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BOOKS BY THE SAME AUTHOR
"< IUK INLAND SEAS"
Tlieir Shipping mnl Commerce for Three Centuries
A fascinating story of the development of transporta-
tion on the Great Lakes, with interesting side 1il;1ii^ <m his-
tory and bizarre tales of lost treasure and lost people, includ-
ing the economic value of lake shipping.
Crown, s vo., 380 pages, 70 ill.
$1.75 Net
A. C. McCltjrg & Co., Chicago, Publishers.
"SEARCHLIGHTS ON SOME AMERICAN
INDUSTRIES"
.A book full of the romance of our leading industries,
yi I satisfying, too, the sober requirements of accuracy. It
traces the growth and development of each industry from
the earliest times to the highly specialized systems of lodaj
i i ■.,■//, 8 vo., 300 pages, 48 ill.
$1.50 Net
A. C. McCLURG & Co., Chicago, Publishers.
' I >LIVER HAZARD PERRY
AND THE
RATTLE OF LAKE ERIE"
A true ami faithful biographv of the hero of Erie,
related in a highly interesting style, unbiased and free from
undue praise. Itisa history of the naval operationson Lake
Erie in 1S1.1. and of the subsequent military campaign in
i inula, which resulted in the recovery of the Northwest
Territory to the United States.
( rown, 8 vo., 278 pages, l- ill.
$l.5tt Net.
John Phelps, Detroit, Publisher.
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX
TIL£FSN FOUNDATIONS]
SAGINAW COUNTY COURT HOUSE, ERECTED 1884-5
HISTORY of
SAGINAW COUNTY
■v
MICHIGAN
Historical Commercial
Biographical
Profusely Illustrated with Portraits of Early Pioneers,
Rare Pictures and Scenes of Olden Times, and
Portraits of Representative
Citizens of Today
By JAMES COOKE MILLS
Author of "Our Inland Seas"
"Searchlights on American Industries"
'Oliver Hazard Perrv and the Battle of Lake Erie'
Saginaw, Michigan
Seemann & Peters, Publishers
Printers, Binders, Stationers
1918
i . , . ./ YOiiK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
R 1919 L
i bpyright, 1018
Seemann & Peters, Saginaw
All rights reserved
Press "i Seemann .N; Peters
Saginaw, Michigan
U. S. A.
PREFACE
SIXTY years ago, when the whole region of Saginaw Valley was little
mure than a wilderness, a printer by the name oi Fox gave the scant
population a "History of Saginaw County." It was a small pamphlet
of about sixty pages, paper bound, set up and printed entirely by hand,
but it contained valuable information for posterity. Unfortunately this book
has become very scarce, and only a few copies are known to exist. In 1868
Mr. Fox published a new and revised edition of his history, containing eighty-
six pages, also hand made, which now is also rare. The first directory of
Saginaw, published in 1866, contained a comprehensive and interesting history
of early Saginaw, by Thomas Galatin ; and eight years later W. R. Bates
presented his "History of the Saginaws."
From these early histories, valuable in their accounts of pioneer days, of
persons and events; from the tiles of early newspapers; from scrap hooks
and albums of settlers who preserved records of primitive times; and from
interviews with many old residents whose recollections were still keen, the
historian has gathered materials for this history. It is the first work of the
kind, to he dignified by the title of "1 [istory," published in thirty-seven years;
and in its broad scope and purpose represents many months oi research
and study.
The fund of information, containing stories of border lite, narratives oi
personal adventures and public events, is almost inexhaustible. < hie might
go on and on for years gathering true and faithful accounts, often musty
and dim with age, but with plenty of color and atmosphere to lend interest,
and filling volumes of interesting history. The human element never is want-
ing in Saginaw's history. Few sections of the country, at least in the Middle
West, can produce such material, thrilling and often startling, and replete
with heart interest. The difficulty experienced by the historian has been in
the selection and elimination of his materials, for he has ever had in mind the
use of that which casts a searchlight on human events, and lends the most
absorbing interest. Romance is not lacking in the stories gathered, and pos-
sibly some of it may be reflected in the historical narratives.
The purpose and aim of this History of Saginaw County, published in
nineteen hundred and eighteen, is to give the people of Michigan a reliable,
comprehensive and interesting story of our past and present life; to show the
development of this industrial and agricultural center of the State from the
once primeval forest; and to hand down to generations to come the facts of
early history from which may lie formed a proper conception of what pioneer
settlers and others suffered in laving the firm foundation upon which our
prosperity stands. This work will be a practical basis for the study of local
history in the public schools, both in city and townships, ami will he a refer-
ence book in public libraries here ami elsewhere. This has been constantly in
mind si > that a proper balance between personal and material things might
be maintained.
Each subject has been treated as a separate and distinct monograph, with
events and things arranged in chronological order. For the must part all
matter pertaining to one general subject will be found together in its proper
place, although in some instances, such as the romance of lumbering, interest-
ing; accounts will be found in the chapters on early pioneer life. This is
because logging and lumbering operations were inseparably linked with the
daily experiences of the pioneers, two generations literally growing up in the
atmosphere of the pine forests, in the hum of saw mills, and the wild and
reckless life of the frontier.
The logical arrangement, therefore, necessitated a division of the wdtole
work into four separate books, incorporated and bound into two volumes.
The first book. Historical — comprises fifteen chapters (from I to XV, in-
clusive), and deals with our local history from the earliest times to the
present, including many illustrations of town and river scenes, and portraits
of early pioneers. The second book, Industrial History — (chapters XVI to
XXV), is devoted to our manufacturers, mercantile and banking interests, in
which pictures of factories (both outside and inside), wholesale houses, prom-
inent buildings and street scenes, are interesting features. These two 1 ks
are bound complete in Volume I, with convenient indexes of pioneer biog-
raphies and subject titles. The third book — Biographies of Representative
Citizens — gives the life histories of the men whose collective efforts have
made Saginaw the prosperous city it is today. The fourth book — Town-
ships anil Towns — comprises the local history of each township and biog-
raphies of leading pioneers, merchants, professional men, and progressive
farmers who have developed agriculture in this county. Books three and
four are bound complete in Volume II, with proper indexes.
History and Biography are terms identical in meaning ami purpose.
They are words expressing practically the same thing, although in somewhat
different form. History is a record of human events, political, economic or
industrial. Biography is a record of purely individual endeavor, as expressed
in the form of a life history, and treats of the more intimate affairs of a man's
life. Both History and Biography, therefore, are essential to a complete and
perfect record of any community or commonwealth. As treated in this
History of Saginaw County, one is as necessary and important as the other.
The closer and more intimate relations of our leading manufacturers, jobbing
houses and banking institutions, as found in their individual histories appear-
ing at intervals in Volume I, pages 461 to 774, are essential to a proper under-
standing of our commercial advancement. No history would approach com-
pleteness without them. A perusal of these accounts will be found interest-
c
ing and instructive, and to many will prove a surprise in the revelation of
growth and importance of the industrial and commercial prosperity of this
city. A summary of industries, in which Saginaw leads the State and in some
instances the Nation, appears in Volume I. page 679.
Likewise, the personal element interwoven in the biographies of our lead-
ing- citizens, contains features of the highest interest. Their achievements in
business and professional life are related in a modest and unostentatious style,
befitting the character and lives of the subjects, yet are intimately and purely
personal in treatment. Much of the most vital and important history of Sagi-
naw County is told in these biographies. For instance, some of the most
interesting history of lumbering in Michigan is incorporated in the sketches
of Ammi W. Wright, Charles H. Davis and other- of that enterprising group
of men, whose names are indelibly stamped on the history of the Northwest.
The same is true of the simple yet dignified biographies of other business and
professional men, a reading of which will reveal interesting sidelights on
histor\ .
While this history has had the endorsement and encouragement of our
leading ami representative citizens and townsmen, a few have assumed a
different attitude toward it. These men undoubtedly regard themselves as
deserving a place among progressive men. but from extreme modesty or other
reasons have refused to recognize the work by giving any information con-
erning their personal affairs. Generally such cases are forgotten. In some,
however, because of pioneer antecedents or circumstances of importance, the
historian has felt bound, in justice to those who have identified themselves
with the work, to present an unbiased account of a man's life. Hut without
information derived first-hand, it has been necessary to resort to such data as
could be obtained from outside sources and which seemed true and reliable,
but the veracity of which could not be substantiated. It is hoped that noth-
ing has been published distasteful to the persons whose affairs are thus
related. History in its highest form, it should be borne in mind, is selective
and critical.
For personal interest and aid in his researches and study, in the loan of
old histories, scrap books, newspaper clippings, pioneer portraits and views,
the historian is greatly indebted to Fred Dustin, Mrs. Aaron T. Rliss, Mr-.
S. C. J. Ostrom, Fred J. Buckhout, Mrs. Ferdinand Brucker, William B.
Mershon, Fred L. Eaton, Jr., John A. Co,, nibs, William 1'. Powell, John F.
O'Keefe, Benton Hanchett, Ezra Rust, Mrs. James B. Peter, Langley S. Foote,
George L. Burrows, Jr., Miss Nellie Brown, William S. Linton. John Moore,
George W. Wallis, late chief of the lire department, Patrick Rain, chief of
the police department, the commissioner of park- and cemeteries, W. W.
Warner, superintendent of schools; and to Miss Harriet H. Ames, and her
associate. Miss Blanche Topping, of Hoyt Library; Miss Dow ,,| the Public
Library; Miss Benjamin of the Butman-Fish Memorial Library; and the
Detroit Public Library; and the Michigan Historical Commission. To all
these, and many others who have rendered incidental aid. the historian
extends his grateful acknowledgements.
R C. M.
CONTENTS
[LLUSTRATK )NS
CHAPTER I PA«E
Pre-Historic Races 1
CHAP n R : I
The ! ndians c if Saginaw Valley 21
CHAP! ER 111
The Advent of \\ hite Men 34
CHAPTER [V
The Treaty of Saginaw 51
CHAPTER V
The I"' lining of I >e T icqueville, i ir "A Fi irtnight in the \\ ilderness" ....
CHAP1 ER \ I
! 'ii meer I >ays 79
CHAPTER VII
( >rganization i if the i '.i unity 97
CHAPTER VIII
I he Rise and Progress of Saginaw City 117
CHAPTER IX
Founding of East Saginaw 137
( HAPTER X
Reminiscences c if I 'ii meer ( Citizens 160
CHAPTER XI
An Era of Prosperity 185
CHAPTER XII
Some Municipal < irganizations 207
CHAPTER XIII
The Consolidated Saginaws 237
(II \ITER XIV
Our Educational Development 274
CHAPTER XV
Religious and Social Life 313
THE INDUSTRIAL HISTORY OF SAGINAW
CHAPTER XVI ''AGE
The Lumber Industry 393
( HAPTER XVII
The Salt Industry 426
CHAPTER XVIII
The ( ' ial Industry 447
CHAPTER XIX
The Beet-Sugar Industry 466
CHAPTER XX
Diversified Industries 489
CHAPTER XXI
Varied Commercial Interests 603
CHAPTER XXII
Development of Agriculture 681
CHAPTER XXIII
Transportation 703
< HAPTER XXIV
Banks and Banking 739
CHAPTER XXV
The Bench and Bar 775
INDEX OF PIONEERS AND INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL
IIISTt )RV
INDEX ( >F SUBJECT TITLES
( Sub Headings i
BIBLIOGRAPHY
VOLUME II
Biographies of Representative Citizens
Townships and Towns
Index of Biographies
General Index
ILLUSTRATIONS
Frontispiece page
Heavy Aboriginal Implements 3
Fragments of Ancient Pi ittery 4
Flint Implements Used by Mi mnd- 1 iuilders 6
Primitive Arrow-Points 9
1 .cat-Shaped Blades 11
Arrow and Spear Points 11
( in en Point Mounds 14
The Andri >ss Urn 15
Pipe Made of Sandstone 18
Fragmentary Specimens of Pipes 19
Primitive ' Irnaments and Charms 20
Semi-( "\\ ilized Indians of Saginaw in the '60's 26
Shop-en-a-gons 33
"1 ,e < rriffi m" ?>7
Pere Marquette at St. Ignace in 1671, about to start on his journey of
discovery of the Mississippi 41
A Map of the Region of the < ire at Lakes, 1747 44
Lewis Cass 50
( lid Furl Saginaw, in 1822 61
Morass in the Wilderness 65
The Trail to Saginaw 7?>
View mi Saginaw River, 18X0 7^
Au-saw-wa-mic 83
Eleazer Jewett 85
Gardner D. Williams [ Qn
Ephraim S. Williams \
( )n the Cass River, near its Mouth 96
Judge Elijah N. Davenport | QQ
Captain Joseph W. Maiden \ yj
Albert Miller 101
Airs. James Fraser I ]n9
James Fraser l ' . ■ . l )-
Map of the City of Saginaw, 1837 104-5
I In Firsl Court lb iuse i if Saginaw County, built in 1838-9 112
lames McCi nmick ) . .
William R. McCormidk I U
Phineas D. Braley I . -.,
Hiram L. Miller " \ ]"4
Charles H. Richman I . ,
Mrs. Charles II. Richman I
X. irman Little 133
A ( amp in Winter 136
PAGE
Site of Present City Hall. 1849 141
Curtis Emerson
If, 2
Moses B. Hess 14fi
Jesse Hoyt .151
Colonel W. L. P. Little ) ...
