Elisha Rumsey facts for kids

Elisha Walker Rumsey (born around 1785 – died August 1827) was an early American pioneer. He helped start the city of Ann Arbor in the United States. In 1824, he and John Allen worked together to create this new town.

Elisha Rumsey's Early Life

Not much is known about Elisha Rumsey's younger years. He was born in Sharon, Connecticut. Many stories used to say he was from New York, but that was not true. We don't know exactly why he decided to travel to Michigan.

Founding Ann Arbor

Elisha Rumsey met John Allen in January 1824 in Detroit. They left Detroit together. In early February, they reached the spot where Ann Arbor is today. By February 14, they went back to Detroit. They registered their land claims at the federal land office.

Rumsey was not as wealthy as Allen. He bought 160 acres (0.65 km²) of land for $200. Allen bought more land, 480 acres (1.9 km²), for $600. They also paid $1,000 to make their new village the county seat. This meant it would be the main town for the area. On May 25, the town plan was officially recorded in Wayne County.

At first, the town's name was written as "Annarbour." Later, it became two words: "Ann Arbor." Some historians say the town was named after John Allen's wife, Ann. Others think it was named for both founders' wives: Ann Allen and Mary Ann Rumsey, who was Rumsey's wife.

Rumsey's house was finished in 1825. It was the very first building in the new town. It was called the Washtenaw Coffee House. This building became Ann Arbor's first hotel and cafe. Many new settlers stayed there until their own homes were built. John Allen focused on the business side of Ann Arbor. Rumsey, however, was more involved in helping people. He provided places to stay and meals for new residents.

What Was Elisha Rumsey Like?

We don't know a lot about Elisha Rumsey's personality. One memory from a Mr. and Mrs. Anderson said he was "a commonplace man." This meant he seemed very ordinary in his skills and looks. Another person, Mr. Morton, remembered him differently. He said Rumsey was "a man of more than ordinary intelligence." He also said Rumsey "knew how to keep a hotel."

Elisha Rumsey's Death

Rumsey's grave and memorial

Elisha Rumsey died in August 1827. He passed away because of a fever. He was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery in Ann Arbor. His headstone says, "The first settler in Ann Arbor." He is the only founder of the town who is buried there.