye. That he might do so more effectually, Mr. Frazer resolved to make the tour of Europe;
and, in May, 1856, started on his journey. Since then,
he has not resumed the practice of law, although he has
appeared as counsel in a few important cases. In the
year 1829, he was married to Caroline A. May, youngest
daughter of Hon. James May, who was first Chief-Justice of the Court of Common Pleas of the Territory.
Mr. Frazer's family consisted of six children, all of
whom died young, except one son, Alexander James
Frazer, a young man of great promise, who adopted the
profession of his father, and pursued it with much success. He died on the 17th of April, 1871. Mr. Frazer
is, therefore, without any descendants. He has never
been a politician, but has held some municipal offices in
Detroit, in the line of his own profession, to which he
was appointed by the Common Council. In 1832 he
was City Attorney; in 1836 and 1839, he was Recorder
of the city; and, in 1855, he was appointed one of the
Board of Water Commissioners. He filled this office,
with entire satisfaction to the public, for fifteen years;
its duties are discharged gratuitously. Mr. Frazer has
been President of the Detroit bar thirty-five years. Of
all the judges and lawyers whom he found on his arrival
in Detroit, not one survives. Mr. Frazer died in 1877.
Such is the outline of the life of one who may be fitly
spoken of as the patriarch of his profession in this State.

Standing as he did at the head of the bar of Michigan,to use the words of a gentleman who has long been a
distinguished member of the bar of Detroit,- "to the
younger members of the profession, he was a bright and
worthy example. His close application to business; his
strict integrity to clients; his varied and profound learning, untiring industry and research; his thorough analysis of adjudged authorities; his clear and convincing
argument, irreproachable character, and high sense of
honor and professional propriety, were all worthy of imitation. He was one of the pioneers of Michigan, venerated and respected by all."
ARRISON, JOHN J., for over fifty years a prominent citizen of Detroit, was born in the county
of Cayuga, New York, August II, 18o8.    His
great-grandfather came from  Holland about the year
1735, and settled in New Amsterdam, New York. His
grandfather, Ephraim Garrison, at the breaking out of
the French War, in 1760, enlisted in the English army,
and was with the troops sent to take possession of
Detroit after peace was declared. lie took part in the
battle of Bloody River, against the Indian chief Pontiac,' in which he was wounded, and his two brothersAlpheus and John Garrison-were killed. At the close
of the war, he returned East and settled on a farm in
New Jersey.   At the beginning of the Revolutionary
War, he disposed of his farm, and removed to Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. He was an officer in
the militia, and took part in the war under Washington.
John Garrison, the father of the subject of this sketch,
was born in New Jersey, in 1772.    After becoming
of age, in the spring of 1793, he started for Cayuga
County, New York, which was, at that time, on the
frontier. There he settled on six hundred and forty
acres of land, which he had purchased at twenty-eight
cents an acre.  Soon after, he opened the first store in
that vicinity. In 18io he sold his farm and store for
ten thousand dollars, cash; and, with his family, started
for Huron County, Ohio, where he had previously
bought four thousand acres of land. On his arrival,
not being satisfied with his purchase, he sold it, and
went to Sandusky.   He built the first store in that
place, which he stocked with goods he had brought
with him. He was soon, however, driven away by the
Indians, who burned his buildings. He finally settled
in Fredericksburg, Ohio, where he became a merchant,
banker, and mill owner, accumulating a fortune, which
was swept away in the panic of 1816-17. After paying
all his debts, he removed to Detroit, to begin life anew,
with a large family and sixty dollars in money. In a
few years, he was again prosperous, and soon took a




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

63

prominent part in the city affairs.  In 1824 he was
Street Commissioner; and, in IS30o, a member of the
City Council.  In 1836 he returned to Ohio; and, in
1848, settled in Joliet, Illinois. In 1853 he removed to
Cedar Falls, Iowa, and laid out a ipart of the town.
Here he died, in 1865, at the advanced age of ninetyfive years. Before his death, he traveled 1)y railroad to
his old home in Cayuga County. lie ha(l been an eyewitness of the building of the great cities and improvements in all the vast country between New York and
Western Iowa.   John J. Garrison received his early
education in the schools of I)etroit; and afterwards
learned the mason's trade.  IeIc soon abandoned it,
however; and, in I829, commenced miercantile business.
Ile confined himself almost entirely to groceries, and
was the first merchant, west of New York State, to
engage in an exclusively wholesale grocery business.
IIe was very successful, and passed safely through the
panics of 1837 and I857. lIe retired from active business in 1864. IIe devoted his time almost exclusively
to his business, and took but little part ill politics. lIe
was a member of the Common Council in 1837; and
held one or two other offices under the city government.   After his retirement from business, until his
death, which occurred Mi\ay 14, 1876, he spent most of
his time in traveling through the United States and the
West India Islands.
j ILPERT, CALEB     B., Physician and Surgeon,
of Detroit, Michigan, was born the 27th day of
SJanuary, 1826. near lBellcville, I lastings Coutnty,
Ontario, Canada. IIis father, Jchil Gilbert, and his
mother, Maria Yager, were the parents of tell children,five sons and five daughters,- eight of whom are nows
living. Doctor Gilbert's early life was passed mainly ill
hard labor on his father's farm; while his education,
limited in both degree and kind, was acquired at an
ordinary country school during the winter montlis. At
the age of twenty-one, he entered.a dry-goods store at
Belleville, in the capacity of salesman, remaining two
years, at whichi time he returned home. From his early
youth he had an ardent love for books, and eagerly readl
all that he could procure. I)uring the summer of 1849,
while assistinog his father in the harvest field, he determined to begin the study of imedicine, and made knownn
his intention to his father, who readily acquiesced in his
wishes. The same year, he entered Fally Seminary in
Oswego County, New York, vlwhere he remained until
March, 1852. IIe then attended two courses of lectures
at Toronto; and, in 1854, went to New York, where lihe
graduated at the Medical University in I855. lie married, on the I6th day of May, 1855, Caroline M. Fowler,

of Clayton, New York. In June, 1855, he came to
Detroit; and, the day after his arrival, rode on horseback to Howell, a small village in Michigan, about fifty
miles fromn Detroit.  From there he proceeded to Corunna and then to Lyons; the greater portion of the
route was throughs swampy ground, and over not a few
corduroy bridges. At that time, there were no railroads
or turnpikes in this section of the State, and Doctor
Gilbert endured many of the trials and hardshipls which
are incident to pioneer life. lie coimmenced the practice of medicine at Lyons, and remained there until the
spring of I858, wlhen he removed to Windsor, Ontario.
In April, 1865, he came to Detroit, at whichl city he now
residies. In 1869 Doctor Gilbert was elected to fill the
chair of -Materia Medica and Therapeutics in the Detroit
Medical College, which position he now occupies. lie
is one of the attending physicians at St. Mary's IHospital,
and also of the Woman's Hlospital and Foundling's
Ilome. Ile is a member of the DIetroit Academy of
Medicine, the Detroit Medical and Library Association,
and the State Medical Society. In I844 Doctor Gilbert
united vwith tIee Methodist Church, and is now a imember of the Central M\etlhodist Episcopal Church, of Detroit. lie is very liberal in his religious views. He has
three children,-one son and two daughters. Doctor
Gilbert is lheld in high esteenm by all friends and acquaintances. Throughlout Ihis life, he has been noted for integrity of character and untiring energy in the practice
of his profession. lie is a close student, and is the possessor of a large, valuable library, which contains the
choicest works of a medical and miscellaneous character.
---0.--
RENI\NG, I ERMAN, Detroit, Michigan, w-as
born in Prussia, March 28, I830. lie received,    his education in the common schools of that
country, wihere every child is required to attend from
the age of seven years. When fourteen years old, he
began a general business in the city of Ialberstadt,
province of Saxony, with a view of gaining a knowledge
of the business, and remained in one establisiment three
years. At the age of twenty-one, he came to America,
arriving in New York City after a voyage of seven
weeks.  Mr. Greening was an utter stranger, not only
to the language spoken, but to the habits and customs
of the country; being without a single friend to aid him,
and i with very limited means upon which to subsist
while endeavoring to obtain a situation. At the time of
his arrival, in 1851, the tide of emigration from every
European country was at its height, and the cities of
our seaboard were overwhelmed with applicants for
work, representing all classes, from the farm hand to the
skilled artisan. After days of fruitless effort to ob
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64

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

tain a situation, Mr. Greening determined to go West;
his first objective point being the city of Buffalo. While
continuing his search for employment, he learned a few
words of English, among which was the sentence, "I
want work;" but his request was met by questions
which he could not comprehend..At last he was compelled to seek some place where he might receive the
necessaries of life in return for his labor, until such time
as he could become sufficiently conversant with the language to enable him to enter the business with which
he was familiar. Being taken by a farmer several days'
journey by wagon, into Canada, he spent the next few
months in doing farm work, which was not only very hard
for him, but unprofitable also; as, upon expressing a
desire for a settlement with his employer, with a view of
making another attempt to find employment, he was
very coolly informed that there was nothing due him.
Taking his departure for the West, from this place,- the
whereabouts of which, owing to his imperfect knowledge
of the country and language, he still remains in ignorance,-after many days of travel on foot, being relieved
only by an occasional ride in some passing farm-wagon,
he arrived at Detroit, Michigan, in September, 1852.
He soon obtained employment with T. HI. Armstrong, a
retail dealer in hats, caps, and furs, who gave him an
interest in the business after three years' service; arid,
in 1857, took him into the firm as full partner. Not
deeming the hat and fur trade of sufficient scope in a
retail way, and having had from boyhood a fixed preference for the dry-goods business, he dissolved partnership with Mr. Armstrong, in 1859, and associated himself with C. F. Blume, under the firm name of Greening
& Blume.   Their capital being very limited, they commenced in a small way; on going to New York for the
purpose of obtaining the necessary credit in connection
with his newly established business, Mr. Greening found
it very difficult to procure, on account of the many failures among Western merchants, the result of the preceding financial panic of 1857-58. Taking with him a
strong letter of recommendation from a merchant of
New York City, who had known him as the junior
partner of the firm of T. H. Armstrong & Co., he presented it at the office of H. B. Claffin & Co. Mr. Bancroft, the credit man of that house, after scanning the
features of the young merchant, said: "How much
credit do you want? "  He hesitated a moment in replying, when Mr. Bancroft abruptly said: " Your credit is
ten thousand dollars in this house." Having commenced
thus on a sound basis, Mr. Greening enjoys to-day an
unlimited credit with the same house. After the lapse
of one year, he dissolved partnership with Mr. Blume,
and continued the business in his own name, until July
I, 1873, when he associated himself with William A.
Neef. The business of which he has laid the foundation,
and in the management of which he has displayed, in a

quiet, unassuming manner, much judgment and shrewdness, has steadily increased from year to year, until it is
now one of the largest retail establishments in the State.
In May, 1863, he was married to Augusta Plager, a niece
of Mr. Peter Henkel, the well-known wholesale grocer
of Detroit. They have four children,-three daughters
and one son.   Mr. Greening resides in the suburban
part of the city, where, in 1866, he built a large and elegant residence. There, surrounded by his family, he
enjoys the comforts and luxuries earned and won by a
life of patient toil in a business in which failure is more
frequent than success. He has never stepped aside from
his chosen field of labor to mingle in political circles,
although adhering to the fundamental principles of the
Republican party.
i:,REUSEL, HON. JOHN, of Springwells, Michigan, was born Iecember 4, 1809, in Bliecastel,
Bavaria. Ie was taught the French and German
languages in the public schools of his native place,
which, at that time, was under the rule of Napoleon
I.; and, at the Treaty of Paris, in 1816, was ceded to
Bavaria. Shortly after he was twenty-one, he entered
the military service as forester, and served three years.
In 1833, as the laws were very strict and oppressive,
and his life was constantly endangered in the performance of his duties, he resigned and emigrated to America.
The journey to Havre de Grace occupied twenty-four
days; and forty more were consumed in the passage on
a sailing vessel to New York. On his arrival in that
city, he worked a short time on a farm in Long Island
for eight dollars a month; and, in 1834, engaged in
brick-making, at Newburg, Orange County, New York.
He spent fourteen years in different brick-yards along
the Hudson River. In 1848 he removed to Michigan
and settled in Springwells, adjacent to Detroit, where
he started a brick manufactory.  His trade steadily
increased, and he is now the leading brick manufacturer
in the State. He has accumulated a competent fortune,
and a reputation for integrity which he values far above
pecuniary gain.  Mr. Greusel, in early years, was a
Whig; after its formation, he joined the Republican
party, with which he has since been prominently identified. He was Town Clerk of Springwells two years.
In 1870, and again in 1872, he was the Representative
in the Legislature from the First District of Detroit.
He was a delegate to the Republican Convention at
Philadelphia in 1872, and in 1874 was elected State
Senator.  Mr. Greusel has discharged his duties in
these honorable positions to the entire satisfaction of
his constituents; always ignoring strict party lines, and
having in view only the interest of his entire constituency and of his adopted State.




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

65

i:RIFFIN, LEVI THOMAS, of Detroit, was born in
Clinton, Oneida County, New York, May 23, 1837.
lie received the name of his maternal grandfather,
Levi Thomas, of Utica, New York,- an honest, thrifty,
and energetic man, but stern and severe in character
and manners.  His mother was a woman of great integrity, economical and industrious,-remarkably devoted(
to domestic duties. Of a family of eight chil(lren, six
lived to manhood and womanhood under her care and
training. His father, a gentleman of refinement and
culture, especially noted for his social qualities, inherited a considerable landed estate, which was conveyed
to his paternal ancestor, in 1790, by George Washington, whose signature, with that of De Witt Clinton, as
a witness, is upon the title-deed.  Owing to various
reverses, however, the property has passed out of the
possession of the family.  From early childhood until
his eleventh year, Levi Griffin was reared in the house
of his maternal grandfather, and noticeably inherited
and acquired very many of the peculiar qualities of that
branch of the family,  In the fall of 1847, his parenlts
removed to Rochester, Michigan, taking him with them.
lie evinced great fondness for stuldy; at the early age
of fourteen, was prepared for college; and, at sixteen,
entered the University of Michigan. Here he maintained a good position in his classes, and was proficient
in all his studies except matheniatics, which lie never
examined sufficiently to appreciate. Graduating in 1857,
lie found himself without means to study his profession,
but having met one of the alumni of the university,
Mr. William  A. Moore,-now a distiiiguished meinber
of the D)etroit bar,-he was tendered a place in the
office of Moore & Blackmar, which hlie entered, as a student, the first of July. Through the exertions of Mr.
Moore, then Assistant United States Di.strict-Attorney,
and the kindness of Robert W. I)avis, United States
Marshal, he secured the appointment of Court Deputy;
and, during the session of the Federal Court, received
two dollars per (lay. With this assistance, he was able
to get through the first year of his study.  lie was
accustomed to sleep in the oflice, on a bed improvised
for the occasion, and his habits, at this time, were of
the most frugal kind. Ile was admitted to the bar,
May 29, 1858, being a member of the first class admitted
by the Supreme Court of Mlichigan, as at present organized, and was complimented by the judges upon his
proficiency. Ill Novmciber, 1S58, lie removed to Grand
Rapids, and associated himself with Lucius Patterson,
Esq., who, for a number of years, was one of the foremost lawyers of Western Michigan. In April, I86o, a
disastrous fire destroyed the building in which his office
was located, together with the county offices, and nearly
the entire records of Kent County. Somewhat discouraged, he returned to Detroit, and again entered the office
of Mr. Moore, where he remained, on a salary, until

January, 1862, at which time the law partnership of
Moore and Griffin was formed. In the autumn of 1862,
he was commissioned, by Governor Blair, supernumerary
Second Lieutenant in the 4th Michigan Cavalry, and
was mustered into the service, August 13. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant, December 18, following,
and assigned to staff duty as Brigade Inspector.  February I, 1863, he was made First Lieutenant; and, on
April I5, of the same year, Adjutant of his regiment.
February 24, 1864, he was commissioned as Captain;
and, September 15, of that year, was assigned to staff
duty as Acting Assistant Adjutant-General of the Second
Cavalry Division.  i)ecember 25, following, he was
made Acting Assistant Adjutant-General of the Cavalry
Corps of the Military Division of the Mississippi, Brevet
Major-General James II. Wilson commanding. He was
brevetted Major of United States Volunteers by the
President, March 13, i866, for gallant and meritorious
service during the war. lie belonged to a regiment
which has a most enviable record, and participated in
all its engagements when not on staff duty. lie was
mustered out of service, July I, I865, at the close of the
war. His reputation with the regiment, and among his
fellow-oflicers, was that of an able and gallant officer, and
a courteous and honorable gentleman. Returning to
his profession, August, I865, as one of the firm of
Moore & Griffin, he remained thus connected until the
Ist of September, 1875, when he associated himself
with Mr. Don M. Dickinson, under the firm name of
Griffin & Dickinson. lie has never held, nor been a candidate for, any office of a political character; devoting
every energy to the practice of law. He was President
of the Youniig Men's Society, of Detroit, 1870-72; and,
for a number of years, was one of its Directors. Politically, he inherited the prejudices of his father, and has
always voted the Democratic ticket in national affairs;
though, in municipal and local affairs, he is quite indifferent to party. lie was an early and strong advocate
of the Greeley movement, in the campaign of 1872, and
was firmly of the belief that the acceptance of Mr.
Greeley's candidacy was the only hope of overthrowing
the domination of the Republican party. In 1858,
through the influence of a college friend, now Rev. E.
G. Thurber, of Syracuse, he made a profession of religion, connecting himself with \Westminster Church, of
Detroit,- Ienry Niel, I). D., pastor. In 1873, after an
extended investigation of church history and polity, he
withdrew from the Presbyterian denomination, aiid was
confirmed in St. John's Episcopal Church, )Detroit;
since which time he has been an ardent, earnest churchman. lHe was married, October 8, 1867, to Mary Cabot
Wickware, a native of Detroit, and a young lady of
personal attractions and endowments. They have three
children,-William Wickware, Laura Moore, and Mary
McLaren Griffin. At an early age, his ambition was

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66

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

stimulated and encouraged by his eldest sister, afterwards Mrs. IH. F. Warner, now residing in Scranton,
Pennsylvania; and to her counsel and sympathy, he
justly attributes much of his success. In the profession
of law he may be regarded as standing in the front
rank, commanding the entire respect of his legal brethren; in fact, as a nisi prius lawyer, he has few equals,
and no superior in the bar of Michigan. A mai.of
pronounced individuality and indefatigable industry,
his opponent, in the trial of a cause, is never certain
but that his case will be tried on questions entirely
new, and he himself led in the contest upon ground
which, to him, is terra incognita. Mr. Griffin is of medium height, of attractive personal appearance, and
winning address, indicating by word and act the Christian gentleman. Those who are favored with his confidence hold him  warmly in friendship, but he is
disinclined " to those familiarities which render sincere
regard and esteem very cheap."  He is ever ready to
welcome his friends to his pleasant home with cordial
hospitality. Although enjoying social pleasures, and
holding a somewhat prominent position in the society
of Detroit, his ambition and aspirations confine him
closely to his professional duties. Generous with his
means, no worthy cause ever appeals to him in vain;
and he occupies, as he deserves, an enviable place in
the good opinion of his fellow-citizens.
DOODWIN, HON. DANIEL, Upper Peninsula,, was one of the early emigrants to the Territory
of Michigan, where he entered upon the practice
of the legal profession. lie was for many years United
States District Attorney for Michigan; was subsequently t
a District Judge; served repeatedly in the State Legislature; and was President of the Constitutional Convention of 1850. lie appeared for the people in the great 1
trial of 1851, known as the " Railroad Conspiracy Case; " t
and is at the present time Judge of the Circuit Court
for the Northern Peninsula of Michigan.            d
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t:hAMMOND, GEORGE H., of Detroit, Michigan, c
was born at Fitchburg, Massachusetts, May 5, C
1838. His parents, John and Sarah (Huston) t
Hammond, were of old New England stock, his I
paternal ancestors being among the earliest settlers of h
this country. His maternal grandfather was a native of n
Maine, and served eight years as a soldier in the war h
of the Revolution, living to the age of ninety-four years. t
Mr. George H. Hammond is one of twelve children. I
His father being a mechanic, he was obliged early in e

Slife to aid in the support of the family. He attended
the common schools until ten years of age, when he
began working for Mr. Barrett at Ashburnham, Massachusetts, a few miles from his native place, at making
leather pocket-books, in which he soon became quite
expert. A short time after, his employer gave up the
business on account of failing health, and, under his
advice, Mr. Hannmond, then only ten years old, continued to carry it on. Buying a small stock of leather
from his employer's father, on credit, he took it to his
own home, and, with the assistance of about a.dozen
girls whom he employed, manufactured his goods.  He
found a ready market for them, and was very successful,
financially. After a year, however, steel porte-monnaies
commenced to supersede the leather goods, and he concluded to retire from the business. For a few months,
he was employed in the butcher-shop of a neighbor, and
liked the work very well. After this, he secured a place
with Milton Frost, now of Detroit, at that time manufacturing mattresses and palm-leaf hats at Fitchburg.
lie received, at first, a salary of forty dollars a year,
with the privilege of going to school for three months
in the winter. After working three years for Mr. Frost,
he again entered the service of the butcher, and, at the
end of nine months, on the failure of the latter, purchased his effects and carried on the business himself;
being then but fifteen years of age, and having a capital
of only five dollars. lie was quite successful for six
months, when, at the solicitation of Mr. Frost, who had
moved to Detroit, he sold out, and came to that city in
1854. For two months after his arrival, he worked in a
butcher-shop, and, for the next two years and a half, for
Mr. Frost, in the manufacture of mattresses and furniture. IIe then started in business for himself, manufacturing chairs, at the corner of Farmer and State streets.
About six months later, his establishment was burned
)ut; leaving him, after settling with the insurance com)anies and paying his debts, with a cash capital of
hirteen dollars, and the note of a citizen of Detroit
or fifty dollars. Upon this note he borrowed forty
lollars, and, nothing daunted by his misfortune, at
)nce opened a meat-shop on the corner of Ioward
nd Third streets. In i86O, from  the proceeds of his
rade, he erected a brick building for a shop on the
ipposite corner, after which his business steadily inreased until, in 1865, he removed to No. 38 Michigan;rand avenue, in the center of the city, and soon was
he proprietor of a large and prosperous establishment.
Ie became interested in pork and beef packing; and,
iaving engaged in the transportation of fresh dressed
neats, his business grew to such an extent that, in 1872,
ie associated with him J. D. Standish and S. B. Dixon,
he latter of whom had been his clerk for many years.
'he firm  increased their facilities for meat-packing,
recting a large packing-house on Twentieth street,




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

67

where they pack upwards of four thousand hogs, and
do a business amounting to nearly a million dollars a
year. In 1869 Mr. Hammond began sending dressed
beef to the Eastern markets in refrigerator cars, which
has proved a most successful venture, and has revolutionized the transportation of fresh meats.  In that
year, Mr. Davis, the patentee, built his first refr'igerator
car, and tried in vain to induce several parties to transport perishal)le articles in it, until Mr. Hlamnmond consented to load the car with dressed beef for shipment to
Boston, Mr. Caleb Ives being his partner in this venture.
The beef reached Boston in excellent condition, found a
ready market, and netted large returns. A second experiment was made in midsummer, with a like successful result. Mr. HIammond then, in partnership with two
others, had ten cars built, established a slaughter-house
near Chicago, and engaged in transporting dressed beef
to the Eastern States. At the end of six months, ten
more cars were added, and the demand has steadily increased, until now, in 1878, one hundred and eighty cars
are employed; ten thousand pounds of beef are shipped
daily to Boston, and thence distributed through New
England. In addition to this, vast supplies of dressed
hogs, eggs, butter, and other perishable produce, are
forwarded in these cars to the Eastern markets. The
success of this vast business, whichl amounts to about
three million dollars annually, is due to the enterprise
and sagacity of Mr. Hammond, who has had the entire
management of it from the first. From it he has accumulated a handsome fortune.   Mr. Ilammnond has
been too attentive to his business to take an active part
in politics, and has no ambition for political distinction.
lie votes the Republican ticket. HIe married, in S157,
Mliss Ellen Barry. They have had eight children, five
of whom are living. Mr. HIammond is a true type of
the active, energetic, and successful- though modest
and retiring- business man.
- "ODGES, IIENRY C., Insurance Agent and l'eal
I  Estate Operator, senior member of the firm of
71s hIodges Brothers, of Detroit, was born in Grand
Isle County, Vermont, iIarch 2, I828. His ancestors were New Englanders, but his father was borns
in Washington County, New York; and his mother, a
descendant of the Phelps family, of Connecticut, was
born in Vermont.  lie received a common-school education; and, at the age of twelve years, began to earn
his own living by working upon a farm. 'When sixteen, he commenced to learn the trade of carriagemaking, and worked at it until he was twenty-two;
when, in November, 1850, he started for the West.
lie spent a short time in Detroit, and then went into

the interior of the State to work at his trade.  He
had occupied his leisure, while an apprentice in New
York, in studying and reading, with an ambition to
become something more than a mechanic; and, after a
few weeks spent in Michigan, he obtained a situation
as teacher, during the winter months, in a country
school. The followiNng summer, he was steward and
clerk of the Railroad Hotel at Marshiall, Michigan,
which position he held for a year, and then resumed
teaching. After remaining about two years in Michigan, he was so prostrated with fever and ague that he
was obliged to seek another climate. IIe went to Wisconsin, became interested as partner in marble manufacturing works, and remained there several years.  In
1862 he returned to Detroit, as State Agent for the
Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company. HIe associated his brother, Charles C. Hodges, with him in this
business; and, a few montlhs afterwards, Iodges Brothers
became agents of the above company for the States of
Michigan, \Visconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota. The business was prosecuted with such tact and energy as to
become, in a few years, large and prosperous. In I868
they sold the agelncy for lowa and Minnesota to the
comIpany; and, in thle subsequent year, the province of
Ontario was added to their general agency. Since they
have conducted the business, it has amounted to nearly
ten millions of dollars in receipts of lremiums. In 1865
they began ol)erating in real estate, buyilg property on
the corner of Iafayette and Tenth streets; and, afterwards, sixty feet front on \Voodward avenue, upon which
they have recentlv erected a magnilicent five-story block
for business purposes.  In I871 they purcha-ed tswentyfour acres of land on the old \Yoodbridge estate, to
wvhich tliey added forty-two acres by a later purchase;
opened through the property two fine avenues,-Lincoln, seventy feet wide, and Trumbul, eighty feet wvide;
planted shade-trees; and introduced all necessary improvenlelts to Imake tlhem attractive. The property was
subdisvilcd into lots and lpart of it sold on condition
that the purchlaser crected tllereon a fine brick residence; swhile the Ilodges Brothers themselves built a
number of elegant dwellings, which found a ready sale.
In the course of some six years, from thirty to forty
houses were lput up, and the avenues are now two of
the finest in the city of Detroit or its suburbs. In 1878
they completed the Bruiinswick lHotel, on the corner of
Griswvold and State streets, one of the most comnplete
and convenient hotels in Michigan. Mr. Ilodges has
served one termn as a lnmember-at-large of the Board of Estimates, for the city of Detroit; having been appointed
to fill a vacancy occasioned by the death of Captain E'.
B. Ward, in 1875. lIe is a liberal and public-spirited
citizen, and has done much towvards beautifying, improving, and building up Detroit. Ile hIas voted with
the Republican party, but has never taken an active




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68

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

part in politics. He is a liberal Christian, and has for Gardner, of East Cleveland.  They have had eight

several years been trustee of the Unitarian Church of
Detroit. He was married, October o1, 1854, at Hastings, Michigan, to Julia A. Bidwell, a native of Kinderhook, New York, and a daughter of the late Judge
Horace Bidwell, of Hastings.
'rAWLEY, RICIARD, of Detroit, Michigan, was
1   born in Shrewsbury, England, December 1o,
1815.     He is descended from an old English
family which early settled in Shrewsbury. The
family property, Cause Castle, is mentioned in The Select
Museum of the World, by Charles Iulbert, published in
Shrewsbury in 1825. Cause Castle, near Westbury, was
one of the twenty-four lordships held by Roger de Corbit
from  Roger de Montgomery.    A few years ago, the
castle and estate were the property of Thomas Hawley,
of Germantown, Pennsylvania.   Mr. Hawley's father
was induced by financial embarrassment to emigrate to
America in 1818. HIe was enabled to give his son a
common-school education, but nothing more; and, at
the age of seventeen, Richard Hawley commenced business on his own account, as a brewer, in Cleveland.
Under his careful management, the business prospered;
but he entered into speculation, and all he possessed
was swept away in the panic of 1837. lie was advised
to take advantage of the bankrupt law, but persistently
refused.  Removing to Erie, Pennsylvania, he commenced life anew; and, before long, was enabled to
pay both principal and interest of his debts. In 1843
he established a brewery in Detroit, and continued in
the work until 1855. In that year, the Prohibitory
Liquor Law was enacted in Michigan, and he discontinued the business, and turned his attention to malting.
He was, perhaps, the only brewer in the State who
strictly obeyed the law to the injury of his purse. In
1873 he retired with a handsome fortune, leaving as
his successor his son Thomas, who had been associated
with him since i860. Mr. Hawley has always taken an
active interest in public affairs, and has been able to
render important public services. IIe has been a prominent member of the Detroit Board of Trade for many
years, and was, for several terms, its representative in
the National Board; he has also repeatedly represented
the latter in the Dominion Board of Trade. In 1864
he served a term in the State Legislature. lie has served
as City Councilor; as Alderman of the Fourth Ward;
and as member of the Board of Estimates of Detroit.
He was again appointed to the State Legislature at the
recent election. Until 1854, he acted with the Whigs;
since then, he has been a prominent Democrat. lie
married, in 1839, Eliza Gardner, daughter of Charles

children, of whom three sons and three daughters are
living. Mrs. Hawley is engaged in many benevolent
works; to her effort is mainly due the establishment of
the Woman's H.ospital, and Foundlings' Home.   She
has been, in every sense, a helpmeet to her husband;
and he feels that much of his success may be attributed
to her. Mr. Ilawley, during the session of 1877, has
identified himself with some measures on law reforms
for the benefit of working-men. He stands high, in
the community which he represents, as a man of sound
judgment and liberal opinions. He has read much,
and has formed habits of study. His sturdy honesty
and good faith are the outgrowth of a consistent Christian character.
l AND, GEORGE E., of Detroit, was born in East
j  u Guilford, now Madison, Connecticut, in 1809.
lHe graduated from Yale College in 1829, and
soon after went to Detroit. He studied law in
the office of Judge Fletcher, who was then AttorneyGeneral, and later, Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court.
Immediately on his admission to the bar, he took the
position of a close and accurate practitioner. In 1835
he was appointed Judge of Probate for Wayne County;
and, notwithstanding his youth, discharged the duties
of the office satisfactorily. During his term of service,
in no case was an appeal taken from his judgment. In
1846 he represented the city of Detroit in the State
Legislature, and was Chairman of the Committee for
the Sale of Public Works. lie drafted and had oversight
of the bills for chartering the Michigan Central and
Michigan Southern Railroad companies.  In these bills
which were passed under strong opposition, were embodied the terms of sale of the railroads, then owned by
the State, to the present Michigan Central and Michigan
Southern Railroad companies. Three things were kept
prominently in view, in shaping this legislation; first,
the completion and extension of the Central Road to
Lake Michigan, to be built of heavy T rail, in place of
the old strap iron; second, the extinguishment of the
the State debt, some five million dollars, upon which no
interest had been paid for years previous; third, the
creation of a corporation strong enough to crush the steamboat combination which had controlled, for a number of
years, nearly every steamboat on Lake Erie and the upper
lakes, with dictatorship at.Buffalo, exercised in such an
arbitrary manner as to be of great injury to Michigan.
The significance and success of this legislation may be
seen in its results, immediate and remote. Among the
former, were the speedy completion of a first-class railroad
across the State; the bringing into the State some eight

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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

69

millions of Eastern capital,-the first considerable amount
of sea-board capital which ever was invested west of
the mountains; and, within two years, raising the
credit of the State to par, from forty per cent. discount.
For a time the steamboat combination defied the Michigan road; but, within three years, was crushed by it;
and, greatly to the satisfation of the Michigan people,
dissolved.  Judge Hand was Chairman of the State
Democratic Committee in 1848, and zealously supported
the claims of General Cass. He was always a close
personal friend and political advocate of that distinguished statesman.  In 1853 Judge Hand was appointed United States Attorney for the district of
Michigan, and held the position throughout President
Pierce's administration.  During his attorneyship, the
extensive depredations upon Government lands on the
western side of the State were broken up, by effective
prosecution. No less than seventy-five indictments were
pending, at the time, against timber tresspassers, some
of whom were leading lumbermen of Chicago. A combination was formed, by the defendants, to defeat these
prosecutions, and a strong section of the bar of Detroit
was retained on their side, supported by prominent
counsel from other localities. The District Attorney, however, ably assisted by lion. A. D. Frazer, succeeded in securing a conviction in every case that was tried. After a
few examples had been made, the combination gave
way, and the defendants threw themselves on the clemency of the Government, under pledges to respect its
rights in the future. This put an end to timber stealing in Michigan as a safe and lucrative employment.
Since retiring from this office, Judge Hand has held no
public position.
I'ESS, JULIUS, Architect, of Detroit, Michigan,
Swas born in Zurich, Switzerland, in the year,, 1841. He received a thorough education in the
schools of his native country; and, having a
peculiar talent for drawing, and a love of mathematical
studies, he decided to fit him-elf for the profession of a
mechanical engineer. To further that purpose, he emigrated to the United States, thinking that he might find
a wider field for the practical training and experience
necessary to success. He soon, however, discovered
how difficult it would be for a young man without
capital to work himself above the level of an ordinary
journeyman, and chose the study of architecture, as a
business requiring no moneyed capital. About a year
previous to the civil war, he entered the office of J. P.
Huber, architect, of Newark, New Jersey, but left his
employment to enter the Federal army, as Second
Lieutenant of Engineers, in a New York regiment.

After serving eighteen months, ill health compelled him
to resign this position, just at a time when a Captain's
commission was tendered him. He then went to Switzerland, for the purpose of regaining his health, and
fully completing his architectural studies. He visited
the principal cities of the continent, and returned after
a year and a half. He has since practiced his profession
with marked success. After several removals, he decided
to make Detroit his home. Among the most prominent
of the buildings designed by Mr. Iess may be mentioned the Michigan Centennial Building, constructed
on the Centennial Exhibition ground, at Fairmount
Park, Philadelphia; St. John's Evangelical Protestant
Church, Detroit; the parsonage of St. Mary's Catholic
Church; the Harmonic Society Building; the Concert
Hall, which is considered one of the finest in the State;
as well as public school buildings, and private dwellings
in the city of Detroit, and in different sections of Michigan.  Mr. Hess married, in January, 1868, Mary E.
HIall, of Detroit. She is a lineal descendant of Hannah
Duston, of tHaverhill, near Boston, who is famous for
having killed ten Indians, with the help of her nursegirl and a captive English lad, in March, 1697, on
Duston Island, six miles above Concord, New Hampshire, where they had been carried captives.
-'AYES, JOSIAH     DIXON, Detroit, Michigan,
*   was born in the township of Clayton, Jefferson
SCounty, New   York, January 16, 1825.  His
father, Daniel Iayes, was a native of Salem,
Massachusetts, and one of the pioneers of Jefferson
County, New York. The family is descended from the
Pilgrim Fathers who emigrated from Scotland to Salem,
Massachusetts, among the first settlers of that State. In
1835 Mr. Hayes removed with his father to Pittsford,
Monroe County, New York, where he received his education in the district and select schools. When thirteen
years of age, he entered the mercantile establishment of
Hopkins & Hewitt, and remained three years. The firm
then dissolved, the senior member removing to Rochester, and forming a partnership under the firm name of
Hopkins & Robbins, which was afterwards dissolved by
an order from the Court of Chancery, Mr. Hayes having
been appointed by the receiver to close their affairs. He
found it necessary to go to Canada to collect debts, and,
after closing the business, settled in Coburg, Ontario.
lie then made a business engagement with John M.
Grover, a prominent man of Colborne, with whom he
remained until 1847. He then removed to New York
City, and formed a partnership with George E. Shaw
and George W. Comstock, wholesale dealers in woolens,
drugs, and medicines. They also established a store at




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70

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

Toronto, Canada. In the spring of 1849, he purchased
the interests of his partners; after which, he sold the
entire business and removed to Colborne, Canada, where,
in partnership with W. H. Colton, he entered upon the
mercantile trade. He soon after purchased Mr. Colton's
share, and conducted the business until 1852. Upon the
completion of the Grand Trunk Railway, he was offered
his choice of various positions in the company, and
accepted the agency at Coburg in order to settle his
business affairs. On the completion of the same road to
Detroit, in 1859, he was appointed General Agent of
the Grand Trunk Railway, and Treasurer of the Chicago,
Detroit and Canada Grand Trunk Railway. In 1861,he went into the office of the Superintendent of the
Michigan Central Railroad Company, under Mlr. R. N.
Rice. Soon after the death of Mr. Seymour, of Buffalo,
Mr. Hayes was appointed General Eastern Freight
Agent of the Michigan Central Railroad, and removed
to Buffalo, New York.  In 1865, upon the resignation
of C. A. Hurd, Mr. Hayes was appointed Assistant
Superintendent of the Michigan Central Railroad, having his head-quarters at Detroit. On the destruction of
the Michigan Central Freight Depot by fire, all claims
for freight destroyed were satisfactorily settled by him.
During his connection with this company, Mr. Hayes
established the system of through traffic from points in
the West to European ports, via New York, so that one
bill of lading covered both land and ocean transportation. At first, no railroad company would assume such
a responsibility, nor would the steamship lines agree to
accept such bills of lading in Europe. He then made
arrangements with the Black Star Line of sailing packets from New York to Liverpool to accept his personal
bills of lading, thus founding the "European Express
Freight Line."  Upon the organization of the National
Steamship Company, they also accepted his bills. From
this beginning has grown the system of through shipments in nearly all the American seaport cities, in connection with all through lines of transportation. The
system  of transporting fresh beef in refrigerator cars
from the West to the East was also established under
the management of Mr. Hayes. It was commenced in
a single refrigerator car,-a Detroit invention,-built
by the Michigan Central Railroad Company. The first
shipment proved a financial failure. The railroad company refused to build any more such cars, whereupon
Mr. Hayes, then General Manager of the Blue Line,
procured the cars. After meeting with considerable
opposition, both from the railroads and the butchers in the
large Eastern cities, they built up an immense business,
not only in this country, but also in Europe. In November, 1866, upon the organization of the Blue Line,
Mr. Hayes was appointed General Manager, and served
in this capacity eight years.  During this period, he
united with others in building the Detroit Central Mills,

the largest flour-mills in the State. He was made President of the company, and continued as such until he
had purchased the interests of all who were connected
with it, becoming the sole proprietor. Mr. Hayes has
made a thorough study of the matter of transportation.
He has written a number of articles and addressed
various commercial bodies throughout the country upon
this subject. In 1873 he was the first person examined
by the Senate Committee on Transportation Routes, and
his testimony was published in the reports of that committee. lie was a delegate to the first General Convention of the Board of Trade, which was held in Detroit
in July, 1865, and which resulted in the formation of a
National Board of Trade.   Mr. Hayes took strong
grounds against the building by the General Government
of the contemplated Niagara Ship Canal, although the
convention was almost united in its favor. His argument
was published in pamphlet form by the Buffalo Board of
Trade, and circulated extensively; soon after which,
the agitation in regard to the construction of the canal
ceased. Mr. layes was chosen a member of the Executive Council of the National Board of Trade, at the
first meeting lie attended, and has been re-elected to
such office at every subsequent meeting. At the June
meeting of the National Board of Trade, in 1875, he
presented an argument in favor of the establishment,
by the General Government, of a Department of Commerce, and the appointment of a Cabinet officer over
this department. The National Board ordered the printing of the argument in pamphlet form, for circulation
among the various Boards of Trade in the United States.
Under an act of Congress establishing the bureau of
statistics on transportation and transportation routes, he
was appointed one of the Government Special Commissioners, which office he still holds. On the formation
of the Millers' Association of the State of Michigan, he
was chosen President, and still retains that office. In
1871-72 the Merchants' and Mlanufacturers' Bank of
Detroit increased its capital; AIr. Hayes purchased stock
in the bank, and was appointed Vice-PIresident, which
position he still holds. In 1873 he established the Exchange Bank of Grand Ledge, to facilitate business
there, where he had large farming interests. At the
convention of bankers at Saratoga, in 1874, he took
strong grounds against the double taxation of bank capital, and urged the formation of a National Bankers'
Association. HIe was made a member of the Executive
Committee and Secretary for the organization of such an
Association, which was completed at Philadelphia in
1875. A bill having been brought before Congress for
the removal of its taxes by the General Government,
Mr. Hayes was unanimously chosen to present the first
argument on the subject to the Ways and Means Committee, which he did February 7, 1877. Mr. Hayes was
trained in the Presbyterian faith, and is an attendant




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

71

upon that church, although not a member. He is a Republican in his political views, but has never held or sought
any political office. In the spring of 1849, he married
Miss Elura Mary Wood, only daughter of Colonel Wood.
They have three-children,-one son and two daughters;
the former of whom, Frederick W. Hayes, is Cashier of
the Merchants' and Manufacturers' Bank. Mr. Hayes
is a gentleman of kind and courteous manners; a keen
observer of men and things; and energetic and persevering in all his enterprises, never failing in any undertaking where success is possible. lie is an able and efficient
writer and speaker on subjects to which he has given
thought and study; and, upon matters pertaining to
transportation, he has a national reputation.
ARMON, JOHN      II., of Detroit, was born in
Jtlo Portage County, Ohio, June 21, 1819. lHe is a:  son of John larmon, a native of Connecticut,
who emigrated to Ohio in 1800, and was for many
years the publisher of a newspaper. At an early age, he
entered his father's office, at Ravenna, Ohio, to learn
printing, for which he manifested a strong taste; and,
under the instruction of his father, became an accurate
and skillful printer. In 1838 he went to Detroit, and
became connected with the Detroit Free Press, then
owned by three brothers,-John S. Bagg, Silas Bagg,
and Ashael Bagg.  Ile remained there, as journeyman
printer, upon the editorial staff, and as partner, for
many years; retiring therefrom with a handsome fortune, which was subsequently lost. On his arrival in
Detroit, he found the northern frontier in a blaze of
excitement, created by the Patriot War, in Canada;
and, being full of zeal and devotion to a Democratic
Government, he joined an expedition that crossed into
Canada, at Windsor, in the winter of 1838. The expedition was not successful; and, being attacked by a
superior force of Canadian troops, retreated to the
American side, with a loss of two or three of the party
killed. In his career as publisher and as journalist,
Mr. Harmon was very prosperous, and exerted an influence in political matters throughout the State and
the North-west. He was honored, in 1852, by being
chosen Mayor of the city of Detroit, and was re-elected
in the following year, having previously held the office
of Alderman for two terms. He was then one of the
most popular men in the city,-generous, kind to the
poor, a genial companion, and a hospitable friend; but,
in time, he became a victim to the bad habits created
by the customs of hospitality then existing in Detroit.
With a firmness of will and a tenacity of purpose
absolutely amazing, he conquered that habit, however,
and, practically putting on the red ribbon of reform, he
10

has worn it for many years; and is to-day a silent but
most eloquent example of a permanently reformed man.
He was appointed, by President Pierce, in 1853, Collector of the Port of Detroit, the duties of which he
performed with fidelity, meeting the approbation of all
parties in his official conduct.  Since his retirement
from this office, he has spent much of his time in
Washington City, having passed thirty winters at the
national capital during the sessions of Congress.  In
politics, he has always been a l)emocrat; and, probably, to-day, has a wider personal acquaintance with
the prominent and public men of the nation than any
other one man. The writer of this sketch, who has
always been his opponent in political matters, says,
unhesitatingly, that there is no one who commands the
confidence and good-will of all public men to a greater
extent than does Mr. Harmon. In personal appearance, being over six feet in height, slender, with the
complexion and eyes of an Indian, long black hair,
combed back from his forehead and falling on his collar. Mr. Harmon looks very like the old pen-picture of
John Randolph, of Tuckahoe; and so youthful is his
countenance, that, to those who knew him a generation
ago, he seems almost unchanged. Born of a Presbyterian family, he has always paid due respect to religion, but is too sincere and independent to pretend
to be what he is not; and so may be ranked as a man
of broad, liberal, and well-settled views of religion.
In 1841 he married Miss Sara S. Rood, and to her,
above all others, is he indebted for his success and
triumphs in life. In his darkest hours, she clung to
him, encouraged and upheld him; drawing him upward,
and yet upward, above temptation, and made him what
he is,-a true gentleman.
4  EAMES, HENRY, Mechanical Engineer and
Bi Builder, Detroit, was born in the city of Tauno, ton, Somerset County, England, on the 26th of
SJune, 1823. He is the sixth child of William
and Jane Hleames. The early history of his father's
family dates back to the defenders of religious liberty
in England. His mother's death occurred when he was
but two years old; and, his father's health not permitting
personal attention to business, their means were soon
exhausted. In consequence of this, and being the
youngest child, he was prevented from receiving the
educational advantages which he might otherwise have
enjoyed. Mr. Heames early manifested a special aptness in mechanics, which developed and matured in
after years. Leaving school when quite young, he lived
with a farmer for three years, and, at the end of that
time, went to live in Devonshire with a Mr. Sibthrop,




73

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

who always took the greatest interest in his welfare.
When fifteen years of age, he engaged with a builder
to learn the mason's trade. At the same time, he attended evening schools, and made a special study of
mechanical drawing, in order that he might advance
more rapidly in the profession he had chosen. In 1842,
in company with two other young men, he went to
France, and was employed on public works until the
death of his father, when he returned to England, and
engaged in the same work there. After a short time,
he received an offer from his former employer in France,
and returned to that country, where he took charge of
the construction of the engine-house and other buildings for the Paris and Rouen Railroad Company, at
Lapeer station.  From this time until 1848, he was engaged by the same company in constructing railroad
work-shops and gas-works at the city of Tours, in the
south of France; in the cities of Rouen and HIavre de
Grace, in Normandy; and also in the construction of
tunnels and bridges on the Paris and Rouen, and Rouen
and Havre de Grace railroads. February 22, 1848, he
married, in the city of Paris, France, Hannah M. N.
Carpenter, of Wroxton, near Banbury, Oxfordshire,
England. Seven children are the issue of this marriage, of whom four sons and two daughters are living
at the present time. In the month following his marriage, Mr. Heames and his wife sailed for the United
States, and arrived in New York after a stormy voyage
of twenty-nine days. lie remained there a short time,
after which he visited Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, and
Detroit, settling in the latter city in the fall of the same
year. Mr. Ileames worked as a journeyman mason
until 1850, when he accepted a situation from the Marquette Iron Company, taking charge of the construction
of the first iron furnace erected at Marquette, Lake
Superior. In the latter portion of the year 1851, he
resigned this position and returned to Detroit. He at
once formed a partnershipl wit.h Mr. C. Stange, in the
building business. They did the mason work of the
bridges and culverts on the Windsor end of the Great
Western Railroad; built the Reed Block, the Fulton
Iron Works, and other buildings in Detroit. This partnership being dissolved in 1853, Mr. Ileames was appointed by the Sault Ste. Marie Canal Company, as
superintendent of quarries at Malden, Canada, and at
Marblehead, Ohio. In the fall of 1854, he was appointed superintendent of excavation on the canal, and
remained in that capacity until it was finished; he was
then appointed road-master of the Michigan Central
Railroad, on the division between Lake Station, Indiana,
and Joliet, Illinois. In 1856 he resigned this position
to become superintendent of the construction of a harbor at Ontonagon, Lake Superior. At the completion
of this work, in 1858, Mr. lleames returned to Detroit.
During the next eight years, he was engaged in the con
struction of the copper works at Ontonagon; putting up
the first machinery for the Woodville Coal Company;
building the first oil refinery at Rochester, New York;
at Erie, Pennsylvania; and at Detroit, Michigan. He
did the furnace and bench work for the Detroit, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Adrian, Monroe, East Saginaw, Michigan; and Joliet, Illinois, gas companies; and built the
Ypsilanti and Coldwater gas-works, besides superintending the building of the Follett House, at Ypsilanti.
In May, 1864, Mr. Heames was appointed agent for the
Hudson, Sharon, and Derby copper-mine companies,
with power of attorney to close up the affairs of the
Carp Lake and Lafayette copper-mines, in the Porcupine
Mountain district, Lake Superior. This business having
been satisfactorily accomplished, he received an offer
of the agency of the Norwich mines, but declined the
position. In May, 1866, he commenced the construction
of the new works of the Detroit Gas-light Company;
in 1868, he was appointed resident superintendent of
this company, and held the office until 1872, when,
having formed a partnership with his eldest son, William E. Heames, he tendered his resignation, and commenced the manufacture of lime, dealing in stone, etc.,
under the firm name of H. Heames & Son. He is also
one of the well-known firm of W. E. Heames & Co.,
wholesale flour merchants, Detroit, Michigan. In 1873 he
was appointed engineer, to furnish plans for and to erect
the East Saginaw Gas-works, which have been pronounced, by competent judges, the model works of the
State. In November, 1873, he was elected, on the
Democratic ticket, First Alderman of the Twelfth Ward,
for a term of two years. In 1875, when the question
of law and order, and a proper observance of the Sabbath, excited the public mind to a considerable extent,
Mr. Heames took a bold and decided stand in its defense, and was re-elected Alderman, for two years more,
by a large majority. Upon the reorganization of the
Council, in January, 1877, he was chosen President, and
was also unanimously elected Chairman of the Board of
Supervisors. During the contest of the preceding year,
for the Presidency of the Council, as well as in regard to
the caucus appointments, Mr. Heames had the approval
of his constituents, having the independence to follow
his own convictions of public duty regardless of private
or personal interests. This was manifested in the resolutions passed by the Mayor and Alderman upon the
expiration of his term of office, January I, 1878. These
resolutions were elegantly engrossed, and presented to
Mr. Heames by the Mayor and Aldermen. Mr. Heames
was an old-line Whig until the dissolution of that party,
and has since been a conservative I)emocrat. On the
organization of St. George's Society, he was elected
President, and was re-elected for three successive terms.
Mr. Heames takes an active part in church and Sabbathschool work; he is a member of the Episcopal Church,




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

73

and a firm adherent to its teachings. He holds the
office of trustee of the Fort Street Methodist Episcopal
Church. This record of the life of Mr. Ileames shows
what may be accomplished by patient, untiring industry and a determined will, even under adverse circumstances. To such men, the State of Michigan owes her
rapid advancement in all that pertains to commercial
growth and prosperity.
|IOPKIN, ROBERT, Scenic Artist, of Detroit,
Swas born in Glasgow, Scotland, January 3, 1832., II He is the son of Robert and Janet (Millar)
Ilopkin, who, in 1842, settled in Detroit, where
his father afterwards engaged in the grocery business.
On his mother's side, he is descended from the old
Scotch Covenanters. A brother of his mother fell at
the side of Sir John Moore at the battle of Corunna;
and an uncle of his father served in the Peninsular
War, under the IDuke of Wellington. His father died
in 1869, leaving little to his children but an unblemished name and an example of industry and perseverance; the wife and mother had died two years before.
From early childhood, Robert had shown rare artistic
ability, having, at the age of five years, taken delight
in sketching the vessels that lay at anchor off Glasgow.
This gradually developed into the marked genius which
has characterized his later productions. After his parents removed to Detroit, he was apprenticed to learn
carriage-painting, which he thoroughly mastered. Ile
afterwards worked at house and steam boat painting,
meanwhile devoting many stolen hours to his more
cherished artistic studies.  Ilis remarkable talent soon
brought him into notice, and ornamental work became
his principal occupation, his leisure hours being devoted
to the higher walks of his profession. On the outbreak
of the civil war, he was employed to paint nearly all the
banners that went into the field from the city of Detroit.
lie has decorated the interiors of some of the finest public
buildings and private residences in Detroit and Chicago,
prominent among which may be mentioned the scenery
and fresco of the new Opera-house, Detroit; the Chamber of Commerce and tHooley's Theatre, Chicago; and
many others. His forte has been landscape painting,
and many of his works have attracted the most favorable
attention of art critics. He was a worthy representative of Michigan at the Centennial Exhibition, his
painting of I" Loch Katrine" ranking among the highest
efforts of American artists; his picture of the steamer
"R. N. Rice" being the only one on exhibition in the
Michigan building from the pencil of a Michigan artist.
While temporarily residing in Chicago, he lost several
thousand dollars' worth of paintings by the great fire,

"The Abandoned," a marine sketch, being the only one
rescued out of a large number. Another marine view
from his brush, which has attracted much attention
from connoisseurs, is " Towing Out;" and still another,
" Sleeping-bear Point;" besides several minor productions. lie is at present engaged on a large picture,
"The River Jordan," which bids fair to rank as a
masterpiece.  Hle married, I)ecember 21, 1851, Miss
Eveline Godfrey, a native of Ithaca, New York. Of
six children born to them, three sons and a daughter
survive. While engaged in decorating the new Detroit
Opera-house, he met with an accident which seriously
injured his spine and almost permanently disabled him.
lie has so far recovered, however, as to be able to
again devote himself to his art; and it is to be hoped
that his pencil may be employed many years in giving
to the world the creations of his genius. As a representative of Michigan art, he well deserves a place
among the self-made men. His brother, John lHopkin,
is worthy of more than a passing mention. He also
was born in Glasgow, December 21, 1839. After the
emigration of the family to Detroit, he worked on a
farm until he was fourteen years of age, having little
or no opportunity for an education. By the most astonishing perseverance, he subsequently managed to overcome the difficulties in his way; and, by self-culture,
has acquired an education equal to the average. When
fourteen years old, he was apprenticed to learn carriagepainting; and, after mastering that trade, he engaged
in carriage-making, completing his time as journeyman
\\hen about twenty years old. He immediately began
business in his present location, in company with his
brother William. The latter was a prominent member
of the old Fire Department, and this connection brought
the firm a considerable amount of work iln hose carriages, hook and ladder trucks, etc.  Starting with
literally nothing but a reputation for honesty and industry, they soon built up a fine business in the manufacture of omnibuses, etc., making a specialty of circus
wagons. William Hopkin died in 1869, and since then
John has conducted the business alone.  Unlike his
brother Robert, John's tastes have been of a mechanical
turn. His ambition to become a master in his line of
work, he has long since satisfied. In 1863, while attached to the old Fire Department, he distinguished
himself by an act of bravery which gained for him
well-merited praise,-rescuing a woman from a burning
building at the peril of his own life, when even the
boldest of the proverbially brave firemen flinched. Like
his brother, he was brought up a Presbyterian, and still
clings to his early religious convictions. In 1866 he
married Miss Ellen Young, of Detroit.  Her parents
were old residents of that city, though natives of Canada, where they had been through the stirring scenes
of the Patriot War, barely escaping with their lives




74

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

from the Indian allies of the combatants. Mr. Hopkin's
reputation as a business man is of the highest order;--
his engagements are always fulfilled to the letter, and
all his business is executed under his personal supervision. His industry and perseverance have been rewarded
by the accumulation of a competency; and in society he
fills the part of a useful citizen, as well as a self-made
and enterprising business man..gULL, JOHN, late of Detroit, Michigan, was
born at Georgetown, District of Columbia, March
31, 1812. IIe is descended from a family which
came over to this country in the early part of
the seventeenth century, with the original founders of a
colony in the State of Maryland.  The father of Mr.
Hull (lied when the latter was quite young; and as soon as
the boy was able, he was obliged to earn what he could to
aid in the support of the family. As a conse(uence,
his school advantages were necessarily neglected, and
his early education consisted of a few months at school
each year, for several years.  He was, however, very
fond of reading, and, throughout his life, kept himself well
informed on the various public matters of the day. He
was apprenticed to the butcher's trade, in Georgetown,
and was engaged there in that business until 1834;
when, at the age of twenty-two years, he started for
the West to seek his fortune. Hlie first settled at Dayton, Ohio, where he was occupied at his trade for some
time. lie then removed to Columbus, Ohio; and, subsequently, to Sandusky, Ohio, where he engaged in
business in partnership with his brother. There, in
1840, he married Miss Helen Mar Dordine, and, immediately after, removed to I)etroit. His business venture
in Sandusky not proving successful, he was without a
dollar in the world when he arrived in Detroit, literally
a stranger in a strange city. With undaunted courage,
he at once set to work at his trade; and, by frugality
and economy, saved a little money from his wages.
This he invested in a judicious manner, and reaped his
first harvest, by means of which he was enabled to
start in business for himself. This he did on the corner
of Campus Martius and Monroe avenue, retaining this
location during his whole business career. Being a man
possessed of warm impulses, a strong social nature, and
strict integrity, his trade rapidly increased; and, in the
course of a few years, he became one of the most successful men, in his branch of business, in the city. At
the time of his death, in 1864, he had amassed a fortune as a reward of his industry, frugality, and enterprise. One of his most noted characteristics was his
large-hearted benevolence; he was ever ready to help
the needy and distressed in whatever way lay in his

power, and no one appealed to him in vain. No man
in Detroit gave to the unknown poor with a more generous hand, while he contributed liberally to the various
charitable institutions of the city. From  the time of
its foundation until his death, he gratuitously supplied
the Industrial School with all the meat needed for its
use. Hundreds of poor in the city were the constant
recipients of his benefactions, and he was known and
esteemed among them   as the "poor man's friend."
Having in early life known the sufferings of poverty,
he knew how to pity and sympathize with the unfortunate. Their regret was manifested at his funeral,
which was attended by hundreds of men, women, and
children, who had often had occasion to know that Mr.
Hull was their friend, and who had come on this occasion to pay a last sad tribute to his memory. The
funeral was one of the largest ever held in the city of
I)etroit. His death was occasioned by injuries received
on being thrown from his buggy in the fall of 1864.
Mr. H1ull was a life-long Democrat, a strong partisan,
and an earnest advocate of the principles of his party.
lie was a strong and successful politician, and was a
very popular stump speaker, having made a number of
speeches during the Presidential canvass of 1864. He
possessed great political influence among the working
classes, in consequence of his kindness and liberality.
At various periods in his life, he occupied positions of
trust and responsiblity, always with honor to himself
and to the satisfaction of his constituents. lie was twice
elected an Alderman of Detroit. At the time of his
death, he was Chairman of the Board of Auditors for
Wayne County, and was the Democratic candidate for
the State Senate for the Second Senatorial District.
At his death he left an estimable wife and eight sons,
all of whom are residents of Detroit, and engaged in
business.
O4OWARD, HAMILTON G., Lawyer, of Detroit,
second son of Jacob M. HIoward, was born at
Detroit, on the 6th of January, 1845.    The
record of his distinguished father's life appears
elsewhere in this volume. His mother, whose maiden
name was Katharine A. Shaw, of Ware, Massachusetts,
was noted'for her great beauty and brilliancy in early
life; and, in later years, for her philanthrophy and
Christian graces.  She died in 1866.   Mr. Howard
began the study of Latin and Greek at nine years of
age, under his father's instruction; subsequently attended
public and private schools; entered the Sophomore
Class of Williams College, Massachusetts, in 1863; and
graduated with honor in 1866, having been elected
President of his class.  During a portion of his college
course, he acted as his father's private secretary, and as




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN

75

clerk of the United States Senate Committee on Pacific
Railroads, residing in Washington in the winter months,
and at the same time keeping up his college studies.
HIe commenced the study, of law in his father's office,
in 1866, continuing to spend his winters in Washington,
as his father's secretary, where he was a daily witness
of the great debates on the reconstruction measures of
Congress, and the impeachment trial of President Andrew
Johnson. He was admitted to the bar of Michigan in
1866, and to that of Illinois in 1872. lie practiced
law in Chicago one year, when he returned to Detroit.
In 1874 Mr. Ioward was nominated by acclamation, iby
the Republican party of Detroit, for Representative in
the State Legislature, but was defeated at the election,
together with the remainder of the ticket, by less than
one hundred votes,- Mr. Ioward running ahead of his
ticket in several wards. In 1876 he received an offer,
from President Grant, of the position of United States
Attorley for the Southern District of Florida, but declined to accept. In the fall of the same year, he was
unanimously nominated, by the Republican party, for
State Senator from the First Senatorial District, but the
district being strongly I)emocratic, he was defeated, as
subsequently in the election of 1877, when honored
with the nomination for City Attorney. Mr. loward
has an excellent standing in his profession, and possesses
a law library of some twelve hundred volumes. lie is a
gentleman of fine presence and genial manners. He is
unmarried.
SAWLEY, THOMAS DE RIEMER, of Detroit,
f was born at Erie, Pennsylvania, February 27,
S-    1 1843. His father is Richard Hawley, a sketch
of whose life will be found elsewhere in this
volume. Iis mother, Evangelia (Gardner) Hawley, is
a daughter of Colonel John Gardner, who was Captain
of a company of volunteers in the War of 1812. lie
fought at the battle of Plattsburg, and was afterwards
Colonel of a regiment of militia in Ohio, which was
called out in the Black Hawk War, but was not in
active service.  His mother's maternal grandfather,
Ahimeaz Sherwin, was a drum-major in the Revolutionary War; and her great-grandmother, named Puchet,
was one of a family of Huguenots, who fled from France
and settled in Connecticut. The parents of T. D. Hawley having removed to Detroit in the spring of 1843, his
early education was received in the Barstow and Capitol
schools of that city. In 1854 he was sent to the seminary in Iopedale, Ohio, where he studied for a year;
and, in the spring of 1855, sailed with his parents for
Europe, where he spent six months in traveling. Upon
his return home, in November, 1855, he was placed in
a classical school in Detroit, conducted by Doctor Sol
dan', where he remained until September, 1858, when he
entered the Upper Canada College, at Toronto. Being
especially fond of study, he applied himself diligently,
and, at the final examinations of the year, received
twelve first-grade certificates out of fourteen subjects, in
competition with forty-five students. At the end of the
second year's examination, he received the three highest
prizes, against an equal number of competitors.  In
1860 he left college and entered the employment of his
father, who carried on an extensive imalt and hop business in Detroit. In I861, when only eighteen years of
age, his father admitted him as partner, under the firm
name of R. Hawley & Son. This firm existed until
January I, 1874, when he bought out his father's share,
and, having given one of his clerks an interest in the
business, the firm became T. D. Iawley & Co., which is
still doing a large business. In 1872 Mr. lawley bought
an interest in the Detroit Da'ily Union, was chosen a
director, and also secretary and treasurer of the company, which positions he held for a year, when he sold
out his interest. During this time, he contributed freely
to the editorial columns of the paper, gratifyiig a taste
for writing which lie has had from boyhood.    Mr.
Hawley entered actively into the arena of politics as
soon as he became a qualified voter. In 1864 he was
chosen a member of the Wayne County Democratic
Committee; and, in the fall of the same year, was
elected, on the Democratic ticket, a member of the
Detroit Board of Education, for the First Ward, serving
two years from January I, 1865. The first year, he was a
member of the Committee on Teachers, and the second
year, Chairman of the Committee on Finance. During
his term, he actively participated in two important contests,-the introduction of the McGuffey series of readers,
and the appointment of Professor I. M\. B. Sill as Superintendent of Schools; in both he was victorious. In the
fall of 1866, he was nominated on the Democratic and
Workingman's ticket as Representative in the State
Legislature, and was the only one of the five candidates
on the same ticket who was elected, receiving four hundred and seventy-two votes more than any other. lHe
served in the Legislature of 1867, and was a member of
the Committee on State Affairs. IHe was leader of the
homeopathic party in this Legislature, and was largely
instrumental in securing a clause attached to the University Appropriation Bill, providing for the appointment of two Professors of Homeopathy in the medical
department of the University. Ile also took the lead of
the House in tle effort to pass a law making eight hours
a legal day's work, succeeding in getting the bill through
the Iouse, but not through the Senate. As a member
of the minority of the Committee on State affairs, he
presented a lengthy report in favor of minority representation in the election of delegates to the Constitutional Convention, which was to be held the ensuing




76

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

year. The system which he advocated has since been
adopted in the election of the Illinois Legislature, and
in the election of members of Constitutional Conventions
in New York and Pennsylvania. In 1866 he was a delegate to the National Labor Congress, held in Chicago,
and was made Chairman of the Committee on Lectures.
In 1870 he was chosen a member and Secretary of the
Iemocratic State Central Committee, serving two years;
and, in 1872, was elected a delegate from  the first
Congressional District of Michigan, to the National
Iemocratic Convention at Baltimore, which nominated
Horace Greeley for President. In 1876 he was again
elected a member of the Democratic State Central Conmittee for two years. In the fall of 1876, he was elected
Alderman of the First Ward of Ietroit, to serve two
years from January I, 1877; and, in January, 1878, was
chosen President of the Common Council for that year.
During the first year of his service in the Council, he
was Chairman of the Committee of Ways and Mleans,
and as such used his influence to reduce the estimated
expenditures of the city, making a reduction of one
hundred thousand dollars from the amount voted the
previous year. lie was the first treasurer of the Young
Men's Christian Association of Detroit, and was a delegate from that body to the National Convention of
Young Men's Christian Associations in 1870, at Indianapolis. In 1875 he was elected first Vice-President of
the Maltsters' National Association; was re-elected in
1876; again in 1877; and, by the resignation of the
President, in January, 1878, he succeeded to that office.
In 1871 he was President of the Detroit Literary Adelphi, a prominent society of that city. In 1861 he made
a second visit to Europe, traveling through England,
France, Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium. lie became a member of the Christian Church in I860, but
left it in 1875, to join the Congregational Church, from
which he withdrew in one year, having experienced a
change in his religious views. He married, March 17,
1863, Mary A. Bartholomew, daughter of Albert IM.
Bartholomew, formerly a prominent hardware merchant
of Detroit, of the firm of lucharme & Bartholomew.
Her grandfather, Martin Bartholomew, was the first
captain of the first steamboat ever built,-" Robert Fulton;" and her great-grandfather, Andrew Bartholomew,
was a Captain in the Revolutionary War. Her maternal
grandfather, Rev. Seth Noble, was the first Presbyterian
clergyman in Central Ohio. Mr. Hawley, while conducting a large business, devotes much of his leisure to
the gratification of his literary tastes. lie has taken a
deep interest in various scientific subjects, especially in
mechanics, chemistry, meteorology, and biology, while
his general reading has extended over a wide range of
literature. Mr. Hawley is a man of slight and apparently

energy and courage. He is positive in his opinions, a
warm and steady friend, an unyielding and aggressive
enemy. Perhaps his most striking characteristic is his
untiring mental activity. He is never at rest, but, during
the hours in which his business does not demand his
attention, is always at work,-reading, studying, writing,
investigating, advocating some reform, or attacking some
abuse. A man of such traits can not fail to make enemies; but he has also many friends, and the people, who
desire men of courage and positive qualities to represent
them, have, in various political contests, manifested great
faith in Thomas D. Hawley.
INCHMAN, TIIEO. H., Merchant and Banker,
i of Detroit, Michigan, was born in Morris County,. New Jersey, March 6, 1818. He is the fourth
of the ten children, and eldest of the four sons,
of John R. Hinchman and Mary Ie Camp,-both natives
of Morris County. Mrs. Iinchman was educated at
Morristown, at the academy of Samuel Whelply, (author
of Whielply's Compend), in which Samuel L. Southard,
afterwards United States Senator from New Jersey, was
a tutor. The Hinchman family, remotely, were engaged
in mining iron ore, and in the manufacture of iron in
New Jersey; but, after the War of I812, the iron interest became depressed, and several members of the family removed to New York City, and engaged in the
wholesale and retail grocery trade. Among them was
John R. Ilinchman, who went to New York in I825.
The celebration of the opening of the Erie Canal occurred in that year, and is the first event of importance
remembered by the subject of this sketch. Theodore
HI. IHinchman attended the public schools of New York,
in which he made good progress, and won advanced
position. He acquired a love for reading, and at the
age of twelve had read Rollin's Ancient IHistory, and
many other works of value. When thirteen, he was
placed in a retail drug store, where he remained one
year; at which time, by the recommendation of Guy M.
Hinchman, wholesale grocer, he obtained a situation in
the wholesale grocery and commission house of John
Johnson & Sons, South street. This was one of the
largest establishments in the United States. His employment there was principally office work, collecting,
banking, etc.; but he also had sufficient general store
work to obtain a thorough knowledge of the business.
During his clerkship with the firm, lasting four years,
lie was an active member of the Mercantile Library
Association, of New York, in which he took a great
interest. This gave him access to a good library, which

delicate frame, but he has great capacity for work; and, he did not neglect. The knowledge thus obtained has
as the record of his life shows, is a man of indomitable been of great value to him. At that time, romances




3
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF lMICHIGAN.

77

and novels formed no part of that library. In the
spring of 1836, Mr. Ilinchman made the acquaintance
of John Owen, of Detroit; and, having a favorable offer,
removed there to become clerk in the -drug and grocery
store of Chapin & Owen.   In IDecember, 1838, Doctor
Chapin, the senior partner, died, leaving Mr. Owen sole
proprietor. In March, 1842, Mr. I linchman was admitted as a partner, under the firm name of J. Owen &
Co. September 8, of the same year, he married Louisa
*     Chapin, daughter of the late Dr. Marshall Chapin,
former partner with Mr. Owen. The wholesale business
of the firm increased, and became of the first importance, when, in 1853, the interest of Mr. Owen was
purchased, aind a ship chandlery store was opened,
which is still carried on. lMr. Iiinchman now has associated with him in business his three sons, under the
firm name of T. II. Hincliman & Sons, severally admitted as follows: the eldest, John AlI. IHinchman, in
i868; the second, Ford D)e Camp IIinchman, in 1869;
and the third, Charles Chapin lIinchman, in 1874. The
sons are now the active partners, and take rank with the
most competent of young merchants. The business has
steadily increased, and has met with a degree of success
that can be attributed only to vigilance in business,
economy in household expenditures, and a desire to have
all customers fairly dealt with and satisfied. Mr. Ilinchman formed the determination, as early as I836, to expend
not over half of the yearly income. In 1869 the Mlerchants' and Manufacturers' Bank was organized, and
Mr. 11inchman was elected its President, which office
he cointinues to hold. Ile has engaged in few enterprises outside of his legitimate business, his best efforts
being (directed to this one object, and to the discharge
of such public trusts as the city or his connection with
various societies demanlded. lBeing a Presbyterian by
education and preference, he has always given proper
attention to the services of his church, and acknowledges
his obligation to sustain religious teaching. In I839 lie
became a member of the Detroit Young Men's Society,
and successively held the offices of Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice-President. He is now ani
honorary member. In that year, he also became a member of the Fire I)epartment, and continued such, with
little interruption, until 1862. In 1867 he was appointed
one of the Board of four Fire Commissioners for the city
of Detroit, established by act of the State Legislature
of that year. This position he continued to hold until
the fall of 1876, when, receiving a political nomination,
he resigned. Hie was also a Commissioner of Sewers
for five years,-1855 to 186o.   Mr. Ilinchman was
a Whig up to i86o, but has never taken an active
part in politics, except in the Clay and Frelinghuysen
campaign of 1844.    During the civil war, he was
a no-party manl; but, with his accustomed decision and
energy of character, lent a strong hand in support of

the Government, doing his full share in raising men
and furnishing means to maintain the integrity of the
Union. Ile has been a Democrat since 1867; and,
although never willing to accept a nomination for political office, was nominated and elected to the State Senate
in the fall of IS76. lie was a valuable working member, and a member of several important committees in
this body. Mr. 11inchman is rather a practical than a
showy man,- a man of deeds rather than words. His
work is always so methodical that its results may be
anticipated with reasonable certainty.  lence he has
never overreached, nor attempted what was beyond his
capacity to accomplish. The oversight of a large business has prevented his enjoying foreign travel, but he
has familiarized himnself with the social and business life
of his own section of country, includling the principal
points in the North-west; and has made three tours of
the Southern States, during which he obtained much
information, mercantile, industrial, political, and geographical.
OLMES, ROBERT, of Detroit, was born in ToIJ  ronto, Canada (Ontario), on the 15th of December, 18Ig9.  is mother, Hannah Holmes, was
born in Toronto, in the year 1802; and died in
Detroit, Michigan, in 1852.  Ilis grandfather, John
McDougal, was Iaymaster in the British army for a
considerable portion of his life; he then retired upon a
life pension, and resided in the neighborhood of Toronito, as a farmer, until his death, at the age of ninetysix. I-Iis father, John llolmnes, was born in Boston,
Massa,:husetts, in 1776; and died in Buffalo, New York,
in 1836. Robert Hlolmes was educated in Buffalo. Ilis
parents being in poor circumstances, his education was
necessarily very limited; and, at the age of fourteen, he
apprenticed himself to a tin and copper smith, in Buffalo.
Iie worked at this trade twenty-one years. Ile removed
to Detroit in 1840, and worked as journeyman at his
trade until 1842, when he started in business for himself. In a very short time, however, he sold his interest,
and again worked as a journeyman, continuing in that
capacity four years. IIe then moved to Sault Ste. Marie,
Michigan, and again engaged in business for himself.
After remaining there a short time, he was prevailed
upon by his old employers, Ducharme & Bartholomew,
to return to Detroit and take charge of their establishment. lIe continued with them  two years, and then
succeeded to the business, establishing a new firm, the
title of which was Dudley & Ilolmes. It was conducted
under that name until the year 1857. Meeting with
reverses at that period, the business was carried on
under the name of John Holmes, Mr. H-olmnes' brother;
Mr. Holmes acting in the capacity of manager for him




78

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

until 1861, when he again took charge of the business,
and continued to conduct it until the winter of 1863.
At that time, meeting with a severe accident, he took
in his present partner, Mr. Edwin F. Webster; and,
being very successful, has since remained an active partner. Mr. Holmes belongs to the Episcopal Church, as
do all the members of his family. For a period of four
years, he has been vestryman in the church; and has
always been one of its most prominent members, ever
ready to lend assistance.  Mr. Holmes, as a politician,
has always felt a great interest in the Republican party,
but has never taken any active part in politics. In 1844
he married his first wife, Isabella'Erdell, who died in
1855. They had three daughters.   Mr. Holmes then
married Elizabeth Warren, who is still living. In all
business matters, Mr. Holmes is universally respected,
and is a man of the strictest integrity. He has always
borne a high reputation for promptness and honorable
dealing among his fellow-men; and is a genial, generous, helpful friend.
(OUGH    GEORGE W., Detroit, was born in
Oakland County, Michigan, in 1842. His father,
Hi lion. Simon lough, was an early settler in that
county, and somewhat prominently connected
with its early political history, having held several high
positions within the gift of the people. Mr. Hough
was educated at the Rochester Academy and the Michigan State Normal School, entering the latter institution
at the age of fifteen years. In 1859 and 186o, he became principal of the public school at Port Huron,
and returned to the Normal School in the winter of
1861. While there, he was prominently connected with
the literary societies attached to the school, and was
honored in being made their presiding officer. In the
summer of 1862, he assisted in the organization of a
company composed chiefly of students of the State University and Normal School. The company was assigned
to the 17th Michigan Infantry, and served through the
South Mountain, Antietam, and Virginia campaigns.
For disability, he was mustered out of service in 1863;
and, shortly after, assumed the editorial control of the
St. Clair Republican, which position he retained two
years. Moving to Detroit, he married Miss C. C. Bates,
a former classmate at the Normal School, and engaged
in teaching one year. IHe then accepted the position of
Western agent of a large brush manufacturing company,
in which he continued until 1869, when he established
the Detroit Brush Company. In 1872 he was elected a
member of the Common Council of the city of Detroit,
and was re-elected in 1874. During his occupancy of
this office, he was made President of the Board of

Health; President pro tempore, and President, of the Com.
mon Council.   In 1876 he was chosen a member of
the Republican State Central Committee of Michigan,
and was a candidate on the Republican ticket for State
Senator at the last election; but, with the rest of his
ticket, in the city, was defeated. Mr. Hough now holds
the position of Secretary of the Republican State Central Committee.
IENNESSY, REV. JAMES, of Detroit, Michigan,
a native of Ireland, was born in Kill Parish,,i!; Waterford County, on St. Patrick's Day, March
17, 1824. IIe was the son of William    and
Catherine (Doocey) Hennessy. IHe was early set apart
for his sacred calling, and passed through the initiatory
studies in his native country. Hle was ordained a subdeacon in Waterford, and, in his twenty-second year, in
Halifax, Nova Scotia, received his charge as deacon.
lie went immediately to Ietroit, Michigan, and, on the
25th of September, 1847, was ordained as priest and
was sent to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to be the assistant
of the Rev. Thomas Cullen. From 1850 to 1852 he
officiated, not only at Ann Arbor, but also at Marshall.
and finally, in the fall of 1852, became resident pastor
of St. Mary's Church, Marshall. In May, 1855, he left
to officiate in the cathedrals of St. Peter and St. Paul,
Detroit, where he acted as assistant until the opening
of St. Patrick's, which he had built. Here he remained
until his death, October, 1875. Father Hennessy was of
weak constitution and retiring disposition, but he was
earnest, devout, and indefatigable in his labors for his
parish. His temperament was far from sanguine, and he
was subject to fits of despondency, superinduced, doubtless, by physical weakness. He was tall and slender in
early life, but afterwards inclined to corpulency. His
faithful ministrations in his parish, and his many excellent qualities of head and heart, greatly endeared him
to the Catholic community. His death, occurring as it
did in the prime of his usefulness, was felt as a public
calamity.
UEBNER, EDWARD, Builder and ManufacJ| turer, of Detroit, was born in Goldberg, Silesia,
' in the kingdom of Prussia, February 15, 1822.
SIis father, Charles Huebner, was a farmer, who,
with his wife Elizabeth, was a descendant from ancient
German stock. Their families had been in that part of
Silesia for many generations.  When they celebrated
their golden wedding, in 1854, Elizabeth, Queen of
Prussia, presented them with a fine Bible, having anautograph letter written on the fly-leaf, commemorating




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

79

the happy event. This book is held in their family as of the cabin work on the large lake-going steamers, of

an heir-loom. The subject of this sketch was educated
in a private school in Goldberg, where he was noted for
his readiness and aptness in his studies, his upright
deportment, and general popularity among his fellows.
In Germany, boys are expected to complete their primary education when fourteen or fifteen, at which age,
if they are designed for intellectual pursuits or professional life, they enter upon the higher courses of study;
and, if for the arts and industrial pursuits, they are put
in training for the particular calling for which they have
a preference.  Mr. Huebner was apprenticed, at the
age of fifteen, for a term of three years, to a large firm
in Goldberg, to learn the trade of a builder. After
completing his apprenticeship, he spent several years in
traveling, with his fortune in his hands in the shape of
his trade, as is the custom in most countries of Europe.

which he makes a specialty. The work on the "Coburn,"-which was lost some years since,-the "St.
Paul," the "City of Duluth," the "Sheboygan," and
many others, was done by this house. In 1876 Mr.
Huebner formed a copartnership with Adolph Schulte,
under the firm name of Adolph Schulte & Co., and engaged in a general trade in mechanics' tools, builders'
hardware, and house-furnishing goods. He has since
bought out Mr. Schulte, and is at present carrying on
the business under the firm name of Edward Huebner
& Co. He is a member of the order of Odd-Fellows,
and also of the German Workingmen's Aid Society.
lie attends worship at St. John's German Lutheran
Church. He was married, in Detroit, in 1853, to Mrs.
Caroline Hiltzebecher, an educated and intelligent German lady.  Her family, who were from Newmarket,

By this means, the artisan learns the ways of the world, near Breslau, in Silesia, were famous, and of the Protacquaints himself with the methods and specialties of estant faith.  Mr. Huebner gives just credit to this
different localities, proves the stuff that he is made of, lady for the success which has attended his own career.
and fits himself for the master's work. Mr. Huebner In addition to the care and labor of rearing a family of
spent three years and a half in Berlin, while there nine children, eight of whom   are still living,-four
studying architecture and the theoretical and practical boys and four girls,-her good counsel, prudence, and
work of building, and has since been greatly benefited frugality are represented in the common stock of this
by the knowledge thus acquired. Ile had practical ex- world's goods.  In 1874 Mlr. Huebner enjoyed a very
perience with many firms in different portions of Ger- pleasant and profitable visit to his friends in Europe.
many, and has numerous certificates of high commen- He still lives, in the prime of life, with the prospect of
dation from them, on which he sets a great value. In many years of.usefulness, and the conciousness of a wellSchiefelbein, he was manager for a large contractor, and spent life of honest industry.
superintended the erection of many large buildings. In
1851, having a brother in Detroit, who was successfully
pursuing his calling of a builder, he was induced to try
his fortune on this side of the Atlantic, as so many      1:.OWARD, HON. JACOB M., late of Detroit,
thousands of his countrymen have done. He went im-      i was born in Shaftsbury, Vermont, July o1, 1805.
mediately into partnership with his brother, under the     His father was a substantial farmer of Benningfirm name of W. Huebner & Brother. They worked up          ton County, and   the sixth in descent from
a prosperous and profitable business; and when, four or William Howard, who settled in Braintree, Massachufive years later, his brother retired from the firm for setts, in 1635, five years after the town was established.
the purpose of engaging in farming, they were among The subject of this sketch, although frequently in requisithe largest master contractors in Detroit. The business tion to assist in farm labors, early evinced a taste for
was continued with equal success by Edward Huebner, study, which he was permitted, at intervals, to gratify

who, during the following year, erected many good and
substantial buildings; among them, the well-known Lion
Brewery, ice-cellars, and malt-houses, on Gratiot avenue,
the largest of the kind in the State. In 1867 his entire establishment, including a shop, machinery, horses,
dwelling, fixtures, etc., were swept away by fire, entailing a large loss, without insurance. Fortunately, however, his prudence in business management had kept the
site free from incumbrance, and he immediately set to
work to rebuild his shop. In doing so, he changed,
somewhat, the character of his business, going largely
into the manufacture of sashes, doors, blinds, etc., and
is now doing as large a trade in this line as any house
in Detroit. In addition to this industry, he does much
11

by attendance at the district school.  Subsequently
pursuing preparatory studies in the academies of Bennington and Brattleboro, he entered Williams College,
Massachusetts, in 1826, and graduated in 1830. He
immediately commenced the study of law in Ware,
Massachusetts; and, in July, 1832, removed to Detroit,
then the capital of Michigan Territory, where he was
admitted to the bar in the following year. In 1835 he
was married to Catherine A. Shaw, a young lady whose
acquaintance he had formed at Ware. In his professional career, Mr. Howard was ever faithful to the interests of his clients, bringing to their service great
industry, a mind stored with legal learning, much native
sagacity, and great force of logic. In the controversy




So

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

of 1834 and 1835, between the Territory and Ohio,
respecting a tier of townships which had always belonged to Michigan, on her southern border, embracing
the present city of Toledo, Mr. Howard took strong
ground against the claim of Ohio, and employed his pen
in repelling it. Finally, when Mr. Mason, the Territorial Governor, thought it necessary to employ military
force against a similar force from Ohio, Mr. Howard
volunteered, and proceeded with arms to make good
the arguments he had advanced. The expedition was,
however, productive only of wasteful expenditure to the
Territory, and a large slaughter of pigs and poultry.
In 1838 Mr. Howard was a member of the State Legislature, and took an active part in the enactment of the
code known as the "Revised Laws," of that year; in
the railroad legislation of the State; and in examining
into the condition of certain free banks, known as
"wild-cat banks," that had come into pernicious existence under the free banking system enacted the year
before.  In the Presidential canvass of 1840, which
resulted in the election of General Harrison, Mr. Howard was a candidate for Congress, and was elected by a
majority of fifteen hundred. Michigan then had but
one Representative. During the three sessions of the
Twenty-seventh Congress, he seldom engaged in debate,
but was an attentive observer of the scenes which passed
before him. His feelings and opinions had ever been
against the influences, crimes, and power of slavery.
He left that Congress with the full conviction that the
final solution of the great question would be in civil
war; though hoping that some measure might be devised
less radical and terrible, that should calm the deeply
stirred passions of the people. He remained steadfastly
attached to the Whig party; and, in the Presidential
canvasses of 1844, 1848, and 1852, exerted himself to
promote the election of Mr. Clay, General Taylor, and
General Scott. In the trial of a slave case, under the
Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, in the United States Circuit
Court, before Judge McLean, he denounced that act as
a defiance; a challenge to the conflict of arms by the
South to the North, and predicted that, sooner or later,
it would be accepted. On the defeat of General Scott,
he resolved to withdraw entirely from politics; but, on
the passage of the act of 1854, repealing the Missouri Compromise, he again entered the political arena
in opposition to that flagrant encroachment of the slave
power.  He was among those who took the earliest
steps to effect the organization of a party embracing all
the elements of popular opposition to the principles
and aims of the slave-holders. This was to be obtained
by a union of the antislavery element of the old Whig
party, which, in Michigan, was almost unanimous in
opposition to the extension, of bondage, with the old
Abolition party proper, and the Free-soil Democracy.
In Michigan these last two had already coalesced, and

had put in nomination a State ticket, at the head of
which was the name of Kinsley S. Bingham as a candidate for Governor. A call was issued for a convention,
which met at Jackson, July 6; and Mr. Howard was the
sole author of the series of resolutions which were then
adopted, and became the key-note of the Republican
party. Mr. Bingham was again nominated for Governor,
and Mr. Howard, against his own earnest remonstrances,
was put in nomination for Attorney-General of the State.
At the ensuing November election, the whole ticket
was elected by a large majority. Mr. Howard was a
member of the committee on the address of the first
National Republican Convention, held at Pittsburg,
February 22, 1856. He held the office of AttorneyGeneral of Michigan six years, and left it January I,
1861. While holding that important office, his incessant labors attested his fidelity to his trust; and the
published reports of the Supreme Court evince his
thoroughness and talents as a lawyer. To him the State
is indebted for its excellent law, known as the "Registration Act," by which all voters are required to enter
their names on the proper books of townships and
wards. While acting as Attorney-General,-although
not required to initiate criminal prosecutions,-he succeeded in detecting and breaking up the most formidable combination of counterfeiters and criminals ever
discovered in the United States. In this task, he expended much patient labor, and evinced a detective
sagacity very rarely equaled. Mr. Bingham was elected
to the United States Senate in January, 1859, and died
in October, I861. On the assembling of the Legislature, in January following, Mr. Howard was chosen to
fill the vacancy.  lie was an active member of the
Senate Committee on the Judiciary, and that on Military
Affairs.  He gave earnest support to all measures for
the prosecution of the war; and was among the first to
recommend the passage of the Conscription Act of
1863, being convinced that the volunteer system could
not safely be relied upon as a means of recruiting and
increasing the army.  Every measure for supplying
men and means found in him a warm support. He
favored the confiscation of the property of Confederates,
and one of his most elaborate and eloquent speeches
was made on that subject, in April, 1862. Mr. Howard
was among the first to favor the amendment of the
Constitution, abolishing slavery throughout the United
States, in the Judiciary Committee of the Senate, who
reported the amendment as it was finally passed by both
Houses and ratified by the State Legislatures. lHe
drafted the first and principal clause in the exact words
in which it now appears. In January, 1865, Mr. Howard was re-elected to the Senate for the full term, commencing on the 4th of March of that year. A joint
resolution for the recognition of Louisiana, organized
under the military orders of General Banks, came before




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

8x

the Senate from the Judiciary Committee, and was the hold this legislation, Mr. Howard was ever at his nost

subject of animated and elaborate discussion. Mr. Howard opposed it; and, on the 25th of February, 1865,
delivered a speech in which he fully and clearly demonstrated that, in the reconstruction of the seceded States,
the authority of Congress was supreme and exclusive;
and that the Executive, as such, was invested with no
authority whatever. He insisted that, by seceding from
the Union, and making war upon the Government, the
Confederate States became enemies by the laws of nations, and thus forfeited their rights and privileges as
States; that, consequently, when subdued by the arms
of the Government, they were conquered, and lay at the
mercy of their conquerors, for exactly the same reason
as prevails in cases of international wars; that it pertained to the law-making power of the United States,
not to the President, to deal with the subjugated communities; and that Congress, at its own discretion, was
to judge of the time and mode of re-admitting them as
States of the Union. This is the doctrine that practically and finally prevailed, after a most gigantic struggle between the two branches of the Government. In
the reconstruction legislation of 1867 and 1868, the
principles of constitutional law, thus affirmed by Mr.
Howard, were fully recognized and put into practice;
for that legislation rests exclusively upon the ground
that Congress, and not the President, is vested with the
power of reorganizing the Confederate States. During
the session of 1865-66, Mr. Howard served on the joint
Committee on Reconstruction, one of whose duties was
to inquire and report upon the condition of the Southern States.  For convenience, the committee divided
them into several districts, and Mr. Howard was assigned
Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.  As the
principal result of their labors, they submitted to Congress a proposition to amend the Constitution, now
known as the Fourteenth Article; a most important
amendment, which, after a thorough discussion, in which
Mr. Howard took a leading part, passed both Houses
of Congress, and was submitted to the State Legislatures
for ratification. Had it been ratified by the State Governments of Confederate States, inaugurated by the executive proclamations of Mr. Johnson, all the troubles that
followed would have been avoided. But that singular
man, and a majority of his Cabinet, strenuously opposed
and defeated it in those bodies. The result is known.
Forced to vindicate their own authority, and to prevent
anarchy in those States, Congress, in March, 1867,
enacted the first of that series of statutes known as the
Reconstruction Acts, by which they declared those
States without legal governments, and subjected them
to a quasi military rule, until proper State constitutions
could be formed on the principle of impartial suffrage of whites and blacks; and until Congress should
formally re-admit them. In the earnest struggle to up
of duty. He drew the report of the Committee on
Military Affairs, on the removal of E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War, by President Johnson, strongly condemning that act, and exposing Mr. Johnson's complicity in
the New Orleans riots.  On the organization of the
Senate Committee on Pacific Railroads, Mr. Howard
was chosen Chairman, which position he held until the
expiration of his last term. When the contest between
the two branches of the Government resulted in the
impeachment of Mr. Johnson by the House of Represeitatives. Mr. Howard voted the accused guilty of high
crimes and misdemeanors charged in the articles of impeachment, and filed a very elaborate opinion thereon.
His last term expired March 4, 1871. Shortly before
this date, President Grant offered Mr. Howard the
Presidency of the Southern Claims Commission; but,
feeling tired of public life, he declined the honor. His
brilliant life was brought to a close by a stroke of
apoplexy, April 2, 1871, at his home, in Detroit. A
friend has said of him:
"The name of Jacob M. Howard is a household
word in Michigan. There is no man 'within its borders
so poor or so ignorant as not to be familiar with that
name. During all the years of the State's existence, he
was one of its pillars, and has left upon it the impression of his great mind. He grew up to manhood with
the State, and has been closely identified with every
interest tending towards its development. le was a
man of mark. The stranger stopped and looked at him,
and instantly received the impression that he was in the
presence of a man of great physical and mental power.
Mr. Howard was a true man; true to his clients, true to
his convictions, true to all the great and varied interests
committed to his care. lie was true to his country when
armed treason sought its life; and he loved its institutions with a zeal that amounted to a passion. Amid all
the rancor and hate engendered by partisan strife, no man
could honestly charge Mr. Howard with trickery or dishonesty. However much his power may have enriched
others; having advantages for gain possessed by few; practicing law for nearly forty years, and acknowledged by
common consent of the bar to be a leader in the profession; actively engaged in the Congress of the nation at
a time when it is said, and sometimes believed, that
others grew rich, he died comparatively poor. Proud
words these to adorn the monument of the dead
statesman. They speak volumes for his honesty, and
indicate that, whoever else may have enriched themselves at the expense of the Government, Jacob M.
Howard always kept strictly within the Golden Rule.
Indeed, like Webster, whom he strongly resembled, he
cared quite too little for the accumulation of wealth."
Chief-Justice Campbell, at a large meeting of the bar
held in Detroit, to take suitable action relative to the
death of Mr. Howard, among other eulogistic remarks,
made the following:
"Mr. Howard's style of legal eloquence was remarkable. He never appeared in a court of justice except with
great gravity of demeanor, not put on for the occasion,
but natural to a man impressed with the feeling that he
was a minister of justice. His diction was of that lofty




82

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

kind that, applied to lesser subjects, would have been
very inappropriate; and, adopted by lesser men, would
have had little effect. But when behind his ponderous
language was his ponderous intellect; and when every
word that he said had its meaning, and every idea came
out with all the force that language could give, then
those rounded periods had something of magic in them,
and there was as much gained, perhaps, by his manner,
as could be secured by any aids of rhetoric that have
ever been devised. In' his private life he was a model
of manly simplicity, a perfect representative of what
republican institutions should bring forth. He lived
and dressed plainly; he had no false dignity, which
would lead him to regard any man except upon his own
merits. While Mr. Howard possessed this plainness,
and while he despised all things despicable, he had a
most hearty admiration of every thing that could really
ennoble and embellish life. As a scholar, I know of no
one whose reading was more extensive and select.
While he read historical and other solid works, he did
not despise works of imagination.  He delighted in
poetry and song; was an enthusiastic lover of music, and
an intelligent and cultivated critic of art. No man
delighted more in retined society, or performed his
duties more faithfully. Although in public he never
lost the gravity of demeanor that so well became one
engaged in great pursuits, in private life he was genial.
He possessel a keen sense of humor. When he spoke
to a jury, or addressed a court, if that court possessed
ordinary qualifications and common sense, he knew how
those ideas would affect the court; and when he addressed the Senate, or the larger audiences of the
people of the United States, in a like manner he knew
that, whether they agreed with him or not, he was sure
of their understanding and appreciation.  When his
fame has become the property of future generations,
although he may be remembered for his learning, for
his eloquence, and for the qualities that have most
attracted admiration, he will be still further venerated and
remembered as a representative American, who valued
above all things the great and essential principles of
manhood."
Perhaps the most important criminal cases in which
Mr. Howard engaged were the great "Railroad Conspiracy Case," the "Tyler Case," and the "Express
Robbery Case;" and of civil cases, the "Chevalier de
Repentiguy Case," decided in the Supreme Court in
1865.  In his religious views he was unorthodox,
although a daily reader of the Bible, and a great reader
of religious works generally. Mr. Howard left surviving
him five children: two daughters,-Mrs. Doctor Hildreth,
and Mrs. Samuel Brady, both of Detroit; and three
sons,-Colonel J. M. Howard, of Litchfield, Minnesota;
HIamilton G. Howard, attorney, Detroit; and Charles
M. Howard, now United States Receiver of Public
'Moneys, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
NGLIS, RICHARD, M. D., Detroit, was born at
Greenlaw, Berwickshire, Scotland, October 28,
1828. He was the third son of Rev. David Inglis,
a Presbyterian divine, whose memory still lives among
the people of Greenlaw.   Doctor Inglis received his

early training in the schools of his native village and at
Dunse.   He served as an apothecary's apprentice at
Dalkeith, and Edinburg; and spent several years in
the latter city, in the employment of Messrs. Duncan &
Flockhart, two of the most eminent druggists of Edinburg. After the death of his father, he came to America,
in company with the other members of the family, and
established a drug store at Detroit, Michigan, in partnership with a brother. Determined to pursue the study
of medicine, he entered the Medical College of Cleveland,
Ohio, from which institution he afterwards graduated.
At the end of this time, he returned to Detroit and
engaged in the practice of his profession. Ilis early
business life was signalized by many disappointments
and some hardships; practice came slowly, and money
was not plentiful. His courage and cheerfulness, however, never deserted him. After years of perseverance,
the sterling qualities of his head and heart began to
make themselves felt, and he found himself inpossession of a large and successful practice, which steadily
increased until the time of his death. As a medical
practitioner, Doctor Inglis had few equals. He possessed a singularly happy tact in the sick-room; succeeding almost invariably in commanding the respect and
winning the confidence of his patients. His personal
magnetism  was something wonderful, and few could
withstand its attractions. This arose'from the earnestness and benevolence of his character, in connection
with his overflowing sympathies which, in the presence
of human suffering, were constantly active. His -intellectual acuteness, knowledge of disease, and indomitable
perseverance, together with his almost inexhaustible
resources of treatment, made him a host in himself,
while combating with disease.  He never gave up a
case so long as life remained. The relations he sustained
to the profession throughout the State were of the happiest character. He was esteemed one of the leading
physicians of Detroit; the younger members of the
profession, especially, delighted to honor him, and
frequently called upon him for consultation. His tact,
knowledge of human nature, and noble impulses were
peculiarly manifest in these consultations. He seldom
failed to establish the faith of the patient, or to inspire
the consulting physician with more confidence.  The
regard of the profession throughout the State found
expression, in 1868, in his election to the Vice-Presidency of the State Medical Society; and, in 1869, to the
Presidency. Doctor Inglis sustained a prominent part
in the local societies, and the Detroit Academy of Medicine.owes its origin principally to his efforts. In 1870
he was elected to the chair of Obstetrics in the Detroit
Medical College, which position opened a field peculiarly
congenial to his tastes. As a teachei', he soon acquired
an enviable reputation. His lectures were models of
terseness, were replete with the experience, of thirty




7Air.

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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

83

years' practice, and were of the most practical character.
His influence over students was unbounded, not only
from his ability as a lecturer, but from his genial manners, and the lively interest he manifested in their welfare. In private life he was cheerful and happy. His
religion was not a gloomy asceticism, but bright, broad,
and liberal, prompting him to good deeds, and inspiring
him with charity toward the erring; it enabled him to
lead a useful life, and to meet death as one who fears
not. He married, in 1849, Miss Agnes Lambie. His
death occurred December i8, 1874, from septic poisoning, caused by contact with a specimen which he was
using in a lecture at the college. At a meeting of
physicians, held at the City Hall, the day following his
death, resolutions were adopted expressive of the esteem
in which Doctor Inglis was held by the profession. The
class of the Detroit Medical College attended the funeral
service in a body, presenting a beautiful floral offering
as a last tribute to the memory of their departed friend.
|VES, LEWIS T., Detroit, was born near RochesSter, New York, August 3, 1834.     His father,
', Eardly Ives, and his mother, Ann Wood, were
natives of England. When he was ten years of age, his
father removed to a farm in Canada; and it was here he
took his first lesson in pencil-drawing. After remaining
there three years, the family returned to Detroit, Michigan. At the age of sixteen, he began the study of
painting with Frederick Cohen, continuing in this relation for three years. In the summer of 1853, he sailed
for England; and, after spending some months there,
went to France, and thence to Italy, spending the winter in Rome, where he studied with William Page, the
artist. After an absence of one year, he returned to
Michigan, engaging in portrait-painting at Detroit until
1856, when his health failed, and he resolved to study
law.  He left Detroit, and spent one year on an island
in Thompson's Lake, about four miles from  Pontiac.
While sojourning at this place, he devoted a certain
number of hours each day to the study of law; and the
remaining portion of the time was spent in boating, fishing, and hunting. His evenings were passed in general
reading. His expenses for the entire year were only
thirty-five dollars. Upon his return to Detroit, he commenced the study of law with Judge Emmons, late
Judge of the United States Circuit Court of Michigan;
and was admitted to the bar in 1858. Mr. Ives was
engaged in the practice of his profession until 1874;
and, during the greater portion of the time, was associated with the legal department of the Detroit and
Milwaukee Railroad. In the summer of 1872, he went to
England and France. He visited England again in 1873,

and also Scotland. In 1876 he again went to England
and Scotland, on legal business.  His early religious
training was in the faith of the Episcopal Church; but,
in after years, he became a Unitarian.  He has always
been identified with the Republican party. During his
sojourn on the island in Thompson's Lake, he became
acquainted with his wife, who was Miss Margaret W.
Leggett, daughter of A. W. Leggett. They have three
sons. As an artist, Mr. Ives stands high in the profession, his reputation extending throughout the country.
He is a warm personal friend of several of America's
greatest poets and writers. His tastes incline not only
to painting, but also to literature; he excels as a writer.
Mr. Ives possesses, in a marked degree, the gift of caricature, which, if indulged, would place him second to
none in that line of the artist's work. The pen of a
ready writer has brought him into correspondence with
our best thinking men, at home and abroad. He has
given some attention to scientific and philosophical researches.
J ACOBS, HON. NATHANIEL P., of Detroit,
Michigan, was born in Adams, Jefferson County,
SNew York, October 31, 1828.   The family, of
which there are but few representatives, came
from Bristol, England, soon after the arrival of Roger
Williams, and settled in Bristol, Rhode Island, where
Nathaniel Jacobs, the great-grandfather of Mr. Nathaniel P. Jacobs, was born April 6, 1721.  Mr. Jacobs'
early youth was spent in Paterson, New Jersey. At the
age of fourteen, he entered the Academy at South
Reading, Massachusetts; remaining there two yearsr
and pursuing the highest branches taught in the institution. The thoroughness of his acquirements, and a
wide and accurate reading of the classics, almost atoned
for the deprivation of his intended collegiate course,
caused by the removal of the family to the West. He
came to Detroit, Michigan, in 1840, and immediately
began the study of law with Judge, afterwards Chancellor, Manning. In this relation he continued two years;
but never practiced the profession, being diverted by
other business.  Mr. Jacobs was, for many years, a
wholesale grocer in Detroit, carrying on an extensive
trade. Ile represented the First Ward of Detroit, in
the Common Council, from 1859 to 1860, and was chosen
President of the Council.  In 1862 he was appointed,
by President Lincoln, Consul-General of the United
States to Calcutta, India. During more than nine years,
he remained at this important post, discharging its arduous duties with marked ability, and receiving frequent
commendations from Mr. Seward, Secretary of State, and
a re-appointment from President Grant. He returned
to the United States in 1872; and, in 1873, accepted the




84

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

position of Land Commissioner of the Northern Pacific
Railroad, which necessitated his presence in Washington
Territory until January, 1874. He then returned to his
home in Detroit. In politics, Mr. Jacobs was a stanch
Whig until the formation of the Republican party, of
which he was one of the founders in Michigan. He
was also prominent in the Masonic Fraternity, and was,
for some years, Grand Commander of the Knights Templar of Michigan. Mr. Jacobs' first wife, whom he married in 1842, died a few years later, leaving two children
who are still living. In 1852 he married Miss Catherine
M. Huntington, of Troy, New York, who is descended
from Samuel Huntington, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Mr. Jacobs died at Detroit,
on the 30th of April, 1874, after a brief illness of four
days. His funeral, from St. Paul's Church, was attended
by an immense concourse, the Knights Templar and
other Masonic bodies escorting the remains to their last
resting-place. His wife, and five of his six children by
his second marriage, survive him, mourning the loss of
one of the most affectionate of husbands and fathers.
ACKSON, HARRY HAMILTON, D. D. S., of
S Detroit, is a native of Arcade, Wyoming County,
New York, and was born in the year 1835. He
is the third son of Harry and Aurora (Hinckley)
Jackson, who were natives of Schoharie County, New
York. His grand-parents on both sides were among the
first settlers of Wyoming, New York, having emigrated
from England at an early date. Mr. Jackson enjoyed
the advantages of an excellent common-school education; and, when twenty years of age, commenced the
study of dentistry in the office of A. B. Botsford. Two
years later, he opened an office, and began the practice
of his profession. In those days, the science of dentistry was comparatively in its infancy. Doctor Jackson,
not having the advantages now so generally offered in
the various dental colleges, was compelled to make his
own way by effort and application, feeling the necessity
of keeping up with the advancement constantly made
in the science of the profession. In 1857 he removed
to Gilead, Ohio, and thence to Farmington, Michigan,
where he remained three years. His next field of labor
was Plymouth, where, during a period of thirteen years'
practice, he acquired a reputation as a skillful dental
surgeon. Upon opening an office in Detroit in the fall
of 1874, he found himself firfily established by the
patronage of his former patients, as well as of their
friends,.who had received ample evidences of his skill.
During the time of his residence at Farmington, his
younger brother, Walter H. Jackson, entered his office
as a student, afterwards graduating at the Dental Col
lege in Ann Arbor, and becoming Demonstrator of
Dental Surgery at the same institution. Doctor Jackson
has been a member of the Michigan Dental Association
since 1862, and of the American Dental Association
since 1863. He is prominently connected with the Masonic Fraternity, having attained the degree of Knight
Templar.   He married, at Plymouth, in 1864, Sarah
Scott, daughter of Winfield Scott. They have two children. Mrs. Jackson is a graduate of Adrian College,
having taken the degree of B. C.!ENNISON, WILLIAM, Lawyer, Detroit, was
born in Boston, Massachusetts, December 1o,
S1826. In Bond's Genealogies of the First Settlers
'   of WVate-towun, Alassachusetts, and The Giles Mlfemorial, by Dr. Vinton, is found the history of seven generations of the Jennison family. There appear the
names of William and Robert Jennison, the former of
whom came from England, in 1630, with Winthrop,
in the ship "Arabella." Mr. Jennison's ancestry bequeathed to him   an illustrious name.  During the
American Revolution, his great-grandfather equipped
four sons for the cavalry service at his own expense,
refusing to permit them to draw any pay from the Government. After peace was declared, however, the money
due them on the pay-roll was drawn through forged receipts. His grandfather, whose name he bears, was an
officer in the American army, and was wounded at the
battle of Bunker Hill. He died at his residence in Boston, in 1843. He was a member of the class of 1774, of
Harvard. Mr. Jennison's mother, who died in Philadelphia, in 1875, was a daughter of Colonel Richard Fowler, of the British army, Demerara, West Indies. When
seven years of age, Mr. Jennison was placed in the boarding-school of Ioctor Prime, at Sing Sing, New York.
His subsequent.education was received in the cities of
Boston and Brooklyn. When seventeen years old, he
was prepared to enter the Sophomore Class in Princeton
College, New Jersey; but a protracted illness compelled
him to relinquish a collegiate course. His father, William Jennison, a retired merchant, died at Hiiladelphia,
in 1866. He was engaged in mining and the manufacture of iron, in Montour County, Pennsylvania; and the
son spent four years in acquiring an extensive knowledge of the business.  His leisure was devoted to general study, writing, and the practice of debating. Being
disabled by a sprain, he closed this work, and began the
study of his chosen profession, at Harvard Law School,
Cambridge, in 1850, and received the degree of LL. B.
two years later. The West promised a wider scope for
his ambition than the East; and, in 1853, having spent
a preparatory year in the office of Hon. Alexander D.




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

S5

Frazer, he began the practice of law in Detroit, Michigan; and has ever since been in the constant practice
of the profession. His refined manners, wide culture,
and general interest in all public enterprises favorable
to the growth of the place, have made him a valued
citizen. Mr. Jennison has been a member of the Republican party since its formation. By the work in
politics which he has done for his country, he has
proved worthy of the name borne by his patriotic ancestors, and shown himself a genuine son of the Revolutionary heroes. He has published five volumes of
Supreme Court Reports,-the condensed result of four
years' research while holding the office of Supreme Court
Reporter. In 1869 he was Assistant United States District Attorney, but declined the position in 18Y70. In
1873 he was nominated Judge of the Superior Court of
Detroit, but suffered a defeat. lie was a member of the
Board of Education in 1872-73, and Chairman of the
Public Library Committee.   In company with other
members of the Board, Mr. Jennison visited the principal libraries of the United States, with reference to
increasing the efficiency of the Public Library of Detroit; and, upon his return, made an elaborate report
of the investigations. Hlie is a distinguished member of
the Detroit bar; and, in all the various positions he has
held, has rendered efficient service to the city. In 1854
Mr. Jennison married Eunice A. Whipple, daughter of
the late Hon. Charles W. Whipple, Chief-Justice of the
Supreme Court of Michigan. Mr. Jennison has living
three brothers and two sisters; viz., Charles E. Jennison, a merchant, of Bay City, Michigan; Rev. Joseph
F. Jennison; J. Morgan Jennison, a practicing lawyer;
Miss Miriam W. Jennison; and Mrs. Maria Antoinette
Birney, widow of the late Major-General David B. Birney, of the United States army,-the last, all of Philadelphia.
-ENKS, EDWARD W., of Detroit, Michigan, was
born in Victor, Ontario County, New York, in
1833. His father, Nathan Jenks, was a leading
merchant in Victor for many years. At an early
day, he purchased large tracts of land in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan; and, in 1843, removed
his. family to La Grange County, Indiana. Here he had
previously laid out a village, which he called Ontario.
While living in this place, he established and endowed
the La Grange Collegiate Institute; which, for many
years, maintained a high reputation in Indiana and the
adjoining States. The mother of IDoctor Jenks is still
living. Doctor Jenks attended the La Grange Institute,
founded by his father. He began the study of medicine in the medical.department of the University of

New   York; but, before completing the course, his
health failed from too close appllication to study. He
afterwards attended the Castleton Medical College, in
Vermont, from which he graduated in 1855. He then
returned to his father's home in Indiana; and at once
entered upon the practice of his profession. After the
establishment of the medical college connected with
the Bellevue Hospital, he returned to New York, and
graduated from  that university.  Fr1-om 1855 until his
removal to Detroit, Michigan, in 1864, Doctor Jenks
was engaged in the practice of medicine in La Grange
County, Indiana; the adjoining county of St. Joseph,
Michigan; and, for about two years, in Warsaw, New
York. For four years, hlie was one of the editors and
proprietors of the Detroit Review gf jlJedici-ne, a professional journal established in 1866. In i868 the Detroit
Medical College was established, of which he was one
of the founders. lie was elected, by the trustees of the
college, as Professor of Obstetrics and Diseases of Women.
This position he still occuples; and is also President of
the College, having been chosen by the Faculty. He
was, at one time, Professor of DI)iseases of Women, in
the medical department of Bowdoin College, Miaine;
after holding this position for four years, he resigned on
account of the distance from his home. Doctor Jenks is
also surgeon in the departments for diseases of women,
in St. Mary's and St. Luke's Hospitals, and consulting
surgeon of the Woman's Hospital. lie was the physician of Harper Hospital from  its organization, until
he resigned in 1872. lIe has been the chief medical
counselor of the Michigan Central Railroad Company
for many years, but resigned lately on account of his
other professional work. He has held the prominent
positions of President of the State Medical Society, and
of the Detroit Academy of Medicine.  lIe is an honorary member of the State Medical Society, of Ohio; the
Toledo Medical Association; thle Maine Medical Association; the Cincinnati Obstetrical Society; the Northeastern Medical Society, of Indiana; the North-western
Medical Society, of Ohio; and several minor organizations. Doctor Jenks is corresponding member of the
Gynecological Society, of Boston; a fellow of the Obstetrical Society, of London, England; a member of the
American Medical Association; an active fellow and one
of the founders of the American Gynecological Society;
and a member of the Detroit Medical and Library Association. lie is a frequent contributor to various medical
journals and periodicals throughout the country.  lie is
Chairman of the Obstetrical Section of the American
Medical Association. In 1859 he married a daughter of
J. H. Darling, of Warsaw, New York.  She died soon
after his removal to I)etroit; and, in 1867, he married
the eldest daughter of Hon. J. F. Joy. of Detroit. They
have two children,-a son and a daughter.    Doctor
Jenks is one of Detroit's most distinguished physicians




86

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

and merits the esteem of the entire community. His
principal characteristic is doing good; the open hand
of charity is always extended to the poor and needy.
He is a member of the Fort Street Presbyterian Church,
and is liberal in his religious views.
\jOY, JAMES F., Detroit, Counselor-at-Law, was
born at Durham, New Hampshire, December 20,
S 18o. IHis father was a manufacturer of edge
tools, and, like all sturdy men of New England,
appreciated the value of an education. He was a Republican in politics; a Calvinist and Congregationalist
in religion. He earnestly sought the moral and spiritual
culture of his children,-teaching them to be honest in
their dealings, prudent in their expenditures, zealous in
their studies, and regular in their attendance upon religious exercises.  Early rising, hard work, plain and
substantial fare, was the daily discipline of his family.
James F. Joy attended the common schools of New
Hampshire, and afterwards spent some time in teaching.
In this way he obtained means, which, added to what
his father could give, enabled him to complete his
studies. He entered Dartmouth College, from which
he graduated in 1835, and delivered the valedictory
address. He then went to Cambridge and entered the
law school, where he became the protege of Joseph
Story.  Encouraged by this friendship, and that of
Greenleaf, Mr. Joy laid the foundation of his future success. Judge Story frequently spoke in high praise of
Mr. Joy's devotion to the law; and, as early as 1840,
predicted his triumph in any course he should select.
Not being able to continue his studies, he obtained a
situation as preceptor in the academy at Pittsfield, and
also instructed the classes in Latin at Dartmouth College. At the end of a year he returned to Cambridge,
where he completed his studies. In September, 1836,
he went to Detroit, and entered the law office of Hon.
Augustus S. Porter, one of the noblest men that ever
represented Michigan in the Senate of the United States.
In 1837 he was admitted to the bar in Detroit, and
became the partner of George F. Porter, who was formerly a banker.   They soon became attorneys and
counsel of the old Bank of Michigan, the only banking
institution of the North-west. It failed in the crash of
1841 and 1843, and thus gave a lucrative business to
the firm of Joy & Porter. From his admission to the
bar, Mr. Joy was employed in nearly all the most important cases in the State and Federal Courts; and, to
each case in turn, he devoted great energy. He never
tried a case until he had sounded it to its depths. His
arguments were always distinguished by condensation,
clearness, and power. From 1836 to 1847, as leading

counsel for the Messrs. Dwight, in Boston, and Arthur
and Frederick Bronson, of New York, he had a very large
and lucrative practice. One of his most important, as
well as most thoroughly contested cases, was that of
Mr. Bates against the Illinois Railroad Company. This
involved the title of Robert A. Kinsie to eleven acres
of land lying under water, in Chicago, where the Illinois
Central and Michigan Central depot now stands. This
case was fought through the Circuit Court of the United
States for the Northern District of Illinois, to the Supreme
Court at Washington, and continued for five years. A
number of eminent lawyers took part in the case,
among whom were John A. Mills and Mat. McLean, on
the part of the plaintiff, while Mr. Joy alone fought for
the defendants, and won the case. The arguments in
the case were exhaustive; and it is no exaggeration to
say that they have settled this law of accretion and
diminution of alluvion in the United States. The plaintiff in the suit, disappointed and dissatisfied as he was
with the result, is ready to bear witness that, in the
whole management of the case, Mr. Joy bore himself
with perfect fairness, fidelity, and honesty. In 1847,
when Michigan, like other North-western States, found
itself bankrupt, by reason of a large system of internal
improvements, Mr. Joy used his influence, through Mr.
John W. Brooks, an eminent railroad engineer, to persuade Boston capitalists to buy the Michigan Central
Railroad, and complete it to Chicago. From that time
to the present, Mr. Joy has been identified with this
great commercial highway; and has used all his time
and ability as the attorney, counselor, and assistant of
John W. Brooks, its President. For twenty years its
earnings were very large; its management was economical, and its annual dividends were promptly paid. All
the towns and villages sprung into full life, and Michigan resumed her credit. On the completion of this
road, Mr. Joy organized the Chicago, Burlington and
Quincy Company, and induced his friends in Boston
and Detroit to take stock. This company was to build
a road from Chicago to Burlington and Quincy on the
Mississippi River, which would open up one of the
finest tracks over the richest prairies. Hie walked over
the whole route, and saw millions of bushels of corn
used for fuel, because there was no way of transporting
it to market. This road, built at a cost of sixty million
dollars, has paid annual dividends of ten per cent., and
is managed better than any other road in the Northwest. Mr. Joy completed the connection of this road
with the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad; had the three
splendid iron bridges built, at Burlington, Quincy, and
Plattsmouth, over the Mississippi and Missouri rivers; and
extended a branch road into Indian Territory. As a
part of his plan, he purchased, for the co-operators,
eight hundred thousand acres of the finest land in the
United States, at one dollar per acre. He crossed the




/







REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.                                        S7
Mississippi at Burlington, drove the work on the Chicago,   LEIN, DOCTOR       PETER, of Detroit, MichiBurlington and Quincy Railroad, over the Missouri, at    '   gan, was born September 12, 1813, in OermiiniPlattsmouth, and fixed its western terminus at Fort          gen, Canton of Saar-union, Department of the
Kearney, in Nebraska; thus making a continuous rail- lower Rhine, Alsace, France. Ile is the second son of
way route from )Detroit to the Indian Territory, on the IFrederick and Eva ( Alaitzloff) Klein. His father was
south, and the one Iihnod redtli meridian on the west  a farmer, and dlied \hen D)octor Klein was seven years
In 1865  r. Joy became Presient of the Mician of age; his mother married agaiiin, and, in 1828, emiRailroad, as successor to MAr. irooks, wh ose health hlad grated to America. They sailed from ILavrel de (;race,
failed. In order that this railroad might successfully in the brig " Globe;" aiind, after a tedious and dangercolupete with the Lake Shore and Ml ici gall Southern, ous voyage of eighty-eight days, landed in New York,
the IPittsburg and Fort Wayne, ani-d other roads leading  and inmmetliately started for the West. In the fall, the
more directly from Chicago to New Vork, lPhiladelphia, family settled on a farm six miles froim Buffalo, Erie
anud Ilaltimore, Ir. Joy atlvisedl and managed-as aux- County, New York. The five and a half years passed
iliaries to the Michigan Central- the construction of the by I)octor Klein in working on the farm gave hIiim a
Michigan Lake Shore Railroad, from    St. Joseph  to dtlistaste for agricultural labor; his unpleasaniit relations
Grandl Rapids; the Jackson, Lansiiin and Saginaw Rail- with his step-father intensified the dissatisfaction, and
roadtl; the I)etroit, Lansing and ilichigan Railroad; and he dletermined to leave home. lie had dlevotedi much
the IDetroit and Bay City Railroad. Although these of his time to reading, andl acquiriniig the English Ianrailways have not proved financially successful to the guage,-doubtless with the view of preparing himself
stockholders, they have enriched the State of Michigan, for the decisive step) which lie finally took. Knoviug
by hundreds of millions of dollars, by opening the pine that, as soon as he became of age, lie would receive his
forests of the north anl  the valleys of the Saginaw, patrimony from Europe, he left home one morning in
Sliavassee, aniid Grand rivers. MIr. Joy was an earniest company- with a neighbor's son. 11e had but seventyWhig as long as that party lasted.  Siniice i8-, wheni five cents, and with this capital went to Buffalo,. ostenthe PRepublican iparty was organ izedl at Jackson, lie has sibly, to put himself under the care of a physician, but
been a firm Republican   At ithe beginning of the civil purposing never to return. After six weeks of medlical
war, lie spl)et one term in the ILegislature.  Aside fromi care, lie entered the office of his physician as a studcent,
this, he has held no public office.  lie has no symlpathv and spe nt four years of (iligent study. The subsequenit
with the chicanery of political partisans.  11e has been years were devoted to the study andl the practice of
a faithful, but somewhat lihberal, Conigregational ist,-  medicinlle in Rocllhester, Buffalo, aiid St. Katherine's,
his Puritan ideas having been modified by studly and Ointario, Canada. In the winter of 1844, he eniitered
thought. In all these years, iMr. Joy has clhanged onlyv the medical dlepartment of Kiniig's College, Toironto;
to adlvance. IIis conflict w ith the world, his thorough and, the following year, attendedl thIe nimedical lectures
stutly of ancient and modern sciemnce,-hours spncit with at Geniieva, anid grad luated in the spring of 1S46.  lie
Socrates, Cicero, Spencer, liitlnall, IIuxlcy, andi the great immediately opened all office in D)etroit, lMichligal,, whelicre
French philosophers,- hav\-e so liberalized and imlproved lie has since remained in the practice of his -profession.
his mi)nd, that his views of life and its dluties are now  In 1846 I)octor Klein became a member of the Svdeinvery broad and sound. Amid all the responsibilities of hamin Association of the regular practitioners inl medicine,
his professional practice and railroad lduties, hlie has kept in Detroit; later, of the Wayniie County Medical Society,
up his studies so thoroughly that hlie could, at aliy time, of Nwhich lie was one of the Censors, and, subsequently,
resume his position as a college professor. Ile has a President. Hi-s fellow-citizens have shown their coutifine library, including the best editions of all the Grelek,  eniice by twice giving him the office of City Physician.
Latin, French, and E(nglish classics.  Mr. Joy has In 1847 he was appointedl County Physician, Nwhich
never touched tobacco, nor intoxicatingi drilnks in allny office he held several years. Ile is also a minember of
form. His great success in life is a fine proof of the the State Medical Society, and of thIe American Medwisdom of his early traiiining, which fo rmeld a character ical Association.  In 1854 a joiut stock-company was
able to resist all evil. Tsturounha the i nstrunct lity and orgaiiized for the establisliienlt of a Gernian l)emocratic
energy of 'Ir. Joy, large suinms of money have beciil paper,-tlie Jv/.-slM/at,-of which he assumed the entire
blroughlt from the East aniid scattered over the West by responsibility. Its success was largely due to his efforts;
the great chain of railway constructed fronm  Detroit to it still exists, and has.a large circulation. IDoctor Klein
Baxter Sprinigs and Fort Kearnev. Tbhousands of people has disposed of his initerest ill it to the present proprienow  live in fine homes olbtaiiiedl throulgh his railway tor. D)octor Klein is a stanch Deniocrat, anid has for
enterprises and( disbursements. No liviug nman has (doie years been idlentified  with the party, giving much of
more, during the last half century, to develop the common his time and labor to advancing its interests.  From
schools andl other public interests of time North-west.  December, 1863, to May, i866, IDoctor Klein was in the
12




REPRESENTATIVEI, MIEN OF MICHIGAN.

United States army service, as Surgeon-in-charge at the
Exchange Barracks, Detroit. In 1869-70, and again in
1875-76, he was a member of the House of Representatives. Although born and educated in the Lutheran
faith, he is extremely liberal in his religious views. IHe
has been for twenty-four years a member of the Masonic
Fraternity; and, for a long time, an Odd-Fellow. October 29, 1853, Doctor Klein married Sevilla Demaret,
widow of the late Ir. Henry C. Lemcke, and daughter
of the late Hans I)emaret, of Odense, King's (ouncil.
Ienmark.

majority of twenty-four thousand one hundred and seventy-five votes.  Mr. Kirchner, besides doing earnest
work in his profession, has devoted much time to the
study of history, political economy, and kindred subjects.
By travel through the United States and Canada, lie has
become well acquainted with the peculiarities of the
different sections of the country. In 1869 he married
Isabel Graham Beave. They have had two children.

IýEAIRSLEY, JONATIAN, Detroit, a Veteran of-,.-.  Of]                                  thle War of 1812, was born in 1786, and died in,J  IRCHNER, OTTO, of Detroit, Michigan, was            I1859. He was, by birth, a Virginian, and graduborn at Frankfort-on-the-Oder, in Prussia, July ated at Washington College in 18II. The following year,,   13, 1846. His father, Rudolph Kirchner, was he was appointed, by President Madison, First Lieutenemployed in the service of the Prussian Government. ant of the Second Artillery Corps. During the war, he
While on leave of absence from his official duties, lie was commissioned Assistant Adjutant-General, Captain,
planned and superintended the construction of the tun- and Major. lie was engaged in the battles of Stony
nels on the line of the Berlin and Cologne Railway, Creek and Chrysler's Field, in 1814, and in the sortie
between Cologne and Aix-la-Chapelle,-the first rail- from Fort Erie. In the latter engagement, he received
way tunnels ever constructed in Europe. In 1854 lie a wound which resulted in the loss of a leg. This was
emigrated to America, and settled in 1Berlin, Waterloo a source of life-long pain to him; the amputation was
County, Ontario. Here his son, Otto Kirchner, received delayed by the surgeons in the hope of saving the limb,
an academic education, and began the study of law, and was then improperly performed. In this connecwhich he subsequently continued at Toronto, attending tion, lie many times remarked upon a phenomenon
lectures at Osgoode Hall. His close application to study peculiar to such cases, namely: the existence of seeming
having impaired his health, he visited Lansing, Michi- pains in the lost portion of the limb. Major Kearsley
gan; and, in the fall of 1864, engaged( as corresponding was held in high estimation in the army for his attainclerk in the office of his uncle, Ilon. Emil Anneke, then ments and bravery; and it was much regretted when hIis
Auditor-General, meanwhile continuing his legal studies, wounds compelled him to retire to private life. Iis
In the winter of 1865, he was appointed Secretary to services in behalf of the country were acknowledged
the House Judiciary Committee of the Michigan State and rewarded by the Government. In 1817 he was apL.egislature. While in this position, lie gained a knowl- pointed Collector of Revenue Taxes in Virginia, which
edge of public business and very valuable legislative position he lield until 1819, when he was appointed
experience. IIe removed, within the same year, to Receiver of Public Moneys for the District of Michigan.
Detroit, where lie entered the law office of Maynard, lie then removed to Detroit, where he continued to
Medtlaugh & Swift, and there completed his studies. reside until the time of his death. IIe held the office
In November, 1866, after examination by the Supreme of Receiver, consecutively, under various administraCourt of the State, he was licensed to practice law in tions, for a period of thirty years. Although a stanch
any of the courts of the State; and, the same day, was Democrat and an active partisan, of the type found in
admitted to practice in the Federal courts. In 1867 the era of President Jackson, the Whig -rgime of 1840
Mr. Kirchner formed a partnership with Walter Elliott, respecte(d the old soldier too much to displace him.
which lasted until Mr. Elliott withdrew from the pro- The name of Major Kearsley was intimately associated
fession, in 1868.  As a politician, Mr. Kirchner has with our early territorial and State history.  He was,
always been identilied with the Republican party. I e at one time, Mayor of Detroit; and was a Regent of
traveled through the State quite extensively in 1872, the University during the whole of the territorial admaking stump speeches for Grant and Wilson. In 1876 ministration, after the administration passed into the
he was Chairman of the Republican City Committee of second, or representative grade, in 1824. HIe was a
Detroit, and was elected alternate to the National Re- man respected for his upright and honorable character,
publican Convention at Cincinnati.  He refused all and for his ability and fidelity in the administration of
public offices until August, 1876, when he received the his public trusts. The old Kearsley mansion, a twonomination for Attorney-General of the State by accla- story brick house, still standing on the corner of Jeffernmation, and was elected, in Novembler, by the large son avenue and Randolph street, in Detroit,-but now







A\




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICIIlGAN.

89

occupied for business purposes,-- was his residence at tution from  the time of its foundation, in I861, until
the time of his death, and for many years previous. In 1872, when he resigned, his ideas having conflicted with
the minds of the older residents, he is still associated those of other members, who wished to make it a sectawith the old homestead. No man was better known rian school. I)octor Kiefer held that no belief or creed
than he, and few have left a better record; for, while in should be taught in the school. In 1866-67, as a mennhis public life le was guided by exact business habits, ber of the iBoard of Education, he tried to influence tle
in his social life he was governed by a conscientious other members in favor of teaching the German lanand rigid devotion to his religious principles.       guage inl the public schools.  lie agitated the question
at different tinmes, but his petition failed to meet w ithl
favor. lie had been an active member of many of the
German societies, represelltillng tlie G(erman lpopulationl
IEFER, HIERMAN, M. D., of D)etroit, liclhi- at different times and on implortant occasions  lie was
J   gan, was born November 19, 1825, at Sulzburg, their representative at the Singer', lFestival, in 1S57, at
5 (;ranld i)ukedom of IBaden, G;ermany, and is the I)etroit; at the Centenuial Festival of Schiller in 1859;
only son of Doctor Conrad and Frederica (Schwiveyckert) at the Festival of llumboldt, in 1869; and at the great
Kiefer.  IIe attended the high schools of Freiburg, Peace CeleLration at the close of the Franco-Gerlmanl
Mannheim, and Carlsruhe, from his ninth to his eigh- W\Var, IMay I, 1871; upon \which occasion lie was Presiteenth year, graduating at the last-named place in 1844. dent and orator of the day. iHe is a mnember of the
lie then began the study of medicine at the University WaynetCounty Medical Society, the State Medical Society,
of Freiburg, and continued it the next year in Ileidel- and the American Medical Association. In all his pubI1lc
berg; after which he attended the medical inlstitutions life, I)octor Kiefer has sought to convince the people
of Prague and Vienna.    lie was a scholar of Arnold, that the Gerlnman-born element of the jUnited States shoul1
Henle, Oppolzer, Stromeyer, Pitliha, and Scanzoni; and, be reslpected as fully equal to the native-born P)opulation;
in May, 1849, graduated, with the highest Ilonors, before and that dIue consideration should be given to their lanthe State Board of Elxaminers at Carlsruhe. At the guage, customs, and social manners. The mnembers of
opening of the Revolution in B3aden, the young doctor, his family use exclusively the G(;erman language. Doctor
who espoused the people's cause with all the ardor andl Kiefer does not claim for his German fellow-citizens anly
energy of youth, was appointed surgeon of the volunteer prerogative as Germans; lie only insists that they be
regiment Emmendingen.    lie was present at the battle regarded as Amlerican citizens, and be fully entitled to
of Philipsburg, June 20, 1849, and at that of Upstadt, all rights as suchl. In Ipolitics, he has adhlllered to the
June 23. It was at the former that Prince Carl, now   leptublican party since its organization, in IS54, at
Field-Marshal of Germany, was w-ounded and nearly v \hich time he was President of the German Republican
captured by this volunteer regiment. After the submis- Executive Comlmittee of the State of Mlichigan.  In
sion of the revolutionists, D)octor Kiefer was conmpellcd, I872 he was one of the Presidential Electors of the
with thousands of others, to leave his country, and State; and, in 1876, was a delegate to tile National
escape to Strasburg, then a city in the Republic of lRepublicall C(onvention, held in Cincinnati, in which
I'ralnce, wvith Iouis Napoleonl as PIresident. The spies lie liad an influential part in uniting the Mlichigan delof this most infamous tyrant soon discovered his place egates, on the fifth ballot, for Governor Ilayes. In1
of refuge; he was arrested andl forced to flee the coun- each 'Presidcntial camlpaign he has taken an active part
try. Accordingly, August IS, lie took passage inll a as a public sl)eaker, his opinions having influence with
sailing vessel, bound for the United States, and landedl the Germans. In 1873 he slpent six monthls inl Germaiyv.
in New York, September 19, 1849. After a sliort stay  Doctor Kiefer was reared in the Protestant religioni, but
in the great metropolis, lie started West, intending to his views have greatly clhanged.  lie claims to have
make his home it St. iLouis; but, meeting with a coun- no religious belief, insisting that every one shoulbl ibe
tryman who had settled at D)etroit, Michigan, several judged by his acts.  July 21, 185o, he married ira'iyears i)reviouts, lie concluded to remain there. October cisca Keille, who, with hiis mother, had come frommi
19 he opened an office, and sooim became one of the Germany to seek lhiml; his father followed ome year
most popular practitioners of tile city, gaining all exten- later.  His parents, Ihowvever, returnmed to Gerimlany' after
sive practice.  Doctor Kiefer has always taken a deep a short residence in this country.  Of the seven sons
interest in educational matters. Ile was one of the and two daughlters born to D)octor Kiefer, live sonls and
founders of the Gerlman-Amilerican Seminary, a school one daughter survive. Alfred, the eldest son, is now
incorporated by the State for finished instruction in all studying in the i1ining Academy of Freiberg, Saxony;
departments of learning, to be given equally in the Arthur, the second son, is attending the Polytechnic
German and Emnglish languages, as far as practicable or Schlool at Carlsruhe, Baden; the other sons and daughdesired.  ie was President and Treasurer of this insti- ter are still attending the schools of Detroit.




90

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

IvUHN, JOSEPH, Detroit, Michigan, was born
in Neustadt, Ilesse-Cassel, Germany, March 9,
1826.  His parents were in humble circumstances, but were highly esteemed for their Christian
virtues. The father, Henry Kuhn, married, in 1815,
Regina Reifel, the daughter of a peasant; they had six
children, of whom Joseph Kuhn was the fourth. At
the age of fourteen, Mr. Kuhn finished the course of
instruction given in the elementary schools of his native
place. The next year, he accepted the position of clerk
in the Superior Court of the city of Neustadt, anld filled
it creditably for five years.  lie wNas an earnest believer
in the Roman Catholic faith, in which he was educated,
and determined to become a priest. In 1846 he emigrated to this country, and entered the Dominican College, at St. Joseph, near Somerset, Perry County, Ohio.
Here he remained for three years, when his failing
health obliged him to give up his intention of entering
the priesthood. In 1849 hle taught  a select school in
Detroit, and obtained the appointinent of Notary Public. In this capacity, hIis knowledge of the laws of
Germany, and the forms of legal documents used there,
enabled him to render considerable aid to his countrymen. Since 18o lie has been eiingaged in the insurance
and real estate business. Ile issues and sells foreign
drafts, and manages a foreign passenger agency for several lines of steamers.  lie has been of great service to
thousands of his countrymen, and has induced a lari-ge
number of Germaiis to emigrate to Michigan. By honorable dealings, his business has grown, year by year,
until it has become quite lucrative. All his leisure has
been occupied in the study of law. lie was naturalized
in 1851, and joined the I)cmocratic party, to which lihe
has since adhered.  From 1859 to 1868, he was Justice
of thile Peace; (luring that time, ihe was appointed Assistant Police Justice. lie has serve(l the city of Detroit as.
a niember of the Board of Education, a nimemniber of the
Boardl of Estimrnates, and a  ICmember of thIe Common
Council. Ile married, August 19, IS51, Mary, daughter
of John and Gertrude Look, of Prussia.  They have
had twelve children, tenll of whom are living. Dr. Ferdinand Kuhn, of Grand Rapids, is their oldest son.
IER J. S., M. D., of Detroit, was born in
Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, May, 1821;
s    and is the son of William and Anna (Lyon)
Kier.  His grandfathers-natives of Scotland-wvere
both engaged in the Revolutionary War, his maternal
ancestor having distinguished himself at the battle of
Cowpens. His father was a soldier in the War of 1812.
I-He was an extensive farmer, owning land in both Indiana and Armstrong counties. Mr. Kier attended the

district schools until he was fifteen years of agre. After
teaching a year, he prepared for college at Elder Ridge
Academy, in Indiana County; and graduated, taking
the degree of A. B., at the Vestern University. 1He
then began the study of medicine under Dr. Thomas
Murray, attendling Ihis first course of lectures at the Ohio
Medical College, and graduating at the Cleveland Medical College in IS4. The first ten years of his professional life were spent near his birthplace; lie then
removed to the southern part of Ohio; but, on account
of the malarial fevers prevailing at the time, returned to
his native State and settled near Pittsburg.  In 1865
Doctor Kier removed to the city of Detroit, where lie
has ever since resided. I-Having confined himself strictly
to the duties of Ihis profession, and never seeking political prominence of any kind, lie has built up a large
practice, gaining the confidence and esteem  of his
brother practitioners and of the community.  lie married, in 1846, Miss Martha Jane McBride, daughter of
the I-on. Henry McBride, an extensive farmer and
dlrover of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and a
memniber of the State Legislature for several terms.
D)octor Kier has three sons,-Henry MI., William F.,
and Jonas A.,-two of whlom have adopted the profession of medicine. The oldest is practicing at KInight's
Landing, California; the second at St. Louis, and the
youngest is a druggist in I)etroit. Doctor Kier has
one brother,-the Rev. Samuel M. Kier,-who is a
minister in the United Presbyterian Church. Hie has
also a sister living in Ohio, the wife of John Armstrong,
Esq. Doctor Kier, aind the brother and sister above
mentioned, are thIe survivors of a family of eight,-tovo
sisters and three brothers having d(lied. In his political
views, D)octor Kier firmly adheres to the Democracy.
IIe was ordained elder in the United Presbyterian
Church of Saltsburg, Indiana County, Pennsylvania,
twenty years ago.
SATHROP, HENRY KIRKE, JUN., D. D). S.,
Detroit, was born at Orion, Michigan, I)ecember 27, 1847. His father, II. K. Lathrop, M. ).,
was a native of West Springfield, MIassachusetts; and his
mother, Elizabeth (Abbott) Lathrop was born at Bath,
New Hampshire. The Lathrops came from England in
1634; and the Abbotts, in 1640. Doctor Lathrop attended school until he was seventeen years of age, when
he began the study of dentistry in the office of White
& Lathrop, at Detroit. lie remained with this firm for more
than three years, and then attended one course of lectures
at the Ohio College of Dental Surgery, at Cincinnati.
After this, he engaged in the practice of his profession
at D)etroit, for nearly two years. lie then returned to
Cincinnati, where he graduated,-delivered the valedic



x{K< /






REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

91

tory address, and received the degree of D. D. S. Upon
his return to Detroit, he entered into partnership with
Joseph Lathrop, with whom he remained until April,
1872, when he opened an office for himself. Doctor
Lathrop is the most prominent dentist, of his years, in
the city. lie believes in the steady advancement of the
science of dentistry; and has, in this early stage of his
professional career, acquired an extensive and increa.sii;g
plractice. lie married, June I, IS71, Mary  V. Gillett,
daughter of R. WV. Gillett, of DIetroit. They have two
sons. Doctor Lathrop is a member of the American,
and the Michigan Dental Associations.
ARNED, GENERAL CHARLES, late of Detroit,
SMichig-an, was a native of Pittsfield, Berkshire
SCounty, Massachusetts.  His father, Simon Larned, was High Sheriff of Berkshire County. Ile cainme
to America when young, and, during the Revolutionary
War, was Colonel of the 9th Regiment United States
Infantry, and aid-de-camp to General \Vashington.  In
the War of 1812, hle resumed the conimmand of his old
regiment, and fought at Flatbusih, wh ile his sons,
Charles and George Larned, were defending the frontier,
at Fort WVayne, the River Raisin, anId )etroit.  Charles
Larned graduated at Williams College in ISo6; andi
studied law  in  Kentucky  with lIon. IHenry Clay.
While Henry Clay was in Congress, Mr. Lamrned was
the guest of Colonels Thomas, I)Dye, and Owen, of ShelbyN
County, Kentucky. One day, while he was dining with
forty or fifty of the first men of tile county, a disl)atch
came to Colonel Owen, from Governor Shelby, announcing that General Hlarrison was in great iperil at Fort
Wayne, pIressed by Proctor and(l tile Indian allies, and
urging Colonel Owen to raise a regiment to marchl to
his relief. Colonel Owenl inlllncliately proposed to Ihis
guests thiat they shoul(l forum tile nucleus of a regimlent.
Tihe proposition met with favor, and in te tldays the
regiment was eqluipped andl on the march. Tihiis was
the famous Kentucky regimenlt that was decimated at
the battle of tile Raisin, the reimnant being incorplorated
into the regular army.  Mr. Larned rose rapidly to the
rank of Major, and particilated in the battle of the
Thames and otlher engageenlelts. Among the private
papers of General Larllne(l, is a document signetd by
Colonel Brush, Geiieral Cass, )David Cooper, Charles
Larned, andi othlers,--eighilty i ll.numlber,-ill which tllev
agree to seize and (lepose Governor Hull, and so prevent the shameful surrender of [)etroit. Governor Hull
frustrated this plan by selndling General Cass, Colonel
Brush, and othlers, withl their comimands, to( distant
forts. At the close of the war, General Larned practiced

most eloquent advocates of tile Nortlh-west. HIle was
Attoriley-General of the Territory    during  Governor
George B. Porter's admillistratiolln; and conducted the
difficilt negotiations wliich grew out of the Black Ilawk
War.   lie was the adviser and friend of General Lewis
Cass.  General Larned and General John R. Williams
re(lucedl tile militia systnem of Micliigan to efficient workillg order.  As a lawyer and adlvocate, he was brilliant
anId cepigrammatic; as a counsel for dlefelndants, he rarely
lost a case. His defense of Simmlons, the Cwife murderer,
and of Canby, accurse(l of tile murder of the Government
paymaster on the Fort Gratiot road, ranked among hIis
ablest efforts.  His voice was clear and sweet, his presence grand and commanding.      lIe was always ready to
help tile poor, and to assist young lawyers to rise in
their calling. August 13, 1834, Charles Larned, beloved
by all who knew himn, died.    lie left a family, a city,
an(l a State in mourning.
1ýA  FERTE, DANIEL, M. D., of Detroit, was
I  1)born at Amlcrstbularg, Ontario, Canada, January
3, 1849.  His ancestors oin his father's sidee were
natives of La Ferte, a province in France.   Thley cmi-riate(l to America 1u11ring the earliest d(as of its settleinueIt. His imothler's family name is Langlais; she traces
her origin to the Frenchl nolbility-.  Daniel La Ferte was
edliucated in tile lpubllic schools of Amherstburg anld
Windsor, l)otli in tile province of Ontario.   HIaving1
completed his course at. Windsor, at the age of sixteen,
he was examined for admcission as a teacher to tlhe
1public clhools of Ontario.  'IThis examination was very
rigid, buit lie Iassedl it witlh Ihigihl Iionors.  At the age
of follrteen, lIe (letermined to study medlicine; and splent
tile two succeeedel g years in tile study of the classics,
rleparatory to entening 1 pon111 his medical course. TIhree
110on ths after tile (examiniation before menltionedl lIe be-an
thie study of medicine under tlhe direction of )Dr. W.
ILamlbert, of \Amberstburg.   After reading   for three
muonthis, a difficulty presented itself,-the stalndiard of
education necessary for a student of miedlicine was raised,
andiI the time of study extentled one year.  Mr. La Ferte
inlnediately lbegan reviewing thle study of natural philosopliyv, in whlich lhe felt deficient.  Shortly after, he
presented hiimself before tile Examining Board, in Toronto; and, acquititlg himself cre(iitably, was adlmitted
as a sttudent of iedlicine for the province of Ontario.
After havitig studied oiie year, hle was overtaken by
pecuniary emilbarrasslment; and, in   order to acquire
means to carry out his plans, devoted tile next two
years to teachlingl in the pulblic schools.  Ile attended
hIis first course of lectures at I)etroit Medical College,

his profession in IDetroit, and soon ranked among theI in Detroit, Michigan; and his last, at Jefferson Medical




93

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

College, in Philadelphia. IIe graduated from the latter
institution, March 13, 1871. The. ambition of years was
now gratified; but he was without means to make his
knowledge available. He accordingly returned to his
native town, and borrowed fifty dollars; with this, in
May, 1871, he opened an office in Detroit, Michigan,
where he has since continued to reside. In October,
1872, he was appointed Demonstrator of Anatomy in
Detroit Medical College, which position he still holds.
Hie is also Lecturer on Orthopedic Surgery in the same
institution. He is a member of the Detroit Academy
of Medicine, and of the Detroit Medical and Library
associations. lie is attending physician of several charitable and religious institutions in the city.  He has
always been a member of the Roman Catholic Church.
In politics, he has always taken an active part with tlhe
Democratic party, since his permanent residence in the
States. His person is slight. lHe enjoys good health,
and possesses great power of endurance, both physical
and mental. Hle is esteemed by a large circle of friends
and acquaintances, and is one of the most prominent
rising physicians in the city of Detroit.
---*+*----
7ONGYEAR, HON. JOHN          WESLEY, Detroit,:i Michigan, Judge of the United States District
      Court, was born in Shandaken, Ulster County,
New York, October 22, 1820. When fifteen years of
age, he removed with his father to Iutchess County, an(d,
subsequently, to Delaware County, New  York.   IHe
received his education in the seminaries of Amenia and
Lima, in that State. Hle then taught school for several
years, and, at the same time, devoted his leisure to the
study of law. In April, 1844, he removed to Michigan,
in which State his father had previously settled. He
went to Ingham County, where he completed his preparatory studies in the office of Ilon. I). 1,. Case, and
was also engaged in teaching a select school. lie was
admitted to the bar in 1846. Upon the removal of the
State capital from  Detroit to Lansing, in 1847, he
located in the latter place, and formed a law partnership with his brother, Ephraim Longyear, which was
continued until 1859.  They were among the ablest
lawyers in the county, and soon built up a large and
lucrative practice. In the fall of IS62, lie was elected a
Representative to Congress; and, in 1864 was re-eleced,
serving in the Thirty-eighth and Thirty-ninth Congresses.
lHe was a faithful and able representative; and was a
member of the Committee on Common Expenditures,
and Chairman of the Committee on Public Buildings.
Mr. Longyear was always to be found in his place during the sessions of the House; and never shrank from
the responsibilities which the duties of legislation im
posed upon him. Ile was a del.'gate to the Philadelphia
Convention in 1866, and a member of the Michigan
Constitutional Convention in 1867. In May, 1870, he
was appointed Judge of the United States District Court
for the Eastern District of Michigan; and, about a year
later, he removed to Detroit. lHe took high rank as a
jurist, and was regarded by the legal profession as one
of the most capable men on the bench. His decisions
were generally accepted as standard authority, and no
decision of his was ever reversed by the United States
Court. Mr. Longyear was not a member of any religious denomination, but was a constant attendant at the
Presbyterian Church. In his earlier years, he was a
Whig; upon the organization of the Republican party,
he became an advocate of its principles. Ie imarried,
at Eagle, Clinton County, Michigan, June 25, 1849, Miss
Harriet M. Monroe. They have had one daughter and
two sons, one of whom is dead. The death of Mr. Longyear occurred suddenly, on Thursday evening, at eleven
o'clock, March II, 1875. The members of the )ctroit
bar held a meeting, at which a series of resolutions were
passed, including the following:
"'Resolvecd, That we, who have been witnesses of his
labors, and practitioners before him  during the past
ten years, as well as friends thoroughly conversant
with all his genial qualities andl native courtesy,
can bear the amplest testimony of his learning; his
diligence; his carefulness and skill in the treatment of
all legal questions coming before him for investigation;
his strict honesty and severe integrity in connection
with his high office; and his uniform impartiality and
courtesy towards the entire bar, from its most distinguished senior to the humblest of its junior members.
"lResolved, That in the varied sphere of his judicial
duties, whether in admiralty, banlkruptcy, equity, or
common law, this distinguished judge showed himself
thoroughly conversant \witll the rules and principles
peculiar to all departments of tlhe law, and to such
an extent as marked him as one rapi lly taking raik
among the eminiient District and Circuit Judges of the
country. We regard it as one of the highest evidences of his judicial ability, that, by his opiiions, generally carefully, and often laboriously, prepared, lie succeeded, not only in demonstrating their correctness to
his own satisfaction, but in reconciling the views of
opposing counsel to his own."
4?|OTH ROP, GEORGE VAN NESS, Attorney-atlaw, Detroit, was born in Easton, Bristol County,:..^   o Connecticut, August 8, 1817. His early years
were spent on his father's farm. After an academical
course, he entered Brown University, and graduated
under its distinguished President, Doctor Francis Wayland, in the year 1838. In the fall of the same year,
he entered the law school of Harvard University, then
in charge of Judge Story and Professor Greenleaf. In
the summer of 1839, being somewhat out of health, he




RIEPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

93

came to Prairie Ronde, Kalamazoo County, Michigan,
where his brother, the IHon. Edwin 1H. Lothrop, a mani
of note in our State politics and government, ownedc
and cultivated an extensive and productive farm. Here,
intermitting his studies, he spent most of his time for
two or three years in practical farming and in building
up his health. In the' spring of IS43, he came to
Detroit, and resumed the study of law, in the office of
Joy & Porter, then prominent members of the bar of
that city. The first case he ever argued was l)cfore the
Supreme Court of the State, prior to his admission to
the bar, special leave being granted by the court for
the purpose. It was the celebrated case of the Michigan State Bank against Hastings and others.   (See
first Douglass' Michigan Reports, page 225.) So ably
was the case presented by the young student, that the
members of the court did not hesitate to openly express
their admiration of the effort, and to predict for him
that brilliant career that lie has since realized. In the
spring of 1844, he commenced practice in Detroit as a
law partner of I). lBethunle Duflield, Esq., under the
firm  name of I,othrop & IDutfield, which con tiniued
until I856. In April, IS48, he was appointed. AttorneyGeneral of the State, tile former Attorney-General,
Ilon. Edward Mundy, having been al)ljoiIltcl to a seat
on the supreme bench of the State. lie held the office
until January, 1851. Some excitement occurred about
this timne, in consequence of a real or sulposetd )urpcse,
on the part of the Roman Catholics in I.)etroit, to
secure a portion of the school funds for the b)enefit of
their schools. Mr. Iothrop enlistel earnestly in a polular
mlovement to counteract the scheme. An indllependent
ticket for city officers was the re:eult, and Mr. Lothrop
became the nominee for Recorder of the city, and was
triumphantly elected to a position for which he certainly could have had no personal ambition. lie has,
two or three times, receive I tile vote of the IDemocratic
members of the State Legislature for United States
Senator.  He was a member of the State Constitutional
Convention of 1867, the record of which bears abundant
evidence of his position and influence in that body.
The legislature of 1873 authorizedl the appointment of
a committee to prepare amend(ments to the Constitution
of the State; and the Governor, lion. John J. Bagley,
looking to both political parties for members of the
commission, recognized Mr. Lothrop's position in his
party by appointing him to a seat in the body. This,
however, was respectfully declined.  For twenty-five
years Mr. Lothrop has been general attorney of the
Michigan Central Railroadl Company, and still continues to be their adviser. lie is also a trusted adviser
of many other corporations. lie is still in the active
practice of his profession, both as counselor and advocate.  lie is essentially a man of work; idleness is
unknown to him. As the fruit of a life of industry,

he enjoys a moderately large fortune. From the time
of his entrance upon active professional life, 1844, Mr.
Lothrop has enjoyed a wide celebrity throughout Michigan, as a lawyer, politician, and a cultured, courteous,
and honorable gentleman.    His legal record runs
through the entire catalogue of M ichigan Reports, embracing a period of more than thirty-five years. He very
early became a representative man in the DI)emocratic
party; and, had that party remained in power, a seat
in the Senate of the United States would have been
tendered him, unsolicited. Hlie has, by a pervading
sentiment, been looked upon as having a right to the
best positions.  IIe has been the standard by which
other public men have been measured, in the field of
legal learning, eloquence, and general attainments.
Probably no man in the country, certainly none in the
State, is his superior as an orator. He possesses a peculiar
charm of voice and manner; and that whichi, with some
advocates, would, in the energy of forensic appeal,
seem bitterness, with him is simply earnestness.  A
friend has not unjustly likened him to Cicero and Atticus.
A true chivalry seems to insplire Mr. Lothrop's every
act. Hie is never timie-serving, but always obeys conviction, regardless of consequences.  He was never
unpopular, but this species of valor would have been
fatal to most public men. If ambitious, ambition has
been Iiis servant, not his master. A change of political
profession, wvith the turn of the political tide, would
hiave secured for hinm the highest honors, but he believedl illn emocracy. His views must change before a
shred of his political garment could chlange. Ile twice
led the forlorn hope of his )party, as their candidate for
Congress in his district, when the power of the opposition was so overwhelminmg that defeat was a foregone
conclusion. HIe led the Michigan delegation at the
Charleston National Convention, in iS6o; and it may also
be said that lie led the I)ouglas sentiment in that body.
lie was pitted against the ablest, as well as the most
inveterate and malignant, champions of that political
schi.mn, the first really audible muttering of the storm
which, in less than a year, burst upon the country. lie
maintained his ground with a courage and constancy
that would have suffered martyrdom rather than yield a
principle.  lie believed that a vital principle was at
stake, and did not hesitate to characterize the disorganizing element in the convention as the premeditated
secession and treason which it subsequently proved to
be.  He gave a cordial support to all just and necessary
measures of the Government during the war, but not to
those which he considered unjust. At the time of Mr.
Vallandigham's arrest, Mr. 1.othrop addressed a public
meeting in Detroit, in protest against it; not that he
would shield Mr. Vallandigharn from  the just consequences of his acts, but that all should be (lone according to law, and not in defiance of it. He understood




94

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

the professional bearing of the case, and regarded the
occasion as seriously imperiling the most sacred rights,
if a citizen could be arrested by a mere military order,
and subjected to pains and penalties, without even
being permitted the benefit of a remedial writ. Many
a man in his position would have shrunk from taking
this stand, at a time when not only partisan spirit ran
high, but when to oppose the popular sentiment was
deemed little short of treason.  Personal considerations
were probably not considered by Mr. Lothrop. lHe was
a sentinel on the watch-tower of the law. The law was
every thing; he was nothing in comparison. This brief
but imperfect outline of the leading traits of Mr.
Lothrop's character is given because the world claims a
certain property in the lives of all its people, and has a
right to the example of some of its best men and
women.
--*.0-----
  AiAY-, HON. CHARLES S., of Detroit, MichiT 1 gan, is a native of Berkshire County, Massa-..    chusetts. He removed, with his parents, when
he was four years old, to Richland, Kalamazoo
County, Michigan. After completing his academic education, he entered up)on the study of law as his chosen
profession. While thus engaged, lie became thorougllly
enlisted in the antislavery movement, and contributed
various articles upon that subject to the journals of the
State. He devoted a year or more to the practice of
law after his admission to the bar, in 1854; and then
became associate political editor of the Detroit 7TrAbune.
A part of the time, he was employed as its Washington
correspondent.  In 1856 he resumed his professional
work. lie practiced both at Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, and soon acquired a reputation as an able advocate
and lawyer. At the breaking out of the civil war, lhe
raised a company of men, and was commissioned Captain in the 2d Regiment of Michigan Infantry. iHe
participated in several of the early battles, and served
with distinction in tle first campaign in Virginia. He
received his first recommendation for promotion from
the late lamented Major-General I. B. Richardson; but
ill health necessitated his leaving the army, and he returned to his professional studies. In the fall of 1863,
he was elected, by a large majority, Lieutenant-Governor
of the State; and presided over the Senate, in the sessions of 1863-64, with distinguished ability. Hlis address to the Senate, February 9, 1863, on the subject
of sustaining the Government in its efforts to carry the
war to a victorious termination, was one of great power
and eloquence.  It was printed and widely circulated
throughout the whole North-west. During the extra
session of 1864, by the unanimous request of both

branches of the Legislature, he delivered an address
entitled "Union, Victory, and Freedom,"-a brilliant
and powerful effort, which was published in pamphlet
form, and was copied in the Republican journals of the
West. In August, S866, he presided over the Republican State Convention, at Ietroit. From 1856 to 1870,
he was actively engaged as a speaker for the Republican
cause. In 1872 lie gave his support to Iorace Greeley,
and was a candidate of the Liberal party for Presidential
Elector. Sickness prevented his taking an active part
in this campaign, though lie made one speech at Kalamazoo, which was used by the Liberals as a campaign
document. In 1876 he delivered an address at Cleve.
land, advocating the election of Tilden and Hendricks,
which received favorable comment from the Democratic
press. He also addressed large meetings at various other
places during the same year. Among his forensic efforts
are several worthy of mention: his exhaustive argument
in the famous Pierce will case-in which law, logic, and
eloquence were blended with the skill of a mastergave him a victory, after a protracted and tedious trial;
his argument before the Supreme Court, to compel the
Regents of the University, by arnadamnus, to establish
a chair of homeopathy, in pursuance of an act of the
Legislature, attracted wide and favorable attention; and
an address given before the law department of the
University of Michigan, in Mlarch, entitled "Trial by
Jury," is among the most scholarly of his efforts. His
eulogy upon the late Charles Sumner, delivered before
tlhe faculty and societies of Kalamazoo College, and his
Centennial address on Patrick Ilenry, have placed him
in the front rank as a popular orator. In 1863, in connection with an excursion of the Western Boards of
Trade, he made a series of speeches at Toronto, Montreal, Portland, and Boston, which were highly commended by Eastern journals, and added to his reputation.
As a lawyer, advocate, and orator, Mr. May stands
among the ablest in Michigan and the North-west. His
eloquence is fervid and convincing, and his English pure
and flowing. His printed speeches are remarkable for
their clearness and force, and contain abundant proof
that they are the result of original, careful thought; yet
those which have been most powerful, and have gained
him his reputation as a speaker, have been extemporaneous. IHe impresses all who listen to him with his
earnestness. lie is a man of strong convictions, and
of sufficient moral courage and independence to do and
dare for the right, as the record of his life testifies. In
politics, he is not a partisan, except, perhaps, when
great principles are at stake. He is unobtrusive and reserved in manner, but has an extensive circle of friends,
among whom he is recognized as a genial, cultivated
gentleman and an independent thinker. In the summer
of 1876, Mr. May removed to Detroit, where he is now
engaged in the practice of his profession. As a recog



REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

95

nition of his ability, and of his oratorical services during vious four years,-including two teams and much other
the campaign of 1876, he received the unanimous vote stock, and involving him in debt.  The timber and
of the Democratic members of the Legislature for United staves, which commanded a large price at the beginning
States Senator. He was, for a number of years, Vice- of the undertaking, fell to just one-half their value. AnPresident of the National Unitarian Conference; and, ticipating an improvement, he kept the timber which
in 1870, was selected, by the National Committee, to he already had on hand, and continued work the folfill the vacancy in the office of President, occasioned by lowing winter; but his hopes of a rise in price were not
the death of Hon. Thomas D. Elliott, of Massachusetts. realized, and he sold his property at a great sacrifice,
leaving large quantities of it to decay in the woods.
This, of course, dampened his ardor; but, having learned
that to be despondent was unwise as well as unmanly, in
1847, though but nineteen years of age, he engaged in
iIcCAIN, HIRAM, Detroit, Real Estate Owner, building houses, by contract, in Detroit. lie had been
S was born in Dunwich, county of Elgin, London in Michigan, and, more or less, in Detroit, since the!W/\.  District, Canada, March I2, 1822. His parents year 1836; and settled in that city permanently in 1847.
""  emigrated from Ireland in  818. His father Although building was entirely new to him, he conwas of Scotch descent; and his mother, who was a third structed houses of almost every size and description
cousin of Sir James Ackison, of Turgan, Ireland, was a with perfect success. In 1848 he leased, of the late
native of Ireland. At the time of his arrival in Amer- llon. E. A. Brush, a large piece of ground on Jefferica, his father had some property, consisting mainly of son avenue, upon which he erected two blocks, of four
carpenters' and glaziers' tools, with which he stocked a buildings each, five of which were stores, and three
small store in the city of Montreal. Upon removing to first-class dwellings. They are on Jefferson avenue, just
Fort Talbot, on Lake Erie, in the fall of 1820, he was above the Biddle House; one being known as the
shipwrecked near Dunkirk, on the American side of the Beecher Block, and the other,-including the drug store
lake, losing all his tools and household goods, barely of Mr. Henry Heigh, on the east side of Brush street,escaping with his own life and that of his wife and as the Booth (or Thompson) Block. He continued this
child. He had previously purchased of Colonel Talbot occupation until the spring of 1849, and realized a small
fifty acres of land in the township of Dunwich, then a fortune for that time, having made, in one year, what
wilderness, upon which he erected a log-cabin. Not- was equivalent to at least eight thousand dollars. In
withstanding the severe struggles of the next ten or IS49 he engaged in mercantile business, in which he
twelve years, he succeeded in maintaining his family, was very unfortunate. Being young and inexperienced,
which had increased to eight children, and in clearing lie was induced to buy two old stocks of goods, with
about three-fourths of his farm. About this time, a which he could not compete with other merchants in
misunderstanding occurred between the husband and Detroit. He accordingly took his goods to Bay City,
wife, and it was several years before a reconciliation then known as Lower Saginaw, with the view of eventwas established, which, even then, was not perfect. ually starting a trading-post there for lumber and other
This misfortune naturally cast a gloom over the minds building materials. While there, he went deer hunting
and hopes of the children. Iliram McCain, who is the in the dense pine forests, and got lost. Being out all
third child and first son, was, consequently, at the age night,-one of the coldest of the winter,-his feet were
of ten years, thrown penniless upon the world, without so badly frozen that they had to be amputated,-the
even a conception of the meaning of the word educa- left leg just below the knee, and the right foot at the
tion. This occurred at a time when opportunities were instep. This calamity, which would have crushed the
by no means numerous, and at a place where his pros- spirits of most men, had a contrary effect upon Mr.
pects were not at all encouraging. He was, however, McCain. Despising, as he did, the man who ate idle
of a hopeful and adventurous disposition, and made bread, he resolved never to be a burden upon any one,
manly efforts to overcome the difficulties that surrounded but to secure independence for himself. Aided by I-Ion.
him. At the age of seventeen, he engaged in taking E. A. Brush, who greatly admired his energy and persecontracts for clearing land by the acre; and, the follow- verance, and was always his firm friend, Mr. McCain
ing year, undertook the timber business on his own again undertook building enterprises.  He has been
account, keeping two forces of men employed, in turn, nobly successful, and is now not only independent, but
during the winter. In summer, he worked a large farm  quite wealthy. His self-reliance led, also, to his preon shares, raising grain and other products to be con- paring himself to transact his own law business. He
sumed by his employes in the lumber business. This determined to be his own instructor, and this, in conbusiness, however, resulted most disastrously in the nection with the fact that his early education had been
loss of every thing he had accumulated during the pre- so neglected, was no small task. He accomplished it,
13
Willi:r            Gordon.,. D
1102.:r:i:c y Bldg.
1553 Woodard Avenue
Detroit 26, Michigan




96

RI'EPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

however, and has even been employed by others, to
prepare and adjust papers and legal documents involving thousands of dollars; his work standing the test of
the sharpest judicial investigation. Mr. McCain is a
firm believer in the teachings of the Bible, but entertains a more catholic interpretation of them than is
held by any of the sects of the present day; and, for
this reason, has never united with any church. He
believes that church privileges should be free to all, and
is noted for his liberal contributions to the poor. lHe
abhors dishonesty in any form, and is exact in keeping
his word. Mr. McCain is strongly Republican in politics; but in that, as in everything else, he endeavors to
be consistent, and to be controlled by principle. In
earlier days, although he favored the abolition of slavery, he considered it wrong to bring it about by force.
He did not believe in the extreme policies of the ultra
element of the Republican party during and after the

ter, New York, he, however, changed his purpose, and
secured a clerkship at a salary of ninety-six dollars a
year,-a high price for a boy's services at that time.
At the end of two years, he returned home, with fiftyfive dollars as the product of his industry,-an amount
of money that, at that early day, was not often seen in
the hands of a tolerably successful farmer in the woods
of Michigan; while, in the possession of a boy, it must
have made him quite a lion. He invested fifty dollars
of his money in forty acres of Michigan land, which he
held until 1848, and then sold for seven hundred dollars.
This transaction was the beginning of his successful
career.  )eclining a liberal offer made by his father, he
became clerk for a Pittsburg iron company agency in
Detroit, with whom he remained until 1847; but, realizing the power of money, directed by a liberal and comprehensive mind, to contribute to the development of
the resources of nature, and, consequently, to the hap
late civil war, and refused to support the administration piness and comfort of man, he determined to make a
which was the legitimate outgrowth of that element. venture in business for himself. In the fall of 1847, he
He was, however, a stanch supporter of President Lin- chose the township and little business center of Novi,
coln and his administration, and a strong Union man in Oakland County, opening there a general stock of
during the war. He corresponded with many of the merchandise, and making a specialty of wool, which
soldiers, both officers and privates, while they were in was produced largely in that fine farming region. This
the field, sending practical suggestions for the conduct latter feature of his business soon became the leading
of the war. Among others, he wrote a letter to Lieu- one; and, after remaining at Novi from 1847 to 1864,
tenant Levi G. Mitchell, of the loth Michigan Cavalry, his wool trade had extended so generally over the State
while he was in Tennessee, setting forth the importance that his removal to Detroit became necessary; and he
of the movement afterwards made by General Sherman opened a branch house in Boston, Massachusetts, for the
in his march to the sea. Mr. McCain never married,  purpose of selling his large purchases of wool. Devoting his entire energies to the business until 1872, his
field of operations embraced not only Michigan, but
Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa. In
C t                                   1868 his purchases amounted to four and a half million
cGRAW, THOMAS, Wool Merchant and Capi- pounds; and, from that time till 1872, they averaged
Sl talist, of Detroit, was born in Castleton, on the from two to four millions yearly. During twenty years., river Shannon, county of Limerick, Ireland, of his heaviest trade, he was never forced to make sales
w   September 17, 1824. His mother was of a Ger- to meet his obligations.  He always bought heavily
man Lutheran family. His father, Redmond McGraw, a when wool was low, no matter how large a stock he
man of liberal education, was a native of the north of had on hand; and, during thirty years of business life,

Ireland, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. His ancestors
were religious enthusiasts of the Protestant faith. Integrity with him  was the chief point of character.
The parents of Thomas McGraw were married in Ireland, but came to America in 1825. They resided on
a farm  in New   York State for ten years; and, in
1835, removed to Michigan.    Mr. McGraw did not
inherit his father's enthusiastic love of agriculture,
but rather, in his boyhood years, turned his attention to the acquisition of general knowledge, spending
all of his available time in reading and study.  Like
many boys, he early formed a romantic conception of
the attractions of the sea, and a sea-faring life, and
left home, soon after reaching the age of fifteen, to try
his fortunes in that direction. Upon reaching Roches
he never sold at a loss any season's purchases. This
success was due to his financial system,-his tact in
making provision for the large sums required in busy
seasons, sometimes amounting to seventy-five thousand
dollars per day; to the acuteness which enabled him to
know where to buy, what prices to pay, and when to
hold or sell his stock; and to his accurate judgment in
selecting his agents, not one of whom has ever, in a
single instance, proved unfaithful to his trust. No wool
firms, outside of the Atlantic cities, have purchased as
largely as has Mr. McGraw, with his head-quarters for
so many years in a little village in the interior of Michigan. Mr. McGraw's acquisitions are largely invested in
real estate and manufactories in Detroit. For some time
following 1872, lie curtailed his business operations,




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

97

intending to settle down to a more quiet life; but this
purpose underwent a change, in 1876, from the conviction that he would best accomplish his mission by contributing his labor and his capital to the industries of
the country, and thus giving employment to the masses.
Politically, Mr. McGraw's position is independent, rather
than partisan. Religiously, he is a member of the Episcopal Church, though his views are liberal towards all
Christian denominations. He is a member, of the Masonic Fraternity, and of the Knights Templar. IHe was
married, April 13, 1848, to Sarah J. Telden, daughter
of James Gordon, and granddaughter of Rodman Hazard, of Hancock, Massachusetts,-formerly an influential politician of Massachusetts, who was for upwards
of twenty years a member of the Legislature of that
State. Their only children were two daughters, one of
whom died in 1868, and the other in 1869.
---*< ---
SflASON, STEVENS THOMPSON, First GovSernor of Michigan, was the son of General,   John Mason, of Kentucky, but was born in
Virginia, in 1812. When nineteen years of
age, he was appointed Secretary of the Territory of
Michigan, performing also the duties of Governor.
Upon the admission of the State into the Union, he
was elected its first Governor, and was re-elected to the
position, serving with credit to himself and to the advantage of the people. Hle died January 4, 1843.
cGRATH, -JOHN      ESLEY, Lawyer, Detroit,
1  was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the
i  ' 2Ith of January, 1842, and is of Scotch-Irish
descent. His father, Joseph McGrath, a native
of Ireland, was born in 1813. His mother, Jane Andrew McGrath, was born at Glasgow, Scotland, in 1823.
His parents were married in Ireland, in 1839, and emigrated to America the same year; upon their arrival
they visited the South, with the expectation of locating
there, but, owing to the existence of slavery, they
sought another home, removing to Philadelphia, where
they resided for two years, at the end of which time
they came to Detroit. Here they remained until 1854,
when they removed to a farm situated in Warren, Macomb County, Michigan. Mr. McGrath continued to
live at home, until he was eighteen years old, assisting
his father in clearing a farm of one hundred and sixty
acres. He taught school during the winter of 1859 and
1860; and, in the spring of the latter year, left home,
and entered the preparatory department of Albion Col
lege, at Albion, Michigan, where he remained until lie
had completed the Freshman and Sophomore years. In
the fall of 1864, he entered the law department of Michigan University, at Ann Arbor, and continued there
during the term which ended in March, 1865. In April
he came to Detroit, and attended a three months' course
at Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College. In July,
the same year, he went to Pithole City, Pennsylvania,
devoting one month's time to the land brokerage business. He was then engaged in the mercantile trade at
Oil City, until the fall of 1867, at which time he returned to Michigan, and resumed his studies in the law
department of the Michigan University.  In March,
1868, he received his diploma; after which he returned
home, and worked on the farm until the following Iecember, when he located in Detroit, and opened a law
office. Mr. McGrath votes with the Republican party.
He was married in 1871, and has three children. For
four years he has been a member of the Board of Education of the city of Detroit; he is quite prominent in
the membership of the Masonic Fraternity, and of the
order of Odd-Fellows. Mr. McGrath, although young
in years, stands high, as one of Detroit's attorneys, and
will make his mark in the profession in which he is
engaged.
1 IcKINSTRY, COMMODORE JAMES 1., late of
iTtiT Detroit, was born in Hillsdale, Columbia
SCounty, New Yoik, February 9, 1807, and was
the son of Colonel McKinstry, one of the old
pioneers of Detroit. He received an English and classical education at Hillsdale, New York. At nineteen
he entered the United States navy as midshipman; he
passed through the intermediate grades, and, in 1853,
was appointed Commander of the mail steamer "Georgia,"
plying between New York and Aspinwall. In 1855,
and for several succeeding years, he commanded the
United States steamer which carried the mail from New
York to Panama. In I861, with Commodore Frederick
Engle, he went overland to China, to relieve the officers
of the United States fleet. It was feared that the Captains were disloyal, and might place their vessels in the
hands of the Confederates. The fleet was brought safely
home; but, while running the batteries off Port Hudson,
Commodore McKinstry received wounds from which he
never recovered, although he remained in active service
for several years. In 1861 he commanded the blockading ship, "'Monongahela; " in 1862 he was commissioned Captain; and, in 1866, was promoted to Commodore. A few months later, he was placed upon the
retired list, after a service of over forty years. Commodore McKinstry was a competent. and accomplished
officer, and a man who gained many friends. We quote

I-." ->jflO




93

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICIIGAN.

the following from a letter written by Rear Admiral
H. W. Bruce of the English navy: "Allow me to
offer my best acknowledgments for the kindness and
attention that I and my companions have met with at
your hands, a circumstance which has contributed essentially towards rendering our voyage agreeable. I would
also beg leave to express the gratification I felt in witnessing the watchful seamanship and ability with which
your ship was conducted, inspiring me with confidence
in her safety and success." Commodore McKinstry was
advised to resign, during the late war, but he indignantly replied that the Government had supported him
for many years, and he would never desert it in its hour
of peril. In politics, Commodore McKinstry was an
unwavering Democrat, both in principle and practice.
He was an Odd-Fellow and held many important offices
in that society. Although a Christian, he never united
with any denomination. January 23, 1858, he married
Mrs. Mary (Williams) Swart, daughter of General J. R.
Williams, of Detroit. February 21, 1873, he died, and
was buried in Highland Cemetery.
----*+*--
i\cMILLAN, JAMES, I)etroit, Treasurer and
l Manager of the Michigan Car Company, was
S1born May 12, 1838, at Hamilton, Ontario. He
is the son of William and Grace McMillan,
both natives of Scotland, who emigrated to Canada in
1834, and settled in IHamilton. His father was, for a
long period, a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church.
For a number of years, he was connected with the Great
Western Railway, of Canada, and resided at Hamilton,
where he enjoyed the high esteem of the people. He
was a prosperous man in all his undertakings, and was
the means of bringing prosperity to others. He died
within a few years of the three-score and ten, leaving,
for the emulation of his sons, the record of a life which
is a striking illustration of what can be accomplished by
constant adherence to rectitude and all that ennobles
man. Mr. James McMillan, the second son in a family
of six sons and one daughter, was blessed with the
loving care of a refined and accomplished mother. It
can not be wondered, therefore, that under such parental
influence, he has risen rapidly to the eminence he now
enjoys. He received a thorough school education at the
well-known establishment of Doctor Tassie, at Hamilton;
and qualified himself for a collegiate course. When
fourteen years of age, having a strong inclination for
practical affairs, he chose to forego his college course
and to learn his further lessons in the broader school of
active business life. He therefore entered on an apprenticeship for four years in a hardware store, where he
learned the details of business. In i856, his term of

apprenticeship having expired, he removed to Detroit,
Michigan, where he obtained a situation as clerk in the
wholesale establishment of Buhl, Ducharme & Co.,
remaining two years. At the end of this time, through
the influence of his father, he obtained the position of
general purchasing agent of the Detroit and Milwaukee
Railroad. While performing these duties, he attracted
the attention of an extensive railroad contractor, who
had several large contracts in Canada; others for building piers, bridges, and docks at Detroit and Grand
Haven, and laying and ballasting track for the Detroit
and Milwaukee Railroad Company.     These extensive
operations necessitated the employment of a large number of men; and such was the confidence in the practical
ability of Mr. McMillan that to him was delegated the
management of affairs in Michigan, including the employment of men, the purchase of supplies, the charge
of financial matters, and all else pertaining to such
enterprises.  Mr. McMillan, at that time, was only
twenty years of age. The experience acquired in conducting this extensive business was of great value in
after years. IHe remained in this employment until the
completion of the works. In I86o lie was induced to
accept his old position of general purchasing agent for
the Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad, which he held for
several years. In the meantime, a warm friendship had
sprung up between Mr. McMillan and John S. Newberry, which resulted in a business arrangement, and
in the formation of the Michigan Car Company,- the
latter taking the Presidency, and the former becoming
Secretary. Mr. McMillan afterwards assumed the active
management of the company, and also of the Detroit
Car-wheel Company, a sister enterprise, in which they
embarked in 18S67. When he first took active charge
of the car company, its business amounted to three
hundred thousand dollars per annum; it has since been
two million two hundred and eighty thousand dollars in
a single year. The car-wheel company business was
seventy-five thousand dollars per year; and is now five
hundred thousand dollars per year. In 1870 the hrm
established similar works in St. Louis, Missouri; and, in
1872, they built car and wheel works in London, Ontario. In the three establishments, the amount of business
done has been as high as five million dollars in a single
year; a result unequaled by any other car-builders in
the country. The works in Detroit were kept in operation during the panic of 1873-74, giving employment
to four hundred men, the number being subsequently
increased to eight hundred. With this force, they manufacture nine cars per day; consuming fifty-four tons of
cast-iron; fifteen tons of bar-iron; and fifty thousand
feet of lumber, at a running expense of about five
thousand dollars per day.  Their car rebuilding and
repairing business is also very extensive. Mr. McMillan
is treasurer and manager of several car-loan companies,




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

99

in which he and Mr. Newberry own a controlling inter- his father, to manage the latter's business aftairs in Conest. The cash capital is nearly three million dollars; necticut, which he did for the next five years. Having
and the property consists of several thousand freight- become restive under the restraints of a dull New Engcars which are leased and loaned to railroads throughout land town, he determined to seek a more extended field
the country. Mr. McMillan is also interested in other of operations; and, in the fall of 1845, started for Fort
business enterprises, including the Fulton Iron and Wayne, Indiana, which was then an enterprising little
Engine Works; the Detroit Seed Company; and two town, fast growing into prominence through the opening
large grain elevators at Detroit and Grand Haven. He of the Wabash Canal. It was his purpose to engage in
is a Director in the First National Bank; in the Mutual the fur trade, and he had forwarded a stock of merchanLife Insurance Company; in the Detroit Savings Bank; dise from the East, by lake. In consequence of the early
in the Detroit City Railroad Company; and other enter- closing of navigation in the fall of that year, his stock,
prises. He has served for two terms as a member of which was shipped to Fort Wayne, was carried to Dethe Board of Estimates of the city of Detroit. He was troit, and this circumstance compelled him to visit that
reared in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, of which city to look after his goods. Upon arriving there, he
he has been a member for many years. In politics, he at once comprehended the great commercial advantages
is a Republican, and is a member of the State Central of Detroit, and selected it as his future place of resiCommittee, and of the City Committee. In 1860, he dence, carrying on a fur trade with the Indians for the
married Miss Mary L. Wetmore, of Detroit.    They purpose of gathering peltries and furs for shipment to
have had seven children, of whom four sons and two Europe. He followed this business with fair success
daughters are now living.  Mr. McMillan's business until 1861, when he engaged in manufacturing fine-cut
career has been marked by the exhibition of those sound tobacco, in partnership with Frank Nevin, under the
qualities of mind, as well as personal habits, which make firm name of Nevin & Mills. This firm continued until
success almost a certainty; rare executive ability, which 1878, when, after the death of Mr. Nevin, Mr. Mills
is indispensable to success in the management of all organized, in connection with W. H. Tefft, the Banner
large manufacturing interests, and great energy and Tobacco Company of Detroit, becoming President and
tact. These qualities were developed in early life, and manager of the company, which purchased and continhave enabled him to acquire an almost princely fortune ued the business of the firm of Nevin & Mills. Mr.
at an age when the majority of men have barely suc- Mills has been an earnest promoter of manufacturing
ceeded in laying its foundation. He is one of the few enterprises in the city of Detroit, having assisted in the
whom rapid fortune has not changed. By his aid, many organization of two of the largest stove factories in the
young men have received their start in life, and not a country. In 1867 he engaged with W. IT. Tefft and
few have become successful in business by his sound Jeremiah Dwyer, in the Detroit Stove Works; and, in
advice and practical help.                         1872, in company with the late Charles Iucharme and
Jeremiah Iwyer, in the Michigan Stove Works. Both of
these establishments have been eminently successful and
are among the leading ones in Detroit. Together they
give constant employment to nine hundred men. In
SiILLS, HON. M. I., of Detroit, Michigan, was 1875 Mr. Mills, associated with W. H. Tefft, Hon. J. J.
I orn at Canton, Connecticut, November 4, Bagley, and others, founded the Detroit Iron and Brass
1818. He received his early education at the Company, which has also proved a successful enterprise,
Scommon schools of his native place, and pre- and employs about one hundred and fifty men. He has
pared to enter Yale College at the Connecticut Literary been Vice-President of each of the corporations above
Institute, of Suffield.  Being an only son, it was the named, since their organization, refusing to accept the
desire of his father, who was a prominent business man office of President of either on account of the pressure
of Canton, that he should receive a college education, of his business. Mr. Mills was Mayor of Detroit from
with a view to adopting a profession. This, however, 1866 to 1868. In the fall of the latter year, he was
was contrary to the tastes and wishes of the son, who nominated on the Democratic ticket as Representative
declined to attend college, preferring to engage in busi- to Congress from  the First District, which then comness pursuits. Accordingly, in 1833, when tifteen years prised the counties of Wayne, Monroe, Lenawee, and
of age, he entered upon active business, assisting his H-illsdale, and which, two years previous, had given a
father in the manufacture and sale of gunpowder. This Republican majority for Congressman of about four
he continued until 1838, when he went to Southern Ala- thousand five hundred. Though unable to overcome
bama, and was there occupied two years in looking after this large majority, he reduced it to fifteen hundred.
his father's interest in a mercantile house. In 1840 he With the exception of being a member of the Board of
was called home, in consequence of the failing health of Estimates, he has, since 1868, steadily declined public
Willi::         [. D.---I
1102: "' -- cy~.Bldg.
1553, ccd-..ac d Avenue
Detroit 26, Michigan