Charles D\ Little ) 154
Saginaw River Front, North of Johnson Street, in the Early Hays 157
Charles W. Grant ". 158
W. L. P. Little Family 159
Norman L. Miller i
Charles T. Brenner i
Obadiah Crane 165
William A. Crane | . -
Mrs. William A. Crane \
Adelaide Delisle Cushway I
Mary Hubbard Ide ,-q
George Washington Davis i
Thadeas De Lamorandiere I
( reorge Streeb ) \j~<
Ji fhn W. Richardson \
Saginaw City in 1850 175
John Moore I ,js
Joseph A. Whittier |
James F. Brown \ ,(«
Emil A. L. Mm,, ,-e- J u
Lumbering on the Saginaw in the Fifties 184
James S. Webber \ ,07
John F. Driggs \
Union Hall 19]
Faying Nicholson Pavement in ( ienesee Street, 1868 193
The Bancroft House in 1865 )
The Crouse Block on Site of Eddy Building ,;i|
Water Street at Foot of Tuscola ( ' '
East Side of Water Street at Tuscola, 1860 )
William J. Bartow I , , ,, ,
Solomon Bond Bliss 1
William H. Sweet 1
Myn ,11 Butman -,., ,
Newell Barnard (
I laniel L. C. Eaton )
Hamilton Street, Looking South from Cleveland Street, about 1875 I ,,-,(
View on Saginaw River, Looking North from Mackinaw Street. 1875 )
Genesee Street, Looking East from Water Street \
Genesee Street. Looking West from Washington, about 1868 /
Ruins of Jackson Hall, Burned May 26, 1873 ' 1(),,
Genesee Street, Looking East from Washington, about 1872 ,
The Great Fl 1 of 1873, Looking Across Genesee Street Fridge V
Mater Street, Looking North from German Street, Flood of 1873
1 renesee Avenue between Baum and Jefferson, about 1860 212
"Valley City" Boys, 1864 ' 214
PACE
Valley City No. 3 Fire Station 217
Valley City Boys, 1915 219
Actn e I lose, 1 look and Ladder Company No. 1 2_'l
Hose House No. 13, Harrison and Van Buren Street- 222
( )ld Style I lose Keel and Fire Company, about 1881 224
The Cities of Saginaw at Height of the Lumber Industry 227
Loading at Holland's Dock, 1879 I ?2g
Saginaw River, Looking North from Michigan Central Bridge (
Miley Mower 231
Zack Baskins, James P. Walsh, Patrick Kain, Rimer E. Bishop, T. McCoy 232
Hamilton Street North from Court 235
Second Precinct Police Station, Adams Street 236
From the Roof of the Academy. Looking East, 1886 I ,^,
From the Roof of the Academy, Looking Southwest, 1!
The Cit) Hall 242
Court Street Bridge 244
Genesee Avenue Bridge 245
Genesee Avenue 1 hiring Saengerfest, in 1872 24/
Group of Old-Time Mayors of the Saginaws ;)
Herbert H. Hoyt, John G Owen, John Welch, A. K R. Braley, Lyman \\ Miss,
Frank Lawre John S. Estabrook, Henry M. Yov
\ i :ws in I loyt Park 2?5
es in Bliss Park. 254
Map of Ezra Rust Park 257
Mershon-Whittier Natatorium 25()
Views in I »akwood Cemetery 261
Views in Forest Lawn Cemetery . . 262
The Auditorium 265
Street Scenes During the Great Flood of March, 1(XM 267
Last Council of the City of Saginaw under Aldermanic System, 1913. . 269
The First Council under the Commission Government, January 1, 1914. . 271
Hilem F. Paddock, Mayor of Saginaw, 1915-19 273
( ill iup of West Side Sch( ids 27tt
The John Mo. .re School 279
The Arthur Hill Trade School 280
Si ime Sin ips in the I till Trade Schi iol 283
Arthur Hill | 2S4
Wellington R. Burt j
The ( lid "Academy" 287
The ( dd Central School. Erected in 1866 290
Group of East Side Schools 292
The Burt Manual Training School 293
I uteri or of Burt Manual Training School 295
The New ( icrmania School, Completed in 1(|14 296
Fac-Simile of Letter Written by Norman Little in 1837 298 and 299
The Butman-Fish Memorial Library 301
Interior of Public Library, East Side 303
The Hoyt Public Library 306
PAGE
Members of the Tuesday Club at Mrs. Buckhout's Home, 1885 309
The Presbyterian Church at Saginaw Lily 314
First Presbyterian Church.. 317
Insert Reverend Harry Rogers Stark
( >ld St. John's Church, Erected in 1853 318
St. John's Episcopal Church 319
Reverend Emil Montanus 320
Jefferson Avenue, North from Hayden Street. 1886 | -,-,■,
Weadock Avenue, North from Thompson Street \
Father Vanderhayden 325
Ul<l Methodist Church, German Street and Washington Avenue 328
Jeffers Fountain 329
Portrait Gallery of Residents of Saginaw City, 1860-1875 330 and 331
Old St. Paul's Church, Erected in 1864 334
Interior of St. Paul's Church 335
The First Congregatii mal Church, Erected in IS. 0 ^37
( in nip i if Saginaw Churches 341 1
Holy Rosary Church and School 343
Church of the Sacred I leart 344
Some of Saginaw's Benevolent Institutions 347
The Xew V. VV. C. \. Building, Erected in 1912 350
The Cafeteria of the V. W. C. A 352
A Group of Prominent Citizens and Others in Front of the Saginaw
Club, 1907 333
The Xew Y. M. C. A. Building on the West Side 335
Swimming Pool, Y. M. C. A 356
Group of ( ierman Citizens, 1865 357
Some Pioneer Members of the < lermania Society 3?(>
The First Germania School 360
The (lermania Institute 362
Members of the Germania Building Committee 363
The First Trustees of the Schmitz Endowment 364
Franz Dreier and Some of the Turners, 1906 365
The Germania Maennerchor, 1905 368
The Germania Damenchor, 1905 369
The Teutonia Hall 371
Colonel Thomas Savior 373
Enlisted Men of Company F, Thirty-Third Regiment, M. N. G., 1016 374
The Armory, Erected in 1909 376
Saginaw Naval Reserves on Hoard the "Michigan." 1895 377
The East Saginaw Club 379
Saginaw's Grand Old Men in 1907 381
Henry C. Potter, Joseph A. Whittier, Thomas Merrill 1 Ammi W. Wright
The Saginaw ( Country Club 3X2
Thirteenth Green 383
Saginaw Canoe Club on < >sakina Island 384
The Elk's Temple 385
PAGE
Pioneer Residents of Saginaw City 386
William Binder, Mrs. William A. Armstrong, Harvey Joslin, Mrs. Jennie Paine,
Lorenzo Burrows, Jr., Teresa Junes, George L. Burrows,
Mis, George L. Burrows, Harry Miller
Masi mic Temple 388
( lid-Time Portraits of Well Known Citizens 390
Charles R. Penney, John Weller, John Jeffers, Walter Gardner, Isaac Bearinger,
Mrs. E. J. Ring, Isaac Parsons, Mrs C. W. Wells, Frederick H. Herbert,
Gurdon Coining and Ida C, Nicholas A. Randall,
Doctor II. Williams, Judge L. C. Holden
Genesee Avenue. Looking West from Jefferson, 1900 I ^Q7
Washington Avenue. Looking North from Bancroft House, 1900 \
THE INDUSTRIAL HISTORY OF SAGINAW
'- 'hoppers at Work in Forest 395
Loading on Sleighs "1 -.no
I lauling to Skidway J
A Log Dump I
Rafting Logs j oy
Lumberjacks at Their Noon Meal in I lepths of Forest 401
"Snaking" Logs by Ox Team, 1860 404
Interior of Bunk House 406
Tallies Spread in "Chuck" Shanty 40''
Business Cards of Leading Lumbermen, about 1874 412
Grinding Axes in Camp I , , r
I (rawing Water at Spring I
Record Load Hauled by One Two-Horse Team 418
Loading Long Timber for Ship Spars 421
Saw Mill and Lumber Yard in the Car Trade 422
Scaling and Sorting Lumber on the 1 lock 424
The Tittabawassee at Riverside Park 425
Salt Block and Mill Boom— Log End of Saw Mill 428
To Whom Honor is Due for the Discovery of Salt 431
Stephen R. Kirby, Sanford Keeler and George W Merrill
Saginaw River in the Eighteen-Nineties, at F. i\i P. M. R. R. Bridge. . . . 434
Salt Block, Saw Mill and Cooper Shop of Charles Merrill & Co. . . 43S
( :. M. Ireton 439
Sectii in i if Settling Tanks, Salt Wi irks of Saginaw Plate ( rlass Co 441
One of the Ten Concrete "Grainers," Salt Works of Sag. P. G. Co. / ,.-,
Automatic Rakes Dumping Salt, at Saginaw Plate Glass Company \
I Idls of Salt in I luge Warehouse, Saginaw Plate ( '.lass Company 444
Washington Street North from Janes, 1SSS i
Cass Street South from Tuscola, 1888 I
The First ( J ial Mine in Saginaw County, 1896 450
Loading Coal in Wagons at Caledonia Mine No. 1, 1('05 j ,-,
Socialist Miners Just Up from the Mine. 1905 \
Miners Setting Electric Short Wall Cutter 456
Electric Continuous Cutter on Truck, Ready for < Iperation 457
Close-Up View of Short Wall Cutter. )
Sin iwing ( J impactness i if C instructii >n • 459
Electric Chain Cutter ( )perating in Entry \
Tipple and Power House of \ .-,
Wolverine Mine N<>. 2 of Consolidated Coal Company J
PAG1
Tipple of Bliss Coal Mine, Swan Creek 464
John T. Phillips and Clarence H. Brand at Bliss Coal Mine 465
Six Hundred Acre Beet Field at Prairie Farm 469
Beet Wagons Waiting to Unload at Merrill Weigh Station 472
Carrollton Plant of Michigan Sugar Company 475
The "Scroll." or Worm Conveyor at Carrollton Sugar Factory , 479
The Carbonators, in which the Impurities in the Juice are Absorbed. . . . 482
Pressure Filters, which Remove all the Purifying Agents 483
Vacuum Evaporators, which Reduce the Purified Juice to a Rich Syrup I ,y-
Syrup Boilers or "Strike Pans." in which the syrup is crystalized \
"Osmogenes," which purify the syrup for crystalization 487
A Portion of the Plant of the Saginaw Plate Glass Company 488
Wildman Br. ithers B. .iler Works, 1885 492
Maple Flooring Plant of S. L. Eastman Flooring Company 495
Mammoth Plant of the Lufkin Rule Company 498
Fac-Simile of Signatures to Original Articles of Incorporation of the
Board of Trade 501
Prominent Promotors of and Donors to the Saginaw Board of Trade. . . . 502
What Might Have Been a Familiar Sight 5^:-
Trustees of Merchants and Manufacturers Association, 1909 to 1913.... 507
Plant of the Erd Motor Company 509
Extensive Works of the Saginaw Manufacturing Company 511
Former Shops of the Saginaw Sheet Metal Works 512
Efficient Plant of the Saginaw Sheet Metal Works 513
Plant of the Saginaw Ladder Company 514
John (i. Wolfarth, Founder of the Wolfarth Bakery 517
The Wolfarth Bakerv 518
Frank J. Wolfarth 519
Hatches of Dough, Mixing Dough, Mixing and Moulding, Fresh Bread
fn mi Ovens, Wolfarth Bakery 520
In the Office, Retail Sales Department, Wolfarth Bakery 521
Salesmen of American Cash Register Company, September, 1916 522
Assembling "American" Cash Registers 523
Old Employees of Wickes Brothers in Front of Shop, about 1873 525
Erecting a "Wickes" Gang Saw ?2<>
Punch Erection Floor 527
The Modern Plant of Wickes Brothers 528
Group of Workmen in Wickes Brothers Iron Works, 1914 ?2C)
Present Plant of Wickes Boiler Company ( -,.
