Staebler, Michael, 1843-1928.

Ann Arbor, Michigan businessman, dealer in coal, farm machinery, bicycles, and automobiles.

From the description of Michael Staebler papers, 1872-1934. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 77850578

From the description of Michael Staebler papers, 1872-1928. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34419987

Michael Staebler was born September 7, 1843, in the Staebler homestead on Scio Church Road in Lodi Township, at the intersection of Lodi, Scio, Freedom, and Lima townships. He was the son of Maria Wildt Staebler and Frederick Staebler, who had purchased the land from the United States Government in 1831. Michael Staebler had a sawmill, a cider press, and a flax seed press. He also operated a threshing machine.

In 1885 Michael Staebler erected the Germania Building in Ann Arbor on the southeast corner of Ashley and Washington Streets. The American Hotel, now the Earle, occupied part of the building, and the remainder was used to house his various business enterprises. He sold coal, farm machinery, and bicycles. From 1889 to 1891 he was a member of the firm Staebler and Elmer, which manufactured the Ferguson Speed Cart.

Staebler and Son, of which Edward W. was the partner, in 1900, became the first automobile dealers in Ann Arbor. During the next half century they were agents for the Trimoto, the Toledo Steam Carriage, the Winton, the Reo, the Dort, the Franklin, the Oakland, and the Pontiac. The firm name became Staebler and Sons after Michael retired and Herman J. entered the business with Edward. Walter P. Staebler joined them in 1913. The company was dissolved in July, 1952.

As a result of the increasing demand for gasoline, two sons, J. Frederick and Edward W. organized the Staebler Oil Company and became the first independent gasoline distributors in Washtenaw County. Besides Edward, Herman, Walter, and Frederick, who have been mentioned, the children of Michael Staebler were: a daughter who died in infancy, Robert E., Albert H., and Alice Staebler Johnson.

From the guide to the Michael Staebler Papers, 1872-1934, (Bentley Historical Library University of Michigan)