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

office. He has always been a Democrat, and has taken
great interest in politics, having, in 1857 and 1858, been
Chairman of the Democratic State Committee. During
the civil war, he was a War Democrat, and assisted,
both by his means and influence, in the work of recruiting regiments in Detroit.  He was delegate-at-large
from the State to the Democratic National Convention
at St. Louis, in 1876, which nominated Samuel J.
Tilden for the Presidency.  lie married, at Canton,
Connecticut, in 1850, Miss C. Barber, daughter of the
late Samuel C. Barber, of Canton.   They have two
children,-a son and a daughter.
iORE, JACOB WILKIE, Detroit, was born in
Geneva, New York, May 13, 1814. He is the
son of Aaron Moore and Mary Wilkie, and
Sgrandson of General Moore, of Massachusetts.
Mr. Moore's father died in 1817. His mother afterwards married Peter N. Hard, who had charge of the
academy at Geneva for several years. The family removed to Mt. Morris, Livingston County, New York,
and settled on a piece of wild land, which Mr. Moore
helped to clear. At the age of sixteen, he chose the
trade of a silversmith.  Finding the business too confninig, he abandoned it, after three years' service, and
persuaded his step-father to sell his farm and emigrate
to the Territory of Michigan. They embarked at Buffalo, on board the steamer "William Penn;" and, after
a five days' passage, arrived in Detroit, November I,
1833. Mr. Moore soon left, by wagon,-the only means
of travel at that time,-for Ann Arbor, where he remained about one year. lie then went to Monroe, and
became a clerk; first, in the American IIouse,-a hotel
kept by S. S. Parker; and, afterwards, in the grocery
store of the late James McBride. His savings, having
reached the sum of fifty dollars, were invested in forty
acres of Government land, which he soon sold for one
hundred dollars. Thus began his real estate speculations, in which he has been quite successful. In company with Mr. Sherman, Mr. Moore took a contract for
excavating on the line of the Wabash and Maumee
Canal, at Toledo; after carrying on the work for a year,
he sold out to other parties. Upon the breaking out of
the Toledo War, he went with the militia to preserve
the rights of Michigan. On his return, he settled at
Flat Rock, Wayne County, where there was a reservation of Wyandotte Indians.   In the Patriot War of
1838-39, Mr. Moore was employed as a secret agent of
the United States Government, which position he filled
satisfactorily, receiving his soldier's bounty of one hundred and sixty acres of land. In 1845 he went into the
general real estate business, which he followed success
fully for many years. In 1859 Mr. Moore was appointed
United States Consul at Windsor, Canada. He was the
first Consul to raise the American flag on the western
borders of Canada; and, although the town was filled
with rebels who had made threats to tear it down, Mr.
Moore kept it waving over the consulate throughout his
term of service. During the civil war, he took an active
part in the Union cause. For several years, he was
Corresponding Secretary of the O. D. C. S.; and, at
their last annual meeting in New York, he was created
a life peer,-an honor conferred upon only two others
in the United States. Mr. Moore served eight years as
a member of the Board of Education; and was elected
Secretary of the Board, which office he resigned. He
served as Deputy Collector of Customs, under Collector
Charles G. Hammond; and was afterwards appointed to
a position in the Secret Service Department. He is an
active member of the Methodist Church; and has served
as class-leader, exhorter, and Sabbath-school superintendent. Mr. Moore was married, in 1843, to Margaret
Berthelet, daughter of the late Henry Berthelet. Her
death occurred February 18, 1875. Mr. Moore has one
son, Joseph B. Moore, who is connected with the First
National Bank of Detroit.
4 |ORELL, GEORGE, of Detroit, Michigan, was
S1   born at Lenox, Massachusetts, March 22, 1786.
',^ Ilis ancestors were French Huguenots, who,
S after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, in
1635, fled from France to Germany, and came thence
to this country.  Mr. Morell was educated at Lenox
Academy and Williams College, and graduated from the
latter in 1807. He studied law in Troy, New York,
with John Russell, one of the most prominent lawyers
of his day. Hon. William L. Marcy, Judge of the Supreme Court of New York, and Reuben II. Walworth,
Chancellor of the State of New York, were fellow-students with him in Mr. Russell's office. He was admitted
to the bar as an attorney, February 14, 1811; and as
counselor, October 31, 1818. He settled in Cooperstown, Otsego County, New York, in 1811, and resided
there until 1832. Mr. Morell was Clerk of the Court
of Common Pleas of the County of Otsego, in 1815;
master in chancery, in 1819; solicitor and counselor in
chancery, in 1823. He was appointed first Judge of
the Court of Common Pleas of Otsego County, New
York, August 20, 1827, and was re-appointed in 1832.
In November, 1828, he was elected member of the Assembly for Otsego.  He was appointed one of the
Judges of the United States Court for the Territory of
Michigan, February 26, 1832, and held the office until
the admission of Michigan as a State.  In 1836 he







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REPREFSENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

IO1

became Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the
State of Michigan; and, in 1842, Chief-Justice of that
court. From 18II to 1832, he served in the militia in
Otsego County, New York, and rose through all grades
of military rank, fromn sergeant to Major-General. He
married, May 14, 1812, Maria Webb, daughter of General
Samuel B. Webb, an officer during the Revolutionary
War. General \Vebb, as Lieutenant of a company from,Vethersfield, Connecticut, joined the army 'at Cambridge, and fought in the battle of Bunker Hill. He
served as aid to (;eneral Putnam; and then as aid to
General Washington, by whom lie was sent to Connecticut to raise the 3d Connecticut Regiment. General
Morell died in Detroit, Michigan, March 8, 1845.
SiERRILL, CIIARLES, late of Detroit, Michigan, was born in Falmouth, Maine, six miles
frm I'ortland, January 3, 1792. HIe was the
seventh of eight children, all of whom he survived. His father, General James Merrill, was one of
the principal men of Falmouth. Mr. Merrill spent his
youth and early manhood in working upon his father's
farm, in Falmouth, where lie acquired the habits of industry and perseverance which distinguished him through
life, and became the foundation of his prosperity. Hie
obtained a good English education by attending the
common school during the winter. When he became
of age, he left the farm, went to Portland, Maine, and
engaged in the mercantile trade with his brother and a
Mr. Scott, under the firm name of S. & C. Merrill & Co.
This venture proved unsuccessful, and removing to the
State of Virginia, he took a contract on a railroad leading out of Petersburg, fromn which he made enough
money to pay the obligations incurred in the mercantile
business at Portland. Shortly afterwards he returned
to Portland, and took a contract for building a military
road from  Lincoln to IHolton.  In 1836 he married
Frances Pitts, daughter of Major Thomas Pitts, of Cambridgeport, Massachusetts, whose death  occurred in
Detroit in I87o, two years previous to that of Mr. Merrill. One child was born of this union, Mrs. Thomas
W. Palmer, of Detroit. Mr. Merrill became largely
interested, with other parties, in land speculations in
Maine, from 1835 to 1840; and in 1836, he came to
Michigan, with  ex-Governor Coburn, of Maine,. and
entered large tracts of land on Black River, in the vicinity
of Port Huron. When the financial crash of 1837 came,
the partners in his lands in Maine withdrew from all joint
ownership, on condition that Mr. Merrill should assume
and pay the liens upon them. Having accepted and fulfilled these conditions, he became the owner of large tracts
of land in that State. In the same year he removed from

Portland to Lincoln, Maine, and engaged in lumbering
until 1848, when he took up his residence in Detroit.
Ile commenced lumbering upon the lands he had entered
in 1836, and also entered extensive pine lands in various
other parts of the State. Ile built saw-mills in Saginaw
and Muskegon, which he kept in operation until his
death; and one at Falmouth, in M issaukee County, having, in fact, built the town, and named it after his birthplace in Maine' IHis lumber business in time so increased that he was, for a number of years previous to
his death, known as one of the largest lumber manufacturers and owners of pine lands in the State. In 1858
he built the Merrill Block, on the corner of Woodward
and Jefferson avenues, which was at that time the finest
business block in the city of I)etroit. Mr. Merrill was
a man of great physical endurance, of indomitable
energy, and was very careful and methodical in his
habits of living, lie was an ardent temperance man,
and was at all times and places an earnest advocate of
the temperance movement. In politics, he was a Whig
until the orgaiization of the Republican party, which
he joined, and, although his retiring disposition forbade
his seeking political prominence, he was always one of
its most zealous members.  Although Mr. Merrill was
very successful in his business, his success did not result
from a narrow or grasping spirit. To share his ventures
with others was his first impulse, and he almost always
furnished capital for his associates. Ile was a helpful
man; distress, physical or financial, always appealed
successfully to his sympathy-a trait in his character
which led to large losses of property. Mr. Merrill's ideas
were liberal, and his religious faith was that of the Unitarians. Ile was prominent in maintaining the Unitarian
Church of Detroit, having been one of the founders of
the original society, organized in i85o, and contributing largely to the erection of the church, which was
dedicated in 1852. He was a trustee of the church from
its foundation until his death, which occurred I)ecelmber
28, 1872, within a few days of his eighty-first birth-day.
OORE, FRANKLIN, of Detroit, Michigan,
was born in Manchester, New Hampshire, in
February, 1802. His ancestors were of Puritan
descent. His paternal uncle, Job Moore, was
a Captain in the Revolutionary army, and died at the
battle of Bunker Iill. Mr. Moore's father was a lumberman on the Merrimac River, lwhen that region of
country was the principal source of lumber supply for
the Eastern and Middle States. Mr. Franklin Moore
received a good common-school education; and, soon
after he was twenty-one, engaged in the mercantile business, in the village of Piscataqua, which is now a part




102

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

of the city of Manchester. From  this place, he was
elected, in 1826, to the New Hampshire Legislature, inll
which then sat Ezekiel Webster, and others afterwards
distinguished in national affairs. That Legislature, notwithstanding strenuous opposition, amended the charter
of Dartmouth College, which gave rise to the famous
case of that name in the laws of corporations. Though
a firm Whig, and afterwards a stanch adherent to the
principles of the Republican party, he never again accepted any office. Satisfied that a larger field for business was opening in the great West, Mr. Moore, after a
prospecting tour, decided to remove to Detroit. There,
in 1832, he engaged in business with Zachariah Chandler. Three years later, he entered the grocery trade,
and established the house of Moore, Foote & Co., which,
for many years, was known as the largest in the State.
Their trade aggregated millions of dollars annually. In
1862 he turned his attention to the manufacture and sale
of lumber, and purchased large tracts of pine land in
Michigan. He associated with him his brother, Stephen
Moore. Mr. Moore was, for twenty years, a member of
the Presbyterian Church, and gave largely for the support of every good work. Ie sustained an unblemished
name through his long and successful business career.
His death occurred January 17, 1877.
A4 OORE, WILLIAM    AUSTIN, Lawyer, of Detroit, was born near Clifton Springs, Ontario
"County, New York, April 17, 1823. His father,
William  Moore, was born at Peterboro, New
Hampshire, April 9, 1787; and his mother, whose
maiden name was Lucy Rice, was born at Conway,
Massachusetts, June 28, 1786. tHis ancestors, on his
father's side, were Scotch-Irish, having emigrated from
Argyleshire, Scotland, to Londonderry, in the north of
Ireland, during the reign of James I., about the year
1612. HTis great-grandfather, John Moore, was born in
Londonderry about 1693; and, in 1718, with about one
hundred and twenty other persons, emigrated from
Londonderry to America, and settled   the town of
Londonderry, New   Hampshire, where he died in the
year 1741.  The father of William A. Moore settled
in Ontario County, New York, in 1805, and married
his wife in the following year. To them ten children
were born, seven of whom-six sons and one daughterattained years of maturity. In 1831, when William A.
Moore was eight years of age, his father removed his
family to Michigan. He was among the earliest pioneers
of the Territory, and settled upon a farm on the Saline
River, in the southern part of Washtenaw County, near
the site of the present village of Mooreville.  Mr.
Moore, during his boyhood, worked upon his father's

farm, and attended, for four or six weeks each winter,
such schools as were afforded to the youth of that time,
in the newly settled portions of the West. The labor
upon the farm, together with hunting and frequent
journeys on horseback through the new country, gave him
robust health and great physical endurance.   Upon
attaining his majority, having determined to adopt the
profession of law, and feeling the necessity of a collegiate education as a preparation. therefor, in April,
1844, he entered upon a preparatory course at Ypsilanti.
tIe purs-.ed his studies there for more than two years,
and then, with no resources except a firm  determination and an earnest faith that he could, by his own
exertions, accomplish his object, in September, 1846,
he entered the Freshman Class of the University of
Michigan, at Ann Arbor. He remained at the University four years, graduating with the class of I85O; that
being the sixth class of the institution. In August, of
the same year, he went to Salem, Mississippi, and there
taught school about eighteen months. In April, 1852,
he returned to Michigan, entered the law   office of
Fraser, Davidson &   Hlolbrook, at D)etroit, and was
adlmitted to the bar, January 8, 1853. lie has been in
constant practice of his profession in the city of Detroit
since that time; and, by incessant, persevering, and
painstaking labor, has built up for himself a large and
profitable business. In pursuing his profession, he was
incidentally led to give special attention to admiralty
law, and has made this an important part of his practice. During the past fifteen years, he has been retained
in every important collision case tried in the Eastern
District of Michigan. In politics, he has been a Democrat, and an active partisan; but has avoided political
offices, and has held none,-except as a member of the
Board of Education of the city of Detroit for a number
of years, and for three and a half years as its President.
Hie was Chairman of the Democratic State Central
Committee from 1864 to 1868, and was the Michigan
member of the Democratic National Committee from
1868 to 1876.  During the civil war, while differing
with the Administration in many of its measures, he
never wavered in his allegiance to the Government.
He gave liberally in aid of enlistments, and for the
relief of the wounded, and has always recognized the
services of our veterans by his sympathy and by his
means. Mr. Moore inherited a strong partisan tendency,
politically, which has lost none of its intensity by
education or the character of his party associations;
still, if the line were drawn between party and duty
to his conscience, his country, and his God, party zeal
would yield to convictions of right. On December 3,
1854, he married Laura J. Van Husan, daughter of
Hon. Caleb Van Husan, of Detroit. They have but
one child,-\William V. Moore, born December 5, 1856,
who is a student in the Michigan University, and in the




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

103

class graduating in June, 1878. In early youth, Mr.
Moore received a religious training; but, while he
evinced a great reverence for religion, he had never
been  connected with any denomination until 1877,
when he united with the Lafayette Avenue Baptist
Church, of Detroit. Hle has been a Director and attorney of the Detroit Fire and Marine Insurance Company,
and of the Wayne County Savings Bank, since their organization, in which he was actively engaged. He is also
Vice-President atd one of the Directors of the Michigan
Mutual Life Insurance Company. As a lawyer, although
Mr. Moore has been successful in the trial of cases, his
chief merit lies in his ability as a counselor; indeed, as
a professional man, he stands on a higher plane than
that occupied by the mere lawyer. His acknowledged
familiarity with the principles of law; his excellent
sense and sound judgment; the judicial and thoroughly
independent character of his mind; his ability to see
that every question has two sides; his conscientious
watchfulness over the interests of his clients; and,
above all, his unquestioned integrity,-eminently fit him
to act the part of a conciliator and a harmonizer of
conflicting views and interests; a part in which he
justly takes far greater satisfaction than in pressing
litigation, to ever so successful an issue. In private
life, lie is a cultivated, genial, Christian gentleman.
Ilis home is the center of a refined and hearty hospitality, dispensed without ostentation by himself and
wife.  Here, surroulnded by friends endeared to him
by long years and kind deeds, he finds that solace and
repose in the interchange of neighborly offices, without
which life is divested of half its charms. Ils friendships are firm, self-sacriticing, and enduring.  The
friends of his boyhood are-all that are left of them--
the friends of his maturer years. His character is without blemish. His position is assured as a lawyer, as a
citizen, as a man. Mr. Moore is still in the prime of
manhood, and his firm health and vigorous constitution
give promise of many years yet to be added to a useful
and blameless life.
4l4 icCILELLAND, HON. ROBERT, of Detroit,
ll  Michigan, was born at Greencastle, Franklin
\\M'6 County, Pennsylvania, August I, 1807. Among
Shis ancestors were several officers of rank in
the Revolutionary War, and some of his family connections distinguished themselves in the War of 1812, and
in that with Mexico. His father was an eminent physician and surgeon, who studied under Dr. Benjamin
Rush, of Philadelphia, and practiced his profession successfully until six months before his death, at the age
of eighty-four years.  Although the family of Mr.
McClelland had been in good circumstances, when he
14

was seventeen years old he was thrown upon his own
resources. After taking the usual preliminary studies,
and teaching school to obtain the means, he entered
Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, from which
he graduated, among the first in his class, in 1829. He
then resumed teaching, and, having completed the course
of study for the legal profession, was admitted to the
bar at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, in 1831. Soon afterwards, he removed to the city of Pittsburg, where he
practiced for almost a year. In 1833 he removed to
Monroe, in the Territory of Michigan; where, after a
severe examination, he became a member of the bar of
Michigan, and engaged in practice, with bright prospects of success. In 1835 a convention was called to
frame a constitution for the proposed State of Michigan,
of which Mr. McClelland was elected a member. lle
took a prominent part in its deliberations, and ranked
among its ablest debaters. Hie was appointed the first
Bank Commissioner of the State, by Governor Mason,
and received an offer of the Attorney-Generalship, but
declined both of these offices, in order to attend to his
professional duties. In 1838 he was elected to the State
Legislature, in which he soon became distinguished as
the head of several important committees; Speaker, pro
tempore; and as an active, zealous, and efficient member.
In 1840 General Harrison, as candidate for the Presidency, swept the country by an overwhelming majority,
and, at the same time, the State of Michigan was carried
by the Whigs, under the popular cry of " Woodbridge
and reform," against the Democratic party. At this
time, Mr. McClelland stood among the acknowledged
leaders of the latter organization; was elected a member
of the State House of Representatives; and, with others,
adopted a plan to regain a lost authority and prestige.
This party soon came again into power in the State;
and, having been returned to the State Legislature, Mr.
McClelland's leadership was acknowledged by his election as Speaker of the House of Representatives, in
1843. Down to this time, Michigan had constituted
one Congressional District. The late lion. Jacob M.
Ioward had been elected to Congress, against IHon.
Alpheus Felch, by a strong majority; but, in 1843, so
thoroughly had the Democratic party recovered from its
defeat of 1840, that Mr. McClelland, as candidate for
Congress, carried Detroit District by a majority of about
two thousand five hundred. Mr. McClelland soon took
a prominent position in Congress among the veterans of
that body. During his first term, he was placed on the
Committee on Commerce, and originated and carried
through what were known as the "harbor bills." The
continued confidence of his constituency was manifested
in his election to the Twenty-ninth Congress. At the
opening of the session, he had acquired a national reputation; and so favorably was he known as a parliamentarian, that his name was mentioned for Speaker of the




104

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

House of Representatives.  lie declined the office ir
favor of Hon. John W. Davis, of Indiana, who was
elected. During this term, he became Chairman of the
Committee on Commerce, in which position his reports
and advocacy of important measures at once attractec
public attention. The members of this committee, as
an evidence of the esteem in which they held his serv
ices, and of personal regard for him, presented him with
a beautiful cane, which he retains as a souvenir of the
donors, and of his labors in Congress. In 1847 he was
re-elected, and, at the opening of the Thirtieth Congress,
became a member of the Committee on Foreign Relations. While acting in this capacity, what was known
as the "French Spoliation Bill" came under his special
charge, and his management of the same was such
as to command universal approbation.  While in Congtess, Mr. McClelland was an advocate of the right
of petition, as maintained by John Quincy Adams,
when the petition was couched in decorous language
and presented in a proper manner. This he regarded
as the citizen's constitutional right, which should not
be impaired by any doctrines of temporary expediency.
He also voted for the reception of Mr. Giddings' bill
for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia.
Mr. McClelland was one of the few Democratic associates, about eighteen in number, of David Wilmot, of
Pennsylvania, in bringing forward the celebrated "Wilmot Proviso," with a view to prevent the further extension of slavery in new territory which might be acquired
by the United States.   He and Mr. Wilmot were
together at the time in Washington, and on intimate
and confidential terms. Mr. McClelland was in several
national conventions, and in the Baltimore Convention
which nominated Gcneral Cass for the Presidency in
1848, doing valiant service that year for the election of
that distinguished statesman.  On leaving Congress in
1849, Mr. McClelland returned to the practice-of his
profession in Monroe. In 1850 a convention of the
State of Michigan was called to revise the State Constitution. He was elected a member, and was regarded
therein as among the ablest and most experienced leaders.  His clear judgment and wise moderation were
conspicuous, both in the committee-room and on the
floor in debate. In 1850 he was President of the Democratic State Convention, which adopted resolutions in
support of Henry Clay's famous compromise measures,
of which Mr. McClelland was a strong advocate. He was
a member of the Democratic National Convention in
1852; and, in that year, in company with General Cass and
Governor Felch, he made a thorough canvass of the
State. Hie continued earnestly to advocate the Clay
compromise measures, and took an active part in the
canvass which resulted in the election of General Pierce
to the Presidency. In 1851 the new State Constitution
took effect; and it was necessary that a Governor should

1 be elected for one year, in order to prevent an inters regnum, and to bring the State government into opera- tion under the new constitution. Mr. McClelland was
s elected Governor; and, in the fall of 1852, was re-elected
I for a term of two years from January I, 1853. H-is
s administration was regarded as wise, prudent, and con- ciliatory; and was as popular as could be expected at a
time when party spirit ran high. There was really no
opposition; and, when he resigned in March, 1853, the
SState Treasury was well filled, and the State otherwise
prosperous. So widely and favorably had Mr. McClel- land become known as a statesman, that, on the organization of the Cabinet by President Pierce, in March,
1853, he was made Secretary of the Interior, in which
capacity he served most creditably during four years of
Sthe Pierce administration.  lie thoroughly reorganized
Shis department, and reduced the expenditures. He
adopted a course with the Indians which relieved them
from the impositions and annoyances of the traders, and
produced harmony and civilization among them. During his administration, there was neither complaint from
the tribes, nor corruption among agents; and he left
the department in perfect order and system.  In 1867
Michigan again called a convention to revise the State
Constitution.  Mr. McClelland was a member, and
here again his long experience made him conspicuous as a prudent adviser and a sagacious parliamentary
leader. As a lawyer, he was terse and pointed in argument; clear, candid, and impressive in his addresses to
juries. His sincerity and earnestness, with which was
occasionally mingled a pleasant humor, made him an
able and effective advocate.  In speaking before the
people on political subjects, he was especially forcible
and happy.   In 1870 he made the tour of Europe;
which, through his extensive personal acquaintance with
European diplomatists, he was enabled to enjoy much
more than most travelers. IHe married, in 1837, Miss
Sarah E. Sabin, of Williamstown, Massachusetts. They
have had six children,-two of whom now survive.
jifUIR, WILLIAM KER, Detroit, General ManaJi  ger of the Canada Southern Railway, was born
' at Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland, March 20,
S1829. His mother was a descendant of one of
the Howies, Covenanters, of Lochgoyne. While a youth
pursuing his studies, he exhibited a taste for railroad
mechanical engineering, and also for surgery. As the
latter part of each school-day was spent in an engineering establishment, his tastes gradually developed in that
direction. He improved the opportunities here afforded,
and acquired a practical knowledge of mechanical work,
which, in subsequent years, proved of great benefit to




48t.........
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

1s

him. Upon leaving this department, he soon obtained a
position in the parcel and ticket office of an Ayrshire
railway; and served through all the grades of railroad
employment,-in the parcel, ticket, and passenger work,
and also in the freight office.  He worked early and
late, on and off' trains, and acquired a knowledge of all
the details of railroad work. In the course of a few
years, he was promoted to an important position in the
engineer's and manager's office. Here he served creditably for several years, when he accepted a responsible
position in the service of an English railway company.
While in the employment of this company, he met Mr.
C. J. Bridges, then Managing Director of the Great
Western Railway, of Canada. This gentleman offered
him an appointment on the latter railroad, which he
accepted.  Leaving England for Canada, he assumed
the duties of his new position, in October, 1852, before
the first section of the railway between Niagara Falls
and Hamilton was opened. Mr. Muir assisted in opening the line for traffic; and remained in the service of
the company until about 1857. He was then sent to
Detroit to take the general management of the Detroit
and Milwaukee Railway, in the completion of which,
to Lake Michigan, the Great Western Company had
taken a large pecuniary interest.  Under Mr. Muir's
management, this railroad was completed its entire
length; thoroughly equipped with rolling stock; with two
magnificent steamships, to ply on Lake Michigan between the western terminus of the road, Grand Haven,

made this new thoroughfare one of the best in the
country. The passenger trains on this road make faster
time than over any other line on the American continent...o
iOBLE, HON. CHARLES, Lawyer, of Detroit,
M ichigan, was born at Williamstown, MassachuSsetts, July 4, 1797. lie was the son of Deodatus
and Betsey Abigail (lBulkley) Noble; and grandson of Hon. Iavid Noble, who, at the time of his
death, was Judge of Common Pleas in Berkshire County,
Massachusetts. Mr. Charles Noble graduated at Williams College in 1815, and studied law with his uncle,
Hon. David Noble, of Williamstown. Hle was admitted
to practice in Berkshire County in 1818. The same
year, he went to the West; and, after a short stay at
Cleveland, Ohio, settled in Monroe, Michigan. lHe
entered at once upon the practice of his profession, and
remained in Monroe until 1867, when lie removed to
Detroit. While residing in Monroe, he held the offices
of the Legislative Council of Michigan Territory for
two years; Justice of the Peace; Secretary of the Board
of Commissioners, negotiating the Indian treaty at St.
Joseph; Register of Probate; District Attorney; County
Judge; and Lawyer-General of the United States, for
the district of country north-west of- the Ohio River.
He was one of the purchasers of the Michigan Southern
Railroad from the State, and the first President of the

and Milwaukee; and placed in excellent condition for company. HIe was also Cashier of the Bank of River
both passenger and freight traffic. In December, 1865, Raisin; and, when the bank failed,-which was not at
he resigned his position to accept an appointment as the time he was an officer in it,-he was appointed one
Assistant General Superintendent of the Michigan Cen- of the assignees. In 1867 he removed to Detroit, and
tral Railroad, under R. N. Rice, then General Superin- formed a partnership with his son, Charles W. Noble,
tendent.  He so acceptably performed the duties of and his son-in-law, George S. Frost, under the firm
that office, that, in the course of a few years, the Great name of Geoige S. Frost & Co. lle continued in this
Western Railway Company offered him the office of business-the purchase and sale of pine lands-up to
General Superintendent of that line, which he accepted, the time of his death, which occurred at Detroit, DeUpon assuming its management, he at once began to cember 26, 1874. The "Obituary Record" of Williams
improve the road; and, in due time, made it one of the College says, in reference to him:  "Older citizens
best equipped lines in the country.  lie changed it remember Mr. Noble as one of a large number of wellfrom the Canadian broad-gauge-five feet six and one- educated men, who, half a century ago, settled in Monhalf inches-to the American gauge,-four feet eight roe, and influenced, and to a large extent controlled,
and one-half inches,-added new narrow-gauge rolling the politics and what were then regarded as the early
stock, and thoroughly organized and equipped it as a enterprises of the State. The results of Mr. Noble's
connecting link between Western and Eastern lines of active life are seen and enjoyed through a wide extent
railway.  Having accomplished this work, he again of country, by a large and appreciative population. He
assumed the superintendence of the Detroit and Mil- has left a bright and spotless record, and a memory
waukee road; but, immediately afterwards, retired to which will be fondly cherished."  Mr. Noble was a
accept the management of the new railroad through man of deep convictions and decided opinions in all
Canada, with its branches on the American side, known matters of religion. In the year 1831, he first connected
as the Canada Southern Railway lines.  Hie has since himself with the Presbyterian Church; and, for a numbeen the General Manager of this line; and, having ber of years, was a ruling elder in the church of that
had a life-long experience in railroad matters, and spent denomination at Monroe. Shortly after his removal to
many years in organizing new lines of railway, he has Detroit, he became a ruling elder in the First Presby



io6

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

terian Church there, and so remained until his death.
Both in Monroe and in Detroit, Mr. Noble had, by his
genial manners and sterling integrity, gathered around
him a wide circle of friends. He was, in politics, a
Whig during the existence of that party; and, subsequently, acted independently of political organizations,
though most frequently voting with the Republican
party on national issues. In person, Mr. Noble was of
fine appearance, and preserved the vivacity and freshness of mature manhood up to the time of his death.
He married, May 16, 1823, at Detroit, Eliza Symmes
Wing, daughter of lon. Enoch Wing, and sister of the
late lions. Austin E. Wing and Warner Wing, of Monroe. His wife survives him. They had seven children,
three of whom died in infancy. His daughter Elizabeth
married Rev. Hannibal L. Stanley, and died in 1849.
The children who survive Mr. Noble are: Charles WV.
Noble, of Detroit, born in 1828; Ellen N. Frost, wife
of George F. Frost, of Detroit, born in 1832; and
Conwav Noble, of Cleveland, Ohio, born in 1842.
IALL, JAMES, JUN., Merchant, Detroit, is a native of England, where he was born in April,
1828. Hle came to America, with his parents, in
'   1832. His father, Rev. James Nall, who was a
Congregational minister of considerable reputation in
Canada, resolved that his sons should be farmers. In
furtherance of this purpose, he purchased a tract of land
located in the heart of a forest, about twelve miles
north-east of Port Sarnia, Ontario. In the fall of 1844,
Mr. James Nall,-then only sixteen years of age,-in company with his brother, set out from their home in Burford,
Ontario, to clear a farm in the midst of a dense forest.
They spent the winter in hard work, and by spring had
cleared eleven acres; but the amount of labor it had
taken to accomplish the task caused Mr. Nall to seek
other employment. lHe visited Port Sarnia, and secured
a position in the general store of lion. Malcolm Cameron, with whom he engaged for three years, at a salary
of sixty dollars for the first year; eighty for the second;
and one hundred and twenty for the last year, including
board. At the expiration of the engagement, as a reward for faithful services, his employer presented him
with ten pounds, IHalifax currency; gave him a letter
of recommendation; and offered to be his security in
any situation of trust, in either Toronto or Montreal.
Mr. Nall preferred the United States, and Mr. Cameron
extended the same generous offer of security there. lHe
received a letter of recommendation addressed to the
Hon. Zachariah Chandler, Detroit, Michigan, who gave
him  employment when lie visited the city in 1848.
After remaining with Mr. Chandler for two years, he

accepted a situation in the dry-goods house of William
A. Raymond; and, after two years' service, succeeded
to a one-third interest in the business. Iuring his
clerkship he had saved three hundred and fifty dollars,
to which he added eleven hundred and fifty dollars in
borrowed money, making his capital fifteen hundred
dollars. From  his profits, he soon paid back the borrowed money; and, at the expiration of three years,
became equal partner with Mr. Raymond. About one
year later the senior partner died, and the entire business.
passed into the hands of Mr. Nall, who is still conducting it on a much larger scale, with characteristic success.
He has always avoided political notoriety, preferring to
give his entire attention to his business; in this he has
been so prosperous that the firm  has become widely
known. From a small beginning of a few rolls of carpets, the business has increased so rapidly that Mr. Nall
now occupies the finest carpet warehouse in the State.
---.0.--
ORRIS, IION. P. W., of Norris, Michigan, was,  born in Palmyra, New York, August 17, 1821.
SIis ancestry have a far-reaching record as a
temperate, sturdy, long-lived  race of rigid
Roundheads, among the Congregational Puritans of
New England. His grandfather, Deacon John Norris,
fought at Bunker Hill, and remained in the Continental
army until a sword wound disabled him for further
military service.  lie afterwards became one of the
pioneers of the Montezuma salt marshes, in New York,
and lived to extreme old age; as did his brother, who
was among the pioneers of the Ohio Valley.    Their
descendants are widely scattered throughout the Northwest. His father was a soldier in the War of 1812; and
a pioneer by birth and choice.  Mr. Norris inherited
from  his mother, Azubah Phelps, who was of pure
Welsh, or native British, ancestry, his love of mountains
and of song. lie feels that his best traits of character
are clearly Welsh. His father's nomadic life, as a pioneer mill-builder, in the wild Alleghany region of New
York and Pennsylvania, offered few opportunties for
his son's, school education, but much for mountain
climbing.  He earned his first dime when less than
eight years of age, as guide through the dense mossdraped pine and hemlock forests around the great falls
of the Genesee River, near Portage, New York. lie
was engaged in kindred duties until the removal of the
family to Michigan. IHere their first greeting was a call
for minute-men for the short but bloody Black Hlawk
War, which was followed by the first and fiercest of
the cholera visitations.  During these and subsequent
attacks of malarial disease, his father's health became
so impaired that he was, for several years, unable to




--/  ),







REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

1o7

render material assistance in the support of his numer
ous family,-mainly daughters. It was then that the
matchless nerve and energy of the Christian mother,
who worked with loom and shuttle, and the ceaseless
toil of the son, kept starvation from  the household.
When the restored health of his father relieved him,
Mr. Norris' habits had been formed by the stern schooling of pioneer trapper life. He was accustomed to the
snow-shoe, the canoe, and the saddle; and traveled with
rifle and hatchet along the lakes and rivers, or over the
plains and mountains of the North-west. During a
ramble among the homes of the Pottowatomie Indians,
in North-western Ohio, he was betrothed to Jane K.
Cottrell, a daughter of a Massachusetts pioneer; and
thus changed his plans for life. HIe purchased a portion
of land, much of which he still owns, near the forks of
the Little St. Joseph River, in Ohio, above Fort Wayne;
and erected, in the fall of 1840, the first cabin in the
township of Madison, Williams County, Ohio, upon the
present site of the incorporated village of Pioneer.
Although then only nineteen years of age, he was able
and intrepid, and constantly improved his property.
lie occasionally returned to visit his affianced until his
marriage in the fall of 1845. On the wedding journey,
from her old home, near the present site of Fayette, to
Pioneer, Ohio, the bride rode in the first wheeled conveyance that ever passed over ten consecutive miles of
the trail, much of which her husband widened, through
the underbrush, into a rude road, while she drove the
team.  Prior to his marriage, the book-knowledge of
Mr. Norris had been gained from small books carried
in his knapsack or pocket of his hunting-shirt. These
he studied by the camp-fire, while his comrades played
cards. He made ceaseless efforts in keeping accounts
for himself and friends in their various rambling enterprises. He taught, one term, a large but rude frontier school; and spent one term in the academy of
Arthur B. Fuller, at Belvidere, Illinois. A settled home,
and active business, as agent for the Eastern owners of
most of the surrounding country, kept him, for many
years, from  the Western mountains. lie, however,
made several extended trips to the great lakes and the
St. Lawrence region.  He spent much of the summer
of 1851, in subdividing the Pinkham Land Grant, near
the famous Willey Iouse, amid the White Mountains
of New Iampshire. Ile often scaled the summit of Mt.
Washington, when rude bridle-paths alone connected it
with the Fabian, the Crawford, and White Mountain
hotels. Among the laudable enterprises of these years,
was the platting of the now incorporated village of
Pioneer, in 1854, upon the site of his old cabin and
Indian town. He entered the army at the breaking out
of the civil war, serving as spy and Captain of the
West Virginia Mountain Scouts; but was soon disabled
by a severe shoulder and spinal injury, caused by the

- fall of his horse, which was shot under him in a guerrilla fight near Laurel Mountain.  lie was elected, on
his return, to represent the three north-western counSties of Ohio in the Legislature; and was the only
avowed friend of the Government and its soldiers, in
that body, along more than one-half of the Western
border of Ohio. lie resigned his Captaincy in the
Sloffman Battalion to take his seat in the Legislature
again, and assist in the re-election of Ilon. B. F. Wade
to the United States Senate, in 1863. With habits and
tastes for active camp life, his improved health, and
the necessity of keeping on terms of friendship with the
soldier, in the Ohio Senate, led him, in the fall of I863,
to become the Union candidate from the seven northwestern counties of Ohio. After a long and extremely
bitter contest, he was declared defeated by a small majority. Subsequent revelations, however, proved that
he had been defeated only by gross fraud along the
Indiana border. He made no contest for his seat, as he
had become a prominent member of the Sanitary Commission, and was at the front caring for the wounded,
in the bloody Spottsylvania campaign, while he was
awaiting preparations for going, as Secretary or Surveyor-General, to Idaho or Montana. lie returned from
the field in an ambulance, desirous to enjoy the invigorating mountain air and scenery.   The unanimous
choice of both the Eastern and Western heirs of the
Sedgwicks, Townsends, Benedicts, and other fallen
Union, and some Confederate officers, induced him, reluctantly, to become trustee and guardian of their
estates and heirs in the West. Prominent among these
interests were lands of the Conner Creek Company, held
in trust by the late Shubael Conant, consisting of nearly
eleven thousand acres, and nearly as much more owned
by others. It nearly adjoined Detroit upon the north,
and was, doubtless, the wettest, wildest, most uninviting
region proximate to any city in the North. By the terms
of his contract he was to purchase a portion of these
tracts, and drain the remainder. lie purchased heavily;
built a cabin on the famous prairie mound, in 1865; and
commenced a regular system of drainage and improvements. By the exercise of his characteristic foresight,
indomitable energy, perseverance against all opposition,
and the expenditure of one hundred and fifty thousand
dollars, he projected, managed, and carried through the
greatest and most successful draining enterprise in the
State. Abundance of fall for drainage was found by
cutting through the sandy terrace. The village of Norris
is situated upon a dry, sanldy, undulating plateau, elevated nearly thirty feet above the forks of Conner's
Creek; surrounded by some of the finest farming and
garden lands in the State, which have increased in
value ten or fifteen fold within the past ten years. Mr.
Norris has traveled almost over the whole West and
North-west. His journals of explorations, of 1870 and




io8

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

1875, through nearly all the Missouri, Yellow Stone,
Geyser Basin, Columbia, and other wild regions of the
West, have, with his notes, many of them in verse, won
a greater reprinted circulation than any other late notes
referring to those regions. Colonel Norris is of medium
height, and has dark complexion, and iron-gray hair.
lie is of rather a light, wiry build, erect and active;
and, despite wounds and long and trying exposure in
nearly every portion of the United States and border
British provinces, is still vigorous and healthy. lie is
of winning address, and is a ready speaker and writer,
in prose and verse. Colonel Norris is a Republican.
He is a member of the Moravian Church. Under an
appointment of the Secretary of the Interior, as Superintendent of the Yellow Stone National Park, he again
visited the West, in May, 1877. lHe ascended the Yellow Stone, by steamboat, to the mouth of Tongue
River, and then went on horseback to the Custer field,
where he arrived, July 4, at the disinterment of officers'
remains; and brought away those of his old comrade,
Charles Reynolds, for burial. lie then proceeded up
the Yellow Stone, often alone, and in great danger from
Indians; thoroughly exploring much of the park and
mountain region,-including a long-sought pass from the
Crow agency through the Big Horn Mountains, to the
petrified forests on the East Fork. This pass shortens
the distance to the wonder land at least one hundred
miles.  While scouting in advance of General Sherman, in the park, he received a severe injury to his
neck and spine by the breaking of a stirrup, and was
compelled to return four hundred miles down the Yellow Stone, in a rude skiff, and thence by steamboat and
railroad to his home. This mishap probably saved him
from great personal danger in the unlooked-for invasion
of the hostile Nez Perces; and enabled him to furnish a
very valuable report upon the wonder land, and the
pressing necessity for Congressional appropriations for
its improvement and protection.
EWLAND, HENRY A., of Detroit, Michigan,
o/  f the mercantile house of F. Buhl, Newland &
1;, Co., was born     at Hammondsport, Steuben
County, New York, March 17, 1835. When an
infant, his parents removed to Palmyra, Wayne County,
New York. At the age of twelve, he entered the store
of William IH. Cuyler, where he remained seven years.
He then left Palmyra and came to Detroit, in 1854.
Here he obtained a situation with F. Buhl & Co., and
was admitted as a partner in 1858. Since his connection with the house, he has held a responsible position.
He attends to the purchase of goods, and the sale of
raw furs,- in which the house is largely engaged. In

filling their commissions, he has traveled extensively in
Europe, making annual trips to England and the continent to attend the fur sales of London and Leipsic,
where the firm is as well known as at home. Mr. Newland was President of the Detroit Young Men's Society,
in 1866; he had for several years previous served on its
Board of Directors. In 1865 he was appointed, by Governor Crapo, a member of the State Military Board, and
Aid-de-camp to the Governor, with the rank of Colonel.
He served in this capacity during Governor Crapo's two
terms. He married, March II, 1862, Emily A. Burns,
daughter of Hon. James Burns; she died, June 18, 187I.
He was married the second time, March 7, 1877, to Miss
Mattie Joy, a daughter of Hon. James F. Joy, of Detroit.
XIEWBERRY, JOHN         STRENGHTON, Detroit,
N Michigan, was born at Waterville, Oneida County,
New York. He is the son of Elihu and Rhoda
(Phelps) Newberry, natives of Windsor, Connecticut; and is a descendant of Thomas Newberry, who
emigrated from  England in 1605, and settled in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Mr. Newberry removed, with
his parents, to Detroit; and afterwards resided at Romeo,
where he attended the Romeo branch of the Michigan
University. Here he prepared for college; he entered
the Sophomore Class of the University, at Ann Arbor,
and graduated at the age of eighteen. Hie was then
employed, for two years, in civil engineering and surveying, spending a portion of the time in the construction department of the Michigan Central Railroad, under
Colonel John M. Berrien. Hle abandoned this work;
and, after a year spent in travel, commenced the study
of law in the office of Van Dyke & Emmons, in Detroit.
In 1853 he was admitted to the bar, and entered the
practice of his profession. He early discovered that the
admiralty business, on the lakes, had not received particular attention, and devoted himself to that; practicing
almost entirely in the United States Courts. lie soon
published a volume of reports of admiralty cases arising
at the lakes and Wdstern rivers. In 1862, in addition to
his practice, he, with three other gentlemen, established
the Michigan Car Company, of Detroit, for the manufacture of freight cars; soon after, they established the
Detroit Car-wheel Company. Of both these Mr. Newberry is President. Ile is also interested in the Fulton
Iron and Engine Works, of which he is President; the
Baugh Steam Forge Works; the Detroit Railroad Elevator; and is largely interested in other manufacturing
enterprises in this and other States. The car works and
car-wheel works are the largest manufacturing establishments in Detroit; the two factories employ nearly
one thousand men. From his various manufacturing













K'




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

o109

interests, Mr. Newberry has acquired a handsome fortune;
but these extensive business cares have caused him to
relinquish, in part, the practice of his profession. In
1862 he was appointed, by President Lincoln, the first
Provost Marshal for- the State of Michigan, with the
rank of Captain of cavalry. This position he resigned
at the close of two years. During that time, he had
charge of two drafts, and enrolled and sent to the field
the drafted men and substitutes.  In 1865 Mr. Newberry traveled through the West Indies, and visited the
celebrated Pitch Lake, of Trinidad. In 1871 he made a
tour through Europe. In politics, he was a Whig, but
is now a Republican. Though often solicited to accept
nomination, he has always declined political honors.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church; but contributes liberally to the support of other denominations,
and of charitable institutions. In 1855 he married
Harriet Newell Robinson, of Buffalo. She died in
1856, leaving a son who lately graduated from the
Military College, of Chester, Pennsylvania. In 1859
Mr. Newberry married Helen P. HIandy, of Cleveland,
Ohio. They have two sons and one daughter. Mr.
Newberry is thoroughly informed upon scientific subjects; and has a fine library of scientific works, belleslett-es, and works on art and science. Hie has a handsome residence in Detroit, and a country seat on the
eastern shore of Lake St. Clair.
( WEN, HION. JOHN, Detroit, Michigan, was
born near Toronto, Canada West, March 20,
18o0. His parents were in humble circumstances;
and his father died when Mr. Owen was quite yoting.
In the year iS18, he came to Detroit with his widowed
mother, cast upon the world at the age of nine years.
lIe had a strong desire to acquire an education; and
found a friend ill a gentleman who had charge of the
only academy in the city at that time. He gave Mr.
Owen tuition free, in consideration of work done about
the school building. His patron leaving the city ini
1821, Mr. Owen was obliged to give up school; but,
through his tutor's recommendation, he obtained a situation in the drug store of Doctor Chapin. Here he
acted as clerk until the autumn of 1829, when he was
admitted as partner, remaining in that position until
the death of Doctor Chapin. After this he continued
the business alone, and, by dint of hard work and close
attention, was enabled to retire from trade in 1853.
Since this time, although he has relaxed a little from its
severities, he has not entirely abandoned business, being
Director of a 'bank, and associated in other financial
operations. He is now President of the Detroit and
Cleveland line of steamers. Mr. Owen held the posi
tion of Regent of the University for six or eight years,
from 1843; and was State Treasurer for three terms, or
six years,i-86o--66. HIe has been connected with the
Methodist Church for fifty-five years; and is universally
acknowledged as one of the pillars of that denomination
in Detroit. Ile contributes freely of his time, money,
and influence, to aid Christian and benevolent enterprises.
WEN, WILLIAM A., a prominent Politician, of
Detroit, Michigan, was born at Carthage, Jefferson County, New York; on the i8th of May, 1834,
and was the son of D)r. William and Sarah (Owens)
Owen. Doctor Owen was an agriculturist as well as a
physician.  His son William, until he was fourteen
years of age, divided his time between working his
father's farm, and attending the common school in the
neighborhood.   IIe then bought his time from   his
father; purchased a tract of wild land in Lewis County,
and spent two years in the lumber business.  He had
a well-developed physique, and became a noted athlete;
he was especially famous as a wrestler, and had several
warmly contested matches with jealous rivals. At sixteen, he began the study of law at Geneva, New York,
in the office of lion. George M. Horton. lHe took a
warm interest in local politics; and, in the campaign
of 1856, when James Buchanan was elected President,
he was Secretary of the Democratic Senatorial Committee. Having been admitted to the bar in the spring
of 1857, he started on a tour through the Western
States, in search of a place of residence.  lie visited
Cincinnati, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Chicago, and other
large cities, and, finally, Detroit. The beauty of this
city and its surroundings induced him to make it his
home.   lie had expected to practice his profession in
Detroit; but, happening to be in Chicago during a celebrated murder trial, lie witnessed a legal contest between
Abraham Lincoln and John Van Arnem; and, becoming
impressed with the culture and ability of the Western
lawyers, decided to change his course.   He consequently began to work at his trade.   In December,
1858, his business being sufficiently well established, he
returned to Geneva, New York, and married, January
3, 1859, Lydia L. Fish, of that city. On the breaking
out of the civil war, in 1861, Mr. Owen secured the
contract for furnishing the various camps in the vicinity
of Detroit with meats; and thereby laid the foundation
of his success.  As the fate of the Union became critical, Mr. Owen gave up his lucrarive business, and enlisted in the 24th Regiment of Michigan Infantry, in
September, 1862. I e assisted in recruiting two companies, and received a Captain's commission.  On the
I3th of December of that year, under General Burnside,




110

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

Captain Owen was actively engaged in the battle of up to the present time. In 1869 Mr. Parsons, accomFredericksburg, where he received a severe wound in panied by a portion of his family, made an extensive
the hip from  the explosion  of a shell.   He was tour in Europe, being absent about a year. In 1875 he
confined in Lincoln Hospital, Washington, for three made a second trip, traveling through Egypt, Syria, and
months; and, being unfit for further service, was mus- other historical portions of the Old.World, and remained
tered out in March, 1863.  Returning to Detroit as abroad until November, 1877.   During the war, Mr.
soon as he was able, he resumed his trade, in which he Parsons gave an earnest support to the Government; he
is still engaged.  In 1873 Captain Owen was elected was especially liberal and zealous in aiding the work of
Alderman in his ward. lie was re-elected by an in- the Sanitary Commission, and entertained hospitably
creased majority, in 1875, from which time lie became and generously the officers and soldiers of the army.
the acknowledged leader of the Democracy il thle Comr- lie has always been a liberal contributor to public charmon Council of Detroit. Mr. Owen has had live chil- ities. In his connection with the city government, he
dren, only two of whom are living,                 was an earnest advocate of economy in the municipal
administration. Mr. Parsons' active life has been that
of a business man; and he is known to the peolle of
Detroit, and of Michigan, as a successful, upright, and
honorable citizen.  Ile has, however, in other ways
4 ARSONS, PHILO, Capitalist, of Detroit, Mich- quietly exercised his beneficence, which, though not
1 I igan, was born at Scipio, Cayuga County, New seen by the public eye will endure in the educational
SYork, February 7, 11S7.  His parental grand- institutions of the State. In 1857 he became actively

'B   father was a Inative of Williamstown, Massachusetts, and a prominent officer in the army of the
Revolution. His father was a merchant, and a man of
uninmpeachable honor and integrity, and gave the bulk
of his fortune to endow a Western college.  Mr. Parsons is the second son of a family of ten children. He
was preparing to enter college, when his health failed,
and he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits. His
early business trailning was at Rochester, New York,
whence he removed to Perry, Genesee County, New
York, where he remained five years in connection with
his father. During this period, January 17, 1843, he
was married to Miss Ann Elizabeth Barnum, of Livingston County, New York. In the fall of 1844, Mr.
Parsons removed to Detroit, and in 1848 engaged in the
wholesale grocery trade, which he carried on successfully
for twelve years. The legitimate rewards of a business
carefully studied and laboriously pursued, had, at this
time, placed him fairly in the list of capitalists in his
adopted city; he then became largely interested in
banking, and, in 1861, established the First National Bank
of Detroit. Mr. Parsons is a corporate member of the
American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions,
and of the American Home Missionary Society of the Congregational Church. He was for two years President of
the Detroit Board of Trade, and served for the same period
in the Common Council of the city of Detroit. lie has
long been prominently connected with the State Agricultural Society; and, in 1861, upon the establishment
of the State Board of Agriculture, with supervision of
the State Agricultural College, he was appointed, by
Governor Blair, a member of that Board, and served
thereon for the term of two years. In 1867 or 1868, he
was one of the incorporators of the Detroit Medical
College; he was chosen Secretary and has held that office

interested in Olivet College, then in its infancy, and
struggling with poverty; and has ever since been a regular and liberal contributor, giving time, money, and
influence to its support. He was, in 1862, a member of
the Board of Trustees of the College, and, until failing
health prevented, was always present at its annual meetings; he was also a regular attendant upon college
commencements. In 1866 he laid the corner-stone of
the new structure, which, at its completion, was named
"Parsons' Hall," in honor of the chief donor towards
its erection.  In 1872 he was the leading man in an
effort to increase the permanent endowment of the
college, and donated twenty thousand dollars to establish the "Parsons" Professorship of Greek, and seven
thoasand dollars towards liquidating the college debt.
His donations, in all, amount to more than forty thousand dollars. Since his connection with the college, its
resources have been quadrupled, and its influence widely
extended throughout the State. His name will ever be
identified with the institution, and he will be remembered as one of our few wealthy men who are wise
enough to bestow their gifts and enjoy the fruits thereof
during their life-lime. Not less wise and generous have
been Mr. Parsons' contributions to the University of
Michigan.  During his first visit to Europe, he embraced the opportunity of purchasing   the valuable
library of Professor Ran, of Heidelberg, which, with
some valuable additions, he subsequently presented to
the University. The record of this belneticence is best
made by quoting from the report of acting President
Frieze, of the University, for the year 1871: "Until
the beginning of the present year, no considerable donation has been made to the University library. Since that
time, however, a very large and valuable private library
has been purchased and presented to the University by







'~L-~  Z

-~---- '
I




REIPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

III

Philo Parsons, of Detroit. It consists of the entire collection of the late Professor Rau, of Heidelberg, malde
during his long service of fifty years as Professor of
Political Economy in Heidelberg University; and embracing all the most valuable literature contained in the
European languages on political science and kindred
topics. The number of volumes in this collection is
four thousand and thirty-four; and of pamphlets, more
than two thousand. While this municipal gift is of great
importance on account of the intrinsic worth of the collection, it is not less valuable as an example which can
not fail to find imitators. Mr. Parsons has made arrangements for the binding necessary to be done. It is undoubtedly as nearly perfect as a library can be made, in
the specialty which it represents. It was the well authenticated statement of this fact which influenced the
authorities of Yale to send an order for its purchase
before it was known to have been secured for this University. While, however, the collection possesses this
specific character, it contains also a large number of
works of inestimable value on other subjects. The most
important of these is the series of volumes issued by
the Academy of Vienna, and those on the original
sources of the History of the Iouse of Ilapsburg,- a
work of great importance in the study of European history. The languages represented in the Parsons' library
are German, French, English, Spanish, Portuguese,
Latin, Greek, Iolland(ish, I)anish, Swedish, Icelandic,
Servian, Polish, IHungarian, Russian, and the Slavic
languages of the lower Danube."  Mr. Parsons has since
made valuable additions to the collection, and the whole
is now known as the " Parsons Library."  Mr. Parsons
is a trifle under medium size; he is of a nervous-sanguine
temperament, quick to apprehend, and prompt to act on
well-formed conclusions; although now in his sixtysecond year, he is as active and ready, both physically
and mentally, as at middle age. His faculties, no longer
taxed by the demands of active business, are devoted to
the service of the public in all good works.
-- --*O*---
- ALMER, THOMAS, deceased, one of the pioneer
merchants of Detroit, was born at Ashford, Wind'' ham County, Connecticut, February 4, 1789; and
S died in Detroit, August 3, 1868. He was one of
a family of six sons and three daughters. His grandfather, Thomas Barber, annually brought goods to
Detroit as early as 1763, hauling them from Hartford to
Schenectady with oxen; freighting them by boats up the
Mohawk; thence, via Wood Creek to Oneida Lake, and
down the outlet to Oswego; and thence, by Lakes
Ontario and Erie, to Detroit. Here he remained, trading
with the Indians; disposing of his goods for furs, and
15

transporting the latter back to Hartford; each venture
proving financially successful. The story of these adventures, told to his grandsons, kindled in the minds of two
of them, at least, a desire to seek their fortunes in the
WVest. In the spring of 1812, Thomas Palmer, with his
brother Friend, having brought a stock of goods from
the East, opened a store at Malden, Canada, about
twenty miles below Detroit. On the declaration of war,
which occurred soon after, both the brothers were imprisoned in Malden jail because they were American
citizens; but were liberated after five weeks, and put
ashore upon the American side near Monguagon, whence
they walked to Detroit. They joined a company of
volunteers, commanded by Shubael Conant, and were
present at the surrender of Detroit to the British by
General Hull. After the surrender, they were permitted
by the British commandant to return to Malden and
secure their goods. They then proceeded to Canandaigua, New York, where they established a store, and
continued business until after the close of the war. In
1816 Thomas Palmer returned to Detroit, and opencd
a store under the firm name of F. & T. Palmer, the
brothers continuing their business under the supervision
of Friend Palmer, at Canandaigua, and having a branch
store at Ashtabula, Ohio. They also built and owned
flouring-mills at Scio, New York.  For a number of
years the firm did a very large business. They took
many contracts for public works, constructed many of
the turnpike roads leading out of the city, and built the
territorial capitol, the site of which is now occupied by
the high school. For the building of the capitol, they
received the ten thousand acre tract back of the city,
and about five hundred central city lots. They also
built and carried on potteries and asheries in the city,
and entered large tracts of land in the Military Tract
of Illinois. They built and owned a number of vessels,
among which were the "Tiger" and "Young Tiger,"the former commanded by Captain Blake, of lake fame,
-and became largely interested in various kinds of business. Iuring the financial crisis of 1824, they were
compelled to suspend payment.   Friend Palmer died
shortly after, and Thomas Palmer closed up the affairs,
paid all their debts, and left no stain upon the reputation of either brother. Soon recovering from this temporary suspension of business, he branched out into
other ventures; and, in company with the father of
George Jerome, of Detroit, erected saw-mills on Pine
River, St. Clair County. In 1828 he purchased the site
of the city of St. Clair, then a wilderness; he erected
saw-mills there, which were afterwards sold to Wesley
Truesdail, and did a large lumbering business for many
years. The place was called Palmer, until he sold out
his interest there. From 1845 to 1847, Mr. Palmer was
interested in Lake Superior ventures; but they did not
prove profitable investments. Though nearly sixty years




I12

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

of age, he coasted from Sault Ste. Marie to the head of tered very tempestuous weather; and, to save the vessel,
Lake Superior in a six-oared boat, and returned in the was obliged to throw a great portion of the cargo oversame. From   1849 until age rendered him unable to board, thus sacrificing the hard earnings of years. Not
work, he transacted a land and insurance agency busi- at all discouraged, he returned to Detroit, and started
ness. In social life no man was more genial and kind- with another cargo, for Mackinaw, on Lake Huron.
hearted. Unobtrusive and modest, no one could claim  lie exchanged his goods with the Indians, at different
more or warmer friends. IHe was of that type of points on the coast, for furs and other commodities.
pioneers who, though not achieving great financial HIe then settled, about the year 1844, on Sugar Island,
success for themselves, by their energy and daring and commenced the life of a farmer. He also estabmade success possible for others.  In every trial he lished a general store, at a place known then and now
acted the part of a true man; and throughout his life as Payment's Landing. These enterprises he carried on
his conduct was irreproachable. IHe died poor.  In for twenty-five years, with moderate success. lHe then
politics, Mr. Palmer was a prominent Whig; but became disposed of his interests in that region of country, and
a Republican upon the organization of that party, in returned to Detroit in 1874. He has since retired from
the affairs of which he took an active interest until his business, and removed to Bay City, where he now redeath. lie never aspired to office, and never held any sides. Owing to his father's life among the Indians, R.
public place save that of Alderman from the First Ward C. Payment had few educational advantages. When
of the city of Detroit. In 1821 Mr. Palmer married fifteen years of age, he attended, for three years, Notre
Mary A. Witherell, daughter of Judge James Witherell. Dame University, Indiana. Returning to the family
She survived her husband, dying in 1874. They had home at Sugar Island, he took charge of his father's
nine children, two of whom-Thomas W. Palmer, of business, which he managed successfully until 1870.
Detroit, and Mrs. Julia E. Hubbr-arare living. Mary He then went to Sault Ste. Marie, where he remained
W., wife of Ienry M. Roby, now of Monroeville, Ohio, three years, engaged in the drug business. After selldied in 1854, leaving one daughter now living,-Miss ing out his interest, he removed to Hancock, on Lake
Mary W. Roby. Sarah C. died in 1859. Mr. Palmer Superior, and engaged in the same occupation. One
and Miss Witherell were passengers on the " Walk-in-the- year later, he removed to Detroit, and, in connection
Water," the first steamboat on the lakes, on her first with Mr. Iennis Robert Bogue, who belonged to an old
trip, in 1819. They afterwards made their bridal trip in French-Canadian family, opened a drug store under the
the same vessel; and, on the return voyage from Buffalo, firm name of Bogue & Co. Mr. Payment is now conwere wrecked the night of October 31st. Mrs. Palmer's ducting this business successfully. From 1864 to 1877,
reminiscences of the incidents of the wreck are now on he held the position of County Treasurer at Sugar
file among the records of the Buffalo Historical Society. Island; and, in 1872, was Postmaster of Sault Ste.
Mrs. Palmer was, for sixty years, a member of the Marie.   His experience in traveling, during his life
Methodist Episcopal Church. She was an active worker among the Indians, is of much interest.  Hie was
in various Christian and benevolent enterprises, and obliged to undergo many hardships in fighting with
was one of the founders of the Detroit Protestant Orphan the savages, and met with severe commercial losses.
Asylum.                                            Mr. Payment is a Roman Catholic, and is a member of
St. Ann's Church. Hie has always felt an interest in
the Republican party, but has taken no active part in
politics. In his business relations, he maintains a high
|AYMENT, RICHARD C., was born in Detroit, reputation for integrity, and is respected by all who
l Michigan, June 10, 1842.  is mother, Catherine know him. He is genial and generous, ever ready to, (Ades) Payment, was born May 27. 1820. His give assistance to those in need.

Sfather, Michael G. Payment, who was born in
Canada, January 20, 1814, was early thrown upon his
own resources, with a limited education. From the age
of fourteen to the age of twenty-four, he held a position
as clerk in a dry-goods store, receiving one dollar a
month. In 1827 he went to Detroit, and found occupation in the dry-goods house of Buchard & Co., situated
on the corner of Woodward and Jefferson avenues.
Here he made himself so useful to his employers that,
in one year, they gave him an interest in the business;
and, at an early date, dispatched him with a cargo of
goods to Lake Superior. On the voyage, he encoun
"JITCHER, ZINA, M. D., late of Detroit, was born
Son the 12th of April, 1797, in Washington
'      County, New York. lie was a son of Nathaniel
SPitcher and Margaret (Stevenson) Pitcher. Iis
mother was left a widow with four young children,
when he was only five years of age. His early educational advantages were confined to those of the district
school and county academy. At the age of twenty-one,
Doctor Pitcher commenced the study of medicine,




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

I13

attending two courses of lectures at the Carleton School
of Medicine, in Vermont; and, in 1822, receiving the
degree of M. 1)., from Middlebury College.  Immediately after obtaining his diploma, he was appointed
Assistant Surgeon in the army, by President Monroe;
which position he retained until the latter part of the
year 1830, when he was promoted to the rank of Surgeon, by President Jackson; his friend, General Cass,
being Secretary of War. While occupying this position
he was stationed on the Northern lakes, and among the
Choctaw, Creek, and Cherokee Indians in the Arkansas
Valley. Ile was thence detailed to Fortress Monroe,
Virginia, and appointed a member of the Army Medical
Board, of which he was made the presiding officer in
1835. He was a frequent visitor at the "Rip Raps,"
in Hampton Roads, Virginia,-the retreat of General
Jackson and family,-and was the medical adviser, and
esteemed friend of the President. He was married, in
1824, to Anna Sheldon, of Kalamazoo County; and, from
this date, his interests became identified with the State
of Michigan.  They had one son and one daughter,
who still survive.  His wife having died during the
summer of 1864, he was married, on the 26th of June,
1867, to Mrs. Emily L. Backus, a granddaughter of
Colonel Nathaniel Rochester, of Virginia, who was the
founder of the city of Rochester, New York. They had
one son,- Sidney Rochester,-who died when only five
months old. Upon the adoption of the State Constitution in 1836, Doctor Pitcher was appointed Regent of
the State University, and held the office continuously
for fifteen years, during which time the university was
organized, and the medical department, through his
efforts, established on a firm basis. In 1839 he served
as a member of the Board of Visitors, at West Point.
He held the office of Mayor of Ietroit in 1840, and
again in 1841, and 1843. It was mainly through his
efforts, while occupying this position, that the enactment was obtained, authorizing the establishment of the
public school system in the city of Ietroit. From 1848
to 1.867, he performed the duties of physician at St.
Mary's Hospital, and also of surgeon of the United
States Marine Hospital, at Detroit. In 1859 he was
appointed Examiner of the Mint, by President Buchanan.
At the time of his resignation from the army, he stood
within three numbers of the head of the list of surgeons.
Doctor Pitcher was elected President of the American
Association, and contributed regularly to the medical
journals; particularly to the PeninsulaJournal, of which
he was, for many years, an editor. He received gratifying tokens of respect and esteem from his friends in
other States, by his election as honorary member of
their leading academies of science, and medical societies.  He was always deeply interested in the natural
sciences; an earnest botanist; and well versed in the
habits of animals. In 1840, by his agency, Audubon's

magnificent book was added to the university library,
with much of the botanic lore which has proved the
nucleus of that branch of science in the institution. As
a practicing physician, his characteristics were  acuteness in diagnosis, with nice discrimination as to the
condition and circumstances of the patient, and a clear,
philosophical habit of mind in judging and applying
remedies. Although educated in the old school views,
and being a close student of his profession, he was not
given to experimenting with new remedial agents; never
using them when old and tried means were followed by
satisfactory results. lHe was equally conservative in
surgery, for which he always exhibited a special aptness. Though a bold operator, he never used the knife
unless convinced that it was the only means of prolonging life, or preserving an important member. Trained
from early youth in the school of adversity, his sympathies in later years were drawn out towards those to
whom fortune was more sparing with her favors. His
ever friendly smile was even more kind and genial to
those in straitened circumstances. In his practice, it
was his wont to extend professional services to the poor
and friendless, from whom no compensation could be
expected, often giving them the preference over the
rich and influential. Even during the last few months
that he was able to be out, at the expense of much
physical suffering, he would make occasional visits of
this kind; frequently going long distances from home,
while he felt at liberty to decline responding to calls
which would have been remunerative. It was the spirit
of Him who was the great friend of the poor, that inspired the daily life of this noble man. When reminded
that bills for such services were never paid, he would
promptly answer, "That is a mistake; they are always
paid, and by the best of pay-masters, the Lord himself."
His religion was not paraded before the eyes of men,
like that of the Pharisee, but the record of his daily
life proved its depth and sincerity. His health began
to fail about a year previous to his death, and the closing
days of his life were attended with the greatest physical
suffering, which was borne with rem; rkable heroism.
Satisfied that medical science might le advanced, and
humanity benefited, by an investigation of the cause
and working of the disease which had marked him for
its victim, he requested his medical attendants, who were
old and cherished friends, to make a posi-mortem examination of his remains. From this brief summary, it
will be seen that Doctor Pitcher was intrinsically a broad
man. His integrity, probity, and faithfulness to every
obligation, were proverbial.  In social life he was ever
the courteous gentleman; in religion, charitable to the
views of others.  laving served faithfully his generation, he has left to society, not only the fruits of his
good works, as the result of his intelligent foresight
and indefatigable energy, but also the bright and shiining




114

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

example of an earnest, Christian life. In closing this
sketch with a record of Doctor Pitcher's death, which
occurred April 5, 1872, at the advanced age of seventyfive years, it can truthfully be said of him," Here was a man
Fashioned to much honor from the cradle;
lie was a scholar, and a ripe and good one:
Exceeding wise, fair-spoken, and persuading.
Lofty and stern to them that loved hrm not,
But, to those who sought him, sweet as summer
And, to add greater honors to his age than man
Could give him, he died fearing God."
RENTIS, GEORGE HOUSE, Lawyer, of Detroit,
was born April 28, 1837, in the township of La
Salle, Monroe County, Michigan. His mother,
\   Rebecca M. Gager, was born in New London
County, Connecticut, in 18oo; was married in 1817;
and died in 1844. She finished her education with Mrs.
Lydia II. Sigourney, between whom and herself there
existed a life-long and intimate friendship. His father,
Eben Prentis, was a farmer. He was the son of Eben
Prentis, a Captain in the Revolutionary army, who died
in Richmond, Virginia, about the year 1799, having
removed thither from New London, Connecticut, after
the close of the Revolutionary War. At his death, he
left three small children,- Eliza, Eben, and John.
His wife was Elizabeth Shapley. Her mother being a
widow, and having lost all her property by the burning
of her house in New London, at the invasion of Arnold,
engaged in teaching to support herself and daughter.
She had received an excellent education, and acquired
a high reputation as a teacher, having instructed a class
of young men in various subjects, among which was the
science of navigation. Her maiden name was Harris,
and her family settled in New London as early as 1651.
Her brother-in-law, Captain Adam  Shapley, was the f
only male member of the family. lie commanded a
company of militia at the invasion of New London, 1
and, while assisting in tlie defense at Fort Griswold, in s
September, 1781, received wounds from which he died, I
in February, 1782.  His name is inscribed on Croton c
Monument, which was erected in memory of thdse who s
perished in the defense of New London. George H. c
Prentis, the subject of this sketch, removed with his
parents to Detroit in 1843, received his elementary edu- i
cation in the public schools of that city, and prepared I
under a private tutor to enter the Sophomore Class of I
the University of Michigan.  About a month before 1
the commencement of the term, not desiring to take a n
collegiate course, which his father had planned for him, F
he induced the latter to allow him to abandon it. His t
father consented only on condition that he would enter c
a law office, and study law for at least one year. This t

he agreed to do only to please his father, as he imagined
he had no taste for such a profession, and was desirous
to engage in mercantile pursuits, fully intending to do
so at the end of a year. Entering the law office of
Backus & Harbaugh in 1856, he devoted himself earnestly to the study of law, in which he soon became
deeply interested. He decided to engage in it as a life
profession; and, being admitted to the bar in August,
1858, immediately began practice, which he has continued
up to the present time, having acquired a large and
lucrative business. In November, 1858, he was elected
to the office of Circuit Court Commissioner for Wayne
County, to serve two years, from January I, 1859. In
1862 he was again elected, and was re-elected in 1864
to the same office, having held it, in all, six years.
This is the only elective office he has ever occupied,
having chosen to devote his time and attention to his
profession, rather than to seek political honors. He
has always acted with the Democratic party, and has
been at times actively engaged in the politics of the
State.  lie was married, May 16, 1866, to Lavina C.
Griffin, of Cuba, New York, whose father, born in Vermont, in 1794, of Revolutionary ancestors, was one of
the oldest residents of Alleghany County, New York,
and died there in September, 1877, in the eighty-fourth
year of his age.  Mr. Prentis has been a laborious
student, is an energetic and successful lawyer, and has
taken a high rank among his professional brethren of
the Detroit bar.
~ RýESTON, DAVIDI, anker, of Detroit, Michigan,
i was born in Ilarmony, Chautauqua County, New
York, September 20, 1826.   Ilis father, Rev.
S)avid Preston, was a Methodist minister, who,
or thirty years, was a member of the Erie Conference.
[Ie died at East Conneaut, Ohio, in August, 1855. David
Preston, having received a liberal education at the public
schools, taught four years in Chautauqua County, New
York; and, in the fall of 1848, entered the banking
)ffice of G. F. Lewis, of Detroit. After four years of
ervice and discipline in this capacity, in May, 1852, he:ommenced business for himself, as a banker, in I)etroit.
Two years later, he opened a banking office in Chicago,
n which he has been interested most of the time since.
Ie is at present senior member of the banking firm of
Preston, Kean & Co., of Chicago, and conducts a simiar business in Detroit. From his youth, he has been a
nember and ardent supporter of the Methodist Episco)al Church. He took a leading part in the erection of
he Central Methodist Episcopal Chrurch, of Detroit, one
)f the largest and most expensive in the State. He also
tought the site, and assumed the whole responsibility of




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

II5

raising funds to build the Simpson Methodist Episcopal
Church, in Detroit. Ile has, besides, given largely of
his means to aid other religious and charitable enterprises; his contributions to such objects, since 1864,
amounting to nearly one hundred thousand dollars. Mr.
Preston's efficient labors in behalf of Albion College,
located at Albion, Michigan, have secured a large additional endowment fund to that institution. In the year
1870, he notified its trustees that he would be responsible for the raising of sixty thousand dollars, in small
sums, from the people, if they would secure fifty thousand dollars from not more than fifty men in the State.
The trustees obtained the required amount by the aid
of five thousand dollars from Mr. Preston; and, in 1872,
he issued circulars and raised twenty-three thousand
dollars from volunteer subscriptions. In June, 1873, he
took the field in person, visited various sections of the
State, held meetings, and secured subscriptions in furtherance of the object; and, in Septembier of that year,
paid over to the trustees sixty thousand dollars toward
the endowment fund of that college. One week later,
the financial panic of 1873 came on, and Mr. Preston
was olliged, on account of the unusual demand for
currency, to close his bank from the 25th to the 27th
of September. Upon closing, he published a circular
stating the amount and character of his assets, assuring
his creditors that, with these assets in his own hands,
and under his own management, he could pay every
dollar the bank owed, and have a surplus of a quarter
of a million. Upon re-opening, with the assistance of
his efficient partner, he soon made good this statement.
Bly Iecember 15, 1873, the bank had laid six hundred
and fifty thousand dollars of its liabilities, and announced its ability to pay all other indebtedness on
demand. None of the customers of the bank lost a
dollar, nor did it sacrifice one dollar on any of its bills
discounted. Except three or four, during its two days
of suspension, none of its checks were dishonored. Mr.
Preston served two years as a member of the Commnon
Council of Detroit,-the only public office he has ever
held. Politically, he has always voted and sympathized
with the Republican party. Hle was married, May 5,
1852, to Jane B. Hawk, of Conneaut, Ohio. They have
seven children living.
SiCOND, ASHIILEY, Detroit, one of the most eminent
isand successful lawyers of Mlichigan, graduated
Sfrom Ann Arbor University, and was afterwards
SProfessor in the law department, for several years.
After his removal to Detroit, he formed a law partnership with John S. Newberry; and, subsequently, with
II. B. Brown. After Mr. Brown was appointed District
Judge, this partnership ceased; and Mr. Pond has since

practiced alone, his business being one of the largest
and most successful in the State. IIe has never sought
political preferment; but, in 1873, he was appointed, by
Governor Bagley, a member of the Constitutional Commission of eighteen. IIe was one of two from the First
Congressional District.
IULFORD, JOHN, of Detroit, Michigan, Colonel
i United States Army, and Brevet Brigadier-Gene; cral, was born in New York City, July 4, 1837.
'   lie is the seventh son of Edward and Sarah
Lloyd (Avis) Pulford; the former a native of Norwich,
and the latter of Bristol, England. They emigrated to
New York City in 1833. In 1838 they removed to Essex
County, Ontario, where they engaged in farming. The
subject of this sketch received the educational advantages afforded by the public schools. When thirteen
years of age, he went to Detroit, Michigan, and soon
after began sailing on the lakes in the summer, and in
the winter devoting his time to readiiig law. In 1854
he became proprietor of a hotel in Detroit, and continued in this business until I86I. Upon the breaking out
of the civil war, he and Edward T. Sherlock organized
a military company, and tendered their services to the
General Government. Mr. Pulford was soon after appointed First Lieutenant in the 5th Michigan Volunteer
Infantry. IIe entered upon service, June 19, 1861, in a
camp of instruction at Fort Wayne, Michigan, where he
remained, drilling recruits and performing duties incident to camp life, until September ii. HIe was then
ordered, with his regiment, to the front. During the
fall and winter, he aided in the construction of Forts
Richardson and I.yon, and in the defenses of Washington south of the Potomac.  In Mlarch, 1862, he left
witl the Army of the Potomac for Fortress Monroe,
Virginia, doing camp and picket duty in front of liampton.  In April, 1862, he moved with his company and
regiment to Yorktown, and assisted in the construction
of earth-works preparatory to laying siege to the place.
While here he performed important picket duty. At
Williamsburg, Virginia, May 5, he participated with his
regiment in a charge on the enemy at the point of the
bayonet, and captured the works and a number of prisoners. In this charge, over three hundred Confederates
were killed by the bayonet in front of his regiment.
Soon after this engagement, he was promoted to a Captaincy. Hle took part in the battle of Fair Oaks, his
company acting as skirmishers, and losing heavily. Ile
was also engaged in all the movements of the Army of
the Potomac in the seven days' fight before Richmond,
including Peach Orchard, Charles City, Cross Roads,
and Malvern Hill. When he went into action on the




116

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

morning of July I, he was struck by a partially spent
cannon-ball, which fractured his collar-bone and broke
his jaw. He was left on the battle-field for dead, captured by the enemy, and taken to Richmond, where he
was kept prisoner for eighteen days, and then exchanged
and taken to the hospital at Baltimore. After ten weeks
spent in the hospital, he was so far recovered as to be
alle to return to duty. His friends had procured a detail for him on the recrui:ing service; but he refused to
listen to any proposition which would take him away
from his command and active field duty. On the I3th
of December, he was in the battle of Fredericksburg,
remaining on the battle-field until the 16th. His company and regiment suffered severely during this engagement. The regimental commander having been killed,
Captain Pulford-although one of the junior Captains-was soon after appointed Major. lie took part
in what is known as Burnsilde's mud march; also in the
Battle of the Cedars, May 2, i863, in which he assisted
in the capture of the 23(1 Georgia Infantry; and in the
brilliant night charge when Stonewall Jackson was
killed. This was one of the shortest and most terrific
encounters of the war, as the charge was made to re-open
communication with the army from which the Third
Corps had been cut off late in the evening. The next
day, he was engaged in the battle of Chancellorsville,
where Lieutenant-Colonel E. T. Sherlock was killed,
after which Major Pulford assumed command of the
regiment, although suffering severely from a wound he
had received. The officers of his regiment petitioned
the Governor to appoint him Lieutenant-Colonel of the
regiment, which was complied with, his commission
dating from May 3, 1863.  He was engaged, with his
command, in several skirmishes with the enemy on the
march to Gettysburg, and opened the engagement at
that place in front of the First Division, Third Corps.
They fought as heavy infantry in almost a hand-to-hand
conflict, in which Colonel Pulford was severely wounded
in the thigh, and slightly in the right hand. His horse
was killed, but the Colonel did not leave the field nor his
command.   Of the fourteen officers of his regiment
present, eleven were either killed or wounded in this
battle. The brigade commander, in his report of this
engagement, says: "The unflinching bravery of the
5th Michigan, which sustained a loss of more than onehalf of its members without yielding a foot of ground,
deserves to be especially commended." Colonel Pulford
participated in the battle at Wapping Heights, and his
regiment acted as flankers and skirmishers during the
march from Gettysburg to White Sulphur Springs. On
the 16th of August, 1863, he went, in command of his
regiment, to New York City, as a guard against threatened resistance to the draft; thence to Troy, New York,
for the same purpose; and returned to the Army of the
Potomac, September 18, I863. He was in command

through the actions at Auburn Heights, Kelly's Ford,
Locust Grove, and Mine Run. His regiment having
re-enlisted as a veteran organization, Colonel Pulford
took it to Detroit, where a public reception was given
them. They returned to the Army of the Potomac on
the 19th of February, 1864, Colonel Pulford commanding in all the actions and movements of that army, including the battle of the Wilderness, in which he was
severely wounded, his back being broken and both his
arms partially disabled. June o1, 1864, he was appointed Colonel of the 5th Michigan Veteran Volunteer
Infantry, Colonel Beach having been mustered out of
service on account of having been absent from duty two
years by reason of wounds received. The 3d Michigan
Infantry Volunteers having been consolidated with the
5th Michigan Infantry, Colonel Pulford commanded
the regiment in the siege of Petersburg, from June 27,
1864, to April 3, 1865. Iuring the greater portion of
the time, he was in command of Fort Davis, having, as
a garrison, the 5th Michigan Infantry, the 1st Regiment of United States Sharp-shooters, (the Michigan
men of the 2d Regiment United States Sharp-shooters
having been consolidated with this regiment), the Io5th
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and a New York Battery. He was general officer of the day for the Second
Corps at the engagement at Ieep Bottom, Virginia; he
was engaged at Petersburg, July 30, commanding the
Second Brigade, Third Division, Second Corps; he commanded Birney's Iivision of the Tenth Corps, for a
short time, at the battle of Strawberry Plains, Virginia; the 5th Michigan Infantry, at the battle of Poplar Springs Church; the first line of battle of the Second
Brigade, Third Division, Second Corps, at Boydtown,
October 27, 1864, where he was wounded in the right
knee; at Hatcher's Run, on March 25, 1865, he commanded the 5th Michigan, together with the Ist Massachusetts Heavy Artillery; and the 5th Michigan Infantry,
at Sailor's Creek and New Store, Virginia.  lie was
general officer of the clay for the Third Division, Second
Corps, at the surrender of the insurgent armies at Appomattox Court House, April 9, 1865. In June, of the
same year, he was appointed by the President, BrigadierGeneral of United States Volunteers, by brevet, to rank
as such from the 3oth of March, 1865, "for gallantry in
action and efficiency in the line of duty."  After the
general review of the armies of the United States at
Washington, he proceeded, in command of the 5th
Michigan Infantry and several other Western regiments,
to Louisville, Kentucky, and commanded the First Brigade, provisional division, Army of the Tennessee, at
Jeffersonville, Indiana. The 5th Michigan Regiment
having been mustered out of service July 5, 1865, he
took it to Detroit, Michigan, where it was disbanded on
the 17th. Colonel Pulford returned to private life; and,
in October, 1865, he was admitted to the bar, entering







~




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

II7

at once upon the practice of his profession. He had,
however, acquired a strong taste for military life, and
having applied for a commission in the regular army,
was appointed Second, and afterwards First, Lieutenant,
I9th United States Infantry, on the 23d of February,
1866, being assigned to the command of Company G,
third battalion, of that regiment. IIe was stationed at
Newport barracks, Kentucky, on the 28th of April. He
was in command of his company en route to and at
Little Rock, Arkansas, until August 3, and was soon
after assigned to the command of the post at Iuvall's
Bluff, Arkansas.  On the 21st of September, he was
transferred to the 37th United States Infantry, stationed
at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and engaged in General
Ilancock's expedition against hostile Indians. April
27, 1867, he acted as Adjutant of the post at Fort Lyon,
commanding a detachment of troops who were guarding
the United States mail route from  Indians, between
Forts Lyon and Aubrey, Kansas. He was Quartermaster, a Commissary of Subsistence and Disbursing
Officer from November I, I867, until May 31, 1869. He
was awaiting orders, and on reconstruction duty in Mississippi, until Iecember 13, 1869; on recruiting duty at
Newport barracks, and at Atlanta, Georgia; and awaiting orders until December 15, 1870. He was retired on
the rank of Colonel, United States army, under Section
32, of the act of Congress, approved July 28, 1866, on
a record of six wounds received in action; and was
reduced to Lieutenant-Colonel, United States army,
retired, under the act of March 3, 1875. In 1873 he
was appointed, by Governor Bagley, as Judge-Advocate
of the State of Michigan. By special act of Congress,
in 1877, he was restored to the rank of Colonel, United
States Army, retired.
SlITHELPS, lION. WILLIAM, Detroit, Michigan, was
b orn November 19, 1816, at Sherwood, in Scipio,
SCayuga County, New York. His parents were
SRalph Phelps and HIester Ann Decker. The genealogical record of the family dates back to the Guelphs,
in Wales; and, in America, to William and George Phelps,
who landed at Boston in 1630. William Phelps settled
in Windsor, Connecticut, while George remained in
Massachusetts. It is supposed that the greater number,
if not all, of the Phelps families in this country are
descended from these two brothers. The mother of
Ilon. William Phelps was born near Troy, New York.
Her ancestors came from Holland, and belonged to that
class of honest, industrious people known as " Mohawk
Dutch."  His father went from Windsor, Connecticut,
when very young, and made his home in Scipio, New
york. IHe was an officer in the regiment raised in his

county, and took part in the War of 1812, on the Niagara frontier, under General Schuyler,-being present at
Queenstown and other battles. lie imparted to his son
a strong love for military life; and, under his training,
the boy became proficient in the broad-sword exercise,
and thoroughly drilled in the manual of arms. When
twelve years of age, Mr. Phelps was appointed Captain
of a company of cadets. lie acquired his education in
the district schools of Scipio, with the exception of one
term spent at the Aurora Academy. When school was
not in session, he worked on his father's farm, and
gained habits of industry and usefulness that have followed him thus far in life. lie became the teacher of
the same school in which he was a pupil; many of his
classmates and pupils have since become eminent and
useful members of society. When he was sixteen years
of age, his father died, leaving him, the eldest of four
sons, to manage the farm. It was soon sold, and he
then became Deputy Postmaster, and clerk for a merchant in his native village. Ile was afterwards employed
as clerk in a general store, by an excellent Quaker firm,
in the same place, at a salary of three and a half dollars
per month and board. lHe attended to all kinds of
work in their store and on their farm; he bought, sold,
packed, and shipped pork, wool, and grain; he looked
after the interest of their canal-boat and stage lines;
and thus gained an insight into various kinds of business. With the aid of his former employers, he obtained
a clerkship at Lavanna, New York, at ten dollars per
month and board. Hle performed the duties of Deputy
Postmaster; salesman and general manager of a new
store; and book-keeper for a warehouse, lumber-yard,
two mechanic's shops, shipyard, canal-boats, and a large
farm. This he found too responsible a position, and
more than his health and strength could endure. His
employer offered an increase of salary as an inducement
to remain, but he was determined to resign. In 1835,
by the advice of his former employers, and with their
best recommendations, he came to Detroit, Michigan,
where he arrived in August of the same year. Ile soon
found employment in a wholesale grocery house, at a
salary of fifteen dollars a month and board. He continued in this establishment until advised by his uncle-a
resident of Detroit since 1818-to open a store with his
brother Ralph, on Woodward avenue, near the corner
of Jefferson avenue. This was the first store north of
Jefferson avenue in the city. The building belonged to
their uncle, who afterwards gave it to them.  They
commenced business there in June, 1836; in 1838 the
building was destroyed by fire. The first stock of goods
invoiced about eighty dollars, besides a soda fountain
and apparatus, which was the only one in the city.
Their stock consisted of groceries, fruits, and confectioneries,-all they wished to take at that time. By
strict attention to business, they were soon enabled to




IIS

IREPRE;SENTAT'IVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

build up a large and flourishing trade, which has continued to increase. Ralph Phelps retired in 1840, and
Mr. Phelps has associated other partners with him in
business. At present, the wholesale grocery house of
Phelps & Brace (owned by them) ranks among the
largest and most successful in Detroit. In I86o Mr.
Phelps was elected to the Legislature, and served during
one regular and two special sessions. In 1861 and 1862,
at the time of the breaking out of the civil war, he occupied the position of Chairman of the Committee on
Supplies and Expenditures, and was also the leading
member of the Military Conunittee. Feeling the necessity of some military law, he succeeded, after the defeat
of two bills, in securing the passage of the only military
law of the State, under which the first regiments of
Michigan troops were organized, and sent into the field
in 18oi. lie also assisted in raising, equipping, and
sustaining them; visited their camnps at Washington,
Alexandria, and Fort Lyon; carried supplies to them;
and remitted their money to their friends.  In the
spring of 1862, he was appointed, by President Lincoln,
Allotment Commissioner for the State of Michigan,the State, by law, paying traveling expenses, but no
salary. Mr. Phelps was the only one of the three appointed who was with the troops at the front. IHe
commenced active service with them, and was present
during the siege and evacuation of Yorktown, Virginia,
taking their allotments of pay, and the money and
valuables of several Michigan regiments, to transmit to
their families and friends. After the battle of Williamsourg, he went to Washington to transact the business
of his commission, and thence to Michigan to deliver
the money and valuables in his possession, which came
to the relief of many a needy family in the State. IIe
then returned with a large number of articles sent by
friends to the soldiers before Richmond, and rejoined
them at Fair Oaks battle-ground and White Oak swamps.
lie then visited all the Michigan troops on both sides
of the Chickahominy River, and took allotments,-witnessing the battles of Seven Pines and Gaines' Mills.
The next day, he had an official interview with the
staffs of Generals McClellan, Sedgwick, and Hleintzelman, at Savage Station.   That night, he remained
with the troops when they fell back towards the James
River; and, on the second night, he reached Carter's
Landing, and the gunboat "Stepping Stones," with all
the money of the 7th Michigan-Infantry, and all the
money and valuables he could carry belonging to other
regiments. The next day, on the same boat, he started,
with six hundred and forty soldiers wounded in the
battles of Seven Pines and Gaines' Mills, for Fortress
Monroe, where he delivered them over to the surgeons.
He then proceeded to Washington, where, having gent
off by express the money and valuables intrusted to his
care, he handed in his allotment rolls to General Frank

Lamed, Paymaster-General of the United States army;
and was highly complimented as having reported the
best rolls and largest allotments, in proportion to the
troops, of any commissioner.  After re-visiting the
troops at.Ilarrison's Landing, lie returned to Detroit in
time to take the allotments of the 20th Regiment, and
assist in recruiting the 24th Regiment, and taking their
allotments. This occupied the summer and a portion
of the fall, after which he visited the 9th Michigan
Infantry, Colonel Duffield's, at Elizabethtown, Kentucky; and the soldiers in the army of General Buell, at
Munfordsville, Kentucky, where the Michigan engineers
and mechanics had just rebuilt the bridge across Green
River. During the winter of 1862-63, he returned to
Washington, and took charge of a large quantity of
sanitary supplies sent down the Potomac to Belleplain,
Falmouth, and the stations between Fredericksburg and
Aquia Creek. I-e visited each regiment in the viciinity,
and transacted business for the soldiers.  In March,
1863, he was appointed, by President Lincoln, Paymaster
in the United States army, with the rank of Major; he
was ordered to report to Major William Allen, at Louisville, Kentucky, and then to proceed to Triune, Tennessee,-with part of the famous Ist Tennessee Cavalry
for guard and escort,-to pay the signal corps and troops
under Major-General Schofield. After paying the Missouri cavalry in Nashville, he returned to head-quarters
at Louisville. In August he was summoned as witness
in a court-martial, by General Rosecrans, commanding
the Army of the Cumberland.   le reported to him at
Stevenson, Alabama, from which place he was ordered
to Bridgeport; and from there to Battle Creek, and
across the Tennessee River, to take quarters with Colonel E. W. Phelps, of the 38th Ohio, until the army
halted long enough for the court-martial. They were
then in pursuit of General lIragg, who had evacuated
Chattanooga. The Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment
being at home recruiting, Major Phelps was installed in
his place, by direction of the Colonel, and participated
in the march over Sand, Racoon, and Lookout mountains to Pigeon Mountain,-witnessing its battle. He
also took part in the battle of Chickamauga, as they
fell back into Chattanooga, where the 38th Ohio was in
command for many days on the north side of the river.
Several members of the court having been killed and
disabled in the battle of Chickamauga, it was dissolved;
and Major Phelps returned to Louisville, after an absence of several weeks. In October of the same year,
he returned to Chattanooga to assist in paying the Army
of the Cumberland, under General Thomas, then surrounded on that side of the river by General Bragg's
troops, occupying Lookout Mountain below and Mission
Ridge to the Tennessee River above. There was no
chance of supply but over a pontoon bridge across the
river, or over the precipitous Cumberland Mountains to




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

li9

Stevenson, Alabama, sixty-four miles away. After payments to the troops in Chattanooga, he was ordered to
remain, and pay General Sherman's Army of the Mississippi, which was on its way to relieve Chattanooga and
Knoxville. This was accomplished after the battles of
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, in both of which
Major Phelps took part as a volunteer. On Mission
Ridge, he assisted in refitting captured guns and turning them upon their late owners, and performed other
services. After the return of General Sherman's troops
from Knoxville, Major Phelps assisted in paying them,
at Bridgeport, Alabama, closing December 24, 1863;
and returned to Louisville after three months' hard
service. In 1864 he made payments at Louisville, Nashville, Decatur, Mooresville, Athens, Alabama, and other
points along the railroad, where troops were stationed to
guard the bridges and roads to Nashville. Returning to
the latter place, he visited General Sherman on a special
mission before Atlanta, Georgia; and, at his request, forwarded the Paymasters of the Cincinnati department at
Nashville, and all others having money, to pay his troops
before his attack on Atlanta. As soon as money could be
obtained, Major Phelps started with the pay department,
and made payments at Chattanooga, Ringgold, Rome,
Kingston, and Atlanta, to Sherman's troops as they started
for the sea. IIe left Atlanta on the last train going
north, prior to the destruction of the city by fire. In
March, 1865, he was promoted, by President Johnson,
to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, United States army,
for "gallant and meritorious services during the war."
Having visited Washington to pay General Sherman's
troops after their return from Savannah, Georgia, he
returned to Louisville, and assisted in paying all the
troops there, before they were sent to their own States
to be mustered out of service. As the war was virtually ended, and there was nothing more to do, at
his own request, on July 31, 1865, he was honorably
mustered out of service. iHe enjoyed the especial confrdence and respect of the chiefs of the pay department, of his associates, and of the officers and soldiers
whom he met in official duty.  Positions as local Paymaster at Louisville, Nashville, New Orleans, and other
important posts, were offered him; but he respectfully
declined them, preferring active service with the soldiers
in the field. He disbursed many millions of dollars to
the soldiers, and received testimonials of their kind
regard. By great good fortune, all money and valuables he remitted for soldiers reached their destinations
satisfactorily.  During the session of the Legislature
in 1867, General B. M. Cutcheon, Colonel Phelps, and
George H-. French were appointed, by Governor Crapo, a
Soldiers' Permanent Home Commission, to ascertain the
condition of the returned soldiers of the State, and to
report the best means for the relief of those in want of
help and comfortable sunlort. At the request of Mr.
16

French, General Cutcheon and Colonel Phelps performed the duties of the commission,-the General as
Chairman, and the Colonel as Secretary. Nearly two
years were devoted to the work of the commission without compensation, except traveling expenses.  Correspondence was held with every Supervisor in the State,
and other persons having knowledge of the condition
of returned soldiers, and also with the authorities of
all the States, as to their action for the relief of their
soldiers.  The Soldiers' National Homes at Dayton,
Ohio, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the State Soldiers'
Iomes in Indiana and Illinois, were twice personally
visited. Every possible information was gained, and
voluminous reports made by the two acting commissioners to Governor Crapo and the Legislature of 1869.
Resolutions of thanks were passed by the Legislature
for the full and able reports of the commissioners; these
resolutions were enrolled on parchment, and presented
to the commissioners, and are now in their possession.
Governor Crapo also gave expression of his gratitude
for their services. In May, 1867, Governor Crapo appointed Colonel Phelps aid-de-camp on his military
staff, with the rank of Colonel of Michigan troops.
Mr. Phelps has been for many years an honorary memher of the Detroit Light Guard,- the oldest military
organization in the State,-and for over two years an
active member of the Board of Directors of the Pelonge
Corps of Detroit Cadets. Ile is Vice-iPresident, and
has been Treasurer, of thle Michigan Soldiers' and Sailors' Association. le held the position of Alderman of
the Fifth Ward in Detroit two terms, or four years,
holding responsible places as chairman and member of
its most important committees, and devoting a large
amount of time and labor for the public benefit. He
united witH the Odd-Fellows early in their organization
in Ietroit; passed successively through all the offices;
and then became a member of the Masonic Fraternity.
As he could not successfully attend both, he severed
his connection with the Odd-Fellows, and became a
Knight Templar of Detroit Commandery, No. I, where
his military tastes were more fully gratified. He assisted
in introducing the order of the Sons of Temperance into
the State, and held its highest offices for many years.
lie took part in the formation of the Republicai party
at Jackson, Michigan, in 1854, and has been an active
member ever since. He was a member of the Union
League in Detroit, Michigan, and Louisville, Kentucky,
during the late war.  He has also been Post-Commandant, and Adjutant-General of the Grand Army of the
Republic, introducing the order into the State of Michigan by his personal effort. Ile has been an active
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since August, 1836, and Superintendent of Sabbath-schools for
over twenty-five years. He has also been class-leader,
steward, trustee, and local preacher in the church.




120

SREPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

At the present time, Mr. Phelps is trustee of several
churches and religious organizations, and is an ordained
local preacher, and Vice-President of the National Association of Local Preachers.  He married, Iecember
20, 1838, Miss Jane Love, who died October 26, 1841.
September 8, 1844, he married Mliss Deborah E. Maine,
of Mainesburg, Pennsylvania, who died October 14,
1855, leaving four children, the youngest of whom died
January I, 1859. HIe married Miss Calphurnia Blanchard, at Lawrence, Pennsylvania, December 4, 1856.
They have one son, making the number of his children
four,-two *daughters and two sons. The oldest three
are married and comfortably settled; the youngest is
still in school. By a life of industry and frugality, Mr.
Phelps has gained a comfortable fortune, and has been
able to give his children a good education and a fair
start in life. His patriotism led him to aid his country
in her time of need; and his active public spirit has
instituted many enterprises for the benefit of society.
Few persons commencing life with the same means have
done more for the public good.
UIIMBY, WILLIAM        E., Managing Editor, and
Principal Owner, of Detroit Free Piress. Almost
any day, during business hours, that the curious
Svisitor is inclined to pass down Griswold street,
Detroit, and ascend three flights of stairs of a four-story
brick building, situated on the north-west corner of
Griswold and Woodbridge streets, turning to the left
at the topmost landing, and passing through two rooms
of moderate dimensions, he will find himself on the
threshold of a neatly furnishe'd room, commanding a
charming view of the )etroit River, and the pleasant
little town of Windsor, on the Canadian shore. Generally, on entering this apartment, the visitor will observe
a gentleman seated at a table covered with manuscript
and newspaper clippings, which seem to absorb his
attention. At the first sound of your footsteps, he will,
perhaps, nervously raise his head, and give you a quick
and searching glance from a pair of keen gray eyes.
When he rises to take you by the hand, you will observe that he is a blonde of medium  height; clean
shaven, all but an ample mustache; with aquiline features and a slender form, whose every motion betokens a
man alive with nervous energy, and one whose vocation
has made severe draughts on his vital forces. That he
is possessed of a sensitive and retiring temperament, you
will readily observe; but, when the first words of common courtesy are spoken, you will perceive an unexpected warmth of feeling; the shrinking reserve will
vanish, and, before you are fairly aware of it, you are
en -rapport with a genial and scholarly gentleman, the
controlling mind of a great newspaper,-William E.

Quimby, manager of the Detroit Free Press.    Mr.
Quimby was born in the town of Brewer, Maine, December 14, 1835. When thirteen years of age, he accompanied his parents to Detroit, Michigan, at which point
his father, I). F. Quimby, established a monthly publication, called the Literary Miscellany, on which his son
William served as an apprentice. In 1854 he entered
the Michigan University, and graduated with the class
of 1858. Deciding to adopt the profession of law, he
was admitted to the bar in 1859. In 1861 Wilbur F.
Storey, then publisher of the Free Press, tendered him a
temporary position on that paper, which he accepted;
and his connection with the establishment has remained
unbroken.  In 1863 Hon. Henry N. Walker, who had
purchased the Free Press of Mr. Storey, made Mr.
Quimby managing editor. In 1872 Mr. Walker retired
from active participation in its publication, and Mr.
Quimby was chosen general manager, which position he
still holds. Shortly after the accession of Mr. Walker
to the proprietorship, Mr. Quimby purchased a onequarter interest in the establishment; in 1872 he became
possessed of another quarter; and, in January, 1875,
became, by purchase, its principal owner. During the
period that the Free Press has been under his exclusive
management, its influence and usefulness have rapidly
increased, until it has not merely a provincial, but a
national, and even a European, reputation. It circulates
in every State and Territory in the United States, and
in nearly all of the Canadian provinces where the English language is spoken. To have achieved such marked
success, necessitates rare qualities as a journalist. The
Free Press of to-day is what his care, energy, and enterprise have made it.  Every department is under his
general supervision; and nothing in the business, mechanical or editorial, escapes his keen and practiced
eye. Mr. Quimby's individuality permeates every feature of the paper. If we were to analyze his merits as
a journalist, we should say the predominant features are,
directness of purpose; a careful eye for details; ready
recognition of the value of news; literary tastes of a
high order; almost infallible judgment in all matters
on which he is called to pass; untiring industry; clear
and rigid ideas of the mission of journalism as a public
educator; and rare executive ability.
---*+.c----.fUSSELL, FRANCIS GRANGER, Lawyer, of
DIetroit, was born in Green Oak Township, LivSingston County, Michigan, April 16, 1837. Iis
father, William Sanderson Russell, was a native of Deerfield, Massachusetts. His mother, Jane Althen (Knox)
Granger, was born. near Bennington, Vermont, and was.
a descendant of General Knox, of Revolutionary fame,
and of Commodore Perry. HIis parents were among the




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

12I

early pioneers of Michigan. They settled on a farm in and ability, and was very successful for a number ol
Green Oak, in 1835, having traveled, with an ox-team, years. He cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, an
through Canada, from Riga, Monroe County, New York. has always supported the Republican party, but is con
His mother, a most excellent woman, died in 1850, servative in his political opinions.  He was married
leaving a family of five children,-two daughters and September 1o, 1863, to Helen Edwards, of Springfield
three sons. Iis father died in 1870. Francis G. Rus- Ohio. They have had four children, three sons and
sell received his preliminary education in the country one daughter -Clinton, Knox, Frank, and Lela.
district school, which he attended three months of each
year. At the age of seventeen, he entered the State
Normal School at Ypsilanti, where he took a full course,
and graduated, in March, 1858.  From early boyhood,
he exhibited a great fondness for books, and eagerly      OBINSON, GEORGE ORVILLE, of Detroit,
read all he'could obtain. Going frequently to the town  i  was born in South Reading, Windsor County,
library with a bag, he took home all the books he could  '^   Vermont, June 14, 1832. He is the son of Lewi,
carry, which he read thoroughly before returning. Hle Robinson, an extensive map publisher and merchant,
was fond of mathematics, and the study of languages, who was born at South Reading in 1793. HIe always
and has attained a considerable degree of proficiency in lived in that town and did much to promote its growth
both German and French. From the fall of 1858 to the and prosperity.  He also established map-publishing
spring of I861, he was Principal of the MIiddletown houses at Stanstead, in Lower Canada, and at Akron,
Union School, at Lansing.  Hie resigned to accept an Ohio. At these points, nearly forty years ago, he pub
appointment in the Department of the Interior at Wash- lished maps of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Upper
ington, which was procured through the influence of and Lower Canada, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and two
Senator Ilingham.  lHe passed through Baltimore, on large maps of the United States. His father, Ebenezer
his way to Washington, the day the firing on Fort Robinson, was born in Lexington, Massachusetts, in
Sumter began.   He remained at Washington most of February, 1765. He heard the firing at the battle of
the time as Examiner of Pension Claims, until July I, Lexington, the beginning of the Revolution, and after1864, when, on account of ill health, and the monotony wards, though a mere boy, joined the privateer service.
of his duties, he resigned. He then removed to Detroit, lie was soon taken prisoner, and confined for six
and went into the pension claim business, at the same months in the notorious "Jersey" prison-ships. After
time studying law. lie was admitted to practice after a his release, he remained in service nearly two years
careful examination before the Supreme Court, in the before peace was declared. At the close of the Revolufall of i868. In 1865 he became Secretary of the Board tionary War, he settled with his brother James at South
of Metropolitan Police Commissioners of Detroit, and Reading, Vermont, and cleared a large farm, on which
aided materially in its organization. It became a very he lived, with the wife of his youth, over sixty-six
efficient branch of the city government. He resigned years. He died in 1857, in the ninety-third year of his
the position in the spring of 1866, having given com- age, greatly respected and beloved. (;eorge 0. Robinplete satisfaction. In 1868 he became the private sec- son had the usual advantages of a public school educaretary of Governor Baldwin, and so continued during tion. He assisted his father in the various departments
the two terms of his able administration. In the spring of his business, and, at the age of seventeen, commenced
of 1869, he commenced the practice of law in the city teaching and studying to fit himself for college. He
of Detroit, in which he has since been actively engaged, taught seven successive winters in the village schools of
principally in office work and the settlement of estates, Springfield, Cavendish, Perkinsville, and Brownsville,
a specialty for which he was well qualified by his early Vermont; and was very enthusiastic and successful.
training, lie has been uniformly successful in every He continued his studies at other seasons of the year,
kind of business he has undertaken. This fact he and evinced a special talent for mathematics. Having
attributes to his willingness to work.  In 1861 hie completed his preparatory course at Springfield Wesserved as a private in a three-months' regiment at leyan and Newbury seminaries, he entered the UniverWashington. lie was elected City Attorney of Ietroit sity of Vermont, in 1853, froinm which he graduated in
in the fall of 1871, and was re-elected in 1873, serving, 1857. While prosecuting the studies of his Junior year,
in all, four years, efficiently and with honor. In the he taught school in Brownsville, and, in consequence of
fall of 1877, lie was elected Alderman of the Fifth this overwork, was prostrated with a nervous bilious
Ward of Detroit, for a term of two years from January fever, from which he did not recover sufficiently to
1, 1878. He was, for a long time, a member, and most resume his studies for ten months, and was then left
of that time President, of the Detroit Literary Adelphi with an impaired constitution. This ill health caused
Society, which was composed of young men of activity him, though reluctantly, to give up his intention of

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122

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

making teaching a profession, and he commenced read- the Board of Education of Detroit. Mr. Robinson, of
ing law with lion. William M. Pingrey, at Perkinsville, late years, in the pressure of business, has given but
Vermont, which he continued till March, 1858. He little time to study, yet he writes in a vigorous and
then went to Wisconsin with the intention of joining a lucid style. Ile has traveled for diverson in the South
Government surveying party and following, for a time, and West, and, at such times, has written for the Detroit
a more active occupation. The party was withdrawn, Triune. His letters from Florida, in 1868, attracted
however, and Mr. Robinson resumed the study of law, at much attention. He is a man of the strictest integrity,
Janesville, Wisconsin, with Messrs. Noggle, Williams, and is highly respected. He was married, September
& Patterson, prominent lawyers of that city. IHe was 27, 1859, at Greenwich, Connecticut, to Miss Helen
admitted to the Rock County bar in September, 1858. Mather, whose acquaintance he formed during his colHere, and in Edgerton, in the same county, he practiced lege life, while she was attending the Burlington Female
law and surveying. He also held the office of Justice Seminary. She is the daughter of A. E. Mather, the
of the Peace until 1861. In the spring of that year, he first crockery merchant in Detroit, who died in 1872.
settled in Detroit, Michigan, and carried on the practice Mr. Robinson has five children, and finds his greatest
of his profession. In 1862 he formed a law partnership enjoyment in his pleasant home.
with David W. Brooks, and also made a specialty of the
collection of claims upon the Government arising out of
the civil war. The firm of Robinson & Brooks did a
large and successful law business, and prosecuted in a
satisfactory manner, both to claimants and the Govern-  1LOOT, CHARLES, Wholesale Dry-goods Merment, nearly ten thousand claims of various kinds. This   chant, of Detroit, was born at Augusta, Oneida
partnership was dissolved in 1872, after an existence of  '  County, New York, July 16, 1833, and is deover ten years. Mr. Robinson then entered the law firm  scended from an old New England family. His grandof Robinson & Flinn, which continued several years, father, Jesse Root, was a prominent lawyer of Connecgiving special attention to the title, care and sale of ticut, and, at one time, Chief-Justice of that State. His
pine lands and pine land estates. Mr. Robinson has a education was received in the schools of his native vilgenial, affable, but retiring disposition, and generally lage; and, at the age of sixteen years, he left home for
avoids publicity. His health has been such that he has Hartford, Connecticut, and began his business training
usually avoided litigation in the practice of his profes- in a large wholesale commission and manufacturing
sion; and yet, in his extended business, he has developed establishment. There he remained until 1860; when,
unusual executive ability, and great energy and perse- having determined to engage in business on his own
verance in advocating and pursuing what he deems to account, and becoming favorably impressed with the
be right. His unusual energy and force of will were opportunities and advantages which Detroit afforded, as
displayed in the manner in which he obtained, with a business center, he proceeded there and started the
poor health, at his own expense, his collegiate education, wholesale dry-goods store of Smith, Root & Parsons.
He has discharged the last of his obligations for college At the end of a year, Mr. Root bought the interests of
expenses since his successful practice in Detroit. In his the other members of the firm, and took his cousin
charitable and religious work, Mr. Robinson avoids as partner, the firm being known as C. & G. Root.
ostentation. lie was one of the original members of the Six months afterwards, upon the death of Mr. G. Root,
Young Men's Christian Association in Detroit, and has two other partners were admitted, and the firR became
been an earnest worker in the promotion of its interests. Root, Johnson & Barbour, which existed for three years.
lie was a delegate to the International Conventions held Mr. Johnson then retired, and the firm of Root & Barat Montreal in 1867, at Portland in 1869, and at Wash- bour continued for six years. In January, 1870, Mr.
ington in 1870. Hle was educated among Congrega- Root purchased the interest of his partner, and has
tionalists, but is now an active Methodist, and has since conducted the business alone. A thoroughly comrepresented his church both as a lay and electoral petent and excellent business man, he has been emidelegate to the Detroit Annual Conference. lie was nently successful; and, as a merchant, is known quite
one of the founders of the Michigan Christian Advocate, extensively throughout Michigan and the North-west.
a religious newspaper of large circulation, published by He is a public-spirited citizen, though reserved and
the Methodist Publishing Company, at Detroit. Mr. unostentatious; and, having devoted himself entirely to
Robinson has always been a large stockholder in this business, has kept aloof from public office.  He has
company, and is its Secretary and Treasurer. He is a been a Director of the American National Bank since
stanch Republican in politics, and has given his party its organization. In 1875 he made a tour of Europe.
substantial support, but has never sought political pre- He was married in 186i, and his family consists of his
ferment. For some years he was an active member of wife and two children.







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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICIIGAN.

123

,fOBERTSON, JOHN, of Detroit, Adjutant-GenSeral of the State of Michigan, was born in
SPortsoy, Banffshire, Scotland, January 2, 1814.
On his father's side, he is descended from the Robertson and Stuart clans; and, on his mother's, from  the
family of Forbes, one of the largest in Scotland. His
mother's brother, Sir John Forbes, a prominent physician of London, at one time physician to'the Queen,
was editor of the London AMedical Review, and the
author of several medical works of note. When quite
young, Mr. Robertson was placed in school, at Cullen,
a smallitown in Scotland, the school being one of the
best in that part of the country. lie began his studies
with the view to preparing for a professional pursuit;
but, as he exhibited a strong inclination for military
life, the idea of educating him for a profession was
abandoned. On leaving school, he was appointed to a
clerkship in the general Post-office of Scotland, at Edinburgh, and entered upon his duties in 1829. Iisappointed at not getting a position in the army, and
disliking the restraint and confinement of any office, he
determined to emigrate to the United States, and there
enter the army. Accordingly, he left the Post-office
and took passage in a sailing vessel at Leith, for Montreal, arriving there, after a nine weeks' voyage, without
money or friends. Ile started on foot from Montreal,
to reach the nearest recruiting station in the United
States, traveling to St. John and Plattsburg, and working his passage on a steamer across Lake Champlain, to
Burlington, Vermont. There, on the 2nd of July, 1833,
he enlisted as a private soldier in the United States
army. In the spring of 1834, he was sent to the 5th
Regiment United States Infantry, at Fort Howard,
Green Bay, Wisconsin, commanded by General George
M. Brooks, one of the heroes of the War of 1812, who
distinguished himself at Lundy's Lane.  Soon after
joining his regiment, he was appointed a non-commissioned officer, and served, for the greater part of six
years, as Quartermaster-sergeant and sergeant-major,
thus receiving military instruction which proved of great
benefit in fitting him, to some extent, for positions
which he filled later in life. After his term of service
expired, he was engaged in the Quartermaster and Commissary departments at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin,
and went with the regiment from that point to Detroit,
in 1840. Soon after, he entered the employment of
Brady & Trowbridge, merchants, of that city, and, a few
years later, went with one of the partners to Mexico.
There he engaged in mercantile business, connected
with the United States army, and remained about
eighteen months.  Returning to Detroit, he rejoined
Mr. C. A. Trowbridge; and, a few years later, became
his partner in the commission business. In March,
1861, he was appointed, by Governor Blair, as Adjutant-General of the State of Michigan, serving in that

capacity throughout the civil war, and holding the office
up to the present time. He has been identified with
the militia and State troops of Michigan for about
twenty-five years, and received his first commission
from Governor Bingham, in November, 1855. In early
years, he was a Whig, having cast his first vote for
Henry Clay, in 1844. On the formation of the Republican party, he voted with it, and has continued to do
so ever since. In 1842 he married Marion Adam,
daughter of Robert Adam, a farmer, residing near
Chatham, Ontario. Five daughters and one son have
been the fruit of this union,-Cecilia, the eldest, is the
wife of Commander Charles S. Colton, United States
Navy; Marion, the second, is the wife of Charles A.
Mack, of Detroit; Emily, the third, is married to Charles
Briggs, of Providence, Rhode Island; Forbes, the son,
and Kate, the youngest daughter, are attending school.
With a strong constitution, Mr. Robertson has always
been remarkably healthy, and is now very strong and
active.
-  -.----"0 --
1USSELL, ALFRED, Lawyer, of Detroit, was
born in Plymouth, New Hampshire, March i8,
i 1830. The following is a short sketch of his
ancestry: About the middle of the seventeenth century,
a colony of Scotch Presbyterians settled in Ireland, and
thence removed to a town in New Hampshire, which
they named Londonderry, and where they introduced
the manufacture of linen. Captain John Russell, of the
second generation of these colonists, was killed at the
siege of Fort William Henry, in 1757, by Montcalm;
his son, Moor Russell, was, for many years, State Counselor of New Hampshire; Alfred Russell, the subject of
this sketch, is his grandson, and the son of William W.
Russell. The mother of Alfred Russell, whose maiden,
name was Susan Webster, was a native of Salisbury,
New Hampshire, which was also the birthplace of the
celebrated Daniel Webster, her near kinsman. The
Webster family came from Ipswich, England, and settled in Ipswich, Massachusetts, about two hundred and
fifty years ago. Mr. Russell graduated at Dartmouth
College, in I85o, and spent the next two years at the
law school of Harvard University. In 1852 he removed
to the city of Detroit, where he has since resided,
engaged in the practice of law. Passing from the school
of "Webster Whigs" into the Republican party, in
1856, his services were recognized, in 1861, by President
Lincoln, who appointed him  United States District
Attorney for the State of Michigan. After the St. Alban's and Lake Erie raids,-when Jacob Thompson,
ex-Secretary of the Interior, was Confederate emissary
in Canada,- Mr. Russell was sent, by Secretary Seward,
on a special mission to Montreal and Toronto, where he




124

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN..spent several months in constant danger of assassination. the cause of temperance and temperance reform in its
The expulsion of the Confederate agents; the extradi- best and broadest sense, regarding it as the greatest
tion of some of the raiders who had attempted the philanthropy of the age. He has been an extensive
seizure of the United States war-steamer" Michigan;" writer and speaker on the sulbject, and was the organizer
and the liberation of the Confederate prisoners at John- of the Prohibition political party, in which he was the
son's Island, Lake Erie, were the fruits of the mission. main mover. He has served ten years *as the Grand
Ile was appointed the second time to the same office, Worthy Chief Templar, or the presiding officer, of the
which he resigned in 1869. At the dedication of the Independent Order of Good Templars in Michigan. He
new City Hall, on the Fourth of July, 1871, Mr. Russell was elected for the eleventh term, but declined to accept
was chosen to deliver the oration. Judicial and elective the position. At two different times he has been prooffices he has since declined, confining himself closely to moted to the office of Right Worthy Good Templar,
the practice of his profession. lie was married, in 1857, which is the highest position in that order.  He was
to Mrs. Ellen P. England, who was a dlaughter of N. one of fifty delegates from this country who attended
Wells, of St. Alban's, Vermont.  They have a large the session of the International Lodge in the city of
family of children. Mr. Russell stands among the fore- London, England, and presided over that body. lie
most practitioners of the Detroit bar, anrl is regarded as also visited portions of the continent of Europe for the
one of the most learned and scholarly lawyers in the purpose of collecting information in relation to temperState. He is also possessed of fine social qualities, ance. In theological and religious views, he is thorwhich greatly endear him to a host of friends and ac- oughly evangelical, yet is far removed fromni sectarian
quaintances.                                        bigotry. Politically, his early sympathies were with the
Whig party, but, upon the agitation of the slavery
question, he identified himself with the abolition movement, casting his first Presidential vote, in 1844, for
1   USSEILL, REV. JOHN, Detroit, was born near James G. IBirney. He then became identified with the
jTGeneseo, Livingston County, New York, Sep- Free-soil party, and, afterwards, with the Republican
~;  tember 20, 1822, and is the son of Jesse and organization. In 1869 he took an active part in the
Catherine Russell, who are natives of New Jersey and organization of the Prohibition Reform party, of which
of Puritan descent. When Mr. Russell was quite young, he has been either Chairman or Secretary of its National
he removed with his parents to a farm near the falls of Committee from the first. He was on its first national
Niagara, where he remained until the autumn of 1838. ticket as candidate for the Vice-Presidency of the United
Hlis father then removed to Michigan, and located a States in 1872. In June, 1864, he commenced the pubfew miles west of Adrian, where they still continue to lication of the Peninsula Heralld, which was a temperreside,-his father having reached the age of eighty ance journal, at Romeo, - afterwards transferred  to
years, and his mother being seventy-six years old. Mr. Detroit,-and was connected with it as editor and
Russell divided his time between farm labor, working at publisher for eight years.  He also established the
the cooper's trade, and attending the district school, Romeo Observer, in 1865,-editing and publishing both
until 1842. HIe early manifested a fondness for reading journals for a time. In 1844 Mr. Russell marriedl Miss
and the study of history,-taking especial interest in the Catherine Pulver. They had one son,-Charles P. RusCongressional debates, and such books of a solid char- sell,-who is widely known as a temperance speaker
acter as came within his reach. He also read somewhat and writer. Mr. Russell was married again, in 1852, to
extensively the English classics, particularly the relig- Miss Mary J. Herriman.  They have four sons and
ious polems of Milton and Young. When eighteen years three daughters.
of age, he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and, having a desire to preach the Gospel, he began
pieparing for that work. In 1843 he entered upon the
Christian ministry, becoming a member of the I)etroit    EILLY, CORNELIUS J., of Detroit, Judge of
Conference.  lie has accepted charges in the cities of  IJ  the Third Judicial District, was born at Heart
Ypsilanti, Port Huron, Flint, Pontiac, and Detroit.     \ý Prairie, Wisconsin, May 26, 1848.  His father,
He has held the position of Presiding Flder, and has John Reilly, wyas formerly engaged in the manufacture
been chosen dlelegate to the General Conference several of reapers and mowers, at Racine, Wisconsin; and is
times, being one of the most able and logical speakers the inventor and patentee of the "I3adger State Reaper
within the conference. Mr. Russell has become widely and Mower."  Judge Reilly's parents still reside at Raknown to the public in connection with the temperance cine, where he received a collegiate education.  After
question, and, for ten years, has been appointed tem- leaving college, he came to Detroit, when about nineperance agent of the conference. He is a promoter of teen years of age, and entered the law offirce of Moore

~ o -G

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PRPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

1V5

& Griffin, where he remained four years. He was then
admitted to the bar, and engaged in the practice of his
profession, until appointed Circuit Court Judge by Governor Bagley, in November, 1875, on resignation of
Judge Patchin, whose term  expired January I, 1876.
Preceding thle appointment, in April, 1875, he had been
elected, for six years, from January I, 1876, to the same
judicial office. Judge Reilly was one of the School
Board in 1870 and 1871. He votes and works for the
Democratic party.  Religiously, he is a member of the
Episcopal Church.  lie is an active member of the
Detroit Boat Club, and of several societies in that city.
He was married, November 22, 1877, to Miss Ada Buhl,
daughter of C. Hi. Buhl, of Detroit. Judge Reilly is
still a young man, and much of his record naturally
belongs to the future biographer. lie is a close student,
and his decisions, rulings, and conduct on the bench,
thus far, have been generally satisfactory.
OWLAND, THOMAS, Detroit, Michigan, was
born in Ohio. He served as a Major of Infantry
1     under General Hull, in 1813-14; and retired
from the army in 1815, locating in Detroit. He held the
position of Secretary of the Territory of Michigan; was
subsequently made United States Marshal for the Detroit district; was appointed Postmaster of that city by
General Harrison; was elected Secretary of State in
1840; and died in Detroit in August, 1848. Ile was a
man of culture, and was highly esteemed. In 1819, he
read a paper before the Detroit Lyceum on " Hull's Campaign," which has freauently been quoted with commendation.
fOMEYN, THEODORE, Lawyer, of Detroit,
IYj  Michigan, was born in New Jersey, in 18Io, and
is descended from the Knickerbocker family of
that region.  He was educated at Rutgers College,
studied law, and was admitted to practice at Albany
in 1832. I-e removed to Detroit, Michigan, in 1836,
entered upon the practice of law, and has resided there
ever since, with the exception of ten years, from 1848
to 1858, which he spent in New York City, engaged in
his profession. Among the more notable successes in
his early years as a lawyer, may be mentioned his attack
upon the general banking laws of the State, proving
their unconstitutionality in both the State and Federal
courts; which resulted in the breaking up of the "wildcat" banks, and in much financial disaster consequent
thereon. He has participated, as counsel, in some of
the most notable cases which have been tried in the

Michigan courts, and is still ardently devoted to the profession, in which he has spent nearly half a century of
study and practice. Brought up in the Democratic
school of politics, he has been a strong advocate of the
principles of that party; yet, during the late civil war,
he was an earnest supporter of President Lincoln, and
of the war. lie was frequently called upon to address
meetings for raising volunteers, and to make speeches
of encouragement to the troops rendezvoused in Detroit
previous to their departure for the seat of war. Though
often solicited, he has steadily refused to accept public
office of any kind. A gentleman of extensive literary
culture, he was selected by a committee of citizens in
1876, as orator at the Centennial Fourth of July celebration in Detroit; and the oration he then delivered
met with such approbation as to fully exemplify the
wisdom of the committee in their choice.
SjHELEY, HON. ALANSON, of Detroit, Michigan,
Wholesale Druggist, was born August 14, 1809,
Sat Albany, New York. When nine years old, he
moved to Jefferson County, New York, with his grandparents, who settled in the woods and commenced clearing a farm. Here he spent eight years of his early life
assisting his grandfather, and attending the common
schools. May 31, 1826, he started on a raft from Mullet Creek, now called Fisher's Landing, on the St. Iawrence River, for Quebec. He went down the rauidls on
his raft, and arrived at Quebec about the Ist of July.
This was the year in which almost all the lumbermen
who depended on the Quebec market failed,-the money
which the hands received being barely enough to take
them to their homes. When seventeen years of age,
Mr. Sheley commenced learning the trade of stonemason and builder, with Henry Raught, at Watertown,
New York. Three years after, having finished his apprenticeship, he was employed as a foreman in constructing the Reddo Canal, in Canada. In the summer of
1831, he started for the West, taking passage at Buffalo on
the steamboat "William Penn." August 31, of the same
year, he landed in Detroit, the farthest point west to
which steamboats then took emigrants, and here concluded to remain. Detroit was then but a small town,
containing two thousand inhabitants, with now and then
a log-cabin. In one of these, located on the corner of
Bates and Larned streets, he found lodging. In the
summer of 1832, he received an appointment from the
United States Government to superintend the construction of a light-house in Thunder Bay, Lake Huron;
and, in July, with fourteen men, began work.  The
building was completed the following October. At that
time, but little lake commerce existed, and, during the




126

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

three or four months that the work was in progress, only
an occasional vessel was seen to pass on Lake Huron.
When the work was completed, the party was taken
back to Detroit in the schooner "Marshall Ney," sent for
that purpose. This schooner was owned by the father
of the late Captain E. B. Ward, and commanded by
Captain John Stewart.   Mr. Sheley then followed the
business of contractor and builder in Detroit. In 1834
he built the First Presbyterian Church, on the corner
of Woodward avenue and Lamed street. This building
was destroyed by fire about twenty years later. In 1834
the Black River Steam-mill and Lumber Company was
chartered by the Territorial Legislature; and, in 1835,
Mr. Sheley became its general manager. He continued
in that position until the expiration of the charter, and
the winding up of the company's affairs in 1855. lHe
carried on the lumber business on his own account three
years longer, retiring in 1858. In 1851 he erected a
large four-story building, on the east side of Woodward
avenue, between Congress and Larned streets, which,
when completed, was occupied by J. S. Farrand in
May, 1859, as a drug store.  Mr. Sheley formed a copartnership with Mr. Farrand; and the firm occupied
the same store as wholesale and retail druggists. Their
business increased with the growth of the State; and,
in 1872, they erected one of the largest drug houses in
the West. Mr. Sheley still retains his interest in the
business. The firm has been enlarged by the admission
of several of its oldest employes, and is now known as
Farrand, Williams & Co. Mr. Sheley has been a zealous
member of the Common Council of the city of Detroit
for five years; a member of the Board of Sewer Commissioners eight years; and represented the First District of Michigan in the State Senate two terms, serving
in the sessions of 1867-68, and 1871-72. In early life
he was a Whig; he has been a stanch Republican since
the organization of that party. He is a member of the
First Presbyterian Church of Detroit, in which, for
many years, he has held the office of ruling elder. iHe
has been Superintendent and assistant Superintendent
of the Sabbath-school over thirty years.  Mr. Sheley,
though now nearly seventy years of age, is in the possession of robust health. lie is still actively engaged
in business, managing the finances of the large firm of
which he is a member; and bids fair to continue his work
for some years to come. In an active business career of
over forty-five years in the city of Detroit, he has ever
been honored for integrity and upright dealing. Having a deep interest in all that pertains to the material
welfare of Detroit, he has, both as an officer and a
private citizen, aided in its growth and prosperity. He
has taken an active part in building up religious and
benevolent institutions, and has contributed liberally to
their support. Strong in his personal friendships, and
of generous impulses, he is always ready to extend a

helping hand to a friend, or to relieve distress. While
he has always been a strict teetotaler, he has a strong
sympathy for the inebriate; and, by kind words and
generous deeds, which are more effective than words,
seeks to accomplish his reformation. His business life
has been one of continued prosperity; and he is regarded as one of the most successful of the older merchants of Detroit.
S   EXTON, JARED A., Detroit, Ex-Sheriff of Wayne
T     County, and senior partner in the banking firm
Sof Sexton & Hall, was born in Dearborn, Wayne
County, Michigan, September 29, 1838. His parents,
Jared and Nancy Sexton, emigrated from New Jersey
to Michigan in 1833. His father was a skilled workman in the building and cabinet trade; and, during the
construction of the Michigan Central Railroad, superintended the building of the bridges and culverts. Upon
the opening of the road for traffic to Ypsilanti, he was
appointed by the company as agent at I)earborn. About
this time, he purchased from the Government a large
tract of wild land in the township of Taylor, in the
southern part of Wayne County. In the latter part of
1847, he removed, with his family, on to this land, and
began to clear and bring under cultivation a farm in the
wilds of Michigan. Here Mr. Sexton first displayed that
spirit of indomitable perseverance which has characterized his every undertaking. Here he passed his boyhood, working with the unflagging zeal of a young
pioneer in the summer, and attending the district school
during the winter months. At the age of nineteen, he
entered the Normal School, at Ypsilanti, to study with
a view to becoming a teacher, defraying the expenses of
his collegiate course by teaching penmanship during his
vacations. His course was completed at the age of
twenty-three; and then, with education, energy, and
the strong impulse of necessity, he commenced life.
Owing to the death of his mother, in January, 1861, he
returned home to take care of his father, who had
reached the age of seventy, and to cultivate the farm
which had been the home of his early boyhood. In May,
1861, he married Harriet E. Bradford, eldest daughter
of Benjamin Bradford, a farmer in the township of Canton, Wayne County. The home farm again became the
scene of earnest work; but small capital and poor market facilities rendered the outlook anything but encouraging. After two years of unremitting toil, having accumulated a capital of one hundred and fifty dollars, Mr.
Sexton opened a store, with a post-office attached, called
Taylor's Centre. This was the pioneer post-office of the
township. The enterprise was the first step towards the
exclusive adoption of mercantile pursuits. The next
was the selection of a larger and more desirable field




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

127

of labor, having.railway communication. Finally, the
farm was ren-tcd, and the store and post-office in Taylor's
Centre changed owners. In 1868 Mr. Sheldon built a
brick store in Dearborn; and, in the spring of 1869,
opened it for business. This business he carried on
successfully until the spring of 1874, when a still larger
field of work became necessary. He sold the store at
Dearborn and removed to Detroit. Taking the advice
of friends, during the political campaign of 1874, he
accepted the nomination for Sheriff of Wayne County,
and was elected. In 1876 he was again nominated, but
defeated, owing to the enmity of many of the small
liquor dealers, incurred by the faithful performance of
duty as Sheriff, in enforcing the payment of the h.eavy
liquor tax. In 1877 he opened the present banking
business, in association with Mr. O. F. Hall, under the
name of Sexton & Hall. Mr. Sexton began his public
career as School Inspector and Town Clerk in the township of Taylor, serving two terms in each of these positions. He was in the State Iegislature of 1867; Supervisor of Dearborn in 1870 and 1871; and Sheriff of
Wayne County in 1875 and 1876. lie has always been
a warm supporter of the Democratic party; and, by the
manifestation of well directed zeal, and untiring energy
in the interest of the party, has won general confidence
and the attachment of its leaders. lie is strictly temperate in all things, and a man who commands the
respect of the conmmunity. lie has been a member of
the Masonic Fraternity since I865. Mr. Sexton is to-day
a fair specimen of a man who has made his own way
from poverty to prosperity. His character is marked
by integrity, geniality, and true benevolence. IIe is a
fine representative of the self-made man of our day.
S CRIPPS, JAMES E., Detroit, Editor and Publisher of tile Detroit IEvening AN'ws, was born in
SLondon, England, March 19, 1835. His parents
were James M. and Ellen Mary (Saunders) Scripps. His
father was a book-binder of prominence, and his grandfather a well-known London publisher, having published
the London Daily Sun, in the early part of the century;
and later, the London Lite-ray Gazette.  Mr. Scripps
came, with his father, to this country in the year 1844,
settling upon a farm in Schuyler County, Illinois. His
education was received in the district school, his attendance being limited to a short season during the year.
lie lived and worked on the farm until twenty-two
years of age, devoting his leisure to study and the reading of such books as he could procure; but books of
all kinds were rare in the locality in which he resided.
In 1857 he went to Chicago, Illinois; took a course in
the Commercial College; and, for a short time, kept. 17

books for a lumber firm in that city. This business (lid
not prove congenial to his tastes; and, having a strong
desire to become a journalist, lie obtained a position as
reporter for the Chicago Press and Tribune.  He held
this position for a year or more; and then, in 1859, removed to Detroit, Michigan, and became connected
with tie Detroit Advertiser, as its coimmercial editor.
In 1862, having become pecuniarily interested in that
paper,- now the Advertiser and 7'ribune,-he was chosen
business manager, which position, or that of managing
editor, he held until 1873. In that year, he retired from
the Adver'iser and Tribune, and started the Evening News,
a cheap afternoon paper, whiich has since become a remarkable success. Politically, Mr. Scripps is a conservative Republican.  He married, September 16, 1862,
Iarriet J. Messinger. They have three children living.
IL L, JO H N M. B., Superintendent of Public
SSchools, Detroit, was born, November 24, 1831,
at Black Rock,-now a part of Buffalo,-New
York. He is the son of Joseph and Eliza B. Sill, who
died when he was eleven years old.  Soon after the
death of his parents, he went to Jonesville, Michigan, where he attended the village school. Hle prepared himself for the University of Michigan, but, not
possessing sufficient means to enter, he pursued his college studies privately. He graduated from the State
Normal School, in 1854, after an attendance of nearly
two years, during which time he was an assistant teacher.
The University of Michigan has since conferred upon
him the degree of Master of Arts, for merit and pro--
ficiency in scholarship. In acquiring an education under
great difficulties, he was sustained by the ambition to
become a lawyer; but, while teaching, he gained a decided taste for that profession, and, upon receiving an
offer from the State Board of Education, engaged to
teach in the State Normal School. During the period
of his stay in Ypsilanti, he wrote a book on English
Grammar, for schools, which was published by Ivison &
Phinney, of New York. He was one of the early workers in the Michigan State Teachers' Association, and
was its President in 1861. In August, 1863, he accepted
an appointment as Superintendent of Schools, in Detroit,
which position he held for two years. Ile then resigned
to engage in conducting the Detroit Female Seminary,
which he did with great success for ten years. In 1875
he was again unanimously elected, by the Board of
Education, Superintendent of the Public Schools of
Detroit. Mr. Sill was.appointed by Governor Crapo, in
1867, a member of the Board of Regents of the University, to fill a vacancy caused by the death of Mr.
Knight. He held the position until the expiration of




12S

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

his term of office on the 31st of December, 1869. In the war of the Revolution, settling about four miles
1876 he was the President of the Detroit Scientific Asso- from the site of the present town, at the outlet of Saraciation. He was reared in the Presbyterian faith; but, toga Lake. He purchased his farm of General Schuywhen twenty-three years of age, he became a member ler, of Revolutionary fame, and they became warm
of the Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Democrat, friends. Jonathan Slocum, father of Giles, and greatand was once a candidate, on the Democrat ticket, for grandfather of Giles B. Slocum, was killed in the InRegent of the University. lie was married, March 22, dian war, on the site of the present city of Wilksharre,
1854, to Miss Sally Beaumont, of Jonesville, Michigan. Pennsylvania. Jeremiah Slocum, son of Giles Slocum,
They have had four children, two of whom are living, and Betty Bryan (Slocum), who was of a Connecticut
As an educator, Professor Sill has been eminently suc- family, were the parents of Giles B. Slocum, the subject
cessful. He has done much to simplify the work of of this sketch.  Descended from ancestors who were
both scholars and teachers; and is earnest and diligent active participants in the struggles and trials from
in his efforts to elevate the standing of the city schools, which have sprung American liberty and civilization,
which show the result of his labors in various ways.  the strength of character which Mr. Slocum inherited,
received culture and discipline through early habits of
industry and self-reliance.  His boyhood years were
passed in labor on a farm about two miles from the
scene of Burgoyne's surrender. He had the educational
IIEILDEN, ALLAN, Detroit, senior partner in the advantages which the common schools afforded; and,
wholesale dry-goods firm of Allan Shelden & Co., during his early manhood, taught school three winters
Swas born in Kinderhook, New York, July 16, 1832. in the neighborhood of Saratoga, and one winter near
His early education was with a view to practical busi- Lockport, New York. He spent the summer of 1830,
ness; and, at the age of nineteen, he left school, and in Northern New York, farming on the Au Sable River.
soon after commenced an apprenticeship in a mercantile His first visit to the West was in I831, when he landed
house. In the spring of 1855, he came to Detroit, and at Detroit; and, after prospecting extensively in the
took a position in the dry-goods house of Z. Chandler & interior, and through the woods above Black River,
Co., becoming a partner in 1857. As the head of the he settled for the winter, and assisted in laying out
house since 1863, he has maintained a high reputation the town plat of Vistula, now Toledo, Ohio.  lie had
and has added to its business position and income. In the only store there; and was engaged in getting out
stature, Mr. Shelden is moderately tall, and rather slen- timber for building the first wharf at that place. On
der; he is of a quick, active temperament. Though the death of his father, in 1832, he returned to the
thoroughly devoted to a business life, he gives such East, and purchased the interest in his father's estate,
attention to public and benevolent enterprises as is owned by the remaining heirs. lie returned to Michdemanded of the good citizen.  While comparatively igan early in the winter of 1833, and spent the winters
young, he has acquired a handsome fortune. He is a of 1833 and 1834 in the stave business, at the head of
Director in the Second National Bank of Ietroit.   Swan Creek Bay, now Newport, where he established a
store, went into a general trade; and succeeded il getting the small steamers, "Jack Downing," "Jackson,"
and " General Brady," to run up Swan Creek, from
Lake Erie, to his place. In the spring of 1834, among
LOCUM, GILrES BRYAN, of Trenton, was born other pioneer experiences, he paddled a canoe from
at Saratoga Springs, New York, July II, 1808. Jackson down Grand River to Grand Rapids. In the
SHis grandfather, Giles Slocum, was a Quaker, summer of 1834, he established the first store and dock
born in Rhode Island, who moved, at an early date, at Truaxton, now Trenton, and continued in the merto Pennsylvania. lHe was among the sufferers by the cantile business there, with slight intermission, for
Wyoming massacre of 1778, and was one of the sixty many years. In 1837 he sold the old homestead, and
who escaped with their lives. His sister Frances, then became a Western man; from  which time he dates
five years of age, was carried off by the Indians; and, his career as a large real estate owner and operator.
after a captivity of sixty years, was found, near Logans- Among his land purchases in the vicinity of Trenton
port, Indiana, in 1837, by Colonel Ewing.  A very was a frontage of over three miles on Detroit River.
interesting account of this circumstance, written by For fifteen or twenty years following 1837, he turned
Lossing, the historian, is now extant. Giles Slocum was his attention to sheep-raising; and, during that time,
a volunteer in Sullivan's expedition against the Indians, was the largest wool-grower in Michigan. Each year
in the Genesee Valley. He removed from Pennsylvania he has increased the number of his acres; and during the
to Saratoga Springs, New York, soon after the close of past forty years, he has cleared, and brought under culti



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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

129

vation, upwards of fifteen hundred acres of heavily timbered land in the vicinity of Trenton; the timber from
which has been shipped to New York as staves, used in
ship-building at Trenton, as cord-wood sold to steamboats for fuel, or shipped to Detroit. He was also engaged, from 1843 to 1851, in driving piles and making
(locks in Detroit, Windsor, Springwells, Trenton, Sandwich, Gibraltar, and Grosse Isle. In 1859 Mr. Slocum
andi Mr. Charles Mears, of Chicago, having each previously purchased large tracts of land on White River
and White Lake, laid out the present thriving village
of Whitehall. Mr. Slocum now holds the proprietary
right of one-half the land within the limits of the village; and, in addition, large tracts in the vicinity outside the corporate boundary. About the year I848, Mr.
Slocum made a contract, with the county of Wayne, to
build two bridges across the river Rouge, and to re
obtain the right of way.  Soon after the completion
of the Toledo and Canada Southern Railroad, the junction of the two roads, which was made on Mr. Slocum's
property, took the name of Slocum's Junction.  In
1861, and during the war, Mr. Slocum was an earnest
supporter of the Government; and was influential in
raising men and money, and assisting in equipping regiments for the field.  Mr. Slocum was also active in
obtaining subscriptions and supplies for the Sanitary
Commission. Mr. Slocum is one of the trustees of the
Saratoga Monument Association,-a purely patriotic
enterprise,-of which Horatio Seymour is President.
lie has bought and sold large tracts of land-of which
bundles of canceled contracts bear witness-without
litigation; having always given ample time for their
performance. He is one of the few men doing a large
business who have stood erect through all the commer
ceive his pay in State lands. These lands he located in cial inflations, revulsions, and contractions of his time.
the eastern part of Muskegon County, making extensive Mr. Slocum has always done business exclusively on his
additions to them by purchase from the State and Gen- own capital; he has never made a mortgage, nor given
eral Government, and from private parties. This prop- his note for advance of money; and what he could not
erty has become exceedingly valuable, through the ex- do with his own means he left undone.
tension of railroad facilities. He has built mills there,

on the place known as Slocum's Grove, where he conducts a large business in lumbering and farming. In
1838 Mr. Slocum married Sophia Maria Brighanl Truax,
daughter of Abraham C. Truax-founder of the village
of Trenton-who is elsewhere mentioned in this work.
Three children were born to them, two of whom-a
son, Elliott T., and a daughter, Libbie T.-survive.
The son, Hlon. Elliott T. Slocum, was born at Trenton,
in I839.  lie prepared for college at the Episcopal
school for boys, kept by the Rev. Moses Hunter, on
Grosse Isle, and graduated at Union College, Schenectady, New York, in the class of 1862.  His (dilloma
was one of the last signed by Dr. Eliphalet Nott, for
so many years President of that institution. lie represented the Third Senatorial District, in the State Legislature, in 1869. Hle is connected in business with his
father. Both father and son have taken considerable
interest in politics; both were active in the memorable
Senatorial contest of 1875, and were influential in securing the election of Senator Christiancy at that time.
The elder Mr. Slocum was a member of the convention,
under the leadership of lion. Jacob M. Hloward, which
organized the Republican party, at Jackson, in 1854;
and he has since been a consistent Republican. In
1856 Mr. Slocum took an active interest in the construction of the Detroit, Monroe, and Toledo Railroad;
aiding in obtaining right of way,-which he donated
through his own property; and purchasing land of others
for that special purpose. He was a member of the first
Board of Directors of the road. Mr. E. T. Slocumi
was one of the first directors of the Chicago and
Canada Southern Railroad, for which lie did much to

TANDISH, JOHN I., of Detroit, an active business man for nearly half a century, was born at
Granville, Washington County, New York, October I, 1817. His father, Samuel Standish, died at
Granville, in 1862, aged eighty years. lie was, for more
than fifty years, a successful merchant; during which
time he was Postmaster for thirty years, and Surrogate
of Washington County for twelve years. In all the
attributes of a sound character, he ranked among the
foremost in the community. The grandfather, whose
name was also Samuel, died at Granville, in 1841, at
the age of eighty-seven years. lie served with distinction in the Continental army, and was an actor in the
remarkable events which attended the tragic death of
Jane McCrea, at Fort Edward.  lie was present at the
surrender of General Burgoyne. The great-grandfather,
another Samuel, was directly descended, in the fourth
generation, in the line of the oldest son, from Captain
Miles Standish. lie was born at Norwich, Connecticut,
in 1718, his family having been among the first emigrants to that State from the Plymouth Colony. He
died in 1821, at the advanced age of one hundred and
three years. Mr. John I). Standish inherited the physical energy and conservative habits of his ancestors.
After several years of primary instruction in the schools
of his native village, he entered the academy of Dr.
Salem Town, a classical institution of high reputation
in its day. At the age of nineteen, he determined to
seek a fortune and a home in the West; and, after a




130

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

short residence in Buffalo, proceeded to the pioneer settlements of Michigan. He arrived at Detroit, then a
city of eight or nine thousand people, in August, 1837.
Here, through a trivial circumstance, he became acquainted with the late Hon. S. V. R. Trowbridge,
whose aid and friendship he found of much value, and
in whose excellent family he enjoyed many privileges.
Aided by the encouragement and patronage of Mr.
Trowbridge and others, Mr. Standish established, near
Birmingham, a select school, which soon became popular, and was continued for nearly three years. This
experience Mr. Standish has always regarded as very
valuable, and it still affords him many pleasant reminiscences. He now retains the names of more than one
hundred of his pupils,-many of whom are men of
character and influence. Some are prominent citizens
of Detroit; one is a professor in Yale College; one, an
ex-Sheriff of Oakland County; one, a missionary of the
American Board at Constantinople; and others are merchants and farmers in various parts of the country. In
September, 1841, Mr. Standish married, at Pontiac,
Miss Emma L. Darrow, of Lyme, Connecticut. They
have two sons and two daughters. Shortly after his
marriage, he engaged in mercantile business in Oakland;
and later, in Macomb County, with varied success. In
the winter of 1856-57, nearly all his property was destroyed by fire. lie then removed to Detroit, and
became one of its most successful merchants; his operations included the trade and packing of pork, the purchase of grain and wool, and the manufacture of paint
and lumber. His business amounted to nearly a million
dollars annually. In the meantime, he became the owner
of large tracts of pine land in Bay and Otsego counties;
and organized the township and village of Standish, in
Bay County, where he built valuable mills, and made
other improvements. lie also built the first mill in
Otsego County, and shipped the first lumber from that
part of the State. In 1872 he transferred his provision
trade to his son James, and largely curtailed his business
operations, which he limited to the care of his real
estate, and the various trusts in his hands. In 1875,
however, he accepted, and still continues, the management of one of the established commercial agencies,
now esteemed one of the necessary institutions of the
day. His early political training was in the Democratic
party; but, impelled by his strong antislavery convictions, he assisted in the formation of the Republican
party, in 1856, with which he has since been connected.
In 1869 he was the Republican candidate for Mayor
of the city of Detroit, then strongly Democratic; and,
although defeated, received a very complimentary vote
above the rest of his ticket. His religious views have
always been of a tolerant, but decidedly evangelical
character. He became a member of the Baptist Church
in early life, and has ever continued an active and influ
ential member of the denomination; having, for many
years, held in it responsible offices. In all social and
civil relations, Mr. Standish's sympathies have been
uniformly active on the side of intelligence, benevolence, and the public good. He has aided, as opportunity afforded, in local and other efforts to procure
advancement in the development of a genuine social
and Christian civilization in his adopted city and State.
He values above any other success his record of industry,
frugality, and integrity.
S  HEARER, HON. JONATHAN, Pioneer and
Farmer, of Plymouth, was born in Franklin
SCounty, Massachusetts, August 23, 1796.  His
great-grandfather, James Shearer, was a native of Scotland; and the father of James emigrated to that country
from Germany. Mr. Shearer's grandfather was born in
the county of Antrim, and came to this country at an
early age, somewhere between 1830 and 1840. lHe had
eight sons, all of whom served in the Revolutionary
army. The youngest two, aged respectively fourteen
and sixteen, drove the baggage wagons of General
Washington a portion of the time; the others bore
arms, and participated in most of the conflicts of the
war. Mr. Shearer's father, William Shearer, was born
at Palmer, Massachusetts, in 1748. Hle was the second
son; and volunteered at Lexington, in 1775, when
twenty-seven years old, engaging in the battles of Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill. He served under
General Ethan Allen, at the taking of Ticonderoga;
under General Stark, at the battle of Bennington; and
under General Gates, at the surrender of Burgoyne. lie
died in Franklin, Massachusetts, in 1829, at the age of
eighty-one. The mother of Jonathan Shearer, Betsey
Morton, was born in Boston about 1758, and was the
daughter of a ship-owner, who came to Boston from
Liverpool. Her father resided, in Boston, a near neighbor to the elder John Adams; and, when the British put
the military over the civil power in Boston, Mr. Adams
invited the Morton family to go to his country residence
at Quincy, which invitation was accepted. The two
families resided for a time under the same roof; and,
when the British evacuated Boston, they returned to
that city. The mother of Mr. Shearer attended school
with John Quincy Adams, she being about five years his
senior. At the close of the war, William Shearer became a farmer in Franklin County, Massachusetts, and
reared a large family. Jonathan Shearer, the seventh
son, was born August 23, 1796. He studied at the academy of Professor Hitchcock, the geologist, at Deerfield,
Massachusetts; and at the academy of Professor Chase,




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

131

in Rensselaer County, New York. His father wishing
him to become a physician, at the age of eighteen he
commenced the study of medicine in a doctor's office, in
New Hampshire. At the end of two years, Mr. Shearer,
having no taste for this profession, returned to the farm.
At the age of twenty-one, he began to read law; but, in
about a year, gave up this profession for the farm, which
he found better suited to his tastes than a professional
life. While studying medicine and law, he taught school
in the winter months. After remaining for a year or
two on his father's farm, he worked for an uncle, superintending his farm and acting as his general agent in the
loaning of money, collecting interest, etc. lie remained
in this position two years. While thus engaged, his
duties frequently took him to Albany, New York, where
he occasionally saw boat-loads of wheat arrive by the
Erie Canal, then but partially completed. Becoming
convinced from what he saw and heard at Albany that
the soil in Western New York was more productive than
in Massachusetts, he determined to remove there; and,
in 1822, purchased a small farm in the town of Phelps,
Ontario County, near the line of the Erie Canal, which
was not completed to Buffalo until two years afterwards.
The celebration of its completion was one of the most
memorable events in that section of the State; minuteguns being fired all along the route from Buffalo to New
York. Governor Clinton and suite passed through on a
boat the entire distance. An ovation was given to them
at every village and city through which they passed.
Mr. Shearer was very successful in his farm operations
at Phelps, and remained there until 1836. In the spring
of that year, having a desire to move West, he made a
prospecting tour to Michigan. He traveled on foot
along the Indian trails through a great portion of tile
State, and located thirteen hundred acres of land,-six
hundred and forty acres being in Ingham County, and
the remainder in Genesee and Lapeer counties. Besides
this, he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty
acres in the town of Plymouth,Wayne County, for a homestead, because of the better educational facilities afforded
at this point. In June, 1836, he removed his family to
Plymouth, where he has since resided. lie not only
cultivates.his homestead farm, but also manages his
other farms in Ingham, Genesee, and Lapeer counties.
The Ingham County farm of six hundred and forty acres,
he has named Bunker H-ill, in commemoration of the old
Revolutionary battle in which his father fought. -He
has been very successful pecuniarily; has taken great
pride in the cultivation of his homestead farm, and has
obtained many premiums at the State Fairs, including
two large silver medals. One year he received a premium for the best cultivated farm in Wayne County. In
1814, during the war with Great Britain, when Mr.
Shearer was fourteen years of age, he volunteered under
General Macomb, and was at the battle of Plattsburg.

This proved to be only a skirmish; and, after serving
some fifteen or twenty days, he was discharged. iHe
then determined to go to sea as a privateer, but was
prevailed upon by his parents to desist. He served in
the Massachusetts militia for seven years, and was commissioned a Lieutenant. After his removal to Michigan,
he was commissioned a Colonel, by Governor Mason, and
was present at one of the general trainings at Swartzburg. In 1837 he was elected a Supervisor from the
town of Plymouth, and was instrumental in establishing
the Wayne County Poor Farm, of two hundred and
eighty acres, in the town of Nankin. Being chairman
of the committee which had this matter in charge, he
purchased a farm from Colonel Levi Cook, giving his
individual note of fifteen hundred dollars in part payment therefor. In 1838 the Board of Supervisors was
abolished, and the County Commissioners system was
established in its place. Mr. Shearer was elected one
of the three Commissioners, and served during the three
years that this system was in operation. In this time,
he was not absent from duty for a single day. In 1841
he was elected State Senator for the district comprising
Wayne, Macomb, St. Clair, Sanilac, and Huron counties,
to serve an unexpired term of one year. The next year,
he was re-elected for two years; thus serving three years
in the State Senate, in the sessions of 1842, '43, '44. IHe
was subsequently elected Supervisor from Plymouth for
three years; and, in 1851, was elected a member of the
Michigan House of Representatives, serving for two
years. After that, he declined, for a number of years,
to accept offices. While in the Senate, he secured the
passage of the law  to establish County Agricultural
Societies, and was instrumental in the establishment of
the Normal School at Ypsilanti. In 1847 he was instrumental in procuring an amendment to the above law, so
as to organize a State Agricultural Society. In 1867 he
was elected a member of the Michigan Constitutional
Convention. lie assisted in the organization of the
State Agricultural Society; and, for ten years, was its
Vice-President. He was also instrumental in the organization of the State Pioneer Society; and, in February,
1876, was chosen its President, holding the office for one
year. Mr. Shearer married, in Phelps, Ontario County,
in 1822, Christina Deuvall, a native of Newport, Rhode
Island, who died in 1867. They had six children, only
two of whom-George Shearer, of Jackson, Michigan;
and Joseph Shearer, of Greenville, Michigan-are now
living.  ie married a second time, in 1871, Lydia Gray,
of Ashfield, Massachusetts, whose mother, Betsey Lyon,
was a cousin of Mary Iyon, who established the Mount
Holyoke Seminary, at Holyoke, Massachusetts. Mr.
Shearer is an old-line Jeffersonian Democratic-Republican. IHe has been a delegate to numerous Democratic
State Conventions, and has taken an active interest in
political matters.




I32.REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

MITH, MARTIN       S., Detroit, Michigan, Merchant, was born in Lima, Livingston County,
New York, in 1834. HIls parents, Ira D. and
Sarah (Snyder) Smith, were both natives of Columbia
County, in the same State, and emigrated to Michigan
when their son was tell years of age. In his fourteenth
year, Mr. Smith commenced life, on his own account, as
clerk in a clothing store in Pontiac.  He was subsequently employed in the office of the Pontiac Gazelle,then owned and managed by William    M. Thompson.
Hie remained here two years, and left to accept a more
profitable position in the dry-goods establishment of J.
C. Goodsell, of the same town. In the spring of 1851,
he entered the house of Hlolmes & Co., I)etroit, where he
remained a year, when he became connected with the
jewelry store of L. I. I)urkee & Co. On the failure of
this house, in 1859, he purchased, with the accumulated
savings-one thousand dollars-of his ten years' labor,
the business of the firm; and, with the assistance of the
credit which his wvell-known energy and integrity enabled him to command, has since conducted a large and
constantly groNing trade. In August, 1864, he gave his
brother, Frank G. Smith,- who had previously been
associated with him as a clerk,-an interest in the firm.
At the same time, Edward J. Smith, Wvho had, for nine
years, held a responsible position in the jewelry house
of George lDoty, of I)etroit, was admitted to the firm.
Ile remained a member of it until 1868, when he was
compelled to retire on account of ill health. From a
small retail trade of seventeen thousand dollars, in 1859,
tihe business, under the prudent and energetic management of Mr. Smith, steadily increased, until, in 1872,
the sales amounted to three hundred thousand dollars.
D)uring a visit to Europe in i868, Mr. Smith arranged
for the direct importation of the various manufactures in
his line of goods, thus gaining a decided advantage over
other competitors in the retail trade. tHe was the first
leading jeweler in the WVest, who, recognizing the merits
of the now celebrated American watch, freely gave it
his own indorsement, by which he aided materially in
establishing that important b)ranch of American industry.
In the past few years, through the efforts of such patrons
of home industry as Mr. Smith, the sale of American
watches has steadily increased, in spite of foreign competition; and, at the Centennial Exhibition, the display made
by the American Watch Company attracted the attention and excited the admiration of all the representatives
of the leading European manufacturers. Mr. Smith has
traveled extensively in Europe; and, in 1866, spent
several months in the island of Cuba, for the benetit of
his health.  lie succeeded Governor Bagley as Police
Commissioner, inll 1872, and was re-appointed in 1877.
He is a Director of the American National Bank, and
of the Michigan   Mutual Life Insurance Company.
He is prominently identified with the Masonic Fra
ternity, having filled the office of Grand Treasurer
of the Grand Commandery of Michigan. In 1862 Mr.
Smith married Mary E. Judson, of Detroit.   During
his career as a business man in that city, he has never
been prominently connected with any political party;
nor has he ever manifested any ambition for honors
as an office-holder. HIe has preferred to devote his time
to his business, which, by close attention and untiring
energy, has not only brought him a handsome competence, but has placed him foremost on the list of successful merchants.
MITHI, BRADFORD, Real Estate Agent, of DIetroit, was born at Moira, Franklin County, New
York.   He is a lineal descendant of \Villiam
Bradford, who came from England in the "'Mayflower,"
and was Governor of Plymouth Colony for thirty years.
His great-grandfather was in the battle of Quebec; his
grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier; and his father
was at the battle of Plattsburg, in the War of 1812.
His maternal grandfather, a Baptist minister of New
Hamlshire, received a commission from General Washington, and served during the war for independence.
Mlr. Bradford  Smith graduated  from  St. Lawrence
Academy; and then, for four years, attended Oberlin
College, Ohio.  After leaving the college, he became a
successful teacher; and, in 1870, received the degree of
A. M. from his Alma Allate1. In 1853 he removed to
Detroit, and became Principal of the Hloughton Union
School, and Superintendent of the schools connected
with it. This position he filled for eight years, when
he retired from teaching and entered the real estate
business. tHe has acquired a fair competence, and is
widely known as a prompt and honorable business mani.
He is an active member and one of the officers of the
Fort Street Presbyterian Church.  For two years, he
was President of the Young Men's Christian Association;
he has long been a member of its board of managers,
and Chairman of the Employment Committee.     1Hundreds of young men in Detroit are indebted to him
for their start in life. Mr. Smith is much interested in
the intellectual and religious culture of the young., He
is actively engaged in the Sabbath-school of his own
church, and in various mission schools. lie has lolng
been identified with the temperance cause, and has, of
late, acted with the Prohibition party, though a Republican, in all matters of national interest. In 1876 the
State Prohibitionl Convention appointed IMr. Smith, in
connection with Rev. John Russell and President Jocelyn, of Albion College, to bring the question of prohibition again before the State Legislature.. In 1875 Mr.
Smith was appointed, by Governor Bagley, Commis



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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

133

sioner of Wayne County for pauper, penal, and reformatory institutions.  His duties, as prescribed by law,
are to look after children under sixteen years of age
who are apprehended for misdemeanors or criminal
offenses, to seek homes for such as need them, and to have
a supervision of their general deportment. Mr. Smith
has added the responsibility of overlooking their attendance at school. When children are convicted of criminal offense, they are placed in the custody of Mr.
Smith, who decides whether they shall be placed under
a State institution, or shall be taken under his own
charge. The latter course is usually pursued; and, in
1877, he had one hundred and fifty children under his care.
They are required to report to him in person. lHe
keeps himself well informed concerning the deportment
of each child, and attends to the personal comfort of
each. Mr. Smith has been highly complimented upon
his manner of treating these youths, who have just
entered upon a life of crime, and it is thought his plan
will be productive of incalculable good. Mr. Smith
gives his time gratuitously to this work, and is often
called upon to furnish clothing and support for the
children under his care. At the opening of our civil
war, Mr. Smith volunteered, was appointed Captain,
and assisted in recruiting a company; but he was not
able to pass muster,-on account of lameness caused by
a sprained knee,-and secured a young man to represent
him in the struggle to maintain our national existence
and unity.
S  NOW, DR. E)WARD S., of Dearborn, Michigan,
was born in Austinburg, Ashtabula County, Ohio,
July 5, 1820. IHis parents, Sparrow and Clara
(Kneela.,d) Snow, were natives of Massachusetts, and
were of English descent. They were married at Sandersfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, in 1811, and
moved on to; farm in Austinburg, Ohio, in    817.
Doctor Snow left home in 1838 to attend the Grand
River Institute, Ohio, where he graduated in 1842. IHe
had studied surveying, and applied to the Government
f-.r a contract for surveying the district then known as
the North-west Territory. His application was made to
J. R. Giddings, then a prominent Representative in
Congress, devoted to antislavery interests; but the abolitionists were not in power, and the application failed.
lie had already served two years as Adjutant of Ist
Rifle Regiment, Second Brigade and Twenty-first Division, under Colonel Tracy and General Stearns, of Ohio.
He taught two years, first in Jefferson, and afterwards
in Palmyra, Ohio, and then commenced the study of
medicine, under the tuition of O. K. Hawley, of Austinburg. After graduating in 1847, from the medical
branch of the Western Reserve College, at Cleveland,

Ohio, he practiced both in Plymouth and Dearborn,
Michigan, and the following year was appointed Acting
Assistant Surgeon, in charge at Detroit Arsenal. He
retained the position only one year; but, in 1852, was
re-instated by Jefferson Davis, then Secretary of War.
He served in this capacity twenty-four years, until the
arsenal was abandoned by the United States Ordnance
Department. Doctor Snow has been a member of the
Wayne County Medical Society twenty-nine years. In
1874 he occupied the honorable position of Vice-President. Ile represented the society at the National Medical Association, held at Cincinnati, in May, 1871; and
also in the one held at Louisville, in 1875. HIe was
elected, in 1874, President of the Dearborn Literary
Society.  At the winter session of 1876-77, of the
Medical Alumni of the State University, at Ann Arbor,
he was unanimously elected an honorary member. His
travels have been extensive throughout the United
States, both in his official and private capacity. In
politics, he has always been a stanch Republican.
Doctor Snow is one of the oldest practitioners of Wayne
County. From small beginnings, he has risen to wealth,
and an honorable position in his profession. lie married
Elizabeth Austin, of Austinburg, Ohio, October 22,
1850. They have two children.
S  PRANGER, FRANCIS XAVIER, M. D., Detroit,
j    nson of Lawrence and Mary (Shuster) Spranger, was
born in the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, on the
13th of March, 1840. His parents emigrated to America
when he was nine years old. When quite young he entered the Benedictine College, at Carrollton, lennsylvania,
where he took a course in Latin; at seventeen years of
age, he commenced the study of medicine, under the
direction of Dr. H. HIoffman, and afterwards became
the pupil of Dr. J. M. Parks, of Cincinnati, Ohio. lie
graduated with the degree of M. D., at the Ilomeopathic Medical College, of Cleveland, Ohio. In August,
1862, he established himself in Detroit, where he has
since continued in the practice of his profession. Doctor
Spranger was one of the organizers of the Detroit
lIomeopathic College, and Professor of Pathology and
Physical Diognosis during its four terms; he was President of the college during the last term. He is firm
in the belief that similia similibus is an essential law of
cure; but does not believe in the exclusive adherence to
infinitesimal doses, and the single remedy. Hie feels
that it is the physician's most important duty to cure
his patient in the speediest and safest manner, regardless
of the theories and dogmas laid down. lie believes,
that, if the physician prescribes proper remedies in sufficient doses to cure without doing harm, he does




'34.

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

his duty to the patient; and that, to be able to do this
for each special case, it is necessary to have not only a
thorough knowledge of the pathogenesis of drugs, but
of the collateral sciences of anatomy, physiology, and pathology. During the last fifteen years, Doctor Spranger's
practice has steadily increased until his office prescriptions average, in number, seven thousand per year, and
his professional visits from thirty to forty per day. He
has a large list of deserving charity patients. In 1854,
I)octor Spranger, in company with his parents, visited
Nicaragua, and was present at the bombardment of
Greytown, which occurred on the IIth of July. In
1858 he marrie(l, at I'ittsburg, Pennsylvania, Miss Mary
Sattig. They have had seven children,--four of whom
are living,-and one grandchild. Doctor Spranger is a
member of the Arbeiter Society, and also of the Concordia Society. Ile is anl ardent lover of misic, for
which he possesses much talent. His favorite instrument is the Zither, and, as anl amateur performer, he
has few equals. In social life he is of an affable, genial
temperament, vwith none of the /hautCeur which characterizes many successful Iprofessional men.  Although
reared in the Catholic faith, Doctor Spranger is very
liberal in his religious views towards other denominations. lie has never taken any part in politics, nor
sought public office. Ile was appointed City Physician
by the Common Council, in 1868, to fill a vacancy, and
served six months.
PIRAGUE, COIONEL THOMAS           SPENCER,
Lawyer, Detroit, was born March 6, 1823, in
Poultney, Rutland County, Vermont; and comes
from a long line of ancestors, who were illustrious in
the early annals of the colonies. The descendants of
his great-grandfather, William Sprague,-one of the
' Mayflower" pilgrims,-settled in Rhode Island, and
thence emigrated to Connecticut, Ohio, and Vermont,
during the latter part of the eighteenth century. They
were enthusiastic supporters of the war which terminated in the independence of the United States. Daniel
Sprague was one of the early founders of Poultney,
Vermont; the family mansion which he built is still
standing, in good preservation. It is the birthplace of
the subject of this sketch, and also of his father, Isaac
M. Sprague, D. D..Ilis mother, Adelia Maria Heartt,
is a descendant of one of the pioneers of the Mohawk
Valley. It was at her father's house that the surrender
of the British took place, after the battle of Bennington. Colonel Sprague studied at Poultney, Vermont;
Flatbush, Long Island; Sherbourne, New York; and
l artford, Connecticut; graduating from Trinity College,

at the latter place. Being averse to the profession of
law, which his father desired him to study, he learned
the printer's trade. In 1845 lie removed to Detroit, Michigan, where lie engaged in a foundry and machine shop
with his uncle, the late C. M. Hyde. During his intervals of leisure, he studied law with another uncle, the
late Hon. B. F. H. Witherell. In the winter of 1845-46,
he became interested in developing the then recently
discovered mineral resources of Iake Superior, andl in
bringing them to the notice of New York capitalists.
Being appointed United States Deputy Marshal, in 1850,
he arrested the Beaver Island Mormons, for interfering
with the mail, thus breaking up the Mormon interest in
the State. In 1852 Colonel Sprague took editorial and
business charge of the Detroit Tri-iune, and was successful in restoring it to financial prosperity. On the
breaking out of the civil war, Colonel Sprague tendered
his services to Governor Blair, and assisted in the
organization of troops for the field. lie had risen from
the ranks of the old Ilartford Light Infantry,-a company organized in 1754,-of which lie had been Captain, and afterwards Colonel. lie devoted much time
to the work of raising and equipping the 27th Michigan
Infantry, of which he was commissioned LieutenantColonel. The record of this regiment is one of the
finest in the war. At the commencement of the Indian
troubles, lie was promoted to the rank of Colonel; and
appointed-with the powers of a Provost-Mlarshalto the command of the Sixth Congressional District.
The printers of Detroit showed their appreciation of his
services by presenting him with a sword, sash, belt, and
other military trappings.  lie pacitied the Indians,
sending seven hundred of them to the front lines. He
was mustered out of service in 1865, and returned to
Detroit, where he resumed professional practice, devoting himself entirely to patent law.  Colonel Sprague
occupies high positions of trust and honor. For three
years he was President of the Toledo and St. Louis
Air Line Railroad, and is now Vice-President of the
same organization. lie is President of the St. Paul and
Iowa South-western Railroad; of the Capital Gas Construction and Improvement Company, of Washington,
I). C.; and also of the Mechanics' and Inventors' Association. He has been President of the latter institution
for ten years, and acts as attorney for the association,
which numbers over eight thousand members. lie is a
member of the Episcopal Church.    Colonel Sprague
was an old-line Henry Clay Whig until 1854, when he
united with the Republican party, of which the Tribune
was the first organ in Detroit.  Iie was married, in
March, 1854, to Mary Elizabeth Hubbell, of Hartford,
Connecticut, a descendant of the celebrated John Jay
family. They have two children,-a son, Henry S.,
who served in the late civil war; and a daughter,
Adelia Maria, now residing in Chicago.




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

I35

S  WAIN, ISAAC N., of Detroit, Michigan, was
born near Sackett's Harbor, Jefferson County,
SNew York, November 20, 807. lie is the son
of Richard and Martha (Seaman) Swain. Thomas Seaman,-the founder of his mother's family in this country,came from Rehoboth, England, in 1696, and settled in
Massachusetts, on a tract of land twelve miles east of
Providence, which he named Rehoboth. There one of
his grandsons preached until he was one hundred and
four years old. Three others attained a similar age.
Mrs. Swain had a mind of rare intelligence, cultivated
by extensive reading; and was especially familiar with
the Scriptures. She lived a widow thirty years, doing
good. Her death occurred at Watervliet, in 1864, when
she was ninety-three years old. Isaac Swain's father,
Richard Swain, was a conscientious, hard working man,
whose ancestry were among the earliest Quaker settlers
in this country. They came over from Plymouth, in
Devonshire, England, and settled in Salem; but removed
to Nantucket, in 1690, on account of the persecutions
which grew out of the Salem witchcraft excitement.
Many of their descendants are living there at this day.
Richard Swain was born in 1773, and was left an orphan
at an early age. When he was eighteen, he engaged in
mercantile and real estate business. In 1796, he married, and purchased a valuable tract of land on the east
shore of Lake Cayuga, in the town of Scipio, Cayuga
County. After he had improved the property for several
years, the title proved to be defective, and he removed
to Jefferson County, New York. There his son Isaac
N. Swain passed the first nine years of his life. His
home was near Sackett's I arbor; the scene of many
events in the last war with England, and with her Indian allies.  He heard the first guns that were fired
in the war, and remembers many exciting incidents
which happened on the frontier. lie acquired by this
experience a horror of war and its attending evils, especially drunkenness, which was so common among the
soldiers and sailors of that time. In 1816 the family
settled in a dense wilderness, on the Hlolland Purchase,
since known as Royalton, in Niagara County, New York.
His father made a large clearing and sowed with wheat,
which he purchased at two and a half dollars a bushel,
expecting that his first crop would pay for the land.
The yield was excellent. The entire crop was reaped
with sickles and thrashed with flails; and then hauled
in wagons fifty-five miles, over bad roads, to the nearest
market,- now the city of Rochester, New York,where it brought only twenty-five or twenty-eight cents a
bushel. Other farm produce brought little or nothing;
potatoes selling for three cents a bushel, while Onondago salt cost seven dollars a barrel, and other articles
of merchandise were proportionally dear. The erection
of the first school-house in that neighborhood was an
event which Mr. Isaac N. Swain remembers vividly; the
18

building was completed in one day, by the farmers who
came from many miles around. The first teacher received
ten bushels of wheat per month and his board.  Books
were so scarce that Isaac Swain, when only ten years
old, gladly dug potatoes two days for the use of Mr.
Stone's Pike's Arit/hmetic; and husked corn four days
to get money enough to buy a slate. This scarcity
made him feel the value of books, and gave him a love
for them which years have increased. All the money
given him by his father for Fourth of July, or general
training day, was carefully hoarded to form a fund for
the purchase of new books. The books thus obtained
have now an honored place in his valuable library, and
possess a charm outside of their intrinsic merit, connected, as they are, with the history of his early struggle and privations. In the fall of 1821, when Mr. Swain
was fourteen years old, contracts were let, and the great
work of constructing the Erie Canal commenced. The
news spread that the contractors would pay a man with
a team and scraper one dollar per day in cash; and
Mr. Swain persuaded his father to fit him out for the
work, to which he went alone, and did good service.
He returned, when the frosts prevented further labor,
with his team and scraper in perfect condition, and all
his wages in silver coin, which he placed in his mother's
lap.  Mr. Swain takes pride now in the fact that he
was enabled to assist, even in so obscure a way, in
the great work that servedl to make the products of the
\est accessible to the markets of the world.  Mr.
Swain's elementary education was continued in the log
school-house, with the encouragement and assistance of
his much loved mother, until lie was sixteen. At that
age, he secured a certificate as a teacher, and taught during the winters of the next four years. lie devoted the
proceeds to defraying his school expenses at the Mliddlebury Academy, some forty miles distant, to which he
was in tle habit of walking, when he could be spared
from work on the farm. lie sometimes accomplished
the distance in one day. In order to obtain funds for a
collegiate education, he went South and taught until his
health failed. On his return North, after teaching a
year, he made a prospecting tour of three months through
Michigan, and purchased eighty acres of land near the
present sight of Jackson. In 1830 he married Vallonia,
daughter of Deacon William Smith, of Royalton, and
made his permanent home in Michigan. In 1831 he
bought some Government land, in what is now Spring
Arbor, Jackson County; on this land he built a house,
and plowed and planted forty acres. While the work
was in progress, a wandering tribe of Pottawatomie
Indians encamped near the place; and, for many days,
harrassed him, not only by begging, but by stealing
and butchering his stock. They were finally moved
West by order of the Government. Mr. Swain has had
more than sixty years of frontier life, and familiar ac



136

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

quaintance with the various Indian tribes, from the Six ners; prompt, courteous, and agreeable in all business
Nations of New York State to the Sioux and Foxes of transactions; and delights in relating his varied adventhe West; and, basing his opinions on his knowledge of tures, especially to the young. lHe married, the second
their character, believes the race must and ought to be time, Septembler I, 1859, Mrs. Eleanor J. Champion, of
exterminated.  In the early settlement of Michigan, Ypsilanti. She is still living.
wild beasts wcre troublesome, especially wolves; and Mr.
Swain protected, only by his dog Ponto, ai nd his rifle,
had many rough encounters with them, which are evidenced by the many scars he still carries. In 1834 Ilhe'
moved his residence about four miles nearer the \ill ge  WIFT, REV. MARCUS, of Detroit, was born in
of Concord, on to lands which he owned there. 'IThiere    the township of Palmyra, Wayne County, New
he continued his farm, carried on surveying and engineer-  XYork, June 23, 1793.  l1is father, General John
ing; and, as he acquired meanis, became intcrested in Swift, was originally from Connecticut, but was the first
the lumber business,-running a mill, and engiaging in landed prop)rietor of the township of Palmyra and the
mercantile pursuits. lie used his influence to secure a adjoining township of Macedon, and located the village
canal or railroad in the viciinity of Concord. As he of Palmyra. He was commissioned a Brigadier-General
failed to succeedl, he oiice more removed into the dense in the War of 1812, and was killed, July 13, I814, at
forest, down the l'a\v Paw \'alley, and settled at the the capture of Fort George. tie was a man of strong
present site of Watervlict, BIerriei County, supposing he powers, which were inherited by his son. Mr. Marcus
had made a certainty of being on the route of the Micli- Swift passed his youth in the occupations of farming
igan Central Railroad, wheni it should be built. In this, and milling. lie married, at the age of eighteen, Anna
howvever, lie was disappointed. The State sold its fran- Osband, whose father, \Veaver Osband, was a soldier in
chise to the present Michigan Central Railroad Comnpany, the Revolution. Mr. Swift's mind was of a religious
which departed from the State's plighted faith, and left and philanthropic type; and, when twenty years of age,
Watervliet twenty miles off in the forest. Notiwithstand- I e became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
ing these unexpected obstacles, Mr. Swain prosecuted I is early educational ad vantages having been somewhat
his business enterprises with the utmost energy and suc- above the average of the pioneers of the time, lie was
cess. The time from 1855 to i858 he spent in traveliiing soon after licensed to preach the Gospel. About the
in the hope of restoriiing his wife's health. Change of same time, a sudden reverse of fortune caused him to
air, however, proved unavailing. After her death, which seek a new hone in the wilds of Michigan; and, in
occurred in S158, lie bought twel.ve acres of land oil the 1825, he located a tract of land in the present township
western bank of the I)etroit River, and commenced of Nankin, W'ayne County, reaching Detroit October 9,
its cultivation andl adornment.  In I86, '62 adl '63, of that year. At this time, but two teams of horses
he built there one of the most substantial mansions were employed in moving emigrants to the interior, and

of the West, which is now his home.     Mr. Swain is
a man of considerable literary attainment; and has
formed a valuable library, which is one of his chief
sources of delight.  Though by birth, principle, and
education a D)cmocrat, he has never sympathized with
the so-called I)emocratic party since its first concession
to the slave power, in io50; and has voted with the
Republican party since 1864. I)uring the civil war, he
gave his earnest influence and support to the victorious
prosecution of the Union cause. lie has sympathized
with the temperance movement from its beginning; and
has occasionally delivered, public addresses on the subject. HIe has especially urged new settlers, as they came
in, to sign the temperance pledge, and keep it faithfully.
lie has never taken wine, or malt, or sprirituous liquors
as a beverage, nor does he use tea, coffee, or tobacco.
IHe is six feet two inches in height, and is compactly
built. He has a full, flowing beard, iron grey hair, light,
clear complexion, and a fine set of natural teeth. He
has passed through many hardships, yet is as erect as
most men of fifty. lie is simple and easy in his man
nleither team was ju.st then available. A row-hoat conveye(l thie cigrants, by way of the I)etroit and Rouge
rivers, to a point near the present village of D)earborn,
and the remainder of tile journey was made by the aid
of thlree Indian ponies. Mr. Swift, with his wife and
four children, and the family of Luther Reeve, who
accompaniied him, found quarters at the house of Benjamin Williams, some three miles from their location.
flis cabin, consisting of but one room, accommodated
all the party until the following spring.  Without
money, team, or human aid, except his two boys, aged
respectively eight and twelve years, Mr. Swift got out
the timber and all the accessories for building a log
house.  The house wvas completed and occupied the
following March, having been erected with no other
help than that of the few  settlers, who lent willing
hands to roll up the logs for the body of the house.
Before the building possessed door or window, it was
dedicated to Almighty God by prayer and singiing.  Mr.
Swift's was emphatically a life of faith; and, as he
undertook no enterprise upon which he could not ask




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

137

the divine blessing, he trusted implicitly to God. His I doctrines and discipline chiefly compiled by Mr. Swift.

moral standard was high, and he would brook no deviation from  it. This is illustrated by his refusing to
shoot a fine buck which strayed into his enclosure on
Sunday, during a time of great scarcity of food. The
fact that the next dlay the buck returned, bringing with
him two of his fellows, and that Mr. Swift shot the
three, may be regarded as a reward for his faith, or a
happy accident, according as one's belief inclines him.
Mr. Swift believes the animals were mercifully sent. The
same attribute of trust led him, dluring a time of threatening want, in the summer of 1826, to ask credit of
an acquaintance and trader in i)etroit, for supl)lies to
the amount of twelve dollars, u1pon a full stateineit of
his circumstances.  Pay (lay came, but no money;
trembling and disconsolate, Mr. Swift resolved to see
his creditor and tell him his extremity, when he unexpectedly receivedl a letter from his native pilace with an
inclosure of thirteen dlollars. The townships of Redford, Livonia, Nankinii, and IDearborn, were, at this
time, embracedl in one, under the name of the township
of Ilucklin; andl settlers swere coming in rapidly.  In
1827 Mr. Swift was elected Supervisor, then a most
important office. lie was elected for nine successive
years, and then (lecline(l to serve longer, vishing to
give his attention wholly to the sacred ministry, wvhich
was the main purpose of his Efe. lie also served as
Justice of the Peace, under appointment by President
Jackson, until the admission of Mlichigan as a State.
Mr. Swift was, from the first, a preacher and missionary
among the settlers, holding services regularly oin Sundays, at convenient points. The Methodlist ELpiscopal
Church having organized a conference, in 1833, lie took
charge of the Oaklan I circuit, involving a ride of one
Iiundre(l and tweniity-five miles. This hlie madle ev-ery
four weeks, preaching thirty-one times each month, and
receiving, i n paN ent for tw\\o years' services, the sum
of one Iiund treld 1and twiienty-five (lollars, and almost
every known article excelpt money. The pleasures and
trials of the pioncr lpreacliher need not be here detailed.
After a year's subsequent labor on Plymouth circuit,
Mr. Swift withdrew from further conference supervision,
and performed voluntary labor, preaching every Sabbath, and sometimes on week days, with no compensation except occasional contributions from the indigent
peolple whoin lie served. Hle always responded with
alacrity to calls for pastoral service, often taking a
horse from the plow to go and preach one of the funeral
sernimoins for which lie was famous.  Mr. Swift dissolved
his connection wvitli the Methodist Episcopal Church in
1841, uiiiting with others iii a vritten communication to
the confereiice, in which the reasons for w-ithdrawal
were fully stated. In May, IS4I, an organization of
seceding ministers was effected, under the name of the
Wesleyan Methdi.t Church, according to a book of

In May, 1843, a large coiivention of Methodists was
held in Utica, New York, to which Mr. Swift was a
delegate, and at which nine States were represented.
This convention organized the Wesleyan Methodist
Connection of America, with about one hundred aiind
seventy preachers, representing cioght thousand members.
'This organization absorbed that formed in Michigan two
years before.  It is needless to say that this schism
grew out of the agitation of the slavery question in the
church, Mr. Swift hlaving been among the first to take
antislavery grounds.  As seen above, he was substantially the father of Wesleyan Methodism, his agitation
of the slavery question beginning as early as 1835. In
the conference, with none to second him,l he iiisistedl
that the church should take such action as would show
to the world that, in its councils, the higher law governed.  While regarding with the amlilest charity those
who dliffered with him, "his heart burned in him like
a fire," aiid the wrongs and sufferiniigs of the slaves
stung every fiber of his sympathetic nature with pain.
\When such a man feels, he works, regardless of consequences. Though Mr. Swift had filled all the requireminents and passedl a complete andi satisfactory examination,
the Bishop aiid conference refused to ordain him an
elder, excelpt ul)on the condition that he cease the agitation of the slavery question.  The spirit of his manhood arose in rebellion.at the infamous proposal; he
threw  his whole soul into the warfare, and his withdrawal from the church became a necessity.   Nothing
could separate hiiuiii from the love of liberty; and all
cries of " peace, lpeace," were answered wvith ' first pure,
then peaceable."  Ile became the subject of mob violeiice, his house was burned over his head, and property
lie had gained by patient industry was destroyed by
ruthless hands. Though not a Garrisonian abolitioiiist,
alr. Swift acted with most of the antislavery organizatioiis, prior to their being merged into the Republican
party, in 1856.   The antislavery agitation, and its
effect upon both parties and churches, is matter of
history, as is also  the self-sacrifice of its devotees.
Mr. Sw\vift's work increased in its earnestness and intensity until the final overthrow of the "sum of all
villaiiiies." In 1865, whliile preaching in the Baptist
Church at Northville, then his residence, he was taken
with a chill; and, being removed to the home of his
youngest son, IDr. J. M. Swift, expired, February g19,
after an illness of six days.  His last words were,
"Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy words, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation," referring to the near close of the war and fall of
slavery.  lie also said, ''The great principles for which
I labored and fought, amid reverses and persecutions,
are now  the ruling sentiment of the nation.  I have
lived in a glorious age, andm my eyes have seen th).




'38

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

powers of darkness give way before the reign of liberty with his esprit de corps, insured him an extensive and
and equality."  Socially, Mr. Swift was kind, benevo- lucrative practice, and gave him a wide reputation. In
lent, and hospitable, of a cheerful, sanguine tempera- 1867 he was thrown from a carriage, and so severely
ment, and possessed of a considerable fund of humor. injured as to be forced to retire from the more arduous
In person, he was six feet three inches in height, gaunt duties of a country physician, and turn his attention to
and muscular; physically designed by nature to endure mercantile pursuits. He is still a leading physician in
the hardships of pioneer life, and protect the brave spirit his section, being frequently called to consult with the
fighting the long battle of reform.                Faculty of the University, and medical men of Detroit
and the surrounding country. He is a member of the
Wayne County Medical Society. He aided in the organization of the Union Medical Society of Oakland, Wayne,
and Washtenaw counties, which he served as presiding
WIFT, IHON. JOHN MARCUS, of Northville, officer. IIe has been elected a member of various other
Michigan, was born in Nankin, Wayne County, medical societies, both in this country and in England.
SFebruary It, 1832. Ie is the grandson of Gen- In 1875 he was a delegate to the American Medical
eral John Swift, a prominent citizen of Palmyra, New  Association. In 1864 he was elected to the Legislature
York, and the youngest son of the Rev. Marcus Swift, from the Fourth District. He has been an earnest and
one of the early settlers in Michigan. His mother was active Republican from the birth of that party. Previ
Anna Osband, a daughter of Weaver Osband, a soldier
of the Revolution.  His parents emigrated to Michigan in 1826, and settled on a farm in Nankin. Here
Doctor Swift's youth was passed with such limited educational advantages as the pioneer days afforde(d,
and here his mother died when he was but ten years
old. Iis father afterwards married IIuldah C. Peck,
who became the boy's teacher during the hours when
he was released from farm work. His additional school
facilities consisted of one year in the common school at
Plymouth, and three terms at Griffin Academy, Ypsilanti, previous to his thirteenth year; and one termshortened by illness induced by overwork-at college in
his nineteenth year. Often he studied with his book
fastened to the plough-handle, as he drove his team;
and acquired much in tlhe long winter evenings in his
father's farm-house kitchen. A retentive memory and
a taste fur reading enabled him, in a great measure, to
overcome the lack of early tuition.  In I851 he commenced the study of medicine. lie received his diploma,
in 1854, from the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati,
Ohio.  Rush Medical College, Chicago, conferred a
degree upon him in 1864, on recommendations from
Z. Pitcher, M. 1D., of Detroit, Prof. Moses Gunn, and
other medical men of note, in consideration of his valuable contributions to current medical literature, and
original treatment of diseases, particularly diptheria.
Doctor Swift established himself in Wayne County in
1853; and entered upon the practice of his profession in
connection with an older brother, Dr. Orson R. Swift,
which connection continued about three years. Doctor
Swift, in his medical course as a student, exhibited, in
the different departments of study, unusual powers of
application, quick discernment, and ready analysis. lHe
brought these requisites, so essential to success in medicine, into his profession, with a determination ever to
be abreast of the times. These qualifications, coupled

ous to its existence, he was an old-time abolitionist,
and an ardent advocate of the rights of the slave. The
outspoken defense of his principles gained for him in
childhood the contemptuous title of the "little nigger
preacher."  A well-read man, not only in his profession,
but also in much of the science, literature, and politics
of the day, and ever reading and thinking, he is ready
on all suitable occasions to give utterance to his views,
and defend them   with earnestness and ability.  He
speaks easily and with emphasis on subjects in which he
is interested, particularly on those having a moral bearing.  At the age of ten years, he united with the
Wesleyan Methodist Church. lie disagreed, however,
with that body on the subject of secret societies, and,
in maturer years, allowed his connection with it to
lapse. lHe is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and
of the Independent Order of Odd-Fel!ows. In 1876,
with his wife and daughter, he joined the Presbyterian
Church, with the understanding that he was not required
to assent to any doctrines but those held by all Evangelical Churches. lie is the beloved teacher of the
large and flourishing Bible-class connected with that
church, and is actively interested in Sunday-school
work. He gives time, money, and influence to aid the
various churches in his village; and they are indebted
to his freedom from sectarian bias for services in Sunday-schools, business and religious meetings, and in the
choirs which have been successfully instructed by him.
He has a good knowledge of music, and a fine tenor
voice. He has made great sacrifice in the interests of
sacred and secular music; and to him is largely due the
wide-spread reputation of Northville as a musical town.
He has always been an advocate of total abstinence
from intoxicating liquors, and has given his support to
the temperance cause in its various phases of action.
As a Christian physician, he has ever felt it his duty in
all cases of serious sickness, to know the relations of his




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

139

patients toward their Maker; and is often heard directing them to Jesus Christ, and encouraging them with
the hopes and consolations of the Gospel. In 1876 a
commission was appointed by Governor Bagley to locate
the State House of Correction. The commissioners were:
Hon. H. Rich, of lonia; Charles T. Hills, of Muskegon;
and Ion. J. M. Swift. The work of the commission
was satisfactorily performed by the location of the house
at lonia. Doctor Swift married, February II, 1852,
Emily B. Barker, daughter of Captain George J. Barker, of Grand Rapids. They have one child,-Mrs.
George A. Milne,-w\ho inherits musical talents from
both her parents. The orphan children of his brother,
Dr. Orson R. Swift, of whom he was guardian during
their minority, hold places side by side with his own
daughter in their uncle's heart and home. Marcus G.
B. Swift, the nephew, resides in Fall River, Massachasets; the niece is Mrs. James A. )ulnar, of Ietroit.
Doctor Swift is a member of the School Board, and is
active in all matters pertaining to the moral and material
growth of Northville. He occupies various places of
public and private trust, and his advice and judgment
are highly esteemed. HIe is in the prime of life, and,
with his experience, varied acquisitions, and continued
habits of study, may still anticipate many years of
happy usefulness.
MITHI, EUGENE, M. D., Detroit, was born in
Albany, New York, June 4, 1845, and is the son
of John S. and Elizabeth Smith. His father was
a banker at Albany, and his paternal grandfather was,
for sixty years, a medical practitioner in Wales, Warren
County, Massachusetts. When Doctor Smith was quite
young, his parents removed to Buffalo, New   York,
where he attended the public school, and also the Jesuit
College of St. Joseph, at Black Rock.   On leaving
school, at the age of eighteen, he began the study of
medicine, under Dr. Julius F. Miner, and continued
with him for three years, attending three courses of lectures. lie graduated at Buffalo College, in 1866, receiving the degree of M. I)., and delivering the valedictory
address. About this time, a physician of twenty years'
experience, in Mansfield, Tioga County, Pennsylvania,
requested Doctor Eastman, Professor of Anatomy at the
college, to send some one to take his place, as he had
retired from practice. A physician well versed in operative surgery was required, and Doctor Eastman selected
Doctor Smith, whom he considered best fitted to fill the
position, as he had enjoyed more than usual advantages
during his connection with l)r. J. F. Miner. Doctor
Smith remained at Mansfield two years, acquiring a large
general practice, and doing considerable eye-surgery.