The Wickes Water Tube Boiler \ 5>il
Type of Fire Tube Boiler 532
The Pioneer Iron Works of A. F. Bartlett & Company 533
Group of Mechanics and Moulders at the Bartlett Plant, 1879 534
Pit Eathe in Bartlett Plant Finishing off "Deck" for Saginaw Plate Glass
Company 535
The New Modern Plant of the Jackson & Church Company 537
Machine Shop of Jackson & Church Company 538
Original Shops of the lackson-Church-Wilcox Company, and New
Modern Plant Completed in 1917 539
View in Jackson-Church-Wilcox Plant 540
The "Jacox" Steering Gear 541
Plant of Mitts & Merrill, a Business Established in 1854 543
Foundry and Group of Moulders at the Valley Grey Iron Foundry
( '< impany 546
.Machine Shops of the National Engineering- Company 548
Grinding (rank Shafts, National Engineering Company 549
i [ermann Werner 5ol
Machine Shops of Werner & Pfleiderer 552
'I he New Foundry and Pattern Shop, Werner & Pfleiderer Company. . . 553
r of New Foundry of Werner ec Pfleiderer Company 554
I ni . ersal Kneading and Mixing Machines 555
Machinery and ( ivens Used in Baking and Macaroni Industries 556
Emil Staehle 5?7
New Foundry of S. Fair & Sun. Ine 559
Electric Furnace at S. Fair e< Son, Ine 560
The Mammoth Plant of the Saginaw Plate Glass Company 562 and 563
< Iriginal Plant of the United States Graphite Company 564
Mexican Miners and 1 Inge Piles of Graphite Ore 565
Present Plant (if United States Graphite Company 566
1 'lant of William I 'i ilsi >n & C impany
John Herzog 569
Mammoth Plant of the Herzog Art Furniture Company 570
Making "Sonora" Phonograph Cabinets at Herzog Art Furniture
( ',< impany . . 573
Plant of William I'.. Mershon ,\: t ompany 574 and 575
Edward C. Mershon 576
New Standard 60-inch Band Resaw 577
Plant and Lumber Yards of Germain Manufacturing Company 579
'Jdie East Side Business (/enter from the Top of Bean Elevator 581
Plant of Saginaw Show Case Company . - 582
The Saginaw Mirror Works . . 583
Flouring Mill and Elevators of Brand & Hardin Milling Company. 585
Putter Making at Saginaw Creamery Company 586
Clare H. Parker 5S7
Koehler Brothers Iron Works 589
Where Wolverine Gloves are Made 590
Bean Elevator with Illuminated Waxing Flag 591
Modern Printing Plant of Valley Printing Company 5'*2
Printing, Binding-. Engraving and ( Iffice < )utfitting Establishment of
Seemann & I 'eters 5'>5
Making Feather 1 lusters at Blind Institution 598
Blind ( '< ibblers Making Sin ies fi ir Inmates i if Blind Instituti' ni 599
Blind < iirl at Tapestry Li ■< >m 600
Washington Street, Looking North from Genesee Street, about 1860. ... 602
( fid-Time Advertisements of Saginaw Business Men 605
West Side Business Section. Looking South from Court House, about
1886 608
Washington Street. South from Tuscola, 1887 611
Franklin Street, South from Tuscola, 1887 611
The Saginaw Naval Reserves, on Eve of Departure for the Atlantic Coast,
April, 1917 613
The Xew Hotel Bancroft, ( Ipened in July. 1916 614
Attractive Lobby of Hotel Bancroft 615
1>AGE
Magnificent Ball Room of Hotel Bancroft I ,,-
Cafe of Hotel Bancroft, Elegantly Appointed \
The South Side Business Center at Washington and Center Avenues. ... 620
"Little Jake" Seligman 623
The Bearinger Building, Erected in 1892 626
i harles B. Mott | 6?g
< lharles L. Ortman \
Wholesale Grocer} House of Symons Brothers & Company 632
The Wholesale Establishment of George A. Alderton & Company 635
The Modern Structure of Lee & Cady, Saginaw Branch 636
The Extensive Wholesale House of Melze, Alderton Shoe Company.... 639
Lewis Cornwell '41
William C. Cornwell, Charles E. Cornwell, Elmer J. Cornwell and L. VV.
Cornwell Ml
The Xew Plant of the Cornwell Company 642
Saginaw Hardware Companj 643
The Mammoth Establishment of Morley Brothers 644
Silverware and Art Section, Morley Brothers 646
1 [ardware and China Section. Morley Brothers 647
George l\ Lewis 64
Perry Joslin 650
Fac-Simile of Notice of Meeting to Support the Daily Courier, 1868 Ml
E. I). Cowles, in 1874 ". 652
The Home of the Saginaw Courier-] terald 653
Batter) of Six Linotype Typesi tting Machines 654
The J lor High-Speed Press 655
The Certificate of Membership in the Assi iciated I 'res- 656
The New 1 lomc of the Saginaw Daily News 658
Composing R n — Battery of Linotypes — Four-Deck Goss High-Speed
Press 659
Newsboys' Room — Managing Editor's ( iffice — Business < Thee — Edi-
torial Department — Library and Conference Room 661
1 'rinting I 'lanl of the Saginaw I Yess 663
Alfred M. Hoyt ' 665
Si in ie i >ld-Time Postmasters of the Saginaws 666
James A. Hudson, William Moll, Levi P.. Kinsey, George G. Hess, I - V Gotee,
Charles P Hess, George Lockley, Dr. .1. S. Rouse, M V. Meredi
The Federal Building at Saginaw ' 669
Sam ( I. Clay (\72
A Saginaw Made Automobile, 1918 M5
( )ffice Building at < ienesee and Jefferson Avenues 676
Interior of < dice < (utfitting Store, The H. B. Arnold Company 677
Emil Schwahn — Charles A. Khuen — Curt Schwahn 678
< lenesee Avenue, East from Washington, 1918 680
Corn is a Profitable ( n ip 683
I >airy Farming is Increasing in Saginaw County 684
A Typical Farm Scene 687
An Example of Successful Fruit ( rrowing 689
I larvesting Grain on Low Lands 692
1 >redge Building Dikes at Prairie harm 694
< rang Plowing by Tractor on the Prairie Farm 695
Harvesting Grain on Large Scale at Prairie harm i „
Threshing Wheat on Farm in Frankenmuth Township \
PAGE
Home of the Royal Bred Belgian Draft Horses — | ,QR
the Best in America \
Sans Peur de Hamal, No. 3446, Owned by the Owosso Sugar Company I x,q
A Granddaughter of Indigene du Fosteau and a True Production )
Maconvale Canary. No. 153,622, Saginaw Valley Stock Farm, Owner. . . . 701
Saginaw the Shipping Center of the Great Lakes Region 704
Barge Towing Schooner in the Old Lumbering I )ays 707
The "Skylark" loading at Saginaw 710
Captain William Blyben ) _ ,
Captain Martin Smith \ /li
Steambarge "Maine" ami Tow Barges 715
Tlie Popular Steamer "Wellington I\. Hurt" enroute from Saginaw to
Bay City, about 1887 ' 717
The "\\ enema" which piled between Saginaw and Alpena 718
A Once Common Type of Steambarge, called "Rabbits" 719
Peter ( '. Andre 721
A Pioneer Engine, "William L. Webber," F. & P. M. R. R 724
A Way Station in the Forest Wilderness 727
Union Station, and Depot Car Used in the Eighties 750
An All-Steel Electric Train on the Michigan Railway 733
Constructing Stone Road through Sand Ridge 735
Route Map of Saginaw, Michigan 756
The Saginaw Telephone Exchange of the Michigan State Telephone Co. . 738
< >ld Currency of the Saginaw City Bank, Circulated in 1857 745
Specimen of the Uncirculated Currency of the Bank of Zilwaukee 746
Script of the City of Saginaw. Circulated in the Eighteen-sixties 750
Note Script of the Tittabawassee Boom Company, in Eighteen-seventies 755
East Side ( Mi'ice ■ >f the Bank of Saginaw 756
Spacious and Conveniently Arranged Banking Office at 510-12 Genesee
Avenue 757
The West Side ( )ffice of the Bank of Saginaw 75^-
The Second National Bank Building 760
The Main Banking Oil ice of The Second National Bank 763
The Perfectly Appointed Office of the People's Savings Bank 7o4
Modern Banking House, Erected in 1909 766
The Conveniently Arranged Office of The Commercial National Bank. . 767
Interior of East Side Office of American State Bank 768
The West Side Office of the American State Bank 769
The Hill Building 770
Main Office of the Hill-Carman Companies 771
William W. Warner 772
The Well Appointed Office Building 773
Offices of the People's Building & Loan Association 774
Judge Jabez C. Sutherland 777
Prominent Judges of the Tenth judicial District, DeWitt C. Gage, John
A. Edget ' 780
Well Known Judges of the Circuit Court, Chauncey H. Gage, Robert B.
McKnight, Eugene Wilber 785
Some Successful Lawyers of the Formative Period 788
Timothy B. Tarsney, Chauncey Wisner, C Stuart Draper, William M. Miller
Augustine S. Gaylord, Daniel P. Foote, John J. Wheeler, Frederic L. Eaton, Sr.
HISTORY OF
SAGINAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN
CHAPTER I.
PRE-HISTORIC RACES
The Work of the Mound-Builders — Earth-Works in the Ohio Valley — Finding
Human Remains — Antiquities in Michigan — Copper Mining on Isle Royal — Ancient
Fortifications Discovered — Unique "Garden Beds" — Village Sites in Saginaw
County — Mounds and Ancient Relics — Pottery Exhumed — Caches and Workshops
— Aboriginal Stone Weapons — Ancient Pipes — Ornaments and Charms.
THROUGHOUT the region of the Great Lakes abundant evidence,
often of the most interesting character, of the presence in by-gone
ages of a peculiar race of men. has constantly been brought to light;
and numerous and well-authenticated accounts of antiquities dis-
covered in various parts, clearly demonstrate that a people civilized, and
even highly cultivated, occupied this broad section long before its posses-
sion by the Indians. Our own State of Michigan, from the low monotonous
shores of Lake Erie to the rocky cliffs of Lake Superior, has contributed,
in numerous ways, some of the most remarkable relics and monuments of a
people whose cranial affinities and evidently advanced civilization totally
separate them from the North American Indian, and ally them to some race
of men who inhabited another hemisphere in the remote past. But the date
of their rule of this continent is so ancient that all traces of their history,
their progress and decay, lie buried in the deepest obscurity.
Nature, at the time the first Europeans came, had asserted her original
dominion of the earth; the forests were all in their full luxuriance — the
growth of many centuries; and nothing existed to point out who and what
manner of men they were who formerly lived, and labored, and died in this
land. ( )nly the imperishable implements of their trades, crude and tin-
wiedy though they be, and articles of domestic utility, together with the
bones of the dead, has Mother Earth preserved to us through the ages.
The oblivion which has closed over them is so complete that only conjecture
can be indulged in concerning their mode and habits of life. They seem to
have finished their work on earth before the real life-work of men and
nations began, and left their monuments behind them to puzzle us with
curious investigations and strange questions never perhaps to be answered.
This race of men, belonging to a period antecedent to that covered by
written history, is known as the Mound-Builders, from the numerous large
mounds of earth-works left by them, which form the most interesting class
of antiquities discovered in the United States. Their character can be but
dimly perceived and only partially gleaned from the internal evidence and
the peculiarities of their mounds, which consist of the remains of what were
apparently villages, camps, fortifications, gardens and burial places. Their
habitations must have been tents, structures of wood or other perishable
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
material, for had stone been used in their construction their remains would
be numerous. They built their fortifications and erected their monuments
on our principal rivers, particularly the Ohio and Mississippi, and their
tributaries; but they left not a word, not a sign — nothing to betray their
origin, nothing to reveal the secret of a great people long vanished from the
earth. The scientific and educational value of these discoveries is far
greater than our present knowledge of them ; but in the past decade many
of the antiquities have been destroyed by road building and less laudable
enterprises.
At what period this race came to this country is likewise a matter of
speculation. From the comparatively rude state of the arts among them, it
must be inferred that the time was very remote. Their axes and hammers
were of stone, their vessels for cooking were of clay baked in the rays of
the sun ; and their raiment, judging from fragments which have been dis-
covered, consisted of the bark of trees, interwoven with feathers. Their
military works were such as a people would erect who had just passed to
the pastoral state of society from that dependent alone upon hunting and
fishing. Their ancient earth-works, moreover, are far more numerous than
generally supposed, from the fact that while some are quite large, the greater
part of them are small and inconspicuous. Along nearly all our water
courses, that are large enough to be navigated by a canoe, mounds are
almost invariably found, covering the base points and headlands of the
bluffs which border the narrower valleys. So numerous are the mounds
that when one stands in such places that command the grandest views of
river scenery, he may well believe that he is in close proximity to some
trace, though it be invisible to his undiscerning eye. of the labors of an
ancient people.
Earth- Works in the Ohio Valley
At Grave Creek, in West Virginia, there is a mound seventy-five feet
high and a thousand feet around at the base: at Miamisburg, Ohio, there
is one sixty-eight feet high and eight hundred at the base, while at Cahokia,
Illinois, is the great truncated pyramid, seven hundred feet long and five
hundred wide. Enclosures are often protected by heavy embankments,
formed of earth and stone, with buttresses and gateways, and are a most
interesting subject of study. Inside, they are laid out into squares, circles
and parallelograms, into figures of serpents, birds, and beasts, and often
exhibit some degree of art. An enclosure in Adams County. Ohio, contains
a huge relievo, in the shape of a serpent, a thousand feet in length, in grace-
ful curves, the mouth wide open in the act of swallowing an egg-like figure,
the tail coiled. In Ohio alone, ten thousand mounds are found and fifteen
hundred ramparts and enclosures. In Wisconsin. Iowa. Missouri and on
the upper lakes, many remains are found in the form of animals, birds, ser-
pents and men. These wonderful works of past generations extend along the
rivers throughout the Southern States, marking the existence and departure
of a great people; but they left no traces in New England.
