Rash's Surname Index
Notes for Joseph ESTABROOK
Principal of Michigan State Normal School, and Regent of Michigan 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 ninety-nine 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 Michigan 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 day, 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 in 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 1861 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. He is highly esteemed by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.
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