The field not being sufficiently large for that branch of
the profession, which he preferred, he removed to Detroit; at which place, for the past ten years, he has made
the treatment of the eye and ear a specialty. After a
practice of five years here, he went abroad, and spent
several months in the leading hospitals of Europe. Doctor Smith is a member of the American Medical Association; Vice-President of the State Medical Society of
Michigan, and of the Detroit Medical Library Association. lie was a delegate to the International Medical
Congress held at Philadelphia, in 1876, representing the
State Medical Society from  the Tenth Congressional
District. HIe was also a member of the International
Opthalmological Congress held in New York City, in
1876. IHe is opthalmic and aural surgeon to St. Mary's
Hospital, and surgeon in charge of St. Mary's Free Eye
and Ear Infirmary. HIe married, at Buffalo, New York,
on the 25th of June, 1866, Miss Jennie A. Townsend,
of that city. Doctor Smith ranks high in the regular
profession and in his specialty, and has an extensive
and lucrative practice.
TIM\SON, HION. BENJAMIN GODFREY, De' troit, was born at Dedham, Massachusetts, iMarch, 19, 1816. le was the son of Dr. Jeremy Stimson
and l opestill (;odfrey. Jeremy Stimson was a descendant
of Andrew Stimes-son, who came from Wales, and settled
in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1634.  le was descenlded from the royal Stuarts and Ilewellyns. Hopestill Godfrey was of Puritan descent. At the age of
sixteen, Benjamin G. Stimson went to Boston, and remained two years in the employment of one of the leading mercantile establishments there. Becoming imbued
with a desire for travel and adventure, and having a
decided taste for the sea, he shipped, August 14, 1834,
as a sailor on the brig "Pilgrim," which was bound for
California. IHe had, for his intimate companion and
shipmate on this cruise, Richard H. Dana, Jun., who
gives, in his very interesting and well-known work,,Two Years Bfjre the zlast, an accurate and vivid description of their voyage. The now beautiful and populous city of San Francisco was then lepresented by a
few log-cabins, and its magnificent harbor was an occasional refuge for storm-driven vessels. Gold, at that
time, had not been discovered in California. The intimacy thus formed by the two boys, Dana and Stimson,
as shipmates during their cruise of two years, was one
of continued interest. No phase or condition affords
such ample opportunity for the thorough study of character as life on shipboard. On Mr. Stimson's death,
which resulted from heart disease, December 13, 1871,
a very feeling autograph letter was addressed to his




I40

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

widow, by the liHon. Richard II. Dana, Jun., in which
he says: "For two years, we were bound together by
the strongest ties, as shipmates, having a great deal to
endure in common, and a great deal in which we alone
on board could sympathize. We have been separated
by wide distances, but have never forgotten one another,
and have cherished our friendship. The close intinmcy
of two years thoroughly tries the character; I knew him
entirely. A more honorable, kind-hearted, well-principled man did not live. Such lie was amid the trials and
telnptations of our sailor life, and such he was to the
end."  Mr. Stimson returned to Boston. in i836; but
the spirit of enterprise and adventure, which, at the
time, pointed to the then far \VWest, lcd him to I)etroit,
in 1837, where he immediately engaged in mercantile
pursuits. Ile Ipurchased a tract of five acres of land,
on Woodward avenue, on which he built the homestead
which his family still occupy. After contlinuing in general trade for a number of years, lie engaged, in 1847,
in the comminision business. lie was a partner in the
Tr-ibunZ neivspapler, in 1851; and, in that year, was appointedl timber agent at Plaraboo, Wisconsin. I e traveled over inuch of that wvild counitry, du(ring 1852 and(
1853, on horeback. In 1857 he b(ought a wareliou-e,
in I)etroit, anld re.siec(d the commissi ion business, whichl
he sold out in I861, haviiig become intere.-,ted in vessel
property, to whicli he gave Iiis attention with his usual
energy aind success. Ilc bought four vessels, and had
the large bark "Ilenry I'. Baldwin " built in Detroit.
In IS66 he exchanged his'vessels for a valuable dock
property, at the foot of Shelby street, upon which lie
built what is known as the "Stimson 13lock,"- at that
time the largest business block in Ietroit. In I868 he
subdivided the land in the rear of his homestead, which
cause(d the opening of a new street, bearing the name
of " Stinisoin Place."  In 1869 lie adlded to this property a like tract of five acres adjoining it on the north,
-which he also subdividled aii d sold as city lbots. In 1869
he sold the "Stimson Block "-- the largest cash sale
of real estate ever made in Detroit. lie then purchased
thirty-six acres farther out on iWoodlward avenue. This
land he had platted into one hundred and forty-five city
lots and four wide avenues,- Forest, Ilancock, \Warren,
and Putnam. 'This property, being in the market, was
much of it sold oil time contracts; and it was characteristic of Mr. Stimson's goodness of heart, that, in cases
of inability of purchasers to make paymeniits, lie canceled the contracts, and refunded what had beenii paid,sometimes, also, allowing for increased valuation. MIr.
Stimson was a Republican, but was choen to the responsible position of Controller of the city, in I868, by
the Common Council, and the votes of the members of
both parties. The routine duties of his office were administered with signal ability and fidelity. At his suggestion, the roof of the City Hall, which was building

Sduring his official term, was changed to the mansard,a flat roof having first been designed.  11is financial
ability and vigilance saved to the city many thousands
of dollars in the cost of this structure. A few days
I before his death, Mr. Stimson said: "I feel a pride in
having helped to erect such a noble edifice,-the pride
of our citizens; and, more particularly, to know that I
was instrumental in saving some thousands of dollars in
its cost. I felt as much interest in the economy of the
buildi.eg as if it were my own house."  In the summer
of 1870, 'Ir. Stimson found it necessary to resign the
office of Controller, owing to failing health. In acceptillg his resignation, the Common Council passed unanimously a resolution of sympathy, regretting the necessity
which led to this step. At the time of his death, resolutioiis of condolence, testifying to the excellen.ce of his
character, and the value of his services as a citizen and
pul)lic officer, passed the same body by a like vote.
Irom  those resolutions, we copy a few lines: " Mr.
Stimson was earnest, zealous, and thoroughly upright
and considerate in the dischliarge of his duties.  Ile
gua:ded well the interests of the city, protected its good
name, and vindlicated its just rights, regardless of the
antece(lents of party). IIe was also an earnest Ipromoter
of the advancement and progress of our city." Although
devoted to civil pursuits, Mr. Stimson's patriotism was
manifested during the rebellion in Canada, in 1837-38,
by his joining the "Brady Guards," the first independent military company in Michigan, which was relied
upon for the protection of the frontier. Ilis commission as a Lieutenant in the conmpany, issued in I845,
and bearing the signature of Governor Parry, is in the
possession of his family. D)uring the late civil war, he
used his means freely in support of the Union; although
exempt, by age, from military duty, he kept a substitute
inl the army. lie used to say that the fact of beiiig too
old to be drafted (lid not prevenmt hiim from feeliing tllhat
he should do his ipart.  In religious opinion and practice, Mr. Stimsoii was an Episcopalian. Ile was junior
wardlen of St. John's Chliurch at the time of his death;
and had been officially connected with the church from
the time of its foundation, bieing one of its first vestrymen. Ile was a liberal contributor to the building of
St. John's Church edifice, and St. Luke's Church Ilome.
Mr. Stimson married twice: first, in I840, Lavinia Turner, who died" in 1853; and again, in i858, Cordelia
vces, who survives him. Ile left, by the last marriage,
two soins,---Edwvard Ives and Arthur Kissell Stimson.
To this brief record of a worthy and valuable life, a
word of eulogy would be superfluous. The record is
that of a man energetic and thrifty in material things;
devoted to his country and his religious faith; kind,
affectionate, and provident to his family; benevolent
and philanthropic to the poor; faithful and vigilant in
his public trusts.




REI.PRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

141

I TOLL, JULIUS, ex-Police Justice of Detroit, and
Real Estate and Insurance Agent, was born Sep-,     tember 2, IS28, at Prenzlau, Prussia.  Ite was
educated at the gymnasium at Prenzlau.  In October,
1844, he entered the service of the Government as
clerk to the Judge of the City and Patrimonial Courts.
In 1849 he entered the military service of Prussia;
served one year, and was honorably discharged, after
having passed a successful examination for a Lieutenancy in the Landwehr. Ie then entered the service cf
the civil supernumeraries of the "Kammer-gericht," or
Court of Chambers, in Berlin; and was employed at
Prenzlau. In 1850 he was again called into the service
of the Landwehr, for six months, during a temporary
war excitement; and, subsequently, returned to his
clerical duties. In March, IS54, lhe left Prenzlau for
America, and settled in I)etroit, where he soon after
entered into the insurance and real estate business. Ini
i86o he was elected a Justice of the Peace, and held the
office six years.  From i866S to I870, he was Police

of Representatives. William Taylor, the third son of
Judge John Taylor, was a farmer residing in Charlton,
and had ten sons and three daughters. Elisha Taylor
was the seventh of this large family. lie prepared
for college at Iamilton Academy, Madison County,
New York; entered Union College in I833, then under
the Presidency of the distinguished Dr. Eliphalet Nott;
and graduated in 1837. lDuring this time, lie was compelled by ill health to spend a winter in the South,
wvhich he improved by reading law in the office of lion.
Leslie Coombs, at Lexington, Kentucky. lie afterwards
continued his reading in the office of Paige & Potter,
Schenectady, New York. In the last year of his collegiate course, he was elected a member of the Phi
Beta Kappa Society. After graduating, he taught a
select school at Athens, New York, for about a year;
and, in May, I838, upon coming of age, he turned his
face westward ini pursuit of his fortiune. Arriving ill
Detroit the following June, lie purchased an Indian
pony, and traveled through the ea.tern part of Michi
Justice of the city of Detroit. At the expiration of his gan, until August, when lie settled in I)etroit. iHe
term of office, he resumed his insurance and real estate entered, as a student, the office of the Attorney-General
business, which became lucrative, principally among of the State, devoting fourteen hours per (lay to work
the German population of the city.  lie was a memiber and study; and was admitted to practice as an attorney,
of the Board of IEstimlates for two years, from January in May, 1839.  lie then formed a law copartnership
I, 1874, to January I, 1876.  In IS71 the Legislature with lion. Peter Morey, then Attorney-General of the
passed a law to establish a Board of P'ullic \orks, of State. D)uring his two years' coinection with Mr.
which Mr. Stoll was appointed a miember. This law, NMorey, as studeiit and partner, almost all the "1wildhowever, was declared invalid by the Supreme Court, cat " banks which had been organized in Michigan
and the board never entered upon its duties. Mr. Stoll were eiijoined and closed up under their supervision.
is now Vice-Presideniit of the Michigan Savings Bank. September 3, 1844, Mr. Taylor married  liss Amelia II.
lie has always been a Republican, and has taken an lPentield, of Schoharie, New vYork. From 1845 to 1849,
active interest in political affairs.              lie held the position, under appointilent of President
James K. Polk, of Register of the United States Landoffice, at Detroit.  From 1848 to I850, he officiated as
Clerk of the Supremie Court of Michigan. Ile was
Circuit Court Comminissioner, for Wayne County, for one
AYLOR, ELISHA, Detroit, L awyer, was born, term; and Injunction Master in Chancery, under the
May 14, 1817, in Charlton, Saratoga County, New  Court of Chancery as formerly organized in Michigan.
York.   lie is a descendant, in the fifth generation, For seven or eight years lie had been compelled, by ill
of Edward Taylor, who emigrated from England in 1692; health, to abandon close application to his professional
settled at Genet's Hill, Middletown, Monmouth County, and office duties; and, finally, in 1852, resolved to try
New Jersey; became a large landed proprietor; and open-air life on his farm, at Grand Blanc, Genesee
died in 1710. Edward Taylor was a lineal descendant County, Michigan.  Here daily labor, from  March to
from  the Norman Baron Taillefer, who accompanied September inclusive, restored him to comfortable health.
William  the Conqueror in the invasion of England, In 1853 he was appointed, by President Franklin Pierce,
A. D. io66, and was slain at the battle of Hastings. to the office of Receiver of Public Moneys, at Detroit;
Judge John Taylor, of the third generation from the and was designated as " Depositary," under the Subemigrant, was one of the early settlers in Saratoga Treasury Act, "'for the safe keeping of all the moneys
County, New York, then called the " New Country." of the United States received and disbursed in Alichigan,
Ile emigrated from Upper Freehold, New Jersey, before Northern Ohio, and Northern Indiana."  This appointthe Revolutionary War; and died, in 1829, leaving nine ment he held for four years. He also held, for the
children. His fifth son, Hon. John W. Taylor, was, for same period, the appointment as " Agent of the United
twenty-two years, member of Congress from that Con-.States for the payment of the Pensions in the State of
gressional district. and was twice Speaker of the I-louse Michigan."  Mr. Taylor was, for many years, a mem



142                          REPRESENTATIVE A
ber of the Democratic party; and was known as a War

TEN OF MICHIGAN.

engaged from  1809 to 1817,-except the short time

Democrat during the late war. Since that time, he has above mentioned,-on Jefferson avenue, just below
acted independently in politics. At the beginning of where the Michigan Exchange now stands; in a buildthe civil war, in 1861, and during its entire existence, ing which he erected himself, then considered the best
he gave his utmost influence to the loyal support of the in the city, and known as the Truax Building, in the
National Government. When the darkest days came, sketch made in 1820 by George II. Whistler. In 1817,
and the willingness of the Government to receive aid to the regret of General Cass, who had long been his
from private citizens had been expressed, he and his friend, lie moved to the"' )resent site of the village of
wife sold property, and deposited with the United States Trenton, which was originally called Truaxton, and
Treasurer, in New York City, eight thousand dollars. which he surveyed and laid out about the year 1834.
This sum was afterwards repaid by the United States, in Mr. Truax's subsequent history is mainly local, but he
currency, with interest, at four per cent. per annum, held many positions of honor and trust in his township.
When the First Presbyterian Church, of I)etroit, divided Of four children, Mrs. Giles B. Slocum is the only surinto three sections, in 1853, and sold this property, vivor,-a son, George B. Truax, a highly respected

on the north-east corner of Larned street and Woodward avenue, Mr. Taylor was one of forty-three persons who organized the Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian
Church, and erected, in 1854 or 1855, the beautiful
church edifice oil Jefferson avenue. Soon after the
organization of the church, he was elected one of its
elders; and was active in establishing "rotary eldership " in that church, before it was finally sanctioned by
the General Assembly. lie has continued an elder for
more than twenty years, and has devoted much attention to the interests of the office. Hle was a member
of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of
the United States, which met at Iarrisburg, Pennsylvania, in i868; and participated in the discussions in
reference to the union of the old and new school
branches. This union was consummated the next year
at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Early in life, Mr. Taylor
formed the habit of promising no more than he could
perform; in every position he has occupied, he has been
faithful to his trusts, and has maintained untarnished a
character for integrity and efficiency. His family consists of his wife and one surviving child, De Witt II.
Taylor, a member of the Detroit bar. They occupy a
beautiful house on Alfred street, and command the
esteem of all who know them. They are surrounded by
many comforts and luxuries, the fruits of forty years
spent in faithful work in the city of Detroit., RUAX, ABRAHAM CALEB, formerly of Detroit.,i Michigan, was born in Schenectady, New York,
Sin 1778. While a mere boy, he left his uncle,
with whom he resided in the East, and came into what
was then a wilderness, first stopping at Delaware,
Canada, and thence coming to Detroit about the year
800o. He was a volunteer in the United States army at
the time of Hull's surrender, but escaped through the
lines and went to Schenectady. He returned to Detroit
and resumed the mercantile business, in which he was

business man and merchant of Trenton for many years,
died in Detroit. Mrs. Slocum retains in her possession a
number of commissions issued to her father. Among
them is one from Governor Cass, making him Captain
of militia in 1818; another from the same Governor,
commissioning him Supervisor of Roads, in 1820; an
appointment as Postmaster at Monguagon, by Postmaster
General John McLean in 1828; and as Justice of the
Peace, by Governor Cass, 1830; similar commissions by
Governor Porter, 1833-34; and as Colonel of militia,
by Governor Mason, in 1838.    These documents all
bear the signatures of the persons issuing them, with
other well-known names attending them, and are interesting as relics of early clays in Michigan. Mr. Truax met his
death by the explosion of the steamer "Vance," on the
Detroit River, at Windsor, in 1844.  le was a man
universally loved and respected; and left his family a
comfortable fortune in real estate.
HI-IOMPSON, REV. OREN C., of Detroit, Michigan, was born in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, in
, 1806. Eight years after this, the family removed
to Northern Ohio, and settled in Ravenna. In 1830 Mr.
Thompson graduated at the Western Reserve College,
in the first class that passed through that institution.
About this time, he suffered a severe fit of sickness,
from the effects of which he never fully recovered. After
spending a year at Princeton Theological Seminary, his
health failed, and he was obliged to leave. He took
an agency for the American Tract Society in Michigan.
The winter following, he returned to Ohio, married Miss
Alice L. Thompson, of Hudson, and again.went to
Michigan, as agent of the American Sunday-school
Union. In these agencies, he visited every settlement,
and almost every house then occupied. The condition
of these settlements will be indicated by the fact, that
there was then but one house in either Battle Creek,
Marshall, or Kalamazoo; and that in the last-named




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

143

place was covered with bark. These were all houses
of entertainment, and were built of logs, in the most
primitive style. The mounds and prehistoric garden
plats were then very distinct, especially about Prairie
Ronde. In the fall of 1832, Mr. Thompson opened,
at Ann Arbor, an academy, which was at that time the
only institution of learning above the district school in
the Territory. The pupils numbered one hundred, and
some of them reached advanced standings in the natural
sciences and in the classics. In the spring, Mr. Thompson's services were required by the American Sundayschool Union, and he was ordered to Detroit to take
charge of a depository for the supply of Sabbath school
libraries. The books published by the American Bible
Society and the American Tract Society were also kept
there. In 1834 he removed to St. Clair, and was ordained and installed as a minister of the Gospel. In
1835 he was made commissioner from Michigan to the
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, which
met that year in Pittsburg. IDuring a portion of the
time that he was at St. Clair, he was the only minister
in the county; and his field of labor extended thirty
miles, from Lake St. Clair to Lake IIuron. A part of
the time, he supplied the church in Romeo every alternate Sabbath, riding back and forth forty miles on a
mere bridle-path, or Indian trail. In 1840 he organized
the first church in Port lHuron; and, about that time,
took the initiatory steps, acting as moderator of the
council for the organization of the First Congregational
Church of Detroit, the pulpit of which he supplied for
some time after the first pastor left. Ile was one of the
committee of three to call and make arrangements for
the convention at Michigan City in I846, which had
more to do with the welfare of Congregationalism in
the West than any other council or convention ever
held in the nation. In addition to his ministerial labors,
he built an academy at St. Clair in 1842, and conducted
it five years, until the system of union and graded
schools was adopted by the State. This academy exerted a positive and wide-spread influence for good in
that community. A single case will illustrate this point:
Ilon. David Jerome, meeting Mr. Thompson, a short
time since, in a railway car, said, "Mr. Thompson, if I
ever amount to any thing, it will be largely due to
you and the St. Clair Academy." The result of these
arduous labors ultimately told on the health of Mr.
Thompson, and compelled him to close his academy,
tender his resignation of the pastoral office, and seek
health by traveling. The church refused to accept his
resignation, but granted him leave of absence.  His
health not being sufficiently restored to enable him to
resume his pastoral work, in 1849, just fifteen years
from the time he went to St. Clair, he removed back to
Detroit, and was employed five years as treasurer of E..
B. & S. Ward's line of steamers. After this, he en19

gaged in the banking business until 1860. During this
time, he supplied destitute churches in the city and
vicinity, sometimes for years with almost no pecuniary compensation. In 1864 he entered the service of
the United States Christian Commission for the relief
of the soldiers in camps and hospitals, having charge
of the interests of the commission over Northern Virginia, with head-quarters at Alexandria and Washington.
lie remained in this position nearly two years, and for
some time after the war closed; when he returned to
his home in Detroit, and resumed his professional duties.
In the fall of the year of the great fire (1871), he was
appointed, by the Michigan Relief Commission, to superintend the distribution of aid to the suffering citizens
of Huron and Sanilac counties, and was occupied in
this work six months. The amount of funds distributed
during that time was about half a million dollars. For
the last three years, he has been supplying the churches
in Royal Oak and Southfield, seven miles apart, preaching in both places every Sabbath, frequently riding over
thirty miles, besides conducting the two public services;
and that, too, after he had passed his threescore and
ten years of age. lie is now engaged in establishing a
church at that beautiful summer resort, the shore of
Lake St. Clair. This work involves the necessity of
riding twenty-five miles every Sunday, besides the lulpit
and Sabbath-school labors. Thus Mr. Thompson has
been doing in Michigan a pioneer and educational work
for almost half a century, during the entire period of
the history of the State.
IROW BRIDGE, GENERAL LUTIER S.,Lawyer,
Ij,lDetroit, was born on the 28th of July, 1836, in
SI Troy, Oakland County, Michigan.     Iis grandfather, Captain Luther Trowbridge, was a law student
in the office of his uncle, Edmund Trowbridge, who
was a distinguished lawyer of Massachusetts.  On the
breaking out of the Revolutionary War, at the age of
seventeen years, he entered the army, and served with
great credit throughout the entire war, retiring at its
close, with the rank of Major. His father served in the
War of 1812, in a campaign on the Niagara frontier.
lie removed from New York to Michigan in 1821, being
one of the earliest settlers in Oaklar d County, where
he resided until his death, in 1859. He located a quarter-section of land upon his first arrival, and continued
to occupy it, with other tracts afterwards purchased,
during his life. Here he brought up a family of eleven
children, nine of whom survive him. General Trowbridge entered Yale College, as Freshman, in the class
of 1859; but, about the middle of the Junior year, his
sight failed, which compelled him to suspend his course




1144

4  REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

of study. He returned home, and remained there Brigadier-General, and Major-General, for gallant and
d(luring the summer and fall. In the winter of 1856-57, meritorious conduct. At the close of the war, General
he commenced the study of law in the office of Sidney Trowbridge settled at Knoxville, Tennessee, and re1). Miller, at Detroit, and was admitted to the bar in mained there until the spring of 1868. lie then returned
1858. In 1859 hlie formed a law partnership with the to D)etroit, where he has since continued to reside. In
late Hon. A. W. Buel, which was continued until Sep- 1866 he received the dlegree of A. M., from the trustees
tember, 1862, when he entered the arniy, as Major of of Yale College. In 1873 he was appointed, by Govthe 5th Michigan Cavalry.  He served with this regi- ernor Pagley, Inspector-General of the Michigan State
ment, in the Army of the Potomac, until the fall of troops, which position hlie held for four years. In August,
1863. General Trowbridge took part in the battle of 1875, without any previous intimation, he was appointed
Gettysburg, in which, while leading a charge of his to the responsible office of Collector of Internal Revenue
battalion, his horse was killed under him. At the close for the First Michigan District; which position he still
of the Gettysburg canmpaign, hlie was seized with a low  occupies. For twenty-four years, hlie has been a member
fever, which continued for six weeks. During his illness, of the Congregational and Presbyterian churches. In
he was promoted from Major of tile 5th Michigan Cav- politics, he is a Republican. Hie married, April 8, 1862,
airy, to Lieutenant-Colonel of the lothl Michigan Cay- a daughter of the late Hon. A. W. IBuel, of Detroit.
alry, which promotion1 dated from August 25, 1863. HIe Mrs. Trowbridge is a lady of rare accomplishments,
went, with his regilient, to K entucky and East Ten- taking rank among the best performers on the orgap
niessee; and, on the 25th of July, 1864, was promoted to and violin.
the raiik of Colonel. IDuring the summer of 1864, lihe
was stationed at Strawvberry Plains, East Tennessee.
While here, hle was ordered to buildl a fort for the protection of the large railroad bridge located at this point; a  ROWBRIDGE, CHARLES C., Detroit, was born
the work was successfully accomplished, and the fort      in Albany, Ne   ok   Deceber  29, 1800, and is
lpllelfr           vj   ili Albany, N ew  --k, IDecember 29, 1800, and is
provetd to be of great value oni two occasions during the  the son of Luther Trowbridge, of Massachusetts,
fall of that year. On the 20th of January, 1865, he was who served with credit as an officer in the Revolutionary
appointed Provost-Marshal General of East Tennessee, War, and who subsequently settled in the State of New
to relieve General S. P. Carter. After occupying this York. At the age of twelve years, hlie became a clerk
position two mionths, lie asked to be relieved, in order with Horatio Ross, of Owego, New York, and remained
to join a cavalry expedition which was then being or- there until 1819, when hle removed to the Territory of
ganized by General Stonemnian, for operations in Virginia Michigan, settling in the city of Detroit, with which lie
andi South Carolina. General Trowbridclge took an active has ever since been intimately identified. Fromi 1819 to
part in that expetlition, and in the pursuit of Jefferson 1825, hlie held various piositions of trust under Thomias
IDavis. While in the enemy's couniltry,-cut off from  Rowland aiil Governor Lewis Cass. With the latter lihe
all supplies for a period of sixty-five days,-he marched was on the most intimate terms of friendship; and, in
nearly two thousand miles.  It can trutlhifully be said many negotiations with tile Indians, hle was invested by
that, during the entire Oar, no enterprise of equal im- Governor Cass with large tliscretion.  laving acquired
portance, and vhich accompli-hllcd so mILuch, attracted so a knowledge of various Indian dialects, hlie was enablled
little attention as the Stoineman raid of 1865. The pen to render conmsiderable service to the Government. When
of the future historian, in recording the events of the General Cass became Secretary of XVar, hlie invited Mr.
late civil war, will surely accord to that expedition the Trowbridge to take a leading position in that departdegree of eminence xwhich it justly dleserves.  By this ment; but his disinclination for office compelled him to
raid, one railroad was thoroughly tdisabled for a (distance decline the offer. In 1825 he was appointed Cashier of
of one hundred and twenty-tive miles; another broken the Bank of Michigan, which, at that time, was the only

in several places; millions of tdollars worth of arnimy supplies and other property captured and destroyed; the large
depot of supplies, at Salisbury, capturcd; one thousand
and one hundred prisoners of war, and nineteen pieces
of artillery taken; and many prisoners paroled who had
been uinder the command of General Lee. Upon the
return of General Trowbridge, hlie was assigned to the
comniand of a brigade in tile Cavalry Division of East
Tennessee, which position he held until hlie was mustered
out of service, at the expiration of his term,-September
I, i865. Previous to this, however, he was brevetted

bank north of Ciiicinnati and west of Rochester, New
York, and held this position for ten years. In 1834 he
was Mayor of I)etroit, during -which time the city suffered severely from cholera, and the duties of the office
wvere performed with great danger and discomfort. In
1837 hlie was the Whig candidate for Governor of Michigan, but was defeated by a small majority by Stevens
T. Mason, who had previously held the office of Governor of the Territory by appointment of the President.
In 1839 hlie became President of the Bank of Michigan,
and so continued during its existence; from 1844 to







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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

145

1854, he was President of the Michigan State Bank. In
1853 he became the Secretary, Treasurer, and resident
Director of the Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad Company; and was elected President of the company in 1863.
He retained this office until 1875, when, the company
having passed into the hands of a receiver, he was appointed by the Wayne Circuit Court to that office, which
he continues (1878) to hold. Mr. Trowbridge has been
a member of the Episcopal Church from his youth; and
has been a member of the standing committee of the
diocese since 1833, having been elected to this position
at every successive annual meeting of the diocese. -He
has also been chosen lay delegate to every general convention of the church since 1835, and is the oldest lay
delegate of that body.
il OIGT, EDWARD, W., of Detroit, Michigan, was
S  born in Dobein, Saxony, Germany, April 5, 1844.,    His father, C. W. Voigt, came to America in
1854, and settled in Madison, Wisconsin, where he was
engaged in the manufacture of lager beer for some time,
meeting with considerable success. IHe afterwards moved
to Milwaukee and engaged in shipping on the lakes,
having purchased several vessels. Edward W. Voigt,
his son, received a good German education before he
came to this country; but, being fond of books and
quick to learn, he completed the course of study in the
Madison public schools, attended the University of Wisconsin, and took a full course of instruction at a commercial college. He was of an adventurous disposition,
and, on his father's removal to Milwaukee, went by sea
to California, and spent a year on the Pacific coast, sailing between Vancouver's Island anld Mexico. Returning home in 1864, he was second mate in his father's
schooner, "Columbian."   The following winter he
studied navigation at Boston, Massachusetts, and during
the next season was master of the "Columbian," which
sailed between Buffalo and Chicago, being then the
youngest captain on the lakes. In the meantime, his
father, having found the shipping business unprofitable,
sold out, and established a brewery in Detroit for the
manufacture of lager beer. In 1871 Mr. Voigt, having
acquired a knowledge of the details of the business
during boyhood, succeeded his father, and is now the
sole proprietor of the brewery. By enterprise, thorough
system, and careful supervision of his extensive business,
he has, in the course of a few years, become the largest
and best-known brewer in the State. The first year two
thousand barrels were manufactured; but the demand
has steadily increased, and now he makes and sells
eighteen thousand barrels of beer every year in Mich
igan and the adjoining States. Mr. Voigt is a member
of the National Brewers' Association, and also of various
local societies. He has a genial, generous, social nature
which has won him many friends. IHe married, in 1871,
Miss Bertha Dramburg, of Detroit. They have four
children.
I'ERNOR, BENJAMIN, Insurance Agent, of Deil. troit, was born in Albany, New York, October 23,,    1820. His father was John T. Vernor, whose
ancestors came from Ireland about the year 1700, and
settled in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His mother's father,
Jeremiah Smith, was a native of Claverack, New York,
and was born, January I, 1761. Mr. Vernor's education was received at the Albany Academy. In 1839 he
went to Oswego, New York, and engaged in mercantile
business; and, in 1840, removed to Detroit. Remaining there a few months, he went to Marshall, Michigali,
as manager of De Graff & Townsend's hardware store.
In 1843 he went to Jackson, Michigan, to take charge
of the contract for the same firm, at the State-prison,
in the manufacture of stone and hollow-ware. Upon the
death of Mr. Townsend, the junior partner of the firm,
in 1846, he returned to Detroit as the chief clerk of Mr.
II. De Graff, the surviving partner. He soon after
entered into partnership with his employer and Silas N.
Kendrick, in the hardware and machinery business,
which was continued until it was merged into the
Detroit Locomotive Works, of which Mr. Vernor was
Secretary and Treasurer until 1852. In that year, he
retired from this business, and, in partnership with E.
A. Lansing, engaged in the insurance agency.   The
latter left the firm at the end of the year; and, since
that time, Mr. Vernor has acted, not only as local, but
as general agent of Michigan, for various insurance
companies, having built up an extensive business. Mr.
Vernor was connected with the volunteer fire department from the time he first came from Detroit, and,
before the era of steam fire-engines, held the offices of
Secretary and President of the department. In April,
1870, he became a member of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the city of Detroit, which appointment he
still holds. He has given much of his time and labor
towards making the department one of the best in the
country; and its excellence is due, in no small degree,
to the zeal of the Commissioners in their work. He
has been, for a number of years, a member of the
Board of Directors of the Merchants' and Mechanics'
Bank, of Detroit; also a Director in the Eureka Iron
Company. During,the civil war, he interested himself
greatly in the welfare and comfort of the soldiers in
the field, and was appointed, by Governor Blair, as Relief




146

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

Agent. He established a supply depot in Detroit, for
the reception of articles of comfort and luxury for the
soldiers, which were forwarded by Mr. Vernor to the
different Michigan regiments in the field. In his early
years, Mr. Vernor affiliated with the Whig party; and,
of late, has been an active Republican, though he has
been in no sense a politician.
1AN DYKE, PHILIP J. D., of Detroit, was born
in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, on the
1    28th of June, 1843. He is the second son of
lion. James A. and Elizabeth (Iesnoyer) Van Dyke.
His father was a leading member of the Detroit bar,
whose reputation extended not only through Michigan,
but to the adjoining States. lHe died at Detroit in
1855.  Mr. Van Dyke entered St. John's College, at
Fordham, Westchester County, New York, in 1857, and
graduated in June, 1863, receiving a gold medal, given
for the best essay, the subject being Daniel O'Connell.
After his graduation, he returned to Detroit, and
entered, as a student, the law office of lHon. George V. N.
Lothrop, where he remained three years. After an
examination before a full bench of the Supreme Court,
he was admitted to practice as an attorney and counselor at law. In 1868 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney for the county of Wayne, and was re-elected in
1870. lIe filled the position, not only with great credit
to himself, but also with entire satisfaction to the people.
Mr. Van D)yke has been President of the St. Anthony's
Orphan Asylum, of Detroit, and of the Lafayette
Societe de lienfaisance. lie is a member of the Roman
Catholic Church. Ile was married, September 4, 1867,
to Marion King, daughter of Ianiel King, of Green
Bay, Wisconsin. She died on the 24th of July, 1868.
November 15, 1870, he married Sarah Beeson, daughter
of Hon. Jacob Beeson, of Detroit. Four sons have
been born to them, three of whom are living. Mr.
Van )Dyke is now actively engaged in the practice of
law, and is associated with Mr. IH. F. Brownson.
Although still young, he has attained to some eminence
at the bar, and is an attorney of considerable prominence.
I ALKER, HON. EIWARD CAREY, Lawyer,
of Detroit, was born at Butternuts, Otsego
County, New York, July 4, 1820.  His father
was Stephen Walker, of Providence, Rhode Island;
and his mother was Iydia (Gardner) Walker, of Nantucket, Massachusetts. Mr. Walker is the youngest in
a family of thirteen children, eight of whom are now

living. When eleven years of age, he went to Hamilton, Madison County, New York, to live with an older
brother, Ferdinand Walker, now of Brooklyn. IHe
received  fine  educational advantages at Hamilton
Academy, under the instruction of Prof. Zenas Morse
and Nathan Bishop, the latter of whom is now a distinguished citizen of New York City. Upon his fifteenth
birthday, he accepted an   offer from  William  J.
McAlpine, then resident engineer on the Chenango
Canal, to enter his corps as a rodman. lie became
greatly interested in engineering, and pursued it faithfully for two years. As he was about to be transferred
to the Black River Canal, he was thrown from a buggy,
receiving injuries which prevented a return to the field.
In 1837 he went to Detroit, Michigan, to visit his
sister, Mrs. Alexander C. McGraw. His brother-in-law,
seeing that he was unable to continue the practice of
engineering, offered to educate him for a profession.
Mr. Walker studied three years at Detroit, most of the
time under the instruction of C. WV. Fitch, ). I).,
Principal of the Branch University.  No pains were
spared in fitting him for Yale College, which he entered,
as a Junior, in 1840.  le' gradua'ed in 1842, in the
class with the late Prof. James Iladley and Prof. Z. A.
Porter, and at once began the study of law, which he
continued for three years. During the first and third
years, he studied with tile distinguished firm of Joy &
Porter; he spent the second year at the Cambridge
Law School, under the tutorage of Judge Story and
Professor Greenleaf. Among his classmates were Anson
Burlingame and Rutherford B. Hayes. In 1845 he was
admitted to the bar at Detroit, and has ever since been
engaged in the practice of his profession. After a legal
practice of five years, during which time he was alone,
he solicited his next older brother, Charles I. Walker,now Judge Walker, of Detroit,-to become his partner.
They carried on a successful business for several years,
under the firm nalme of C. I. & E. C. Walker, when
Alfred Russell united with the firm, which was then
changed to Walkers & Russell. C. I. Walker afterwards
withdrew, to become professor in the law school; and
Mr. Russell retired from the firm on his election as
United States District Attorney.  Mr. Walker then
received Charles A. Kent as partner, and the present
firm of Walker & Kent was formed in 1862. In 1863
Mr. Walker was elected a Regent of the University for
a term  of two years. In 1865 he was re-elected for
eight years; and, in 1873, he was again elected, having
been Chairman of the Executive Committee during the
whole period. In 1867 lie was elected a member of the
Legislature, and became Chairman of the Judiciary
Committee of the House.   Mr. Walker's parents were
members of the Society of Friends, but he became a
Presbyterian in early youth, and has been an elder in
the Fort Street Presbyterian Church since 1854. IHe







N




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

147

was formerly a Whig, and afterwards became a Republican. Ile was present at a meeting in Detroit, in 1854,
of a dozen persons, who planned to organize a new
party, which was soon afterwards christened "Republican," at the Jackson convention. Mr. Walker married,
June 16, 1852, Miss Lucy Bryant, only daughter of
Deacon Abner Bryant, of Buffalo, New York. They
have two children,-a son and a daughter,-the former
of whom, Bryant Walker, is a graduate of the Michigan
University, in the class of 1876.
~     ý1[ALKER, HION. CHARLES I., of Detroit, MichSigan, was born at Butternuts, Otsego County,,, New York, April 25, 1814. Hiis grandfather,
Ephraim Walker, was born in 1735; and married Priscilla Rawson, a lineal descendant of Edward Rawson,
who graduated from   Harvard College in 1653; for
nearly forty years, was Secretary of the Colony of Massachusetts; and was especially noted for his effective
opposition to the usurlpations of Dudley. Elphraim
Walker built a family mansion on the corner of Westminster and Walker streets, Providence, Rhode Island,
where the father of the subject of this sketch was
born, in 1765; and married Polly Campbell, in 1790.
She died in 1795, leaving two children. In 1796 he
married Lydia Gardner, a Quakeress, of Nantucket, by
whom he had eleven children, one of whom is Charles
I. Walker. The youngest of these thirteen children
lived to be more than twenty-one years of age before a
death occurred among them. In 1812 his father, who
was a housewright, emigrated from Providence, Rhode
Island, to Butternuts, New York. The Book of WValkers
says, " le was a man of fair abilities, sterling good
sense; honest, temperate, and remarkably industrious.
lie labored for the education of his family; and his
ambition was to train them in paths of honor, usefulness, and piety."  The same book records of his mother
that she "was strong in person and character; a woman
of inexhaustible energy and resources; and the care of
thirteen children sat lightly upon her." Charles Walker's
education was acquired in the district school of his
native village, with the exception of one term spent at
a select school in Utica. When sixteen years of age he
began teaching, and, a few months later, entered a store
which was connected with a cotton factory, near Cooperstown, where he remained four years. In the fall of
1834, he made his first trip to Michigan, passing through
the State on his way to St. Joseph. In the spring of
1835, he engaged in the mercantile business, at Cooperstown, but sold out the following year to try his fortune
in the West, having been appointed as agent to look
after Western lands, and aid in making further invest
ments. After visiting Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and
Iowa, he made Grand Rapids his place of residence, it
being a village of five or six hundred inhabitants. lie
made investments for other parties, in some of which
he was interested, and spent much time in the woods
"land looking." In the fall of 1836, he was elected a
member of the convention called to consent to the terms
proposed by Congress for the admission of Michigan
into the Union. The convention met at Ann Arbor in
the following December. The suspension of specie payments in the spring of 1837, and the financial crash
that followed, put an end to further investments in real
estate, and proved most disastrous to those already made.
He then turned his attention to other business, becoming editor and proprietor of the Grand River Times, but
sold out after two years' experience, finding it unprofitable.  In 1838 he was elected Justice of the Peace,
and, as such, tried a large number of cases. During
the same year, he began the study of law under the
direction of the late Chief-Justice Martin, his fellow
students being Judges Withey and lHolmes, of Grand
Rapids. In 1840, he was elected a Representative to
the Legislature from the district comprising the counties
of Kent, Ionia, and Ottawa, and the territory north of
them. That term of the Legislature contained many
of the leading men of the State; among whom were
John S. Barry, John J. Adams, Warner Wing, Kinsley
S. Bingham, and John S. Iiddle. The session was one
of great interest and importance. Early in the fall of
1841, he removed to Springfield, lIassachusetts,-his
object being to complete his law studies. Hle entered
the office of Ilon. Henry Morris, who afterwards became
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in that State.
In the Spring of 1842, he entered the office of lion.
l)on Bradley, of iBrattleboro, Vermont, who was a
lawyer of distinguished ability. In the following September, Mr. Walker was admitted to the bar, and at
once entered into partnership with Mr. Bradley.  In
1845, Hon. Ianiel Kellogg, of Rockingham, Vermont,
was elected Judge of the Supreme Court; and Mr.
Walker took his practice and business, remaining there
three years. Upon the completion of the railroad to
liellows' Falls, Vermont, he removed to that point. By
this time he had acquired a large practice, which extended into the adjacent counties. In June, 1851, he
returned to Michigan, and entered into partnership with
his brother, E. C. Walker, at Detroit. In July, 1853,
Alfred Russell was admitted to the firm, which was
changed to Walkers & Russrell. The firm was engaged
in collections and commercial business, as well as in litigation, and Mr. Walker desired to devote himself principally to the examination and argument of law questions;
hence he'withdrew from the firm in January, 1857, since
which time he has practiced his profession alone. Soon
after coming to Detroit, he became interested in the




148

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

study of its early history. In 1854, while President of
the Young Men's Society, he delivered the opening
lecture of the course, taking for his subject, "The Early
History of Detroit," in the preparation of which he
received valuable information from General Cass. In
1857 he united, with others, in the reorganization of the
Historical Society of Michigan, and became its Corresponding Secretary. He read before the society many
interesting papers relating to the early history of Detroit
and Michigan. In July, 1858, on the one hundred and
fifty-seventh anniversary of the founding of Detroit, he
delivered an elaborate address on "l)e La Motte Cadillac
and the First Ten Years of Detroit." This was followed
by papers on "The Early Jesuits in Michigan;" "M.ichigan from  1796 to 1805;" " The Civil Administration
of General Hull;" and several minor papers.  In 1871
he read before the Historical Society of Wisconsin a
paper on "The North-west I)uring the Revolution,"
which contained many interesting facts not found in
print elsewhere.  Mr. Walker's taste for historical research has led to the collection of a choice library of
books and manuscripts relating to the early history of
Detroit and the North-west. lHe became a. member of
the Board of Education in 1853, and has been actively
connected with it for several years. In the spring of
1859, he was appointed one of the professors of the law
department in the Michigan University. After having
held this position for fifteen years, his constantly increasing practice compelled him to resign. On the death
of Judge Witherell, in 1867, Mr. Walker was appointed,
by Governor Crapo, as Judge of the Wayne Circuit
Court, to fill the vacancy. A proposition to increase
the salaries of Circuit Judges, was pending in the Constitutional Convention, which was then in session, but,
upon its rejection by the people the following spring,
Mr. Walker resigned, having held the office about ten
months. Under a provision of a joint resolution of the
Legislature, in 1869, he was appointed, by Governor
Baldwin, one of the commissioners to examine the penal,
reformatory, and charitable institutions in Michigan;
visit such institutions in other States, and report the
results to the Governor.  The commissioners, after
making extensive examinations, sublmitted an elaborate
report, containing many suggestions, which led to the
passage of a law creating a Board of State Charities,
of which Mr. Walker was appointed a member. iHe
has been its chairman from the first.  He has twice
represented this Board in National Prison Reform Congresses; at Baltimore, in 1872; and at St. Louis, in
1874. lIe was a member and assistant moderator of
the somewhat famous "Brooklyn Council."  Owing to
the influences of his Quaker home, Mr. Walker was an
earnest opponent of slavery. When twenty-one years

but re-assembled at Peterboro, by the invitation of
Gerrit Smith. Upon removing to Michigan, he became
identified with the Democratic party, and has been connected with it ever since. He sympathizes with the
principles of that party favoring free trade, and opposing the centralization of power in the General Government, but was not satisfied with its position on the
slavery question. He acted with the Free-soil party in
1848, supporting Martin Van Buren against General
Cass. In 1854 he openly and actively opposed the reelection of David Stuart to Congress, on account of his
course on the slavery question. During the Rebellion,
he gave his hearty support to aid in its suppression.
He was educated in the faith of the Quakers, but, upon
leaving home when sixteen years of age, he was thrown
among Presbyterians, and became a member of that
church. He gave his aid in organizing an Episcopal
Church, at Grand Rapids, became one of its officers,
and a regular attendant while he was a resident of the
place. He attended the Congregational Church during
his residence in Vermont; and, on removing to Detroit,
he became a member of the First Congregational Church
of that place. Ile has no strong denominational feelings, his church relationships having been principally
determined by circumstances. April 12, 1838, he married Mary A. Hinsdale, sister of Judge Mitchell Ilinsdale, an early and prominent settler of Kalamazoo
County. She died in February, 1864. In May, 1865,
he married Ella Fletcher, daughter of Rev. Dr. Fletcher
of Townshend, Vermont.
4   ITHERELL, IION. JAMES, late of Detroit,
Michigan, was born in Mansfield, MassachuS setts, June 16, 1759. His ancestors emigrated
from England soon after the arrival of the " Mayflower."
In June, 1775, after the battle of Bunker Hill, he volunteered, with his townsmen, to go to the siege of
Boston. After the British had been compelled to evacua'e Boston, he served, during the war, with the grand
army, until it disbanded at New burg, New York, in
1783.  He was at the battles of White Plains, Long
Island, Stillwater, Bemis Heights, and at the surrender
of Burgoyne, at Saratoga. He was in camp at Valley
Forge during the terrible winter of starvation and suffering; and, in the following summer, was at the battle
of Monmouth. Ile also bore a part in many actions of
lesser note.  In the battle of White Plains, he was
severely wounded. He entered the army as a private
soldier, and rose to the rank of Adjutant of the IIth
Massachusetts Regiment. On being mustered out of

of age, he was a member of the antislavery convention service, in 1783, he found himself in possession of sevat Utica, New York, which was broken up by a mob, enty dollars in Continental money. He then settled in




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

149

Connecticut, and studied medicine. About the year
1788, he removed to Vermont, where he practiced his
profession. In 1789 he married Miss Amy Hawkins,
youngest daughter of Charles Hawkins, a lineal descendant of Roger Williams. Judge Witherell, in early
life, held many offices. He was Associate and ChiefJustice of the County Court of Rutland County, member of the Governor's Council, and of the Legislature.
In 1807 he was elected to Congress, from the Rutland
district, and had the pleasure of voting for the act abolishing the slave trade, which was passed in 1808. While
in Congress, he was appointed, by President Jefferson,
one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the Territory
of Michigan. Soon after, resigning his seat in Congress,
he started for his new field of labor, which was then a
vast wilderness, containing about three thousand white
inhabitants, scattered along the margins of the lakes
and the mouths of the rivers. The duties of the office
were arduous; the Governor and Judges constituted the
Legislature of the Territory, and were also required to
act as a land Board in adjusting old land claims, and
in laying out the new city, Detroit. In 1810 Jjudge
Witherell removed his family, consisting of his wife and
six children, from Fair Haven to Detroit; but the hostilities of the Indians, who were hovering around Detroit in vast numbers, induced Mrs. \itherell to return,
with the younger children, to Vermont, where they
remained from the autumn of 1811 until 1817. In 1812,
when war was declared with England, Judge Witherell,
who, in the absence of Governor Hull, was the only
Revolutionary officer in the Territory, was appointed to
command the " Legion " ordered out to defend the Territory. iHe was soon after appointed to command a
battalion of volunteers. Hie remained in the defense of
Detroit until its surrender. lie felt so keenly the humiliating position in which he and his followers were placed,
that he broke his sword to save himself the mortification
of surrendering it. His son, James C. C. Witherell, an
officer in the volunteer service, and his son-in-law, Colonel Joseph Watson, were made prisoners of war with
hinm; and as such they were sent to Kingston, Canada
"West. They were there paroled, and rejoined their
family in West Poultney, Vermont. After having been
Territorial Judge for a period of twenty years, he exchanged the office for that of Secretary of the Territory.
At one time he was also acting Governor. In 1815 he
bought what is now known as the Witherell farm, where
he resided until 1836,-his house standing among the
pear trees, near the bank of the river, at the foot of
Dequindre street. For a year or two previous to his
death, his residence was on the Campius Martius, the
present site of the Detroit Opera-house. Judge Witherell died at his home in Detroit, January 9, 1838.
Both Houses of the Legislature, then in session, and
the bar of the Supreme Court of Michigan, presided

over by Hon. Henry Chipman, passed resolutions of
mourning and respect. In Lauman's Congressional Dictionary, Judge Witherell is spoken of as a man of strong
native powers of mind. lie possessed a positive character, as his career indicates; genial humor, warm friendship, unquestioned integrity, and much literary taste.
Three children survived him: Judge B. F. IH. Witherell,
Mrs. E. Hurd, and Mrs. Thomas Palmer; all have since
died. One son, James B. Witherell, died while a midshipman on board the United States ship "Peacock,"
on a trip from Havana to Hampton Roads. Another
son and one daughter, Mrs. Joseph Watson, died in
Vermont.
IY  AYNE, JAMES B., Engine-Builder, of Detroit,
SMichigan, was born in Nottingham, England,
April 29, 1825. Hle attended the schools of
Nottingham and Birmingham; and, at the latter place,
learned the trade of iron-worker and machinist. At the
age of twenty-two, he emigrated to America, landing at
Boston, where he remained one year. At the end of
that time, he removed to Detroit, and engaged in the
manufacture of steam-engines, with the firm of Johnston, Wayne & Co. Later, he became half owner and
general manager of the Fulton Iron and Engine Works,
in the same city. This firm has engaged largely in the
manufacture of steam-engines aild mill and railroad
machinery. Mr. Wayne has constantly employed from
fifty to two hundred men. Ile is a master of his trade;
hundreds who have learned the business from him, now
command the highest wages given in any shops in the
country. Mr. \ayne is a Republican, but has never
sought nor held any public office. He is a disciple of
the teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg, and is an active
member of the New Church.
SILKINSON, ALBERT HAMILTON, Detroit,
was born at Novi, Oakland County, Michigan,
\ November 19, 1834. He is the second son of
James and Elizabeth (Yerkes) Wilkinson, both of whom
are now deceased.  In his father's family were seven
children, of whom three, besides Albert, are now living.
Mr. Wilkinson attended the common schools; and afterwards, for a time, the State Normal School, at Ypsilanti.  In 1855 he entered the Michigan University,
graduating from the classical course of that institution
in 1859. While pursuing his studies, he spent some
time in teaching in the public schools at Lodi, Centreville, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. He married, on the




15o

5REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

4th day of July, 1859, Elvira M. Allen, who is still
living. The winter of 1859-60 he spent as a student in
the law school at the Michigan University; and was
admitted to the bar in 1860. He commenced practice
in Pontiac. In the fall of 186I, he removed to Detroit,
where he has since continued to reside. He at once
opened a law office in Detroit, and soon acquired a successful and lucrative practice, which he has since retained. In the fall of 1872, Mr. Wilkinson was elected
Judge of Probate for Wayne County on the Republican
ticket; and held the position until January I, 1877,
when he resumed the practice of law. Ile has always
been a Republican, taking an active interest in the
political affairs of his city, county, and State, though
never seeking office for himself. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson are members of the First Baptist Church of I)etroit,
anid bear a promilnent part in the maintenance of that
body. Mr. \Wilkinson has specially interested himself
in the Sabbath-school, haviii g held the position of
Sul)erintendent for several years.  Ilis reputation in
the community is that of ai uprigllt, consistent, Christian gentlemnan; ait hoiie,t, lpanstaking, conscientious
lawyer; a good neighbor, and a firm frieind. IIe has
receivedl many implortant trusts, esl.ecially those relating
to the management of estates; and has tilled these faithfully and honorably.
I  iETMORE, FREDERICK, Merchant, of Deili troit, wvas born at Whitestown, Oneida County,
New York, August 7, 1813. IIe is the son of
Amos Wetmore and Lucy Olmstead, who were both
natives of Connecticut, t twhence they removed, soon after
the close of the war of the Rlevolution, in cotmpany with
the family of Judge White.   Mr. Wetmore was the
eigihth child of a family of nine,--six boys and three
girls. Ilis father was a farmer and mill-owtner, carrying
on both grist and saw mill. Mr. Wetmore was brought
utp on his father's homestead, doing valuable service in
summer, and attendinig school during the winter. Ile
went through the preparatory course for college, but ill
health prevented him from pursuing his studies further.
At the age of seventeen, he went to I'ittsburg, and
acted as clerk for his older brother, who was engaged
in the crockery business there. In 1836 he entered the
transportation business at Pittsburg, on his own account,
continuing in that line until the fall of I841. About
this time, in traveling to New York, he formed the
acquaintance of two English gentlemen, manufacturers
of crockery in England. They proposed to join him in
business in Detroit; and an arrangement was made by
which they shipped their goods to him for sale. In
1844 he bought out the interests of his English partners,

and conducted the business alone for ten years, when his
nephew and present partner, Mr. C. II. Wetmore, joined
him, and became one of the firm of F. Wetmore & Co.
For a period of thirty-seven years, the name of Mr.
Wetmore has been familiar to the people of Michigan,
both in business circles, and in social and moral enterprises. HIe has, howvever, never sought nor held any
political office. He was an old-line XWhig, and has been
a Republican since the formation of that party. His
name is associated with some of the leading insurance
cotmpanies as a Director. Mr. Wetmore is a Presbyterian, and a regular attendant upon that form  of wvorship. IIe has been twice married. Ilis first wife was
Cornelia P. Willard, a niece of Judge Platt, a former
resident of I)etroit.  They were married at Albany,
New York, in 1845; Mrs. Wetmore died in 1848, leaving one son, Edward W.. \Vetmore, who is at p)resent
Professor of Chemistry and Philosoplhy in the i)etroit
High School. His second marriage was in 1850, to
Anna Mary Curtenius, of Lockport, New York; she is
a lineal descendant of Peter i. Curtenius, of Revolutionary fame, who led the assault on the monument of
George IV., in Bowling Green, in the city of New
York. They have had six children, one of whom, Catherine Bruce, died in August, 1876. Mr. Wetmore, during early life, traveled extensively in the United States;
and, some years ago, made an extended tour in Europe.
Ile came to Detroit a perfect stranger; but relatives,
friends, and a fair proportion of this world's goods, have
come to him as the fruits of a life of industry and integrity. Aside from Ihis mercantile business, he has dealt
largely in real estate, at present ownintg property in
i)etroit and Chicago, and a farm five miles from the
former city. Now, at the age of sixty-five, Mr. Wetmore is a fair representative of a gentleman of the old
school.
S 'iINDER, JOIIN, of Detroit, was born at Unionit   town, 1;'ayette County, Pennsylvania, in 1805.
"       hlltis father, James Winder, was a native of
Virginia; and his mother was a native of Ilunterdon
County, New Jersey. Iie received a thorough English
education in his native town. In 1824 he left home, for
Detroit, in the employment of Major Thomas Rowland,
who was then United States Marshal for the Territory
of Michigan, United States Pension Agent, County
Clerk, and Justice of the Peace. Mr. Winder succeeded
K. C. Trowbridge as Clerk in Major Rowland's office.
In I826 he was appointed Clerk of the Supreme Court
of the Territory of Michigan, and held the office until
1840. In I837 he was appointed Clerk of the United
States Circuit and United States District Courts for
Michigan. IIe held both offices until 1848, when he










1R 'EPRESENTAT1IVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

151

resigned the clerkship of the District Court, and retained
that of the Circuit Court until April, 1870, in which
year he retired.  lie held the office of City Clerk of
Detroit, from  1832 to IS36. In his early life, hlie was
prominently identiied withli the miiilitia of the State, and
held the office of Aid(l-de-camp, with the rank of Colonel, on the staffs of Governors Mason, IHorner, and Iorter.  lie was a memrber of the celebrated "BDrady
Guards," of Detroit, from theii organiza ion until Llthey
were disbanded. In hisl, pulblic life lie has been diligent
and faithful.  Ile is a maii of robust constitution; is
social and genial in nature; and has a host of friends.
HIEATON, I-ION. WILLIAM       W., of Detroit,
Miichigan, was born in New Haven, ConniiiectiScut, in April, 1833. Ile was the son of John
and Grit C. (Johnson) W atson, both of wihoni were natives
of Connecticut; and is a direct ldescenulant of Captain
Willianim Wh eaton, of Revolutionary celebrity. Ily the
death of hIiis father, iil 1844, he was left to the care and
trailbing of Iiis mother, vwho is still living, at a very
advanced age, and has for years realized his high love
andi appreciation.  1er advice andiic moral instruction,
with his inherite(l traits of character, have made Mr.
Wheaton iprominent as a inmerchliant and politician. His
education  wvas acquired in the cominmon schools of
Hartford and New Haven.     At the age of sixteen, lihe
entered the wvholesale house of Chliarles II. Nortliham &
Co., of Liartord. Ili the succeceding four years he rose,
through all the grahdcs, to book-keeper and confidential
clerk; acquired a complete and accurate business education, aid the entire reslpect of his enimploycrs.  In 1853
he niovedl to Detroit and entered the enimploy of Moore,
Foote & Co., large wholesale grocers.    In 1855 he
became the junior piartiner of Farrand & NWheaton, in
the same line of business. On the dissolution of that
firm, hlie became the head of the firm of Wheaton, Leonardl & Burr, and afterwvards of that of William   W.
Wheaton & Co. In all of these enterprises, he was successful and realized a handsomne property. Mr. Wheaton
became a lpromineiint i)emocratic politician iii 1867, and
was, in the fall of that year, nomiiinated and elected to
the position of Mayor. This election was a flatteriinig
recognition of his ability and services. Ile held the
office four years, beiiig re-elected by a largely iiicreascd
majority in 1869.  In his administration were inaugurated checks and reforms ini municipal expense aiid
Government abuses.   His measures have since received
the hearty praise and support of even his political
oppoonents, audl have made Detroit to-day the envy of
the cities of the United States for the excellence of its
government in all its departments, and its comparative
20

freedom from debt. During this peeriod, Mr. Wheaton
also served, for two years, as Chairman of the Democratic State Convention, and did good service, although
hlie worked under most discouraging circumstances. The
political coiitrol of the State was in the hands of his
opponents by a majority of from thirty to sixty thousand.   Many of the lironminent members of his own
party believed that alnost any measure was justifiable
which would place the powver in their hanids, because of
the good use they intended to make of that power.
This policy and feeling led to the nomination of Horace
Greeley for President. In this action and the pretexts
under Nwhich it was engineered Mr. Wheaton had no
syNmpathy or confidence, and separated himself prominently fri-om it. This for a time drove him from politics,
although subsequent events fully showed the wisdom of
his course. Although he is still a warm Democrat, and
keeps alive his interest in his party, lie has, for the past
few years, devoted himself to business. Dl)uring the last
four years, he has had the m anagement of large mining
and manufacturing interests in the iron district of IMichigan, and has displayed in this, as in every other position
in which hlie has been pilaced, the rare abilities which
have madle his name distinguished, not only in the city,
but in the whole State.
jISNER, GEORGE W., Lawyer, of Detroit, was
born in Cayuga County, New York, in 1812.
His father, Colonel Moses Wisner, settled in
the township of Spingpo)Ort, four miles from Auburn.
On the breaking out of the War of 1812, lie left his
family and gave his services to the country.  Ile had
ten children, of whiomu seven were boys.  To them lihe
gave as gooid an education as the district schools of
that day afforded.  When CGeorge Wisner was tifteen
years old, hlie was apprentice(l to Mr. Doubleday,
printer, of Auburn, New York; but, being dissatisfied,
hlie left without permission at the expiration of one
year. lie was advertised, and a reward was offered for
his return.  Ile wrote to i\lr. D)oubleday, informing
him of his whereabouts, but added that it would not
be safe to force him to return.  le also wrote to his
parents that lie had acquired a knowledge of his trade,
and had obtained employment, as compositor, in a
printinig-office at Batavia, New York. About this time,
the MAasonic excitement- was raised; Morgan disappeared.  In the printing-offlce where youing Wisner
was employed, a paper was published denouncing Masonry as an invention of the evil one. The office w'as
attacked by a mob, but the hands were prepared to
defeiid the establishment; they fired on the assailants
and scattered them.  Mr. Wisner and one of the others




152

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

Ielonging to the office were arrested, on a charge of
attempting to murder, and were thrown into prison.
William iH. Seward volunteered to defend them, and
did so successfully.  The members of Mr. Wisner's
family considered themselves disgraced by his conduct;
and, feeling that this was an injustice, he left home,
determined to live independently.  He went to the
city of New York, and obtained employment in the
office of the Journal of Commerce, in which he remained
for over two years. lie was strictly moral and studious
ii his habits, saved his surplus money, and preplared
himself for a higher sphere in life. In the spring of
1833, he joined William H. I)ay in the establishment
of the New York Sun,--the first cheap daily paper publihed in the city. Mr. Day iadl started the paper;
bat, his means being exhauste(d, he could( not go on
alone. Mr. Wisner had a few hundred dollars which
he put into the business, and assumed the editorial
work. lie was at this lime twenty-one years of age,
and full of ambition and energy.  lie attended the
Court of Sessions every morning, and reported the proceedings in a humorous style. The firm employed only
one person, William M. Swain, who afterwards became
distinguished as the proprietor and publisher of the
Daily Ledger,; of Philadelphia. The three men did all
the work during the first six months. At the end of
this time, Mr. Wisner was satisfied that the paper had
become a success, and that more help was needed. Instead of the small hand-press, one of Hoe & Co.'s steam
presses was set up in the office, and two thousand copies
per day worked off. Mr. Wisner suggested that boys
be employed to sell the papers.  The newsboys first
came into notice at this time, and a great number were
enabled to earn their living.  Previous to this, papers
had only been sold to subscribers; those published
daily costing ten dollars per year, which placed them
beyond the reach of the majority. A new era was now
opened for the masses; and, during the noon hour, workmen might be seen grouped together listening to one
of their number reading the news. In the summer of
1833, James Gordon Bennett offered to invest his fortune
of five hundred dollars if the firm would admit him
as an equal partner. This they declined. During the
following year, the Herald made its appearance; and,
soon afterwards, the Tri'bune, Evening Star, Transcript,
and several other penny papers. The mental and physical strain proved too great for Mr. Wisner, and he was
forced to discontinue his editorial labors. In the summer of 1835, he visited Michigan, and was so favorably
impressed with the country that he returned to New
York at once, disposed of his interest in the paper, and
removed to Michigan in September. IIe settled in Pontiac, and immediately began the study of law, in the
office of William Draper. He was admitted to the bar
in 1837, opened a law office in partnership with Alfred

Neadway, and soon rose to distinction in the legal profession. Mr. Wisner was one of the chosen leaders of
the Whig party, and devoted his talents and energy to
its interests. In 1837 he was elected to the Legislature.
In 1838 lie was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Oakland County. In the fall of 1847, General Williams,
editor and proprietor of the Detroit Daily Advcrlistcr,
accepted an army appointment for the Mexican War,
and Mr. Wisner was strongly urged by the leading
Whigs in the State to accept the position which was
left vacant.  Hie complied with their wishes, and, in
November, removed to Detroit, and took charge of the
Daily Advertiser. In the spring of 1848, the Whigs of
I)etroit triumphed for the first time, giving Mr. Wisner
the credit of the victory. As soon as the fact was
known, a party of Whigs assembled in front of his residence, and gave vent to expressions of joy. Mr. Wisier was in the act of speaking, when he was drenched
by a heavy shower; a severe cold was the result; and,
after suffering for nearly two years, he died of consumption, in September, 1849, at the early age of thirtyseven. IHe was sincerely mourned by all who knew
him; all felt that a noble man was thus cut off in his
prime. Mr. Wisner married, in the fall of 1834, Miss
Katharine It. Langan, only daughter of Daniel Langan,
of New York City. They had four children,-three
sons and one daughter,-of whom but two-O. F.
Wisner, lawyer, of East Saginaw; and H. C. Wisner,
lawyer, of Detroit, are now living.
ILCOX, ORLANDO B., of Detroit, was born
in that city about the year 1826; and graduSated at West Point Academy, in 1846. Ile
took an active part in the Mexican War, as a Lieutenant of Artillery, and remained in the United States
service until 1854.  In that year, he resigned, andl
entered upon the practice of law, to the study of
which, in a quiet way, he had previously devoted
some attention.  Prior to the civil war, he took a
lively interest in organizing the militia of Michigan;
and, when hostilities commenced, he offered his sword
to the State, and was appointed Colonel of the Ist
Infantry. His regiment was the first from the West
to report for service at Washington. He was in comiiand at Alexandria just before the battle of Bull Run;
and engaged in that battle, in which he was wounded
and taken prisoner, and, as such, remained in Richmond about fifteen months. When General Lorenzo
Thomas was negotiating with the Confederate officer,
Robert Ould, for the exchange of prisoners, he made a
special request in behalf of Colonel Wilcox, to which,
in a short time, the Confederate assented.  Colonel




REPRES.ENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

I53

Wilcox soon afterwards returned to the army, and participated in many of the engagements in Virginia. Ile
was subsequently promoted to the rank of Brevet Brigadier and Brevet Major-General of Volunteers, for gallant and meritorious service at Spottsylvania and Petersb)urg. IIe was mustered out in 1866, and appointed an
Assessor of Internal Revenue at Detroit; but was again
appointed to the army, as Colonel of the 12th Regiment
of United States Infantry, and stationed on Angel
Island, Eay of San Francisco, California. Colonel Wilcox published, in 1856, /lo5wepack Recoll'c/io'ns; a Wai'7,side Gi/l/mse of Amer-icean Life,; and, in 1857, another
work entitled 7-oca; an A-m, lAoz'mmo; l-y Major March.
S  HITING'JOHN L., M. D., Detroit, was born
November 28, 1793, at Canaan, Columbus County,,   New York; and is the son of John Whiting
and Lydia Leffingwell, both from Norwich, Connecticut.
Ils father was a farmer and mill-owner. Mr. Whiting
attended the Academy at Lenox, Massachusetts, and that
at Lebanon Springs. Ile commenced the study of meedicine with D)r. Samuel White, at Iludson, New York,
when nineteen years of age, remaining with him three
years. In 1816, after casting his first vote for i)e Witt
Clin.ton for President, he turned his eyes Westward, and
left Hudson.   Ilis destination was I)etroit; he conmmenced journeying on horseback, stopping at A uburn
by the way. From iBuffalo to Cleveland, he travelel byv
cutter, driving two horses tandemn, in company with iSmith
Knapp), who had p(reviously lived a year in I)etroit and
was returniillg from  a visit to the East. (leveland,
at that time, contained lbut one tavern, anlI a few rudely
constructed houses. From c(leveland to II uron, Ohio, a
distance of about forty miles, l)octor Whiting traveled
on the ice, having constructed a rudle jumper or sled, on
which lie carriedl himself and friend. At IIuron, lie
was obliged to wait several days for the mail-carrier, on
whose guidance he relied for findling his way through
the terriblc wilderness called the Bilack Swamp. During
the time consumedl in waiting the arrival of the guide,
the snow dlisappleared; when they finally proceeded on
horseback, the track through the snow had become obliterated, and they were lost, at a point near the end of
their journey through  the  "Swamp."    It appears
that the mail-carrier relied too much on the snow, omitting the blazed trees, whichli it now became necessary to
find. Doctor Whiting proposed that their guide should
go due south in search of the lost track, himself going
north, and Mr. Knalpp remaining, as a rallying point,
where they separated.   D)octor Whiting, although a
stranger, proved right in his conjectures, and found the
road one half a mile north. Continuing their journey,

they finally arrived at Detroit, February 26, 1817. The
entire city, at that time, was outlined by Brush and Cass
streets on the east and west, and Congress. street and the
river on the north and south,--the river, east of Woolward avenue, extending along the present line of Atwater street and west of the avenue, spreading out in a
kind  of bay up towart    Wocdbridge street.   Doctor Whiting entered upodr the practice of his profession
in Detroit, continuing in the work for fifteen years.
lie then wvent into the forwarding and commission business in company with John.j. Deming, who was afterwards succeeded by Ilenry K. Avery, contintuing the
same from 1832 to 1843. lie next turned his attention
to the business of a land and tax agency, which he followed until 1871, when a severe and protracted illness
coml)elled him to retire from active life. In 1823 Doctor Whiting went on horseback from I)etroit to Saginaw,
through the unbroken wilderness, with a sirngle soldier
as a guide, to perform, temporarily, the duties of Post
Surgeon, at the latter place, during the illness of the late
l)Dr. Zina Pitcher. On account of the malarial fever then
raging at Saginaw,.the post was soon after discontinued,
and the troops transferred to the garrison at Detroit.
D)octor Whiting was a Whig up to the time of the formation of the Republican party, since which he has
acted with that party. The only political office he ever
held was that of Clerk of the city, to which he was
elected in 1830, and re-elected in 1832. He resigned
on being chosen Chairman of the Board of Health. He
organized the first medical society in the T'erritory of
Mlichigan, in 1819, called the " Medical Society of Michigan," himself drawing up the constitution and by-laws.
Among those engaging in the organization were D)r.
R. S. Rice, of Monroe; I)rs. J. B. Chamberlain an(t
Olmstead Chamberlailn, of Pontiac; and five or six physicians from Mt. Clemens, and other places.  Ile was
a leading member of the Masonic Fraternity up to the
time of the Morgan excitement, in 1826, having been
Worshipful Master of Zion Lodge, No. i, of Detroit;
Secretary of Monroe Chapter; and Grand Secretary of
the Grand Lodge of Michigan. In earlier times, the
" First Protestant Society of Detroit " was the leading
religious organization, outside of the Catholic Church,
the several Protestant denominations not being sufficiently
strong to maintain separate societies. Doctor Whiting
became a member of this society in 1832, but on the
organization of the Jefferson Avenue lPresbyterian Church,
he united with it, and has since remained a member.
Doctor Whiting has been married three times. His first
wife was Harriet C. Talman, whom he married at Hudson, New York, in 1821. She died in May, 1829, having been the mother of four children, two of whom died
in illfanc.y; the other two, Elizabeth H. and John Talman Whiting, still survive. His second wife was Harriet
Rees, of Detroit, who was married in November, 183o,




'54

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

and died in April, 1852. She had eight children, three
of whom are living,--George Loring, Henry Rees, and
Shubael Conant.  George Loring and Shubael Conant
reside in Detroit, and are both married. The oldest child
of this marriage, De Garmo Jones Whiting, entered the
army as Lieutenant in the civil war; was promoted to
a Captaincy; and died in Washington, in 1864. Hlenry
Rees Whiting also served in the war; and was, for a
period of eight months, confined in Libby prison. Mr.
Whiting's third wife was Rebecca Rees, sister of Ilarriet, whom he married in 1854.  She is still living,
without children. Doctor Whiting has traveled extensively, during his sixty-two years of Western life, in the
States and Territories of the North-west, and in Kentucky and Virginia. He is a man of remarkably vigorous mind and retentive memory, and speaks of the
occurrences of sixty and seventy years ago as if they
were but yesterday. A very complete description of the
town of Ietroit, as it existed in 1817, was published in the
Detroit Tr7itne of March 21, 1876, based upon the personal recollections of Doctor Whiting. He is one of
the few of the early settlers who remain; and, though
he has of late been attacked with severe illness, he has
withstood its more threatening symptoms, and at the
age of eighty-five is still able to enjoy his walk on
pleasant days.
1ITHERELL, HON. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
HIIi AWKINS, of Detroit, Michigan, was born at?F air Ilaven, Vermont, August 4, 1797. IIe
was the secondl son and fifth child of the Hon. James
Witherell, who came to Detroit as one of the Territorial
Judges of Michigan, in 1807. From 1812 to 1817, Mr.
Witherell studied under the tuition of Ir. IBeaman, of
Troy, New York. lie returned to Detroit, in 1817, with
the other members of his father's family; making the journey, by carriage, to Buffalo, and traveling the remainder
of the distance, through Canada, on horseback. On his
return, he commenced the study of law, in the office of
Governor Woodbridge; and, in 1819, was admitted to the
bar of the Territorial Court before Judge Woodward.
lie immediately entered upon the practice of his profession, in what was then the village of Detroit. On the
motion of Daniel Webster, Mr. Witherell was admitted
to the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States.
For the greater part of the time between 1830 and
1840, he filled the offices of Probate Judge and Prosecuting Attorney for Wayne County. In 1843 he became
District Judge of the Criminal Court, the district, consisting of the counties of Wayne, Washtenaw, and Jackson; and held the office until it was abolished by the
adoption of the new Constitution of 1850. In 1848 he

was elected Regent of the State University; and, in
1855, he was appointed Historiographer of the city of
Detroit. In 1857 he was chosen Circuit Judge of Wayne
County, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of
Judge Douglass.  le was re-elected to this office for two
succeeding terms. He also filled the offices of Justice
of the Peace and Recorder of the city of Detroit; he
was a member of the State Legislature, and also of the
Convention for the revision of the State Constitution
held in 1850. From ISIS to 1854, he held, successively,
the military offices of Lieutenant, Judge-Advocate, General, Brigadier-General, and Major-General. Hle was
President of the State Historical Society, and of the
Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument Association. As his
last public act, on the evening previous to his death, he
presided over a meeting of the directors of this association. In 1824 he married Mary A. Sprague, of Poultney, Vermont. They had one son and three daughters.
His wife died, August, 1834. In 1837 he married Delia
A. Ingersoll; they had one child,-Charles I. Witherell.
Mrs. Witherell's death occurred in 1847; and, in 1848,
he married Cassandra S. Brady, who died in 1863.
Judge Witherell was better acquainted with the early
history of Detroit than any other man in the State. His
letters, which from time to time appeared in the Fire
Press, will attest this fact. lie was an active and publicspirited citizen, whose hold upon the favor and confidence of the people never relaxed during a period of
fifty years. His death occurred June 26, 1867.
iT LLARD, LUTHER B., late Director of the
' i   Poor of the city of Detroit, was born in Camb lbri(dge, Massachusetts, Deceinber 28, S1818. In
1832 his father's family removed to Rochester, New
York, where he passed his boyhood; and, at the proper
age, learned the printing trade in the office of the
Rochester Daily Adertiser. At the age of seventeen, he
went to Detroit; and, before he had been an hour in the
city, was employed in the job room of the Detroit Free
Press, shortly afterwards becoming foreman of the office.
In 1837, with the kind assistance of friends, he established
the Toledo Blade, at Toledo, Ohio. This paper has
since taken a high rank in journalism, one of its editors
being the well-knowvn Petroleum V. Nasby. Difficulties
with his partner led Mr. Willard to leave Toledo; and,
during the same year, he returned to Detroit, and
resumed his former position as foreman of the Free
Press. In this capacity, he devoted himself to the interest
of the paper for thirteen years. In 1850 he was nominated, by the Democratic party, as Director of the
City Poor in Detroit, and elected over two opposing
candidates.  So faithfully were his duties discharged,










REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

155

that he was successivel' elected every two years until
1862. In that year, after being nominated by the regular D)emocratic Convention, lie also accepted the nomination of the so-called Union party,-a sort of fusion
made at that time l)y the conservatives of both parties,and, consequently, lost the election. During the war,
from IS62 to IS66, he was the State Agent of Michigan,
his (luty being to look after her wounded, and to atteld
to the interests of all her soldiers, wherever they might
be. While serving ii this capacity, he was capturedi
and imprisonedl by the enemy in Georgia. Two years of
this time he worked gratuitously for the State. In 1865
he was nominated by the Republican party for Director
of the Poor, and held that office until his death, with
the exception of one term of two years, when he was
defeated by the Democratic nominee.    Mr. Willard
married, October Io, 1848, Electa I osey, of Covert,
Seneca County, New York. Th'ley had three daughters.
Mr. Willard was, for forty years, a resident of Detroit;
and more than twecnty of these were spent in active
public service. Such was his iltegriity, that even his
political opponents could not detect a blcmish in his
character.  As a printer, energetic and capable; as
M\ichigan's State Agent, ever on the alert for the necessities of her woundedl sons; as a )Director of the Poor,
sparinig neither time nor strength in the tlischarge of his
arduous duties,- Ir. Willard acquitted hiimself not only
creditably to himself, but to his constituents. In his
public life he enjoyed the confidence of the citizens of
Detroit, who believed him to be, in the true meaning of
the word, an honest man.    His death occurred July
28, 1877.
I IITMS, GENERAL'ý   JO)IN R., of Detroit,
was 10orn at l)etroit, on the 4th of May, I782.
V"      lie was the only son of Thomas Williams, a
native of Albal-y, New York, who came to D)etroit inl
I765, anllu arried a sister of the late Joselh Campau.
lie had oiie sister, named Elizabeth.  lie was appointed
a cornet in the American army in I796, and joined the
troops uiinder Geiieral \Vilkinson, at Fort Mlarsac, on
the Cunmberlanid. Riv er, in Ten nessce.  Amionrg his
young companions iii arms, at tliis time, were Alexander
Macomb-afterward s Conm ( an der-in -chief-an d the future
Generals Zebulon Price anrd Moses Porter. Hie remainedl in the army until I799, when he resigned and!
returned to DIetroit, makiiing the journey from  Fort
Marsac on horseback, through wlhat was then a wilderness, following the Indianii trail, and swimming his horse
across the rivers.  li is resignation w\as promlpted by the
strong solicitatioiin of his uncle, the late Joseph Campau,
who wished Mr. Williams to join him in the mercantile

business. On his return, a partnership for carrying on
a trade with the Indians was formled, and Mr. Williams
wvas dispatched to Montreal, whence all goods had to be
brought, by way of the St. Lawrence and the lakes.
It was on this journey that he met with an adventure,
much less'common now than in the year i80o, wheni this
took Ilace. While on board a small sloop at Queenstown,
he became engaged in an altercation vwith a Frenchman
named LIa Salle, a descendant of the renowned navigator andi explorer. It resulted in their fighting a duel
across a table, in which La Salle was shot and severely
wounded.   AMr. Williams was    arrested, carried  to
Montreal, and was under bail for several months, awaiting
his trial, in which he was honorably acquitted; the duello,
in those days, being regarded as the only honlorable way*
of settlingt disputes. InI 1802 he returned to I)etroit; and,
on his own account, embarked in the fur tra(le and general mercantile business, ini which lie continued until
I832. lIe was married, October 25, 1804, at Claverack,
near Hludson, New York, to Miss Mary Mott, daughter
of Major Gershom Mott, of the Continental army, a
comradle of Montgomery at Quebec, in I775. On returning to I)etroit, he wrote, in iSo5, the memorial to Coingress, which resulted in the completion of the Governor
and Judges' plan of the city of Detroit. At the declaration of war with Eingland, he was made Captain of an
artillery company, and was included in the surrender
of 11ull, in 1812. lie was paroled, and moved with
his family to Albany, where he remained until I816,
when he again went to Detroit and resumed his business. IIe was the author of the first charter of the city
of Detroit, and was elected its first Mayor, in 1824, being
re-elected in 1825, again in 1830, and subsequently in
I844, 1845, and I846. lie was a lelegate to the first Constitutional Convention, held at Annii Arbor, in I835, and
was President of that convention, and presented its
action to Congress at W\ashiitgton. lie was naturally a
soldier, andt took a great inltcrest in military affairs,
both under the Territorial and State governments. lie
was senior Alajor-General of the militia, and coti tinued
so up to the time of his death. A:t the breakit:g out
of the IBlack I Hawk War, lie marched in comimand of
the Territorial troops to Chicago, for the defense of the
\Vestern settlements. lie died at Detroit, October 20,
1854, in his sevenity-third year.  General Williams
always predicted the future greatness of Detroit. lHe
was possessed of a large landed estate in and about the
city,'whliich he had purchased with singular judgment
and foresight.  'o the improvement of this he gave his
chief attention, after his retirement from active business.
In  1833 he built the first four-story brick buildiing
erected in Detroit.  lie was a strong advocate of wide
and commodious streets and public parks, and in many
ways showed a liberal public spirit. John R. street,
extending east and turning north from Woodward ave



I56

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

nue, and Williams street, encircling the East Grand
Circus Park, in Detroit, together commemorate the
name of John R. Williams. He was hospitable, entertaining largely and generously.  He was liberal and
benevolent, always interested in the welfare of the older
inhabitants of the city, and eminently courteous in his
demeanor.   General Williams' administration of the
city government presented the rare spectacle of a thoroughly economical and watchful executive.   IIe demanded and obtained strict integrity in his subordinates,
and to the confidence which he inspired among taxpayers may be attributed his frequent election to the
office of Mayor.  Throughout his life, he ever aided
those enterprises which had for their object the advance"ment and prosperity of the city of Detroit and the
State of Michigan.
ILKINS, ROSS, Detroit, was born in Pennsylvania. He was educated for the bar in tha',    State; and removed to the West at an early'
(lay, with a commission from President Jackson as a
Federal Julde for the Territory of Michigan. In 1837,
and on several subsequent occasions, he was appointed
a Regent of the State University. Besides exerting
much influence in his judicial capacity, he has always
taken an interest in the public affairs of the State. He
presided over the first war meeting held in Detroit after
the opening of the civil war. lHe was many years ago)
appointed a Circuit Judge, and remained in office until
the summer of 1870, when he voluntarily retired from
the bench. lie died in Detroit a few years afterwards.
~ OODBRIDGE, WILLIAM, Detroit, Michigan,
Governor and Senator, was born at Norwich,, Connecticut, August 20, 1780; and died at )etroit, October 20, 1861. He was of a family of three
brothers and two sisters.  His father, Dudley Woodbridge, removed to Marietta, Ohio, about 1790. The
Ltfe of Willia;nm  oodbridgi, by Charles Lauman, from
which this sketch is largely compiled, mentions nothing concerning his early educa:ion beyond the fact
that it was such as was afforded by the average school of
the time, except a year with the French colonists at Gallipolis, where he acquired a knowledge of the French
language. It should be borne in mind, however, that
home education was, at that time, an indispensable feature in the training of the young. To this, ahd to a
few studies well mastered, is due that strong mental
discipline which has served as a basis for many of the

grand intellects that have adorned, and helped to make,
our national history. Mr. Woodbridge studied law at
Marietta, having as a fellow-student and intimate personal
friend, a young man subsequently distinguished, but
known at that time simply as Lewis Cass. He graduated
at the law school at Litchfield, Connecticut, after a
course there of nearly three years; and began to practice at Marietta, in 8So6. In June, 18o6, he married, at
Hartford, Connecticut, Juliana, daughter of John Trumbull, a distinguished lawyer and judge, and author of
the poem " McFingal" which, during a dark period of
the Revolution, wrought such a magic change upon the
spirits of the colonists. lie was happy in his domestic
relations, until the death of Mrs. Woodbridge, February
19, 186o.  Our written biographies necessarily speak
more fully of men, because of their active participation
in public affairs; but human actions are stamped upon
the page of time, and, when the scroll shall be unrolled,
the influence of good women upon the history of the
world will be read side by si:le with the deeds of men.
How much success and renown in life many men owe
to their wives is probably little known.  Mrs. Woodbridge enjoyed the best means of early education that the
country afforded, and her inherited intellectual genius
enabled her to improve her advantages.  During her
entire life, side by side with the highest type of domestic and social graces, she manifested a keen intellectuality that formed the crown of a faultless character.
She was a natural poet, and wrote during her life many
fine verses, some of which are preserved in a printed
memorial essay written on the occasion of her death.
In this essay, it is said of her: "To contribute, even in
matters of minor importance, to elevate the reputation
and add to the well being of her husband in the various
stations he was called upon to fill, gave her the hihie.:t
satisfaction."  She was an invalid during much;f the
latter portion of her life, but was patient and cheerful
to the end. "The simple story of her life, from her
marriage to her death, was one of love and devotion
around the hearthstone of home," says Lauman. Some
further reference to the family of this lady will be found
in the biographical sketch of Mr. W. W. Backus, in this
work. In 1807 Mr. Woodbridge, was chosen a Representative to the General Assembly of Ohio; and, in 1809,
was elected to the Senate, continuing a member, by
re-election, until his removal from the State. He also held,
by appointment during the time, the office of Prosecuting Attorney for his county. lie took a leading part in
the Legislature; and, in 1812, drew up a declaration and
resolutions,-which passed the two houses unanimously,
and attracted great attention,-endorsing, in the strongest and most emphatic terms, the war measures of President Madison. During the period from 1804 to 1814,
the two law students, Woodbridge and Cass, had become
widely separated. The latter was Governor of the Ter



J7




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

157

ritory of Michigan, under the historic " Governor and
Judges" plan, with the indispensable requisite of a
Secretary of the Territory. This latter position was, in
1814, without solicitation On his part, tendered to
Mr. Woodbridge. lie accepted the position with some
hesitation, and entered upon" its duties as soon as he
could make the arrangements necessary for leaving Ohio.
The office of Secretary involved also the duties of Collector of Customs at the port of Detroit, and, during the
frequent absences of the Governor, the discharge of his
duties also, including those of Superintendent of Indian
affairs.  Mr. Woodbridge officiated as Governor for
about two out of the eight years that he held the office
of Secretary. Under the administration of the Governor
and Judges,-which the people of the Territory preferred, for economical reasons, to continue some time
after their numbers entitled them to a more popular representative system,- they were allowed no delegate in
Congress. Mr. Woodbridge, as a sort of informal agent
of the people, by correspondence, and also by a visit to
the national capital, so clearly set forth the demand

the Governor, Judges, and others, he was appointed, by
President J. Q. Adams, to succeed Hon. James Witherell, who had resigned, as a Judge of what is conventionally called the " Supreme Court" of the Territory.
This court was apparently a continuation of the Territorial Court under the "First Grade" or, "Governor
and Judges" system. Although it was supreme in its
judicial functions within the Territory, its powers and
duties were of a very general character. In 1832 the
term of his appointment as judge expiring, President
Jackson appointed a successor,-it is supposed on political grounds,-much to the disappointment of the public,
and the bar of the Territory. The partisan feeling of
the time extended into the Territory, and its people
began to think of assuming the dignity of a State Government. Party lines becoming very sharply drawn, Judge
Woodbridge identified himself with the Whigs. As a
representative of that party, he was elected a member
of the convention of 1835, which formed the first State
Constitution; he was the only Whig elected from the
district he represented. In 1837 he was elected a mem
for representation by a delegate, that an act was passed ber of the State Senate, taking an active part in its proin Congress, in 1819, authorizing one to be chosen. ceedings.  This sketch has purposely dealt somewhat
Under this act, Mr. Woodbridge was elected, by the con- in detail with what may be called Judge Woodbridge's
currence of all parties. His first action in Congress was earlier career, because it is closely identified with the
to secure the passage of a bill recognizing and confirm- early history of the State, and the development of its
ing the old French land titles in the Territory according political system. Since the organization of the State
to the terms of the treaty of peace with Great Britain, Government, the history of Michigan is more familiar,
at the close of the Revolution; and another for the con- and hence no review of Judge Woodbridge's career as
struction of a Government road through the " Black Governor and Senator will be attempted. lie was elected
Swamp," from the Miami River to Detroit, thus opening Governor, in 1839, under a popular impression that the
a means of land transit between Ohio and Michigan. Hle affairs of the State had not been prudently administered
was influential in securing the passage of bills for the by the Democrats. lie served as Governor but little
construction of Government roadls from Detroit to Chi- more than a year; he was inaugurated on the Ist of
cago, and Detroit to Fort Gratiot, and for the improve- January, 1840, and was elected to the Senate of the
ment of La Plaisance Bay. The expedition for the ex- United States, in the winter of 1841, for the full term
ploration of the country around Lake Superior, and in of six years. I is term in the Senate practically closed
the valley of the Upper Mississippi, projected by Gov- his political life, although he was strongly urged for the
ernor Cass, was set on foot by means of representations Whig nomination for Vice-President in 1848. Soon after
made to the heads of the departments by Mr. Wood- his appointment as Judge, in 1828, Governor Woodbridge
bridge. While in Congress, he strenuously maintained took up his residence on a tract of land which he owned
the right of Michigan to the strip of territory now form- in the township of Springwells, a short distance below
ing the northern boundary of Ohio, which formed the what were then the corporate limits of the city of Detroit,
subject of such grave dispute between Ohio and Mich- where he resided during the remainder of his life. His
igan at the time of the admission of the latter into the last years were somewhat embittered by persistent.anid
Union. He served but one term as delegate, during the finally successful efforts on the part of the city to extend
Fifteenth Congress, declining further service on account its corporate limits over his property, thereby subjecting
of personal and family considerations. Mr. Woodbridge it to city taxation and improvements, and tending to
continued to discharge the duties of Secretary of the rob it of the rural beauty upon which he wished his
Territory up to the time its government passed into the closing eyes to rest undisturbed.  Both in his public
"Second Grade," in 1824. lie was then appointed one papers and private communications, Governor Woodof a Board of Commissioners for adjusting private land bridge shows himself a master of language; he is fruitclaims in the Territory; and was engaged also in the ful in simile and illustration, logical in arrangement,
practice of his profession, having the best law library in happy in the choice and treatment of topics, and terse and
the Territory. In 1828, upon the recommendation of vigorous in expression.  [udge Woodbridpe was a Con



158

RIREPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

gregationalist. His opinions on all subjects were deci- the building of the steamers "Western World" and
ded; he was earnest and energetic, courteous and' "Plymouth Rock," the two largest and most magnificent
dignified, and at times exhibited a vein of fine humor, steamers that ever plied on the lakes. They were built
that was the more attractive because not too often al- by Isaac Newton, of New York, to run between Detroit
lowed to come to the surface. Ilis letters and addresses and Bufialo, to connect the Micligan Central and New
show a deep and earnest affection, as well for his ances- York Central railroads. Upon the completion of these
tral home, as for friends and family.  Writing to a boats, Mr. Voriner was appointed storekeeper at Detroit
young man who had solicited his influence in obtaining for the Michigan Cenitral line of steamers, and occupied
an office, Mr. \Voodbridge says: " 1 am very sorry you that position till the fail of 1857, when the line ceased!
should have become discouraged in your former aind runnling their boats, owing to the opening of the Great
most laudable project of obtaining a competency by your Western Railway.  Mr. WVormer then established a
own individual efforts and systematic industry. lie who machinery depot at Detroit,-an. entirely new branch r
is dependent upon office for support ill our couslitry, in business. His experience had shown him the difticuls
my opinion, depenids upon an emuploynment of all otllers and expense attending the buying of machinery 1,
the most pitiably servile."  And to another: ' Absolute Western manufacturers, the purchasers being obliged to
subordination among the officers of the departments at visit some half a dozen cities in the East in order to
Washington; strict, unmitigated 1discipline; a blind and procure as many different machines. lHe consequently
prompt obedience to orders,--are undoubtedly necessary concluded to open a depot in Detroit where any machiiie
in the proper an(l successful conduct of the affairs there; needed by manufacturers could be obtaiied. This buibut, while I admnit the probable necessity, I can not but ness lie has colitinued to thle present time, with t.
deprecate the injurious influence of such despotism upon exception of the three or four years lie spent in tiE
that generous spirit, and proud and manly independence army during the civil war. The business imimediatelv
of mind, which tend so much to give dlignity and eleva- became lucrative, and has, during the past ten yea.,,
tion to the character of- man.  Unreasoning obedience reached large proportions. In 187o he established a
to our sul:eriors in authority is the parent of adulation branch depot at Chicago, which is under the manageand fawning sycophancy; and it is fit to be remembered ment of his oldest son, Henry G. Wormer, who, together.that, in all transactions of this life, habit, whether we with two other sons, Clarkson C. and Frederick F.,,
will or not, almost invariably becomes our master."  partners with him in the business. General Wor;;n:
has also engaged in various manufacturing eiiterprise.,
has been President of the Rochester Machine Manufacturing Company, of Rochester, sice IS71; is a Direc;
in several other manufacturing establishmiients, and
'ORMER, GENERAL GROVER S., of I)etroit, the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company. Fi
Commission Merchant for Machinery, was borni his early youth,  r. WVormler had a taste for militL
',,  iin the city of Auburn, Cayuga County, New   pursuits; and ill 1842 joisned the  "Oswego  Light
York, August 9, I821.  His father, John V. Wornmer, Guards," of Oswego, an independent lmilitary company,
w as a native of I.eigh, Massachusetts; and was a soldier in which he served until his removal fronl that city
in the War of I1812, participatiing in the ensgagements 1852,-the last two and a half years acting as Secu,..
of ChippeNwa and Lundy's Lane. At the age of twelve Lieutenant. In the fall of 1859, in the city of Detroit,
years, Mr. Wormer ran away from home to escape a hlie assisted in organizing an indepenilent military,
punishment with which his father threatened him; and, pany known as the "Lyon sGuards,"' and was elccte'i
without a cent of money, walked to Oswego, obtaining Captain, holding that rank until May I, 1862, whein
his meals at farni-houses on the way. Here he secured resigned. At that time, lie received authority froni
employment in a store as an errand boy, receiving only War Departmient to raise an independent company
his board as compensation, while lie was also permitted special sers ice in guardling prisoners of war; and, ha
to attend school for two years.  le remained in the I recruited a company, called it the "Stanton Guai
store until 1838, when he was prevailed upon by the He received a Captain's comnisission, from Gover,
Captain of a Lake Ontario steamser to go with himi for Austin Blair, dated ilay 1o, I862.  IIe was at o
two trips as a cabins-boy. Ie then entered the service ordered to proceed to Fort Mackisnaw, to take commn
of the steamboat conipany at six dollars per month, and of the post and gusard Confederate prisoners, where
remained with them thirteen years. Ile served one or remained until September 25, 1862.  lIe was t!
two seasons as steward, then as clerk, and then was ordered to l)etroit, with his command, to be imust
appointed to oversee the fitting up of all the steamers out; the necessity for this service no longer exisli1
belonging to the American Steamboat Line. In 1851 On the 2d of October following, he was coiuniiissioneu,
he left the employment of this company to superintend by Governor Austin Blair, as Lieutenant-Colonel of tile




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

159

8th Regiment of Michigan Volunteer Cavalry, and aided the brigade, participating in numerous engagements in
in recruiting and organizing that regiment. May 12, East Tennessee, until April 24, 1864, when, in obedience
1863, he was ordered to take command of the first two to an order from the War Department, he went to Jackbattalions of the regiment and report to Major-General son, Michigan, and established a draft rendezvous. On
A. E. Burnside, at Covington, Kentucky. There they the 8th of l)ecember, 1864, he was commissioned Colonel
went into camp; the third battalion joining the com- of the Sth Michigan Cavalry, and received orders to
mand May 26, 1863. The regiment was in active service, recruit and organize the 30th Regiment of Michigan
participating in numerous engagemeiit s anrd skirmishes. Volunteer Infantry. lie was transferred to this regiment
At Triplet's Bridge, Kentucky, Colonel WVormer, with and mustered in as Colonel, January 9, 1865. He was
his command, after a brisk fight, routed the Confederate mustered out of the service, June 30, 1865, at the close
General John Evarts, capturing hiin and nearly all of of the war, having served three years and two months.
his command. At Salt River and Lebanon, Kentucky, March 30, 1867, he was commissioned, by the President
he met General John IH. Morgan, when he made his of the United States, Brigadier-General, by brevet, "for
noted raid through Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. After j gallant and meritorious services during the war." In
a short fight at Lebanon, on July 6, he routed and the early part of 1869, he was appointed Aid-de-camp
pursued Morgan for sixteen successive (lays and nights, on the military staff of Governor Baldwin, and was
overtaking him  at Buffington's Island, in the Ohio re-appointed two years afterwards, serving four years.
River, July 19, having made a march of four hundred  lie also served in the same capacity on Governor Bagand seventy-three miles. IIere Colonel Wormer's com- ley's staff, during his two terms of service, and holds
mand led a vigorous attack on Morgan's forces; and, the same position under Governor Croswell. During
after a bri:sk fight of one and a half hours, routed them, the spring and summer of 1877, General Wormer made
driving them two miles into a wood, where his regiment a tour of Europe, for the benefit of his health, visiting
surrounded and captured five hundred and seventy-three nearly every country and important city on that contiprisoners, with their horses and equipments. Twice on nent. He has been a Congregationalist since 1862, and
this march his regiment was without food for man or for eleven years has been a trustee of the Woodward
beast, except one meal in forty-eight hours. Oiie march Avenue Congregational Church, and a director in the
of seventy-two miles, from Lawrenceburg to West Point, Sunday-school. In politics, he has acted with the Whig
Kentucky, was made in twenty-six hours, stopping only and Republican parties, but, beyond exercising the right
twice to rest. From  Buffington's Island he returned of franchise, has taken no active part in political matwith his command to Covington, Kentucky, July 26, ters. He married, August 26, 1844, Maria C. Crolius,
and there took part in scouting, and routing out the at Oswego, New York. They have four sons,-IIenry
Confederate raiders whom they had fought at Stamford. G., Clarkson C., Frederick F., and Theodore K.,-all of
In August, 1863, the regiment crossed over the mount- whom partake of the military spirit of their father. The
ains into East Tennessee, with the Twenty-third Army oldest, Henry G., entered the military service in the
Corps, Major-General Blurnside commanding, being in fall of 1864, as First I.ieutenant in the 30th Regiment,
the First Brigade and Fourth Division of that corps. In and was mustered out as Captain. Clarkson C. is First
East Tennessee, Colonel Wormer's command lparticipated Lieutenant of company A, Michigan State, troops.
in skirmishes and battles at Kingston, Cumberland Gap, Frederick is First Lieutenant in the Detroit Light
Riceville, Clinker's Gap, Post Oak Springs, Washington Guards; and the youngest son, Theodore, is corporal in
Ford, Deer Creek, and Prindall's Farm. September 5, the Pelonge Cadets.

1863, he was placed in command of the First Brigade,
Fourth Division, Twenty-third Army Corps; and commanded the brigade in the battle at Cleveland, Tennessee;
in the terrible fight at Calhoun and Charleston, September 25; and at Athens, September 27, with the cavalry
forces of Generals Forrest and Wheeler, estimated at
fifteen thousand men. On the 26th of October, I863,
Colonel Wormer, with his brigade, led the attack made
by the fourth division againist Longstreet's army at
Sweetwater, Tennessee, wvhich lasted four and a half
hours, and in which his brigade lost heavily. October
28, his brigade had a severe fight at Loudon, losing
nine men; and also a desperate battle with General
ILongstreet's command at Lenoir Station, and again at
Knoxville. Colonel Wormer remained in command of
21

I 'IL.LIS, RICIIARD  STORRS, of Detroit, was
I:'i   born in Boston, Massachusetts, February io,
80mo. IIe is the son of Nathaniel and Hannah
(Parker) Willis, and the youngest brother of N. P.
Willis and " Fanny Fern."  le came of a line of editors
and authors, whose record extends back, in unbroken
succession, over a hun(dred years.  Ilis grandfather,
Nathaniel Willis, Sen., began the publication of the
Imaicnd,'nt 0 Chronicle in June, 1776, on the corner of
Court street and Franklin avenue, Boston, in the same
building in which Benjamin Franklin worked as printer.




16o

REPRESENTATIVE MIEN OF MICHIGAN.

He continued to cond(uct the paper until 1784. A file
of it is still in possession of the family; and the news
of the various victories and defeats of the Amnerican
army in the Revolutionary War, in leaded type, are
read with as much interest now as weree the telegramsn
during the late momentous struggle between the North
anl South. At the close of the Revolutionary War,
Mr. Willis removed to Martinsville, Virginia; and, in
1790, founded the Potomac Guardian, which he edited
until 18oo. In that year, he removed to Chillicothe,
Ohio, where he founded the Sc/ioo Gazelre, the first
paper of the then North-western Territory. During the
Revolutionary War, he was Adjutant of the Boston
Regiment; and, at one time, was sent on an expedition
to Rhode Island under General Sullivan, who presente(d
him with a uniform. Ile was a fine horseman, and a spir--
ited American; which latter was sllo\vll by his taking an
active part in the famous BIoston Tea Party.  lie was
one of the committee al)lointe(l by the people of Boston
to remonstrate with Malcolm, the British tax collector.
An old picture, (lescrilitive of Malcolm's punishment at
the liberty tree, with a representation of the tea party
in the background, contains an easily recognizable portrait of Mr. Willis. This picture was presented by
his son to the Massachusetts tHistorical Society. The
grandmother of Nathaniel Willis, Sen., was a Belknap,
a cousin of Jeremy Belknap, D. D. His great-grandlfather was Rev. John Bailey, a non-conformist of Lancashire, England, who was born in 1644, and was
imprisoned for his religious views.  le emigrated to
America in 1683, and became associate pastor of the
First Congregational ('hurch in Boston, where he died
in 1697. Hlis funeral sermon was preached by Rev.
Cotton Mather, and he was buried in the cemetery
of Tremont street, Boston, where the names of Willis
and Belknap mark a number of graves. Ilis portrait
descended to Nathaniei Willis' son, who gave it, as the
only portrait extant of this eminent divine, to the Massachusetts Historical Society.  Nathaniel Willis, second,
was first introduced to types and journalism  by his
father, at Martinsville, Virginia, in the office of the
Potomac Guardian.  The old office was standing just
before the late war, and a crayon sketch was made of it
by Colonel Strother, " Porte Crayon," and presented to
Mrs. R. S. Willis. One of the duties of young Nathaniel Willis consisted in " riding post," as it was
called, with a tin horn and saddle-bags,-the primitive
mode of delivering papers. After six years' service, he
returned, at the age of fifteen, to Boston, and entered
the office of the Inlpk'ndent Chironicle, with which his
father had formerly been connected. Here, in the same
room in which Benjamin Franklin had once worked,
Mr. Willis was employed. His only recreation was his
military drill with the "Fusileers," under Captain John
Brazier, a company which has become historic in Boston.

After some years, he was solicited, by a Congressman
from Maine, to go to Portland to establish a Republlican
newspaper, in opposition to the Federal party.  Ile
accordingly proceeded to that city; and, after a confereiicc  with leading lRepublicans, founded the:'asic';-t
Argus. A certain lawyer of albility at first undelrtook
the c(litorial management; but, as he sought on0ly his
ownii political advancement, he became olbnoxious, and
was dismissed. Mr. Willis was then urged to take control. He modestly pleaded his lack of proper education
and elitorial experience; but was overpersuaded, and
soon entered upon his new duties. The Argus was vigorously maintained by Mr. Willis until it had changed
the political character of the State. Under the ministration of the celebrated divine, Doctor Payson, of
Portland, Mr. Willis became interested in religious subjects.  About this time, he sold the Agus for four
thousand dollars; and shortly after conceived the idea
of starting a religious newspaper. Such a thing had
never been heard of; and the project was received wvith
the greatest skepticism, even b)y the clergy. Finally, in
1816, after years of argument and effort, during which
he supported himself by printing religious books and

I

tracts, he founded the Boston Recor-dcr, the first religious
newspaper in the world.  The Angus and ARecordelr are
still published, and their history and influence are well
known. Subsequently, Mr. Willis originated the plan
of another paper, at that time equally novel,-a paper
distinctively for youth. The idea found expression in
the Youths' Comq5ainion, which also was the first paper
of the kind in the world. It was published in connection with the Recoard'r, and was equally successful and(
remunerative. It also is still in existence. MIr. Willis
lived to be ninety years old. Nathaniel Parker Willis,
his eldest son, was the editor of three pal)ers,- the
New York Allioi-l; the Corsair, and the HomNe Journa11
As a poet and author, his fame is too fresh and abiding
to require special mention.  Joseph Buckingham, the
veteran editor and fastidious critic of the Boston Cour-it;,
once wrote of him: "Whom merely to mention, is
sufficient to awaken a sentiment of esteem and admiration for one of the most agreeable prose writers that
our country has produced; and a poet whose numbers
will live to delight a future age, and place him in the
foremost rank of those who have invested wit with
modesty and decorum, and added grace and innocence
to the refinements of fashion."  Sarah Payson Willis,
"Fanny Fern," was the fourth daughter of Nathaniel
Willis; and, like her eldest brother, became famous by
her writings. Her style was new and entirely distinctive, and her wit, freshness, and strong common sense
procured admirers in both hemispheres. She was buried
with her father and brother at Mount Auburn. Richard
Storrs Willis was a student of Chauncey IHall, and
later, of the Boston Latin School, under the neighbor



REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

Ix6

ing shelter of which, at its old site on School street, he on the Albion, the Tribune, the Musical Times, and the
was born.   He entered Yale College in 1837.   His Catholic World. HIe subsequently bought and edited
early love of the art of music was interwoven, during the Musical Times, which was later consolidated with
his college course, with the study of the classics. In the Musical World. After some years, he started the
his Sophomore year, he was chosen President of the Once a AMonth, a magazine devoted to the fine arts. lie
Beethoven Society, which was composed of all the vocal also wrote a book, entitled Our Church Music, which met
and instrumental talent of the college. The members with high commendation from the London Athenmum;
did service as the chapel choir, and'furnished the music the more creditable from the fact that most American
at the annual commencements, in place of the expen- books were severely criticised by that magazine. He
sive orchestra usually hired from New York. Mr. Willis next brought out a volume of "Church Chorals" and
composed industriously for the college orchestra and numerous "Student Songs " and " Miscellaneous Lyrics."
choir.  lie arranged and harmonized many German During the war, he compeled for a prize offered for the
part-songs, the words of which were translated for the best national song, and his "Anthem of Liberty," to
purpose by the poet Percival.  Among other instru- which he also composed the music, was pronounced
mental pieces, he wrote the "Glen Mary Waltzes," best by the committee. Richard Grant White, in his
which were afterwards published by Ditson, and, for subsequent collection of these songs, gave it first place
twenty or twenty-five years, brought handsome returns and enthusiastic praise. Mr. Willis afterwards wrote
both to author and publisher. A friendship was natur- the song, "Why, Northmen, Why?" and others of a
ally formed between Mr. Willis and the poet just men- patriotic type, which were rehearsed in schools and sung
tioned, and he probably saw as much as any one, at public gatherings. In 1851 Mr. Willis married Miss
during his college life, of that gifted and eccentric Jessie Cairns, of Roslyn, Long Island. The beautiful
man.   lie was also a friend of Fitz-Greene lialleck, home of her parents adjoined those of Bryant and Parke
who lived in the neighboring Guilford. After graduat- Godwin, on Roslyn Bay. Mrs. Willis died in 1858.
ing in 1841, he went to Germany, and devoted himself to IHer pure and lovely nature is tenderly delineated in
the study of musical science in Frankfort-on-tlie-M1ain. her husband's "Memorial," whose pages also bear lines
lie completed an elaborate course in harmony and from Bryant, Fanny Fern, and many other friends emimusical form, under the direction of the venerable nent in New York society and the world of letters. In
Schnyder Von Wartensce; and, in Leipzig, a course on i86I Mr. Willis married Mrs. Alexandrine Macomb
counterpoint and instrumentation with llauptmann, Pro- Campau, of Ietroit, Michigan. They spent many sumfessor in the Conservatory, and Cantor of thle "'Thomas mers in their beautiful island home, named " Insebruhe,"
Schule."  (The latter position was in early times occu- until property alnd family considerations withdrew them
pied by Sebastian Bach.) The following men, eminent entirely to Michigan. Mr. Willis has recently returned
in music, were at that time in Leipzig: Mendelssohn, to Detroit after four years' residence in Europe, where
Gade, Moscheles (already advanced in years), Iavid, he went for the education of his children. While reJoaquin, and others, whose taste and genius seemed to siding in Nice, he collected his national songs and
pervade the very air, and inspire all who breathed it. miscellaneous lyrics into a volume entitled tWalfof Song,
Mr. Willis had subsequently the good' fortune to pass which was published by Galignani, of Paris. The first
a summer in the Taunus Mountains in comnpany with volumes of the book were sold dutring the Nice Carnival
Mendelssohn; tile poet Freiligrath; Gutzkow, the dra- of 1876, by Mrs. Willis, who presided over the Amerimatic authora; and the Professor-poet, Hloffman von can Aiosque in the public square. The proceeds of all
Fallerslcben. Mendelssohn reviewed some of the work the various kiosqucs representing the foreign colonies
Mr. Willis had done with Schnyder, and corrected his of that gay winter resort, enured to the poor of the
compositions, leaving his own pencil marks upon them. city. Younger branches of the Willis family are keepThese manuscrilts, together with a Canon which he ing fresh the literary record of their ancestors,-most
wrote in Mr. Willis' album at parting, form a very prominent of whom, in a scientific direction, is Dr. F.
pleasant and valuable souvenir. While passing a winter J. Bumstead, of New York, a nephew of Mr. Willis,
in Iamburg, Mr. Willis' familiarity with German ena- who is the author of medical works which have made
bled him to do some literary work for Gustav, the him conspicuous at home and abroad.     These works
reigning Landgrave of llesse-llamburg, who sent him  have been translated into other languages; and, on the
a diploma with the honorary title of Professor. Re- occasion of his visit to Paris, achieved for their author
turnilg to America after six years of absence, he visited the high compliment of a public dinner from the medYale College, and, for a time, occupied himself with a ical faculty of that city.  One of Mr. Willis' nieces is
class of tutors and professors who desired to practice a sparkling contributor to the Boston journals; and
colloquial German: lie afterwards went to New York, another, late a school-girl, has a poetic gift of charming
where he became connected with the press, and wrote promise. A grand-niece, who is but eight years of age,




IGz62

SREPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

has already written a parlor play of singular precocity,
in which, when performed in Cambridge, Massachusetts, she acted the principal part. The following is a
summary of singular literary coincidences in the history
of the Willis family: From  1776 to I8oo, Nathaniel
'Willis, Sen., edited three newspapers,--the tZnd~len'dent
Ch(rnicie, the Potomac Guaridian, the Scioto Gazellc.
From 18o3 to i86o, Nathaniel Willis, Jun., edited three
lne vspapers,--the Eastern Argus, the Boston Re'coirder,
the Yozths' Companion. From  1830 to 1866, Nathaniel
Parker Willis edited three papers,-the New York JAfirror, the Corsair, the 1HomelJournal. From 1851 to 1863,
Richard Storrs Willis edited three papers,-the Musical
Times, the Alusical [Vorld, and Once a Alnlh.,OODIWARI), AUUSTUS B., of I)etroit, was a
native of Virginia. Ile emigrated to Michigan
in 1805, andl was appointed a Judge of the
Territory, which honorable position he held until 1824.
lie was the author of a code of laws which bears his
name. lie was appointed a Judge for the Territory of
Florida; and died there after a service of three years.
IJIIf LSON, JOHIN B., Founder and Engine Builder,
eHIk   of Detroit, was born on the banks of the Clyde
 River, in Scotland, October, I823. Ilis father,
I)aniel Wilson, was a farmer.  John Wilson's start in
life, after leaving school at an early age, was as a shepherd boy, on the heathery hills of his native country.

abdicated his throne-prostrated trade all over Europe,
causing many thousands of workmen to be thrown out
of employment. At the same time, the Irish famine,
occasioned by the failure of the potato crop, necessitatedl the erection of mills illn that country for grinding
corn, which was then, for the first time, shipped in
large quantities from the United States. Mlr. Wilson
was selected, in preference to many older and more experiencedl hands, to go to Ireland for the plurpose of
erecting mill machinery. While there, MIr. Kelly, of
Sligo, formed an attachment for the young man, and
offered to supply the means to establish a foundry and
maclhine shop. At that time there was no foundry
nearer, or, at least, more available, than either Glasgow
or L.iverpool. IHaving determined on America as his
future home, no persuasion could change Mr. Wilson's
purpose. lie sailed fiom the Clyde, in the good hark
"'Margaret," March 15, 1849, after having been in Ireland over six months, during the stormy revolutionary
times of Smith O'I3rien, Mitchell, Meagher, and others.
i.and(ing in New York in April, he found business much
(lepressed, and no work to be obtained. Even at that
(late, the cry was " Go West."  So, turning towards
the setting sun, and making an occasional detour, to
take in the priincipal cities of the States and Canada,
Mr. NWilson reached the city of Detroit, one fine Sun(lay morning, in the latter part of May, 1849. The
church rbells seemed ringing him  a welcome; and,
partly owing to a fancy for the place, and partly to
his weariness, he acted upon the advice of AIr. Ilugh
Moffat, afterwards Mayor of Detroit, and decided to
cast his lot in the metropolis of the Peninsular State.
By persistemnt application from  May until August, he
succeeded in obtaining emplloyment in the works of
the Michigan Central Railroad Company, under Mr.

11is natural tastes, which were towards mechanical Pettis, and afterwards under Mr. Newhall, where he
work, rendered him   unfit for this business.  While remained for four years. HIe then engaged in business

pursuing the (to him) irksome task of watching the
flock, lhe constructed mniiature wind-mills and waterwheels; he also made gins for the capture of wild fowls
and other game, which was then considered a heinous
offense in that country.  One of his traps being found
and carried to Lord DIouglass, of Douglass Castle, the
arrest of the offender was ordered.  " It was no prentice hand that constructed such a machine," said his
lordship; "he must be arrested."  But the boy was out
of reach,-a fugitive at the age of fourteen.  lie found
his way to the home of a friend, in a distant part of the
country, where he obtained more congenial employment
than herding. Becoming engaged as a carpenter and
mill-wright, he continued in this occupation for a term

with Mr. Young, on Brush street, under the firm name
of Young & Co., which subsequently became Young &
Sons. The lartnership was dissolved in 1856, and Mr.
Wilson started in business for himself, at the foot of
Randolph street. The panic of I857, and the consequent business depression, made it a hard struggle,
especially for those commencing, as Mr. Wilson did,
with but small capital. Twice during this year, the
sheriff had possession of his shop and all that he
owned; but, by indomitable pluck, and that obstinate
perseverance characteristic of his race, he tidled over
that memorable season. He increased his facilities for
manufacturing from time to time, and made his own
drawings and plans for the extensive shop which he

of years; and ultimately obtained a position in the afterwards built, and now owns and occupies. lie has
foundry and machine works of Messrs. Craig & Co., of had no partners associated wvith him since 1856. Hlis
Glasgow, in 1843. HIe remained until 1848, when the manufactures consist principally in steamboat engines
Revolution in France-during which Louis Philippe and mill machinery, together with castings for building







I i
I \:
r,
- ~ _P-~aarnar~E~.u~\~~*;
`',~
j~ ~:~;~: ~1~.;:: ~-;:i:::::r~.::::::~;is:::;::~::::::~!
r=




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

63

purposes, of which those used in the construction of
both Whitney's and the Detroit Opera House were
from his foundry. Ile also makes brass castings, blacksmiths' work, steam hammers, forgings, etc. Mr. Wilson has never busied himself with patents, preferring to
perfect that which he knows to be practical. Ile has
never turned asidle from  the routine of business to
engage in political enterprises; he has never sought
political office, but has been prominently connected
with various societies. He is a member of the oldest
Masonic Lodge in the Western country,-Zion Lodge,
No. I,-first chartered from  Montreal. He has been
President of St. Andrew's Society, Chief of the Caledonian Club, and President of the Detroit Curling
Club. IIe is also a member of the Old Mechanics'
Society. Mr. Wilson married, in 1852, Miss Euphemia
Young, who died in I854. Iie married again, in 1864,
Miss Carolinte Matilda Stokes, of Sariiia, Canada. They
have four children.  lie has been, and is still, largely
interested illn Detroit, as a property holder; the plans
for buildings, which have been constructed on his insproved property, were of his own design. Mr. Wilson
is a fair example of that type of business man with
whom   activity, enterprise, and persistent industry are
second nature.  To-day he puts his shoulder to the
wheel with all the energy of his younger days, and
is entirely in his element when bustling amidst the
ponderous  macbhinery of his work-shop, personally
directing the varied details of his immense business.
lie is popular with his employes, a genial companion
among friends, and a useful and esteemed citizen. Ii is
obligations are always fulfilled to the letter; and his
well-known integrity proceeds,, not from the proverbial
motive of policy, but from a settled priiiciple, that
makes itself felt in every thing he says and does.,4jIIIIAMS, IION. ALPI-IEUS STARKEY, of
I)etroit, Michigan, was born at Saybrook, Connecticut, September 20, I8IO. His father, Ezra
Williams, who was one of the earliest large manufacturers of New  England, died when the subject of this
sketch was eight years old.   His mother, Ilepzibah
Starkey, died when he was in his eighteenth year. His
paternal grandfather, Samuel Williams, had much of the
care and training of his youth.  llis grandmother Williamis, nee Irene Pratt, was a woman of remarkable strength
of character. She was a descendant of Captain John
Pratt, who was one of the earliest settlers of Saybrook,
and was famlous in the Pequot anid other New England Indian wvars. General Williams is of Welsh and
English parentage. Ilis early education was obtained
under the instructions of Rev. Doctor King, a Congrega
tional clergyman, of North Kellingworth, Connecticut;
and, subsequently, at Lee's Academy, in East Guilford,
where he prepared for college. lie entered Yale College in September, 1827, and graduated in 1831. In
early life, his tastes inclined to travel and to out-door
sports, such as hunting and fishing, which furnished him
ample recreation during his school days. After his
graduation from  college, he entered the Yale Law
School, which was then under the charge of Judge
Daggett, and remained there three years. During his
vacations, he visited every State in the Union, and
extended his ramblings to the then Mexican province
of Texas, as far as NMatamoras, on the Rio Grande. In
October, 1834, he went to Europe, where he remained
until the summer of 1836. In August, I836, he came to
I)etroit, and was admitted to the bar of Ann Arbor Circuit in the spring of 1837. Detroit has been his place
of residence since that time. Ile practiced la\v several
years, but with strong ldislike of the profession. In
1839 General Williams was elected Ju(lge of Probate of
Wayne County, and served iii that capacity four years.
In 1843 he was elected as one of the Aldermen of the
city of I)etroit. In 1844, having been an iunsuccessful
candidate for Mayor against General Johnl R. Williams,
lie was elected by the Common Council as Recorder of
I)etroit for the period of one year. In 1843 he purchased the I)etroit A'roLiser, (llO\V Daily TrinmeC and
Ad(etrse'r;), which he disl)osedl of in 1847, uponi going to
the Mexican \Var. In 1849 lie was appointed, by President Taylor, Postmaster of Detroit, which of!fice he held
until July, 1853. From 1853 to 1857, he was President
of the Michigan Oil Company, in which he met with
severe losses by the revulsions in trade of 1857. In
1858-59 he was a member of the Board of Education.
At the close of the civil war, in I866, he was nominated
by a Convention of Soldiers and Sailors, and, subsequently, by the I)emocratic State Convention, as a candidate for Governor of Michigan, against lion. HIenry
Crapo, who was elected. I)lriing the summer of 1866,
he was appointed, by President Andrew Johnson, as a
member of a commission to examine the military claims
of Missouri. Before the gubernatorial election took
place, he was appointed, by President Johnson, as
Minister Resident of the United States at the Republic of
Salvador, in Central America, where he went in December, I866, and remained until l)ecember, I869. During
those three years, lie traveled much in Central America.
In Noveiibcer, 1874, he was elected to Congress from the
First ( W\ayne County) Congressional District; and, in
1876, he was renominated for the position, and was
elected by an increased majority over his Republican
oplponent. Since his return from Central America, he
has traveled over the greater part of Nebraska, Colorado,
Utah, C(alifirnia, and other portions of the far West.
Hlie began his military experience as a private in the




164

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

famous "Brady Guards," of Detroit. He became Cap- troops, began his campaign of the Shenandoah. When
tain of the Guards, and was in the United States service Banks crossed with the main army at Iarper's Ferry,
in the winters of both 1838 and 1839, during what is and moved by Charlestown and Berryville, General Willknown as the "Canadian Patriot War."   In October, iams was ordered to cross with his brigade, strengthened
1847, he was commissioned as Lieutenant-Colonel of the by three additional regiments, at Williamsport, and march
1st Michigan Volunteer Infantry, for the Mexican War; via Martinsburg and Bunker Hill. Hlls destination was
but his regiment was too late in getting to that country Winchester, held by Stonewall Jackson. General Williams
to take any part in the operations around the City of crossed the Potomac March 2, moved rapidly through
Mexico. They were sent to Cordova, and into the Martinsburg to Bunker Hill, where he came upon the
valley between the Orizaba Mountains on the way from  enemy's advance posts, routed them and captured some
Vera Cruz, to clear the country of guerrillas, who ob- prisoners. After some delay at this point, with daily
structed and nearly closed the route to that city. This skirmishes and battles, General Williams was ordered,
regiment was mustered out of the service at the end of in co-operation with Iamilton's brigade, to reconnoiter in
the war, in July, 1848. In the late civil war, General force towards Winchester. Just before sunset of March
Williams' first military services were as President of the II, the two brigades came in sight of thee Winchester
State Military Board, and commander of the military earthworks, and of Jackson's forces drawn up in line of
camp of instruction at Fort Wayne, near Detroit, for the battle, along the elevations north and west of that place.
officers and non-commissioned officers of the 5th, 6th, Upon consultation, it was decided to give them battle
and 7th Michigan Volunteer Infantry regiments. While the next morning; but, when morning came, Jackson's
in this capacity, he was appointed, by President Lincoln, line was not visible, and our troops, with considerable
Blrigadier-General of Volunteers, to rank as such from  display of the pomp of war, moved into the Confederate
April 17, 186. lie was ordered to report to General works without opposition. The civil authorities came
MIcClellan, but by him was sent to General N. P. out and formally surrendered the city. Upon the reIlanks, who was commanding a division on the Potomac, organization of the army preparatory. to McClellan's
near Darnestown, Maryland. General Banks assigned campaign, March 20, 1862, General \Villiams was placed
Iim to command the Third Brigade of his division, in command of Bank's division,-then designated as the
Shortly after General Williams assumed this command First Division, Fifth Army Corps. On March 24, while
occurred the unfortunate battle of BIall's Bluff, in which at Snickersville, on the Shenandoah, on the march to
fell the gallant Colonel Baker, of California. General Manassas Junction, he heard rumors that Jackson had
Williams was ordered to his support. He made a night countermarched on Winchester, and attacked Shields'
march in rain and over muddy roads, encountering on division, which had been left to cover the line of the
the way the dead body of General Baker, and a long Shenandoah Valley. His division was separated by a
train of the wounded from that disastrous field. He broken bridge over the swollen river; one brigadereached Edward's Ferry about daylight, and was prepar- Abercrombie's-being on the east side, and tlie other
ing to take his brigade across, when he was ordered into two on the west side, of the stream. Leaving Abercamp on the north side of the Potomac.     Further cromlmie to continue his march, General Williams reattempts to occupy Leesburg were abandoned, and turned with his other brigade to Berryville; anmd,
Panks' division took position some ten miles below, receiving confirmation of the battle before daylight,
at Muddy Branch; and, subsequently, in December, he pursued his way through Winchester, overtaking
marched to Frederick City, for winter quarters. Early in Jackson's rear guard a few miles below the battlc-field
January, 1862, it was ascertained that Stonewall Jackson of Kernstown. The pursuit was kept up, with battles
had suddenly marched with his command from Win- and captures of men and material, the command bivouchester for the Upper Potomac. General Williams was acking after dark, at the close of a most tiresome day,
ordered with his brigade to Hancock, Maryland,- the on the banks of Cedar Creek,-the scene, later in the
supposed objective point of Jackson,- to reinforce and war, of Sheridan's remarkable victory, after his famous
take command of troops already at that place. He made long ride from Winchester. General Williams occupied
a midwinter march across the Alleghanies, with the Strasburg the following day; and subsequently folmercury below zero, and reached  lancock just in time lowed Jackson as far as Harrisonburg, ninety miles up
to find excellent shelter for his frost-bitten meAn in the the valley. The enemy, crossing the Shenandoah, took
buildings from which Jackson had shelled his Confeder- refuge in the hills at Swift Run Gap; and was soon
ate friends a day or two before. Jackson made no seri- afterwards reinforced by Ewell's division, and two brigous attempt to cross the river, and (;eneral Williams ade~' of General Edward Johnson,-in all twenty thouremained in command there the rest of the winter, sand strong. About the middle of May, Shields' strong
Early. in the spring of 1862, General Banks, reinforced division was detached from Banks', and sent to McDowat Harper's Ferry by Sedgwick's division and other ell, raising his force to more than forty.thousand effec



REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

t65

tive men. This detachment left Banks with only two point, was thrown into great confusion. Two infantry
brigades--eight regiments-of infantry, under General regiments, forming the rear guard, threw aside knapWilliams, and a small brigade of cavalry, under General sacks, came up on the run, and repulsed Jackson's main
I. T. Hatch. His whole force-cavalry, infantry, and body; holding it in check until order was restored, and
artillery-did not exceed five thousand men.  With the train, with the loss of a dozen or so of wagons from
this small number, Banks fell back to Strasburg; posting disalled mules and broken wheels, passed beyond the
his cavalry in advance up the valley, and sending a point of attack. Jackson followed on the pike, but,
single infantry regiment with a section of artillery to General Williams' rear guard being reinforced, he was
hold the debouche of Surry Valley, near Front Royal. unable further to seriously molest the train.  From
Jackson, having united his own division to that of Newtown, General \Williams sent forward a detachment
Ewell and the two brigades of Johnson, making a of Broadhead's Ist Michigan Cavalry, and ascertained
force of at least twenty thousand men, (see Cooke's that the road to Winchester was clear. A battery of
Biog,-raphy of jackson, page 641), moved through the artillery was put in position, strongly supported by a large
Surry Valley; and, on the afternoon of May 23, fell portion of Gordon's brigade; and Jackson's main body
upon and crushed the single regiment- Ist Maryland, of his army, and Stewart's cavalry were held in check
Colonel Kenly-at Front Royal; crossed the Shenan- until the whole of the train had safely passed through
doah Valley, and took a position on the Winchester Winchester, seven or eight miles away. In the language
road, where he supposed he could effectually cut Banks' of Jackson's biographer, who gives a most fanciful acline of retreat upon that town. The condition of Banks count of the disorganization of the Union troops: 'At
was indeed very critical, and required prompt action. nightfall, the Federal artillery, which had held the ConDuring the night, General Williams concentrated his federate advance in check at Newtown, retired from the
seven remaining regiments,-an effective force of not field, and Jackson determined to push on after General
over thirty-five hundred men,-and by daylight began Banks to Winchester." This "push on" was a slow
the movement towards Winchester of the supply train, process, for Gordon, at every favorable point, with those
the supernumerary artillery, and sick and wounded, to superb regiments,-the 2d Massachusetts and 3d Wisthe number of several hundred, left at Strasburg from consin,-opened with fearful volleys upon Jackson's
Shields' division. The road from Front Royal and that advance, so that he was from twilight till after midnight
from Strasburg form a junction at Winchester. Jack- gaining five miles towards Winchester. It was far into
son, having moved forward on the former road, halted the night before Gordon went into bivouac on the ridge
for the night many miles nearer Winchester than was near Winchester which commands the Strasburg pike.
General Williams at Strasburg. Hle had an unobstructed Ewell, whose separate column was ordered to move
turnpike to Winchester, which was held only by a single towards Winchester at the first dawn, did not' arrive
Union regiment, and a few Maryland cavalrymen. Hle near that town until late in the day. His advance was
could avail himself of several good cross-roads which led driven back by a strong picket of several companies of
directly upon the flank of General Williams' line of march, the Ioth Maine, which complosed the garrison at Winand he had a force that outnumbnered General Williams' chester, and he went into camp for the night. Hours
seven regiments at least as six to one. lie could have before this, however, Donnelly coming up with the train,
formed six columns, either of which would have been with his three regiments, had gone into position along
superior in number to Williams' united command. some broken ridges which commanded the Front Royal
But, according to his biographer, Cooke, his tactical road. During this day of intense excitement and almost
plan was this: Ewell, with Trimble's infantry brigade, constant fighting on flank and rear, preceded by a sleepa regiment of cavalry and two batteries, was sent towards less night for most of the officers and men, General
Winchester. General George 11. Stewart was dispatched Williams' comparatively small command had succeeded
with his cavalry regiments towards Newtown, and Jack- in covering its huge trains; in beating off Jackson's
son, "in personal command of the main body of the attacking columns; and, at night, with unbroken ranks
army" (Cooke, page 144), proceeded towards Middle- and undismayed spirits, stood facing the enemy in front
town; both latter places being on the Strasburg pike. of Winchester. But the danger was not entirely over.
Mr. Cooke further says, that Jackson's column was in General Bamiks decided, as stated in his report, "to test
motion at early dawn. If so, his movement was very the substance and strength of the enemy by an actual
slow; for it was at least five hours after dawn when collision."  It was a bold decision. The trains, before
Jackson opened with artillery upon the rear portion of daylight, were far on the road to the Potomac; General
General Williams' train, and followed up with his infan- Williams had not been reinforced at Winchester; the
try and Ashby's cavalry. A small force from the cavalry single regiment-loth Maine-in garrison at Winbrigade, which was covering these wagons, was unable chester, was not put into line, but remained in town
to withstand this attack; and the train, just at this during the fight, and marched off on the retreat from




166

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MIICIIGAN.

necessity without superior orders; and Hatch's cavalry, staff officer with him at the moment, Captain Beman,
cut off by Jackson's main body when it struck the valley acting Commissary of Subsistence, put their horses
pike, had not reported at Winchester. On the other towards what seemed the most favorable point of.pashand, Jackson had it in his power, under the cover of sage in a very heavy stone wall on the right. The
night, to place a force superior to that of General Will- General's horse carried him safely over. Captain Beman's
iams on both his flanks and in his rear, completely failed, but he contrived to get off unharmed at anhedging him in. Fortunately, no attempt of this kind other place in the fence, and rejoined the General.
was made; but, some hours after daylight, after appar- Anxious to know how far the enemy's movements
ently much marching and counter-marching, an attack jeopardized the line of retreat, another attempt was
was made on I)onnelly's position. He repulsed it with made, further on, to reach the crest of the hill through
great loss to the enemy and very little to himself, as he a narrow lane.  A rattling volley from  the hill-top
was for the most part under cover of stone walls. No put an end to all efforts at reconnoissance in that
further attempt was made on Donnelly; but, as the mist direction, and gave satisfactory proof that the enemy
rose, more than thirty battle-flags of the enemy's regi- was moving along the ridge which commands the Marments could be seen moving to turn both flanks, but tinsburg road on the north side of the town. When
mainly around Gordon's and on the right, which move- they reached the plain on the north side, which spreads
ment the topography of the country greatly favored, out for about a half mile to a skirting of heavy timber,
Gordon moved two regiments to meet the emergency; a scene of confusion presented itself. Hundreds of fugibut the 27th Indiana, while deploying from column, on tives, mostly colored people, with vehicles of all kinds,
the extreme right, was unexpectedly struck by Taylor's from hay-racks to mule-carts, crowded the road; and
brigade, and forced down the hill, carrying with it the groups of men and women, of all ages, weighed down
29th Pennsylvania. General Williams, who had just with all kinds of household effects, from feather beds to
arrived in the rear of these regiments, from Donnelly's frying pans, were hurrying across the unfenced fields as
position, was satisfied that further attempts " to test the if flying from the wrath of a threatening volcano. Amid
substance and strength"l of a force so vastly superior in these confused and frightened masses, columns of infannumbers would result in irreparable disaster.  After try and lines of batteries were moving to the rear with
dispatching Captain Wilkins, acting Adjutant-General, apparent coolness and deliberation. In the edge of the
to rally the two regiments at a fence near the foot woods, where a brief halt was made, the stragglers had
of the hill, he ordered Gordon to withdraw his brigade formed in a well-ordered line of battle. A battery was
through the town, and sent Lieutenant S. E. Pittman, put into position, and opened upon the eminences
Aid-de-camp, with orders to Donnelly to retire through occupied by the enemy, but no persistent attack was
the fields on the east side. These movements were attempted. There were yet thirty-five miles of wearimade in perfect order, mostly in column, excepting some marching to reach the Potomac, for troops, most

some stragglers from the two broken regiments. The
only cavalry on the field was a battalion of the Ist
Michigan, under Major Town, standing    calmly in
column half way up the slope on the right of Gordon's
regiments. It was important that, to extricate an exposed battery, some immediate demonstration should be
made to check a rapid advance of the enemy. Major
Town undertook the perilous duty with characteristic
alacrity, and his little cavalry command of two squadrons
was at once put in movement up the hill; while on his
immediate left, an infantry regiment was hurriedly going
down, broken by a superior force  Upon reaching the
crest, the officers in advance saw an approaching line of
battle extending right and left beyond the reach of
sight; and, in its rear, undeployed masses covering the
broad plateau.  Astonished by what must have struck
them as an unlooked-for charge in force, the enemy's
line halted, and, apparently without orders, opened a
furious, but ill-directed fusillade. It was an honest occasion of sauve qui pent. Town, with his little command,
went down the hill without standing particularly "upon
the order of his going; " General Williams and the only

of whom had been under arms, with much fighting, for
nearly thirty-six hours; and the morning sun was already
at least five hours above the horizon. The retreat was
therefore continued, with short halts at Bunker Hill and
other favorable positions for repelling cavalry. Cooke,
Jackson's biographer, asserts that the infantry halted
through exhaustion, five miles from Winchester; and
that, for some improbable reason, " the cavalry did not
at first press the Federal troops;" but that Ashby and
Stewart, having joined forces at Bunker Iill, "the
Federal forces were followed hotly through Martinsburg, and driven across the Potomac with the loss of
many prisoners and the capture of immense stores."
The river was reached long after dark; and the crossing
to Williamsport was not completed until after noon of
the following day, as the stream was unfordable. There
was neither hot pursuit nor serious molestation after
leaving Winchester. Many men, wholly exhausted by
long vigils, marching and fighting, fell out of the ranks
and were captured; but not one was taken in battle. A
considerable quantity of military supplies, stored mainly
at Winchester for the Department of the Shenandoah,




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

167

were destroyed or fell into the hands of the enemy; but least fifteen miles away.  The other divisions of Mcthe long train of five hundred wagons, filled with Dowell were beyond supporting distance.     Neither
military supplies, and all the artillery, with General Rickett's division nor Sigel's corps reached the field
Williams' command, were brought off with little loss. till dark, and after the battle was over. Banks had
General Williams' loss in killed and wounded did not present in battle of his whole corps, infantry and artilexceed one hundred and fifty men. Jackson's biograph- lery, as appears from the reports now in existence of
ers state the enemy's loss to have been about four hun- regimental and battery commanders, just six thousand
dred in killed and wounded. Banks' retreat, derisively nine hundred and sixty-seven officers and men. Over
'called "Banks' skedaddle," has been a subject of much four thousand men were absent in detachments of single
glorification with Southernl historians and biographers, companies, batteries, and routine details; and five whole
and of no little misrepresentation, as to comparative regiments at different passes and cross-roads. The Union
forces and actual losses, by Northern writers. When the force, therefore, in the battle of Cedar Mountain, did
facts shall be fully known, the wonder will be how  not exceed seven thousand men, exclusive of Bayard's
Banks' little command, with its huge imipedlimenta, cavalry, which took no part in the main battle. Southescaped at all from  the overwhelming force of the ern writers claim that McDowell, Banks, and Sigel were
vigilant and tireless Stonewall Jackson. Jackson, after united in a force of thirty thousand men.  Jackson
Banks' retreat, slowly pursued his march to the vicinity brought into the field his own and Ewell's divisions
of Harper's Ferry. McDowell at Fredericksburg, and (his old valley command, less losses), and A. P. Ilill's
Fremont in Western Virginia, were ordered to make division,-an aggregate of not less than from twenty to
forced marches to intercept his retreat; but, fully advised twenty-five thousand officers and men, with numerous
by the Northern press of the intended trap, Jackson batteries, and General Robertson's cavalry command.
managed, June I, to escape both Generals. Two weeks The enemy had opened with a single battery before
afterwards, having cunningly convinced our military noon. After a cessation, it re-opened about three o'clock,
authorities that he was preparing for another campaign and soon developed into a broad circle of artillery fire.
down the valley, Jackson had transferred his whole force In the absence of special instructions, General Williams
to Lee's army, near Richmond; and was stoutly engaged deployed his division on the right of the main road,
in the seven days' fight which forced McClellan to the near a margin of wood, resting his right-two regiJames River. In the meantime, to cover Washington, ments and four companies, 3d Wisconsin, of Gordon's
McDowell's command was deployed through Central brigade, with a battery-upon a favorable elevation,
Virginia, and Banks and Fremont had joined flanks at which projected beyond the general line, commanding
Middletown, on the main valley road, which separated an opening to the right front as well as to the immethe two military departments.  General Williams' di- diate front. Its whole length was traversed by deep
vision, having recrossed the Potomac early in June, now gullies, and the little rivulet known as Cedar Run. Six
formed the left flank of Banks' newly organized corps, companies of the 3d Wisconsin were sent into the woods,
near Front Royal. Movements for concentration began a few hundred yards in front, as skirmishers. Observearly in July. On the 6th, General Williams crossed the ing, from time to time, that single regiments were withBlue Ridge by Chester's Gap, and, after temporary halts drawn from the line by staff officers, and sent to the
at Annsville and Warrenton, and marches and counter- woods in front, without orders passing through the
marches, went into camp on the 16th of July, at Little intermediate commanders, General Williams at length
Washington, sending one brigade (Crawford's) to Cul- sent the whole of Crawford's brigade to that position;
pepper Court House. Early in August, it was known keeping Gordon's two regiments in their original place
that Jackson had been sent in command of a large force to observe and check any flank movement towards the
to resist the advance of Pope. Banks' corps was con- right, which the evident superior force of the enemy
centrated near Culpepper; and, on the 9th of August, rendered probable. At length, about five o'clock, P.
Jackson having crossed the Rapidan, both of his divi- M., after an artillery battle of at least two hours, a sharp
sions took up position seven or eight miles south of that rattle of musketry on the extreme left and considerably
place, near Cedar Run.  General C. C. Augur corn- in the rear of General Williams' advance brigade showed
manded the Second Division, and General Williams the that a portion of Augur's division was engaged. This
First Division, of Banks' newly organized corps,-the fire by degrees extended itself towards the center.
Second Corps, Army of Virginia. On the morning of General Williams, recognizing the probably disastrous
that day, Pope's forces, that were or might have been and fruitless results of advancing Crawford's brigade
within supporting distance of Banks', were posted as from its sheltered position, across open wheat fields in
follows: One division (Rickett's) of McDowell's corps the face of woods held by the enemy, had procured a
in advance of Culpepper; Sigel's corps, superior in modification of two or three orders for that movement.
numbers to Banks', at Sperryville, or on the road, at It was evident that the enemy's left must soon under22




168

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

take the disadvantages of an offensive attack. It is now
well known that Jackson was only waiting for A. P.
Hill's division to begin an advance on that flank. But
the annoyances of several batteries along the road,
thought to be in position to capture, and an apparent
necessity of relieving a heavy pressure upon Augur's
division, carried the day with the commanding General.
Under urgent directions to hasten Crawford's movements, Captain W. D. Wilkins, Acting Adjutant-General,
was sent with conditional orders to make the charge.
The following is an extract, relative to this movement,
from General Jackson's official report (See 'Reports of
the Army of Northern Virginia, volume 20, page 15):
"While the Federal attack upon Early was in progress,
the main body of the Federal infantry moved down
from  the woods, through the corn and wheat-fields,
and fell with great vigor on our extreme left; and, by
the force of superior numbers, bearing down all opposition, turned it and poured a destructive fire into its
rear. Campbell's brigade fell back in disorder. The
enemy pushing forward, the left flank of A. G. Taliaferro's brigade, being by these movements exposed
to a flank fire, fell back, as did also the left of Early's
line. General W. B. Taliaferro's division (Jackson's old
brigade) becoming exposed, they were.withdrawn."
This general stampede of brigades and batteries was
checked, at length, by the two brigades of Branch and
Winder, supported by Archer's and Pender's brigades,
in reserve in the open fields; "where," says Jackson,
"the fight was still maintained with obstinacy, when,
Archer and Pender coming up, a general charge--by
four brigades- was made, which drove the enemy across
the fields into the opposite woods, strewing the narrow
valley with their dead."  It seems hardly creditable
that this attacking force, which Jackson calls " the main
body of the Federal army," consisted of only three regiments- the Ioth Maine, supporting a battery, not going
in -of General Williams' first brigade. These three regiments-46th Pennsylvania, 5th Connecticut, and 28th
New York-took into battle just one thousand three
hundred and six officers and men. The six companies
of 3d Wisconsin, about three hundred men in the outset, joined in the charge on the extreme right. They
were shortly driven back by a superior force in the
woods. These three regiments, taking the double-quick
across the wheat-field, exposed for several hundred yards
to an unobstructed fire, struck Campbell's brigade, not
in flank, but squarely in front. This command being
routed, brigade after brigade was in turn thrown into
confusion; and, for over a mile, this heroic band drove
before them the best troops of Jackson's gallant army.
At length, emerging from the woods, themselves broken
in ranks, badly disorganized, and greatly exhausted by
the rapidity of the chase, they encountered Jackson's
reserves in the open field; four brigades,-Branch's,

Winder's, Archer's, and Pender's,- two in line, and two
in support. Eveh here, with such vast odds against
them, Jackson reports, "the fight was still maintained
with obstinacy."  Jackson, in person, rallied his confused and flying brigades, and, uniting them to the four
brigades which had arrested the stampede, hurled the
whole in a general charge upon this little body of exhausted assailants. They had outrun all possible support. They had no directing head; for their brigade
commander, Crawford, had not gone forward with them,
and most of their field-officers were already disabled.
Their only alternative was capture or retreat; and back
they came, pursued on flank and rear by at least ten
times their number, burning to avenge their recent
disasters. But the enemy's advance was arrested, and
the scattered remnants of the gallant retreating regiments, bringing off in safety all their regimental colors,
were collected in the rear. Their loss was terrible.
Every field-officer and every regimental Adjutant was
killed or wounded. In the 28th New York, every company officer in the charge was killed or wounded; in
the 46th Pennsylvania, all but five; in the 5th Connecticut, all but eight. The aggregate of casualties, of
officers and men, was six hundred and ninety-one, more
than one-half of the command. Probably, the whole
history of the late war can not present an instance of
more heroic and persistent valor; but, in view of the
improbabilities of ultimate success, and the almost certain great and useless sacrifice of men, General Bosquet's
well-known criticism of the charge of the six hundred
at Balaklava may fitly be repeated: "It was splendid,
but it was not war." Early in the night following the
battle, a body of the enemy's infantry moved silently
into the woods, strangely left unguarded, in front of
one of Rickett's brigades; and, at the same time, a
battery was brought up along the shaded road. Both
opened a rattling fire over the fields, apparently at random, and with no results corresponding to the noise and
confusion that followed. A large group of dismounted
Generals, staff officers, and orderlies had gathered around
a rocky knoll, where General Pope had temporarily
established himself, and became mixed up with rearing
and plunging wounded horses.    General Banks was
badly injured by the kick of a horse. On the night of
September 2, General Banks, still quite an invalid, left
at once for Washington, accompanied by his staff, personal and administrative. The severe losses had left the
corps reduced in numbers and efficiency. On September
4, pursuant to orders of General McClellan, who had
been restored to his old command, General Williams
crossed the corps into Maryland and encamped above
Georgetown. In the meantime, he had sharply reported
to General Banks, still unrelieved of command of the
corps, the continued absence of all the executive corps
officers. At length a reply came, as follows:




R EPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICIIIGAN.

169

"'WILLARD'S, WASHINGTON, Sept. 7-1I:40 P. M.
"General A. S. WVillitCns, Commanding /irst Division,
Second Coips.:
"GENERAL-Major Perkins left here yesterday moining with iiistructions to report to you, anrd to assign to
you the commuand of the corps. If he has not done so,
it has been a most dishonorable violation of his duty.
You will assume command of the corps, on receipt of
this dispatch, andr give such instructions as miay be
necessary.  1 will order all my officers to report to you,
and joinii you myself to-morrow or to-night, if possible.
Send me reports of what occurs by my orderlies. I am
very anxious to know all.
"Very truly yours,
[Signed.]         "N. P. BANKS, Mlijor-General."
But General Banks (lid not join rGeneral Williams.
lie was soon afterwards assigned to command the defenses of Washington, and was subsequently sent to
relieve Geniieral Butler at New Orleans.  General Williamnis remainedl in commandi of the corps thereafter
designated the TwNvelfth Corps, Arinmy of the Potomiac,
dutrinlg the march through rMaryland, and uniitil the day
succeediing the lbattle of South Mountain, September
15, wheiin he was relieved by the veteraiin General Mansfield, appointedl permaiinet corps commander by the
President.  General Williams returneled to the command
of his old diivision, but held it for the brief period of
two days oniily. Eiarly in the morning of the l)attle of
Antietam, Septemiber 17, at the moment the leadiing
columns struck the enemy's line of minusketry fire, the
brave and venerable Mansfield fell, mortally wounded,
aiid the commant d of the corps againl devolved on Geineral Williams.  In this battle, the corps calptureld muau)'
prisoners and about one-thirl of all the colors replortedl
by General McClellan as takenii on this occaion. Noearly
oiie-third of the comimand present was killed or woundcled.
Geniieral Williams \\*as engaged inmore or less in all the
three days' opei-ations about Chancellorsville. The severity of this comitest can be best understood by the
casualties of the battle:  Williams' division, not numberiiig at this timne five thousand men, lost sixteen hundred and eleven in killed and w oundlcd. Fourteen of the
thirty regimental field-officers were killed or wouniided.
From this battle, May 3, to that of Gettysburg, General
WIilliams remained in command of the division, moving
with the Army of the Potomac in observation of Lee's
inmovement iniito Pennsylvania. On11 the Ist of July, at
the small village of Twvo Taverns, reports were received
of the engageiment of the First Corps with the enemy
near Gettysburg. General Slocum turned the commandI
of the corps over to General Williams, and rode to thatI

position on the extreme right of the army from Culps'
Hill to Rock Creek. On the afternoon of the same
day, July 2, General Williams marched with the First
Division and Lockport's brigade to reinforce the Third
(Sickles') Corps, desperately engaged with Longstreet's
command on the left. I)uring the night, General Williams attended, by summons, the council of war at General Meade's headl-quarters which dlecided the succeeding
military operations. Returning from  this council at
midnight, he found the enemy-lEwell's, originally Jackson's, corps- hadl got possession, during his absence in
support of the left wving, of the greater portion of his
original intrenched liiine. Preparations were made during the night to retake this important position. The
combat began at daylight, and was kept up without
cessation and with great fury until about ten o'clock A.
it., Nwhen the eiinemy gave way and the original line was
regained. The enemy's loss was fearful; that of Williams' command, oiie thousaiind and eighty-cight killed and
wounded.    General  Villiams recrossed the Potomac
with his division, July 19; and, during the summer, held
the advance posts of Meade's army on the Rapidan.
DIuring this time, several of his regiments were selected
to be sent to New York to quell the anticipated draft
riots, remaining there a monthI or more. September 24,
1iS63, under orders to form a part of General IHooker's
command to reinforce the Army of the Cumberland,
after the unsuccessful battle of Chickamauaga, General
Williams and his old division bade good-bye to the
Army of thIe Potomac, and were transported by rail
westward. The advance of his division reached Bridgeiport, Alabama, in the vicinity of the enemy's posts, the
2d of October. General \Williams' divi\ion lpassedt the
winter in covering aind protecting the siiingle-track railroad line from Nashville to bridgeport. In the spring
of 1864, IlHooker's command was reorganized, and General \Villiams' old dlivision, strcngthenied by a niew brigade, became the First ID)ivision of the Twentieth Army
Corps, General IHlooker commuandinig, attached to the
Army of the Cumberland, General George II. Thomas
commanding. On the 6th of May, General Williams
entered upon that famous campaign which ended in the
capture of Atlanta, and which has been aptly designated as the " campaign of a hundred days under fire."
May 14, Williams' division had its first serious conflict
with the enemy in this campaign, having come up on
the double-quick, for four or five miles, to support Stanley's division of thIe Fourth Corps (IHoward's), whiclt
had unexpectedly fallen upon a very superior force of

place.  General \Villiamis retained the command of tIheI the enemy. On the following day occurred the battle
corps during the subsequent dlays of the battle; General of Resaca. General Williams' division held the extreme
T. II; Ruiigcr comimandimig the divisionii, and Genieral left of the Uiiion line, whliicli Hood, with his reinforced
Slocum the right wing of the army. The corps reached corps, was ordered to attack. The assaults began early
the viciiiity of (;ettvsburg before dark, but the operations ini thIe afternoon, and were repeated until nearly twiof the dlay were over. On the following morning, it took i light. In the final attack, Hood's columns were driven




170

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICIIGAN.

back with great discomfiture, leaving their dead and
many wounded in our hands. Besides prisoners from
two divisions, one entire regiment (3Sth Alabama), with
its colors and Colonel, was captured. Williams' division
lost four hundred and seventeen officers and men, killed
and wounded. The division crossed the Connasauga
and Coosawattee the following day. After three (days'
lIpursit over a very rough country, they occupied Cassville, the enemy having fallen back to Allatoona Pass.
May 23, under General Sherman's order, the army
moved forward to Allatoona, with twelve (lays' supplies,
and compelled the enemy to evacuate the place three
days afterwards. But General Johnston had taken up
a strong position directly across Sherman's line of advance,-his center ( Hood's corps) being at New Hope
Church. Geary's and Williamns' divisioiis had crossed,
in the morning, Pumpkin-vine Creek, taking diverging
routes. Williams bad nearly reached )Dallas, when lie
was recalled, with information that Geary had been
seriously attacked. A hurried march of six or seven
miles brought him to Geary's position, in thick woods,
two or three miles in front of New Hlope Church.
Williams was ordered( to lead the assault on the enemy's
intrenched line alo-ng the ridlge. The urgency of orders
hardly gave time for the exhausted men to recover
breath. The (division was formed in three lines of
brigade front, and, taking the quick-step, (Irove in the
enemy's outposts without halt; but, in ascending tlhe
open slope of the ridge, the whole division came under
a tremendous fire of nmusketry and artillery. The leading briga(le ywas terribly cut up, and the cross-fire of
canister swept through the entire column.   Nearly
eight hundred officers and mien were killed or wounded,
among them seven field-officers.  A terrific storm of
lightning, thunder, and rain, coming on almost at the
instant of the attack, caused a temporary lull in the
battle, and somewhat sheltered the division, which obstinately held its ground near the enemy's intrenchments
until relieved by other troops about mid(night. Following this assault was nearly a month of daily skirmishes
and severe combats, attcn(led with much loss of life and
limb. July 22, Williams, in lead of the right winvig,
while pressing the enemy's left towards Marietta, encountered a strongly intrenched line of pickets occupying the edge of thick woods, with broad, open grounds
in front. I'lacing his two batteries on an irregular ridge,
from which he had dislodged the enemy, and which
overlooked this openi ground, he imassed his three brigades, under cover, just in the rear of his guns,- throwing forward a strong line of skirmishers. lood's corps,
which had moved out of the intrenched lines to observe
the movements of the Uiiion arimy, came in sight of
these seemingly unsupported guns.  The bait was too
tempting for Ilood's resistance, and lie ordered Stevelnson's and IHindman's divisions to capture the guns.

Before they were half across the open fields, Williams'
brigade was deployed in line of battle wvith the batteries, and infantry aind artillery opened with fearful
volleys upon the unsheltered masses of the attacking
columns. The enemy's forces were broken into a disorganizedl mob. They repeated the attacks, but every
time with great loss and signal failure. This engagemeit is known as the battle of Culp's F1arm. July 3,
the enemy suddenly fell back rapidly through M1arietta,
to previously prepared entrenchments, near Smyrna
camp grounds, six miles distant. General Williams pursued closely with his division, driving the einemy to his
last stand, north of the Chattahoochee. For two weeks
the hostile armies confronted one another across the narrow channel of the river. On the I8th of July, Williams'
division, wvith the rest of the Twentieth Corps, broke
camp and crossed the Chattahoochee, at Price's Ferry,
above the railroad bridge. The indications of an attack
were slight, but the eniemy's outpost kept up a rattling fire.
Taking a section of artillery and a strong reinforcement to
his slkirmish line, General \W\illiams was in the act of moving up to destroy the outpost, when he heard, to the
far left, the ipeculiar sound of infanitry volleys. As it
rapi(lly alpproached, it swelled in volume and intensity,
like the gathering of a tornado. There wvas no umistaking the cause. Geiieral Hood, who, it had just been
announced, had superseded General Joe Johnston, was
putting in practice his new tactics, by a geiineral assault
along our exposedv froit.  Without going into a detail
of the movements of this battle, it is sutficient to say
that the attacks, which were kept up with fresh troops
until twilight, were repulsed at all points. The enemy
left several hundred (lead and imaiiy wounded on the
field. Williams' division captured prisoners froni two
different corps of the enemy, but its loss was severe,-five
hundred and eighty officers and nmen killed and wounded,
among them eight field-officers, two of the division staff.
July 28, General Ilooker was relieved, at his own request, of command of the Twentieth Corps, and General
Williams was placed in command by order of General
Thomas.    On the 2Sth of August, General Williams
was relieved by Major-General 11. WV. Slocum, who had
been appoinited, by the President, permanent commander
of the corps. General W\illiams returned to his division.
Before daylight of September 2, the whole corps was
aroused by what seemed the noise of a great battle near
Atlaniita. Williams' division, which lay on the Atlanta
side of the Chattahtoochee, was soon under arms, and
hurried forward in the direction of these sounds. They
soon found that Atlanta had been abandoned: the workshops, magazines, and ordinance-trains blown up, and
that Ilood's ariny was in ralpid retreat. The Twenitieth
Corps at once took possession of Atlanta, and occupied
it for more than t\\o months.    Early in November,
General Sherman returned to Atlanta, front his pur.suit




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

171

of Iood, and quickly organized his forces for the
" March to the Sea."  General Slocum was put in command of the left wing, composed of the Fourteenth and
Twentieth corps; Williams being in command of the
latter. The corps entered Milledgeville on the afternoon of the 22d, having marched, without opposition,
through Social Circle and Madison, tearing up the rail.
roads, and burning bridges on the Oconee. On the 24th,
the whole army moved again, Williams' corps taking
the direct road to Sandersville. From Sandersville, two
divisions marched to Tennille Station, on the Georgia
Central Railroad, to destroy that road eastward; the
third division took the direct road to  )avisboro and
Louisville.  They re-united at the latter place, after
the total destruction of the railroad, and the bridge
over the Ogeechee.   This campaign was a sort of
military picnic.  Supplies of all kinds, especially of
beef, fowls, sweet-potatoes, honey, and peanuts, were
found in large quantities. The average daily marches
were about fifteen miles; the roads, for the most part,
were good, and the weather generally delightful. The
enemy's cavalry kept just near enough to give tlhe
foraging parties an occasional brush, and kept up a
kind of fox-chase excitement in the main column.
Oil the 9th of December, Williams' corps reached the
vicinity of the outer works of Savannah, having struck
the river road some miles above, and encountered
some small earth-works and barricaded approaches.
Reconnoissance showed that along the whlole front of the
corps a broad lake had been formed by overflowing old
rice plantations. This artificial pond was crossed by two
narrow causeways commanded by many earth-works with
heavy guns.  The two weeks around Savannah were
busily occupied by Williams' corps, in preparing gabions, fascines, and portal)le bridges for an intended
assault on the defenses of the city. On the night of
December 20, our posts on Argyle Island and the mainland heard sounds which indicated the withdrawal of
the enemy from the city; and, near morning, General H.
A. Barnum, one of Geary's brigade commanders, reported that the nearest intrenched post was abandoned.
Orders were issued that Geary's division move immediately in reconnoissance. It entered the city without opposition, finding all the large guns in position,
and much other material of war abandoned by the
enemy in his sudden flight across the river. Williams'
corps, being the first to enter, was placed in possession
of the city; Geary's division was made the provost
guard, and the commander was appointed Military Governor. Early in January, one (Ward's) division of Williams' corps crossed the river by ferrying,-the first
movement of the campaign of the Carolinas. About
the middle of the month, the first (Jackson's) division
crossed on a pontoon bridge to llutchinson's Island and
the main shore; and then by the rice-field dykes, carefully

corduroyed to the causeway road. General Williams transferred his head-quarters to the north shore, but an extraordinary and sudden freshet covered all the low ground,
even to the top of the dykes, cutting off the transit of
the Third (then Geary's) Division, and the main trains.
Williams moved forward with his two divisions, over, for
the most part, an overflowed road, to lHardeeville, Perrysburg and Robertsville, when he met the first opposition.
After some delay, Williams received an order to move
up and join the right wing; and, after floundering
through a quagmire for an hour or more, found General
-Sherman's camp about midnight.   General Williams,
with the whole army, marched the next morning, tearing up the Charleston and Augusta Railroad, from Graham Station west for fifty miles; and burning immense
piles of Confederate Government cotton. On the 16th,
the several corps, marching on different routes, reached
the south side of the Saluda, opposite Columbia, almost
simultaneously.  Williams' corps, crossing the Saluda
and Broad rivers, above Columbia, did not enter that
city, but marched directly to Winnsboro. The campaign,
from this on to Goldsboro, was in strong contrast to the
" march to the sea;" rain fell so continuously that every
creek became a broad river, and was so bottomless that,
for days, every foot of the way was corduroyed for the passage of the trains and artillery. The first infantry opposition with which Williams' corps met was at Chesterfield in advance of the Pedee River. The Confederates
had eparpared the bridges over Thompson's Creek with
combustibles for rapid burning, and occupied the town.
Without halt, the vanguard of two regiments was deployed as skirmishers, and they drove the enemy so
quickly out of the town that the bridges were saved but
slightly injured. All the army concentrated at Fayetteville, North Carolina, March I; and, after blowing up
the arsenal and other Confederate buildings, crossed the
Cape Fear River; each corps then taking a different route
for Goldsboro. Williams' corps moved up the Cape Fear
River, and soon encountered the enemy, who sullenly
gave back to an intrenched line extending from the Cape
Fear to Black Creek, near Averysboro. The first line was
assaulted on the morning of March 16, by two divisions
of Williams' corps, and put to sudden flight. Their
guns and a large part of Rhetts' brigade, fresh from the
defense of Charleston, were captured; one hundred and
seventy-eiglht dead and many wounded were left on the
field; and a large Inumber of prisoners taken, among
whom was Rhett himself. " The glory of South Carolina's
proud corps was badly shorn."  General Williams lost,
in this light, about eighty killed and nearly five hundred
wounded. The enemy, abandoning his second line, fell
back on the road towards Smithfield, leaving, it was
supposed, an uninterrupted course to Goldsboro. About
noon of March I8, General Williams halted the head of
his column at a cross-road, under orders to send his




r72

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

division trains and ambulances down that road and while at home on leave, he received his honorable discover the rear with his whole command. The Four- charge from military service. In the summer of 1866,
teenth Corps was leading, and had proceeded towards he was apppointed, by President Johnson, one of the
Bentonville. Artillery firing, occasionally heard in the Commissioners to examine the military claims of Mismorning, increased so much in rapidity and volume as souri. In the autumn of that year, he was appointed
to excite General Williams' suspicion that something  Minister resident to Salvador, Central America. HIe
more than cavalry was opposing the Fourteenth Corps. went to that Republic in December, and resided there,
He moved up the road towards the sounds, and met a traveling much through the other States of Central
staff officer coming in hot haste for reinforcements. America, until December, 1869. Returning home, upon
His division was urged forward over the very muddy being relieved by his successor, General Torbert, he
road, and reached some open fields just in time to meet became interested in the mines of Colorado and Utah,
the enemy emerging from the woods in which they had where, atdifferent times, he spent some months. Genfallen, in greatly superior force, upon Carlin's division eral Williams was elected to Congress from  the First
of the Fourteenth Corps, and put it to rout. With the District of Michigan, in 1874, by a majority of more
fire of artillery opportunely posted upon an elevation in than seventeen hundred over Hon. Moses W. Field;
the center, and a converging infantry fire, the Confed- and, again, in 1876, by a majority of above two thouerates were quickly repulsed; though several new    sand over Colonel Henry M. Duffield. In the present
attempts were made, they grew weaker and weaker Congress he is Chairman of the Committee on the Disuntil about twilight, when the fight was given up. It trict of Columbia. lie has been twice married,--first,
was sulbsequently ascertained that the old opponent, in January, 1838, to Jane Larned, daughter of General
General Joe Johnston, had been placed in command of Charles Larned, of Detroit. By this marriage, there are
an army, made up of the remnants of Ilood's army, the surviving two daughters and one son. HIe married a
garrisons of Augusta, Savannah, Charleston, and Wil- second time, in September, 1873, Martha C. Tillman,
mington, and all the scattered detaclhments of the nee Conant, widow of James W. Tillman, of Detroit.

South,--numl)reing ibetween forty and fifty thousand
men. This attempt to crush1 the left wing of Sherman's
army, when isolated and reduced to four divisions, was
a signal failure. General Johnston acknowledges a loss
of two thousand three hundred and forty-three men.
This was the last battle of the T'wentieth Corps.
On the 24th of March, they reached Goldsboro.
Ilere the left winlg was reorganized into the "IArmy of
Georgia," and General Slocum was made comnmander.
This left a vacancy in the permanent commandership of
the Twentieth Corps, which was filled by the appointment, by the President, of Major-General I. A. Mower,
a very gallant officer, who, notwithstanding his superior
ranlk, had hitherto commanded only a division. General Williams was merely a brevet Major-General, made
so at Savannah. The brigade officers of his ol(l division
waitedl upon General Williams, in person, soliciting him
to resume his for:mer command, which he cheerfully did.
March northward was resumed April Io; and, on the
12th, the first tidings were received of the surrender of
Lee's -army. On the IIth of May the corps marched
through Richmond; on the 19th, went into camp, near
Alexandria; and, on the morning of the 24th, passed,
with all of Sherman's armly,, inl granil review 1before the
President. General Williamns, subsequently, was sent ini
command of a division of Western troops, to Louisville,
Kentucky. By the middle of July the troops were all
mustered out, aiind General Williams was sent home.
Hie there received orders to report to General Sherman
at St. Louis, Missouri, and was by him sent to coinuiand
a military district in Arkansas. In January, 1866,;C,\ABAD'E, GREGOIRE, Farmer and Landed ProIl    prietor, of Kalanmazoo, was lborn in Sanldwich,
 Ontario, Canada, in the year 1813. Hlis father,
Louis Labadlie, was born in Sandwich, Ontario, Canada,
September 17, 1788. His mother, Victoire Bertlealume,
was blorn in the year 1795 in the same place, and is still
living.  Ilis grandlfather, Antoine Descompt Labadic,
was born in France, and enmigrated to Canada about the
year 1750, withi his famnily, including his father and
imother, brothler and sisters. They decided to make the
neighbiorhood of Detroit, Michigan, their future hoine;
and, settling there permanently, lived and (lied in the
immediate neighborhood of the ibeautiful Detroit River.
At the time of his settlement, Antoine Iabadie coomienced farmling in the vicinity of Detroit, and pursued
that vocation with his father until he married Miss
Angelique Compeau, daughter of Nicholas Compeau,
in 1759. Ile then moved across the river, and established himself in the parish of L'Assumlption, Essex
County, Ontario, still carrying on farming and milling,
on the -property now occupied and owned by 'Mr. Iliram
Walker, distiller. At the same time, he conducted a
horse grist-mill in the old wind-mill, which was a
well-known landmark of the Labadie estate up to the
year 1874. lie was also largely engaged in trading with
the Indians, dealing extensively in furs and other con-.




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

173

modities. About this period, his first wife died, leaving
seven children. Having been successful in trading with
the Indians, and particularly kind in his treatment of
them, he married a daughter of the chief of the Sioux
tribe.- The issue of this marriage was seventeen children, who followed their father's occupation, and located
in the same place. In the year -, he married Miss
Charlotte Barthe, daughter of Doctor Barthe, formerly
surgeon in the French army; they had nine children.
He lived happily on his farm up to the time of his
death, which occurred in the year 1806. HIis widow
outlived him fi-fty years, continuing the business with
the exception of the old wind-mill, which was sold to
Mr. Lapaline, according to the terms of the will. After
the death of Antoine Descompt Labadie, the greater
portion of his family settled in Michigan, many of them
in Detroit, where they have since resided, pursuing the
same callings in life, and being identified with the
growth of that beautiful city. Miss Cecile Labadie,
the oldest daughter of Antoine Descompt Labadie, was
married to Augustin Lagrave in 1803; and, about that
time, built a very substantial hotel, which is still a
prominent landmark in the village of Walkerville,
Essex, Ontario. During the War of 1812, Mrs. Lagrave
displayed great courage. Being left alone with her
young children, the English army having compelled all
the male inhabitants to join the service and follow them
in their retreat to Chatham, and seeing the American
forces approach from  Detroit and land opposite her
house, she met them on the bank of the river with a
flag of truce, and demanded protection of the General in
command, which he very willingly granted. Mrs. Lagrave's children, at an early age, emigrated to Michigan;
some of them resided in Detroit for a number of years,
and many of her grandchildren became identified with
that State. Her oldest son, Anthony Lagrave, stands
among the leading men of St. Louis, Missouri, and the
other members of her family are settled in California
and different parts of the United States. Dr. Nicholas
D. Labadie, the youngest and latest survivor of the
thirty-three children of Antoine Labadie, emigrated to
Texas, joined the American army as Surgeon in the
Mexican War, and died in Galveston in 1866. He be
He was greatly beloved by all who had the happiness
of his acquaintance. Lewis Labadie, the oldest son of
Charlotte Barthe and Antoine D. Labadie, remained in
the old homestead with his mother, and married Victoire
Bertheaume. They had eleven children. Three of their
sons were the earliest settlers in Yuba County, California,
and are, at the present time, very successful in farming
and milling. The eldest son, the subject of this sketch,
emigrated to Kalamazoo, Michigan, with his uncle,
Thomas C. Sheldon, of Detroit, in 1837. They were
among the earliest settlers of the town, and cleared a
considerable portion of the present site of the city.
They continue to this day identified with its growth.
C. F. Labadie remained in the homestead, and still
owns a portion of the old estate.  In 1844 he was
appointed, by William G. Hall, Deputy Inspector and
Collector of Inland Revenues, and retained the position until 1846, filling it with great satisfaction to the
Canadian Government. In 1845 he married Miss Susan
Janisse, daughter of Cyrille Janisse, one of the earliest
settlers on the Detroit River. Since the age of fifteen,
he has been occupied in mercantile pursuits and farming. lie is the father of C. L. Labadie, of the wellknown firm of Labadie & Parent, in the clothing business in Windsor; and still resides in the immediate
neighborhood of the old settlers, on the Detroit River.
In 1837-38 C. F. Labadie took an active part in the
defense of this frontier against the rebels, as private in
Colonel Prince's battalion, and was promoted, for valorous conduct, to the rank of Captain; he holds that
commission at the present day. Hie also occupied, for
a period of four years, a very prominent office under the
Government as Collector of Inland Revenue for Essex
and Kent, Windsor District, and on his retirement was
handsomely rewarded. He is now following his old
occupation of farming. Gregoire Labadie, the subject
of this sketch, was educated in Essex County, Ontario,
Canada, and resides in Kalamazoo, where he is engaged
in farming.  In 1836 he married Miss Bennette, of
Montreal, Lower Canada. They have had twelve children.  In his religious belief, he has always been a
Catholic, as are all the members of the Labadie family.
In business, he has always been a man of the strictest

came widely known for his extended charities among integrity, having a high sense of honor. He is of a
the poor. In periods of epidemics, his services and generous nature, kind, benevolent, and ever willing to
medicine were given to those in want without charge. lend a helping hand to a friend.










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SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

DAMS, CHARLES KENDALL, University of
SMichigan, Ann Arbor, was born at Derby, VerSmont, January 24, 1835. His parents, Charles
and Susan M. Adams, moved to that State from Eastern
Massachusetts, a short time before his birth. His early
education was obtained in the common schools and the
academy at Derby.    Having a special fondness for
mathematics, he acquired considerable proficiency as a
surveyor. In 1855 he left his native State and went to
Iowa. After a year of preparatory study at the Denmark Academy, in that State, he entered the University
of Michigan, as a classical student, in the autumn of
1857.  In 1861 he received the degree of A. B., but
remained at the University during the following year,
pursuing a post-graduate course in history. In June,
1862, Professor A. D. White, who then filled the chair
of History at the University, obtained leave of absence
for European travel; and Mr. Adams was appointed
instructor in history, with roll-charge of the classes in
that branch of study. In the following year, he was
appointed assistant Professor of History and Latin,
holding that position until Professor White resigned, to
assume the Presidency of Cornell University, in June,
1867. Mr. Adams was then appointed to the Professorship in History, which he has since filled. On accepting the professorship, he obtained leave of absence for
one year of study and travel in Europe. After visiting
the principal universities in Germany, Italy, and France,
he returned to assume the duties of his chair, in the
autumn of 1868, bringing to his work the results of
large observation of European methods of instruction
in history. His lectures at the University have been
largely attended; and his methods of conducting the
studies of young men, especially in the constitutional
histories of England and America, have awakened an
unusual interest in these branches at the University.
23

IHe has been a frequent contributor to the North Ametican AReview', and other literary journals.  In 1874 he
published Democracy and A/onarchy in France, 8vo, a
work which was received with great favor by the scholars
of Europe and America; it went at once into a second
edition, and soon after appeared in a German translation, in Europe. Ile has devoted much time to the study
of the organization and work of colleges and universities, and has furnished, to leading reviews, valuable
articles on that subject. In August, 1863, he married
Mrs. A. D. Mudge.
SNGELL, JAMES B., Ann Arbor, President of
the University of Michigan, is a native of Rhode,;   Island. Hle was born in the town of Scituate,
on the 7th of January, 1829. Hie entered Brown University, as a Freshman, in September, 1845; from which,
in 1849, he was graduated with the highest honors of
his class. The period of his residence in college is still,
in the college traditions, remembered as distinguished
for the number of its accomplished scholars; and among
these, by testimony alike of officers and students, President Angell was first. An aptitude for all subjects of
knowledge characterized his collegiate course; prominent as a classical scholar, he showed equal facility in
mastering sciences; that firm enthusiasm for literary
studies, that comprehensive, accurate and philosophical historical spirit which he has since developed so
richly, were then awakened. It would, perhaps, have
been difficult to predict, at the close of his college
course, in which department of scholarly pursuits he
would be most successful. It was during his collegiate
studies, under the influence of President Wayland's




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A " RIC.

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

masculine and deep though simple Christian faith,
that he became a Christian; attaching himself, after a
long and thoughtful examination of denominational peculiarities and claims, to the Congregational Church.
During the last year of his course, he formed the purpose of entering the Christian ministry,-a purpose
slowly formed and reluctantly abandoned under the
pressure of opposing circumstances.  For two years
after graduating, he was engaged in teaching, and at
the same time, in studies privately pursued according to
his own tastes. In 1851 he went to Europe, where he
spent the next two years in study and travel. From his
foreign residence, he was recalled to take the chair of
Modern Languages and Literature in Brown University.
This position he filled with the most gratifying success
till 186o, and developed the highest qualities as a teacher
during its administration. Hlis own ripe culture in this
department; his admirable taste; his enthusiastic, stimulating mind; his hearty convictions, combined with
attractive methods of tuition,-made him one of the most
successful professors in a university which has not been
wanting in some of our most influential educators.
Blended, however, with the.-e decided literary tastes,
was a stirring and manly interest in active affairs. No
man feels a more keen and healthy sympathy with the
great human world outside the cloister. During the
last two years of his professorship, he had written many
of the leading articles in the Providence rournal, a newspaper which has always been marked for the high order
of its editorial ability. In I860 the chair of the professor was resigned for the chair of the editor. Hlon.
Henry B. Anthony, having been elected United States
Senator, offered to Mr. Angell the entire editorial care
of his newspaper. This position he accepted, and held
for six years. iHe conducted the jonwtal during the
period of the civil war. It was among the most uncompromisingly loyal; it never faltered in its support
of the Government, and was never despondent. In the
darkest hours of the struggle, the well-known buoyancy
and manly courage of its acting editor found daily expression in his editorials, some of which were circulated
as campaign documents during the critical periods of
the conflict. When, however, in 1866, the Presidency
of the University of Vermont was offered him, the earlier
and stronger love for academic life prevailed; he resigned the editorial position, and, in August, 1866, was
inaugurated President of the University of Vermont. It
is in itself a marked tribute to his abilities, that, at the
age of thirty-seven, he should have been called to preside over this university, to succeed the men who have
adorned its presidential chair. It is a good illustration
of the remarkable readiness with which Professor Angell
commands his resources, that, at the shortest possible
notice, he prepared an inaugural address which is remem
for its classic finish, but for the grasp it showed of the
educational problem with which he was called to deal.
He assumed the duties of his new office at a time when
the fortunes of the college were at a low ebb, and its
future seemed somewhat overcast; but he gave himself
to these duties with so much organizing and executive
ability, with so clear and accurate a perception of the
true idea of collegiate education; he brought to his
chair so much of the finest culture, so much attractiveness and power in personal character, so fine gifts as
an instructor, as to render the future of the college
decidedly hopeful. While in the State of Vermont, few
citizens were more widely and favorably known; his
native State had not forgotten him; his Alma Mater
gave him her highest degree, that of LL. D., in 1868;
and selected him for the annual oration before its alumni
at the commencement in 1869. In 1871 he resigned
his position in Vermont to enter upon the more arduous
duties of President of the University of Michigan. The
institution with which he now    became connected,
although in the enjoyment of exuberant prosperity, was
in a condition to call for the immediate exercise of all
his administrative skill. Upon the grounds were more
than a thousand young men as students; all the departments in the University had just been opened to the
admission of women; and the Legislature of the State
had but recently made generous provisions for the erection of new buildings. The cares growing out of these
unusual responsibilities, however, did not prevent the
new President from making his influence felt, not only
in all parts of the University itself, but also in the relations of the institution to the State at large. His addresses on literary and educational topics in different
portions of Michigan; his generous and elegant hospitality to all alumni and friends of the University; his
earnest Christian sympathy, as shown in his baccalaureate discourses, as well as his less formal religious
addresses to students; his success in bending the high
schools of the State into the most friendly relations with
the University; his happy methods of keeping in harmony the various elements of the different faculties; his
genial firmness as a disciplinarian, together with his
remarkable familiarity with the conditions and wants, as
well as the weaknesses, of individual students,-can not
fail to exert a powerful and permanent influence in
behalf of higher education in Michigan and throughout the North-west. The prosperity of the University
under his charge is indicated by its material growth.
The number of students enrolled, in 1878, is twelve hundred and thirty. The general library, the chemical
laboratory, the various museums, and the astronomical
observatory, have all been greatly enlarged. The number of elective students in the literary department has
been multiplied. The courses in the departments of

bered, by all who heard it, as most felicitous, not only Imedicine have been extended from six to nine months.