It is curious to know, moreover, that this ancient race seems to have
been actuated by the same motives and governed by the same passions, in
locating their cities, that their successors were. They saw, as we have since
seen, having trade and speculation in their eye, the commercial advantage
of such physical locations as St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Detroit. They appro-
priated rich \ alleys, like the Scioto and the Grand, for life and business;
and their works were not all a mere labor of defense, nor their occupation
merely that of a soldier. They cultivated the soil and had work-shops
(quarries) for the fabrication of useful articles and ornaments.
PRE-HISTORIC RACES
Finding Human Remains
The Mound-Builders were early pioneers, for the banks and streams
upon which they built declare the fact. The river channels have been cut
deeper since they laid out their grounds by the banks and built their cities
thereon. Terraces have evidently been formed below their work since they
passed away, for it may still be seen where the streams have destroyed a
portion of their enclosures higher up. Skulls are found at the bottom, show-
ing that mounds were raised over them, and that the body was not after-
ward buried in them, although subsequent burial remains of Indians are
found nearer the top. Almost always there is the evidence of an altar hav-
ing been erected, upon which the body was laid and consumed, with the
rites and ceremonies over some great chieftain, now forever forgotten.
It is through these skulls, more than by any other means, that physi-
ologists have been able to determine that the Mound-Builders, whoever they .
were, were not Indians, the shape and outlines of the head being different
and indicating an entirely distinct race of people. Although the cranial
capacity of various specimens vary greatly, the average bulk of the brain is
HEAVY ABORIGINAL IMPLEMENTS
[from the Dustin collection]
From left to right (one-third natural sizei: Grooved stone hatchet of fine symmetric form,
broken off in groove; Stone hatchet, not grooved; Grooved axe, weight 1% pounds; Grooved
maul, weight 3Vi pounds.
close to the average Indian cranium, or eighty-four cubic inches. The aver-
age volume of brain in the Teutonic crania is ninety-two inches. Thus it will
be seen that while the relatively large brain capacity of pre-historic man is
indicative of power of some sort, it does not imply a high degree of civilization
and refinement, since it is exceeded slightly by the degraded, brutal North
American Indian. Still the crania of the Mound-Builders present some char-
acteristics, which, in the language of Foster, "indicate a low intellectual
organization." And the tibiae (the inner bone of the leg below the knee)
present, in an extreme degree, the peculiar flattening or compression pertain-
ing to the chimpanzee.
Occasional discoveries of the skeletons of a gigantic race puzzle ethnol-
ogists to determine to what race they belonged. About 1875, in the Town-
ship of Cayuga on the Grand River, in Ontario, five or six feet below the
surface, were found two hundred skeletons in a nearly perfect state of preser-
I I [S I < iin i T SACIXAW I'i T'N I \
vation. A string- of beads was around the neck of each, stone pipes were in
the jaws of several, and many stone axes and skinners were scattered around
in the dirt. The skeletons were gigantic, some of them measuring nine feet,
and few were less than seven feet, some of the thigh bones being six inches
longer than any now known. The place had been cultivated for more than
a century and was originally covered with a growth of pine. There was
evidence from the crushed hemes that a battle had been fought, and these
were the remains of the slain. Decayed remains of houses had been found
near this spot many generations before, indicating that the region had at
some time been inhabited. Who and what filled this ghastly pit? Were they
Indians or some other race.'
On the other hand, ornaments and implements made of copper, silver,
obsidian, porphyry and greenstone, finely wrought, are found in various
mounds in the region of the Great Lakes. There are copper and stone axes,
chisels and knives, bracelets, pendants and beads, toys of bone and mica,
elegant patterns of pottery, all showing a people not deficient in art and
mechanical ingenuity, and exhibiting a style and finish beyond anything
furnished by the modern tribes of Indians on this continent. Porphyry is a
hard material to work and required a hard tool to cut it. Did the Mound-
Builder know how to temper his copper tool as the Egyptian did? Obsid-
ian, or volcanic glass, was used by the Mexicans and Peruvians for arrows
and instruments, and is a product of the mountains of Cerre Gordo, in Mex-
ico, and of a mountain in Yellowstone National Park containing a vast
weapon and implement quarry. I Joes this indicate a communication and
reciprocity between people wide apart — between that mysterious nation.
whoever they were, who erected those wonderful buildings in Central Amer-
ica ages ago, and the people we know as the Mound-Builders? < >r does it
lead to the conclusion that these artisans and mechanics belonged to still
another race of men, of higher intelligence and civilization, who dwelt here
before or after the other race? These questions, and works of art left by
an ancient people, perplex and instruct antiquarians. They examine them,
theorize over them, soke the mystery today, upset their theory tomorrow,
believe and disbelieve, and finally retreat into darkness again and almost
fancy they hear the chuckle of the old Mould-Builder at their discomfiture.
ppflf
FRAGMENTS OF ANCIENT POTTERY
[from the Dustin collection]
Rims of vessels showing varying ornamentation, being sections of tops of large and small pieces.
Two-fifths natural size.
PRE-HISTORIC RACES
Antiquities in Michigan
The Mound-Builders were also early pioneers in Michigan, and were
the first miners in the Upper Peninsula. But how they worked, whether
as members of a joint stock company on a percentage, or as individuals,
every man for himself, no one can tell. We do know, however, that they
went deep down into the copper ore, and dug, and raised, and probably
transported large quantities of it, hut by what means and where is shrouded
in mystery. Some of the copper from these ancient workings found its way
into the mounds of the < >hio and Mississippi Valleys, and the chain of evi-
dence by which this is determined is the fact that the copper so found, or
some of it, has little globules of silver attached to it, which, it is said, dis-
tinguishes no other copper in the world. The silver found in other copper
ore is associated with the mass rather than with the copper itself, and is
brought out only by lire.
The ancient mining at Isle Royal, in Lake Superior, has excited the
wonder and amazement of the scientific world. The island is about fifty
miles in length, from five to nine miles in breadth, has a ragged, rocky
shore cut up into dee]) gorges, and is covered with a growth of timber. The
pits are from ten to thirty feet in diameter, from twenty to sixty feet in
depth, and are scattered throughout the island following the richest veins ol
ore with marvelous precision, showing that the pre-historic miners had great
knowledge and skill in the art of mining. The pits were connected under-
ground, and drains were cut to carry off the water. There is one dee]) cut
in the rock, covered its entire length by timbers that have long since decayed,
and is now a mass of rotten wood. At McCargoe's Cove there are nearly
two miles of pits very closely connected; quantities of stone hammers ami
mauls, weighing from ten to thirty pounds have been found, some broken
from use and some in good condition; and copper chisels, knives and arrow
heads have been discovered. The copper tools seem to have been hardened
by fire, but owing to corrosion it is difficult to determine their original work-
manship, though there is evidence to show that they were originally of care-
ful artisanship and polished.
'fhe working out of the copper was no doubt done by heating a mass
of the solid ore, and then pouring on water — a very slow and tedious pro-
cess. The rock being sufficiently disintegrated they then attacked and sepa-
rated it with their great stone mauls. Even with a large force constantly
employed in this labor, it must have taken a long series of years to accom-
plish the work exhibited. Although two hundred men with their rude meth-
ods of mining, it has been estimated, could not accomplish any more work
than two skilled miners can at the present day, with modern pneumatic drills
and high explosives, at one point alone on Isle Royal, the amount of labor
performed exceeds that done on one of the oldest mines on the south shore
of the lake, which has been operated with a large force for more than
twenty years.
When and by whom were these pits opened? Who can tell? Forests
have grown up and fallen and mouldered over them, and great trees, three
hundred and four hundred years old, stand around them today, counting so
much, and only so much time in fixing the age of these mines. Some of
these trees, four feet or more in diameter, are now growing in the pits, on
the sides, and on the excavated debris which surround them. In one case,
the partially decayed stump of a red oak was found at the edge of a pit.
This tree had not been blown down, but had grown and decayed where
the stump stood, only the red, interior portion of the stump remaining
sound. A careful enumeration of the annual rings composing the undecayed
centre of the tree, gave the number of three hundred and eighty-four, to
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
PRE-HIST< >RIC RACES
which was added two hundred rings, as representing the decayed outer por-
tion of the stump, and five hundred and eighty-four years was arrived at as
the period of its growth. Allowing for the time which may have elapsed
before it commenced growing on this peculiar site, and for the number of
years required for it to reach the stage of decay exhibited, it is probable
that from seven hundred to eight hundred years would not be far from the
truth. On removing this stump the debris beneath was found to consist of
fragments of cupper-bearing rock, thrown out from the adjoining pit, a
large number of stone hammers, some perfect, others fractured from use,
and, more interesting still, a knife made of copper. This only proves that
the pits had not been worked within the time mentioned, and does not pre-
vent the period of desertion of the works being placed back twice or even
three times that distance.
From another pit, beneath a third deposit of vegetable matter, the
remains of a skeleton of a deer were exhumed, the bones so decayed that
they crumbled to pieces. Another interesting relic discovered was a sheet-
like piece of copper, which had apparently been exposed to the action of
fire and then hammered into a bowl-shaped utensil. This exhibits the
character of the copper generally sought by the primitive miners. It is
manifest from the working of the veins that they followed the deposits of
sheet-like copper, which varied from a quarter of an inch to an inch in
thickness, rejecting as unmanageable the fragments of rock which contained
even large-sized nuggets of the metal. These fragments are found in large
quantities in the rubbish at the mouths of the pits, as well as within, they
seemingly having been pushed behind those miners as the}' advanced in the
exploration of the vein.
With all these evidences of industrial activity, no hint or clue remains
as to how and where the ore was removed, to wdiat purpose so much of it
was consumed, or where the laborers received their support in their work.
No bones of pre-historic man have been found there — no evidence of com-
merce— no remains of vessels, or wharves, or houses, and yet vast amounts
of copper have been taken out, not only there, but throughout portions of
the Upper Peninsula, and the treasure no doubt exported to the central and
southern sections of our continent. It must, in all probability, have been
conveyed in vessels, great or small, across a stormy and treacherous sea,
whose dangers are formidable to us now, often proving the destruction of
our largest craft. This gives us a totally different conception of the char-
acter of the Mound-Builders, and dignifies them with something of the
prowess and spirit of adventure which we associate with the higher races
of men. Leaving- their homes, these men dared to face the unknown — to
brave the hardships and perils of the deep and the wilderness, actuated by
an ambition which we today would not be ashamed to acknowledge.
Ancient Fortifications Discovered
Other interesting earth-works in this State are the pre-historic forts in
Macomb County, which were discovered by the early settlers along and near
to the north branch of the Clinton River. Mounds of earth and stone were
first noticed and evidences of once cultivated lands of considerable area, but
when three structures enclosing from one to three acres of ground were
found, there was much speculation as to what purpose they were designed
to subserve. The Indians living in the vicinity had no traditions of their
origin or by whom constructed; all was garbed in mystery. Except for
the ravages of time these ancient remains were in the same condition as
when left by a once industrious race. The native forests had covered these
works, trees of large size were growing in the areas, in the ditch, and on the
embankment. The earth had been thrown up into a ridge several feet wide
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
at the base, and about four feet in height from the bottom of the trench;
and there were gateways or openings, ten, twelve and fifteen feet in width,
in the embankments.
Surveys of these ancient structures were made as early as 1827 or 1828,
before the axman had cleared the ground or the plow disturbed their out-
lines. The embankment of the north fort measured very nearly eight hun-
dred feet in length, including the openings; and flat land to the southward
showed signs of cultivation. A few rods to the east was a large circular
mound of a height to overlook a considerable stretch of country; and a small
brook flowed southeasterly near its south border.
In a direct line, some three miles to the southeast, was the large or cen-
tral fort, situated on elevated ground on the right bank of the river. This
enclosure was twelve hundred and sixty-eight feet in circumference, and
had an area of more than three acres, aside from a wing wall two hundred
feet in length. Within the area was a small pond evidently to supply water
to the garrison. Three openings in the embankment led across a wide ditch
to lower ground, and were protected by small mounds within to shut off
from without all view of the interior. Between this fort and the stream
were a number of graves in an irregular cluster, each of which contained a
single skeleton; and below was a large mound surrounded by small ones in
the form of a circle. The embankments may have been crowned with pali-
sades, and the interior mounds served for observation, as well as for defense.
A large quantity of broken pottery and other relics found seem to indicate
a large population in the vicinity.
About a mile and a half to the southwest was found the third fort having
a circumference of eight hundred and seventy feet. This structure had four
openings, two of twelve, one of fifteen, and a' large one of eighty feet, which
may have been an uncompleted wall, near which were extensive' mounds and
areas of once cultivated ground. The erection of such extensive embank-
ments, without the aid of any tools with which we are accustomed, must
have required thousands of workers for a considerable period of time.
At Climax, in Kalamazoo County, are the remains of a pre-historic for-
tification which occupied the crest of a knoll — the highest ground for miles
around. When the first settlements were made in this section in 1831. the
knoll was covered with oak trees of good size, and the open country showed
everywhere the evidences of former cultivation. Numerous mounds were
found near by. some of which contained bones and other human relics.
Around the summit of the knoll was a ditch two or three feet deep and ten
or twelve feet wide, with earth banked up along its sides, making it very
easily traced. Its form was that of a perfect ellipse, enclosing one and three-
tenths of the summit of the hill: and its longest diameter was three hundred
and thirty feet. On the Rifle River, in Ogemaw County, and in Gilead,
Branch County, are other so called fortifications, with numerous earth-works
in the vicinity of the former, some of which are still undisturbed by
excavati< ins.
