Legislator Details
Vital Records Information:
Marital Information:
married Mary Dutcher, dau. of Daniel & Lavanchia Dutcher, in Port Huron, MI or Buffalo, NY, 9/18/1849; children: Cathrin
Number of Children: 1
Background
Education:
Biographical Sketch:
Educated in Prussia until 1843 when he went to Leisic & worked as a translator, translating French medical literature into English. He served 3 years in the German army. He arrived in Buffalo, NY in 1846. He enlisted in the US Army for 5 yrs and was sent to Fort Gratiot, Michigan and served under Captain U.S. Grant. They were soon sent to fight in the Mexican War. He was promoted to sergeant and was a sharp shooter. At Vera Cruz, he saved the lives of 20 of his comrades. He was discharged in Aug. 1851 in Ft. Gratiot, MI. He returned, briefly, to Buffalo, NY, before moving to Huron County, MI. Briefly operated a ferry between Saginaw & East Saginaw before, in late 1852, buying federal land, an island in Saginaw Bay, known as Heisterman's Island, where he resided until 1883, when he sold the property to a club for resort purposes. He then moved to Bad Axe. He was elected register of deeds in 1876, 1878 and 1880. He served as Fairhaven supervisor for 16 years.
Notable Facts:
1st white settler in Fair Haven twp.
Several years before his death, he suffered a paralyzing stroke.
His obituary says he was born in Leipsic, Germany.