-'i ",.  /

REIRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

A school of mines, a department of homeopathic medicine, a department of dentistry, and a commodious
State hospital in connection with the schools of medicine,-have been added.
12ABBITT, JOHN WINTIIROP, M. I., of Ypsilanti, was born July 18, 1802, at Danville,
Caledonia County, Vermont. lie is the fourth
in descent from John Babet, (pronounced Bar-bay) a
native of France, who founded the family in America,
the orthography of the name having been gradually
changed, until now, with few exceptions, it agrees with
that given above. His family are remarkable for their
longevity, almost all exceeding the traditional threescore and ten. His father, Uri Babbitt, had an extensive practice, as a physician, among the wilds of the
Green Mountains, and was a man of great physical
endurance, enjoying uninterrupted health almost to the
time of his death, at the age of eighty. His mother,
Lydia (Hlarris) Babbitt, was also of a long-lived race,
and lived to the age of eighty. Mr. Babbitt's favorite
studies at school were history and astronomy. On his
twenty-first birthday, he chose the medical profession,
and entered upon its study at once, with his father.
lie was graduated from the medical department of the
University of Vermont in December, 1826, and immediately commenced practicing in the vicinity of his native
place. He soon decided to try his fortune farther west;
and, after a journey of nearly one thousand miles, with
horse and sulky, he found himself at the little village of
Bethel, New York, literally in the hands of the Philistines, or the anti-Masons, as they were called. He had
previously taken three degrees in Masonry; but, carefully suppressing this fact, he kept his own counsel;
and, for nineteen years, practiced there, with varied
success.  July 16, 1834, he married Philinda Walker,
whose acquaintance he made in Ontario County. In
June, 1848, he severed his business associations of many
years' standing, and started for the beautiful little village
of Ypsilanti, on the banks of the Huron, in Michigan,
which he had previously visited and admired. Here,
for fifteen years, he devoted himself assiduously to his
profession.  In 1862 he, with his wife, made a three
months' visit to New England; and, since his return,
he has not been actively engaged in his profession.
Doctor Babbitt has been Inspector of Common Schools
for eight or ten years; for three years, Commissioner
and County Inspector; and Town Clerk for twelve
years. At the age of seventy-two, he was elected Justice of the Peace, as the candidate for the anti-Prohibitionists. Besides the Masonic Fraternity, he has been
a member of several secret societies, which always
possessed a peculiar charm for him,-the Sons of Tem
perance, Temple of Honor, and     several ephemeral
societies. He was educated to be a firm believer in the
Triune God of the Bible; and though he early lost his
religious belief, he refrained from any public expression
of his opinions, until he was sixty years old, since
which time lie has not hesitated to express his views,
which are those of a deist.  IIe was an old-line Whig
until 1854, since which time he has worked for the
I)emocratic party, although he has never been a rabid
politician. The first Democratic Presidential candidate
who received his vote was Mr. Tilden, in 1876.  Although seventy-six years of age, Doctor Babbitt.is as
hale and vigorous as the average man of fifty. H1is
faculties are unimipaired, and he bids fair to sustain the
family reputation for longevity.  His excellent wife, at
the age of sixty-eight, bears few of the marks of age.
They have three sons,-J. W. Babbitt, a rising lawyer,
Prosecuting Attorney for Washtenaw County, and Circuit Court Conmmissioner; C. W. IBab)bitt, who resides
at Red Oak, Iowa, engaged in telegraphy; and George
W. Babbitt, at present train dispatcher in the city of
Jackson, Michigan, for the Michigan Central Railroad
Company.
XAKER, VINCENT A., M. D., Adrian, Michigan, was horn in Watertown, New York, March
S3, 1832.  lis father, Freeborn Baker, removed
to De Kalb, St. Lawrence County, New York, in 1835,
where he located and cleared a farm. Doctor Baker is
the eldest in a family of seven children. From early
boyhood, he exhibited a marked passion for books. He
attended the district school, and a select school taught
by his uncle, George Fredenburg, almost constantly
during the early part of his life. He still feels deeply
grateful for the discipline so efficiently rendered him by
his preceptor.  After taking an academic course at
Evans' Mills and Watertown, New York, he engaged
in teaching for several terms. When nineteen years of
age, he turned his attention to the study of medicine,
attending college at Syracuse, New York. He graduated in the class of 1853-54, delivering the valedictory
address; and was subsequently chosen to the chair of
Theory and Practice of Medicine in the Syracuse School,
which he filled with credit. He began the practice of
medicine in Carthage, New York, in partnership with
Dr. J. W. Owen. In 1851 he married Miss Merub R.
Hill, of Watertown. In 1855, with his wife and two
small children, he started West, stopping, temporarily,
with his wife's parents, in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. Here their children died within a week of
each other; and, overwhelmed with grief, the parents
desired to return home. After lecturing in the State
for several months, in order to obtain means for im



ZVII
REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICH IGAN..
R IEPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MIICtIGAN.

mediate use, and to liquidate a debt of several hundred
dollars, Doctor Baker returned to Carthage, New York,
and resumed practice. In 1857 he purchased a onehalf interest in a drug store in Carthage, which proved
a very unsuccessful enterprise.  After a brief time, he
bought out his partner's interest; but the great financial
crisis of that year compelled him to assign his effects to
his creditors, and left him nearly four thousand dollars
in debt. His home debts were paid in full,-and all
other demands at a fair compromise,-entirely from the
proceeds of his professional practice. In the fall of
1859, he was elected to the chair of Physiology and
Physical Science in the Metropolitan Medical College,
New York City. lie delivered his first course of lectures in the fall and winter of 1859-60, attending a
special scientific course of evening lectures in order
more fully to discharge his duty to the class.  The
class in attendance were satisfied with his efforts; and
his name was found in several successive announcements for the occupancy of the chair. Returning to
his practice at the close of the lecture season, he resolved upon a change of location; and, in April, i860,
removed to Mexico, Oswego County, New York, about
fifty miles south of Carthage.  Close confinement in
New York, together with the efforts necessary to maintain his new position creditably, weakened his constitution, and he has never enjoyed so good health since.
lie practiced his profession in Oswego County six years.
lu -866 he severed his college connection, and removed
to Adrian, Michigan, where he has since continued to
reside, and where he has built up an extensive practice.
In 1872 he was elected, by the Trustees of the Eclectic
Medical College of the City of New York, to the chair
of Obstetrics and Diseases of Women and Children in
that college, which he accepted, and filled during the
session of 1872-73.  The chair of Physiology not being
filled, and Doctor Baker not having a medical practice
in the city, the trustees of the college unanimously
elected him to that position.  The duties of the combined chairs required so much time and labor that, at
the close of the term, his nervous system suffered
severely from overwork. lie was obliged, on his return
home, to relinquish his practice for a time, and seek
rest in a visit to Colorado. Not deeming it prudent to
resume his lectures in New York, he reluctantly resigned his position in the fall of 1873, commencing
anew the practice of his profession in Adrian. The
year following-May, 1874-occurred the severest blow
of his life,-the death of his father, caused by typhoid
pneumonia. lie had come to Michigan and settled on
a farm, in order to be near his children. lie was nearly
sixty-nine years of age at his death,-a man of sterling
integrity, a good counselor and friend. His example
was that of a consistent man; and he is truly mourned
by his family and friends, who realize their loss more

fully as time wears away. Doctor Baker has an extensive acquaintance in Michigan, and stands well with his. professional friends. He was active in petitioning the
Legislature for a law chartering medical societies; and
was himself elected first President of the society organized under the new charter, called the Eclectic Medical
and Surgical Society of Michigan.  lie is a zealous
worker in the new school of medicine,-a genuine
eclectic in principle and practice. lie averages sixteen
hours' labor out of the twenty-four; is strictly temperate
in his habits; a reformer in practice as well as in profession. What he has, and what he is, he ascribes to
early discipline, coupled with perseverance, habits of
economy, and that mastery over self which marks the
true man.
IATCHELDER, DON CARLOS, Ypsilanti, was
11    born in Strafford, Orange County, Vermont, on
the 13th of July, 1834. When he was six years
of age, his father removed to Troy, New York, remaining three years, when he removed to Washington County.
Mr. Batchelder attended the common schools until he
was seventeen years old, receiving an ordinary education. After leaving school, he went to Troy and entered
a store in the capacity of clerk, where he remained for
one year. At the end of this time, he went to Ypsilanti,
Michigan, becoming an apprentice to his brother, in the
marble business. lie was to remain three years; but he
made so rapid progress in two, that he was sent to Marshall to take charge of a business there, and continued
at this place until the term of his apprenticeship expired.
In the spring of 1856, he went to Janesville, Wisconsin,
and entered into partnership with a brother in the
marble business. Neither had much capital; but, by
perseverance and industry, with a thorough knowledge
of the business, they achieved great success. While
assisting in the erection of a large monument, Mr.
Batchelder was disabled for a time; and, accordingly,
sold out his share in the business, spending the next
year in travel. In i86o, he came to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and remained until the fall of 1862, when he entered the army, as Second-Lieutenant of Company F,
Michigan Cavalry. They remained at Washington from
December until March, having been engaged in no actual
battle. Owing to ill health, Mr. Batchelder was compelled to resign during the summer. He is a member
of the Presbyterian Church, and has been connected
with that religious body from his early youth. His first
vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln, and he still upholds
the principles of the Republican party. On the I th
of September, 18o7, he married Maria E. Morton, youngest daughter of Eurotas Morton, one of the oldest, most
successful, and enterprising business men of Ypsilanti.




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

Mrs. Batchelder endeared herself to all who knew her I ity, the office of President of the Public School Board,
by her kindness of heart and sweetness of disposition.
She died in September, 1876, within a few days of the
anniversary of their marriage, leaving a large circle of
friends and acquaintances to mourn her loss.   Mr.
Batchelder commenced life with only his health and
energies; by his industry and perseverance, he has
built up a large and flourishing trade in the marble and
granite business, which is second to none in the State.
lie was, for some time, connected with the late Captain
E. B. Ward, in the mining interests, having full control
of a mining business in Missouri, in the year 1871. lHe
still holds shares in the same company. Mr. Batchelder
is highly respected, being considered a very valuable
citizen of Ypsilanti.
ARNUM, ROYAL, of Adrian, late President of
the Michigan State Insurance Company, Adrian,
Michigan, was born in Potsdam, St. Lawrence
County, New York, January 2, 1817. His parents were
David and Betsey (Jones) Barnum, early settlers of New
York State. His father, a man of great natural ability,
was a farmer; he held offices of trust, both in town and
county, and his sterling sense and sound judgment were
often useful in the settlement of disputes of various
natures.  Royal Barnum  was educated in Potsdam,
where he received a thorough classical education. At
the age of twenty-five, he engaged in the insurance business; and continued in this until 1859, when he removed
to Michigan. At Adrian, in the spring of 1859, he organized the State Insurance Company.  He acted as
Secretary of the company until a few months before his
death, and was a large stockholder. From  the first
year of his residence in Adrian, Mr. Barnum took an
active part in all public affairs, often leading in church
or public enterprises, and aiding by his sound advice
and earnest enthusiasm.  He was a man to lead public
opinion; he never hesitated to differ from any other,
where he saw fair reason for such difference. He was a
man of original ideas, who never stood upon neutral
ground; but, upon all questions which claimed his attention, he had an opinion of his own, and words to express it. Whenever called upon, he had some original
suggestions to offer; and those who knew him  best
placed high value upon his advice. Mr. Barnum had
great natural and acquired business talent. The great
success of the Michigan State Insurance Company, as a
corporation, has been mainly owing to his constant and
untiring labors. When the last election of officers was
held, only a few weeks before his death, he declined the
office of Secretary, on account of ill health; and was
elected to the more honorable, but less laborious, office
of President. He filled for some time, with great abil
a position of honor and responsibility. He was also
connected with the worthy enterprise of erecting a soldiers' monument, taking an active and leading part.
On several occasions, he acted as Secretary for the association; and, at public meetings, and also through the
press, urged the propriety and the necessity of the undertaking. Personally, Mr. Barnum had many friends,perhaps, also, some enemies; but none that knew him well
could fail to admire his frank, outspoken zeal. Hie was
a man of untiring energy; his disregard of personal comfort, and his devotion to his business, drew heavily upon
the resources of a constitution never robust, and made
the work of disease comparatively easy. He was a regular attendant of the Congregational Church, to which
he contributed liberally. He was a Whig in politics,
until the formation of the Republican party. As he
sought no office or favor for himself, his influence was
powerful whenever it was exerted. IIe married, August
31, 1842, Mary Pease, of Charlotte, Vermont. He died
February 5, 1866, leaving a wife and three children to
mourn a kind husband and father.
2AXTER, BRIGADIE-NE-GENERAL              ENRY,
of Jonesville, third son of Lewis and Lois (John<  vston) Baxter, and brother of IHon. Witter Baxter, of Jonesville, Michigan, was born September 8, 1821,
at Sidney Plains, Delaware County, New York. His
paternal grandfather, Levi Baxter, Sen., was a Captain
in the Revolutionary War, until peace was declared.
His maternal grandfather, Colonel Witter Johnston, also
served during the entire struggle. In 1831 Henry Baxter went to Michigan with his father, and settled at
Tecumseh, where he remained until 1836, and then removed to White Pigeon. In 1845 or 1846, he settled
at Jonesville, where, in connection with his father, he
had an interest in a store and mill. In 1849, in company with a number of other young men, he went across
the plains to California; and was captain of this semimilitary organization during their journey.  On his
return, in 1852, he made Jonesville his home, and
engaged in milling and other business until the commencement of the civil war. In connection with Captain S. B. Vroman, of Jonesville, and others, he assisted
in raising a company, who were to choose their officers
from their own number. Ile was chosen Captain; and,
with the other officers of the company, passed the spring
of 1861 at the camp of instruction, at Fort Wayne, Detroit. The company was assigned as Company C, in the
7th Infantry; and went into camp at Monroe, under
Colonel Ira R. Grosvenor. They left for the field on
the 5th of September, 1861. The 7th Regiment was




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6

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN,

with General McClellan during the entire Peninsular
campaign, and was actively engaged during the battle
of Fair Oaks. During the campaign, Captain Baxter
was promoted to the office of Lieutenant-Colonel, and
acted in this capacity in all its memoralle battles. At
the battle of Antietam, he was wounded in the abdomen by a musket ball. Considering his case hopeless,
he remained in his saddle until exhausted, and was then
borne off the field-as he supposed-to die. The ball
had, however, passed around the vital parts, and lodged
in the hip; and, though it could not be extracted, his
excellent habits and strong constitution brought him
safely through. In Iecember, 1862, Colonel Baxter was
on duty, in command of the 7th Regiment, at the battle
of Fredericksburg. He volunteered to cross the Rappahannock and dislodge the Confederate sharp-shooters
from theit works, so that General Burnside's forces could
throw pontoons across to attack the stronghold; but he
was not permitted to lead his gallant regiment in this
daring undertaking. After embarking his men, while
standing in his boat directing their movements, he was
struck in the left shoulder by a bullet, which shattered
the bone and paralyzed him for several days. The
wound was again supposed to be fatal, and he was returned to the shore. His men, inspired by his daring
example, effected a crossing, and accomplished their
object. He was promoted to the rank of BrigadierGeneral, and, in the battle of Gettysburg, commanded
a brigade in the First Corps, under Major-General Reynolds. In that engagement, General Baxter lost every
one of his staff by wounds, capture, or death, and more
than one-half of his men. lHe was with the Army of
the Potomac during the entire time it was commanded
by General Meade; and was severely wounded in the
leg, above the knee, the second day of the battle of the I
Wilderness. The same ball killed his horse, and the (
second horse was killed under him in the engagement.
He was, during a month, for the third time unable to
assume command. After his recovery, he was with the t
Fifth Corps in all the battles preceding the fall of Rich- 1
mond. After the surrender of Lee and Johnston, he I
was put in command of a brigade in the Provisional i
Corps. For his brilliant services, the Government pre- t
sented him with a valuable sword, and promoted him to t
the rank of brevet Major-General,-an honor worthily a
bestowed and honorably earned. On leaving the serv- t
ice, he returned to Jonesville, and served two years f
as Register of Deeds. In 1869 President Grant ap- f
pointed him United States Minister resident at Hondu- i
ras. Here he remained until the consolidation of the 'I
Central American Republic under one head dispensed C
with the necessity of the office. On his return, in 1872, f
he engaged in the lumber business. A cold developed t
into a severe attack of pneumonia; and, after a very t
short illness, he died, December 30, 1873. lIe became c

a member of the Presbyterian Church, and died peacefully in the assurance of Christian faith. General Baxter's religious experience was clear and marked, from
the first. From a loving and sainted mother, he received godly training; and her example, with its silent
but mighty and ever working force, was a constant voice
urging to Christian life. In 1866 he commenced his
religious life,-entering upon it with the same wholehearted spirit that characterized all his acts. There was
no halting, half-way work; he had no wish ever to leave
the Master's service; all Christian duties were promptly
performed. While in Central America, where his family
were deprived of the privileges of public worship, he
conducted household worship. So he lived everywhere;
ever seeking to know and serve the Master he loved.
Mr. Paxter married, May 4, 1854, Elvira E. George,
eldest daughter of Austin George, Esq., an old resident
of Hi:lsdale County. He leaves four children,-three
daughters, and a son, now a Lieutenant in the Salvador
army, Central America. The local papers, in mentioning General Baxter's death, said: " He was one of the
best of men; social, unassuming, honest, and generous
to a fault.  Not m-any who have passed through so
many of the varied scenes of life have had so few
enemies, or been so universally beloved, as Henry
Baxter."
--- >- --
S )AXTER, IION. LEVI, Jonesville, Michigan, was
[lborn at East Windsor, Connecticut, on the 5th
of October, 1788; and was the son of Levi
Baxter, a Captain in the Revolutionary army. While a
boy, he removed, with his father, to Delhi, Ielaware
County, New York, remaining until he was fifteen years
of age..The family then removed to Sidney Plains,
Delaware County, on the Susquehanna River, at which
point Mr. Baxter first entered upon the active duties of
ife, engaging in farming, lumbering, and mercantile
)usiness. In 1831 he removed to the Territory of Michgan, settling in Tecumseh, where he faced the privaions and dangers of border life. He built, at this place,
he first mills of any size west of Monroe,-long known
is the "Red Mills."   These mills supplied a vast,
hough sparsely settled, region with its only grinding
acilities; and the oldest inhabitants tell of going twenty,
orty, and even fifty miles to have their grain converted
nto flour.  During the period of his residence in
"ecumseh, he was appointed, by General Cass, then
xovernor of the Territory, as Chief-Justice of the Court
or the county of Lenawee. From this office, he obained the title of Judge, which was afterwards attached
o his name. In 1834, in connection with Cook Sisson,
>f Lenawee County, he built a mill at lonesville, which




E~-~1: IZ;

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

was the first one erected west of Tecumseh. In 1836,
Mr. Baxter removed to White Pigeon, where he built
extensive mills. In 1840, in conjunction with IH. L.
Hewitt, he made large additions to his mills at Jonesville, during the progress of which he had one of his
limbs broken and crushed by the fall of a heavy piece
of timber. lie never fully recovered from the effects of
these injuries. In 1848, he removed to Jonesville, and
made that a permanent place of residence. Mr. Baxter
was prominently connected with the Whig party until
the year 1848, when he enlisted in the Free-soil movement. He was nominated for Senator to represent his
district, which then comprised the counties of Monroe,
Lenawee, IIillsdale, and Branch. The Whigs acquiesced
in his nomination, and he was thereby elected over
Salmon Sharp, the Democratic candidate. While in the
Legislature, he signalized himself as an able debater
and parliamentarian, and was one of the leaders of that
body. To his efforts, made in the face of the strongest
opposition, Jonesville is indebted for her present position as one of the principal business points in that portion of the State. The question of the continuance of
the Michigan Southern Railroad west of Hlillsdale,
where it terminated for several years, came up before
the Legislature; and, by 1\r. Baxter's efforts, Jonesville
was made a point to be touched in the route. When
twenty years of age, he united with the Presbyterian
Church, with which he was always identified, and in
which he acted as elder. In 1814, he married Miss
Lois Johnston, daughter of Colonel Witter Johnston, of
the Revolutionary army. They had ten children, five
of' whom are living. Her death occurred in 1834. In
1835, he married Miss Elizabeth M. Orton, of Albany,
New York, by whom     he had seven children, six of
whom survive. Two sons-lIon. Witter J., and lion.
Benjamin L. Baxter-are prominently known in Michigan State affairs. Mr. Baxter's death occurred at his
residence in Jonesville, in 1862, at the age of seventyfour years. Ile was a man of large discernment and
excellent judgment; decided in his opinions, and resolute in the execution of his plans. His energies, both
physical and mental, rendered him a man of much
social, political, and industrial influence, wherever he
resided..AXTER, HON. WITTER J., M. A., Lawyer,
SBanker, and State Senator, Jonesville, was born at
Sidney Plains, Delaware County, New York, June
i8, 1816, and is the son of Levi and Ilois (Johnston)
Baxter.  His great-grandfather, Levi Baxter, served
during the entire Revolutionary War, entering the army
as a private and attaining the rank of Captain. His
maternal great-grandfather, Rev. William Johnston, a

native of Ireland, settled in Sidney Plains, New York,
in 1772; and died at Cobleskill, New York, soon after
the close of the Revolutionary War. His maternal
grandfather was born in Ireland, and when a boy sixteen years of age, removed with his father, Rev. William
Johnston, to Sidney Plains. HIe served during the whole
time of the Revolutionary War, in which he received
the rank of Colonel. They were the first settlers in
the valley of the Susquehanna. In 1831 Mr. Baxter
removed with   his father to Tecumseh, Michigan,
remaining until 1836, at the end of which time they
removed to White Pigeon, and remained until 1848,
when they removed to Jonesville. Hie received his
education in the common schools of Sidney Plains, New
York, and Tecumseh, Michigan; and at the branches of
the Michigan University, in Tecumseh, White Pigeon,
and DIetroit. His education is nearly, if not quite,
equal to that secured by an ordinary college course, the
honorary degree of A. M. having been conferred upon
him by the Michigan University. In 1836 he began
teaching school, being afterwards engaged in the several
branches of the Michigan University, at different times,
and also at Ontario, Indiana, where he taught for one
year.  In 1841, while teaching in Detroit, he commenced reading law, in the office of Barstow & Lockwood, and continued his legal studies with Zephaniah
Platt, then Attorney-General of the State.   Being
admitted to the bar in 1844, he formed a partnership
with Andrew Harvie, of Detroit, with whom he remained until 1848.  He then removed to Jonesville,
entering into business with William W. Murphy, which
was continued until 1874, when the partnership was
dissolved, and Mr. Baxter practiced his profession alone.
During his residence in Detroit, he was an active member
of the Young Men's Society, holding the offices of
Director and President. He has been a member of the
banking firm of Grosvenor & Co., of Jonesville, since
its organization. Mr. Baxter has been a member of the
School Board for twenty-six years. He has been Supervisor for two years, and President of the Board of
Supervisors for one year.  He was appointed a member of the State Board of Education, by Governor
Bingham, and has since been re-elected for four successive terms, of six years each. During the period of
his residence in Jonesville, he has been a member of the
Executive Board of the State Agricultural Society, of
which he was President for one term. lHe is an active
member of the societies of Odd-Fellows and Free
Masons. For a number of years he was Grand Secretary
and Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of OddFellows; and Grand Scribe, Grand High Priest, and
Grand Patriarch of the Grand Encampment. In Masonry, he has advanced to the degree of' Knight Templar.  lie has always taken a lively interest in the
County Pioneer Society, and in the State   Pioneer




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8

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

Association, having been a member of each since it
organization; he is President of each at the presen
time. Mr. Baxter has been connected with the Pres
byterian Church since he was fifteen years of age; and
during a greater portion of the time, has been Superin
tendent of a Sabbath-school.  He was a Whig unti
the organization of the Republican party, when h(
became identified with the interests of that politica
body.   He married, at Jonesville, Michigan, on th(
28th of July, 1852, Miss Alice Beaumont, daughter of
Dr. A. L. Beaumont, formerly of Lyons, New York
and granddaughter of Myron Holly, well known through
out the State of New York as an early and strong
antislavery man.   She   died at Jonesville, on the
2d of April, 1872, leaving three children,-a daughter
and two sons. The former spent several years at school
in Germany, and is a graduate of the Detroit Female
Seminary. The elder son is a graduate of the Detroit
Commercial College. In 1876 Mr. Baxter was elected a
member of the State Senate, to serve for two years,
from January I, 1877..  ENNETT, JOSEPH R., Adrian, United States
Marshal for the Eastern District of Michigan,
was born in Shelby, Orleans County, New York,
May 18, 1819. His parents removed to Alabama, Genesee County, New York, in 1825, where he received a
common-school education. When fifteen years of age,
he removed with his parents to Lenawee County, Michigan, where his father built the second house in Rollin
Township. Mr. Bennett worked on his father's farm
until he was twenty-one years old, when he settled upon
a farm which he purchased in the southern part of the
township. After cultivating his land for two years, he
removed to Adrian, having been appointed Deputy
Sheriff, which position he held two years. In 1845 he
was elected Constable. In 1848 he was nominated for
Sheriff on the Whig ticket, but suffered a party defeat;
in 1850 he was elected to that office, and was re-elected
in 1852 on the same ticket, although the county was
largely Democratic. After the expiration of his second
term, he purchased a half interest in the drug business
of F. J. Remington. In 1856 he was again elected
County Sheriff, on the Republican ticket, and was reelected in 1858, serving a third and fourth term in that
office. In 1861 he was appointed Deputy United States
Marshal, and had charge of the criminal business of
the office until September, 1862. lie was then appointed
Assessor of Internal Revenue for the First Congressional
District of the State. This office he held four years,
when he was removed by President Johnson. Previously, in reply to one of the President's political friends

s on being asked to indorse his policy, he made this
t characteristic remark: "He can cut my head off, but;- he can not turn it around."  In March, 1869, he was, appointed, by President Grant, to the office of United
- States Marshal for the Eastern District of Michigan, and
l was re-appointed in 1873. He retired from office in
e April, 1877. To all parties having official relations
1 with him, Mr. Bennett gave the highest satisfaction.
e His son-in-law, Major S. E. Graves, having purchased
Sthe interest of Mr. Remington in the drug store, the; firm name was changed to J. R. Bennett & Co. Mr.
- Bennett is a Director of the Lenawee County Savings
Bank. He has shown great interest in the various manSufactures and public enterprises which have been put
r into operation in Adrian, assisting them with his means
and influence.  In 1840 he married Miss Nancy J.
Rowley, of Hudson, Michigan. They have two daughters;-one is the wife of Major S. E. Graves, mentioned
above; the other lives at home. To his valuable helpmate and excellent counselor, his wife, Mr. Bennett
ascribes much of his success in life. She "looks well
to the ways of her household."  Mr. Bennett is a man
of genial nature, fond of humor, and of a kind and
generous disposition. lHe has performed the duties of
his various offices with credit to himself and satisfaction
to the public.
-----0~-----,,ATCHELDER, HIRAM, Ypsilanti, was born in
Strafford, Orange County, Vermont, November
2, 1827. His parents were Joseph and Electa
(Barrett) Batchelder. Mr. Batchelder acquired a common-school education in Vermont. After leaving school,
he went to learn the marble business, at Rutland, serving three years as apprentice. At the end of this time,
his term of service having expired, he worked at his
trade for two years. In 1850 he removed to Ypsilanti,
Michigan, and commenced business on his own account.
lie was very successful for fifteen years, when he sold
out to his brother, and commenced the carriage-manufacturing business. In 1863 he was elected Supervisor,
remaining in office five years; at the end of which time
he resigned, that he might give more attention to his
business affairs. In 1873 he was again elected Supervisor. About the year 1854, he joined the Masonic
Fraternity, and has since held nearly every office connected with that society. IHe is also a member of the
order of Odd-Fellows, having been in good standing so
long as the society was continued in Ypsilanti. Mr.
IBatchelder has been connected with the Presbyterian
Church from early manhood. His political views coincided with those of the Democratic party until the year
1854, when he became a Republican; and, at the present




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

time, adheres to the principles of that party. On the
17th of August, 1852, he married Miss Lucy Ann Smith,
daughter of Daniel Smith, of Rutland, Vermont. They
have four children. Mr. Batchelder is a thorough business man, and has won the esteem of all who know him.
He has been engaged in the carriage-manufacturing
business for sixteen years; and has been very successful
in building up a large trade. Commencing life in humble
circumstances, without money or friends, he has won for
himself an independence by his patient toil and persevering industry.
IAELLOWS, CHARLES FITZ-ROY, M. A., Professor of Mathematics, Michigan State Normal
SSchool, Ypsilanti, was born October 27, 1832, in
Charlestown, New Hampshire. His father's name was
William E. Bellows, and his mother's maiden name was
Lavinia A. Harris.  Ilis family are descendants from
John Bellows who came from England in 1635; and
whose son Benjamin, the youngest of ten children, married in the year 1667. The family of Benjamin Bellows
consisted of four children, the youngest of whom was
an only son named Benjamin, who afterwards became a
Colonel in the Revolutionary War, and was the founder
of Walpole, New Hampshire. He united, with other
pursuits, the work of a surveyor; and, for services rendered the State in this capacity, the choice of the then
unappropriated townships was given to him by Governor
Wentworth. Owing to its favorable location against
attacks by the Indians, which were then so frequent,
Colonel Bellows chose the township now called Walpole.
A copy of the charter granted to Colonel Bellows by
George II., of England, is in the possession of the subject of this sketch.  Colonel Bellows' second child,
named Peter, was the great-grandfather of Fitz-Roy Bellows, whose grandfather was Solomon Bellows, fourth
child of Peter Bellows. The starting point of the family
is thus located at Walpole, New Hampshire, and the
neighboring towns of Charlestown and Bellows' Falls.
A few years since, the family, through a long line of
descendants, united under the lead of Rev. Henry W.
Bellows, of New York City, in erecting in the cemetery
at Walpole a fitting tribute to the memory of Colonel
Bellows. When Fitz-Roy was but five years of age, his
father removed to Michigan, coming nearly all the distance with teams, and settling on a farm in the township of Climax, Kalamazoo County. Reaching the State
at such an early period, the family necessarily encountered many privations incident to pioneer life. The farm
had to be cleared; tools and implements of a rude kind
were made for immediate use; markets were far distant;
and, as there were no roads, travel was accomplished by
-  21

the devious course of Indian trails.  All were compelled to labor early and late, in order to gain any advantage over the stern resistances, on every hand,
to the development of the new    State. His father
was a man of strong physical powers, and a corresponding strength of will, accomplishing every thing he undertook. He was very decided in all matters calling for
special action in questions of public or general interest
in the community. lie still resides on the farm where
he settled forty years ago. His mother was a woman
in whom the Christian graces were centered. She died
in 1864, deeply mourned by her family and by all who
had known her. Mr. Bellows shared in the labors and
privations that were the lot of his parents.  He assisted in all kinds of work on the farm, continuing under
his father's control until he attained his majority. To
the habit of work formed in early life, to exemption from
evil influences, and to the effect of the strong elements
of his father's character, and the gentle Christian influence of his mother, are to be attributed the character
and success which he has achieved.  The first school
he ever attended was a select one taught by an aunt at
a neighboring farm-house.  A district school was soon
established, however, which he attended every year until
he was ten years of age, after which he could be spared
only during the winter.  In those days the common
schools afforded only ordinary advantages, and, as he
was very fond of study, his father sent him to Olivet
Institute, where he remained one year and a half, under
the instruction of Professor Hosford, who occupied the
chair of Mathematics. It was during this time that he
acquired a special fondness for mathematical study, and
that the idea of fitting himself to teach this branch suggested itself to his mind.  While pursuing his studies
at this academy, he boarded in Professor Hosford's
family, doing the chores about the house for six pence
an hour. He also assisted in clearing a small farm,
whereby he was enabled to defray his school expenses.
In 1852 the Michigan State Normal School, at Ypsilanti, was opened by a Teacher's Institute of six weeks'
duration, which he attended. The following winter, he
engaged in teaching school at Verona, Calhoun County,
at seventeen dollars per month and board. The next
summer, he attended the Normal School, and, during
the winter, taught at Port Huron, returning to Ypsilanti
the following spring. Being now past twenty-one, his
father hoped he would return home and engage in farming pursuits. He returned with this expectation, but
remained only during the summer of 1854. While at
the Normal School, under the influence of that prince
of teachers, Professor A. S. Welch, he became imbued
with something of his enthusiastic spirit, and felt that
he would enjoy the work of a teacher. In the fall of
1854, he became principal of the school at Constantine,
continuing in this position one year; at the end of this




^c'. *. '17 *~;:::,*.                                             I 1
I , ,:!; r:, L;  ~/  Sr':.:  ~,:: t :,% -::     .::',:::'.?).;  ~ i :: i~  i ;:  :  ':  ::: ::   =..........:.::.......

10

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

time, he was induced to take charge of a combined
academy and common school, at Mishawaka, Indiana,
where he remained five years.  He then returned to
Constantine, taking charge of the school there and continuing in this relation for two years. He had been
engaged in teaching now eight years, during which time
he had diligently pursued the course of study of the
Michigan University, laying out a certain portion to be
completed each year.  He then determined to attend
the University, and entered the engineering department,
whence he graduated in one year.  Four years later,
the honorary degree of M. A. was conferred upon
him by the University.   After graduating, he took
charge of the graduating school at Decatur, and remained three years.  In the spring of 1867 he was
elected the first County Superintendent of Schools in
Van Buren County.    During this period, he entered
upon the publication of a weekly newspaper, at Iecatur,
called the Van Buren County Republican.  Mr. E. A.
Blackman was also connected with the paper. During
the fall of 1867 he accepted the position of Professor of
Mathematics in the State Normal School, which he still
retains. During the interim of a change of principals
in 1871, Mr. Bellows was elected by the Board of Education as acting principal of the school. His church
connection was first with the Congregationalists, afterwards with the Presbyterians; but, of late years, his
religious views have been in accordance rather with those
of the Unitarians. He was married, April 12, 1855, to
Miss Julia E. Walter. Her father was born in England,
and her mother was one of a large and well-known
family in Michigan by the name of Clark, from which
the village of Clarkston, Oakland County, derived its
name.
~  EAMAN, IION. FERNANDO C., Adrian, was I
born at Chester, Vermont, on the 28th day of
June, 1814. His ancestors were among the earliest Puritan settlers of Massachusetts; one of them, I
Gamaliel Beaman, having been an original founder f
of Lancaster, in that State. The subject of this sketch I
is the twelfth child of Joshua and Hannah (Olcott) I
Beaman.   The family consisted of fourteen children, I
thirteen of whom lived to maturity. The father was a I
hardy farmer, and served in the army in suppressing o
Shay's rebellion in 1787. He subsequently took as p
active a part in public affairs as the care of his large d
family and his limited circumstances would permit. In s
1819, the family removed to a farm in Franklin County, -
New York, where, in 1834, both parents died within six o
weeks of each other. At the age of sixteen, having h
acquired some elementary learning at the district schools, e

Mr. Beaman, with a strong desire for a thorough education, applied himself assiduously to study, and commenced teaching school. He taught seven winters and
three summers, and, in the interim, fitted himself for
college at the Malone Academy. Among his schoolmates was William A. Wheeler, the present Vice-President of the United States. In 1836 he went to Rochester,
New York. In the spring of 1837, he entered, as a
student, the law office of Haight & Elwood, and subsequently read law with William S. Bishop, a prominent
member of the bar of that city. In the fall of 1838, he
emigrated to Michigan; and in April, 1839, was admitted to the bar of Lenawee County, and commenced
the practice of his profession at Manchester. A few
months later, he removed to Tecumseh, and formed a
partnership with Hon. Consider A. Stacy, which continued until the autumn of 1841.    He afterwards
changed his residence to Clinton, where he lived until
the latter part of 1843, when he was appointed, by John
S. Barry, then Governor of Michigan, Prosecuting Attorney of Lenawee County. The duties of this office
required the incumbent to live at the county-seat, and
he consequently removed to Adrian, where he still
resides. He was twice re-appointed Prosecuting Attorney, holding that office for a period of six years. At
Adrian, his practice soon became large, and he associated himself for a time with Judge A. R. Tiffany,
then a leading lawyer of the place. Later, he entered
into partnership with Hon. T. M. Cooley, now one of
the Justices of the Supreme Court of Michigan, who
had formerly been a law student in his office, and a
member of his family. This partnership also included
R. R. Beecher, an eloquent advocate, and the firm was
known as Beaman, Beecher & Cooley. During its existence, there was scarcely any important suit tried in the
county in which this firm was not engaged. While:hus in the active practice of his profession, Mr. Beanan's legal ability was further recognized by his unsoicited appointment to the position of City Attorney of
Adrian. Hie early took a warm interest in politics, and
was an earnest Democrat until 1848. At that time he
inited with the Free-soil party in its opposition to any
urther extension of slavery, and made an active canvass of Lenawee County in behalf of Van Buren and
ldams, the Presidential candidates of that party. In
854, in connection with Kinsley S. Bingham, Jacob M.
Ioward, Isaac P. Christiancy, and other prominent men
)f the State, he helped to organize the Republican
)arty of Michigan, and acted as one of the Vice-Presi-.ents of its first State Convention, at Jackson. lie was
ubsequently a delegate to the convention at Pittsburg,
ihich paved the way for the establishment of this party
n a national basis; and he labored most diligently in
iis own State in its behalf. With a candor and an
arnestness which made all who heard him feel that he




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

I I

was uttering important truths, with which he was deeply
impressed, he combined a rare skill in argument and an
ability to convince the judgment, that made hosts of
converts to the new party, and soon marked him as a
leading politician of the State. In the spring of 1856,
he was elected Mayor of the city of Adrian; and, in the
fall of the same year, an Elector for the State, on the
Republican Presidential ticket, and also Judge of Probate, of Lenawee County. In iS6o, he was chosen a
member of Congress, and afterwards, by large majorities,
was re-elected for four succeeding terms, thus serving
ten years. He was placed upon important standing
committees, and was at the head of a special committee
on the confiscation of Confederate property, the recommendations of which were adopted and put into effect.
He took an active part in all the great subjects of
national concern which came before the legislative department of the Federal Government during the perilous
period of the civil war. He was also engaged in the
important legislation immediately following the war, and
applied himself closely to public business, rarely ever
missing a vote, or being out of his seat during the sessions of the House. His first effort in Congress was a
speech on the reconstruction of the Confederate States.
This attracted much attention, and was warmly commended by such statesmen as Salmon P. Chase, Charles
Sumner, and Thaddeus Stevens. Judge Beaman was
among the first to perceive the impossibility of maintaining the national Union and preserving slavery; and,
consequently, was one of the advance-guard in contending for the utter abrogation of this giant wrong.
Every measure of the administration of Abraham Lincoln, looking to the vigorous prosecution of the war,
and to the abolition of slavery, received his most cordial
support. He advocated and voted for the great constitutional amendments which made freedom national, and
enfranchised the colored race. He remained in Congress
long enough to have the sagacity of his views fully vindicated in the downfall of the Confederacy, and the
complete triumph of the radical policy which he had
so steadily and firmly supported. After ten years' service
as Representative in Congress, he returned, in 1871, to
Adrian. He was soon after appointed Judge of Probate,
of Lenawee County, to fill a vacancy caused by the
death of the incumbent, his former law partner, Judge
Beecher. To this office Judge Beaman was elected by
the popular vote, in 1872, and was re-elected in 1876.
In May, 1841, he married, at Jlrockport, New York,
Miss Mary Goodrich, a most estimable woman. They
have had two children, one of whom, a son, attained
manhood, and recently died; the other, a married
daughter, is now living at Adrian. Mr. Beaman is not
connected with any church, but he and his family have
generally worshiped with tile Coiigregational and Presbyterian denominations. Judge Beaman has an excellent

mind.  His characteristics are mental clearness and
logical force, with the power of analyzing and bringing
out a proposition in a plain and effective manner. He
is a man who hates shams and falsehoods, and has
always been distinguished for a high sense of honor
and rectitude of purpose. He never sacrifices principle
for expediency. He is simple in his habits; liberal,
and large-hearted, aiming to be just to all. During his
long public career, there has never been the slightest
stain upon his honor; and his influence for good, in
the community where he resides, is felt and acknowledged by all parties. Devoted heartily to the advancement of the best interests of his state and country, he
has the dignity and force which true patriotism inspires,
tempered with intelligence, wisdom, and worth.
REWER, DR. LYMAN AUGUSTUS, of Hillsj   dale, was born February 24, 1818, at CananSdaigua, Ontario County, New York.     He was
the oldest of two sons of Alonzo and Laura (Lucas)
Brewer. His father, a native of Vermont, graduated
with honor from West Point, in 1813, and was commissioned a Lieutenant. He saw some service in the War
of 1812, and was First Lieutenant under the late General Winfield Scott, who was then Captain. He resigned
his commission in 1816, and was married the following
year. In 1832 he removed, with his family, to Grass
Lake, Jackson County, Michigan.   Doctor Brewer's
education was obtained in the schools of Canandaigua,
New York; and Grass Lake, Michigan. He studied
medicine in the office of Doctor Rolph, of Jonesville,
Michigan, and attended lectures at Geneva, New York;
and Willoughby, Ohio. Hlie graduated at the latter
place, in 1846, and returned to Jonesville.  Here he
practiced with Doctors Sill and Brockway until 1852,
when he went, with a company of men, to California,
and speiit two years in traveling. Three years after his
return, in partnership with Doctor DeCamp, he went into
the drug business, at Grand Rapids; and, at the same
time, resumed his practice. At the end of three years,
he went to Toledo, Ohio, upon the urgent solicitation
of Doctor Clark. When the civil war broke out, he
was desirous to enter the service; and, early in 1862,
became Surgeon of the IIIth Ohio Volunteers. He
was engaged in more than twenty important battles,
being always in active service. Hie was made Brigade
Surgeon at Covington, when the Army of Ohio was
reorganized. He was present at the siege of Wilmington, to receive exchanged prisoners from Andersonville.
Here hlie caught the spotted fever, from which, it is
thought, he never fully recovered. During the last two
years of the war, he served in the position of Brigade




:;:: i i ': i: 'jXii3- b  i::.~;" -r  a.....

12

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

Surgeon of the Second Brigade, Second Division, of the
Twenty-third Army Corps.   Perhaps no man in the
whole brigade was so universally beloved by his comrades in arms as Doctor Brewer. His heart was in the
cause of his country; and, until the last foe surrendered,
he remained at his post, nobly performing his duties. At
the close of the war, he resumed his professional life,
at Hillsdale. He remained here until May, 1875, when
he accepted the appointment of physician at Spotted
Tail Agency, hoping that life on the plains would
restore his health. Receiving no material benefit, he
resigned his position, after a few months, and went
back to his work at Hillsdale. He went to the plains a
second time, as resident physician at Red Cloud Agency;
but, as the relief was only temporary, he returned
home. He suffered from frequent hemorrhages of the
lungs, and finally died June 29, 1876. Doctor Brewer
was married, February 19, 1857, to Lucretia P. Campbell, whose parents were pioneers of Hillsdale. He was
held in high esteem by the members of his profession,
and by all who were associated with him in the various
relations of life.  His army record bears honorable
testimony to his skill as a surgeon, and his thoughtful
care for the suffering soldiers. His name will long be
held in remembrance by many who can never forget
his tender ministrations on the battle field.
OGARDUS, HON. EDGAR, Ypsilanti, is a
i   descendant of the old Knickerbocker family,
I      and was born at Catskill, New York, April 5,
1813. His father was Egbert, and his mother Elsie
(Comfort) Bogardus. He attended the district schools,
receiving an ordinary education. After leaving school, he
went to New York City, where he entered a store in the
capacity of clerk, remaining in this position until 1830,
when he went to the coal regions of Pennsylvania and
engaged in the mercantile business. Seven years later,
he removed to Illinois, where he engaged in constructing a railroad, and also took contracts for building
mills.  He had accumulated considerable property in
the meantime, but, in 1842, it was.consumed by fire,
leaving him nearly destitute. In 1846 he was elected
Judge of Probate, and soon after received a commission
as Captain in the 14th Infantry, under General Scott.
While James K. Polk was President, Mr. Bogardus was
very active in the Mexican War; he took part in the
battles of Contreras, Molino del Rey, and Chapultepec,
in which he was disabled. After his return from Mexico,
he went to California, where he engaged in the mining
business on a very extensive scale, and also kept a
trading-post.  In 1854 he was elected to the Legislature for El Dorado County, California, remaining in

office one year. In 1856 he was elected Sheriff for the
same county, and occupied the position two years. He
was one of the few who started the telegraph across the
mountains to Salt Lake City. Mr. Bogardus has been connected with the Masonic Fraternity ever since he attained
his majority, and has been an active worker in helping
to build up lodges; he has held many important offices
in that society, among which was that of Senior Grand
Warden.   He returned from California in 1859, and
soon after went to Europe, where he remained six
months. In 1859 he came to Ypsilanti, where he had,
previous to this, established a banking business. Mr.
Bogardus was reared in the Episcopalian faith, and still
adheres to the doctrines of that church. He has always
been a stanch Democrat.   In 1833 he married Miss
Adeline Smith, who died fourteen months later. In
1835 he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Whiting, whose death occurred in 1846. Mr. Bogardus has
retired from active life, and devotes the greater portion
of his time to reading.
OGARDUS, FRANCIS PEMBROOK, Ypsilanti,
SMichigan, was born at Carbondale, Pennsylvania, May 9, 1837. His father, Edgar Bogardus, was a commissioned Captain in the Mexican War,
in the I4th Infantry. On the death of his mother,
when he was about nine years old, Francis Bogardus
removed with an uncle, Isaac N. Conklin, to Ypsilanti,
Michigan.   He attended school during the winter,
occupying himself with various pursuits during the summer, until 1852, when he engaged as clerk in Mr. E.
Samson's drug and book store. He remained there five
years, and then became book-keeper for Follett, Conklin & Co., Bankers. In 1860 he entered the banking
business with his father, under the firm name of E. &
F. P. Bogardus.  This firm existed seven years, when
it was consolidated with the First National Bank, and
Mr. Bogardus assumed its management, as Cashier.
Mr. Bogardus was a man of strong, independent character, and has contributed in many ways to the growth
and prosperity of Ypsilanti. He has been Treasurer of
the city, filling the office with credit for several years.
He has been Alderman of the the First Ward six years,
and Mayor two terms. He took a very active part in
locating the State Normal School at Ypsilanti. Through
his efforts, the iron bridge and many other improvements were completed. In 1859 he became a Mason,
and has passed through the chapter and commandery,
having held many offices of trust and importance. Mr.
Bogardus attends the Episcopal Church.  HIe is a
Democrat, but always votes for the man best adapted
for the office, irrespective of party. In September,




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

13

1858, he married Sarah E. Hall, a lady of English
descent. They have three children. Mr. Bogardus is
a man of many talents, thoroughly domestic and hospitable, delighting in his children, and gathering his
friends about his fireside.  He possessed few early
advantages, and the position he now holds has been
gained by integrity, perseverance, and good judgment,
directed by a thoroughly independent spirit.
1OWERFIND, CHARLES, City Tax Collector,
of Adrian, Michigan, is a native of Augsburg,
Bavaria, Germany, and was born February 7,
1831. Ie is the son of Christopher Bowerfind, a man
of position, who was Mayor in Augsburg for ten successive years.  Charles Bowerfind received a careful elementary, and a good business, education; he formed
studious, persevering, economical, industrious habits,
and was never known to be without work after he left
school. His school opportunities closed at thirteen years,
and he passed the succeeding three years in learning
the baker's trade with an uncle, who was a severe master,
but a good teacher. The remaining time, until he was
twenty-one, was spent in Gratz, Austria; he then,
according to the German custom, entered the army.
After a little over a year's service, he hired a substitute
and sailed for the United States, hoping to realize a
fortune more speedily than in Germany. lIe arrived at
Monroe, Michigan, in 1854, and worked six weeks at
his trade as a journeyman. ie encountered many difficulties; money was not to be gained, nor fortune won,
without a severe struggle. A hard master made life a
burden at Monroe; and, in the fall of 1854, he went to
Adrian, Michigan, arriving with no capital except a
dollar bill worth only fifty cents.  Here he has continued to reside, variously engaged, but always actively
working, either at his trade or in commercial life.
Finally, with a capital of two hundred and fifty dollars,
and a small house and lot, he, with two others, bought
out the established business of his old employer. The
firm, Bowerfind, Messinger & Co., were enabled, after a
nine months' trial, to pay six thousand four hundred
dollars for the building. They continued in operation
six years; at the expiration of that time the company
retired, and the business was continued by Bowerfind &
Messinger until May, 1877, since which time Mr. Bowerfind has conducted the business alone. In April, 1876,
he was elected by the Republican party, with which he
has always worked, to the position of City Tax Collector, which he still holds; he cast his first vote for
J. C. Fremont. Hie has held many important offices in
secret societies, in Germany, but has not connected himself with any in this country. lie has always attended

the Lutheran Church, and is a useful member of that
church in Adrian. He has not had leisure to travel
much, but during the Centennial he visited Philadelphia
and most of the Eastern cities. HIe married, April 6,
1856, Elizabeth Gibbard. She died February 16, 1865,
leaving a family of six children,-four of whom are still
living. His second marriage occurred March I, 1867,
when he was united to Elizabeth Richleau. By her he
has had six children,-five of whom are living. His
business career has been a successful one. His sterling
integrity, and cheerful willingness to put his own shoulder to the wheel, have won for him the respect of all
who know him.,UCK, FRANCIS J., Merchant and Manufacturer
of Hot-air Furnaces, Adrian, Michigan, is the
son of Francis and Martha (Ward) Buck, and
was born in Troy, New York, October 23, 1815. Soon
after his birth, his parents went to Vermont, where his
father carried on an extensive milling business for many
years. Ile attended school during the winter, and
worked on a farm in the summer.     At the age of
twenty-one, he started for what was then the far West,
walking to Rochester, New York. lie remained there
until navigation opened, when he took a boat to Buffalo,
and from that city to Toledo.  In 1838 he reached
Adrian, Michigan, with only fifty cents for capital. lIe
worked for an uncle, who was a builder, during the
summer of 1839, and then engaged as baggage clerk on
the Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad. In the fall of the
following year, he became clerk in a general dry-goods
and hardware store in Adrian, and continued in this
position until 1845. Having accumulated a small capital, he engaged in business in partnership with R.
Palmer. At the end of a year, however, he sold his
interest, and became clerk in the store of Howard Smith
& Co. At the end of two years, with one hundred and
eighty dollars to' pay for a stock inventoried at nine
thousand one hundred and fifty dollars, he bought out
this company. He immediately commenced operations,
selling the dry goods and bringing in a stock of hardware. IHe continued alone for two years, when he took
a partner, and carried on the business under the name
of F. J. Buck & Co., with remarkable success, until
1855. He then resumed business in his own name until
186o, when he once more took a partner, and the company became Buck & Farrar. In 1869 Mr. Buck bought
his partner's interest. In 1873 he sold to the present
owners, Smith & Jewell.  He is to-day the sole proprietor of a hot-air furnace manufactory.  Although
devoted to business, he has interested himself largely in
public enterprises,-investing his money in railroads




14

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

and manufactures, and giving his time for the public
good. He has occupied at different times the positions
of Mayor, Alderman, and City Treasurer. He has been
a liberal contributor to the Presbyterian Church; and a
strong supporter of the Republican party since 1854.
On the 4th of June, 1855, he married Miss Alzaida
Cook, of Adrian, Michigan. They have two children,a son and a daughter. In all his dealings, Mr. Buck is
noted for his integrity and uprightness. Ever strictly
temperate in his habits, a genial companion, a kind
friend, and a popular citizen, he holds a high place
among the people of Adrian; and his character as a
business man is well known throughout the State of
Michigan.
ULKLEY, MAJOR        GERSHOM      TAINTOR,
      late of Monroe, Michigan, was born in ColchesSter, Connecticut, March 8, 1781.       He was a
lineal descendant from Robert, Lord Manor of Bulkley,
in the County Palatine of Chester, England,-one of the
two larger counties created in 1200oo, during the reign of
King John, to honor the newly knighted magistrates by
conferring upon them royal privileges. The founder of the
Bulkley family in America, and the distinguished ancestor of the subject of this sketch, was Peter Bulkley,
D. D., who came from England, in 1635, to Cambridge,
Massachusetts.  lie was a stanch Puritan, though his
father was a prominent clergyman of the Church of
England. Hie was a Fellow of St. John's College, of
Cambridge, England, for which position he was chosen,
on account of his superior attainments, at a much earlier
age than was usual. The reverence in which he was
held by the Indians of the provinces was the means of
saving his church from being burned, and the property
of his people from destruction. He was a man of great
independence of character, lofty aspirations, and, as
Cotton Mather says, in a sketch of his life and services:
"He was a judicious divine, and a thundering preacher."
He was the author of several works which ran through
numerous editions, and were among the first books published in the Colonies. The families of this name in
Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York, are all descended from Peter Bulkley. The succeeding generations inherited their noble ancestor's characteristics, and
enjoyed the esteem and confidence of the men of their
day. Major Bulkley possessed the same keen sense of
honor, persevering energy, sterling integrity, and purity
of character,-qualities that gained for him the entire
confidence and respect of his fellow-men. He removed
at an early age with his father's family from Colchester
to Williamstown, Massachusetts. There by careful and
persevering devotion to business, he found his labors

rewarded, and soon attained an enviable distinction.
Major Bulkley represented his county, for a number of
terms, in the Legislature of Massachusetts, and always
received the approval of his constituency as an able and
faithful public servant. lie was likewise honored with
various civil appointments in Williamstown. He was a
warm friend and active worker for the interests of Williams College,-being untiring in his efforts for the advancement of this now famous and prosperous institution.
In the year 1812 he was among the first to volunteer his
services in the defense of his State, and received an appointment as Major of Cavalry, which he held as long
as the services of his command were needed. In 1832
he removed with his family to Monroe, Michigan, together with many others of the leading families of Berkshire
County, to establish homes arid business in the then new
and growing Territory. Here his characteristic inde.
pendence, integrity, and energy commanded the respect
which he enjoyed in New England, and he was chosen to
various offices of trust and honor. He was one of the
commissioners in charge of the Government work on
the ship canal to Lake Erie. He received, in 1844,
without solicitation on his part, from the President of
the United States, the appointment of Register of the
United States Land-office; the duties of which, at that
time, were onerous and complex, but which he discharged to the entire satisfaction of the Government.
During the later years of his life, he engaged very little
in public affairs, though always manifesting the deepest
concern for the stability and permanency of our republican institutions. He was an extensive reader, and in
this found great comfort and enjoyment.  His death
occurred October 16, 1862, at his home in Monroe, where
his memory is warmly cherished by those who are familiar with his many superior qualities of mind and heart.
'JURLEIGH, COLONEL JOHN L., Ann Arbor,
Lawyer, and State Senator from the Fourth Dis     trict, was born in Massachusetts, October 15,
1842. His ancestors were among the early settlers of
New England. Ile was educated partly in Berkshire
County, Massachusetts, and partly in New York City.
At an early age, he entered a mercantile house as a
clerk, remaining until the opening of the civil war in
I861. At that time, he joined the 17th New York
Regiment, being the first to sign its muster roll. Soon
after, he was appointed Second Lieutenant; and, within
a year, he was promoted successively to the rank of
First Lieutenant and Captain,- the last for bravery on
the field at Hanover Court House, May 27, 1862. In
1863 he was made Lieutenant-Colonel of the Seymour
Light Infantry; but, owing to his wounds, he left the




/.'/     /
/7J




h




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

15

service, and engaged in business in the East Indies.
General Lansing, his former Colonel, the efficient Auditor of the Centennial Board of Finance, speaks of him
as possessing extraordinary talent and energy, as a gallant soldier, and a man of strict integrity and high
chivalric honor.  Leaving the East Indies on account
of ill health, Colonel Burleigh returned to New York,
and engaged in business there until 1874. -He then
removed to Ann Arbor, where he at present resides.
Having acquired a competency, he desired to enter
public life; and, to further this end, graduated from the
law department of the University of Michigan.  "Politics needs missionaries more than the heathen," is orne
of his sayings. In the spring of 1876, he was nominated for Mayor of the city of Ann Arbor on the
Democratic ticket, but declined to run. In the fall of
the same year, he was placed on the ticket as the nominee for State Senator; and, although his support was
feeble from some of the would-be leaders in his own
party, his success was brilliant, as he ran some hundreds
ahead of his ticket. He was an active member of the
Senate of the Legislative session of 1877; an earnest
advocate for measures to purify politics; a champion of
the cause of education, and of the interests of the
laboring classes. He served creditably as a member of
the committees on Judiciary and Military Affairs, Claims
and Public Accounts, Asylum for the Insane, Expiring Laws, and Engrossment and Enrollment of Bills.
Colonel Burleigh has traveled extensively in England,
Ireland, France, Italy, Egypt, and the East. He is an
attendant of the Episcopal Church, and is an active
worker in that body. Although possessing many strong,
positive traits of character, he is a genial companion,
has a benevolent disposition, and is generous to the
poor.
7,IUTLER, JOHN JAY, A. M., I). D., Professor of
Theology and Sacred Literature in IHillsdale Cola     lege, Hillsdale, Michigan, was born in Berwick,
Maine, April 9, 1814. When his paternal ancestor emigrated from England to this country, he purchased the
eminence which was afterwards known as "Butler's Hill,"
in South Berwick, Maine. The Berwick Academy is situated on this hill, commanding the most delightful prospect in the whole country around. Doctor Butler resided
on the home farm until he reached the age of seventeen
years, when he entered the academy. When quite young,
he became deeply interested in the subject of religion,
uniting with the Free Baptist Church at Great Falls,
New Hampshire.     He was also greatly interested in
politics, reading with eagerness the newspapers of both
parties, frequently attending elections and conventions,
and taking an active part while yet a lad. In 1833

the Free Baptists established their first literary institution, at Parsonfield, Maine, where he became a student
and prepared for college.  Ile entered Bowdoin College, Maine, in 1834, with advanced standing. During
the time he remained here, he lived in the family of
Rev. George Lamb, an eminent minister of the village,
for whom he formed a deep attachment, and under
whose direction he began holding meetings and delivering addresses. Doctor Butler took an active interest in
the college societies, especially the Theological Society,
of which he was the presiding officer, and before which
he delivered the annual address. He was elected to
the Phi Beta Kappa Society at the time of his graduation; and, three years later, delivered the oration for
the second degree. After his graduation, in 1837, he
returned home, but soon accepted a position as associate Principal of Parsonfield Seminary. He continued
in this relation for two terms, when he resigned to take
charge of the Farmington Academy, Maine, a pleasant
and prosperous school, having   about two hundred
students. At the end of the second year, his health
failed, and he was compelled to resign his position. In
D)ecember, 1839, he entered Andover Theological Seminary, Massachusetts, finding the theological course one
of great attraction. Hle became especially interested in
the lectures of 1)octors Wood and Park, and also in
the enthusiasm of Professor Moses Stuart, on the Scriptures. In 1841 he accepted a call to become Principal
of Clinton Seminary, New York, where he spent two
years. In 1849 he received, from IHamilton College,
New York, the honorary degree of A.'M. In 1844 he
graduatedl from Andover; and, during the same year,
became Professor of Theology in the institution at
Whitestown, New York, where he lectured on doctrine, and gave lessons in the Greek of the New Testament, also in homiletics.  A large number of his
pupils became worthy ministers in our own land and
missionaries abroad. Doctor Butler was ordained as a
minister of the Gospel in 1846, and preached, as opportunity offered, without assuming a pastorate. In 1854
the theological department of Whitestown Seminary was
removed, and connected with the institution at New
Hampton, New Hampshire, where Doctor Butler continued as Professor of Systematic Theology for sixteen
years. The degree of D. D. was conferred upon him
from  Bowdoin College, in i86o.  In 1867 he had a
year's leave of absence granted him, and improved the
opportunity by making a tour of Europe. He remained
eight months, visiting the principal cities of the Old
World, and greatly enjoying the scenes of nature and
the works of art. He returned to his duties with improved health and renewed vigor. In 187o he accepted
the position of Professor of Theology in Bates College,
Lewiston, Maine, remaining three years. In 1873 he
became Professor of Sacred L~iterature in ltillsdale Col



k.                                    -.
T~6                 REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

lege, Hillsdale, Michigan, which position he still re-.tains. About fifteen hundred students have been under
the instruction of Doctor Butler, and not less than onethird of them were in preparation for the Gospel 'ministry. Over four hundred are now ministers and pastors
of churches. In 1834 he was appointed associate editor
of the Morning Star, the organ of the Free Baptists,
and has continued in this relation up to the present
time. Doctor Butler has contributed numerous articles
to the Free Baptist Quarterly, and is the author of several
theological works.  His lectures, under the title of
Butler's Theology, were published in I860, and his
two volumes of commentaries on the New Testament
were published in 1870-71.   He was Corresponding
Secretary of the Free Baptist Education Society for two
years; Corresponding Secretary of the Free Baptist
Antislavery Society for the same length of time; and a
member of the Executive Board of the Free Baptist
Home Missionary Society for a period of ten years.
In his religious views, Doctor Butler has been, throughout his life, a Free Communion Baptist,-denominational, but not sectarian. In politics, he was first a
Whig; and, since the organization of the Republican
party, has been connected with that body, always placing country above party,-humanity and God uppermost.  He was married, November 14, 1844, to Miss
Elizabeth Everett, lady Principal of Clinton Seminary,
New York, and daughter of R. Everett, D. D., of
Remsen, New York. Mrs. Butler died April II, 1877.
Doctor Butler's family consists of three children. The
son is now Professor of Latin in Hillsdale College,
Michigan; one daughter is a graduate of Lewiston
High School, Maine; and the other daughter of Hillsdale College. Doctor Butler spends the greater portion
of his time, when out of the class-room, in his study,
where he evidently finds more enjoyment than in society.
He is a most efficient teacher, but little given to public
speaking, choosing rather to express himself through his
published works and the press.
HILDS, HON. J. WEBSTER, Ypsilanti, Michigan, the youngest of ten children of Deacon
Josiah and Abigail Childs, was born at Henniker,
New Hampshire, the native place of both parents, June
i6, 1826. His father closed a life of activity and usefulness at the age of seventy-nine. His mother lived to
be eighty-eight years old. To the careful training and
Christian instructions of his pious parents, Mr. Childs
owes much of his success in life; their practice conforming in all things with their precepts. His grandfather, Solomon Childs, was born in Grafton, Massachusetts, in 1872: and, early in life, moved to Henniker,

New Hampshire, where he purchased what is still "the
old homestead," now occupied by a brother of the subject of this sketch. A reunion of the members of the
Childs' family was held at the residence of W. H.
Childs, of Niagara, in 1872; and it was indeed gratifying that in no known instance had a member of the
family brought disgrace or discredit to the name. Mr.
Childs early cherished a strong desire to acquire a good
education; and paid his own way, from the age of fifteen, by working on a farm in summer, and teaching in
winter, until he had prepared for college; commencing
at Henniker Academy, and finishing his preparation at
Kimball Union School, Meriden, New Hampshire. Close
application impaired his health; and, in 1848, after two
years of teaching, he removed to Michigan. The year
following, he settled on the farm he now occupies in
Augusta, Washtenaw County. In 1849 he was elected
School Inspector, and has held that position ever since.
He has several times been elected Supervisor of his
township; the first time at twenty-five years of age.
In 1858 he was elected to the State Legislature, and
was re-elected in 1860. Since then he has been three
times re-elected to the State Senate; and, during his
last term, was chosen President, pro temnpore. His record
as a legislator is a brilliant one. In 1869 Governor
Baldwin appointed him a member of the Michigan State
Board of Agriculture, and he was re-appointed by Governor Bagley in 1875. For twelve years, he has been
President of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Trade Association, of Ypsilanti; he was, for three years, President
of the Eastern Michigan Agricultural and Mechanical
Society; and has, for several years, been prominently
connected with the State Pomological Society; he has
also been, for several years, and still is, one of the Executive Committee of the State Agricultural Society. In
1873 he became a member of the Patrons of Husbandry,
and is now Chairman of the Executive Committee of the
State Grange of Michigan. He united with the Congregational Church, in his native town, when fifteen years
of age; aided in establishing the Congregational Church
which he now attends, in 1854; and has' been Superintendent of the Sabbath-school from that time to the
present. From childhood, he has been strictly temperate, and is an enthusiastic advocate of the temperance
cause; having lectured on the subject when he was
twenty-two years old, and frequently since. He assiste i
in the organization of the Republican party in Michigan,
in 1854, and has ever since advocated its principles and
policy. He married, August 30, 1848, Lucy A. Hubbard, of Claremont, New Hampshire, a lady of rare
attractiveness of character, remarkable business ability,
and bounteous hospitality. Mr. Childs is a man of fine
personal appearance. His deep voice arrests attention
at once, and he controls an audience with a magnetic
power peculiarly his own. He is a man of rare worth




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

I7

in the community, the church, and the State; and his
character for strict integrity and high principle, as well
as his business ability, is beyond all question. He is
ever ready to do what he can for others at the expense
of his own time and comfort. With great natural capacity for business, he is a remarkable worker, and wields
an immense influence with his associates in every sphere
of duty. His social characteristics are those of a pleasant, genial companion, and a warm friend.
jQ\OCKER, BENJAMIN F., D. D., LL. D., Professor
of Mental and Moral Philosophy, in the University
of Michigan, was horn in Yorkshire, England, in
the year 1821. IHis father designed him for one of the
learned professions, and gave him the advantages of a
good English education, at King James' Grammar
School. Having a decided taste for business life, however, he was placed in a German business house, where
he laid the foundation of correct and methodical habits.
He afterwards engaged in the manufacture of woolen
goods, in which occulpation he remained for seven years.
In 1850 he was compelled, through failing health, to
seek a change of climate. Ile determined on going to
Australia, and, notwithstanding the misgivings of his
friends, as to the effect of a long sea voyage, he found
himself, after the hardships and privations of a passage
of sixteen weeks, measurably restored to health and
vigor. He arrived at Launceston, Tasmania, where he
remained about a year as the agent of an English shipping house. On the discovery of gold in Victoria, he
removed to Melbourne, where he spent four years, carrying on a very large and successful mercantile business,
engaging in the various benevolent and religious enterprises of that portion of the colony, and manifesting
very marked ability, not only as a business man, but
also in the various public affairs with which he became
connected. The great panic of 1856, which involved
nearly the whole colony in financial ruin, proved disastrous to his business; and, after losing nearly all of his
apparently ample accumulations, he purchased a small
vessel, and went on a trading voyage to New Zealand,
Tonga, Feejee, and Tahiti. While in Feejee, he visited
the WVesleyan missionaries, and, while on an excursion
to a heathen temple on one of the islands, he, with a
companion, fell into the hands of the cannibals. Here
his condition was, as may well be imagined, exceedingly
uncomfortable. His fate, and that of his companion,
seemed sealed; the death song, which was to precede
their being killed and devoured by the savages, had
been already commenced, when, by courageous and
almost superhuman effort, they succeeded in breaking
through the weakest part of the line, and escaping to
25

their boat, whither they were pursued by the yelling
horde who were hungering for human flesh.    After
barely eluding the cannibals, he had, on the same voyage, a narrow escape from shipwreck, but finally reached
Australia in safety. On his return, he effected ar, engagement as clerk in a lumber-yard, where he continued
for a time; afterwards he took the same vessel in which
he had sailed to and from the scene of his adventure
with the savages, and made for the Friendly Islands.
He went ashore at Tonga, and sent the vessel on to
Lakemba, one of the Feejee group, where she struck a
reef, and went down immediately, the crew being saved.
He returned to Australia, and found emlployment as a
wharfage clerk, at Sidney, for three months. It will
thus be seen that his life had been, for some time, one
of thrilling adventure, marked by marvelous escapes,
and full of varied experience, which has been of the
greatest practical utility to him in the years since intervening, and through which he has been fully qualified
to sympathize with the afflicted, of whatever clime or
wherever found. Nor does the above recital end the
chapter of strange and saddening circumstances which
have enveloped the life history of this remarkable man.
Many years since, he said to the writer of this sketch,
"When stripped of all my possessions, after having disposed of my library, and the personal keepsakes of myself
and family,-things which I had so long held dear and
sacred,-realizing fully my shattered financial condi-.tion, my broken healih, and the importance of making
provision for a dependent and helpless family; in a
word, when I touched bottom, I threw off care, became
happy and reconciled. I cast my cares upon God; my
extremity affording me a glorious opportunity for faith
and trust in Him. I believed that all His dealings with
me would eventually prove a blessing, large enough and
full enough to permeate my whole future, and that of
my children. I believed that duty called me to preach
the Gospel, and I started for America; not knowing
whither I went, but yet to preach."  He further added:
"I had learned to look upon money and earthly possessions as nothing. My whole life had been a lesson
in philosophy; illustrating the futility of expending all
the energies of life in laboring for those things which
perish, to the neglect of the vast interests of humanity
here and hereafter." When his employment on the
wharf at Sidney terminated, he started for Callao,
Peru, and on the voyage encountered the shock of an
earthquake, when about four hundred miles from the
South American coast. From Callao he went, by way
of Panama and Aspinwall, to New Orleans; then up the
Mississippi to Cairo, and from that point by rail to
Chicago. His funds were exhausted, and he endeavored
to find temporary employment in Chicago, but failed.
Hearing of an old friend who had, while a missionary
in Melbourne, been the recipient of his bounty, and




l8                REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

who now resided in Adrian, Michigan, he immediately
started for that point. A beloved child (lied on the
journey, and he found himself, on his arrival in Adrian,
with three helpless children and a wife depending on
him for support, and a dead child in his arms. This
was in 1857. In Adrian he found generous friends who
aided him in his distress, and the Presiding Elder of that
district, in the Detroit Conference, appointed him as
pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the little
village of Palmyra. He remained in this charge nearly
two years, and so warmly were the people attached to
him, that the Presbyterians of that locality attended his
services and assisted in his support. At this place he
was cheered by the friendship of many worthy men,
among whom may be mentioned the late Judge Tiffany,
a legal author of note; Hon. G. C. Ilarvey; and others
who recognized his ability, and predicted for him no
ordinary future. From Palmyra he went to Adrian,
Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor; then again to Adrian; back to
Ann Arbor; remaining in every charge as long as the
economy of his church would permit, and securing the
respect and confidence of every community in which he
lived and labored. To a pure, simple, transparent life,
he added remarkable power in the pulpit; and, as a
preacher, he was uniformly successful, his services being
solicited in every part of the State; and, indeed, in
other States. His preaching was not of the sensational
order. In style he was simple, clear, methodical, and
peculiarly instructive.  His discourses were generally
prepared with great care, yet, in the earlier years of his
ministry, his sermons were delivered extemporaneously,
or with the aid of brief notes. While always logical,
he was never dry, tedious, nor uninteresting. Learned,
6ut never pedantic, he won the sympathy of all classes
of hearers by his own kind, tender, and sympathetic
nature. Learned and illiterate flocked to hear him, and
were alike enthusiastic in their praise of his wonderful
powers. He seldom resorted to a "protracted effort,"
yet every church which he served grew and prospered.
His character, preaching, labors, and administration
were never questioned nor criticised by his people. In
fact, the esteem in which he was held was universal
with all classes of good citizens. Iis popularity would
have spoiled a man of less sense. In the annual conference, his opinions are always treated with the greatest
consideration; and leading divines of national reputation sought his acquaintance in the general conference
of the church, in which he has been a representative.
At the Conference of 1869, he was appointed to the
pastorate of the Central Methodist Episcopal Church,
in the city of Detroit. This, however, he resigned in a
few weeks, to the great regret of his parishioners, to
take the chair of Mental and Moral Philosophy in the
University of Michigan, to which he had been elected
in September, 1869, and which he fills at the present

time. Before his connection with the University, his
contributions on metaphysical, and also on general literary
and scientific subjects to the Methodist Quarterly, and
other journals, had attracted favorable notice; yet, while
at that time he gave promise of that brilliant literary
career which he has since pursued, the work which he
has performed has been largely the product of his industry since becoming associated with the University.
In 1870 he published Christianity and Greek Philosophy;
in 1873 Lectures on the Truth of the Christian Religion;
and in 1875 Theistic Conception of the World. These
works have been warmly received by eminent scholars,
and have been noticed in the most flattering manner by
literary journals in this country and in Europe. The
style of the distinguished author is one of rare beauty.
While firm in the expression of his opinions, and fearless in defending his positions, he manifests the utmost
courtesy to all opponents. His writings stamp him as
a man of scholarly attainments, wide and familiar acquaintance with scientific research, great mental vigor,
and the highest culture and refinement. His labors will
appear the more extraordinary when we consider that,
all through life, he has labored under physical disabilities, often involving intense suffering, which would
have utterly crushed a man of less will-power. He has
often been helped by a friend to church on Sabbath
morning, after spending the night on a bed of pain, and
has then preached most effectively. On one occasion,
being attacked with an ague chill in the middle of a
sermon, he seated himself in a chair for a few minutes,
and then finished his discourse. In fact, the greater
part of his work has been performed under the pressure
of physical suffering, yet he seldom admits that he is
sick; and, while the fears of his friends have been often
excited during the past twenty years, he has always
been calm, cheerful, and hopeful. Hle has now in course
of preparation a Hand-Book of tPhilosophy, and a work
on Materialism. The Wesleyan University conferred on
him the degree of M. A., in 1864; Asbury College, that
of D. I).; and he was still further recognized by receiving the degree of LL. D., from Victoria College, Ontario, in 1874. Since occupying the position which he
now holds in the University of Michigan, he has performed a large amount of work as a Christian minister.
While positive in his religious convictions, and warmly
devoted to that great church which has so honored him,
he is liberal to other Christian denominations, and very
frequently occupies their pulpits in Ann Arbor, Detroit,
and in other parts of the State. In his class work he is
highly appreciated, and among the students is universally popular, as a wise counselor, a warm-hearted, sympathetic friend, and a noble specimen of Christian manhood. In appearance Doctor Cocker is intellectual and
venerable; he is at once unpretending and striking,
nearly six feet in height, rather slender, with a strongly




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

'9

marked face, a large, kindly, penetrating dark eye;
the whole countenance indicating an admirable blending of strength and benevolence. He is a man who,
once seen, would not soon be forgotten. The writer of
this has known Doctor Cocker very intimately for nearly
twenty years. While not claiming that he is free from
all the defects incident to humanity, he knows him to
be one of the truest, purest, and most unselfish of men.
His hand, heart, and purse are always open to a tale of
sorrow. " lie weeps with those who weep, and rejoices
with those who rejoice." In the best sense of the term,
he is a noble man; and we feel it to be a delightful duty
to furnish this just tribute to his worth,-a tribute of
which he is in utter ignorance. Doctor Cocker and his
estimable wife, who for thirty-four years has been the
companion of his strange and checkered life, and who
has, during all these years, kindly, tenderly, and lovingly cared for him in his physical feebleness, have two
sons surviving a family of seven children. Both are
graduates of the University.  The eldest, William J.
Cocker, has been, for the past nine years, IPrincipal of
the Adrian High School. Hlenry R. Cocker is connected with a business house in Cleveland, Ohio.
(fUTCIIEON, HON. SULLIVAN          M., Ypsilanti,
United States District-Attorney for the Eastern
SDistrict of Michigan, was born at Pembroke,
New Hampshire, October 4, 1833. Hle is the son of
James and Hannah M. Cutcheon. His father was a
Free-will Baptist minister, and of Scotch-Irish descent.
Mr. Cutcheon was educated at Dartmouth College,
where he took a full classical course, and graduated in
1856. D)uring his Senior year, he accepted the principalship of the High School at Ypsilanti, Michigan, at
the same time keeping up his collegiate studies. liHe
taught at Ypsilanti until the fall of 1858, when he
removed to Springfield, Illinois, to enter upon the position of Superintendent of Public Schools of that city.
Ile remained there nearly two years, during which time
he formed an intimate acquaintance with the lamented
Abraham Lincoln. While here engaged, he also pursued the study of law, and was admitted to the bar by
the Supreme Court of Illinois. In the summer of i86o,
he returned to Ypsilanti, and entered upon the practice
of law. In the fall of the same year, Mr. Cutcheon was
elected a member of the Michigan State Legislature,
and was re-elected in 1862, serving for the four years,from  1861 to 1864. He was Speaker of the House
during the term of 1863-64. Ile was appointed, by the
United States Comptroller of the Currency, Bank Examiner for the State of Michigan, and held the office many
years, He was also a member of the State Military

Board for several years. In 1873 he was appointed, by
Governor Bagley, a member of the Constitutional Commission, which consisted of a board of eighteen members, to revise the constitution of the State, and was
elected Chairman of the Commission. In the spring of
1877, he was appointed, by President Hayes, United
States District Attorney for the Eastern District of
Michigan, to serve four years. In the fall of 1875, he
moved his law office to Detroit; and, besides attending to his official duties, is engaged in an extensive
practice of his profession. His residence is still at
Ypsilanti. Air. Cutcheon has been prominently identified with the manufacturing interests of the latter place,
where he has invested in several enterprises. In politics, he has been an active Republican; and, in 1868,
was chairman of the Michigan delegation to the National Convention, at Chicago, which nominated General
Grant for President. He is a Presbyterian, and for several years has been a ruling elder in the Presbyterian
Church at Ypsilanti. He was married, at Ypsilanti, December 8, 1859, to Josephine Moore, daughter of Charles
Moore, deceased.
SONKLIN, ISAAC NEWTON, Banker and Farmer,
Ypsilanti, was born in Salisbury, Connecticut,
July 3, 1808, and is the son of Isaac and Harriet
(Whitmore) Conklin. His early education was obtained
in the common schools of Salisbury, and was such as
usually fell to the lot of farmers' sons in those days.
The family being in dependent circumstances, he was
compelled, when quite young, to earn his own livelihood. This he did by laboring on a farm until his natural energy and enterprise led him to seek, in the
broad world outside, advantages that did not exist in
the narrow limits of his native place. He made a trip
to Michigan in 1828, but, not being satisfied with the
prospect here, returned to Connecticut, and pursued
farming until 1833. He then removed to Colebrook
River, Connecticut, and engaged in the general mercantile trade with tolerable success. Thence he went to
New Hartford, Connecticut, where he carried on business with satisfactory results until the latter part of 1836.
In that year there was a general suspension of manufacturing in that place, in consequence of which Mr.
Conklin went to Plymouth Hollow, Connecticut. There,
with that foresight so characteristic of the man, he
invested a considerable amount in the celebrated Connecticut clocks, and resolved to try his fortune as a
traveling merchant, employing men to sell his clocks
through the country. The perseverance and energy
with which he conducted this venture, in the face of
discouragements at the outset that would have disheart



N!,.;; "'. '.*;. -  ""*  * *... :?   '~  '  ".   **. *   -  ''   ',': ' *;*:,  *
'0                           E  E-Il-  e      O
" /  20             REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

w.-- *^1<^~^*.
ened a less persistent man, form a true index of his
character. He carried on that business with astonishing
success until 1844, when he bought some property in
Ypsilanti, where he has since resided. He engaged in
farming until 1852, when, with Benjamin Follett, he
organized a bank, in which they continued together
until 1862, when Mr. Conklin assumed full control. In
1864 a charter was obtained, under the new banking
law, for establishing the First National Bank of Ypsilanti.
Mr. Conklin was one of the principal stockholders, and
is still connected with the bank as President. IIe has
always been the leading spirit in the management of its
affairs, and few financial institutions are more thoroughly
and systematically conducted, and enjoy the confidence
of the public to so great an extent. Mr. Conklin's
capacity for business is remarkable, and his name seems
synonymous with success in every undertaking. In addition to his banking business, he carried on extensive
farming operations, and has been largely engaged in
milling, having had an interest in four different mills.
He was one of the prime movers in the formation of the
gas company in Ypsilanti, which seemed destined to
failure until he assumed the principal direction; at present he is almost the sole owner of this large and flourishing establishment. Though rapidly approaching the
age when the usefulness of most men ceases, he retains
all the fire and vigor of his younger days, and still bears
an active part in the duties of life. He married Miss
Harriet Green, of Salisbury, Connecticut, in 1832. They
have one daughter.
NANT, I)R. HARRY, of Monroe, was born at
Mansfield, Connecticut, April 19, 1790. Eleazor
Conant, his father, was a graduate of Yale College,
and studied for the ministry, but went ultimately into
tne army as Paymaster, and never entered upon his
proiession.  He was the direct lineal descendant of
Roger Conant, the first Colonial Governor of Massaenusetts, who came from Budleigh, England, in April,
1591. The subject of this sketch was the seventh child
of Eleazor and Eunice (Storrs) Conant. His mother
aying when he was an infant, his childhood was passed
in the home of his uncle and aunt, John and Patty
(Storrs) Conant, of blessed memory. They were childless, and he was to them as a beloved and only son.
In 180o both Eleazor and John Conant moved with
their families to Middlebury, Vermont.  Dr. Harry
Conant graduated at Middlebury in 1813. He studied
medicine first with Doctor Tudor, of Middlebury; then
at Pittsfield, Massachusetts; and, in 1816, after passing
a successful examination before the State Medical Censors, was admitted as a member of the Medical Society

Sof the State of Vermont. Armed with letters of introSduction and recommendation from President Davis, of
Middlebury College, and numerous other influential
friends, he went to Montreal, intending there to locate
and practice his profession; but was influenced by the
Sglowing letters of his brothers-Shubael in Detroit, and
Horatio in Maumee, Ohio,-to go West. He left Montreal, stopping in Western Pennsylvania, where he
invested in the manufacture of lumber for the Pittsburg
market; not realizing his expectations, however, he sold
out, joined his brother in Ohio for a short time, and
came to Michigan Territory in 1820, settling at Monroe.
Here he entered at once upon the practice of his profession, in partnership with Dr. Luther Parker, an old
resident physician of the place. On the 4th of June,
1821, he, was united in marriage to Miss Maria Stewart,
a young lady from the Green Mountain State. February 3, 1824, he was appointed, by General Cass, Commissioner to locate a turnpike from Detroit to Pontiac
and Paint Creek, in Oakland County. December 15,
1824, he was appointed Sheriff of Monroe County by
General Cass. In 1826 Doctor Conant was attending
physician to General Cass, on the occasion of a treaty
with Indians, signed on the Wabash, in the State of
Indiana. On the ioth of July, 1826, Governor Woodbridge appointed him Surgeon of the 2d Regiment of
the Territorial militia.  Doctor Conant was greatly
interested in all educational movements. On the founding of a branch of the University of Michigan at Monroe, at his own expense he erected buildings for its
accommodation and that of the principal, Rev. Mr.
Center, who came from Albany to fill the position.
Doctor Conant, the late Colonel O. Johnson, and Charles
Noble, were the founders of the Young Ladies' Seminary, known as Miss McQueen's school. In 1850 he
was one of the regents and a stockholder of the Young
Ladies' Seminary, E. J. Boyd being Principal. In that
year he was elected Judge of Probate. With the late
T. G. Cole, he established the first Whig paper in Monroe, placing Mr. Hosmer, a young lawyer, in the editorial
chair. He invested both money and energy in the
Gibraltar and Flat Rock enterprise, and was treasurer
of the company.   Other offices of public trust were
proffered him, but were declined as interfering with his
profession, which he loved, and in the practice of which
he was most successful. September 18, 1832, he united
with the Presbyterian Church, and the same year was
elected elder, which office he honored until his death,
September 2, 1851. Dr. Harry Conant was a man of
strong character, possessing both firmness and gentleness
to a marked degree. A man of few words, his sterling
integrity, rare good sense, and intellectual culture won
for him the respect and confidence of all who knew him.
Endowed with sound judgment and remarkable discriminating faculties, he was seldom mistaken in his estimate




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

21

of men and things. Doctor Conant was a sound scholar
and a Christian gentleman. His religious life was always
consistent and cheerful; his faith, firm and unwavering.
Resting alone on the merits of a merciful Redeemercalm and confident-he had no forbodings for the future.
Though to him life had always been a joy, and, as he
expressed it, "This had always been to him a beautiful
world," his last words were, "Almost Home."
WARLETON, WILLIAM, M. A., of Ilillsdale, the
well-known poet and journalist, was born near
Hudson, Lenawee County, Michigan, October
21, 1845. His parents, John II. and Celeste E. Carleton,
were of English descent. They removed early to Michigan, where the father cleared the farm on which he
lived for forty years. HIe was a man of influence, and
filled many offices of trust in the community. He was
a devoted Methodist. The mother, an earnest, Christian
woman, still lives in the old home. Only one of her
five children survives; her other son died on the way
home, after suffering imprisonment in the South. The
boyhood of Will Carleton was passed in farm labor and
in study. His eager love of knowledge induced him to
walk five miles a day, for the purpose of attending a
high school in town, and prompted him to study algebra
and geometry, self-taught, while still in the district school.
His favorite study was grammar, and disputes concerning
points in parsing and construction often arose between
himself and his master. At the age of sixteen, he commenced teaching, and often had to resort to this occupation to defray the expenses of his education. He
entered Hillsdale College in 1865, with the intention of
fitting himself for a journalist; and, although his course
was not continuous, graduated in 1869, with the degree
of B. A. The honorary degree of M. A. was afterwards conferred by the college. After graduating, he
entered the editorial staff of the Western Rural, Chicago,
and was afterwards editor of the Hillsdale Standard,
and of the Detroit Weekly Tribune, remaining with
each paper one year. He then went to reside in Hillsdale, for the purpose of devoting more time to study
and travel. In early youth, he read all the books that
he could procure, from the lightest literature to works
on theology. For poetry he had no fancy, and read it
merely to gain some historical fact. History afforded him
great delight, and is now his favorite study. What may
properly be termed Mr. Carleton's first literary success,
was a political poem called "Fax," written during his
Junior vacation, at Aurora, Illinois, in the summer of
1868. He tested its merits by reading it in a neighboring town, where he was entirely unknown. Its success was marked, and it was frequently delivered before

political clubs during the campaign. Several hundred
copies were printed; it received quite a wide circulation,
and was much read until after the election. At the
commencement exercises, on the day of his graduation,
Mr. Carleton delivered his poem entitled "Rifts in the
Cloud." Among his other early poems is one first read
on Decoration day, called "Cover Them Over."  During his editorial work, his shorter poems often appeared
in his paper; they were sometimes sent to other journals,
and were widely copied. The poem which brought him
into prominent public notice was his first farm ballad.
Others followed; and, in 1873, he published, through
Harper & Brothers, a book entitled Farm Ballads.
Some of these poems have struck a chord in the nation's
heart that will not soon cease to vibrate. The Farm
Legends followed, in 1875. His latest work, Young
Folks' Centennial Rhymes, published in 1876, has been
received with favor. Mr. Carleton's life is a busy one;
he is proprietor of a news depot and circulating library
in Hillsdale, and gives many lectures and readings during the season. He attends personally to investing his
funds,-lending money on real estate security.  In
politics and in religion, he is liberal and independent;
he is not strictly identified with any party or denomination, but exerts his influence where, at the time, it
seems likely to produce most good. Mr. Carleton is
genial and sociable among his companions, but his
chosen circle is a small one, and his most congenial
friends are usually among his seniors. His leisure,
devoted to literary work, will doubtless bring forth other
gems to add to the luster of his fame.
6  OLE, THOMAS GOULD, late of Monroe, was
born in Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York,
February 24, 18o6; and was the fourth of seven
children, only one of whom is now living. His father,
Luther Cole, emigrated to Canandaigua in 1785. He
was endowed with all the qualifications necessary to the
successful pioneer,-energy, perseverance, courage, decision, and firmness.  lie assisted in surveying the
county afterwards known as the "Holland Purchase;"
and carried the first mail, on horseback, between Utica
and Canandaigua, in a leather bag strapped around
him. lie was a successful merchant for some years, and
was very friendly with the chiefs of the "Six Nations."
Red Jacket, Cornplanter, and other noted Indians often
visited and traded with him, having the utmost confidence in his honesty. The mother of Thomas G. Cole
was Mary Gould, of Lyme, Connecticut. Her mother,
Mary Gould, was a worthy type of the hardy New
Englanders who settled in Western New York. She
had originally lived in Wyoming, Pennsylvania; and,




if- *''   5  ':

-     S'T: I'; '"  -

22

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

when the terrible Indian war and massacre occurred
she fled through the wilderness with two or three of he:
children, leaving her husband in the battle. He after
wards joined her at Lyme, which she had reached ir
safety. She survived her husband many years, living tc
enjoy the respect and affection of her children to an olc
age. Some years since she was interviewed by Mrs
Ellett, the authoress, who published a sketch of hei
life. She was a lineal descendant of William  Hyde,
who came from England about the year 1636, and
settled at Hartford, Connecticut. He died in Norwich,
in 1685. The genealogical history of William Hyde and
his descendants was published at Albany, about 1870,
by the late Chancellor Walworth, of New York. It
will thus be seen that Thomas Cole inherited from both
parents a spotless character, and those worthy qualities
which he exhibited in so marked a degree. He received
a fair education in the common schools and academy in
his native village; and, in the year 1827, emigrated to
Monroe, Michigan. There he entered upon mercantile
pursuits, which he carried on successfully several years.
While at home he had worked on his father's farm, and,
after removing to Michigan, indulged his taste in this
direction both practically and theoretically. About the
time that he retired from the mercantile business, railroads and their construction became the topic of leading
interest among practical and enterprising men.  Mr.
Cole gave his whole attention to this subject, and
became well versed in the history and theory of railroads. The Michigan Southern Railroad, one of the
roads projected by the State, was commenced at this
time, and Mr. Cole, in connection with the late W. P.
Clark, succeeded in procuring the contract for its construction from Monroe to Hillsdale. Upon the completion of the road, Mr. Cole was appointed Superintendent,
and filled the position very satisfactorily for several
years.  He was the founder and proprietor of the
Detroit, Monroe and Toledo Railroad; and spent nearly
two years in endeavoring, against the most unreasonable
opposition, to obtain the right of way from Monroe to
Toledo. He received the contract for constructing this
part of the road from the company, who purchased the
right of way from him, and completed it within a year.
It was pronounced one of the best constructed roads in
the State. He was the prime mover in all enterprises
for advancing the interests of Monroe, and no one
looked for the successful termination of any enterprise
that was not led, or at least advocated, by Thomas G.
Cole. He was the founder of the Young Ladies' Seminary, which became so celebrated under the Presidency
of Rev. E. J. Boyd. His persevering efforts for the
construction of the City Canal; the building of the
Humphries House, a large brick hotel; and the erection
of some of the first brick blocks in the city,-can not be
forgotten by those who survive him. Indeed, there was,no object connected with the improvement of Southern
r Michigan in which he was not interested. As a busi- ness man, his sagacity was faultless, his enterprise indeifatigable, and his energy untiring. -As a citizen and
) friend, he was faithful; in his advice, unselfish; in his
I contributions, liberal and unostentatious. He lived and. died a firm believer in the cardinal doctrines of the
r Christian religion.  He was a constant attendant at
church services, and a man of blameless character. He
Sdied January 25, 1862, at the age of sixy-six years, in
the midst of his usefulness, one of the most praiseworthy
pioneers and representative men of Michigan.
J''fOOK, HON. JOHN         POTTER, of Hillsdale,
Michigan, was born in Plymouth, Chenango
SCounty, New York, January 27, 1812, and is the
youngest son of Joseph and Lydia (Benson) Cook. His
parents, both of English descent, removed from New
England at an early day, and settled in New York.
When Mr. Cook was two years of age, his father died,
and, two years later, his mother married again. During
his boyhood and youth, he resided in Chenango, Oneida,
and Cayuga counties, engaged in teaching, farming, and
carpentry. Compelled by limited means to labor during the greater part of the year, his education was such
as he could obtain, during the winter, in the common
schools of that day. Without the advantages of education and wealth, he early learned to rely on his own
resources. In the spring of 1832, at the age of twenty,
with the little capital accumulated, he started for the
West; and, July I, arrived at Detroit, Michigan. There,
with others, he built a foundry, but, after a few months,
disposed of his interest; and, in the summer of 1834,
removed to Jonesville. There, in connection with C.
W. Ferris, he erected a store, and filled it with the first
stock of goods ever brought into Hillsdale County. In 1836
Mr. Cook, foreseeing the ultimate removal of the countyseat to the place where the city of Hillsdale now stands,
purchased property in that locality, although it was then
covered with forests, and occupied by only two families.
In the following year, he changed his residence to Hillsdale, and, in company with Mr. Ferris, built a flourmill, carrying it on in connection with a store which
they had erected about the same time. He continued
this business until 1862.  Meanwhile, the State commenced the construction of the Michigan Southern Railroad, and Mr. Cook became a large contractor in the
work.  In 1855 he engaged in banking with Messrs.
Mitchell and Waldron, and remained with the firm
until 1863. Since that time he has been interested in
the hardware business; and, since 1866, has engaged
extensively in the lumber trade. He has also given con






k




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

2.3

siderable attention to farming, and at present owns between four and five thousand acres of land, three
thousand of which, lying in Northern Michigan, are
covered with valuable pine. In politics, Mr. Cook has
always been a steadfast adherent to the principles of
the Democratic party, and an unyielding advocate of
honest and economical government. For twenty years
following the organization of the State Government, he
took an active part in the political affairs of his State,
and, during this period, was personally acquainted with
the leading public men, many of whom were among his
most esteemed friends. Mr. Cook was influential in the
organization of Hillsdale County, and was elected its
first County Treasurer. In 1838 he was appointed first
Postmaster of Hillsdale. In the fall of 1845, he was
elected Representative to the State Legislature, and was
placed on the Judiciary Committee,-being the only nonprofessional man on the committee; during this session
of the Legislature, the statutes of the State were revised. In 1846 Mr. Cook was elected to the State Senate. In the fall of 1848, as private business required
his attention, he declined a renomination. In 1850 he
was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, which
framed the present constitution of the State, and was
chairman of one of the most important committees,that on Incorporations. In the spring of 1874, overcoming a large Republican majority, he was elected to
a special session of the Senate, which convened to frame
a new constitution for the State. Mr. Cook earnestly
opposed the change; and, when in the fall it was submitted to the people, it was defeated. During his long
residence in Hillsdale, Mr. Cook has received many
minor honors, as tokens of his neighbors' esteem and
appreciation. At the time of the civil war, Mr. Cook
took great interest in every measure for sustaining the
Government, and was called upon to preside at every
county meeting held for that purpose. One of these,
which Zachariah Chandler and Lewis Cass addressed,
was the occasion of the last public speech which General Cass ever delivered. Mr. Cook has been a member

establishment of the various religious denominations in
the city. Mr. Cook is eminently a self-made man. His
success is the result of honesty, industry, and economy.
During his life, he has engaged, with characteristic energy and uniform success, in many pursuits. To-day he
is possessed of an ample competency, and surrounded
by his family and a large circle of friends. He is honored and respected by his political opponents, as well as
by the members of his own party.
S\OOLEY, THOMAS M., LL. D., Ann Arbor, Judge
of the Supreme Court of Michigan, was born in
Attica, New York, January 6, 1824. His father,
Thomas Cooley, was a Massachusetts farmer, who settled
in Attica in 1804. Although his family was very large,
he was enabled to give his son Thomas a fair academic
education. In 1842 Mr. Cooley left the farm, and began the study of law with Theron R. Strong, of Palmyra,
afterwards Judge of the Supreme Court of New York.
In 1843 he came to Adrian, Michigan, and continued
his legal studies until 1846, when he was admitted to
the bar. In the meantime, he had held, as deputy, the
offices of County Clerk and Register in Chancery. As
a young man, Judge Cooley was a careful student; he
was quick, thorough, and methodical. January, 1846,
he began the practice of law, in Tecumseh, with Judge
C. A. Stacey. In 1848 he returned to Adrian, and
became a partner of Hon. F. C. Beaman; Hon. R. R.
Beecher was afterwards a member of the firm. In 1850
Mr. Cooley was elected Circuit Court Commissioner, and
Recorder of Adrian. He was much interested in agriculture; was for years an active member, and, at one
time, Secretary, of the Lenawee Agricultural Society.
His attention to the subject was not merely theoretical;
in connection with David Horton, he purchased a hundred acres of farm land near Adrian, and devoted to its
cultivation such time as he could spare from his professional duties. In 1852 he removed to Toledo, Ohio,
I   I  -.-  - -      _ 'r  I  -  It.I.

of the Board of Education of itllslale for about ti- expecting to leave the profession of law; but, preferring
teen years; a Trustee of Hillsdale College for twenty to resume its practice, he returned to Adrian, in 1854,
years, and frequently Chairman of its Board. Since the and became a partner of C. M. Croswell, who had
founding of this institution, he has contributed much studied law in his office. During Judge Cooley's pracmoney towards its support. lie has also taken part in tice in Adrian, there was scarcely a suit of importance,
many other public enterprises, having been particularly tried in the county, in which he was not engaged. He
active in securing the completion of the Detroit, Hills- established a reputation for great care and faithfulness,
dale and Indiana Railroad. He was married, in 1837, clearness, and logical force. In 1857 he was elected by
to Miss Betsey Wolford, of Cayuga County, New York. the Legislature to compile the statutes of the State. In
She died in the summer of 1850, leaving three children. 1858 he was appointed Reporter of the Supreme Court,
In the fall of 1852, Mr. Cook married Miss Mar- which office he held until 1864, publishing eight volumes
tha H. Wolford, a sister of his former wife. They of reports. In 1859, when the department was organhave had nine children, seven of whom are still living. ized, he accepted the Jay Professorship of Law in the
Although not a member of any church, Mr. Cook believes University of Michigan, and still continues to hold the
in strict morality, and has given liberally towards the position. In November, 1864, he was elected Justice of




21.

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

the Supreme Court, to fill a vacancy, and was re-elected
in 1869, and again in 1877, for successive terms of eight
years. i)uring his twelve years on the bench, Judge
Cooley has rendered a series of important decisions
upon various questions affecting the interests of society
and government; these have attracted attention as judicial comeositions of a very high order, and are valuable
as precedents. In i866 he published a digest of Michigan Retorts; in 1868, a treatise on the Constitutional
Limitations of Legislative Powers in the Slates. Thie last
proved exceedingly popular; a second edition appeared
in 1871, a third in 1874, and a fourth is now in press.
In 1872 he edited Blackstone's Commentaries; in 1874
Story on the Constitution; in the same year, he revised
and  republished  Harrington's Chancery  Reports; in
1867 he published a treatise on the Law of Taxation,
which proved more popular than Constitutional Limitations.  He was assistant editor in charge of the legal
articles in Appleton's revised American Cyclopcedia, and
has published many magazine and review articles. He
is now assistant editor of the American Law Register,
published in iPhiladelphia. In 1877 he delivered the
opening course of law lectures in the Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, and will again deliver a course
in 1878. In 1873 the honorary degree of LL. I). was
conferred upon him   by the University of Michigan.
Recently, he has become a member of the International
Code Committee, which has for its object the improvement and codification of the laws of nations.  Judge
Cooley was earnestly opposed to slavery; he was active
in the campaign of 1848 as a Free-soil Democrat, and
became a Republican in I85o. He is not a strong partisan, and has always, when a candidate for office, received
courtesy and respect from his opponents. Though not a
member, he has, for many years, been a trustee and
attendant of the Congregational Church; he contributed
largely to the erection of the beautiful stone church at
Ann Arbor. I)ecember 30, 1846, he married Mary E.
Horton, of Adrian, a wvomau who combines intelligence
and excellence of character with devotion to domestic
duties; and who has proved a comfort and a blessing in
all the relations of life. They have six children; one, a
prominent lawyer in Bay City; another, Superintendent
and Treasurer of the Gas-works at Lansing. As a jurist,
Judge Cooley has attained a high rank and enviable
reputation; he is considered an authority on questions
involving a discussion of constitutional law. The American translators of Van Hoist's Constitutional History of
the United States dedicated their work to Judge Cooley
as "one of the most eminent expounders of the Constitution."  His genial qualities, his delicate sense of
honor, and his strict integrity, have won for him esteem
among his fellow-citizens, and in the entire State. His
eminent public services entitle him to rank among the
foremost men of Michigan.,,'RESSY, ALONZO, M. D., of Hillsdale, was born
in Scipio, Cayuga County, New York, in i8o8.
IHis parents were natives of New England. They
were married in 1797, and emigrated to Cayuga. His
father was a tanner and shoemaker; but, in 1813, gave
up his trade, and settled on a farm, in Auburn, New
York. Alonzo Cressy remained at home until he was
sixteen.  lie early acquired a fondnes, for reading
history, and attended a select school, two years, at
Skaneateles.  lie studied medicine three years, and
began its practice at Lima, New York. There he married a daughter of Dr. Justin Smith, and emigrated to
Clinton, Lenawee County, Michigan, in 1831.    The
year after Doctor Cressy removed to Michigan, the
Indians, led by Black Hawk, attacked the settlements
on Rock River. The alarm excited by this outbreak,
as well as the terror inspired by the sudden appearance
of cholera, for the time checked all business. General
Scott, with an adequate force, was ordered to look after
the Indians; and Doctor Cressy accompanied a detachment of troops in their march across the country to
meet him at Chicago. At Niles, they were advised
that a steamer was awaiting them at the mouth of the
river. The horses and wagons took the road at that
point, and the men took boats. Late in the afternoon,
the soldiers and equipments arrived at St. Joseph, and
were speedily embarked. The weather was cool and
rainy; the men had been suffering from diarrhea, and
the exposure of the march had increased the severity
of the cases. By midnight, a dozen men were seriously
ill. Appropriate remedies were exhausted, and supplies
could not be reached. Doctor Cressy spent the night
attending the sick. Three of the men died six hours
after entering the cholera hospital at Chicago. On his
arrival at Chicago, Doctor Cressy reported to General
Scott, with the officers of the detachment, and was
appointed to duty in camp, as chief medical officer.
From head-quarters, he went to the cholera hospital,
where he had ample opportunity of studying the fearful malady. He was offered, by General Scott, a choice
of positions, if he would remain with the troops, but he
preferred to return home. In 1836 Doctor Cressy was
elected to the Legislature on an independent ticket.
Many important measures were considered and adjusted
during that session, and Doctor Cressy was selected to
pilot through the House the educational bills, and that
relative to the geological survey of the State.  His
health obliged him to make a change, and he removed
to Hillsdale. There, in 1854, he was elected to the State
Senate; and, towards the close of the session, was
President, pro tempore. He interested himself in securing
the passage of a law authorizing the organization of a college in Hillsdale, to occupy a structure which had been
built by subscription, under pledge that it would be
occup)ied lby an incorporated college. Some zealous







C>
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

25

friends of the University opposed this measure, but the
project possessed intrinsic merits, and was carried
through. Doctor Cressy was an antislavery Whig, and
joined the Republicans on the formation of that party.
lie believes that the stability of the nation rests upon
preserving a balance between the States and the General
Government; that anarchy will be inevitable if the State
Government prevents the National Government from
exercising the prerogatives conferred upon it; or, if the
central power becomes aggressive, and usurps the rights
reserved to the States, centralization and despotism will
be sure to follow. He has acted with the Democrats for
the last ten years, but is not a politician, and has no
strong partisan attachments. He believes parties to be
useful only so long as their paramount motive is the
promotion of the general welfare; that when public
patronage and official influence are prostituted to perpetuate party hold upon power, parties have become
corrupt enough to be set aside. In religion, he is
orthodox and liberal, but distrustful of all emotional
excess. He has little faith in creeds, and not much
reverence for sects. With him nature and revelation
are co-equal and never conflicting expressions of the
attributes of the Supreme ruler.  Birth and growth,
decay and death, are essential features in the plan of
infinite wisdom. Death he believes to be a necessary
step onward, in a continuous life for good or for evil.
Doctor Cressy was, for two years, presiding officer of
the Sons of Temperance in Michigan. Hie has not only
witnessed the growth of Michigan from Territorial
infancy to its present position, but has kept pace with
the march of progress, and given his influence to aid
the prosperity of the State.
~_ROSWELL, HON. CHARLES M., Adrian, Governor of Michigan, was born at Newburg, Orange
County, New York, October 31, 1825. lie is the
only son of John and Sallie (Hicks) Croswell.  His
father, who was of Scotch-Irish extraction, was a papermaker, and carried on business in New York City. His
ancestors on his mother's side were of Knickerbocker
descent. The family of Croswell may be found connected with prominent events, in New York and Connecticut, in the early existence of the Republic.  Harry
Croswell, during the administration of President Jefferson, published a paper called the Balance, and was prosecuted for libeling the President under the obnoxious
Sedition Law. He was defended by the celebrated
Alexander Hamilton, and the decision of the case established the important ruling that the truth might be
shown in cases of libel. Another member of the family
was Edwin Croswell, the famous editor of the Albany
26

Argus; also, Rev. William Croswell, noted as a divine
and poet. When Charles* M. Croswell was seven years
of age, his father was accidentally drowned in the
Hudson River, at Newburg; and, within three months
preceding that event, his mother and only sister had
died,-thus leaving him the sole surviving member
of the family, without fortune or means. Upon the
death of his father, he went to live with an uncle,
who, in 1837, emigrated with him to Adrian, Michigan. At sixteen years of age, he commenced to learn
the carpenter's trade, and worked at it very diligently
for four years, maintaining himself, and devoting his
spare time to reading and the acquirement of knowledge. In 1846 he began the study of law, and was
appointed Deputy Clerk of Lenawee County; the duties
of this office he performed four years, when he was
elected Register of Deeds, and was re-elected in 1852.
In 1854 he took part in the first movements for the formation of the Republican party, and was a member and
Secretary of the convention held at Jackson in that
year, which put in the field the first Republican State
ticket in Michigan.  In 1855 he formed a law partnership with the present Chief-Justice Cooley, which continued until the removal of Judge Cooley to Ann Arbor.
In 1862 Mr. Croswell was appointed City Attorney of
Adrian. He was also elected Mayor of the city in the
spring of the same year; and, in the fall, was chosen to
represent Lenawee County in the State Senate. The
Senate elected that year contained a number of experienced men and good lawyers; and it was, therefore, a
high compliment to him when he was made Chairman
of the Committee on the Judiciary,-a position requiring not only legal ability, but good sense and judgment,
and a careful and laborious attention to details. It was
a still higher compliment when the Senate, by common
consent, chose him its President, pro tempore. The duties
of both these positions he discharged faithfully, and to
the satisfaction of his fellow Senators; as presiding
officer, he not only made himself familiar with the technical details of parliamentary law, but he showed a selfpossession, a readiness, and an unfailing courtesy, that
seemed to point him out as the natural parliamentarian.
He was re-elected to the Senate in 1864, and again in
1866, during each term filling the positions above mentioned. Among various reports made by him, one adverse to the re-establishment of the death penalty, and
another against a proposition to pay the salaries of State
officers and Judges in coin, which then commanded a
very large premium, may be mentioned. He also drafted
the act ratifying the Thirteenth Amendment to the Federal Constitution, for the abolishment of slavery, it
being the first amendment to that instrument ratified by
Michigan. In 1863, from his seat in the State Senate,
he delivered an elaborate speech in favor of the Proclamation of Emancipation issued by President Lincoln,




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26

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

and of his general policy in the prosecution of the war
This, at the request of his Republican associates, waw
afterwards published. In 1867 he was elected a mem
ber of the Constitutional Convention, and chosen it:
presiding officer. This convention was composed of ar
able body of men; and though, in the general distrus
of constitutional changes which for some years had beer
taking possession of the people, their labors were nol
accepted by the popular vote, it was always conceded
that the constitution they proposed had been prepared
with great care and skill. In 1868 he was chosen an
Elector on the Republican Presidential ticket; in 1872
was elected a Representative to the State Legislature,
from Lenawee County, and was chosen Speaker of the
House of Representatives. At the close of the session
of that body, his abilities as a parliamentarian, and the
fairness of his rulings, were freely and formally acknowledged by his associates; and he was presented with a
superb collection of their portraits, handsomely framed.
Ile was, also, for several years, Secretary of the State
Board for the general supervision of the charitable and
penal institutions of Michigan; in which position, his
propositions for the amelioration of the condition of the
unfortunate, and the reformation of the criminal classes,
signalize the benevolence of his nature, and the practical character of his mind. In 1876 the general voice
of the Republicans of the State indicated him as their
choice for Governor; and, at the State Convention of
the party in August of the same year, he was put in
nomination by acclamation, without the formality of a
ballot. At the election in November following, he was
chosen to the high position for which he had been
nominated, by a very large majority over all opposing
candidates. Governor Croswell has always prepared his
addresses with care; and, as his diction is terse, clear,
and strong, without excess of ornament, and his delivery impressive, he is a popular speaker; and many of
his speeches have attracted favorable comment in the
public prints, and have a permanent value, lie has
always manifested a deep interest in educational matters,
and was for years a member and Secretary of the Board
of Education in Adrian. At the formal opening of the
Central School building in that city, on the 24th day of
April, 1869, he gave, in a public address, a " Historical
Sketch of the Adrian Public Schools."  In his private
life, Governor Croswell has been as exemplary as in his
public career he has been successful and useful. In
February, 1852, he was married to a daughter of Morton Eddy, Lucy M. Eddy, a lady of many amiable and
sunny qualities.  She suddenly died, March 19, 1868,
leaving two daughters and a son. Governor Croswell is
not a member of any religious body, but generally
attends the Presbyterian Church. lie pursues the profession of law; but, of late, has been occupied mainly
in the care of his property interests, and the quiet. duties of advice in business difficulties, for which his
s unfailing prudence and sound judgment eminently fit
- him. His inaugural message was received with general
s favor; and his career as Governor has been marked with
i the same qualities of head and heart that have ever
t distinguished him. Governor Croswell is truly popular,
i not only with those of like political faith with himself,
t but with those who differ from him in this regard.
S  USTER, MAJ.-GEN. GEORGE ARMSTRONG,
Monroe, was born December 5, 1839, in New Rumley, Harrison County, Ohio. After receiving a
common education, such as the schools of his native place
afforded, he entered, in 1852, a select academy for young
men at Monroe, Michigan, conducted by Prof. Alfred
Stebbins, where he availed himself of the superior advantages offered for taking a more complete educational
course. Hle remained about two years, pursuing his
studies with diligence; and the excellent associations in
which he here found himself exerted their influence in
the formation of his noble character.  Returning to
Ohio, he engaged in teaching school; but the yearnings
of his ambitious nature for a more eventful life did not
allow him to remain contented; and we next find him
with an appointment to the United States Military
Academy, at West Point. He entered that institution
on the Ist of July, 1857, and graduated on the 24th of
June, 1861, with what was considered one of the best
classes that ever left the academy. Immediately upon
leaving West Point, he was appointed Second Lieutenant
in Company G, 2(1 United States (avalry, a regiment
formerly commanded by Robert E. Lee. lie reported
to Lieutenant-General Scott on the 20th of July, the
day before the battle of Bull Run, and was at once
assigned to duty with his regiment, then under the
command of General Mcl)owell. After riding all night
through a country filled with people who were, to say
the least, not friendly, he reached Mclowell's headquarters at daybreak on the morning of the 2Ist. Preparations for the battle had already begun, and, after
delivering the dispatches which he bore from General
Scott, and taking a hasty lunch, he joined his company.
It is not necessary to recount here the disasters of the
engagement which followed.  Suffice it to say, Lieutenant Custer's company was among the last to leave
the field. It did so in good order, bringing off General
Heintzelman, who had been wounded in the battle.
The young officer continued to serve with his company,
and was engaged in drilling volunteer recruits in and
about the defenses of Washington, when, upon the
appointment of Phil. Kearney to the position of Brigadier-General, that lamented officer appointed him as
one of his staff. Custer continued in this position until




v:   *:  "   '  *   '..... ' -..  * * ' l         -   - "                      'i  ~  ~          *:..: '
REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.                                     27
an order was issued from the War Department prohibit- number of hotly contested engagements; and, through
ing Generals of volunteers from appointing officers of them all, bore himself with the same fearlessness and
the regular army to staff duty. Ile then returned to gallantry that marked him as the most dashing officer
his company, after being warmly complimented by Gen- in the service. When Pleasonton was made Major-General Kearney upon the prompt and efficient manner in eral, his first pleasure was to remember the valuable
which he had performed the duties assigned him. The services of his Aid-de-camp. He requested the appointGeneral then predicted that Custer would prove one of ment of four Brigadiers under him; and, upon his recomthe most successful officers in the army; nor were these mendation, indorsed by Generals Meade and Hooker,
predictions without a speedy realization.  With his young Custer was made a Brigadier-General, and was
company, Lieutenant Custer marched forward with that assigned to the command of the 1st, 5th, 6th, and 7th
part of the Army of the Potomac which moved upon Michigan Cavalry, constituting the famous Michigan
Manassas after its evacuation by the Confederates. Our Brigade. lIe did noble service at the battle of Gettyscavalry was in advance under General Stoneman, and burg. Ile held the right of the line, and was obliged
encountered the Confederate horsemen, for the first to face Hampton's cavalry division; after a hotly contime, near Catlett's Station. The commanding officer tested fight, he utterly routed the Confederates, and
made a call for volunteers to charge the enemy's ad- prevented them from reaching the trains of the Union
vance post; Lieutenant Custer was among the first to army, which they had hoped to capture. Custer had
step to the front, and, in command of his company, he two horses shot under him in this encounter. Hardly
shortly afterwards made his first charge. The enemy had the battle commenced, when he was sent to attack
d(lid not wait to receive them, but crossed the bridge the enemy's train, which was trying to force its way to
over Cedar Run, burning the bridge as soon as they the Potomac. lie destroyed more than four hundred
had crossed.  A  few shots were exchanged on the wagons. At IHlagerstown, Maryland, during a severe
banks, and one of our men was wounded. This was engagement, he had another horse shot under him. At
the first blood shed in the campaign under McClellan. Falling Water, shortly after, he attacked with his small
After this, Custer wvent with the Army of the Potomac command the entire Confederate rear guard. The Conto the Peninsula, and remained with his company until federate commander, General Pettigrew, was killed, and
the army settled down before Yorktown, when he was his command routed, with a loss of thirteen hundred
detailed as an assistant engineer of the left wing under prisoners, two pieces of cannon, and four battle-flags.
Sumner.   Acting in this capacity, he planned and For some time after this victory, General Custer was
erected the earthliworks nearest the enemy's lines, lie constantly engaged in skirmishing with the enemy; and,
also accompanied the advance under General Hancock during the winter which followed, in picketing the
in pursuit of the enemy from Yorktown. Shortly after- Rapidan between the two armies. lIe participated in
wards, he captured the first battle-flag ever taken by the battle of the Wilderness in 1864; and on the 9th
the Army of the Potomac. From this time forward, he of May of the same year, under General Sheridan, he
was nearly first in every work of darilig. When the set out on the famous raid towards Richmond. His
army reached the Chickahominy, he was the first man brigade led the column, captured Beaver Dam, burned
to cross the river; he did so in the midst of the whist- the station with a train loaded with supplies, and reling bullets from the enemy's pickets, leading Company leased four hundred Union prisoners. At Ashland more
A, 4th Michigan Infantry, wading sometimes through supplies were destroyed and more prisoners released.
deep water. For this brave act, General McClellan On the Brooks pike, the cavalry encountered General
promoted him to a Captaincy, and made him one of his J. E. B. Stuart and his famous cavalry, who gallantly
personal aids. In this capacity he served during most tried to check the advance, but without avail. General
of the Peninsular campaign, and participated in all its Stuart was here killed by one of Custer's men; after his
battles, including the seven days' fight. He performed fall, the enemy gave way, and a complete rout followed.
the duty of marking out the position occupied by the Rejoining Grant's army on the Pamunkey, General
Union army at the battle of Gaines' Mills. lIe also Custer was prominent in the battle of Cold Harbor, the
took part in the campaign which ended in the battles close of which was marked by Sheridan's second raid;
of South Mountain and Antietam. Upon the retirement but in these and in several other engagements, Custer
of General McClellan from the command of the Army had no opportunity for the display of his peculiar talof the Potomac, Custer accompanied him, and for a ents, save at Beaver Dam, already mentioned. After
time was out of active service, lie was next engaged the battle of Fisher's Hill, in which he did most imporin the battle of Chancellorsville; and, immediately after tant service, he was placed in command of a division,
the fight, was made a personal aid by General Pleas- and remained iin that position until after Lee's surrenonton, who was then commanding a division of cavalry, der. At the ever memorable battle of Cedar Creek, his
Serving in this capacity, lie took an active part in a division was on the right, and not engaged in the rout




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28

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

of the morning, so that when Sheridan arrived on the
ground, after his ride of twenty miles, he found at least
one command ready for service. His immediate order
was, "Go in, Custer!" The brave young General waited
for no further word; he went in, and came not out
until the enemy was driven several miles beyond the
battle-field. Nearly one thousand prisoners were captured, among them a Major-General; forty-five pieces
of artillery were also taken, with several battle-flags.
For this service, Custer was made a brevet Major-General of Volunteers. Sheridan, as a further mark of
approbation, detailed him to carry the news of the
victory, and the captured battle-flags, to Washington.
From this time forward, he continued to steadily advance in the esteem of his superiors and the American
people. When the Confederates fell back to Appomattox, Custer had the advance of Sheridan's command;
his share of the action is well described in a volume
entitled With Sheridan in His Last Campaign. The book
in question says: "When the sun was an hour high in
the west, energetic Custer, in advance, spied the depot
and four heavy trains of freight cars; he quickly ordered his leading regiments to circle out to the left
through the woods, and, as they gained the railroad beyond the station, he led the rest of his division pellmell down the road and enveloped the train as quick
as winking." In short, it can be said of General
Custer, that he was in every engagement fought by the
Army of the Potomac, from the first battle of Bull Run
to the surrender of General Lee. His career forms a
part of the history of the late civil war. Wherever the
cavalry was engaged, there was General Custer to be
found with his glorious command. Not only was he in
all the general engagements, but he was a leading
spirit in all the numerous cavalry fights which preceded or followed the great battles. It was his cavalry
which scoured the country in advance of the army,
driving the enemy into some stronghold whence they
gave battle. It was the cavalry which attacked the
Confederates' flank and rear, during those battles; and
it was the cavalry that pursued them on their retreat,
capturing their trains of supplies and ammunition, and
bringing in thousands of prisoners. In all these scenes,
the youthful figure of Custer, the youngest General in
the army, was always to be seen in the thickest of the
fight, taking the brunt of the danger, and directing his
command with that skill and success which only comes
of and from genius. Personally, he knew no fear-it
was always his choice to lead, not to follow, his men;
and never to ask them to incur any danger which he
would himself avoid. No officer exercised greater care
over his men than did General Custer. In the field he
exacted severe duty of them, but they gave it cheerfully,
knowing that they could trust him implicitly. Their
love for him amounted to intense enthusiasm. It was

that hero worship which Americans so willingly accord
to successful men. At the close of the war General
Custer was on duty in Texas and Kentucky. He was
mustered out of the volunteer service, February I, 1866,
and was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of the 7th United
States Cavalry, in July, 1866. In 1867, he was ordered,
with his regiment, to the plains, and participated, with
General Hancock, in his expedition against the Indians.
He was, during nearly the whole of the period from this
time until his last ill-fated expedition, on frontier duty.
In 1873 he was second in command of the Yellowstone
expedition, under General Stanley.  He subsequently
made explorations of the Black Hills, and brought back
the first authentic reports of the mineral wealth of that
hitherto unexplored region. In the expedition organized under the command of Brigadier-General Terry
against the Indians, General Custer commanded the 7th
Cavalry, which was the advance; and it was while engaged in this expedition that he met his death, June
25, 1876. General Custer cared little for politics and
took no part therein, except as a delegate to the Philadelphia Convention in 1866, and to the Soldiers' Convention at Cleveland. In 1864 General Custer married
Miss Elizabeth Bacon, only daughter of Ilon. Daniel
S. Bacon, of Monroe, Michigan. During every campaign thereafter she accompanied her gallant husband,
sharing the dangers and discomforts with him and his
command. To omit from General Custer's record an
emphatic commendation of him as a man, and a genial,
warm-hearted friend, would leave untold some of his
most strongly marked characteristics. Under the garb
of the soldier, and the sometimes austere exterior, there
beat the warmest of hearts, and existed the most affectionate of natures. The circle of friends to whom he
revealed these gentler qualities was not large; but, even
beyond that, he was loved and admired for what he was,
and was respected and esteemed for his achievements.
In the field of literature, into which he ventured with
the same energy and spirit that characterized his military life, he also won success; and, but for the untimely
close of his career, would unquestionably here also have
attained distinction. To live in history is the fondest
dream of the soldier. What are a few years, more or
less, of this life, in comparison with enduring fame?
The name of Custer is now enrolled with those to be
remembered. The peculiarly tragic incidents of his
death; the desperate courage which put him and so
many of his relations at the head of the assailing troops;
the merciless slaughter which closed the scene,-all these
may survive in narrative and tradition the removal of
the last of the " Redskins" from the face of the earth. The
gallant bravery, the spirit, and the patriotism of Custer
commended him to public favor; and it is not in the
heart of the American people soon to forget those whose
blood has been shed in their name.




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

29

AUNN, REV. RANSOM, A. M., D. D., Professor
of Systematic and Pastoral Theology in Hillsdale
College, Iillsdale, Michigan, was born in Bakersfield, Vermont, July 7, I818. He is the son of John
Dunn and Abigail (Read) Dunn. His grandfather was
killed in the Revolutionary War. His father, who was
a Captain in the War of 1812, was a farmer, mechanic,
and student. Although his health was very delicate,
and he had the care of a large family, yet he found
time to become well versed in mathematics, history, and
the political questions of the day.  His habits of life,
teachings, and influence were such as to lead four of his
sons to become ministers of the Gospel. When thirteen
years of age, Mr. Ransom Dunn joined the Free Baptist
Church. When he was sixteen, he chose the ministry
as the work of his life, and thenceforward it became the
object of his study and labor. In August, 1836, a
council unanimously voted to give him license to preach
the Gospel, although he was only eighteen years of age.
From this time, he united study with professional work.
lie left his native State in June, 1837, and removed to
Ohio. lie was ordained in August of the same year,
and remained in the State about six years. From the
outset, his education was acquired principally by private
study, which he has kept up all his life. The degrees
conferred upon him  are entirely honorary. That of
D. D. was several times offered, and as often refused.
It was finally conferred by Bates College, Maine, in
1872, having been published before the fact came to
his knowledge. The degree of M. A. was conferred in
1848, by Wesleyan University, of Connecticut. After a
short settlement with the Washington Street Free Baptist
Church, at Dover, New Hampshire, he was called to the
First Free Baptist Church of Great Falls, New -lampshire, where he remained about three years. At the
end of that time, the failur of his wife's health demanded his return to Ohio. Mrs. Dunn died in the
summer of 1848, leaving two sons and a daughter. She
was a woman of earnest Christianity, a bright ornament
to society, and an inestimable treasure to the church.
In the spring of 1849, after a short missionary work in
New York City, Mr. Dunn was called to the First Free
Baptist Church of Boston, Massachusetts, where he met
with very encouraging success in his pastoral labors.
Although the church membership was small, the work
was severe; and, in the summer of 1851, he was compelled to retire from active labor. The Western climate
proved so favorable that, in 1852, he deemed it safe to
accept the appointment of Professor of Mental and
Moral Philosophy in Michigan Central College, Spring
Arbor, Jackson County,-a denominational school of
the Free Baptists. Soon after his arrival, he became
satisfied that the location was unfavorable; and, against
much opposition, the site of the college was removed
to Hillsdale. While the college buildings were in pro
cess of erection, Mr. Dunn spent his time in efforts for
the increase of the funds of the institution. Just before
the opening of the school, some trouble with his eyes
disqualified him for teaching, and he was forced to
remain under the care of an oculist for a period of
nearly two years.  His connection with the institution
did not cease, however, nor has it at any time since,
although he is at times compelled to seek a rest of
several months. In 1863 his relation to the college was
changed by his election to the Burr Professorship of
Christian Theology, which position he still occupies.
In 1865-66 he took an extended tour through Europe,
visiting Egypt, Arabia, and Turkey.    This change
almost completely restored his health, besides affording
him the opportunity of gaining much knowledge from
travel. The fruits of these travels have been reaped by
his hearers. The different fields of Mr. Dunn's professional labors have been so numerous as to make it impossible to give them in detail. During his early work
in Ohio, he baptized over four hundred persons; and,
while at Great Falls and Dover, New Hampshire, and
Boston, Massachusetts, over two hundred members were
received; the congregations were doubled, and a house
of worship was secured at the latter city.   Mainly
through the personal efforts of Mr. Dunn, the Free
Baptist Society has erected the finest and most commodious church edifice in Hillsdale; over which, in
addition to his college duties as a professor, he presided with great success until failing health compelled
him to abandon all regular pastoral duties. Of late
years, his preaching has been chiefly confined to dedication and funeral sermons, for which he has frequent
calls. He has dedicated over fifty churches of the Free
Baptist denomination, many of which were erected
through his own efforts. His political views have coincided with those of the Jacksonian Democracy respecting the currency and tariff, and with the Republican
party in regard to the slavery question. Hle married,
in September, 1840, Miss Mary Eliza Allen, of Ashtabula County, Ohio, whose father was a nephew of General Ethan Allen, and an attendant upon him during
the Revolutionary War. lie married, the second time,
September I, 1849, Miss Cyrena Emery, of Maine. Mr.
Dunn has been called upon to bear the failure of health
and eyesight, and the loss of five of his eight children.
During the late war, his oldest son lost his life while
in the army. The only remaining son, after receiving
the degrees of B. A. and A. M., taking an extended
tour through foreign countries, and performing effectually some literary and editorial work, was elected Professor of Hillsdale College, where he died in 1874.
Rev. L. A Dunn, D. D., President of Iowa Central
University, is the only one, except himself, that remains of his father's family. Mr. Dunn is possessed
of great magnetic power, holding the attention of an




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30

30REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

audience to an unusual degree. lie speaks extemporaneously, and is always ready when called upon unexpectediy, as is frequently the case. lie is never without
his note-book and pencil, jotting down each new and
valuable thought as it occurs to him. These notes suggest his best sermons.
UNSTER, EDWARD SWIFT, M. A., M. D.,
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, is the third
child of Samuel and Susan (Dow) Dunster, and
a descendant of the first President of Harvard College.
lie was born at Springvale, Sanford, Maine, September
2, 1834. On the removal of his father's family to Providence, Rhode Island, he attended the public schools
there; was admitted to the high school at twelve years
of age; and there prepared for college. He entered
Harvard University (collegiate course) in September,
1852, being admitted without conditions. lie graduated
with high honors in 1856; and had assigned as his subject for commencement, "1The first President of Harvard
College." In the fall of 1856, he became private tutor
to a son of II. W. Sargent, Esq., of Fishkill, New York;
and at the same timne began the study of medicine with
Dr. M. Stepheison, across the river, at Newburg. In
the summer of 1858 he became a pupil of Dr. E. R.
Peaslee, of New York, and, with him, the same season,
attended medical lectures at Dartmouth College. The
succeeding winter, he attended lectures at the New
York College of Medicine and Surgery, where he was
graduated M. D. in March, 1859, receiving the highest
prize awarded by the faculty for general proficiency in
his studies.  lie entered St. Luke's Hospital as an
interne on the day of his graduation, and remained until
the August following, when he resigned to accept the
situation of Demonstrator of Anatomy in Dartmouth
College, Doctor Peaslee being, at that time, the professor
in that department. Lectures over, Doctor Dunster returned to New York, and established himself as a physician. On the breaking out of the war, in 1861, he
tendered his services to the State; and, for a few days,
acted as Surgeon of the "Mozart Regiment of Volunteers." This position he resigned to enter the regular
army, to which he was admitted in June, 1861, after a
severe competitive examination, standing second in a
class of twenty-eight. August 5, 1861, he was commissioned as Assistant Surgeon; and was assigned to General McClellan's army, then in the field in Western
Virginia. lie reached the army soon after the engagement at Rich Mountain; established hospitals at Beverly,
five miles distant, for the care of the wounded; and,
on the transfer of the senior Surgeon, Doctor Wirtz,
United States army, a few weeks later, received the

supervision of all the hospitals. After remaining three
months-at Beverly, he was assigned to the dluty of constructing hospitals at Grafton and Parkersburg, and
subsequently was appointed, by General Rosecrans,
Medical Inspector for the southern half of the department. The following summer he was assigned to duty
under his old commander, General McClellan, in the
Peninsula, being inade Medical Director of the hospital
transports; and, in this capacity having chlarge of shipping the sick and wounded of the army. In the eight
d(lays prior to the evacuation of Harrison's Landing, on
the James River, he shipped nearly thirteen hundred
sick and wounded soldliers on the transports under his
command. When General McClellan was relieved of
his command, Doctor Dunster was ordered to Philadelphliia, to take charge of the Turner's Lane Hospital;
and, at the same time, to act as a member of the board
for the examination of candidates for the medical department of the army. I-Iis next army service was in
Washington, as assistant to the Surgeon-General; thence
he was transferred to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he remained until his resignation from the army, February x, 1866. Hle was brevetted Captain and Major, Uinited States army, and,
before his resignation, passed an examination for promotion to the rank of full Surgeon. On resigning, he went
to New York, and resumed the practice of medicine.
In July, iS66, he became editor of the New York 2ledical Journal, anId held that position five years. lie was,
at the same time, appointed one of the attending physicians to the out-door department of Bellevue Hospital,
in the class of diseases of children. In i868 hlie was
appointed Professor of Obstetrics and Diseases of Women
and Children, in the University of Burlington, Vermont.
In 1869 he was called to the same chair, in the flourishing Medical College of Brooklyn, known as the Long
Island College Hospital; and filled tile chair until 1874,
when he resigned. In July, 1869, he assumed charge,
as resident physician, of the Infant's Hospital, on Randall's Island, New York; and also becanse physician-in
chief of all the other hospitals and institutions on the
island, generally known as the "Nursery."    Doctor
Dunster had the satisfaction of reducing the mortality
in this department, which had long been a scandal and
reproach to the profession, to a point almost equal to
the ordinary mortality of children not living in crowded
institutions; and for this received repeated acknowledgments in reports of commissioners of charities and corrections. In 1871, he went to D)artmouth College, aiid
gave a course of lectures for his former preceptor, Professor
Peaslee, who generously divided his chair, giving Doctor
Dunster that of Obstetrics, and retaining D)iseases of
Women and Children. In 1878 his colleague and preceptor, Doctor Peaslee, died; and, at the request of the
faculty, Doctor Dunster assumed the duties of the chaim




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

2
0

thus made vacant, resigning, at the same time, his Professorship of Obstetrics, which he had meanwhile held,
by making an annual summer visit to New Iampshire.
In 1873 he was offered the Professorship of Obstetrics
and Diseases of Women and Children, in the University
of Michigan, which he decided to accept; and removed
to Ann Arbor, where he now resides, engaged in teaching and in the practice of his profession. lie has contributed many papers to medical journals, some of which
have appeared in separate form,-"Relations of the
Medical Profession to Modern Education;" " The Logic
of Medicine;" "The Iistory of Anaesthesia;" "Notes on
Double Monsters;" '"The History of Spontaneous Generation;" "The Use of the Forceps in Abbreviating
Second Stages of Labor;" etc. lie is a member of
various learned societies, mostly medical; among them
are the New York Academy of Medicine; the New
York Historical Society; the American Geographical
and Statistical Association; the Michigan State Medical
Society; the American Medical Association; etc. lHe
married, November 4, 1863, Rebecca Morgan Sprole,
daughter of Rev. Ir. Sprole, of Newburg, New York,
formerly Chaplain and Professor of Ethics in the United
States Military Academy, at \est Point.
IURGIN, REV. DE WITT C., A. M., D. I.,
Hillsdale, President of Ilillsdale College, was
Sborn in Thornton, Grafton County, New IIampshire, March 29, 1830; and is the son of Captain Francis
and Maria D)urgin. One of his brothers was the late
Major-General George W. IDurgin; another was Rev.
Captain John M. I)urgin, who distinguished himself
during the late war, and was familiarly known as the
"fighting parson." De Witt C. IDurgin was early inured
to the hardships of a New England farm, where the
cultivation of the soil is no pastime, and the educational
advantages are limited. Left an orphan, and thrown
entirely upon his own resources at the age of sixteen,
he felt a great desire to obtain an education; and, for
two years, devoted all his energies to the attainment of
that object.  When eighteen years old, he left his
home, and, with "pack on his back," traveled, in one
day, the distance of forty miles, to enter Parsonfield
Seminary, in the western part of Maine,--an institution
of some celebrity. While there, he became interested
in religion; and, although he had been educated as a
Universalist, and designed by his father for the ministry
of that denomination, he was baptized by Rev. Oliver
Butler, brother of Doctor Butler, of H1illsdale College, and
joined the Free Baptist Church. At the age of twentytwo, he entered Waterville College, where he remained

with poverty and poor health. From a combination of
motives, the chief of which was a desire to sit at the
feet of that great teacher, Rev. Ir. Eliphalet Nott, he
was induced to ask a dismissal from Waterville, that he
might enter Union College, Schenectady, New York,
which he did in September, 1855. At the close of the
fall term, finding his scanty means exhausted, he resorted
to taking a map agency; and, for three months, canvassed the southern part of Indiana, much to the advantage of his purse. After graduating, in July, 1856, he
went to Carbondale, Pennsylvania, and took charge of
the Lackawanna Institute, with which he remained in
connection for a year and a half. In the spring of 1858,
he returned to New Hampshire; and, on the 8th of
September of that year, was ordained to the work of the
ministry, and installed pastor of the Free Baptist Church
of Hampton. Hie remained with that church twelve
years, during two of which he was also Principal of
Hampton Academy. Iuring the last two years of his
pastorate in Hampton, 1869-70, he served one term as
Representative in the State Legislature, and was Chairman of the Committee on Education. In this capacity,
he was largely instrumental in establishing the State
Normal School, of which he was a trustee four years.
In April, 1871, he took charge of the Free Baptist
Church in New Market, New Hlampshire, where he
remained until August, 1874, being at that time installed
President of Ilillsdale College. While filling the pastorate at the two places above mentioned, he received
calls from the Waslington Street Free Baptist Church
of Boston, the First Free Baptist Church at Great Falls,
New Hlampshire, and other places; but, though he
could have bettered himself financially, he would not
change while he remained in harmony with his congregation. As a preacher, he was not emotional, nor given
to the work of an evangelist; but his duties were well
and faithfully performed, and he was always in sympathy
with his people, and successful in his labors. lie was
Superintendent of Public Schools, in both Hampton
and New Market, while residing in those places. He
was a member of the Free Baptist Foreign Missionary
Society, and of the Free Baptist Educational Society,
and Corresponding Secretary of each for ten years;
resigning when he removed to Hillsdale. IIe was twice
a member of the General Conference of the Free Baptist
Denomination, and was Moderator of the Free Baptist
General Conference of the United States and Canada,
which met at Providence, Rhode Island, in October,
1874. He received the degree of M. A., in course,
from Union College in 1859; and that of D. D., from
Bates College, Maine, in June, 1875. HIe joined the
Masonic Fraternity after leaving college, and is now a
member of the Chapter,-having taken the Royal Arch
Degree. He was a pro-slavery Democrat until the sum
until the close of the Junior year, all the while struggling I mer of 1856, about the time of Brooks' assault upon




32

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

Sumner, in the Senate.  This awakened him to the
condition of affairs in the slave States; and, in the fall,
he took the stump in favor of Fremont, the antislavery
candidate. He still sympathizes with the Democratic
party as regards free trade, on which point his opinions
are particularly strong; but, on other subjects, he has
been a stanch Republican since the organization of that
party. He married, August 15, 1857, Miss Caroline A.
Chapman, of Parsonfield, Maine. They have two children,-a son, now in the Freshman Class of HIillsdale
College; and a young daughter. Mr. Durgin is six feet
two and one-half inches in height, and well-proportioned. HIis features bear slight traces of Indian ancestry, which, though it is some generations back, shows
quite plainly in some members of his father's family.
Mr. Durgin is fond of society, and adapts himself
readily to the circumstances in which he is placed. He
is of a nervous temperament, yet his manners are calm
and even. In his youth, he was a fluent extemporaneous
speaker; but, from lack of confidence, accustomed himself to the use of manuscript,-a habit which he deprecates. Ile is, however, generally ready with a short
address on short notice.  He preaches nearly every
Sonday in neighboring towns.
4 STABROOK, PROF. JOSEPH, Principal of Michigan State Normal School, and          Regent of
SMichigan University, Ypsilanti, was born in
Bath, Grafton County, New Hampshire, in 1820. His
father, Joseph Estabrook, was a son of Experience Estabrook, who graduated at Dartmouth College, in the
class of 1775. His mother's maiden name was Susannah
Merrill.  She was a daughter of Annas Merrill, a
soldier in the Revolutionary War, who took part in the
battle of Bunker Hill, and lived to the age of ninetynine years. Professor Estabrook's early education was
limited to such branches as were taught in the district
schools of Northern New   Hampshire. In 1834 the
family removed to the western part of New York, where
he, with his father and an elder brother, engaged in
the lumber business for three years. In the winter of
1838, he taught school in the township of Darien; and,
during the spring of the same year, attended a select
school in Alden, Erie County. While at this place, he
became greatly interested in a series of religious meetings held by Rev. Doctor Lord and Rev. Mr. Lyman, of
Buffalo.  During the revival, he was converted, and
turned his thoughts toward studying for the ministry.
Not having means to defray the expenses of his education, he was obliged to teach a portion of the year,
and work on a farm during the summer. His preparatory
course for college was pursued in a branch of the Michi
gan University, at Tecumseh. In 1843 he entered Oberlin
College, in Ohio. He studied under great pecuniary
embarrassment, being obliged to labor from two to four
hours per (lay, at six cents per hour. While in the
Junior year, he was compelled to leave college, owing
to ill health, and afterwards continued his studies at
home.   In the spring of 1846, he opened a select
school in the village of Clinton, Michigan. In 1848 he
took charge of the Tecumseh Institute, an incorporated
academy, which was organized soon after the university
branch was discontinued. He remained in this position
for three years. In 1850 he began supplying the pulpit
of the Congregational Church at Franklin Centre; and,
two years later, was ordained and installed as pastor.
After remaining here for one year, he removed to Ypsilanti, to take charge of the Union School. This school
was one of the first ih the West to adopt a graded
course of study. During the last year of Professor
Estabrook's connection with the school, the pupils from
abroad numbered nearly three hundred, and their tuition amounted to about two thousand four hundred
dollars. It was very popular and successful as a preparatory school. At one time, Professor Estabrook had
charge of the public schools of East Saginaw, at a
salary of two thousand five hundred dollars per year.
During the five years of his charge, the schools were
reorganized, and the number of teachers and pupils was
more than doubled. In 1871 he was chosen Principal
of the Michigan State Normal School, which position
he still retains. During most of the time since his
ordination, he has preached in vacant or destitute
churches. Frequent revivals have attended his labors.
His first vote was cast in favor of the Abolition ticket;
and, upon the formation of the Republican party, he
united with that political body. In 1846 he married
Miss Emily G. Wells, daughter of Deacon James B.
Wells, of Clinton, Michigan. Her death occurred in
1859.  In I861 he married Katharine M. Clayton,
daughter of John A. Clayton, of Ypsilanti. Professor
Estabrook is an earnest, whole-souled man, always ready
for any good work. lie is highly esteemed by all who
have the pleasure of his acquaintance.
-AVERETT, ROBERT AUGUSTUS, M. D., of
Hillsdale, was born at Auburn, New     York,
November 22, 1837. His paternal ancestors were
of Quaker origin, and distantly related to the famous
orator and statesman, Edward Everett, of Massachusetts.
They resided in Northern New York, near Lake Champlain.  Doctor Everett inherited his professional bias.
His father, Dr. Augustus Everett, was a practicing physician in Auburn, New York, until 1849, when he




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

33

removed to Tecumseh, Michigan, and entered into a
partnership with Doctor Hamilton.   This connection
was continued for seven years; and, during that time,
his only son, then a lad ten years of age, was under the
tuition of Professor Estabrook, who is now Principal of
the State Normal School. In 1856 the family removed
to Toledo, Ohio, where Mr. Everett became clerk in a
drug store, thus making a practical use of the knowledge of drugs acquired in his father's office. His strong
desire to take a complete literary course was discouraged
by his father; and, in 1857, he entered the medical
department of the Michigan University. Hle graduated
in 1859, at the age of nineteen, having remained silent
concerning his age, as the regulations of the college
required graduates to be at least twenty-one years old.
Ilis father having removed to IIillsdale, Michigan, Mr.
Everett's summer vacations had been spent there. After
receiving his degree, he went home, and engaged in the
practice of medicine, in partnership with his father, for
two years. During the civil war, he enlisted as a private, in the 4th Michigan Infantry, under Captain
Lumbard.    lie  was, however, soon made hospital
steward, while in camp at Adrian, Michigan.  When
his regiment left the State, he was promoted to the
rank of Assistant Surgeon, and was so reported to General A. S. Williams, then commander of the camp of
instructions at Fort Wayne, Michigan. On the IIth
of September he was ordered to Washington, to join
the Army of the Potomac as Assistant Surgeon under
Prof. Moses Gunn, who held the chair of Surgery at
Michigan University, and is now of Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois. On the 16th of April, 1863,
Doctor Everett became Surgeon of the I6th Michigan
Infantry. During the last two years of his service, he
was brigade operator; and, a portion of the time, had
charge of a division field hospital. Hle was mustered
out of service in December, 1864, in front of Petersburg,
having served under all the commanders of the Army
of the Potomac, from General Scott to General Grant,
inclusive. Doctor Everett was present at all the important
engagements which occurred during that time. He was
so fortunate as to escape from both wounds and capture,
and to return in good health to his home in Hillsdale.
Hie at once resumed medical practice in connection with
his father, which connection continued until the death
of the latter. Doctor Everett has been very successful;
and, although comparatively a young man, has an extensive and increasing practice.  lIe has followed the
political views of his immediate ancestors, who were
adherents to the Democratic party. Ile is not ambitious
for office, and has but once taken an active part in
politics, when he made stump speeches, throughout his
own county, for Stephen A. Douglas against Abraham
Lincoln.  Doctor Everett was Alderman of Hillsdale

his political party is greatly in the minority in the city.
lie is somewhat independent in his religious views, but
contributes largely to the support of the Episcopal
Church, of which his family are members.     He is
highly respected for his exemplary moral character.
lie was Master of Hillsdale Lodge, No. 176, Free and
Accepted Masons, from  1864 to 1869, and holds that
position at the present time. lie married, October 22,
1863, Nettie G. Lancaster, daughter of one of the
pioneers of the county. Doctor Everett has been confined
so closely to his profession as to leave little leisure for
traveling.  His most important journey was to the
Black Hills, where he spent six weeks, visiting a friend,
who was agent to the Indian chief Spotted Tail. I)octor Everett is fond of society, and his frank, cordial
manners win for him many friends.
LDREDGE, COLONEL NATIIANIEL             B., of
Adrian, Mlichigan, was born in Auburn, New
York, Marclh 28, 1813. HIis grandfather, Daniel
Eldredge, commanded a company during the Revolutionary War; his commission, dated IDecember 2, 1776, is
in Mr. Eldredge's possession. On the mother's side,
Colonel Eldredge is the great-grandson of Captain Seth
Warner, the Ilndian fighter of Massachusetts. llis father
commanded a company of militia in the War of 1812,
and was taken prisoner at the battle of Queenstown;
he was a farmer of great political influence. Mr. Eldreldge spent his early life on his father's farm; and,
while assisting in its cultivation, gained a good education and a love for country life. IIe was a boy of good
habits, and a leader among his schoolmates. Hlis father's
inability to meet the expense of his outfit prevented his
accepting an appointment to West Point, which was received at the age of sixteen. Ile preferred the profession of law, but, influenced by a brother who was a
physician, he studied medicine under Doctor Briggs, of
Auburn.   IIe attended lectures at the then renowned
medical college at Fairfield; and settled to his professional work in Commerce, Oakland County, Michigan.
Doctor Eldredge practiced medicine fifteen years, and
stood, locally, at the head of his profession. Ile was,
at one time, associated with Doctor Miller, now professor in Rush Medical College, Chicago.  lie afterwards studied law. I   I 1854 lie was admitted to the
bar, and very soon after obtained a lucrative practice.
At the commencement of the civil war, he closed his
law office, raised a company, and was appointed Major
of the 7th Michigan Infantry.    The regiment was
ordered to Washington, and assigned to the corps of
observation under General Stone. It was on the Poto
for two years. In 1875 lie was elected Mayor, although mac the (lday of the battle of Ball's Bluff; and skirmished,
27




*, *:.rK

34                  REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

the next day with the enemy. Mr. Eldredge censured
General Stone for the slaughter at Ball's Bluff, in a letter
which was published in the newspapers; for this he
was put under arrest by General Stone.   Not being
able to obtain a trial, he resigned, went home, and
was immediately placed, by Governor Blair, in the State
Military Board. Shortly after Colonel Eldredge's resignation, Major-General Stone was arrested and detained
at Fort Warren, one year, for the reasons made known
in Colonel Eldredge's letter.  In 1862 Mr. Eldredge
served as Lieutenant-Colonel in the IIth Michigan Infantry. In Tennessee, at the battle of Stone River, his
horse was shot under him, and his regiment suffered
severely. Soon after, his health failed, and he resigned.
Various official positions have been conferred upon him.
lie has been Justice of the Peace, Postmaster, Clerk of
the Michigan Senate, Representative, Judge of Probate,
Mayor of Adrian, and Sheriff of Lenawee County. lie
has been twice a candidate for State Senator, and once
for Congress; and, though defeated each time, ran far
ahead of his ticket. Colonel Eldredge has always been
a warm supporter of educational institutions, and is
especially interested in common schools.  He assisted
in establishing the Lenawee County Savings Bank and
the First National Bank of Adrian. He has always
been heartily opposed to secret political organizations.
lie has held various positions of honor in the Masonic
Fraternity, and is now a member of a Lodge, Chapter,
Council, and Commandery. Colonel Eldredge is very
liberal in his views on religious subjects, but attends
the Presbyterian Church, of which his family are members. As doctor, lawyer, soldier, and civilian, he has
led a useful life. He modestly attributes any success he
has achieved to hard work, and habits of temperance
and economy.
4  ARNHAM, HENRY TRACY, Editor, Hillsdale, Michigan, was born June 5, 1828, in RoySalton, Niagara County, New York. lie is one
of the three sons of Benjamin Franklin and
Sallie Julina (Fenn) Farnham. His father was a physician; but, after his marriage, he settled on a farm,
practicing only in the immediate vicinity. Mr. Farnham received his early education in the common schools;
but, when eleven years of age, he entered Gaines Academy, in Orleans County, and afterwards attended
Yates Academy.   His father was a strong Congregationalist, and desired to fit his son for the ministry by
giving him a collegiate education at Yale; but, meeting
with some reverses of fortune in 1842, the cherished
plan was rendered impracticable.  Mr. Farnham remained at Yates Academy until fourteen years of age,
defraying his expenses during the last year by serving

as clerk, nights and mornings, in a store belonging
to a brother of the poet John G. Saxe.  In the fall
of 1843, he went to Lockport, New York, where he was
clerk in a drug store two years; thence he removed to
Toledo, Ohio, and engaged in the same business. The
close confinement having affected his health, in the spring
of 1848 he sought more active employment. Hie became
traveling salesman for a wholesale drug house in Buffalo, and continued in this capacity for two years; at
the end of which time, the house closed business. Desiring to gain a thorough knowlege of drugs, he removed
to Ann Arbor, Michigan; and, for one year, attended
medical and chemical lectures at the Michigan University. In the spring of 1852, he accepted a position as
book-keeper for the firm of Thayer & Walker, of Ann
Arbor, in which relation he continued one year. iHe
then entered the office of Kingsley & Morgan, commencing the study of law, which he found intensely
interesting. HIe applied himself so closely during the
first summer that he was compelled to relinquish his
studies on account of failing health. He then went to
Hudson, Michigan, to visit a brother who was in the
employment of the railroad company.   Mr. Farnham
accepted a position under his brother, which he held
until February, 1854, when he received the appointment of station agent, remaining in this position until
December, 1855. HIe then availed himself of the opportunity to enter the drug business, in connection with
Elder Parmelar, in IIillsdale, which partnership was
continued for one year, Mr. Farnham purchasing his
partner's interest at the end of this time. IHe carried
on the business until the spring of 1876, when it passed
into the hands of his two sons. In 1865, leaving the
store in Hillsdale in charge of his son, he went to
Toledo, Ohio, where he established a store, and built up
a large trade. At the end of a year and a half, he sold
out to good advantage, and returned to Ilillsdale. Mr.
Farnham has always written, more or less, for publication in the local and Eastern papers, and has been local
reporter for different city papers. In 1870 he decided
to start a new county paper, and, as an experiment,
began on quite a small scale, the publication of the
Hillsdale WVeekly Business. The paper was well received,
and has been increased in size from time to time, until
now it is one of the largest and most widely circulated
papers in the county. In connection with other business, Mr. Farnham has dealt very advantageously in real
estate, holding numerous agencies for express companies, insurance companies, and ocean steamer lines. lHe
has been Alderman of the city for a number of years;
has held the positions of village Trustee, Moderator, and
member of the School Board, at different times. In
1856 he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of
County Treasurer, and, during the year, was elected to
the office for a term of two years. lie became a mem






N '
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

35

ber of the Masonic Fraternity in 1855, and was made
Senior Warden the first year, and Master of the Lodge
during the second year.  He was Master of Fidelity
Lodge for three years; Master of the Hillsdale Lodge,
under the dispensation, for one year; and Master, under
the charter, for one year. He has been High Priest of
the Chapter; Eminent Commander of the Commandery;
Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Michigan;
and State Grand Sachem of the Order of United Americans. It was largely through his personal influence that
the political sentiment of the order was changed, and that
votes were cast for Fremont instead of Fillmore. Mr.
Farnham took great interest in this work, establishing
lodges in all the towns of the county. He has been
connected with various other organizations, and was at
one time the presiding officer of the Temple of Honor,
at Hillsdale.  Ile was a delegate to the Republican
National Convention held in Philadelphia in 1872, and
is frequently sent as a delegate to the State and county
conventions, lie was educated in the Congregational
faith, but has modified his religious views, somewhat,
since his youth. He may be classed with those who are
liberally orthodox, but belong to no creed. Mr. Farnham was married, October 16, 1853, to Mary Elizabeth
White, daughter of Colonel Orin White, of Ann Arbor,
who was a member of the Legislature when the first constitution of the State was formed. Mr. Farnham has
four children.
ELCII, -ION. ALPIIHEUS, Ex-Governor of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, was born in Limerick,
York County, 1MIaine, September 28, I8o6. His
grandfather, Abijah Felch, was a soldier in (
the Revolution; and, when a young man, having, with I
others, obtained a grant of land between the Great and c
Little Ossipee rivers, in Maine, moved to that region
when it was yet a wilderness. Mr. Felch's father, the t
youngest of several children, was brought up on the r
farm; but, soon after attaining his majority, entered I
upon a mercantile life at Limerick. IIe was the first v
person to engage in that business in that section of the d
country, and continued in it until his death, at the age I
of thirty-five. His family consisted of six children, p
Alpheus Felch being the only son. The death of the a
father, followed in a year by that of the mother, left the g
orphans to the care of the family relatives. The sub- t
ject of the present sketch, then only three years of age, i:
found a home with his paternal grandfather, with whom  a
he remained until the latter's death. He enjoyed the f(
usual advantages of early education in the district school, d
and afterwards in the neighboring academy. In 1821 he ti
became a student at Phillip Exeter Academy; and, sub- (C
sequently, entering Bowdoin College, graduated with f

the class of 1827. Immediately after graduation, he
commenced the study of law; and, in the autumn of 183o,
was admitted to the bar at Bangor, Maine. In the same
year, he engaged in the practice of his profession at
Houlton, Maine, a new and sparsely settled portion of
the State, where he continued until 1833. In the meantime, the severity of the climate had so impaired his
constitution, never very robust, that he found it necessary to seek a residence in a warmer climate. In the
spring of 1833, he disposed of his library and departed
to seek a new home. His intention was to join his
friend, Sargent S. Prentiss, then living at Vicksburg,
Mississippi; but, on his arrival at Cincinnati, Mr. Felch
was attacked by the cholera, and, after recovering sufficiently to resume his journey, found that the danger
from that disease was too great to permit a voyage down
the river. He therefore determined to return to the
North, and came to Michigan. In this State he first
commenced the practice of his profession at Monroe, and
continued there until 1843, at which time he removed
to Ann Arbor. Ile was elected a member of the State
legislature, from Monroe County, in 1835, and continued a memberof that body during the years 1836 and i837.
While he held this office, the general banking law of the
State was enacted, and went into operation. After
mature deliberation, he became convinced that the proposed system of banking could not prove beneficial to
the public interests; and that, instead of relieving the
people from the pecuniary difficulties under which they
were laboring, it would result in still further embarrassment. lIe, therefore, opposed the bill, and pointed out
to the House the disasters which, in his opinion, were
sure to follow its passage. The public mind, however,
was so favorably impressed by the measure that no
other member, in either branch of the Legislature,
raised a dissenting voice, and but two voted with him in
opposition to the bill. Early in 1838, he was appointed
one of the Bank Commissioners of the State, and held
that office for more than a year. During this time, the
new banking law had given birth to that numerous
progeny known as "wild-cat" banks.   Almost every
village had its bank. The country was flooded with
lepressed " wild-cat " money. The examinations of the
Bank Commissioners brought to light frauds at every
)oint, which were fearlessly reported to the Legislature,
bnd were followed by criminal prosecutions of the,uilty parties, and the closing of many of their instituions. The duties of the office were most laborious; and,
n 1839, Mr. Felch resigned. The chartered right of
lmost every bank had, in the meantime, been declared
orfeited and the law repealed.  It was subsequently
ecided to be unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of
he State. In 1842, Mr. Felch was appointed Auditor-;enieral of the State; but, after holding the office only a
ew weeks, was commissioned, by the Governor, as one




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

36

of the Judges of the Supreme Court, to fill a vacanc:
occasioned by the resignation of Judge Fletcher. A
the session of the Legislature held in January, 1843
Mr. Felch was nominated, by the Governor, to the Sen
ate, and was confirmed by that body, both for the unex
pired term of his predecessor and for the next ensuinl
full term of six years. In 1845 he was elected Gov
ernor of the State, and entered on the duties of th<
office at the commencement of the following year. A
the session of the Legislature held in 1847, he waa
elected a Senator in Congress for six years; and ai
once retired from the office of Governor, by resignation,
which took effect on the 4th of March, 1847, when his
Senatorial term commenced. While a member of the
Senate, he acted on the Committee on Public Lands;
and, during four years, was its chairman. At the close of
his Senatorial term, in March, 1853, he was appointed, by
President Pierce, one of the Commissioners to adjust and
settle the Spanish and Mexican land claims in California,
under the treaty of Gaudalupe Hidalgo, and an act of
Congress passed for that purpose. HIe went to California
in May, 1853, and was made President of the Cornmission. The duties of this office were of the most important and delicate character. The interest of the new
State, and the fortunes of many of its citizens, both the
native Mexican population and the recent American
immigration; the right of the Pueblos to their common
lands, and of the Catholic Church to the lands of the
Missions,-the most valuable of the State,-were involved in the adjudications of this Commission. In
March, 1856, their labors were brought to a close by
the final disposition of all the claims which were presented. The record of their proceedings,- the testimony
which was given in each case, and the decision of the
Commissioners thereon,-consisting of some forty large
volumes, was deposited in the Department of the Interior at Washington. In June, 1856, Mr. Felch returned
to his home in Ann Arbor, where he has been engaged
principally in the legal profession. Since that time, he
has been once nominated for Governor, once for the
office of United States Senator, twice for that of Judge
of the Supreme Court of the State; but, the Democratic
party, to which he has always been attached, being in
the minority, he failed of an election.  In 1873 he
withdrew from the active practice of law, and, with the
exception of a tour in Europe, in 1875, has since led a
life of retirement at his home in Ann Arbor. In 1877
the University of Michigan conferred upon him the degree of LL. D. Mr. Felch is the oldest surviving member of the Legislature from Monroe County; the oldest
and only surviving Bank Commissioner of the State;
the oldest surviving Auditor-General of the State; the
oldest surviving Governor of the State; the oldest surviving Judge of the Supreme Court of Michigan; and the
oldest surviving United States Senator from Michigan.

y,ORD, CORYDON      LA, A. M., M. D., Ann
t         Arbor, Michigan, was born in Lexington, Greene,     County, New York. Soon after his birth, his
-    parents removed to the town of Butternuts,
- Otsego, New York, where he resided until he was
Stwenty-one years of age. He was a delicate boy, and
- unable to follow successfully the occupation of a farmer,
e which was the business of his father; and, after obtaint ing a common-school education, engaged, at the age of
s seventeen, in teaching a district school in his neighbort hood, at nine dollars per month and board. When he
Sattained his majority, he removed to the western part
of his native State, and commenced the study of medicine.  After a time, feeling the need of a more thorough elementary education, he entered Canandaigua
Academy, where he completed an academical course,
and then returned to his medical studies. In 1842 he
graduated in medicine at Geneva Medical College,
where he had developed such a taste and aptitude for
anatomical pursuits, under the instruction of Professor
James Webster, that, on the day of his graduation, he
was appointed Demonstrator of Anatomy in that school.
He served in that capacity with extraordinary success
until Buffalo Medical College was organized, in 1846,
when he was called to the same duties in that institution. There he served with Flint, Hamilton, White,
and others, until 1848, when he was appointed Professor of Anatomy in Castleton Medical College, Vermont, where he continued to lecture until the college
was suspended, in 1862. The honorary degree of A.
M. was conferred upon him by Middlebury College,
in 1856. In 1854 he was appointed Professor of Anatomy in the University of Michigan, where he has
continued his annual courses of lectures and instruction
on anatomy, and much of the time on physiology also,
for the last twenty-four years.  In i86o he was appointed Professor of Anatomy in Berkshire Medical
College, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where he lectured
for several years, at a season of the year when the
medical department of the University of Michigan was
not in session. In 1864 he accepted the chair of Anatomy in the Medical School of Maine, connected with
Bowdoin College, at Brunswick. This position he held
until 1870, when he took a recess from his labors, in
Europe. His last appointment was to the chair of
Anatomy in Long Island College Hospital Medical
School, Brooklyn, New York, which position he has
held for the last eleven years, giving his course there
in the intervals of his work in the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he resides. Neither Professor Ford's tastes nor physical condition have inclined
him to engage in the general practice of medicine or
surgery, though he has, from time to time, performed
operations, with the skill and success which might be
expected from so expert an anatomist; but almost his




9
9' ~

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

37

entire time and energy, for the long period of thirtysix years, have been devoted to teaching his favorite
science.  No man, in this country at least, has taught
anatomy to a greater number of students; and no one
in any country, has taught better, more faithfully, or
inspired more enthusiasm. From his genial manner, as
well as from his superior skill, the labor of no one in
the same field has been more fully appreciated by his
pupils than that of Professor Ford. His career illustrates
the advantages of a division of labor, and the great success which may follow an entire devotion to a single
department of professional work. Professor Ford has
prepared a manual of questions on anatomy, histology,
and physiology, which his many pupils highly prize as
an important aid in the study of those subjects.
4   RIEZE, HENRY    SIMMONS, LI. D., Uni-Q    versity of Michigan, Ann Arbor, was born in
Boston, Massachusetts, September n 5, 1817.
His father, Jacob Frieze, of Providence, Rhode
Island, in early life was a Universalist preacher, and was
long connected with the newspaper press of that city as
an able political writer. Doctor Frieze prepared for
college under the tuition of I-on. Joseph Joslin, of Newport, Rhode Island; and graduated at Brown College,
in 1841, as valedictorian of his class. Hle early showed
marked ability as an amateur musician, supporting himself from the age of thirteen; and, while at college, by
playing the organ. From 1841 to 1854, he held the position of instructor in Brown University and the University
Grammar School; and, in 1854, he accepted the chair
of Latin Language and Literature in the University of
Michigan, which he has filled up to the present time.
The University was fortunate, at this early period of its
history, in securing the services of so accomplished a
classical scholar and so successful a teacher. To him
and to his colleague, Professor Boise, also from Brown
University, the friends of classical education owe a permanent debt of gratitude for the prominence which
classical studies have acquired in the courses of instruction at the University of Michigan. On the resignation
of President Haven, in 1869, he was appointed acting
President, and held that position without relinquishing
his professorship, until the accession of President Angell
in 1871. In the course of his acting Presidency, several measures of great importance to the University were
adopted. Among these, the most worthy of mention are
the admission of women to the privileges of the University; the first important addition, by private liberality, to the general library, in the gift of the Rau
Library by Philo Parsons, of Detroit; the first large
appropriation for the University by the State Legisla
- ture; and the first admission of students to the literary
department of the University on ldiploma from approved
t high schools.  In i86o he published his edition of
) Virgil's,Encid, and in I867 his edition of Quintilian.
r Besides these works, which rank among the foremost
3 commentaries of the present day, and are used exteni sively, not only in this country, but wherever classical
education has a foothold, he has written several educational articles and reports. Ile visited Europe for
- study and rest in 1855, and again in I871. In 1870 he
received the degree of LL. 1). from the University of
* Chicago, and Kalamazoo College. In 1849 he married
Anna Prownell Roffe, daughter of the late Caleb Roffe,
of Providence, Rhode Island.
AL INCH, I)R. JOHN WESLEY, of Adrian, Michigan, was born in Arcadia, Wayne County, New
York, June 6, I826. He is the son of Andrew
and Catherine (Crandall) Finch, who removed
firom Kinderhook to Wayne County, New York, where
they continued to reside until 1835. Nathaniel Finch,
the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch,
emigrated to Connecticut from England, in the latter
part of the seventeenth century, and located lands which,
by his industry and perseverance, he transformed into a
pleasant and productive farm.  This farm lies about
three miles north of where the old Ilorseneck Church
once stood; the old homestead of the Finch's is still
owned by the descendants of the pioneer whose name
it bears. In 1835, when nine years of age, Doctor
Finch removed with his father to Ridgeway, Orleans
County, New York. lie spent his boyhood upon his
father's farm, and early in life acquired habits of industry, by which he has secured success and the confidence
and esteem of the (different communities in which he has
resided. While very young, he manifested a decided
taste for philosophical, mechanical, and educational
pursuits. In 1845-46, he was a pupil at Yates Academy;
and, in 1848, at Marion Academy, in the State of New
York, where be never failed to distinguish himself for
diligence, intelligence, and courteous deportment. In
I849 he engaged in teaching, which profession he followed most of the time until 1855, when he went to
Chicago and entered upon mercantile pursuits. In 1857
he went to Red Wing, Minnesota, with a-view to making
that his permanent home; but the great financial crisis,
at that time, having prostrated business, he returned to
Ohio the following year. Feeling that his abilities
fitted him for the work, he adopted the profession of
dentistry, and opened an office in Cleveland, where he
remained until 1862. He was then induced to remove
to Adrian, Michigan, where he has since continued to
practice his profession with marked ability and success.




r   -             -'-"'~
ii c,':          ~~cl ,.,,,":;   - , '. I'~.:  :

38                            REPRESENTATIVE
lIe has interested himself largely in the prosperity and
growth of the beautiful city which he has made his
home. In educational matters he has ever felt a deep
interest, and has served several years as a member of
the Board of Trustees of the city schools. He was one
of the founders of the Michigan State Dental Association, of which he is a member, and was elected President
in 1875. In 1855 Doctor Finch was initiated into the
mysteries of Free Masonry, in Meridian Sun Lodge,
No. 266, at Richfield, Summit County, Ohio. When he
came to Adrian, he joined Adrian Lodge, No. 19, Free
and Accepted Masons, and has continued a member of
the same to the present time. lie has filled the various
offices of the lodge up to and including that of Master,
with honor to himself and profit to the fraternity; and
is now Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge of the State of Mlichigan. He was High Priest
of Adrian Chapter, No. to, Royal Arch Masons, and
satisfactorily performed his various and complicated
duties. lie has filled most of the offices in the Grand
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Michigan, including
that of Grand HIigh Priest, which position he held for
the year 1873. At the close of his term, he was presented with a flattering testimonial, by the grand body,
for the able, judicious, and impartial manner in which
lie discharged the duties of his office. For seven consecutive years he has been Eminent Commander of
Adrian Commandery, No. 4, of Knights Templar; and
no more fitting eulogy upon his honesty, integrity, and
ability can be offered than the fact that, for the long
time he has filled the office, it has been by the almost
unanimous vote of his Commandery. In the Ancient
and Accepted Scottish Rite, he has attained to the
thirty-second degree. Doctor Finch has retained the
confidence and esteem of the various Masonic bodies of
which he has been a member; and now enjoys a national reputation as a wise and accomplished Mason,
whose hand is ever ready to assist the weak and unfortunate, and whose heart ever beats in response to that
of the sorrowing. lie has always been independent in
politics, voting, without regard to party, according to
his honest convictions of right. In September, 1855, he
married Frances M. Thorp, of Bath, Summit County,
Ohio, and has been a devoted and faithful husband and
father. Mr. and Mrs. Finch have two sons,- the elder,
Sherman F. Finch, recently graduated at the Michigan
University, and bids fair to be as successful as his father
in dentistry, which he has chosen as his profession.
The younger son, Arthur E. Finch, a bright and promising lad, is still engaged in his studies at school.
Doctor Finch, although in his fifty-second year, looks
really ten years younger, which is doubtless largely
attributable to his temperate habits. He possesses a
strong and vigorous constitution, and has every prospect of a long and useful life.

MEN OF MICHIGAN.
\\RENCH, DR. FRANKLIN, of Ilillsdale, was
born in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, March
30, 1814. lIe is the sixth of eight children
born to Azel and Pamela (Nimocks) French,four sons and four daughters. All the sons became
physicians. His father, a cooper by trade, early removed to New York State, where he settled, first in
Ontario, and afterwards in Alleghany County, when it
was almost a wilderness. He was a man of good education, and some note as a musician and composer. Doctor French received his education from his father, in
that best of all schools, home, until he was twelve.
After that period, he enjoyed the advantages of the
schools of the vicinity for several years, assisting his
father, during the summer, in clearing the farm which
he had located. Rural life and labor suited his tastes;
and, had it not been for an accident, which changed the
whole course of his life, he would, probably, never have
sought other occupation. A kick from a horse deprived
him of the sight of his right eye, confined him to the
house for nearly a year, and impaired his general health
so that he was not able to perform the severe manual
labor necessary on a farm.   During this interval of
leisure, he commenced the study of medicine with an
older brother; and, at the age of twenty-one, was
licensed to plractice. HIe spent some time in professional
labors at Greenwood, Steuben County, and Andover,
Alleghany County, New York. In 1842 he traveled in
a wagon all the way to IIillsdale, Michigan, to visit a
brother, who was a physician there. A prolonged attack
of fever and ague delayed his return, and he finally determined to settle at Hillsdale; and is, probably, now
the oldest practicing physician in the county. The
country then was new; the houses were scattered; the
woods almost impassable.   Doctor French visited his
patients either on foot or on horseback; provided not
only with medicines, but often with food, as whole families were frequently found sick, without even the necessaries of life, and too remote from neighbors to procure
assistance. The doctors, in those early times, visited all
houses in their route, as they were sure to find a feverand-ague patient in every house. Doctor French has
been especially successful in obstetrics. Out of two
thousand cases, he never lost a patient; and never has
called a council but upon one occasion.  Often, in his
early practice, he was compelled to act in the double
capacity of physician and nurse. He entered into partnership, for a short time, with Doctor Fally; and, afterwards, with Doctor Parsons.  Doctor French has dealt
somewhat in real estate; and, in 1845, erected the Western Hotel on the site of the present Smith's Hotel. In
i86o he, in connection with Doctor Parsons, built a
store, and commenced the drug business; which he still
carries on with his son, in the old river drug store.
HIe now devotes his time chiefly to this business, and to




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

39

the superintendence of his large farm, known as Lake
River farm, three miles south of lIillsdale, having
finally gratified his preference for an agricultural life.
Doctor French has been closely identified with all the
public enterprises of the city; he has contributed, in
proportion to his means, towards building the various
churches, factories, roads, railroads, and the college
buildings.  Ile has been I)irector of the common
schools; was President of the village before it became a
city; and Superintendent of the County Poor ten years.
He is probably the oldest Mason in the county. In
[848 he assisted in the organization of a branch of the
order of the Sons of Temperance, which was conducted
very successfully for a few years. He was one of the
originators of the United Americans. The members of
this order were all bound to cast their votes as ruled by
the majority; and were enabled, by judicious management, to change entirely the political aspect of the
county. From being originally strongly Democratic, it
has now become the banner Republican county of the
State. Doctor French was brought up a Baptist, but
early united with the Methodist Episcopal Church; and,
after removing to Hillsdale, assisted very materially in
building the first house of worship there.  Lately, he
has withdrawn from the church, and inclines to Unitarianism. He was married to Caroline Knight, October
28, 1838. They have three children.
jf ALLOWAY, JAMES SUTTON, M. A., Lawyer,
H1illsdale, was born in Marion, Wayne County,, New York, March 5, 1841. His father, Rev.
Edgar M. Galloway, a minister of the Christian denomination, labored with such marked success in his own
county and its vicinity as to win the reputation of a
great revivalist, as was also his uncle, Rev. Samuel
Galloway, under whose preaching Edgar Galloway was
converted. Ile was philanthropical, in his way, never
allowing himself to be remunerated for ministerial services, and always exerting himself to secure the erection
of churches, to which end he contributed generously
from his own means. Ile acquired his education by
private study under many difficulties, which led him to
determine that his only son, the subject of this sketch,
should have whatever advantages may be obtained from
a thorough collegiate course.  Mr. James Galloway's
mother, Deborah B. Galloway, was the daughter of
Robert B. Sutton, who formerly resided at Lyons,
Wayne County, New York, and afterwards at Ilillsdale,
Michigan, where he (lied March iS, 1876, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. lie had acquired a
large amount of property, of which Mr. Galloway is the
chief executor.  Mr. Galloway's early education was

received in the district schools. When he was thirteen
years of age, he entered the Marion Collegiate Institution, which had just been founded as a preparatory
school for colleges. IIe remained three years, completing the course of study, and then entered the Sophomore
Class of Antioch College, at Yellow Springs, Ohio. He
met with some opposition from    the President, Dr.
Horace Mann, on account of his extreme youth, being
only sixteen years of age; but he was afterwards most
highly complimented by the President at the annual
examinations.  At the commencement of his Junior
year, he engaged to teach mathematics and the languages in Gull Prairie Seminary, Kalamazoo County,
Michigan, where he remained two terms, keeping up
his studies, in the meantime, and returning for the last
term in order to complete the year with his class. This
undertaking was unwise, for the necessary overwork
and late hours permanently injured his sight. lie graduated, in i86o, at nineteen years of age, being the
youngest member in a class of forty. His tastes, at this
time, were of a literary nature, but he had no marked
preferences. After leaving college, he spent two years
in teaching in the high schools in his native village, and
in the neighboring town of Macedon. At the same time
he read Blackstone and other works on law, not with
the expectation of practicing law, but rather to fit himself for a general business career. In the fall of 1862,
however, he concluded to read law in course.,  e came
to IIillsdale, Michigan, and entered the office of Stacy
& Edwards, where he continued for the year; at the
end of this time, he was examined before the Supreme
Court, and admitted to the bar at Detroit, November 7,
1863. On the first day of the following January, he
entered into a law partnership with W. S. Edwards,
which business relation was continued until April, I866.
Mr. Galloway formed no other partnerships until 1867,
when he associated himself in business with Mr. Ricaby,
remaining until July, 1871, from which time he has
continued to practice alone, with steady and growing
success. Owing to the many and large moneyed and
trustee interests confided to his care, his attention has
been chiefly directed to acquiring a thorough knowledge
of what is known as "'Commercial Law " and " Equity
Jurisprudence and Practice."  In these he excels. lie
is noted rather as a safe and judicious adviser and
counselor, than as a brilliant advocate. Mr. Galloway
is still a young man, and probably has the most prosperous part of his life yet before him. Hle was admitted
to practice in the United States Courts in the year 1872.
Soon after attaining his majority, Mr. Galloway became
a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and is now    a
Knight Templar of that order. In his political views,
he is a Democrat. In religion, he has liberal and independent views, which tend towards Unitarianism, and
are best set forth by Theodore Parker,  Mr. Galloway




40

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

married, January 25, 1865, Miss Lizzie Edwards, sister
of W. S. Edwards, and daughter of Henry Edwards, of
Montgomery County, New York. Being a hard worker
in his profession, Mr. Galloway attributes a great portion of his success to the pertinacity with which he has
attended to his business affairs, having made it a rule
never to resign any thing until it was completed. IHe
is a man of nervous, excitable temperament, very sociable when he is reached, but never neglecting the duties
of business for the pleasures of society.
~  REENLY, HON. W. L., of Adrian, Michigan, was
born at Hamilton, Madison County, New York,
\    September 18, 1813.  He graduated at Union
College, Schenectady, in 1831, studied law, and was
admitted to the bar in 1834. In 1836, having removed
to Michigan, he settled in Adrian, where he has since
resided.  The year following, he was elected State
Senator, and served in that capacity until 1839.  In
1845 he was elected Lieutenant-Governor of the State;
and became acting Governor by the resignation of Governor Felch, who was elected, February, 1847, to the
United States Senate. Governor Greenly is a gentleman of high character and attainments.  During his
official career, he served the State with great acceptability.
SRAHAM, IION. JONATHAN B., of Jonesville,
was born at Windsor, Connecticut, February 26,,,18 II. Hle is of English and Scotch ancestry.
Hie received the ordinary school privileges of those
times, and was educated by his parents with the idea of
becoming a farmer. His home was of the severest
Puritan type, the restraints and harsh discipline of
which caused him to determine to break away from its
influence. In a journey which he took in 1831, through
New York and Ohio, he had the opportunity of securing
a passage, between Albany and Schenectady, on the
first train of railway cars ever run in this country by a
locomotive. The rate was six miles an hour, and the
old heads on the train shook in disapproval, and prophesied that the speed would be reduced as soon as the
novelty had ceased. The young man was reprimanded
by his parents, on his return home, for this piece of
" reckless folly." At the age of twenty-one, Mr. Graham, after spending a year as traveling agent, borrowed
a small capital, purchased a stock of goods, principally
on credit, engaged several men to travel for him, and
commenced trading through New York, Pennsylvania,
and Ohio. IIe speculated in horses and cattle, buying

and selling in the Eastern markets. Though venturesome, he was generally successful; and his credit soon
became unlimited. In 1835 he engaged more men;
extended his business into Indiana and Michigan; gave
his entire time and attention to purchasing goods and
superintending, and was rapidly growing rich.  He
married, August 19, 1835, Maria J. Loomis, of his native
town, a lady of English descent. She belongs to the
thirteenth generation of the Loomis family in this country, as traced on their genealogical record, prepared by
Professor Loomis, of Yale College. Mr. Graham selected
Maysville, New York, as his home. In 1836 a journey
to the West became necessary; and the observations
then made determined him to select Jonesville for his
home. His return to Hartford was accomplished on
horseback, and occupied, with the necessary business
delays, three months' time. In November, 1837, he
arrived, with his wife, in Jonesville, having traveled in
his own carriage across the country from Connecticut.
The following year the great financial crash came. All
his funds were in the "wild-cat" paper money of the
time, which depreciated until, in 1844, it was valueless.
Mr. Graham found himself, with all his liabilities met
and his credit preserved, possessed of less than a thousand dollars.  He commenced again, and turned his
attention to farming, and dealing in live stock. lHe
continued purchasing land from time to time; and, in
1849, bought two large farms. In 1851 he built his
present residence on the smaller farm, which lies just
on the edge of Jonesville. In 1853 the Jonesville woolenmills were started. Of these Mr. Graham became stockholder and President, and was elected managing agent
for building and fitting up the mill. The company
became insolvent before the mill was completed, and
Mr. Graham was personally responsible for a portion of
the cost of construction. Hie was compelled to purchase
at Sheriff's sale to secure himself for what he had
invested. In the course of time he became triple owner,
as he held three deeds from Sheriff's sales. This tied
up a great portion of his property, as he never realized
any thing from the mill until I86o, when he effected a
sale. lie continued farming until 1868, when he sold
all his farm property, with the exception of the homestead at Jonesville. He then invested in bonds. He
has not since engaged in any active business.  Mr.
Graham has held all the prominent offices of his township. In 1845 he was in the Legislature; and, in 1850,
was a member of the Constitutional Convention that
met in Lansing, and formed the present constitution of
the State. Mr. Graham has contributed to various public enterprises. HIe exerted his influence to secure the
passage, through Jonesville, of the Fort Wayne, Jackson and Saginaw Railroad. lie was originally a Jeffersonian Democrat, and has always been a strong partisan
of the Democratic party. lie has nrever belonged to




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

41

any secret society. He is not a member of any religious
denomination, though a regular attendant and vestryman
of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Graham's second son, a
promising attorney, and Mayor of Chetopa, Kansas,
died at the early age of thirty. The eldest is a practicing physician in Illinois; and the two younger are at
home. Mr. Graham has seen life in many aspects, and
still retains his genial, frank, self-reliant nature. His
home, at Jonesville, is the center of a generous hospitality.
ROSVENOR, HON. EBENEZER OLIVER,
Banker, of Jonesville, was born January 26, 1820,
at Stillwater, Saratoga County, New York. He
was the third of nine children, four of whom are living.
His father, E. O. Grosvenor, Sen., was the son of an educated minister, who endeavored to give all his sons a liberal
education. Several of them were graduates of the best
Eastern colleges, and followed professions. His mother,
Mary Ann Livermore, received her education in Leicester Academy, near Worcester, Massachusetts.    The
parents of Mr. Grosvenor were married in Worcester
County, where they resided for a number of years.
Having experienced some reverses, they removed to
Stillwater, New York, where the husband was engaged
for a number of years on the public works of the State.
In 1825 they removed to Schenectady; and, in 1826, to
Chittenango, New York.   Mr. Grosvenor attended the
Lancastrian Academy, in Schenectady; and, afterwards,
the common school in Chittenango.    At the age of
thirteen, he entered the Polytechnic Academy, at that
place, where he spent two years. Having determined
to lead a business life, he left school, and, at the age of
fifteen, entered, as a clerk, a store in Chittenango,
where he remained for two years. He then went to
Albion, Michigan, and   was employed, by an older
brother, in one of the first stores of the place. Here
he remained until the winter of 1839, when he went to
Monroe, Michigan, and was employed for one year as
clerk in the State Commissioners' office, during the construction of the Michigan Southern Railroad, which was
them in the hands of the State. In the summer of
1840, he removed to Jonesville, Michigan, and entered
a dry-goods store, as clerk, in which capacity he remained until April, 1844. February 22, of the same year,
he married Miss Sally Ann Champlin, daughter of Hon.
Elisha P. Champlin, one of the first settlers of Lenawee
County. In April, 1844, Mr. Grosvenor, in connection
with Mr. Varnum, entered into a general mercantile
business. This continued until 1847, when Mr. Varnum
sold his interest to Mr. Champlin, the father-in-law of
Mr. Grosvenor. In 1851 Mr. Grosvenor purchased his
partner's interest; and, until 1864, conducted the busi28

ness alone. He then admitted some young men who had
been in his employment for a number of years. In 1875
the firm name was changed to Sibbald, Spaulding & Co.,
Mr. Grosvenor still remaining a partner. Outside of
the mercantile business, Mr. Grosvenor has been engaged
in buying and selling the general produce of his section,
making it a feature of the business always to pay cash. In
1854 he established the banking firm of Grosvenor &
Co., and started the Exchange Bank of Jonesville, of
which he has since been President and the largest
stockholder. His business career has been very active
and successful. Mr. Grosvenor was, at an early day,
elected to all the important offices of his township; and,
in 1858, was chosen a member of the State Senate. At
the breaking out of the war, in April, 1861, he was
commissioned Colonel, on the staff of Governor Blair,
and received an appointment on the Military Contract
Board, of which he became President. He afterwards
became President of the Military State Board. In 1862
he was again elected to the State Senate, and served
during this session as Chairman of the Committee on
Finance. In 1864 he was elected Lieutenant-Governor
of Michigan, on the ticket with Governor Crapo; and,
by virtue of this office, was President of the State
Board of Equalization in 1866.  The same year, he
was elected State Treasurer, re-elected in 1868, and held
the office until 1871. In April, 1871, he was appointed
a member of the Board of State Building Commissioners, for the purpose of erecting a new capitol. He
became its presiding officer, which position he still
holds. Mr. Grosvenor has been actively connected with
all the public enterprises of his county and State. He
has contributed generously to both the cotton and
woolen mills of the place. He was the first Treasurer
of the Jonesville Cotton Manufacturing Company; and
has, for some time, been its President. In the latter
part of 1868, when the Fort Wayne, Jackson and Saginaw Railroad was being located, Mr. Grosvenor was
largely instrumental in directing its route. He is now
a stockholder and Vice-President of the company. He
was one of the organizers of the Michigan Mutual Life
Insurance Company of Detroit; an early stockholder
and Director of the Detroit Fire and Marine Insurance
Company, and also of the Michigan State Fire Insurance Company, established at Adrian. Mr. Grosvenoi
was a charter member of the lodge of Odd-Fellows,
established in Jonesville in 1840, and has passed all the
chairs in that order. He is also a Master Mason, having
joined that association in 1855. Mr. Grosvenor is a regular attendant at the Presbyterian Church, of which his
wife is a member. He was originally a Whig, but has
been a Republican since the establishment of that party
in 1854. Mr. Grosvenor has but one child, a daughter,
who was married, in 1873, to Mr. Charles White, the
present Cashier of the Jonesville Exchange Bank.




n, -,i.

43

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

OLLOWAY, COL. FREDERICK             MADISON,
of Hillsdale, Michigan, was born in Bristol,
Ontario County, New York, January 18, 1815.
He is the second of the thirteen children of
Cyrus and Pamelia (Tobey) Iolloway. When he was
nine years old, his father removed to Genesee County,
where the son attended the district school in winter,
and worked on the farm in summer. In the summer
of 1831, Mr. Holloway was prostrated by sun-stroke,
which seriously impaired his health.  He engaged in
teaching, but the duties and labors of the school-room
proved too much for his impaired constitution, and, by
the advice of physician and friends, he resolved to go
West. On the 24th of March, 1833, in company with
his father, he started for Michigan. After prospecting
for a month or more, his father decided to locate as
near what is now Toledo as it was possible to get good
land at Government price. This point he found near
Sylvania, Ohio, then Whiteford, Michigan. After camping in the woods for six weeks, they built, almost unaided, a good log house, and the father returned for
his family. Mr. Holloway soon found himself so recovered that he commenced the work of a carpenter
and joiner, following this occupation until early in the
year 1836. He then took a contract on the railroad
from Toledo, Ohio, to Adrian, Michigan. In 1838 he
removed to Tecumseh, Michigan, where he remained
for two years, working at his trade. In the spring of
1840, he removed to Jonesville, and carried on the
carpenter business for ten years.  At the end of this
time, he was elected Register of Deeds of Hillsdale
County. He removed to Hillsdale in the spring of
1851, and occupied the office two years. In 1852 he
purchased the farm upon which he now resides. It is
situated about four miles from Hillsdale, and one and a
half miles from Jonesville. He worked on the farm for
several years before occupying it. Mr. Holloway has
given particular attention to the breeding of fine stock,
especially to short-horned cattle, merino sheep, and Essex
and Berkshire pigs. In 1853 he was elected Secretary
of the Hillsdale Agricultural Society, which position he
has since filled, with the exception of two years. lHe
has taken great interest in the progress of the society,
and it undoubtedly owes a great measure of its prosperity to Mr. Holloway. He was appointed Postmaster
in 1853, and retained the position for nine years; in
the meantime, serving several years as Supervisor. In
1857 he was commissioned Colonel in the State militia;
and, upon the breaking out of the civil war, made vigorous but ineffectual efforts to obtain authority to raise
a regiment for the army.  From 1853 until 1860, Mr.
Holloway was the principal insurance agent in Hillsdale,-representing the most responsible companies.
In 1862 he entered the employment of the AEtna Insurance Company, as traveling and adjusting agent through

the Western States. In this, he continued until 1868.
Sie has been a prominent Trustee of Hillsdale College
since its foundation, and is an influential member of
the Board. After the college buildings were burned, in
1874, he was appointed superintendent of the construction of the new buildings, and has brought them to
their present fine condition.  Mr. Holloway was one
of the organizers of the Grange movement in Hillsdale
County, and is one of the Executive Committee of the
State Grange.  He is greatly interested in every thing
pertaining to agriculture, and contributes numerous
articles on the subject to the agricultural papers of the
country. He is at present engaged in writing a pioneer history of the county in which he resides. In his
political views, he is a conservative Democrat. In 1874
he was a candidate for Auditor-General of the State;
and, in 1876, ran again for the office, receiving a very
complimentary vote, in addition to that of his regular
party. He became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1838. February 5, 1837, Mr. Holloway
married Sibyl B. Bassett, of Nottawa, St. Joseph County,
Michigan.  She was born in Penn Yan, Yates County,
New York. They have a family of four children,-three
sons and one daughter. The sons are settled, respectively, in Missouri, Wisconsin, and Michigan; and the
daughter, in Ohio.
1A4ARVEY, LUTHER, a resident of Monroe,
f    Michigan, was born at Burlington, Vermont, in,    1789. This sketch of his life is condensed from
a very interesting memoir by Bela Hubbard, of
Detroit, read before the Pioneer Society in January,
1873. Mr. Harvey's father, Joel Harvey, moved with his
family from Vermont to the Genesee Flats, New York,
in 1793, settling in a place called "B'ig Tree," and
thence removing to Buffalo about 180o. At that time
Buffalo had five or six houses only, built mostly of
hewed logs. Mr. Harvey's father had the contract for
carrying the mail between Buffalo and Erie, once a
week, and Luther was the mail carrier; going on horseback when the weather was good, and on foot in bad
weather, when a horse could not travel, there being no
roads nor bridges. Mr. Harvey subsequently moved
with his father to Pennsylvania; thence he went to
Conneaut, Ohio, where his father suffered the loss of
what means he had, and the fruit of two years' labor,
through an adverse claim to his property. Luther Harvey was in Cleveland in the summer of 1812 when war
was declared, and joined a company of militia for protecting the northern settlements.  His company did
valuable service; and, in the winter, he was detailed on
commissary duty, and was also sent to carry dispatches
from Cleveland to Fort Meigs, on the Maumee, then in

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REPRESENTATIVE MEN QF MICHIGAN.