Unique "Garden Beds" Found
In the valleys of the St. Joseph and Grand Rivers, lying principally in
the counties of Cass, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph, were found in the early-
days of settlement some very peculiar works of the Mound-Builders, of
unknown age and origin, which have received the name of "Garden Beds."
They were discovered by Verandrier, who, with several French associates,
explored this region in 1748; and wrote that they were "large tracts free
from wood, many of which are everywhere covered with furrows, as if they
bad formerly been plowed and sown." Schoolcraft, in writing of his obser-
vations made in 1827. recorded the fact that "garden beds, and not the
PRE-HISTORIC RACKS
mounds, form the most prominent, and, by far, the must striking and char-
acteristic antiquarian monuments of this district of country." These relics
constitute a unique feature of our antiquities, and are of especial interest to
us. since they are confined to our State.
The garden beds occupied the most fertile of the prairie land and burr-
oak plains, and consisted of raised patches of ground, separated by sunken
paths, and were generally arranged in plats or blocks of parallel rows. These
varied in dimensions, being from five to sixteen feet in width, from twelve to
more than a hundred feet in length, and from six to eighteen inches in height.
There was much diversity of arrangement of the plats, some being in groups
of two or more at right-angles to the adjacent plats; others in blocks and
single beds of varying angles, having paths of the same width as the rows.
and others with narrow paths, while some of the rows terminated with
semi-circular heads. Wheel-shaped plats, consisting of a circular bed, with
beds of uniform shape and size radiating therefrom, all separated by narrow
paths, formed the most curious gardens of all.
A f '
PRIMITIVE ARROW-POINTS
[from tht* Dustin collection]
Flint, agate and chalcedory heads (one-third natural siz--). Top row. common forms; Middle
and bottom rows, eccentric forms.
The tough sod of the prairie had preserved very sharply all the outlines
of the beds: and it was the universal testimony of the pioneers that these
gardens were laid out and fashioned with a skill, order and symmetry which
distinguish them from the ordinary operations of agriculture pursued by the
Indians. On this point Foster observes, that, "they certainly indicate a
methodical cultivation which was not practiced by the red men." The
principal crop of the Indians is maize, and this was never cultivated by them
in rows, but in hills, often large, but always in a very irregular manner. Nor
do these beds resemble the deserted fields of modern agriculture, but rather
suggest the well-laid out garden of our own day, while the curvilinear forms
point quite as strongly to the modern "pleasure garden."
These extensive indications of ancient culture necessarily imply a settled
and populous community, although evidences of the numbers and character
of the people are almost entirely wanting. Scarcely any of the usual ab-
original relics are found; no pottery; no spear and arrow heads ; no im-
plements of stone; not even the omnipresent pipe. Burial mounds are not
uncommon in Western Michigan, but such as are found have no recognized
10 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
association with the race which cultivated these garden beds. It is probable
that they were a people of peaceable disposition, of laborious habits: and that
they lived in simple and patriarchal style, subsisting on the fruits of the
earth, rather than by the chase. Their dwellings and their tools were of
wood, and have perished; and the simple record of their labors is all, it may
be, that will ever be known. It seems strange, indeed, that these garden
beds, suggestive as they arc, sin mid be the only memorials of a race which
left such an evidence of advanced agriculture, and was worthy of more endur-
ing monuments.
Village Sites in Saginaw County
The entire territory draining into Saginaw River and along the shore of
Saginaw Bay is rich in traces of a considerable habitation by pre-historic man.
\ illage and camp sites, burial mounds, workshops where implements were
made, pits for the storage of provisions, and caches or hoards of blades, have
been discovered in this section, while the surface is strewn with various ob-
jects made or used by the aborigines long before the advent of white men.
Village sites and mounds occur on both sides of the river, from its mouth
to its source, and on its tributaries, and are located at frequent intervals,
often less than a mile apart.
From close observation of these remains of a primitive people it is evi-
dent that their villages and camps were more numerous than the cities, vil-
lages and hamlets of today, though the actual population was small compared
with the present. During the hunting season they roamed over a large
territory, moving their camps from place to place; but in winter and spring
they always resorted to their home villages, the permanence of which is
attested by the great quantities of camp refuse, the numerous skeletal re-
mains, and the large number of implements and weapons continually being
brought to light. Every stream was dotted with permanent villages whose
camp tires glistened on its surface, and which was traced by countless canoes.
On the lower river the first village to be noted was at Crow Island, which
derived its name from the individual reserve of Kaw-kaw-is-kou, or the Crow.
Directly across the river on the prairie was another settlement, where the
remains of corn fields were to be seen years ago, and then known as the
Melbourne Fields. Four miles up the river on the east bank, at a place
called Te-waw-baw-king, or "hickory place," where a ridge extended south
from a point where the Federal Building now stands, many unmistakable
signs of primitive life were once plainly discernable. Another ridge, now
designated as "The Grove," extending from the City Hall to the Belt Line-
tracks, was (.nice the location of an ancient village, of which the remains are
extremely numerous. South of the East Side Water Works to the forks of
the river are evidences of a long-continued habitation of an extinct race.
Many relics have been gathered at this place, which has been named the
Mowbray Village.
On the west bank, village remains have been noted from near where
Bristol Street crosses the river, all the way to Shows-ko-kon, or Green Point,
and many relics recovered in the past attest to the fax or in which this loca-
tion was held. At the confluence of the rivers the aborigines held their
dances and corn feasts, and their camps stretched for more than a mile along
the Tittabawassee, which for untold generations was a favorite dwelling
place of the ancient race. Along its banks a number of tire-places have been
discovered, buried under four feet of hard-packed sand which it is certain
was not deposited in historic times. On the low land near Cass Cut and on a
cleared held a mile above are to be found positive evidences of village life,
while at the east approach of the Michigan Central Railroad bridge were the
Andrews Workshops. Nearly opposite, near the home of the late A. B.
PRE-HISTORIC RACES
11
< .
LEAF-SHAPED BLADES
[from the Dustin collection]
Symmetrical forms (about one-third natural size) of unfinished implements, mostly arrow
points, found on village sites in Saginaw County.
i
■■■v. •
%;
ARROW AND SPEAR POINTS
[from the Dustin collection]
Fine specimens of ancient handiwork (about three-fourths actual size) in symmetrica] forms.
The large implement was probably used as a knife.
12 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Paine, and half a mile west on the high sand bluff, at the Frazer homestead,
were once the camps of a forgotten people. Further up the Tittabawassee,
(in the farm of E. R. McCarty, at Ure's Island, and near the homestead of
the late William Hackett were aboriginal camps, while at Freeland was the
reservation of Black Birds' Village, which contained six thousand acres.
On the Shiawassee River at Bear Creek is one of two settlements in the
county still inhabited by red skins: and at Chesaning are extensive remains
of a large village on the high bluffs on the west bank of the stream, while
another great camp was on the east side. Near Oakley is one of the ancient
lake beaches, and on a bluff the evidences of a large settlement may still be
traced. At the intersection of the branches of the Mad River, in St. Charles,
numerous remains indicating a large village have been found, and the high
south bank of Beaver Creek has yielded some interesting relics. ( hi Swan
Creek, at a point a mile below the railroad bridge, the ground was once
strewn with curious remains, and east of it were a number of smaller camps.
The Cass River is noted for its pre-historic remains at and above Bridge-
port, the Andross Village yielding many valuable relics, while at Cook's
Corners and at Frankenmuth large settlements were located. On the Flint,
and on Misteguay Creek, a tributary, interesting evidences of primitive life
have been uncovered by the plow: and near Fosters' are the remains of a vil-
lage where a large copper knife was discovered. At Taymouth is the other
village of the red skins, consisting of about sixty persons.
Mounds and Ancient Relics.
To Harlan I. Smith, a native of Saginaw and an archaeologist of note,
must credit be given for having explored many of these village sites and
earth-works, and having called attention to the remains discovered. In the
East Side High School there is an interesting collection of ancient specimens
which he brought together, with various notes, maps and photographs, and
which it is hoped will some day. not far distant, form the foundation of a
local museum which would be of great value to students generally and to
posterity.
It was Air. Smith who first discovered the group ,,\ mounds situated in
the City of Saginaw, on what is now a part of Rust Park. The first mound
seen by him, in 1889, was not large, but was a very typical example of the
earth structures of the valley. It was about thirty-four feet in diameter and
eighteen inches in height, although it was evident that it had once been much
higher, having since been slowly reduced by natural forces. At the time its
character was discovered it was covered with grass and flowers, and had
much the appearance of a neglected flower bed. As the land in the vicinity
was then occupied by a lumber yard and the location likely to be encroached
upon by public improvements, he deemed it advisable to explore the mound:
and the relics obtained, together with a photograph of the mound, were care-
fully preserved. The remains consisted of implements of defense, such as
arrow and spear heads, knives and stone hatchets, utensils for domestic use,
and culinary refuse in general.
Si mie time after, workmen, while digging for the foundation of a salt
block on the premises, about three hundred feet w-est of the mound and about
one hundred and eighty feet from the bank of the bayou, came upon a num-
ber of human skeletons. The mound within which they lav was the largest
and highest of the group, being about sixty feet in diameter and three feet in
height: but owing to its being covered with a rank growth of shrubs, which
also surrounded it, its true character was not realized and all the remains were
ruthlessly destroyed, none being saved for science in their entirety. They
were at the unusual depth of four feet, which possibly was due to the accum-
PRE-HISTORIC RACES 13
ulation of soil above the old surface, by the piling up of the light sand in long
dunes, as had been done in the vicinity, by the wind. In these graves bear
teeth, deer bones, and remains of other wild animals were found in abund-
ance. From the large quantity of fish bones unearthed, one might conclude
that the ancient people took advantage of the resources of this locality, and
that much of their subsistence was obtained from its waters. Soon after this
discovery Court Street was extended through the northern end of the prop-
erty partially obscuring the site.
Early in 1910 Mr. Fred Dustin, to whom science is indebted for exhaus-
tive research of pre-historic remains in Saginaw County, made a rough sur-
vey of this locality from which he prepared blue prints accurately locating
the several mounds. From his detailed description of these earth-works, to
which he gave appropriate names, and which were officially adopted by the
Park and Cemetery Board, there appear to be four mounds in the group.
The first, which he has designated as Chippewa Mound, was recognized as
being of ancient origin ten or twelve years ago, and the attention of the
public was called to it. A sugar maple tree, about four feet in circumference,
stands on the apex of this dome-shaped mound, which is about two hundred
and fifty feet east from the shore of Lake Linton, and fifty feet south of the
south curb of Court Street. In the fall of 1908, while grading the slopes to
the street in Rust Park, it > original form was inadvertently destroyed, a por-
tion of it being leveled cutting a foot from its height, and revealing its
secrets. The ridge at this point is alternate layers of sand, gravel and clay,
the mound being of gravelly sand resting upon heavy clay, and is about
fifty feet in diameter. Mr. Dustin carefully examined this mound and deter-
mined the bones unearthed to be human remains; and added many relics and
implements to his collection.
About line hundred feet southwest from the center of Chippewa Mound
stand three oak trees nearly in line with the center of the large mound which
Harlan I. Smith mentioned in his description several years before. It is
now partly covered with a dense growth of sumac bushes and other shrubs,
but its western edge still shows where it was cut away for the foundation
of the salt block erected on its site in the early nineties. It has been named
Ash-a-tah-ne Mound, after the abbreviated name of a full-blooded Indian —
a relative of the noted Chippewa chief. O-saw-wah-bon.
The third mound is near the intersection of Court Street and Washing-
ton Avenue, and was fully described by Mr. Smith as the one he first dis-
covered, and has been named after him. Close by the Smith Mound is the
fourth mound of the group, and is slightly larger than the other being about
forty feet in diameter and two feet high. It was first observed by Mr. Dustin
nearly twenty years ago, marked by a large bitternut hickory tree, and has
been named Saug-e-nah Mound after the Chippewa word from which the
name "Saginaw" is derived.
At the mouth of the Tittabawassee, on the favorite camping ground of
the aborigines, called Shows-ko-kon or Green Point, are two very large
mounds which were first observed by W. R. McCormick in 1836, and named
Green Point Mounds. They are situated about three-fourths of a mile east of
Riverside Park and \i\e hundred and fifty feet north of the river, on very
low ground subject every spring to overflow. When opened many years ago
the whole interior appeared to be a whitish substance, evidently of decom-
posed human bones, which, owing to the lowness of the land and flooding
by the river, had crumbled away much sooner than elsewhere. These mounds
were examined and photographed by Mr. Smith, who also described them in
his notes on archaeological remains of the valley. The larger or western
mound is about one hundred feet in diameter and three and a half feet high,
14
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
while the smaller, the base of which is twenty feet east of the other, is about
ninety feet in diameter and four feet high. It is probable that originally
they were at least five feet in height, but being composed of loam mixed
with the clay wash from the fl 1 waters, the erosion in time of overflow
must have been considerable.
In July, 1910, Mr. Dustin made a careful surface exploration of these
mounds, and collected fourteen human teeth, three perfect and two mutilated
arrow heads, two bear's teeth, numerous flakes of flint, all of ancient origin,
and also a rudely moulded musket ball, a small flat silver ring and one blue
glass bead, of European origin but of use by the savages. On August 30 of
the same year he had a trench dug, commencing at the northern edge of the
east mound and running to the center due south by compass, about eighteen
inches wide down to the original surface of the ground. As each shovelful
of earth was removed he examined it carefully, but no human remains in
I %
GREEN PCINT MOUNDS
[from Photograph by Harlan I. Smith]
These mounds are situated near Riverside Park, and were first described by W. I: McCormick
in 1S36. They are so old that all skeletal remains have long since crumbled into dust
entirety, or even a perfect bone, were found, nor were any implements or
relics brought to light. It is his belief that the bits of skull thrown out be-
longed to successive generations, the remains of which were disturbed by
repeated burials and the implements removed or scattered. Having care-
fully refilled the trench, the exploration of the second or larger mound was
begun by digging a trench west from its eastern edge; and a hole was also
sunk in the center of the mound. The results were as meagre as from the
first trench, the only interesting find being the crumbling remains of a baby's
lower jaw with some of the tiny milk-teeth still clinging to it, and which
was returned to its resting place and carefully covered. From the surface
of this mound many fragments of pottery and a number of human teeth were
picked up.
A few years before on the south edge of the east mound, the skeleton
of a squaw was turned up by the plow. The remains had evidently been
clothed in a rich robe of European manufacture, the front being covered with
ornaments consisting of thin silver rings, bosses and scrolls, sewed on in
regular patterns. Around the neck were masses of beads, of various colors,
both large and small, the former being strung into necklaces, while the
small ones had evidently been used in embroidery. At the side of the
PRE-HISTORIC RACES
15
skeleton lay a rude iron tomahawk of the pattern furnished the savages two
or three hundred years ago by the fur traders; and a small copper kettle,
a glass bottle and other trinkets were unearthed.
At a point four miles up the Tittabawassee, on the land which James
Fraser settled when he came to the valley, was once a large mound thought
to have originally been more than a hundred feet in diameter and five or six
feet in height. It was situated on a large knoll where the river washes a
high bank which had gradually been cut way by the spring flex ids and ice,
so that human bones were exposed and fell into the river. In former times
a brick yard was in operation at the font of the knoll, and the clear sand of
the mound was removed by the cart load, the fragmentary bones being cast
aside in heaps, and the relics and im-
plements of a by-gone race of men col-
lected by the hundred. It is believed
that this mound was the burial place
of many generations of pre-historic
man, long antedating interments of the
savages, for the bones found were in
all stages of decay. This mound has
long since been entirely destroyed and
its site obscured.
About six mile- from Saginaw, at
the bend of the Cass River in the Vil-
lage of Bridgeport, several mounds
have been discovered, one of which
rested on a high sand km ill between
the cemetery and the electric power
house. This mound was nut promi-
nent, as it had many times been dis-
turbed by the plow, but curious and
interesting relics have been uncovered,
among them several bird stones or gor-
gets beautifully finished, one of which
represented an otter. A pottery urn.
of peculiar interest, is three feet nine
inches in circumference, and must orig-
inally have been over two feet in
height: and was named the Andross
Urn. It was found inverted over the
head of a skeleton, and was well pre-
served for so large a pot, and one from
a locality where nature does not favor
archaeologic specimens, but rather
sends frosts and moisture among other
elements t" d< > them damage. As
late as April, 1912, a fragment about
f a piece of pottery, was
recovered here by Mr. Dustin. Many skeletons were removed from this
mound, mostly in an advanced state of decay.
It was said by the old fur traders that when they first penetrated this
wilderness, there was also a regular earth-work fortification, comprising
several acres in extent, below the hill about wdiere the center of the village
now is. The Indians then living in the neighborhood told them that these
earth-works had been built by another race of men long before they came
here, and that they were more like the "pale faces." and they made kettles
and dishes of clay. However this may have been, civilization has now
TCourtesy of American Museum of Natural
History, New York]
THE ANDROSS URN
A rare specimen of ancient pottery un-
earthed in the Village of Bridgeport. Orig-
inally was about two feet in height.
fifteen inches wide and twenty-four inches high
16 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
obliterated all traces of the mounds and fortifications, the human remains
have been scattered to the winds, and only the relics and implements of a
remote age, perhaps of an ancient race, remain.
On the Flint River mounds are numerous, but only at Taymouth do
they occur in this county. On the old Indian fields — the land given in an
early day to the old pioneer, James McCormick, by the Chippewa chiefs, are
four large mounds. They are situated on the bluffs at the bend mi the left
bank of the river, and there are several others <>n the Hats below. The
human bones unearthed here were very much decomposed, especially those
on the Hats; and a great variety (if stunt* implements were plowed up at
different times and carried "if by relic hunters. On the Shiawassee River
at Chesaning, and at the links of the Had River in St. Charles, are still to
be seen the remains of several mounds, but no record of exploration of any
of them has been made, although many relics have undoubtedly been taken
from these sites.
Caches and Corn Pits
In his writings mi aboriginal remains, Harlan 1. Smith states that "it is
very probable that there exist ancient quarries, where chert nodules of the
sub-carboniferous series were formerly obtained, as this ruck, which is the
material of which chipped implements are must frequently made, outcrops
in many places, nut only along the bay shore, but also near the head waters
of the tributaries of the river." A number of caches have been discovered in
various locations of which records are preserved, but how many mure have
been plowed out and scattered without even a mention, is impossible to
estimate. The blades found in caches were perhaps made at the quarries
and transported to the villages by canoe, since most caches as yet found have
been near navigable water. They were there stored or buried in moist earth,
which kept them in a workable condition, where they could easily be obtained
and worked into the various specialized forms as such implements were
required for use.
( In the north bank of the Tittabawassee at its mouth a cache was found
by Edward S. Golson, April 26, IS' H. It was at a point where a sluggish
brine spring — from time immemorial a deer lick, and since the advent of
white men resorted to by their stock — had by persistent tramplings caused
the bank to be broken further and further back from the river, so that the
high water of spring formed a continually enlarging blind cut, extending
hack into the prairie fur about twenty-five rods. The cache was found in the
east bank of this cut, about four feet below the surface, and yielded eighty-
three symmetrical chipped blades of chert, which were later presented to the
Peabody Museum at Cambridge. Opposite this cache, mi the east bank of
the Saginaw, another deposit of the same nature was unearthed by Mr.
Golson in 1X92. The remains were about two feet below the surface, and
consisted of fifty-nine blades of chert now preserved by the family.
Two miles above Green Point another collection of one hundred chipped
blades, known as the Merrill Cache, and at the Frazer Mound site a cache
consisting of over three hundred blades, mostly of four different patterns,
have been brought to light. Among the latter is one pattern of large leaf-
shaped blades about eight inches long with delicate notched stems; another,
similar implements about three inches long; and a third, small blades not yet
worked up. while the last consists of a few of the three-inch blades specialized
to form arrow heads. Only a few feet away another cache yielded one large-
black leaf-shaped implement of chert, and thirteen rubbed stones, but there
is no record of their shape or probable use.
PRE-HISTORIC RACES 17
Near the south bank of the Cass River two miles above its mouth, a
cache was found very near the surface, consisting" of twenty-two blades of
various forms, and a dozen pieces of chert, the material of which the blades
were formed. Nearly opposite this cache, in the marshy ground of the
vicinity, another deposit was found, and named the Wille Cache. It com-
prised one hundred and seventy-five triangular-shaped blades and two celts,
the blades averaging an inch and a half in length. Three miles above Bridge-
port, on the north bank of the Cass River, seventy blades leaf-shaped of dark
blue chert, and numerous chips and flakes, have been unearthed; and was
named the Cass Cache No. 1.
The Armstrong Cache was discovered while plowing in a level held
about half a mile north of the Frazer Cache, and not far from the little settle-
ment of Shields. The implements were carefully removed, and an inventory
showed sixty-six chipped leaf-shaped blades, nearly all five and a half inches
in length and one and a half to one and three-fourths inches wide, remark-
ably uniform in shape; and many were of black flint or chert, while others
were grey in color. About twenty years ago Duane Lincoln, while plowing
in James Township at a point about twenty rods back from the St. Charles
road, which here runs east and west, struck with his plow a si, ire of chert
blades, which he carefully gathered up tilling a ten-quart pail. At present
only one specimen, three inches long and one and a half inches wide, leaf-
shaped of grey chert, remains. This is practically a type of the whole lot,
although a few were somewhat specialized by slight notches at the base.
'fhe rapid settlement of the county has destroyed nearly all evidence of
cultural pits used by the aborigines for the storage of corn, smoked meats
and provisions in general, but in Taymouth Township, on lands owned by
S. 1'ettit, may be seen the depressions caused by the sinking of the old
Structures. They were simply excavations in the ground from five to ten
feet in diameter, which were carefully lined with hark, and supported by a
framework of poles or small logs, and roofed with the same materials.
Their origin undoubtedly dates from a pre-historic period, although the
remains which were discovered in various places by the early settlers ma\
have been of a much later time, since the bark which lined the pits was
often still intact, but crumbled to pieces upon being touched. It is evident
from the structure of these pits that they were used by the aborigines as a
winter storage of provisions and such game as they put away, to safeguard
them from wild beasts and stragglers in the forest.
Muring the hunting seasons, when the natives left their camps for weeks
at a time in cptest of game, these cultural pits which they built with such
care served as a safe place in which to conceal their rude yet useful stone
implements, their perishable pottery ware, their cooking utensils, and such
articles as they wished to preserve from theft. When absent from their
wigwams or cabins, a pole or piece of w 1 placed against the door signified
the fact to any visitors. Among their own people and friendly tribes, this
simple notice was always held inviolate, but their enemies and strangers
generally hail no regard for the rights of private possession, and would often
despoil their camps. Consequently, when they went away, it was their
custom to conceal in the ground whatever of their belongings they needed
t' ' preserve.
In Section twenty-one. Albee Township, about eighty rods from a
shallow pond near Misteguay (reek, other remains of this character may
still be seen, consisting of a series of corn pits. West of the Village of
Freeland, on land owned by the late John I'. McGregor, formerly a part of
the Red Bird Reservation, numerous pits discovered at different times have
mm become almost entirely obliterated by cultivation of the soil.
18
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Workshops
The workshops, or quarries, where primitive man casually made his
flint implements, are referred to by Mr. Smith as the "Andrews Workshops"
and the "Albee Workshops." From these places it is supposed most of the
material for their utensils originated, but there is
nut a village site that does not yield more or less of
fragments from articles made there. At the east
side entrance of Rust Park, am! in Albee Township,
near Misteguay Creek, fragmentary remains were
quite numerous, while at Peon-i-go-wink and again
at Me-no-quet's Village, hut a few specimens have
been observed. There is little evidence that the
aborigines specialized in the simple arts practised
by them, although it is probable that individuals
skilled in stone cutting may occasionally have pro-
duced implements fur trade or gift. Early records
are lamentably deficient in description of the pro-
cesses "i" their handiwork, and much has been lust
by lack of interest in observing and recording simple
facts. The remains of these workships consist of
finished implements, chipped blanks, broken pieces
oi utensils and refuse. Chert nodules have been
collected from these sites in all forms, some weigh-
ing four ur fi\e pounds. In James Township, on a
sandy morainal ridge over which formerly ran an
Indian trail, is a "blow-hole" about eighty feet long,
forty wide, and four feet deep, which has revealed
bushels of flint chips, arrow and spear heads, and
other relics. This place was examined by Mr.
Dustin in the summer of 1914, and five leaf-shaped
blades, five broken specialized blades, and one
peculiar shaped blade, perhaps an unfinished arrow-
head, were the rewards of his search. The sands drift at the lightest winds.
and a few days bed. re his visit, four g 1 arrow-points and a spear-head were
picked up by buys.
Aboriginal Stone Weapons
Ethnologists, in classifying the material remains of aboriginal races,
separate all stone articles into three divisions; flints, celts, and miscellaneous.
Under the term "flints" are classed all implements made of chert, chalcedony,
agate, quartz and agatized wood, and covering such articles as arrow-points,
spear heads, knives and small articles used for piercing and cutting. These
have been treated of in the preceding pages.