43

command of General Harrison.  In February, 1813, he
was in charge of a train of six ox teams engaged in carrying supplies from Cleveland to Fort Meigs. When
near the Huron River, he was met by an express from
General Harrison announcing the defeat of General
Winchester at the River Raisin, and the abandonment
of Fort Meigs by General Harrison; and commanding
roadsters to turn out their teams, and take care of themselves, as the British and Indians would soon be upon
them. Mr. Harvey refused to obey the order, but found
a party with whom he left his load and returned in
safety with his teams to Cleveland. During the summer of 1813, Mr. Harvey was engaged in working a farm
in the town of Huron, when Commodore Perry with his
fleet came to anchor between Cunningham's Island and
Sandusky. Mr. Harvey loaded a batteau with vegetables, butter, etc., from his farm, paddled out to the fleet,
and had the satisfaction of finding that his supplies were
just what were wanted, and of receiving a good price
for them upon the valuation of the purser of the fleet.
lie furnished further provisions to the fleet on contract.
lie was an eye-witness from shore, though at a considerable distance, of the great naval battle of Lake Erie,
which saved Michigan as a part of the Union. IHe put
out next morning with another boat-load of supplies,
not knowing who was victor; and, on reaching the
scene of the action, saw something of its havoc, and of
the means taken to care for the wounded. The " Lawrence," Commodore Perry's flag ship, contained the
wounded of both fleets, cared for by the united help of
the American and the British surgeons. After General
Harrison's army had been transferred to the fleet,having marched from the Maumee to a point of embarkation,-some of the Kentuckians desired to take revenge
on the Canadians for their participation in the massacre
of the Raisin. Mr. Harvey, against his wishes, was
impressed into service to pilot a boat, containing one
hundred Kentuckians, to the Canada shore, and thence
to Malden, where the public property, barracks, etc., had
been abandoned and burned by the British. The party
contented themselves with destroying the dwellings of one
or two of the most obnoxious persons, and proceeded up the
river to Sandwich, thence crossing to Detroit, of which
trip Mr. Harvey gives many interesting reminiscences.
The Harveys, at one time, determined to make Detroit
or its vicinity their home, and Luther made a contract
for a farm at Grosse Point with that view; but the death
of his father led to its abandonment.  lie, however,
carried on some trade in Detroit, bringing a drove of
cattle there in 1815. In 1816 the whole family removed
from their old location at Huron, Ohio, to Frenchtown,
Michigan, a small settlement which has since become
merged with the newer town of Monroe.     Here he
opened a tavern, and rented a farm. His first Fourth
of July in this place was signalized by an enterprise in

which the men and boys of the settlement joined;
namely, gathering up, and decently disposing of the
bones of the victims of the massacre of the Raisin, two
years before. Mr. Harvey, in 1817, and subsequently,
engaged quite extensively in lake traffic and navigation,
acting as boat captain a portion of the time. He was
married, in 1817, to Mary Choate, a relative of Rufus
Choate, of Massachusetts. In 1836, with a family of
seven children, he removed to the city of Monroe, on
account of its educational facilities, renting the farm
which he then owned some three miles up the river.
Here he engaged in trade, and also as builder and railroad contractor. In 1837-38, he was involved in the
general financial ruin, with a debt of over thirty thousand dollars. He sacrificed his farm, except a few acres
on the rear of the place which served as a new beginning; refused to take advantage of the bankrupt law;
and, by industry and energy, added to his land until he
was again the possessor of a farm, and had paid off
nearly the entire amount of his indebtedness. Retiring
from his farm some years ago on account of advancing
age, he now lives at Monroe, the patriarch of nearly
ninety years, in a green and honorable old age, with his
wife of over half a century, and surrounded by a third
generation. The article from which this sketch is prepared, says: "The life of Mr. Harvey, though it presents no feature of lofty public interest, is worthy of
the attention of all who love honor and patriotism, and
especially the pioneers of Michigan. His youth-going
back far beyond our recollection-was spent amid the
hardships and struggles of the first settlers, and in the
volunteer service of his country.  His manhood was
marked by variety of occupation and fortune, and witnessed the growth and prosperity of Michigan. His age
has been passed in the honorable employment of a cultivator of the soil, in that dignified repose which befits
a life of activity prolonged beyond the ordinary limits
allotted to man."
JACKSON, CALVIN C., Monroe, Pay Director of
the United States Navy, was born in Greene
County, New   York, August 27, 1814.     His
father, Luther Jackson, was by profession a
teacher. His paternal grandfather was a soldier in the
Revolutionary War, and a native of Massachusetts.
Calvin C. Jackson was educated at Columbia College,
New York, and at Amherst, Massachusetts. He commenced the study of law with Jay & Prime, of New
York; and, in the spring of 1835, removed to Monroe,
Michigan, where he was admitted to practice. In 1838
lie went to Detroit, and became Private Secretary to
Governor Mason; and was subsequently appointed
Secretary of State. lie was also made a Commissioner




~~. /
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44

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

and Master in Chancery of the United States Court;
and formed a law partnership with Hon. Peter Morey,
then Attorney-General of the State. Democratic in
politics, he took an active interest in city affairs, and
served as Alderman and as a member of the Board of
Education of the city. He was one of the editors and
proprietors of the Detroit Free Press, but disposed of his
interest in that journal to Wilbur F. Storey. In July,
1865, Mr. Jackson was appointed a Paymaster in the
United States Navy, and was assigned to duty on board
the United States ship "Vandalia," of the Pacific squadron. After proceeding as far as Panama, illness compelled his return home. He was subsequently placed
in charge of the pay department of the United States
steamers "Memphis" and "Atlanta," attached to the
Paraguayan expedition of 1858; and was afterwards
ordered to the United States steamer "Fulton."  This
vessel was wrecked in the fall of 1859, off Santa Rosa
island, on the coast of Florida, while on her way to the
south coast of Cuba in search of slaves. Owing to the
exposure incident to his exertions in saving the stores
of the steamer, Mr. Jackson contracted the disease
known in that locality as " Key West Fever," which
confined him in the Naval Hospital at Pensacola for
some weeks. On his recovery, in the summer of 1860,
he joined the sloop of war " Dacotah," sailing from
Norfolk, Virginia, for the East India squadron, under
command of Captain, since Admiral, Radford. The
sloop touched at Rio de Janeiro, and all the prominent
points in South Africa and the East Indies, and cruised
up the Yang-tse-kiang River, China, for a distance of one
thousand miles, in the first American squadron which
made the exploration under the treaty with China. On
the eve of the departure of the fleet for the coast of
Japan, the news of the civil war reached the East Indies, and the entire squadron in those waters received
orders to proceed home, reaching New York in December, 1861. In January, 1862, Paymaster Jackson was
ordered to join the United States steamer "Michigan,"
then stationed at Erie, Pennsylvania, as a recruiting and
receiving ship. He had in charge, during this period,
the accounts of several thousand recruits for the Atlantic and Mississippi squadrons. Thence he was transferred, in July, 1864, owing to the exigencies of the
service, to the New York Navy Yard, where he was
placed in charge of the Government bakeries, which
were kept running night and day to furnish bread for
the different squadrons.  In the month of November
following, a change was deemed necessary by the Navy
Department in the purchasing and dispensing department of the Mississippi squadron at Mound City. Paymaster Jackson was ordered to that station as acting
Naval Agent, for making purchases of provisions and
clothing and disbursing money for the Mississippi fleet,
including the accounts for general supplies of the squad
ron. Thence he was ordered to report to the Navy
Department at Washington, for duty in charge of the
navy agencies there, which position had previously been
filled by civilians. He filled this position with marked
precision and ability for the period of three and a half
years. In the summer of 1869, in obedience to orders,
he proceeded to Annapolis, and took charge of the pay
department of the United States Naval Academy, where
he remained until 1871. In May, of this year, he was
ordered to San Francisco as Fleet Paymaster of the
Pacific fleet, but the order was rescinded in consequence
of his ill health. Under the act of March 3, 1871, Paymaster Jackson was, on the 24th of the following October, promoted to the position of Pay Inspector, and,
subsequently, to that of Pay Director, the highest rank
in that department of the navy. The act referred to
changed the grade and rank so as to provide for fifteen
Medical Directors, thirteen Pay Inspectors, and thirteen
Pay Directors. From 1872 to 1875, he discharged the
duties of Naval Agent at Baltimore, Maryland, when he
returned to his home at Monroe, Michigan, having been
retired in August, 1876, after nineteen years of service.
In the several responsible positions in which he was
placed, especially during the war, Mr. Jackson annually
disbursed large amounts of money and immense quantities of stores. His accounts with the Government, however, were always found correct, and his administration
of these trusts was at all times free from any suspicion
of fraudulent collusion with outside parties, which, during the exciting times of the war, was so prevalent in
all branches of the public service. In his final settlement with the Government, not a dollar was checked
against him.
(OSLIN, JUDGE CHAUNCEY, of Ypsilanti, was
born June 28, 1813, at Throopsville, Cayuga
County, New York. His parents were Lindsay
and Polly Joslin. When he was ten years of age,
his father removed with the family to Nunda. He was
educated at Temple Hill, Livingston County, his studies
consisting of the ordinary English branches, with one
year in Latin. When sixteen years old, he wrote and
delivered the first lecture on free schools in the United
States, endeavoring to establish the proposition of universal education by universal taxation. His father was
the only person among one thousand who approved the
proposition. At the age of seventeen, he enlisted in an
independent company of dragoons, under promise of
election to the office of fourth corporal; but, failing to
secure the office, he resigned and returned home, thus
closing his military career. After leaving school, Mr.
Joslin engaged in teaching for five years, at the end of
which time he began the study of law. In 1837 he







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45

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

came to Ypsilanti, Michigan. In 1843 he was elected a
member of the House of Representatives. In 1851 he
was appointed, by the Governor and Senate, a member
of the State Board of Education, retaining the position
four years; during this time the Board erected the Normal School building, putting the school into successful
operation. In 1852 he became Judge of Probate for
Washtenaw County. In 1853 he was appointed one of
the commissioners to construct the St. Mary's Fall Ship
Canal, in the upper peninsula of Michigan. In 1858 he
was elected first Mayor of the city of Ypsilanti. He
was a member of the School Board for twenty years,
resigning the office in 1870. Mr. Joslin became identified with the order of Odd-Fellows in 1845, continuing
in good standing with the society until the order surrendered its charter; he held all the offices in a subordinate lodge, and was a representative to the State
Grand Lodge for many years. He was reared in the
faith of the Baptist denomination, and still adheres to
the religious views of that body, although he is not a
member of the church.  He is a member of the Democratic party, and a strict advocate of its principles. He
married, September 4, 1841, Eveline A. Law.  On the
15th day of March, 1849, he married Sarah M. Sillsby.
Mr. Joslin is a man of genial and social qualities, being
a great lover of fun. He tells a story well; and often,
in argument, makes his best illustrations by an apt quotation or anecdote.
--*+*---
OST, JOHN, M. D., LL. D., Adrian, Michigan,
was born at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on the IIth
e of April, 1819.   His great-grandfather, Hans
George Kost, emigrated from the Palatinate, Germany,
with three hundred and forty-five passengers, in the
ship "Edinburg," James Russell, Master, arriving September 16, 1751. His grandfather, Michael Kost, was
forage-master in the American army during the Revolutionary War. His father, John Kost, born at Carlisle,
Pennsylvania, in 1797, died at the age of thirty-seven.
The death of his father, which occurred in Knox
County, Ohio, 1834, determined Doctor Kost, at the
early age of fourteen, to adopt medicine as a profession.
He was fully convinced that his father was a victim of
perverted medical practice. Calomel and the lancet
were the remedies used in his case, which was simply
an ordinary attack of bilious remittent fever, and they
did their work most cruelly. He was, therefore, resolved to study medicine; to know if there were no
better methods of treatment. Dr. Alexander McGowan,
a prominent reformer in medicine, then located in Coshocton, Ohio, learning of some facts in this connection,
induced the young man, although he was then only six
teen, and his general education was yet incomplete, to
enter medical studies with him. This preceptor went
to Europe, two years later, and was succeeded in
practice by Dr. Joel Tuttle, with whom Doctor Kost
continued studying one year more. During those three
years he also devoted some time to the languages.
About this time, May 30, 1838, he was married, at the
age of twenty, to Parmelia Davis, of Berlin, Ohio, she
being still younger. lie then entered upon the practice
of medicine, which he continued until 1846; the last
five years at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, where his business was
quite extensive. He then established an infirmary for
the treatment of patients, and also published a medical
journal, vindicating reform in medicine. The journal
continued to its third volume, when he sold out and went
to Cincinnati. His friend, Prof. A. Curtis, of Cincinnati,
had, a few years before, obtained from the Legislature of
Ohio a liberal charter for the establishment of a university in the city, and then had in operation the
literary and medical departments, conjointly, with full
faculties. This was regarded by Doctor Kost as a good
opportunity for him to enter college. Hitherto his
course had been rather indeterminate; but now, in
riper years, having, by his experience and observation,
learned how much more can be accomplished by a
thorough education, he resolved to prosecute his studies
until he should have mastered all attainable in literature
and science. He had before given much attention to
the natural sciences; and, when examined by the Chancellor of the university, he was informed that he had
no occasion to enter regularly into any of the classes.
The same year, a diploma was awarded to him, with
the other graduates. This was accompanied by a note
from the Regents, announcing his election to the chair
of Materia Medica and Therapeutics in the medical
department. At the same time he was elected to the
chair of Materia Medica and Botany in the Medical
College at Worcester, Massachusetts. He accepted both,
serving at Worcester in the spring, and at Cincinnati in
winter terms. Having engaged with these colleges to
prepare an original text-book, adapted to the reformed
practice, on materia medica and therapeutics, he was
thereby necessitated to investigate and analyze many
remedies introduced into the new practice. In consequence, he found it impracticable to continue his
services in both colleges; and, after two years, resigned
his position at Worcester. In the latter part of 1849,
his work on Materia Medica and Therapeutics was published, and was at once adopted by various colleges. A
book on Theory and Practice had also been in course of
preparation, and an edition had appeared in advance
of the other. This latter work, after many editions had
been' issued, was translated into German, and stereotyped. Doctor Kost's connection with the college at
Cincinnati was continued five years. He was then




46

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

elected to the same chair in the Medical College at
Macon, Georgia, where he served two years; after which
he returned to Cincinnati, to take the place to which
he had been elected in the American Medical College,
on Walnut street, in that city. At the close of his
third year in that institution, accompanied by his wife,
Doctor Kost made an extensive tour in Europe for
scientific observation. On this journey he made various
important acquaintances, among them Professors Stokes
and Apjohn, of the Dublin University; Baron Simpson, of the University of Edinburgh; Woodward and
Charlesworth, of London; Professors Koeninck, of Liege;
iKrantz, of Bonn; and Seaman, of Paris. By letters
from some of these gentlemen, he gained many advantages, not otherwise readily attainable, such as the
inspection of the St. Rollox Laboratory, at Glasgow,where the last visitor, a year before, had been the
Queen; Lord Ross' observatory, and Lord Inniskillin's
great collection of ichthyolites.  On Doctoi Kost's
return from Europe, a new educational career awaited
him. Literary institutions now demanded his services.
lie had been elected to the chair of Chemistry and
Geology in Adrian College, Michigan, in advance of
his tour, and at once entered upon the duties of his
department. IIe remained in this position five years,
during which time he performed various other labors,
lecturing on anatomy and physiology, natural theology,
international and constitutional law. In 1867 he was
called to the Presidency of Marshall College, Illinois,
and to the chair of Mental Science and Moral Philosophy. These labors were severally continued until 1870o.
lie accepted this appointment under the assurance that
an endowment was to be made, and additional buildings erected. The endowment was partially raised, and
the citizens had deposited in the bank securities for
fifty thousand dollars, as a building fund, conditioned,
in its use, upon the completion of the endowment.
But the latter failed, and the otherwise successful enterprise, with good patronage and a full faculty, comprising
men of ability and experience, had now an uncertain
future. Correspondence was opened between the Presidents and other officials of Adrian College and this
institution, in view of uniting the two at Adrian. Both
were owned and sustained by the same church; Marshall
College by the North Illinois Annual Conference, and
Adrian College by the other conferences of the Northern
division of the Methodist Protestant Church. At the
ensuing annual session of the Northern Illinois Conference, the transfer was acted upon, by the trustees of
Marshall College and the conference, and the matter
consummated.   Doctor Kost was soon after elected
President of the West Michigan Annual Conference of
the Methodist Protestant Church, and served three successive years, making two rounds over all the districts
each year. His health becoming considerably impaired,

he retired from  public labors.  While analyzing the
new articles of materia medica that had been introduced
into the reformed practice and eclectic schools, he made
several important discoveries of alkaloids and resinoids,
which have since become very popular. Podophyllin,
which he found in the root of the mandrake (Podophyltum teltalum), is now a standard remedy of all schools.
This discovery was made by him in 1847; and, as other
persons have since claimed the honor, it may be proper
to state here, that Doctor Kost exhibited the article to
his class in male'ria meadica in 1848, at Worcester College.
In the following term he also exhibited it to his class
in Cincinnati, and this before any other person had
made pretensions to its discovery. In 1835, while in
his early medical studies, he joined  the  Methodist
Protestant Church, and has continued in its connection
ever since. For thirty-five years he has been a minister in
its service; although, with the exception of the three
years he presided over the West Michigan Annual Conference, his ministerial labors have been  irregular.
Since 1848 he has held a continued connection with an
annual conference, and has been representative in all
the general conferences and general conventions of his
church, except one or two, since that time. In later
years, Doctor Kost has delivered many lectures on the
natural sciences and temperance, usually to large audiences.
Six extensive works, all, with one exception, on medicine, have come from his pen and have been favorably
received; one has run through nineteen editions. In
public affairs, Doctor Kost has been generous, and has
seldom failed to respond to calls for worthy objects.
Besides minor gifts variously bestowed, he donated,
some years ago, objects of natural history, valued at
ten thousand dollars, to Adrian College; and, since
then, has made a collection of still greater value, which
doubtless will also be appropriated to educational purposes. These collections are the result of an intense
fondness for natural history. Another characteristic of
Doctor Kost is his habit of varied reading, and he possesses, at his residence in Adrian, one of the most
valuable and extensive private libraries in Michigan.
AMB, ORSAMUS, of Adrian, was born in Wales,
Erie County, New York, January 23, 1819. HIe
attended the common schools, and worked on his
father's farm, until he was fifteen years of age. H1is
father then removed to Woodstock, Michigan. Mr.
Lamb devoted himself to agricultural work until he was
nineteen, when his great mechanical genius induced him
to become a carpenter and joiner. His natural aptitude
enabled him to do the most difficult work without any
previous apprenticeship. He followed this occupation




'*'  -   -;,*  '*

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICIIGAN.

47

until his official duties obliged him to abandon it. At fall of 1874, he was elected Representative to the State
the age of twenty-one, he was elected School Inspector Legislature, which office he held during the term of two

for Woodstock, and held this office four years. HTe was
Justice of the Peace for twenty-eight years; Supervisor
for nineteen, and Postmaster for six years. In 1868 he
removed to Adrian to fill the office of Drain Commissioner, to which he had been appointed the year previous. He has found leisure, in the intervals of business
and official life, to interest himself in the Agricultural
Society, having been the first Director chosen from
Woodstock, and serving as Secretary at Adrian. Mr.
Lamb joined the Masonic Fraternity in 1862, and has
held many important offices. lie is Worshipful Master,
and has been Senior Warden of the blue lodge; he is
Generalissimo, and has been Recorder of the Commandery, High Priest of the Chapter, Chairman of the several Masonic bodies, and Thrice Illustrious Grand Master
of the Council. Mr. Lamb is now Justice of the Peace
at Adrian. IIe has been a member of the Methodist
Church for thirty-four years. HIe adheres strictly to the
principles of the Democratic party. On the 13th of
March, 1839, Mr. Lamb married Caroline Osborn, daughter of Jesse Osborn, one of the pioneers of Michigan.
J   AY, HlION. EZRA D., Ypsilanti, was born in the
township of Saybrook, Connecticut, D ecember 6,
1807. His parents, Aaron and Sarah Lay, removed from Connecticut to Western New York in May,
1812, settling in the wilderness four miles north-west of
Rochester. They were members of the Presbyterian
Church for a number of years, being among the sixteen
members who formed the first church in Rochester,
New York, in 1815. His father's death occurred in
1856, and his mother's in I86I. Mr. Lay received his
education in the district schools of Monroe County,
New York, and in a select school which he attended
for two terms. Having been brought up on a farm, he
always retained a preference for farming pursuits, and
has followed them nearly all his life, in connection with
other employments. When he became of age, he took
charge of a small farm, and, at the same time, carried
on the coopering business,-making flour barrels for
the mills in Rochester during four years. In the fall
of 1833, he removed to Michigan, purchasing a farm
near Ypsilanti, and started the first nursery of cultivated
fruits and shrubbery in the Territory. After carrying
on this business for twenty-five years, he discontinued
it, and turned his attention exclusively to farming. Mr.
Lay has held various offices of trust in the township of
Ypsilanti. In 1858 he was elected Supervisor, and held
the office seven years. IHe was President of the Eastern

s years. Hle has also held various other offices of minor
r importance. It has always been his endeavor to build
e up society by sustaining schools, churches, and all enSterprises which tend to advance the interests of the
- masses. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church,
and has been one of the elders in the church at YpsiSlanti for a number of years. He has voted the RepubSlican ticket since the organization of the party. lHe
married, December 4, 1834, Melinda Kinne, daughter
of Rev. Joshua Kinne, a Baptist minister. They have
three children: the eldest is the wife of Dr. William
Pattison, of Ypsilanti; the second resides on the farm,
devoting his attention to agriculture; the third received
a classical education at the University of Ann Arbor,
and, after studying law at Rochester, New York, died
of consumption in the spring of 1869.   Mr. Lay is
almost three-score years and ten, but, having always
been strictly temperate in his habits, he enjoys excellent health and bears his age remarkably well. To his
strict integrity in all business transactions the financial
success of his life may be justly attributed.
E, COLONEL GEORGE W., Ypsilanti, was born
October 24, 1812, at Greene, Chenango County,,,  New York. Iis father, Guy C. Lee, emigrated to
that place from Castleton, Vermont, where he was born.
Guy Lee was the third son of Colonel Noah Lee, an
officer of the Revolution, who served in 1760 in the
army that invaded and captured Canada from     the
French in that year. Colonel Noah Lee also commanded
a company of Allen's Green Mountain Boys, who, in
connection with Benedict Arnold, took Ticonderoga
and Crown Point from the British in 1775; he served
with distinction until the surrender of Cornwallis, at
Yorktown, which he witnessed.    George W. Lee's
mother was Sallie Benedict, eldest daughter of Amzi
Benedict, a merchant of Danbury, Connecticut. Mr.
Lee's father returned to Castleton in 1815, following, as
ever, the occupation of a farmer. The only education
George Lee received was that afforded by the common
schools of the day, and a few months at the Castleton
Academy, of which Solomon Foote-since distinguished
as United.States Senator from Vermont-was then principal. In 1830 the family removed to a farm near Canastota, Madison County, New York, and resided there
until 1836, when they removed to Livingston County,
Michigan. Mr. Lee followed the pursuit of a farmer
until 1845, when, in company with a younger brother,
he commenced business as a merchant, at Howell, Mich
Michigan Agricultural Society for two years. In the igan; he carried this on very successfully until 1861,




48

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

his brother retiring from the business in 1852. Colonel made a visit to the Old World. On his return to MichLee commenced his mercantile career with very little igan, in 1851, he established at Ypsilanti, a dry goods

capital except an unsullied reputation for honesty and
integrity. May 12, 1747, he married Elizabeth A. Armstrong, only daughter of the late Sterling Armstrong,
of Newark, New Jersey. There were very few inhabitants in Livingston County when Colonel Lee settled
there. Being an enthusiastic Whig, he became a prominent leader of that party in the county as long as it
existed. He was a member of the convention at Jackson, Michigan, which organized and first named the
present Republican party in the United States, July 6,
1854. In 1858 he was appointed a member of the Board
of Control of the State Reform School, of which he is
now presiding officer. In 1855 he established the Livingston Republican, at Howell; this was the first Republican paper in the county, and is still published. In
1860 he was elected Presidential Elector of the State,
and was chosen by the Electoral College as Messenger
to deliver the vote for Mr. Lincoln, at Washington.
After the outbreak of the civil war, he tendered his
services to the Government, was appointed United States
Quartermaster in 1861, and assigned to duty in Detroit,
in charge of the equipment and transportation of all
A4 c1igan.  i. -_  _- _p.  Ii L ^a   l.... i f.-h,,.li  r-f-  t1li i

and clothing store, which he continued until he retired
from active business in 1873. He has always maintained the following principles: Never to borrow money;
if not possessed of the money to make his purchases, to
wait until he was; never to purchase a new stock of
goods until the last stock was paid for. Honesty and
economy were his unfailing characteristics from boyhood; he always was ambitious to acquire money honestly, and early learned to live within his income. September 8, 1860, he married Miss Eunice W. Morton,
daughter of Eurotas Morton. Of their two children,
only one-Eunice M.-survives. Mr. Lambie has been
a member of the Presbyterian Church for over twenty
years. His habits have always been industrious, temperate, and economical; and his reputation is that of a man
of high moral character. His highest ambition is that
when he is laid away, it may be truthfully said of him,
"he has fought the good fight, he has finished his work,
he has kept the faith.'

Ilichigan troops. lie au i t   le enilre c arge Itll /"'
department during the war, being promoted to the rank  j1ODEMAN, AUGUSTUS, of Ypsilanti, Professor
and pay of Colonel, with the title of Chief Quartermaster  of Modern Languages, State Normal School,
of Michigan, Department of the Ohio. lHe served in....    Ypsilanti, Michigan, was born in 1842, at Hanthat capacity until June, 1866, when he was honorably over, Germany, where his father was a Judge in the
discharged, having disbursed several millions of dollars royal courts. After receiving a classical education at
with strict fidelity. In religion, Colonel Lee is a Meth- Hanover, he entered the Polytechnic Institute, at Carlsodist, and ever ready to lend his aid at the call of ruhe, Baden, where he graduated in 1863. During the
charity or benevolence. He is a man of very decided years from 186o to 1865, at different times, he traveled
opinions and strong social qualities, and has an unusu- in Germany, Switzerland, and France, spending eighteen
ally active temperament. His life has been a busy one. months in the latter country. Through conversation
lie is now Indian Agent for the Mackinac Agency, with American friends, he became convinced that his
including all Indians in Michigan. Colonel Lee enjoys career would be more successful in the New World;
the unbounded confidence and esteem of those who and, accordingly, in 1867, he left Germany and came to
know him best.                                     America, landing at New York on the Ioth of July.
After residing there and at Iloboken, New Jersey, for
several months, he removed to Kalamazoo, Michigan,
where he established a private school, giving instruction
in the ancient and modern languages and mathematics.
AMBIE, ROBERT, Ypsilanti, was born in Scot- In 1869 he was offered the position of teacher of modland, October 26, 1822. He came to this country ern languages and drawing in the Grand Rapids High
Swith his parents, in 1838, and settled on a farm  School, which he accepted and filled until 1872, when
about two miles from Ypsilanti. Being one of a large he was appointed Professor of Modern Languages in
family, in limited circumstances, and having to work the State Normal School, at Ypsilanti. Mr. Lodeman
hard in his boyhood, he had but few educational ad- was reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church; but, in
vantages. He early learned the tailor's trade, procuring this country, he attends the Episcopal Church.  In
work through the county, and worked at one time for politics, he is, and has ever been, an Independent. In
the small sum of fifty cents per day. By perseverance, 1863 he was married to the daughter of Dr. F. Hoffindustry, and the strictest economy, he managed to save man, the German author, at present residing at Dresden,
sufficient means to open business as a clothier, in Detroit, Saxony. Mr. Lodeman, after his marriage, accepted a
in 1846. He remained there three years, and then he position in the offices of the railways in Switzerland.

y*- *':J*,x *
^*"           *
ie'.' ''
^';.
fe1" 1  ':;aL1:- "




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

49

Lj|!cLOUTH, LEWIS, of Ypsilanti, Professor of
'   Physical and Natural Sciences in the State
'!,9 Normal School, at Ypsilanti, was born at Wal-,   worth, New York, September 21, 1835. He is
the son of Farley McLouth, who was born in Cheshire,
Massachusetts, in 1802, and (lied in Monroe County,
Michigan, in 1848. His mother was born in Dutchess
County, New York, in 1806.    His parents reared a
family of four children,- two sons and two daughters,all of whom are living. His paternal grandfather was a
practicing physician, who served on the seas in the war
of the Revolution.  His great-grandfather was born in
Scotland, and educated at Dublin University. He married in England. In 1740 he emigrated to America,
and settled in Boston, where he taught a grammar
school, patronized by many of the celebrated families
of that city. He served in the Revolutionary War; and
died in 1785. In June, 1836, the parents of Professor
McLouth removed to Monroe County, Michigan, and
settled on a farm, where his mother still resides. IHe
attended the district school from the time he was three
years old until he was fifteen. At that age, he was
sent to an academy in Ohio, where he remained two
years; and then spent three years in study at the Michigan Central College,-a Free-will Baptist school, located
at Spring Arbor, Michigan. While there, he was under
the instructions of E. B. Fairfield, LL. I., now President of the Nebraska State University, and Rev. Charles
H. Chamberlain, now a Professor in Oberlin College,
Ohio. Professor McLouth was also, for a time, a student in Oberlin College. In 1854 he entered the Michigan University, took a classical course, and graduated
in June, 1858. He enjoyed the instructions of such
men as Henry P. Tappan, LL. D., Professor of Logic
and Mental Philosophy; George P. Williams, LL. D.,
Professor of Physics and Mathematics; Louis Fasquelle,
LL. D., Professor of French and German; James R.
Boise, Professor of Greek; H. S. Frieze, Professor of
Latin; Alexander Mitchell, Professor of Natural History; Professor Andrew D. White, Professor of History;
Doctor Brunnow, Professor of Astronomy; and Dr. S.
II. Douglas, Instructor in Chemistry. During a portion
of the year 1859, Mr. McLouth studied at Monroe City;
and, in the fall of the same year, was called to the position of principal of an academy at Lapeer, where he
remained for two years.  In June, i861, he received
the degree of M. A. from Michigan University. Soon
after, he accepted the position of Principal of the
Union School of Ontonagon, where he remained two
years.  In 1863 he became principal of the graded
school at Owosso; after which he studied mathematics,
physics, astronomy, and history, for a year, in the State
University. In the spring of 1865, he became Principal
of the Monroe High School; and, in the fall of the
same year, became superintendent of the graded schools
29

of that city. In 1868, he accepted the superintendence
of the public schools of Battle Creek, holding the position for one year; and, at the end of that- time, was
called to the Professorship of History, Geography, and
Drawing, in the State Normal School, at Ypsilanti. In
1871 he was transferred to the department of Physical
and Natural Sciences, in which capacity he still labors.
During the past eight years, he has frequently lectured in
the State Teachers' Institute. For five years, he has been
one of the editors of The School, a monthly educational
paper. In 1857 he became a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church; and was licensed as a local preacher,
in that denomination, in 1870. Ile married, at Ann
Arbor, December 30, 1860, Miss Sarah A. Doty, by
whom he has eight children.
--*o*----,:AGILL, JOHN CURTIS, Ypsilanti, is the son
1111 of Dr. John A. and Almira (Ilodges) Magill;
and was born September 18, 1842, near FrankSfort, Kentucky. Soon after entering his eleventh year, he sustained an irreparable loss in the death
of his father, whereby he was deprived of many privileges, and compelled to spend at hard work, on a farm,
the time that he eagerly desired to spend at school.
However, by close application to books at home, and
an occasional three months at school, generally in the
winter, he made such progress in his studies that, in
the spring of 1862, he was employed to take charge of
the neighboring district school, which he conducted
four months. In August, 1862, he entered a select classical school, in charge of Thomas J. Doolan, a young
man of great industry and force of character, who
succeeded in arousing in his pupils much enthusiasm
for classical studies.  But Kentucky, at this time, was
the scene of contending armies. The roar of cannon at
Perryville, and the rattle of musketry nearer at hand,
together with annoying interferences from "bushwhackers" and marauding bands of Confederates, had any
thing but a quieting effect on the nerves of the lads who
were laboriously at work on their Latin and Greek.
Just at this juncture, the subject of our sketch was,
through the affectionate regard of an elder brother,
Captain William S. Magill, of the 43d Regiment Indiana Volunteers, furnished with means whereby he was
enabled to enter Friends' Academy, at Bloomingdale,
Ihdiana, of which institution the eminent educator and
divine, Barnabas C. Hobbs, was then principal.  In
this quiet retreat, amid new surroundings, and, as it
were, among a peculiar people, Mr. Magill so diligently
improved the time that, in September, 1864, he was
qualified to enter the Michigan University as a classical
Freshman. The four years at Ann Arbor passed with



*"1    '.-1(;7 ' ~~~* -1 -
V.'~

50

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

out events worthy of mention. After graduation, Mr.
Magill accepted the principalship of the Port Huron
High School, which position he held for two years. In
August, 1870, he was appointed 'Principal of the 1Dowagiac Graded Schools, the onerous duties of which position he discharged with an eye single to the good of
the schools. But his rigid discipline was not acceptable
to the majority of that community; and, at the end of
the year, a separation occurred, much to the satisfaction
of all concerned. Accepting at this time the appointment to the superintendency of the Port Huron Public
Schools, he returned to that city; and, for three years,
discharged the duties of a very trying and difficult position. Resigning his office in 1874, he returned to Kentucky, and spent a year at the old homestead, for rest
and recuperation. In June, 1875, he was made Superintendent of the Ypsilanti Public Schools, which position he still holds.
cKEEVER, REV. ISAAC        W., Professor of
II Natural Science, in Adrian College, Adrian,
Michigan, was born October 12, 1829, at West
Middletown, Washington County, Pennsylvania. lie is the son of Thomas and Jane McKeever;
and grandson of the old abolitionist of New Jersey, who,
shortly after the enfranchisement of slaves in that State,
removed to Western Pennslyvania, and engaged heartily
in the antislavery struggle there.  Mr. McKeever's
father was also an earnest worker in behalf of the
slave. For a number of years, he was Associate Judge
of the Court; and was held in so high esteem by the
members of the bar, that they were usually ready to try
their cases before him, even when the Presiding Judge
was absent. Many exciting scenes were enacted in his
office when fugitive slaves were brought before him,
and claimed by their professed masters, but he always
found some way of escape for them. IIe was a personal
friend of John Brown. IIe was very active in the temperance reform, and was the first man in that section
who banished whisky from his harvest field. His neighbors prophesied that he would fail to secure laborers;
but he persisted in his plan, and was signally successful. HIe offered higher wages, secured abler men, saved
money, and thus induced the community to follow his
example. Trained in this school, and influenced by the
enthusiasm of his father, Mr. McKeever developed into
a reformer of the more radical type. Until the age of
twenty-one, his time was spent mostly in study, and in
teaching in the common schools.   He prepared for
college with his cousin, C. McKeever, of West Middletown, Pennsylvania, and entered Madison College, at
New Athens, Ohio. IIe left this institution at the close

of the first year, on account of his health, and studied
medicine with the family physician, though without any
thought of entering upon its practice. Ile had read law
with 0. B. McFadden, afterwards United States Judge
of Washington Territory, intending to devote himself
to that profession; but, in 1856, while at Union College,
he decided to enter the ministry. The following year
he attended Wisconsin University, and became greatly
interested in scientific studies, under the tuition of
Professor Carr. Returning to Michigan Union College,
he graduated, in June, 1858. IHe was immediately appointed professor in that college, which was removed
to Adrian in 1859.  Meanwhile, in 1858, he was ordained, and joined the Michigan Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church.  In  1870 he resigned his
professorship, and took charge of the First Methodist
Church in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. After continuing
there for two years and a half, he returned to his former
position at Adrian.  Mr. McKeever united with the
Republican party at its organization; and was a warm
supporter of its claims, until the fall of 1874, when
he united with the Prohibition party. lie married, at
Chagrin Falls, August 21, i860, Emilie M. Vincent,
daughter of Dr. Justice Vincent. Mr. McKeever is a
man of strong convictions and earnestness of purpose;
and his life has been one of consistent devotion to
Christian principles. He is unswerving in his discharge
of duty; his disposition is social, and his demeanor that
of the polished Christian gentleman. He is deservedly
popular with young and old; and is highly esteemed by
all who know him, for his many agreeable qualities of
head and heart.
BflcELROY, GEORGE BEAMISII, D. D., Adrian,
I  Michigan, was born in the city of Pittsburg,
  Pennsylvania, June 5, 1824. His parents were
both Irish, and came to this country but a few
years previous to their marriage, in 1822. Doctor McElroy, during the first decade of his life, was frail and
sickly; so much so, indeed, that it was only through the
unintermitted care and tenderness of his parents that
he was brought safely to his teens. Since then, however, he has been peculiarly free from illness,-never
having been sick a whole day, or unable to perform his
daily duties, for the last forty years.  In consequence
of his feeble health, he was unusually slow in acquiring
the power of speech, being fully four years of age before
he made any attempt at articulating words. As a last
resort, he was sent to a school kept by an elderly maiden
lady, with the hope that constant and familiar contact
with those of his own age would develop his latent
power of expression, if, indeed, he had any,-a thouglht




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

51

that had begun to trouble his parents not a little. The
experiment was happily successful.  His opportunities
for education, though as good as those generally enjoyed
at that day by the children of parents not abundantly
favored with the wealth of this world, were not very
extended. When about twelve years of age, he was
put at a nail-machine in one of the iron manufactories
of his native city,-his father being a nail-cutter.  At
this employment, he remained until his eighteenth year.
On the 23d of August, 1840, he became a member of
the Methodist Protestant Church; and, a few months
afterwards, placed himself under the instruction of Rev.
(George Brown, then pastor of the church, in view of
preparing himself for the Christian ministry. His license
to exhort bears date May 30, 1842. Previous, however,
to his having received this license, he made his first
attempt to address an audience from a pulpit at Bakerstown, Pennsylvania, May I, 1842.  On the eighteenth
anniversary of his birth, he was formally licensed to
preach. The following September, he was received into
the l'ittsburg Annual Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church, and was sent to labor in a district lying
in what is now known as the State of West Virginia.
During the delivery of his first discourse to his charge,
lie was seized with embarrassment,-the result was a
complete failure. So chagrined and mnortified was he
at his ill success, that if lie.could have reached his
mother's house that night, in all probability he would
never again have left it on a similar errand. In August,
1845, lie was regularly ordained, and vested with all the
privileges of a Christian minister. On the 22d day of
July, i85I, he was married to his present wife, whose
maiden name was Mary Good. This event occurred at
Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where lie was in charge of a
congregation. By the Annual Conference of that year,
lie was appointed to a charge at Brownsville, Pennsylvania.  Ile had barely become comfortably settled in
the parsonage, however, when lie received and accepted
a call to teach in Madison College, located at Uniontown, Pennsylvania, the church, by conimissioners named
by the General Conference of that year, having assumed
the control of the institution. At first, it was designed
to conduct the school simply as an academy. After a few
months, however, the principal, Rev. R. II. Ball, persuaded the trustees to consummate a regular collegiate
organization. As a result of this change in the character
of the school, Doctor McElroy became principal in the
preparatory department. At the same time, lie entered
upon and prosecuted, in connection with his six hours
of daily labor in the school-room, a full and regular system of classical, scientific, and mathematical readings;
the last, however, received the greater share of his time
anid attention. A few years having passed, lie was appiointed to the chair of Mathematics and Natural Science,
which had been made vacant by the resignation of Pro
fessor Newel.  The duties, many and laborious, of this
position, he discharged for about one year. At this
time, he1was the only 'o-i/wei-n man in the faculty. Having determined among themselves to have a corps of
teachers sympathizing with, and devoted exclusively to,
Southern interests, as these were then understood and
interpreted, the rest of the faculty -ind the Southern
students, the latter constituting by far the greater nuniber in attendance, made his stay in the institution any
thing but comfortable and desirable. Ile accordingly
resigned his position, and received from the trustees,
who fully understood the case, a very complimentary
testimonial.  The faculty was then enlarged, and consisted of men, able in their several departments, but intensely Southern in their views and feelings.  Before
many months had passed, however, the entire body of
teachers, with onue exception, and nearly all the students
from the South, abandoned Madison College and went
to Lynchburg, Virginia.   This led to a reorganization
of the institution; Doctor McElroy was induced to return, and, for the sake of the interests involved, he
consented to again assume the charge of the preparatory department. While in this position, lie colipleted
his course of readings, and, in June, 1857, was regularly
graduatedl Bachelor of Arts; oii the day following, he
was lionored with the degree of Master of Arts, as a
token of special favor. Previous to this, however, lie had
been elected to the chair of Mathematics. In the fall of
the same year, lie removed to Hlenry, Illinois, and took
charge of the North lllinois Institute. lie remained there
five years, and then accepted the principalship of the
public schools of the city. Towards the close of the
y)ear 1862, lie was nominated and elected, by the friends
of the National Union, County Superintendent of Commoni Schools. This was the first and the only time he
was ever before the public as a candidate for office. In
July, I864, lie returned to Pennsylvania to take charge
of Allcghany Seminary, near P'ittsburg.  Here lie remiained until lie removed to his present residence,
A(drian, M ichigan, to take the chair of Mathiematics and
Astronomy in Adrian College, to which he had been
elected March 8, i866.    lin June, 1871, he received
from the faculty and trustees of Waynesburg College,
Pennsylvania, the degree of 1). 1).  On the 28th of
February, 1867, at the organization of the college under
the exclusive control of the Methodist Church, he was
elected Secretary of the Board of Trustees,-a place he
has held by successive annual re-elections ever since.
On the ist of March of the same year, he was chosen
Vice-President of the college.  June 19, 1873, he was
called to be President of the college, and this position
lie still holds. In August, 1874, lie was elected, by the
Michigan Annual Conference, a representative to the
General Conference of the Methodist Church.     This
body lie served as Secretary during its entire session.




10ý
IN~" "~-.-\i ~~

52

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

As an alternate, he was also a member of the General
Conference of 1871. lie was elected a representative
of the same Annual Conference to the General Convention of the Church, held at Baltimore, Maryland, in
May, 1877. Doctor McElroy is a gentleman of fine
presence and dignified appearance. Ile is eminent for
his scholarly attainments; and his social qualities and
kindly manners endear him to all who know him. lHe
is distinguished by simplicity of character, purity, frankness, and earnestness of purpose, and all the characteristics of a Christian gentleman.
a UNRO, GEORGE CLINTON, of Jonesville,
was born in Elbridge, Onondaga County, New
York, January 22, 1814; and is the eldest son
of Nathan and Cynthia (Champlin) Munro.
He is of Scottish descent on the paternal side. Three
brothers of the name, who lived in Scotland, emigrated
to this country at an early (lay, immediately after a disastrous war with England, in which their property was
confiscated.  His father, Nathan Munro, was a very
successful merchant and banker, who was born in 1791,
and died in 1839. lie was a liberal patron of educational institutions, and was the founder of Munro Institute, located at Elbridge, New York. Several of his
sons are graduates of Yale College, and have gained some
political prominence in New York,-two having been
members of the State Senate, and one being a member
of that body at the present time. Mr. Munro began
his education in a select school in Skaneateles, New
York, at the age of seven; and remained there two
years. The years between seven and twelve he spent
in the Onondaga Academy.    He next became a student in the Polytechnic Academy at Chittenango,
remaining until almost fifteen years of age, when he
went to Rensselaer School at Courtland, and prepared
for college, entering Yale at sixteen. He had been a
close student up to this time, when his health failed,
and he was advised by the family physician to relinquish
his studies. He gave up his projected college course,
and entered his father's store as clerk, continuing in
this employment for four years. Becoming somewhat
dissatisfied with his position, and wishing to begin
business for himself, he removed to the Territory of
Michigan, in August, 1834. He at once engaged in
mercantile and real estate business in Jackson, Lenawee,
and Hillsdale counties, having his head-quarters at
Jonesville, where there were thirty or forty male inhabitants. He continued this business, in connection with
running flour-mills in Litchfield and Jonesville, until
1852, when he engaged in the hardware business. This
was carried on until 1862, when he sold out his interest

to his partner, Mr. Lewis. Mr. Munro had been, in
the meantime, a contractor for erecting road-bed and
railroad buildings for the Michigan Southern Railroad,
having a train placed in his charge for transporting
material. lie was, also, a contractor on the Fort Wayne,
Jackson and Saginaw Railroad.   He has been somewhat extensively engaged in farming, but fortunately
sold his land when land was high. Since 1862, he has
been chiefly employed in the duties of a Justice of the
Peace, collecting agent, and money lender. After the
opening of the civil war, he was actively engaged for
two years in recruiting soldiers, and giving his aid in
the vigorous prosecution of the war.  He has been
Assessor and Supervisor of Jonesville for a number of
years, and Justice of the Peace for nearly twelve years,
having always been elected without party feeling. He
has, at different times, been candidate for State Senator,
Lieutenant-Governor, and State Treasurer, on the Democratic ticket; but suffered a party defeat in each
instance. He was a delegate to the United States
Democratic Convention held at Baltimore in i860, and
also to the National Democratic Convention of St. Louis
in 1876. Upon the formation of the State Agricultural
Society, Mr. Munro was appointed one of the Executive
Committee, and was afterwards elected President of the
society. Hie is a life-member of the Hillsdale County
Agricultural Society, and has been both President and
Treasurer. He has always taken an active interest in
the subject of agriculture, and the general improvement
of live stock throughout the country. Mr. Munro has
identified himself with all the public enterprises of the
village. He was elected first President of Jonesville on
its incorporation, receiving almost the entire vote. IIe
took great interest in securing free schools and union
schools, and, in 1847, built the first union school-house.
He was moderator of the first union school in the State,
and a member of the School Board for eighteen years,
being Director part of the time. He was a charter member of the order of Odd-Fellows, which was organized
in 1846 at Jonesville. He has passed all the chairs in
the order, and is now a member of the Grand Lodge of
the State, in which he has held all the minor offices.
He has served as Noble Grand a number of times. He
became a member of the Masonic Fraternity in 1848.
He was Worshipful Master of his own lodge for ten
years; and a representative to the Grand Lodge of the
State, of which he was afterwards, in order, Junior
Warden, Senior Warden, Deputy Grand, and Grand
Master. He was made a Royal Arch Mason in 1850 at
Jackson, and resigned, the same year, in order to become
a charter member of Jonesville Chapter, No. 8, of which
he was High Priest for several years. In the Grand
Chapter he has been elected successively to the following offices,-Treasurer, Grand Scribe, Grand King,
Deputy Grand High Priest, and Grand High Priest.




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

53

lie was made a Knight Templar in the Detroit Commandery No. I, in 1S51, from which he withdrew in
1858, becoming a charter member of Eureka Commandery No. 3, at Hillsdale, of which he has been Eminent
Commander. Mr. Munro has never connected himself
with any religious denomination, but is a regular attendant of the Episcopal Church, contributing to its support.
His political views have been strongly Democratic from
his youth up.   He married, October 13, 1840, Miss
Elizabeth C. Leake, who resided at the head of Seneca
Lake, New York. She died January II, 1848, leaving
five children. On the 13th of March, 1849, he married
Miss Clara M. Leake, a sister of his former wife, by
whom he has had nine children. Of his fourteen children, twelve are now living. Mr. Munro is a gentleman
of great geniality, and is highly esteemed by all who
know him.
SI ILLARD, ALFRED LEONARD, Attorney and
Counselor at Law, Adrian, Michigan, was born
i.  at Moravia, Cayuga County, New York, March
6, 1814. He is the sixth of twelve children of
Jesse and Lucinda (Loomis) Millard, of good old Puritan ancestry. His father's sister was mother of the late
ex-President Millard Fillmore. His parents were married at an early age, in the Green Mountain State,
where his father taught school in his youth, and emigrated to Cayuga County, New York, then almost a
wilderness, after two of their twelve children were born.
With no capital but youth and health, the young couple
commenced the world; the father engaging in mercantile trade, first in a small way, and gradually enlarging
his business. After several removals in New York
State, he finally settled at Dexter, Michigan, where he
carried on mercantile and milling business until he was
enabled to retire from active life.  He afterwards removed to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with the cherished
companion of his life's journey, where they both died
at the advanced ages of eighty-six and seventy-six respectively. Alfred Millard had always a strong desire for a
collegiate education, but was obliged to content himself,
after attending the common school, with such advantages as he could obtain from the academic institutions
of Prattsburg, Homer, Aurora, and Auburn, New York.
His preceptor at Aurora, to whom he owes the greater
part of his classical education, was Salem Town, LL. D.,
who afterwards acquired a reputation as the author of
several text-books still extensively used.  Mr. Millard
left school at seventeen; but continued, while in the
study of his profession, and during the earlier years of
his professional career, his investigations in classical
literature, the higher English branches, and mathematics, for all of which he had a decided taste. He
had always been somewhat of a book-worm, exhausting,

in his boyhood, the treasures of a small village library
in his native place. At eighteen, he entered, as a law
student, the office of Michael S. Myers, of Auburn, then
County Clerk of Cayuga. After a few months, Mr.
Millard was appointed Deputy County Clerk, discharging
the duties of the position, in connection with the study
of his chosen profession, for about three years. He did
most of his reading outside of business hours, his salary
contributing to his support; and the position was a good
school for a law student, bringing him into regular
attendance at the courts, and familiarizing him with
legal forms and practice. In July, 1836, he emigrated
to Michigan, which was then just emerging from a territorial condition to that of a State; and, in January,
1837, after a few months in a law office at Ann Arbor,
he was admitted to the bar at the first session of the
Supreme Court after its organization under the State
Government. He commenced the practice of law at
Dexter, Washtenaw County, where he remained until
the spring of 1841; he then removed to the city (the
village) of Adrian, where he has ever since resided.
lie was one of the law firm of Baker, Harris & Millard,
subsequently Baker & Millard, with an extensive practice in the State and Federal Courts until 1858. Since
that time, with the exception of two years, he practiced
his profession alone until 1877, when the law firm of
Millard & Bean was formed, of which he is now the
senior member.  Mr. Millard married, September 5,
1843, Harriet E. Truax. She died in March, 1869,
leaving four surviving children out of seven. In July,
1869, Mr. Millard married Grace G. Grieve, at Castile,
Wyoming County, New York, a lady of Scotch parentage. They visited the European home of her ancestors
immediately after their marriage. They have one child,
a daughter, now four years old. Mr. Millard has never
been an aspirant for political honors. He has always
been Democratic in his politics, and clings to his principles, although generally voting in the minority in the
State, county, and generally, in the city. He has been,
from early youth, a member of the Presbyterian Church,
in which he has been a ruling elder for over twenty
years. Mr. Millard is a man of fine physical constitution, which he inherits from his parents. He is tenacious of principle, agreeable in his manners, kindly in
his nature, and respected and esteemed by a large circle
of friends. His influence for good is strongly felt in
the community. Mr. Millard's professional record is of
the highest order. Throughout his career at the bar,
no client ever lost by his inattention to the merits of the
case, his inability to present all its good points to a
jury, or by his failure to consult all the authorities that
sustained the cause. His integrity is unquestioned, and
no man prosecutes more vigorously what he considers
right, although he has always discouraged litigation
where a fair settlement could be made.




:,`=" r%-~
~~
h",- i.
i; i,
s-: t

54                            REPRESENTATIVE
D OBLE, DAVID ADDISON, Politician, and Member of Congress, Monroe, Michigan, was born
at Williamstown, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, November 9, 1802; and died at his residence in Monroe, October 13, 1876. le graduated with
honor from Williams College in 1825; and studied law
a year in Albany, New York, in the office of Hermann
1Bleeker. Hle was engaged at IIudson, New York, in
1826, as assistant editor of a publication called the Col/unbiad. In 1827 he removed to New York City and entered the law office of Benjamin Clark, on Franklin
square, when he alternated his studies with giving lessons in the French language, of which he was a thorough master. lie was also a fine Greek and Latin
scholar, and, during the winter, corrected for the publishers the proof-sheets of a Greek work.  For this he
received twenty-five dollars, which would now be considered a very small compensation for such a labor.
Subsequently, he opened an office in New York, and
practiced law for about two years; a part of which time
lie was associated with Charles O'Conor. In 1831 he
removed to Monroe, Michigan, where he continued to
reside until the time of his death, a period of forty-five
years. Here he opened a la\v office, in connection with
the late Judge Warner Wing. The bar of Michigan,
at that time, presented remarkable strength for so young
a community. The lines of communication from New
York and New England led directly to Michigan, which
was then the land of promise, the ullima thule, and attracted many talented and cultivated men from the East.
Aside from Judge Wing, above mentioned, Mr. Noble
has as compeers at Monroe, Robert McClelland and Alpheus Felch, both of whom have since been Governors
of Michigan. The former has also been Secretary of
the Interior, and the latter Judge of the Supreme Court,
and United States Senator. Mr. Noble always devoted
himself assiduously to the practice of his profession, and,
as a consequence, with his sterling abilities and good
attainments, established an enviable reputation.  liHe
was distinguished for accuracy and soundness, rather
than for fluency, thus being peculiarly qualified for the
office of a safe and judicious counselor. Ilis knowledge
of the French language proved of great advantage in
a population so largely of the French descent as was
that of Monroe during its earlier history. It added to
his legal practice, and gave him an influential position
with the governing element of the community. Ile was
not only active in his profession, but entered public life
with the same vigor. He was elected Recorder in 1833,
and, while acting in this capacity, drew up the city
charter. lIe also served as Alderman of the city,
and, in 1842, was elected Mayor. In 1845 he was
chosen to represent his county in the Legislature during the session of 1846. About this time the subject of
selling the railroads which were then owned by the State

MEN OF MICHIGAN.

was agitated, and there was a general concurrence of
opinion in favor of that policy. The terins of the sale
and charter of the Central Road were agreed upon; but
the representatives of the Southern portion of the State,
under the leadership of Mr. Noble, successfully resisted
the passage of the bill, claiming that the interests of the
two roads should be considered together.  This was
eventually done, and the charters for the two roads were
passed. Mr. Noble was subsequently influential in perfecting the contract for the sale of the Southern Road to
the company. Ile took a leading part also, at the session
of 1846, in favor of the removal of the State capital
from Detroit to Lansing,-the act for which was passed
at that session. Hle was a member of the convention
held in Chicago in 1847, in the interest of the river and
harbor improvements, and was one of a committee of
five, appointed to carry out the wishes of the convention; he also wrote an elaborate statistical report of the
commerce of the lakes. In 1852 Mr. Noble was elected
to Congress from the Second District of Michigan,then comprising the southern tier of counties-over
Joseph R. Williams, of St. Joseph County, one of the
strongest men in his party. The political revolution of
1854, however, terminated Mr. Noble's Congressional
career, he being a D)emocrat.  While in Congress, he
did not often participate in debate, but was rather an
attentive, observant business member.  His speech on
"tonnage duties," however, in 1854, was one of the
most exhaustive efforts on this subject ever delivered in
Congress, and has since been regarded as standard authority. A knowledge of Mr. Noble's executive abilities led to his appointment, in 1858, as Manager of the
Louisville, New Albany and Chicago Railroad, which
position he held for four years. lie was a member of the
Democratic National Convention, of 1864, which nominated General McClellan for President. In 1832 Mr.
Noble married Miss Sarah A. Shaw, daughter of Henry
Shaw, of New York.    Mr. Noble's death was the occasion of appropriate commemorative action by the
Common Council of his city, and the Board of Supervisors of Monroe County. The last-named body, in a declaration reciting his public career, closed with this tribute
to his memory: " True and upright in all his duties, lie
leaves a name truly honorable, and a character worthy
of emulation."
(ORRIS, MARK, Ypsilanti, was born in 1796, at
Peacham, Vermont, and wvas one of a family of
fourteen children.  His father was a true type
of the enterprising pioneer, and was imbued with
that spirit which has spread civilization, science, and
Christianity over so large a portion of the earth. When
twenty years of age, Mr. Norris remnoved to Genesee

k ~~~ ~
~kV:, -:i"
ii:







,iK




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

55

County, New York,-which was then the extreme border of the American settlement,-and there engaged in
mercantile pursuits, continuing in the business until
1827. Then occurred that remarkable upheaval of
society known as the anti-masonic excitement; many
can still remember how, in consequence of it, all obligations were disregarded. Mr. Norris was eminently a
moderate, conservative man; mindful of others rights,
and charitable towards their olinions. These traits of
character ought to have commanded at least respect.
Unfortunately, he was a Mason, and such was the prejudice existing against that body in New York, that he
found it expedient to remove to the Territory of Michigan. He decided to establish himself at Ypsilanti, and
purchased property in the town. Foreseeing the needs
of a new country, he brought machinery for carding
wool and manufacturing cloth. In connection with Mr.
Ilarwood, he built the lower dam, and commenced improving the water-power of the Huron River. IHe
added mercantile business to his other industries, and
became largely identified with the early growth and
development of Ypsilanti.  The common needs and
mutual dependence of the early settlers of a new territory leave little room for the indulgence of party spirit.
By the common consent of his fellow-citizens, Mr. Norris
held the position of Postmaster during the time of
President Jackson's administration. Other public trusts
were urged upon him, but, though ever ready to promote the measures which he conscientiously believed to
be for- the interests of his country, he resolutely declined all public offices, preferring a life of unobtrusive
usefulness. His fortunes, like those of all other men
in the State, have been diversified; but he may be considered successful, since he has seen his family well settled, and has left them the heritage of an untarnished
name. Mr. Norris was a regular attendant at the Presbyterian Church, to which he contributed munificently.
lie was also an interested observer and patron of the
schools, and of every institution calculated to promote
the best interests of the city. IHe married in 1820. lHe
was a man of scrupulous honesty, only contented when
obligations due others were fully met; the largest balance, of whatever kind, in his own favor giving him
little thought. lie died in Ypsilanti, March 5, 1862, at
the ripe age of sixty-six years. He left two children,Mrs. Benjamin Follett, of Ypsilanti; and Lyman D.
Norris, of Grand Rapids.
fIiWEN, WOODLAND, Dentist, of Adrian, MichSigan, was born at Woodchurch, Kent County,
-,' England, February 28, 1819, and is the son of
Dive and Elizabeth Owen, of that place. Ile was educated in the academy of his native town; and, when
fifteen years of age, was apprenticed to Thomas Barry,

chemist and druggist, of Rye, Sussex County.  lie
remained with Mr. Barry five years, at the close of
which he received his full apprenticeship papers. lHe
spent the year 1840 in the city of Norwich, as medical
and chemical assistant to Doctors Archibald and Donald
Dalrymple. lie afterwards gave his attention to the
study of teeth and their preservation. In 1842 he came
to America on a tour of observation, and was so well
pleased with the country that he concluded to remain.
Opening an office in Rochester, New York, he began
the practice of dentistry, which he continued there until
1843. He then left Rochester, and spent several years
traveling through different portions of the country. In
1847 he settled permanently in Adrian, Michigan. lie
has been an active member of the Lenawee County
Agricultural and Adrian Horticultural societies from
their organization, and has filled various offices in the
latter. He was one of the original thirteen organizers
of the Michigan Dental Association, in 1855. Dr. Owen
has been connected with the Republican party since
its organization, in 1854.  He married, in 1843, Jane
Parton Illenden, a cousin of James Parton, the author.
Dr. Owen is one of the oldest dentists in Lenawee
County. His skillful work commands a large and profitable patronage, while the excellent qualities of his intellect and heart have gained the esteem of all who know
him.
tLNEY, EDWARD, LL. D., Ann Arbor, Professor
1   of Mathematics in the University of Michigan,
v- and author of a complete series of mathematical
text-books, which are in general use. Professor Olney
is a lineal descendant of Thomas Olney, who was born
in Hertford, England, in 1600, and came to Massachusetts in 1635. He followed Roger Williams to Rhode
Island, in 1638, and was received by Williams into the
first land company of Providence. Hle was baptized by
Williams, in the company of twelve persons, who constituted the First Baptist Church of Providence, and of
America, in 1638; and is numbered among the earliest
ministers of that church. For these acts, Olney and his
wife were excommunicated from the church in Salem.
Their daughter Lydia became the wife of Joseph Williams, son of Roger Williams. On his mother's side,
Professor Olney is descended from the Emerson families.
He was born in Moreau, Saratoga County, New York,
July 24, 1827. His father removed to Oakland County,
Michigan, in 1833; but remained only a few months,
and then permanently settled in Weston, Wood County,
Ohio. Here, on a new farm, in the heavily timbered
lands of the Maumee, these worthy Christian parents
and faithful children toiled and suffered together, until
the massive forests were displaced by a beautiful home.




56

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

The school privileges of Mr. Olney were scanty, enjoyed
in log school-houses, and only in his childhood years,six weeks being all his school life after the age of thirteen. To secure even this amount of instruction, he
hired another boy to drive the ox-team on the farm,
while he went daily two and a half miles to his studies,
teaching at home an evening arithmetic school to obtain
means of paying his substitute. Day's AI4vbra was gone
through with during those six weeks. The only blackboards used in his schooling were the plow-beam and
the cylinder of the fanning-mill, where the formulas and
diagrams teeming in the young mind were written out
in full. His teaching in district schools commenced at
the age of nineteen, at a salary of twelve and a half
dollars per month,-boarding around. While working
at home, in summer, he would study mathematics and
natural science; in winter, sit down, without a teacher,
to the Latin. At the age of twenty-one, he was employed to teach the district school in Perrysburg, the
county seat, with the understanding that a union graded
school was soon to be established, as was done the following year.  In this, the first union school of the
region, he took, at first, the position of principal of the
grammar department; when, two years later, the superintendency became vacant, he was appointed to that
place. In these positions, during something over five
years, he did much to make this leading experiment in
the graded system a success, and an inspiration to the
surrounding country. Having to teach Latin, as well
as the higher English branches, the greatest diligence
and application in private studies accompanied his
school duties.  And such became his proficiency in
varied learning, and his eminence as an instructor, that,
at the end of this period, and at the instance of collegebred brother teachers, the honorary degree of M. A.
was conferred on him by Madison University, New
York. An associate teacher, Miss Sarah Huntington,
daughter of I-Ion. Elijah Huntington, of Perrysburg,
had now become the wife of Professor Olney. In the
autumn of 1853, he accepted an appointment to the
Professorship of Mathematics in Kalamazoo College,
Michigan; leaving a most sorrowful sense of loss among
all with whom he was laboring in Ohio. In Kalamazoo,
during the next ten years, his peculiar talents and energetic work were among the main forces which carried
the institution forward. As a member of the faculty,
he was eminently prized by his associates for his high
Christian aims; his generous, self-sacrificing spirit; his
thoroughness in government and discipline; and the
inspiration which, as an atmosphere, attended him.
Among the students, his class-room was a coveted place,
whether in mathematics, natural science, or Latin. The
peculiar faculty of setting every one in a class earnestly
at work, and holding them all thus engaged through
the hour, was found to be remarkable in him; hence

each scholar went out from the recitations assisted and
grateful.  tle rigidly insisted, also, that exactly the
right words, and only these, should be used in reciting.
In mathematics, his simplifying the conceptions and
processes, and correcting or supplying the definitions
and statements, often filled with wonder the student
who had toiled with d(imness of vision and discouragement of spirit.  It is these peculiarities, in which
Professor Olney is naturally gifted and persistently selftrained, which give to his text-books their great favor
with those who have become acquainted with them.
In 1863 he was called to the Professorship of Mathematics in the University of Michigan, and has occupied
this position to the present time. I'Here," says President Angell, "he has acquired a national reputation,
both as a teacher and an author of mathematical works.
The secret of his success as an instructor is found in his
unusual powers of lucid and simple mathematical exposition, and of kindling in his pupils an enthusiasm for
a department which, in most colleges, is not deemed by
students especially attractive.  His text-books consist
of arithmetics and algebras for use in schools, and of
treatises on algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus, for the special use of students in colleges. Other
important mathematical works from his pen may be
expected. His books are used in a large number of the
leading schools and colleges of the country. During
his connection with the University, he has wielded a
much larger educational influence than that which flows
from the discharge of his duties as Professor of Mathematics. His judgment has been of great weight with
his colleagues in shaping the policy of the literary department of the University; while his warm interest in
the right conduct of the public schools, and his long
experience in managing them, have enabled him to
exert a large and salutary influence on the school system of the State." Professor Olney, though a specialist,
is not an exclusivist. He has always given his earnest
attention and energetic life to the general interests of
society. Every work of true reform has had him among
its unflinching advocates.  In Sunday-school labors, he
has been a leader as long as in the public secular education,- superintending schools at home, and working in
State and national organizations.  For a number of
years, he has furnished extended weekly preparations
of the union lessons for publication in the religious
paper of the State.  Ile has, also, long been an active
member of the educational and missionary boards of his
denomination; and held, for two years, the P'residency
of the Baptist Convention of Michigan.  hlis efficiency
as a presiding officer in public asseijpblies is kindred to
that in the class-room.  He is, also, not unfrequently
called to give public addresses on the Sabbath and
other occasions. During the two years 1861-63, he was
proprietor and editor of tile Michigan Olhristian hterald,







OOP




* ^ '','; -   X,

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

57

adding these labors to those of the professorship at Kalamazoo. IIe has also been a contributing editor of the
weekly EducationalJournal; is the author of the articles
on " Pure Mathematics," in the Educational Cyclopaedia,
and of various other occasional productions.  In languages Professor Olney has, by private study, added to a
fair knowledge of Latin some ability to read Greek,
and facility in reading French and German; while all
the departments of science have received a share of
intelligent attention. In grateful appreciation of his
work, and in just recognition of the extent of his acquisitions, Kalamazoo College has conferred upon him
the degree of LL. D. Add to all these professional
and general engagements the laborious preparation, and
getting through the press, of his series of standard textbooks, and it will be seen that an amount of work has
been accomplished which few can equal, however well
prepared for their undertaking.  Fewer still could
achieve such results, if compelled to attempt them with
no outfit from school instruction beyond the little received in the years of childhood, as was the case with
him. While every man is self-made, he is one who has
made himself with fewer helps than most have who
reach any of the positions such as he has filled and
now occupies,-unless, indeed, providential helps are
taken account of. Professor Olney stands, therefore, at
the age of fifty, an example full of encouragement and
inspiration to the virtuous and Christian youth who will
copy his diligence and inhale his enthusiasm.
J ALMER, DR. ALONZO BENJAMIN, of Ann
jt  Arbor, Michigan, was born in Richfield, Otsego
*" County, New York, October 6, IS15. His ancestors were among the earlier English Puritans
and Ilollanders, who settled in New England and Eastern
New York. His father, a native of Connecticut, died
when Doctor Palmer was nine years of age, leaving him
to the care of his mother and elder brother. His education was obtained in the common schools of his
native place, and, subsequently, in select schools and
academies in Otsego, Herkimer, and Orange counties.
IIe graduated in medicine, in 1839, from the College of
Physicians and Surgeons of the Western District of
New York. After a medical and surgical practice of
twelve years, at Tecumseh, Lenawee County, Michigan,
he removed to Chicago. In the meantime, he spent two
winters, in the medical schools and hospitals of New
York and Philadelphia, in listening to the ablest teach- (
ing afforded by those cities. Hie was City Physician
during a severe epidemic of cholera, in 1852, prevailing mostly among the recent emigrants from Norway,
Sweden, and Germany. IHe had charge of the cholera (
30

hospital, and of all the poor and strangers under the
care of the city authorities; about fifteen hundred
cholera patients came under his notice during the year.
At the close of his term of service, he made a report
of the statistics of the disease, and of the general mortality
and sanitary condition of the city. In 1852, he was
appointed Professor of Anatomy, in the College of
Medicine and Surgery, at Ann Arbor, and was transferred to the chair of Materia Medica, Therapeutics, and
Diseases of Women and Children. Ile discharged its
duties until 1869, when he was again transferred to the
chair of Pathology and Practice of Medicine, which
position he still holds. In 1855 he received the honorary degree of M. A., from the University of Nashville,
Tennessee. In 1859 he visited the medical schools and
hospitals of London, Dublin, Edinburgh, and Paris.
During that time, he represented the American Medical
Association at a meeting of the British Association for
the Advancement of Science. At the beginning of the
civil war, he tendered his services to the Governor of
Michigan, and was appointed Surgeon of the 2d Michigan Infantry. IIe was Surgeon in General Richardson's
Brigade, at the first battle of Bull Run, and dressed the
first wound inflicted by the enemy, at Blackburn Ford,
on the i8th of July. He resigned in September of the
same year, to resume his duties in the University; but
visited the army, as volunteer surgeon, during the college
vacations. In 1864 he was appointed Professor of Pathology and Practice of Medicine in Berkshire Medical
College, Massachusetts. In 1869 he was called to a
similar chair in the medical school at Bowdoin College,
Maine; this position he still occupies,-the lectures
there being given during the vacation of the medical
school of the University of Michigan.  Besides his
twenty years of general practice, the chief labor of his
life has been in teaching medicine,-instructing medical students in the practical duties of the profession.
More than eight thousand persons have listened to his
teachings. From 1852 to 1859, hle was, with others,
editor of tile Peninsular fourn-al f  l'e'iine, and prepared a large portion of the editorial matter. For many
years, he took an active part in the transactions of the
American Medical Association; he was elected VicePresident in 1860, and held that office during the suspension of the society's existence in the early years of the
war. He was chairman of various standing committees;
making reports on the organization of State and county
medical societies, on medical education, and medical
literature. Besides numerous contributions to medical
journals, he has written a brochure on Sulphate of
Quinine; one on Asiatic Cholera; four lectures on
Homeopathy,-fully stating and exposing the dogmas
of that school; and several clinical lectures on Paralysis,
Pneumonia, etc. The medical associations of the States
)f Maine and New York have enrolled his name among




58

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

their honorary members. Doctor Palmer has taken a
decided stand against the use of alcohol, opium, tobacco,
and the comparatively innocent articles, tea and coffee.
Hle has never indulged in the habitual use of any of
these; and has strictly abstained from all forms of
alcoholic drink. Ile has strenuously opposed the frequent and reckless prescription of alcoholic medicines,
believing them to be useful in very few diseases, and
then chiefly as narcotics, not as stimulants.
-IACKER, ION. IENRY, Judge, of Jonesville,
1-, Michigan, was born in Colchester, New London
SCounty, Connecticut, November I, 18oo. IIe is
Sthe fourth son of Hlon. Eblenezer Avery and
Keturah (Randall) Packer. His father, a thriving farmer in the township of Colchester, was honored by the
trust and confidence of his fellow-citizens, who elected
him to various public offices. Henry Packer, until he
was seventeen years of age, spent his time in study and
in work on the farm. lie then went to Bacon Academy,
Colchester, where he completed his school course.
After a few years passed in teaching school, he removed
to Western New York, to what was then called Dumpling Hill, eight miles above Rochester, taking a contract for getting staves and ship timber for a company
of Quakers at Skaneateles, New York.   The timber
was sent by the Erie Canal and the North River to
New York City, and the company placed Mr. Packer
in charge of the raft. At the end of eight months, he
had cleared two hundred dollars, and returned to his
usual work in Connecticut. During the five succeeding
winters, he traveled in the slave States and sold books.
Becoming convinced that New England farming gave
very meager returns, he determined to emigrate to the
West as soon as he could raise sufficient means. The
next three years he spent in endeavors to accumulate
capital. lie purchased ninety acres of timbered land,
upon which was a saw-mill, and worked to good advantage. The year 1834 was passed in teaching school and
farming. In 1835 he started for Illinois; but, stopping
at Jonesville, Michigan, lie concluded to remain there.

soon after his arrival in the State, he was called upon
to issue a warrant for the arrest of a fugitive slave from
Kentucky. When the negro was brought into court,
the question was raised by the defense whether Kentucky
was a slave State, and Mr. Packer decided that this
fact must be proved in order to recover the negro. As
the prosecution failed in this, the prisoner was discharged. This was quoted as a precedent in a similar
case which was tried in Philadelphia, in 1838, the same
judgment being rendered. In 1864 Mr. Packer sold
his farm, in the township of Litchfield, and moved into
Jonesville, where he has since continued to reside. In
1870 he united with the Independent Order of OddFellows, but has never taken an active interest in 'the
organization. Although a member of the Presbyterian
Church, he is Unitarian in his views. lie was originally
a member of the i)emocratic party; but, in 1856,
became a Republican.    In 1872 he went into the
Liberal Republican movement, and since then he has
united with the Democrats. In the spring of 1830, Mr.
Packer married Mary Randall, of Colchester, Connecticut, who died in 1834, leaving two daughters. In 1835
he married Susan A. Wright, of Colchester, Connecticut. During the civil war, three of his sons served in
the United States army, one of whom was Captain of
light artillery. Mr. Packer's children are widely scattered; only one of the seven now living is at home.
V   |AYNE, PROF. WILLIAM     HAROLD, A. M.,
Superintendent of Public Schools in the city of
SAdrian, is the oldest son of Gideon R. and Mary
1 B. (Smith) Payne, and was born in Farmington,
Ontario County, New York, May 12, 1836. His grandparents were pioneers in Western New York, having
settled there near the close of the last century. His
early educational advantages were limited to attendance,
during the winter months, at a country school. The
summers were spent in laborious work on his father's
farm. When thirteen years of age, he became greatly
interested in study, and, unassisted, mastered the ordinary text-books on grammar and algebra. Henceforth,

At that time there were only two frame houses in the the work on the farm became irksome. His delicate

place, and not one where the city of Hillsdale now
stands. Mr. Packer has ever since continued to reside
in Hillsdale County, and has made farming his principal occupation. Ile has held numerous public offices,
among which are Highway Commissioner, Justice of
the Peace, and Supervisor; the latter office he held for
nine consecutive years.  In 1844 he was elected to
represent his county in the State Legislature, and was
afterwards Judge of the Probate Court of Hillsdale
County for four years. While Justice of the Peace,

constitution was not fitted for physical labor, and he
manifested a thirst for all kinds of useful knowledge.
Books were his companions, and unremitting intellectual
labor became his delight. In August, 1852, through the
influence of a mother possessing more than ordinary
sagacity and strength of character, he was enabled
to enter Macedon Academy, then under the principalship of Rev. Samuel Senter, who was ably assisted by
Professor Cornell Morey.   Mr. Payne spent nearly
two years in this institution of learning, with great




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

59

profit and pleasure. During the winter of 1853-54, he
taught his first school, in the district which was formerly the home of the Mormon prophet, Joseph Smith,
about midway between Pa!myra and Manchester, New
York.   Notwithstanding his inexperience as a teacher,
his work was eminently satisfactory, and gave indications of the remarkable ability for which Professor
Payne has since become so distinguished.    In the
spring and summer of 1854, he spent three months at
the New York Conference Seminary, Charlottesville,
then under the management of Rev. Alonzo Flack.
The following eighteen months were spent in teaching
country schools, and afforded that experience which has
since been so valuable in the work of primary education.
All experience was to him a practical lesson, no part
of which was forgotten in the enlarged and enlarging
work of the past twenty-two years. In the fall of 1856,
he and his wife took charge of the village school at
Victor, where they remained for a year and a half. In
1858 he was elected Principal of the Union School at
Three Rivers, Michigan, where lie remained for six
years. The school rapidly grew from two to six departments. Here, by laborious study and long experience,
lie acquired that knowledge which has since made him
a recognized authority in the grading of school work.
In 1864 he was elected Principal of the Niles Union
School; and, while there, began the publication of the
Alichigan i7achc;r, which he continued to edit for five
years. In 1866, while on a visit to his old home in
New York, he was solicited to take charge of the Ypsilanti Seminary, a position which had been held by Professor Joseph Estabrook for eleven years.  Mr. Payne
continued in charge of this institution for three years;
when, in 1869, he was elected Superintendent of Public
Schools for the city of Adrian, which position he still
holds.  Following such men as Professors HIubbard,
Washburn, and Winchell,-distinguished as they were
for tact, prudence, and scholarship,-was no easy task.
Nevertheless, Professor Payne has achieved a success
and won a reputation which constitute him an accepted
authority, not only in the work of grading and managing schools, but also in the development and maintenance of the higher educational work of the present day.
lHe has been twice President of the State Teachers'
Association; he created the plan for the Michigan
Educational Exhibit at the Centennial Exhibition, and
furnished material portions of the report of the Centennial Educational Board. Rev. Doctor Jacokes, the
Centennial Educational Agent, a gentleman distinguished
alike for broad scholarship, and a critical appreciation
of men, made Professor Payne his able adviser and colaborer in effecting the excellent work of Michigan in
the Educational Department of the Centennial Exhibition. The public school which he superintends is one of
the two in the State which received an award; and the

volume which he prepared for the exhibition proved a
source of great attraction to foreign educators, and
secured their careful study. Professor Payne is conversant with a very large range of general information.
He is not only familiar with the literature of his own,
but has also given much attention to the best thought
of other countries. He is a good chemist; possesses a respectable knowledge of the Latin and Greek languages,
and their literature; reads French and Italian; and has
made psychology a special study, as a basis for a more
intelligent system of education, which shall be sufficiently broad in its application to be denominated
National. In his chosen field of labor, he is an independent thinker.  Exceedingly careful and even conservative in arriving at conclusions, he is modest but
manly in maintaining them.  Iis system is inductive,
and the results are thoroughly tested before their publication. The experience of others is carefully studied;
and, if found to accord with his mature judgment, is
duly credited. Loyal to his convictions of right, he is
always ready to recognize excellence in his co-laborers.
Charitable in his judgment of all who are honestly
struggling to improve our system of education and to
advance the intellectual work of the generation, he is
impatient of shams, and is outspoken in his denunciation of educational "quacks."  IIe has contributed
largely to the literature of his profession. "The Relation between the University and our High Schools;"
"The County Superintendent Law and a State Uniformity in Text-books;" a "Historical Sketch of the
Public Schools of the City of Adrian;" and various
other papers, attest his watchfulness touching matters
of public importance in his chosen field. In 1875 a
Cincinnati house brought out his work,-Chapters on
School Supervision,-a book not only of great importance to the teacher, but also one which may be
perused with profit by the intelligent non-professional
reader.  Ilis "Eclectic School Blanks, Record, and
Reports," Cincinnati, 1876, furnish a valuable aid to
the conscientious educator. He has now in preparation 7The Science and Art of Teaching, to be published
by Van Antwerp, Bragg & Co., Cincinnati; and hopes
soon to complete a work on The Philosophy of Teaching,-a subject that has occupied his thoughts for
many years. The honorary degree of M. A. was conferred upon him in 1872, by the unanimous action of
the Board of Regents of the University of Michigan.
On the 2d of October, 1856, he married Miss Eva S.
Fort. They have an interesting family of four daughters and one son. Professor Payne's popularity in his
present field of labor grows out of his acknowledged
ability as an educator; his tact in managing his arduous work; his personal attention to all the details of his
supervision; his uniform courtesy to the teachers under
his charge; his unsullied honor; his purity of character,




6o

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

and his admitted worth as a high-minded patriotic citizen.  While entertaining broad and liberal views on
the theological questions now agitating the public mind,
he is a firm believer in the fundamental truths of the
Christian religion. A communicant of the Presbyterian
Church, his life ig an example to all, and his modest
profession of faith is fully exemplified in a consistent
Christian life.
" RKINS, CAPTAIN ALONZO D., Vessel Master,
f, Monroe, was born in 1814, at lBrunswick, Maine.
lie is the son of I)orman and Nancy (Ring) Perkins, and is the eldest of five children. His father
was a ship-master, who followed the sea until he became
infirm; he died at the ripe age of eighty-three.  The
early life of Captain Perkins, Jun., was spent in Brunswick. At the age of fourteen, he sailed with his father
in the fishing and coasting trade; and, subsequently, in
the West Indies. At the age of twenty, he became
mate of a vessel in the West India trade. In the spring
of 1839 he left New York, and came West as far as Buffalo, having a great desire to see the western country
and make a trip around the great lakes. At Buffalo he
helped to fit out the brig "Osceola," and sailed in her,
as first officer, to Chicago. On returning from Chicago
to Black Rock, near Buffalo, she brought back the first
cargo of wheat ever shipped in bulk from that port.
From 1840 to 1844, Captain Perkins commanded different vessels. In August, 1844, lie came to Monroe and
took command of the steamer "General Wayne" until
I847, when the "Southerner," which was his next vessel,
was built. The following two seasons, he was Captain
of the steamer "1Baltic."  In I852 the "Southern Michigan" was built in Buffalo, and was commanded by
Captain Perkins until I856, when he superintended the
construction of the steamer "Western Metropolis," of
which he had charge during the season of I856. In 1857
he superintended the building of the steamer "City of
Buffalo," which proved the fastest fresh-water sailor ever
known. In the'summer of 1859, Captain Perkins made
the trip from Buffalo to Cleveland, with this vessel, in
eight hours and thirty-eight minutes, a distance of one
hundred and thirty miles. This is the fastest lake or
river time on record. He continued in charge of this
vessel until the fall of 186I, when he went to New York,
and superintended the building of the steamer "1Morning Star," which he commanded in the New Orleans
trade until the fall of 1862; he then retired from maritime life and returned to his home in Monroe, where he
has since resided. In all of Captain Perkins' experience
of twenty years in command of many vessels, he never
met with an accidcnt of any description; and, in all the

hundred thousands of persons who traveled with him,
not one life was ever lost, nor a dollar's worth of property sacrificed. For the last sixteen years, Captain Perkins has been engaged in the land plaster business, lie
married, in I844, at Monroe, Michigan, Miss Catherine
Norman. They have had six children, four of whom
survive; Mrs. James G. McBride and Mrs. F. A. Nims,
and two sons unmarried. In politics, Captain Perkins
was an old-line Whig until the formation of thec Republican party, of which he is now a member. lie has been
connected with the Masonic Fraternity, and also with the
Odd-Fellows' society, though he mnever took an active
interest in either. Captain Perkins, in his public as well
as in his social life, has ever been noted for his genial,
pleasant, and unostentatious manner. Ile is said to have
combined in a way rare among men who follow the sea,
all the courtesy of a true gentleman, with the ability,
dicipline, and watchful care of a successful seaman.
]    UTNAM,    DANIE, Professor in the Normal
J- School, Ypsilanti, is a son of Israel and Ruth
'   \(Sargent) Putnam; and was born at [,yndeboro,
New Hampshire, January 8, 1824. The family
is descended from the original Putnams, of D)anvers or
Salem, Massachusetts. His parents being in limited circummstances, the early education of Mr. Putnam depended
altogether upon his own exertions.   His boyhood's
experiences were work on a farm, in a lumber-mill, and
a carp)enters' shop, reading all the books that came
within his reach, and otherwise striving to improve his
mind. After a common-school training, he prepared for
college at New Hampton, New Ilaihpshire; and was
graduated from Dartmouth College in the class of 1851.
During his last year at college, and the succeeding two,
lie taught Latin and Greek at New Hampton; also at
Fairfax, Vermont, most of the year 1853, except some
months spent in the chemical laboratory at Amherst,
Massachusetts. Ile came to Michigan in August, 1854;
taught for a few years at Kalamazoo College; and then
became Superintendent of Public Schools at Kalamazoo,
holding that position for seven years. After the resignation of Doctor Gregory from the Presidency of the
Kalamazoo College, Mr. Putnam, at the request of the
Trustees, acted as President for one year. Ile was
elected first-County Superintendent of Schools for Kalamazoo County, and held that position for eighteen
months, resigning to take his present professorship in
the State Normal School at Ypsilanti. This position lie
has held uninterruptedly, with the exception of one
year, when he was Superintendent of the Public School
of Ypsilanti. His chair is that of " Elementary Professioiial Instruction," and he is also supervisor or director







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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

bf the "Schools of Practice," connected with the Normal School. Although not an ordained minister, for
sixteen years he was chaplain of the Insane Asylum at
Kalamazoo; and published a small devotional work,
Sunbeams Through the Clouds, for use in asylums.  IIe
was, for two years, Alderman of Ypsilanti; he has been
a member of the State Teachers' Association since
1855,-having been twice its President, and most of the
time member of the Executive Board.  lie is a member
of the Baptist Church. In politics, he is a Republican,
although, in early life, he was a strong Democrat. In
1852 he married Sarah E. Smith, daughter of Dr. E. B.
Smith, President of the New llampton Literary and
Theological Institution. Mr. Putnam is a man of strong
character, straightforward and open. lie is intense in
his condemnation of all shams and pretenses.
-  IIERICE, REV. JOHN DAVIS, of Ypsilanti, now
for many years familiarly and reverently called
" Father" Pierce, by the teachers of Michigan,
was born in Chesterfield, New Iampshire, February 18, 1797. His father's name was Gad Pierce, and
his mother's maiden name was Sarah Davis. From the
age of two years to twenty, he lived with a paternal
uncle in Worcester, Massachusetts, receiving eight weeks
of schooling each year after he was old enough to attend
school. When he was twenty, his uncle gave him his
time. IHe then obtained employment as a farm laborer
until he had saved one hundred dollars. With this
sum, and a like amount given him by his grandfather
Pierce, he started out to get an education. lie walked
fourteen miles, December 14, 1817, buying a Latin
grammar on his way; and, on the evening of that day,
took his first lesson in Latin under Rev. Enoch Pond,
with whom he made his preparation for college. The
following September, he entered Brown University; and,
though obliged to teach three months each year to
maintain himself, by close application, he was able to
graduate in 1822, in the first eight of a class of thirtysix. Mr. Pierce then served one year very successfully
as Principal of Wrentham Academy, in Massachusetts.
In the fall of 1823, he entered Princeton Theological
Seminary and studied one year. lie was then licensed
by the Congregational Association, and, on January I,
1825, was settled as pastor of a church in Oneida County,
New York. Here he remained and labored acceptably
till 1829, when the fury of the masonic and anti-masonic
contest made it necessary for him to close his pastorate.
The next year Mr. Pierce acted as principal of an
academy in Goshen, Connecticut.    In the spring of
1831, he received a commission from the Home Missionary Society, to settle as missionary in Michigan or in

Illinois, as he might choose. Accordingly, in July of
that year, he went to Marshall, Michigan, and in the
following autumn brought on his family. IHe continued
to labor as a missionary until the 26th of July, 1836,
when, at the organization of the State Government, he
was appointed Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The first work that devolved upon Mr. Pierce, in this
new office, was to draw up a plan for the organization
of the primary schools and of the State University, and
for the disposal of the primary school and university
lands. For this purpose he went East and consulted
with Governor Marcy, of New York, Edward Everett,
and many other prominent statesmen and educators.
In January, 1837, he presented his plan to the Legislature, and it was adopted almost unanimously, with very
few amendments. Thus was laid the foundation of the
admirable system of public schools in Michigan. Mr.
Pierce retained the office of Superintendent of Public
Instruction for five years, during which time university
and primary school lands, to the amount of five hundred
thousand dollars, were sold, and the proceeds properly
invested. Mr. Pierce, in 1842, resumed his work in the
Christian ministry, and continued in it till 1847, when
he was elected to the State Legislature. As Chairman
of the Committee on Federal Relations in the House of
Representatives, he introduced and succeeded in carrying a resolution instructing the Michigan delegation in
the National Congress to oppose the introduction of
slavery into the Territories. At this session, too, he
proposed and carried the homestead exemption law,-the
first law of the kind ever enacted in the United States;
but which afterwards found a place on the statute books
of nearly all the States of the Union. In I850 he was
elected a member of the convention for framing a new
constitution for the State. Here, among other services,
he secured the incorporation in the constitution of the
homestead exemption measure, and the provision for
free public schools. In 1852 he delivered the address
at the opening of the Normal School, and soon after
removed to Ypsilanti, where he still resides. Much of
the time since then he has been engaged in the work of
the ministry; but for two years he acted as County
Superintendent of Schools for Washtenaw County. For
the last ten years he has had comparatively little to do
with public affairs; although during a part of this time
lie has acted as President of his local School Board.
At the age of more than four-score years, he still manifests, by his frequent presence at teachers' gatherings
and university and normal school commencement exercises, his lively interest in educational matters. Nearly
fifty years ago he had thoroughly studied the Prussian
school system; and it was doubtless due to his familiarity with this system--the best in Europe, then and
after attracting so much attention-that he was chosen
to the important work of laying the foundations of a




62                 REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

system of public schools in the new State of Michigan.
His first report clearly demonstrated the wisdom of his
appointment. After discussing at length the lower and
intermediate schools, he argued with especial ability and
fullness that the University should be organized upon
the broadest basis, recommending the ultimate establishment of three departments,-one of literature, science
and arts, one of medicine, and one of law. His recommendations were marked by so broad and comprehensive
wisdom, and his faith in the future of the University
was so cheering to his associates, that his plans were
adopted. He has been privileged, above most men, in
being permitted to live until he saw his expectations
fully realized in the growth and development of the
University as the cap-stone of the educational structure
of the State. For fifty-six years of his life Mr. Pierce
has been directly connected with the work of education;
and, during forty of these years, he has also been
engaged in the ministry. Since early life he has been a
member of the Congregational Church. Mr. Pierce has
been thrice married.  Miss Millicent Estabrook, of
Holden, Massachusetts, became his wife February I,
1825. Two years from that day he buried her. October 28, 1S29, he married his second wife, Mary Ann
Cleveland, daughter of General Erastus Cleveland, of
Madison, New York.    She died in 1832, during the
terrible cholera scourge which more than decimated the
little village of Marshall, where Mr. Pierce was then
engaged as a missionary. By her Mr. Pierce had two
children,-a daughter who died at the age of fourteen,
and a son who died in early manhood of disease contracted while serving with General Scott in the Mexican
War. In 1833 Mr. Pierce married his present wife,
whose maiden name was Harriet B. Read, and by whom
he has two daughters now living. Though "Father"
Pierce is now in his eighty-second year, he retains much
of the mental and physical vigor for which he was
noted in his prime, and which, with the rare opportunities he enjoyed at the organization of the State
Government, enabled him to build up for himself a
monument of honor, and for the people a beneficent
system of public free schools.
I'ATTISON, WILLIAM, M. D)., Vpsilanti, was
-born in Java, Genesee County, New York, No1  vember 2, 1833. His father, Dr. Samuel Warren
Pattison, was a practicing physician in Java for
fifty-nine years. His mother, Phebe (Atwood) Pattison,
was a lady of rare accomplishments, and many graces
of mind and person.    IIe attended Ypsilanti Seminary; afterwards took two courses of medical lectures
at Ann Arbor; and graduated at Ilahnemann College,

Chicago, in the spring of 1865. Hie at once -entered
into partnership with his father, remaining in this business connection for one year. The next year he removed to Racine, Wisconsin, where he remained about
fourteen months. At the end of this time,-although
his prospects were fair,-he returned to Ypsilanti, resumed the practice of his profession there, and soon
built up a very fine business. In 1864 Doctor Pattison
went to Virginia under the auspices of the Christian
Commission. He became a member of the Masonic
Fraternity in 1865; he is also a member of the Knights
of Honor, and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
Doctor Pattison is a "hard-shell" Baptist. He is a
member of the Republican party. IHe married, August
29, 1865, Susan M. Lay, daughter of lIon. E. D. Lay,
of Ypsilanti. IIe has three children. Doctor Pattison
is a man of attractive social qualities and genial manners.
In conversation, he is ready in story or repartee.
Jj OBBINS, COLONEL RICHARD B., of Adrian,
SMichigan, was born in Kingwood, Hunterdon,-     County, New Jersey, April 27, 1831. From the
time he was old enough to hold the plow, until sixteen
years of age, he worked on a farm. Ile was then apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade.  Desiring a
wider field for his energies, he strapped his worldly
effects on his back and started, on foot and alone, for
the distant State of Ohio.  Keenly appreciating the
necessity of an education,-at that time he could neither
read nor write,-he entered the school of Rev. Samuel
Bissell, of Twinsburg, Ohio, and paid his way for five
years by manual labor. After a winter-spent in teaching, and reading Blackstone at Palmyra, Michigan, he
entered the law office of Stacy & Wood, Tecumseh,
still paying his way by hard labor. Subsequently, at
Adrian, he wrote in the office of IHon. C. A. Stacy,
then Probate Judge. He was retained in this office, as
clerk, by the succeeding Judge, IHon. F. C. Beauman,
until, having devoted all his leisure to his legal studies,
he was admitted to the bar in 1859. In 1860 he was
elected Justice of the Peace at Adrian; and was engaged
in the active discharge of his duties when the civil war
broke out. Believing that the country needed his services on the battle-field, he obtained a Second Lieutenant's commission from Governor Blair, with authority
to raise a company for the 4th Michigan Cavalry, then
organizing. IHe raised his company and was mustered
into the United States service as Captain, August 13,
1862, and went at once with his regiment to the front.
lie took part in over sixty engagements and skirmishes,
including the hard fought battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, and Mission Ridge.    At Shelbyville, while




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

63

leading a charge, he had a horse shot under him, and
was complimented in general orders for gallant conduct.
lie was promoted to the rank of Major, August 23,
1863, and continued on duty with his regiment, until
May iS, 1864; when, at the head of a battalion, in an
engagement near Kingston, Georgia, his left arm was
shattered by a minie-ball. Being three miles in advance of the main line of battle, and becoming weak
from the loss of blood, it was with the greatest difficulty
that hp reached a point of safety within the Union lines.
As hle was permanently disabled for active service, lie
was, on leaving the hospital, detailed as a member of a
general court-martial then sitting at Jackson, Michigan;
and was subsequently made commander of the camp in
that city, remaining on duty until the war was over.
On the 13th of March, 1865, hle was made LieutenantColonel, by brevet, for gallant and meritorious services
in action near Kingston, Georgia. While at Jackson, hie
was again elected Justice of the Peace for Adrian,
Michigan, and served two terms. In 1872 he received
a fair majority of the votes for Mayor, in one of the
hottest campaigns ever held in that city. In I875 lie
was elected to the State Legislature, and re-elected in
1876; again, in 1878, he was elected Justice of the Peace
by a majority of over two hundred; being the only Republican elected on the city ticket. Both as civilian and
soldier, Colonel Robbins has acquitted himself honorably, faithfully and honestly discharging his duties in
the various positions of trust which hle has held.
QWI.,SON, IION. HARVEY BRIGGS, Editor
andl Proprietor of the Hillsdale Standard, H tills" ~    dale, Michigan, was born at Duanesburg, Schenectady County, New York, July 15, 1825, and is the
son of Ambrose and Katharine (Briggs) Rowlson. Ile
spent his early boyhood, while acquiring an education,
with an uncle, in Chenango County, New York, and at
Woodstock, Lenawee County, Michigan, working on
farms during the summer months, and attending school
in the winter. In the spring of 1843, he spent several
months in the printing-office of the Adrian News, at
Adrian, Michigan.   During the following June, the
office was removed to IHillsdale, and the HIillsdale
Gazelte was published. This was the first paper ever
published in the village of Hillsdale, and Mr. Rowlson
facetiously claims to be the first printer's devil of the
place. In June, 1846, Mr. Rowlson, in company with
S. D. Clark, started the HIillsdale TKhi,, Standr-d, which
they published in partnership until 1851, when Mr.
Rowlson purchased Mr. Clark's interest. Since that
time, he has been. sole proprietor of the paper, the
name "'Whig" being dropped fr'om the lheading. After

the dissolution of the Whig party, the Hillsdale Standard was devoted to the interests of the Republican
party, always having the largest circulation of any
paper in the county.   Mr. Rowlson performed the
duties of County Treasurer, with great satisfaction to
the people, for a period of eight years. In 1869 he
represented his county in the State Legislature, being a
member of the Committee on Ways and Means, and
Chairman of the Committee on Printing; but in May,
1869, he resigned his position, to enter upon the duties
of Collector of Internal Revenue for the First District of
Michigan.  The district was then composed of four
counties, including Wayne County, and his office was
in Detroit for four years. In May, 1873, Wayne County
was made a district by itself, and the third district was
formed, by the addition of five counties to the remainder
of the first district. Mr. Rowlson was made Collector
for the Third District, with his office at tHillsdale. In
September, 1876, the second district, which consisted
of seven counties, was added to the third, making fifteen counties under his charge as collector. lie is a
member of the Masonic Fraternity, having been a member of Fidelity Lodge for fifteen years. Ile has passed
all the chairs in Odd-Fellowship, and has held each of the
principal offices. lie is an attendant of the Episcopal
Church.   Mr. Rowlson has been a radical Republican
ever since the organization of that political body. Ile
was married, July 31, 1848, to Amelia M. Vanderburg,
daughter of one of the pioneers of the county. They
have two sons and one daughter.
A:UPPIBERNARD II., Principal of Music De1Jpartment, Professor of Instrumental Music and
   Musical Composition, and Teacher of the German Language, Adrian College, Adrian, Michigan, was
born in St. Leon, a small village in the Grand I)uchy
of Bladen, about twelve miles from the university city
of Heidelberg, on the 13th day of January, 1847. His
parents were Nicholas and Frances (Kaumuf) Rupp.
His father was a cabinet-maker, and traveled very extensively in Germany and Switzerland.   When quite
young, he was ambitious to acquire knowledge, but, his
father having died when he was eleven years of age, he
was compelled to leave school and learn a trade. He
ha0l a great taste for reading and music, and during his
travels conducted singing societies, and was President
of one in his native village. He took an active part in
the Revolution of 1848; and, being one of the leaders
in the people's cause, was obliged to suffer more, than
the rest. After the failure of this insurrection, he decided to leave his native land and emigrate to America,
which was his ideal country.  Accordingly, he sailed




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64

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

for the United States with his family, arriving in New
York City in February, 1852, and thence journeyed on
to Monroe, Michigan, where some of his family still
reside. Bernard Rupp, the subject of our sketch, after
graduating in a German university and receiving the
highest prize, became a student in the English high
school, in order that he might acquire a knowledge of
the language. lie then taught in a German school,
giving private music lessons at the same time. lHe
began the study of music when he was ten years of age,
and had many distinguished teachers, among whom was
the celebrated Rizy, under whose instructions he completed his instrumental studies, and also a course in
instrumental composition. After a short time he abandoned school-teaching and devoted his whole time to
giving lessons in music. He has taught in Hillsdale,
Monroe, and Hudson, and in each place has given concerts, which met with good success. In 1870, he accepted
the position of Professor of Music in the Female College
at Ilopkinsville, Kentucky, where he remained three
years, and then resigned in order to visit Europe. iHe
returned to Michigan to bid his friends farewell; and,
while here, was offered the Professorship of Music in
Adrian College, with permission to leave the following
year, to visit Europe. Ile accepted the position, and,
at the expiration of the year, started for the Old World,
where he attended the different musical conservatories
at Stuttgart, Leipzic, and Cologne. During his absence
from Adrian, his position was filled by one of his pupils;
and, upon his return at the end of a year, he resumed
his duties as principal of the musical department, and
teacher of the German language. Professor Rupp is
fond of literature and the languages, and has studied
Latin, Greek, and French. lie has a number of musical
manuscripts on hand, but has, as yet, published only a
few pieces. Ile is now preparing a work on harmony,
which will be ready for publication in a short time;
he has used portions of it as a text-book in his classes.
His religious views are very liberal. In politics, he
strongly advocates reform. lie has been a member of
the llopkinsville Lodge of Free Masons, and a member
of several literary societies at different times. Professor
Rupp was married, December 28, 1876, to Sarah Iinman,
of Wenona, Illinois. As a teacher, he is a thorough
disciplinarian, being greatly esteemed by his pupils,
and beloved as a genial companion in society.
--*+- --~--
S AMSON, ERASTUS, Ypsilanti, Michigan, was
S born December 22, 1819, at Stamford, Vermont.
HIis father, Caleb Samson, was a native of New
Salem, Massachusetts, and enlisted in the War of 1812,
but saw no active service. Mr. Samson is the seventh
in descent from Abraham Samson, who came to this

country from England in 1629; his brother, Ienry Samson, having preceded him, in the "Mayflower," in 1620.
Two sons of Abraham Samson married two grand-daughters of Miles Standish, the hero of Longfellow's beautiful
poem. His parents moved from Stamford, Vermont, to
New York State, about the year 1823; whence, in 1837,
they went to Peoria, Illinois. In 1839 they moved to
Ypsilanti, where Mr. Samson has resided up to the
present time. His education in early life was that of
the average boy of those days, and he was variously
employed until the year 1840, when he became clerk in
McAllister & Moore's dry-goods store, Ypsilanti. Ile
remained there two years, when he engaged in the book
and drug business, which he has ever since successfully
conducted. Hle suffered a severe loss by fire in March,
1851, but, in less than two weeks afterwards, built a new
store and resumed business. He married, in August,
1844, at Ann Arbor, Miss Georgiana V. West, formerly
of Onondaga, New York. They have three children.
Mr. Samson has always shrunk from holding public office,
with the exception of two years in the Common Council,
and two years in the School Board. lHe has been an
Odd-Fellow since 1845. In politics, he was an ardent
Whig until the organization of the Republican party,
since which time he has been a uniform Republican.
In his religious views he enjoys the largest liberty of
thought. "Love to God and love to man " is his doctrine; he ignores sectarianism as tending to dwarf the soul.
S   EAMAN, EZRA      C., of Ann Arbor, Michigan,
was born in Chatham, Columbia County, New,  York, October 14, 1805. Ile is a descendant of
the fifth generation from Captain John Seaman.  The
latter came from England, in 166o, with his wife, eight
sons, and eight daughters, and settled in the town of
Hempstead, Queens County, New York. Sylvanus Seaman, father of Ezra, was the great-grandson of Thomas
Seaman, the sixth son of Captain John Seaman. Ile
lived in Dutchess County, New York, to which place
his father removed before the Revolutionary War. The
family were Quakers; but the mother of Ezra C. Seaman,
Lydia Champion, was a lady of Puritan descent, born
and bred in Lyme, New London County, Connecticut.
Soon after Mr. Seaman's birth, his father purchased a
farm in the south-western part of the town of Saratoga.
The western part of that town was afterwards set off,
and now forms the town of Saratoga Springs. There,
and at Ballston Springs, he received his elementary education, in the common and select schools. After devoting some time to Latin, French, algebra, geometry, and
the theory of surveying, he attended a course of lectures
upon chemistry, and commenced the study of law; teach



REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

65

ing a portion of the time, during the progress of his studies,
to aid in defraying his expenses. In 1831 he was admitted as an attorney to the Supreme Court; he practiced
at Ballston Springs, the county-seat of Saratoga County,
until 1834, when he removed to Norwalk, IIuron County,
Ohio. After five years of professional labor there, he
went to Detroit, Michigan, in 1839.  Meanwhile, he
married, in 1835, Marietta Virginia Doe, daughter of
the late Walter Doe, of Wilton, Saratoga County. Mr. Seaman published, in 1846, the first edition of his essays on the
Progress of Nations. In 1849 he went to Washington, as
chief clerk of his friend Elisha Whittlesey, then first
Comptroller of the Treasury. Finding it necessary, on
account of his health, to reside in a milder climate, he
remained through Taylor's and Fillmore's administrations. He returned to Detroit in 1853, and removed to
Ann Arbor, Michigan, the following year.  While at
Washington, he revised his essays on the Progress of
Nations, having previously added two supplements.
They were stereotyped, and published in 1852. Governor Bingham appointed Mr. Seaman an Inspector of
the State-prison. As President of the Board of Inspectors he drew up the annual reports, revised the rules of
the prison, and was instrumental in introducing some
improvements in the discipline and arrangement of the
institution. lie originated the present mode of making
annual reports with tables to facilitate a comparison of
different years. In 1858 he p1urchased an interest in the
Ann Arbor Journal,- a weekly newspaper,-which he
edited until 1867.  In I868 the second series of his
essays on the Progress of Nations was published. The
same year, he made a short trip to Europe, visiting London and Paris, besides several of the other principal
cities of England and the north of France. In 1870 his
work on the American System (f Government was published,
which was afterwards translated into the French language, and republished in Belgium in 1872. Mr. Seamnan, having arrived at some conclusions very different
from the commonly received opinions of the day, on natural as well as political and legal sciences, in 1873,
published his Views of Nature. In this work, he presented some original ideas on the source of caloric, andl
a new theory of light, based upon the principle of
universal attraction and caloric in a free state.  Many
years since, he wrote several interesting articles for
Hunt's IAercihants' alga zine. lie has prepared papers
for the National Prison Association, and has attended
two of the annual meetings. HIe has also written for
the Ann Arbor Scientific Association, on "Life " and on
" Spontaneous Generation." Contrary to the doctrines of
the materialists, and also to the chemico-physical theory
of life, he maintains that neither intellect nor life is, or
can be, the result of mere organization.  He believes
that each is a distinct element differing from the other,
and entirely unlike all the elements of the material world
31

known to the chemists, anatomists, and microscopists. He
teaches that the vital element has properties and forces peculiar to itself, whereby it is an organ-builder, and not a
result of organization. lie supposes that it acts antagonistically to the chemical affinities, and also to the force of
gravity. Mr. Seaman is possessed of great perseverance.
lie is a clear thinker, a smooth writer, and very methodical in his habits. Ile is still engaged in literary labor,
at his pleasant home in Ann Arbor.
MITH, COLONEL SYLVESTER BEAL, Cashier
of Lenawee County Savings Bank, Adrian, was
born in the township of Raisin, Lenawee County,
Michigan, September 19, 1832.  Ils father, Americus
Smith, has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church from early youth, and a local preacher for fifty
years.  His mother, Martha Beal Smith, is a lady of
refinement, culture, and excellent talents. Colonel Smith
received his education in the common schools of his
native county, and of Adrian, Michigan. As a student,
he excelled in mathematics, of which he is particularly
fond. lie early learned to do all kinds of work on his
father's farm. After finishing his studies, he taught for
two years in the district school. le was then occupied
in mechanical work for a few years, after which he
engaged as book-keeper in a general mercantile house,
acting as confidential clerk in the same establishment for
a number of years. In the fall of I86I, he joined the
Union army, as Captain of Company F, IIth Michigan
Infantry, and served in this capacity until August, 1862.
lie then received a commission as Major. On the 31st
day of December, at the battle of Stone River, he
received a gunshot wound in the lower jaw, the ball
shattering the jaw, and coming out at the side of his
neck. On the 7th of January, 1863, he was promoted
to the rank of Licutenant-(Colonel; but the wound
received at Stone River disabled him for active service;
and, in March, he resigned, preferring private life to
his rank in the Invalid Corps. Through all the marches,
skirmishes, and engagements of the regiment, Colonel
Smith was found at his command, brave and zealous.
lie held the office of Clerk, in the township of Seneca,
in 1852, which was his first public office. The next
year he was elected Justice of the Peace. In 1863, he
filled the office of Supervisor for one term; and, in the
fall of 1864, was elected Sheriff, being re-elected in.
I866. In the fall of 1872, he was re-elected County
Treasurer, which position he held for two terms. He
became a member of the Masonic Fraternity in 1855,
and has held many important offices in that order. In
the York rite he has taken all the degrees, and in
the Scottish he has taken the thirty-second degree.




54                            04cr i i   iip1   -~
nim  Cl-  I

66

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

He was reared in the Methodist faith, but is now an
attendant of the Presbyterian Church, and is one of the
trustees of that society at Adrian. lie is an active
member of the Republican party. lie was Chairman of
the Republican Committee from 1872 until 1876. In
September, 1864, he married Miss Mary Norton, by
whom he had two sons, Ernest and Louis Smith. Mrs.
Smith died in May, 1874. In October, 1876, he married Mrs. J. O. Gambell, widow of the late Judge Gambell, of Leavenworth, Kansas. In addition to his other
duties, Colonel Smith is also connected with the firm of
Smith & Jewell, in the hardware business. The reputation of this firm is thoroughly established throughout
the country.
---  *<> -- ---
OUTIIWORTII, C. T., M. I)., of Monroe, was
born in Chenango ('County, New York, May 19,
1827, and is the son of Tracy and Ruth (Gorton)
Southworth. In 1835 his father removed to Monroe,
Michigan, where he practiced medicine until his death,
which occurred in 1843.  The son was placed in a
select school, where he prepared for college. He afterwards went through the Freshman Class at Oberlin,
Ohio, and the Sophomore and Junior years at the University of Michigan. His father's death called him home
during his Junior year, and he did not return to the
University. He commenced the study of medicine immediately, and entered the College of Physicians and
Surgeons, in New York. In the spring of 1846 he
sailed for Europe. lie took a six months' course of
lectures under Ricard and Trosseau, in Paris; and then
went to Madrid, and studied under Saavedra. Here he
graduated, in 1849. After this thorough preparation,
he practiced in Iavana, Cuba, until 185. lie then
removed to Matamoras, Mexico, remaining there through
the cholera epidemic of the summer of 1851. lie went
from Matamoras to Vera Cruz, where he was commissioned Division Surgeon of cavalry. le marched with
the army to the City of Mexico, and remained there
until the abdication of Santa Anna, in August, 1855.
During the next three years, he was engaged in private
practice in the City of Mexico; but, owing to the entire overthrow of the Church party-the result of the
revolution-he left the country in 1858. Hle returned to
Monroe the same year, where he has since remained,
leaving only for a term of service in the civil war. In
February, 1863, he was commissioned Surgeon of the
18th Regiment of the Michigan Volunteer Infantry.
IHe was soon after ordered to establish and take charge
of the post hospital, at Nashville, and remained in this
service until mustered out in June, 1864. Doctor South
No. 22.  Hle is a permanent member of the State Medical Society, also of the State Medical Association; and
President of the Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana Medical Society. He has always been opposed
to the State's control over medical education. lie coincides with the Democratic party in his political views.
Doctor Southworth's study under the ablest European
physicians, his wide practice and extensive experience,
have enabled him to enjoy, in his later years, a lucrative business.
-TEBBINS, FRANCIS RANNA, Merchant, of
Adrian, Michigan, was born at Williamstown,
Orange County, Vermont, October 26, 1818. He
was the son of Bliss Stebbins, of Wilbraham, Massachusetts, and Betsey Ruth (Cossitt) Stebbins, of Claremont,
New Hampshire. His mother's ancestors were related
to the Bourbons of France, and his father's family were
well known in England. Mr. Stebbins received a common-school education, with the addition of several terms
in the Academy of Montpelier, Vermont. His father died
in 1826; and the son was thrown upon his own resources
at the age of sixteen. Desiring to be a mechanic, he
learned the trade of a cabinet-maker, under Lyman
Briggs, at Montpelier. In the fall of 1837, he joined
an older brother, in the eastern part of Lenawee County,
Michigan; and worked at his trade for three years in
Palmyra; and in Buffalo, New York. In 1841 he married Mary E. Myer, and started in the furniture business at Adrian. Here he has built up the largest retail
furniture and carpet establishment in Southern Michigan, and has contributed largely to the growth and
prosperity of Adrian.  From December, 1850, to May,
1860, he was chief editor of the weekly and tri-weekly
Expositor. IHe was, at one time, President of the Adrian
Board of Trade, and served two years as Alderman in
the City Council. IIe has been a Trustee of the Adrian
public schools for six years, and President of the Board
for the last four. In 1870 Mr. Stebbins was connected
with building the extensive brass-works in Adrian. The
main part is of brick, three stories high, and has been
pronounced the best built manufacturing building in
the West.   These works, together with the Central
School-house of Adrian, were planned and built under
the supervision of Mr. Stebbins. lie also designed the
base of the soldiers' monument at Adrian, upon which
was placed a marble column, donated by the Government. lie has passed through all the chairs of an OddFellows' lodge; and, some twenty years ago, took three
degrees in Masonry. Mr. Stebbins is a man of strong
religious feeling. Ile is much opposed to creeds, forms,

worth is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, a Royal and ceremonies; but has an unwavering trust in God's
Arch Mason, and Iligh Priest of River Raisin Chapter, guidance, and in His goodness to all men who will trust




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

67

in Him. In politics, he is a Republican. He has mairied twice, and has five children. His second wife was
Miss Sarah Louise Briggs, of Claremont, New Hampshire. Mr. Stebbins is a quiet, practical man, of great
force of character, combining a steady perseverance in
business with an easy, gentlemanly deportment. IIe
still devotes himself actively to business; and his name
is a guarantee for integrity, soundness, and fair dealing.
His life and present position are evidences of what perseverance and industry can accomplish.
PAULDING, GENERAL GEORGE, of Monroe,
was born in Perthshire, Scotland, November 9,
1836.     His father, Andrew   Spaulding, was a
fanner and wheelwright; with his mother and family he
emigrated to America about 1843, settling at Buffalo.
In 1853, with a family of six children, he removed to
Monroe, where he purchased a farm near the city, on
the River Raisin. The parents of General Spaulding
were of the sturdy Presbyterian stock, and have always
been consistent members of that church. The home
discipline received by the son, together with the instruction imparted by the public schools of Buffalo, formed
the basis of an education and character which have
proved their usefulness and value both in the field and
in civil life. General Spaulding lived at home until the
winter of 1859-60, when he taught a district school.
lie was a Douglas Democrat, and Clerk of his township
(Frenchtown); but, on the outbreak of the war, enlisted
in what was subsequently Company A, 4th Michigan
Infantry, which was mustered into the service at Adrian,
in June, I86i. HIe was made first sergeant of his
company, and marched with his regiment to Washington, through Baltimore, shortly after the attack by the
Confederates on the Ist Massachusetts Regiment. The
regiment crossed into Virginia, and participated in one
of the first skirmishes of the war; they had charge of.
the courier line between Generals Scott and McDowell
during the first battle of Bull Run, and also formed a
portion of the rear guard in the retreat to Washington.
After this battle the three months' regiments were
reorganized, and the Fourth remained for some time in
a state of inactivity in General Morril's brigade, in Fitz
John Porter's corps.  In the fall of 1861, Sergeant
Spaulding was commissioned First Lieutenant, and, subsequently, Captain of Company B. During the ensuing
winter, the regiment was constantly on picket duty,
encountering many sharp skirmishes; and, on the change
of base to the Peninsula, they went to Fortress Monroe
and had constant skirmishes with the enemy in the
advance in front of Yorktown. Here Captain Spaulding
was detailed in charge of thirty picked men to rccon
noiter, and received a gunshot wound in his left shoulder, which disabled him from duty. As the army was
moving, he declined a leave of absence, and took command of his company with his arm in a sling. On the
evacuation of Yorktown, the regiment proceeded by
transport to Williamsburg, where the enemy had made
a stand, and drove them back. At New Bridge, on the
Chickahominy, four miles from Richmond, companies
A and B surprised and captured, or drove away, an
entire Confederate brigade-the "Louisiana Tigers"with a loss of but two men. They captured more prisoners than they had men engaged, and were personally
complimented for their gallantry. Captain Spaulding
here narrowly escaped death by a rifle shot, which
struck and tore away his belt and pistol. At Mechanicsville, after a march of twenty-five miles, the regiment
met the enemy at sunset, defeated them, and, after
resting on the field a few hours, returned to the main
army the same night. At Gaines' Mill, Company B lost
its Second Lieutenant, second sergeant, and a number of
men. At Malvern Hill, the regiment was pitted against
Magruder's division, and its gallant service was attested
by the loss of Colonel Woodbury, Captain Rose, of
Company A, and a number of soldiers,-citizens of Monroe. Captain Spaulding received a gunshot wound in
the left side of the neck. The retreat of the army left
Captain Spaulding at the field hospital in an unconscious
state, and he was reported in the press dispatches as
dead. On returning to consciousness, he made his way
back to the lines at Iarrison's Landing, where he took
part in a skirmish. lie then (July, 1862,) accepted a
leave of absence and spent a short time at home, making his absence serviceable, however, by attending war
meetings and awaking a patriotic spirit among the people. On his departure from the army, General Griffin,
who had commanded the brigade to which General
Spaulding's regiment was attached during the series of
engagements last mentioned, handed him a sealed letter
addressed to Governor Blair; the sequel was his appointment as Major of the regiment, by Governor Blair.
This commission he resigned in favor of the senior
Captain of the regiment, over whom he had been promoted, and accepted a commission as Lieutenant-Colonel
of the 18th Infantry, then in rendezvous at Hillsdale,
under command of lion. Henry Waldron. This regiment was immediately ordered to the defense of Cincinnati, then threatened by Kirby Smith, and arrived there
September I, 1862. They spent the rest of this year
and the early part of 1863 in Kentucky, operating
against the Confederate Generals Smith, Morgan, Pegram, and Lovell. Colonel Spaulding was for a time
commandant of the post of Danville, Kentucky, under
appointment by General Gillmore. In the memorable
encounter between General Pegrami and the Union forces
under General Carter, at Stamford, Kentucky, Colonel




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68

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

Spaulding and his Adjutant found themselves isolated on
the retreat of General Carter; the enemy were in close
pursuit on all sides, and held the town of Danville,
which was in the line of retreat. They concluded to
run the city, the enemy firing from every direction.
Colonel Spaulding's horse fell, and, supposing him to
be shot, he ordered the Adjutant to go on and escape if
possible; but, finding his horse uninjured, the Colonel
re-mounted, jumped a stone wall, and started across
lots. Cutting his way through a picket-fence, with an
ax given him by a woman, hlie took to the pikce; t-he
Confederates were all the time in hot lpursuit, following
and firing at close range for five miles. A ride of eight
or ten miles bareheaded,-he had lost his hat at D)anville,-brougliht him to Hlarrodsburg, where he overtook
his Adjutant and received a new head-covering. The
two continued their journey twenty imiles further in the
direction of Frankfort, where they halted at a little
hamlet for refreshments. These were at first refused;
but moral suasion, emphasized in the manner peculiar
to those exciting times, was successful; and they alternately stood guard until both themselves and their

1876 he was elected Mayor of the Democratic city of
Monroe. In the same year he was elected a Director of
the First National Bank of Monroe, and the following
year was ajppointed its Cashier. Among the many gallant men whom the war called into notice, few, if any,
can boast a more flattering record than General Spaulding. Rising as he did from the ranks to the position
of BIrigadier-General,-continuiug in active service for
over four years; receiving three painful wounds; being
entrusted alike with responsible military commands and
delicate executive duties,-he added, in every position
to w-hich he was called, fresh laurels to those already
wvon. The high standard attained during his military
career has been modestly but successfully sustained in
his subsequent responsible service in civil life. Tried
by minany tests, he has never been found wanting. General Spaulding's family consists of his wife, Augusta
Lewis Spaulding, whom he married in 1871, and three
children,-two sons and a daughter.

i.bl

steeds were 1provisioned. Cosonlo lutiig, WILl uis
command, subsequently served in the Arminy of the Cum-  AWYER, ALFRED ISAAC, M. D., Monroe, was
berland, under Rosecrans. Ile was detailed as Provost r  born October 31, 1828, in the township of Lyme,
Marshal of Nashville, serving as such for a year. lie  R Huron County, Ohio.  His parents, Stephen
was commissioned Colonel, by Andrew Johnson, then and Dorothy Sawyer, came to this country from England
Military Governor of Tennessee, and placed in command in 1819, settling first at New Haven, Connecticut, then
of a brigade of Tennessee troops. He was at one time at North Bend, on the Ohio River. There Stephen
placed in command of the Fifth Division of Cavalry, Sawyer took charge of a farm for General William  II.
charged with the duty of protecting railways and lines Harrison, afterwards President of the United States,
of communication. He was in charge of a brigade in between whom and himself a strong friendship ever
Hatch's division at the battle of Nashville, December after existed. The country was then new; and, being
16, 1863. In leading a charge of cavalry against Forrest ill prepared, by habits and education, for pioneer life,
on the 17th, he routed the enemy and captured General he became wearied with its hardships, and set out to
Chalmers, with battle-flags, twenty-five officers, and one return to the mother country. When he reached New
hundred enlisted men.  During this engagement he York City, he met friends from England, who persuaded
received a wound in the left leg. For his gallant action him to go back to Connecticut. Among the party was
he was brevetted Brigadier-General; and a special field Captain H-enry Griswold, a son of the Governor of the
order issued by General Wilson, in'command of cavalry, State, with his bride, formerly Miss Betsey Lansdall,
was read at the head of each command, complimenting sister of Mrs. Stephen Sawyer. In 1827 the family
their bravery and dash. In following up the victory of again turned their faces westward; and, with many
Nashville, General Spaulding was detailed at Pulaski to other Connecticut people, settled on what was then
take command of a body of five hundred picked men to called the " Connecticut Fire Land," more familiarly
pursue Hood's retreating army. General Spaulding was known since as the Western Reserve. In the autumn
then transferred to Pope's command in Missouri, and of 1828, the subject of this sketch was born, as already
was Military Commandant of the Department of North- stated. About this time, Mr. Sawyer purchased a large
ern Missouri until 1865, when he was ordered to the tract of wild fire land, put up a log house, and moved
plains. lie returned home in the fall of the same year, into it; his son, Alfred Sawyer, being just one month
and was mustered out of the service, lIe was appointed old. Although a more modern and commodious dwellPostmaster at Monroe in 1866; and, in 1871, was ing was subsequently erected, the old log house is still
appointed special agent of the Treasury Department, and standing. Here the parents lived, prospered, and died.
ordered to Brownsville, Texas, to adjust some commer- Of their children,-nine sons and four daughters,-six
cial difficulties connected with the import and export were born in England; one at North Bend, Ohio; three
trade of that point. In politics he is a Republican. In in Connecticut; and three at Lyme, Ohio.  Alfred




.e

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

69

Isaac Sawyer is the eleventh child and eighth son.
With the exception of Alfred, the children followed
the example of their parents, and led a prosperous
agricultural life. At the age of seventeen, Alfred Sawyer dreamed of other enterprises, and sought to prepare
himself for other fields of labor. This was strenuously
opposed by his father, vwho argued that his education
was "good enough for a farmer, which was what lie
desired him to be, and what he should be."  Up to this
time, the boy had enjoyed no opportunity for schooling
but such as was afforded by the country schools of that
day, which continued but three months out of twelve, and
were very inefficient at that. Although the father was
one of the strictest of old English disciplinarians, the ambitious boy would not be restrained nor deterred from his
purpose. During the next three years, Alfred Sawyer
improved every opportunity to acquire an education
that would fit him for some other calling than that to
which he had thus far been reared. Every obstacle was
thrown in his way; still, by hard work, teaching school
in winter, and attending the Norwalk Academy in
spring and fall, and by studying while others slept, lhe
succeeded in acquiring an average academical education,
and had made arrangements with one of his brothers to
take a classical course. During the cholera epidemic
of 1849, however, his brother fell a victim to this fearful scourge, thus again throwing him  upon his own
resources. For four years he worked his brother's farm,
and thereby accumulated sufficient means to enable him
to pursue his studies for a time; but, instead of completing his classical course, he entered the office of Drs.
John Tift and D. II. Beckwith, N.orwalk, Ohio. This
was in the summer of 1852, and he was in his twentyfourth year. When the lectures commenced in the then
Western College of Iomeopathy, at Cleveland, Ohio,
in November of that year, he matriculated; and, after
the close of the course, followed Dr. D. H1. Beckwith
to Marietta, Ohio. In August, 1853, he was attacked
by that frightful disease, bloody flux, which was at that
time prevailing to an alarming extent in that region,
and was confined to his bed several weeks, with life
trembling in the balance.  However, when lectures
began again at Cleveland, in November, he attended
them; and, in the spring of 1854, received the degree
of M. D.   In May of that year, he again returned to
Marietta, and entered into copartnership with his former preceptor, Dr. D. IH. Beckwith, who shortly after
gave place to his brother, Dr. E. C. Beckwith, and
settled at Zanesville, Ohio.  In 1855 Doctor Sawyer
left Marietta and again formed a partnership with ID.
H. Beckwith, at Zanesville, where he remained until
the fall of 1856. lHe then went to New York City, and
entered the medical department of New York University,
remaining until the ist of March, 1857. Having become somewhat disgusted with general practice, he

proposed to pursue some specialty; accordingly, he engaged rooms in Bleeker street, New York, where he
intended to follow ophthalmic surgery. To this end he
had procured a diploma from   Drs. Valentine Mott,
Mark Stephenson, David Rogers, and John P. Gerish,
certifying to his successful competition for the same.
But his source of revenue again unexpectedly failed
him,.through some misunderstanding, obliging him to
leave New York, and seek an opening that promised
more ready and certain returns. After visiting various
places, between New York City and Monroe, Michigan,
he finally settled, May 12, 1857, in the latter place,
where he still resides. Hle was made a Mason in February, 1858; a Royal Arch Mason in 1859; a Royal and
Select Mason in 1863, at Monroe; and a Knight Templar, at Adrian, in 1868.   lie was elected Senior
Warden of Monroe Lodge, No. 27, in 1863; and Worshipful Master in 1864, 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868, 1869, and
1870. During this time, he was presented by the lodge
with a beautiful Past Master's jewel. lie was High
Priest of River Raisin Chapter, Royal Arch Masons,
from  1867 to 1871, inclusive, and again in 1873, and
held most of the inferior offices previous thereto. lHe
was elected Grand Principal Sagamore in the Grand
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State in 1869,
and was elected a grand officer of that grand body every
year until 1874, when he was elected Grand High
Priest of the State Grand Chapter. lie filled this office
with the approval of the Grand Chapter, as a testimonial of which he received, at the close of his term
of office, an elegant Past Grand High Priest's jewel.
Upon the revision of the constitution of the Grand
Chapter, he was appointed chairman of a committee
of five Past Grand officers to perform  that difficult
task. For several years he was President of the order
of High Priesthood in the State, and discharged the
duties of that office with marked ability. lHe was
chairman of a committee to report upon the history
and chronology of the order; and, through that report,
was instrumental in establishing an era for the order
which has been adopted in several States.  He was
elected presiding officer in River Raisin Council, No.
4, Royal and Select Masons, in 1867, continuing in that
position, most of the time, for ten years. In the mean
time, he was elected several times a grand officer in the
Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons in the
State, until he declined to accept any other offices in
that body.   When Monroe Commandery, No. 19,
Knights Templar, was organized, he was elected its
first Eminent Commander; and, through his efforts,
the Grand Commandery refunded the one hundred
dollars paid for the charter, because of its having been
originally issued to Monroe and Adrian people, and
appropriated by the latter simply by changing the name.
Mr. Sawyer was elected Mayor of Monroe in 1869-70,




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70

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

and again in 1877. lHe never filled any other political
office, though frequently importuned to do so, but was
candidate for Presidential elector for the Second District
in 1876.   Hle was formerly an old-line Whig, and
voted for General Scott in 1852, but became a Democrat
in 1854, and has since been what may be called an
ultra member of that party, never accepting any of the
plans that have been resorted to, for mere expediency,
by the party leaders. IHe was conspicuously active in
the efforts to introduce homeopathy in the State University. He repeatedly appeared before the State Medical
Society; State Legislature; State courts, supreme and
circuit; and the Board of Regents, of the University;
with reports, resolutions, petitions, remonstrances, or
bills, looking to that end. In this work he was generally in company with his intimate friends, S. B.
Thayer, M. D., of Battle Creek; and I. N. Eldridge,
M. I)., of Flint; but was several times alone, especially
subsequent to the death of the former, in 1873. In
1875 he had the honor of nominating to the Board of
Regents the first homeopathic professors in the University of Michigan. In the spring of 1877, he had the
pleasure of witnessing the crowning glory of his labors
in that direction,-the graduating of the first class of
homeopathic doctors from that institution. No one can
estimate the time, labor, and expense required to consummate this enterprise save those actively engaged in
the work. The last ten years were one continuous legislative warfare. The worst feature of the whole business
was the fact that the homeopathists themselves became
discouraged, and were willing to accept something short
of what was really due them. They were continually
resorting to one scheme or another to pave the way
to some sort of recognition, thus seriously embarrassing
those who were working to secure their full rights, and
to remove from their school the accusation of quackery,
with which it had been so long stigmatized. During
most of this time, Doctor Sawyer was either President
of the State Homeopathic Medical Society, or Chairman
of the Committee on University matters; but, whether
in these positions or not, he never lost a favorable
opportunity to press the claims of his school of medicine.  While in Marietta, he was hung and burned in
effigy, and in other ways suffered indignities and insults
for his medical opinions, until he resolved never to
cease his efforts to remove this stigma from his school
of medicine. This has been virtually effected. The
title of M. D. is now conferred upon allopathists and
homeopathists alike at the University of Michigan, with
the great seal, together with the signature of the President and Secretary thereof, attached to all diplomas,
without distinction.  )octor Sawyer's parents belonged
to the Church of England when they came to this
country; and, following their teachings, he became a
member of the same religious denomination; lie is now

an officer of Trinity Church, Monroe. lie was married,
on the 21st of June, 1859, to Sarah Gazena Toll,
youngest daughter and child of Captain Philip Riley
and Nancy D. Toll, of Monroe. The Toll family were
highly respectable; they were pioneers of St. Joseph
County, whence they moved to Monroe in 1854. Mrs.
Sawyer is a lady of culture and great worth; she is an
ardent church-woman, and universally loved and respected. They have but two living children,-a daughter and a son,-having buried two, also a daughter and
son. The daughter is now, May 20, 1878, sixteen, and
the son is in his seventh year.
I  TEERE, JOSEPH BEAL, PH. D., University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, was born in Rollin, Lenawee County, Michigan, February 9, 1842.   is
father, William  M. Steere, was of Quaker ancestry,
originally from Ohio; his mother was of New England
descent. Mr. Steere's early education was obtained in
the common schools, and in life on a farm. lie finished
his preparation for college at Ann Arbor High School,
and entered the literary department of the University
of Michigan in 1864. Ile was graduated from that
department in 1868, having made a special study of
natural history. lie took the law course in 1868-70,
and was graduated from the law school in the latter
year. Immediately afterwards, he started on a tour, in
the interest of the University, to make collections for
the departments of zoology and botany. Ile went from
New York to Brazil, entered the mouth of the Amazon,
visited the island of Marajo, and dug in the artificial
islands found in the flooded parts of the same, collecting
pottery from them.  Proceeding up the Amazon, he
spent about eighteen months on that river and its tributaries. le visited the American colony of Southern
people at Santarem, at the mouth of the Tapajos; and
sailed up the Purus River five or six hundred miles,
spending some time among the savages on its banks,
making collections in zoology, botany, and archaeology.
He found articles of clothing and arms, and succeeded
in unraveling some of the mysteries of the ancient languages. This part of his journey was crowded with adventures; the greater part of the time lie was alone,
and hired guides from among the natives. lHe shipped
his collections down the river to the American Consul
at Para, who sent them home. Arrived at the head of
navigation of the Amazon, at the mouth of the Rio
Santiago, he floated back two hundred miles on a raft,
to reach the miouth of the Iuallaga. lie ascended this
river to Yurimaguas, going thence across the Andes.
lie made part of the journey on foot and horseback;
on the way he spent some time in the old cities of Moy



~. i
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

71

obamba, Chachapoyas and Cajaniarca.  He struck the
sea-coast at a town called IIuanchaco, near the old city
Truxillo; thence he went to Lima; and from there to
Guayaquil; and thence, overland, to Quito, continually
adding to his store of specimens. While at Quito, he
ascended the volcano of Pichincha, and went to the bottom of the crater. IHe returned from Quito to Lima,
and made an excursion along the coast of Peru, collecting old Peruvian pottery from graves, etc. From Lima
he went to Cerro-de-Pasco mining regions, making collections of minerals.  Returning to Lima, he crossed
the Pacific in a ship engaged in the coolie trade going
for a cargo to Macao, China. lie made the voyage of
eleven thousand miles in seventy-two days. From Macao
he journeyed successively to Iong Kong and Canton;
from Canton to the Island of Formosa, where he spent
six or eight months making journeys among the savages
of the interior. While there, he found manuscripts preserved among the aborigines, which he concluded to be
relics of the Dutch mission established there two hundred and fifty years before. Frori Formosa, he went,
via Hong Kong and Canton, to the Philippine Islands,
and spent ten months there; he visited several of the
group never before visited by naturalists, and found
forty new specimens of birds, which are now in the coltection at the University. IIe contracted in those islands
the malignant fever so prevalent there; but found time
to make large collections of insects and shells, corals,
etc. A considerable portion of his collections is still
unclassified at the University. From the Philippines he
went to Singapore, thence to Malacca, and made a trip
through the Dutch Moluccas, touching at several places
in the island of Java, Macassar, Amboina, and Ternate;
at the latter place he ascended the volcano of that name.
In the Moluccas he made a large collection of the
birds-of-paradise.  From  these islands he returned to
Singapore, and from there, via Suez Canal and the Mediterranean, to Marseilles, stopping at Naples. He went
through France by rail, and via London and Liverpool
home, after an absence of little more than three years.
This was in 1875. On his return, he found the Regents
had conferred upon him the degree of Ph. D. Soon
after, he accepted the position of instructor in Zoology;
and, in 1876, was made assistant Professor in that department, which position he now holds. In the summer of 1876, he made a trip to England for the study
of collections in the British Museum. Some idea of
the importance of the collections made by Doctor Steere
may be gathered from the following rough estimate. There
are three thousand birds; one hundred thousand seashells; twelve thousand insects; one thousand corals;
three hundred fishes; two hundred reptiles; five hundred crustacee; five hundred specimens of ancient and
modern pottery; a small collection of Chinese bronzes;
a collection of arms, clothing and implements; a col
lection of plants and woods; a collection of fossils; a
large collection of ores and rocks; a collection of photographs; a collection of pith paper pictures from China.
Many of the specimens are duplicates, but can readily
be used in exchange with other museums.     Doctor
Steere discovered forty new specimens of birds in the
Philippine Islands; and, were it not for the fever before
mentioned, the number would have been materially increased. As it is, however, the results of his five years'
labor are of great importance. Doctor Steere has earned
the hearty applause of naturalists for the vigorous way
in which he combated the difficulties of the climate and
personal danger in pursuing science, and reaped so
abundant a harvest in the face of these trials. lie has
an enthusiastic fondness for his department; and his
highest ambition for his Alma Mat/er is that her museum
of natural history may be second to none on this continent.
KINNER, ELIAS M., Lawyer, Ypsilanti, was
the third son of Ebenezer and Lydia Mason Skinner, and was born in Woodstock, Windham
County, Connecticut, October 28, 1798. Passing through
a preparatory course at Bacon Academy, Colchester,
Connecticut, he graduated in 1820 from Brown University, at Providence, Rhode Island. After studying
law with Governor Stoddard, of Connecticut, and spending a few years in teaching school, he removed to Ypsilanti, Michigan, in 1826, and commenced the practice
of his profession. At that time Ypsilanti was a small
settlement of low character. Mr. Skinner, desiring to
raise the moral standing of the place, united with others, in forming a Sabbath-school and a temperance
society. lie was appointed Prosecuting Attorney of
Washtenaw County, by General Lewis Cass, then Governor of the Territory, and served several years. In
1837 his health failed, and he returned to his native
town, where he engaged in farming for five years. In
1841 he resumed the practice of his profession at Ypsilanti.  He was elected Judge of the Probate Court of
Washtenaw County in 1845. In 1851 he was a member
of the convention sent to Lansing to revise the constitution of the State of Michigan. He was married in
1834 to Miss Ann Mary Marvin. His health failing
again, Mr. Skinner retired from his profession in 1857,
and traveled in the Eastern States; but, from this, he
received very little benefit. His death occurred August
6, 1859, at Wellfleet, Massachusetts, and his remains
were interred in his native village. To Mr. Skinner the
people of Ypsilanti are greatly indebted for his interest
in the welfare of the town, and especially his influence
on the side of morality and religion.




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72

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

lAPPAN, HENRY        P., LL. D., formerly President of the University of Michigan, was born at
SRhinebeck, on the Hudson, April 23, 1805. IHe
was graduated from Union College in 1825, and from
Auburn Theological Seminary in 1827; soon after, he
settled as pastor of a Congregational Church at Pitt'sfield, Massachusetts. At the end of two years, he resigned on account of impaired health, and visited the
West Indies in 1831. Upon his return in 1832, he was
elected Professor of Mental and Moral Sciences in the
College of the City of New York, filling that chair
until 1838, when, with the rest of the faculty, he resigned on account of differences in the internal administration. He then, for several years, took charge of a
private seminary in New York. During this time, lhe
published several works which have secured him a high
rank in the literary world: in 1839, Revizew of Edwards'
Inquiry into the Freeedom of the Will; in 1840, The Doctrine of the Will Determined by an Appeal to Consciousness;
in 1844, The Elements of Logic, with an Introductory Review of Philosophy and a Preliminary View of the Reason;
in 1852, a treatise on University Educaticn.  In 1852
he visited Europe. Upon his return to this country,
he published A Step from the New World to the Old, his
last work before entering upon the Presidency of the
University of Michigan. His administration continued
until 1863, when internal troubles compelled his resignation. While it is claimed on the one hand that Doctor
Tappan made the University, and on the other, that
the University made him, we, as faithful chroniclers,
occupy a neutral ground, and record what is universally
conceded. Doctor Tappan had large, comprehensive,
and, in the main, correct views on the subject of education; his pamphlets and reports on this topic are unpretentious, but sound. Of commanding presence and
graceful action, he exercised a magnetic influence over
his audiences, and compelled them   to recognize his
power. lHe has left a lasting impress upon the University, and many of the "boys" remember him      with
regard akin to veneration. lHe resides at present in
Switzerland.
IYER, MOSES COIT, LL. D., of Ann Arbor,
P lrofessor of English Literature in the University
S  of Michigan, was born at Griswold, Connecticut,
August 2, 1835. His father removed to Michigan with
the family in 1837, settling at first in Calhoun, and
afterwards in Branch County, going to Detroit in 1843.
Here Mr. Tyler prepared for college; and, after spending a few months as a student at the University of
Michigan, went to Yale College, where he graduated in
1857. He subsequently studied theology at New   1a
ven and Andover; and was settled in the ministry, at
Poughkeepsie, New York, in I86o. In 1862, in consequence of prolonged ill health, he gave up preaching;
and, after passing a few months at Boston under medical treatment, was advised to go abroad. He spent the
subsequent four years in England; and, on the recovery
of his health, devoted himself to literary pursuits in
London.   He returned to America; and, in 1867, was
invited to his present Professorship in the University of
Michigan. Here he has since remained, with the exception of about eighteen months, during which he was
engaged in journalism in New York City. He has been
a frequent contributor to the newspapers and the periodical literature of the day. In 1868 he published a
volume of essays on physical culture, entitled The
Brawnville ]Papers.  For several years, he has given
special study to American history; and, in 1878, published the first volume of an extended work, entitled
The History of American Literature. Doctor Tyler is a
communicant of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Ann
Arbor. He is modest and retiring in his manner; a
thorough scholar, and an earnest student. The limits
of a brief sketch like this.can give no adequate idea of
the breadth of his literary culture, nor the powerful
influence which he exerts upon those under his charge.
EN BROOK, REV. ANDREW, Librarian of the
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, was born at
S   Elmira, New York, September 21, 1814. His
father and grandfather were natives of New Brunswick,
New Jersey. The latter was a Colonel of militia in the
war of the Revolution; and was called out with his regiment for a short time. On the close of the war, he sold
his farm for nine thousand dollars, Continental money,
believing that the Government would not allow the
holders of its paper to suffer. Ile lost the whole amount,
and never again owned an estate; but, during the rest
of his life of more than ninety years, worked a rented
farm on the west branch of the Susquehanna River, in
Pennsylvania. As the name indicates, the family is of
Hollandish descent; and, in early life, Mr. Ten Brook's
father spoke the language of Iolland. Rev. Andrew
Ten Brook received his education,- preparatory, collegiate, and theological,- at the institution now known
as Madison University, near Utica, New York, spending eight years there, and graduated in 1841. It was
then the custom for the senior theological class, with
the concurrence of the faculty, to appoint one of its
members to preach a sermon on January I; and this
appointment was given to Mr. Ten Brook. In October,
1841, he was ordained in Detroit, Michigan, as pastor
of the Baptist Church in that city, in which charge he




7,-*- *-^; 1,:>

--rV

REPRESENTATIVE

continued until September, 1844. lie then resigned to
accept the Professorship of Moral Philosophy in the
State University at Ann Arbor, where the first class
commenced its senior studies at that time. He remained
in this position until early in the year 1851, when he
resigned, and returned to the East. In the spring of
S853 he went to Utica, New York, where the late Alexander M. Beebee, editor and owner of the New York
Baptist lRegister, offered to sell a one-half interest in the
paper, yielding to Mr. Ten Brook the chief editorial
responsibility. The arrangement was completed, and
worked well for two years. At the end of that time, the
owners of the New York Recorder united with the Register, and removed the publication of the latter to the
metropolis. However, uncongenial parties were brought
together, and Mr. Ten Brook sold out his interest.
Iaving accepted the appointment of United States
Consul, at Munich, Bavaria, he removed his family to
that city, where he resided from September, 1856, to
I)ecember, 1862.  Returning to the United States, he
settled at Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1863. In September, 1864, he became Librarian of the University of
Michigan, which position he retained until recently.
Mr. Ten Brook's first effort as editor of a religious
journal was, perhaps, his best and most effective, owing
to the peculiar circumstances of the time. This was
his work as editor of the Michigan Christian He'rald,
the publication of which was begun in Ietroit, January
I, 1842, by the Executive Committee of the Michigan
State Baptist Convention. At that time, the currency of
the State was so depreciated in value that it could not
be used in paying for Eastern journals; and, as a consequence, the Christian lHerald was taken freely, and
exerted a marked influence upon the Baptist people.
Mr. Ten Brook continued as editor of this journal until
his call to the University, in the fall of 1844. As an
editor, he was averse to controversy, especially when it
became of a personal character. Upon such occasions,
his manner was in no wise tamely submissive, but such
as to terminate the attack in the briefest but most gentlemanly way possible. He has written numerous articles for the periodical press; the subjects belonging to
the domains of philosophy, antiquity, and history. In
1875, he published an octavo volume, entitled the American State Universities and the University of AKichigan.
This work was pronounced, by the North Americanz
LRview, ' a substantial contribution to the history of
higher education ii America." In concluding a lengthy
review of the book, the New York Tri'bune said: "In
general, the remarks of the author on different studies
are distinguished for their sagacity and practical sense.
They betray a large experience in the work of education, and the habit of profound and wise reflection on
its principles and methods."  Mr. Ten Brook is still an
active contributor to the periodical press.
32

MEN OF MICHIGAN.                                 73
iNDERWOOD, GEORGE W., Hillsdale, Michi.
wj   gan, the son of Kingsley and Elizabeth (Allen)
" Underwood, was born in Enfield, Massachusetts,
on the 30th of March, 1814. The design of his early
education was only to fit him for a business life.  At
the age of nineteen, after a successful service as a merchant's clerk, a change in his views induced him to
enter upon a more extended course of study than he had
before anticipated, and to obtain, if possible, a collegiate education.  For this' purpose, he entered Amherst
College, in 1833, and continued in that institution for
three years. Changes in the faculty made it seem desirable for him to leave the college. This he did, in
September, 1836, and entered Union College, at Schenectady, New York, from which he graduated in 1837.
That he took creditable rank as a scholar was evinced
in the fact that Amherst College, in 1840, conferred
upon him the honorary degree of M. A. Not satisfied,
however, with a scientific and classical education, he
entered upon and completed the prescribed course of
theological study, at East Windsor, Connecticut. Mr.
Underwood, having defrayed the expense of his entire
school life by his own labors, is, in the truest sense,
self-educated. The requisite exertion, however, proved
too great, and his health was seriously impaired. Indeed, his strength had so utterly failed that, in 1843,
an immediate change of residence was ordered, and
light employment recommended.   Disappointed in his
highest and fondest hopes of a literary and professional
life, he accepted what seemed his only alternative; and,
with moderate pecuniary means and broken health, left
his home in Massachusetts, and located in Hillsdale,
Michigan, in October, 1843. Here he commenced and
successfully conducted the business of a druggist, in
which he, naturally enough, came to be recognized as
"Doctor" Underwood. His health greatly improved,
and his capability, both natural and acquired, began
to be understood. Possessing, as he did, great energy,
tenacity, thoroughness, taste, promptitude, and integrity,
balanced by a due measure of caution, he came to
occupy responsible positions as related to all the progressive enterprises of the rapidly developing country.
Indeed, his public spirit always stimulated him to anticipate and promote the good of the people of the city
and surrounding country. Before he possessed a farm,
he became so interested in agriculture that he took a
prominent part in founding the IHillsdale County Agricultural Society. IIe shared in the purchase and improvement of the present beautiful fair grounds, and the
erection of the first buildings; and was twice elected
President of that association.  Among his personal
interests, was the purchase of a very superior suburban
farm of two hundred and forty acres, which has been
brought to a high state of cultivation under his own
management. Pioneer as he was, it is worthy of men



~~-C:1:C                 -:                                    i
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74

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIIGAN.

tion that, as early as 1848, he erected the first business
block in this city. Eminently practical as a builder,
and possessing an approved architectural taste, his work
in this city is seen in the best structures.  He has
erected a beautiful public opera hall, which is unsurpassed by a building of its kind in any town of equal
size in Michigan. Doctor Underwood was one of the
leading spirits in the organization of the Oak Grove
Cemetery Association, and in the purchase and ornamentation of its present beautiful grounds. lie was
the first Mayor of the city of Ilillsdale; and one of the
original half-dozen men who struck out boldly to secure
the location of Hillsdale College in this city. It now
crowns the summit of the hill on the north. Appreciating the significance of some of the great events in
the history of our country, Doctor Underwood has
gathered some of the choicest relics; and as a naturalist
has collected a valuable geological and mineralogical
cabinet. HIe now owns the choicest private collection
in this vicinity, and will doubtless in due season choose
some wise end for its disposition. Though not possessed of the largest pecuniary means, his connection
as a pioneer with the earlier enterprises, and his interest
in all the later institutions, were such that his name
will be remembered long beyond the generation in
which he lives. Because of his strict adherence to
temperance, and his advocacy of its principles; because
of his radical indorsement and maintenance of the
principles of freedom throughout the years of the great
antislavery conflict; and because of his firm Christian
faith, together with his public address and ability as a
writer,-he naturally and necessarily became a recognized leader.  All good citizens will unite with the
writer of this sketch, who has known him for more
than a quarter of a century, in expressing the hope
that, in his declining years, the shadow of adversity will
pass away, and his setting sun be clear and unclouded.
f   ATSON, JAMES CRAIG, Astronomer, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, was born in Middlesex (now Elgin) County, Canada West, June 28,
1838. His father emigrated from Northumberland County,
Pennsylvania, to Canada, and thence to Michigan. Mr.
Watson graduated from the University of Michigan in
1857, and was appointed teacher of mathematics there.
In 1859 he became Professor of Astronomy; in I860,
of Physics and Mathematics; and, since 1863, has been
Director of the Observatory at Ann Arbor, having
entire charge of the astronomical department. During
Professor Watson's term of fifteen years as Director,though only twenty-five years of age at the time of the
appointment,-the number of discoveries and observa
tions made by him form a list of which any observatory
may be proud. lie has discovered eighteen asteroids,
three planets not yet named, and two comets,-April
29, 1856, and January 9, 1864. On October 20, 1857,
he also discovered, independently, the planet afterwards
named Aglaia; and on January 9, 1864, one afterwards
called lo; but it subsequently proved that these discoveries had been anticipated by a few days, in Europe.
In recognition of these services, he was elected member
of the National Academy of Sciences, in 1868, and a
member of the Royal Academy of Sciences, of Catania,
in Italy, in 1870. The same year (1870) he received a
gold medal, decreed him by the Imperial Academy of
Sciences, in Paris; and, in 1875, from the Khedive of
Egypt, the patent and decoration of Knight Commander
of the Aljidich. In addition to the discoveries at the
observatories, Mr. Watson has prepared a large treatise
on theoretical astronomy, besides numerous papers on
astronomical subjects; and has contributed to the scientific
journals of Europe and America, and to the transactions
of learned societies.  He was placed, by the Government of the United States, in charge of the expedition to
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, to observe the eclipse of the sun in
1860; was sent to Carlentini, in Sicily, for a similar
purpose in 1870; and to Pekin, in China, in charge of
the expedition of 1874, to observe the transit of Venus.
The astronomical names of some of Professor Watson's
discoveries are as follows: Eurynome, Minerva, Aurora,
Hecate, Helena, Hera, Clymene, Artemis, Dione, Thyra,
Althaea, Iermione, Nemesis, YEthra, Cyrene, and Juewa;
the last at Pekin.
--.0.--
SALD)RON, lION. HENRY, Banker and ManuSfacturer. Hillsdale, was born in Albany, New
o York, October II, 1819. His father was a merchant of that city; he died when Mr. Waldron was
thirteen years old. Mr. Waldron attended the Albany
Academy until 1834, when he entered Rutger's College,
at New Brunswick, New Jersey, graduating from that
institution in 1836. In 1837 he removed to Michigan,
and was employed as civil engineer in the preliminary
survey of the Michigan Southern Railroad; he followed
the same profession during the construction of the road.
In 1839 Mr. Waldron came to Hillsdale, which was
then a pioneer hamlet, inviting settlement. In 1843 he
built the first warehouse on the line of the Southern
Railroad; and, from that date, has been engaged in
manufacturing, banking, and other business pursuits in
Hillsdale. lie has been closely identified with the railroads and other public enterprises which have affected
the interests of his section of the country. HIe was
Director of the Michigan Southern Railroad Company




I.

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

75

from 1846 until 1848, and was subsequently President
of the Detroit, Hillsdale and Indiana Railroad. He
was President of the Second National Bank of Hillsdale
from its organization until 1870; and he is now President of the First National Bank of that place. In 1842
Mr. Waldron was elected to the State Legislature of
Michigan. n1 1848 he was one of the Electors on the
Taylor and Fillmore ticket. Upon the organization of
the Republican party, he was nominated for Representative in Congress from "the Second District of Michigan,
and was elected. He was re-elected ill 1856 and 1858,
serving for the six years which witnessed the great struggle of the slave power. In 1868 Mr. Waldron was one
of the Vice-Presidents of the National Republican Convention, held in Chicago, which nominated Grant and
Colfax for the Presidency and Vice-Presidency. In 1870
he was elected to the Forty-second Congress from the
First District of Michigan, and was re-elected in 1872
and 1874. At the conclusion of his third term of service, he declined renomination, on account of the pressure of private busine'ss.,1IIELAN, DR. ARVIN F., of IIillsdale, MichSi:igan, was born July I, 1831, in Oneida County,
New York, and is the son of Silas and Betsey
(Kimball) Whelan. His parents were natives of New
England, and were of Irish and English Puritan descent.
His father, a surveyor and engineer by profession, was
a prominent member of the Masonic Fraternity in the
time of the Morgan excitement.. Mr. Whelan's early
education was received at the common schools, and
under his father's direction, until his strength made his
labor valuable on a farm. IHis ambition for an education did not cease then. Though forced to work, he
devoted all his leisure to study; and thus, assisted by
his father and an old medical friend, he acquired a
knowledge of mathematics and the classics. From the
latter instructor, he caught an enthusiasm for the natural
sciences, and a strong desire to make medicine his profession. While lie was very young, his knowledge of
anatomy and physiology, and of the diseases of aninials,
was frequently called into practical use by his neighbors. Ten years of industry and strict economy enabled
him to start for Michigan, in 1851, with several hundred
dollars and a small library. Hie spent three years at
Adrian, as clerk in the dry-goods store of J. K. Clarke,
in study in the office of Dr. E. P.'Andrews, and in
teaching in the boy's department of the Union School.
During this time, he devoted six hours each day to
study. After attending two courses of medical lectures
at Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1854-55, and studying
under the instruction of Dr. A. C. Roberts, of Otsego,
Allegan County. lie entered the office of Dr. E. D.

Cone, of HIillsdale, first as pupil, and subsequently as
partner. The death of Doctor Cone, two years later,
left Doctor Whelan with a large practice. In August,
i861, he went, as Assistant Surgeon of the Inth Michigan Infantry, to Louisville, Kentucky.  lie served,
either on regimental duty or in charge of the general
hospital, until 1862, when he was commissioned Surgeon
of the ist Michigan Sharp-shooters. lie then returned
to Michigan, to assist in completing the organization
of the regiment. lie remained on duty in all its removals.  In August, 1863, when his regiment was
ordered to Camp Douglas, he accompanied it, and was
assigned as Post-Surgeon. From nine to twelve thousand prisoners of war were confined there; and, by
prompt attention and proper treatment, he reduced the
mortality list of the camp one-half.  lie received a
complimentary notice from the medical department in
charge of prisoners of war, and substantial proof of the
high esteem  of the prisoners. In January, 1864, in
connection with Doctor Clark, a surgeon from  Washington, he was ordered to inspect the hospitals of the
prison camp of Rock Island, and make a report. Some
time after this, Doctor Whelan was assigned as Brigade
Surgeon of the Third Brigade, Third Division, of the
Ninth Army Corps, with head-quarters at Annapolis.
At the battle of the Wilderness, on the 17th and i8th
of May, 1864, he was detailed as operating Surgeon,
and discharged the duties of the position in all the
battles in front of Richmond and Petersburg. Part of
the time, lie was Surgeon in charge of a field hospital.
At the reorganization of the Ninth Corps, after the
mine explosion in front of Petersburg, his became the
First Division. The colored division was transferred to
General Butler's command, and its place in the Ninth
Corps was supplied by Pennsylvania troops, under the
command of General John Ilartranft. D)octor Whelan
was detailed Surgeon-in-chief of the division, on General tHartranft's staff.  Ile was brevetted to the rank
of Colonel, for services in his department in the field.
At the close of the war, in September, 1865, Doctor
Whelan returned to his home in Hillsdale; and, with
the exception of the interval from 1868 to 1872, when
he was interested in a drug store in connection with
his practice, he has since given his entire attention to the
practice of medicine.  Ile has been closely identified
with all the public enterprises of Hillsdale, and has
contributed liberally to secure their success. As County
Treasurer, President of the village, and Alderman, he
has served the people faithfully. He early joined the
Masonic Fraternity; he is a member of the Chapter and
Commandery, and is a Past Master of Fidelity Lodge,
No. 32. lHe is also a member of the Odd-Fellows'
Association. l)octor Whelan is a stanch Republican,
and was, for two years, Commander of Post, at Hillsdale, of the Grand Army of the Republic. i~e is




^^^ ^^^:t^a ^fL^~^'^
| |r '','        ~    rt~JIs ~d--`"": r

76

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

actively interested in, and has often been president of,
local clubs. In almost every campaign he has made
political speeches throughout the county.  He is a
member of the Michigan State Medical Society, and of
the American Medical Association.   He helped to
organize the Southern Michigan Medical Society, and
was its first President. He is now Chairman of the
Committee on Medical Ethics and Grievances.  He has
delivered a course of lectures on anatomy and physiology before the students of Hillsdale College. Doctor
Whelan has traveled extensively throughout the United
States, having visited nearly every State east of the
Rocky Mountains. His religious views are liberal and
original, but fixed and well grounded, inclining toward
Universalism. IIe is attached to his friends, and is a
ready and intelligent conversationalist, enjoying the
companionship of the learned and witty. In March,
1857, he married Delle H1. Anderson, of Genesee
County, New   York, youngest daughter of Deacon
Seneca Anderson, and sister of Rev. Dr. G. Anderson.
They have two children,-a son, studying medicine at
the Michigan University; and a young daughter, attending the public school.
~    ATTS, RICHARD A., Lawyer, Adrian, was
Sborn in Mercer County, Ohio, January 29,
1838. Hie attended the district school in the
winter seasons, and worked on a farm the rest of the
year. In 1856 he came to Michigan for the purpose of
obtaining an education, and, by industry and economy,
was enabled to enter Adrian College. On April 16, 1861,
he left college and enlisted as a private soldier in the
1st Michigan Infantry. He served with the regiment
until the first battle of Bull Run, when he received a
severe wound. While he was recovering from    this
wound, he resumed his studies in Adrian College, from
which he graduated with honors, in June, 1S62. lHe
immediately re-enlisted in the 17th Michigan Infantry,
and was commissioned Second-Lieutenant in Company
A. IHe served with this regiment until the spring of
1864, being present at every battle in which his command participated. On May 12, 1864, at the battle of
Spottsylvania, his regiment was surrounded and captured.
Colonel Watts, who then held the rank of Adjutant,
refused to surrender; he seized the State colors in his
own hands; about twenty of his regiment rallied around
him; and they cut their way out, capturing an equal
number of Confederate soldiers; among these was the
General commanding the Confederate brigade which
had surrounded them. The following day, Adjutant
Watts was detached for duty on the staff of General
llartranft,-ex-Governor of Pennsylvania, - in which

capacity he continued to serve until the close of the
war. Of the esteem in which he was held by his commanding officer, the following is a sufficient guarantee:
HEAD-QUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION, -
NINTH ARMY CORPS,
PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA, June 21, 1864.
To all whom it may Concern:-Lieutenant R. A. Watts,
Aid-de-camp on my staff, is a most worthy officer. Ile
was in every engagement in which his corps participated,
from the beginning of the present campaign up to the
I7th instant, when he was severely wounded in the
shoulder. His daring bravery and gallant conduct on
the numerous fields of action have won for him the love
and admiration of all who knew him. Any attention
that can be shown him by the medical department, and
by those with whom he may be associated during his
illness, will be duly appreciated by me.
J. F. IIARTRANFT, Commandling Brigade.
During the war, Colonel Watts was wounded in five
battles; the fifth time was in the final storming of RichInond and Petersburg, which was the last important
battle of the war. lie was promoted three times by the
IPresident, for gallant conduct on the field. During the
summer of 1865, he served as Assistant Adjutant-General of the post of Washington which had charge of
the Lincoln conspirators; he was discharged from this
duty in the fall. lie then returned to Adrian, and
commenced the study of law in the office of Ilon.
Andrew Howell. In the summer of 1866, he was appointed Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue, which
office he held until it was annulled by Congress in May,
1873. lie continued his law studies, and was admitted
to the bar in 1869. In 1871, he entered into a partnership with his preceptor, Mr. Iowell, and has since been
engaged in the active practice of his profession. During
the years 1871 and 1872, he held the office of City
Attorney, by appointment of the Common Council of
the city of Adrian. On February 13, 1877, he was
nominated and confirmed United States Attorney for the
Territory of Wyoming, his commission bearing the
above date.
EED, REV. IRA MASON, Ypsilanti, was born
January 14, 1804, in Hinesburg, Vermont. Iis
father, John Weed, was a native of Danbury,
Connecticut; and his mother, Dolly Phelps, was born in
Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Mr. Weed's early life was
passed among the hills of his native State. lie prepared
for college with his brother-in-law, Rev. Mr. Johnson,
of Ilopkinton, New York, entering the University of
Vermont, at Burlington, in the Sophomore year; and
graduated in 1825. With the intention of making the
law his profession, he spent one year in the office of
Judge Fine, of Ogdensburg, New York. During this
time, his conversion took place, and his thoughts turned




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

77

toward the Christian ministry. lie at once relinquished
his law studies, and entered Andover Theological Seminary. In the spring of 1829, he was licensed, by the
association at Andover, to preach the Gospel; and,
during the fall of the same year, was ordained at the
Park Street Church, Boston. In May, 1830, he was
married to Miss Caroline N. Dutton, of Hillsboro, New
Ilampshire, and removed to Ypsilanti, Michigan, where
he entered upon his chosen work. Here he found a
few to co-operate with him, although many sought to
counteract his influence. His consistent Christian life,
however, his bold presentation of truth, and his fearless
denunciation of wickedness, won for him the respect
and esteem of the entire community. IHe maintained a
firm and decided stand in the cause of temperance, but
with so much wisdom that those who were engaged in
the sale of liquor harbored no ill will toward him, and
when he left the place they expressed regret at his
departure. III the fall of 1834, Mr. Weed was installed
as pastor of the Presbyterian Church to which he had
already ministered for four years. His earnestness, good
judgment, and thorough acquaintance with the rules of
the church, made him a valued member of Presbytery
and Synod, while he often represented his constituents
in the General Assembly. Although devoted to the
interest of his own church, he was in full sympathy with
other religious denominations, and many of his warmest
friends were connected with other churches. In 1847
he removed to Chicago, Illinois, having accepted the
position of District Secretary for the North-west, of the
American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.
This cause had always lain near his heart, and he engaged in the work with characteristic ardor. His field
of labor embraced Northern Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa,
and Minnesota. During those days there were no railroads, and the greater portion of his traveling was done
in his own conveyance. lie continued in this position
for ten years, laying broad foundations of benevolence
in the churches, and, at the same time, aiding pastors
in their work. In 1855 he removed to Waukegan, Illinois; and, after remaining two years, accepted the
agency of the educational institution which was projected at Lake Forest, one of the suburbs of Chicago.
In 1862 he removed to Granville, Illinois, where he
ministered to the Presbyterian Church, of that place, for
four years. At the end of this time, he returned to
Ypsilanti, Michigan, his health being much impaired.
Unable to resume pastoral work, the few remaining years
of his life were spent in filling vacant churches in the
vicinity. His death occurred on Thanksgiving day, November 30, 1871, at Ypsilanti. Hie left a wife, three
daughters, and one son, to mourn his loss, and a large
circle of friends to revere his memory. Mr. Weed was
a man of warm sympathies, possessing remarkable power
in winning the affections even of those whose lives were

not in accordance with his teachings. He had genuine
love for children, and possessed the rare power of interesting and pleasing, at the same time that he instructed
and guided them. His religion was that of calm devotion, settled conviction, and firm principles. lie was a
close student of the Bible, and eminently a man of
prayer. his name is greatly honored, and his influence
still lives.
1AILLIAMS, REV. GEORGE PALMER, LL. D.,
SUniversity of Michigan, was born in Woodstock, Vermont, April 13, 1802. Hle graduated
at Burlington, in his native State, in 1825, and afterwards went to Andover Theological Seminary. From
1827 to 1831, he was tutor in Kenyon College, at
Gambier, Ohio; from  1831 to 1834, Professor of Languages in the Western University of Pennsylvania, at
Pittsburg; and, from  1834 to 1837, again at Kenyon
College. In 1837 he received the first appointment to
the place of instructor, made by the Board of Regents
of Michigan University, as Principal of Pontiac Branch.
July 22, 1841, he also received the first appointment, in
the department of ancient languages, to a Professorship
in the University proper. This position, however, lie did
not accept, having, at the earnest request of Professor
Whiting, taken, instead, that of mathematics and natural
sciences. In 1854 the department of physics was otherwise provided for, leaving him only mathematics; this,
in 1863, he exchanged for physics, with which department he is still connected as "Emeritus Professor."
Doctor Williams thoroughly understood what he attempted to teach; and, though he never forced the
reluctant mind to an understanding of that for which it
had no liking, he helped those who desired to study in
attaining to the desired standard. In a private way, he
loved to aid those who desired to transcend that limit.
Astronomy, though not nominally in his professorship,
he taught until 1854; and great enthusiasm in the calculation of eclipses was annually awakened among the
students. Doctor Williams' highest character is not that
of a mere teacher; a cultivated Christian gentleman, with
keen wit, controlled by good feeling, and a quick sense
of right, he has for thirty-five years past exerted a
healthful influence over those with whom he has come
in contact. Doctor Williams did not enter the ministry
until 1847, when he had reached the age of forty-five
years. His religious sense was delicate and active, and
the religious part of his character was most prominent;
but he placed a low estimate upon his ability as a public speaker.  Even after his ordination, although he
preached often, this was his only form of public address.
He served at one time for more than a year as rector of
St. Andrew's Church, Ann Arbor; and by the donation




7s                           REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICIIIG.
of his salary relieved the church from debt. He mar-  4     1`OODRUFI
ried, in 1827, Elizabeth Edson, of Randolph, Vermont.  ij Michigan,
She died in 1850, leaving a daughter, who is still living.  ^!,  York, and
In 1852 he married Mrs. Jane Richards, who still sur- early settler in th.
vives. The Alumni Society of the University of Mich- family emigrated t
igan are about to endow a professorship to bear the sequently subjecte
name of "Williams," the income to be his during his in a new country.
life-time. From the report of the treasurer, the amount schools as the you
now subscribed is twenty-seven thousand three hundred resolved to make
and fifty-five dollars, bearing interest at seven per cent. winter of 1849 an
With impaired health, and his mind in sympathy with ment of Michigan
his declining bodily vigor, Doctor Williams awaits a enrolled as the firs
call to a higher and purer service, for which, in the tion. lie graduate
estimation of all but himself, he is fully prepared.  College of Homeo
Michigan, determi
rect homeopathy i
versity.  By the
success was attaine
~     ILLETS, HON. EDWIN, of Monroe, was born and homeopathy ii
1H  in Otto, Cattaraugus County, New York, April the present being
"(      24, 1830.  lIe removed with his parents to college was establ
Michigan in September, 1836. lie attended -the public forty students. Dc
schools, and graduated from the Michigan University in after first commen
June, 1855. In April of the following year, he removed three years ago, wl
to Monroe, and entered the law office of Senator Isaac and he now enjoy
P. Christiancy. lie was admitted to the bar in De- and an extensive a
cember, 1857, and has since carried on an active and has not been attai
successful practice. In S86o he was elected Prosecuting the supporters of t
Attorney of Monroe County, and held the office until his practice, how
December 31, 1862. In that year, he was also elected Woodruff gives hi
a member of the State Board of Education, and was duties of his profe
re-elected in 1866, serving in all twelve years. In 1873 ever accepted is t
he was chosen one of the Board of Commissioners to duties of which he
revise the constitution of the State. Ile was appointed he resigned only
Postmaster by President Lincoln, January 1, 1863, and practice. Doctor N
was removed by President Johnson, October 18, 1866. ing young men to
He was elected to the Forty-fifth Congress on the Repub- dozen have experi
lican ticket, receiving nineteen thousand two hundred fited by his knowl
and eleven votes, against seventeen thousand and twenty- honor to homeopa
four cast for his opponent, John J. Robinson, who was and has a son whli
the Democratic, Granger, and Greenback candidate, the Cleveland Hos
Mr. Willets was- editor of the Monroe Commercial from  years ago, and is
1855 to 1865.                                      the village of Gosl

AN., FRANCIS, M. D., Ann Arbor,
was born in Seneca County, New
Sis the son of Benjamin Woodruff, an
it State. In the spring of 1836, the
o Michigan Territory, and were cond to all the hardships incident to life
After gaining an education at such
ung State afforded, Doctor Woodruff
medicine his profession; and, in the
d x85o, entered the medical departUniversity, Ann Arbor, where he was
st homeopathic student of the institued, the following year, at the Western
pathy, at Cleveland, and returned to
ned to do his utmost to establish corin the medical department of its Unicombined efforts of a faithful few,
d after over twenty-five years of labor,
low is taught in the State University,
the third term of teaching since the
ished. The class now numbers near
actor Woodruff resided at Ann Arbor,
icing the practice of medicine, until
hen he removed to Detroit, Michigan;
ys a high position in his profession,
and wealthy patronage. This success
ned without a severe struggle against
the allopathic school. The results of
ever, can not be gainsaid. Doctor
is whole attention to the immediate
ssion. The only public office he has
hat of physician of the county, the
performed for seven and a half years;
because of the claims of his private
Voodruff is greatly interested in assistobtain a medical education; nearly a
ienced his kindness, and been beneedge. Most of these have proved an
athy. Doctor Woodruff is married,
o received his degree as M. D., from
pital Hlomeopathic College, some five
now enjoying a lucrative practice in
hen, New York.




THE

THIRD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

DAMS, WILLIAM DE FOREST, of Marshall,
S  was born in Burlington, Calhoun County, Michi-,  gan, June 25, 1839; and was one of four children,-two sons and two daughters. His brother and
one sister died in infancy. His remaining sister is the
wife of Earle Smith, the present Treasurer of Calhoun
County.  His parents were William  and Mehitabel
(Buckingham) Adams. His father was a mill-wright,
who, in 1834, moved to Michigan, and became an active
pioneer of the State. He located and platted the village of Burlington, became one of its first business men,
and aided many of the public enterprises. He improved
the water-power by building a race over half a mile
long; and erected a fine saw-mill, which, with his
brother Ansel, he worked until a short time before his
death. Hie held many offices in the municipal government, and his unfailing veracity was universally remarked. He died in 1853, without an enemy.   The
mother of William D. Adams was a native of Cayuga
County, New York, and was one of a family of twelve
children. Her father was a farmer. DIuring the winters
of 1857-8 and 1858-9, Mr. Adams attended the High
School in Coldwater.  The next year, he taught a district school, after which he spent some time in a select
school. The winter of 1861-2, he attended Albion College; and, the following winter, taught school at Burlington, where he had over one hundred pupils in one
room. In 1863 he had a severe attack of inflammatory
rheumatism. In the summer of that year, he was appointed Constable, in which position he remained several
months. In becoming familiar'with the duties of this
office, he formed an attachment for the study of law.
This he began in the following October, in the office of
Sidney Thomas, and afterwards continued his studies
with Hughes & Wooley.  He was admitted to the bar
of Calhoun County, November 28, 1864. lHe immedi
ately began practice, and, January I, 1865, formed a
partnership with Sidney Thomas, which continued till
the following August. At that time, Mr. Adams purchased his partner's interest, and continued alone until
March 25, 1875. HIe then associated with him a young
lawyer, Ira E. Randall, with whom he continued till
the 31st of the following August. They dissolved partnership by mutual consent, and, since then, Mr. Adams
has been alone.  His earliest inclination would have
led him to study law, but circumstances connected with
his father's death prevented. IHe was also fond of machinery and the use of tools. With these he became
familiar in his father's shop. His temperament is peculiar. Often, while considering a subject, he becomes
abstracted, and is oblivious of surrounding circumstances.
When at home, in his youth, he was accustomed to
drive his father's cows; and frequently walked to the
pasture, let down the bars, and, upon looking for the
cows, discovered that he was alone,-the cows being still
at home. Iis absence of mind is a continual annoyance to him.   He frequently passes friends without
recognizing them, and goes blocks out of his way to
reach his home or office. On all points of law, and on
subjects connected with his business, he experiences no
difficulty of retention; but, in the trivial affairs of life,
he is very forgetful. While he resided in Burlington,
he was, for several years, School Inspector. In January, 1870, he was appointed Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue for the Third District of Michigan,
and held the office for some time. In the spring of
1870, he was elected Justice of the Peace for the city
of Marshall, and held the position. four years. In the
fall of 1870, he was elected Circuit Court Commissioner
for Calhoun County. lie was re-elected in 1872, and
again in 1874. The 6th of November, 1869, he was
appointed United States Commissioner for the Sixth




"' ~4~-~
~i i
r                                                    -~c~.;-'; ~~
~17:~:~'-*~":--;": d)`~3- ~ 'i. ~.. -.I-~., '... _I
~; ~i, s
": 1 1.~ -
3~ T
~-;i.

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

Circuit and Eastern District of Michigan, which position he still holds.  lie joined the Masonic Fraternity
in 1869, and is a Master Mason. Ile is a very conservative Republican.   lie emphatically believes that the
good of the people is paramount to the good of the
party, and always votes with reference to this principle.  Hle married, January 18, 1862, Sarah Maria Stetford, of Albion, Calhoun County, Michigan.     They
have had three children,-one of whom, a little girl, was
scalded to death soon after she was two years old. The
remaining two are a son of four years, and a d(laughter
of thirteen. Mr. Adams is of fine appearance. He has
been twice severely ill with inflammatory rheumatism,
but apparently has a strong constitution. In his business affairs, he is scrupulously upright, and enjoys the
high esteem  of his fellow-citizens.  Ile always discharges his duties with strict regard for the laws of the
land and the good of the people.   In his social deinmeanor, he is courteous.
---0->--
LDEN, LYMAN PLINY, B. A., Superintendent
of the State Public School at Coldwater, MichK    igan, was born September 18, 1831, at Floyd,
Oneida County, New York. His father, Pliny Alden,
was a direct descenldant of John Alden, the last male
survivor of the Mayflower lilgrims. Pliny Alden died
at the early age of forty-four, leaving his family almost
destitute. Mrs. Alden removed to Camden, where her
son Lyman attended the district school until he was
fourteen years old. After a few months spent with his
uncle in learning the carpenter's trade, he was taken by
a cousin to Quincy, Illinois, and sent to the Mission
Institute, where he prepared for college. In the fall of
1849, he entered Marietta College, in Ohio, from which
he graduated, taking the degree of B13. A., in the summer of 1853.   In the following autumn, he entered
Lane Theological Seminary, at Walnut Hills, near Cincinnati, with the intention of preparing for the ministry;
but, his health becoming impaired, he lost the use of
his eyes, and was not able to read for six years. In
1856, having in vain visited Florida for his health, he
went to work on a farm. About this time, he married
Miss Susan Miller, a sister of Judge Anson Miller, of
Rockford, Illinois. He then purchased a prairie farm
at Rosamond, Christian County, Illinois. While it was
being improved, he was invited to take charge of
IDuquoin Female Seminary, an incorporated educational
institute in Southern Illinois. lie remained in this
position two years. In the spring of 1861, he returned
to his farm, where Mrs. Alden, after a short illness, died.
Mr. Alden remained on his farm for one year, after
which he took the position of Professor of Languages
in La Grange Collegiate Institute, in Indiana. Here he

remained one year; and then, returning, sold his farm,
and removed to Coldwater, Michigan, where he commenced the manufacture of flour barrels, staves, and
headings. In the following spring, he moved the business to Quincy, Michigan, took partners, and established
a branch factory. After four years of successful business, he, in connection with two of his relatives, opened
a general store, which became one of the largest establishments of the kind in Quincy. During the subsequent
years, Mr. Alden assisted in organizing the North-western Stave Manufacturers' Association, which comprised
forty of the leading firms in the States of Minnesota,
Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan; and,
for three years, he was its able Secretary. In the spring
of 1875, after careful consideration, he determined to
sell his property in Quincy, retaining only his mercantile interest, and to accept the position of Superintendent
of the Michigan State Public School for Dependent
Children.  This institution immediately underwent a
complete change. It drew the only award granted to
any charitable institution at the Centennial Exhibition.
In April, 1876, Mr. Alden delivered an address on the
State Public Schools, before a convention of the County
Superintendents of the Poor, at Coldwater; and, one
year afterwards, he delivered a similar address at Flint,
Michigan; and, the following year, at Grand Rapids.
On the 20th of April, 1862, Mr. Alden married Miss
ILena Kidder, of Geneseo, Illinois, a lineal descendant
of the Chase family of New England. They have had
three children. During his thirteen years' residence in
Quiney, he has had charge of the Sabbath-school, has
been leader of the choir, trustee, elder, and treasurer
of the Presbyterian Church. Hie was a member of the
Public School Board for eight years, and did much to
secure the erection of the fine graded-school building
of that city.
SDAMS, JOHN, of Marshall, Michigan, was born
November 27, 1837, in Maumee, near Toledo,
SOhio. lie was the son of John and Elizabeth
(Carmichle) Adams. His mother was born near Glasgow, Scotland, and emigrated to America in 1835.
When he was four months old, his father (lied, and his
mother moved to Canada. Hie received only a commonschool education. At the age of eleven, hle was bound
out to serve five years, at the wagon-maker's tradle, in
Toronto. Mr. Adams served his time, and then went
to Buffalo, and worked one year' in the shops of the
Lake Shore Railroad. For several succeeding years,
he was foreman, under A. S. Sweet, in the carpenter
department of the locomotive shops of the Michigan
Central Railroad, at Detroit. In i865 he established
himself in a foundry at Marshall, and furnished large




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

quantities of brass and iron castings for locomotives,
etc., contracting mostly with the Central road.  He
was thus engaged until 1874, when he purchased the
agricultural works, where he is now doing a very flourishing business, in the manufacture of plows, drags,
cultivators, windmills, etc.  lie was Mayor of the city
in 1871.  During the late war, he was engaged in
Detroit; his services there were so much needed, that,
although he was very desirous to enter the army, and
was finally drafted, he could not be spared-a substitute was procured in his place. IHe is a member of the
Masonic Fraternity, and a Knight Templar.   lie is
now Eminent Commander of Commandery No. 17. He
has been Treasurer and Generalissimo for several years,
but does not now hold these positions. In politics, he
is a Republican. lie is a member of the Episcopal
Church, in which he has been vestryman for the past
four years. Mr. Adams married, in Cleveland, July 20,
1858, Mary A. Williams, of Buffalo.  They have four
children.
LEXANDER, MORGAN JOHN, of Marshall,
"    Michigan, was born June 5, 1838, in Fredonia,,     ^'Calhoun County, Michigan, where his father-a
native of Wales, but a Scotchman by descent-moved
with his family in 1836.  Mr. Alexander, Sen., learned
a trade, and was educated for the Church of England.
On his emigration to America, in I818, he supported
himself many years by tanning and currying. He is the
youngest of thirteen children. His mother, also of Welsh
descent, was born in Newark, New Jersey. Her father,
Samuel Clisbee,-one of Washington's body-guard all
through the Revolutionary War,-built the First Presbyterian Church in this place. They moved to Fredonia when
there were only four families in the place; and there
Mrs. Alexander reared a family of nine children. Their
school advantages were limited; but their mother was a
woman of remarkable force, and supplemented all deficiencies by careful home training. She was in the habit
of reading to her family while at meals. Mr. Alexander
had a great desire for a full collegiate course; but his
father's death occurred when he was thirteen, and he
was obliged to take charge of the farm and family. He
continued at this work until 1863, with no change, except a start to California,- a journey he failed to accomplish, owing to the hostility of the Indians. Since 1865
he has been established as a lumber merchant in Marshall,
Michigan. He is a stockholder and Vice-President of the
Marshall Wind Engine and Pump Company, and a Director in the National City Bank of Marshall. HIe has
not desired to figure in public life, and has seldom
accepted any position of trust from his fellow-citizens.
lie is a member of the Congregational Church; and a
33

thorough Republican in politics. IIe'married, in 1863,
Mary P. Hendricks, daughter of a prominent man in
Waterloo, New   York.   Mr. Alexander introduced
Marshall's present system of water-supply for protection
against fire.  It consists of a large number of artesian
wells, located in different parts of the city; in these the
water rises to within a few feet of the surface, and the
supply is inexhaustible. Mr. Alexander has effected results, in this one instance, for which he will be honored
by future generations.
NDERSON, GEORGE F., Lawyer, of Jackson,
SMichigan, was born, June 20, 1847, in Philadel-,   phia, Pennsylvania.  His parents, James and
Belinda (Flynn) Anderson, were Americans of Scotch
ancestry. lie received his education at Albion, Michigan, his parents having removed to that State in 1857.
In 1863 he enlisted in the army, joining Company B, of
the 28th Michigan Infantry, as Drum-Major. HIe was
engaged in numerous battles, the first of which was at
Nashville, Tennessee. From there, he moved to Newbern, North Carolina, near the scene of the battle of
Kinston, under General Cox. In that battle, Major
Anderson was slightly wounded in the wrist and head.
From there the regiment moved to Raleigh; next to
Greensborough, where they cut off General Johnston,
of the Confederate army, after the surrender of Lee;
and next, to Lincolnton, where they spent the summer
of 1865. Major Anderson was then ordered, with his
regiment, back to Newbern, where he remained until
June, 1866. IHe was then mustered out of service as a
Lieutenant. lie immediately returned to Michigan, and
entered Albion College. In the spring of 1868, he became established at Three Rivers, Michigan, in the
mercantile business, in which he continued until 1876.
September 19, of that year, he was admitted to the bar,
since which time he has been engaged in the practice
of law. He was a Republican until 1877, when he
joined the Greenback party. In 1876 he was nominated, by the Republicans, for the position of County
Clerk, but declined the nomination, as he was about to
withdraw from the party. IIe was a prominent candidate for the position of United States Marshal of the
Eastern District of Michigan; and was advocated by
Elon. Jonas H. McGowan, Congressman from the Third
District, and numerous other prominent politicians. He
is at present Chairman of the Executive Committee of
the Greenback party, for Jackson County, and of the Executive Committee of the Third Congressional District.
Mr. Anderson was formerly a member of the Methodist
Church, but is now a Congregationalist.  He married,
January 3, 1871, Miss Laura B. Richards, a native of
Buchanan, Berrien County, Michigan. They have one son.




'"I_~ ~:'
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4                              REPRESENTATIVE
USTIN, IHON. CHARLES, of Battle Creek, was
born in London, England, April 19, 1834. His
father was originally a farmer, but kept a boot and
shoe store in London, and was a Wesleyan local preacher.
IHe emigrated to Wellington, New Zealand, where he
now resides, engaged in farming and in the work of the
ministry. Mr. Austin obtained the elements of his education in one of the schools of the British and Foreign
School Society; and gained a practical knowledge of the
boot and shoe business in his father's store. Believing
that he would not be successful in his native city, he
emigrated to New York, in February, 1852. From there
he went to Albany, where he engaged as clerk in a
shoe store. In the fall of the same year, he removed to
Little Falls, where he remained until the following summer, when he removed to Utica. In May, 1854, Mr.
Austin went to Concord, Jackson County, Michigan;
and, in September, 1855, he removed to Homer, Calhoun
County. After a residence of two years in Iomer, he
removed to Bedford, in the same county, and resided
there until 1872, when he went to Battle Creek. While
at Bedford, Mr. Austin engaged in general mercantile
business; and, in the other places of his residence, his
business was the manufacture, purchase, and sale of
boots and shoes. At Bedford, he held the office of Justice of the Peace. Upon his removal to Battle Creek, he
opened one of the largest dry-goods houses in the city.
Three years after his removal to Battle Creek, he was
elected an Alderman of his ward. In 1876, as the Republican candidate, he was elected Mayor; and, in
1877, was re-elected to the same office. Since his arrival
in this country, Mr. Austin has visited England; and,
from there, made a voyage to Australia and New Zealand, spending fourteen months in travel. lie became
a Master Mason in 1858. He is now High Priest of
the Chapter, and a member of Battle Creek Council of
Royal and Select Masons. Since his residence in the
city of iattle Creek, he has shown great interest in
Sabbath-school labor; and is now Superintendent of
the Congregational and Presbyterian Sabbath-school, of
which church he is a member. On the Ist of January,
1855, Mr. Austin married Miss Lucy I). Taylor, of
Concord, Michigan.  Of the five sons born to them,
three are living.
-- -.^ --
iiIARBER, EDWARD          WILMOT, of Charlotte,
i41  Michigan, was born in Benson, Vermont, July
3, 1828, and was the oldest child of Edward
Hinman and Rebecca (Griswold) Barber. His ancestry
has been traced back to James Barber, of England; and
also, in this country, to James Barber, who, with a
brother, settled near Newport, Rhode Island, in the
seventeenth century. The former was an officer of the

MEN OF MICHIGAN.

British Parliament in the thirteenth century. The latter
lived a number of years near Newport, and was appointed to office. His oldest son also held office, and
was prominent in the wars with the Indians. The Barbers were a prolific family, and soon spread over many
parts of New England, and especially of Connecticut.
Their descendants are now found in almost every State
in the Union, and in Canada. The grandfather of E.
W. Barber had seven children.-three of whom, over
eighty years of age, are still living. His mother's genealogy has been traced back to the Norman Conquest.
In 1839 his father removed his family to Vermontville,
Michigan.  lie traveled through the wilderness, from
Detroit, with an ox team,- the journey, which can now
be accomplished in four hours and a half, occupying
eight days. Mr. Barber acquired his education in the
common schools of Vermont and Michigan, and by reading, observation, and experience. The formation of the
school district library system gave him his first valuable
acquaintance with books. He served a three-years' apprenticeship to the printing business, commencing in
1847, in the office of the Democratic Expounde.r, of Marshall, Michigan. In the year 1848 he first actively participated in politics, with the Free-soil party. A number of his campaign songs appeared in the Signal of
Liberty; were set to music, and sung in political meetings in various portions of the State. In 1850 he was a
member of the firm of Jabez Fox & Co., at Detroit, who
printed a grammar in the Chippewa language; "Munger's Political Landmarks;" "The Great Railroad Conspiracy Trial; " "Wellman's Literary Miscellany; " "The
Hesperian Monthly;" and "The Voice of the Fugitive."
The last was edited by IHenry Bibb, a fugitive slave in
Canada. Mr. Barber was afterwards connected with the
Michigan Free Democrat. He set the first type, made
up and sent to press the first form, and was the first city
and commercial editor of the Detroit Daily Democrat,the earliest distinctively Free-soil daily paper printed in
Michigan. He remained on that paper until compelled
to leave it because of poor health. In 1854 he was connected with the Kalamazoo Gazette; and, in 1855, with
the Kalamazoo 7T'cle'raph. In 1857 and 1859, he was Assistant Clerk of the House of Representatives of the
Michigan Legislature; and, in 1861-62, he was Clerk of
that body. lie held the position of Clerk of Eaton
County for four years; and, in 1862, moved to Charlotte,
the county-seat, and was afterwards Register of Deeds
two years. In the capacity of Reading Clerk, he served
in the House of Representatives during the thirtyeighth, thirty-ninth, and fortieth sessions of Congress.
He called the roll of the members of the Iouse upon
the passage of the antislavery amendment to the Constitution, and upon the adoption of the articles of impeachment of President Andrew Johnson. During these
sessions, Mr. Barber wrote Washington letters to the




lij                                                         Nz
kz
Alk







I
REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

'/ ar
Detroit Daily Tribune, the Detroit Daily Post, the Jackson Daily Citizen, and the Charlotte Republican. Mr.
Barbor, for over three years, was Supervisor of Internal
Revenue for Wisconsin and Michigan. With a clean
record, he retired upon the consolidation of districts, and
the consequent reduction of the number of supervisors.
In March, 1873, he was appointed, by President Grant,
Third Assistant Postmaster-General, and served until
July, 1877. Upon receiving his resignation, President
I ayes sent him a letter of acceptance, containing assurance of his confidence in Mr. Barber's efficiency as an
officer, and appreciation of his valuable services..In
1852 he was Secretary of the Mechanics' Mutual Protection Society, of Detroit. Later, he became an officer in
the Grand Templars' organization, and also in the Masonic Lodge, at Charlotte. As Director of the Grand
River Valley Railroad Company, he was actively engaged in building the road from Jackson to Grand Rapids. He has been for several years, and is now, Secretary of the company. At its establishment, he became
a stockholder and Director of the First National Bank
of Charlotte, with which institution he still retains his
connection. IIe was educated in the Whig school of
politics, but has been identified, since 1854, with the
Republican party.   Although not an extemporaneous
speaker, he has, on different occasions, delivered public
addresses and lectures, which have been favorably received. In Iecember, 1853, Mr. Barber married Martha
L. Dwight.   She was a descendant of John Dwight,
who settled at Dedham, Massachusetts, fourteen years
after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. The simple record of Mr. Barber's busy official life adds another
worthy name to the long list of Michigan's faithful and
efficient public servants.
"IE., IHION. DIGBY V., of Battle Creek, Michigan,
pj  was born November 1o, 1804, in the Island of St.
_ __   Christopher, British West Indies.  His father,
a retired British naval officer and merchant, died when
he was five years old. Under the guidance of an accomplished mother, he received the elements of an education; and, as he grew older, obtained every intellectual
advantage the island could afford. At the age of thirteen,
he was fitted to enter upon any business to which his
inclinations might lead him. With his mother's reluctant consent, he chose the life of a sailor; and, for six
years, experienced the drudgery, toil, and peril of a common seaman's life. The exposure to which he was subjected during the service laid the foundation of a painful disease, which afflicted him for many years; but the
charms of the sea and his love of adventure kept him
a sailor until mature years sobered his feelings, and
prompted him to seek less exciting pursuits. After a

few years spent in trade, he removed to New York City
and sought a wider field of labor. This was about the
time of the discovery of anthracite coal in Pennsylvania.
Mr. Bell was appointed agent of a New York company,
incorporated for the purpose of exploring the mines in
that region. Hle was one of the pioneers in this great
enterprise. The substantial education he had received
qualified him especially for this work, while his untiring
energy advanced the enterprise rapidly and successfully.
On leaving the mines, he entered the service of the New
York Gas-light Company. He married, November 12,
1825, at Morristown, New Jersey, Sarah Ilaun, a native
of Northumberland, England. She was an accomplished,
high-minded, self-sacrificing woman, whose generous
heart cheered and substantially aided many of the new
settlers among whom her lot was cast. She died at
Detroit, February 14, 1849, and was sincerely mourned.
Mr. Bell followed the current of emigration to the West;
and, in 1834, removed to St. Joseph County, Michigan,
with his young family. It was a period of rapid growth
and development in the new country, and competent
men found themselves almost involuntarily vested with
official powers. In a few months, Mr. Bell was discharging the functions of seven offices. lHe did not, however,
neglect his farm, but worked it with his accustomed
diligence, and was soon the possessor of a cheerful
home. In the meantime, he took an active part in the
organization of the State government, and was the author
of the first address to the citizens of the county. lHe
was subsequently elected Judge of Probate, and held
other important positions, among which were seats in
both Houses of the Legislature. While acting as Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Senate, in February, 1843, Judge Bell made an exhaustive report on the
foreign and domestic indebtedness of the State, its credits,
revenues, and expenditures. His arguments were so powerful that the people abandoned the disgraceful proposition of repudiation, which had been openly advocated,
and the credit of the State abroad was at once placed
on the firm and honorable basis it has ever since maintained.  During the "wild-cat" period he was Bank
Commissioner, and in this capacity protected the people
from some of the enormous frauds which were practiced.
He held the positions of Commissioner of the State Landoffice and Auditor;General of the State. In the latter
office, he aided Governor Fitch in preventing the school
section, at Lansing, from falling into the hands of the
speculators, thus saving that valuable property to the
State. lie seemed to be selected for these offices of
trust more on account of rare qualifications, than from
any fondness of his own for political preferment. His
tastes and training led him to private business, and he
next accepted the position of Cashier of the Michigan
Central Railroad Company, which he held for a few
years. He then entered a private banking house as an

I




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

active partner; and, in 1850, removed to Chicago and
established there the first commercial college in Illinois.
He devoted himself to the interests of this institution
for several years and established it upon a firm and permanent basis. As his health was not good, he removed
to New York, and became connected with his son in a
banking house. Though obliged to suspend payment
during the crash of 1857, they resumed business the
ensuing year, and paid off all liabilities in full. In 1858
Judge Bell returned to Chicago, and again devoted himself to educational interests as a co-laborer with Bryant
& Stratton. Under their joint efforts, the Chicago Commercial College ranked among the first in the country.
Soon afterwards he was appointed, by the Legislature of
Illinois, Commissioner of Claims, and was charged with
the duty of investigating the finances of the city of
Chicago. He also discharged the duties of special agent
of the Post-office Department with signal ability. Judge
Bell brought up a large family, and sent four sons into
the army during the war of the Rebellion,-three of
whom remained in the field until hostilities ceased. The
kindness of heart, the benevolent and philanthropic impulses, and the sense of justice, which marked his career,
both public and private, were illustrated in one of the
first important acts of his life. Upon coming into possession of his father's property, at the age of twentyone, he at once gave to the slaves-fourteen in numbertheir freedom; and, subdividing the estate into small
farms, gave them deeds of the property. Judge Bell
was an intelligent, earnest, and consistent believer in the
doctrines of the New Church, and one of its most prominent and useful members. His death occurred at Battle Creek, Michigan, on Saturday, October 28, 1871.
lie held, at the time, the office of Postmaster.
-ARBER, HOMER G., Merchant and Banker, of
Vermontville, Eaton County, was born in November, 1830, in Benson, Rutland County, Vermont.   lie is of American parentage and English
ancestry. His parents were Edward IH. and Rebecca
(Griswold) Barber.  They removed to Michigan in1
1839. HIe is the brother of Edward W. Barber, of
Charlotte, Michigan.  He received his education, in
the common English branches, at the Vermontville
Academy. At the age of eighteen, he was engaged in
the Post-office at Kalamazoo, where he spent one year r
under Postmaster Ransom. Soon after, he made a voy- t
age to California around Cape Horn, arriving in San 1
Francisco, in March, 185o. HIe immediately engaged
in mining operations, which he continued quite success- I
fully for nearly two years. He then returned to Michi- 1
gan, and, at Vermontville, entered upon the mercantile T
trade, in which he is still engaged. IIe also undertook 1

banking, in 1871; and is one of the most successfiul
business men in Eaton County. In politics, he adheres
strongly to the Republican party. He was elected to
the State Senate in 1868, from Eaton and Barry counties,
and took an active part in the sessions of 1869 and
1870, and the special session of 1871. In I861 he was
appointed Postmaster under President Lincoln, and held
the position eleven years. Hie has occupied many local
positions of trust, and has the entire confidence of the
community. In his religious views, he is quite liberal.
Mr. Barber has fine literary tastes, and is an extensive
reader. He is possessor of one of the choicest libraries
in his country.  He married, in March, 1853, Miss
Lucy C. Dwight, of New York State, a lady of fine
tastes and excellent acquirements. They have had three
children, two of whom, a son and daughter, are living.
Mr. Barber is now forty-seven years of age. He has
always been an upright and liberal man, and a valuable citizen.
---.--*C--
EECH, DR. JOHN HENRY, of Coldwater, was
born at Gaines, Orleans County, New York,
SSeptember 24, 1819.         His parents, I)r. Jesse
and Susanna (Brown) Beach, were residents of Eastern
New York, and were of New England descent. Dr.
Beech, Sen., died when his son was ten years old, leaving a small estate to his widow and two children. Mrs.
Beech gave her children every educational advantage
consistent with her means. The son, as janitor at the
village academy and general chore boy at home, lightened his mother's burdens. He was a child of frail
constitution; and his father had requested that he should
not study medicine, if it could be prevented without conflicting with his tastes.  His mother, therefore, placed
him in a dry-goods and drug store at the age of fourteen; but he soon tired of this business, and returned
to school. At the age of seventeen, when nearly fitted
to enter the Sophomore Class at Union College, the
death of the Principal of Gaines Academy changed his
prospects, forcing him to give up a collegiate course.
His inherent love for the study of medicine now manifested itself; and, after persuasion, his mother consented
to his commencing the study of anatomy and physiology
with Drs. Nickerson, Paine, and Starkweather. For a
time, he studied at home, and walked three and a half
miles every day to his recitations. Ile afterwards en-:ered the drug store of the firm, and paid for his tuition
by compounding medicines and waiting upon customers.
Ile was subsequently under the instruction of IIiram
E. Pinkney, of Esperance, Schoharie County,-a graduate of Fairfield Medical College, Hlerkimer County,
New York,-who had gained a high reputation as a
physician and teacher. Dr. Beech graduated in April,




7'?







REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

1841, at Albany, and began to practice in his native
place.  With the exception of two winters spent in
study at Albany and Philadelphia, he labored at his
profession at Gaines until I85o, when he removed to
Coldwater, Branch County, Michigan.    On receiving
the news of the disastrous battle at Shiloh Church,
Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, Dr. Beech took the first
train towards the battle-field, and was on the first steamboat that reached Pittsburg Landing with aid from the
North. As he could not exercise his profession, nor
touch supplies, without the authority of a Government
contract, he accepted the appointment of Acting Assistant-Surgeon, under Medical Director Surgeon Murray,
and was assigned to the care of Michigan and Ohio
batteries of artillery. His labors among the suffering
soldiers, and the hardships endured, injured his health;
but he persisted in his duties until the evacuation of
Corinth, Mis.sissippi, when he was compelled to return
home. While still in feeble health, by the unsolicited
recommendation of professional friends at Detroit, he
was made Surgeon of the 24th Regiment of Michigan
Volunteer Infantry,-a regiment raised and officered,
with the exception of its Surgeon, in Wayne County.
He was appointed one of the operating Surgeons of
the First Brigade, First I)ivision, First Army Corps, in
1862.  The following year, he acted as Surgeon fro
lemtore for the same brigade; and the appointment was
made permanent on the opening of the campaign for
1864. At the battle of Gettysburg, Dr. Beech continued
his work in the express-office building, while the tide
of battle swept through the town, leaving him and his
faithful fellow-surgeons prisoners.  The enemy did not
molest them; and, for three days, bloody work and
occasional meals were the rule.   The Express-office
Hospital was the last of the temporary hospitals broken
up, and Dr. Beech continued in charge until disabled
by illness.  After the battle of Gettysburg, the First
Army Corps was so far reduced in numbers as to be
consolidated with the Fifth Army Corps, the brigades
and their officers being unchanged.  Dr. Beech was
opposed to amputation at and near the shoulder joint,
and Surgeon Chamberlain, Chief of Division, requested
the operating Surgeons to submit that class of injuries
to the former's especial judgment and skill. Dr. Beech
performed an unusual number of re-sections at the
shoulder with excellent results. In February, 1865, the
"Iron Brigade," as it had been christened by General
McClellan, was broken up by order of the Secretary of
War, and its veteran regiments were distributed to several draft head-quarters. The 24th Michigan Volunteers
were sent to Camp Butler, near Springfield, Illinois.
Surgeon Beech had remained behind to transfer the
brigade supplies to his successor; and, on his arrival at
Camp Butler, found his regiment quartered in filthy and
ill-ventilated barracks, with no hospital accommoda
tions. Those who had survived the dangers of nearly
twenty battles were rapidly sinking under bad hygienic
conditions. In an hour after his arrival, he had the
ridge boards torn from the roofs, and the banking and
boards removed from the foundations. In a few days,
the commandant of Camp Butler requested Surgeon
Beech to inspect the whole camp, and report plans for
its improvement. lie did so, and soon after received the
charge of the work of renovation. When this work
had been fairly begun, Dr. Beech returned to civil life.
lHe did not enter upon general practice, but devoted
himself to surgery and consultations. DIr. Beech, early
in life, was instrumental in resuscitating the Medical
Society of Orleans County, New York; and, on his settlement in Michigan, united with others in reviving the
Michigan State Medical Society. In 1856 he was elected
its President. He made an effort to re-organize Branch
County Medical Society, but found it impossible to harmonize the dignity of some of the old diplomas with
the claims of " the practical-experience men." In 1854,
1855, and again in 1875, he was a delegate from the
Michigan State Medical Society to the American Medical Association, and is now a permanent member of that
association.  In 1870 he was elected Corresponding
Member of the Detroit Academy of Medicine; and, in
1872, Corresponding Member of the Gynecological Society of Boston. In I875 he was President of the Alumni
Association of Albany Medical College. In July, I873,
he addressed printed invitations to the several physicians
and surgeons in Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana, inviting them to meet in the city of Coldwater to
consider the propriety of forming a I)istrict Medical
Society.  In response, a number assembled, and the
Southern Michigan Medical Association was formed. At
the request of adjoining sections, its limits have been
extended into Indiana and Ohio. About the same time,
a new Branch County Medical Society was organized,
and Dr. Beech became a working member.     lie has
occasionally contributed papers of practical character,
and items of professional observation, to several medical
journals.  The Michigan State Board of Health has
placed some of his contributions before the public, and
ranks him among the Board's official correspondents.
In 1865 he was elected a member of the American Public
Health Association. lie is one of the editors of the
Michigan 4Medical Nerws, publislled in Detroit, Michigan.
Dr. Beech has always been a conservative Democrat;
but does not consider party lines paramount to public
good. In I866 he was elected Mayor of the city; and
gave much personal attention to improvement in streets
and in the city cemetery. When still a boy and absent
from home, he was induced to join a Patriot Lodge,
the leading principle of which was to encourage an
insulrection in Canada; when the bandage was removed
from his eyes, he found that the treasonable oath had




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

been administered by a very noted anti-Mason. Some
years later, he joined the Sons of Temperance, and is a
member of Gaines' Division. In Masonry, he has held
the offices of Senior Warden in a Master's Lodge; King
and High Priest in a Royal Arch Chapter; has received
the order of High Priesthood, and answers to Sir Knight,
etc. IIe is a regular attendant of the Presbyterian
Church; and an advocate of the most liberal supports
and improvements in the public schools. IIe was President of the Board of Trustees of Coldwater Female
Seminary; and was several years Moderator of the City
Board of Education. Ile was an advocate of the Michigan State School for Indigent Children, and a contributor to its establishment at Coldwater.  The Ladies'
Library Association has also received his cheerful and
efficient aid. When suffering from financial reverses or
fire, his fellow-citizens have frequently received his unsolicited aid. Ile has delivered several addresses upon
temperance to literary societies, associations, and medical graduating classes, which have been favorably
received. Iis adherence to his professional duties has
been persistent; but, as a pastime, the general supervision of a farm and choice stock has, during most of his
life, received his attention. Dr. Beech married, in January, 1842, Eliza C. Crownse, who died in June, 1859.
In January, 1861, he married, at Clarkson, Monroe
County, New York, Mary Jane Perry, who died June
24, 1872. August 26, 1875, he married Mrs. Sarah E.
Skeels, of Coldwater, Michigan, who is a sister of Henry
C. Lewis, Esq., of Coldwater.
2 ENNETT, ALONZO, President of the First National Bank at Jackson, Michigan, was born
At' August 16, 1817, at Exeter, Otsego County, New
York. His father, Allen Bennett, and his mother, Juliet
Wood, were of English descent, and were both born in
New Hampshire. In 1824 his father removed to German Flats, IIerkimer County, New York, a place known
for some time afterwards as Bennett's Corners. It is now
called Mohawk. While living with his father at Exeter,
Mr. Bennett met with an accident in a saw-mill, from
the effects of which he did not fully recover for several
years. I)uring his residence at Bennett's Corners he attended school, and assisted his father in the various pursuits in which he was engaged. HIe was also employed,
for nearly two years, in the store of II. G. Roots &
Co.   In 1833 his father removed to Clyde, Wayne
County, New York.    Here he attended school during
the winter months, and worked on his father's farm
during the summer. In the fall of 1834, he entered Vernon Academy, Oneida County, New York. Not wishing
to draw upon the money he had saved, he taught a district school for three months, to help defray his expenses.
IIe then returned to the academy and finished his course

of studies. In 1836, at the age of eighteen, he purchased
a small foundry, using his father's name for one thousand
dollars. In the fall of the same year, he sold out at an
advance, clearing six hundred dollars. In October, 1836,
he came to Jackson, Michigan, where he was engaged in
the County Register's office.  lie also speculated in
lands. With his father and brother, he bought the store
of George B. Cooper, April I, 1837. After three years,
he sold out to his brother, and engaged in a foundry, of
which he was part owner and manager for twenty-six
years.. During this time, he was also a partner in the
mercantile trade with E. H. Rice.  Three years afterwards, he sold his interest, and gave some attention to
farming, in connection with other business. In the meantime, from 1855 to 1865, he speculated in lands, loaned
money, and was engaged in the foundry business. In
1865 he established the First National Bank of Jackson, with which he is still connected as President and
stockholder. It is one of the leading banks of Michigan.
Mr. Bennett married, October II, 1843, Maria S. Gibson,
daughter of the late Amnasa B. Gibson, of Jackson. They
have had seven children, five of whom are living. Mrs.
Bennett died in 1864. With the exception of the Sons
of Temperance, Mr. Bennett has not been a member of
any secret organization.  In his religious views he is
quite liberal. IHe has never taken an active part in
politics.  He was first an antislavery Democrat; but,
afterwards, united with the Free-soil, now the Republican, party. Mr. Bennett has held a few positions in
corporate offices, and was, one year, Inspector of the
State-prison. Mr. Bennett has always been identified
with those public enterprises which tended to build up
the substantial wealth of Jackson, and is regarded as a
public-spirited citizen and an honorable man.
)IILLINGS, REV. ALVAN, of Albion, Michigan,
l  a Clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
was born in Conway, Massachusetts, September
25, 1802. His parents, who were descendants of early
settlers in Massachusetts, removed to Strongsville, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, in 1819, where two of their sons
had preceded them.   His education was chiefly such
as was afforded by the public schools of the period,
polished and rounded by a short attendance at a select
school and at an academy. At the time his family
settled in Ohio, Mr. Billings was already earning his
own living, either by teaching or manual labor. Prior
to his own removal, he spent four years in teaching
during the winter in his native county.  During this
interval, the religious belief of his parents became his
own, and he determined to work for something higher
than the meat which perisheth.    In *1826 he was
licensed, by the New York Conference, to preach




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

9

within its bounds; and, in 1827, commenced his labors
as an itinerant minister in the Sandusky circuit, within
the bounds of the Ohio Conference. This circuit embraced most of the settlements in Sandusky, Seneca,
Iancock, and a part of Crawford and Iuron counties.
In the fall of 1828, he was received on trial into the
Ohio Annual Conference, and returned to Sandusky
circuit. Every four weeks, in that charge, he passed
an Indian reservation where the savages kept up their
heathen rites and ceremonies; among these rites were
the burning of tobacco and the sacrificing of a white
dog,-representing, in their view, the vegetable and
animal kingdoms. During the year 1829, while Mr.
Billings was on the Mansfield circuit, four hundred
converts were received into the church.  The three
following years,-spent on the Detroit and Ypsilanti
circuits, in Michigan, but under the jurisdiction of the
Ohio Conference,-were full of bright incidents, as well
as of exhaustive labor for the Master. From 1835 to
1840, the field of his labor was in the Mansfield and
Marshall circuits, and the Ann Arbor district; in the
last named, he spent two years as Presiding Elder.
Subsequently, he spent a year at Ypsilanti as pastor.
lie was then appointed agent of the Wesleyan Seminary, at Albion,-now Albion College,-which position
he filled four years; part of the time performing also
the duties of steward of the institution. IHe has since
spent four years on the Burlington, Parma, and Galesburg circuits as preacher, and has also taught at Albion and Parma.   Iis thorough sympathies are with
the denomination in which he has faithfully and conscientiously labored for so many years; while he rejoices in the spirit of Christian unity, which, by God's
blessing, has been.so greatly extended and strengthened among the different branches of the Christian
Church. Mr. Billings says: " Had I youth and vigor,
the service of God, in promoting the best interests of
our common humanity, would be my highest joy; but
others are in the field. May the Lord abundantly bless
their labors!" Mr. Billings' labors, trials, and triumphs
have been shared, since 1833, by a devoted wife, who
is still his companion. She was formerly Miss Fanny
A. Mead, daughter of Amos Mead, of Farmington,
Oakland County.
JiEACH, DAVID S., of Marshall, son of Benjamin
P. and Nancy (Cook) Beach, was born at KeeseSville, Essex County, New York. His parents were
pioneers from the New England States. His father, who
was a self-made man, a leader in his town, fought in the
battle of Plattsburg, in 1813. Mr. David Beach received
limited school advantages at the Academy of Keeseville.
At the age of eighteen, he accepted a clerkship in a country store, and afterwards was engaged in farm work. In

1850 he married Ellen L. Trumbel, daughter of Alexander
Trumbel, of Essex County, New York, and removed to
Marshall, Calhoun County, Michigan. Here he has since
resided, pursuing various occupations. At one time, he
was a merchant. Ile is now in the general insurance
business. Mr. Beach was Mayor of the city for two years,
and has been connected with most of its public enterprises. Ile is a Director of the Coldwater, Marshall and
Mackinaw Railroad Company. In all his relations, he
sustains an honorable reputation, and well merits the
esteem of the community.
jRIGGS, NATHAN II., of Battle Creek, Michigan, was born in Sturgis, St. Joseph County,
(777   \ Michigan, August 16, 1848. His father, a tobacconist by trade, died in 1850, and left him to the care of
his mother, who is still living, in Calhoun County. lHe
was educated at Battle Creek; and, in 1863, entered the
law office of Joseph G. Lodge,-now a prominent criminal lawyer in St. Louis. For two years he was associated
with his brother, Colonel George G. Briggs, in the mercantile business at Grand Rapids. On the completion
of his law studies, at Ann Arbor and Battle Creek, he
was admitted to the bar, and practiced, in partnership
with his preceptor, IHon. P. II. Emerson, until the latter
became Associate-Judge of the Territory of Utah. Mr.
Briggs is now engaged in his profession, and has been
interested in some of the most important civil and criminal cases that have been tried in the State. Hie received
the appointment of Assistant United States DistrictAttorney for Utah, which he declined. IHe is a Republican, and has held the position of Deputy United States
District-Attorney for Calhoun County, for several years.
In his religious views lie is a freethinker and liberalist.
Ile is energetic, enterprising, and untiring in his devotion
to his profession.
---*o*---
2ROWN, HENRY IH., of Battle Creek, Michigan,
Swas born in Ypsilanti, August 14, 1828. His
^1- father, Thomas R. Brown, was a miller and millwright, and built the first mill that was erected in Ypsilanti. His mother, Annie Cleveland Lee, was a distant
cousin of General Robert E. Lee. Mr. Brown received
a thorough common-school education, and, when fourteen years of age, entered the Naval School in Boston.
The following year he sailed to South America, and returned after a two years' cruise in the sloop of war
"Boston."  He then spent eighteen months on the west
coast of Africa, and in the frigate "United States."
One of his shipmates was the celebrated Elisha Kent
Kane, the Arctic explorer. Subsequently, during this
cruise, the ship visited all the principal cities in Southern




10

REPRESENTATIVE MEN'OF MICHIGAN.

Europe. In 1849 Mr. Brown spent a short time on the
Northern lakes, attached to the steamer "Michigan."
He passed the next nine years on the Pacific coast, in
California and Oregon. lie lived in the latter State
four years and served two terms in the State Legislature.
In California he was a miner, farmer, and trader; editor
of the Eureka Union, at Eureka, for fourteen months;
and, in 1856, associate editor of the Jackson (Oregon)
Zlerald. At the commencement of the civil war, he was
Deputy Clerk of Harrison County Court, in Mississippi.
After the Union army had possession of New Orleans,
he went to Cuba. On his return to Battle Creek, he
was arrested as a Confederate spy, and taken before
United States Commissioner Clapp, at St. Joseph; but,
after examination, was honorably discharged. In 1864
he settled permanently in Battle Creek. lie studied
law in the office of L. D. Dibble; was admitted to practice in the Michigan courts, and immediately formed a
partnership with his law teacher. Mr. Brown was three
years a Trustee of the School Board, and a portion of
the time its President. It was, in part, through his
efforts that the present school building of Battle Creek,
the finest in the State, was erected. lie has been twice
Alderman of the Second Ward; and, in i1876, was the
Democratic candidate for Mayor and Prosecuting Attorney, but was not elected.  He was, at that time, Chief
of the Fire Department of Battle Creek, which, at the
State Firemen's Tournament, held in Jackson, was
awarded the first prize, as the most efficient and best
drilled in the State. He is a Mason and an Odd-Fellow,
and liberal in his religious views.  He has worked
actively for the success of the Democratic party. The
firm of Brown & Thomas has the largest amount of legal
business of any in Battle Creek. Mr. Brown has been
engaged in some of the most important civil and criminal cases which have ever been tried in the State. That
of the celebrated Duncan will, of which Bishop Simpson was one of the proponents, involved three-quarters
of a million. Mr. Brown was assisted in this case by
lion. D. 1). Hughes, of Grand Rapids; and lion. Ashley
Pond, of Detroit. He has strong determination, great
energy, and enterprise. Ile has given liberally of his
means to beautify and improve the city.  lie married,
in June, 1864, Isabella A. Rockwell, of Battle Creek.
4.,"ULLOCK, RANSOM      D., Dealer in Pianos and
Organs, Jackson, Michigan, was born February
26, 183o, at Yates, Orleans County, New York.
His parents were Benjamin and Cynthia (Barry) Bullock.
His father was a successful farmer, lie received his education in the common schools. When but eight years of
age, he was sent to his grand-parents in Livingston County,
Michigan, where he worked on a farm until he was

twenty. At that time he began an extended course of
study in vocal music, teaching as he progressed. In 1855
he entered the Normal Musical Institute of New York
City, where he was under the direct instruction of Lowell
Mason, William B. Bradbury, and George F. Root. The
following year, the institute having been removed to
North Reading, Massachusetts, Mr. Bullock spent his
second term there.   Ile  afterwards became a vocal
teacher, holding concerts, and giving instruction throughout the State of Michigan. In i86i he settled in Jackson,
where he continued his profession until the following
year. Then, with neither capital nor assistance, he engaged in the music business, and, by his untiring energy
and ability has been successful. Shortly after becoming
settled he discarded all small instruments and sheet
music, and has since dealt only in organs and pianos.
In I87o he opened a branch establishment at Grand
Rapids, and in 1873, another at Saginaw. He is the
largest dealer of the kind in the State, and gives steady
employment on the road to thirty salesmen. Mr. Bullock
is a Republican of fixed principles, but not a politician,
his enormous business preventing his engaging to any
extent in political affairs.  Ile is a memnber, in high
standing, of the Baptist Church. Ile has traveled much,
having visited all parts of the United States. IHe spent
some time in California, recovering from the effects of
too close application to business. Mr. Bullock was married in June, 1852, to Miss Rhoda Barry, a native of New
York State.  They have had four children,- two of
whom, Julian and Arthur, are living.
LAIR, AUSTIN, ex-Governor of Michigan, and
ex-member of Congress, was born at Caroline,,( Tompkins County, New York, February 8, I818.
His father, George Blair, felled the first tree; built the
first log-cabin; and burned the first log-heap in Tompkins County. He settled there in 18o9, and lived for
sixty years on the same spot until his death,-at the age
of eighty-four. Ile possessed a good early education,
which was improved by constant reading, and his naturally strong mental powers remained with him to the close
of his life. Conscientious, sagacious, and upright, he
had the fullest confidence of his neighbors; benevolent
and religious, he was one of the first to advocate the
abolition of slavery, and thanked God that he lived to
see it accomplished. Mr. Blair's mother, whose maiden
name was Rhoda Beackman, was a worthy companion
for so good a man.    She was energetic, thorough,
thrifty, ambitious for her family, conscientious, benevolent, and kind; and her death was universally regretted.
Mr. Blair's parents sleep together in the soil of the old
homestead. Joseph Blair, great-grandfather of Austin
Blair, emigrated from Scotland in 1756, and settled on a




i   i;*...-^itf
i,', ~ 
X                       iLr i







REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

II

piece of land in the present city of Worcester, Massachusetts; the original patent for which is now in the
possession of the Antiquarian Society of Worcester.
Tradition says that his son Robert, grandfather of Mr.
Blair, was born on the ocean during the outward voyage, in 1756. Mr. Blair inherits the energy and force
of character of his parents. This owes its development
largely, perhaps, to his early physical labor upon a hard
and not very fruitful soil, in a rigorous climate, which
early induced him to turn his attention to a different
mode of life. With a thorough primary education, he
commenced the study of Latin at the age of sixteen.
His habits were, from choice and necessity, economical;
and his tastes led him to spend his time in study and
thoughtful investigation, but he cared little for authority.  Cazenovia Seminary, where he prepared for college, was, and still is, a Methodist institution; and the
yearly revival of religion, to which the students were
expected to give attention, seemed to Mr. Blair to turn
the whole school into a mob. With others, he protested
against them; and a considerable excitement, involving,
among other complications, the expulsion of one of the
students, was the result. AMr. Blair entered Hamilton
College; but, in his Junior year, attracted by the great
reputation of President Nott, he changed to Union
College, from which he graduated in 1837. While there,
he joined in a revolt against the secret societies, and
assisted in organizing an association intended to check
their unfair monopoly of college honors and society
privileges. These episodes of college life illustrate that
fearless independence of character which Mr. Blair's
subsequent career has shown. Mr. Blair w as admitted
to practice in the Court of Common Pleas of Tioga
County in I841, and the same year removed to Michigan.
IHe first located at Jackson; but, during a temporary stay
at Eaton Rapids, in 1842, he was elected Clerk of the
then new county of Eaton. On his return to Jackson,
in 1844, he actively espoused the Whig cause in the
advocacy of the claims of HIenry Clay to the Presidency. Ile was elected a member of the Lower House
of the State Legislature in 1845; and, in 1847, was a
member of the Judiciary Committee, and rendered efficient service in connection with the revision of the
General Statutes at that session. Hie also made an
earnest report in favor of abolishing the color distinction as related to the elective franchise,- the same
ground that he has ever since held. This displeased a
large section of the Whig party, and occasioned his
defeat at the next election.  ie was also active, at the
same session, in securing the abolition of capital punishment. It was effected by a close vote; and elicited
from Rev. George Duffield, then a leading Presbyterian
minister in Detroit, a sermon, in which he denounced
the advocates of the measure as infidels. Mr. Blair,
in 1846, found himself antagonized by a strong ele34

ment of his party on the issue then made; but, in
less than ten years, the growth of the antislavery
sentiment overwhelmed that organization. His views
tended in one direction; those of others, in the op.
posite direction; there was, and could be, no enduring compromise.  In the Whig National Convention
of 1848, all resolutions of an antislavery character
were tabled; Mr. Clay, who was the favorite of the
Northern wing of the party, was defeated; and General
Zachary Taylor was nominated. This was accepted as
the triumph of the ultra Southern sentiment, and severed the last ligament that held Mr. Blair to his party.
He joined the Free-soil movement, and was a membler
of the Buffalo Convention, and of the committee of that
body that nominated Van Buren and Adams for President and Vice-President. Although this aided the election of Taylor, at that time, by drawing largely from the
Democratic vote in New York, its subsequent gains were
mainly from the Whig party, until 1854, when both the
Whig and Free-soil parties in Michigan were merged in
the Republican party, which was formed at Jackson on
the 6th of July. Here Mr. Blair found himself again
acting with most of his old political associates. They
had advanced to his position,-he had not gone back to
theirs. IHe was a member of the Committee on Platform, of which the late Senator Howard was Chairman.
The result of that movement is a matter of political
history. Mr. Blair held the office of Prosecuting Attorney for Jackson County, to which he was elected in
1852; and, in 1854, he was chosen to the State Senate,
taking his seat there on the incoming of the first Republican administration in 1855, and held the position
of parliamentary leader of his party in the Senate.
From this time up to I861, Mr. Blair found a congenial
and agreeable current in politics,-highly exciting, it is
true, but not at that time regarded as dangerously
threatening. lie was a member of the Republican
National Convention of I86o that nominated Mr. Lincoln for President; though, as chairman of the Michigan
delegation, and as representing the sentiment of his
party in Michigan, he strove earnestly for the nomination of William Hi. Seward. He was nominated and
elected Governor of the State in i86o, and was re-elected
in 1862. His term embraced the four years commencing
January I, I861, almost the entire period of the war,during which he won the popular sobriquet of the "War
Governor." llis official acts are public history, though
no public records will ever do justice to the important
actors in the memorable drama then enacted. His contidence in the success of the Union cause, and his earnestness and zeal in its support, are indicated by his
messages to the Legislature, and in the various orders
issued from the office of the Adjutant-General of the
State; some of the results of his labors were shown in
the ninety thousand men furnished by Michigan to the




12

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

Union armies. Governor Blair's attention to politics had
always made serious inroads upon his private business.
His own political campaigns were expensive,-as he
always made a personal canvass, speaking night and
day.   His duties as Governor occupied his entire
time, involving many expenses for which he could not
demand reimbursement, while his salary was merely
nominal. IHe retired from office fairly impoverished,
very weary, and, to a great extent, unfitted for legal
work. In 1867 he was elected to Congress from the
Third Michigan District, and was re-elected in 1869 and
1871. The early part of his Congressional service was
at the time when the Republican party in Congress,
with its unrestricted control of both Houses, stood in a
position of antagonism and defiance to President Johnson. Although more moderate in his views than Thaddeus Stevens, then the leader of the House, and some
others, he was far from sympathizing with the President,
and voted with his party throughout, making a speech
in support of the impeachment proceedings. HIe, however, had no feeling of affinity with the adventurers and
so-called carpet-baggers who swarmed the capital, and
infested the Southern States, about this time,-making a
pretended patriotism the pretext for schemes of plunder
and spoliation. Hie was a member of the Committee on
Foreign Affairs of the Fortieth Congress,- his first term.
In the Forty-first Congress, as a member of the Committee of Ways and Means, he gave his hearty support to
the bill known as the "Act to Strengthen the Public
Credit," and favored, generally, all legislation calculated
to hasten a return to specie payments. The tariff revision, reported by the same committee, was sustained by
him in an exhaustive speech, in which he advocated the
principle of protection to domestic industry,-a sentiment then remaining fresh with him from the historic
(lays of Henry Clay's political leadership. HIe was also,
in this Congress, a member of the Committee on Revision
of the Laws, of which Judge Poland was Chairman.
From a gradual weakening of sympathy with the more
extreme tendencies of his party, he first began to lose
favor in Administration circles by a speech which he
made on the gross mismanagement and delinquencies in
the Post-office Department, of which Mr. Cresswell was
then at the head. In the Forty-second Congress, Mr.
Blair was at the head of the important Committee on
Claims, then having charge of the whole subject, including war claims, which have since been turned over
to a separate committee. This latter class of claims occupied much of the attention of the committee, and involved many nice and intricate questions. William and
Mary College, of Virginia, made a claim for loss and
destruction by the Union troops during the war. This
was one of a very large class of claims, including literary
institutions, churches, and public buildings, that would
have followed; but the committee treated them generally

as mere spoliation, for which no payment could be made.
Mr. Blair opposed measures calculated to unnecessarily
limit the right of local self-government in the States; but
supported, in a speech, Mr. IHoar's Education Bill, which,
unlike all previous measures of the kind, was free from
this objection. Iie also made a speech on the "Bill to
Reform the Civil Service," in which he criticised the
President sharply. His growing dissatisfaction with the
Grant Administration culminated in an open rupture by
his moving, in the House, an investigation of the Navy
Department in connection with the unlawful payment,
by Secretary Robeson, of the celebrated Secor claim.
Although, by usage, he was made chairman, he was
rendered powerless by the remainder of the Committee
of Investigation being packed in opposition to him. The
only result was a pretty full exposition of the abuses of
the Navy Department in the report which he made. In
the first session of this Congress he served on the committee which reported the bill commonly called the
"Enforcement Act," which was directed against the
so-called Ku-klux bands. lie supported this bill, rather
lecause he thought it might serve to quiet partisan
clamor, than because he believed it was called for,
at that time.  Mr. Blair's unfriendliness toward the
Administration during the closing session of the Fortysecond Congress, amounting, it may be said, to a feeling
of deep disgust, only awaited an available opportunity
to manifest itself openly and actively. This was afforded
by the nomination of Horace Greeley for President by
the liberal movement in 1872. That convention gave
voice to his thought actively; and, when Congress adjourned, he entered the campaign with vigor, and assailed the Administration to the utmost, in a hundred
speeches.  During this campaign, Postmaster-General
Cresswell assailed Governor Blair for attacking him
in the matter of the Chorpenning claim, which he
had allowed. Governor Blair's speech in reply was extensively published at the time, and Mr. Cresswell subsequently resigned. Since the close of his Congressional
term, March 4, 1873, he has turned his attention to his
profession, and has taken no active part in politics. lHe
supported Mr. Tilden in 1876, not simply because he
seemed a stronger man than Mr. Hayes, but because he
thought the Republican party might, by defeat, learn a
wholesome lesson of moderation. lie, however, approves
the independent and conservative course of President
Iayes, who, he says, "is proving an abler Executive
than he expected, and is disappointing many of the petty
partisans who pinned their hopes upon him." Governor
Blair's altered political associations have been due rather
to the natural order of growth and decay of parties than
to changes of political opinion on his part. From being
a Henry Clay Whig, he naturally and affectionately embraced Republicanism; and, to the Republican platform
adopted at Chicago, in 1860, exemplified by tlhe Admin



REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

'3

istration of Abraham Lincoln, he is still as loyal as
when urging Michigan's heroes to the front, and extending a watchful care over them while in the field. Governor Blair does not accept the orthodox creeds in religion, but believes earnestly in the religion of honest
living.
~)    ROCKWAY, REV. WILLIAM IIADLEY, AlJ  bion, Michigan, is a native of Morristown,
Orleans County, Vermont, where he was born
on the 24th of February, 1813. He is the son of William and Betsey (Itadley) Brockway, and the first child
by the second marriage of both parents,-his father having had one child, and his mother six children, by a
former marriage. The family afterwards became quite
large, there being fifteen children in all. In 1820 they
removed to Malone, Franklin County, New York, where
William Brockway worked with his father at the blacksmith's trade until he was eighteen years old, obtaining
what little education he could by attending school during the winter months. In 1831 he went to Michigan,
arriving at Detroit in September. After remaining a
short time, he went on to Dexter, which, at that time,
contained only five or six houses. He engaged to work
with ex-Judge Crane, who then had a blacksmith's shop.
One large item of their work was the shoeing of oxen,Judge Crane shoeing the fore feet, and Mr. Brockway
the more unruly members. He remained in this situation during the winter of 1831-32, removing to Ypsilanti
in the spring, and working for several months at his
trade. Ile returned to Dexter in the fall, and engaged
in teaching the first school in the village; after which
lie went to Flat Rock, where he taught, for about six
months, among the Wyandot Indians.    In the fall of
1833, he was licensed by the Quarterly Conference to
preach in the Methodist Episcopal Church at Dexter.
Joining the Ohio Conference, he received an appointment to the Detroit 1)istrict,-of which Rev. James
Gilreth was then Presiding Elder,-and was assigned
for one year to the Huron Mission. At the end of this
time he was placed on the Mt. Clemens circuit, which
then included the whole of Macomb County and portions of those adjoining, lie had thirty-two appointmients every month,-to fulfill which he traveled, on
horseback, a distance of nearly three hundred miles.
Mr. Brockway was the first minister, licensed to preach
in Michigan, who became a member of the traveling
connection. The conference to which he belonged comprised the whole of the State of Ohio and the greater
portion of Mlichigan. When lie attended its first meeting, he was obliged to go to Springfield, Ohio, some
three hundred miles, on horseback. lie remained on
the Mt. Clemens circuit one year, and, at the end of

that time, went to take charge of the Saginaw Mission.
This included Flint, and all of the territory as far north
as he could penetrate, and was inhabited mostly by Indians. His next field of labor was at Ypsilanti, a large
four weeks' circuit of twenty-eight appointments, where
he remained two years. During the secon-d year of his
stay, the village was supplied with a regular preacher.
In 1838 he was made Superintendent of the Lake Superior Indian Mission, and removed to Sault Ste. Marie,
where he resided during the next two years. Hie then
became Chaplain of the military post at Fort Brady, for
eight years, until the troops were called south to engage
in the war then in progress against Mexico. During the
ten years that Mr. Brockway was thus engaged, he visited the mission located on Sandy Lake, on the Mississippi, eight times,-going from Fort Brady to Superior
City either in a canoe or small fish-boat, and thence
overland on foot, stopping at Keweenaw and Fond du
Lac. During the period of his services there, he accomplished much good work; and, through his exertions,
many Indians, as well as whites, were happily converted.
In 1848 he was appointed agent of the Wesleyan Seminary at Albion, in which capacity he passed seven years
of hard labor for the success of the institution. Ile
superintended the building of the north and south halls,
which are now standing; and also the first building that
was located on the present site of the north hall, and
which was destroyed by fire in 1852. In 1855 he was
sent to the Lower Peninsula Mission, which was called
the Indian Mission District, where he remained one year.
He was then on the South Albion Circuit for two years.
At the end of that time, hlie was compelled to leave the
ministry on account of a severe bronchial affection,
although his general health was unexceptionably good.
Since 1858 Mr. Brockway has been engaged in real estate and general business. He was the contractor for
what was incorporated 'as the Northern Michigan Central Railroad,-obtaining the right of way, constructing
the road-bed from Jonesville to Lansing, and completing
the work in sixteen months. The road is now known
as the Lansing Division of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad, and is one of the finest in
Michigan in all of its appointments. The company were
so well pleased with the work, that they named the first
engine belonging to the division, "W. H. Brockway."
Previous to the formation of the Republican party, Mr.
Brockway was a Democrat, but preferred the new organization, with which he became identified. He was
elected one of its first State Senators, from what was
then called the Fourteenth District,-now the Eighth.
In 1863 he was Sergeant-at-Arms of the State Senate;
and, in the sessions of 1865-71, he was a member of the
House of Representatives from the First District of Calhoun County. On the organization of the village, in
1855, he was chosen one of its Trustees; and was elected




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

President, in 1857, for two years, which position he has
since held for one term.  le has been a member of the
village council during the greater portion of twentytwo years. Hle has been one of the Board of Trustees
of Albion College, and its Treasurer much of the time
during the last quarter of a century; and, for four years,
was President of the Board and Chairman of the Executive Committee. In 1861 he was commissioned Chaplain of Stockton's Independent Regiment, which was
afterwards known as the 16th Michigan Infantry; and,
after sixteen months' service, he was obliged to return
home on account of failing health.  His oldest son,
Solomon P. Brockway, who was a member of the same
regiment, was promoted to the rank of Major only one
week previous, and sent home to recruit a cavalry company, with which he joined the 9th Michigan Cavalry.
He was with Sherman in his memorable march to the
sea, and afterwards received the rank of LieutenantColonel. Mr. Brockway is a member of the order of
Odd-Fellows; of the County and State Pioneer Societies;
and is one of the Sons of Temperance. On the 9th of
November, 1836, he married Miss Clarissa Porter, at the
residence of her father, on the Gratiot road, half-way
between Detroit and Mt. Clemens. They had three sons
and one daughter, all of whom are now living, except
the second son; he died in 1844, at the age of three
years. On the 4th day of July, 1871, Mr. Brockway lost
his wife, who had been a most superior woman, rendering valuable assistance in all the early trials and privations of his mission life. May I, 1872, he was united in
marriage with Miss Antoinette Baxter, daughter of Hion.
W. J. Baxter, of Jonesville, Michigan. They have had
one daughter. Mr. Brockway is now, in his sixty-sixth
year, a fine specimen of well-preserved manhood; hale
and vigorous, and, to all appearance, capable of many
years of continued activity and usefulness.
C--O-**2URNHAM, IIIRAM, of Battle Creek, was born
at Burlington, Vermont, June I, 1798.  He received a liberal education at the Vermont University; and, at the age of eighteen years, commenced
studying surveying and engineering under Doctor Johnson, of Burlington, Vermont.  The following year he
was taken by Doctor Johnson, as assistant surveyor,
to establish the boundary line between Maine and
the British possessions. lie served two years in this
position, and three years as principal surveyor of
the American Commissions.   In 1825 he went West
to the Territory of Michigan.  At Detroit he formed
the acquaintance of Mr. Ballard, and others, with
whom he entered into partnership.  They started the
first regular store at Ypsilanti,-the only other approach to one being the business done by the Indian

trader, McKinstry.  At that time there was no wagon
road farther west than Dearborn.  Mr. Burnham employed Indians to take his first stock of goods down
Rouge River, and up the Huron. In the spring of 1830
he brought his family West, and settled at Saline, Washtenaw County, on a Government reserve of eight hundred
and forty acres. The land was withheld from market
on account of the saline springs found upon it, which
were said to have been worked by the French army at
the time of the French and Indian War. Mr. Burnham
spent considerable time and money in testing them, and
found that they did not contain sufficient salt to make
working them profitable. Some years after, the Government granted him a priority in the purchase of the land,
in consideration of his possession, and his efforts in
testing the springs. After this failure he turned his
attention again to his profession. Hie did some Government surveying in Michigan, and made original surveys
in several districts of Wisconsin, in 1835 and 1836.
About the year 1845, a Government Land-office was
established at D)etroit, under the charge of Lucius ILyon,
in which Mr. B3urnham was associated with him for
several years.  His wife died in 1848, and, four years
after, in the spring of 1852, he went to California.
The following September he died of cholera, aged fiftyfour years. Mr. Burnham was particularly noted for his
purity, uprightness, and his unbounded generosity. lie
never thought of self when he saw others in need. lHe
was beloved by his acquaintances to an unusual degree.
UTLER, EDWARD, of Marshall, Michigan, was
born in Deposit, Delaware County, New York,
Sin 1814. He is the son of Samuel and Damer
(Brush) Butler, who came from Connecticut to Deposit,
and there brought up a family of fourteen children.
His two grandfathers were Captains in the American
Revolution. At the age of fourteen Edward Butler was
taken from school and commenced to learn the tanner's
trade with his father. When he was twenty-two years
old he went to New York and Philadelphia, and bought
a stock of goods with which he opened a store in Marshall, Michigan. lie was first in partnership with his
brother-in-law, Mr. Dusenberry. In 1841 Mr. Brewer
was associated with them; but, upon his withdrawal
three years later, the firm name again became Dusenberry & Butler, and so continued until 1861. In that
year Mr. Butler built his present elegant residence, and
established a private bank, which he conducted, in connection with his son, until 1864. He then entered the
wool speculation, and was engaged in this until 1872.
Mr. Butler was an old-line Whig, but is now a Republican. He was the first County Treasurer of the county
in which he lives. May 20, 1836, he married Denary




\"   2"

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

15

Jane Yates, of Sandford, Brown County, New York.
They have had six children, one of whom died in infancy.
His two sons are prominent merchants in Chicago; one
daughter is married to M. K. Howe, of Toledo; and the
remaining two daughters are at home. Mr. Butler has
been very successful in all his business enterprises. He is
a public-spirited man, and has done much toward the
improvement of the city.
----.e-----
2RACKETT, HION. MARTIN S., was born in
Elbridge, Onondaga County, New York, December 19, 181o; and died at his residence in Bellevue, Eaton County, Michigan, February 7, 1877. IHe
was the youngest son of Captain Ezra Brackett, who was
one of the first settlers of Elbridge. During his boyhood, he worked for his father on the farm and in the
brickyard, in summer; and attended school in winter.
At the age of fifteen, he went to the academy at Onondaga Hollow, where he remained three terms. He then
returned home, and continued his studies under the
instruction of the Rev. Timothy Stone, pastor of the
Presbyterian Church of the village. In the summer of
1828, he entered the employment of his brother, and
spent two years in superintending the construction of the
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, near Washington. Early
in 1831, he commenced civil engineering in New Jersey,
under the supervision of Judge Wright. He did valuable service in the construction of the canal built through
New Jersey, and also in the partial excavation of the
canal for the water-works at, Trenton. The Trenton
company being enjoined to proceed no farther, Mr.
Brackett went to Philadelphia, and took a contract on
the Philadelphia, Germantown and Morristown Railroad.
After finishing this work, he went to New York City,
and arranged with Robert L. Stevens to furnish the stone
blocks for the Camden and Amboy Railroad. Hie then
returned to Onondaga Hollow, and, for two years, studied law in the office of Hon. James L. Lawrence. In
1836 the Auburn and Syracuse Railroad was commenced;
and Mr. Brackett, contracting for the heaviest work,
completed the line.  It was also under his supervision
that the Erie Canal was extended from Syracuse to
Geddes. In the spring of 1838, Mr. Brackett removed
to Michigan, and settled at Bellevue, Eaton County,
where he remained until his death. He officiated as
Deputy County Clerk at the first term of the Circuit
Court held in Eaton County, in the autumn of S138. The
same year, he entered the law office of Gibbs & Beadly,
at Marshall; and, in the following year, was admitted to
practice in all the courts in the State. In the fall of the
same year, he was elected to the office of County Clerk,
which position he held for three successive terms, performing its duties in a highly satisfactory manner.

Immediately upon the expiration of his third term, he
was chosen Prosecuting Attorney of the county, in which
position he remained three years,-the third year by
appointment. In 1842 he had the Whig nomination for
State Senator, but was defeated with his party. In 1848,
finding himself differing, in many essential points, from
the Whigs, he joined the Democratic party. He received
the Democratic nomination for State Senator in 1856, and
for Lieutenant-Governor in 1864. Mr. Brackett was
prominently identified with the early history of the Good
Templars in Michigan. Hle was Grand Master Chief
Templar for three years. He was Sir Knight, and held
many official positions in the Masonic Fraternity. No
man in Western Michigan has done more to promote
public improvements than Mr. Brackett. The Lake
Iuron and Chicago Railroad owes its existence, in a
great measure, to the untiring efforts of Mr. Brackett,
in connection with those of IHon. L. D. Dibble, of Battle
Creek. Mr. Brackett was exceedingly fond of the study
of geology, and, at the time of his death, had the largest private collection of geological specimens in the State.
lie possessed many marked traits of character; and his
loss was severely felt by a large circle of relatives and
friends in all parts of Michigan. His funeral was the
largest ever held in Eaton County. Mr. Brackett married Mary Louise Earl, half-sister of Hon. D. D. Hughes,
of Grand Rapids. They had eleven children,-eight
sons and three daughters. With the exception of one
son, all survive. One daughter is the wife of George
Huggett, Prosecuting Attorney of Eaton County.
1\OWNE, ANDREW J., Banker, of Hastings, was
S born in Cortland County, New York, January
I 19, 1829. His father's name was John Bowne.
His mother, Sarah (Pride) Bowne, is of American parentage and English ancestry. He attended the district
school of his native place, and afterwards, from 1849 to
I85I, the Branch Academy, at Kalamazoo, of Michigan
University. In 1851 he entered the law office of Marsh
Giddings, afterwards Giddings & May, where he remained two years. In March, 1853, he decided to give
up the study of law, and started for California. After
traveling through that State and Oregon, he returned to
Michigan, and visited his parents at Prairieville, Barry
County, to which place they had removed in 1837, among
its first settlers. Mr. Bowne immediately commenced a
mercantile trade in Prairieville, which he continued
until 1868.  He also dealt largely in real estate. In
1868 he removed to Hastings, in the same county, and
engaged in a private banking business in company with
F. N. Galloway. In 1871 he purchased Mr. Galloway's
interest. The bank was then made a National Bank, and
Mr. Bowne continued its manager. In addition to this,




x6                  REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

he opened a banking office at Middleville, Barry County,
under the firm name of Bowne, Coombs & Co.      In
1877, in connection with Mr. Coombs, he bought the
banking establishment of Dutton & Williams, of Eaton
Rapids, and carried it on as a National Bank. He is
now President of the three banks, and conducts them
successfully. Politically, Mr. Bowne is a Democrat of
fixed principles. He has been chosen delegate to numerous conventions,-the most noteworthy of which was
the National Convention held in St. Louis in 1876. In
1870 he was nominated State Treasurer; but, though he
ran far ahead of his ticket, suffered a defeat. He takes
a lively interest in national affairs, and uses his time and
influence for every enterprise he deems right. IHe is not
a member of any church, being a freethinker and very
liberal in his views. He is a Master Mason. Ile married, February 15, 1853, Miss Jennie J. Kenfield. They
had three children,-two sons and one daughter. November 15, 1870, he married Miss Stella Tyler, who died
in the following June. His present wife, Miss Sarah
Gardner, of New York, he married April 23, 1873.
They have two children,-one son and one daughter.
Mr. Bowne spent most of the five years between 1863
and 1868 in traveling, and has visited every place of interest in the United States. IHe has been to the East
several times; has spent months in the South; and has
twice made extended tours through California. He is
now forty-six years of age, and in excellent health; a
gentleman of fine personal appearan'ce, and an intellectual countenance. He manages his business with sound
judgment, and is liberal and open-hearted towards the
poor. He is a man of great public enterprise, and is
highly valued by the community.
URKHOLDER, REV. J. C., of Bellevue, Eaton
County, was born in Westmoreland County,
s Pennsylvania, June I, 1838.    IIe is the youngest of six children. His parents are living in Pennsylvania, at the advanced age of seventy-five years. The
first nineteen years of his life, with the exception of
one or two which he passed at school, he spent on his
father's farm. In the spring of 1857, he went to Iowa,
and entered Western College, in Linn County. Experiencing a change in the doctrinal points of his religious views at that time, he became a member of the
Baptist Church, at Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and immediately after, at Pella, Marion County, he entered Central University, which was under the control of the
Baptist denomination. The prominent pastorates held
by Mr. Burkholder have been at Berlin, Wisconsin;
and at Albany and Huntington, Indiana.    He was
President of the Baptist Educational Commission of
Indiana for one year.   Hie has been corresponding

editor of the Western Recorder, published at Jonesville,
Kentucky, for the past four years. He received the
degree of A. M. from his Alma Mater in 1873, and delivered the address before the Alumni Association at
the commencement exercises in 1874. In the fall of
1861, Mr. Burkholder married, in Pella, Iowa, Miss
Mary Jane Jenkins, daughter of Cole P. Jenkins, a
soldier in the War of 1812. They have four children,one son and three daughters. Mr. Burkholder is an
earnest, pleasant, and popular speaker.
U UTTERFIELD, HORATIO Q., I). D., of Olivet,
 Michigan, is the son of Asa and Hannah (Jordan)
Butterfield.  -le was born in Phillips, Maine,
August 5, 1822. His grandfather, Jesse Butterfield, was
a native of Dunstable, Massachusetts, and was one of
those "Minute-men" whom "the shot heard round the
world" aroused. Immediately after the battle of Lexington, he enlisted, and served through the war of the
Revolution. After peace was declared, he removed to
Farmington, Maine, where Doctor Butterfield's father
was born, in 1786. The family is of English origin, and
is quite numerously represented in Massachusetts and
Northern New England. Some branches of it are to be
found in New York and the States of the West. Doctor
Butterfield was one of nine children, whose parents early
taught them the importance of education. The seven sons
qualified themselves to teach, and three of them secured
a liberal education. Doctor Butterfield was fitted for
college at the Farmington Academy, and had an excellent instructor in the Principal, Alexander H. Abbott,
A. M. He entered Colby University, at Waterville,
Maine, in 1844. At the end of two years, he entered
Harvard College, and was graduated in the class of 1848.
lie immediately took charge of a select school for boys at
Boston Highlands; and began, at the same time, the
study of law, entering his name in the office of the late
Francis Hilliard, of Boston. In 1850 he entered the
Theological Seminary at Bangor, Maine, and graduated
in 1853. His first pastorate was at St. Stephen, New
Brunswick, where he was ordained to the Congregational
ministry, October 5, 1854. Two years later, he married
Miss Caroline A. Robinson, daughter of the late Colonel
Noah Robinson, of Meredith, New Hampshire. December 23, 1857, he became pastor of the Old South Church,
at Hallowell, Maine. In 1861 he accepted a call to the
First Congregational Church at Great Falls, New Hampshire. Four years later, he relinquished his charge, and
spent a year in study at Andover, Massachusetts. In
1865 he was made Professor of Ancient Languages in
Washburn College, Kansas, and entered upon the
duties of the office the following year. In 1869 he became
President of the College. At the earnest solicitation of







~" -~
~




I ~`
'C

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

17

the friends of the Society for the Promotion of Collegiate
and Theological Education at the West, which had its
head-quarters in the Bible House, at New York City, he
became its Corresponding Secretary in 1871. In this work
he succeeded the late Theron Baldwin, D. D., whose
name is imperishably connected with some of the leading Christian colleges of the West.  In 1876 Doctor
Butterfield resigned his office as secretary, and entered
upon his duties as President of Olivet College.
'  UUYSE, REV. THEOPHILUS, a Catholic Clerif gyman, and priest of St. John's Church, Jack-,    son, was born at Rumbeke, in East Flanders,
in the kingdom of Belgium, June 7, 1832. He is one
of a family of ten children, and one of his brothers is
also a priest. His father, Peter Buyse, who occupied,
for some time, a prominent position under the Belgian
Government, is deceased; but his mother, Judith IBuyse,
is still living, at an advanced age. Among the many
earnest, devoted, and distinguished prelates of the
Roman Catholic Church, those of Belgian descent-so
far at least as they are represented in this country-are
comparatively numerous; and, by their character and
attainments, command the fullest confidence and respect.
Whether it be that the young Belgian breathes, in the
atmosphere of his little kingdom, the inspiration that
commends him to the holy office, or whether it is imbibed from the mother, whose devotion is there more
conspicuous, we can not say; but certain it is, that,
during Mr. Buyse's childhood, his tastes inclined him
to missionary and priestly work. It seemed indelibly
stamped upon the mind of the boy that he must be a
priest. With this end in view, he was carefully educated, at Roulers, in his native province, entering a
seminary there at the age of thirteen, and remaining
ten years. He here acquired that superior education
and training for which the schools of the Catholic
Church are so noted, including a thorough knowledge
of six languages. In 1856 he left Belgium   for the
United States; and, after a short time spent at Detroit,
went to Cincinnati to complete his studies at Mt. St.
Mary's Seminary, under the charge of Bishop Quinlan,
now of Mobile. He remained here a year and a half,
when he returned to Ietroit; and, December 19, I858,
was ordained to the priesthood by the late Bishop Lefevre,-also a Belgian by birth,-then in charge of that
diocese. His first mission was at Ira, St. Clair County,
Michigan. His field also extended into Macomb, Lapeer, Sanilac, and Huron counties.  His self-denying
labors, his devotion to his charge, and his general intelligence and popularity attracted the attention of the
Bishop, and pointed him out as one adapted to a more
influential position.  In 1870 he was assigned to the
charge of St. John's Church, at Jackson, one of the

most populous parishes in the interior of Michigan. It
embraces not only the Church, but a girls' school, under the charge of the Sister Servants of the Immaculate
Heart of Mary; and a boys' school, under a lay teacher;
the two comprising some three hundred and fifty pupils.
The schools are free to the students, being supported
from the general income of the parish. Father Buyse
has the responsible administration of the parochial
affairs, in which he has the services of an assistant
priest. As a cultured gentleman, he is especially popular.  He has always identified himself with those
local and public enterprises having for their object the
moral improvement and material prosperity of the people; and has labored zealously, both in his own church
and through other channels, for the alleviation of destitution and suffering among the poor. IIe makes it a
particular care to gather and preserve standard books,
especially those of a statistical and historical character;
and, at the State Fair of 1876, he added greatly to the
interest of the "Centennial Department" by the display of a large number of rare, antique works. Ile
holds his own political views, but does not obtrude
them upon others, insisting that his parishioners exercise
the right of suffrage by the light of their best judgment. Words of mere encomium are alike out of place,
whether addressed to the priest or the gentleman; and
Father Buyse, sustaining fully the character of both,
needs no eulogy.
--**~---
I ijURPEE, SAMUEL J., Postmaster and Hardware
JI  Merchant, of Marshall, was born in Marshall,
M. iichigan, June 25, 1837.  Iis father, Samuel
S. Burpee, was born in Templeton, Massachusetts, in
1801, and was the only child. Ile married Mary Ann
Cummings, a native of Royalston, in the same State.
They emigrated to Marshall, Michigan, in 1855, and
opened the first tin store in Calhoun County. To this
was afterwards added a stock of hardware. Samuel J.
Burpee is their only child.  lie lived at home and
attended the public schools until he was fourteen years
old, when he was apprenticed to learn the tinner's
trade. This occupation he pursued in his father's employment until he reached the age of twenty-one, when
he became his father's partner. Since the latter's death,
which occurred December 31, 1864, he has conducted
the business, including the hardware trade, alone. The
firm built the fine brick store now occupied by Mr.
Burpee. His mother still resides in Marshall, and is
sixty-six years of age. Mr. Burpee is a Republican, and
has done much for the success of his party in Calhoun
County. Frdm 1868 to 1872, he was Alderman of the
Second Ward in Marshall; and, while holding the position, was Chairman of the Committee on the Fire
D)epartment. lie recommended the adoption of the




4         &5'~>4:!             K
55                         -~

is

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

present artesian water-works,-being so confident of its
successful operation that he procured the sinking of the
first well on his own responsibility. His hopes being
fully realized, the City Council adopted the system, and
named the first well in honor of Mr. Burpee. In 1873
he was elected Mayor of the city; and, among other
improvements, secured the opening of the old Courthouse Square as a public park. For twenty-three consecutive years he has been a member of the City
Fire Department. In January, 1874, he was appointed
Postmaster; and, in 1878, was re-appointed.  In this
position he is accommodating and popular.   August
30, 1856, Mr. Burpee married Mary Elizabeth, daughter
of John and Eliza Ann (Van Sicklen) Van Blarcon. At
that time, they resided in Girard, Branch County, Michigan; but were natives, respectively, of Delaware County,
New York; and New York City. The only child of
Mr. and Mrs. Burpee is a daughter, Ada, born January
7, 1862. Mr. Burpee is courteous, affable, and genial;
and is justly valued as an upright, public-spirited citizen.
IROWN, lION. WILLIAM ItENRY, Lawyer of
Marshall, Michigan, was born in Pontiac, near
       Norwich, New  London County, Connecticut,
December 9, 1812. lte-was the youngest son of Nathan
and Thankful (Kinney) Brown, and had one brother and
one sister. His ancestors came from England, and settled
as farmers in Preston, where his father held many honorable positions. His mother was of Scottish descent. lie
acquired his education, as was customary at that time,
amnong the clergy, studying the classics, at different times,
with Timothy Tuttle, Horatio Waldo, and others. After
attending Plainfield Academy for a short time, he went
to Yale College, and entered the law school; ample
means were placed at his disposal, but ill health compelled him to leave before graduating.  He then went
to Utica, New York, where he continued to read law;
and was, for a while, in the law office of White, Beardsley & Crafts. In the spring of 1836, he went West and
remained a short time in Marshall. In company with a
young man named Snow, he then went to Iowa, and laid
out and platted what is now the village of Sabula. After
a time, he returned to Marshall; and, in 1839, he was
admitted to the bar, and began the practice of his profession. In 1854 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney, and
in 1856 was re-elected. During his four years of service,
he was so cautious in his arrangements that he did not
acquit a single person, and had but one jury disagree.
Ile was Assistant United States District-Attorney for
seven years,- from 1864 to 1871. lIe was first engaged
by Davies Clark in the railroad compromise prosecution; but, on account of sickness in his family, he was
out of the State when the trial commenced, lie was for

a long time the only attorney at Marshall. In i858 he
was desired to accept the nomination for Representative to the Legislature, and later, he was solicited
to become a candidate for Representative in Congress; but he declined all political honors, preferring
to devote his time to acquiring   excellence in his
profession. In this he has been truly successful, having
prosecuted more cases in the court of Calhoun County,
and carried more to the Supreme Bench, than any
other person in the county.  lie has been associated,
at different times, with John Van Arman, now of Chicago; Robert Cross, who was formerly a partner of Caleb
Cushing; J. B. Greenough, now Professor in Cambridge;
and J. C. Patterson, who is his present partner. In 1840
he cast his first national vote for William H. Harrison;
and, in 1854, be connected himself with the Republican
party.  lie has since been prominently identified with
that party, and has made important speeches during various political canvasses. Ile was very strongly in favor of
the late war; and, although he was not in the battle-field,
he encouraged the policy of the Government by his influence at home. He has been directly connected with the
public enterprises in the city, having contributed liberally and otherwi3e aided the erection of the fine public
buildings, and encouraged all projects having in view the
material advancement of Marshall, especially the thorough development of educational advantages. HIe has
been a noted character in the legal history of the place
and by his success has proved that his many hours of toil
have not been in vain. Ileis a man of marked personal
appearance, being over six feet in height, and has borne,
unusually well, over sixty years of hard labor. Ile is
eminently social and genial. Ile is esteemed for his
talents and faithfulness as a lawyer, and it is highly probable that, had he permitted it, he would have been prominent in the political history of the Nation. Since 1843
he has been an active member of the Presbyterian Church,
to which he has contributed liberally.  Mr. Brown's
library, in which he has spent many fruitful hours, is
among the largest and finest in the State. lIe has been
twice married: First, October 13, 1842, to Miss Jeanette
E., daughter of William W. Backus, of Utica, New York.
They have had two sons, one of whom is a civil engineer
in Brooklyn, New York; the other died in his youth.
Second, October 3, 1849, to Miss Mary M., daughter of
Samuel H. Addington, of Buffalo, New York; she died,
leaving no children. lion. C. I. Walker, of Detroit, says
of Mr. Brown that "he has been an enterprising, honorable, high-minded man," and that "those offices he has
held he has filled with credit to himself and benefit to
the public." Thus is added another worthy name to
the list of Michigan's eminent men.  Such a eulogy,
bearing its own weight, is one of which any man might
be proud. Mr. Brown is still actively engaged in his
duties, and gives promise of many years of usefulness.




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.              19
REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICIIIGAN.             19

ANDLER, ALBERT, of Coldwater, Michigan,
Swas born in Sempronius, Cayuga County, New
SYork, September 23, 1814.  His parents, Daniel
and Deborah Chandler, were in humble circumstances.
His father was converted at the age of seven, and, before
he was eight, had completed the reading of the Bible.
HIe afterwards became a zealous Bible student. IHe was
liberally educated for his day, and taught school some
portion of the time. Albert Chandler bound himself, at
the age of fourteen, to a gentleman named Dyer, upon
condition that, at the age of twenty-one, he should receive two suits of clothes, and a horse and bridle. The
death of the gentleman, the following year, released
him from his engagement, and he bound himself to learn
the shoemaking trade. A six months' trial satisfied him
that he did not like the occupation.  Ile then tried
book-binding, for the same length of time; this he also
found uncongenial. He finally entered the office of the
Palmyra Sentin'l, at Palmyra, New York, then edited by
the vigorous writer, Pomeroy Tucker, in whose house he
found a true home and faithful friends until 1835. In
the spring of that year, following the general impulse
of emigration to the West, he moved to Michigan. IIe
arrived at White Pigeon, St. Joseph County, late Saturday evening, with twenty-five cents in his pocket. The
next morning he gave his last penny in alms to a poor
woman.   lie has never wanted bread since, although
obliged to live on a small allowance for some years.
After six months' work in the office of the Michigan
Statesman, at White Pigeon, arrangements were made to
remove the office to Kalamazoo, Michigan, and the firm
of Gilbert & Chandler commenped the publication of
the Kalamazoo Gazette.  Money came in slowly, and
Mr. Chandler soon sold out, and removed to Constantine,
St. Joseph County, Michigan, where he was to publish a
new paper, under the patronage of Gov. John S. Barry,
Isaac J. Pullman, and other prominent men. He went as
far as )Detroit, on his way to Buffalo, to purchase materials;
and waited there, in suspense, two weeks for his partner,
Edwin A. King, who was to furnish the money for the
enterprise. His friends at last interviewed Mr. King,
and ascertained that he was deceiving Mr. Chandler, who
was thus left without money or work. Hlon. Edwin H.
Lathrop, a member of the Legislature from Kalamazoo,
knew of his deep distress and said to him, " Chandler,
let me see you write a few lines." After examining his
writing, he said, "You can be clerk in the Legislature."
Through his influence Mr. Chandler received the election;
and thus what seemed a great misfortune, proved to be
his best opportunity for advancement. HIe held the office
of clerk three years.  February 15, I838, he married
Eliza T. Abbott, daughter of Hon. Robert Abbott, Auditor-General of the State of Michigan. He then moved
to Constantine and commenced work in a printing-office.
This he soon abandoned for the tin and sheet-iron busi33

ness. In 1839 he removed to Coldwater, Michigan, and
continued in the tin business for about six months. He
then sold his tools and stock; and, soon after, purchased
a printing-office, and issued the Coldwater Sentinel.
This paper he conducted nearly eight years. In 1848 he
entered the hardware business, which he carried on twenty.
one years in partnership with Mr. Lester F. Hale. They
worked it up from small beginnings to a prosperous trade
of nearly sixty thousand dollars per annum.  In 1869
Mr. Chandler purchased Mr. Hale's interest, and has
since increased the business to full one hundred thousand
dollars, in general hardware, and that needed for saddlery
and carriages. Mr. Chandler was elected the first Mayor
of Coldwater under the city charter, and has been twice
re-elected; he took an active part in raising the necessary money to secure the State Public School at Coldwater. In 1847 he united with the Methodist Church.
le has always been a Democrat; and worked zealously
for the maintenance of the Union. Ile has brought up
eight children,-four sons and four daughters. His sons
are variously engaged in the business of the firm of Albert Chandler & Sons.
KIIATTERTON, DR. JACOB C., of Battle Creek,
was born in Senmpronious, Cayuga County, New,, York, October 12, 1798; and died October 7,
1875. His school education was the simple elementary
training gained in the common schools of the period.
In boyhood, he displayed a remarkable taste for reading, and was gifted with a fine memory, which, cultivated and strengthened by constant use, enabled him to
supply many early deficiencies. His medical studies
were begun by an allopathic course in the office of Dr.
Wendall, of Albany; and he commenced practice at the
age of twenty. After receiving his degree, he entered
upon the duties of his profession at Bath, Rushville,
and Middleport. IIe tried farm work in Middleport,
and then removed to Waterport, where he was engaged
in milling and merchandise, in connection with his
medical practice.  Few men were better known in
political circles than Dr. Chatterton.  His principal
work was done in Western New York. He was a delegate to the Republican Convention, at Harrisburg,
which nominated General Harrison for President. IHe
was a personal friend of Millard Fillmore, William H.
Seward, and Governor Hunt.   On the Fourth of July
in which Mr. Fillmore first made his appearance as an
orator, Dr. Chatterton read the Declaration of Independence before an audience. IIe was appointed, by Pres
ident Fillmore, the first special agent of the Post-office
I)epartment, and held the position during that administration. In 1855 he removed from Alton, New York,
to Battle Creek, Michigan. Hie was a member of the




%7 0,ý:  ~li'
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

Masonic Fraternity; and was liberal in his religious
views. His first wife was Mary Huny, of Cayuga, New
York. They had five children, four of whom are living.
One of the daughters married L. D. Dibble, of Battle
Creek. November 6, 1870, he married Marion P. Bolt,
of Battle Creek, who survives him.
IHASE, PROF. CHARLES PARKER, of Olivet,
Michigan, was born in West Newbury, Massachusetts, May 6, 1845, and is the son of Samuel
Sewell and Eunice (Colby) Chase. lie is one of the
numerous descendants of Aquilla Chase, who, in early
colonial times, settled in Old Newbury. He graduated
at Phillips' academy, Andover, in 1865, and at Dartmouth College in 1869; and, very soon after became
principal of the Academy in Norwich, Vermont. In the
spring of 1870 he was appointed tutor of Greek in Dartmouth College; and, remained in that position until the
fall of 1872, when he accepted a call to the professorship of Mathematics in Olivet College, Michigan. In
1876, he was transferred to the chair of Latin in the
same college. HIe was reared a Congregationalist, and
is a member of that church. He is an independent Republican in his political views. July 7, 1874, he married
Fannie Huntington, daughter of N. S. Huntington, of
Ianover, New Hampshire. lie occupies the position
of librarian of Olivet College.
f1UTTER, DR. STEPHEN STARR, of Coldwater,
Michigan, was born June 9, 1819, at Enfield,
Tompkins County, New York. He is the sixth
of the seven children of David and Sarah (Starr) Cutter.
His grandfather was a native of Massachusetts, and a
Major in the Revolutionary army.  His father was a
farmer, and at an early clay resided in Cayuga County,
New York, and removed to Enfield, Tompkins County,
in 1816. Thence he went to Newfield, where he assisted
on the farm and attended school until he was eighteen.
lie then commenced teaching, and studied the higher
English branches under the tutorship of Mr. Headley, the
author. lie spent a year, as pupil and teacher, in the
academy at Moravia, New York. In 1840 he established a
select school, for the benefit of advanced pupils, at Newfield. This school he carried on, with good patronage and
general success, for three years. His plan was, in some
respects, original. Hie cast aside all conventional rules
for attendance and behavior as useless and pernicious,
and allowed the pupils to do as they pleased in every
thing. He relied entirely upon their honor, their desire
to learn, and his ability to interest, and found that

the plan worked admirably. IIe continued his private
studies while teaching, and formed classes in any particular branch he wished to pursue. In 1842 he emigrated to Michigan, and settled at Coldwater, where he
commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr.
M. H. Hlanchett. IIe graduated, in 1846, from  the
Geneva Medical College, and practiced with Doctor
Hanchett until 1850. With the exception of a partnership of a year and a half with Doctor Estabrook, his
brother-in-law, he has since been alone; and has now an
extensive practice in Coldwater. Doctor Cutter has
always taken a lively interest in educational matters,
and for six successive years was a member of the Board
of Education. IHe has done much toward bringing the
city schools to their present prosperous condition. lHe
has also held the office of Visitor to the State University
for two years. In 1867 he was appointed, by Governor
Baldwin, Chairman of the Special Commission on Penal,
Charitable, and Reformatory Institutions of the State.
The committee had instructions to visit the different
institutions in Michigan and other States; to report on
their present condition; and to recommend to the Legislature, in 1871, whatever improvements they might deem
advisable. The other members were Hon. C. I. Walker,
of Detroit; and Hon. Frances H. Rankin, of Flint. The
field of their investigations was broad, and occupied a
large portion of their time for two years. Neither pains
nor expense were spared to make the report thorough.
It was submitted to the Governor in 1870; and, by him,
brought before the Legislature in 1871. It recommended
many important and radical changes in the penal, reformatory, and charitable affairs of the State. The most
important of these was: The abolition of County Jails
as places of punishment for crime, and the substitution
of State Houses of Correction, or Intermediate Prisons;
retaining the jails as houses of detention for persons
charged with crime, until they should be convicted or
discharged. That the first object of punishment should
be the reformation of criminals was made prominent in
the report. Indeterminate sentences were strongly recommended, and the necessity was urged of some adequate
provision for the care of discharged convicts. The classification and plan for the treatment of pauperism were
brought before the commission by Doctor Cutter, and
adopted, with the hope that, sometime in the future,
the State would find it wise to carry them into practice.
The commission advised that the paupers should be
divided into five classes, namely: the insane, idiots and
feeble-minded, children under sixteen, the dissolute,
and the old and infirm,-each to be congregated in State
or district institutions, and all to be under the control
and support of the State. The Legislature has since
adopted and carried out the commission's recommendation of a State Board of Public Charities. They have
established an Intermediate Prison at lonia; an Insane




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

2T

Asylum at Pontiac, for the care of the pauper insane; j Baptist Church in the city of Washington. IIe declined

and the State Public School at Coldwater, for pauper
and indigent children. This last institution is the first
one of the kind established by any government on so
broad a basis. Michigan is the first State which has
undertaken to care for and educate her pauper and
dependent children, and make them wards of the State.
Doctor Cutter was for two years a member of the Board
of Control of the State Public School. During that
period he gave a large portion of his time for the establishment of the school; and, in connection with the
other members of the Board, deserves grateful appreciation at the hands of the people of Michigan for the
zeal manifested in this just and righteous cause. He is
now connected with it as the attending physician. lHe
has been a Republican since the organization of the
party. He is decidedly liberal in his religious views.
lie has been twice married. In November, 1848, he
married Adaline A. Estabrook, of Tompkins County,
New York. She died in 1855; and, in 1858, he married
Georgiana Lucas, daughter of Rev. William Lucas, of
Auburn, New York.    Doctor Cutter is a fluent, easy
conversationalist on almost any topic, and is particularly
ready on the subject of reforms and the State public
institutions.
1~7OMSTOCK, REV. OLIVER C., Marshall, Michigan, son of Hon. Adam Comstock, of Saratoga
SCounty, New York, was born in Warwick, Kent
County, Rhode Island, March I, 1781. His father was
a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Revolutionary War, under
Colonel Christopher Green, in the brigade commanded
by General Varnum. After independence was achieved,
Colonel Comstock removed to Schenectady with his
large family. He finally purchased a farm in the town
of Greenfield, Saratoga County, where he died many
years ago. His son studied medicine; and, for a short
time, practiced near Cayuga Bridge. There he married
Lydia Smith, daughter of Judge Grover Smith, of Seneca
County. In 1807 Dr. Comstock removed to Trumansburg,-then in Seneca County,-now a beautiful village
in Tompkins County. He was the first Judge of Seneca
County, and first Postmaster of Trumansburg.  His
first quarter's salary as Postmaster was one dollar and
eighty-one cents. lHe was three times elected to Congress from a large and enlightened district.  In the
House of Representatives, he was an able debater, and
a consistent, upright public servant. At the close of
his Congressional labors, he was appointed one of the
Commissioners to settle the claims of war sufferers on
the Niagara frontier. This delicate duty was discharged
to the satisfaction of both the Government and the
claimants.  He was ordained to the ministry of the

a renomination for Congress; and continued the practice of medicine at Trumansburg until his eldest son,
his namesake, succeeded him in 1825. For several
years after, Dr. Comstock was pastor of the First Baptist Church in Rochester. During the great revival of
1831, Grover S. Comstock, his son,-then a lawyer in
Rochester,-was converted; and immediately, as he
expressed it, "took a retainer from the Lord Jesus
Christ, and entered the Christian ministry." This son
afterwards went as a missionary to India, and died of
cholera, at Akyab, in 1844. Soon after the death of his
wife in 1834, Dr. Comstock resigned his pastoral charge
in Rochester, and was appointed Chaplain to Congress.
He afterwards preached some time in Norfolk, Virginia.
Upon his emigration to Michigan, he settled in Detroit. He was twice elected Superintendent of Public
Instruction of Michigan; and at that time had his office
at Ann Arbor. His lucid and scholarly reports attest
not only his eminent fitness for the position, but the
hearty earnestness with which he discharged its obligations. He was, when a very young man, a member of
the New York Assembly; and, toward the close of his
eventful life, was elected to the House of Representatives from Branch County, Michigan.  He died in
Marshall, Calhoun County, in the seventy-ninth year of
his age. In the meridian of life, he was a man of commanding presence,-tall and well proportioned. IHe
had a kindly, intellectual countenance, and courteous,
refined manners.  He left the halls of Congress, and
the highest walks of social life, to become a minister of
the Gospel. In all positions, he was the true man,
the courteous citizen, the kind, affectionate, tender,
Christian friend. Heaven endowed him with a great
intellect, and also gave him a great heart, which was
ever running over with love for the whole human family.
-+0.~---
S   OLLIER, HON. VICTORY PHELPS, ex-Treasurer of the State, ex-Inspector of the State-prison,
Sex-Regent of the State University, ex-State Senator, and President of the First National Bank, of Battle
Creek, Michigan, was born in Victor, Ontario County,
New York, April 25, 1820. His father, Stephen Collier,
who is now living in Bedford, Michigan, at the advanced
age of eighty-four years, was born in Kinderhook, New
York. When quite young he went to Burlington, Connecticut, where he married Abigail Emeline Phelps, a
woman of superior intelligence and strength of character.
They moved from Burlington to Victor, Ontario County,
New York. Victory P. Collier received his early education in the common schools of Victor, after which he
attended for a time the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, at
Lima, New York. At the age of fourteen, on account




44--    1~. -.  -

22

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

of adverse circumstances, he was bound out to work for
fifty dollars a year, in a dry-goods store at Rush, Monroe County. After remaining six months, he left, with
his parents, for Michigan, September 28, 1835. They went
by canal to Buffalo, and thence by steamer to Detroit,
b)eing five days in making the journey. From Detroit,
they traveled by means of an ox-team to Battle Creek,
where, after ten days, they arrived, October 16, 1835.
In the latter part of November, with two yoke of oxen,
the use of one of which he obtained for a barrel of salt,
V. P. Collier returned to Detroit for a load of household goods, which he brought to Battle Creek in JDecemher. He has never fully recovered from the injury to
his health, received on this journey, in consequence of
cold, stormy weather and bad roads. His father located
a pi~ece of land four miles south of Battle Creek. This
he sold in 1837, and moved into a log house which stood
off the main street in the village. Shortly after, he
bought Government land in Barry County, and, in the
fall, removed to Johinstown. They were obliged to follow an Indian trail fromn Battle Creek, as Barry County
at that time was a wilderness with no white inhabitants. Mr. Collier's family was the first in Johnstown,
and remained there until 1847. During this time, V. P.
Collier worked in the woods, and, as a matter of course,
was almost entirely isolated from society. At the age
of twenty he was solicited to teach school, and, with
many misgivings, consented to take the responsibility.
lie tauight during the three winter mnonths, and was so
stuccessful that he retained the school for the two following winters. In 1842, he was elected Sheriff of Barry
County, and served one term. Hie was also elected
School Inspector and Town Clerk. In September, 1847,
at the age of twenty-seven years, hie left home with two
dollars in his pocket and went to Battle Creek. There
he engaged for ten dollars a month as salesman in the
store of II1. Marle & Co. In 1849 the firm dissolved
partnership, and Mr. Collier managed the business, in
connection with Mr. 'Wallace. In 1855 the latter disposed of his interest and the firm name became Collier
& Coy. Mr. Collier was then taken sick and sold his
share to Mr. Coy. After recovering, he bought it back
and Mr. Coy sold out, the firm becoming Collier & Wallace. This firm continued until i858, when, on account
of poor health, Mr. Collier retired. In 1861 he engaged
in the hardware business, which he continued fifteen
years. In 186i4 Mr. Collier was elected State Senator,
and became Chairman of the Finance Committee. Hie
was re-elected in 1866f, and made chairman of the same
committee. Hle was Alderman from the Fourth W~ard of
Battle Creek, during the first four years after its organization as a city. Hie was elected Mayor in 1875, and
served one term. During the war he was appointed
agent to raise means for filling the quota of troops for

State Central Committee for several years. In 1870 he
was elected State Treasurer, and, in 1872, was re-elected.
In 1875 he was ap~pointed Minister to the Netherlands,
by President Grant, hut declined to accept the office.
In 1876i he was United States Centennial Commissioner
from Michigan. In the spring of that year, the President
offered him tlse position of Consul on the M-ain, which
he declined. In the spring of 1877 he was elected
Regent of the State University, at Ann Arbor. The
(lay after his nomination, hie was appointed Regent by
G~overnor Croswell, to fill the vacancy then existing. In
August of the same year, he resigned on account of poor
health. Hle was appointed, by Governor Baldwin, one of
the Inspectors of the Jackson prison, and filled the position with ability.  Mir. Collier has done his part towards
the advancement of all public enterprises for the prosperity of the city, county, and State. Ile has discharged
his (duties in a capable, worthy manner. Fe~v men in
Michigan are better known or more admired. IDeep
religious p~rincip~les were inculcated in his mind by his
mother, whom he holds in the fondest remembrance.
He is not a member of any religious organization, but,
with his family, attends the Congregational Church. Ilie
was a Whig while that party lasted, and afterwards became a Republican.   Hle takes great interest in the success of his party and its lprincilples. In S867, Mr. Collier
became President of the First National Bank, of Battle
Creek, and still holds the position. This hank has a
capital of one hundred thousand dollars, and~ is one of
the leading banks in Western Mlichigan. Mr. Collier
married, in October, 1849, Minerv-a Pew, of Battle Creek.
They had five children, the oldest of whom, a son, is
now engaged in the iron business, in Detroit.    Mlrs.
Collier died in 1861.  Mr. Collier married his present
wife, March S8, 1866i. They have one child. As is
seen by the above sketch, Mr. Collier is one of the pioneers of M.\ichig~an, and a truly self-made man. 11lis life
of honor and usefulness is an example well worthy of
emulation.
(fAMPBELL, DR. WILLIAM M., late of Battle
Creek, Michigan, wvas born in Chittenango, Madijson County, New York, September 15, 1809; and
died in Battle Creek, Michigan, March 15, 1870.- His
boyhood was spent in Camillus, Onondaga County, New
York, on the farm to which his father, Ethan Campbell,
removed in i8io. As a student he had a taste for physics,
and devoted several years, at the academy in Pompey
Hill, to the sciences and classics. He studied medicine
wvith Dr. Laughlin, of Memphis, and Dr. C. Campbell,
of W~ayne County, New York; and, in 18',6, graduated
with high honors, at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Fairfield, New York.   He commenced the




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

23

pany with Dr. Bassett; but was not pleased with the
location, and traveled on horseback through Southern
Michigan in search of another opening.  In March,
1837, he was induced by a brother physician to settle in
Battle Creek. During the sickly season of 1838, he was
the only practicing physician between Marshall and
Galesburg. Hie rode night and day, on his Indian poney,
through the forests, guided by marked trees, for many
miles in every direction, and administered to the sick
in the log-cabins of the pioneers. lie soon acquired the
reputation of an energetic, skillful practitioner. In I839
he became associated with I)r. Cox, and practiced with
him for nearly twenty years. With the exception of one
year, during the late war, passed in the military hospital
at Washington, he never relinquished the active practice of his profession until the week before his death.
Dr. Campbell delighted in scientific investigations; and,
for fourteen years made meteorological observations and
monthly reports for the Smithsonian Institute, at \Washington. Ile was an honorary member of the American
Scientific Association. He was Postmaster of Battle
Creek during a portion of Buchanan's Administration.
As a school officer, he first divided the old township of
Milton into districts, and organized the schools. Dr.
Campbell married Lucy Starkweather, January I, 1839.
She died in 1853. Their two children -a son and daughter-are married and live in Chicago. IIe married, July
4, 186o, Helen Crittenden, a daughter of the late Noah
P. Crittenden. Mr. Crittenden lost his life in the burning of the ill-fated "Erie," in 1841. Dr. Campbell was
the first physician who permanently located at Battle
Creek; and, with one exception, was, at the time of his
death, the oldest practitioner in Calhoun County.
iHIURCtI, EARL T., Merchant, of Charlotte, was
@   born in Seneca County, Ohio, January 21, 1835.
His parents were Earl and ('alena (Titus) Church.
In 1833 his father removed from Connecticut to Seneca
County, Ohio, which was then a wilderness. Earl T.
Church worked on the farm in summer, and in winter
attended school. His first instruction was received in a
school taught by his father. After his father's death,
he made his home with his uncle, for whom he was engaged in farm work until he was seventeen. Ile afterwards went to Fremont, Ohio, where he became clerk
in a store. After remaining in that position one year,
he started for California; but, on reaching St. Joseph,
Missouri, was taken sick, and compelled to return to
Ohio. In the fall of 1854, he removed to Charlotte,
Eaton County, Michigan, and has since resided there and
in the vicinity. After going to Michigan, he engaged
in various kinds of labor. In 1855 he was employed as
clerk in a store. Hie attended the academy and worked

in the office of the Register of Deeds three years. lIe
then removed to a farm, but remained only a short
time.  In I858 he engaged in the grocery business,
in a small way,-his goods invoicing only three hundred dollars, to pay for which he placed a mortgage
on his home. He has ever since actively pursued this
business, so insignificant in its beginning, and has seen
it steadily prospering under his management, until now
his store and stock are the largest in Eaton County.
lie has had several partners, but is, at present, alone.
A few years since, he commenced jobbing to other dealers, and his annual trade now reaches one hundred thousand dollars. His success in business is due to his close
attention, thorough system, unusual capacity, and unquestioned integrity. An evidence of his great popularity is that, since his residence in Charlotte, lie has
been kept almost constantly in office. At the age of
twenty-one, he was elected Town Clerk, and served many
years.  In 1868 he was elected Supervisor of Eaton
Township, and was re-elected each year until the city
was incorporated. Ile was the first Treasurer of Charlotte, and held the position until 1871, when he was
elected President. In that year the village was incorporated as a city. Mr. Church was one of the committee that drew up the charter and procured its adoption.
Under it, he was elected the first Supervisor and second
Mayor of the city. In politics, he has always been a
Democrat. In 1872 he was the Democratic candidate
for the Legislature; but was defeated, though he ran far
ahead of his ticket. IIe is a zealous Mason, a Knight
Templar, and is now DIeputy Grand Master of the Fifth
Masonic District, composed of the counties of Jackson,
Calhoun, Barry, and Eaton. lie has been Master of the
Masonic Lodge at Charlotte for many years.   For a
number of years, he has served as Secretary and President of the Eaton County Agricultural Society; and it is
largely through his instrumentality that the fair grounds
have been madle so attractive. DIuring the war, he was
Enrolling Commissioner and Recruiting Agent for his
township.  lie was Chairman of the Jail Building Committee, and the building erected is said to be one of the
best and cheapest in the State; under the supervision-of
Messrs. Church and Lacey, it was built for a less sum
than was appropriated. lie is President of the Charlotte Manufacturing Company, the Charlotte Library
Association, and the Charlotte Cemetery Association.
Mr. Church is liberal in his religious views.  le is one
of the leading spirits in the Charlotte Public Library,
and in the improvement of the beautiful new cemetery.
Ile married, in August, 1856, Emma J. Bonton, whose
parents were pioneers of Eaton County. They have one
son. Mr. Church is a man of remarkable natural powers;
and is distinguished for his capacity for thorough and
patient investigation, and his determination to master
thoroughly the minutest details of any business which




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24

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

he undertakes. He was never known to do any thing
improperly or imperfectly. Probably no man has felt
greater desire for the prosperity of the city in which he
dwells; and certainly none has spent more lavishly and
unselfishly his time and money in behalf of all the public enterprises which have served to make it beautiful.
In the management of its public affairs, his broad and
intelligent views have been largely adopted; and many
things which have long since become the pride of all its
citizens were accomplished, mainly, through his remarkable foresight and indomitable energy, in spite of the
protests of those who now enjoy and appreciate them
most. It is, therefore, not singular that he has become
greatly endeared to the people, and that he should enjoy
the unbounded confidence of all who know him.
C   JHISIIOLM, THOMAS, of Marshall, was born May
5, 1807, in Melrose, Scotland, and was the son
N    of John and Barbara (Young) Chisholm. His
parents were rigid Scotch Presbyterians.  They had
eight children, Thomas being the oldest. His brothers
were Peter, William, Robert, Andrew, and George; and
his sisters, Sarah and Elizabeth. When ten years of
age, Thomas Chisholm emigrated with his parents to
New York, and settled near Champlain village, where
he worked very hard. He attended school but three
months in his life,-during the winter term, when he
was fifteen years old. When fourteen years of age, he
left home to work on a farm; with his first savings, he
bought a cow, which he drove home to his parents. He
remained on this farm three years, and then went to
Plattsburg,-not far from his home,-and worked for
about a year in an iron foundry. IHe then started for
New York City, with but five dollars in his pocket. He
stopped several times to work, thus paying his expenses,
and reached New York in possession of the same five
dollars with which he had started some months previous. Here, after contemplating going to sea, and other
adventurous pursuits, he finally engaged to work for a
garden farmer.  He remained during the summer of
1825; and, in the fall, after a short but severe illness,
returned to his father's home. When twenty-one years
of age, he married Didamia Minerva Platt, of Peru,
New York, for whose uncle the village of Plattsburg
was named. During the following year, they kept a
boarding-house in Plattsburg; and, in the spring of
1831, in company with Sidney Ketchum, removed to
Marshall, Michigan. Mr. Chisholm assisted in building
the first dwelling and mills in the place. His daughter,
Minerva, the late Mrs. Boughton, was the first white
child born in. the city of Marshall.  Mr. Chisholm
located several tracts of land in Marshall, and finally
'   settled on an eighty-acre lot, upon which he built a

small log house. This lot is now a portion of the farm
adjoining his late residence. In 1838 he built a frame
house, which has since received extensive additions.
His religious convictions were of the deepest character,
although he never united with any church. He cast
his first vote for Andrew Jackson, and always continued.a Democrat. His wife died, June 17, 1838, when but
twenty-eight years of age, leaving four children,-E.
Minerva, James M., Thomas J., and Mary D.       He
married, January 22, 1839, Mary A. Hewitt, of Wayne
County, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Dethic
and Louisa (Ansley) Hewitt, and came to Marengo with
her parents in 1836. Her father, in early life, was a
blacksmith.  Some twenty years ago, he removed to
Edwardsburg, Cass County, where he held many important offices. He is now eighty-one years of age.
Her mother died about four years ago. Mr. and Mrs.
Chisholm have had six children,-Sarah J., now Mrs.
Bailey, of Chicago; Edwin H., George A., Lucy N., who
died at the age of six years; Emma L., now Mrs.
Evans, of Marengo; and D. Hewitt, who remains on
the farm with his mother. All of the sons are farmers.
Mr. Chisholm was Supervisor of his town four successive years.  He was an excellent farmer; and, at his
death, had more than nine hundred acres of land under
his immediate care. He seemed to be universally successful in his undertakings. He aided all movements
for advancing justice and virtue, and was firm in all his
opinions. His life was a pattern of industry, frugality,
and honorable dealing. His person was large and commanding, and his constitution strong.  Having taken
a severe cold, which terminated in congestion of the
lungs, he died January, I, 1877, after an illness of three
days, at his late residence in Marengo.
LARK, REV. CALVIN, of Marshall, Michigan,
son of Nathan and Louise (Edwards) Clark, was
born in West Ilampton, Massachusetts, March 27,
1805. He is descended from English and Welsh emigrants, who came to America in 1639. Mr. Clark's
boyhood was passed in the ordinary industries of a
Puritan home. He eagerly desired to obtain an education, but his parents' means were not sufficient to indulge his wish. At the age of twenty-one, he engaged
as laborer on a farm a hundred and fifty miles away;
but his father's entreaties, and his mother's illness,
which was aggravated by her grief, induced him to
break the engagement.    Shortly after, he confessed
Christ publicly, and commenced to study for the ministry. At first, he met with much opposition.   His
father discouraged the design because of an impediment
in Mr. Clark's speech; but he was determined to overcome all obstacles. He received two hundred dollars




1




e57"




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

25

from  his father; his mother and sisters helped and
encouraged him; he defrayed part of his expenses by
teaching; and finished his course of training without
incurring any debt. While in the seminary at Auburn,he became interested in the mission cause, and gained
some experience in the mission work. His attention
was first directed to the foreign field, but he finally
accepted, from the American Home Missionary Society,
a commission to go to Calhoun County, in the Territory
of Michigan. In 1835 he married Evelina P. Greves, of
Skaneateles, New York, and started for his field of
labor. For the first ten years, he received an average
salary of one hundred dollars. For four years, he was
pastor of the church in Hillsdale; for four and a half
years, District Secretary of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. lie has been connected
with the Presbyterian Board since 1863. Mr. Clark was
Trustee of the Hillsdale College, and of the contemplated Marshall College. He is now Trustee of Olivet
College and of the Kalamazoo Female Seminary. His
life has been singularly active and useful; he has
organized many churches; assisted many pastors in
their work; and made many professional visits. lHe
has been in the field longer than any other clergyman
in the Synod of Michigan.   Mr. Clark devotes most
of his time to missionary and revival labors.,,ONVIS, GENERAL EZRA, formerly of Verona,
Pioneer, and Speaker of the first Legislature of
Michigan, was born in V.ermont; and, when quite
young, removed with his parents to Chautauqua County,
New York. He was the second boy of eight children.
lie received a common-school education, after which he
taught several terms.  He went to Michigan on a visit
in 1832, and was so well pleased that, in July, 1834, he
settled in Calhoun County. He gave his attention to
building up the town called Verona, which was, for
several years, a rival of the neighboring village of Battle
Creek. While a resident of New York, General Convis
was Justice of the Peace. He was also Brigadier-General
of the State troops, and was considered an able officer.
In 1835 he was elected a member of the first Legislature
of Michigan, and became Speaker of the Iouse; the
following term, he was re-elected. Detroit was, at that
time, the capital of the State. IIe was a Mason and a
member of the Baptist Church.     In the winter of
1837-38, while on his way home from a wedding, his
sleigh was overturned and he received injuries from
which he never recovered. He died in Detroit in the
spring of 1838, and his loss was sincerely mourned. IIe
was a man of great ability and public enterprise, and
was always successful in accomplishing his undertakings.
tie was fond of society, and honest and energetic in

business. He married, in Hanover, New York, Lydia
Barney, whose father, the late Nathaniel Barney, was
one of the early pioneers of Battle Creek. They had
five children, three of whom are still living. One of the
daughters is the wife of IIon. John Vanarman, the great
criminal lawyer of Chicago. The only brother of General Convis is Samuel Convis, of Calhoun County,
Michigan.
-.0.----
iK<LARK, AMASA     L., Pioneer, of Battle Creek,
SMichigan, was born in Warwick, Orange County,,5  New York, February 3, 1813. A desire for knowledge, and a love for reading, enabled him to gain a fair
education, although his opportunities for discipline in
schools were limited. He spent eight years in Cayuga,
engaged first as an apprentice, and afterwards as workman, in the shoemaker's trade. In 1836 he went to
Michigan, purchased a tract of land, and, two years later,
settled permanently at Battle Creek. For several years
Mr. Clark carried on the shoemaking business, but
finally sold out and gave his attention to the loaning of
money and investing in real estate. In early boyhood
he determined to lend every energy to the accumulation
of wealth, and this purpose was accomplished. At the
time of his death, he was reputed one of the wealthiest
men in Calhoun County. In 1844 he married Rachel
M. Rowley, of Lewis County, New York. They had
six boys, two of whom are dead. Mr. Clark was a clearheaded, conscientious, industrious man. His honesty in
business, and his integrity of character, were widely
known and highly respected. He was no politician, but
always voted for those men whose record proved them
best qualified for office. A pioneer in Calhoun County,
he lived to see it thickly settled; and had the satisfaction of contributing to the improvement of Battle Creek
by his generous pecuniary aid, and personal sympathy
in all public enterprises. Hie died February 15, 1874.
/llOONS, SETH      NORTON, M. D., of Marshall,
SMichigan, was born July 6, 1835, in Benton,
    Yates County, New York. His parents, Zachariah and Betsey Celinda (Bryans) Coons, lived for many
years on a farm in Yates County. His father died in the
spring of 1877, leaving nine children, all of whom are
now living.  His education was begun in a district
school at Jerusalem. When sixteen years of age, he
entered Franklin Collegiate Institute, at Prattsburg, New
York, and remained there five years, teaching and studying. He became much interested in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and medicine. He commenced practicing homeopathy in Prattsburg. The following year, he




N:  '-'g' '^       '                         -....r,~    ":.,:."e: i; > :!:::"...  

26

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

entered the Western Iomeopathic College in Cleveland';
and, the day after he was twenty-two, began the practice of his profession at Marshall, Michigan. In 1862
he returned to Cleveland, and received the degree of
M. D. from   the Homeopathic College.   During the
twenty years of his residence at Marshall, he has been
earnestly devoted to a very successful practice. The
deaths among his patients have not averaged more than
three a year; and, during the past fifteen months, only
one-that of an old man-has occurred. In one year,
when there were seventy deaths in the town, he lost but
three patients. Of nine cases of scarlet fever in one
neighborhood, the three that Dr. Coons treated lived,
while five out of the remaining six died. He has lost
only one of five hundred patients in obstetrics. He is
very skillful in the treatment of sciatica and goitre, and
has cured some of the worst cases of dyspepsia in that
section. Many sufferers from chronic diseases are brought
to him from neighboring places. IHe was educated a
Democrat, but is a radical Republican. He has been
Alderman of his ward three years, and is now President
of the Temperance Reform Club in Marshall.  le married, November 3, 1862, Lizzie Duzenberry, whose father
was an early pioneer and merchant in Marshall.
ONELY, JOHN D., Lawyer, Jackson, Michigan,:  was born in New York City, July 29, 1829. His,  ' father, William S. Conely, was a manufacturer of
looking-glasses and picture frames; and had the largest
establishment, at that time, in the United States.  His
mother's name was Eliza Conely.   His parents were
Americans of English and Irish ancestry.  His early
life was passed in New York City, where he attended
school. At the age of fifteen he accepted a situation
with a tea-broker on Wall street, where he continued
one year.  The following two years he spent in his
father's employment.  IIe was then eighteen years of
age, and began to teach in the public schools. About
the same time he became a student in the Normal
School. In the spring of 1854, he emigrated to Michigan,
and settled in Jackson, where he soon began the study
of law, irregularly, however, with Livermore & Wood.
He also spent one year in Fowler's Law School, in
Poughkeepsie.  In the spring of 1858 he was admitted
to the bar. On his arrival in Michigan, his health being
poor, he spent nearly two years in recuperating, residing a
part of the time with his father's family, who had removed
to that State. Upon beginning the practice of law, he
entered into a copartnership with Hon. G. T. Gridley,
which continued until the spring of 1861. Hie then became associated with ex-Governor Blair and W. K. Gibson, with whom he remained two years. Since then he

has practiced alone, with remarkable success. He has a
large field, and the most varied business of any lawyer
in Jackson, his collections being far greater than those
of any other. He is a Democrat, but not a politician.
Hie is a member, in high standing, of the Episcopal
Church, and has been vestryman fifteen years. He is a
firm supporter of the public-school system, and a valuable member of the School Board. lie is liberal in his
views, and a man of sound principles. Mr. Conely married, October 26, IS59, Miss Ruth Fell, a native of
Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania.  They  have had   three
children, two of whom are living,-a son, Clarence, and
a daughter. Mr. Conely is now forty-eight years old, and
in the enjoyment of good health. IIe is of stern integrity and thorough industry; is entirely self-made; and
holds a place among the first men of Michigan.
l',OX, EDWARD, Physician and Surgeon, Battle;( Creek, Michigan, was born in Cambridge, Wash-,  ington County, New York, January 6, 1816. IHe
was the oldest of the six children of Silas and Abigail
(Spaulding) Cox, who removed to Spafford, Onondaga
County, in 1819. His childhood and youth were spent
on a farm in that township, receiving such educational
advantages as were afforded by the common schools of
that period in a new country. He afterwards pursued
classical studies for two years at the well-known select
school of Thomas W. Allis at Skaneateles. Before commencing his professional studies, and also while engaged
in them, he taught school several terms. He studied
medicine in the office of Ir. Benjamin Trumbull, of
Borodino; and of Ir. C. Campbell, of South Butler,
New York.    After attending a course of lectures at
Fairfield, he read and practiced with Dr. Leonard, of
Clarkson, Monroe County, for sixteen months.   lie
graduated with the highest honors of his class at Geneva
Medical College, in January, 1839; and practiced until
August of that year in South Butler, where, at the age
of twenty-three years, he successfully performed his first
important surgical operation,-that of trephining. In
September of that year, he removed to Battle Creek;
and, for a long time, was associated with the late Dr.
William M. Campbell. From that time, he has been
one of the leading physicians and surgeons in this part
of Michigan.  Dr. Cox is a member of the Calhoun
County, Michigan State, and American Medical Associations; and, in 1876, represented the State society at the
International Medical Congress at Philadelphia. He
has been a member of the Board of Education, President of the village, Alderman six years, and Mayor of
the city of Battle Creek two years.  He is a Free
Mason, and has attained the degree of Knight Templar.




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

27

He has been Master of his Lodge, High Priest of his
Chapter, and Grand Master of a Council of Royal and
Select Masters.  He is a vestryman of St. Thomas'
Church, and one of the committee in charge of the
beautiful church edifice now in course of completion.
Dr. Cox has always been a strong Democrat, taking an
active part in the conventions and councils of his party.
He has been a member of the Demociatic State Central Committee; and, in 1872, was a delegate to the
Democratic National Convention at Baltimore. lie married Esther Ann Starkweather, September 2, 1840. She
died in 1844, leaving a daughter, who died at the age
of eight years. May I, 1845, he married his present
wife, Sarah Adams, of Pennfield, Calhoun County. Two
daughters were born to them, both of whom died in
infancy. Dr. Cox, from his youth, has been an untiring
worker; he was a diligent, accurate student, and took a
high rank in his classes. Probably few men in Michigan
have done more professional, though often unremunerative, labor than he. For nearly forty years, neither the
hour nor the weather has kept him from the bedside of
the sick. During the war, he worked hard for the
Union, the constitution, and the laws, spending much
of his time and money in raising troops; and, without
compensation, spent many weeks in front of Petersburg,
Virginia, in taking care of wounded Michigan soldiers.
He is of a sanguine, nervous temperament; five and
one-half feet in height, and weighs about one hundred
and ninety pounds. Socially, he is a great favorite, and
has the confidence of his fellow-citizens for integrity of
purpose, and professional and general ability. lie is a
good business, representative, and executive man; and,
as such, has done much to organize the various institutions which promote the moral, social, and material
interests of the people. He is also a resolute, determined character; a man of decided convictions and iron
will. A pioneer in Calhoun County, he has lived to see
the wilderness blossom as the rose.
5ROWELL, HION. JESSE, formerly of Albion,
Michigan, was born in Bridgewater, Oneida, County, New York, on the 19th of November,
1797. During his boyhood, he removed with his parents to Winfield, Herkimer County, New York.   In
1817 he became a student in Hardwick Academy, in
Otsego County, where he studied under the instruction
of John A. Quitman, who afterwards occupied a conspicuous position in the State of Mississippi, and was a
Brigadier-General in the Mexican War. Between Mr.
Crowell and Mr. Quitman there sprang up a strong
friendship, which lasted through life.  Upon obtaining
his majority, Mr. Crowell went south, and spent several
years in North Carolina and Georgia. While in the
3G

latter State, he was engaged for a time in teaching
school, but was obliged to relinquish the employment
on account of ill health. He then went into the mercantile business in Georgia. Returning to New York,
he located in Oswego County; and, in company with
his brother-in-law, Charles Rice, purchased a large tract
of land, and became extensively engaged in the lumber
trade. In 1831 he was elected a Representative in the
State Legislature, and acquitted himself to the complete satisfaction of his constituents.  In 1835 he
removed to Albion, Michigan, and purchased an interest in the entire water-power of the place, and the
land which embraced the original village plat.  In
1836 the Albion Company was formed, of which he
was the agent.  It comprised the following persons:
Jesse Crowell, Charles Rice, Issachar Frost, Daniel S.
Bacon, Charles H. Carroll-who was a Representative
in Congress for six years, William T. Carroll,-Clerk
of the Supreme Court for more than twenty years,
Bard  McVicar, and Tenny Peabody.      During  his
agency, Mr. Crowell took an active part in procuring
the location of the Albion College; donating the land
upon which the building now stands, as well as a considerable tract outside the grounds. In 1837 the company built what is known as the Brown Mill, which
has a capacity for grinding about one hundred barrels
of flour per day. The partnership was. dissolved, by
mutual consent, in 1842. Mr. Crowell survived every
member of the company.    In connection with three
partners, he became the owner of the water-power on
the south branch of the Kalamazoo River, together
with the mills located thereon. The interests of the
three others were afterwards purchased by Mr. Crowell
and Mr. W. V. Morrison.   Mr. Crowell became identified with all the improvements that were made in
Albion. Under the superintendence of Mr. Morrison,
the stone mill was built in 1845, and the stone dam and
flume belonging to it, in 1867-8. The cost was thirtyfive thousand dollars. Mr. Crowell set out the trees
of the beautiful willow walk on the race bank, and
was connected with nearly every improvement that had
a tendency to beautify or benefit the village.  The
Brown grist-mill, was originally supplied with two
breast wheels; but, in later years, five Oswego centraldischarge wheels were used; and, recently, three American turbines have been introduced to furnish the
power for running the fine machinery. The capacity
of the stone mill is over two hundred barrels of flour
per day. In all business relations, Mr. Crowell was
upright and honorable; never withholding from any
one his just due. Few men leave behind so clear and
perfect a record. In consequence of heavy repairs and
losses, he became financially embarassed; and, in an
unfortunate hour, listened to wrong counsel.  When
fully aware of his position, his health began to fail




28

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

rapidly.  During his illness, the attending physician
remarked that a post mortem examination would reveal
no disease sufficient to cause death; that age and trouble were the sole causes. Mr. Crowell died on the 28th
of September, 1872. Ile never made any profession of
religion, but was a constant Bible student.  Ile did
much for the support of the Gospel-giving liberally to
three churches in Albion. When in Oswego County,
New York, it was his custom to have his men attend
religious services, so great was his belief in church
influences. Mr. Crowell was very reticent, and sought
few confidential friends; but inspired the highest love
and esteem in the hearts of those who knew him.
~~RARY, HION. ISAAC E)WIN, Attorney-at-Law,
Marshall, Michigan, was born October 2, 1804,
in Preston, New London County, Connecticut.
His parents, Elisha and Nabbey (Avery) Crary, gave
their son fine educational advantages, and he became a
graduate of Trinity College. In 1833 he went to Marshall, Michigan, where he entered upon a very successful
law practice, and soon became a prominent man. He
was the first Representative from the Territory of Michigan to the Congress of the United States, and was a member of that body for three terms. He was a member
of the State Legislature when the capital was at D)etroit; and, for one term, was Speaker of the House.
lie was early connected with the educational interests
of the State, and was Director of the School Board.
Mr. Crary married twice: first, Miss Jane Elizabeth
HIitchcock, a niece of Bishop Brownell; and, afterwards, in 1841, Miss Bellona Pratt, daughter of Judge
Abner Pratt, of Marshall. Ile died, May 8, 1854.
('OOK, ASA BRIGS, of Marshall, Michigan, was
I  born in the town of Jay, Essex County, New
IN   York, May 30, 1809.   His parents were Samuel
and Nancy (Brown) Cook.     His father was a farmer,
a native of Massachusetts.   Mr. Cook received a
common-school education; and, at the age of nineteen,
went to Keeseville, where he served an apprenticeship
of three years to the wagon-maker's trade. In 1832 he
removed to Marshall, Michigan, and located a small
tract of land; this he cultivated, and also worked at
his trade, lie made the first wagon ever constructed
in the county; for some time it was used as a stage
between Marshall and Jackson. In 1837 he, with two
other gentlemen, built the first flour-mill in the county.
It was conducted under the firm name of Cook, Robinson & Co. until 1841; Mr. Cook then rented the interest of his partners, and continued the business alone

for a year and a half. After this, he entered the dry
goods business, in which he remained for twenty-seven
years. In 1859 he purchased a farm near the city as a
home for his family. Ten years later, he gave up his
business to his son and two nephews, and devoted most
of his time to the farm, on which he still lives. In
1847 Mr. Cook, with several others, was accused of aiding in the escape of a negro family from Kentucky, and
was sued for resisting the Fugitive Slave Law. A verdict
was pronounced against them, and they were fined. In
1850 he was elected to the State Legislature. lie has
held several offices of minor importance.  Originally,
he was a Whig; but, when that party was dissolved,
he became a strong Republican. Although not a member, he has been a trustee of the Methodist Church
for forty years, and has contributed liberally to the
support of the denomination.  February 25, 1830, he
married Miss Jerusha Beech, in his native town-Jay.
Of thirteen children, only five now live. His eldest
son is at the head of a manufacturing establishment, in
Erie, Pennsylvania; the youngest is a merchant in San
Jose, California. Mr. Cook is one of the most solid
and upright business men in his town; he has enjoyed
much success, and has faced some difficulties. Socially,
his genial manners win for him many friends.
~    ICKEY, ItON. CHARLES, of Marshall, was
I
born in Londonderry, Rockingham     County,, New Hampshire, April 3, 1813.     Iis grandfather was of Scotch-Irish descent, and was one of the
Scotch colonists who settled in New Hlampshire in 1727.
His maternal grandfather was, for many years, at the
head of a large linen manufactory, at D)racut, near
Lowell, Massachusetts. His parents, John and Rhoda
(Varnum) Dickey, had fourteen children, of whom
Charles is the twelfth. Of this large number, ten lived
until the youngest was fifty-seven years old.  Their
father was engaged in mercantile and manufacturing
pursuits.  In 1818 he removed to York, Livingston
County, New York, where he carried on a farm, ashery,
and distillery. Ile died in 1837. Charles Dickey was
educated at Moscow Academy, Livingston County, and,
upon graduating, received the highest award,-tlawe's
Twelve Lectures to Young Men. When quite young,
he was engaged, for Messrs. Patterson & Dickey, in
selling fanning-mills; and, upon leaving school, commenced their manufacture and sale in Ontario County.
lie remained there two years, and in Yates County one
year, when he gave up the business and emigrated to
Michigan. Ile settled in Marshall in March, I1836. In
November of that year, he was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel, by Governor Mason, and ordered to enroll
the militia of Calhoun County. In 1842 he became




I.  I -? I..,  - ý

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

29

Sheriff of the county; and, for four years, discharged
the duties of that office with great acceptance. In 1848
he was elected State Senator, and held the position four
years. Six years after, he was chosen Representative;
and was Speaker pro tempore of the House during his
entire term, with the exception of four weeks, when he
was Speaker de facto. In 1861 he was appointed United
States Marshal, by President Lincoln, and held the office
the six ensuing years. He has twice been Mayor of the
city.  October 13, 1873, he was appointed Probate
Judge of Calhoun County, to fill the vacancy occasioned
by the death of Hon. Eden F. Henderson.     At the
close of the term, he was chosen to the same office,
which he still continues to hold. Judge Dickey was
the first man of his party who was elected to any
prominent position in Marshall. lie has been in some
public office since 1836, when he emigrated to Michigan. This circumstance reflects the highest honor upon
him, and not a little upon his appreciative constituency.
His official obligations have always been discharged
with scrupulous fidelity, and his record will stand the
test of the most searching investigation. He has been
married four times, and has had nine children,-six sons
and three daughters. Three of his sons were in the
late war; one was killed in the battle of Gettysburg.
Judge Dickey is over six feet in height, and is admirably proportioned. His character is irreproachable, and
his manners refined, showing him to be a thorough gentleman.
J   IBBLE, CHARLES PHILO, of Marshall, MichiSgan, was born in Skaneateles, Onondaga County,
SNew York, August 28, 1815, and is the eldest
son of Philo and Susan (Lawson) Dibble. His father
was of New England ancestry; and his mother was a
native of Poughkeepsie, New York, where her parents
resided. At the age of fourteen, Mr. Dibble left school,
and entered a store in Skaneateles, in which he remained
three years. Ilis father then bought a store and a stock
of goods at Kelloggsville, a short distance from his
native place, and established him in business.  In 1835
his enterprising spirit led him to seek a new and broader
field in the West; and, the following spring, although
only twenty years of age, he was settled in business in
the village of Marshall, as a partner in the concern of
C. P. Dibble & Co. His parents removed to Marshall
in 1837; and, two years later, the firm built the substantial block in which Dibble & Son, C. P. Dibble, and
C. P. Dibble & Son have continued to do a flourishing
mercantile business, and which has recently been transferred to his son and successor. In 1842 he married
Hattie Johnson, daughter of Ilon. Ben. Johnson, of
Ithaca, New York, a lawyer of high character and stand
ing. No public enterprise connected with the welfare
of Marshall and vicinity has been inaugurated, within
the past thirty years, in which Mr. Dibble has not been
a prominent actor. lie has been a Trustee of the Public Schools, continuously, for thirty years. He acted as
Chairman and President of the Building Committee during the period of the construction of the present high
and ward schools. Hle devoted his entire time to the
work during the building of the high school; and,
when completed, endowed it with the "Dibble Prize
Fund" of five hundred dollars, the annual interest of
which is given to the best pupils of the grade schools.
He has been repeatedly Trustee, Treasurer, and Recorder
of the village, and was the first Mayor of Marshall. He
was, for many years, Treasurer of the Calhoun County
Agricultural Society, of which he was a charter member
and a steady friend. Ile was one of the leading spirits
of the Marshall and lonia Plank-road Company, and its
Treasurer for twenty years.  Mr. Dibble also took a
deep interest in the enlargement and arrangement of the
city cemetery; the front or new portion was secured
chiefly by his efforts, and the beauty of the plan in most of
its details is attributable to his personal interest and taste.
lie was elected Vice-President of the First National
Bank at its organization, in 1862; and, since 1871, has
been its acting President. IIe was originally a Whig,
but has worked with the Republican party since its
formation. lie attends the Episcopal Church, of which
he has been a trustee for thirty years past, and a member since 186o. He was a prime mover, in 1862, in the
building of Trinity Church. lie was also a Dirctor in
the company organized to build the Jonesville, Marshall
and Grand River Railroad, afterwards merged in the
Coldwater, Marshall and Mackinaw Railroad, of which
he is now Treasurer. Mr. Dibble's unquestioned integrity, industry, method, attention to details, and thorough
belief that what is worth doing at all is worth doing
well,- whether in his own affairs or in the service of
the public,-have carried him through all the difficult
places in a long business career, and secured to him an
ample competence.
-.0.~---~
4flANIELS, PROF. JOSEPH L., of Olivet, Michigan, was born August I, 1833, at East Medway,
Massachusetts, in the homestead which has been
in possession of the Daniels family for two centuries.
The first occupant was Joseph Daniels, whose house was
burned by the Indians, in King Philip's War, February,
1676, the day after the burning of Mayfield, in which
township he was located. The family escaped by flight
to a stone fortress a mile distant. Mr. Daniels' grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution, and held a commission which is still preserved with the autograph of




"-", '  .:- ~.':   ";.   ~:-.... ':i  -" ' :  ~-   --:~  ~ ~:.
5- 5

30

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

John Iancock attached. Mr. Daniels' father was a man
of sterling character and fine mind.  He often served
the town in local offices, and in the State Legislature.
He was an earnest and devoted worker in the church,
through  a long life of eighty-six years.  Professor
Daniels received a thorough training: first, in the schools
of Medway, which were of a high order; and, afterwards, prepared for college at Phillips' Academy,
Andover, under the instruction of that rare teacher,
Doctor Samuel Taylor. IHe graduated, took the full
theological course, and attended medical lectures at Yale
College; a portion of this time he was assistant librarian.
Hie was licensed to preach, in 1863, by the New Haven
West Association; meanwhile, he was called to fill, temporarily, a vacancy as teacher in the Lawrence Academy,
at Groton, Massachusetts.  After leaving Groton he was
principal, two years, of the Guilford Institute, Guilford,
Connecticut; and accepted the Professorship of Greek,
in Olivet College, Michigan, in April 1865. Professor
Ianiels has not confined his teaching and study to his
own department. HIe has devoted much time to the
German language, and art; and spent several months
abroad, perfecting himself in these branches, in Germany, England, France, and Italy.  He was ordained
by the Marshall Conference of Congregational Churches,
Michigan; but his preaching has only been occasional, as he has never been installed pastor.  Professor Daniels united with the Yale College Church,
and has ever since been a member of the Congregational Church.  His intellectual belief in the Bible
was of very early date, and his hearty assent has deepened with increasing years and knowledge. His father's
early alliance with the antislavery and temperance
movements of Eastern Massachusetts molded his opinions; and he has always been in sympathy with the
principles of the Republican party, and generally acted
with it. November 26, 1863, Professor Daniels married
Julia B. Allen, of North Leominster, Massachusetts.
She was the daughter of William Allen, of Boston, who
died soon after her birth. Her mother became an influential teacher, and was at the head of a young ladies'
school at Medway, Massachusetts, where she died in
1857.
ALRYMPLE, CHARLES WYLIE, Merchant,
of Albion, Michigan, was born in the township
of Van Buren, Wayne County, Michigan, May
13, 1833. His father, David Dalrymple, who was of
Scotch extraction, settled there in 1830, having removed
from  Walworth, New   York.   His mother, Hannah
(Douglass) Dalrymple, traces her descent from the ancient Scottish family of that name. His father died
when he was but five months old, and he remained with
his mother on the homestead until 1837, when they -

removed to Bristol, Indiana. In 1839 he came to reside
with an aunt at Albion, and entered as pupil what
was then the Wesleyan Seminary, now Albion College.
He made great progress in his studies until the age of
twelve, when his health became so impaired that he was
compelled to leave school. He subsequently spent a
winter at another school, under the charge of Rev.
Alvan Billings. Mr. Dalrymple began life for himself
in 1846-47, by doing farm work. In 1848 he became
clerk in the store of Ilannahs & Son, at Albion. iHe
at first received a salary of eight dollars per month,
which, during the five years that he remained, was
steadily increased.  He then commenced business on
his own account, as junior partner in the mercantile
firm of E. B. Frost & Co. By a change at the end of
the first year, he became senior in the firm of Dalrymple
& Clay; who, after a year, sold their stock to a company formed to conduct a "union store" in the interest
of the farmers. One of the conditions of the sale was
that Mr. Dalrymple should remain a year with the company as its business manager. His health then requiring
some less confining occupation, he engaged in buying
and shipping produce, which he followed successfully
for several years. In March, 1861, he was appointed
Postmaster at Albion, by President Lincoln, and was
re-appointed in 1865. On the rupture between President
Johnson and his party in 1866, Mr. Dalrymple was
removed, preferring to give up the office, which he might
have retained by supporting the policy of the President,
rather than sacrifice his political integrity. Although,
from his temperament, always active, his business, since
1866, has been of a miscellaneous character. He has
held numerous local offices, including, for various terms,
those of village Treasurer, Trustee, etc. He has been a
member of the School Board for over ten years, holding
therein the positions, successively, of Assessor, Director,
and Moderator,-the last of which he still retains. During the war, although prevented by ill health from
entering the service, he was active in raising recruits for
the army, and money to pay local bounties. He was
energetic in procuring local aid subscriptions for building
the Lansing branch of the Lake Shore and Michigan
Southern Railroad, and gave liberally of his own means
for that object. He also assisted materially in raising
the endowment fund for Albion College. He was one
of the original stockholders of the National Exchange
Bank of Albion, of which he has been a Director since
its establishment, in 1866. He has been a member of
the Masonic Fraternity for over twenty years, and, for a
portion of the time, has been Treasurer of both the Lodge
and Chapter. These positions he now holds. November
27, 1866, he married J. Ellen Knickerbocker, who is
descended from the original Knickerbocker family of
New York. They have one child, now six years of age.
The mother of Mr. Dalrymple has remained a widow







6~t~4~D




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

31

since the death of her husband, and is, at the time of
this writing, nearly eighty-five years of age. She found
occupation for her mind and energies in the duties incident to pioneer life, and the care and education of her
only child, with whom, during a hale and cheerful old
age, she enjoys an honored home.
IBBLE, LEONIDAS DWIGHT, Attorney and
Counselor-at-Law, and Solicitor and Counselor in
S  Chancery, Battle Creek, Michigan, was born in
Moravia, Cayuga County, New York, January 13, 1824.
His father, Orsamus Dibble, was born December 4, 1796,
and is still living. His mother, Ann Maria Scranton,
was born February I, 1795; and died November 19,
1864. They were married January 30, 1820. Mr. Dibble
has had two brothers and one sister younger than himself, all of whom are dead. He obtained his early education in the common schools and prepared for college
in the academy at Moravia. He entered Geneva College
(now Hobart) at Geneva, New York, in September,
1841, and graduated in August, 1845. During his undergraduate course he stood first in mathematics, and was
third in his general standing. At the Commencement
exercises, he was awarded the third honor,-that of
delivering the Latin salutatory oration. After graduating he was appointed tutor of Greek and Latin, which
position he held two years. Subsequently, he was tendered the Professorship of Mathematics. IHe always
had a taste for reading and study. Mr. Dibble chose
the law for his profession; and, while a tutor in college,
studied in the office of Whiting, Smith & Whiting, at
Geneva, and was admitted to practice by the Supreme
Court of New York, in August, 1847. In the spring of
1848, he entered into a partnership with Isaac A. Gates,
in Homer, New York, and continued with him until the
spring of 1850, having a large practice in the Supreme
Court. In 1850 he had a violent attack of the then
prevalent California fever,-disposed of his property, and
interest in his law business, and went to California. lHe
spent a year in the gold mines, and returned with sufficient
gold dust to well pay for the trip. On his return, he
located in Battle Creek, Michigan, in June, 1851, and
entered into a law partnership with IIon. Benjamin F.
Graves, now one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of
Michigan. They remained together until the summer
of 1857, at which time Mr. Graves was elected Circuit
Judge. During that time Mr. Dibble purchased and
removed onto a farm, on account of failing health. lHe
continued to practice his profession alone a few years
after Judge Graves' election, and then took as a partner
Henry IH. Brown, Esq. Subsequently, Charles E. Thomas
became a member of the firm, which was afterwards
known as Dibble, Brown & Thomas. Since removing to

Michigan, Mr. Dibble has been admitted to practice in
the courts of that State, and in the Federal Courts of
Michigan and Indiana. His practice has been very
large, embracing many important cases, both civil and
criminal, in which he has been more than ordinarily
successful. Since the Ist of August, 1873, he has been
the general counsel of the Chicago and Lake Huron
Railroad Company, to the duties of which he is earnestly
devoted. He assisted John Van Arman in the defense
of Leonard Starkweather, charged with the murder of
his wife, and obtained a verdict of manslaughter. lHe
also defended a man by the name of Cotton, in Barry
County, charged with the murder of a boy, and secured
a similar verdict. In 1877 he volunteered to assist in
behalf of Austin J. Smith, on his second trial for the
murder of his illegitimate child, having once been convicted of murder in the first degree. Smith was acquitted.
Mr. Iibble was a Captain of Light Artillery, Michigan
State troops, for four or five years previous to 1862. At
the breaking out of the civil war, he raised Company
C, 2d Regiment Michigan Infantry, in less than twentyfour hours; and, subsequently, with his money and time,
and by addressing public meetings, assisted in enlisting
several hundred men for other Michigan regiments. He
has ever been foremost in all public enterprises affecting
the well-being of his adopted city. In 1859 he was
chairman of the committee appointed to draft the city
charter. HIe was a member of the first Board of Aldermen, and drew up the city ordinances. In 1852 he was
elected Township Clerk and was ex-officio School Inspector.
Hie was a charter member and the first High Priest of the
Royal Arch Chapter of Free and Accepted Masons of the
city. He was the leader in organizing the Peninsular Railway Company, from Lansing to Chicago, and its President from December, 1865, until August I, 1873. During
that time he raised the means and built and equipped
the road from Lansing, Michigan, to Valparaiso, Indiana,
a distance of one hundred and sixty-six miles,-at which
time it was consolidated into the Chicago and Lake
Huron Railroad. Mr. Dibble was for two years a
Director of the Public Schools of Battle Creek, to the
building up of which he has devoted much energy. He
delivered the Centennial oration, at Battle Creek, July
4, 1876, and has accepted a very complimentary invitation to address the Associate Alumni, of Hobart College,
Geneva, New York, at the annual commencement, to be
held June 20, 1878. Mr. Dibble's religious views are
liberal. He and his family are attendants at the Episcopal Church. He is a Democrat, obstinately refusing to
become a candidate for political office, but working, from
principle, in conventions and campaigns for the ticket of
his party. He married December 29, 1847, Phebe Antoinette Chatterton, daughter of Jacob and Mary Chatterton, at Gaines, Orleans County, New York. They
have three children,- Frank Dwight, Mary Leonora,




32

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

and Caroline Loomis Dibble. Frank Dwight Dibble
married, in 1875, Eliza K. Bartlett, and has one son.
Mr. Iibble is five feet six inches in height, slender, with
a dark complexion, black eyes, hair, and whiskers, and
of a nervous temperament. Iis candor and integrity
win confidence and respect, and his social qualities make
him a general favorite. HIe is kind and courteous to all,
and a friend to the needy and oppressed. Successful in
business, with sound judgment, he is looked up to as a
safe adviser. IHe possesses, in an eminent degree, the
qualities of a leader, and, in his profession, has attained
a deserved prominence. No one of less ability could
have accomplished what he did in railroad construction.
Hiis clear intellect, logical mind, and strong personal
magnetism insure his success before juries and in courts,
and enable him to sway popular assemblies.
---*o*---
i(jI:BBLE, PIILO, late of Marshall, Michigan, a
I![ native of Berkshire County, Massachusetts, was
'*^. born December 2, 1790. 11is parents were plain
farming people, who removed to Delaware County,
New York, in his childhood. lie was trained in habits
of industry and economy. After his marriage, he spent
twenty-two years in Skaneateles, New York, engaged as
saddler and harness-maker. HIe went to Marshall, Michigan, in 1837; and, for many years, was associated with
his son, C. P. Dibble, in business there; but, in 1850, he
retired, and devoted himself to carrying on some large
mills in Hastings. During his thirty years' residence at
Marshall, he served several years as Civil Magistrate,
and gave close attention to both public and private
affairs, and contributed generously to all worthy causes.
lie was, for many years, a trustee of the Presbyterian
Church. At the age of fifty-five, he made a public profession of his faith, by uniting with the church, and was
very soon after chosen elder.  In 1862 he was stricken
with paralysis, from which he never wholly recovered.
lie died D)ecember 13, 1867. Mr. Dibble's early oppor
a common-school education; he excelled in mathematics.
lHe taught school for a time; and, subsequently, having
a taste for mechanics, learned the trade of a millwright
and machinist. lie worked in West Schuyler in 1815,
and in Frankfort in 1817. In 1835 he removed to Michigan, and settled in Coldwater in March, 1837. In 1844
he removed to a farm at Quincy, five miles east of Coldwater. In 1833, when a resident of New York State, he
became engaged in mercantile business; but, being unsuccessful, he moved to Michigan, and immediately began
work at his trade. IHe did a very extensive business,
employing from fifty to seventy-five laborers. lie built
large mills at Ypsilanti, Saline, Leonidas, Marshall, and
Allegan, which show him to have been a superior workman. lie was elected to various local offices in Michigan; and, in 1838, to the State Senate, to represent the
Seventh Senatorial District, which comprises the counties
of Branch, St. Joseph, Bellevue, Van Buren, and Cass.
In early manhood he became a member of the Masonic
Fraternity, and advanced until he became a Knight
Templar. Mr. Etheridge took an active part in every
public enterprise, particularly in education, and frequently delivered addresses on that and other subjects.
lie possessed great natural ability for public speaking,
but was hampered by the deficiencies of his early education. IIe was much in advance of the age; and, thirty
years ago, was ridiculed for advocating public enterprises
which have recently been carried into effect. Among
these are the Pacific Railroad, and the direct trade with
China, the success of which proves conclusively that he
saw into the future farther than most men. At the age
of fifty-five years, he made a profession of religion, and
united with the Baptist Church in Coldwater. His wife
and four of his children are members of the same
church. In politics he was always a Jacksonian IDemocrat. His convictions were strong and his will resolute.
IIe would have been classed with the ideal, rather than
the experimental, school of thinkers. Ile was a fine
specimen of physical manhood, six feet one inch in height,
portly, and of fine address. His dignity and sociability

tunities were limited, but he possessed a well-balanced made him a gentleman of great personal popularity. Mr.
mind and sound judgment, and exerted a wide influence Etheridge married, April 6, 1815, Sally Ingham. They
in the community.                                 had seven children,-four daughters and three sons. Of
these, Amy C. was born in West Schuyler, New York,
---                  June 9, 1816; Cynthia S., at Frankfort, New York,
'                                                April 21, i818; Joseph I., in Frankfort, July 3, 1820;
TIIERIDGE, HON. SAMUEL, Pioneer and ex- Theodore C., in Frankfort, June Io, 1822; Marietta was
State Senator, of Quincy, Michigan, was born at born in Frankfort, November 16, 1824, and died in
-.    Williamstown, Massachusetts, April 15, 1788. Ile Coldwater, September 18, 1837; S. Smith, in Frankfort,
died, February i8, 1864, at his home in Quincy, at the October 19, 1826, and died at San Jose, California, Febadvanced age of seventy-five years and ten months. His ruary 18, 1864. HIe was, at that time, rector of the
father, Thomas Etheridge, died in I lerkimer County, New  Episcopal Church at San Jose. Sarah A., born in FrankYork, March 13, 1813; and Iis mother, Amy Etheridge, fort, October 20, 1829, died September II, 1859, at
September 20, 1820, in Schuyler, New York.   They Bridgeport, New York. Mrs. Etheridge died September
were both of English birth. Samuel Etheridge received 1o, 1840; and Mr. Etheridge married her sister, Cynthia







d7," i




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

33

M. Ingham. They had three children, all of whom are
now living in Branch County, Michigan. Charles I. was
born August II, 1841, at Coldwater; Alfred M., February 27, 1844, at the same place; and Kirkland B., January 16, 1846, at Quincy.  Theodore C. Etheridge is
now an esteemed citizen of Coldwater, and is one of the
leading life and fire insurance agents of that place.
4   ULER, IION. EZBON GILLETTE, of ColdS water, Pioneer and Lawyer, was born at FerrisSburg, Addison County, Vermont, March 4,
S181o. Mr. Fuller's maternal grandfather was a
Drum-Major in the Revolutionary War, and was captured
by the British, and taken to Quebec. He was held a
prisoner for three years, when, after two unsuccessful
efforts, he finally made his escape, and, after two weeks
of great privation and suffering, reached the American
lines.  Mr. Fuller's paternal grandfather, assisted by
his brothers, founded the first Baptist Church which was
established in Vermont. His father, Milton Fuller,-a
direct descendant of Rev. Samuel Fuller, who came over
in the "Mayflower,"-was born in Kent County, Connecticut. lie removed to Ferrisburg, Vermont, when
he was six years old; and, afterwards, to Wolcott, Wayne
County, New York. Hle had a Captain's commission in
the War of 1812. HIe married a daughter of John
Ward, of Addison County, Vermont, who was distantly
related to Benjamin Franklin, and was a first cousin of
the late Captain Eber B. Ward, of Ietroit. Ezbon G.
Fuller was educated at Wqlcott, Wayne County, New
York, where he resided until he was seventeen years of
age. IHe then went to Auburn, New York, and engaged
for a few months as clerk in a store; but, having chosen
to become a lawyer, he went to Albion, New York,
and entered the office of his uncle, Judge Alexis Ward.
Here he remained four years; when, after due examination, he was admitted to practice as an attorney-at-law in
June, 1832.   He then practiced in partnership with
Mr. John Chamberlain, of Albion, until his health
failed. He was unable to attend to business for about
one year, when he resolved to remove to the West. In
May, 1837, he went to Coldwater, Michigan, where he
has since resided. Being the first lawyer who settled
in that place, he soon had a very active practice. A
short time after his arrival, he was appointed, by Governor Mason, Prosecuting Attorney of the County, which
office he held for three successive terms. While occupying this position, he was required to prosecute members
of various organized bands of gamblers and counterfeiters, at that time infesting the Territory; in alliance
wit-h these were many of the most prominent inhabitants, including the County Sheriff. Such prosecutions
were, consequently, conducted with much difficulty,

opposition appearing where least expected; but neither
threats nor bribes had any influence with Mr. Fuller,
and he finally succeeded in breaking up the gangs, and
driving them out of the State. In 1844 he was elected
Judge of Probate, which office he held four years.
Having resolved not to allow other occupations to interfere with his professional duties, he has never sought
political office. Hle has, however, at different periods
of his life, given much arduous labor to the political
problems of his State and nation, and has always thrown
his influence on the side of civil and religious liberty,human progress. lie is a zealous advocate of the cause
of Prohibition, having canvassed the county twice for
its success. In 1837, in connection with I)r. Calkins,
Mr. Fuller took editorial charge of the first paper ever
printed in Coldwater. The means for carrying on this
enterprise were subscribed by the citizens generally.
Among other issues satisfactorily settled by the conduct
of that journal, was the permanent location of the
county-seat, which had long been a subject of bitter
dispute. Since then, Mr. Fuller has been, more or less,
connected with journalism, either as editor, general
contributor, or correspondent. lie has been bold and
energetic in his defense of the rights of the people,
including the enfranchisement of woman and the extension of her present legal privileges.  In 1849 Judge
Fuller was appointed Circuit Court Commissioner to
settle the right of way through Branch County for
the Michigan Southern Railroad, which he successfully
acconmplished. After I85o, for ten years, he was the
attorney of that road for the counties of lBranch, Iillsdale, and St. Joseph. In 1870, as a candidate for
Attorney-General of the State on the Prohibition ticket,
he polled ten thousand votes,-the greatest number ever
cast in Michigan for that ticket. In his civil practice,
Judge Fuller has been singularly successful, having, in
forty years, lost but five cases before the Supreme Court;
while in the Circuit Court, he has been eminently successful. As a member and officer of the Independent
Order of Odd-Fellows, he has represented his lodge in
the Grand Lodge of the State. lHe has taken an active
part in the various temperance organizations. He was
brought up a Baptist, but his views are now in accordance with the Unitarian school of theology.  He is
positive in his opinions, and strong in his likes and
dislikes. IHe is devoted in his attachment to his family.
As a citizen, he is faithful, being foremost in every
movement which promises the growth and prosperity
of the city. lie has never been a speculator; but, by
industrious attention to business, he has become one of
the solid men of the State.  Judge Fuller has been
twice married: in July, 1834, to Elizabeth, daughter
of the late Ir. Jesse Beech, of Gaines, New York, and
only sister of Dr. John II. Beech, a noted physician of
Coldwater, Michigan. She died in August, 1853. Of




34

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

their four children, three-a son and two daughterslived to mature age. The son, who received a fine
education and graduated from Hillsdale College, was
Captain in the Ist Michigan Light Artillery during the
late war. He is now the agent of Wells, Fargo & Co.
at San Rafael, California. The eldest daughter, talented
and accomplished, and a graduate of Monroe Female
College, was married to Major Church, of the Ist Michigan Light Artillery, and died in 1864. The youngest
daughter, also highly educated and accomplished, having graduated from St. Mary's Academy of Notre Dame,
Indiana, is now musical directress of that institution.
Mr. Fuller married the second time, in I865, Miss
Elizabeth M. A. Carley, granddaughter of Thomas Pettigrew, who was Private Secretary to George Washington
before and through the Revolutionary War. She is also
a descendant of Sir John Wilkes, of Republican fame in
the English Parliament of his day. Mr. Fuller is plain
and unostentatious. Ile is deservedly a valued citizen
of Michigan.
4   OOTE, EDWARD AUGUSTUS, Attorney and
Counselor-at-Law, of Charlotte, Michigan, was
born at Burlington, Vermont, August 5, I825.
hIis father, Luman Foote, died at Charlotte,
August 5, 1876. His mother, Mary Foote, daughter of
Thaddeus Tuttle, formerly of Burlington, Vermont, died
at Charlotte, 1)ecember 4, I877. Hie traces his lineage,
in common with all of the name in the United States,
to Nathanier Foote, who was born in England in 1564.
From him were descended two brothers, who emigrated
to Weathersfield, Connecticut, in early colonial days.
Most of Edward Foote's early education was acquired
at home, under his father's instruction, and was limited
to the common English branches and sufficient Latin
and Greek to prepare him for college. During the years
1837 and 1838, he passed about eighteen months in a
boarding-school for boys, at Burlington, called the Vermont Episcopal Institute, which was under the Episcopal Bishop Hopkins. Upon his removal with his father's
family to Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1840, he entered the
branch of Michigan University, where he studied under
Mr. William Dulton. His father officiated as an Episcopal minister in Kalamazoo. After spending some time
in attending different schools, in teaching, and in portrait-painting in Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana, he settled in Charlotte, in July, 1848, where he still
resides. In the summer of i85I, he became distributing
clerk in the Chicago post-office, and remained about
three years. He returned to Charlotte at the time that
the public mind was much excited by the repeal of the
Missouri compromise, and took an active part in the
organization of the Republican party in Eaton County.

January 6, 1855, in connection with Mark H. Marsh, a
printer, he published at Charlotte the first number of
the Eaton Rsyiublican. Having become sole owner of
the paper, he continued its editorial management until
February 12, 1859, when he sold the office to Mr. Joseph
Saunders. In November, 1856, he was elected County
Clerk, and was re-elected in 1858, holding the office four
years. He discharged its duties one year longer as the
deputy of Hon. Edward W. Barber, who, in the fall of
1866, had been elected his successor. In i86I he was
appointed, by Governor Blair, a member of the Board
of State-prison Inspectors, and held the position nearly
two years.  The most noteworthy act of this Board,
while Mr. Foote was a member,-and an act he greatly
favored,- was the release of the life convicts from their
solitary cells, where they were rapidly becoming insane,
and giving them the liberty of the prison-yard with the
other convicts. Solitary confinement for life has since
existed in Michigan only in name. In the November
election of i862, he was a candidate for the office of
Register of Deeds of Eaton County, upon the (so called)
Union ticket, and was defeated by his opponent, Edward
S. Lacey. The avowed object of this Union movement
was to unite Republicans and Democrats in the support
of Presideut Lincoln's war policy, and nominations were
accordingly made from both parties; but the Republicans adhered strictly to their former organization. Mr.
Foote had read law during his county clerkship, and, in
i863, was examined by Messrs. Henry A. Shaw, M. S.
Brackett, and S. H. Fowler, before lion. Ilenjamin F.
Graves, then Circuit Judge. Ile was admitted to the
bar at the October term, and at once entered upon a
large practice at Charlotte, which has since kept him
busily engaged. In 1857, during the second year of its
existence, he was elected Secretary of the Eaton County
Agricultural Society, and retained that position several
years. Ile was Treasurer of the society from  1865 to
1869, inclusive, lie has been three times elected a
member of the Board of Trustees of the Charlotte Union
Schools, and still holds the office. In 1872, as a Liberal
Republican, he supported I1orace Greeley for the Presidency. Ile still classes himself with that party, though
he voted for Tilden in I876, thinking it impossible for
Hayes to carry out the ideas advanced in his letter of
acceptance, as he has done. His religious views are
very liberal. He endeavors to keep his mind constantly
open for light from any source, and recognizes progress
towards perfection in all the universe. His first wife,
Eliza, daughter of Henry Baldwin, late of Charlotte,
died in June, i86o, leaving three children. Ihis second
wife, Jane M. Green, daughter of James Green, of Kalamazo died in October, 1872, leaving two children. In
October, 1873. he married Mrs. Frances E. Harmon,
widow of Edwin Ilarmon, formerly of Chester, Eaton
Coon ty.







)b




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.                                     35
'"RENCIH, SIMEON STARKWEATHER, M. D., tion. Dr. French married, July 18, 1842, Ruth A. Cox,
S of Battle Creek, was born August 23, I816, sister of Dr. Edward Cox, one of the leading physicians
<.i in Otisco, Onondaga County, New York. His of Southern Michigan.  Her father also served in the
"  father, Luther French, was a physician and sur- War of 1812. They have two children,-a son and a
geon, and served in that capacity in the War of 1812. daughter.  The son, Edward French, graduated from
lie died in Otisco, at the age of thirty-nine years, leav- the law department of Michigan University in the class
ing a large practice. lie married, in 1811, Lucy Park, of 1872. Dr. French is a gentleman of commanding
who lived until her eighty-fourth year. Her brothers presence, with a fair complexion, hazel eyes, and curling
and their sons were eminent physicians and surgeons in hair, which was once jet black, but is now nearly white.
New York and Pennsylvania. Her son was influenced He has warm symlpathies and generous impulses, and is
in the choice of a profession by the revered memory of always kind and courteous. 1ie is especially noted for
his father and by these relatives, with whom he after- his high sense of honor, his ready response to calls from
wards studied. His grandfather, Ebenezer French, at the poor, and his interest in educational matters and all
the age of nineteen, enlisted in the war of the Revolu- public enterprises. IIe has been for years Supervisor of
tion immediately after the battle of Bunker Hlll, and his own city.  IIe was Superintendent of Schools in
was wounded at the memorable crossing of the Dela- New York for five years, and a member of the Board of
ware. lie died at the age of eighty-six. Dr. French, Education of Battle Creek for fifteen years. lie has the
being left fatherless at the age of live years, was thrown full confidence of his fellow-citizens, and is most esteemed
upon his own resources. IIe obtained his education where he is best known.
entirely by his own exertions, and began teaching at
the age of eighteen. IHe finished his literary studies at             -
Onondaga Academy. In January, 1842, he graduated
with honors at Geneva Medical College, and immedi-       ISKE, LEWIS R., D. D., President of Albion
ately commenced practice at Onondaga, New York.           College, was born in Pennfield, Monroe County,
IHe afterwards removed to Battle Creek, Michigan,         New York, December 24, 1825. His father,
whiere he has since been actively engaged in the duties   James Fiske, removed to Michigan and settled
of his -profession.  Dr. French has successfully per- on a farm near the site of the present city of Coldwater,
formed, in private practice, many delicate surgical in 1835. In the registry of Harold's Visitation and the
operations, such as taking out the eye, etc. He was Candler manuscripts, on file in the British Museum, an
appointed Assistant-Surgeon of the 6th Michigan Vol- authentic record of Doctor Fiske's ancestry can be seen,
unteer Infantry, in 16i; and, in 1862, became Surgeon beginning as early as the year 1399, in the person of
of the 20th Michigan Infantry. Being attached to the Symond Fiske, Lord of the Manor of Stradhaugh. From
9th Corps, he traversed eleven States, and was present that period the lineage is traced to 1637, when Rev. John
at battles in five of them. Dr. French was constantly Fiske and his brother William, sharing the fortunes of
on the "operating staff." Hie was always at the front; the radical Puritans of the era, emigrated to America and
and, a portion of the time, acted as Brigade Iivision settled in Massachusetts. The maiden name of Doctor
Medical Iirector. [For report of important operations, Fiske's mother was Eleanor Ransom, and her home was
see Surrgical Histor-, of the Rebelli*on.] After three years on the Hudson River, near Poughkeepsie. Doctor Fiske,
of service, he was compelled to resign by impaired when a boy, was fond of study, and early aspired to libhealth. He has never fully recovered. IHe is now United cral culture, as a source of personal satisfaction and a
States Pension Examining Surgeon. IIe is a member of qualification for the highest usefulness in society.  IIe
Battle Creek, Calhoun, Michigan, and American Medical was an early matriculate at the University of Michigan,
associations,-with the last of which he has been con- from which he graduated with the degree of Bachelor
nected for twenty years; he was a delegate from his own of Arts, in 1850. With the comparatively few young
State to its regular meeting, in Chicago, in 1877. Dr. men attending the University at that time, Doctor Fiske
French became an Odd-Fellow in 1848. Ie has held all made steady and certain advancement, doing credit to
the offices in the subordinate lodge, several in tile (rand himself and reflecting honor upon the institution and
Lodge of the State, and is frequently a delegate to that the State. In 1853 he received from his A/ma AIater
body. He was baptized when an infant, and brought up the degree of Master of Arts. During the summer of
in the Presbyterian faith. In politics, he has always been 1854, he added, to the foundation of an education already
radical.  Hie was a Whig until the formation of the securely laid, the advantages resulting from an attendRepublican party, of which he was one of the founders; ance at the Lawrence Scientific Institute, of Cambridge
he attended the preliminary meeting held in Michigan, University, Massachusetts. After completing his college
drafted resolutions, and chose the name. He was a dele- course, he entered upon the study of law, which had
gate to the first Republican State Nominating Conven- been his ambition from early youth. His star, however,
37




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36

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

to use a figure of speech, indicated for him a destiny
quite different from that which he had marked out for
himself. His culture, his poise of character, and his
ability to deal with and to influence for good those with
whom he was brought in contact, suggested him as a fit
person to teach; and, after a few months spent in the
study of law, he accepted the Professorship of Natural
Sciences at Albion College. He intended, after a time,
to resume his favorite study; but, having turned aside
from his first purpose, he never fulfilled it. IHe remained
at Albion College until 1853, when he resigned to accept
the same position in the State Normal School at Ypsilanti. His work here extended over a period of three
years, after which he became Professor of Chemistry in
the State Agricultural College at Lansing. lie remained
there six years; during the last four years of the time
performing the duties of presiding officer of the college,
and also acting as Chaplain of the State Reform School
at Lansing. His talents and his varied acquirements, no
less than his tastes and industry, clearly indicated that
the time had come for him to enter upon a more enlarged field of labor. His studious habits and the relig-.
ious tendency of his mind led him, during his college
life, into the study of theology and the duties appertaining to the ministry.  He was licensed to preach under
the authority of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of
which he was a devoted communicant as early as 1852.
These studies were continued during his career as college professor.  In 1863, being within the jurisdiction
of the Michigan Conference, he was assigned to his first
pastorate,- that of the Methodist Church at Jackson.
In 1866 he was transferred to the Detroit Conference,
and appointed to the Central Methodist Church of Detroit, the largest and most influential society of that
denomination in the State. IHe continued here for three
years, when he was sent to the First Methodist Church
at Ann Arbor, where he labored for the same length of
time. In 1872 he was appointed Presiding Elder of the
Ann Arbor District. At the expiration of one year, he
was returned to his former charge in Detroit, again filling the full disciplinary period of three years. In 1876
he was assigned to the Tabernacle Church in the same
city. His connection with it, and with the active work
of the ministry, was terminated by his acceptance of the
Presidency of Albion College, June 20, 1877.  He was
formally installed in his office, December 12, of the same
year. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred
upon him by Albion College in 1873. It thus appears
that, during his ministerial service, Doctor Fiske was
honored with the most desirable appointments in the
conferences to which he was attached. As a further
mark of confidence, he was chosen to represent the
Detroit Conference in the General Conferences of 1872
and 1876,-the first at Brooklyn, New York, and the
second at Baltimore, Maryland,-in both of which he

Sadded to an already well-earned reputation. During his
Spastorate at Detroit, he acted for some time as one of
Sthe editors, and subsequently as editor-in-chief, of the
Michigan Christian Advocale, the organ of the Michigan
SMethodists, established in January, 1875. The fact that,
whether professor, pastor, editor, or college president,
SDoctor Fiske has always shown abilities fully equal to
the requirements of his position, is a good augury for
his continued usefulness in the more responsible office
upon which he has but recently entered. He is now in
the meridian of manhood, and with continued life and
health will, through the years yet to come, leave his
impress upon the institution of which he stands at
the head, upon his church, and upon the society of the
State at large. The wife of Doctor Fiske, whom he
married August 18, 1852, was Miss Elizabeth R. Spence,
a native of Scotland. She is a cousin of Dr. George
Macdonald, the novelist. Mr. and Mrs. Fiske are the
parents of six children,-five sons and a daughter,-all
of whom, except one of the sons, are living. The inauguration of Dr. Fiske as President of Albion College
is so important an event in his own history, and in its
relation to his church and to the subject of education in
the State, as to call for a specific reference in this sketch.
The charge to the new president was delivered by B. F.
Cocker, D. D., of the University of Michigan. The
argument of Doctor Cocker's address may be stated
briefly as in favor of denominational colleges and against
those supported by the State; for, as it was held that the
latter must be either theistic or atheistic, and as the
population of the State is an intermixture of persons
holding these opposing views, it would be unjust to tax
one class to propagate the views of the other. This
address has been quite extensively commented upon as
radical in its positions and conclusions, and bids fair to
form a point of observation in considering the relation
of the State to education. Doctor Fiske's inaugural
address, while it did not commit its author to Doctor
Cocker's views, was, nevertheless, an able argument in
favor of denominational colleges, with especial reference
to his own charge. IHe held that such colleges are necessary from the need which exists for religious teaching
and culture in connection with intellectual training.
"The most important end of collegiate training is culture. As in childhood the ncrmal condition is physical
growth, so in every undergraduate course the main point
is mental growth. No educational work, with intellectual aims in view, can approximate completeness, which
is not prosecuted under the sanction, and in connection
with the inspiration, of religious principles and spirit.
The teaching of science and philosophy in early years,
and, when this is over, the development of habits of
religious thought, bring forth an unsymmetrical mental
product. The dissociation of the intellectual and spiritual during school days is a dangerous folly that is likely




"x,:: -7 -
4 -

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

37

to bear exceedingly bitter fruit." "Nothing is more
vital to the progress of truth and the best culture of the
young than that the churches shall control the agencies
which guide the thoughts and direct the forces of society."  " Iife must be woven, not cemented. Christian
thought and spirit should penetrate all the tissues of the
soul during the years of early and special development.
As, in food, the iron, potash, lime, starch, fibrine, are all
taken at once in the same morsel of food,-not the
iron one year, the lime another, and the fibrine another,so, in education; the food the soul needs must be composite, reaching to every part of the manhood. The heart
should be fed in connection with the intellect. lie who
lives for four or six years on mental food, from which
the most nutritious element has been eliminated, from
which the divine has been banished, will be dwarfed in
the higher powers of his being, will be but imperfectly a
man." 'This sentiment will command a universal response: "The thought that we can influence the ages,
contributing to the good that will be taken up by thousands of homes, originating streams of blessings which
will flow over the State or the nation, adding to the intelligence of the race, promoting its civilization, making
it happier and wiser, should be full of inspiration for
noble deeds.", 'LETCIIER, JOHN W., of Marshall, Michigan,
Swas born in Marshall, Calhoun County, March
4, 1844. Ie is the soil of George and Elizabeth
(Sands) Fletcher, both of English birth. His
parents settled in Marshall in 1836. His father was,
professionally, an architect, and, practically, a scientific
workman. He learned his trade in Yorkshire, England.
Here Mr. Fletcher's grandfather held responsible offices,
and presided over one of the principal schools for fortythree years. His mother's father was a master mechanic,
for many years, in the dock-yards of Chatham, England.
Although fond of books, Mr. Fletcher was obliged to
leave school when he was fifteen. Ile tried various
occupations,-serving as clerk, working in. a factory,
farming, and, finally, entered the clothing store of
Mabley, where he remained nine years. By great diligence and economy, he became the successor of his late
employer, and is now the owner of the largest clothing
store in Marshall,- with two branch houses, one in
Albion, and the other in Charlotte. Although he is not
a politician, in November last he was nominated State
Representative. After three refusals to accept the nomination, his friends virtually thrust him into the political
field, and elected him by a very complimentary majority.
lie has always engaged in worthy enterprises for the
advancement of his city. lie has held the highest offices
in the Masonic Fraternity, and has been Eminent Conm
mander, High Priest, and Master. He belongs to the
German Odd-Fellows' Lodge, where all business is transacted in the German language; this he has mastered
by study, in moments of leisure, behind the counter.
He was the first Past Dictator of Marshall Lodge, Knights
of Honor, and is now District Deputy Grand Dictator
of the State. Hle is a Democrat, but often votes regard.
less of party ties and influences. lie married, December
12, 1865, Harriet A. Billings, of Marshall. She died
August 31, 1872.
---*+.----
L "OOTE, REV. LUMAN, late of Charlotte, Michigan, was born at Hanover, New Hampshire,,  February 18, 1794. His father, George Foote,
moved, during the childhood of his son, to
Canton, St. Lawrence County, New York. At Potsdam
Academy, in that county, Luman Foote prepared himself for college; and graduated from the University of
Vermont, at Burlington, in 1818. He read law at Burlington in the office of his brother, Alvin Foote. IIe
was admitted an attorney of Chittenden County Court
in 1821, and of the Supreme Court of Vermont in 1822.
During his practice of law at Burlington, Mr. Foote and
his partner, Mr. Austin, started the Burlington Free
Press, and published it under the editorial management
of Mr. Foote. It is yet a prosperous and influential
paper.  An extract from IHemenway's Historical Gazetteer of Vermont, says: "The paper was conducted
with great ability, and soon became one of the most
influential in the State; remarkable for its comprehensive views, its independence of tone, the force and
directness of its editorial articles, and the interest of its
correspondence." Mr. Foote retired from the editorial
chair in 1833, and also from  the practice of law. He
took orders as an Episcopal clergyman, and was ordained
by Bishop Hopkins. lHe preached at Arlington, Guilford, and East Poultney, in Vermont; and at Drewsville,
New Hampshire. In the fall of 1840, he removed with
his family to Michigan, and preached at Kalamazoo,
White Pigeon, Mottville, Constantine, and Jonesville.
In May, 1846, tired of his unsettled life as a preacher,
he purchased a few acres of land in Charlotte, Eaton
County, determined to make there a permanent home.
He preached occasionally, and presided for many years
as Justice of the Peace. lHe died August 5, 1876. His
widow, Mary (Tuttle) Foote, whom he married November 14, 1822, died December 4, 1877.    Mr. Foote's
sermons were carefully and studiously composed, and
were deeply interesting to persons of thought and culture. He was fervent in his religious beliefs, and almost
fierce in his championship of the church. He was very
fond of discussions, especially with his best friends,
but he sometimes inflicted wounds that he afterwards




38

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

regretted.  His mental life was intensely active, and
seemed to be divided between religion, politics, and
law. His varied pursuits, as lawyer, editor, and clergyman, together with his well-read library of theological,
legal, and historical works, rendered him a skillful and
able antagonist.  Want of tolerance for the opinions
and peculiarities of others, lack of suavity and reserve
in expression, and indifference to the accumulation of
money, were among his prominent traits. Yet beneath
the stern exterior was hidden a heart that knew no
guile; a kind, friendly, deeply emotional nature, imbued with profound love for God and man.
-.0.---
I,,^RINK, JOSEPH       COLTON, Banker, late of
Marshall, Michigan, was born in Lockport, New
Yfl           h York, where he re.sided during his early life.
When a young man, he went to Rochester, and
became clerk in a bookstore. He afterwards entered a
bank, and was connected with that business during the
rest of his life.  In 1837 he went to Michigan, and
became interested in a bank, and also in milling, at
Ceresco, Calhoun County. HIe was then associated with
John D. Pierce, now of Ypsilanti, who afterwards became
a prominent educator in the State. Mr. Frink was, for a
time, connected with Edward Butler in the dry-goods
business in Marshall. lie held, at different times, the
positions of Mayor, Judge of Probate, and Justice of the
Peace. Iie was twice married. His first wife had five
children,- two daughters and three sons; and his second,
who now lives in Marshall, two sons and one daughter.
This daughter died when very young.
1,VORDON, IION. JAMES WRIGHT, of Marshall,
Michigan, was born in 1809, at Plainfield, Windham County, Connecticut.    His father was a
Brigade Quartermaster in President Adams' standing
army. He was a noted politician, and a gentleman of
thorough culture.  Hle removed to Geneva, Ontario
County, New York, with his family, to whom he gave
every advantage for education. After graduating at
Harvard College, Mr. J. W. Gordon was, for a time,
Professor at Geneva. While there he studied law, and
was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court in New
York. In 1835 he established himself permanently in
Marshall, Michigan. In 1839 he was elected the second
Lieutenant-Governor of the State.  Governor Woodbridge was soon after elected, by the Legislature, United
States Senator, and Mr. Gordon became the acting Governor.  He was candidate for United States Senator
against Mr. Woodbridge, during a campaign of considerable excitement. He represented Calhoun County in

both branches of the State Legislature. Mr. Gordon
accepted a Consulship to South America, under General
Taylor, hoping that change of climate would restore his
failing health; but he died, at his official post, in 1849.
He was a man of great natural ability and force of character; and had already, although still in the prime of
life, acquired distinction as a lawyer, public speaker,
and politician. HIe was an active worker in the Whig
party. Having been a pioneer of Western Michigan, he
had an extended acquaintance in the State, and was destined, had he lived, to stand in the foremost ranks of
Michigan's great men. He was a member of the Episcopal Church, in which he received his early religious
training.  His wife, Mary Hudun, of Geneva, New
York, survives him. His brother, Alexander Gordon,
the leading farmer and largest land-owner in Calhoun
County, now resides in Pennfield, ten miles from Marshall. Mr. Gordon's eldest son is studying law, in Chicago, with the celebrated criminal lawyer, John Van
Arman.
RAVES, HION. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, Judge
of the Supreme Court, of Battle Creek, was born
at Gates, near Rochester, New York, October i8,
1817.  His parents, Samuel and Lois (Richardson)
Graves, were both natives of New England. His boyhood was spent in the common schools and in working
on a farm. lie was fond of study, and took much
pleasure in reading, but his means for gratifying these
tastes were very limited. During early childhood, he
was quite delicate; but, as no other life opened to him,
he was obliged to engage in manual labor. In the winter of 1837, he was attacked by a dangerous illness, and
was sick many weeks. During his convalescence, he
learned from his physician that he could not continue
physical labor without great risk to his life; and he at
once decided to study law. lie was not ignorant of his
great lack of general culture and mental discipline, nor
unmindful of the severity and duration of the task
before him; he saw clearly how much he had to accomplish without pecuniary help or the aid of influential
friends. In the spring of 1837, with the assistance of an
uncle-in-law, he obtained a place in the law office of
Curtis & Thomas, of Albion, New York. They were
gentlemen of character and learning, and at once gave
him all possible help and encouragement. IHe remained
with them until fall, and at that time was enabled to
change his situation for another in which he could make
small earnings. IHe accordingly entered the office of
Mortimer F. Delano, at Rochester. Mr. Delano then
held the office of Surrogate in connection with Addison
Gardner, who was Judge and vice-Chancellor of the
great Western Circuit of the State. In the course of a




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

39

few years, Judge Gardner resigned, and formed a law I cuit Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit, which, at that

partnership with Mr. Delano.

Mr. Graves became a

student with the firm; and, with some intermission, so
continued until his own admission to the bar. This took
place at Rochester, in October, 1841. The Supreme
Court was then composed of Messrs. Nelson, Cowen, and
Bronson. Mr. Graves gratefully remembers the kindness he received from his preceptors and their families,especially the cordiality and encouragement of Judge
Gardner, in whose family he resided for many months.
Neither does he forget the opportune favors bestowed
by Isaac R. Elwood, nor the kind notice of many
others, among whom were two who have since attained
high judicial honors,-Judge Noah Davis, of New York,
who was in the same debating club, and was admitted
to the bar at the same time; and Chief Justice Church,
of the Court of Appeals, who, though their senior, was
the friend of both.  In the winter succeeding their
adimission to the bar, Mr. Graves was invited, by Mr.
Elwood, who was then Clerk of the State Senate, to
accept the position of Journalizing Clerk for that season.
lHe accordingly went to Albany, and acted until the
Legislature adjourned. This brought him in contact
with the leading men in different parts of the State,
and enabled him to acquire more knowledge of the
usages of legislative bodies, and the details of legislation. Among the members of that Senate were General Erastus Root, Henry A. Foster, Gabriel Farnam,
Arphaxed Loomis, Auguste Daverzac, Horatio Seymour,
John S. Sullivan, John A. Simmons, and Sanford E.
Church. As he did not find an agreeable opening for
commencing practice in New York, Mr. Graves turned
his attention towards Michigan. The people and institutions of that State were much like those of New
York; and, because it was new, he hoped to find better
opportunities. IHe has since concluded that this idea was
erroneous.  After some inquiry, he was led, by the
representation of friends, to Battle Creek, then a small
hamlet, but containing the germ of a thrifty and prosperous town. Reaching the place in the spring of 1843,
he at once began practice, which he continued until
1857,-a period of fourteen years. In the meantime, he
was appointed a Master in Chancery, and was three
times elected Magistrate. His business was never extensive. His taste inclined him to prefer judicial service,
and to evade indiscriminate practice. The Legislature
of 1857 provided for an independent Supreme Court,
to, supersede, from  the beginning of 1858, the old
Supreme Court, composed of the Circuit Judges whose
terms expired at the close of.1857. The new Supreme
Court was to consist of four judges, to be elected at
the time of the election of the Circuit Judges, but by
the votes of the people at large. The full term was
fixed at eight years, and the first term was ordered to
begin January I, 1858. Judge Graves was elected Cir
time, comprised the counties of Eaton, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Allegan, and Van Buren. In the next session
of the Legislature, Allegan was taken off and united
with other counties to form the Ninth Circuit. Until
that time, there had been but six circuits. Hon. Abner
Pratt resigned his position as Judge of the Circuit in
June, 1857, and Judge Graves was immediately appointed to fill the vacancy. lie was, accordingly, Judge
of the old Supreme Court during the rest of its existence.  When his term   as Circuit Judge expired, he
was re-elected, receiving, quite generally, the votes
of both political parties. His labors were heavy; he
was required to hold sixteen circuits each year, eight
of which were in the populous counties of Calhoun
and Kalamazoo. No stenographer was employed, and
his minutes, which usually contained an accurate history of the proceedings of each term, were resorted to
by the bar whenever recourse to minutes was found
necessary. IHe was likewise accustomed to make his
charges in writing, although the law did not require it
at that time. Ile was exceedingly strict and firm in
matters of practice, and the bar soon learned to understand his methods and act accordingly. IHe has since
felt that he was too rigid, although the old counsel of
his circuit hold a different opinion. In the winter of
1866, from overwork in badly ventilated rooms, he was
threatened with an attack of paralysis. HIe was compelled to allow suspensions of service, and to discontinue, for the most part, night sessions. Finally, becoming convinced that an entire rest was necessary, he
sent in his resignation, to take effect July I, 1866. IHe
then made a journey to the East with his family. After
returning, in the fall, he engaged in counsel business,
and acted occasionally as referee.  lie had sold his
homestead; and, in the winter of 1867, purchased a
small farm, which he proceeded to improve. In the
spring of that year, he was elected Justice of the
Supreme Court, for the term beginning January I, 1868.
At the expiration of that term, he was re-elected by
the unanimous vote of both parties. He was originally
a member of the Democratic party, but early became
dissatisfied with its course in matters relating to slavery.
IHe favored the position taken by Van Buren and Adams
in 1848, believing that it would help to check all sentiments opposed to the right and duty of Congress to forbid slavery in the Western Territories.  Mr. Graves
voted for Mr. Van Buren, and was steadfast in the
views which actuated that vote; but he was reluctant
to sever fully his early party connections, until the
repeal of the Missouri Compromise, and the efforts
made to force the institution of slavery into Kansas.
That act decided him. He voted for Fremont against
Buchanan, and has since continued with the Republican
party. Judge Graves has been twice married. His first




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.
REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

40

wife, Lydia S. Merritt, whom he married in 1847, died
in 1850. In 1851 he married Ann E. Sapham, of Erie
County, New York. Judge Graves has a large library
of all the leading law publications. He is pleasant and
social in manner, and is highly esteemed.
ARDNER, AUGUSTUS             PORTER, Hardware
Merchant, of Albion, Michigan, is the son of
Clark and Elizabeth (Finney) Gardner, and was
born June 26, 1817, near Geneva, Ontario County, New
York. His mother, a relative of President Finney, late
of Oberlin, was a Methodist, and gave her son a careful
religious training. His early boyhood was passed on his
father's farm, near Geneva, where he received an elementary education. In 1828 the family removed to a
farm in Niagara County, and from there, in 1836, to Michigan. In 1831 Mr. Gardner, then a lad of fourteen, was
apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade for six years. He
purchased the last six months of his time, and moved to
Michigan with his family. Driving a number of cattle,
hogs, and sheep before them, they traveled in a covered
wagon, drawn by oxen, all the way from Lewiston,
Niagara County, to Leslie, Ingham County, Michigan;
the journey occupying eighteen days. After assisting his
father for some time, he went to Jackson, and Worked
at his trade with Peter C. Vorceland. March 14, 1837,
he went to Albion, arriving, after dark, with only ten
cents in his pocket, which he expended for a night's
lodging. He commenced work immediately at the forge
of the Albion company, and made the iron used in erecting the first grist-mill built in that vicinity. A year's
labor at Homer proved successful; and, in the fall of
1839, he entered into partnership, at Albion, with Marvin
Hannahs, who furnished the capital, giving him, for his
labor, one-half the proceeds. In the same year, he bought
out Mr. Hannahs, and commenced business for himself,
in a small wooden shop. There he prospered at his trade,
and in buying and selling plows, until the fall of 1843,
when he built a brick shop. lie then manufactured
wagons, in addition to his legitimate work, until 1854.
One of the most important branches of Mr. Gardner's
business was the construction of heavy breaking-up plows.
He furnished all that were used in that section of country.
In 1844 he built a brick dwelling-house, on the site of
his first shop, which he occupied thirty-one years, until,
in 1875, he erected his present fine residence. In 1854
he disposed of his shops, and purchased the hardware
establishment of John Norris. In 1856 he sold this to
George Yale; and, after a few months' rest, engaged
again in the hardware trade, in the Howard Block. lHe
continued there until 1867, when he moved into his present place of business. In former years, Mr. Gardner was

an Odd-Fellow. He has taken all the degrees in the
subordinate lodge; but he is not now connected with
the order. He was educated a Whig, and belonged to
that party until the political revolution in 1854, when he
became a Democrat. He did not approve of the late
war, believing that it was carried on by partisan politicians rather than by self-sacrificing patriots. Mr. Gardner's contact with the world has deprived him of his
early religious faith. February 24, 1841, he married
Samantha Pickens, of Sheridan, Michigan. Their only
child died March 24, 1847. An adopted daughter, taken
in 1853, is now married to George Yale, of Jackson. Mr.
Gardner has a robust constitution, capable of great
endurance. He has walked from Albion to Jackson, a
distance of twenty miles, and back again the same day.
lie has worked often, during the summer months, sixteen
hours a day at his forge. Prudence and hard work have
made him a successful man.
~ ILBERT, COL. HENRY CLARK, late of ColdSwater, was born in Onondaga County, New York,
July 14, 1818. He died at Chattanooga, Tennessee, May 24, 1864, from wounds received, nine days
previous, while gallantly leading his men at the storming of the redoubts at Resaca, Georgia. He was a son
of Hon. Daniel Gilbert, of Coldwater. At the age of
twenty-three years, he moved from New York to Coldwater, Michigan, where he finished his studies; and, in
March, 1842, was admitted to the bar as a practicing
attorney. He rose rapidly to distinction and soon stood
among the first lawyers in the State. In February, 1844,
he was appointed, by Governor Felch, Prosecuting Attorney of Branch County, which office he held for six
consecutive years. He was twice re-appointed, and discharged his duties with fidelity and ability. In 1850 he
was employed by the Michigan Southern Railroad Company to procure the right of way through Branch and
the adjacent counties. This was a task that required the
greatest energy and legal talent. Colonel Gilbert held
the office of Indian Agent, during the administration
of President Pierce, and performed its duties faithfully.
He was a Democrat, and always took an active part in
politics, being fitted for a leader. In his religious opinions he was very liberal. Colonel Gilbert was an ardent
supporter of the war, and early enlisted in the army.
He was Colonel of the 19th Michigan Infantry, and was
a brave and daring soldier. He also possessed rare
social qualities.  He married, in 1843, Harriet Champion, daughter of Reuben Champion, of Coldwater.
They had eight children,-four sons and four daughters;
three daughters and two sons are now living. Mrs.
Gilbert died in 1875.







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REPRESENTATIVE M
\ORHAM, HON. CHARLES T., of Marshall,
Michigan, Banker, ex-Minister to the Hague,
and ex-Assistant Secretary of the Interior, was
born in Danbury, Fairfield County, Connecticut, May
29, 1812, and is the third son of William and Polly
(Weed) G(orham, both of English descent. His father's
family, during the early days of the Republic, were
prominent in political circles, and Nathaniel Gorham
was one of the delegates to the first United States Constitutional Convention, held in New York. At an early
period, his parents removed from Danbury to Oneonta,
Otsego County, New York, where they brought up
a family of four sons and one daughter, all of whom
have risen to prominence. One son is a clergyman in
Newark, New Jersey; another, a lawyer in Burlington,
New York; and the eldest was a man of fine literary
attainments, which served him in the field of book publication and criticism. IIe lived and died in Peekskill,
New York. Mr. Gorham prepared for college, and fully
expected to complete the college course; but having,
while very young, shown marked business qualifications,
which had attracted the attention of Mr. Ford, of Oneonta, he was persuaded to abandon his intention and
accept a position in the extensive mercantile house of
Mr. Ford, who was one of the most practical and successful business men of interior New York. He continued there five years, giving complete satisfaction and
showing the greatest fidelity to the interests of his
employer. In 1836 he removed to Marshall, Michigan,
and engaged in mercantile trade with Mr. C. M. Brewer.
They did a very large and successful business until 1840,
when Mr. Gorham disposed of his interest to Mr. Brewer
and opened a private bank. This he successfully conducted until 1865, when it was incorporated as a National Bank, of which he has since been President.
Under his judicious and able management, it has bee'n
very prosperous. Mr. Gorham is now the oldest banker
in the State west of Detroit.  IIe was commissioned
Major-General of one of the three divisions comprising
the State Militia. In 1859 he was elected to the State
Senate, and assisted in organizing the military system
which is virtually retained by the State to this day. At
the close of his term in the Senate, Mr. Gorham was
earnestly solicited to accept a second nomination, but
declined. In 1864 he was a delegate to the Baltimore
Convention which nominated Abraham Lincoln for a
second term; and, in 1868, was elected at large to the
convention held in Cincinnati, which nominated Ulysses
S. Grant for the Presidency. In 1870 he received an
offer of the mission to Chili, but refused to accept. In
the same year, without the slightest solicitation, he was
appointed Minister to the Hague, which position he
filled with honor to himself and entire satisfaction to
his Government. IIis mission there was entirely free
from selfish ambition. lie sought to perform only the

lEN OF MICHIGAN.                                 41
most honorable service in the interests of the people
who had made him their ambassador, with the greatest
respect for the feelings and rights of the people to
whom he had been sent. Since resigning this appointment, in 1875, he has received many highly complimentary notices from friends and the press in Holland,
as well as from those in this country. The Dutch Government desired to decorate him with an order, which
he refused. While in Holland, he traveled more or less
in all the countries of Europe, and became familiar with
most of the great works of art, selecting for himself a fine
collection of original paintings. Not many months after
his return from abroad, he was appointed Assistant Secretary of the Interior, under Secretary Chandler. He
served from March, 1876, to April, 1877, when, contrary
to the urgent solicitation of Secretary Schurz, he tendered
his resignation. It was accepted, and his successor, whom
he had suggested for the office, was appointed. In that
position, General Gorham won the highest respect of the
Administration and his associates in office. HIe was,
for many years previous to going to Europe, a member
of the School Board, and an ardent friend of the commonschool system of the State. Prior to 1848, he was a Democrat, but the management of the canvass of that year
was so distasteful to him that he withdrew from the party.
In 1854 he assisted in forming the Republican party, of
which he has since been a member. Ile has belonged to
the Presbyterian Church since 1844. Mr. Gorham married, April Io, 1839, Miss Charlotte Eaton Hart, formerly
of Durham, Greene County, New York. They have three
children,-two sons and one daughter.
REEN, HON. A. L., of Olivet, Michigan, was
b horn in Herkimer County, New York, in NovemSber, 1824.      His father, Arnold Green, was a
mason and architect, and drew up the plans for the
erection of the first brick building of Olivet College. Mr.
Green received a common-school education, and attended
the seminary at Lima, New York.   He then entered
Oberlin College, at Oberlin, Ohio. In 1840 he removed
with a colony to Olivet, Eaton County, Michigan. This
colony founded Olivet College as a branch of Oberlin. It
is under the charge of the Congregationalists, and is the
only school of that denomination in Michigan.  Mr.
Green was one of the first students. Possessing marked
business ability, he remained  in the college but a
short time, and, upon leaving, assisted his father in the
milling business.  He was for many years a merchant,
and owned a large general store in Olivet, in connection
with his partner, Edwin N. Ely. Ile was actively engaged in milling, manufacturing, and building railroads,
and traveled quite extensively. lie took a leading part
in grading and starting the Coldwater and Mackinaw




a '. -:   -': '..