Under "celts" are heavier articles such as stone mauls, hammers, axes,
hatchets, pestles, chisels and skinning stones. These implements and weapons
were usually fashioned from sienite, greenstone, basalt, granite, or volcanic
rocks brought hither by the glacial ice sheet, and thickly strewn along the
ancient beaches in the southern portion of the county, or cropping out in the
banks of the Flint River, In private collections in city and county are
various examples of weapons, such as hammer stones, some of which are
pitted so as to be grasped more firmly; and others of convenient natural
forms, easily handled, and which would be impossible to identify were it
not for the battering and wear they show from long use. Then "there are
skinning stones, scrapers and chisels, worked to proper shapes and rubbed
and polished to a tine finish: heavy grooved stone mauls, fine hatchets
or tomahawks not grooved, and grooved axes, some of unusual forms. Stones
[Courtesy of Ameiican Mu-
seum of Natural 1 1 istory,
New York]
PIPE MADE OF SAND-
STONE
Prom Mowbray Camp si t o.
natural size
PRE-H1STORIC RACES
19
bearing deep grooves are sometimes found, which it is evident were used as
rubbing or polishing implements in finishing arrow-shafts or ornamental
articles. Other abrasive stones were used in polishing axes, chisels, and
other celts, one of this character, nearly two inches square and ten inches
long, being of peculiar form, but quite symmetrical, and appears to be of hard
sandstone slightly tinged with iron.
t
f V
FRAGMENTARY SPECIMENS OF PIPES
[from the Dustin collection]
From li'ft to right (about one-third actual size). Very small pipe of argillaceous stone; Typ-
ical Micmac pipe, gray sandstone; Pipe of gray sandstone; Iroquois pipe of pottery war*-;
Mound pipe, pottery; Pipe of gray conglomerate sandstone; Monitor type (stem only); Mo>li-
iied Micmac type, argillaceous slum-; Fragment of bowl of black shale; Unfinished pipe of
yellowish stone; Stem of Atlantic Coast type, pottery ware.
Ancient Pipes
Of the "miscellaneous" group there are pipes fashioned from the same
materials from which the pottery was made, one collection in Saginaw con-
taining a dozen or more specimens. Occasionally a catlinite pipe is found,
probably of Dakotan origin and left here in trade or captured in savage war-
fare. They are often of singular form and beauty, and were highly prized
by their owners. The pottery pipes are usually short and rather clumsy in
appearance, although exhibiting some degree of skill in the making. In the
Dustin collection are a number of pipes, bowls and pieces of stem, repre-
senting no less than nine distinct types, including both Mound and Micmac
examples. One is a perfect pottery pipe, without ornamentation of any kind,
measuring on the outer curve from top of the bowl to end of the stem five and
one-fourth inches, and in diameter of bowl one and a half inches. This
interesting specimen was found in the summer of 1913 lying beside the skull
of some old warrior, about two feet below the surface of the ground not far
from Shields, near the western line of Saginaw Township.
Another excellent example of primitive handiwork is a bowl from which
the stem has been broken, of the Iroquoian type. The bowl tapers to the
stem, and there are three ornamental lines around the top of the bowl, which
is an inch and a quarter in diameter, and an inch and a half to the curve of
the stem. The pottery ware is rather fine in texture, and appears to contain
a tempering material. A third specimen is only the lower part of the bowl,
the base nearly perfect, but the keel is broken off through the thong hole.
The material is grey sandstone of fine texture. The stem hole is perfect, and
the conical base of the tobacco bowl shows the marks of the rude drill em-
ployed in fashioning it.
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Ornaments and Charms
Ancient generations of Indians wore stone ornaments or charms, and of
these there arc many examples in this section of the State. They were
usually made of slate, a banded variety being a favorite, and took various
forms such as a shuttle, a butterfly, <>r other curious designs. It would seem
that these odd forms possessed an esoteric significance, and may have been
used much as certain societies employ symbols to convey various moral and
spiritual lessons. Among other curious forms are those known as bird
stones, well finished and polished effigies of sitting birds, perfectly sym-
metrical in form. It is quite possible that these animal forms were the
"totems" or symbols of the various clans, of which the Chippewas had
many.
PRIMITIVE ORNAMENTS AND CHARMS
II tli.' Dustin collection]
From 1' ft in right (about two-thirds actual size) Figure of bear (totem) "t banded slate; Tablet
of same material, with three parallel grooves, .if unknown use Figure of beaver (totem) of
red pipe-stone; Tablet of banded slate.
CHAPTER II
THE INDIANS OF SAGINAW VALLEY
Aboriginal Tribes in Michigan — Advent of the Ottawas — Their Assimilation
with the Chippewas — Habits and Customs — Mode of Life — Spirit of Revenge —
The Sauks and Onottawas — Derivation of "Saginaw" — Battle of Skull Island —
Extermination of the Sauks — Chippewas Fear Revenge — Legend of the Lone Tree
— Retributive Justice of the Savage — Anecdotes of Chippewa Chiefs and Braves.
LIKE all the vast territory of the Northwest, the land now embraced in the
State of Michigan was once in possession of native Indian tribes,
_^ which very properly belonged to the third race inhabiting North
America, but distinct from the former races in every particular. The
primitive language which was most widely diffused, and the most fertile in
dialects, was known to the French by the name of Algonquin; and was the
mother tongue of those who greeted the colonists of Raleigh at Roanoke, and
of those who welcomed the Pilgrims to Plymouth. It was heard from the
Bay of Gaspe to the valley of the Des Moines; from Cape Fear to the land
of the Esquimaux, and was spoken, though not exclusively, in a territory that
extended through sixty degrees of longitude, and more than twenty degrees
i if latitude.
Of the Algonquin nations, as fugitives from the basin of the magnificent
river whose name commemorates them, were the Ottawas, who fled to
Saginaw Bay and took possession of the whole mirth of the peninsula as "I
a derelict country. To the south of them were the Miamis, whose principal
mission was founded by Allouez on the banks of the St. Joseph. They were
more stable than the Shawnees in the valley of the Cumberland, wdio con-
nected the southeastern Algonquins with the west: and their traditions
preserve the memory of their ancient limits. "My forefather," said the
Miami orator. Little Turtle, at Greenville, "kindled the first fire at Detroit:
from there he extended his lines to the head waters of the Scioto; from
thence to its mouth and down the Ohio to the mouth of the Wabash; and
from thence to Lake Michigan. These are the boundaries within which the
prints of my ancestors' houses are everywhere to be seen." And the narra-
tives of the French explorers confirm his words.
The forests beyond Detroit were at first found unoccupied, or, it may be,
roamed over by bands too feeble to attract a trader or win a missionary.
Between the lakes the Ottawas found a dense forest wilderness extending
to the straits, abounding with game and with lakes and rivers teeming with
fish. Beyond to the west and south of Lake Superior was the great nation
of the Chippewas, or, as some wrote, the Ojibwas, the Algonquin tribes of
whose dialect, mythology, traditions, and customs we have the fullest
accounts. They held the country from the mouth of Green Bay to the head
waters of Lake Superior; and adopted into their tribes many Ottawas, and
were themselves often included by the early French writers under that name.
Thus the two nations, by association and alliance, gradually -became
assimilated, and occupied the same territorv along the upper lakes. As
generations passecl and they multiplied in numbers and in power, the
Chippewa tribes predominated and history attached their name to the united
nation. Two hundred years after, indeed, in our State papers the parties to
22 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
various treaties are spoken of as the United States on one side, and the
Chippewas on the other, although there appear among the signatures the
names of chiefs and headsmen who were of Ottawa descent.
In their natural environment the savages were proud of idleness, and
did little but cross their arms and sit listlessly ; or engage in games of chance,
hazarding all their possessions on the result; or meet in council; or sing;
and eat, play, and sleep. Their greatest toils were to repair their cabins,
fashion a boat out of a tree by means of lire and a stone hatchet, and make
ready the instruments of war and of the chase. Woman was the laborer and
bore the burdens of life. The food raised from the earth was the fruit of her
industry. With no implement but a shell or the shoulder-blade of a buffalo,
she planted the corn and beans, drove the blackbirds from the held, broke
the weeds, and, in due time, gathered the harvest. She pounded the parched
corn, dried the buffalo meat, and prepared for winter the store of wild fruits.
She brought home the game which the warriors killed, she bore the wood,
drew the water, and spread the feasts. When the chief laid the keel of a
birchen canoe, it was the woman who stitched the bark with split ligaments
of the pine root, and seared the seams with resinous gum. When the warrior
prepared the poles of the wigwam, it was the woman who built it, and in
journeyings bore it on her shoulders. The Indian squaw was his slave, and
the number of his slaves was a criterion of his wealth.
The aborigines depended for food on the chase, the fisheries, and agri-
culture. They kept no herds ; and never were shepherds. The moose, the
bear, the deer, besides smaller game and fowl, were pursued with arrows
tipped with harts-horn, or eagle's claws, or pointed stones. With nets anil
spears fish were taken, and for want of salt were cured by smoke. Wild
fruits and berries in abundance were found in their season, and girls with
baskets of bark gathered the fragrant fruit of the wild strawberry. Wheat
and rye would have been a useless gift to the Indian, since he had neither
plow i .r sickle; but the maize sprang luxuriously from a warm, rich soil
with little aid from culture, oustripping the weeds and bearing, not thirty or
fifty, but a thousand fold. Maize was gathered from the field by hand, with-
out knife or reaping tools, and when dried could lie preserved for years. It
became nutritious food by a simple roasting before a fire, and a little of its
parched meal, with water from the brook, was often a dinner and supper.
With a small supply of it in his leathern girdle, the warrior, with his bow
ami arrows, was ready for travel at a moment's warning.
Famine often gave a terrible energy to the brutal part of their nature.
What could have been more miserable than the tribes of the north in the
depths of winter, suffering from want of food, driven by the intense cold to
sit huddled in the smoke around the fire in the cabin, and to fast for days,
until, compelled by faintness to reel into the w Is and gather moss or bark
tor a thin concoction to relieve the extremity of hunger? Want stiffled their
affections, with the result that the aged and infirm met with scant tenderness;
and the hunters, as they roamed the wilderness, often deserted the old
warriors to their fate. If provisions failed, the feeble dropped down by the
trail and were lost, or life was shortened by a blow. The fate of the desper-
ately ill. and those wounded in battle and the chase, was equally sad: and
those who lingered, especially the aged, were often neglected, and sometimes,
with the compassion of the savage, were put to death.
The clothing of the natives was, in summer, only a piece of skin, like an
apron, tied around the waist, but in winter they resorted to the protection of
a bear-skin, or robes made of skins of the fox and the beaver. Their feet
were protected by soft mocassins, to which were bound snow-shoes, on
which they could leap like a roe. Of the women, a mat or a skin, neatly
THE INDIANS OF SAGINAW VALLEY 23
prepared, tied over the shoulders, and fastened to the waist by a girdle,
extended from the neck to the knees, leaving the head, arms, and legs
uncovered. Their summer garments, of moose and deer skins, were painted
of many colors; and the fairest feathers of the turkey, fastened by threads
made of wild hemp and nettle, were curiously wrought into mantles. The
claws of the grizzly bear formed a proud collar for the war chief; a piece
of an enemy's scalp, with a tuft of long hair, glittered on the end of his war
pipes. The skin of a rattlesnake worn round the arm, and the skin of a
polecat bound round the leg, were emblems of noble daring. The warrior
was also tatooed with figures of animals, of leaves and flowers, and painted
with lively and shining colors. His dress was often a history of his deeds.
The wild man hated restraint, and loved to do what was right in his
own eyes; and, since he was his own protector, and as there was no public
justice, every man became his own avenger. In case of death by violence,
the departed shade could not rest until appeased by a retaliation. His kindred
would go a thousand miles for the purpose of revenge, over hills and moun-
tains; through swamps full of vines and briars, over broad lakes, rapid rivers,
and deep creeks, and all the way endangered by poisonous snakes, exposed
to the extremities of heat and cold, to hunger and thirst. Blood once being
shed, mortal strife often involved tribe against tribe, which continued for
generations, unless peace was restored by atoning presents in sufficient
measure to cover up the graves of the dead.
The Sauks and Onottawas
Such were the nature and general characteristics of the Algonquins, and
of those tribes which inhabited the basin of the Saginaw, three hundred
years ago. Of the earliest tribes which tradition takes into account, the
Sauks and Onottawas occupied the beautiful country from the bay to the
upper tributaries of the river. Along the Saginaw the Sauks made their
homes, built their camp fires, held their councils and smoked the calumet.
They roamed the forests which abounded with game, they paddled their
light bark canoes on its clear, smooth waters, and they fished the quiet pools.
Their largest village was at the confluence of the rivers which formed the
main stream, or Green Point as the place has been known for years; and
there was a smaller village on the bluffs of the Tittabawassee, above the
present settlement at Paines. On a gentle rise of ground along the Saginaw,
six miles from its mouth, they had another large village in which were
enacted some of the most stirring scenes in their traditional history.
The Sauks were, indeed, so imperishably identified with our early history,
traditional though it is, that their name has became indissolubly linked with
our own. From their dialect the name Saginaw is unquestionably derived.
It is a perversion of "Sa-gin-a-we, Sa-gin-a-gi, or Saug-e-nah," which freely
translated means, "land, or place, of the Sauks." According to tradition the
total number of Sauks living in this valley, at the beginning of the seven-
teenth century, was about sixteen hundred, a considerable population for
a small section.
Along the Cass and Flint rivers to their head waters roamed the
Onottawas, whose warriors found the forest wilderness a delightful hunting
ground. The woods were full of game, the streams teemed with fish, while
wild fowl filled the marshy ground or flew high in the trees. Their principal
village on the Cass was at the Great Bend, near the present town of Bridge-
port, and their camp fires lined the stream to and beyond Tuscola. On the
Flint their families, though more scattered, were especially numerous, and
they spread over a long stretch of river country. Their largest village was
•24 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
situated cm the bluffs — about thirty miles above its mouth, and within the
present City of Flint — a spot which was the scene of mortal strife in
Indian history.