43

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

Railroad, of which he was President at the time of his
death.  lie was prominently identified with all public
enterprises. During the war, Mr. Green took an active
part in enlisting troops and procuring bounties, giving
liberally of his own means. In 1861 he was elected to
the State Legislature, and served on the Committee on
Education, and.as Chairman of the Committee on Engrossment of Bills. In 1865 he was re-elected, and was
Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means.     In
1867 he was elected State Senator from   Eaton and
Barry counties, and served on the Committee on State
Affairs, and as Chairman of the Committee on Religious
and Benevolent Societies. He also served as Justice of
the Peace, and Supervisor, for several years. He was
one of the Trustees of Olivet College; and, at his death,
was chairman of the committee for investing the funds
of the college.  Mr. Green was a devoted member of
the Congregational Church. In politics he was always a
Republican.   lie possessed, in a remarkable degree,
ability and force of character, and was energetic, honorable, and charitable.  His death, which took place
October 21, 1875, was a lamentable occurrence, and a
great loss to the community. He was assisting his men
in building a bridge, when one of the timbers fell,
striking him on the head. He died from the effects of
the blow, three days afterwards. lie married, July 29,
1847, Emma M. Ely, of Erie County, New York. They
had four sons, all of whom are living. Mrs. Green died
July 15, 1872.  In November of that year, Mr. Green
married Mary E. Barrows, a daughter of Prof. Barrows,
of Olivet College.  lis two eldest sons are now carrying on the different branches of his business.
-.--0.----
iORDON, ALEXANDER, Farmer and Pioneer of
IjU  Calhoun County, was born in Plainfield, Wind-.'   ham County, Connecticut, February 8, 1813. His
father, James Gordon, was one of the most prominent
men in Connecticut. He was a Brigade Quartermaster
in President Adams' standing army, highly educated,
and a leading politician. Alexander Gordon's mother
was Catherine (Gardner) Gordon. At the age of seventeen, he went to Geneva, New York, where he finished
his school life. HIe then rented a farm, on which he
worked two years. In 1838 he removed to Pennfield
Township, Calhoun County, Michigan, where he still
resides on a farm.  In that year, Calhoun County was
little more than a wilderness. Mr. Gordon has probably done as much as any one else towards bringing
the county to its present prosperous condition. By his
energy and perseverance, he has worked his way from
small beginnings until he has become the largest landowner in the county-possessing more than two thou
sand acres. lHe has always been a most public-spirited
citizen. lie was brought up under the influences of
the Episcopal Church. In politics, he is a Republican.
lHe married, in April, 1854, Photbe Gifford. They have
six children,-four sons and two daughters. Mr. Gordon
is a brother of the late lion. James Wright Gordon, who
was one of the prominent men of Michigan thirty years
ago.
ROSVENOR, EBENEZER OLIVER, SEN., AlSbion, Michigan, son of Rev. Daniel Grosvenor,
was born in Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, October 29, 1783; and died in Albion, Calhoun
County, Michigan, April 6, 1871, aged eighty-seven years,
five months, and seven days. Mr. Grosvenor was never
what is called a public man, yet he was not unknown in
the community and in the church. A life so extended,
so distinguished by virtue, knowledge, and active usefulness, ought not to close without honorable mention,
in order that society may profit by his example. In such
a case panegyric is unnecessary; a brief biographical
sketch is all that will be attempted. "The memory of
the just is blessed."  Although he had not the advantages of a collegiate education, his attainments in literature, science, and general knowledge were sufficient to
qualify him to associate with educated people, and to
fill with credit the offices to which he was called. In
these respects, many a collegian might be found his inferior. A person who knew Mr. Grosvenor for more than
seventy years testifies that, although at the age of thirty
he had made no profession of religion, and was engrossed
in secular pursuits, his youth was marked by a noble
avoidance of the common vices of intemperance and profanity, and by strict uprightness in the transaction of
business. This moral rectitude was the effect of faithful
religious education by pious parents,-proving that, contrary to the popular impression, ministers' sons are not
all vicious. It would be out of place here to write a
history of family and ancestry; yet the remark is admissible that, of the nine children of his father who lived
to adult age,-one son having died in childhood,-all
made profession of faith in Christ; three were deacons,
and the two surviving sons are ministers. About the
age of thirty, Mr. Grosvenor, then engaged in mercantile and mechanical business in Worcester County, Massachusetts, married Mary Ann Livermore, an amiable
and talented daughter of Braddyl Livermore, of Paxton,
in that county. They had seven sons and three daughters, four of whom-two sons and two daughterssurvive. The sons are well-known public men.   Not
long after his marriage, Mr. Grosvenor met a severe
reverse of fortune. IIe submitted to the chastisement
with Christian fortitude. Removing to the town of Still









REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

43

water, New York, he engaged in school-teaching, which and took charge of St. Paul's Church in that city. Here
had previously been his occupation. There he continued he remained twenty-one years, until the feeble parish

several years, honored as a literary instructor, and still
more as an active Christian. Under his influence, a large
number of his pupils and of the citizens of that place
were led to acknowledge Christ. Subsequently, he taught
in the High School of Rev. I)r. Yates, in Chittenango,
New York, and was an agent of great religious good
among that people; but, being desirous of providing for
the support and industrial education of a growing family,
he went West to the town of Albion, where he purchased
land, and entered heartily into the work of reducing it
to a state of cultivation. Forty-one years ago, but little
of the now important and flourishing State of Michigan
had been settled; and Mr. Grosvenor was among the pioneers of the central portion of the State. IHis intelligent
zeal in the cause of universal education manifested itself
here in securing well-qualified teachers in the common
schools. The present generation is reaping the harvest
sown by this energetic citizen and his associates. This
imperfect memoir ought not to leave unnoticed the deep
interest taken by Mr. Grosvenor in all the improvements
of the age; in the cause of missions; in the deliverance
of our country from the blighting curse of slavery; and,
indeed, in every thing affecting the well-being of the
world, with the religious and political condition of which
lie kept himself well informed to the close of his long
life. Only a few weeks before his death, he carried his
vote to the election of town officers. On this occasion,
a gentleman expressed to him some surprise that one so
advanced in life should feel sufficient interest to come
out to vote. To which, with characteristic promptness,
the aged deacon replied: " Ay ditty to my country next to
my God." In 1849 Deacon Grosvenor experienced that
sorest of bereavements,-the death of a most affectionate
and estimable wife, whom all respected and loved. This
and all his afflictions he bore with a spirit submissive
to the Divine will. As one of the founders and supporters of the Presbyterian Church in Albion, his memory is held in high esteem. The public solemnities of
his funeral were such as are due to a citizen of so much
worth.
jtfuRINNELL, DANIEL T., D. D., late of Jackson,
Ut-I Michigan, son of I)avid and Lydia Grinnell, was, born in Columbia County, New York, May I I,
1807. HIe was educated at Union College, Schenectady,
New York; and, after graduating, spent some time in
teaching. In the year 1845, he was principal of a select
school for boys, in Detroit, Michigan; and, in 1846, was
ordained as a minister in the Episcopal Church. The
following year, he removed from l)etroit to Jackson,
38

became the strong, prosperous church, which mourned
his death, June 2, 1868. In his devotion to his parochial duties, he did not ignore the claims of the world
and of society; and every deserving cause found in him
a strong supporter. In the educational institutions of
Jackson, his experience as a teacher made him a wise
counselor; he was eminently fitted for the office of
School Inspector, which he held for many years. lHe
was a member of the Odd-Fellows.    In politics, he
always voted for the best men, regardless of party. Mr.
Grinnell married, in 1847, at Birmingham, Michigan,
Miss Eliza James. They had eight children, live of
whom, with Mrs. Grinnell, are living.
jt  OODWIN, REV. HENRY M., of Olivet, Michi(jgan, was born in Hartford, Connecticut, June, 8, 1820. Ilis mother was Harriet Williams, of
Wethersfield, Connecticut. 'lhrough her he is connected
with a long line of distinguished clergymen and public
men; among whom were Rector Elisha Williams, one of
the early Presidents of Yale College; Colonel Ephraim
Williams, founder of Williams College, Massachusetts;
and lIon. William Williams, one of the signers of the
D)eclaration of Independence. The late Hon. Thomas
S. Williams, of HIlartford, Chief-Justice of Connecticut,
was his great uncle. Caleb Goodwin, the father of
IHenry Goodwin, was a prominent merchant of Hartford,
and a descendant of Ozias Goodwin, one of the first
settlers of that city. Ile died in 1830. In his boyhood
Mr. Henry Goodwin was marked chiefly by a highly
sensitive, retiring, and reflective disposition. Ile preferred books and solitary wvalks to society. These characteristics not unfrequently exposed him to the petty
persecutions of bolder and ruder boys. HIe entered Yale
College at the age of sixteen, and graduated in 1840.
For several months after leaving college, he taught a
family school in Berkeley, Virginia. lie devoted one or
two succeeding years to literary studies, and was employed
for a time as assistant editor of the New. England Review,
a paper formerly edited by Park Benjamin and Mr.
Prentice, of the Louisville Journal. His theological
studies were pursued at the Union Theological Seminary,
New York, and at New Haven; where he took his theological degree in 1846. During this period it was his
rare privilege to come under the quickening influence
of Dr. Horace Bushnell, who, then in the zenith of his
power, served as preacher in the North Church of Hartford. To the thought-awakening spiritual discourses of
this wonderful man, and to the life-long friendship
which ensued, Mr. Goodwin is largely indebted for his




.e"..K-~iT   *!

44

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

views of Christian doctrine, and his character as a preacher
In the summer of 1850, he removed to Illinois, and set
tied at Rockford, as pastor of the First Congregationa
Church. This relation was continued twenty-one years
till the close of 1871. IIe held a prominent and influ
ential position for many years; and much seed of hi
sowing has ripened into fruit. During his long anm
successful ministry, he was identified, not only with th<
growth of the Congregational Churches in the North
west, and the principles which they represent, but alsc
with the interests of higher education. For twenty
years he was Secretary of the Board of Trustees of Rock
ford Female Seminary; and, as preacher, lecturer, and
teacher, endeavored to mold the thought and character
of those who were brought under his influence. After
closing his connection with the church at Rockford, he
traveled abroad with his family. lie spent two years in
Europe, chiefly in Germany, at Bonn and Leipsic.
engaged in writing and study. While in the latter city,
he, with one or two other American clergymen, established an American chapel, which has continued to the
present time. Mr. Goodwin conducted the first service.
In 1874, on his return to America, he published a theological treatise, entitled  Christ and Houmanityi, with
a review, critical and historical, of the doctrine of Christ's
person. This book was issued by the Harpers in 1875,
and received high commendation from both American
and English reviewers, as an original and important
contribution to theological science. The Atlantic speaks
of it as "a book of a very high order, altogether manly
and austere."  It is a work for the few who think, and
who love all honest books which compel thought. His
historical sketch of the doctrine of Christ's person is
of extreme value. Ilis manly maintenance of the divinity in humanity is refreshing to a mind long wearied
by the deductions of Darwinism; and his book is itself
a refutation of the statement, that all the learning and
ability of the present generation are enlisted on the side
of skepticism and materialism. Mr. Goodwin has also
contributed numerous articles of a theological and philosophical character to some of the leading American
quarterlies. In the fall of 1875, Mr. Goodwin was invited
to a position in Olivet College, as Professor of Moral
Philosophy and English Literature, and associate pastor
of the College Church. He accepted the position, and
removed, with his family, to Olivet, where he still resides,
performing the double duties of professor and preacher.
He married, in November, 1854, Martha S. French,
youngest daughter of Hon. John French, of Bath, New
1lampshire, a physician widely known and very highly
esteemed during his fifty years' successful practice in
that State. Her oldest brother is Hlon. Ezra B. French,
Second Auditor in the Treasury Iepartment, at Washington. For twenty-one years she was the light and
ornament of her husband's home, in Rockford, and his. true helpmeet and inspiration in every good word and
- work; with an almost total forgetfulness of self, her life.l was given in sacrifice to the Christ-like work of making
2, others happier and better. She survived the removal to
t- Olivet but a little over three months, and died on the
s 17th of March, 1876. She left four children,- two sons
d and two daughters.
e
Si      ALL, GENERAL JAIRUS WILLIAM, of Jack"   son, Michigan, was born at Adams, Jefferson
County, New York, October 11, 1840, and is of
SAmerican parentage and English ancestry. His
r father's name was George Hall, and his mother's maiden
Sname was Elmira Hubbard. He received a commonSschool education. On the 29th day of April, 1861, while
traveling through Michigan, he enlisted as a private in
a company then forming at Ann Arbor, which was
afterwards known as Company B, of the 4th Michigan
Volunteer Infantry.  He was commissioned Second,ieutenant in this company May 16, 1861; and, on the
1st of September, of the same year, was promoted to
the rank of First Lieutenant. July I, 1862, he was
given a Captaincy; May 22, 1863, he was promoted to
the rank of Major; on the 3d of the following July, he
was promoted to that of Lieutenant-Colonel; and, on
the 26th of July, 1864, he became Colonel, which rank
he attained, not by the influence of friends, but through
meritorious conduct and gallantry. March 13, 1865, he
\was made Brigadier-General by brevet for gallant and
meritorious services; but he is known best by his title
of Colonel. Ile remained in the army until the close
of the war, taking part in over ninety engagements,
and being wounded but once, at Gettysburg, and that
slightly. Among the most prominent battles in which
General Hall took part were those at Gettysburg, Malvern Ilill, Gaines' Mills, Chancellorsville, Antietam, and
Nashville. June 15, 1866, he was mustered out of the
army, and retired with a war record second to none.
I)uring his service, he was never absent without leave,
never placed under arrest, and never reprimanded.
After the close of the war, and until the spring of
1867, General Hall did not engage in any permanent
business. When the discoveries of rich silver mines in
Colorado were reported, he was among the first to try
his fortunes in that new country. IHe went to )enver, where he became interested in mining affairs. As
Georgetown was then the center of the silver excitement, he went there, and undertook the management
of the branch banking house of George T. Clark & Co.
located at that place. He successfully filled this position
for nearly two years, when he was compelled to devote
his entire time and attention to his large mining interests. While at Georgetown, General Hall became much




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

45

interested in Masonry. lie was the first Master of
Washington Lodge, No. 12, at Georgetown; and, with
the same persistence which has characterized him in
other things, he sought every opportunity for advancement in this body. lie successively obtained all the
degrees of the order, being made Knight Templar at
the city of Jackson, in this State. Shortly after this,
he took the respective degrees of the Scottish Rite, and
the Rite of Memphis. General Hall was the first to
prospect and develop several miining districts now prominent in Colorado.  Among these are what are now
known as Hall Valley, or lall Gulch (named for him),
and Geneva mining districts.  After persistent efforts
at home and abroad, General Hall finally succeeded in
interesting English capitalists in the two districts above
named; and the result was the organization of the Hall
Valley Silver Lead Mining and Smelting Company,
limited, and the Revenue Mineral Company, limited,
which together represent a capital of nearly one million
dollars. General Hall is also quite largely interested in
silver mines in other parts of Colorado, and is part
owner of the celebrated Stevens mine, near Georgetown.
As a recognition of the enterprise and success of General
Hall in developing the mineral wealth of that portion
of Colorado, he, although competing with one of the most
popular men in the Territory, was chosen by a large
majority to represent it in the Upper House of the
Territorial Legislature.  His merit and energy were
there recognized by his appointment as Chairman of
two of the most important committees in that body,the Finance and Penitentiary committees.  February
I, 1872, he married Miss Mary E. Wood, daughter of
IIon. J. C. Wood, present State Representative of Jackson, Michigan. They traveled through Europe, visiting
every place of note, and then returned to their beautiful
home in Jackson. There, after a brief illness, Mrs. Hall
died November 30, 1877.
'ALL, HON. TOLMAN W. of Battle Creek, Michif   gan, was born at Sudbury, Vermont, September
1 sI, 1805. Iis parents, Moses and Experience
(Tolman) Hall, were of Puritan descent, and
their early religious teachings have exercised a marked
influence upon his life. His father served in the Revolution. An academic education fitted Mr. Hall for a
teacher, and he followed the profession for several years.
At Sudbury, April 12, 1832, he married Lois Mary
Hitchcock, formerly of IIebron, New York. Soon after,
he came into the possession of real estate near Battle
Creek, Michigan, and, in 1834, he removed there and
engaged in farming. In 1842 his wife died, and he gave
up the farm and became a merchant. Before and after
Michigan became a State, Mr. Hall held various local

offices. In 1836, when the State government was organized, he was elected Associate Judge of the Circuit Court
of Calhoun County. He held the office until 1845; in
1844 he was admitted to the Calhoun County bar, but
has never practiced. In 1855-6 Mr. Hall was a member
of the Legislature; during the administration of Abraham
Lincoln, and during part of Andrew Johnson's, he was
Postmaster; in 1863 he was Alderman, and in 1865 was
Mayor. He is now Justice of the Peace and Superintendent of the Poor of Calhoun County. lHe has always
shown an active interest in the moral and educational
advancement of Battle Creek. lie holds office in the
church, and aided in organizing the Congregational and
Presbyterian churches in this city.  lie also aided in
establishing the present school system, and takes a prominent part in the temperance movement. lie was a Democrat until 1854; he is now a liberal Republican. Mr.
Hall has traveled extensively through the United States
and Canada. HIe is a man of strong character and positive convictions.
ýIAWXIIURST, D. C., M. I)., I). I). S., of Battle
Creek, Michigan, was born in Oxford, Oakland
i  a County, Michigan, July 9, 1844.  His father, a
careful and thoughtful practitioner of medicine
for many years, died in 1862. His mother, Elizabeth
(Dean) HIawxhurst, is a fine letter-writer, and has been
an occasional contributor to the press. She is now seventy-two years old. Doctor Hlawxhurst's early education
was directed by his mother. From eight to thirteen
years of age, he attended the common schools and then
spent three years in Bedford Seminary, Michigan. There
his natural taste for anatomy, chemistry, and physics
found opportunities for cultivation. He spent a year
and a half under the tutorship of a geologist, gathering
specimens, and occasionally lecturing upon the subject.
After giving a year more to literary pursuits at Bedford.
Seminary, Mr. IHawxhurst passed four years traveling;
studying in various schools, and advancing his knowledge of dentistry. The winter of 1864, he spent on
scientific method, French, and positive philosophy with
Henry Edgar, on Long Island. The following summer,
he gathered geological specimens on Lake Superior. He
then devoted one year to chemistry and chemical physics
at the State Agricultural College, Michigan. For several
years, he gave his entire time to dentistry. During this
period, he joined the Michigan State Dental Association,
and helped to organize the Central Michigan Dental
Association. Hie served, at different periods, as Secretary and President of each of these bodies, and as a
member of various standing committees. HIe also wrote
articles upon different subjects for these associations,
many of which were published; one essay upon lime




*  '. '  '

46

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

phosphates being reprinted in some of the European
journals. In 1873 Mr. Hawxhurst was on the committee
appointed by the Central Michigan Dental Association,
and also on that chosen by the State Dental Association,
to memorialize the Regents of the State University on
the subject of a Dental Department. It was through the
instrumentality of Doctor Hawxhurst, aided by Doctors
Holmes, Jackson, Thomas, and others, that this school
was established.  In the fall of 1873, he entered the
State University for the study of medicine, and graduated in 1877. In 1876 he took a double course of medicine and dentistry. During the past four or five years,
he has become a member of many dental associations in
different States, and has advocated in these, and the
dental journals, the doctrine that every dentist should
found his special studies in his profession upon a thorough medical education. Doctor Iawxhurst is now
meditating two works: one on the "l uman Breath,"
and the other on the "Relation of the Mineral Salts of
Food to Dental Development."  He is an independent
Republican in politics, and a freethinker on religious
subjects. Hie has been a dental surgeon twelve years,
and a resident of Battle Creek eighteen years.
JICKOK, CAPT. JAMES W., Pioneer, of CharSlotte, Michigan, was born December 2, 1798, in
j, Lansingburg, a small village situated on the
east bank of the Hudson River, about three
miles north of Troy. His parents were James and Anna
(Kellogg) Hickok. Iis fatherwas a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and was present at the surrender of
Burgoyne.  At that time he was living at Sheffield,
Massachusetts.  While marching through what afterwards became Lansingburg, he was so impressed with
the beauty of the place that he resolved to make it his
future home. After the close of the war, he settled
there, and engaged in mercantile business, by which he
accumulated quite a fortune.  He and his wife were
Presbyterians, of the old school, and brought up their
children according to the rigid rules of the Puritans.
Captain James Hickok was educated in the academy of
his native town, where he studied all the common English branches; and spent two years in Greek and Latin
under George Bush, who afterwards became a noted
Biblical commentator. After leaving school he commenced the study of law, but gave it up, after seven
months' trial, finding it not adapted to his tastes. He
then commenced a boatman's life, and continued it many
years. Finally, desiring to prepare his six sons for different positions, he resolved to remove to Michigan;
and, in February, 1836, he settled in Eaton County. lHe
built the frame-work of a log house; and, in March,

returned, on foot, to Lansingburg, accomplishing the
feat, with a heavy pack on his back, in fourteen days.
In June he took his family to Michigan. He ploughed
the first furrow in the township of Walton, which, at that
time, was a wilderness, stocked with all sorts of game,
and containing large villages inhabited by Indians of the
Pottawatomie tribe.  With these, Mr. Ilickok lived on
friendly terms. He remained on the same farm until the
spring of 1865, when he removed to Bellevue, Eaton
County.. He remained there two years and a half, and
then removed to Charlotte, where he still resides. He
was several times elected Supervisor of the township,
and has held, at different times, all the principal offices.
In 1852 he was elected to represent his district in the
State Senate. He was Postmaster for several years before
the office was removed to Olivet. Mr. Ilickok was connected, for a long time, with the Sons of Temperance, and
with the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows; he also became an enthusiastic Free Mason. lie has held all the
offices of note in each of these societies. Mr. Ilickok
agrees, in the cardinal points of doctrine, with the Presbyterians; but his own views do not coincide, in all respects,
with those of his parents. Since 1836 he has been identified with the Democratic party, though of late years his
partisan feeling has been much weakened. Mr. Hickok
married, July 18, 1819, Miss Eliza Wood, of Corinth, Saratoga County, New York. They have had seven sons, only
two of whom are living. The fifth, William, is a farmer
of Eaton County; and the seventh, Isaac E., is a prominent lawyer of Charlotte. Mr. and Mrs. Hickok have
been married nearly sixty'years; their health is not materially affected by their advanced age. They have lived
to see the country change from a wilderness to its present
high state of cultivation.  Mr. Hickok is six feet in
height, and weighs two hundred and twenty-five pounds.
He is a fine conversationist, and a man of genial manners.
'f ILL, SAMUEL WORTH, of Marshall, Michigan,
Stl Civil Engineer and Geologist, was born November 6, 1815, in Starksborough, Addison County,
Vermont.   He was the eldest child of Richard
and Betsey Ilill,-his father being of English, and his
mother of Scotch, descent. Both were natives of New
Hampshire, and are now living on a farm in Vermont.
His mother is the sister of William Hill and cousin of
Isaac Hill, both prominent citizens of New Hampshire.
HIe spent his early life upon the farm, attending school
in winter. Hie completed his studies, in 1837, at a
Friends' school, at Hinesburg, in Chittenden County,having given special attention to mathematics, geology,
the natural sciences, and engineering. For two years,
he taught school and perfected himself in civil engineering. In 1839 he left Vermont and went to Albion, New







M

6~




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

47

York, where he made a short stay. In October he went
to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Not finding work as engineer,
he taught school in Racine during the winter of 1839-40.
In the spring of 1840, he engaged in the survey of the
public lands. In September he became connected with the
United States Topographical Survey, and assisted in locating the boundary line between Michigan and Wisconsin.
In the fall of 1841, the survey of Green Bay was commenced. This was the first work of the kind done on
the lakes by what is known as the United States Lake
Survey. In the fall of 1842, Mr. Hill returned to Racine,
and was appointed superintendent of a school which has
now become a seminary of considerable reputation. IHe
remained at his head-quarters in Racine, and engaged
in various enterprises until the spring of 1845. He then
received an appointment from Doctor Houghton in the
geological and lineal survey of the Upper Peninsula of
Michigan.  In 1847 Mr. Iill, in company with Mr.
Charles T. Jackson, of Boston, began the geological
survey of the entire Upper Peninsula. In 1851 he engaged in the development of the copper mining interest
of Lake Superior, and was a Director and the Superintendent of the Quincy mine at Hancock,-one of the
best mines worked. Being compelled to transport all
the freight to and from these mines by tugs, Mr. Hill
conceived the idea of cutting a ship canal from Portage
Lake to Portage Entry,-a distance of three miles. The
work was accomplished. A canal was constructed, capable of admitting the largest steamers that ply the lakes.
This work was of vast importance to the mining interests of Houghton County, as it effected a great saving
of time and expense in the transportation of copper and
supplies. Mr. Hill was engaged in the organization and
establishment of the Central and Phoenix mines. He
was the first President and Manager of the Copper Falls,
and has been largely identified with all the important
enterprises undertaken to develop the resources of that
region. Among the other positions of trust, he has repeatedly represented his district in the State Legislature,
his last term having been served in 1871-72. In 1872
Mr. Hill became interested in the mineral lands of Isle
Royael, and commenced work at Siskarrit Bay. lie has
organized the Island mines at Siskarrit and the mining
at McCargor Coor, both of which are pushing their work
as rapidly as circumstances will admit. It will be seen
that Mr. Hill is the pioneer in all that vast system of
mining work that swells the aggregate of our productions
to about twenty million dollars per annum. On the 16th
of July, 1851, he married Miss Susan A. Warren, of Coldwater. Mr. Hill is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, of the American
Mining Engineers, and of the Pioneer Society of Michigan. He has the best library pertaining to all matters
connected with his profession, to be found outside of

on all subjects connected w;th the mineral interests of
the State. lHe has made important discoveries with
regard to the pre-historic race, whose mine works are
found in many places in the mineral range, especially
on Isle Royael, where Mr. Hill is now exploring. IIe
was a Democrat up to 1864, when he voted for Mr.
Lincoln; since that time he has acted with the Republican party.
\USSEY, IION. ERASTUS, an early Pioneer of
Michigan and now a resident of Battle Creek,
S  was born in the township of Scipio (now Ledyard), Cayuga County, New York, December
5, 18oo. His ancestry can be traced far back in English
history. Christopher Hussey, the first of the name who
came to America, was one of the early pioneers who
emigrated on account of religious persecution. He settled on Nantucket Island. From him are descended a
large number of those who bear the name of Hussey in
the United States. The family characteristics are sociability, benevolence, and generosity, combined with a
strong love of freedom  and equality. The men are
large, with strongly marked features, and traits so decided as to be easily recognized. Erastus Hussey was
born on a farm one mile east of the beautiful village of
Aurora, on the east shore of Cayuga Lake. Here he
spent his boyhood and early manhood. His educational
advantages were limited. The country was comparatively a wilderness, and instruction in the schools very
elementary,-only reading, spelling, writing, and arithmetic being taught. After he was fourteen years of
age; he was able to attend school but three or four
months in the year, as his labor was required on the
farm. He had access, however, to a library of wellassorted works on historical and other subjects, of which
he availed himself in his leisure. IHe thus obtained a
good knowledge of profane and sacred history. As he
approached the age of manhood, he commenced a course
of study as a preparation for teaching; and, after completing it, was enabled to diversify his employment by
working on a farm in summer and teaching in winter.
This he continued many years. He desired to study
law; but, as circumstances prevented, concluded to make
agriculture the business of his life.  This healthful
occupation strengthened his constitution, and prepared
him to endure the hardships of pioneer life through
which he afterwards passed. At the age of twenty,
desiring to settle on a farm, he visited the Holland Purchase, in Erie County, New York, where many of his
friends were making their homes. Though the land
was cheap, he was not pleased with it, and turned his
attention farther West. Passing by Ohio and Indiana,

our public institutions. lie is recognized as authority I both of which were well spoken of, he decided to settle




48

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

in Michigan.  lie wished before investing, to lay by
sufficient money to purchase one hundred and sixty
acres of land; but this was no easy task, as money was
scarce and wages were small. When he had accumulated two hundred and twenty-five dollars, he visited
the Peninsular Territory. His journey was one of great
magnitude in those days, and was attended with many
perils and privations. The Erie Canal was opened only
to Rochester, so Mr. Hussey decided to travel on foot.
Thus he made his way to Buffalo, walking forty-five
miles the first clay. At Buffalo, he took the steam brig
"Superior," the only steam craft at that time on Lake
Erie, and sailed for Michigan. After a prosperous passage, he landed at Detroit, September 25, 1824. There
were but six organized counties then in the Territory,
most of the country being unexplored. After a stay of
a few hours in Detroit, Mr. Hlussey, in company with
George Crozier and Thomas CGillet, whose acquaintance
he had made on the boat, started on an exploring expedition into the interior, taking the road to Pontiac.
Crossing the old Harrison causeway, a military construction about six miles long, they came into a broad
extent of oak openings. Thinking the soil too light,
they continued their way to Pontiac,-at that time a small
hamlet scarcely deserving the name of village, but finely
situated on the Upper Huron, now Clinton River. Not
yet being satisfied, they turned south-westward into a
heavy timber region. A journey of fifteen miles brought
them to the house of Arthur Power, who had settled
there the year before, and was building a mill on the
head-waters of the River Rouge. Here they found fine
timber and well-watered land, but continued westward
to the home of I-lowland Mason, the most advanced
settler in that direction. They then commenced inspecting in earnest, and traveled over a large section of
country, searching for locations which should combine
good, well-watered land and good timber.  On the
third day, his companions became frightened at sight
of a massauger rattlesnake; and, after vainly attempting
to persuade Mr. Hussey to accompany them, left him
alone in the wilderness, many miles from a human habitation. He continued his investigations seven days, at
the end of which time, being convinced of the general
fertility of the soil, he hired a man to accompany him,
and took a south-west direction into a region he had
not yet explored. Here, nine miles from inhabitants
and fifteen miles from a public road, he decided to purchase. That night he returned to the settlement; and,
the next day, October 9, 1824, went to Detroit, and
entered one hundred and sixty acres of land.  lie was
the first buyer who occupied his land in what is now
Plymouth, the north-west township of Wayne County,
Michigan. The succeeding day he took passage down
Lake Erie, and landed at Erie, Pennsylvania; after
which, in company with Luther Landon, he left for

Collins, ninety miles distant, walking thirty miles the
first day and sixty the next.  There, being among
friends, he taught school four months; and, after spending a pleasant and profitable winter, returned to his
native place. In the summer of 1826, he again visited
Michigan. Emigrants were then pouring into the Territory, and the country seemed alive with business.
After making some little improvement on his land, he
returned to New York late in the fall. February 21,
1827, he married Sarah E. Bowen, daughter of Benjamin
and Lucretia Bowen, of Cayuga County, New York.
Her family, as does his own, dates from the early settlement of Massachusetts. She is a lady of culture, and
has been his counselor and helper for more than fifty
years. Soon after their marriage, Mr. Hussey and his
wife started for their home in the Western wilderness.
They reached Detroit by canal and steamboats. From
there they traveled, by means of an ox-team, twenty-five
miles to their destination, at which they arrived July
27. Having no house, they went into a dilapidated
shanty, with one window only eighteen inches square; a
floor of split bass-wood logs, and a roof of bass-wood
troughs. Having but forty-seven dollars in money and
his land, he entered upon the life of a pioneer.  Mr.
Hussey commenced operations by raising two acres of
wheat, which had to be taken twenty miles to the mill.
He also bought a cow, and began cutting logs for his
house. Hle and his wife were now both taken sick, and
nothing but good nursing and the skill of a kind physician, who traveled seven miles to visit them, saved
their lives. It was November before Mr. lHussey was
able to work again; but, as cold weather approached, a
generous neighbor, Ebenezer Jones, took them into his
own house. Mr. Hussey then got together his logs;
and, with the assistance of his neighbors, rolled up a
substantial log house, into which he moved January I,
1828. On the twenty-seventh of the month, their only
child, a daughter, was born. She now cares for them
in their old age. At the spring election of that year,
Mr. Hiussey was chosen Road Commissioner. This was
his first public office, but he held some one of the town
offices for the ensuing nine years. In the meantime,
with the assistance of his wife, he built a beautiful
home. After moving into his house, he went on foot
fifteen miles down the river; and, having secured twentysix apple-trees, four or five feet in height, took them on
his shoulder and returned the same day. By a seties
of unavoidable misfortunes, he became involved in debt,
and concluded to return with his family to his native
town to recruit his finances.  ie taught school four
months at a good salary; and, in the spring of 1830,
went back to Michigan. Ile immediately paid his debts
and pushed forward his improvements. lie labored
diligently on his farm, and sometimes taught school in
winter. lie raised good crops, which, however, brought




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

49

low prices. He cleared seventy-five acres of heavy tim- Whig party, but was defeated. IIe was elected the
ber-land, mostly with his own hands, and built a frame third year, however, by a majority of twenty. This

barn thirty by forty-two feet.  In 1836, finding his
health failing, he sold his farm for two thousand dollars. Then, in company with Moses Allen and Erastus
W. Starkweather, he traveled over the southern part of
the Territory, investing his money in land.  In the
summer of the same year, he went East for his health;
riding by easy stages in his own carriage, with his wife
and little daughter, through Ohio, Pennsylvania, New
York, and the New England States, to the Atlantic. He
traveled in warm weather, and taught school in winter.
I-aving recovered his health, Mr. Hussey became desirous to return to Michigan, which had been-admitted as
a State in 1837, that he might labor and use his influence towards building up its interests. lie chose Battle
Creek for his future home, and reached it in the latter
part of September, 1838. Having been formerly engaged
in the manufacture of boots and shoes, Mr. Huscey
entered into partnership with Platt Gilbert in that business and the sale of groceries. At the end of a year, he
sold his interest to his partner; and, in 1839, fitted up
a store and engaged in the dry-goods trade. This he
continued several years; and, in 1843, took as partner
Henry B. Denman, who afterwards married his daughter, Susan T. Iussey. The firm of Hussey & Denman
carried on a successful business until 1847, when they
dissolved by mutual consent, and Mr. Hussey closed up
their affairs. During the same year, he built two-fifths
of the Union Block of fine stores, the first brick building erected in the village. Mr. Hussey was also among
the first who advocated, the propriety of establishing
union schools supported by a general tax, making education free to all. This measure was carried after a
fierce struggle, and resulted in the present admirable
school system of Battle Creek. lie was chosen one of
the trustees, and acted as director three years. About
the year 1847, the Ai/chicean Lib cr/y PIrss was started as
the organ of the Liberty party in the State, and Mr.
Hussey became manager of the editorial department.
This journal was established by a committee, and printed
by Messrs. Woolnough & Daugherty, who, after a few
weeks, relinquished their contract. The press was then
purchased by the committee, and Mr. Hussey took entire charge of the paper. It was conducted in the
interests of the Liberty party, with the motto,-" Eternal
enmity to all kinds of oppression." The responsibility
was great. Iublic opinion and the press waged war
against any one who interfered, in any way, with what
were claimed to be the rights of slave-holders. In
politics, he was a Whig, with strong antislavery proclivities. His first vote for President was cast for John
Quincy Adams.    Mr. Hussey's advocacy of universal
liberty soon brought him into notice. At two successive
elections, he was nominated for Town Clerk by the

I

was a great triumph, as the Democrats had always
before controlled the town. He took charge of one section of the under-ground railroad which passed through
Battle Creek, and was active in making the institution
a success. Hle supported Harrison for President, under
the belief that the Whig party would take measures to
curtail the slave power; but, President Tyler having
dispelled this illusion, he joined the Liberty party,
voting for J. G. Birney, the antislavery candidate, in
1844.  Mr. Hussey became a leader in the Liberty
movement. The people listened to his lectures with
attention, and began to realize the necessity for action.
In 1848 the whole liberal sentiment of the nation was
aroused. A convention was called, irrespective of party,
which met at Buffalo and originated the Free-soil party.
Charles Francis Adams was chosen President, and Salmon
P. Chase drafted the platform, which was 1based upon
"Free soil, free speech, free labor, and free men."
Many other men of national reputation were in this
convention, among whom were Preston King, of New
York; Joshua R. Giddings, of Ohio; and B. F. Butler, of
Massachusetts. The convention decided to select two
members of each party, making a committee of six from
each State represented. This committee was called the
Conferree Delegation, and its duty was to bring forward
the name of the candidate to be supported for President.
Mr. Hussey was a delegate from Michigan. Martin Van
Buren's name was decided upon, and received with
enthusiasm. Upon returning home, Mr. Hussey placed
the nominees of the IBuffalo Convention at the head of
the Pr'ss, but supported lMr. Van Buren with reluctance,
as he distrusted him. IIe would have preferred John
P. Hale, whose name had been proposed and afterwards
withdrawn. lie, however, acknowledged that the Buffalo policy contributed largely toward spreading liberal
principles; and, throughout the animated contest which
ensued, gave the ticket a warm support. The Postmaster neglected or refused to deliver the Liberly Press
to subscribers, and every means was resorted to, to
prevent the dissemination of antislavery principles. Mr.
Hussey rode all over the State, in the interest of the
party, to correct this abuse; leaving his wife, as was
his custom in his absence, to fill the editorial chair,
which she did with marked ability. By the energetic
labors of Mr. Hussey and his coadjutors, and the influence of the press, a political revolution was rapidly
taking place in his county and in the State at large.
But the vote, at that time, was only a forerunner of
success. In the spring of 1849, the Liberty Press and
all the fixtures were destroyed by fire. After issuing a
few numbers at Marshall, Mr. Hussey discontinued the
paper. Hie was active in the political field, was a good
debater, and was often called to preside over public




Scy^^
REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

50

meetings. In the fall of 1849, he was elected a member
of the State House of Representatives by the Free-soil
party. There were but five members of that party in
the Legislature, namely: De Witt C. Leach, of Genesee
County; Delamore Iuncan, of Kalamazoo; Iovey K.
Clark, and Erastus Hussey, of Calhoun County, in the
House; and Isaac P. Christiancy, of Monroe County,
in the Senate. Although in the minority, Mr. Hussey
was treated with respect, and often called to preside
over committees of the whole. Ile supported every
measure that tended toward universal liberty. IHe introduced a bill incorporating the village of Battle Creek,
which was passed.    He also offered resolutions of
instruction to the Representatives and Senators of Michigan in Congress, calling on them to advocate measures
to prevent the advancement of the slave power. The
passage of the Fugitive Slave Law increased the travel
on the under-ground railroad.  Mr. Hussey, assisted
by his wife and daughter, received all who claimed protection. One night, he succored forty who came to
his house together. Slave-hunters often visited Battle
Creek, but never took away a fugitive. Mr. Hussey
still remained on the School Board, and was called
upon to superintend the building of a house on a site
which had been purchased by the Board. This has
recently been replaced by a beautiful new building. In
the fall of i85o, Mr. Hussey was elected County Clerk.
In 1852 he supported John P. Hale, the nominee of the
Free-soil party, for President. Mr. Hussey was nominated for Lieutenant-Governor by that party, but lost
his election, and was re-elected County Clerk, by the
coalition party, the same year.  In February, 1854,
he presided over a Free-soil State Convention at Jackson, which nominated a full State ticket, with Kinslcy
S. Iingham at the head. The convention also appointed
a committee, of which Mr. Hussey was a member, to
call a meeting at Kalamazoo, to take into consideration
the propriety of holding a convention of all liberal men
who were opposed to the slave power. This meeting
convened, discussed the question, united on the propriety, issued the call, and designated Marshall as the
place of meeting.  The convention was accordingly
held in July, 1854, on the principles of the Buffalo
Convention, David S. Walbridge being President. Mr.
Hussey was one of the committee to draft and present a
platform. It was drawn up by Hon. Jacob M. Howard;
and, after being amended, was made broad enough for
all loyal men to stand upon. It was accepted without dissension and adopted. To Michigan, therefore,
belongs the honor of originating and naming the Republican party. The platform being satisfactory to the
Free-soil party, Hon. Isaac P. Christiancy was delegated
to withdraw the nomination made at Jackson, and the
convention then in session nominated IHon. Kinsley S.
Bingham, with a fill State ticket, which was elected.

In the fall of the same year, Mr. Hussey became a
member of the State Senate. He was made Chairman
of the Senate Finance Committee, and was a member of
the joint-committee to perfect a bill known as the Prohibitory Liquor Bill, in the passage of which he took
much interest. Ie also introduced the Personal Liberty
Bill, which, without conflicting with the United States
laws, protected the State of Michigan from kidnapers,
and secured the rights of fugitive slaves.  Notwithstanding the opposition, it passed both houses by a large
majority, and was pronounced by Governor Bingham
one of the most important measures of the session. In
the preparation of this bill, he was assisted by IIon.
Austin Blair. In 1855 Mr. Hussey built a house and
fitted up a home, which he called Oak Lawn, in the
northern part of the city; and, to a certain extent,
retired from public life. In 1856, however, he took an
active part in the canvass for John C. Fremont. In
1859, when Battle Creek was incorporated as a city, L.
D. Dibble, M. II. Joy, and W. WV. Woolnough were
appointed a committee to draft the city charter. These
gentlemen proposed to name the city Wapokisko in
place of Battle Creek. Mr. Hussey advocated the Indian
name, Wapokisko, as being more euphonious than Battle
Creek. The name signifies the River of Battle. A vote
of the citizens defeated the proposed change, only sixty
favoring it. Elijah W. Pendill was the first Mayor,
and Mr. Hussey one of the first Aldermen, of the city.
Mr. Hussey was connected with municipal affairs many
years. In S160 he was a delegate to the Chicago Convention which nominated Abraham Lincoln for President.  The events which followed the election- the
emancipation of the slaves, and the establishment of
peace and liberty in the land-brought ample returns
to Mr. Hussey and his co-laborers by showing that their
efforts in the cause of humanity had not been lost. Mr.
and Mrs. Hussey had always encouraged the spread of
useful knowledge in their pioneer home, and had succeeded in establishing a library for the benefit of the
scattered settlers. In 1864 Mrs. Hussey entered with
alacrity into an enterprise of founding a Ladies' Library
Association in the city of Battle Creek. IHer efforts, in
conjunction with those of others, have been crowned
with success. In 1867 Mr. Hussey was elected Mayor
of Battle Creek.  In 1873 he sold his home to the
Seventh-day Advent Educational Society, which has
erected a college on the premises. In 1874 he built his
present fine dwelling at the corner of Washington and
Manchester streets. In 1875 Ienry B. IDenman, his
son-in-law, died at Mr. Hussey's residence. lHe had
been a man of great energy and ability as a merchant
and banker. For two years, he had been a member of
the Legislature. lie died in the meridian of life, leaving a widow and one child,-a son. In June, 1876,
Mr. IHussey went to Kansas with his grandson, Frederick




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

5'

H. Denman, who wished to look after the estate he
inherited from his father. They made a successful trip,
and returned home by way of the lakes. In September, Mr. and Mrs. Hussey and their daughter went to
Boston, Massachusetts, to attend the marriage of Fredcrick H. Denman and Kate A. Strickland. From there
they went to the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia,
and returned to Michigan through the Lehigh Valley.
In 1877, in company with his wife, Mr. Iussey visited
his grandson in Kansas, where he is laboring as a
pioneer. Mr. Hussey is a member of the Society of
Friends. Hle believes in the inward light as taught by
(eorge Fox,-that the grace of God has appeared to
all men, teaching the denying of ungodliness, that they
may live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present
world. He believes that God teaches men directly;
that revelation has not ceased; and that all men have a
knowledge of right and wrong in themselves through
the internal principle, Christ; for "no man knoweth
the Father but the Son and him to whom the Son
revealeth lim." Mr. Hussey is now. seventy-seven years
old. HIe lives in his comfortable home witli his wife
and daughter, waiting for the close of an eventful life.,I   ICKOK, ISAAC     E. C., of Charlotte, Eaton
Si County, Michigan, was born in Bellevue, Eaton
SCounty, September 7, 1836. HIe was the son0
of James W. and Eliza (Wood) Hickok.    The
father was a farmer, and a pioneer in Eaton County.
Isaac Hickok, his seventh son, was the first white boy
born in that county. HIe was named for the Ilon.
Isaac E. Crary, of Marshall, the first member of Congress from the Third Congressional District of Michigan. The Indians inhabited this section of the State
at that time, and the country was a wilderness. Mr.
Ilickok helped in the work of clearing his father's
farm, until he was seventeen. Hle could not, at tlat
time, read or write. lHe was disqualified for work by
losing the use of his right arm; and commenced attending school.  He spent five years at Olivet Institute,
now Olivet College, and two at the State University, at
Ann Arbor. Hie taught for a while near Olivet; and,
in 1863, was chosen, from among six competitors, Principal of the Charlotte Union School. In 1864 he was
elected County Clerk, which office he held eight years.
Meanwhile, he studied law; was admitted to the bar in
1869; and, since 1873, has been in the active practice
of his profession. HIe has also held the office of Justice of the Peace.  He is a deacon and trustee of the
Congregational Church.   His early influences would
have led him into the Democratic party, but he has
always voted the Republican ticket. Mr. Ilickok mar
ried, January I, 1863, Charlotte A. Hubbard, of Vevay,
Ingham County, Michigan. By this marriage he has
one child,-a daughter. Iis wife died August 14, 1867.
He married, November 4, 1869, Eva A. Taylor, of
Cooper, Kalamazoo County.  Mr. Hickok is a good
lawyer, and a Christian gentleman of-exemplary life.
I~~INMAN, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, of Battle
SCreek, Michigan, Pioneer and Merchant, was
" born at Castleton, Rutland County, Vermont,
SAugust 17, 1811. IIe was a son of Truman II.
and Betsey M. Iinman, whose ancestors were wellknown in New England. le attended the public schools
and engaged in farm work until he was sixteen years of
age, when he became a salesman in the mercantile store
of A. W. & O. M. Hyde, at Castleton. Ile resided there
until September, 1836, when he emigrated to Michigan,
and settled in )Detroit. After investing his small means
in land in Eaton County, he returned to Detroit, where
he-remained for two and a half years, engaged in the
hardware business. In Iecember, 1838, he removed to
ellevllue, Eaton County, and opened a small store. At
that time Eaton County was little more than a wilderness, inhabited by the Pottawatomie Indians and a few
scattered whites. By economy and close application to
business for nearly eight years, he was enabled to acquire
a small capital. In 1846 he removed from Bellevue to
Battle Creek, where he opened a dry-goods store in connection with his brother, the name of the firm being
I. F. & II. T. HIinman. This business they successfully
conducted until 1877, when, satisfied with their gains,
they disposed of their stock and retired from business.
Mr. IIinman's mercantile life is well known to the citizens
of Battle Creek and Calhoun County, and is one of which
any man might be proud. Mr. Ilinman was Alderman
of the Fourth Ward of Battle Creek one term.  Ie was
an active member of the School Board for three years,
and did much toward the erection of the new school
buildings, which are an ornament to the city. He has
never sought office, and prefers to live in retirement.
In 1840 he married Olivia Swallow, of Windsor, Vermont, who died in Iellevue, Michigan, in 1846, leaving
two daughters. One is the wife of M. C. P. Grandine,
of the firm of Grandine & Iinman, the leading druggists of Battle Creek; the other, Miss Olivia Swallow
Ilinman, is unmarried. In 1848 Mr. Ilinman married
Delia Byington, daughter of Rev. Joel Byington, of
Battle Creek. They have two children,-a son, Charles
Henry Hinman, of the firm of Grandine & Iinman;
and a daughter, Julia Electa Iinman. Mr. Hinman
was brought up a Congregationalist, but is not a professor of religion. With his family he attends the Pres



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'ii -                   R E  S   A      MN    M  I
S52                           REPRKESENTATIVE  MEN OF MICIIGANc.

byterian Church. In politics he was a Ienry Clay
Whig, but afterwards became a Republican. lie voted
for Horace Greeley in 1872, and since then has remained
independent. He is temperate in all things, and is an
agreeable, social, and unassuming gentleman. Now in
his sixty-seventh year, having gained a competence
and an honorable reputation, he stands deservedly high
among the self-made men of Michigan.
U UMPHREY, GENERAL WILLIAM, of Jackson,
ex-Auditor-General of Michigan, and Warden
of the State-prison at Jackson, was born in Ontario County, New York, June 12, 1828. Iis
father carried on the business of an iron founder, but
removed to Michigan in 1837, settling on a farm in
Hillsdale County. General Humphrey had the usual
advantages of common-school instruction up to the time
of his father's removal to Michigan. Subsequent to this
he attended school at Spring Arbor, in Jackson County,
working on his father's farm a portion of the time; and,
when he had reached a sufficient age, he improved the
winter months by teaching. lie was employed as clerk
and salesman in a store at Adrian for a number of years
prior to 1861; and, on the breaking out of the war, he
enlisted in the 2d Michigan Infantry. He was appointed
Captain, which position he held until May, 1863, when
he was promoted to the Colonelcy of his regiment. In
1864 he was made lBrigadier-General by brevet, and had
command of a brigade until the close of the war. His
regiment was engaged at both battles of Bull Run, at
Williamsburg and Yorktown, in the seven days' fight
before Richmond, at Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, Knoxville, the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North
Anna, and Petersburg, including, of course, the many
lesser engagements. General Humphrey was never on
detached service, but was always at the front; and the
only injury he received was a flesh wound on the left
hand, which is marked by a somewhat prominent scar.
After the close of his military service, General Humphrey purchased an interest in the Adrian IVatc/tower,
an old established Democratic paper, changing it to a
Republican paper, and becoming one of its editors. lHe
was elected, by the Republicans in 1866, Auditor-General
of the State, and, in consequence, closed his journalistic
career in December of that year. He was renominated and
elected Auditor-General for four successive terms, making
eight years of continuous service. Leaving the office on
the ist of January, 1875, he was not long allowed to
remain in retirement; but in the following October was
appointed, by Governor Bagley, Warden of the Stateprison at Jackson, which position he now holds. In view
of the difficulties of prison administration, and the liability of unfavorable criticism, the fact that no complaint

of General Humphrey's management has ever reached
the public, is the best testimony that could be borne to
his fitness for the work.  General Iumphrey's early
political views were I)emocratic; but, upon the breaking
out of the war, like many others, he aeted upon the
principle that there should be but one party in its prosecution, which should be fully in sympathy with the
National Administration, and he therefore identified
himself with the Republican party. He has no denominational connection in religious matters, but is rather
liberal in his opinions. The positions that he has held
sufficiently attest his high moral character and worth.
lie is a man of fine personal presence, five feet eleven
inches in height, square, firmly built, and has fair complexion, blue eyes, and hair tinged with gray. He is
decisive in character, and, in his business and official
intercourse, is a man of few words, although he is at all
times the same genial, pleasant gentleman. He married,
October 6, 1867, Miss Mary E. St. Clair, of Adrian. They
have one child,-a daughter.
'JI4AYDEN, HENRY A., Ex-Mayor and Prominent
J Business Man, of Jackson, Michigan, was born
March 28, 1817, in Otsego County, New York.
His parents, Ilezekiah and Hannah Hayden,
were from Windsor, Connecticut, tracing their lineage to
the first settlers of that town, in 1634. They removed
to Otsego County in i806, where the elder Mr. Hayden
became a leading citizen, being engaged as a farmer,
owner of a saw-mill, etc. Mr. Hayden's parents died
when he was five years old, and the ensuing seven years
of his life were passed under the care of a married sister.
During this time, he enjoyed the advantages of instruction at a district school, while his mind was directed in
practical channels by association with his sister's husband,
who was a fine mechanic, an inventor, and what is
termed a "natural genius." From 1829 to 1834, he was
employed as salesman in a store in Buffalo, under an
elder brother; but he had little relish for the business,
and his subsequent career has shown that he had capacities for a much broader field. Animated by a spirit of
travel and adventure, he engaged, as cabin-boy, on a
lake schooner, under Captain Scovil, at a salary of seven
dollars per month, performing, also, the duties of supercargo; and, in 1835, he shipped as royal yardsman on
the " Indiana," the first brig that floated on the waters
of Lake Erie. IIe had, at this time, fully made up his
mind to enter the navy, but accepted the proposal of an
uncle at Cleveland to make his home with him and
attend school. Entering a private school, then under the
charge of Hon. Franklin T. Backus, he conceived a
preference for the profession of civil engineering, and
pursued a course of study with that in view. iHe




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

53

remained at this school until the spring of 1837; and,
upon leaving it, was highly complimented by his teacher
for his proficiency in mathematics and general scholarship. He immediately entered the office of the City
Surveyor of Cleveland, where he spent a short time in
practical work. The internal improvement fever was
then epidemic throughout the West. Michigan had just
negotiated her historical "five-million loan;" and extended explorations and surveys, for various works of
internal improvement, were to be immediately entered
ulon.  Mr. Iayden felt that the field he had long
desired for the display of his energy and knowledge had
opened before him; and, with letters of credence from
friends and from his former teacher in Cleveland, he
reached Detroit in June, 1837, prepared to accept the
first available position that offered. This was the germinal point of his active and successful life. Fully
realizing that success was to be attained through his own
exertions, he conducted himself accordingly, and has
become one of the honored self-made men of Michigan.
IHe found a party already formed under the late Colonel
John M. Berrien as chief engineer, for the survey of the
route of the Central Railroad, then projected from
Detroit to the mouth of the St. Joseph River, and that
the only place unfilled was that of axman. This place
Mr. Iayden accepted, and the company, which consisted
of sixteen men, started on its mission. The second day
out, one of the rodmen was taken sick, and Mr. Iayden
was promoted to the vacant place. Nearly three days
were consumed in traveling from Detroit to Ann Arbor,
forty miles, and about four months in running the entire
line to the mouth of the St. Joseph. Jackson was then
a little hamlet of not more than three hundred inhabitants. Before the survey was completed, the entire
party, except i\r. Hayden, had succumbed to the disease
then so prevalent in Michigan,-fever and ague. Upon
the completion of the preliminary survey, they were
relieved from further duty.  Mr. Iayden alone was
retained, on account of his practical knowledge and skill
as a surveyor, and for his energy and endurance in prosecuting work then necessarily carried on through an
unbroken Wilderness, in an unfavorable climate. He
continued his connection with what was, at first, a purely
embryonic enterprise, until 1844, when it had become
an actual working railroad from Detroit to Jackson; and
filled various positions, up to that of General Superintendent of Repairs, and Pay-master, to which he was
appointed in 1842. Mr. Hayden then resigned his position, and engaged in the storage and commission business in Jackson, of which place he had been a resident
since 1838. To this, in the following year, he added the
manufacture of flour. In 1851 Mr. Wiley R. Reynolds,
Mr. Hayden's present partner, became associated with
him, and they bought what was known as the "watermill," adding, in 1853, the steam flour-mill; the com
bined capacity of the two being from eighty thousand to
one hundred thousand barrels of flour per year. This
flour has a wide reputation as the best of Michigan
brands. Mr. Hayden has held the local offices of County
Surveyor, Supervisor, and Chief Engineer of the Jackson
Fire Department. IIe was chosen President of the
People's National Bank of Jackson at the time of its
organization, in 1865, and served, as such, four years.
He was elected a Representative in the State Legislature for the term I863-4. The principal public measures at that time related to the prosecution of the war,
and they received his cordial support. Among the local
measures of importance at this time, however, that of
local aid in the building of railways was coming into
popular favor. It was during Mr..Ilayden's legislative
term that steps were taken which insured the construction of what is now the Jackson, Lansing and Saginaw
Railroad, which has since developed into a continuous
line of two hundred and thirty-six miles, from Jackson
to Gaylord, Otsego County. Mr. layden introduced a
bill in the House authorizing the city of Jackson to vote
aid to the amount of fifty thousand dollars. The bill
received the support of Hon. O. M. Barnes, the member
from Ingham County, which, by an amendment proposed by him, conferred similar authority upon that
county, to the extent of forty thousand dollars. The bill,
thus having the support of the two counties directly
interested, passed without material opposition. The
organization of the company for constructing the road
was perfected during the winter of 1863-4, and Mr.
Hayden was elected its President, and still holds that
position. Mr. Hayden and Mr. Barnes, from having been
associated in the Legislature, became more intimately
connected in the management of the affairs of the railroad, to which their joint efforts contributed so much.
A warm personal friendship sprang up between them, and,
in 1872, with their families, they made an extended tour
of Europe, visiting all of the British Islands, and the
principal countries and cities of the continent.  This
tour was, to Mr. Hayden, a necessary rest and relaxation from the continuous labor of so many years of active
life. He brought with him from Italy a large collection
of rare and costly paintings and statuary, which now help
to adorn and beautify his elegant and well-earned home
in Jackson. In the spring of 1874, the local, especially
the financial, administration of the city of Jackson
being in a state to impair public confidence, Mr. Hayden
yielded to the written request of more than three hundred of his fellow-citizens, of both political parties, to
become an independent candidate for the office of Mayor.
He was elected by a majority of five hundred votes over
the highest of the opposing political candidates, and he
was re-elected for a second term by an almost unanimous
vote. Among his first acts as Mayor, was the preparation of a revised city charter, containing checks and




k. 4j',
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54

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

guards against abuses then existing. This charter having
been established by the Legislature, Mr. Hayden, after
two years of careful and earnest devotion to the public
interests, retired from office, leaving to the city prosperity and a fully restored credit. Mr. IIayden's political
sympathies have always been with the Democratic party.
He was an earnest supporter of the Government during
the war, and testified his patriotism by a voluntary contribution of one thousand five hundred dollars, which
he placed in the hands of Governor Blair, to aid the
Union cause. He has been a communicant of the Episcopal Church for thirty-six years, and a parishioner of
St. Paul's Church, of Jackson, from its organization, in
1839. Hle has, for thirty-five years, been a member of
the vestry, and, a considerable portion of the time, one
of the wardens. He has, almost every year, for a long
time past, been a delegate to the diocesan conventions,
and has represented his diocese in general conventions
of the church. Mr. TIayden has been twice married. His
first wife was Mary E. Aldrich, of Genesee County, New
York, whom he married in 1843. They had seven children, four of whom are living. Left a widower in 1862,
he married Mary P. Stevens, of Jackson, who has brought
him one child,-a daughter. The simple record of the
career of a good man is the best eulogy that can be
passed upon him. Mr. Hayden's life is his eulogy.
Enterprise, industry, integrity, faithfulness, patriotism,
kindness, benevolence, charity,-all the cardinal virtues,
crowned by a religious life, are his. In a comparatively
ripe but yet vigorous old age, while still discharging
faithfully life's duties,, he may calmly await the call,
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant.
Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."
ART, HON. JONATHAN, Pioneer of Battle
Creek, and ex-Member of the Legislature of
l.      l Michigan, was born in New York, October 25,
1795. He received a common-school education.
His parents were Friends, and he was always a member
of that religious society. HIe removed to Battle Creek,
Michigan, in 1836, and located fifteen acres of land in
the vicinity of Iomer. Battle Creek consisted of a few
log houses, and the whole of Calhoun County was little
more than a wilderness. In 1848 Mr. Hart built a flourmill in what is now the center of the city, in which he
carried on business until his death, which occurred September 8, 1858. He was also engaged in the manufacture of lard-oil. He was a member of the State Legislature in 1848.  He was President of the village of
Battle Creek, and was the first Mayor of the city, having
held that position at the time of his death. He was an
active and zealous Whig, and was one of the seven
members of that party in Calhoun County,- that num
ber embracing all the Whigs of the county until several
years after his arrival in Michigan. Mr. Hart, perhaps,
did more than any one else towards building up the
excellent water-power for which Battle Creek is so celebrated. He was in every sense a public-spirited citizen,
giving freely of his time and means for promoting the
interests of the city and county. He was plain, unassuming, and upright; a man of more than ordinary
ability, and his efforts were always crowned with success.
lHe married, October 12, 1820, Mary S. Merrett. They
had five children, two of whom-a son and a daughter-are now living. The son, Thomas, is now conducting a large business in the mill his father built in 1848.:4UGIGETT, lION. GEORGE, Prosecuting Attorney of Eaton County, was born in the town of, Pittsford, Monroe County, New York, June 27,
S1842.   His father, Thomas Iuggett, was of
English descent; and his mother, Mary Ann Wickam,
of Scotch parentage. They had twelve children,-eight
sons and four daughters,- all of whom, except one, are
still living.  Mr. Iuggett came with his parents to
Michigan, and settled at Convis, Calhoun County. He
studied at home, worked on a farm in summer, and
attended the common schools during winter, until he
was eighteen years old, when he commenced teaching
during the winter terms. In January, 1865, he enlisted
in the Ist Michigan Cavalry, and served nearly a year.
After his return home, he again taught a district school.
He entered the law office of the late Hon. M. S. Brackett, at Bellevue, in 1867, and read law for three years.
In 1870 he was admitted to the bar in Charlotte, and
has been in active practice ever since. He removed
from  Convis to Bellevue in 1867.  IIe has held the
office of Justice of the Peace, and was Trustee of the
town of Bellevue for two years. In 1872 he was elected
Circuit Court Commissioner of Eaton County. In 1874
he was renominated, but, in the fall of that year, was
elected to the State Legislature. In the spring of 1875,
he was electgd President of the village of Bellevue for
one year. lie became Prosecuting Attorney of Eaton
County in 1876, and still holds the position. Mr. Huggett has been a member of the Masonic Fraternity since
1865. He has been Master of his lodge, and has held
other positions.  He belongs to the Good Templars.
In his religious views, he is liberal, and is not a member of any church. IHe has always been a Republican.
Mr. Huggett married, in Bellevue, November 22, 1871,
Mary E. Brackett, daughter of the late lion. M. S.
Brackett. They have two children,-a daughter and a
son. He is an industrious, painstaking lawyer, and has
a bright prospect before him.




",  IV. -. -

REPRESENTATIVE
i^END)ERSON, EDEN          FOSTER, of Marshall,
il Michigan, was born January 5, 1828, in Royal\  ton, Niagara County, New York, and was the
S son of Dr. Robert Harper and Betsey (Foster)
Henderson. His father, a graduate of Middlebury
Medical College, was a skillful physician. His mother's
family were of Revolutionary fame. IHer father was a
brave soldier and drum-major in the War of 1812. Her
brother was Judge Foster, of Genesee County, New
York. Mr. IIenderson's father removed, soon after the
birth of his son, to Washtenaw County, Michigan, where
he died in 1839. Mr. Henderson was educated in the
common schools.   When he was seventeen, he was
bound out, to work on the farm of the IIon. Henry Rumsey, until he was twenty-one. lie was to attend school
during the winter, and receive, at the expiration of his
time, a yoke of oxen and one hundred dollars in money.
The last two years, he taught, instead of attending
school; and was allowed to appropriate his earnings for
his own use. HIe spent the year 185o on a farm at
Emmett, in Calhoun County, a few miles south of Battle
(reek. The following year, he purchased a farm; and,
in 1852, married Frances A. Lovell, a daughter of one
of the early pioneers of the State. Mr. Ienderson was
called to fill many high offices of trust. lie was School
Inspector, State Representative, Supervisor, and County
Treasurer two terms. During the summer of 1867, he
was a member of the Constitutional Convention, from
the Second District of Calhoun County. In the spring
of 1867, he went to Missouri, with the intention of
removing his fainily West; but finally accepted a position in J. C. Frink's bank, and divided his time between
the bank and the abstract office. In the fall of 1868,
lie was elected Probate Judge for four years. He discharged his duties so admirably, that, at the close of his
term of office, he was again elected. After eight months'
service, he died September 29, 1873. His wife had died
six months earlier. Mr. Henderson was an earnest worker
for the cause of Christ, in the Presbyterian Church, of
which he was an elder..-fARRIS, REV. JOHN, of Battle Creek, Michiigan, was born in Nassau, Rensselaer County,,   New York, September 19, 1790, and was the
Sson of the well-known Baptist clergyman, Rev.
Ephraiim Harris, of New York. His life commenced at
a time when the stirring scenes of the Revolution naturally exerted a powerful influence upon his character; and
the exciting political history of the country, during the
period in which he grew up, animated him with an
ardent zeal and love for f-ree institutions and for his
country's honor. His most important schooling in her
service was in the summer and fall of 1812, in the army

MEN OF MICHIGAN.                                 55
of the frontier in North-western New York. lHe married,
April 2, 1812, and returned to his home when the army
went into winter quarters. In 1815 he united with the
Baptist Church, in Nassau, under the charge of Rev. Enoch
Ferris; and, in the following year, having been previously
ordained, succeeded Mr. Ferris as pastor of the church.
He preached there ten years, and ten years at South Ballston, Saratoga County, New York. He then settled at Battle Creek, Michigan, where he resided until his death,
which occurred October II, 1864. He preached in Battle
Creek, South Battle Creek, Climax Prairie, and Orangeville, during twenty-eight years of hard labor and privation. IIe was known throughout the country as a representative clergyman of the Baptist Church in the State.
As a preacher lie was distinguished for his clearness of
thought, and force and vigor of delivery. lie was an
earnest advocate of all beneficent and wholesome reforms.
The first temperance organization in Rensselaer County,
New York, was started by his agency. His memory
will always be cherished in the hearts of the people as
that of a faithful pioneer minister. Four of his children
are residents of Battle Creek: Rev. George W. Harris;
John G(. Harris, city editor of the Battle Creek Daily
j0urnal, Mrs. Willard, wife of -Ion. George Willard,
ex-member of Congress and editor of the Battle Creek
daily and weekly Journal; and Mrs. Otis Green. Two
other children are, Mrs. Allen Willard, of Goquac; and
William IIarris, of Norwood, Michigan. The following
is a sketch of Rev. John Harris' grandson, inserted at
the request of his many friends. Though he lived but
a few short years, he gained the esteem, and raised high
the hopes, of all who knew him.
'----*+---
IARRIS, FREDERICK WALTER, was born in
the township of Battle Creek, Calhoun County,
SMichigan, November 24, 1853; and died in the
city of Battle Creek, April 5, 1877, aged twentythree years, four months, and eleven days. He was the
only son of John G. and Mary E. (Cowles) Harris. His
grandfather was the late Elder John Harris, one of the
pioneers and prominent ministers of the Baptist Church
in Michigan.  His maternal grand-parents, Hiram and
Julict Cowles, were early settlers of Branch County,
Michigan, and were valued citizens of Coldwater. While
very young, Frederick W. Harris gained those ideas of
true manly character which marked his later years. He
attended the public schools of Battle Creek, and graduated from the high school in 1871, being but seventeen
years old. He always stood at the head of his class, and
his school days were distinguished by that thoughtful,
earnest, and studious application for which his character
was remarkable. Upon his graduation from the high
school, he delivered the valedictory address, which




56

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

showed a great amount of research, and stamped him as
a natural orator. In 1871 he entered Michigan University, at Ann Arbor, and, four years after, graduated with
the highest honors. The testimonials he received from
the President and Faculty were indicative of the most
sincere regard. Mr. Harris was distinguished by his fine
social qualities, his reverence for his parents, and his
Christian fortitude. Hie was not, however, a member
of any religious denomination. His gentlemanly deportment gained him an enviable reputation. His physical
strength was not equal to his mental power; and, when
his course at the university was finished, he was almost
prostrated. lIe lingered a year and a half in a feeble
condition; and, during that time, gained considerable
reputation as a contributor to some of the leading periodicals. Possessed of so much talent, and so noble a nature,
he gave promise of a life of great success.
ULBARD), DAVILLE, Farmer, Marshall, Michigani, was born in Sangerfield, Oneida County,
New York, February 7, 1829, and is the son of
SCyrius and Clarissa (Preston) HIubbard.  His
father, whose relatives in the East were prominent men,
emigated to Michigan in I835, and located eighty acres
of the thousand-acre farm now owned by the son. Mr.
Daville Hubbard attended school in Marshall, during
the winter, until he was eighteen years of age.  The
next three years he spent on the farm; and, in I850,
went to California. On his way there, he remained for
three weeks in Salt Iake City, and worked in the harvest field for Brigham Young, receiving six dollars per
day for his labor. These were considered low wages, for
it was not unusual there to pay, in gold, sixteen dollars
a day. On arriving at the Yuba River, Mr. IHubbard
commenced work in the mines; after a time, he was
successful, and averaged five hundred dollars a day, for
twenty-two days. In 1852 he returned to Marshall, and
invested his money in a farm, which he has continued to
increase and improve until it is one of the finest in the
State. In s86I he enlisted for three months in the first
regiment that left the State; and was Captain of Company I in the first battle of Bull Run. In his younger
days he was a member of the Free-soil party, and afterwards assisted the formation of the Republican party in
Jackson; but, in 1872, he became a supporter of Horace
Greeley; and, in the late political contest, voted with
the Democrats. Although often solicited to accept nomination for political office, he has always refused his
consent. He was one of the principal actors in organizing the Grange in Marshall, and held the office of
Master for the first two years. Owing to his influence,
it now possesses one of the largest agricultural libraries
in the country. MIr. Ilubbard is a large dealer in sheep,

and has had, at one time, as many as six thousand; he
now has on his farm eight hundred of the finest Shropshire Downs. He annually reaps a crop of four thousand
five hundred bushels of wheat, and six thousand bushels
of corn; his land has produced as much as forty bushels
of wheat to the acre. HIe owns a farm of two thousand

I

three hundred acres in the central part of Iowa, eleven
hundred acres of which are under cultivation; he is
largely interested in the Eldred Bank, in that State.
Hle is a stockholder and Director in the First National
Bank of Marshall, a stockholder in the hoc factory, and
he has an interest in many of the minor enterprises of
the town. He is now building, on his farm, one of the
finest residences in the county.  IIe is an accurate
marksman, and keenly enjoys hunting. Ile has visited
nearly every state in the Union, and has readily put into
practice many of the advanced ideas thus gained.  He
married May 2, 1864, and is the father of five children.
Mr. HIubbard is an enthusiastic, public-spirited man,
quick to see and )promplt to execute; he has ever been
foremost in all the public enterprises of the city.
A ' INMAN, HENRY     TRUMAN, Retired      Mer1 chant, of Battle Creek, was born in Castleton,
Rutland County, Vermont, October 7, 1822.
His parents were Truman Hi. and Betsey M. IHinman. HIe is a lineal descendant of Sergeant Edward
Hinman, who was one of the earliest emigrants from
the mother country, and was the first of the name to
settle in America. Mr. IHenry Hinman was educated
in the schools of his native village, which is one of the
most beautiful in New England. Among the prominent
schools was the old Castleton Seminary, which ranked
deservedly high among similar institutions of its day.
IIe attended school until he was seventeen years of age;
when, in September, 1840, he removed to Michigan.
His taste for a mercantile life led him to choose that
line of business; and, after residing three years at Bellevue, Eaton County, he settled permanently at Battle
Creek, in October, 1843. After a clerkship of nearly
two years in the store of Messrs. G. P]latt Gilbert and
T. W. Hall, who were then prominent inerchants of
Battle Creek, he opened a retail dry-goods store, in
connection with his brother, B. F. HIinman. He devoted himself entirely to this business for thirty-two
years, at the close of which time, in 1877, he retired
from the mercantile trade.  The success in business has
been largely due to the strict integrity of both brothers,
and to the personal management of their affairs. At the
time they retired, no firm stood higher in the commercial world.  They always paid cash for their goods,
and enjoyed the confidence of all the wholesale dealers
in the markets in which they purchased. They trans



*!

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

57

acted their mercantile business in one store-room for
more than thirty years. The firm was well known, not
only in Calhoun, but in surrounding counties.  Mr.
Hinman has always taken a deep interest in every thing
pertaining to the general welfare of the city and county
in which he lives, and has aided in promoting all public enterprises. His religious views are in accordance
with those of the Congregational Church.  lie cast his
first vote for JHenry Clay as President, and was a member of the Whig party while it existed. lie took an
active part in the formation of the Republican party in
Michigan, and remained a Republican until the campaign of 1872, when he voted for Horace Greeley.
Since that time he has been a Liberal Republican. Mr.
Hlinman has been twice married; his first wife, whom
he married in January, 1850, was Miss Electa S. Byington, daughter of Rev. Joel Byington, of Battle Creek.
She died in November of the same year. He was again
married, August 15, 1855, to Miss Mary J. Langdon,
of Castleton, Vermont, who died, February 22, i866.
Mr. Ilinman has had five children, only two of whom
are living,-a son by his first marriage, and a daughter
by his second. Mr. HIniman has a good constitution,
and is strictly temperate in his habits, never having
tasted liquor. Although at an advanced age, he still
enjoys good health. lie has never sought, nor been
willing to accept, any political office. He is courteous
and modest, and is regarded with high esteem by his
fellow-citizens.
ARRIS, REV. GEORGE W., of Battle Creek,
T Michigan, was born in Nassau, Rensselaer
7\,County, New York, January 8, 1813. Ie was
Sthe son of Rev. John and Sarah Harris.  His
father, for many years before he emigrated to Michigan,
was pastor of Baptist churches in Nassau, and Ballston,
Saratoga County, New York.  In 1836 he removed to
Battle Creek, where he did long and faithful service as
a philanthropist and minister of the Gospel.  George
W. Harris, after receiving a common-school and academic training, entered the Literary and Theological
Institution at Iamilton, New York, and graduated from
Madison University in August, 1840. After a two years'
course in the Theological School at Hamilton, he was
ordained at Pittsfield, Massachusetts; and married, the
same year, 1843, to Susan Jilson, of South Adams, Massachusetts.  In 1844 he became pastor of the Baptist
Church in Jackson, Michigan. Four years later, he was
chosen editor of the MIichigan Christian Herald, under
the patronage of the Michigan Baptist State Convention.
IHe edited the Herald for fifteen years. At the end of
that time, the paper was moved to Kalamazoo, and
finally to Chicago, where it passed out of the hands of

the convention. Since 1862 he has been a resident of
Battle Creek, with the exception of two years, during
which he was on the editor's staff of the daily Telegraph,
and resided in Kalamazoo. A portion of this time has
been given to ministerial work in South Battle Creek and
Emmett; and to editorial work on the Battle Creek
Journal. He has been a frequent contributor to religious
journals in Chicago and Boston. His tastes incline him
to literary and editorial rather than pastoral work.  In
politics, he has been uniformly a Republican. In religion,
he adheres, essentially, to the orthodox faith; with such
modifications as have been suggested by reading, reflection, and the liberal spirit of the age.
--*0.---
-,'OSFORD, ORAMEL, of Olivet, Michigan, ProSfessor of Natural Philosophy and Astronomy of
Olivet College, was born in Thetford, Vermont,
in May, 1820, and was the son of William and
Linda (Ellis) IIosford.  In 1834 he removed, with his
parents, from Vermont to Oberlin, Ohio, where he received his education in the Theological Seminary. In
1844 he went to Michigan, and entered Olivet College as
its first Professor of Mathematics and Philosophy. In
I85I he was ordained a Congregational minister. In
186i he became Superintendent of Public Instruction,
and served for eight years. During this time, he held
a nominal position in Olivet College. In 1875 he was
elected President of the college.  Mr. Ilosford was the
second President of the village of Olivet. IIe has been
a member of the State Board of Agriculture and of the
State Geological Board. lie was present at the organization of the Republican party at Jackson in 1854, and
has remained true to its principles. In 1846 he married
Atty Heallen, of Oberlin, Ohio. They have had three
children,-two daughters and one son. The daughters
are still living. Professor Hosford is prominent as an
educator. Hie is an able writer and a most worthy
citizen.
ROOKER, FRANK A., of Charlotte, Eaton County,
I1 Michigan, was born January 16, 1844, at Hart-. ford, Connecticut. lie is the son of James S.
Sand Camilla (Porter) Hooker. His grandfather
was the late Dr. Nathaniel Hooker, of Hartford. His
father was a contractor and builder, who lost his fortune
in 1856, and removed to Maumee City, Ohio. Soon after,
he settled at Fort Defiance, in the same State. Mr.
Frank Hooker attended good schools while in Hartford;
but, after the family removed West, his services were
needed; and, at the age of fourteen, he began work at the
mason's trade. For seven years he was engaged in this




i"' i'                5s

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

work during the summer. His winters were occupied
in teaching, and in la course of study similar to that
adopted in most high schools. Ile received valuable
assistance in his studies from an older sister, who had
graduated with high honors at the Hartford High School.
At the age of eighteen, he took a commercial course to
prepare himself for mercantile business. His aversion
to commercial life was so strong, however, that he determined to study law. In June, 1865, he was admitted to
the bar, and immediately formed a partnership with
John A. Simon, a lawyer of many years' standing and
much experience, in Bryan, Williams County, Ohio. In
1866, he removed to Charlotte, Michigan; and, the following year, was elected County Superintendent of
Schools.  From  1869 to 1872, he was Justice of the
Peace. From 1872 to 1877, he was Prosecuting Attorney
for Eaton County. This office was a good field for his
abilities as a lawyer, and brought him a fine civil practice. Mr. Hooker has always been a Republican. lie
generally attends the Congregational Church. August
5, i868, hlie married, at Defiance, Ohio, Emma E. Carter,
daughter of Hlon. William Carter, of that place.
j|OYRALPH     E., Attorney-at-Law  and Jour1     nalist, of Jackson, was born at St. Albans, Ver-,'lmont, June is8, 1832. His parents, Zina W. and
" Maria (Crompton) Ihoyt, emigrated to Illinois
about the year 1835, and settled in Pike County, where
his father engaged in farming. The early educational
advantages enjoyed by Ralph E. Iloyt were only those
afforded by the common schools of the county. His
school instruction was supplemented by the practical
experience of a year or two as clerk in a store, and by
five years of teaching after he reached his majority;
during that time, he pursued a course of self-culture
that was a preparation for the professional education
that he since acquired.  Leaving the occupation of
teaching, he decided to take up that of journalism;
and, as a preliminary, spent some time in acquiring a
practical knowledge of the art of printing.  Subsequently, for about a year and a half, he edited and
published a paper called the Griggsville Indejendent, at
Griggsville, Illinois. This he sold, and went to Chicago,
where he was connected, for a time, with the Noi/hwestern fHome and School Journal.  Returning to Pike
County, he entered upon the study of law, and was
admitted to practice. He afterwards removed to Princeton, Bureau County, and engaged actively in his profession. He had now reached that age and position in
life at which-in our country at least-men are drawn
almost irresistibly into politics. He took the field in
behalf of the Republican cause during the Presidential

canvass of 186o; the more readily, perhaps, at that
time, because the country was on the threshold of the
great civil war, when a neutral man in politics was
quite unknown.   In the spring of i86i, Mr. Hoyt
removed to Danville, Illinois, and published the Danville Riepublican until March, 1863; when he returned
to Chicago, and became connected with the press of
that city, continuing with it for a period of twelve
years. In 1875 he resumed the practice of law; but,
in November, 1877, removed to Jackson, Michigan,
and became editor and publisher of the Michigan Sun.
This is a weekly paper, the exponent of what was
popularly known as the "greenback" sentiment, but
which has recently taken more definite political form
under the title of the "National Greenback Movement." He remained a Republican until 1876, when
he espoused the cause which he has since continued
to advocate with the energy and fervor that are constitutional with one of his temperament.   Ile has
spoken in many places in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska,
Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin; and, since coming to
Michigan, has devoted his entire time, energies, and
talents to the management of his paper, and in speaking for currency reform whenever he can possibly be
spared from his editorial duties. He has traveled quite
extensively in the United States, and spent four months,
in 1876, in Philadelphia, at the Centennial Exhibition,
as a press representative. Ile holds a prominent position in the order of Odd-Fellows. HIe is liberal in
his religious views, and is not a member of any church.
Ile has a wife and one child,-a boy of nine years.
"'IOVEY, HORACE MAY, Physician, of Albion,
Jii Michigan, was born in Maysville, Chautauqua
  County, New York, March 22, 1815; and died at
SAlbion, Michigan, January 20, 1877. lIe was
one of a family of five children, whose parents were
Josiah and Mary (Sayres) Hovey. At the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to a harness-maker. The system
was then quite different from that at present, as boys
were usually apprenticed when about fourteen, and remained until they were twenty-one.  Ile did not like
the business; and, at the age of eighteen, bought from
his master the remainder of his time with the money he
had earned by doing extra work. Ile, however, continued at his trade for some time, occasionally as a journeyman, and part of the time carrying on business for
himself at Cazenovia, New York. In 1837 hlie sold out,
went West, and settled in Albion, Michigan. Here he
accumulated some means; but, in 1840, he lost not only
all of his savings, but a considerable property inherited
from his father. This misfortune left him free to choose
an occupation more to his taste; and, going to Monroe,




" '5'H   i  i::  i

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

59

he commenced the study of medicine, paying his way   A[NGERSOLL, GEORGE, Merchant and Miller, of
by writing in the office of his brother-in-law, Ira R.   Marshall, Michigan, was born in Victor, Ontario
Grosvenor, with some little assistance from  friends.    County, New York, February 5, 1819. His father,
After two years' study, he received his diploma and Elihu Ingersoll, was a miller and pork-dealer. In 1838
returned to Albion, where he entered immediately into he removed with his family to Calhoun County, and
practice. lie belonged to the Eclectic school, and was rented a saw-mill, in which he was employed until his
one of the prime movers in starting the State Eclectic death, which occurred the following year. Mr. IngerMedical Society, at Albion, of which he was Vice-Presi- soll received a very limited education. At the age of
dent, and always an active member. IIe was exceed- thirteen, he entered his father's mill, where he remained
ingly sympathetic in his temperament, and thoroughly until 1836, when he became engaged in the saw-mill in
imbued with the principles of right and justice; hence Marengo.  On the death of his father, although but
it was but natural that he should have sided with the nineteen years of age, he rented the saw-mill, and carantislavery movement, under the lead of Garrison, Ger- ried on the business, in order to provide for his mother,
rit Smith, and others of their day. He held the prin- brother, and four sisters. In 1840 he rented a second
ciples of the Republican party, and gave his earnest saw-mill, and took charge of both for one year. In
support to the war, visiting the army hospitals, as well 1841 he engaged as clerk and miller in the flouring-mill
for the purpose of rendering aid as for acquiring prac- of Mr. Allcott, in Marengo. After remaining there one
tical knowledge. Benevolence was one of his prominent year, he removed to Marshall, where he became clerk
traits, and he was emphatically the physician of the in the mill of Mr. George Ketchum. HIe held this
poor, whom he treated gratuitously where their circum- position for five years, having full charge of the mill
stances demanded it. lie was a man who would, by and its extensive business. In 1846 he rented the mill
some, be called peculiar; the good in his character came of his late employer, and conducted it very successfully
more from the force of inherent qualities than from  for the next two years. lHe then purchased a large
special culture. With a somewhat limited early educa- tract of pine land in the vicinity of Lake Huron, hoption, he acquired eminence in his profession, and secured ing there to regain his rapidly failing health. He built
the confidence and love of the community in which he a saw-mill on the land; but, in about one year, sold
lived so many years. He was especially noted for devo- it, and returned to Marshall.  In 1850 he became
tion to his friends. Although he never made any pro- associated with Claudius Pratt, in the dry-goods busifession of religion, he was respectful toward all religious ness; they were very successful for four years. At the
denominations.  le was fully six feet higli, weighed two end of that time, Mr. Ingersoll having been elected
hundred and twenty pounds, and was of such a robust Register of Deeds for Calhoun County, they sold their
constitution that, although over sixty years of age at the stock and discontinued business. In 1853 Mr. Ingertime of his death, he looked much younger. IIis deathi soll became interested, with a Boston gentleman, in a
was the first that had occurred in his father's family for flour-mill, two miles west of Marshall, and has since
fifty years.  lie married, in 1836, at Chittenango, Madi- been connected w\ith this property. In 1857 he again
son County, New York, Caroline Maria Grosvenor. She rented the mill of Mr. Perrin, and continued to run it
was the daughter of E. 0. Grosvenor, who subsequently for two years. Besides having charge of a fine farm
removed to Albion.   They had two children,-both within the city limits, Mr. Ingersoll is interested, with
sons,--one of whom died at the age of six years, and his brother, in a large mill west of the city. lie has
the other in infancy. The skill and success of Doctor been directly connected with the Coldwater, Marshall
Ilovey secured an extensive practice, and his loss is and Mackinaw Railroad,-having been Secretary of the
deeply felt by the community. "Who is, or may be, Company, and a member of the Board of Directors
more beloved than the true physician?"  Doctor Hovey since its organization. Although the company has sufwas not a man of many words, and his inmost life was fered severely during the late panic, it is confidently
not expressed in speech even to those who loved him  expected that the road will be pushed to an early combest. IHe was of commanding presence, at once digni- pletion.  Mr. Ingersoll takes a great interest in the
fled and gracious, and was endowed with that remark- construction of this road, and feels that he will have
able power which emanates from blended strength and done something to render future generations grateful.
sweetness of character,-a power which carries with it lie has held several offices of trust,-having been a
vigor and cheer, strengthening and refreshing the inva- member of the City Council for two terms, and Presilid. HIe had a firm but tender voice, and a strong but dent of the Board of Education for the past fifteen
sympathetic touch.  lie was patient, tireless, and self- years. IHe was one of the builders of the Eagle Block,
sacrificing, as ready at the call of the poor as of the the first fine building in the city, and owns a one-fourth
rich,-of the stranger as the friend. IHe was a noble interest in it. Mr. Ingersoll has been a member of the
man and a beloved physician.                        Baptist Church since I842; and, most of the time, one
40




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

60

of its trustees.  lie has been Superintendent of the had two children, both of whom are dead. Mrs. Inger
Sabbath-school for fifteen years; and, for several years,
chorister of the church. Hie was a member of the old
Liberty party, inaugurated by Salmon P. Chase. He
afterwards became a member of the Free-soil party,
and joined the Republicans in 1854.   He married,
October 2, 1840, Hannah H. Peck, of Bloomfield, New
York.   They had one child, who died in less than a
year.  The mother died April 14, 1844. Mr. Ingersoll
married again, April 14, 1846, Mary Adams, of Pennfield, Calhoun County. They had three daughters, all
of whom are living.  The mother died July 4, 1856.
December 14, 1857, Mr. Ingersoll married his present
wife, whose maiden name was Margaret L. Ingersoll.
They have had three children,-two sons and one
daughter,-the eldest of whom died in his third year.
Mr. Ingersoll has always led an exemplary life, and enjoys the confidence of all who know him.
^ItNGERSOLL, CHESTER     GILLIS, was born in
(i   Victor, Ontario County, New York, May 16, 1826.
<, His father was Elihu and his mother Betsey (Gillis) Ingersoll. Hle attended the common schools, spent
a short time at Albion Seminary, and two winters at
Olivet College. In 1836 his father removed to Lima,
Livingston County, New York, and, in 1838, to Michigan, where he died shortly after. Mr. Ingersoll then
went to live with his brother-in-law, in Eckford, Calhoun County, where he remained until he was about
fifteen years old. During the next five years, he was
occupied in going to school, working on a farm, and
learning the carpenter's trade. lie worked at his trade
most of the time from 1844 to 1850, when, his brotherin-law dying, he took charge of his farm. In 1857 he
vent to Marshall, and, for two years, was employed in
his brother's mill. At the end of this time, the two
brothers bought the Emerald Flour-mill, in conducting
which they are still engaged. Mr. Ingersoll was Treasurer of the town of Clarendon for one term. He joined
the Methodist Church, in Marengo, when about seventeen years of age; and, at the age of twenty, joined the
Presbyterian Church, in Eckford, and is still a member
of this denomination. He has been Superintendent of
the Sunday-school for a number of years, and also deacon of the church. Hie is now an elder and a trustee.
IHe was at first a Whig, then a member of the Free-soil
party, and finally a strong Republican. Hle is a firm
and conscientious man. He married, December o1, 1852,
Amelia E. Humeston, of Clarendon, Calhoun County.
Her father was a farmer, who, during his residence in
the East, was a Representative in the New York Legislature; and, in the West, held many town offices. They

soll died October 24, 1858. Mr. Ingersoll married, April
3, 1861, Mrs. Rena A. Aldrich, a widow with one son.
They had one child,-a son,-who died when-young.
Mrs. Ingersoll was the daughter of Dr. Waldo, of Port
Byron, New York. Her son is engaged in the grocery
business in Marshall.
-.0.---
OCELYN, GEORGE BEMIES, D. D., Albion,
Michigan, was born in New Haven, Connecticut,
January 3, 1824. His father, Jared Curtis JoceS lyn, and his mother, Mary (Bemies) Jocelyn,
removed to Cincinnati in 1826, and from there, in May,
1830, to New Albany Indiana. Here they, in time, acquired a competence; although, during the youth of
their famaily of twelve children, they were in moderate
circumstances. Doctor Jocelyn availed himself of all
the advintages the common schools afforded. He then
became the foreinost pupil in a seminary, opened under
the patronage of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
there began to fit himself for college.  In 1838 he
united with the Methodist Church; and, the following
year, entered Asbury University, of which Rev. Matthew
Simpson-now Bishop Simpson-was President.      lie
remained there one year, and attained an honorable position in his class; but pecuniary embarrassment compelled
his withdrawal. lie returned to New Albany, where he
worked in his father's printing-office until the fall of 1842.
Then, having decided to begin the study of law, he engaged in teaching school during the day; studying in the
evening. At length, feeling himself called to preach the
Gospel, he concentrated all his efforts in that direction.
In September, 1843, he was licensed to preach, and was
received on trial by the Indiana Conference,- entering
upon the duties of an itinerant before he had attained
his majority. In 1845, he removed to Vincennes, Indiana, where he opened a select school. In September, of
the same year, he was placed in charge of the preparatory department of Vincennes University, which position
he held until 1849. Ile had, in the meantime, completed
the prescribed course of study in the Asbury University,
receiving the honorary degree of A. M., in 1848.  In
1849 he returned to New Albany, and proposed to open
a female seminary under the auspices of the Methodist
Church; but, owing to the difficulty of obtaining a suitable building, he suspended his intention, and opened
the Scribner High School. At the end of two years,
failing health induced him to withdraw from the active
duties of his position.  Having become a prominent
Odd-Fellow, he engaged as editor of the Odd-Fellows'
Magazine, in which position he continued for five years.
At the end of this time, he found his health very much
improved by the travel and exercise gained in visiting and




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

6i

lecturing in various parts of the State. In 1853 he was
elected Professor of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
in Whitewater College, at Centerville, Indiana; and, two
years later, was chosen President of that institution. In
January, 1856, his health compelled him to seek a change
of occupation, and he engaged as financial agent of a
leading Indiana raiload.  Not having relinquished his
calling of local preacher, he held services almost every
Sabbath. His success as a financial agent induced the
Northwestern University to appoint him to transact business in Iowa. He soon withdrew from this position;
accepted the pastorate of a church in Des Moines, Iowa,
and was afterwards admitted to a traveling connection in
the Iowa Conference.   Being assigned to Old Zion
Church, at Burlington, Iowa, in 1859, he remained there
until 1861. He was then elected President of the Iowa
Wesleyan University, and pastor of the University chapel.
He was, subsequently, pastor of the Asbury Chapel, at
Mount Pleasant, Iowa, where he remained until 1864,
when he was elected President of Albion College, and
transferred to the Detroit Conference. Here he remained
five years; when, being transferred to the Michigan Conference, he was stationed at Grand Rapids. Two years
later, he was re-elected President of Albion College,
which position he retained until his death.  Ilaving
taken an early interest in the temperance movement, Mr.
Jocelyn freely identified himself with all of its organizations, particularly those of later origin. le was the author
of the ritual and manual of the Templars of Honor. In
recognition of his zeal and ability in that work, he received, in 1873, from the Temple of Ilonor of Massachusetts, a gold medal. He held the honorary position
of Past Most Worthy Templar of the Temple of
Honor of the United States.   His interest in Free
Masonry induced him to take all the degrees, including
that of Knight Templar, between 1847 and 1853. IHe
was a Republican. Of late years, however, he identified
himself with the Prohibition party of Michigan, and was,
in 1871, requested to head that party ticket, but declined
nomination to public office. The degree of Doctor of
Divinity was conferred upon him, first, by the Kentucky
University, and, afterwards, by Asbury University, Indiana. Doctor Jocelyn was always an earnest worker. Not
only did he preach and lecture, but he also wrote. His
contributions to newspapers and magazines have been
numerous.   As a speaker, he was deservedly popular,
swaying his audience by his power of logical arrangement, and holding the attention of all by the magnetism
of his utterance. Hle wore himself out rapidly, as his
brain and nervous force were far greater than his physical strength. His death occurred at Albion, January 27,
1877, in his fifty-fourth year. In 1845 he married Miss
C. M. Lyons, of New Albany, Indiana.   Of the four
children born to them, only two-George Lyons Jocelyn
and James Curtis Jocelyn - survive.

f   NAPP, SAMUEL 0., a leading citizen of Jackson, son of Nathan and Mary (Grinnell) Knapp,
s was born at Royalton, Vermont, April 21, 1816.
Iis early education was obtained in the common schools.
At the age of ten, he was apprenticed to the trade of woolmanufacturing, in the mills owned by ex-Go.vernor Charles
Payne, of Vermont. His service in this place extended
over a period of sixteen years; and the habits of industry, thrift, and self-control here acquired, have characterized his whole business life. His health failing, he
left the inills, and kept a public-house for about two
years. In 1844 he removed to Michigan, carrying with
him letters from prominent citizens of Vermont, testifying to his skill as a workman, and his worth and integrity as a man. He introduced the manufacture of woolen
goods, as a branch of industry, into the State-prison at
Jackson. Mr. Knapp is connected with the discovery
and practical working of the copper mines on Lake
Superior, having become interested in that enterprise in
1847.  In 1848, as agent of the Minnesota mine, he
made a valuable report on the geology and topography
of the Lake Superior region. IHe prosecuted his wo k
of exploration so successfully as to obtain from the mine
eleven tons of copper ore before his company was fairly
ready for work. The development of the copper interest
owes much to Mr. Knapp's energy and practical knowledge. Hle was the first to discover the traces of ancient
copper mining on Lake Superior, which have so much
interested the students of archaeology.  Mr. Knapp's
agency in this and in other things pertaining to the copper interest is mentioned in the Report of Ilorter and
Whitney, United States Geologists, 1850. Ilis means,
which have afforded him ample competence, were gained
in legitimate business enterprises. Ile has never held
office for profit, but has filled many local positions of
trust. He was one of the committee that framed the
first charter of the city of Jackson. He was President
of the School Board for a number of years, and a member of the Board of Public Works of Jackson. He was,
for six years, from 1868 to 1874, a member of the State
Board of Agriculture; and was Chairman of the Building Committee in the construction of buildings at the
State Agricultural College at Lansing. He has given
special attention to horticulture, on which subject he is
regarded as authority. HIe is also an active member of
the State Pomological Society; and was once elected its
President, but declined the honor. lie has been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since
he was sixteen years of age. In politics, he is a Republican.  He is a representative, self-made, Michigan
man,-stable in principle; and, his well-known honesty
and integrity have made him a safe repositary of both
public and private trusts. IIe was married at Northfield, Vermont, in 1838. His wife's maiden name was
Sarah Balch.




'as            i::r...  6 z   *...
S62                     RE]

-'` ~1 Y
~~RESENTATIVE~ ME  FMIhGN

ACEY, SAMUEL SIGOURNEY, of Marshall,
Michigan, was born in Bennington, Vermont,
-,s May 28, 1815, and is the second son of Samuel
and Ruth (Sigourney) Lacey. His father, Ebenezer
Lacey, was born in Woodbury, Connecticut. His grandfather, Thaddeus Lacey, removed to that place from
Boston, Massachusetts, where the founder of the family,
who emigrated from near Belfast, Ireland, settled, and
died in 1704. His mother was the eldest daughter of
Anthony Sigourney, born at Oxford, Massachusetts. IHe
was the fourth, in direct line, from Andrew Sigourney,
who, with his wife, escaped from Rochelle, France, after
the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, in 1685. IHe
emigrated to America, and was one of the IHuguenot
colonists who settled Oxford, in 1686. Both of Mr.
Lacey's grandfathers were in the Revolutionary War.
One served in the Connecticut line, under Washington
and La Fayette, through the Virginia and Pennsylvania
campaigns. The oilier served in the company raised at
Oxford, Massachusetts, taking part in all the severe
and disastrous battles in Long Island, New York, and at
Harlem, in September and December, 1776, and was
twice wounded in those battles. Mr. Lacey's father
commanded a Bennington company in the 1st Regiment
of Vermont Militia, under Colonel Stephen Martindale,
in the War of 1812. He removed to Monroe County,
New York, in I818. His son pursued his preparatory
studies at Lima and Canandaigua, and graduated at
Hamilton College. Desiring a change of climate, he
went to Arkansas, where he remained four years. lHe
was two years and a half Judge of Hot Springs County.
He removed, in 1846, to Homer, Michigan, and engaged
in farming, for ten years. In 1855 he removed to Marshall, and held the office of County Clerk four years.
In 1860 he was elected Commissioner of the State Landoffice, and re-elected in 1862. He was then appointed
agent to select the lands for the State Agricultural College. The same year he was commandant of camp, with
authority to raise the 28th Regiment of Michigan Infantry, at Marshall. In 1865 he was appointed Collector
of Internal Revenue for the Third Michigan District, and
dismissed, by President Johnson, the next year. In 1867
he was Postmaster of Marshall. During a period of ten
years' service in the Board of Education as Director, he
urged the erection of ward school buildings, and they
were built, on the ground plan which he suggested. IHe
was also instrumental in the erection of the Central
High School, and was one of the Supervising Committee
on its construction. In 1867, by a series of articles published in the Statesman, he revived the long-abandoned
project of the Jonesville, Marshall and Grand Rapids
Railroad, and demonstrated the absolute necessity of its
construction, to prevent the loss of business, and its
importance to Marshall. By his appeals, he aroused public
attention, and secured the organization of a company,

of which he was President. The necessary sums were
subscribed to construct a road-bed from  lomer to lonia,
and the line was surveyed; but he was finally defeated
in his efforts. This pfoject was afterwards merged in the
present Coldwater, Marshall and Mackinaw Railroad.
lie was many times elected Secretary of the County
Agricultural Society, and their present octagonal floral
hall was built after a plan which he designed. Mr.
Lacey was a Seward Whig until 1854, when he was a
delegate to the first convention of the Republican party,
at Jackson, which nominated K. S. Bingham for Governor. He acted earnestly with that party until 1872,
when he supported Mr. Greeley; and, in 1873, became
the editorof the Marshall Expounder, aliberal independent
sheet, in sympathy with the views of Sumner, Greeley,
Chase, and others. In 1844 he married Mary, the youngest
daughter of David and Mary (Throop) Akin. lHer father
was the joint proprietor and owner, with his brother-inlaw, ex-Governor Throop, of the village of 'hroopville,
near Auburn, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Lacey have two
daughters. The eldest, Eliza Cuyler, married Mr. II.
P. Churchill, an attorney-at-law of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The second is Ruth Sigourney Lacey.
fiACEY, EDWARD DE WITT, of Charlotte, was
l     born October 24, 1809, in Bennington, Vermont;
Sand died in Charlotte, Eaton County, Michigan,
November 6, 1862. His father, Samuel Lacey, was a
man of much prominence, and, during the War of 1812,
was a Major in the army. His mother, Ruth Sigourney,
was a relative of Mrs. L. H. Sigourney, the authoress.
When ten years of age, Mr. Lacey went to Chili, Monroe County, and received his education in Henrietta.
He afterwards became a dry-goods merchant in Chili.
In the fall of 1842 he emigrated to Michigan, and, in
the spring of 1843, settled in Kalamo, Eaton County,
seven miles west of Charlotte, the county-seat. Eaton
County was then almost a wilderness, having but a few
white inhabitants. At Kalamo Mr. Lacey opened a
general store, blacksmith's shop, and ashery, and built a
saw-mill, all of which he carried on for several years.
He worked assiduously in improving the county, and
took his full share in all public enterprises in that section
of the State. He filled various positions of trust, among
which were those of Justice of the Peace, Supervisor,
Postmaster, Register of Deeds for Eaton County, and
Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue. In 1857 he removed to Charlotte, where he remained until his death.
He was not a member of any religious organization, but
was an attendant of the Congregational Church. In
politics he was an old-line Whig until the formation of
the Republican party, when he became fully identified
with its interests. Mr. Lacey married, January 27, 1831,




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

63

Martha C. Pixley, who survives him. They had six
children, three of whom-two sons and one daughter,are living. The eldest son now living is Edward S.
Lacey, Cashier of the First National Bank of Charlotte.
The eldest son, Lieutenant John M. Lacey, died from
the effects of injuries received during the civil war.
Mrs. Laura L. Hall, the daughter, and Will P. Lacey,
the youngest son, still reside at Charlotte. Mr. Lacey
was a brother of Samuel S. Lacey, an honored citizen of
Marshall. lie was a man of fine presence, genial manners, large reading and unusual mental capacity. lie
enjoyed, to a remarkable degree, the affection and confidence of all who knew him. lie was pure in life, excellent in character, proverbially honest and obliging. No
benevolent or public enterprise ever called for his aid in
vain. He lived and died without an enemy.
iACEY, EDWARD SAMUEL, of Charlotte, Michigan, Cashier of the First National Bank, was
born in Chili, Monroe County, New York, November 26, 1835. His father, Edward De Witt Lacey,
now deceased, was a prominent citizen of Eaton County.
His mother, Martha C. (Pixley) Lacey, is still living, at
Charlotte, Michigan. He attended the common and
select schools, and, afterwards, Olivet College. In the
fall of 1842, his parents emigrated to Michigan and
located for the winter at Union City, in Branch County.
In the following March, they removed to Kalamo, Eaton
County, where he resided with them until 1853. IHe
then removed to Kalamazoo, and became salesman in a
store in which he remained four years. In 1857 he came
to Charlotte, and entered the office of the Register of
Deeds. lie was made Deputy Register, and held the
position four years. In the fall of I86o, he was elected
to the office of Register of Deeds, which he held two
terms,- four years. In 1862 he formed a copartnership
in the banking business with Ilon. Joseph Musgrave,
which continued until 1871, when the First National
Bank of Charlotte was organized. Mr. Lacey was elected
a Director, and became its Cashier. IHe still retains these
positions. Upon the organization of the Grand River
Valley Railroad Company, Mr. Lacey was made a
Director, and took an active part in the construction
of the road. lie was also elected its Treasurer, and
still holds these offices. lie is also associated with Mr.
Musgrave in the produce and grain trade, and in buying
and selling coal, lime, plaster, and salt. Mr. Lacey is
a prominent member of the Masonic Fraternity. Ile
was the first Master of the Charlotte Lodge, and continued in that position ten years. lie is a Knight Templar.
He was one of the committee appointed to prepare the
city charter of Charlotte, and was elected its first Mayor.

He is Chairman of the Republican Central Committee
of Eaton County, to which position he was elected in
1865. lHe was also, for several years, a prominent member of the Republican State Central Committee. HIe was
a delegate from the Third Congressional District to the
National Republican Convention held in Cincinnati in
1876. In 1874 he was appointed, by Governor Bagley,
to fill a vacancy in the Board of Trustees of the Insane
Asylum, situated at Kalamazoo. Upon the expiration
of the term, lie was re-appointed, and still holds the
office. 1Ie is Chairman of the Book Committee of the
Charlotte Public Library.  Mr. Lacey is a leader in
every public enterprise in the county, and has done a
great deal for the welfare and improvement of the whole
section. lie is a member of the Congregational Church,
and is one of the trustees and treasurer. lie possesses
many) marked traits of character. As a business man,
lie has more than ordinary ability. IHe is pleasant in
his manners, and is universally esteemed. Ile married,
January I, 1861, Annetta C. Musgrave, daughter of
lion. Joseplh Musgrave, President of the First National
liank of Charlotte.  They have three children,-all
daughters.
1'iACEY, MAJOR SAMUEL, of Marshall, Michi-, gan, was born in Woodbury, Connecticut, JanuSary 22, 1779; and died, in his eighty-fifth year,
May 9, 1863, at Marshall, Michigan. le was the second son of Ebenezer and Mary (iHurd) Lacey. His
father was an Orderly Sergeant under La Fayette. His
eldest brother, IIon. Isaac Lacey, died at Chili, Monroe
County, New York, in 1843. In 1784 he removed, with
his father, to Vermont, where he attended the common
schools. His first business enterprise was the establishment, at Bennington, of the second carding and clothdressing works in Vermont. In 1818 he removed to
Chili, Monroe County, New York, and engaged in farming. There he continued to reside and exert a wide
influence until 1844, when he removed to Michigan. He
was Major of the Ist Regiment of Vermont Militia, whicý
was called into service on the northern frontier in 1814,
and remained until the close of the war. IIis religious
views. were in accordance with the teachings of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, he was a Whig, having
assisted in the formation of that party at Syracuse, New
York, in 1835. For many years he was one of its ablest
supporters. In 1854 he became an ardent Republican.
Hle married, September 1o, 1801, Ruth Sigourney, a
native of Oxford, Massachusetts, who died, leaving eight
children. He married again, in March, 1832, Mrs. Dain
Thorp Akin, of Auburn, New York. His children are,
Mrs. II. P. Culm, of Janesville, Wisconsin; Mrs. M.
Worthington, deceased; Mrs. T. L. Acker, of Kalama.




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64

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

zoo, Michigan; Edward De Witt, deceased; Samuel S.;
Eben B., deceased; Herman A.; and John M., deceased.
Mr. Lacey had great vigor both of mind and body. He
was a man of fine presence and high social and business
standing.
---*+*---
EWIS, HENRY CLAY, Banker and Capitalist,
of Coldwater, Michigan, was born May 5, 1820,
Sin Orleans County, New York.. He is the seventh
of nine children of William and Sally (Shipman) Lewis.
The Lewis family is large, and this branch has been
traced back to an early day, when they were extensive
and wealthy land owners; but afterwards they lost the
bulk of their property in the civil dissensions of their
country. His parents were of Welsh and English ancestry. They removed to Watertown, New York, at the
close of the War of 1812, and from there, two years
later, to Orleans County; they were among the first
settlers of the region, when Orleans and Genesee County
were one. IHis father, a merchant, and the first Sheriff
of Orleans County, died in 1824, and was buried with
Masonic honors; his mother, three or four years later,
sold the farm and removed to Batavia, Genesee County.
At the age of thirteen, Mr. Lewis left school, having
spent the last year at Gaines Academy. After a short
time spent in a store, he went to Homer, Michigan,
with a brother, and in 1837 returned East, and went to
Albion, New York. The following year he returned
overland to Michigan. In IS39 he was book-keeper for
Plues & Whitney, extensive canal contractors of Maumee City, Ohio. At the close of the year, the failure of
the firm left him without employment and without
money. He now went by way of the lakes from Detroit
to Milwaukee, and reached there in the latter part of
April, with only a sixpence in his pocket. Ile, however,
found friends, and secured a situation in the receiving
office of the Land Department, where he remained
through the great land sales of 1840. Ile then went
into partnership in the grocery and provision business,
under the firm name of Mabbitt & Lewis, putting in his
experience against his partner's capital. This partnership continued until 1844, when Mr. Lewis sold out and
went to Coldwater, where his mother and married sister
resided. For twelve years he was in mercantile business
there, under the different firm names of Keels & Lewis,
Lewis & Kellogg, and ii. C. Lewis & Co. In the spring
of 1857, the banking firm of Fisk & Lewis was opened;
it was changed afterwards to Lewis & K ellogg, and again
to Lewis & Star. In 1865 the Coldwater National
Bank was organized. Mr. Lewis was a large stockholder
and was appointed President; this position he still occupies. Mr. Lewis has, at different times, given his attenion to milling, and other business, with marked success.

lie is an indefatigable worker, pushing whatever he
undertakes with the utmost zeal. In 1863 his health was
so impaired that he was obliged to rest; the interval
until 1866 was spent at Clifton Springs, and in the West
Indies. The two following years were passed in Europe;
going first to Paris, hlie was appointed one of the jurors
in the departments of art and musical instruments at
the Paris Exposition. In April he crossed over to England and made the tour of England, Ireland, and Scotland, returning to Paris at the awarding of prizes on the
Ist of July.  lie spent the summer in Northern Russia,
Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, and, in the
fall, traveled extensively through Spain; over three
months were devoted to Italy, most of the time being
spent in Rome and Florence. The second year he made
the tour of Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria, and returned home in the fall. In 1873 he was appointed, by
President Grant, Special Commissioner to the Vienna
Exposition.  While in Europe, the first time, he conceived the idea of founding a free art gallery in his own
city, and purchased two hundred paintings and several
pieces of statuary; adlditions have been made, until now
the collection numbers over six hundred subjects, and
contains more than three hundred original paintings. It
is double the size of any other art gallery, either public
or private, on this continent; and is the only free gallery
in the country, owned by a private individual. Mr.
Lewis procured many copies from the old masters;
Raphael, Salvator Rosa, Murillo, Guido, Michael Angelo,
Correggio, Titian, and others well known to lovers of
art, are represented on his walls. When the celebrated
Thompson collection was offered for sale, Mr. Lewis
purchased from it the larger part of the best paintings,
among which are the "Sleeping Beauty," "TThe Attack
on the Emigrant Train," "The Death of Wolfe," "Johni
Knox Accused of Treason," and "IHagar in the Wilderness." iHe procured at the same time about sixty portraits of celebrated characters, done by eminent artists.
Mr. Lewis attended the sale of Le Grand  lockwood's
art collection, and transferred from that famous collection several of its gems. His generosity affords his
towns-people opportunities of culture and study.  Mr.
Lewis has the most complete private art library in this
country; it consists of four hundred volumes, and contains every work of any merit ever published on the subject. Mr. Lewis has spent a large sum in ornamenting
the grounds of his private residence. Ile takes a great
interest in educational subjects, and has been largely
instrumental in bringing the city public schools to their
present state of perfection; he contributed geinerously
to secure thie location of the State Public School in the
city. When the M ansfield, Coldwater and Lake Michigan
Railroad was being agitated, Mr. Lewis gave very liberally, and deeply regretted its failure. le joined the
Masons about 1850, and is now a member of the Com



'"':'~ ~ ~c_~~:;':~c~r~ai:c'~~ ~~ ~ i"~-:~~ ~:~:Y~ ~'
*" i
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

65

mandery. He was a Democrat until the firing upon positions with a natural affection for the necessary toil

Fort Sumter; he supported Stephen A. Douglas for the
Presidency, and accompanied him during a portion of his
campaign, but has ever since acted with the Republican
party. Ile has been Mayor and Alderman of the city,
but has never been ambitious for public office. Mr.
Lewis has been a member of the Baptist Church for the
last fifteen years. IIe married, February 10, 1846, Alma
Alden, daughter of Dr. Alden, an old resident and practicing physician of Coldwater.  She has accompanied
him in all his travels, excepting his tour through Northern Europe.
SI   IVERMORE, HON. FIDUS, a distinguished Lawyer, of Jackson, Michigan, was born at WaterSville, Oneida County, New York, July 21, 18II.
His father, Abner Livermore, removed from Wilmington, Vermont, to Waterville, in the year 18oo, where
he became a man of local prominence as teacher, merchant, and Pension Agent under the General Government. With a man who has occupied the position that
Fidus Livermore has occupied in Michigan, a record
of the mere details of his career seems superfluous, as
the lesser is comprehended by the greater; but, as life
is made up of incidents, a sufficient number will be
given to show the leading components of a strong and
consistent character. Mr. Livermore's school instruction ceased when he was fifteen years of age, and he
was then apprenticed to the trade of a tailor. After
two years, he went to Western New York, where, for
two or three years, he interspersed his mechanical labors
with study and mental culture. He married, at the
age of twenty, Caroline Lewis, a lady of reputation as
a teacher, daughter of John L. Lewis, of Yates County,
New York.    During the building of the "Crooked
Lake Canal," he carried on a shop in connection with
other general business, at Dresden, New York, remaining there until 1836. At this time, he found opportunity to put into execution. a long-cherished design, and
he became a student in the law office of James L.
Seeley, in the town of Dundee, Yates County. Aptness to learn, a retentive memory, and a clear power of
analysis, that had characterized his earlier school days,
were now brought into operation in a more matured
state.  Mr. Livermore pursued his studies for nearly
three years, during which time he laid the broad and
firm basis of a legal education that is afforded by Blackstone, Kent, and other commentators on English law,
and by a close study of decisions and precedents in the
courts. It is a favorite saying of orators and writers,
that our institutions afford to the young the opportunity
to rise from the humblest to the highest stations in life.
This is true; but only those who aspire to the higher

can hope to reach eminence.   Of such, our country
affords many marked examples; and, while circumstances have not brought Mr. Livermore as prominently before the world, there is much in his career
and character to connect him in thought with President Johnson. They both reached the forum from the
tailor's bench, impelled by that divine aspiration which
is the magic staff of success. Both have shown those
powers of mind that readily grasp and apply the great
principles of constitutional law lying at the basis of
free government. In Mr. Livermore's temperament and
physique, also, the comparison holds good. Mr. Livermore removed to Michigan and settled in Jackson in
1839, and entered the law office of Johnson & Higby.
There he completed the three years of legal study, and
passed the probation of six months' residence in Michigan at that time required; he was admitted to practice,
upon dcue examination before Hon. Wnm. A. Fletcher,
then Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court of the State.
In the full flush of early manhood, cordial, affable, and
companionable, he became personally and popularly
known to almost every resident of the village and its
vicinity; and he soon acquired a practice which gave
him prominence throughout the neighboring counties.
For the period of nearly forty years that he has resided
in Michigan, he has been a representative man; and,
while he has held many public positions, their mention
in this sketch is chiefly important as testifying his
representative character.  Iis professional life forms
the enduring edifice that he has built, and he points to
it with a laudable professional as well as personal pride.
lie has tried more cases than any other lawyer in Michigan, from the justice's court to the highest tribunals
of the State, where the rights of clients have in all
cases received the same careful and scrupulous attention. Since he first commenced practice, he has never
missed attendance at a single term  of court in his
county; while his office business, involving large collections, has always been marked by promptness, care,
and strict integrity. In 1840 Mr. Livermore acted as a
Deputy United States Marshal in taking the census of
the northern half of Jackson County. In 1841, and
for several years subsequently, he held the office of
Justice of the Peace. In the fall of 1842, he was
elected, by the Democrats, to the Lower House of the
State Legislature against a previously adverse partisan
majority, and was re-elected the following year. IHe
made a strong record in the House; and, at the next
election, he was nominated for the State Senate, but
declined. lie has held the office of Prosecuting Attorney for Jackson County for several terms; twice by
executive appointment,-1846 and 1848,-and, subsequently, by election, after the office became elective.
In 1846 he became senior in the law partnership of




*  s~~s ~
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66

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

Livermore & Wood, which continued, without interruption, until 1867. Ile has twice- i86o and 1872 -represented the Democrats of Michigan in National
Convention. The memorable contest of i86o is a matter of history; and, on this occasion, Mr Livermore
firmly represented the sentiments of his party, in
Michigan, in favor of the nomination of Stephen A.
D)ouglas for President, opposing and combating the
radical Southern sentiment. His face and voice have
long been familiar at the local and State conventions
of his party, where his position and influence have
received unquestioned recognition. Ile has for many
years been a popular spokesman, presiding officer, and
toast-master On public occasions. lie was on the Democratic State ticket, in 1868, for Presidential Elector.
For the past twenty-five years, his party has been in
the minority in the State; and political honors, which
might, under other circumstances, have given him
national prominence, have been barren of practical
fruits; but, as the I)emocratic candidate for Congress
in his district, in 1874, by a vigorous and laborious
canvass, he reduced the adverse partisan majority of
seven thousand to seven hundred.   Ile was again a
candidate in 1876, but was defeated under the strict
party discipline of a Presidential canvass.  In the
early (lays of the war, he was appointed, by Governor
Blair, commandant of the camp at Jackson, where he
devoted six months to raising troops, and organizing
the 20th and 26th Regiments of Michigan Infantry.
lie was earnestly solicited to take a command in the
field, but declined, although giving his active support
to the Government throughout the war. Ile has been
in the foreground in all public enterprises, and gave
material aid toward the construction of the six railways
centering at Jackson.  lie has given many years gratuitous service to the public school administration in
Jackson, and was for nine years President of the School
Board of his district, the annual cash disbursements of
which reached twenty-five thousand dollars. While it
thus appears that Mr. Livermore has given much time
and attention to public and local affairs, his labors in
this direction have been rather from a sense of duty
and as a pastime than as a pursuit; and, while the
record of his public service occupies, of necessity, more
space than does that of his professional career, the
former should not be permitted to obscure the latter,
-which has been the real and solid work of his life.
With the exception of prostration, resulting from overwork during the political compaign of 1876, from which
he seems now fast recovering, he has always enjoyed
the best of health; and now, at the age of sixty-seven,
hopes to continue yet many years in the active practice
of his profession. In 1873 he formed a law partnership with Richmond Livermore, his nephew and pupil,
with the firm name of F. & R. Livermore, under which

the business is now conducted. Mr. Livermore's residence in Michigan has been fruitful of many incidents
and anecdotes of pioneer life, which would be out of
place in a plain record of his professional and public
career. As a fact, illustrative of local progress, however, it may be appropriate to mention that, in 1841,
he purchased, for one thousand seven hundred dollars,
the lot on which the Presbyterian Church in Jackson
now stands.   It was occupied at the time by a rail
fence and a log house. After residing on the property
for seventeen years, he sold it for ten thousand dollars.
Mr. Livermore has always been a supporter of religious
enterprises as social and moral agencies, though, in his
individual opinions, he inclines to liberalism.  Hle was
made a member of the Masonic Fraternity over twentyfive years ago, and was the first Worshipful Master of
Jackson Lodge, No. -5. Ile is a Knight Templar, and
has been liberally honored by official position in all the
Masonic bodies, in the work of which he has always
been zealous.  He married, as his second wife, in 1852,
Mrs. Sarah Safford, a sister of his first wife. Three
children were the fruit of each marriage,-in both cases
two sons and a daughter,-all of whom, except one of
the sons by the first marriage, are living.
41   EWIS, SETH, Editor, of Mar~shall, Michigan,,..was born at Wells, Rutland County, Vermont,
      February 17, 1812. Ile is the son of I)r. Reuben
Lewis, of Strykersville, Genesee County.  tlis mother's
family were well-known farmers in Vermont. Mr. Lewis
attended the common schools; and, at the age of seventeen, went to Warsaw, New York, to learn the printer's
trade. Ile engaged withl Mr. Young, editor of the Se'nli,'nel, and remained in his employment until Mr. Young
left Warsaw; when the latter returned again, Mr. LNewis
re-entered his office, and was employed to set type. Ile
then worked in the office of the Ameeri'can Czitcn, a paper
published in Warsaw, and remained until 1839, when he
settled in Marshall, Michigan. Here he worked at his
trade for some time, and then commenced publishing
the Marshall Statesman, now one of the leading papers
of the county. In i865 he sold out the paper, but afterwards agreed to take charge of it through the campaign
of 1872. This he did with great success, and gave much
satisfaction by his able management.  Mr. Lewis was
Postmaster of Marshall for nearly six years; he received
his commission in 186I, signed by President Lincoln.
For nine years, he was Superintendent of the County
Poor. For over thirty years, he has been an Odd-Fellow; he has held all the offices in the subordinate lodge,
and is now a member of the Grand Lodge of the State.
lie was a Whig; but, when that party dissolved, he
became a member of the Republican party, of which hie




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

67

is an ardent supporter. January 8, 1842, he married
Celia Church, of Marengo, daughter of a well-known
farmer. They have had three sons, one of whom died
in infancy. Although in his sixty-sixth year, Mr. Lewis
is very active in mind and body; he has preserved a
most honorable reputation, and is highly respected by
his fellow-citizens, who recognize in him one who has
done much for the prosperity of the city.
^(OVERIDGE, NOAI P., of Coldwater, Michigan,
was born June 18, 1826, at New Milford, Litch<      field County, Connecticut. Ile is the seventh of
the fourteen children of Erastus and Ruth Ann (Cary)
Loveridge,-all of whom grew to maturity; ten are still
living. One, a graduate of Trinity College, Hartford,
is an Episcopal clergyman at Norwich, Chenango County,
New York; and his twin brother is a prominent attorney
at Cuba, New York. The first representative of the
family in this country was an English sea-captain; he
was lost at sea.  His only son, Lewis Loveridge, a
native of Boston, settled at Colchester, Connecticut.
Noah Loveridge was the seventh of his eight children;
he married and settled at Shelburne, Massachusetts,
where his son Erastus was born, January 14, 1793. HIe
was the third of eleven children; nine grew to maturity,
and no death occurred among them for over sixty years.
He was an officer in the War of 1812, and is now drawing a pension for his services. Soon after the birth of
his son Noah, he removed to Marble Dale, Connecticut,
and engaged in manufacturing and building. There
Mr. Loveridge was educated, at Waramaug Academy,
then under the care of Professor Frederick Gunn. In
1840 his father lost the bulk of his property, and Mr.
Loveridge was obliged to leave school, and work in the
cotton-mills. For three years he worked fourteen hours
a day, summer and winter, and operated one hundred
and twenty-five spindles; at sixteen, he had charge of
three other hands engaged in the same work. During
this time, he acquired a knowledge of English and Latin
grammar, by placing an open book at the end of the
passage-way between the spindles, where he could see it
each time as he walked up and down, attending to his
work. At seventeen, his health partially failed, and he
served as clerk in the summer, studying in the winter,
for three years. Ile now paid particular attention to
Latin and mathematics. -He taught school a year and
a half in New Jersey; and continued his Latin and
other studies by himself.  In 1849 he began reading
Blackstone at a farm-house near Morristown, New Jersey. This house was built before the Revolution; and
was the head-quarters of General Wayne during the
winter encampment in which his troops revolted. The
following year, he entered the law school, taught by
41

Professor John W. Fowler, at Ballston Springs, Saratoga
County, New York. In 1851 he studied in the office of
Judge William E. Curtis, of o16 Broadway, New York;
and was admitted to practice, in 1852, in Brooklyn,
Long Island. Ile commenced the practice of law immediately, in Cuba, Alleghany County, New York,-a place
just then opened up, by the completion of the Erie Railroad. He entered into partnership with his next older
brother; and continued with him until 1866, when he
removed to Coldwater, Michigan. Mr. Loveridge has
maintained a very extensive and successful general practice in the different courts of the State of Michigan; and
has become one of the most influential citizens of Coldwater. He has always taken a lively interest in educational matters. He was, for six years, a member of the
city School Board; and took an active part, with Mr. C.
D. Randall, in securing the location of the State Public
School at Coldwater. Mr. Loveridge has been a member, and hearty supporter, of the Episcopal Church,
from his youth. He joined the Masonic Fraternity in
1854. lie was Master of his lodge at Cuba, New York,
and Knight Templar.    He voted, first, for Franklin
Pierce; and has been a Democrat ever since. He was
active in the campaign for Douglas; was a War IDemocrat, and used all his influence to secure the preservation of the Union during the civil war. In 1854, at
Mendham, New Jersey, he married Marietta K. Vance,
a daughter of one of the old families of that State.
They have four sons living, one of whom is a student at
Trinity College, while the eldest is a banker at Grand
Rapids. Successful in his profession; with large sympathies, and willingness to work for worthy objects outside
of it; happy in his family; in possession of a handsome
residence, which combines all the essential features of a
refined, Christian home,- Mr. Loveridge has lived to
reap the fruits of early labors and self-denial; and, in
the full vigor of his powers, he is an example of the way
in which the doors to prosperity and influence open
before integrity and well-directed, persistent effort.
--. -~Cc-:i!YAIN, JOHN      T., Physician and Surgeon, of
iI    Jackson, Michigan, was born at Albion, Ken-,    nebec County, Maine, on the 25th of May,,   1831, and is the son of Josiah Main. During
his early youth, he studied under the instruction of his
father, who was a professional teacher. IIe received
an academical education at China, Kennebec County,
Maine, and graduated in 1848. In 1850 he was appointed superintendent of this academy, remaining in
this position for three years. Hie was then elected a
Representative to the State Legislature, and was also
elected a State Senator, representing his constituents in
an able manner in both branches of the Maine Legisla



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68

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

ture. In 1853 he commenced reading medicine in the
office of Dr. George E. Brickett, of China, Maine, with
whom he remained six months. lie then entered the
office of Dr. N. R. Bontelle, of Waterville, Maine,
where he remained until 1856, when he began a course
in the Medical Department of Harvard University.
During a vacation in the fall of 1856, he attended a
course of lectures given at Castleton Medical College,
Vermont, and graduated the same year; after which,
he finished his medical studies at Harvard University.
I)Doctor Main then practiced his profession at China
until 1858, when he removed to Unity, Waldo County;
and, after spending the winter in the hospital at Boston,
Massachusetts, engaged in the practice of medicine at
Unity. On the 15th of December, 1862, he was appointed
Assistant-Surgeon of the 2dRegiment of Maine Infantry.
After serving in this capacity for six months, he resigned
his position on account of ill health, and returned home.
In July, 1872, he removed to Jackson, Michigan, where
he has since continued to reside, engaged in the active
practice of his profession. Doctor Main is a member of
the Masonic Fraternity, and is a zealous and faithful
adherent to the principles inculcated by the brotherhood. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and a member of the
Council. tHe is not a member of any religious denomination, and is very liberal is his views. Ile has always
been a member of the Republican party, and takes an
active interest in politics. During his residence in the
State of Maine, he took a leading part in the cause of
temperance, and also in educational matters, believing
in the inculcation of temperance ideas in the minds of
children.  Since his removal to Jackson, Doctor Main
has gained an enviable reputation as a skillful practitioner, and is one of the representative physicians and
surgeons of the Peninsular State.
--***---
4   I ANN, MANLIUS, Merchant-Miller, of Marshall,
1  IMichigan, was born in Hlebron, Connecticut,
SJune Io, 181o. His father was Colonel Andrew
Mann; his mother was Ann Maria Phelps. In
June, 1813, Colonel Mann bought a farm in Otsego
County, New York, and continued to cultivate it until
1834. IIe then emigrated to Marshall, Michigan, and
built what was called the National Hotel, now known as
the Facey House.  Manlius Mann had only the advantages of district schools, with. one year spent at an academy. At the age of seventeen, he became clerk in a
dry-goods store; three years later, he opened a store in
Sidney Plains, New York, where he was successfully
engaged until 1834, when he accompanied his father's
family to Michigan.  In Marshall, he engaged in the
dry-goods business with Joseph Sibley; but, at the
end of one year, he purchased his partner's interest, and

continued the business alone until 1851. In that year,
Mr. Sibley again became his partner, and they engaged
in the milling business in Bellevue, Eaton County. At
the end of the year, the partnership was again dissolved,
and Mr. Mann remained alone until 1870, when he
retired with ample means. He has always been a Democrat; although not in favor of the civil war, he was
true to the principles of union. With his family, he is
a regular attendant, though not a member, of the Episcopal Church. October 4, 1836, he married Miss Parmelia Craig, of Bainbridge, Chenango County, New
York. They have six children, two of whom are living,-one the wife of George Perret, of Marshall; the
other of Mr. Van Vechten, of Auburn, New York. Mr.
Mann sustains the reputation of one who has always
dealt fairly with his fellow-men, who has loved justice
and mercy, and set a good example before the younger
members of the community.
SEAD, GEORGE W., Lawyer, of Charlotte,
was born in Middleboro. Vermont, January i8,
1839. His parents were Stephen G. and EmeSline (Hooker) Mead. Iis father's family may
be traced back to a Mr. Mead who left England and
settled in Holland in 1609; and, subsequently, emigrated
to New England, and joined the Puritans in forming
their religious colony. His mother traces her genealogy
to an eminent clergyman of the name of Hooker, who
came over in the "Mayflower." When George W. Mead
was six years old, his father removed to Eaton County,
Michigan, and settled on a farm adjoining the village
of Olivet. This was in 1845,- the year after the colony
at that place was formed. He attended the district
school until the death of his father, which occurred in
1850. He was the oldest of three children, who were
left with their mother on a comparatively new farm;
and it became necessary for him to assist in the care and
support of the family. After two years, he was enabled,
by careful labor during the summer, to spend the winter
months in Olivet Institute, now Olivet College. This
he did until he was twenty years old, when his strong
individuality brought him into disrepute with the Faculty of the Institute; and his connection with it was
severed at their instance. His tastes were purely scientific; yet he first undertook the business of a carpenter.
lie took contracts, hired skilled workmen, superintended,
and, at the same time, acquired a knowledge of the
trade; he carried on a lucrative business. His first location was in Olivet. lie emigrated to Kansas in 1860;
but returned to Olivet in 1864, and pursued the same
occupation until 1872, when he was elected Sheriff.
While carrying on the business of builder, he gave every
leisure moment to the study of law; and, after he be



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69

came Sheriff, he still kept up his study. On the 12th of
October, 1876, he was examined before a full bench of the
Supreme Court, and was admitted to practice in all the
courts of the State. As a rule, he has been successful.
In 1871 he enlisted in the 7th Regiment of Missouri Cavalry, and was appointed First Sergeant of a company.
He served as such until wounded at the battle of Independence, Missouri; after which he was honorably discharged. In 1868 he was elected a member of the Board
of Common Council of Olivet, and was again elected in
1870. He was re-elected Sheriff in 1874. His family
are all connected with the Congregational Church; but
he is not a member of any religious organization. IHe
is a radical Republican, but not a professed politician.
June 27, 1859, he married Adelaide Cursett, whose parents live in Oakland County. She died in Kansas, July
31, 1860. HIe married again, November 14, 1865, Alice
E. Hart, of Monroe County, New York. They have
had two children,-a son and a daughter. Mr. Mead
is six feet in height, and weighs one hundred and
eighty pounds.  He has light complexion, black hair
and eyes, and wears a full beard. Iis self-reliance, good
judgment, tenacity of purpose, and industrious habits
have enabled him to surmount the difficulties which
beset the path of every man, who, from poverty and
obscurity, endeavors to attain position and influence.
IIe is now a highly respected citizen.
c lcCUTCHIEON, HON. ISAAC D., of Charlotte,
Michigan, wvas born in Tompkins County, New
York, July 2, 1840. His parents, Rensselaer
Sand Elvira (Bishop) McCutcheon, settled in
Calhoun County, Michigan, in 1846. Mr. McCutcheon
was educated at Albion College. His tastes led him to
select the legal profession. He studied at Marshall, with
Fitzgerald O'Brien and William H. Brown; and was
admitted to the bar in 1867. He has been in the active
practice of law, at Charlotte, since 1868. He served one
year in the pay department of the army, under Colonel
William Phelps, of Detroit; and two years on the Board
of School Inspectors of Albion, Michigan, with Hon.
Ira Mayhew, of Detroit. He was Inspector of Cigars
and Tobacco in the Revenue Department for Calhoun
County, in 1866, under Hon. G. Thompson Gridley,
Assessor of the District. He officiated as Circuit Court
Commissioner for Eaton County from 1868 to 1874. In
the winter of 1869, he was Clerk of the Committee on
State Affairs in the Senate. He was the first City
Recorder of Charlotte, and served two terms. He was
Alderman of the Fourth Ward in 1873; City Attorney
in 1876; and, in 1877, was appointed Mayor of Charlotte,
to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Charles IH.
Brown. In 1875 he was made Judge of Probate, to fill

a vacancy, by Governor Bagley, and was elected to that
office in 1876. He is now United States Commissioner
for the Western District of Michigan. Judge McCutcheon
has always been a prominent member of the Republican
party. lie is a Mason, and a Dictator of the Knights
of Honor. IHe was educated a Methodist, but is now
one of the trustees of the Congregational Church.  He
makes a specialty of collecting, and is one of the principal collectors in the State. lie is prompt, energetic,
careful, shrewd, and successful. lie has always evinced
public spirit and enterprise, and is one of the most
honored citizens of Charlotte. His wife, Alice Skinner,
whom he married in 1870, belongs to one of the oldest
families in New York State. They have two children.
cGOWAN, HON. JONAS IIARTZELL, of
Coldwater, Michigan, the eighth of ten chilS  dren of Samuel and Susan McGowan, was
born April 2, 1837, in Smith Township, Columbiana (now Mahoning) County, Ohio. His ancestry
were among the Scotch-Irish who fled to this country
on account of religious persecution, and settled in
Pennsylvania. His grandfather, an orphan bound to a
hard master, ran away when but a lad and commenced
battling with the world. His father was a pioneer in
Columbiana County, where he purchased and cleared a
piece of Government land, and occupied it as a homestead until 1854, when he moved to Orland, Steuben
County, Indiana. IHe died there July 28, 1860.  His
mother, a lady of German descent, survived his father
four years. Mr. McGowan left school at seventeen, and
continued on his father's farm until he was nineteen
years old, when he began life for himself.  He had
always been a diligent student, and now, after a term
at the Orland Academy, he entered, in 1857, the
scientific course of the University of Michigan, and
literally worked his way through, graduating in 1861.
His mother needing his aid, he took charge of the
Third Ward school for one term. The remainder of
the year he was Principal of the High School at Coldwater. In August, 1862, he could no longer restrain a
desire to enter the army, and enlisted as a private in
the Fifth Michigan Cavalry. He was soon promoted to
the rank of Sergeant of his company; and, in November
of the same year, was made a Captain in the Ninth
Michigan Cavalry. This regiment went into the field
early in 1863. Their first service was chasing General
John Morgan through Kentucky to Ohio. Mr. McGowan
took part in his capture near Salineville, Ohio, July, 1863;
and, on that day, was severely injured in a cavalry
charge. He went into East Tennessee with General
Burnside, and took an active part in that campaign
until 1864, when his health necessitated his resignation.




-  9
70                            REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.
He immediately commenced the study of law with Hon. He was also a charter member of the Mechanics' ProtecC. D. Randall, at Coldwater; was admitted to practice tion Society. In 1847 he joined the Odd-Fellows. lie
in 1867, and graduated from the Law School at Ann has passed the chairs twice; has been three times a RepArbor in the spring of 1868. That same year he was resentative to the Grand Lodge, and is now Chaplain
elected Prosecuting Attorney, serving, by re-election, and District Deputy. He is also High Priest, and a
four years. lie was Director of the School Board of Representative of the Grand Encampment. Ile was a
Coldwater for six years.  From  1865 to 1867 he was Democrat until 1848, when hie united with the Free
Justice of the Peace; in 1867 he became Regent of the
University, and served until he resigned, on his election to
the Forty-fifth Congress, in 1876. In 1872 Mr. McGowan
and J. B. Shipman conducted the defense of Charles A.
Edmonds, State Land Commissioner, on his impeachment before the State Senate.  That same year Mr.
McGowan was elected to the State Senate, and served
two years. lie was Chairman of the Committee on the
State-prison, and acted as Chairman of the Committee
on Judiciary during part of the regular, and all of the
extra, session. Mr. McGovwan's father was one of the
early Abolitionists; and his house was, for several years,
a depot on the under-ground railway. From his earliest
recollections, the son was taught to hate oppression and
to love liberty. Ile was a Republican before he was a
voter, and has never changed his political views. His
religious sympathies are with the Unitarians, but he
has never allied himself with any church.  In 1862,
while a private in the army, he married Josephine
Pruden, then preceptress of the lhigh School at Coldwater.  They have had three children. With the exception of the interruptions necessary to his official work,
he has steadily practiced his profession since 1859.
}1ecCALL, WILLIAM ROY, of Marshall, Michigan, was born at Clarkson Corners, Monroe, Ag ~County, New York, June 30, 1812. He is the
son of Henry and Jane (Weyburn) McCall,
both of Seneca County, New    York.   His maternal
grandfather is of historic fame in the early annals of
New York State. His father moved to Clarkson in
18io, and kept a tavern there for many years. Mr.
McCall's early life was darkened by poverty and intemperance.  His history, until he was sixteen, was one
of frequent changes, and his intellectual opportunities
were very limited. He spent two summers as a driver
on the Erie Canal. In 1828 he went to Berwick, Pennsylvania; and, from there, removed to Armagh, in the
same State. He was occupied three years in learning
the tailor's trade. He walked the entire distance, three
hundred miles, on his return to Clarkson; and, in 1833,
settled permanently at Marshall, Michigan. lie is now
one of the oldest pioneers living there. Ile has been
City Recorder; and, several times, has been one of the
City Council. iHe was a charter member of the Sons
of Temperance, and twice a delegate to the Grand body.

soil party. By his presence and vote, he helped to form
the Republican party, under the oaks at Jackson, Michigan. He was educated a Congregationalist; but he is
now an elder in the Presbyterian Church. lie married,
in 1834, Hannah Chapman, of Pike County, Pennsyl.
vania; Rev. John 1). Pierce, who preached the first
sermon in that county, officiating. lie again married, in
1876, Mrs. Amanda Rupel. It is to men of such frugal
and industrious habits that Marshall is indebted for the
prominence she now holds in the State.
jijtITC HELL, HON. PRESTON, formerly of Marshall, was born in Meredith, Delaware County,. New York, April 24, 1812; and died October
23, 1877, at the age of sixty-five years, five
months, and twenty-nine days. He was the fourth child
in a family of five sons and four daughters, whose
parents were David and Sarah (Dibble) Mitchell. Mrs.
Mitchell was a sister of the late P. D)ibble, of Marshall.
The genealogy of the Mitchell family has been unusually well preserved, and is of much interest. They lived
originally in Scotland, but moved to Halifax, in Yorkshire, where they resided for three generations. Matthew
Mitchell, the great-grandfather of Preston Mitchell, was
born there in 159o. He was a Dissenter; and, according to tradition, was a very pious man of considerable
fortune. The persecutions of the early I)issenters drove
him and his family, as it had many others, from their
native country. May 23, 1635, they set sail from Bristol
in the "James," and reached Boston the 17th of the
following August. Two days before landing, a severe
storm arose, in which they narrowly escaped being shipwrecked on the coast. During the winter of 1635-36,
Mr. Mitchell remained in Charlestown. In the spring,
he removed to Concord, where he lost considerable
property by fire. In the following year, he sustained a
similar misfortune in Weathersfield. Toward the close
of that year, 1638, the Pequot Indians murdered his
son-in-law, and also destroyed his cattle, and injured
his estate to the extent of several hundred pounds.
His position here finally became so unpleasant that he
removed to Stamford, in the New Haven Colony, where
he died, in 1645. He had two sons,-Jonathan and
David. The former graduated from Harvard College
in 1647, and preached his first sermon at Stratford, June
22, 1649.  He occupied the pulpit at Cambridge in




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71

August of the same year, and continued to fill it for
eighteen years. David settled in Stratford. At an early
day, he bought a large tract of land in Delaware County,
New York, and divided it between his three sons,-one
of whom, David, was the father of the subject of this
sketch. The sons improved and added to their land;
and, at their death, left their families in comfortable
circumstances. Preston Mitchell received his early education in the common schools; and, at the age of
sixteen, began teaching. When nineteen years of age,
he went to Syracuse, and remained one year as clerk in
a store. He then entered an academy, and spent the
next year in study. During the two following years, he
was again engaged as clerk. In 1834 he went to Baldwinsville, Onondaga County, where he was occupied,
most of the time until 1836, in selling dry goods. lHe
then started for the West, and arrived in Marshall on
the 3d of July. For more than a year, he was clerk in
the store of C. P. Dibble. At the end of that time, he
returned to his former home in laldwsinsville, New
York, and married, August 28, 1837, Sarah II., daughter
of Captain Joseph Tyler, formerly of Greenfield, Massachusetts. Immediately after, he went to Syracuse, and
engaged in merchandise. In the summer of 1838, lie
sold out his business; and, after making a prospecting
tour through the West, went to New York and bought
a stock of goods, which he shipped to Jackson. IBut,
on arriving there, he found no opening, and went
farther West, to Marengo, where he did a flourishing
business for the next five years. While there, he was
appointed Constable,-School Inspector, and Justice of
the Peace. About.the year 1843, becoming anxious in
regard to his wife's health, he disposed of his property
with the intention of moving South; but, just as they
were about to start, she began to improve rapidly, and
they concluded to go to Marshall. There Mr. Mitchell
again became clerk in his cousin's store, and remained
until 1849. In that year, without his solicitation, he
was elected to the office of County Treasurer, which he
held two terms,-from January, 1849, to January, 1853.
For the next.two years, he acted as Deputy Register of
Deeds, after which he again became County Treasurer
for a term of two years. In 1857 he was elected Alderman of the city; and, in 1858 and 1859, Supervisor.
In March, i861, he was chosen Mayor. September
17, 1862, he was appointed United States Assistant
Assessor of Revenue, which office lie held for the next
six years. In 1870 he was elected a Representative to
the State Legislature, and was re-elected in 1872. While
in that body, he acquitted himself to the full satisfaction
of his constituency. In the fall of 1876, he was chosen
one of the eleven Republican Electors from Michigan.
From  the time of his coming to Michigan, he dealt
largely and successfully in real estate. He owned a
great amount of property in Jackson. At the time of

his death, he was owner of the abstracts of Calhoun
County, which he kept in the very best shape. He
gave his closest attention to whatever he undertook, and
attained that success which honest labor always secures.
Until the year 1849, he was a Democrat; but, at that
time, being opposed to the extension of slavery, he
joined the Republican party. He was one of the leading men of his party, and figured quite prominently in
the political transactions of the day. Ile filled his
numerous positions of trust with intelligence and fidelity. His first wife died January 20, 1849. He married,
again, January 15, I851, Mary Thomas, daughter of
Samuel Thomas. They had five children,- three daughters and two sons. They are all living except one son,
who died in his youth. One of the daughters is now
Mrs. Charles E. Gill, of Chicago. Two of Mr. Mitchell's brothers and two of his sisters are now dead; but
the whole family of nine children, except one, lived to
bring up families; and those who have died were all
over fifty years old. The State Historical Society has
on exhibition a pack of cards which belonged to Mr.
Mitchell, and had been in his family for more than one
hundred years. They are printed on heavy vellum, and
contain a history of the state of the world at the time
of their publication, including statistics of the population, the condition of agriculture, the mechanical arts,
religion, etc. The four suits represent the four great
divisions of the world,-Asia, Africa, Europe, and
America,-each suit giving statistics of its division. The
face cards are represented with initial letters, and the
sign of the suit on the left upper corner; the other
cards, by numbers.
IINER, JAMES A., of Marshall, Michigan, was
born at Marshall, September 9, 1842.        His
     parents, G. and Betsey L. Miner, emigrated
from Connecticut in 1832, and settled on a farm
in Marshall Township, where his father died in 1864.
Until the year 1859, Mr. Miner worked on his father's
farm in the summer, and attended school in the winter.
After graduating from Lyons Institute, he commenced
the study of law in the office of Governor Baker, of
Clinton, Iowa. At the breaking out of the late war, he
returned to Lyons, and assisted Colonel Fox in raising the
9th Regiment of Michigan Volunteer Infantry. Hie remained in service until the death of his father, when he
returned to Marshall, and resumed his law studies; first, in
the office of the late Hon. H. A. Noyes, and, afterwards,
in that of Hlon. J. C. Fitzgerald.  He was admitted to
the bar by Judge B. F. Greaves in 1863, since which time,
he has practiced at Marshall. In 1868 he was admitted
to practice in the United States Courts; and, in the same
year, was appointed United States Commissioner for the




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72

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

Eastern District of Michigan. This office he still holds.
In the spring of 1864 Mr. Miner was elected Recorder of
the city of Marshall, and held the office one year. In the
fall of 1866 he was elected Circuit Court Commissioner
for Calhoun County.  lie was re-elected in 1868, and
thus held the office four years, performing the duties to
the general satisfaction of the bar and the community,
and with great credit to himself. In 1870 Mr. Miner
was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Calhoun County, by
a larger majority than was received by any other candidate on the ticket. In 1872 he was re-elected; and, by
his able performance of the duties, gained the well-earned
reputation of being one of the most efficient officers the
county has ever had. Hle married, September I, 1869,
Hattie L. Baker; and has three children. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity. Ile attends the Episcopal
Church, of which his wife is a member. Mr. Miner is
a profound believer in the principles of the Republican
party, and has eloquently advocated them in every campaign since 1861. As he is a very forcible speaker, the
large Republican successes in Calhoun County are, in a
great measure, due to him. In January, 1876, he formed
a law partnership with F. A. Stace, and is now practicing under the firm name of Miner & Stace. Hie has had
charge of some of the most difficult cases, both civil and
criminal, in the Circuit and Supreme Courts. He has
remarkable tenacity of purpose, and is possessed of executive ability of no common order. Hie is now engaged
in a large proportion of the judicial contests in his own
and adjoining counties; and bears a high reputation as
an honorable man, a successful lawyer, and an eloquent
advocate. His firm is said to have the largest practice
in the county.
IT    ITCHELL, DR. JOHN L., Physician, of Jackl son, Michigan, was born in Southbury, Conl        necticut, February 13, 1823, and is the son of
William and Eunice (Lewis) Mitchell.   His
ancestors came from England to this country in the "Mayflower." Dr. Mitchell graduated from the Syracuse Academy, in 1842, and immediately entered upon the study
of his profession. lie attended medical lectures, both
in New Haven and New York, and commenced the
practice of medicine in Syracuse in 1845. The following
year he went to Madison County, where he remained
three years; in 1850 he settled permanently at Jackson.
There he devoted himself, for twenty years, to the duties
of his profession. He is a member of the Democratic
party, and has held the offices of Town Clerk, Supervisor, and Alderman of the First Ward of the city of
Jackson. He was, for twelve years, a member of the
School Board of the city, and, for ten years of that time,
occupied the position of Director. He united with the
Odd-Fellows in Syracuse, and is also one of the more

prominent Masons in Michigan, having become a member of that fraternity in 1852, and held all the more
important official positions in its various branches. As
a citizen, he has evinced public spirit by the encouragement he has given to all undertakings which have
tended to the advancement and prosperity of Jackson.
^ ilONTGOMERY, PROFESSOR STEWART, of
-I| iOlivet, Michigan, was born in Whitehall, New
^^, York, April 20, 1841. His parents, Stewart
"   and Helen (Whiteford) Montgomery, were
natives of Scotland. His father dying, he was brought
up on his grandfather's farm, and attended a district
school until he was thirteen years of age. After a three
years' academic course, he spent four years at the Delaware Institute in Franklin, New York. Lack of means.prevented his entering Yale College; but he spent a year
at the Ovid Agricultural College; and, in the fall of
1862, entered Hamilton College as Sophomore, and graduated in 1865. HIls purpose had been to study theology,
but his eyes failed, and he took charge of East Bloomfield Academy, in Ontario County, and from there went
to Port Byron. In the fall of 1867, he took charge of
the public schools on the west side of the river at Grand
Rapids; and, soon after, was elected Principal of the
High School of the same place. Professor Montgomery
resigned on account of his health, and studied for a
while in the chemical and physical laboratory of the
State University, at Ann Arbor. He was afterwards
Superintendent of Public Schools at Battle Creek, and
also at Flint. He resigned at the latter place to accept
the Professorship of Natural Sciences in Olivet College.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church; and, in
politics, a Republican. Professor Montgomery married,
in 1867, Amelia L. Hubbard, of Grand Rapids. In 1874
he married his second wife, Mary H. Underdunk, of
Battle Creek.
TjIORRISON, WILLIAM        VOLNEY, of Albion,
SMichigan, was born at Lansing, Tompkins
*       County, New York, on the 15th of February,
1817, and is the son of William  and Mary
(Rouse) Morrison. His maternal grandfather was Captain of a company of minute-men during the seven years
of the Revolutionary War. His grandfather on the
paternal side also took part in the same struggle. He
is the youngest in a family of six sons and one daughter,
of whom he and the latter are the only surviving members. IHe received the greater portion of his education
under the instructions of a blind uncle, who graduated
from Union College, at Schenectady, New York, where
he had prepared himself for the practice of medicine,
but was prevented from carrying out this plan by the




'UI

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

73

failure of his eyesight. The first sixteen years of Mr.
Morrison's life were spent on his father's farm, but he
was not able to continue the vocation of a farmer on
account of delicate health. Hie went to Clayton, Jefferson County, New York, where he obtained a clerkship
in the store of Smith & Merrick, remaining six months.
Hie then removed to Cape Vincent and engaged as bookkeeper for the firm of O. P. Starkney & Co., who did
an immense mercantile and general lumber and vessel
business, with whom he remained for three years. At
the end of this time, he was compelled by failing health
to relinquish his employment and seek a change of climate. In 1837 he removed to Michigan with his parents,
who settled on a farm of two hundred and forty acres in
Jackson County. Here he engaged in farm work during
the summer, and in teaching school in the winter. In
1839 he removed to Albion, where he taught school more
or less until 1844, when he became connected with the
firm of Crowell, Rice & Co., owners of the water-power
on the south branch of the Kalamazoo River, together
with the mills located thereon.  In 1848 he and Mr.
Crowell formed a copartnership, purchasing the interest
of the other members of the firm. They carried on an
extensive and prosperous business until 1871, when severe
reverses overtook them. In 1850 he was a member of
the State Constitutional Convention, forming many
acquaintances and life-long friends, among the latter of
whom   is ex-Governor R. B. McClelland, of Detroit.
Mr. Morrison was Director of the -Northern Michigan
Central Railroad for two years. He was elected Justice
of the Peace in 1840, which position he still holds. lHe
joined the society 6f Free and Accepted Masons in
1862; and, in 1866, he became a Knight Templar of the
Jackson Commandery. He was Master of the Lodge in
Albion two years, and High Priest of the Chapter for a
period of seven years. Mr. Morrison has never made
any public profession of religion, but has an abiding
faith in a Supreme Being who rules and reigns over all.
His life-long principle has been to live according to the
golden rule. He was for many years a vestryman in the
lEpiscopal Church, which he attended regularly, but ill
health deprives him of church privileges at the present
time. In his political views, he has always been a thorough States' Rights Democrat, of the Jefferson and Madison school. lie married, June 8, 1840, Victorine Waldo,
by whom he had two sons and two daughters, three of
whom are now living. Her death occurred on the Ist
of April, 1848. On the 9th day of December, 1849, he
married Maria Waldo, by whom he had one son and one
daughter; the former died when seven years of age, and
the latter js now living in Chicago. His second wife
died June 12, 1853. March 28, 1856, he was united in
marriage to Melissa Waldo. They have one son, Charles
F., who was born April 4, 1857. During the past thirty
years, Mr. Morrison has devoted several hours each night

to reading scientific, historical, and philosophical works,
having an intense desire for self-improvement and intellectual culture. In early youth, it was his desire to
devote himself to professional life, either as a physician
or lawyer, but he was physically unable to carry out his
cherished plans. At one time during his life, he was
the owner of considerable property; but, through the
broken promises of false advisers, he lost his fortune,
and is now compelled to labor hard for sustenance. He
is a man who commands the highest respect of the entire community, and in whom is placed the utmost
confidence.
--0*--
1  USGRAVE, HON. JOSEPH, President of the
SFirst National Bank of Charlotte, Michigan, was
f    ' born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, May
20, 1811. His parents, Joseph and Catherine
(Kane) Musgrave, were born in Iceland, and came to this
country when young. They were married in Philadelphia. When Joseph Musgrave was six years old, his
parents moved to Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania,
and from there to a farm in the Ligonier Valley. IHe
received a practical education at the county schools. In
1824 his father lost his property, and, removing to Richland County, Ohio, settled on a piece of land which
Joseph and his younger brother helped to clear. Here
he attended school in winter, and worked on his father's
farm in summer. Subsequently, he taught school a short
time, after which he found employment in a store in
Loudonville, Ashland County. After remaining in this
position one year, he purchased the store, in connection
with a Mr. Strong, and removed the stock to Haysville,
where his brother became his partner. They carried on
the business two years, and then removed to Nashville,
where they erected a store and remained several years.
Joseph Musgrave then sold his interest, and spent the
following two years in Newville. In the fall of 1846, lie
was elected Representative from Richland County to the
State Legislature, and served two years. While engaged
in mercantile trade he was made Justice of the Peace.
From Newville he removed to Ashland, where he built
a brick store and again engaged in business. In the
fall of 1854, he visited Charlotte, Michigan, where he
purchased a business house and formed a copartnership
with Joseph Haslett. After remaining six weeks, he
returned to Ohio. In 1855 he was elected State Senator
from Ashland and Richland counties, and served two
terms. In November, 1857, he moved to Charlotte,
where he has since resided. After continuing his business with Mr. Haslett for some time, he disposed of his
interest, and engaged in banking with Edward S. Lacey,
afterwards his son-in-law. Upon the organization of
the First National Bank in Charlotte, Mr. Musgrave was
elected its President, and still retains this position. In




0,^ g.j, j:~.:...  -..*,; -,:- V  V.
-  71                         REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.
1865 he was made a member of the State Constitutional New York. IHe read medicine with the late Dr. J. S.
Convention. During his residence in Michigan, he has Eastman, of Lodi, and received his degree of Doctor of
Staken an active part in all the public enterprises of Medicine from the University of New York. He removed,
Eaton County, and has worked earnestly for the general very soon after his graduation, to Michigan, and began
welfare of the State. IIe was prominently identified practicing his profession in Dundee, Monroe County.
with the organization and construction of the Grand In 1835 he went to Marshall, Calhoun County; and, for
River Valley and Peninsular Railroad, now a part of over forty years, this has been his home. lie was at one
the Chicago and Lake Huron Road. iHe was the first time engaged in the sale of drugs and medicines. lie
Treasurer of the Peninsular Railway Company. Besides has always been more or less interested in real estate
attending to their banking business, Mr. Musgrave and business; but the practice of medicine and surgery has
his son-in-law deal extensively in produce, buying and been his chief and absorbing work. lie is the honored
selling all kinds of grain, coal, lime, plaster, salt, etc. President of Calhoun County Medical Society. By birth
Mr. Musgrave was a Iemocrat until the repeal of the and marriage, he is the representative of historic families;
Missouri Compromise, when, with other leading men of and his courteous and Christian bearing fully sustain
Richland County, he united with the Republican party. their high character. HIe has been senior warden of
He has taken an active part in politics for more than Trinity Church for many years. He is the oldest pracforty years. He was elected Representative as a Demo- titioner in Calhoun County.
crat, and Senator as a Republican. During his residence
in Ohio, few men in the State had a better knowledge
of its political history, or enjoyed a larger acquaintance
with its prominent men, than Mr. Musgrave. While a   4   rCIIOLS, EDWIN C., of Battle Creek, Treasurer
member of the Legislature, he was associated with such    of Nichols, Shepard & Co., was born in Clinton,
men as lion. C. L. Vallandigham, and Breslin, who also    Lenawee County, Michigan, July 20, 1838. His
were members. His early religious training was intensely,  father, John Nichols, is associated with him in
Calvinistic. His brother's uniting with the Methodist the manufacturing business. His mother was Nancy C.
Church influenced the rest of the family. In 1869 Mr. Galloway. In 1848 Mr. Nichols removed, with his parJoseph Musgrave became a Congregationalist. He mar- ents, to Battle Creek, where he has since remained, and
ried, in December, 1834, a daughter of the late Rev. Joseph where, in the public schools, he received most of his
Ii. Reid, a Methodist clergyman, of Mansfield, Ohio. school education. From 1854 to 1857, he was bookThey had four children, but two of whom are living. keeper and cashier for Mr. T. B. Skinner. At the expiOne is the wife of Mr. F. A. Leiter, the present Post- ration of that time, he spent one year in Kansas, traveling
master of Charlotte; and the other is Mrs. Edward S. for his health. After his return to Battle Creek, in 1858,
Lacey. Mrs. Musgrave died in 1844. In June, 1846, he became a partner in the manufactory of Nichols,
Mr. Musgrave married Miss Miranda S. Pancoast, of Shepard & Co. Mr. Nichols served one term as AlderNewville, Richland County, Ohio. They have had five man of the Fourth Ward. He has been fully identified
children,- two sons and three daughters. One daughter with the welfare and public enterprises of Battle Creek.
married H. A. Lee, son of lion. James B. Lee, of Brigh- ie was a stockholder, and is a Director of the Chicago
ton, and is living in Lansing, Michigan. Mr. Musgrave and Lake Huron Railroad. IHe is a Director of the
has an extended acquaintance in Michigan. He is a First National Bank of Battle Creek, and of the Battle
man of excellent judgment, great strength of character, Creek City Bank. He is Vice-President of the gas comand unostentatious manners. He is possessed of more pany. Mr. Nichols is liberal in his religious views. lie
than ordinary ability, and every thing he undertakes is attends the Presbyterian Church, but is not a member.
carried to a successful termination. He is deservedly He has always been a Republican, and has worked
popular and highly respected.                      effectively for the interests of his party. He married, in
Battle Creek, Sarah J. Rowan, of Battenville, New York.
They have had four children, three of whom are living.
j'ONTGOMERY, JOHN II., M. D., of Marshall, The Vibrator Threshing-Machine Company, of which he
i'ljil Michigan, the third son of Henry and Fanny is Treasurer, furnish employment to between two hun^, (Halsey) Montgomery, was born in Ovid, Seneca dred and fifty and three hundred men. They finish,
County, New York, in 1811. His father, a during the entire year, five complete threshing-machines
positive, outspoken character, was a farmer, of good each day. Their trade extends through all the graineducation and habits, and gave his children the best growing sections. Their works, which are built of brick,
educational advantages. Doctor Montgomery was edu- are the largest of the kind in the United States. The
cated at the Ovid Academy, an institution then favorably company has a capital of five hundred thousand dollars,
known, and still in good repute among the schools of and a surplus of three hundred and forty thousand. It




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

75

is incorporated, and is composed of John Nichols, Edwin
C. Nichols, and David Shepard, of Battle Creek; Cornelius Aultman, of Canton, Ohio; and the estate of Henry
H. Taylor, of Chicago, Illinois. Their buildings and
grounds occupy ten acres of land. They manufacture
portable threshing engines, the vibrator threshing and
separating machines, and mounted horse-power. Mr.
Nichols is truly a representative man. He possesses
great force of character and business ability.
\IASH, IRA, of Marshall, Michigan, was born in
ij   Dorset, Vermont, March 13, x8oo. He was the
Sson of Pelatiah Bliss and Sally (Towner) Nash.
SHis father was a farmer and blacksmith.  His
mother died when he was nine years old, but he had a
wise and good step-mother who materially molded his
character. At the age of seventeen he went to Lenox
to learn the cabinet-maker's trade, in which he eventually established himself at Sandy Hill, Washington
County, New York. In 1837 he removed to Marshall,
Michigan, and carried on the furniture business two
years. Meanwhile, he bought a farm and built a house
which he occupied for eleven years, devoting his time
to farming.  In 185o he became engaged in various
railroad contracts through Michigan and Illinois. iHe
did his work so well that he often received extra pay
and commendation.    He was superintendent of the
large central depot in Chicago, which was burned in the
great fire of 1871.  This depot he had virtually built
in the lake, on pile foundations. IHe held the position
of President of the Quincy and Burlington Railroad for
many years; and resided, during his term of office, in
Aurora, Illinois.  On his resignation, he returned to
Marshall, and supplied the Michigan Central Railroad
with a new set of telegraph poles.  This closed his
twelve years of active railroad work. Mr. Nash had a
thoughtful, religious temperament, and only once in his
life forgot the Sabbath. While acting as a drummer
boy in the War of 1812, at Ticonderoga, some of the
boys called him out to play ball on Sunday. Supposing it was Saturday, he enjoyed the game heartily,
until informed by one of his officers of his mistake; the
ball was immediately dropped, and he retired to his
cabin. Undeviating adherence to principle was characteristic of his whole life. In the War of 1812 he gained
the title of "The Brave Boy."  He was strictly temperate, and always sold his allowance of whisky, and
bought milk to take its place. At the age of nineteen,
under Mr. Nettleton's preaching, he was converted, and
joined the Presbyterian church, in which he was an
elder forty-five years.  The following obituary notice
appeared in the Marshall Statesman at the time of his
death, December 17, 1868: " Mr. Nash has been a
42

prominent citizen of Marshall for thirty years; ten or
twelve of these were spent in building   railroads.
He was noble and commanding in person; genial and
benevolent in disposition, winning the sympathies of
the people with whom he associated; sound in judgment and firm in his convictions of right. He has left
us a bright example. He acted in sympathy with his
pastor, and was a judicious member of the session for
years.  He contributed freely to the support of the
Gospel, and loved the doctrines of the Bible. His
Christian character was matured and perfected by trials.
He followed to the grave two wives, two sons, and four
daughters. He was always cheerful and thoughtful of
the happiness of those dependent on him."  His third
wife, Eliza Iollister, of Ballston, New York, survives
him.
--.0.--
ji ICHIOLS, JOHN, President of Nichols, Shepard
& Co., Battle Creek, Michigan, was born JanSuary I, 1814, in Liverpool, Onondaga County,
New York. His parents were Eliakim and Sally
Nichols. His early education consisted of a few months'
instruction in the county schools.  At the age of thirteen, he went to Palmyra to learn the molder's trade;
and, while there, he worked for Abraham Gregg. In
1835 lie went to Michigan, and settled on a farm, three
miles north of Clinton, Lenawee County. He remained
there until 1839, when he moved to Marshall. In 1842
he went to Detroit; returned to Marshall in 1845; and
moved to Battle Creek in 1848, where he has since remained.  Mr. Nichols married, in 1834, in Marion,
Wayne County, New York, Nancy C. Galloway.    The
firm of Nichols, Shepard & Co., of which he is the President, are extensive manufacturers of the vibrator threshing machine, portable engines, and mounted horse-power.
"OYES, JUDGE HORACE A., Marshall, Michigan, was born in Preston, Chenango County,
SNew York, February 20, ISio, and was the son of
Nathan and Susanna Noyes, of Guilford, Vermont. His father was a Baptist minister, and assisted
in organizing several Baptist churches in New York and
Michigan. At the age of fifteen, Horace Noyes bought
his time of his father, agreeing to pay him one-half that
he earned, and commenced teaching a district school.
For several years his time was spent in work and study;
often he sat up far into the night, reading by the light
of a pine knot. He removed with his father's family to
Perrinton, New York.  While there he completed his
legal course, and, in 1833, was admitted to the bar in
Rochester. In that year, the family emigrated to Mich



5-,,'> -

76

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

igan, and Mr. Noyes commenced the practice of his profession in Plymouth, where he remained until 1830. He
then opened a law office in Marshall. lie was, at different times, associated with his brother Nathan, who died
in 1846; his brother Lucius, who died in 1864; and W.
H. Porter. In 1835 he was elected to the L.cgislature;
in 1844 he was elected Judge of the Probate Court for
Calhoun County, and served twelve years, giving general satisfaction.  He was especially beloved by the
widows and orphans, who found in him a generous
friend. In 1857 Judge Noyes resumed his place at tile
bar; and was afterwards employed in many important
cases; he was universally regarded as one of the ablest
legal advisers in the city. He possessed a genial disposition, and a large, unselfish nature. His character and
bearing were those of a Christian, yet he was not baptized until a few days before his death. October 15, 1835,
he married Miss Mary Shutts. April 20, 1877, he died,
leaving his wife and six children.  The funeral was
under charge of the Masonic Fraternity, and was attended
by the bar of Calhoun County in a body.  We quote
the following resolutions of the Masonic Chapter:
( WHEREAS, This Iodge, with unfeigned sorrow, mourn
the death of our esteemed brother, Horace A. Noyes,
who departed this life, April 20, 1877, therefore,
S"Resolved, That while our hearts are stricken with grief
by the death of our brother, yet we bow in humble submission to the Di.vine will of our Supreme Master, who
doeth all things well.
"( Resolved, That the remembrance of the good qualities
of mind and heart of the deceased, and of his manly and
upright conduct as a citizen and as a Mason, have so endeared him to us that we can but deplore his loss to the
community and to this lodge; and we will ever cherish
hils memory as a true friend and brother.
" Resolved, That we tender to the bereaved widow, children, relatives, and friends of our deceased brother our
sincere and heart-felt sympathy in this their sad affliction.
" Resolved, That a copy of the above resolutions be presented to the family of the deceased brother, and that
they be spread upon our journal, and published in the
city papers.'
-.0.-+*----
1'DONNELL, JAMES, Editor and Proprietor of the
Jackson daily and weekly Citizen, the leading news4    paper in the interior of the State, was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, March 25, 1840. Probably no sketch
in this work will better exemplify the opportunities
afforded this youth of the highly favored State to rise in
the scale of social position and usefulness than the following. These advantages are of no avail, however, unless
to average ability is added strict integrity, which lifts
above all sordid desires, and a determination to advance
in whatever position one is placed. The gentleman of
whom we write has, by these qualities, with persevering
industry, and a courteous, genial bearing, made many
friends, and gained a place among the leading men of

the State. The trusts reposed in him  by his fellowcitizens, and the universal esteem in which he is held,
indicate a still brighter career in the future.  He was
brought up by frugal and industrious parents; and,
although he did not enjoy the advantages of wealth, he
early evinced a ready wit and self-reliance in thought
and action, that have since been, in a great measure,
the secret of his success.  In 1848, when but eight
years of age, he removed to Michigan, with his parents,
two sisters, and a brother, and settled in Jackson,
then an unpretending village. In early life, he was
thrown upon his own resources, and had but little opportunity for attending school. For a considerable time,
he was employed as clerk in the grocery store of W.
Jackson. In 1854 he was apprenticed to learn the printer's trade, in the establishment of which he is now the
head, and thus entered the "poor man's college," as the
printing-office has been so aptly termed. For a time,
he was also engaged in the Patriot office. IHe worked
at his trade until 1856, when he made a tour through
several of the Western States, returning to Jackson in
1861.  Upon the breaking out of the civil war, he
joined the Union army, being among the first in Jackson
to volunteer. On returning home, he again entered the
office of the Citizen, this time in the capacity of associate
editor. HIe was elected City Recorder by the Republican party, and held that important office through four
successive years. In 1864, after having served in all the
capacities of printer's devil, carrier, compositor, foreman,
and editor, he purchased the Citizen, then only a weekly
paper. One year after, in company with Mr. D). W.
Ray, he established the daily Citizen.  Mr. Ray (lied
the following spring, leaving Mr. O'Donnell sole proprietor. Since then he has edited and published the journal,
to the satisfaction of the Republican party and the public
generally. He is never absent from his post, and has
been one of the most hard-working, conscientious, and,
at the same time, liberal journalists in the State. In
1875 he erected the handsome and convenient "Citizen
Building," on Mechanic street. In 1868 Mr. O'Donnell
was the nominee of the Republican party for member of
the State Legislature from  the Third Representative
District, then comprising the city of Jackson and the
townships of Summit, Spring Arbor, and Blackman. In
this district, well known to be largely Democratic, he
was defeated, but by a small majority. In 1872 he was
nominated by the Republican State Convention for Presidential Elector; and, being elected by about sixty thousand majority, was chosen Secretary of the State Electoral
College, and went to Washington. lie represented his
State in the National Electoral College, and cast its vote
for Grant and Wilson at the national capital. In 1873
he was the Republican nominee for Mayor of the city of
Jackson; and, though he led his ticket over eight hundred votes, was defeated by an inconsiderable majority.




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

77

In 1876 he was again nominated for the chief city office;
and, against an increased Democratic vote, was elected
by a handsome majority, running over six hundred votes
in advance of his ticket. In 1876 he was a candidate
for Congress in the Third Michigan District, and lacked
four votes of success, some twenty ballots having been
taken. IIe accepted the result gracefully, and stumped
the district for his successful competitor and the others
on the Republican ticket. His meetings were largely
attended, and his efforts effective. In the spring of 1877,
he was re-elected Mayor by a still larger majority. His
administration was marked by thoroughness and rigid
economy. He was nominated by the People's Convention, representing the two old political parties, for a third
term, but the Greenback party carried the election. IHe
left the position with the city treasury in an admirable
condition. The testimony of Mr. O'Ionnell's personal
acquaintances, and the high esteem in which he is held
by his fellow-citizens, are sufficient guarantees that he is
deserving of the highest and noblest trusts.
IERRINE, WILLIAM IIENRY, D. I)., of Albion,
l Michigan, was born at Lyons, Wayne County,
' New York, October 8, 1827. His ancestors were
'   among the Iluguenots who fled to America from
the persecution which followed the revocation of the
Edict of Nantes in 16S5. Tradition relates that three
boys of the name of Perrine, whose parents had died on
the passage, were, carried from  the ship in a goldembroidered petticoat, and unrolled on the sands of
Long Island, at New Rochelle. Two of them afterwards
settled on Staten Island, and the third at Monmouth,
New Jersey, where, long after, John and Henry Perrine,
the grandfather and father of the subject of this sketch,
were born. John Perrine was one of Washington's bodyguards in the war of the Revolution.  Henry Perrine
married Esther Gilbert, of Lyons, New York, to whom
his son William is as much indebted for courage and
persistency, as to his father for integrity and love of
learning. In 1833 Mr. and Mrs. Perrine removed to
Sandstone, Michigan, where they encountered the hardships incident to pioneer life. Here, however, surrounded by the influences of a Christian home, the
foundation of the religious, literary, and artistic education of their son was substantially laid. Procuring books
with difficulty, and reading them by the fire-light during
the long winter evenings, or in the brief intervals of
summer labor on the farm, he obtained the rudiments of
an English education and some slight knowledge of the
classics.  While still a farmer-boy, he bought Bloomfield's Notes on the Greek 7'estament, and Liddell and
Scott's Greek Lexicon. He also purchased and readily
mastered Chapman's American Drawing-book.   Aspira
tions to know more of art and to study abroad were
awakened, which, but for the growing strength of his
religious convictions, would doubtless have determined
his career in life. Sense of duty, however, overruled
oesthetic tastes, and determined him to devote himself to
the work of the Christian ministry. Accordingly, in his
nineteenth year, he entered Michigan Central (now Hillsdale) College, from which he graduated in 1853; paying
his way, meanwhile, by teaching drawing and elocution in
the college, or by conducting district or union schools.
In 1851, after joining the Michigan Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, he was appointed to the
South Albion circuit, in order that he might continue his
studies in the college. In 1852 he was stationed at
Jackson. After graduating, he was appointed successively to Hastings, Detroit, Adrian, Ann Arbor, Flint,
Albion College, Lansing, Lansing District, again to
Albion College, St. Joseph, and Albion. He married,
October 7, 1854, Miss Livonia E. Benedict, A. M.,
daughter of Colonel Benedict, one of the founders of
Albion College. Mrs. Perrine filled the chairs of languages and mathematics, and acted as preceptress of the
institution, with distinguished ability. They have four
daughters. In 1858-59 Mr. Perrine visited Europe, Egypt,
and the Holy Land. In 1868 he made a second trip to
Europe. In 1871 the degree of Doctor of Divinity was
conferred upon him by Albion College, in which he had so
long labored: first, as Professor of Natural Science and
the Fine Arts; and, afterwards, as Professor of Ilistory,
Belles-Lcetres, and the Fine Arts.  The thoroughness
with which he accomplishes whatever he undertakes is
well illustrated in the history of his perhaps most important work, "A Topographical or General Landscape View
of the Holy Land."  This picture cost him six thousand
dollars in money, two trips to Europe, and all his leisure
time for ten years. The work was first enlarged from
five by ten feet, to eighteen by thirty-six feet, through
seven successive paintings, until he had combined and
harmonized all his sketches taken from nature; and then,
through twenty-three successive paintings, it was reduced
without the loss of a single line, to the size of his chromo,
eighteen by thirty-six inches.  This chromo has been
pronounced of more value than all the outline maps and
models in relief executed in Germany, England, or
America. His independence, integrity, and ability are
shown by his course in the two General Conferences of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been
a member. Although Mr. Perrine recorded his vote to
remove all constitutional barriers to the admission of
the laity to the legislative body of the church, yet, deeming the plan of lay delegation adopted in Brooklyn, in
1872, to be not only undemocratic, but unmethodistic,
and especially unscriptural, he voted alone in the negative, against two hundred and twenty-eight in the affirmative. Advocating the same principles at the General




tv1V~n: l~j~p r' S 'P
-r~.r
~if3~ t
4::"~'~ ~; ~~.I~..
"::' ~i~FI
~vi:-~~~ \
~;

78

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

Conference in Baltimore, in 1876, he had the satisfaction
of seeing ninety-five of the ablest laymen and ministers
in the body stand up with him, and of hearing the most
statesman-like bishops declare their convictions that his
theory of the constitution was historically and philosophically correct. As a thinker, Mr. Perrine is original,
clear, and logical; as a speaker, natural, earnest, and
eloquent. Orthodox in his theology, he is spiritual and
practical in his preaching; brilliant and popular as a
lecturer; and devoted to the advancement of what he
believes to be the great reforms of the age.
---.0.---
'ARKINSON, JAMES A., of Jackson, Michigan,
SProsecuting Attorney of Jackson County, was
i?  born in Concord, of that State and county, September 26, 1846. His father, one of the early
pioneers of that section, is a farmer. Mr. Parkinson
graduated at Albion College in 1869,-afterwards serving
as Principal of the Union School in Albion, for one
year. He then began the study of law in the office of
W. K. Gibson, at Jackson. Upon his admission to the
bar, in 1872, he removed to Elk Rapids, and resided
there for two years; during this time, he was elected
Judge of the Probate Court for that county.  In June,
1874, he settled permanently in Jackson; and, two years
later, was elected Prosecuting Attorney for Jackson
County, by a majority of more than five hundred votes.
Mr. Parkinson is a member of Company G, Ist Michigan
State troops, and of the order of Knights of Pythias.
He is a member of the Republican party, but is not a
strong partisan. lie is a close, observing student, devoted
to the duties of his profession, and careful and clearsighted in his official work. He ranks deservedly high
among his associates and friends, who predict for him a
brilliant and useful career.
ARKHURST, GENERAL JOHN GIBSON, of
Coldwater, Michigan, was born April 17, 1824,
at Oneida Castle, New York.    His ancestors
were English and Scotch people, who were
early settlers in Massachusetts.  His grandmother,
Phebe (Pierce) Parkhurst, was born in Plainfield, Connecticut, May 27, 1727; and died at Whitestown, Oneida
County, New York, 1830.   His father, her ninth son
and thirteenth child, was born in Plainfield, Connecticut,
October 31, 1780. His mother, Sally (Gibson) Parkhurst, was the granddaughter of a Scotch sea-captain
who died on one of the West India Islands. General
Parkhurst's mother died when he was seven, leaving
eight children; he is greatly indebted to his sisters for
his moral and religious training. He remained at school

until he was nineteen, taking. a classical course of six
years in the Oneida Academy.   Four years' study of
law in the office of A. F. Grove, fitted him for its
practice, in 1847. After two years of successful labor
in his native place, he went West, and selected Coldwater, Michigan, as his future home.  lie practiced
there from 1849 to 1861, a portion of the time in partnership with Lieutenant-Governor George A. Coe. In
1860 he was Secretary of the Charleston D)emocratic
Convention; on his return he arranged the proceedings
of the convention for publication, and, while thus engaged, astonished a friend by declaring that the South
were determined to have a government of their own;
that the result would be war, which would require his
assistance. Events soon proved the truth of this prediction.  After the firing upon Fort Sumter, at the
first war meeting held in Branch County, he called upon
all loyal citizens to prepare immediately to defend the
Union; and repeated that call in Batavia. As soon as
he could arrange his domestic and business matters, he
was appointed, by Governor Blair, Liecutenant-Colonel
of the Ninth Michigan Infantry; he was mustered into
service, September 1o, 1861, and in October reported to
General Sherman in Kentucky. In February, 1862, his
regiment was ordered to engage in the advance on Nashville.  In the battle of Murfreesboro, July 13, 1862,
after holding his position eight hours against a force
seven times superior in strength, and losing one-third
of his command in killed and wounded, he was taken
prisoner, and detained four months. He was exchanged
in time to report to General Thomas before the battle
of Stone River. Owing to the reputation the Ninth
Michigan had acquired by its gallant fight at Murfreesboro, General Thomas selected it as his Provost
Guard, and appointed Mr. Parkhurst the Provost-Marshal of the Fourteenth Army Corps.  From December,
1862, until the close of the war, he was on the staff
of General Thomas, as Provost-Marshal General; having
the Ninth Michigan, and sometimes two other regiments
and a battery, as Provost Guard under his command.
In this capacity he engaged in all the battles of the
Army of the Cumberland; had the supervision of the
prisons and of the conductors on the military railroads
of the department, of all prisoners of war, and of all
the Provost-Marshals and their officers. For heroism
and bravery in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga,
and the Atlanta campaign, he was recommended by
General Thomas for Brigadier-General of Volunteers.
He opened a law office in November, 1865, in Nashville,
Tennessee; but, being unwilling to identify himself either
with the radicals or the Southerners, he abandoned the
idea of remaining there, and returned to Coldwater,
August, 1866. General Parkhurst was appointed, by
President Johnson, United States Marshal of the Eastern District of Michigan, and held the position four or




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

79

five months. When his name came before the Senate, remained with him seven years.  In 1868 he was
however, it was opposed by those who had signed his admitted to the bar.  In 1871 he was admitted to

recommendations because of his chance presence at the
Philadelphia Soldiers' Convention, so adroitly captured
by President Johnson.   He was nominated, by the
Soldiers' State Convention, for Lieutenant-Governor, in
opposition to the Republican candidate. lHe was rejected by the Senate, but had the satisfaction of naming
his successor, who held the office until 1869. He was
Prosecuting Attorney from 1852 to 1855, and Special
Agent of the United States Treasury Department from
1867 to 1869. In 1872 he was nominated, on the Liberal
ticket, for Congress from the Third District, and received
the largest vote of any Liberal candidate on the ticket;
and, in 1876, was Democratic candidate for State Treasurer, but was defeated. In the years 1870-72 he spent
most of his time in efforts to build a second railroad
through Coldwater, and had succeeded in completing
the road-bed when the panic of 1873 suspended the
enterprise. HIe also took an active part in securing the
location of the State Public School at Coldwater. General Parkhurst, on his return from the war, devoted
himself to agricultural pursuits and his private business
affairs; he is now interested in the real estate and insurance agency, and has resumed the practice of his
profession. In 1874 he joined the Grange, and has
held the position of Lecturer and Master in Batavia
Grange, No. 95. He has been a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church from his boyhood. General
Parkhurst married his first wife in 1852; she was Amelia
C. Noyes, daughter of Samuel P. Noyes. She died July
26, 1861, leaving two daughters. In 1863 he married
Josey B. Reeves, daughter of the late Nathan B. Reeves,
of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She died June 20, 1871.
In 1874 he married Mrs. Frances Josephine Fiske,
daughter of the late Hon. Nathan Roberts, of Lenox,
New York.
ENNINGTON, HENRY F., of Charlotte, Eaton
County, Michigan, was born in Seneca County,
Ohio, September 9, 1840. He is the son of John
Sand Mary (Bretz) Pennington.     His father, a
farmer, still living near Charlotte, settled in Eaton
County, in 1852. Mr. Pennington's youth was spent
at school, and in work on his father's farm, until 1856;
when dissatisfaction with a farmer's life led him to go
to Charlotte, and make efforts to prepare himself for
a professional career.  The next twelve years were
passed in alternate work, study, and teaching, in Illinois and Michigan; and, in 1868, he graduated from
the law  department of the State University.   lHe
immediately opened a law office in Charlotte, in connection with Judge Shaw, of Eaton     Rapids, and

practice in the Supreme Court; and, in 1874, in the
United States District and Circuit Courts. Mr. Pennington is a member of the Good Templars', OddFellows', and Red Men's organizations.  He is an
active, public-spirited citizen. He has always been a
Democrat; his views on the subject of religion are very
liberal. He married, January 8, 1860, Lucinda Wickard,
of Eaton County. They have two sons.
m[RINGLE, HON. EUGENE, Lawyer, Jackson,
"  Michigan, was born in Richfield, Otsego County,
New York, December I, 1826. Iis father, Homer
Pringle, is still living, in Chautauqua County,
New York. His mother Harriet (Hatch) Pringle, died
in 1874. Mr. Pringle's ancestors emigrated from Scotland to America in 1689, and settled in New London,
Connecticut. While young, Mr. Pringle attended several
schools, devoting his time to study during the summer,
and teaching in the winter months; in this manner he
acquired a knowledge of Latin, Greek, French, German,
and Spanish. When eighteen years of age, he entered
the law office of Redfield & Pringle, at Batavia, New
York, and was admitted to the bar in 1849, entering at
once upon the practice of his profession. In 1850 Mr.
Pringle removed to Jackson, Michigan, associating himself in business with Samuel H. Kimball. In 1852 he became Circuit Court Commissioner of Jackson County, and
for three years held the office of Recorder of the village
of Jackson. In 1856 and 1858 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney, holding the office four years; in 1858-9
he occupied the position of City Attorney; in 1861 he
was elected to the State Legislature; from 1862 to 1864, he
was Military Secretary, under Governor Blair; in 1866
he was elected to the State Senate; in 1867 he became a
member of the State Constitutional Convention, from
Jackson County; and, during the same year, was nominated by the late Chief-Justice Chase, as a Register in
Bankruptcy; the last position he still retains. In 1871
he became a member of the Board -of Public Works, in
which he acted as Secretary for four years, and as President for one year. He has held office as School Inspector,
and is a member of the School Board.   Mr. Pringle
was Secretary and attorney of the Grand River Valley
Railroad from the time of its commencement until its
completion. He was the leading spirit in organizing
the Grand Trunk Railway of Michigan,-now called
the Michigan Air Line,-of which road he was the
attorney for four years. He has also been Secretary and
counselor of the Fort Wayne, Jackson and Saginaw
Railroad from the time of its inception up to the present
time. Mr. Pringle drew up the first enabling act which




'"

8o

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

allowed citizens, cities, towns, townships, and counties
to aid in the construction of railroads. Through his
influence the act was passed, and became a law. As
counselor and attorney for railroads and corporations he
has few superiors in this country. He has always been
identified with the enterprises that have given wealth
and prosperity to Michigan. The Union League is the
only secret society with which he has ever been connected. In early life Mr. Pringle was a Whig; upon its
formation, he became a member of the Republican party.
He was a member of the first Republican convention
ever held in Michigan, July 6, 1854; and continued to
act with the Republican party until 1872, when he
voted for Horace Greeley; since that time, he has been
independent in his political views. He married, September 6, 1855, Frances A. Becker. They have had three
children, two of whom are now living. Mr. Pringle's
ability, fidelity of purpose, and unbiased judgment,
place him among the leading men of the State.
'ALMER, WILLIAM THOMAS, of Battle Creek,
the only surviving member of Napoleon's Guard
in the United States, was born in the Parish of
H Iursley, County of Hampshire, England. His
parents, John and Rachel (Ilagmar) Palmer, were poor
people. His father was a sailor, and died when William
T. was four years old, leaving four children, of whom
he was the youngest. He had no educational advantages except those afforded by the Sabbath-school.
When ten years old, he went to work on a farm at
sixpence a day, and remained there eight years. IIe
then enlisted as a private in the British army at Winchester, the oldest town in England. Leaving Winchester, he went to Hilsey Barracks, where he remained
until March, 1819. lie then sailed in the Kingston
ship "Abundance" for the island of St. Helena, and was
on the water four and one-half months. lie remained
on the island two years, being one of the Superior
Guards, among the four thousand soldiers who guarded
Napoleon. On May 5, 1821, at six o'clock in the evening, Napoleon died, and was buried on the island four
days later. May 24, 1821, Mr. Palmer embarked on
an East India trading-vessel for Portsmouth. He was
in the British army more than fifteen years, and was
honorably discharged at Toronto, Canada West, March
31, 1834, receiving the regular gratuity of six months'
pay. July 12, 1834, he married, at the College at
Toronto, Ann Jane Erwin, a native of Ireland. They
have had six children, three of whom-all daughterssurvive. They are married and living in Michigan.
He remained in Toronto until May, 1836, when he
moved to Oswego, New York, going to Rochester in
August, 1837.  He went to Vienna, New York, in

1840, and engaged to build the railroad from Rochester
to Auburn. From Vienna he moved to Newark; and,
in June, 1840, to Battle Creek, Michigan, where he has
since resided. Mr. Palmer has always been a Republican. His religious views are Protestant in character.
Notwithstanding his advanced age, he enjoys excellent
health. He never wore glasses, and is able to read
fluently the finest print. He possesses sound judgment,
and is highly respected.
RAY, THOMAS GREEN, Marshall, Michigan,
was born in Richfield, Otsego County, New York,
SDecember 19, 1819, and is the oldest son of Thomas
W. and Polly (Green) Pray. His father, an extensive farmer in Otsego County, early removed to Concord, Jackson County, Michigan, where, for many years,
he cultivated a large farm. Twenty-three years later, he
purchased property in Rensselaer County, Indiana; where
he died, in 1866. His wife, the daughter of a wealthy
and influential farmer of Herkimer County, New York,
died eleven years afterwards. Mr. Thomas Pray's early
education was finished at the academy in Jackson; and,
in 1838, he entered a store as clerk. Two years later,
he filled a similar position in the mercantile house of
Jesse Crowell. He then entered into business for himself at Albion and Kalamazoo. Mr. Pray, from his
youth, had a strong inclination for the legal profession;
and, while at Kalamazoo, resolved to become a lawyer.
He studied in the office of Stewart & Miller; and, on his
return to Albion, was elected Justice of the Peace. iHe
continued his studies while holding that office, and was
admitted to the bar in 1852. In 1871 he removed to
Marshall, where he has a fine practice in criminal cases.
He is not a politician, and believes an official position
incompatible with successful practice of law. lie has
always voted with the Democratic party, finding in its
principles the nearest approach to his political views. He
married, June II, 1844, Amanda R. Goodyear, of Springport, Jackson County; and again, April II, 1860, Lua
M. Crawford, of Jackson County.
SRATT, HON. ABNER, Lawyer and Statesman,
of Marshall, was born in Springfield, Otsego
SCounty, New York, May 22, 18oi, and was the
son of Abner and Mary (Cook) Pratt. During
his darly life, his parents resided in Cooperstown, New
York; and afterwards in Brockport, where they died.
His father was a farmer. Mr. Pratt's educational advantages were very limited. He attended the district
school, and devoted much of his leisure to study. He
read law in Batavia, and afterwards went to Rush,




:^:^*/p

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

SI

Monroe County, New York, and commenced practice.
He then went to Rochester, where he remained until
1839. In that year, he traveled on business to Michigan, and was so well pleased with the country that he
immediately resigned the office of District Attorney,
which he had held in Rochester, and removed to Marshall. About the year 1845 or 1846, he was elected a
Representative to the Michigan Legislature, and again
in 1862. In 1858 he was applointed Consul to Ionolulu
by President Buchanan. lie filled this position in a
most commendable manner, and only resigned it to
return to Michigan, on account of the health of his
wife. He was both a Circuit and a Supreme Court
Commissioner in Michigan for many years. He was
twice married. His first wife, Eliza Stewart Montgomery, was of Scotch and Irish descent. They had four
children, two of whom are living. The son is a prominent lawyer of Greenville, Michigan; and the daughter
was the widow of Isaac E. Crarey, and is now the
widow of the late J. C. Frink. Mr. Pratt was always a
Democrat; and his children hold the same political
opinions. lie was one of the most prominent Masons
in the State. He died, March 27, 1863. His widow,
Mrs. A. A. Pratt, now resides in Zanesville, Ohio.
t|ORTER, WILLIAM HENRY, A. B., A. M., MariIshall, Michigan, was born in Marengo, Calhoun.( County, Michigan, September 27, 1839.  Ilis
Sfather, Dr. Robert b. Porter, a retired physician, was a pioneer, who went to Marengo, from Washington County, New   York, in 1836.   His paternal
grandfather was an extensive farmer in Washington
County. His mother's father was a prominent business
man and local politician in New York State.    Mr.
Porter has three sisters, all of whom  are married;
and two brothers, one in Kansas and the other in Grand
Rapids. Mr. Porter graduated from Kalamazoo College
in 1859, and entered the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. Ile took the degree
of Bachelor of Laws, March 22, 1862. He was immediately admitted to the Washtenaw County bar; and, in
the fall of 1862, went to Marshall, and entered the office
of H. A. & L. G. Noyes. In 1864 I. G. Noyes died;
and, in April, 1865, the firm of Noyes & Porter was
formed, which lasted until January I, 1877, when Judge
Noyes retired on account of failing health. Mr. Porter
now has charge of the whole business. In 1874 and
1875, he was Mayor of the city, and was, for several
years, School Inspector. He joined the Masons in 1874,
and is now Master of the Lodge.     IIe has always
acted with the Democratic party. His religious belief
accords with the teachings of the Baptist Church. IHe
ihas been twice married: in i866, to Frances E. Reed,

of Jackson; and again, in October, 1869, to Miss Jessie E.
Cheeseborough, of Hebron County, Connecticut.  Mr.
Porter early displayed oratorical talent. During his
collegiate course, he was often complimented on his
ability, and received many prizes for excellence as a
speaker and essayist. Years have not diminished the
ardor of his love for his profession, but have given
greater force to his ambition. He is a close student, an
energetic worker, and already has a high rank among
his brothers in the legal profession.
SOWERS, DR. DAVID COOPER, of Coldwater,
Michigan, was born in Croydon, Sullivan County,
SNew Hampshire, June 30, 1822. He was the
third son and fifth child of Captain Peter and
Lois (Cooper) Powers. His grandfather, David Powers,
was one of four brothers, who, in company with several
other families, went from Massachusetts and settled in
Croydon, New Hampshire, in 1766. The Cooper family
was prominent among these settlers. The members of
this family have intermarried with the Powerses, and
have many influential descendants. Both of Mr. Powers'
grandfathers were in the Revolutionary army. His maternal grandfather took part in the War of 1812. The
Powers family were the most numerous of the early settlers of Croydon. They had giant frames, great physical
strength, and vigorous intellects. Mr. Powers received
his education at Aurora, New York, where his parents
settled in 1830. HIe studied medicine in the office of
his brother-in-law, Ir. Nathaniel Leavitt; and graduated
at Berkshire Medical College, Pittsfield, Massachusetts,
in 1848. The same year he went to California; but
returned in 1850, and married Margaret Ledyard, of
Pultneyville, New York. She is the daughter of Samuel
Ledyard; granddaughter of General Ledyard, of the
Revolutionary army; niece of President Childs, of Berkshire Medical College, and of General Thomas Childs,
of the regular army. They settled at Auburn. Mr.
Powers lost the bulk of his property by unfortunate
investments in real estate; and, in 1853, again went to
California. On his return, two years later, he removed
to Coldwater, Michigan.  Prior to his settlement in
Michigan, he had made the principles of homeopathy a
subject of much investigation, and had become a convert to that school of medicine. In connection with his
partner, Dr. W. H. White, now of New York City, he
was the first practitioner of homeopathy at Coldwater.
At the commencement of the late war, Dr. Powers was
appointed, by Governor Blair, First Surgeon of the 9th
Michigan Regiment Volunteer Infantry. Sickness in his
family prevented his accompanying the regiment South,
and he resigned. In the following spring, Governor
Blair again offered him the position of First Surgeon,




1%I%^~<
^% -. ~'^ *:*:*t *.--  -;,.^'
':^ 7  ' ^."^..''^   ^.  1"".'  - --

82

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

of the 8th Regiment, then in the field. At the same
time, he was urged, by the officers of the celebrated
Loomis Battery, chiefly raised and officered in Coldwater, to accompany them to the war. He accepted the
latter position; entered the army as contract Surgeon,
in charge of the Loomis Battery, and served nearly three
years. He also had charge of various hospitals; among
which were hospitals No. 2, at Huntsville, Alabama,
and No. 10, at Nashville, Tennessee. On leaving the
army, he returned to Coldwater. He is now one of the
most popular physicians in that city. Dr. Powers has
twice been Mayor of Coldwater.   He is one of the
Directors of the Southern Michigan Bank; and is actively interested in all the enterprises of the city. At
the time of the Kansas troubles, he left the Democratic
party; and has since been a Republican. He has been,
from his youth, a member of the Episcopal Church;
and is now one of its vestrymen.
iOWELL, WILLIAM, of Marshall, Michigan,
was born in Victor, Ontario County, New York,!  l March 31, 1830. lHe is the oldest of five chilV  dren born to John and Docia (Boughton) Powell.
His father, an intelligent farmer, was desirous to provide
for the education of his son, and bought a scholarship
in Hamilton College; but he died when the son was
thirteen years old, and no benefit was derived from the
outlay. The years that boys usually spend in school
were spent by Mr. Powell in farm labor. From his
eighteenth to his twenty-ninth year, he was, successively,
clerk, librarian, assistant book-keeper, and discount clerk
in the Rochester City Bank. During this interval, his
leisure time was spent in study; and he passed an examination to enter a Sophomore class. lie was finally
forced, however, to relinquish his intention of entering
college. In 1859 he went to Marshall, Michigan, in
company with his brother, and opened a grocery store.
Soon after, he became Cashier in the banking house of
H. J. Perrin & Co.; and, with the exception of two years
spent in St. Paul, has since remained in their employment. Mr. Powell spent some time in Chicago, where
he had charge of the sale of carriage and wagon springs,
manufactured by Mr. Perrin in Marshall. Afterwards,
he went to New England, and sold large quantities of
grain and flour. In 1872 he resumed his position in the
National Bank at Marshall. In 1876 Mr. Powell was
elected Mayor by the largest Republican majority ever
carried in the city. He is a prominent Mason; for two
years, he was Chairman of the Standing Committee on
Finance in the Grand Lodge of the State; he is now
Master of the Lodge, High Priest of the Chapter, and
Eminent Commander of the Commandery. lie is a Uni
versalist; but is a regular attendant and liberal supporter
of the Congregational Church. Mr. Powell has married
three times: March 20, 1853, Martha L. Paddock, of
Rochester; August II, 1869, Anna L. Moeschler, of
Chaska, Minnesota; September 18, 1871, Fanny Bacon,
of Providence, Rhode Island.
}I  ANDALL, HON. CALEB DWINELL, of Cold-, water, Michigan, was born in Conquest, Cayuga
County, New York, February 15, 1831.       His
parents were natives of Vermont. In 1835 they emigrated to Branch County, Michigan. There the father,
a physician, followed his profession until 1851, when
he died from overwork in an unhealthful locality. Mr.
Randall was preparing for college, at Albion, at the
time of his father's death; but was obliged to return
home, and take charge of the family. Later, he entered
the Law School at Albany, where he graduated in
1855. Soon after, he married Hattie Smith, of Morrisville, New York, and removed to Coldwater. In the
fall of 1870, he was elected to the State Senate by the
Republicans of Branch County. While in the Senate,
he matured several important measures, and secured
their passage.  Among these was one changing the
system of publication of the reports of the Supreme
Court.  By the old method, the State had lost large
sums of money. The new system, provided for by his
bill, has worked satisfactorily for several years. It is
a great saving to the State, and secures the early publication of the reports. The next important measure
which he originated, established the State Public School
for Dependent Children; this school is now located at
Coldwater. Mr. Randall has also drafted all subsequent
legislation affecting this institution. At the expiration
of his term as Senator, he declined a re-election.  He
was appointed, by Governor Bagley, one of the Board
of Control of the school, and has since been its Secretary and Treasurer. He has taken an active part in
the management of the institution; in the planning and
erecting of its buildings, and in the selection of its
employes.   For some five years, he has devoted a
large part of his time to this work. He has expressed
his views on the subject in his address delivered before
the National Prison Reform Congress, in New York,
June, 1876; and in a paper on the history of this institution,-its plan and aims. The latter was prepared at
the request of the State Board of Centennial Managers,
and published in S. B. McCracken's work, entitled
Michigan at the Centennial.  In 1872 he procured a
permit to establish a National Bank at Coldwater, and
the Southern Michigan National Bank was organized,
of which he became President. He has been one of
its administrative officers since its organization. It has




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

83

a capital of one hundred and eighty thousand dollars.
Mr. Randall was, for three years, a member of the
Coldwater Board of Education. He has always taken
a deep interest in the welfare of the schools and
churches, and in the progress of public improvements.
His first wife died February, 1863; and he married,
in June, 1865, Alice C. Flym, of Bethel, Vermont.
---*+----
0I)OBERTSON, THOMAS W., M. D., of Battle
SCreek, Michigan, was born in Albion, Calhoun
S  County, November 28, 1847. He was the son
of Theodore and Christina (Hantey) Robertson. His
father was a farmer, and the owner of a large woolenmill. Mr. Robertson received a common-school education. He was naturally intelligent, and became a close
student. lie spent a year at Albion College; taught
school one winter; studied medicine at Chelsea, Washtenaw County, Michigan, and at Ann Arbor, Michigan;
and finally graduated from Hahnemann Medical College,
of Philadelphia. lHe practiced six months with his
brother at Chelsea; and, in 1872, established himself
professionally at Battle Creek. IHe makes a specialty
of surgery; and has already gained prominence in this
branch of the profession by the skillful performance of
several difficult operations. IIe has always been identified with the Democratic party. He is a member of
the Masonic Fraternity, and is thoroughly imbued with
its teachings.

from its organization until quite recently. In 1854 he
was a member of the convention, held in Cleveland,
Ohio, under the lead of Gerritt Smith,-one of whose
objects was to effect peaceable emancipation by purchase
of slaves,-and took a prominent part in every movement
in behalf of the negro race. During his residence in
Salem, he was President of the Washingtonian Society for
ten years. He became a member of the Masonic Fraternityin 1841, joining EssexrLodge, at Salem, Massachusetts.
He is a Good Templar, and has always been a firm temperance man, active in working for the cause, both by
speech and act.  As President of the Jackson Reform
Club, a branch of the great temperance reform movement commencing in the winter of 1876-7, he has contributed greatly to the success of that organization. lHe
has always been a Universalist in religious belief; but
has never joined any church, although, in later years, he
has been an active member of the Unitarian congregation of Jackson. In his political views he is a Republican.  March 3, 1832, he married Harriet A. Brown,
by whom he has had nine children, seven of whom are
living. Two sons fought in the late war. Doctor Robinson is a man of literary taste. lie has contributed a
niumber of articles to different periodicals; and, in 1874,
wrote a melodrama entitled, Song of the AMillenium.
Ilis varied culture, fine social qualities, and his success
in his profession place him in high rank among the men
of the State.

-  ANDERSON, HON. RUDOLPHUS, of Battle
<    Creek, ex-Member of the Legislatures of Vermont
iOBINSON, JEREMIAH A., D. D. S., Jackson,             and Michigan, was born in Milton, Chittenden
Alichigan, was born in Concord, Massachusetts, County, Vermont, May 30, 1818. His father, Levi Sander-,:1    May 31, 1812, and is the son of William Robin- son, who was of Irish descent, came from Massachusetts
son and Martha (Cogswell) Robinson. His grandfather to Vermont in 1804, and bought a farm, on which he
was a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Revolutionary War, and lived until his death, in 1807. His mother, Sally (Bean)
was a distinguished officer. Mr. Robinson received his Sanderson, was born in Nova Scotia, and was of Scotch
early education in the schools of his native place. descent. Mr. Rudolphus Sanderson was brought up on his
When fourteen years of age, he was apprenticed to father's farm, and received a common-school education.
learn watch-making, at which he worked until 1836. At the age of eighteen, he became salesman in a mercanHe then went to Lowell, Massachusetts, where he spent tile store. A few years afterwards, he bought a store in
a year in the study of dentistry and medicine. In 1838 Milton, where he carried on business until his removal
he removed to Salem, Massachusetts, and engaged in to Michigan in 1853. In 1849-50 he was elected to the
the practice of dental surgery, remaining there until State Legislature of Vermont, and served two terms.
1853. Soon after, he removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where Upon going to Michigan, he purchased a farm in Newhe remained five years; in 1858 he became a resident of ton, Calhoun County, where he lived for twenty-one
Jackson, Michigan. Doctor Robinson has been engaged years. Hie then removed to Battle Creek, but still owns
for forty years in the practice of dental surgery. He is the farm  at Newton.  In 1861 Mr. Sanderson was
the oldest dentist now practicing in the State, and one of elected Supervisor of Newton Township, and held the
the leading members of his profession in the West. position nine years. In 1865 he was elected to the
Since his removal to Jackson, he has been a member of Michigan Legislature; and, in 1873, was again elected.
the City Council and of the School Board. IHe was He has also held the office of Alderman of the First
President of the Michigan State Dental Association, Ward of Battle Creek. Mr. Sanderson has ably filled
43




84,

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

all these positions. IHe has always evinced public enterprise. IIe was brought up a Congregationalist, and is
still a member of the Congregational Church, but is
quite liberal in his religious views. HIe was a Whig;
since the organization of the Republican party, he has
been one of its zealous advocates. Mr. Sanderson married, March 22, 1849, Ruth Adams, whose father was
a lawyer and prominent citizen of Vermont, and afterwards occupied positions of trust in Michigan. They
have had two children, both of whom are dead. Mr.
Sanderson is a courteous and honored citizen.
AGENDORPIH, DANIEL PERRY, Attorney-atLaw, of Charlotte, was born in Jackson County,
Michigan, June 13, 1840.      His father, Jacob
Sagendorph, was of German parentage, and was born in
Columbia County, New York, November 27, 1800. IHe
married, in Genesee County, New York, in 1826, Miss
Mary Perry. They emigrated to Michigan in the winter
of 1832, and settled in Leoni Township, Jackson County.
Michigan was then a Territory, of which a large portion
was a wilderness. Detroit was the center of all business. Arriving there, Mr. Sagendorph and his family
proceeded inland by means of an ox-team. lie located
a piece of Government land, and received his deed from
President Andrew Jackson.  He remained there until
his death, which occurred in 1870. His wife is still living in Jackson. Mr. Sagendorph was a large land owner,
a prominent man, and a respected citizen. Iis family,
which is the only one of the name in Michigan, consisted of six children,-three sons and three daughters.
Daniel Perry, the fourth child and youngest son, received
his early education in the common schools, and afterwards attended the West Union College, at Leoni-now
known as Adrian College. Early in life, he evinced a
taste for study, and determined to become a lawyer. In
1862 he entered the law department of the State University, from which he graduated, with high honors, in 1864.
In the same year, he was admitted to practice in the
Supreme Court of the State and the United States Courts.
He then went to Jackson, where he remained until
August 22, 1864. At that time, he removed to Charlotte, and formed a copartnership with John W. Nichols,
Prosecuting Attorney of Eaton County. For some time
past he has not been associated with any attorney. By
prompt and careful attention to his professional duties,
he has attained prominence as a counselor. His practice is large, and he is generally successful. His law
office is said to be the handsomest in Central Michigan.
In 1862 he became a member of the Masonic Fraternity,
and has held all of the principal offices in the Lodge and
Chapter. IIe is also an Odd-Fellow. In 1864 he united

with the Good Templars. In 1865 he was appointed
District-Deputy for Eaton County, and held the position
two years.  lie was then appointed Deputy-at-large for
the State, and, after holding the position until 1872,
became Grand Worthy Counselor of Michigan. In 1874
he was elected Grand Worthy Chief Templar of Michigan, and, the following year, refused a re-election. In
1876 he was again elected. For the past four years, he
has been a Representative to the Grand Lodge of the
United States, and has been Chairman of the Committee
on Appeals and Decisions in that body. ie was re-elected
in 1877. Mr. Sagendorph has held the offices of Town
Clerk and School Inspector. He was a Republican until
the formation of the Prohibition party, with which he
became identified, and of which he is now one of the
most prominent members in Michigan. He has been
Chairman and Secretary of the State Central Committee.
In 1870 he was nominated as a Prohibition candidate
for Prosecuting Attorney of Eaton County; in 1872, for
Attorney-General; and, in 1874, for Congressman. He
was defeated for all of these positions, as his party was
in the minority. IIe has been President of the State
Temperance Publishing Association, and has given his
time and money liberally for the dissemination of temperance principles. He has probably not been surpassed
by any man in Michigan in faithful and zealous laboi
for the cause. He has always been an energetic, enterprising citizen; and, since his residence there, has taken
an active part in the interests of Charlotte and Eaton
County. lie is a member of the Congregational Church,
and is thoroughly orthodox in his religious belief. lHe
has always been a regular attendant of Sabbath-school;
and has taken great interest in the work,-as a pupil,
teacher, and officer. Mr. Sagendorph married, October
20, 1868, Mary Angeline Munson, daughter of Amos
HI. Munson, one of the early pioneers and wealthy citizens of Eaton County. They have two children,-a son
and a daughter. Mr. Sagendorph is five feet nine and
one-half inches in height, and weighs one hundred and
sixty-five pounds. lie has fair complexion, dark hair,
and blue eyes.
'IELON, JAMES WADSWORTH, Banker, of
Albion, was born in Parma, Monroe County, New,,'" York, April 25, 1830, and is the eldest son of
James and Harriet (Patterson) Sheldon. In 1833 his
father located land in the township of Albion,- then a
wilderness,-and, in 1835, removed his family to that
place. Here James W. Sheldon attended the district
school in winter, and worked on his father's farm in
summer, until 1849, when he went to a preparatory
school at Lima, New York, and remained there one
year. Returning home, he continued to work on the




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

85

farm in summer, employing his spare time in the study
of such books of instruction as he could obtain. His
winters were spent in earnest study at Wesleyan Seminary (now Albion College), until he reached the age
of twenty-one. His desire to pursue them further was
prevented by lack of means. His father sternly refused
to allow him to enter upon the study of law, so he
yielded his wishes, and remained on the farm until he
reached his twenty-second year. Hie then resolved to
leave home; engaged as clerk in the store of J. Crowell
& Co.; and, at the end of three months, was promoted
to the counting-room. A year later, he accepted the
position of head book-keeper in the firm of D. Peabody
& Brother, large dealers in general merchandise. Having satisfactorily filled this position for two years, he
accepted that of cashier and book-keeper in the banking
house of IH. Hannahs & Son, who had just established
the first bank in Albion. Upon the failure of that firm,
in I858, Mr. Sheldon succeeded to their business, in
which he has amassed a liberal fortune. During the
civil war, he freely spent his money to assist the Government. Although nominally belonging to one of the
political parties, he is not a partisan, but favors those
men who are best qualified for office. Nomination to
the State Legislature has twice been tendered to him;
but, on each occasion, he respectfully declined, preferring to continue in the business for which he is qualified
by education. While on a pleasure trip in 186o, his
fellow-townsmen, taking advantage of his absence, nominated and elected him to the office of village President.
lie reluctantly accepted this position, but filled it so
successfully that he was elected for a second term, after
which he refused to serve longer.  As a trustee of
Albion College for fifteen years, and President of its
Board of Trustees for ten years, Mr. Sheldon was intimately associated with Doctor G. B. Jocelyn, the late
lamented President of Albion College. A strong bond
of sympathy and confidence existed between them.
Since his first connection with the college board, Mr.
Sheldon has been a member of the Executive Committee.
In that capacity, and as Treasurer of the college since
1874, he has greatly contributed to its success. Remembering his own early struggles and self-denial, he warmly
sympathizes with those desirous of obtaining a liberal
education.  As treasurer of the school fund, he has,
when occasion required, advanced large amounts to the
Board. Indeed, it may fairly be assert'ed that the fine
school buildings of Albion owe their existence largely
to the interest of Mr. Sheldon and his associates. In
conducting his banking business, Mr. Sheldon has
adopted the principle of favoring long, rather than
short, loans. In the support of this principle, lie has
met in discussion some of the most prominent financial
men of the State. By his own eminent success, he has
proved it to be the best basis. Mr. Sheldon is esteemed

for his honorable character and strict punctuality in the
performance of every engagement. As assignee of an
important estate in bankruptcy,- that of his original
employers, J. Crowell & Co., which aggregated one
hundred and ten thousand dollars, and which paid the
creditors ninety cents on the dollar,-he proved his
capacity to handle depreciated securities. No bankrupt
estate in Michigan, outside of Detroit, ever paid its
creditors that amount. Mr. Sheldon is the largest taxpayer and the most successful banker in Albion. Ile
became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
in I865, and has been Superintendent of the Sabbathschool of that church at Albion for several years. In
I856 he married Miss Mary E. Peabody. Her father
was the first white man who settled in the locality now
known as the village of Albion, to which place he
moved with his family in the spring of 1832. Mr.
Sheldon has one daughter,-Madalon L. Sheldon.
MITII, HItRAM IIORTON, of Jackson, Michigan,
was born in Malone, Franklin County, New York,
December 9, 809So. His father's name was Oliver
M. Smith, and his mother was a daughter of Judge
Hiram Horton, of Malone, New York, whose mother
was a Douglass. At an early age, Mr. Smith removed
to Brandon, Vermont, and attended school until he was
eleven years old. He then returned to Malone, where
he lived with his grandfather, Judge Horton, and was a
student in the Malone Academy for five years. At the
age of sixteen, he went to Castleton, Vermont, and,
until he was twenty-one, was engaged as clerk in a
general mercantile establishment. In 1830, he went to
Grandville, New York, where he successfully carried on
a mercantile business until 1835, when he removed to
Jackson, Michigan. In October, 1836, he went to Ingham County, Michigan, where he lived on a farm. In
1838 he was elected first Treasurer of that county. In
1841, he was chosen County Clerk, and, in 1842, was
elected to the State Legislature. After his term in the
Legislature had expired, he became engaged in merchandising at Mason, the county-seat of Ingham County. In
1847, when the capital of Michigan was located at Lansing, Mr. Smith removed to that city, built the first flourmill that was erected there, and carried on the milling
business in connection with a large mercantile trade. In
1851-2, he built the plank-road from Lansing to Howell,
connecting it, at the latter place, with the plank-road
to Detroit. In 1859, he was elected first Mayor of the
city of Lansing. In 1863 a company was formed for
the purpose of building a railroad from Jackson to Saginaw, and Mr. Smith was elected managing Director
and Vice-President. Under his able supervision, the
road was successfully completed. During his connection




86

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

with this road, in 1864, Mr. Smith removed to Jackson, remained here most of the time until the spring of 1851,
Michigan. In 1868, he was instrumental, together with paying his way by attending to collections for Professor
P. B. Loomis, of Jackson, and E. O. Grosvenor, of Ilerron, and hearing some recitations. He married,
Jonesville, in projecting the railroad from Jackson to Fort October 9, 1851, Miss Rosanna Holt. In the following
Wayne, Indiana,-a distance of one hundred miles,-     winter, he spent a few weeks as clerk in a mill office.
and was elected its first President. This road was fin- In February, he formed a partnership in the retail hard
ished in less than two years after the company was
formed. In 1871 Mr. Smith was made President of the
Detroit, Lansing and Lake Michigan Railroad, and
superintended the building of this road from Detroit to
Howard City,-a distance of one hundred and eighty
miles. IIe also built a branch road from lonia to Stanton, Michigan.  In 1872 he built the Detroit and Bay
City Railroad, extending one hundred and eight miles,
from Detroit to Bay City. Mr. Smith was a Democrat
until 1856, when he became identified with the Republican party. He has never sought office, but the positions to which he has been called, have been filled with
ability and fidelity. His first wife, Mary Jane Waldo,
daughter of Shubael Waldo, died in 1859, leaving three
children,-two sons and a daughter. The sons-Henry
and Dwight S. Smith-inherit the ability of their father,
and are carrying on an extensive real estate and coal
business. The daughter is the wife of Robert M. Newman, a civil engineer,-at present City Engineer of
Jackson. In 1865, Mr. Smith married Mrs. Gorham, a
lady of culture, widow of the late Dr. George W. Gorham, of Jackson. By energy, economy, and strict attention to the different vocations which he has followed, he
has amassed a competency. He is always working to
advance the commercial interests of the State in which
he lives. He has the confidence of the people and
merits the approbation and esteem in which he is held.
-.-0'---
S   MITH, JOHN W. H., Manufacturer, of Charlotte,
Michigan, was born in Brown County, Ohio,
August 16, 1831. His father, Benton Smith, was
a farmer, who moved to Spencer County, Indiana, in
1837, and died in 1846. John W. H. Smith attended
the common schools during the winter months until his
father's death, after which he was thrown upon his own
resources. Being desirous to obtain an education, he
went to live on a farm, where he could attend school,
doing chores in the morning and evening, and chopping
wood on Saturdays, to defray his expenses. After a
time, his cousin, Samuel D. Smith, who had a general
store in Enterprise, Indiana, sent for him to become an
assistant. Ile remained there one year, acquiring his
first business experience. In 1848 he went to Cincinnati, and entered Herron's Seminary, then an excellent
institution, under the management of Professor Joseph
Herron. He was studious and gentlemanly, and soon
obtained the strong friendship of the professor. He

ware trade, which lasted one year. He afterwards engaged as clerk in various kinds of business, at very low
wages, until the summer of 1853. HIe then formed a
partnership in the hardware business, which continued
until 1864, when the firm was dissolved, Mr. Smith
retiring. During the existence of this firm, Mr. Smith
was solicited by Tyler Davidson & Co., one of the leading wholesale hardware firms in the West, to enter their
employment as salesman. After some consideration, he
declined. In January, 1858, he accepted the position
of cashier and confidential book-keeper with the same
firm. He continued with them, enjoying their fullest
confidence, until 186o, when he returned to his own
occupation. Ile immediately set about erecting a building suitable for the increasing demands of his trade;
when completed, this was one of the most attractive
stores in Cincinnati for the display of goods. Having
disposed of his interest in this establishment in 1864, he
removed with his family to Oxford, Ohio, where he resided until 1868. While there, he formed a copartnership in the hardware trade, and built the first really
first-class business house in Oxford. In 1865 he again
engaged with Tyler Davidson & Co., and continued
with them until the death of the senior partner. lHe
remained with the successors of the firm until 1867.
In the latter part of 1866, he entered upon the lumber
business and the manufacture of handles, in the village
of Buchanan, Michigan. After severing his connections
in Cincinnati, he became actively engaged in Michigan,
still continuing his business at Oxford, Ohio. He remained a member of the Oxford firm until the death of
his partner, in 1874, and closed it out by a sale in 1875.
In 1868 he removed to Michigan, and has since been a
resident of Buchanan, Niles, and Charlotte. He became
the sole proprietor of the handle and lumber manufactory in 1869, and moved it from Buchanan to Charlotte
in 1870. While thus engaged, his attention was directed
to a new and valuable invention known as the "Willard
Patent Double-Stave Barrel." As this, in his judgment,
was an article of great merit, he began its manufacture
in 1872. He conducted this business in his own name
until May I, 1875, when the "Michigan Double-Stave
Barrel Company" was organized. Mr. Smith owns onehalf of the stock, and is Secretary of the company. He
removed his handle and lumber business to Vandalia,
Michigan, in 1874, in order to make room for the extensive manufacture of the double-stave barrel, his being
the only manufactory of its kind in the State. The business at Vandalia is conducted under the firm name of J.







06
/~
/                                     7/         7,
9,/




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

87

W. H. Smith & Co.; W. F. Bort, the son-in-law of Mr.
Smith, and H. S. Cone being partners. Mr. Smith is a
man of decided convictions, and great executive and
business ability. IHe is strictly honorable in his dealings. Although he started in life with great disadvantages, he has gained for himself an enviable reputation,
and is a man of great personal popularity. lie knows
no such word as fail, never allowing himself to be conquered by circumstances. His great tenacity of purpose,
purity of character, and iron will, make him a citizen of
whom Michigan may well be proud. Mrs. Smith is of
English birth and parentage, having been brought by
her parents to this country when a child. They have
four children,- three sons and one daughter,-all living.
The daughter, Amelia Frances, was married in December, 1870, to W. F. Bort, of Vandalia, Michigan.
S'HOEMAKER, HON. MICHAEL, of Jackson,
i was born April 6, 188, at German Flats, HerkiSmer County, New York, and is the son of Robert
and Katherine (Myers) Shoemaker. His father was
Sheriff of Herkimer County, and a member of the Legislature. IHe was also an officer of the army of the War
of 1812.  His maternal grandfather, Michael Myers,
was, for thirteen consecutive years, a member of the
New York State Legislature. His paternal great-grandmother was a sister of General Nicholas Herkimer, who
was killed at the battle of Oriskany, during the Revolutionary War. The ancestors of Colonel Shoemaker were
among the first settlers on the upper part of the Mohawk
Valley. He received a common-school education, and,
when seventeen years of age, started for the great
West.   He passed through Michigan on his way to
Illinois, and settled at Joliet, where he remained seven
years, engaged in mercantile pursuits, and in taking
extensive contracts on the Illinois and Michigan Canal,
which was then in process of construction. In 1842 he
purchased the flouring-mills at Michigan Centre, and
became a resident of Jackson County. In 1845 he was
appointed Inspector of the Michigan State-prison, and
served three years. In 1847 he was elected to the
State Senate for the Second District of Michigan, which
comprised the counties of Jackson, Washtenaw, and
Livingston; and, in 1849, was re-elected to the same
position. He was also a member of the first Legislature
which met at Lansing. In 1856 he received the nomination on the Democratic ticket as the first Presidential
Elector-at-large. In April, S157, he was appointed, by
President Buchanan, as Collector of Customs for the
port of Detroit, and served until December, 1859. IIe
was a candidate for State Senator in 1854 and in 1868,
but suffered defeat, as his district was largely Republican.
Upon the breaking out of the civil war, he gave his

influence and hearty support to raising troops for the
preservation of the Union. In January, 1862, he was
commissioned Colonel of the 13th Michigan Volunteer
Infantry.  He soon after proceeded to the South with
his regiment, joined the Army of the Cumberland,
and served with it for nearly two years. Among the
engagements in which he participated, were the battles
of Owl Creek and the siege of Corinth, Mississippi; and
Shiloh, Farmington, and Stevenson, AJabama; Gallatin,
Millcreek, La Vergne, Stewart's Creek, Stone River, or
Murfreesboro, Tennessee.  In the last named battle,
which commenced December 29, 1862, and ended the
night of January 2, 1863, by the retreat of the
Confederates and  the evacuation  of Murfreesboro,
Colonel Shoemaker's regiment particularly distinguished
itself.  December 31, when one-third of the entire
regiment were killed or wounded, it not only maintained its position after the other regiments of the
brigade and the battery had been driven from the field,
but also drove the Confederate forces, largely superior
in numbers, from the ground, recaptured two pieces of
cannon, and made sixty-eight prisoners. Colonel Shoemaker claims that this act of his regiment saved the
battle; for, at that time, there was no other organized
force to prevent the enemy from cutting off the supplies and hospitals, and attacking the Union army
in flank and rear. The regiment was under fire, or
where they could hear the bullets whistle, during every
hour of the daylight from Monday afternoon, when
they crossed Stone River, until Saturday night.  Captain Cullen Bradley, commanding the Sixth Ohio Light
Battery, in his official report of this battle, says: "I
retired my battery and took position five hundred
yards in the rear, and, with case and canister, again
opened on the enemy, who were advancing in force.
After an engagement of five minutes, I was again compelled to retreat, and abandon two pieces of the battery,
one of which I had spiked. We sustained a loss of one
man killed, two wounded, one man missing, and eight
horses killed and three wounded.  About this time,
Colonel Shoemaker charged the enemy, with the 13th
Michigan Regiment, driving them   off the field and
recovering the guns, for which he should receive
full credit."  Colonel Harker, who commanded the
brigade of which the I3th Michigan Regiment formed a
part, in his official report of this engagement, after
stating the manner in which the other regiments of the
brigade and the battery were repelled, and two of
the cannon captured, says:    "The I3th Michigan
fired upon the enemy with telling effect, and, having
caused the ranks to waver, followed up the advantages
with a charge, supported by the 51st Illinois, which
had come to our relief, and completely routed the
enemy. The 13th Michigan re-took the two pieces
of artillery abandoned by   our battery, and  cap



88

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

tured sixty-eight prisoners.  For this act of bravery,
Colonel Shoemaker and his gallant regiment are deserving of much praise. The enemy, thus driven from our
right, did not again attempt to annoy us from that
quarter." The loss of the whole Army of the Cumberland in this memorable battle was twenty-five per cent.
of its entire number, while the 13th Regiment had over
forty per cent. of its members killed or wounded.
During the time that Colonel Shoemaker had command
of the I3th Regiment, they marched three times across
Kentucky, twice across Tennessee into Mississippi
at Corinth, and once across Alabama.   Passing the
summer of 1862 in the last named State, they built the
fort at Stevenson, and held it until General Buell moved
with his army into Kentucky, to repel the invasion of
the Confederate army commanded by General Bragg.
In September, 1863, while the army was retreating
towards Louisville, Colonel Shoemaker was taken prisoner near Tyree Springs, Kentucky.  He was conveyed
to General Bragg's head-quarters, on the Cumberland
River; and sent by him to Knoxville, Tennessee, by
way of Athens, and thence across the Cumberland
Mountains. lie was paroled by General McCowan, at
Knoxville, to report to General Winder, at Richmond.
lie traveled by railroad, without guard or escort, and
reported to General Winder, who, after extending his
parole twenty-four hours, during which time he strolled
through the streets of Richmond, ordered him to be
placed in Libby Prison, under charge of Captain Turner. In two weeks from the day he was captured,
Colonel Shoemaker was exchanged, and passed down
the James River to Fortress Monroe. He then went to
Baltimore, in charge of officers and men who were
exchanged at the same time; and, immediately afterwards, at Glasgow, Kentucky, rejoined his regiment,
which was then marching towards Nashville. In 1868
Colonel Shoemaker was elected President of the Young
Men's Association of Jackson, and re-elected in 1873.
It was mainly through his efforts, during the first term
of his presidency, that the excellent library of the
society was established. He has been an active member
of the Executive Committee of the Michigan State Agricultural Society since its formation, and, in 1856, was
President of the society.  He has been the correspondent, for Jackson County, of the National Bureau
of Agriculture since it was established. He was President of Jackson County Agricultural Society, 1855, 1856,
and 1857. HIe is a member of the Masonic Fraternity;
and, during the years 1854, 1855 and 1857, he held the
position of Grand I ligh Priest of the Grand Chapter, Royal
Arch Masons. In 1873 he was chosen member of the
Board of Public Works of the city of Jackson, and is
now President of the Board. In November, 1876, he was
elected  State Senator for the county of Jackson,
receiving  five  thousand one hundred and sixteeni

votes, while his opponent, lon. P. B. Loomis, President of the Fort Wayne, Jackson and Saginaw Railroad, received five thousand and thirty-nine votes. In
1875 he was elected President of the Jackson County
Pioneer Society, and is still acting in that capacity.
lie is also Vice-President of the State Pioneer Society.
Colonel Shoemaker has always been a member of the
Democratic party; and, in 1858, was Chairman of the
Democratic State Central Committee. lHe was delegate
to the National Convention in St. Louis in 1876.
Although not a member of any religious organization,
he is a regular attendant of the Episcopal Church. He
married, at Macacheek, Ohio, July 18, 1850, Juliette
Piatt, daughter of J. Wykoff Piatt, of Cincinnati, Ohio.
She died September 27, 1854. On the 25th of August,
1859, at Penn Yan, New York, he married Sarah Wisner, daughter of Henry P. Wisner. They have one son
and two daughters.
S  EELY, SOUTHERLAND MOORE, General Business Man and Capitalist, was born, August 15,
1826, near Middletown, Orange County, New
York. He is the ninth of a family of ten children,
who became widely separated, and of whom there are
now probably but three living,-one brother residing
at Ypsilanti, Michigan, and another in Nebraska. The
paternal grand-parents of this family were of ScotchEnglish descent, but natives of New England, whence
they removed to Orange County, New York. There
were originally in this country three brothers by the
name of Seely, who came from Wales about two and
a half centuries ago; and from whom, it is thought,
have descended nearly all of that name now in America. The father of the subject of this sketch, Mr.
Holly Seely, was born, August 7, 1787, at Goshen.
Orange County, New York; and was, in 1826, engaged
in the tannery and leather business, near Middletown,
in the same county.   His mother, Elizabeth Moore,
was of Quaker parentage, born September 16, 1790, at
Cornwall, Orange County, New York, and was reared
in the strict discipline of that sect. In 1829 his father,
having lost heavily by fire, removed with his family to
Newburg, New York, where he conducted a hotel for
about one year, and then returned to Mount Hope, in
Orange County, where he remained two years. In 1832
he went with his family to Sussex County, New Jersey,
where he carried on the tanning business for three
years. At this place, when but nine years of age, Mr.
Seely had the misfortune to lose his mother, who died
October 6, 1835. His father married again, soon after,
and removed to Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, where he
was engaged, for three years or more, in a tannery,










Vb~nllir~7:T,_ doll J
REPRE5SENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.         y~89

and upon a farm, clearing up woodland, etc. In this
work he was assisted by the lad, Southerland Moore
Seely, to the extent of his ability. When this son was
nearly thirteen, the family removed to Michigan and
settled near Ypsilanti.  Previous to his mother's death,
Mr. Seely had attended the common school for three
years,-from the age of five to eight; but he was
deprived of further advantages in this direction; and,
though he now possesses a good English education, it
has been acquired by personal effort, contact with the
world, observation, and association with cultivated people. After accompanying his father.to Michigan, he
became convinced that a longer stay at home could not
be attended with any benefit to himself; and determined, as soon as he should be able, to endeavor to
make his own way in the world. By working in the
harvest field, he ianaged to get together four dollars
and eighteen cents.  With this capital, poorly clothed,
and with only a small bundle in a handkerchief, he left
home, when about thirteen years of age, and never
returned. Going first by rail to Detroit, and then by
steamer to Erie, Pennsylvania, he stopped there to seek
employment, having but eighteen cents of his money
left; and even this was reduced before he found any
thing to do; but he was not then, and has never since
been, without a cent in his pocket. lie obtained a
position as errand boy and general help in the American Hotel, where he remained three or four months,
going from there to Georgetown, Pennsylvania, where
he again engaged in a hotel for a short time. lie then
went to Meadville, Pennsylvania, and worked in a tannery, for Torbett & McFadden, during the winter, for
his living expenses.  In the spring he went to Mogadore, Ohio, and was again employed in a tannery, by
A. V. Jewett; after being with him two years, he had
so well learned the business that he a was made foreman, and remained until the fall of 1844. After paying
a short visit to a brother, he wvent to Newark, New
Jersey, where he stayed till spring, and then went to
Mendham, in Morris County, of that State. Here he
engaged in a tannery, and finally in a boot and shoe
establishment, in connection with, among other partners, Mr. Lewis A. Thompson, who was subsequently
his father-in-law. lie continued in this business until
the fall of 1852; when, feeling the effects of overwork,
he was advised by his physicians to abandon that occupation in order to fully recover his health. IIe now
conceived the idea of purchasing horses in the Western
market and shipping them East for sale; and, with
that intention, went to Goshen, Indiana, where he had
a brother residing. lie took with him what capital he
had accumulated, and invested it in a number of horses.
But just then learning of a stage route for sale, between
Coldwater and Marshall, Michigan, he soon purchased
it, transferred his horses to Coldwater, and commenced

running a daily stage between the two places. After
continuing this a short time, he planned the establishment of a mail route between Marshall and Fort Wayne,
Indiana, and thus extended the stage line from twentyfive to one hundred miles. lie, accordingly, went to
Washington to secure the mail contract; and, unknown
as he was, secured his object. lie immediately went
on to Concord, New Hampshire, to obtain the needed
coaches, etc; and, becoming involved beyond his means,
found it necessary to admit one or two partners in the
venture. In order to reduce competition, he was also
obliged to buy out three livery stables, which he carried on, in connection with the stage line, until 1859.
Mr..Seely had already foreseen the advisability of disposing of this business, as the mail route must soon be
given up on account of the cross railroads being built;
he therefore commenced, in 1858, to dispose of his
numerous horses and other stock to the best advantage.
This led him to make other purchases, and, finally, to
deal extensively in horses; taking droves to Chicago,
St. Louis; Louisville, Kentucky; Memphis, Tennessee;
and even to New Orleans, which business he continued
until 1861 or 1862. HIe then engaged once more in
tanning, and the boot, shoe, and leather trade, in Coldwater; but gave it his personal supervision for only a
few months, though it was continued for several years.
At the outbreak of the war, Mr. Seely received a letter
from  Governor Blair, requesting him, in connection
with Mr. Clark, to purchase horses sufficiemit to equip
the "Coldwater Light Artillery," which afterwards
became the famous "Loomis Battery."    He did this
without further commission.  Thiis circumstance, together with his knowledge of horses and experience
in purchasing, assisted him to secure the Government
contract to furnish cavalry and artillery horses for
the service, from the State of Michigan, which engaged
his attention until the fall of 1863.  Although now
possessed of sufficient means to render himself and
family comfortable, he  found  inactivity distasteful.
Realizing the opportunity there would be for speculation during the unsettled times immediately following the war, he determined to avail himself of it; and,
for that purpose, changed his residence to New York
City, in the winter of 1863 and 1864, taking the bulk
of his means, which were nearly all available, with
him'. le dealt quite extensively in real estate, purchased some valuable property on Fifth Avenue, and
in other parts of the city, and gradually engaged in
speculating in bonds and mortgages, railroad, steamship, oil, and telegraph stocks, etc. In this, he has
continued, more or less, up to the present time; and, by
careful management, constant attention, and keen foresight, has amassed a very handsome fortune. In the
main, he has been successful in his operations, though
at times meeting with such reverses as all extensive




90

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

operators must expect. IHe has, however, always been
prudent and cautious, though at times obliged to be
very bold, never venturing beyond what he could control.  He had large transactions with the firms of
Lockwood & Co; Jay Cooke & Co; Duncan, Sherman
& Co., and others, which have failed so disastrously,
but has always been so fortunate as to escape without
serious loss. His operations are, of late, much more
limited than formerly, as he has resolved to assume but
limited risks. Mr. Seely seems to be especially adapted
to this kind of business, having been a natural trader
from his youth.  Beginning with his jackknife as his
only article of barter, he in time became owner of a
watch; then of a horse, harness, and buggy; and,
finally, of a house and lot, notes, and mortgages,
before he was yet a man. This faculty has grown as
he has advanced in years, until it has been brought
into full action in his various operations, on 'change,
and elsewhere. With other gentlemen in New York,
he has been largely interested in building and completing various railroads and other enterprises, since
he first made that city his residence.  He has also
owned, for many years, an extensive farm, which forms
a suburb of Coldwater. Being fond of farming, he has
expended a large amount of money in the improvement of this property, and has given it much personal
attention. In 1871, his health having again failed,
from too constant application to business, he returned
to Coldwater, and purchased and fitted up a residence;
since then, he has divided his time between that place
and New York, as business required. Mr. Seely has
been generous during his prosperity, yet so quietly
that few suspect the full extent of his liberality. An
inspection of his "donation account," in a private
memorandum-book, however, shows him to have used,
in this manner, since I86, upwards of a quarter of a
million of dollars. This large sum has gone to immediate relatives and friends, corporations and public institutions, wherever he deemed it would be most worthily
bestowed. He has also done much for the Western city
in which he has made his home, in the way of reclaiming waste land by filling, setting out shade trees, etc.,
and tastefully fitting up a public park in the outskirts
of the city, furnishing employment to a great number of men.    He has traveled extensively in the
United States, east of the Mississippi River, generally
on business; and, in February, 1870, started on a tour
through Europe, in company with General C. B. Fisk,
of New York. They spent about five months traveling
in England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Italy, and Switzerland, and more or less in other countries. Mr. Seely
is not connected by membership with any church, but
reverently recognizes the great and good influence of
religion upon society, and gives liberally to its support.
lie attends divine worship, with his family, at the Pres
byterian Church, of which his wife is a member. In
politics, he has no particular preference, but has usually
acted with the Democratic party. He married, April
7, 1853, Miss Sarah J. Thompson, daughter of Lewis
A. Thompson, of Mendham, New Jersey. They have
two daughters. In person, Mr. Seely is tall and rather
spare, from continuied ill health, though formerly very
robust. He is a gentleman of exemplary.habits, having
never been in the least intoxicated, though for two
short periods in his early life he had to deal out liquor
at the hotels, where he was employed. In business
transactions, he has the reputation of having always
been fair and straightforward, his word being as good
as his bond. His chief characteristics are energy, caution, system, and reticence; he never confides the details
of his business to any one, and never loses track of
them  himself. He never allows himself to be asked
twice for payment, and seldom once; meets all accounts
promptly, and is a rigid collector,-particularly in cases
which are at all doubtful. In New York, he has been
in partnership with a number of gentlemen; and no
greater compliment can be paid to his business ability
and integrity, than the fact that he has almost invariably so gained their confidence in a short time as to
be made the custodian of their interests and securities. Mr. Seely's friends have frequently and earnestly
solicited him to engage in political life, considering
him to be pre-eminently a representative man of the
West; and those with whom he has been associated, in
railroad and other corporations, have desired to place
him in offices of honor and special prominence. lis
nature and temperament being particularly averse to
publicity, having no ambition or aspirations in this
direction, and being confined with his many business
cares, and fettered, more or less, with poor health, he
has resisted all overtures to promote him to office. He
prefers to remain simply a director in his different business enterprises; and, in public recognition, a prominent representative of the self-made men of his State.
S  MITII, REV. MOSES, Jackson, Michigan, was
born at Hebron, Connecticut, August 16, 1830.
Hle is the youngest of five children born to Nathan and Jerusha (Ashley) Smith. His father cultivated
a rocky farm, situated at a long distance from any market town; and much hard labor devolved upon every
member of the family. Yet such was the moral atmosphere of the home that it was ever regarded by all its
inmates with unfailing love and reverence. It had long
been the earnest prayer of both parents that one son
might follow the calling of a minister. In his eighteenth year, Mr. Smith was converted, and at once determined to fulfill this cherished wish. He spent one




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

91

term at an academy in Westfield, Massachusetts, and
entered Yale College in the autumn of 1848; his preparation had been superficial, owing to limited advantages,. and he was admitted with conditions. During
his college life, he was obliged to use rigid economy;
his two older brothers generously remained at home to
assist on the farm. Mr. Smith was able to earn money
each year; paid all his bills; and was graduated in 1852,
in the first ten of a class of marked ability. He received
the offer of a tutorship under President Sturtevant, of
Illinois College; but declined the position, and returned
to Westfield as a teacher, meantime prosecuting his own
studies. Hlls health soon failed from undue exertion, and
he was obliged to suspend literary work for one year. In
1854 and 1855, he again taught in Westfield Academy.
He then commenced the study of theology, in Andover,
Massachusetts, taking an extra course of one year under
the late Dr. Nathaniel Taylor, at New Haven, Connecticut. While there, he was licensed to preach; and
labored with much success, at Ansonia and Farmington, during the revival of 1857 and 1858. At Farmington, he was invited to become associate pastor with
the late Dr. Noah Porter; this he declined, and began
a course of medicine in New Haven, with a view of
becoming a missionary to Africa. He was graduated
from Andover in 1859; but his health was such that no
mission board could wisely adopt him. He was ordained
pastor of the Congregational Church, Plainville, Connecticut, September 22, 1859. He warmly supported the
Government from the beginning of the civil war. In
August, 1863, he was drafted, and, refusing a substitute, entered the volunteer service. He was at once
offered a Lieutenancy, under his classmate, Colonel II.
B. Sprague; but he refused it, and was enrolled in Company A, 8th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, Colonel L.
B. Ward, commander.    He was unanimously elected
Chaplain of the regiment, and was commissioned by
Governor Buckingham.    Under the guidance of Mr.
Smith, numbers of both men and officers were converted. He always accompanied the regiment, whether
on the march or in the field. He was engaged in front
of Richmond in 1864, under Generals Butler, Smith,
Terry, and Grant; he shared in the battles of Bermuda
Hundred, Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor, and Fort Harrison; *he entered Richmond with the first troops, April
3, 1865. The following summer, he served on detached
service, under the Freedmen's Bureau.  His district
embraced three counties, with head-quarters at Danville,
Virginia. In this district, he was the first to establish
law and justice. His church had retained him as pastor, with leave of absence; in October, 1865, he resigned
the chaplaincy, and was gladly welcomed home by his
people in Plainville. In March, 1869, he resigned that
charge to become the pastor of the Leavitt Street Congregational Church, in Chicago. lie was there during the
44

great fire, and until the summer of 1873, when he resigned. During his pastorate, the membership of the
church had been quadrupled. In addition to the work
of his parish, Mr. Smith had been connected with the
"relief work" of Chicago; and, for two years, was
Secretary of the Western Education Society. He was
unanimously called to the Tabernacle Church of Chicago; but declined the position, and accepted, January I,
1874, the pastorate of the First Congregational Church
in Jackson, Michigan.  His ministry here has been
attended with much spiritual prosperity, and the church
now ranks second, of its denomination, in the State.
His Sunday-school is the largest in any Congregational
Church in Michigan. Mr. Smith has always been an
active worker in the temperance cause.  In all his
churches, and in the army, he organized temperance
societies; in Chicago and Jackson, he has instituted children's bands. He is known throughout Michigan as an
enemy of tobacco and rum. At the same time, he is
often sought by the poor and the afflicted. Ile is both
orthodox and progressive in theology; he is very democratic in church and State; he abhors laziness and shams,
but favors philanthropy and true science. He is a Trustee of Olivet College, Michigan, and a corporate member of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. Hle married, June 12, 1860, at Marengo,
McIIenry County, Illinois, Emily Austin, daughter of
Deacon Marcus White, known for his antislavery principles and his interest in churches and education. Mrs.
Smith is a graduate of Mt. HIolyoke Seminary; she is
President of the Alumnoe Association of that institution,
and President of the Woman's Board of Missions for the
Interior. Their only child, Clayton White, born April
4, 1875, died August 6, of the same year. They have
brought up in their home three orphan children. Mr.
Smith possesses a fine library, especially good in the
departments of history and natural science; he is still
interested in the study of Latin, Greek, and Hebrew.
He has a sympathetic nature, and evidently believes
what he preaches; hence, he always has large and attentive audiences.
~i MITIH, URIAH, of Battle Creek, Michigan,
Editor, Author, and Wood Engraver, was born. in West Milton, New Hampshire, May 2, 1832.
His father Samuel Smith, was a son of Uriah, and
grandson of Zachariah Smith, who were the earliest settlers in that part of New Hampshire. His mother was
Rebecca Spalding, of Middlesex, Massachusetts. Her
ancestors resided in Maine.  Uriah Smith attended
school at Phillips' Academy, Exeter, New Hampshire,
where, from 1848 to 1851, he completed his preparatory
studies and one year of a regular college course. From




.' -.'     '.':,    7   -

92

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

the time he was three years old, he suffered from a fever
sore, which, when he was twelve, resulted in the loss of
a limb. This misfortune turned his attention to sedentary occupations, and he became engaged in drafting
and sketching. He has since, as a wood engraver,
made practical use of the skill acquired in his early
efforts. After leaving the academy, he intended to spend
one year in improving his financial condition and then
return to his studies. During the year, however, he
became acquainted with the views taught by the Seventhday Adventists, with which sect he united. lie then
accepted a position in the office of the Advent Re'iew'7
and Sabbath Herald, the organ of that denomination.
From this time, with brief periods of intermission, he
has been editor of that journal. When he first became
connected with the paper, in May, 1853, it was published in Rochester, New York; in 1855, it was removed
to Battle Creek,, Michigan, its present location. Elder
Smith was ordained as a minister of the Seventh-day
Adventists, August 17, 1874. He has traveled through
all the Northern States, from Maine to California, attending camp-meetings of the denomination.  Besides his
editorial work, he has published several volumes devoted
to the explanation of Scripture, and the exposition of
some of the peculiar views held by his sect. Among the
most important of these works are: Thoughts on the
Revelation; 'Thoug/ifs on Daniel; Man's Nature and Destiny; The Sanctuary and its Cleansings; The United States
in Prophecy, and a poem entitled A Word for the Sabbath.
Mr. Smith married, June 7, 1857, Miss Harriet Newel
Stevens, of Paris, Maine. They have had five children,
all of whom are living.  Elder Smith is one of the
representative ministers of the Seventh-day Adventists.
He is an argumentative speaker, clear and logical, possessing marked ability and a pleasant address.
---.- *----
S  TONE, IRVING      L., Principal of the Public
SSchools, Battle Creek, Michigan, was born in East
SBerkshire, Vermont, October 6, 1841. His parents
removed, when he was ten years old, to Central Illinois.
A new country and poor schools afforded poor educational advantages; but, at the age of eighteen, he commenced teaching, and has ever since been connected with
schools, either as student or teacher. Mr. Stone worked
his own way.through college, and graduated at Hillsdale in 1866. He was Principal of the Public Schools at
White Pigeon, Michigan, for two years'; and at Three
Rivers, five years. He spent the summer of 1873 in
Europe; attended the Vienna Exposition, and visited
England, Ireland, Scotland, Belgium, and other countries.
While on his travels, he wrote a series of letters, which
were published. In the fall of 1874, he was appointed
Superintendent of the Public Schools at Battle Creek,

Michigan, which position he still holds. Professor Stone
is a member of the Free-will Baptist Church.  He belongs to the Republican party. He spends his vacations
in traveling, and has visited many parts of the United
States. HIe is an active member of the State Teachers'
Association in Michigan.  As a superintendent and
teacher, he has few superiors. He is a careful and
thorough student, and is painstaking in all matters that
come under his control.  He has been twice married.
His first wife, Effie B. Curtis, of Columbus, was a teacher;
her death, in 1873, was a great loss to the schools of Central Illinois. His second wife was Mrs. Cordelia M.
Cake, of Camden.
TUART, REV. REED, Pastor of the Presbyterian
Church, at Battle Creek, Michigan, was born in
Moundsville, Virginia, October 21, 1845. He removed from Virginia to Illinois, and received his education in Monmouth College, in that State, and at the
North-western Theological Seminary, at Chicago. In
1872 he was installed as pastor of the Presbyterian
Church, in Oneida, Illinois, where he remained until
July, 1877. He then accepted a call to the Presbyterian
Church, of Battle Creek, at which place he now resides.
May I, 1872, he married Miss Ella F. Soule; they have
two children. Mr. Stuart is a man of strong common
sense; he is distinguished for simplicity, purity, modesty,
earnestness, and great love for humanity. He would be
classed as an ideal, rather than an experimental, thinker;
and has devoted much of his time to the study of German philosophy.   Iis theological views are liberal
but orthodox. An intelligent hearer can not fail to be
attracted by his boldness of speech, which is sometimes
picturesque, and always clear and direct; his voice is
resonant, his manner somewhat authoritative.   He
preaches to very large congregations. Already possessing elements of unusual strength and attractiveness, he
may justly anticipate a future of grand achievements.
'TETSON, JOHN C., of Marshall, Michigan, the
son of Clemmon and Susan (Ketchum) St'etson,
was born in Bangor, Franklin County, New York,
October 30, 1845.  His father is a blacksmith, and
moved, on account of his health, in 1852 to Wisconsin,
where he now resides. Mr. Stetson enlisted in 1863 in
the 2d Michigan Cavalry, and served until the close of
the war, under General Croxton, of the Army of the
Cumberland. In 1865 he returned to Wisconsin, and
entered Milton College. After graduating, he taught
school in Barry County, Michigan, one winter.  He
studied law at Marshall with Joseph G. Lodge, now of




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

93

St. Louis, and completed his studies with J. C. Fitz- Upper Canada, Mr. Stace became familiar with the rough
gerald. He was appointed, soon after his arrival at life of a backwoodsman; and, though he did not possess

Marshall, clerk in the Probate Court; and was admitted
to the bar of Calhoun County in 1871. He soon became
deputy in the County Clerk's office; and has been
twice elected County Clerk for terms of two years each.
In January, 1877, he commenced the practice of his
profession. He is identified with the Congregational
Church, though not one of its members; and is an
active advocate of Republican principles. He married,
September 20, 1871, Minnie D. Morgan, of Milton,
Wisconsin.
TACE, FRANCIS AUGUSTINE, of Marshall,
Michigan, was born in the borough of Lewes,
SSussex, England, June 7, 1834. He is the oldest
son of William and Mary Ann (Gell) Stace, who emigrated to Canada in 1851, and settled near Owen Sound.
Mr. Stace, Sen., was at one time a civil engineer; and had
been employed, in England, in the construction of macadamized roads, in land surveying, and farming.  Mr.
Francis Stace received his early education in the schools
of England, and was afterwards under the tuition of his
parents, who were both persons of culture..Ilis mother
was educated in France, and is conversant with three
languages. She is a teacher in a Catholic seminary in
Ohio.  Mr. Stace obtained a thorough knowledge of
engineering from his father; and, for several years, they
were both employed in railroad and land surveying in
Canada. In 1857 he followed his mother to Detroit,
Michigan, where she had been teaching for one year in a
private school. For a short time, he was engaged in surveying the Detroit and Port Huron Railroad. Subsequently, until 1862, he taught in the Catholic seminary
with his mother,-first, at Ecorce, and, afterwards, at
Marshall. While thus occupied, he devoted his leisure
to reading law. He inherited a love for the study from
his mother's family,- the members of which all followed
this profession. In 1862 he was admitted to the bar of
Calhoun County, and elected Justice of the Peace, which
position he held, by re-election, eight years. In 1870 he
was City Civil Engineer. During the latter part of the civil
war, he was civilian clerk, under Colonel John Croughlin, Provost-Marshal of the Army of the James. He was
educated in the Church of England; with his mother, he
joined the Roman Catholic Church in 1848. He became a
citizen of the United States in 1862; and, as a Democrat,
has always taken an active part in lotal politics. At the
beginning of 1878, he became identified with the National
Greenback party. He married, July 8, 1863, Margaret,
daughter of the late Edward McMahon, a prominent
merchant of Marshall. They have four children. Mr.
Stace has had great success as a lawyer, more especially
in Chancery cases. In his early career, in the wilds of

great physical strength, his powers of endurance carried
him through many hardships. While engaged in inspecting the construction of Government roads, he frequently
walked from one hundred and fifty to two hundred miles
per week, and this over paths that no horse could travel.
Since his admission to the bar, Mr. Stace has steadily
devoted himself to the practice of his profession, and
has acquired sound judgment, untiring perseverance, and
studious habits. lie is one who practices from love of
the sound principles of law, rather than for mere profit.
In 1876 he formed a law partnership with Mr. James A.
Miner, under the name of Miner & Stace. This is one
of the leading law, firms of the county.
S  TRIKER, DANIEL, of Hastings, Michigan, was
born at Rose, Wayne County, New York, April
9, 1835. His parents, Gilbert and Rebecca (Valentine) Striker, were both Americans of German descent.
He was brought up on a farm in Concord, Jackson
County, Michigan, to which place his parents had moved
in August, 1835. Iis educational advantages were limited to those afforded by the district schools. In 1851,
he removed, with his parents, to the township of Baltimore, Barry County, which was then a wilderness. His
mother still resides there. His father was a prominent
man in his day, and was elected to the Legislature on
the Republican ticket in 1873. He died November 23,
1874. October 8, 1855, Daniel Striker left his home and
went to Hastings, in the same county, where he became
clerk in the dry-goods store of Barlow & Goodyear. He
remained three years, during the last of which he was
elected County Clerk, and, at the beginning of the year
following, entered upon his new duties. He was reelected in 1860, and thus served four years. During this
time, he engaged in the mercantile business in copartnership with I. B. Roberts, under the firm name of
Roberts & Striker. He was also, during this period,
Superintendent of the Poor, and, part of the time,
Supervisor. After the expiration of his term of office,
he devoted himself to his mercantile business until 1866,
when he was again elected County Clerk. He was reelected in 1868. In 1870 he was made Secretary of
State, and held the position two terms. Since leaving
office, he has resided in Hastings, and has been engaged
in the practice of law and in loaning money. He has
been a strong Republican since the organization of that
party; he cast his first vote for J. C. Fremont. He is
a high Mason, and established the Chapter in Hastings.
He is a member, in good standing, of the Methodist
Church. October, I, 1862, he married Miss Sarah E.
Fancher, a native of German Flats, Herkimer County,
New York. They have one daughter.




94                             REPRESENTATIVE
IBBITTS, REV. ALLEN, Pioneer, of Coldwater,
Michigan, was born in Ontario County, New
York, October 4, 1804. His parents, John and
Rhoda Tibbitts, were natives of Massachusetts. They
married early, and removed to Genesee County when
they were twenty-two years of age. They had eleven
children, seven of whom were sons, and were brought
up to be farmers. Allen Tibbitts was taught reading,
writing, arithmetic, and grammar, in the common schools.
He had an insatiable thirst for historical reading. At
the age of sixteen, he commenced teaching; and, when
eighteen, was master of a school of one hundred and
twenty-five pupils, without an assistant. When nineteen
years of age, he united with the Methodist Episcopal
Church; and, before he was twenty, began local preaching. In 1824 he emigrated with his parents to Michigan. They were the first family that settled in the
township of Plymouth, and there Mr. Tibbitts became
a practical farmer. At that time, there was but one
itinerant preacher in the Territory, and Mr. Tibbitts
often preached both on Sunday and during the week;
sometimes walking twenty-four miles, and conducting
services twice the same day. On December 8, 1825, he
married Caroline Mason Stark, who was a resident of
Detroit at the time of Hull's surrender, and saw much
of the horrors of Indian barbarity. She died September
30, 1869. Mr. Tibbitts removed to what is now the city
of Coldwater in 1831; and, in July of that year, in his
own house, preached the first sermon ever delivered in
that place. His house was the only dwelling,-a log
cabin, of one room. In April, 1832, in company with
Mr. Joseph Hawcett, Mr. Tibbitts laid out the city of
Coldwater, in which he has resided forty-six years,four years longer than any other man. In 1840, being
unable to continue farm work, he commenced teaching
geography and history by concert recitations and oral
lectures. He has spent nearly twenty-one years in traveling and lecturing in almost every State in the Union
east of the Mississippi, and in Upper and Lower Canada. He has traveled over two hundred thousand miles,
and lectured to more than two hundred thousand persons. In this way, he spent on an average ten months
of the year away from home; but recovered his health
and gained a competence. Mr. Tibbitts is conscientiously opposed to the taking of human life by man,
and hence has no military record. He was brought up
a Whig, and afterwards became a Republican. He
does not approve of secret societies. He was Township
Clerk in 1837-38; Alderman in 1865-66; and Supervisor
in 1874-75. He was a member of the Methodist Church
twenty years; but of late has become a Unitarian. He
denies the doctrine of eternal punishment; believes the
future will be a life of perpetual growth; and that the
best preparation for that life is a right use of this. In
1870 he married Miss Maria L. Goodrich. He is now

MEN OF MICHIGAN.

seventy-two years old, and has retired from the active
duties of life. He never bought nor sold whisky, used
tobacco, indulged in profane language, nor played cards;
and never made a kite, nor sung a song; never owned
nor carried a pistol; never skated, nor played marbles,
checkers, or croquet. He preached fifteen years; and,
in that time, traveled five hundred miles to attend
funerals. The only pay he ever received was a pound
of tea worth seventy-five cents; as he firmly believes
that preaching should not be a thing of merchandise.
In all these years, he has increased in wealth; and is
now surrounded by his children, and his children's
children, to the fourth generation.
~---*UNNICLIFF, JOSEPH, JUN., Physician and Surgeon, Jackson, Michigan, was born near Monroe,
in the Territory of Michigan, September 29, I818.
lie is the second son of Joseph Tunnicliff, a farmer and
miller, and of Pauline I)roulliard, a lady of French
descent. When he was six years of age, his parents
removed to the town of Columbia, Ierkimer County,
New York. Here he attended the common school, and
spent one term at the academy at Richfield Springs, New
York. The family returned to Michigan in 1834, and
went to live on a farm near Jackson, in what was then a
wilderness. In 1837 Mr. Tunnicliff commenced the study
of medicine, and, in 1841, graduated at the Castleton
Medical College, in Vermont. He married Caroline E.
Davis, of Plymouth, Michigan, in August, 1842; and
practiced medicine in Jackson until the fall of 1848. In
that year he went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, attended
medical lectures, and pursued the clinical teachings and
practice of the hospitals there. In March, 1849, he
graduated from the Jefferson Medical College. In 1852
Doctor Tunnicliff crossed the plains,-or, in other words,
traversed the wild, uninhabited region then lying between
the Missouri River and California. He settled at Sacramento, California, in September, 1852. The great fire
in November of that year, which destroyed Sacramento,
and the flood which immediately succeeded, caused his
return to Jackson, which has ever since been his home.
At the commencement of the civil war, he was appointed,
by Governor Blair, Surgeon of the 4th Michigan Volunteers. He served in this position until after the first
battle of Bull Run; when, in reorganizing the service
after that disastrous campaign, the Governor appointed
him Surgeon of the Ist Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He
was with his regiment in the field, on active duty, for
nearly two years, when physical disability rendered his
resignation necessary. In 1863 the Governor appointed
him, with his wife, as Assistant State Military Agent of
Michigan, with head-quarters at Washington City. Their
duties were: to look after the wants of Michigan soldiers;




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

95

to procure for them passes, furloughs, or assignment to
other duty when necessary; to collect and forward the
dues to the soldiers' families; besides a multitude of other
duties. They continued in the faithful discharge of this
work until the close of the war, in 1865. Doctor Tunnicliff was, for a time, School Inspector in Jackson; and
physician to the State-prison for nine years. In 1865 he
was appointed surgeon of the Michigan Central Railroad
Company, at Jackson, in which capacity he acted until
1875. In 1867 he was appointed United States Examining
Surgeon for Pensions; and served acceptably until 1873,
when he was invited to resign, having voted for Horace
Greeley for President. Doctor Tunnicliff is entitled to
some consideration as a surgeon. In 1841 he performed
the first operation for strabismus (cross eyes), in Michigan; and operated successfully on about fifty cases within
the first year; in 1854 he performed the first successful
operation for cataract of both eyes that had then been
made in the State, outside of Detroit. lie also perfoimed
the first successful operation for strangulated inguinal
hernia (breach) in the history of his city and county.
He is still practicing, but does not, as in former years,
seek the more active and laborious duties of his profession. He especially delights now to gather about him,
in the evening, a circle of congenial friends, and engage
in a social game of whist.
URNER, DR. CHARLES COLLINS, M. D., of
Jackson, Michigan, was born, August 13, 1831, at
Ontario, Wayne County, New York. His father,
Collins Turner, was a native of Providence, Rhode Island; and his mother, whose maiden name was Nancy
Brown, was born in Butternuts, Otsego County, New
York. He was educated in a Quaker school at Macedon
Centre, Wayne County; and, being much interested in
physiology, decided to become a physician. He accordingly began the study of medicine, which he finished in
the medical department of Michigan University, at Anti
Arbor. lie began practice, April I, 1855, at Jackson,
Michigan, where he still resides. Doctor Turner feels
that he made a mistake in the choice of his profession,
and that he is peculiarly adapted to the law.  lie dislikes the practice of medicine, although he is remarkably
successful. As regards his religious belief: when sixteen
years of age, he tried to be a Calvinist; at the age of
twenty, he preferred Annihilation; and, at twenty-three,
he became a Universalist, and is well satisfied with his
present views. Until recently he has been a Democrat;
but, having become convinced that both the Republican
and Democratic parties held the same views on the
financial question, and believing that the purchasing
power of all money should be equal, he joined in the
Greenback movement, and works zealously for that party.

He is very apt and thorough in the diagnosis of disease,
and is quick and accurate in applying remedies. August
13, 1828, he married Miss Lucinda Ford, a relative of
Professor C. C. Ford, the widely known lecturer. They
have one child, a daughter. Five members of Doctor
Turner's family belong to the medical profession.
YLER, SAMUEL ALEXANDER, of Marshall,
Michigan, was born in the town of Preston, New
London County, Connecticut, November 13, 1809.
His father, John Brown Tyler, was a direct descendant
of Job Tyler, who came from England in 1645, and
settled in Preston in 1699." His mother, whose name
was Mary (Stewart) Tyler, was of direct Scottish extraction. IHe had but one sister, who became the wife of
Billings Brown, of Poquetanuck, near Norwich, Connecticut, and the mother of Hon. H. B. Brown, of Detroit.
Mr. Tyler received a good education at an academy in
Plainfield, Connecticut, which he attended until he was
sixteen, when he became clerk in a dry-goods store in
Norwich, and remained two years. His father then gave
him five hundred dollars, and sent him to New York,
to make his own way in the world. Having a great
desire to travel, in company with a friend he took
passage in a sailing vessel for South America. After a
tedious voyage of nearly five months, they landed at
Buenos Ayres in 1828. From there they went to Callao;
and, finally, to Lima, where Mr. Tyler was employed as
book-keeper in the house of a large English company.
He remained there until 1834, when he became a member of the firm known as Sellure, Reed & Co., and set
out for Sierra Pasco, to take charge of extensive silver
mines belonging to the company. These he successfully
managed until 1841, when he disposed of his interest,
and returned home. The next four years he spent in
visiting points of interest in his native country. Finally,
in 1845, he drove his own horses from Connecticut to
Michigan, and settled upon some three hundred acres
of land in the town of Marengo, but three miles from
Marshall. Here he built a comfortable residence, which
he surrounded with a fine park; he also built tenements,
and conducted very successfully a fancy farm, until he
met with a severe accident, which unfitted him for active
business. In 1857 he sold the property and removed to
Marshall, where he died, February 4, 1877. He gave his
country material aid during the war; and, in acknowledgment of this, the company known as the "Tyler
Guards" was formed, with Captain Crittenden at its
head. July 30, 1846, he married, in Geneva, New York,
Caroline Halsey, a lady of fine taste and rare intellectual
abilities. They had four children, one of whom died in
infancy. Their only daughter is the wife of Lieutenant
Merrell, of the United States Navy. The elder of the




96

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICIIGAN.

two sons now living graduated from the Naval Academy
at Annapolis, and is an Ensign in that service. The
younger son is with his mother. Mr. Tyler was a strong
Republican. He was always generous to the poor, and
a man of high moral principles.
PSON, HON. CHARLES, Coldwater, Michigan,
was born at Southington, Connecticut, March 19,
S  1821, and was the eighth of nine sons born to Asahel and Lydia (Webster) Upson. His father was a
farmer; the family name can be traced back seven generations to Thomas Upson, who was one of the first
settlers and proprietors of Farmington, Connecticut, and
who lived in Hartford in 1638. During his boyhood,
Judge Upson received his education in the district
school; in his thirteenth year he attended, in Southington, a select school, taught by Hon. Jesse Olney,
author of many of the school text-books used in those
days. With the idea of fitting himself to enter college,
he subsequently attended the academy in Southington,
during two winters; diligently studied the branches now
taught in high schools; and, in the autumn of'I840,
commenced teaching a union school in the old academy
at Farmington, where he remained nearly two years. In
1842 he attended the higher academical course at Meriden,
after which want of means forced him to abandon his
intention of entering college. Having engaged to teach,
for a year, the district school at Southington, he decided
to devote his spare time to the study of law; and, for
this purpose, borrowed from his friend, Judge Lowrey,
the necessary books. In 1844 he enrolled himself as a
member of the Law School at New Haven; and, while
there, was associated as room-mate with Tilton E.
Doolittle, Esq., now a prominent lawyer of that city.
After attending, for one year, the Law School at New
Haven, Judge Upson removed to Constantine, Michigan,
and taught a district school there that winter. He taught
the district school at Centreville in the winter of 1846-7,
and, in vacation the next year, read law in the office of
Gurney & Hammond. In 1847 he was appointed the
deputy of the County Clerk of St. Joseph County,
Michigan; and, in the following spring term, having
been examined before the Supreme Court at Kalamazoo,
was admitted as an attorney to the Michigan bar. Opening an office for the practice of his profession, he continued his duties as deputy; and, in 1849, was elected
Clerk of St. Joseph County. In 1852 he was elected
Prosecuting Attorney of that county, and, in 1854, State
Senator, serving in both positions the regular terms of
two years. In 1856 he removed to Coldwater, Branch
County, and formed a partnership with Hon. George A.
Coe, then Lieutenant-Governor of the State. In 1857
Judge Upson was appointed Railroad Commissioner, by

Governor Bingham, and held the office four years. In
1860 he was elected Attorney-General of Michigan; and,
in 1862, was elected to the Thirty-eighth Congress. iHe
served on the committees of Elections and of Unfinished
Business; was elected to the Thirty-ninth Congress,
and re-elected to the Fortieth Congress. He again served
on the committees of Elections and of Navy Department
Expenditures. In 1869 he became Circuit Judge of the
Fifteenth Judicial District of Michigan, and remained in
that office until his resignation, in December, 1872,
when he resumed his professional practice as an attorney
and counselor-at-law.  In 1871 he was appointed, by
Governor Baldwin, one of two commissioners to examine
the compilation of the State laws, then in course of collection and re-arrangement; in August, 1873, he was
appointed, by Governor Bagley, one of eighteen members
composing the commission to revise the State Constitution, and report necessary amendments. On the 4th of
August, 1862, Judge Upson married Miss Sophia Montgomery Upham, daughter of Hiram and Delphia Upham,
of Hamilton, New York. They have had four children,
three of whom are living. Judge Upson is liberal in his
religious views. He is not a member of any church.
He has ever maintained the reputation of an able and
incorruptible man. He is a gentleman of fine manners,
extensive information, and great culture, possessed of
eminent social qualities; his acquaintances are his friends.
"  AN ZILE, HON. PHILIP T., of Charlotte, United
States District-Attorney for the Territory of Utah,
Sand ex-Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of
Michigan, was born July 20, 1844, in Osceola, Tioga
County, Pennsylvania. His father, David M. Van Zile,
was always a hard-working man, who, at the age of
twenty, learned the shoemaker's trade, and worked on
the bench most of the time until within a few years
past. Recently he has been a dealer in boots and shoes.
In 1858, after he had attained a fair competence, he
lost it all by indorsing for a friend. Philip T. Van
Zile, at that time fourteen years of age, had obtained a
good rudimentary education. Being suddenly deprived
of fortune, his thoughts were directed toward the importance of being able to cope with the world. As
soon as means could be raised by hard work, he, with
his parents, left Pennsylvania for Ohio. Not pleased
with the change, however, his father soon after returned
to Knoxville, Pennsylvania.  Some time previous to
this, Philip's sister had married. His parents, who felt
a strong desire to have their son well educated, aided
him to the extent of their power. He entered Union
Academy, where he remained some time, working, during the vacations, at whatever he could find to do.
Part of the time, he was engaged with his father at




R EPRESENTATIV E MEN OF MICHIGAN.

97

shoemaking; part of the time at the carpenter's trade,
which he had partly learned; and sometimes, during
the winter, he taught a district school. In i86o he was
entered at Alfred University, Alleghany County, New
York. While a student in Union Academy, he gained
a high reputation as a debater; and, on entering college, became a prominent member of the Amphictyon
Lyceum. Upon graduating, July 2, 1863, he delivered
the valedictory address.  His mother, a lady of great
intelligence, well informed in all current topics, was especially ambitious for the success of her son. In 1857,
with the money received from her father's estate, she
sent him to Wellsborough Academy, where he received
his first ideas of the amount and character of the work
to be accomplished. During his school-days, his mother
watched him with great interest. Being a tailoress by
trade, she was often enabled to send him presents which
materially assisted him.  The lesson, taught by his
father's failure, that he could depend upon no one but
himself, was well learned. Through all his school-days
he worked hard, always accomplishing four years' work
in three. While attending Union Academy, he stood
first in every thing, and won the esteem of the teachers
to such a degree that, when it was decided he should
enter Alfred University, the principal of the academy
accompanied him, and introduced him to the faculty.
There he took the classical course, studying usually
from four A. M. to eleven P. M. Ile has always believed
that the constant remembrance of his poverty, and the
necessity for making the most of his time, induced him
to work too hard.   While in Alfred University, his
intention was to become an educator. His standing
there was high; and, in addition to his diploma, he
received a certificate recommending him as a teacher.
After graduating, he went to his father's home in
Lorain County, Ohio, where he at once engaged in
teaching.  Soon after, he enlisted in the army as a
member of the 3d ( Regiment of Ohio Infantry, and was
made Captain of Company D). Preferring artillery, he
afterwards enlisted in Battery E, 1st Ohio Artillery, as
a private soldier; and remained in this capacity until
the close of the war. While in the army, he decided
to study law; and, after the war closed, in the fall of
1865, entered the law department of the University of
Michigan, at Ann Arbor. Ile graduated March 28,
1867; removed to Charlotte; and, in the fall of 1868,
was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Eaton County. In
1870 he was again elected, having been nominated by
acclamation. In the fall of 1872, he was elected Judge
of the Probate Court of Eaton County. He became
Mayor in the spring of 1873. Two years after, he was
elected Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Michigan,
comprising the counties of Barry, Eaton, and Calhoun.
In January, 1878, without any solicitation on his part, f
he was appointed, by President IHayes, United States

District-Attorney for Utah.  This appointment was a
great surprise to him. Mr. Van Zile is a member of
the Congregational Church of Charlotte. He has been
Superintendent of the Sabbath-school four years. This
school has increased under his charge from one hundred
and forty to three hundred pupils. It is the largest
school in the State for the size of the town, and is one
of the most flourishing. In politics, Mr. Van Zile has
always been a strong Republican. December 28, 1865,
he married, in Rochester, Lorain County, Ohio, Lizzie
A. Jones, a graduate of Oberlin College, in that State.
Her father is proprietor of the American House in
Cleveland, Ohio.  Mrs. Van Zile is a conscientious,
Christian woman; she possesses culture and simplicity.
They have two children,-both sons. Mr. Van Zile's
professional success has been great. His natural abilities and high attainments have won for him the confidence of all. He is a fine type of physical manhood.
HIis presence is commanding, and his manner eminently
courteous and agreeable. He is as popular socially as
he is professionally.
ARNER, HARVEY, Pioneer of Coldwater, MichSigan, was born at Glenn's Falls, New York,
SApril 5, 1809.     is parents, Zadoc and Annis
(Twist) Warner, had ten children,-five sons and five
daughters,- three of whom, one son and two daughters,
are now living. His father was a lumberman on the
Iludson River. His parents both died at Ballston, New
York, when he was quite young; and, at the age of ten
years, he was thrown entirely upon his own resources.
Hie spent but six months in school. Between the ages
of ten and fifteen, he was employed on a farm in Penfield, Monroe County, New York. At the latter age,
he began to learn the carpenter and joiner's trade. He
worked at Rochester, New York, until July 12, 1830,
when he removed to the Territory of Michigan, and
settled in Clinton, ILenawee County. In the following
winter, he removed to what was then called Green
Township, which included the whole of Branch County.
There he worked at his trade for twenty-five years.
The Indian village of Masonville, which was in Branch
County, has since been incorporated in the city of Coldwater. Mr. Warner was the first Postmaster of Masonville, having been employed under Jackson, Van Buren,
and Harrison. He served during the Black Hawk War,
under Captain A. F. Bolton, as Ensign of the company.
The pay he received for his services he invested in forty
acres of Government land, giving the Government price,
ten shillings per acre. In April, 1833, he removed from
Masonville to the town of Branch; and, in August, 1855,
from there to Coldwater. He represented Branch County
at the convention which was held at Ann Arbor to take




9s

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

the necessary steps for the admission of Michigan as a
State. In 1835 he was appointed Magistrate of Coldwater; and, in the spring of 1836, was elected to that
position, which he held for twenty-four years. In 1848
he was made Judge of Probate, and held the office eight
years. Two years before his term expired, he removed
to his farm, which adjoins the city of Coldwater, where
he has since been actively engaged in agriculture, and
in the manufacture of cider. He has always been public-spirited, and has done his part towards all the improvements of Coldwater and Branch County. Hie is a
member of the Masonic Fraternity, and of the Grange.
During the past twenty years, he has been repeatedly
urged to accept positions of trust, but has always refused. iHe is liberal in his religious views, but has,
nevertheless, contributed freely to the erection of all the
churches in Coldwater. He was brought up under the
influence of the old Jeffersonian school in politics, but
is now a member of the National Greenback party. He
married, July I6, 1831, Miss Henrietta Anderson, of
Cayuga County, New York. They have had seven children,-five sons and two daughters,-of whom     four
sons and one daughter are living. Three of his sons are
farmers, living in Branch County; the other son resides
at Jonesville, Hiillsdale County, and is a conductor on
the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad. The
d(aughter married Phineas P. Wright, Superintendent
of Transportation on the Erie Railroad, and resides in
Passaic, New Jersey. Mr. Warner is the oldest resident
in the vicinity of Coldwater, and next to the oldest in
Branch County. He is a kind and agreeable gentleman,
and an esteemed citizen.
tALLACE, WILLIAM, Postmaster of Battle
iLI1I Creek, was born in Pawlet, Rutland County,, Vermont, in August, I8O7. His mother's name
was Elizabeth Penfield. His father, William Wallace,
was a farmer, and also a carpenter. He died in 1816,
leaving four sons and two daughters. Mr. Wallace received a common-school education at Pawlet, and worked
on a farm until he was fifteen years of age. He then
went to Pittsford to work in a woolen-mill. At the age
of twenty-three, he returned to Pawlet; and, with the
assistance of others, built a woolen manufactory. Ile
remained until 1843, when he removed to Battle Creek,
Michigan. Here he built a large woolen manufactory,among the first in the State,-which he carried on until
1872, when he was appointed, by President Grant, Postmaster of Battle Creek. This post-office is one of the
most important in the State, and is ably managed by
Mr. Wallace. He served one term as Mayor of the
city, and has been connected with most of the public
enterprises of Battle Creek. lie is not a member of any

church, but is a believer in Christianity, and contributes
liberally to the support of all denominations. Before
the organization of the Republican party, he was a zealous Whig. Since then, he has been a Republican, and
has taken an active part in politics, though he has not
sought office.  No citizen of Battle Creek is more
esteemed than Mr. Wallace.
IIIARD, JOSEPH M., Grain Merchant and Miller,
of Battle Creek, Michigan, was born in Holland,      Patent, Oneida County, New York, January ii,
1822. His father, a farmer and tanner, served as a soldier in the War of 1812.  lIe removed to Rome, New
York, in 185o. Five years previous, Joseph Ward had
established himself in the livery and stage business with
a brother, at Battle Creek, Michigan. From 1848 to
i86o, he was engaged in the manufacture of woolen
goods. Since that time, he has been occupied in buying
all kinds of grain, and in the milling business. He is
one of the most prominent grain dealers in Michigan.
Besides his mill at Battle Creek, he has elevators in most
of the towns and cities along the line of the Chicago and
Lake Huron Railroad. The one at Port Huron has a
capacity of one hundred thousand barrels of grain, and
is the second, in point of size, in the State. He manufactures flour mostly for the home market. He was one
of the first charter members of the Battle Creek Fire
Company, and one of the originators and the first Director of the Peninsular Railway Company,- now called
the Chicago and Lake Huron Railroad. Mr. Ward had
charge of building the gas works, and has been Director and President of the company, which he helped to
organize. In 1863-64, he was Alderman of the First
Ward of Battle Creek. He is now       President and
Director of the Battle Creek Machinery Company. He
is a faithful, public-spirited citizen; politically, a Democrat; and, in his religious views, thoroughly unsectarian. He has been twice married. His first wife, Susan
S. Mason, died in 1853. In 1858 he married Elizabeth
A. Beckley. They have four children.
ITALDO, HON. CAMPBELL, M. D., late of
[Itl Albion, Michigan, was born     December 25,
     1786, in Middletown, Vermont. His mother,
Mary Campbell, was a descendant of the Scotch family
of Campbell; his father, Gamaliel Waldo, was of French
descent. From his mother he inherited the untiring perseverance and energy which afterwards placed him among
the first in his profession. His father was engaged in
agriculture; and, with his strong love for this occupation, would have made his son a farmer. At the age of




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

99

fourteen, Doctor Waldo united with the Baptist Church of
Middletown, of which he remained a consistent member
until 1820, when he came under the influence of Dr.
John Thomas, a pupil of Alexander Campbell. Doctor
Waldo was convinced by this gentleman of a "better
way," and joined the Campbellites. Exhibiting, at an
early age, a marked taste for study, which his mother
aided in gratifying, he fitted himself, at the age of
twenty-one,'for the practice of medicine. Two years
later, he married Rosa Griswold, who proved to him a
most faithful companion. In 1812 he removed to New
York State; and, in 1815, settled in Cayuga County,
near Auburn, where he successfully pursued his profession. In 1825 he was elected by the people to represent
them in the State Legislature. In 1833 he was compelled to abandon his practice on account of ill health;
he removed to Port Byron, in the same State, and
engaged in commercial trade. In 1837 he settled, with
his family, at Albion, Michigan, and withdrew from
active business, though he still sustained his profession
by his advice and sympathy. In 1847 he was elected
Senator in the Michigan State Legislature, which position he filled to the complete satisfaction of his party.
Just after his retirement from office, his wife died; and
to this affliction was added the loss of his sight, and also
of his property. Hie found a home at the house of his
son-in-law, lion. W. V. Morrison, where he was lifted
from his grief by the kindly offices of his friends. They
read to him, and he continued to educate himself. lHe
died November 6, 1866, after some months of illness.
lie was noble in personal appearance, and courteous and
affable in his manners. His mental characteristics were
energy and perseverance, with that power of analysis
which is an essential qualification of a good physician.
Above all, he was an earnest Christian, and a seeker
after truth.
1tARREN, HON. ASA K., of Olivet, Michigan,
was born January 29, 1830, in Eden, Erie County,
", New York, and is the son of Asa and Martha
(Stevens) Warren. His father was an influential farmer,
and represented Erie County in the Legislature.  le was
noted for his sound judgment. Mr. Warren was educated at the district school, and afterwards attended Eden
Academy until he was nineteen. IIe spent one winter
in teaching, and then entered college, at Oberlin, Ohio,
where he graduated in 1853, and received his second
degree in I856. IHe studied medicine at the State University of Michigan, and commenced practice at Wales
Centre, Erie County, New York, with Dr. John McBeth.
After practicing there two years, and at Eden one year and
a half, he removed to Olivet, Eaton County, Michigan, in
1859. In that place he has held various positions of honor
4.3

and trust. He was first School Inspector, and, in 1873, was
chosen Representative to the State Legislature, and served
one term. In 1875 he was elected State Senator. In the
House of Representatives, he was Chairman of the Committee on Education, and a member of the Committee
on an Agricultural College. In the Senate, he was
Chairman of the committees on Education, Engrossment,
and Enrollment, and was one of the Committee on Railroads and Geological Surveys. He is now President of
'the village of Olivet, and one of the trustees of Olivet
College. IIe is a member of the Congregational Church,
He belonged to the Free-soil party; and, since its organization, has been a member of the Republican party.
He married, April 27, 1862, Louisa H. Orr. Doctor
Warren is a man of sound judgment, and is a leader in
Eaton County, where he has prominently identified himself with all public affairs.
ILLAR D, HENDERSO N, Manufacturer, of
Charlotte, was born at Kirtland, Ohio, May II,,,,' I1834.  His father, Captain John H. Willard,
and his mother, Fidelia (Cleveland) Willard, were formerly of Rutland County, Vermont. IHe is a lineal
descendant of Major Simon Willard, who emigrated
from England to Boston, in May, 1634; and whose life
is familiar to readers of New England history. In 1844
Captain J. II. Willard removed, by means of ox-teams,
from Ohio to Michigan, and settled in the wilderness
in Kent County, near Grand Rapids. The old homestead consisted of a log-hut of one room, with a large
fire-place, two small windows, and one door, with a
latch and string. Ilis son, Henderson Willard, being
then only ten years old, was too small to assist in
clearing the farm, but aided his mother, becoming
a proficient in many household duties.  When he
was eighteen, he was licensed to teach school, and
was first engaged in the district in which he lived, at
eight dollars per month and his board. He was very
successful, and afterwards made it his business to teach
in winter and farm in summer. He was obliged to
study as he taught, and thus became better qualified
from year to year.   In 1864 Mr. Willard married
Mercy A. Petrie, widow of Charles Petrie. She is a
daughter of General Randall Watrous, an early pioneer
of Marshall, and formerly a resident of Perry, New
York, a man widely known and highly respected. By
her first marriage, Mrs. Willard had one son, Thomas
J., who is now twenty-two years of age. In 1865 Mr.
Willard removed to Grand Rapids, and opened an insurance office. IHe prospered in this, and employed
several clerks and canvassers.  In 1870 he invented
the double-stave flour-barrel. He removed to Charlotte




100 '

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

in 1873, and organized the Michigan Double-Stave Barrel Company. Mr. Willard was made President of this
company, and has since been occupied in conducting
his business. He is independent, both in his religious
and political views, belonging to no party or church.
\RIGHT, GEORGE S., Merchant and Banker,
S  of Marshall, was born in Rome, Oneida County,,   New York, January 14, 1814. lie was the seventh son in a family of seven boys and two girls, whose
parents were lon. Benjamin and P'hilomela (Waterman)
Wright. HIe traces his ancestry to John Wr'ght, Lord
of Kelvedon Manor, County of Essex, England; and to
Robert Wright, of Book Hall, or the " Moat louse," in
Southwold, County of Suffolk, England. His father was
born in Wethersfield, Connecticut, October 10, 1770. In
1789 he removed with his parents to Fort Stanwix, now
Rome, New York, and there became a very noted character. lie was constantly employed in surveying land;
and, within four years (1792-96), surveyed over five
hundred thousand acres in the counties of Oneida and
Oswego. His fame for speed and accuracy became widespread, and his services were sought in all directions.
ile was employed by the Western Island Lock Navigation Company, in their efforts to connect Lake Ontario
and the Hudson River by a canal, between Oneida Lake
and the Mohawk River; and was one of the prime movers in effecting the construction of the Erie Canal from
the Hudson River directly to Lake Erie. In the sessions
of 1801 and 1807, he represented his district in the State
Legislature; and, in the latter, he became the advocate
of the Erie Canal project, just mentioned. The idea had
been suggested to him by his room-mate, Judge Forman,
a Representative from Onondaga, who was at that time
living west of Oneida Lake. IIe presented the advantages to be gained for the industries of the State, which
Judge Wright immediately admitted, and afterwards
urged with no little zeal. Judge Wright was connected
with the early surveys of this and many other works of
national importance; and it is but just to say that the
State of New York owes no small debt to him for the
great advantages it has received through this public
thoroughfare. He was chief-engineer of the division
from Little Falls to Syracuse. HIe was also connected
with the survey and construction of the Delaware
and Hudson Canal, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal,
the James River and Kanawha Canal; and, for the
Canadian Government, the canals about the rapids of
the St. Lawrence River. IHe made the preliminary survey of the New York and Erie Railroad. In 1834 he
went to Cuba, by invitation of the authorities and capitalists there, to consult respecting a railroad from Havana to the interior of the island. In 1837 he went to

Illinois as consulting engineer on canals. In fact, he
was consulting or chief-engineer in almost every important work of internal improvement throughout the
country. In 1835 he was Street Commissioner in New
York. He died, August 24, 1842, in New York City.
Mrs. Wright, like her husband, was a native of Litchfield County, Connecticut. She was the daughter of
Rev. Simon Waterman, of prominence in Plymouth,
Connecticut. George S. Wright received his early education in New York City, and afterwards spent some
time at a school in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He entered
Yale College, but was obliged to leave it in 1833, owing
to financial embarrassments which had been very unjustly
imposed upon his father at that time. He then went to
Pulaski, in the north-western part of the State, where
he was busily engaged, for a year and a half, in superintending the care of a large tract of land which belonged
to his father. From there, he went to New York City;
and, for the next year, was engaged as clerk in the store
of an elder brother, the firm being Wright, Winston &
Stebbins. (Mr. Winston is now a very prominent insurance President.) While in New York, Mr. Wright
was constantly brought into association with merchants
who were buying goods for the West, and conceived the
idea of trying his fortunes in that then very new country. Accordingly, in the spring of 1835, he went to
Marshall, and entered the store of Ketchum & Shumway
as clerk. In the fall of the same year, he was sent by the
firm to New York to buy a new stock of goods. In the
spring of the following year, he formed a partnership
with James M. Parsons, with whom he was associated
for the next three years. For the four following years,
he conducted the business alone. In 1835, being interested in the Marshall Village Company, he became its
trustee, and served as such until its business was closed.
After he had disposed of his mercantile business, in 1844,
he became largely interested in a company which was
then established for the purpose of erecting and carrying on a large woolen factory; but, on account of mismanagement in the drawing up of the contract for the
construction of the buildings, the project was abandoned.
In 1844 Mr. Wright became connected with the banking
house of Charles T. Gorham, with whom he remained
as Cashier until 1849. In that year, he was appointed
Postmaster, by President Taylor, and acted in that capacity till 1853, showing a rare fidelity and ability. Iie
then returned to New York City, and assisted in establishing, on Broadway, the first general office for the sale
of railroad tickets. Here he remained but a few months,
when he returned to Marshall, and again became Cashier
in Mr. Gorham's bank. In 1865 the present National
Bank was formed, of which Mr. Gorham is now President, and Mr. Wright Cashier. In his younger days,
Mr. Wright took an active part in public affairs, and
was a zealous politician; but he never sought or would




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

101

accept public honors. He was, during his early life, a letter on the subject to Hon. William II. Seward. The
firm adherent of the Whig party; and, on its dissolu- following is an extract from the reply that he received:
tion, joined the Republican party, of which he has since "Truth in every department of human knowledge and
been an earnest supporter. He became a member of the action is entitled to open, free confession and vindicaPresbyterian Church in Marshall, in 1843, and has been tion, by all classes of society; and I know of no ground
more or less identified with its advancing steps. Mr. upon which any man, anywhere, much less any man in a
Wright was connected with the first bank ever estab- Republic, can suppress his convictions, or refrain from
lished in Marshall; and, by his wisdom and industry, giving his support to truth, on any great and vital queshas proved himself more than worthy of the success with tion."  Mr. Willard's intense feeling on the slavery
which he has met, and of the position which he now so question led him into political life. In 1856, he was
eminently fills. He married, December 21, 1842, Susan a delegate to the general Episcopal Convention, which
M. Pratt, of Marshall. They have had four children,- was held in Philadelphia. The same year he entered
three sons and one daughter. Two of the sons died in the Michigan State Board of Education, and served six
their youth; the third, Thomas N., is a merchant in New  years. During this period, the State Agricultural ColYork City. The daughter is Mrs. C. C. Hamlin, of lege, situated at Lansing, was organized and put into
Boston, Massachusetts.                            successful operation. In 1863 he was elected Regent of
the State University, and held the office ten years. He
900*                       drew up the resolution for opening the university to
women, and actively favored establishing a homeopathic
It   ILLARD, HON. GEORGE. of Battle Creek, chair in the medical department. It was largely through

Michigan, was born in Bolton, Chittenden
SCounty, Vermont, March 20, 1824; and is the
son of Allen and Eliza (liarron) Willard. The founder
of the family, Simon Willard, emigrated to this country
in 1634, from  Kent County, England; andl was a pioneer in Concord, Massachusetts, in 1635. FIrom 1636 to
1652, he was a member of the G;eneral Court of Massachusetts; from 1652 to 1676, Governor's assistant. iHe
was one of the commissioners selected to report the
boundary line between Massacbusetts and New HIampshire; and the rock which marked the boundary bears his
initials. HIe explored the head-waters of the Merrimack
River; commanded the'militia of Middlesex County,
during King Philip's WVar, and led the small force that
relieved Deerfield from its Indian foes. Mr. George
Willard's great-grandfather, Oliver, received from  the
Colony of New York a patent for Hartland Township,
and first settled there. His father, a student at Dartmouth, and classmate of Rufus Choate, emigrated in
1836 to Michigan, taking with him his son, then twelve
years old. lie conducted the education of the boy at
home, and gave him a thorough training in the classics
as well as in other branches. At the age of twenty, Mr.
George Willard received his degree, at the Kalamazoo
College; and married Emily Harris, daughter of Rev.
John Harris, of Battle Creek, Michigan. A few years
spent as teacher and student prepared him to enter the
ministry of the Episcopal Church, and he was successively rector of St. Mark's Church, at Coldwater; St.
Thomas', at Battle Creek; and St. Luke's, at Kalamazoo.
His religious views changing, he resigned his charge,
and accepted a professorship of Latin, at Kalamazoo
College. In 1855, during the early part of the action
of the Kansas-Nebraska Bill, Mr.' Willard strongly denounced the extension of slave territory, and wrote a

his instrumentality that President Angell's services were
secured to the university. In 1866 hie was Chairman of
the Committee on Education, in the State Legislature;
the following year, chairman of the same committee in
the State Constitutional Convention; and, in 1868, Chairman of the Committee on Resolutions, in the State Republican Convention. In 1872 he was a member of the
Centennial Board of Finance; and one of the Committee
on Rules in the National Republican Convention, at
Philadelphia. The same year, having been elected to
the Forty-third Congress, by seven thousand five hundred and forty-seven majority, he was a member of the
committees on the Civil-Service and on Coinage, Weights,
and Measures; and made able speeches on the subject
of cheap transportation, and in opposition to the Force
Bill. On his re-election to Congress, in 1874, he served
again on the Committee on Coinage, Weights, and
Measures; and was a member of the Committee on the
District of Columbia. He looked into the silver question thoroughly; and, being a member of the United
States Monetary Commission, was present at all the
meetings held at New York and Washington. Mr. Willard was also on the committee to provide a method for
counting the electoral vote; and also on a sub-committee
to prepare a history of the entire vote. In this Congress,
Mr. Willard steadily labored for the adjustment of sectional difficulties, and was in favor of a thorough and
speedy settlement of the Southern question. His speeches
in favor of a popular government, and on the bill to
regulate the Presidential votes, gave him a national
reputation as a speaker; the latter speech was copied
into all the leading papers of both parties. The following extract will show how profoundly he felt the necessity for wise legislation: "No great nation long remains
quiet; every nation passes from one crisis to another,




102

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

and great n'ations meet eventful periods in quick succession. They need constant oversight, and are never
safe, unless real statesmanship is at the helm." As a
member of Congress, he was a laborious worker and a
recognized leader. Mr. Willard has been proprietor and
editor, since 1868, of the Battle Creek weekly journaZ; and
in 1872, he established, in connection with it, the daily
Journal. In everything that has had a bearing upon the
commercial, agricultural, industrial, and educational interests of Battle Creek, he has evinced public spirit and
self-sacrifice. He has frequently been called upon to deliver lectures upon these topics. Mr. Willard is a great
reader, and a thorough student of ancient history. He
reads, fluently, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Latin,
and Greek. In the future history of Michigan, no name
will stand higher than that of lion. George Willard.
L,THOMAS A., Attorney-at-Law, JackT     son, Michigan, was born in Madison County,
New York, April 22, 1836. His father, Thomas
Wilson, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and was a
weaver by trade. lIe left Scotland for the United States
in 1820, settling in Madison County. InI 1836 he removed from New York to Jackson County, Michigan,
where he died in 1875. Ilis wife, HIenrietta Wing, still
survives him. Mr. Thomas Wilson received a commonschool education.  At the age of eighteen, he commenced teaching, and continued it until he was twentyone. During the two years following, he traveled in
the Western States.  He then carried on farming, in
Jackson County, for five years. At the age of twentyeight, he commenced reading law, in the office of John
D. Conely, Esq., in Jackson; and pursued his studies for
fifteen months, when he went to Chicago, and attended
a six months' law course in that city.  Immediately
after, he was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court
of Illinois; and, two months later, in the courts of
Michigan. In 1865 he removed from Jackson to East
Saginaw, where he remained for one year,-returning
to Jackson, where he has ever since resided. While
living in Liberty Township, Jackson County, he was
Treasurer of the township for two years, and was also a
Justice of the Peace.  In 1869 he was elected Recorder
of the city of Jackson; and, in 1870, was re-elected to
the same position. In 1871 he became Prosecuting Attorney of Jackson County. In 1874 he was appointed
City Attorney of Jackson, and held that position until
1876. Mr. Wilson has generally been independent in
politics,--usually voting, however, with the Democratic
party. In 1866 he was elected Chairman of the I)emocratic County Committee of Jackson County.  During
the campaign of 1876, he held the same position, and
managed the campaign for the Democrats in that county.

Ile married, in September, 1859, Harriet Ilutchins, who
died-in November, 1864. In October, I866, he married
Matilda Hutchins, a sister of the first Mrs. Wilson. He
has two daughters and a son. Mr. Wilson enjoys a fair
law practice, and is held in esteem by the entire community in which he lives. He has no decided religious
views; but his metaphysical and philosophical researches
lead him to favor the theory of evolution.
ýflOOLNOUGII, WALTER WATERS, of Battle
Creek, Michigan, was born in the county of,       Suffolk, England, in July, I822.  In 1833 he
emigrated with his parents to this country, and settled
at Rochester, New York, where lie acquired a knowledge of the art of printing, in the office of the Rochester
lRyubbican. In 1842, at the close of his apprenticeship,
he sought the West as his field of labor, and became
foreman in the office of the Ashtabula (Ohio) &'.mint',
the official organ of the late Joshua R. Giddings. The
Sctbinel was, at that time, a vigorous antislavery, Whig
paper; and, while engaged in its publication, Mr. Woolnough imbibed ideas concerning the rights of man which
controlled his political action in the future. In I845
Mr. Woolnough removed to Battle Creek, and printed
the Western Citizen, the first paper ever published in
that place. The following year, the publication of the
Citizen having ceased, he issued the AMicuhian Ti-ibune,
which was one of the most zealous antislavery, Whig
journals published in the West. The paper failed, in
1848, for want of patronage. In 1852 he became the editor and publisher of the Battle Creek Journal, continuing
the same until 1863, when he disposed of the establishment to Mr. Charles E. Griffith. From that time until
I87I, he was not engaged in the profession; but, in
February of that year, renewed his connection with
journalism, and became editor and publisher of the
Mlichigan Tribune (a newspaper commenced in August,
1870). He continued in that capacity until the summer
of 1877, when he disposed of his interest, and again
surrendered the editorial chair. The Tribune was regarded, under his management, as a paper of very
decided opinions. These were emphatically expressed,
with respect to civil service reform, and reconciliation
between the two sections of the Union, estranged by
the civil war. In that terrible contest, Mr. Woolnough
labored diligently, and gave of his means freely, to sustain the Government; and rejoiced when the bloody
strife ended, and the cause of humanity triumphed.
Mr. Woolnough has received many evidences of the
appreciation of his fellow-citizens.  In 1858 he was
elected a member of the Legislature, and took ground,
in that body, in favor of a higher standard of education
by public tax; in support of a State registry law, etc.




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

lo3

Ile has been Alderman from the Third Ward four years; have been earnest.  As a writer, he is ready and
Justice of the Peace; and has served nine years as a pointed, seldom indulging in rhetorical flourish; as a
member of the Board of Education.     In 1864, by speaker, he does not fail to command the attention of
request of the Governor of the State, he went to City his audience, and to impress them with much of the
Point, Virginia, in company with two physicians, to earnestness and zeal which he brings to every subject
assist in taking care of wounded Michigan soldiers; he attempts to discuss. Mr. Woolnough married, in
and remained there his allotted time. Mr. Woolnough August, 1843, Miss Emeline D. Manley, of Ashtabula,
began his political career as a Whig, taking his stand Ohio. They have had four daughters,- of whom two
in the memorable campaign of 1840, though then too are living.
young to be a voter. Very soon after that time, the
power and purposes of the slavery propaganda began
developing, and he allied himself with the antislavery
wing of the Whig party. IIe refused to aid in the        IILLIS, HENRY, Battle Creek, was born in Philaelection of General Taylor, because of the circum- i1    delphia, Pennsylvania, in November, 18oi. His
stances connected with his nomination, and also because  father, Thomas Willis, was a cabinet-maker,
of the belief that the Southern slave-holders had and came from London, England, at an early day. His
chosen him as their agent to extend and strengthen mother, Elizabeth Evans, belonged to the old Philadelthe "peculiar institution." In 1854, when a majority phia family of that name, who emigrated to this country
of the Whig members of Congress from    the South, from Wales. While Mr. Willis was yet an infant, his
and some from the North, voted for the repeal of the father died, and his mother removed to Baltimore, MaryMissouri Compromise,-opening the territories of Kan- land, where she died a few years later.  Mr. Willis,
sas and Nebraska to slavery,-he became convinced of then only seven years old, went to Lancaster County,
the necessity of a new political organization. Ile at Pennsylvania, where he worked on a farm until he was
once advocated, in the Battle Creek jlnrnal, and else- sixteen.  From  that time, he worked at shoemaking
where, the dissolution of the Whig, and the formation for five years, when he again went to farming. Soon
of the Republican, party, as the only effective means afterwards, he commenced work on the railroad, and
of resisting the encroachments of the slave power. Hie was one of the builders of the Pennsylvania Central
labored actively in the campaign of that year to achieve Road, which was commenced in 1827 and completed in
the first Republican victory in the Union,-Michigan 1834. This road was formally opened July 4, of that
having wrested the victory from  the hands of the year,- a party of distinguished Philadelphians, among
Democracy and the remnant of the Whigs. From that whom was the late Governor Wolfe, being the first
time until 1872, Mr. Woolnough heartily supported the passengers. In 1835 Mr. Willis was appointed Superinmeasures and policy of'the new party; entering largely tendent of the old Portage Railroad, which crossed the
into its councils, and serving four years as a member Alleghany Mountains.  In I837, he went to Detroit,
of its State Central Committee. In the latter year, his Michigan, where he was Superintendent of the works
belief in the paramount importance of reconciliation on the Michigan Central Railroad. In 1838 he took
between the North and the South, and his confidence charge of building a railroad from Kalamazoo to Allein the integrity of Horace Greeley, commanded his gan, Michigan. In 1839 he settled near Battle Creek,
support of that gentleman for the Presidency. In 1876, where he has since remained. At that time, there were
in continuation of effort in behalf of reconciliation, he not sixty people in the town. He was one of the early
labored, through the AfI/c-/-an 7Tribune, and on the pioneers of Calhoun County, and has cleared a great
platform, for the election of Samuel J. Tilden. In the deal of land, and put up many farm buildings. In
spring of that year, he was invited, by William Cullen 1872, at the age of seventy, Mr. Willis went to PortBryant, Carl Schurz, and others, to be one of a confer- land, Maine; filled a bottle with water from the Atlantic
ence to meet at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York Ocean, carried it across the continent by rail to San
City.  The object of this meeting was to deliberate Francisco, and poured it into the Pacific,-in fulfillment
with respect to action to be taken in the approaching of a promise he had made, many years before, to some
Presidential campaign, in order to best promote civil friends in Detroit. He has taken the lead in numerous
service reform, and restore a more fraternal feeling projects for public improvement, and has lived to see
between the North and the South. He did not attend, many of them carried to a successful completion. He
but responded to the invitation by letter, in which he has traveled considerably in the United States,--having
expressed his warm sympathy with the object of the visited the far West and all of the mining regions. lHe
conference. In matters of a local character, Mr. Wool- was brought up in the Quaker faith, but is now a Spirnough has taken an active interest. His labors to pro- itualist. In his political views, he is a Republican of
mote the moral and material growth of Battle Creek the Thaddeus Stevens school. He was one of the cornm



104

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

mittee of five who organized the National Republisan
party in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in June, 1834. His
associates on the committee were Hon. Harmer Deney,
President of the convention; Thaddeus Stevens, Samuel
Park, and Amos Elmaker. Mr. Willis has always been
an ultra Abolitionist; he was President of the underground railroad, which conveyed slaves from the South
to Canada. HIe married, in 1824, Hannah Marsh, who
died in 1833, leaving five children,-four sons and one
daughter. Two sons have since died. Mr. Willis married again, in February, 1839, Phoebe Mott, of Albany,
New York. They have had two sons.
ORM LEY, SAMUEL PONTIOUS, Marshall,
Michigan, was born in Union, Union County,
- i Pennsylvania, November 22, ISI9. He is one
of a family of nine children; his parents, John and
Susan (Pontious) Wormley, were of Dutch descent. Mr.
Wormley's great-grandfather was one of the early settlers
of Philadelphia; his father was a farmer, who removed
to Canandaigua, New York, and then to St. Joseph
County, Michigan. His mother's family were early settlers in Northumberland, Pennsylvania. Mr. Wormley
attended the schools of Canandaigua, Geneva, and Lima.
At the age of fourteen, he commenced work on a farm,
and passed two years in this occupation, and as clerk in
a hotel. Afterwards, he was employed, for eight years,
as clerk and steward on the steamers that ply from Buffalo
to Chicago. From 1846 until 1848, he was engaged by.
the Great Western Railroad Company, on the steamer
"Mayflower," whose route was from Detroit to Buffalo.
While engaged on the lakes, he was messenger of the
American Express Company; and, during the winter
season, was employed on their overland route, usually as
special messenger for the transportation of money. He
finally grew weary of this mode of life, and became proprietor of the Railroad Hotel in Marshall. After four
years, he gave up this business and removed to a farm
four miles west of the city. Here he remained for eleven
years, giving special attention to stock-raising, and proving
himself one of the most successful farmers in the county.
In 1863 Mr. Wormley, induced by his brother-in-law, William F. Fargo, President of the American Express Company, re-entered their service, and took a position in the
office at Marshall. He has now been in the employ of
the company longer than any man west of Buffalo, and
has held many offices of trust and honor. When the
Whig party dissolved, Mr. Wormley became a Democrat.
During the war, he upheld all the measures of the administration. He belongs to the Masonic Fraternity, and
is a Sir Knight. He is a prominent member of the Episcopal Church, with which he united in 1871. August
9, 1849, he married Marietta Fargo, daughter of William C. Fargo, of Manlius, New York.

)4j   ITHINGTON, WILLIAM HERBERT, of Jackson, Brevet Brigadier-General, and manufacturer
^ of farih and garden tools, was born February I,
1835, in Dorchester, Massachusetts. His parents, Rev.
William and Elizabeth (Ford) Withington, were Americans, of English descent. The authentic records of his
father's family date back for nine generations, during
which time they were residents of Dorchester. IHe received his early education in the schools of Dorchester
and Boston, and afterwards attended Phillips' Academy, at
Andover, Massachusetts. He remained there until 1853,
when he accepted a position with the North Wayne
Scythe Company, of Boston. In 1857 he was engaged
by Mr. Pinney, of the firm of Pinney & Lamson, of
Jackson, Michigan, to take charge of their office there.
Circumstances brought him at once into the active management of the whole business, as Mr. Lamson was dead
and Mr. Pinney was a resident of Columbus, Ohio, and
only spent a portion of his time in Jackson.  Mr.
Withington moved to Jackson in February, 1857, and,
having great responsibility, rapidly developed business
talents. In October, of the same year, Mr. Pinney
died; and Mr. Withington, then but twenty-three years of
age, organized a company to carry on the business,
under the firm name of Sprague, Withington & Cooley.
In a few years this was succeeded by the firm   of
Withington, Cooley &   Co., which  still continues.
There is no similar institution in the State. The goods
manufactured annually average as follows: Twentyfive thousand dozen forks; thirteen thousand dozen
hoes and garden rakes; seven thousand dozen scythes,
snaths, and grain cradles; three thousand dozen horse
ralfes, corn knives, handles, etc.; amounting in value
to two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The business extends not only through North America, but to
South America, Europe, and Australia. The company
has been awarded several medals, among which are a
bronze medal of Hamburg, awarded in 1863, and a
medal and diploma from the Centennial Exhibition at
Philadelphia. Mr. Withington is a Republican, but
his extensive business prevents his taking a very active
part in politics. In 1872 he was elected to the House of
Representatives; in 1876 he was a delegate to the
National Convention held at Cincinnati.  He is a
trustee of the Michigan Insane Asylum at Kalamazoo.
He is a member, in high standing, of the Episcopal
Church, and treasurer of the Episcopal fund of the
Diocese of Michigan.  Mr. Withington has traveled
extensively throughout the United States; having visited
the East and South; Oregon, California, and the
whole Pacific coast, in the West.  June 6, 1859, he
married Miss Julia C. Beebe, of Jackson, Michigan.
While living in Massachusetts, Mr. Withington was a
member of the Independent Company of Cadets, of
Boston, which was organized prior to the Revolution.




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

105

After moving to Michigan, he helped to organize the
Jackson Grays, and was made their Captain.    This
position he held at their first encampment, and until
the breaking out of the war.  At that time, having
heard of President Lincoln's message to Governor Blair,
asking for troops, he called his company together the
same day, and marching with it to the public meeting,
offered its services to the Governor. This was the first
Michigan company which tendered its services.   It
subsequently became Company    B, of the Ist Regiment of Michigan Volunteer Infantry. April 24, i861,
Mr. Withington, then twenty-six years of age, was
commissioned Captain, and assigned to the Ist Regiment, with which he served at the battle of Bull Run,
July 21, i861.  While acting as Major of the regiment,
he was taken prisoner; and, after being held at Richmond, Charleston, and Columbia, South Carolina, was
exchanged, January 29, 1862, for the Confederate Captain Sutton, of a North Carolina regiment. In August
1862, at the next call for troops, Mr. Withington was
commissioned Colonel of the I7th Michigan Infantry,
which, two weeks after leaving Detroit, engaged in the
battle of South Mountain.  In that battle they won
lasting fame, surpassing the veteran troops in bravery.
One of their brilliant actions was charging a Confederate
brigade over a stone-wall, in face of a galling fire;
routing the enemy, and killing the greater part of them.
From this truly remarkable performance they received
the name of the "Stone-wall Regiment."  They next
fought at Antietam and Fredericksburg. During a part
of the time, in these engagements, Colonel Withington
commanded the First Brigade, First Division, Ninth Army
Corps. IHe was subsequently commissioned BrigadierGeneral, by brevet, "for conspicuous gallantry in the
battle of South Mountain, United States."  March 20,
1863, on account of family affliction, Mr. Withington,
not being able to procure leave of absence, resigned,
intending soon to return. Upon reaching home, however, he found that his business affairs rendered his
presence necessary. Since the organization of the State
troops into regiments, he has been Colonel of the Ist
Regiment of militia.
OOD, ION. JAMES C., of Jackson, Michigan,
was born at Decatur, Otsego County, New
'  York, October 31, 1813. He is of American i
parentage and English and Scotch ancestry. His father,
Hilman Ashley Wood, died when James Wood was six i
years old. Iis mother's maiden name was Elizabeth c
Waters. At the age of about fifteen years, he started 1
out in life for himself. He subsequently graduated at
the Monroe Academy, located at Henrietta, New York. I
lie intended to go through college; but, at the age of l

twenty, was offered, and finally accepted, the position
as editor and publisher of the Waterloo Observer, printed
and published at Waterloo, Seneca County, New York.
It was a strong Democratic journal; and, in those days
of anti-masonry, no small amount of tact and ability
was required to meet the assaults of anti-masonic journals. The paper, under his charge, was warmly sustained by the Democracy. lie continued its publication
over three years; and, during that time, he read law
with Knox & Watkins. After disposing of his interest
in the paper, he devoted his time to preparing himself
for his profession, and finally was admitted to the practice of law. In the fall of 1843, he removed from
Waterloo to the State of Michigan; he first located at
White Pigeon, and, in July, 1844, settled in Jackson,
which was then a village of about eight or nine hundred inhabitants. Before and at the time he removed
to Jackson, he was firmly convinced that Jackson was
destined to be a city of no ordinary importance. IIe
has not been disappointed. He has lived to see the then
unpretending hamlet grow to a beautiful city of some
eighteen thousand inhabitants.  He has been largely
interested in the growth and prosperity of the place;
and, to a considerable extent, has shared its prosperity.
Mr. Wood married Mary E. Beers, of Ithaca, New York,
November 15, 1837, and lived happily with her until
March 9, 1860, when she dfparted this life, leaving
three children,-Charles B. Wood, Mary E. Wood, and
Frank N. Wood. June 18, 1862, he married Maria L.
Lawrence, daughter of Hon. M. IH. Lawrence, of Yates
County, New York, by whom he has two children,Lawrence J. Wood and Maggie B. Wood. In 1847 lih
formed a law partnership with HIon. Fidus Livermore,
and they remained together until the year 1857. When
with Mr. Livermore, and since, Mr. Wood has devoted
much of his time to chancery practice, not liking the
turmoil and strife of the courts of law; and now has an
excellent reputation as a chancery practitioner. In
October, 1875, he formed a partnership with his eldest
son, Charles B. Wood, with whom he continues the practice of his profession. Mr. Wood has always been a
Democrat, but is somewhat independent. In 1847 he
was elected County Treasurer, and was re-elected in
1849, filling the office satisfactorily to the county. He
was elected the first Mayor of the city of Jackson;
and was nominated against his wishes, and elected
in the fall of 1874, to represent the Third District,
n the county of Jackson, to the House in the State
Legislature. In 1876 he was urged to take the nomnation for the Senate, but refused; and also delined a nomination for the House. In spite of this,
he was renominated, and re-elected by a large majority.
Mr. Wood is a strong and earnest speaker, expressing
his views readily and clearly in few words. In. the.Legislature, he was a leading member, and the special




o06

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

fe of all ring jobs and extravagant or unnecessary
appropriations; and was always esteemed honest and
independent. During the late war, he was known as a
War Democrat, and presided at the first public meeting
held in Michigan to sustain President Lincoln in carrying on the war.
IIITE, EI.I)ER JAMES, Battle Creek, President
of the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association, and of Battle Creek College, was born
in Palmyra, Maine, August 4, 1821. Ilis father, Deacon
John White, was a lineal descendant and namesake of
John White; the latter was the son of Peregrine White,
whose name is famous in history as that of the first child
born in the colony of Pilgrims, who landed upon Plymouth Rock, from the tempest-tossed "' Mayflower," in
1620. When visiting the Centennial Exhibition in 1876,
Elder White had the pleasure of viewing, in the New
England log-cabin, the veritable cradle whose gentle
swaying quieted the slumbers of his renowned ancestor,
more than two and a half centuries ago. Elder White's
father possessed the silver knee-buckles worn to this
country by the father of Peregrine White, which are
now held as an heirloom by his nephew, Professor John
White, of Ilarvard University. Elder White's mother
was a granddaughter of Dlr. Samuel Shepard, an eminent Baptist divine of New England. She was a woman
of strong mental power, and a most amiable and devout
Christian. His ancestors on both sides were remnarkable
for physical and intellectual strength, both of which
qualities he inherited in a very marked degree. Although
deprived of the early educational advantages enjoyed by
imany, he was not content to allow his natural talents to
remain uncultivated, but improved every opportunity
for acquiring knowledge, both by private study and by
attendance at the best schools within his reach. I1e
made rapid progress in his studies, and, before he had
attained his majority, had gained an enviable reputation
as a teacher. lie was especially successful in school
government, reducing to an orderly and studious condition schools which had been notorious for their unruly
and unmanageable character.  At the early age of
twenty-one, Mr. White entered the ministry, enlisting
his energies in the Second Advent movement, which was
at that time exciting great interest in the theological
world. In this work, he met with extraordinary success,
but his labors were so arduous, and his exposure so
great, that his health was seriously injured, and much
suffering was entailed upon him in after years. In 1846
Mr. White was united in marriage to Ellen G. Harmon,
a brief outline of whose remarkable life is given in connection with this sketch. In 1849 Mr. White began
publishing, at Middletown, Connecticut, a small denomi
national paper called The Present Truth. The next year
this little sheet was enlarged, and issued at Paris, Maine,
under the name of The Advent Review and Sabbath H erald.
A year later, it was removed to Saratoga Springs; and,
the year following, to Rochester, New York. In 1855
the office of publication, which was, by this time, very
greatly enlarged, was removed to Battle Creek, Michigan, where it has since remained. Elder White entered
upon the work of publishing with little encouragement
from others; and, for many years, devoted to it his best
energies.  To his remarkable foresight and business
sagacity, economical management, and persevering energy, must be largely attributed the great success which
has attended the enterprise. At first, the printing was
done at a job office, and the sheets were folded where
the paper was edited,- in an humble garret,- the publisher carrying the whole edition, seven miles to the
Post-office, in a carpet-sack. The work has increased to
such an extent that it now requires three commodious
brick buildings in which to carry on the business connected with the publication of the Review and Herald;
these contain seven presses, which are kept running day
and night, and a full outfit of printing, binding, electrotyping, and stereotyping machinery, The same office
issues regularly four other periodicals, with an aggregate
circulation of about twenty-five thousand each issue,
together with more than fifty million pages of books,
pamphlets, and other publications each year, including
numerous works upon health and temperance, besides
those purely denominational. The amount of mail sent
out from this office is such as to make the city of Battle
Creek third in postal importance in the State, though its
population is only eigh't thousand. The work has reached
even beyond the extensive interest at Battle Creek. A
large publishing house has been established at Oakland,
California, and a fund of ten thousand dollars has been
raised for the equipment of an office at Basle, Switzerland, where already two monthly papers are regularly
issued, together with numerous publications in Frenlch,
German, and Italian. The various publishing houses
are owned by incorporated associations, organized by
Elder White, and managed by Boards of Trustees, of
which he is President. The one at Battle Creek has a
capital stock of over one hundred and thirty thousand
dollars. In addition to his arduous labors in this connection, Elder White has constantly performed the
duties of a Gospel minister. He has traveled through
all sections of the United States, advancing the interests
of the denomination known as the Seventh-day Adventists, of which he has always been the acknowledged
head; having been President of their General Conference since its organization, except when incapacitated
by illness. He has also added to his other labors thoe
of author and editor, having, for many years, written
numerous works on Scriptural subjects in addition to










REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

107

weekly editorial articles.  Twelve years ago, Elder
White, with others, was instrumental in the establishment of a medical institution at Battle Creek, now
known as the Medical and Surgical Sanitarium, the
most complete and finely equipped institution of the
kind in America. Hundreds of invalids are treated each
year at this institution, in which many find relief who
have sought health elsewhere in vain. Nearly four
thousand persons have been treated at this sanitarium
since its establishment. In 1868 Elder White recommended and urged the establishment of a denominational
school, which was finally accomplished in 1874, in the
organization of an educational society, and the erection
of a fine college building at an expense of about seventy
thousand dollars. Although so short a time in operation, the college already has a full corps of professors
and instructors, and a complete curriculum. During the
last year the attendance was over three hundred. Elder
White is President of the College and of the Board of
Trustees, to whom  its management is intrusted. IHe
early espoused the cause of Second Adventism; and, in
1844, completed the organization of the denomination
afterwards distinguished  as Seventh-day Adventists.
Through his own efforts, and those of his wife and their
co-laborers, a denomination comprising more than thirty
thousand members has been raised up, and united in the
most complete and thorough organization of any religious body.  Elder White possesses many strong traits
of character, which command an unusual degree of respect, and eminently fit him for the responsibilities
which he has so ably borne. In personal appearance,
he is commanding and dignified, as a glance at his portrait will confirm.  He possesses a social disposition
which makes for him multitudes of friends wherever he
goes, and has contributed largely to his wide and useful
influence. The marked characteristics to which his success as a financier and business manager is, in a great
measure, due, are his wonderful acuteness of perception,
and remarkable memory of facts and details. lHe possesses, also, a versatility of talent which enables him toadapt himself to new circumstances with uncommon
facility. Foresight, sagacity, caution, and sound judgment are prominent traits, which have been continually
illustrated in his management of both business and
church affairs. As a minister of the Gospel, Elder
White has labored with untiring energy, and often far
beyond his strength when overburdened with other
duties. IIis worth has been generally appreciated by
his people, who have regarded him as their chief counselor in all matters of importance. Ilis readiness to
assume responsibility has brought upon him an amount
of labor which very few constitutions could have endured,
and which has several times resulted in his prostration.
Twice he has suffered from apoplexy, once so severely
as to be wholly incapacitated for labor for two years;
4)

but, by the adoption of simple remedial means, and his
naturally good constitution, he has each time recovered
his natural vigor and his former usefulness.  Elder
White attributes his power of endurance very largely to
his simple dietetic habits, having adopted a reformed
mode of living, nearly twenty years ago, in consequence
of poor health at that time. Finding the advantages of
a simple diet and temperate living to be great, he at
once introduced the same reforms among his people;
the result is now seen in an organization of more than
thirty thousand persons, not one of whom is addicted to
the use of alcoholic drinks of any sort, or of tobacco.
Tea, coffee, and all unnatural stimulants are also wholly
discarded by them; and pork, with other gross articles
of food, is excluded from their tables. Public positions
of honor and responsibility have frequently been offered
to Elder White, but he has usually refused to accept
them, feeling it his duty to devote his full energies to
his chosen work. During the last twenty-five years, he
has resided in Battle Creek, Michigan; but latterly has
spent a considerable part of his time in Colorado and
California. Hle is now in Oakland, California, where he
has a beautiful home, recruiting his health for future
labors while looking after the interests of the denomination on the Pacific coast. Mrs. Ellen G. White was born
in Gorham, Maine, November 26, 1828. Her maiden
name was Ellen G. Harmon. Her father, Robert Harmon, was a man noted for thorough integrity of character, and was a miost devout and earnest Christian. Her
mother was an amiable and devoted Christian, active in
all enterprises for the relief of the poor and afflicted.
Both parents possessed an extraordinary degree of physical strength and endurance, reaching a very advanced
age. Although in moderate circumstances, they gave
their children unusual educational advantages, sending
them to good schools as soon as they were of proper
age. An unfortunate accident which happened to Mrs.
White, when a child at school, not only prevented her
enjoying the opportunities which she might otherwise
have had, but so shocked her system as to completely
break down her health, which she did not recover, even
to a comfortable degree, for several years. Although
thus deprived of a thorough education, her constant
association with literary pursuits and contact with literary people have made good the loss she sustained in
early years. Mrs. White's life has been an intensely religious one. Becoming early convinced that Providence
had a mission for her to perform in the world, she
devoted her whole strength to the work, and has shown
energy and zeal rarely equaled. She began her public
labors at the early age of fifteen. Although a mere
child, feeble in health, slight in figure, and scarcely able
to speak above a whisper in ordinary conversation, from
weakness of the lungs, when she stood before an audience, her simple earnestness and peculiar eloquence held




1o8

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

the attention of her hearers, and carried conviction to
their hearts.  On such occasions, her naturally weak
voice would, under the enthusiasm of the moment, increase in volume and power, until all who knew her
were filled with astonishment. A few years after beginning her public labors, she was united in marriage to
Elder James White. From that time, she has labored
arduously in connection with her husband, traveling
with him from State to State, lecturing, writing, and
working in every possible manner to advance the interests of the cause to which she has devoted her life.
Mrs. White is a woman of singularly well-balanced
mental organization.  Benevolence, spirituality, conscientiousness, and ideality are the predominating traits.
Her personal qualities are such as to win for her the
warmest friendship of all with whom she comes in contact, and to inspire them with the utmost confidence in
her sincerity. Whatever she has suffered through calumnies occasioned by the unpopularity of the cause
with which she has been connected, has emanated from
those who are unacquainted with her daily life. Notwithstanding her many years of public labor, she has
retained all the simplicity and honesty which characterized her early life. As a speaker, Mrs. White is one of
the most successful of the few ladies who have become
noteworthy as lecturers, in this country, during the last
twenty years. Constant use has so strengthened her
vocal organs as to give her voice rare depth and power.
Her clearness and strength of articulation are so great
that, when speaking in the open air, she has frequently
been distinctly heard at the distance of a mile. Her
language, though simple, is always forcible and elegant.
When inspired with her subject, she is often marvelously
eloquent, holding the largest audiences spell-bound for
hours without a sign of impatience or weariness. The
subject matter of her discourses is always of a practical
character, bearing chiefly on fireside duties, the religious
education of children, temperance, and kindred topics.
On revival occasions, she is always the most effective
speaker. She has frequently spoken to immense audiences, in the large cities, on her favorite themes, and
has always been received with great favor.  Oh one
occasion, in Massachusetts, twenty thousand persons
listened to her, with close attention, for more than an
hour. Mrs. White is the author of numerous works
which have had a wide circulation. Her writings are
characterized by the same simplicity and practical nature
which are conspicuous in her speaking. They enter into
the home-life of the family circle in a manner which
rivets the attention of the candid reader, and can not
fail to instruct in the solemn duties of practical life.
Her printed volumes aggregate more than five thousand
pages. Mrs. White has always labored in harmony with
her husband, and has been a most efficient help to him
in his varied duties. Indeed, a large degree of the suc
cess of the enterprises with which he has been promiently connected must be attributed to her efforts and
influence. Although inspired in a somewhat different
manner, her influence with the denomination which she
and her husband have been chiefly instrumental in
organizing, must be regarded as at least equal to his.
All who are acquainted with her, of whatever religious
faith, hold her in the highest esteem. Like her husband, Mrs. White has always labored far beyond her
strength, and she has also suffered several quite severe
paralytic attacks; but a careful adherence to the principles of temperate living referred to in the sketch of
Elder White's life, has enabled her to gain and preserve
a sufficient degree of health to accomplish an amount of
labor which it seems incredible that any woman could
perform.
OOMIS, PETER BURR, of Jackson, was born
April 14, 1820, at Amsterdam, New York, a few
s   months before the removal of his parents to
Rochester, then a village of moderate pretensions, in
the same State. He there received a fair education,
including instruction in mathematics, natural science,
and the Latin and French languages. When he was
sixteen years old, Mr. Loomis opened a general store in
a village near Rochester; but, becoming disgusted with
the credit system, closed it the following year.  He
soon after thought of accepting a position offered him
in the Government survey of Texas, then belonging to
Mexico, and went as far in that direction as Little Rock,
Arkansas. Thence he was recalled, by what seemed a
favorable opportunity, to Rochester, where, at the age
of eighteen, he became a dry-goods merchant. This
was in 1838. He conducted the business about four
years, during which time he made many life-long friends.
At this period, he was a member of the military organization known as the "Rochester Grays." In 1843 he
came to Jackson, where he has since remained. From
that date to 1850, he was a member of the dry-goods
firm of Loomis & Dwight. In the latter year, he became sole proprietor of the Kennedy mill at Jackson,
which he operated till 1854. In 1856 he became a
member of the banking firm of Loomis & Whitwell,
which, with a change of partners, still exists, as P. B.
Loomis & Co. In 1857 the firm made a considerable
investment to help supply the city with gas, Mr.
Loomis being chosen to the office he still occupies,that of President of the company. In 1868 a citizens'
meeting at Jackson requested Messrs. H. H. Smith and
P. B. Loomis to take charge of the project of a railroad
to Fort Wayne, Indiana,-a distance of about one hundred miles. They organized a company, of which Mr.
Smith became President, and Mr. Loomis, Treasurer.




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

109

It required great address and persistent work to combine
the efforts of communities which were total strangers to
each other, and to secure financial assistance from other
companies, so situated that it was a question whether
the new road would increase or diminish their business.
These labors were successfully accomplished, and the
road was completed in 1871. Mr. Smith retiring soon
after to take charge of another road, Mr. Loomis became President, and, a year or two later, general manager of the company,-to the duties of which positions
he still devotes his time.  His milling and banking
business, and his outside investments, were financially
successful; hence there was no necessity for him to
undertake the management of a railroad under the
peculiar circumstances of connections with all the great
Eastern and Western lines, and competition with several of their branches. But he felt himself under obligation to do what he could to protect the investments
which he had induced stock and bond holders to
make. Mr. Loomis, before engaging in this enterprise,
had been a Director in the Jackson, Lansing and Saginaw Road, and Treasurer and a member of the Financial Committee of the Grand River Valley Company.
He had also, from a business stand-point, been active
in obtaining the extension to Jackson of the branch of
the Southern Road.   His opportunities to study the
effects of railroads upon towns and business had been
excellent; but those with whom business relations were
to be maintained were the practiced managers of all the
best roads near which his road lies. The Fort Wayne
Road was built in prosperous times, over a somewhat
expensive route. It had been but a short time established, when the crash, of 1873 demanded the re-adjustment of every kind of business. The tonnage of the
road has increased year by year; and, at the prices of
I870, it could now pay both interest and. dividend.
At present prices, it can pay but a portion of the yearly
interest. Many others, similarly situated, pay little or
nothing beyond expenses.   That the road can pay
interest on a sum as large as it would now cost to
duplicate the iron, buildings, and equipment, is such a
surprise to the holders of its securities, that one of the
most prominent lately declared it to be "the best managed of all the bankrupt roads." The mystery of the
method by which about one hundred thousand dollars,
yearly, is saved for the equitable owners of the property, is a very open secret. It is common sense applied
in a direct way. The road can not afford to pay large
sums for repairs and accidents, and avoids such expenses
by keeping its track, fences, and machinery in perfect
condition. It keeps exact faith with every customer
and connecting line; hence is believed in all its promises. It can not afford to pay extravagantly for supplies
or labor, and is under no necessity of doing so, for the
reason that it has never had a floating debt, nor de
layed for a day the payment of its employes. Claims
against it are examined at once; and, if due and just,
are promptly paid. Litigation is avoided; and it is able
to profit by the preference given to it over competing
roads by shippers along its line. The management
of this road illustrates the characteristics which have
marked Mr. Loomis' business career. Doing his work
thoroughly, he never has it to do over again; and is
rarely compelled to seek relief in a court of justice.
His word once pledged, with or without consideration,
is as sacred to him as his bond or note; and no man
has a higher sense of commercial honor. He does not
know how to make a half-way promise; and hence,
when others are making pledges of that sort only, for
new enterprises, he has generally stood aloof, indifferent
to whatever comments might be made upon his apparent lack of public spirit. In this connection, it may be
said that, while liberal and public-spirited to an unusual
degree, he acts only upon his own convictions of what
is right or expedient; and that he neither gives nor
refuses to give because others have done so. Mr. Loomis
does all his work with a will. Every new fact or idea
received by him makes a lasting impression. There are
no "rased tablets" in his memories of any thing of
which he has been a part. The result is, that, at fiftyeight, he has more knowledge, broader views, and is in
every way better fitted for any undertaking requiring
intellectual vigor, than in any previous year of his
life. Mr. Loomis is, upon occasion, an excellent public
speaker. His voice and manner, his flow -of language,
and his modes of illustration, always secure the attention of an audience. When the subject is one upon
which he has earnest convictions, he is able, as effectively as the most practiced orator, to make himself felt
and understood. The facility with which he selects his
strong points, and the general exactness with which he
uses language, make him also a good writer, and an
excellent judge of articles prepared by others. In his
opinion, neither religion nor politics is a game for men
to play at. In early life, he was an Episcopalian; but,
for many years, has had no connection with any religious organization. In politics, he was, until the formation of the Republican party, an Independent. Since
1856 he has been at times an active, and always an
influential, member of the party which made its initiatory campaign for Fremont., He never sought nor desired nomination for office; but has often proved himself
a very popular candidate. He was, for two years, a
member of the Legislature; one year, Mayor of the
city; and has been several times a member of the Common Council,-all against large adverse political majorities. He has also been several times a member of the
School Board; and, for one year, was Chief of the Fire
Department. Socially, h  is a general favorite. Mr.
Loomis was first married, irs 848, to Miss Harriet Ken



I IO

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

nedy, with whom he celebrated a silver wedding, Apri
18, 1873. She died some months later; and, in August
1874, Miss Emma Gilbert became his second wife. H
has three children living of the first marriage, and twi
of the second. He has a happy home, and his "line
are cast in pleasant places."
-~--*--
OOT, HON. AMOS, Merchant, and at present
j  farmer, of Jackson, Michigan, was born at Fort
Ann, Washington County, New York, April 8:
I816. He is the third son of John and Roxana (Wor
den) Root..They were blessed with a family of sever
children,-five sons and two daughters,-all of whom,
except the eldest daughter, are yet living. John Rool
was a blacksmith and manufacturer of edge-tools, for
Fort Ann village and the surrounding country, for
nearly half a century.  He was a good workman and
an honest man.   His wife was a lady of real worth
and singular beauty of character.  The childhood and
youth of Amos Root were characterized by a sadly
feeble condition of health.  His education, until he
was sixteen years old, was such as could be obtained
by attendance at the village school. He then left home
to engage in the service of his two elder brothers,
merchants and manufacturers, at Mohawk, Herkimer
County, New York. Here he acquired habits of industry and mental discipline that contributed to shape
his future of usefulness. In the fall of 1838, in company with Henry C. Orendorff, a fellow clerk in the
Mohawk firm, or Root Brothers, he removed to Michigan Centre, near Jackson, Michigan, and engaged in
mercantile pursuits. Michigan Centre was, at that time,
urged on the public as one of the most prominent business points in the State. A few years, however, determined the fact that Jackson was to be the great inland
city of the future; and, in 1841, the firm moved to that
place. The growth and prosperity of his adopted village now became one of the special ambitions of Mr.
Root's life. The population of the place at that time
was about one thousand; it now contains about eighteen thousand inhabitants.  Mr. Root continued in
business until 1857; when, having invested quite largely
in real estate, he withdrew from mercantile pursuits,
and devoted himself to operations in lands and city
lots. As a merchant, he had met with reasonable success; and, as a real estate operator, became a recognized authority among land-dealers of his acquaintance.
His faith in the ultimate growth of Jackson made him
an early and constant advocate for the initiation and
prosecution of every laudable public enterprise that
could contribute to that end.  His oft repeated saying
was, that towns were made, not by favoring local cir
il cumstances alone,-especially since the introduction
L, of railway transportation in place of the old water
e routes,-but by the wise enterprise and energy of the
o people. Jackson then had but one railroad,-the Michs igan Central; and efforts to obtain other outlets commenced as early as 1836. The Palmyra and Jacksonburg Railroad Company was incorporated at that time;
and, with the help of voluntary subscriptions, some of
which were made at Jackson, and one hundred thousand dollars from the State, had succeeded in building
a its road thirteen miles, from Palmyra to Tecumseh,
t when it was forfeited to the State. When the M ichigan Southern Railroad was sold to its present owners
- by the State, in 1846, there was influence in the Legislature sufficient to load the Southern charter with the, construction, ultimately, of the Palmyra and Jackson
t road as a branch. In the year last named, a special
r charter was granted for the construction of the Grand
r River Valley Railroad, and Mr. Root was one of the
incorporators. It was only after the completion of the
Southern main line, in 1851, that the provisions of the
charter became obligatory as to the Jackson branch.
It was undoubtedly the intention of the Michigan
Southern Railroad Company to eventually comply with
the above requirements of the charter, but it was evident that they did not propose doing so at that time.
Mr. Root took upon himself to press the matter with
the authorities of the road, but could at first get only a
reply to the effect that they meant to build the branch
road, but could not do it then. Mr. Root was the
Representative of Jackson in the Legislature of that
year, and the lobby advocates of the Lake Shore and
Michigan Southern found themselves unable to obtain
what they sought, except by giving the personal bonds
of the directors that the road should be built within a
brief period. Mr. Root was a prominent actor in this
struggle from the beginning; especially in procuring
the personal guaranty of the directors, in getting books
opened, and local subscriptions made to aid in its construction; also in obtaining the promise of the contractor
that the road should be finished in a specified time.
This was done, too, when the stock of the company
had reached the low value of six per cent. Before the
road was completed, or the right of way fully secured,
the Michigan Central sought to prevent the connection
of the road with the town by purchasing or leasing an
intervening line of farms.  Mr. Root followed their
agents, and found that one of the farms had been
promised to the Michigan Central by the executor of
an unsettled estate; but, before the proposed lease could
be legally executed, he had secured the appointment of
a new executor by the Probate Court, and served a
notice on the first one that his further service was not
required. This completed the line, and the opposition
of the Central was withdrawn. Mr. Root now turned




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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

III

his attention to Northern routes, with the view of
securing railway connections with Lansing, the Saginaw
region, and Grand Rapids. Before the completion of
the Southern branch, steps were taken by him   and
others, not only to organize the Valley Company, but
to protect it by extension of the time specified for construction in the charter.  As early as 1853 or 1854,
several thousand dollars were spent in preliminary surveys by Mr. Root, Moses A. McNaughton, and Joseph
E. Beebe. From this time forward, Mr. Root was the
central figure among those whose efforts carried through
the Grand River Valley road.  lie became President
of the company, and for many years was compelled to
watch its interests without hope of immediate success.
In 1862 the idea of a common line with the road to
Lansing, for the first ten miles north of Jackson, was
developed, and has since been acted upon. This plan
induced the presentation to the Legislature of 1863 of
the first enabling bill ever passed in Michigan, to authorize cities, towns, and the county of Ingham to vote
aid to the road from Jackson to Lansing. The bill was
drafted by Hon. Eugene Pringle, of Jackson, to whom
Mr. Root considers himself greatly indebted for intelligent and efficient co-operation in all his public enterprises. All that was hoped, was successfully accomplished by clauses in the resolutions adopted.  An
agreement, filed with the Secretary of State, enabled
the officers of the Valley Company to say, in a published pamphlet, "The arrangement is a very beneficial one for the Grand River Valley Company, inasmuch
as, without having to pay taxes or repairs, it will have
the use of ten miles of the road, for six thousand dollars
per annum, for five years; for nipe thousand dollars per
annum for three years more, and at fair rates forever
after. Upon the whole, the company gets ninety-three
miles of road by building eighty-three miles. Its mortgage of twelve thousand dollars per mile on the road it
constructs, will be less than ten thousand eight hundred
dollars per mile on the road it will use." This was
success, so far as it went; but, for some reason, it
seemed for a long time impossible to inspire confidence
in the project at Jackson or Grand Rapids. Eaton and
Barry counties were comparatively new; and it is not
surprising, perhaps, that, when a million of money was
needed, a town like Jackson, of five thousand inhabitants, should hesitate to vote the one hundred thousand
dollars required. Charlotte, the county-seat of Eaton
County, and all interests on the line, expected Jackson
to take the lead in subscriptions and efforts for the
road; but neither argument nor entreaty produced any
change in what seemed for the time the absolute indifference of the citizens. Mr. Root wisely decided upon
another base of operations; and that was to induce
Eaton County to take the initiative. Whatever was to
be done there, must be done in spite of Jackson, rather

than by its aid. He visited Charlotte and other portions of that county, on the proposed line of road; and,
though not accustomed to making public speeches, he
did make them in every hamlet and school-house where
they were deemed needful; and the result was that his
arguments, if not his eloquence, with his acknowledged
reputation for reliability, satisfied the people of not only
the practicability but the wisdom of the enterprise. They
raised for him two hundred thousand dollars by votes
and subscriptions. After this, it was comparatively easy
to get one hundred and fifty thousand dollars in Barry
County, and one hundred thousand dollars in Jackson.
In all the campaigns for this road, Mr. Root was the
actual as well as the nominal leader.  His talk, his
manner, his truthfulness, inspired confidence; and the
earnestness and singular power with which he addressed
popular audiences is reported, from one end of the line
to the other, to have been the great factor in securing
successful results.  The building of the road now progressed.  Labor was commenced upon it in 1862, and
the last rail was laid January I, 1869.  Mr. Root has
occasionally manifested a pardonable pride in the fact
that no person has been made poorer by his railroad
building, and that individuals as well as communities
have been greatly benefited. Mr. Root has accepted
public office with reluctance. It was only from an appreciation of the importance of Jackson's being efficiently represented in the Legislative session of 1853
that he consented to serve in the capacity of a Representative.  Ile also served as a member of the village
Council a number of terms; and, after Jackson became
a city, was elected an Alderman, and was made its
fourth Mayor, in 1860. In 1861 Mr. Lincoln appointed
him Postmaster, in which capacity he served acceptably
until the close of the war. Mr. Root has been six years
a member of the Board of Public Works of Jackson;
and, for two years, its President. IHe has also been
one of the Inspectors of the Michigan State-prison for
nine years; and, a large portion of the time, the presiding officer of the Board. Politically, he was a Henry
Clay Whig up to the nomination of Taylor, in 1848, on
a pro-slavery platform, when he became a Free-soiler;
and, in 1854, when the Republican party was formed,
he became one of its most ardent and active supporters.
He cordially sustained the national administration in
all its measures for prosecuting the civil war; and Austin Blair, Governor of Michigan during the dark days
of the war, had nowhere a more devoted and constant
supporter than HIon. Amos Root. Although not connected with any church, Mr. Root is a Christian in the
fullest and broadest sense. He is an admirer of the
teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg, and has always
held that religion is valuable only as it affects the life.
He has always been conspicuously liberal in sustaining
churches of every denomination, believing that all, or.t'O;..-'  * -.



112

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

nearly all of them, contain elements of good, and contribute to the welfare of mankind. Mr. Root is now
sixty-two years of age. He calls himself a farmer; but
resides in the city, and two or three times per week
takes his carriage for an eight-mile drive to his farm of
fifteen hundred acres, in the township of Henrietta.
The visitor will find there a comfortable farm-house,
ample and commodious barns, yards well stocked with
blooded cattle, sheep, and swine, and well watered
throughout from an artesian well.  In short, he will
see about him all the evidences of thrifty and intelligent farming. Mr. Root is still a bachelor; and, when
rallied upon the subject, is quite likely to contend that
he has been able to do more real good in the world
than would have been possible with the added responsibilities of married life.
t,ING, HON. NATHAN G., of Brooklyn, Michigan, was born in the town of Nassau, Rensselaer County, New York, February 25, 1819. He
attended the common schools of the day in his early
boyhood, and educated himself, chiefly under the direction of his oldest brother, Rufus H. King, an excellent
scholar and a graduate of Williams College. Mr. Nathan King taught a common school for a short time;
and, afterwards, while yet in his minority, engaged in
mercantile operations in Albany.  In 1840 he was
elected to the Common Council of that city. During
this time, he had for his partners, in the wholesale lumber business, James G. Young and Hon. William W.
Forsyth. In 1843 Mr. King abandoned mercantile pursuits, and studied law with Horace Webster and lion.
S. 1-. Hammond, of Albany, with whom he practiced
his profession for a number of years. He afterwards
had for his law partner, Hon. Henry Hogeboom, since
a Judge of the Court of Appeals, and one of the most
elegant and accomplished lawyers of New York State.
In 1856 Mr. King emigrated to Michigan; but, finding
himself badly afflicted with a bronchial difficulty, he
spent several years in St. Paul, Minnesota, receiving
much benefit from the climate. On the breaking out
of the civil war, he returned to Michigan; and made
his home at St. Joseph, Berrien County, where he took
an active part in helping to raise the 12th Michigan
Regiment, and also the Ist Cavalry Regiment, then
being raised at Grand Rapids by Hon. F. W. Kellogg. Mr. Kellogg kindly offered his influence to secure
Mr. King the Colonelcy of one; but, not having a regular military education, Mr. King doubted his own fitness, and so accepted a staff appointment. He served,
for a short time, at head-quarters, on General McLellan's staff; and, afterwards. on the staffs of Generals

Newton, Wright, and D. A. Russell, all of the regular
army. In February, 1864, he was appointed Postmaster,
by President Lincoln, and served until a year after the
close of the war.  He then gave up the practice of his
profession, and became interested in (livers railroad
projects, serving as treasurer of one company. Meantime, he took great interest in the Northern Pacific,
being one of the original corporators; and, at the instance of his old friend, the late Josiah Perham, the
first President, Mr. King invested liberally in its securities, and still holds a large interest in its preferred stock
and bonds.   In 1872 the Republicans of the Seventh
Senatorial District tendered Mr. King the nomination
for State Senator; and, after a spirited canvass of
the district, he was elected by a large majority, handsomely leading his ticket. This was the first of Colonel
King's legislative experience; but, having seen something of the world, he readily became accustomed to
the business of legislation. He at once took high rank
as a legislator, and as a leader in originating and carrying many important bills. Hle was the author of an act
amending the law in reference to the challengers of
jurors in criminal cases; also providing for the proper
detention of persons acquitted of capital offenses under
the plea of insanity. The last was opposed by the professional members, and so amended as to nearly destroy
its force and value. As Chairman of the Committee on
Banks and Corporations, he prepared and introduced
anl important bill, amending and greatly improving the
general banking law of the State. This bill was defeated by a small majority, after a gallant defense by its
author, through the influence of a powerful lobby,
headed by its talented leader, John Harmon, Esq., of
Detroit. Senator King's greatest achievement, the one
in which he took the most interest, and which reflects
upon him the greatest credit, was his carrying through
both H-louses a joint resolution concerning the adoption
of a new code of practice and procedure in the courts
of law of this State. When hle first introduced his bill,
it was received with derision by a number of the professional members of both Houses. Among these, were
Hons. P. H. Emerson, H. H. Wheeler' and M. S.
Brewer, of the Senate; and Judge Shaw, Hon. C. B.
Grant, and Hon. John J. Speed, of the House, all of
whom asserted that it would stand no chance of passing
either house. After waiting patiently a long time for
the report of the Judiciary Committee, the author
moved their discharge, and its reference to a special
committee; this motion was carried, and Senator King,
as chairman, reported it back to the Senate, recommending its passage. With a view to giving its opponents
an opportunity to prepare themselves, Mr. King moved
that the bill, or joint resolution, be made the special
order for a future day that would best suit the convenience of its leading opponents. He supported that mo



y^)
(2







REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

"I3

tion in a speech of great force and ability, carrying th(
Senate with him.  On closing his address, there was
general demand that the bill be taken up at once, which
was done, and the bill passed by a two-thirds vote.. A
similar scene was enacted in the House, where the Ju.
diciary Committee tried in vain to smother the bill by
refusing to make even an unfavorable report. Advising
with a few friends of the bill, he prepared a resolution
ordering the committee to report forthwith, which was
offered by Hon. E. J. Welker, and passed by an apparent majority of ten to one. The bill finally passed both
houses by large majorities, and was approved by the
Governor, who took occasion warmly to congratutate
the author on his success against an active and powerful opposition. The following is a condensed and rather
poor report of Mr. King's speech on the motion referred to above, taken from the Detroit Tribune:
"This morning, Senator King, of the Jackson District, in an able speech in support of his joint resolution, aiming at a reformation of the Michigan laws,
and looking to the adoption of a new code of legal
practice in this State, said he wished to see a wholesome, if radical, reform in our system of pleading and
practice, in which we had made as little progress as
any State in the Union, and, perhaps, less than any
other.  Twenty-five years ago New York threw off
the shackles of her feudal jurisprudence, based originally upon caste, shaped by superstition, and copied
by Michigan. The movement, it is true, will not be
popular, and will be severely criticised by those who
instinctively dread all innovations, especially as it is
the rule for the learned professions to oppose all such
reforms as tend to enlighten the people at large.  It
has fallen within the Senator's own experience to be
accused of injuring his profession by showing a distressed client how he might avoid harassing and prolonged litigation, but he hopes that there are few left who
will be found willing to shut the masses out from all
the professional learning they are capable of mastering.
It is an old quarrel, however; Wickliffe and Huss, on
the one side, sought to impart light, and their opponents to keep it from the people; the Lollards printed
the Bible, and the Church pronounced the death penalty
upon all who were found to have it in their keeping.
The priesthood alone might read it, and such of the
laity as learned to print it were charged, as young
Edward Cobham was, with sorcery. So close, indeed,
was this monopoly of learning, that it was not until the
sixteenth century, that the Lord Chancellorship of
England was taken from the clergy, and was conferred
by Queen Elizabeth upon the learned Francis Bacon.
Thenceforth, there was greater liberty of learning, but
there is, even at this day, some trace left of the old
exclusive spirit of keeping the people in ignorance of
professional processes.  A great majority of the old
lawyers bitterly opposed the adoption of the New York
code, but by the persistence of professional reformers,
the change at length was made. The Senator scarcely
expects to influence the old practitioners, wedded to
their old forms; but he wishes to lay the two systems
before the Senate and the people, that they may judge
between them. In order to give non-professional Senators an idea of the difference between it and the code
forms used in most of the States from New York west
e ward, Senator King caused to be read a declaration
I under the old common-law practice, including what is
termed the common courts, and devised to recover for
the plaintiff an ordinary store account amounting to
h five hundred dollars or less, together with usual defend- ants' plea in the premises under the old system. Then,
by way of contrast, he presented the complaint and
answer of the defendant for the same transaction,
according to the code. In the first case, the pleadings
consumed eight closely written pages of legal cap; in
the last, they took less than two. The speaker then
continued: It can hardly be said that our present practice, which is not strictly that of the common law, is
any improvement upon it, except, perhaps, in some
unimportant modifications. Perhaps not even in these,
for the old wordy forms are more logical while they are
more lengthy, and the genuine common law rules are,
to some, preferable to the nameless practice now used
by Michigan lawyers. Our practice is that of the common law, considerably patched and clipped. Our plea
of the general issue is neither a general nor specific
denial of any allegation made by the plaintiff. It is
brought down to saying, in effect, 'We will see about
this.' The code, on the other hand, obliges the plaintiff
to state his whole case clearly in plain English; to say
without repetition what he brings suit for, how much
and exactly for what the defendant is indebted to him,
and the precise amount for which he claims judgment.
The defendant, also, must show his hand. If he has no
defense, he can not keep the plaintiff out of his money
by dilatory or sham pleas, for he must state his defense
exactly, and the proceedings on both sides must be in
English, so plain that any farmer can understand it.
Indeed, whatever of our own practice can be understood by a plain man of ordinary intelligence, seems to
have been drawn from the New York code.  In Michigan, also, lawyers seem to prefer to go or send, sometimes a long distance, to a County Clerk's office to
procure a legal paper which they know, or ought to
know, much better than the clerk, how to prepare. In
this way, old and able lawyers have waited several days
to get a simple subpoena or an execution, because the
County Clerk happened to be out of his office when he
called the first time.  Under our practice, the clerk,
who may never have looked into a law-book, and is
sometimes elected direct from the work-bench, is alone
authorized to issue writs of execution and subpoenas.
This ought to be the business of the attorney, who is
supposed to be sufficiently learned in the law to know
how and when to do it; and it long has been his business under the practice of New York and other States
that have adopted her system. The great State of New
York shook off this swaddling practice of ours more
than forty years ago. If we were to follow her example,
and adopt a code, the act would be attended with the
saving of unnecessary fees and expenses to the poor client, who, too frequently, has reason to think himself
fleeced. We are many years behind almost all the other
States in this matter. Senator King, after closing his
speech, which was upon a motion to take his joint resolution from the table, asked that the resolution might be
set down as the special order for discussion on some
future occasion. The Senate, however, paid him the
unusual compliment of passing it at once, without
further discussion, by a vote of eighteen to nine. A
motion to reconsider this vote, made when the Senate
re-assembled in the forenoon, was lost by fifteen to ten."
At the same session of the Legislature, a law was




II4

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

passed authorizing a commission to prepare amendments
to the Constitution of the State, when care was taken
by the old-school lawyers that the commission should
be controlled by them. Succeeding in this, they made
it a point to insert provisions tending to prevent all
chance for any future reform in the legal practice of
the State, by giving the Supreme Court exclusive jurisdiction over the subject. The following is an extract
from Senator King's speech on moving to strike out the
objectionable matter, as found in the Jackson Citizen,
of March 4, 1874, together with the mention of the
committees on which he served:
" Lieutenant-Governor Holt, having filled the vacancies
on the committees of our State Senate, we give the
names on some of the most important standing committees of the Senate. It will be seen that Senator
King, of this District, occupies a most prominent position on those of the greatest importance. Committee
on Railroads: Senators King, Gray, Lewis, Drury, and
Cook; Judiciary: McGowen, Brewer, King, Goodell,
and Gray; Finance: DeLand, King, and Richardson;
Banks and Incorporations: King, Wilber, and Beattie.
We publish below a synopsis of Senator King's speech
on his motion to strike out certain proposed amendments to the Constitution which were regarded as an
attempt to defeat his efforts to reform thle practice of
the law in this State. his criticisms on the work of the
commission, if a little caustic, are not unparliamentary.
"'MIR. CHAIRMAN-In looking over the proposed
amendments to the Constitution made by the late commission, I find what appears to me-and I say it with all due
respect to that worthy body-a sort of covert, not to
say dishonest, attempt to mislead or deceive the people
of this State, by interjecting, as it were, in out-of-theway places, divers propositions, especially under the
head of what is denominated the judicial department.
These, in effect, look to the nullification of a law passed
by a large majority of both Houses of this Legislature,
no longer ago than last winter. They are regarded by
many of the profession, and I believe by tile people
generally, among the most important upon the statute
books, and when carried out, and rightly understood,
will prove, in my judgment, to be one of the most popular reforms, both with the people and the legal profession. I except, of course, that portion of the profession
who, like the Bourbons, never forget and are never
willing to learn any thing, but are always ready to oppose every thing offered in the interest of the people.
Now, sir, what is it that these honorable 'ancients'
propose? Why, first they propose to take from the
Legislature, and, I may add, the people, and that, too,
forever, the power to regulate or legislate upon the
practice of the law in this State, and invest that power
solely with the Supreme court.  They then propose to
impose what would seem at first sight to be an onerous
duty upon the members of that court,-to impose upon
them a labor entirely out of place,-a work that the
Commission well knew, the court to be utterly opposed
to performing, and certainly within the spirit of the act
of last winter, looking to the adoption of a new code of
practice and procedure in this State. 1 do not wish to
be, or to seem to be, disrespectful toward this remarkable Council of Eighteen of 1873. I am ready to concede
their personal worth, their entire respectability of character, and, above all, the great tenacity with which they
seemed to have been disposed to cling to the old law

practice; aye, sir, and to put it beyond the reach of all
future legislation, provided always that this Legislature should be found simple enough to submit to the
people, and the people simple enough to adopt, aiid
thereby to ratify, their extraordinary propositions. How
do they propose to reach this? Let me refer you to
the third subdivision of Section 22, Article 4. IlHre
they propose to forbid the Legislature from regulating
or legislating upon the practice of the law in the courts
of justice in this State; and, in another place, to be
found in Section 5, Article 6, they propose to invest all
legislative power upon this subject in the Supreme Court.
By referring to this third subdivision of Article 4, and
the fifth section of Article 6, you will see the cunning
device referred to in the commencement of my observations. It is an audacious proposition, and is the first
time that an attempt of this kind has ever been made,
so far as I am advised, to wrest this power from the
Legislature, where it rightly belongs, and vest the same
in the Supreme Court of a State, and to put this power,
too, beyond all reclamation, except by the lumbering
process of an amendment to the Constitution. 1 have
said, sir, that I conceded the personal worth aird the
respectability of the late commission. I have also great
respect for the high character and standing of our Suprenme Court, and so 1 have, sir, for that most excellent
man, that remarkable and most illustrious character
known to us as Pio Nono, or Pius the Niinth; and, I
might add, that I have respect for his Ultramontane followers, and yet I neither respect nor believe in the religious bigotry of the one, nor the obstinate, hide-bound
prejudices of the other.  Referring to the Supreme
Court, it is undoubtedly opposed to the code, and this
was well known to the commission; and I am forced
to the conclusion that they are opposed to any and all
substantial reforms in the practice of the law in this
State.  The commission must have hoped to hoodwiink
us into submitting this last proposition to the people by
covering it up with the weight and character of the
Supreme Court.   This would not have appeared so
glaring had they not known the judges to be opposed to
the code, as well as reforms generally, in respect to this
old practice.  If our friends, the lawyers of the old
school,-and I am sorry to miss from their seats two of
the Senate's ablest exponents of this old school, but I
am glad to see their places tilled by more liberal, if not
abler men,-if they could have their way, and be indulged freely in all their prejudices; I don't know,
but in lieu of standing still, as they now insist upon
doing, they would be willing to go back a thousand
years or so.  True, this would take them some distance
beyond the time when they were permitted to study
law, or to learn any thing themselves. It was only after
a long and desperate struggle that they, with the aid of
the people, were enabled to burst the ecclesiastical bars,
and let in a little legal learning. They have been as willing ever since to keep all others out, as were the monks of
old to keep them and the rest of mankind in darkness.
Mr. Chairman, this has gone about far enough, and I propose to strike all this out; speaking in their behalf, I am in
favor of letting the people in, not to practice law, not
supposing they will understand all its intricacies or
its science, but that they shall know something of the
nature and meaning of their papers and pleadings; and
this, sir, was the object of the joint resolution of last
winter. The people have an interest in understanding
these. It is not to the science of law, but the ridiculous
and deceptive practice, that we object, which, in this
State, is a reproach, if not a disgrace, to the age. It was




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

115

to compel the lawyers to make their papers and pleadings so that a man of common sense could understand
them,--so that the farmer and the business man generally shall know what a legal paper is,-what it means
when such a paper is served upon him. The code means
this, sir. It means, too, that a pleading shall be in the
English language, and good English, too- that the
pleadings under it shall be plain, clear, and, above all,
truthful. Referring here to the question of adopting a
new code of practice, I would observe, sir, that this
question of reform is being agitated in the Old World,
and some of the greatest legal lights of England have
told the people and the profession there that this question could not be staved off much longer,- that the old
feudal practice was doomed, and the code near at hand.
It has been adopted substantially in some twenty-three
States of this Union. This State and one or two others,
including some of those of the South, still cling to the
old practice. Nor was I much disappointed in the commission's attempting, in this covert way, to retain this
old practice and so defeat all efforts at reform. Nor will
the Senate be, perhaps, when I relate a little incident
connected with this subject, which occurred just before
the last session of this Legislature. In answer to letters
I had written upon the subject of salaries of Circuit
Judges, a question that then agitated the public mind
considerably, I received an answer written by one of the
most distinguished, the most prominent and learned,
men of the eighteen members of the late commission,
and it read like this: "Yours of the 20th is read
and contents noted. For God's sake do not inflict
upon us the New York or any code."      Sir, it was
not the language used in expressing opposition to
the code that attracted my attention. It was the use
of that original and classical phrase, " contents noted,"
that struck me. Nor is there anything very remarkable
in all this. It is a phrase often used by young beginners
in epistolary correspondence, no doubt, andI would le
creditable enough in a sixteen-year-old clerk behind the
desk of a green-grocer, but hardly compatible with tlhe
dignity and learning that should attach to one qualified
or called upon to till so important a position as that of
framing for submission to the people the fundamental
law for a great State like this. Such a.mind partakes of
the mere journeyman, and is altogether too pinched, too
contracted, too narrow, for so great a work; and therefore
it is that I am not much disappointed that the work is
done as it is, and as we find it upon our tables to-day.
One word in regard to the section following Section
6, which provides for changing the judiciary from the
elective to the appointment principle, and I have done.
This is a proposition involving a very grave and a very
long stride backwards, and will scarcely disappoint any
one familiar with the characteristics and general bent
of the commission of 1873. I, for one, am not prepared
to make this retrogade movement; and am unwilling to
so insult the good sense of the people of this State, and
especially those whom I represent, by such a presumption as the submission of these propositions would seem
to indicate. All this proves to my mind that we made
a mistake in authorizing the appointment of the commission. The work is, in great part, a failure; and I
verily believe it would have been done vastly better by
an assemblage of men elected as the Legislature is, and
coming direct from the people, who would know their
wants, their needs, and their prejudices, if you please.
1 trust that the several propositions referred to will be
stricken out. These sections are well enough as they
stand in the present Constitution.' "
47

After all his efforts to successfully carry his great measure of reform, Colonel King was doomed to disappointment; for the then Governor, under the influence of its
opponents, refused to execute the law after many voluntary pledges to do so. Colonel King will now have to
wait for a more auspicious day, which is probably not
far distant, before he will have the pleasure of seeing
his great measure of reform in respect to the practice
and pleadings of the law carried into effect. In early
life, Colonel King contracted a taste for both political
and military life, though never seeking, and in but few
instances accepting, office.  When very young, he was
commissioned, by the Governor of New York, and served
as Aid-de-camp, Quartermaster, Judge Advocate, and as
Inspector of Division, on the staff of Major-General
Whitlock. The latter appointment gave him the rank
of Colonel, which has ever since clung to him. During
the civil war, he attained the same rank. In 1858 Mr.
King married Miss Wright, of Brooklyn, Michigan.
His father, William Pierce King, was of an old Massachusetts family; none of whom ever attained much distinction, if we except Rufus, once a distinguished
Senator from the State of New York; William, his
youngest brother, first Governor of Maine; and his
nephews, James G., John A., and Charley King. His
grandfather, James King, was a minute-man of the Revolution, Lieutenant commanding at Concord, Lexington,
and at Bunker Hill. In his boyhood, Mr. King was a
Republican.  Following the lead of Ienry Clay, he
naturally became identified with the Whig party; but
opposing some of the extreme views of the leaders of
that party in New York, in common with his particular
friends, ex-Governor John Young, Governor Hunt, and
Iton. William 1)uer, he assisted in breaking up that
party. He afterwards acted with that body of the
l)emocrats led by Chief-Justice Greene C. Bronson,
Daniel S. Dickinson, and others; but, on the breaking
out of the civil war, he became an active war Democrat. This led him into the Republican party, which has
ever since had his active support. The following from the
Havana (New York) Journal, 1868, will give some little
idea of the bent of his mind politically:
"The following eloquent extracts are from a speech
delivered by a Colonel King, at a place called Brooklyn,
in the State of Michigan, some time during the canvass
last fall. They are as pertinent words now as then,
and we give them for the benefit of our large circle of
readers, who, no doubt, will agree with the views so
firmly presented:
"'One truth should be engraven upon the hearts of
all. That no man who placed himself against the country in time of war, as did the Vallandighams, the
Woods, and thousands of others of the leading supporters
of Seymour and Blair, should ever expect recognition at
the hands of the people. It is a well authenticated historical fact that no tory, or the son of a tory, was ever
allowed to hold office after the Revolution. So now, no
trebel, or the son of a rebel, no copperhead, or the son




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

of a copperhead, should be allowed position from the
hands of the people.  These men, these assassins of the
Republic, starvers of prisoners of war, have an heritage
of immortal infamy-enemies of their country and its institutions, I do not envy them the damnable fame they
will transmit to posterity. Let us place upon them the
seal of our condemnation and reprobation-there let it
stand-there let it stand until repentance, long and deep
and sincere, shall claim mercy for the offenders.  For
this I shall doubtless be called a pretty desperate radical. Well, I am not much afraid of radicalism of this
sort. I am not naturally so radical as some, nor do I
regard the term as one of reproach. It hath no terrors
to me. In a fair sense of the word all the great thinking, working, earnest men and minds of antiquity, as
well as the present age, all that have lived and flourished as well before as in our day-may well be called
radicals. It was so with the great Apostle Paul; it was
so with Luther; with Melancthon, Knox, Iiuss, and old
John Wickliffe, whose bones, seventy years after his
death, were dug up by the conservatives of that day and
flung into 'the Avon, but to little purpose, if we may
believe an old rhymer, who says thatSThe Avon to the Severn runs,
The Severn to the sea,
And Wicklifte's dust
Shall spread abroad,
Wide as the waters be.'"
"' Radicalism, like religion, when well directed, can
not be blotted out, can not be put down by taunts or
jeers. Both will flourish when pursued in earnest and
upon honest principles.  Abraham   Lincoln was denounced as a radical, and yet no man ever administered
the government of this great nation with such a prospect of lasting and healthy results, and with such claims
to the veneration and remembrance of mankind. Like
Henry Clay, "the forest-born Demosthenes, whose thunder shook the Philip of the seas," he carved out for himself a path brighter and more glorious than it is often
the lot of man to tread; and it will be the duty of the
historian and sage to let no occasion pass of commemorating that illustrious man.  When time shall be no
more, a test of the progress which our race has made in
wisdom and virtue will be derived from the veneration
paid to the name of Abraham Lincoln."'
Mr. King's family are connected with the Episcopal
Church; and he rather favors that form of worship,
although aiding in the support of all the other organizations in his vicinity. A liberalist himself, discarding
the preternatural or miraculous as seeming to him puerile
and childish, but with perfect faith and belief in God
and the immortality of the soul, like Leigh Hunt's
"Abou Ben Adhem," he may be written as one who
loves his fellow-man. To sum up, Colonel King is a
man of varied attainments, and of marked traits of character.  His reading is extensive,-especially of books
of a solid order of literature, and those which treat of
the gravest subjects. lie has always 'evinced a decided
taste for the ancient classics,-works of philosophers,
historians, and statesmen of past ages; and many rare

volumes on these subjects can be found in his extensive
miscellaneous library. Ile is a keen observer of men
and passing events. His mind is richly stored with the
knowledge that has been acquired by a quick perception and a just comprehension of those with whom he
has mingled, both in public and private life, and from
the stirring scenes and events of the time in which lie
has lived and borne no inconsiderable part.  He is
familiar with the history of his own country from its
earliest beginnings, and of all the great men who have
shaped its constitutions and government, and who have
controlled the same. In politics, in its enlarged sense,
he has ever taken a decided interest, and maintained a
leading position.  His characteristics are sharply defined. He is positive in his opinions, expressing them
with clearness and emphasis that can not be misunderstood. His will is strong and aggressive, and he is not
easily turned aside from-his determination, or what he
deems to be in the line of duty. He is prompt to act,
and follows the object of his pursuit to the conclusion
of his resolves and the attainment of the desired end;
but, in so doing, scrupulously regards the rights of
others. He is honorable and just with his fellow-men,
and asks for nothing but what is strictly right,-always
liberal in his views, conceding the right of opinion in
its broadest sense.  lie is a man of great executive
ability, and accomplishes what lie undertakes. He is
firm, candid, and reliable. He is generous and lenient
with the unfortunate; but has little patience with those
who are guilty of deceit or wrong-doing.  Ile most
cheerfully assists the deserving, and is ever ready to aid
public enterprises designed for the good of his fellowmen. An advocate of genuine reform, and eminently
practical in his views, he enforces them with vigor, and
with convincing proof of his sincerity. His utterances
of truth, whether made in the public forum or in private
life, are marked by that strong common sense that commends them to the judgment and approbation of his
hearers. He is a gentleman of pleasing manners and
address, gifted in conversation, and agreeable in the
social circle,-having mingled freely in the best society
of his time, at the national capital and other metropolitan cities. Such are the outlines of the character and
attainments of Colonel King. To these, however, should
be added that which, perhaps, exceeds all: he is a firm
and untiring friend to those whom he respects and
esteems; and, while he will do no injustice nor injury to
any one, he will, with a singleness of heart and purpose,
expend his best energies, and give his material aid, in no
stinted measure, for those he loves and believes to be in
the right.




REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.

117

IIURICHI, WILLIAM    B., M. D., of Marshall,
Michigan, was born May 24, 1836, at Spring,
SCrawford County, Pennsylvania.    His parents,
Rev. J. E. and Julia (Bailey) Church, are both living
near him in Marshall. Iis grandfather Bailey was a
very public-spirited man, and held many positions of
trust and honor at his home in the East. Mr. Church's
life has been greatly influenced by the character and
judicious counsel of his parents, who led their children
by consistent Christian examples and precepts. Owing
to his having a delicate constitution, his mind was early
directed to questions of hygiene and physical culture;
and he eagerly read every thing pertaining to these subjects. For many years he subjected himself to a rigid
course of physical training; and was at length rewarded,
not only with good health, but more than ordinary
powers of endurance. His early education was obtained
in the public and select schools of his native town; after
leaving which, at the age of seventeen, he taught school
for one year. lie then entered upon a four years' course
in Antioch College, while that institution was in charge
of Horace Mann; supporting himself by teaching, sawing wood, and working during the vacations in the hay
and harvest fields. In 1858 he went to Mason City,
Iowa, where he spent the following four years in teaching, surveying, and studying medicine. In May, 1862,
lie enlisted in the 32d Iowa Infantry, and was soon promoted to hospital steward, which position he held two
years and a half; and, afterwards, to Assistant Surgeon,
and served in that capacity one year. All through his
service, he showed remarkable talent for the position
which he occupied. IIe was mustered out in August,
1865, and immediately entered the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, from which he graduated
in 1866. lie then settled in Marshall, Michigan, where
he has secured a comfortable home and established a
large practice. His surgical practice has been unusually
extensive, including many cases'of the most serious and
difficult nature, with a large list of capital operations.
During his twelve years' residence in Marshall, Mr.
Church has been almost exclusively devoted to his profession, the only object which he has allowed to divide
his attention being the public schools; he is a member
of the Board of Education of Marshall. He is a member of the State and National Medical Association, and
is very progressive in his spirit,-always acquiring the
latest knowledge on all subjects relating to his profession,
and procuring the latest and most approved instruments.
Hle is liberal in his religious views, and is a highly respected member of the Christian Church. In politics, he
is a radical Republican, supporting all just and honest
men, of whatever party. Ile married, September 13,
1861, Miss Georgia Iloyt, of Mason City, Iowa, (formerly
of Vermont), an estimable and refined lady. They have
four children,- three sons and one daughter,-and a

remarkably happy home. The lesson which may be
drawn from this short sketch of Dr. Church's life is one
of encouragement to the young, showing what may be
accomplished in this country, even under the most discouraging circumstances, by untiring energy, frugal
habits, and persevering industry.,LISS, IION. ALBERT A., State-prison Inspector
and ex-Treasurer of the State of Ohio, Jackson,
SMichigan, was born in Canton, Connecticut,
March 23, I8II.   He spent his early years on his
father's farm in Oneida County, New York, under the
guidance of his mother, a lady of superior culture and
an earnest Christian woman. At the age of fourteen,
Mr. Bliss went to Whitesborough village to learn the
trades of chair-making and house and sign painting; and
worked at his trades six years. IIe afterwards spent
three years in study and teaching, and then took a contract for building a house, in order to gain funds to go
West. Having fulfilled this contract, he went to Elyria,
Ohio; commenced the study of law; and, in the fall of
1835, was admitted to the bar.  While learning his
profession, he supported himself by working at his trade,
and editing the Ohio A/tas, a leading local newspaper.
Mr. Bliss practiced his profession for ten years; served
in the State Legislature of Ohio three years; and held
the position of Mayor of Elyria one year. In 1846 he
was invited, by the medical department of Western Reserve College, to deliver an address on the " Mission
of the Physician." lHe was a member of the Whig
party; he has worked with the Republicans since their
organization.  Mr. Bliss was nominated in 1846 and
1849, by the Ohio State Whig Convention, for the honorable and responsible position of Treasurer of State.
lie was elected and served both terms, devoting his
entire time to the duties of his office, and greatly
impairing his health. In 1852 he was renominated for
the third term by the Republicans, but was defeated.
Mr. Bliss removed to Jackson, Michigan, in 1863, and
during the same year was appointed, by Governor Bagley, one of the Inspectors of the Jackson State-prison,
which office he still holds. Three years later, he was
placed upon the School Board. In the fall of 1876,
he was the Republican candidate for Probate Judge,
and was defeated by only forty-five votes in a county
where the Democratic majority is from four to six hundred. In December, 1835, he married Almira J. Beebe,
of Whitesborough, New York. They have two children
living. During all the years of his official life, Mr. Bliss
has discharged the duties of his various positions in a
careful, honest, able manner, and has won for himself
great popularity and influence.




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