The Chippewas Wage Savage Warfare
But these friendly tribes, upon whom the Great Spirit had bestowed a
hunting ground so plentifully supplied with all the needs and desires of
their savage life, were not destined to occupy unmollested this favored
country. Far t<i the north the warlike Chippewas had heard of the Sauks
and Onottawas — of the beautiful country and rich hunting grounds they
possessed, and they longed to gain them by conquest. The spies and scouts
sent out by them returned with glowing accounts of the beautiful riyers and
valleys, the abundance of fish and game found there, and told of the unpro-
tected and unguarded state of the occupants. They therefore called a council
of their tribes and allies, to be held on an island in the straits which connect
the lake of the Hurons and the lake of the Illinois I Lake Michigan). At the
appointed time the warriors from the Hurons on the east, the Potawatomies
on the south, and the Menomonies on the west gathered at that place, and
with solemn deliberation decided to wage relentless warfare on their
weaker neighbors toward the south. Accordingly, a savage conflict was soon
begun which resulted in the annihilation of the Sauks and their allies.
The traditional accounts of the predatory incursions of the Chippewas,
as handed down from generation to generation of their chiefs, was preserved
by an early settler who came to this valley in boyhood. In later years, as a
furtrader, his associations were chiefly with the Chippewas, whose language
became almost as familiar to him as his own. He relates that there were
several very old Indians living near the bay, and in 1834 he sought out and
questioned one of them, named Putt-a-guas-a-mine, who, though reputed to
be more than a hundred years old, still retained his mental faculties. He
declared that the unwritten narrative of his tribe had been told and often
repeated by his grandfather, who lived to a very old age, and who had
received it from his grandfather, in order that the principal events in their
history might not be lost.
When asked for these traditions of his race, the old Indian said that the
Sauks occupied the whole territory of the Saginaw and its tributaries, ex-
tending from the Au Sable River on the north to the head waters of the
Shiawassee, on the south. Their main village stood on the west bank of the
Saginaw not far from its mouth, from which they frequently sallied forth in
warlike incursions on the Chippewas about Thunder Kay. They were also
unfriendly to the Potawatomies. who occupied the country southwest of
them along the southern shore of Lake Michigan.
When the council of the Chippewas and their allies ended they fitted out
a large band of warriors, which soon started in birch bark canoes lor the
main land. They came down the west shore of Lake Huron, and. in order
to mask their movements, they stole along the shore of Saginaw Bay at
night, and lay concealed in the bushes on shore during the day. At length
they arrived at a point about ten miles from the mouth of the river which
they called "Pet-obe-gong," where a portion of their band landed, while the
remainder crossed the bay under cover of darkness, and landed on the cast
shore. In the morning, before it was yet day, both bands crept stealthily
along the banks of the river, one on each side, to attack and cut off the
retreat of their enemy.
While these hostile movements were taking place, a great festival was
being held by the Sauks in honor of the young chief "Raven Eye," who had
that day been advanced for some daring feat of the chase. A large number
THE INDIANS OF SAGINAW VALLEY 25
of warriors from the various villages and camps of the tribe were present,
and also a few young Onottawa braves who had been invited to participate
in the festivities. The day was a most delightful one in early autumn. The
old chiefs threw aside their usual gravity, the young braves their fierceness,
and all mingled together in gaiety, song and dance. The dark-eyed Mimi
was there, the chieftain's daughter, to whom it was said Raven Eye was
bethrothed, one whom many a young warrior would have suffered torture,
to have won from her even the tribute of a smile.
Evening came on, soft, still ami delightful. The full, harvest moon
arose in splendor, and cast its mellow light over the happy scene; and the
dim, wild wood around resounded with notes of merriment. It was late
when the festival ended, and all of the gay throng, wearied with pleasure,
sunk into peaceful, quiet slumber. The night wind sighed through the dark
pines in mournful cadence, the guardian spirit of the savage hovered over
the sleepers, with its low death chant, yet its warning notes were unheard:
the sleeper^ slept on. Suddenly a wild, unearthly yell broke fearfully upon
the still night, and awakened a thousand echoes. Aroused by it. the Sauks
sprang to their feet, bewildered and dismayed, and were met by the fierce
Chippewas, who commenced an indiscriminate slaughter. Some were toma-
hawked— women and children, and aged warriors too feeble to raise an
arm in defense, not being spared — while some leaped into the river and
were drowned. Others, more agile and fleet of foot, escaped and took their
families, or wdiat remained of them, across the river. On some high ground
(at Portsmouth) they attempted to fortify themselves, believing that the
enemy would follow up their conquest.
Battle of Skull Island
The whole valley of the Saginaw was now in a state of wild commotion
and fear, as it was known that the Chippewas had commenced a bloody war
of extermination. Their band that had crept up the east side of the river,
seeing the defenseless condition of the Sauks, soon came up, and a fearful
and desperate battle took place. Human bones of those killed in the fight
may still be found in this hill. The Sauks were again defeated at this place,
but the remnants of their once happy and contented band recrossed the river
at night, and retreated to an island near the mouth of a small stream, which
was afterward named Cheboyganing Creek. Although the land was low
and marshy they here felt secure from attack, as their enemies had no canoes
in the river; and they proceeded to fortify themselves. But soon after the
river froze over with ice thick enough for the allies to cross, which they
did in overwhelming numbers, and another massacre ensued. In the end
the Sauks on the lower river were practically exterminated, only twelve
squaws being spared. On account of the great quantity of skulls and bones
found there in later years, the place was called Skull Island.
The Chippewas and their allies then proceeded up the river to its head,
where they divided their band, some warriors going up the Cass, some up
the Flint, while others went up the Tittabawassee and Shiawassee and their
tributaries. All the straggling bands of their enemies were located and
every member of them put to death, leaving none to contend with them as
to the possession of this hunting ground. The fiercest battle probably was
fought on the bluffs of the Flint, at the village of the Sauks, in the present
City of Flint, in which, tradition says, a reinforcement of their allies came
from the vicinity of Detroit and met them. Mounds filled with bones
scattered indiscriminately, indicating that the bodies had been buried
hurriedly after a battle, can be located at this place even to this day. The
waring Indians then came down the Flint and fought another battle on a
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THE INDIANS OF SAGINAW VALLEY 27
bluff one mile above the present town of Flushing, where mounds filled with
bones still exist ; and soon after exterminated a small remnant of the Sauks
at a point sixteen miles below, where fifty years ago the farm of James
McCormick was located.
On the Cass River the allies came upon the principal village of the
Sauks at the Great Bend, near Bridgeport, the inhabitants of which they
captured and put to death. A small ridge, or earthwork, supposed to have
been their rude fortification, was plainly to be seen here as late as 1830. The
next important battle was fought on the Tittabawassee on ground just below
the farm on which James Frazer settled when he came to the valley as one
of its early pioneers.
Having completed their bl ly work of conquest, with the extermination
of the Sauks, excepting the twelve squaws spared from the massacre on the
lower river, a council of the allies was held to determine the fate of the
survivors. Some of the warrior chiefs were bent on torturing them to
death, others wanted to spare their lives and set them free to go wherever
they pleased, while still others advised sending them far away beyond the
"Great River." At last it was decided to place them among the Sioux ; and
a compact was made with that warlike nation that the tribes should not
molest them, but offer them protection, an agreement which, according to
tradition, was faithfully kept.
Having assured themselves that they were indeed sole masters of the
beautiful valley of the Saginaw, the Chippewas set about making prepara-
tions for a permanent stay there, at least as far as their disposition would
admit. Their lodges soon rose from the ruins of the Sauk and Onottawa
villages, and maize waved over the graves of the disinherited possessors of
the soil. The Chippewa hunter pursued the wild wolf and deer through
the hunting grounds of the Sauks without fear of interruption, and made
his camp beneath the very trees where they had often reveled, or met in
council. Many Indians who came to this valley, however, never returned
to their tribes, nor were they ever after heard of, occurrences which filled
their relations with deep dread and fear. At length it became a firmly fixed
belief among them that the spirits of the dead Sauks still haunted their
favorite hunting grounds, and took the lives of their enemies. It may have
been that a few Sauks escaped the massacres, and still lingered around the
camps, watching for straggling hunters and killing them whenever an
opportunity offered.
Years rolled on and the invaders grew in strength and power, and in
the pride of their hearts boasted of their conquests, and vainly defied the
Great Spirit. For a long time the Great Spirit bore with them; but a day
of reckoning was hastening on. The pale faces came, bringing with them
the seeds of discontent and strife, which they scattered broadcast through
the valley of the Saginaw. They taught the Indians to quaff the deadly
fire-water, and to curse and yell in tolerable English. The rich hunting
grounds, which their forefathers had wrenched so fiercely from the defense-
less Sauks, passed from their hands; and villages sprang up where the
Chippewas had often tracked the bear and the elk.
Many long years had elapsed since their ancestors had so wrongfully
taken possession of the favored land, and sent the lonely and friendless
squaws far away among strange tribes. The Great Spirit had, however,
watched over them and directed their course in their new found home
toward the setting sun.
s
28 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
A Ghost of the Sauks
One day the Chippewas in camp at the head of the Saginaw were sur-
prised to receive a visit from a strange Indian, whose dialect and dress
differed from their own. By signs he made them understand that he came
from a powerful tribe of Sauks, which lived many miles away in the west,
where game was found in great abundance, and in whose rivers and lakes
all kinds of fish abounded, lie also told them that his tribe had not for-
gotten the great wrong that his ancestors had suffered from the hands of
the Chippewas, and that they burned for an opportunity to avenge the
murdered of his race. He had come, he said, to tell them that, although his
tribe did not hope to reclaim their lost hunting ground, in an hour when
their enemies least expected it, the avenging warriors would be upon them.
After singing a wild, exciting song in his own tongue, and giving a fearful
parting whoop, he bounded into the depth of the forest like a wild deer, and
disappeared, leaving his hearers in a state of consternation and alarm.
At intervals, since this event, the Chippewas received mysterious visita-
tions of the spirit of the departed Sauks. Sometimes during sugar making,
they would lie seized with a sudden panic, and leave everything — their
kettles of boiling sap, the mokuks of sugar standing in their camp, their
ponies tethered in the woods, and flee to their canoes as though pursued by
their ancient enemy. Not unfrequently opportunity would be taken of the
stampede, bv some had Indians or stragglers, to rob the poor savages of
what little they possessed. This led to the firm belief among them, upon
cautiously returning and finding their camp despoiled, that the Great Spirit
was visiting the sins of their forefathers upon them.
An old Indian chief, named "Tong-do-gong," who died in 1X40, told
main- times of having killed a Sauk while hunting when a hoy. This hap-
pened probably about the year 1785, and as a result the Indians on the
Saginaw to within fifty years ago still believed that there was a Sauk lurking
in the vicinity of their camps. They had seen the place, they said, where he
had made his fires and slept. For days at a time they would keep together
in bands, and not leave their camp to hunt because they believed there was
a Sauk in the neighboring woods, for some one of their band had seen where
he had slept. Nothing could disillusion them of this fearsome belief.
Shop-en-a-gons' Account
< Ither old Indians, who clearly remembered the traditions of their race,
as handed down from their grandfathers, related at different times the same
story of the extermination of the Sauks, varying only in unimportant details
which could have no bearing on the fact. Later old chief Shop-en-a-gons,
who was so well known to some of our citizens of today, anil who passed to
his happy hunting grounds in December, 1911, told substantially the same
narrative. In his account, however, as related in his ninetieth year, his tribe,
which occupied the country north of the An Sable River, had suffered
grievous wrongs from straggling bands of the Sauks. Their camps had
been pillaged during their absence on the hunt, and their women and children
had been abused. These crimes they had borne patiently for several years,
when, at the outbreak of the whole Chippewa nation, they gladly joined in
the savage warfare. The band to which his tribe belonged, he said, crossed
the Alt Sable to the head waters of the Tittabawassee, which they followed
to the various camps of the enemy, slaying them at every hand. On the
bluff's of the river (at Raines) near its mouth, they fought a fierce battle in
which the Sauks were all killed and their camp laid waste. The)- then
THE INDIANS OF SAGINAW VALLEY 29
joined another band in their incursions up the Flint River, and participated
in further battles on that stream. The memory of this old and friendly chief
was generally very clear regarding the unwritten history of his race, but. like
other merely traditional history, should be taken as probable rather than as
actual facts.
Legend of the Lone Tree
Among the interesting legends told by Indian chiefs of the Saginaws,
is one concerning a lone tree which once stood on the east side of the river,
above Portsmouth. Alone and isolated on the broad prairie, it stood majestic
in its loneliness; and a spirit of romance lingered about it — a whisper of
past mysteries breathed through its spreading branches. A peculiar interest
was imparted to it from its having been for years the abode of a white owl.
whose dismal screeches fell mournfully on the night.
The Indians had a great reverence for this tree, and believed that its
occupant was a spirit-bird, or guardian spirit, of a dead warrior. The spirit-
bird, they said, sometimes personifies a dove, sometimes an eagle, or other
species according to the disposition of the deceased. A fearless, ambitious,
and untamed warrior's spirit-bird is an eagle; a blood-thirsty chieftain's
spirit-bird is a hawk, while the friends of a gentle maiden who lias passed
to the spirit land, know that she is hovering near them when they hear the
cooing notes of a turtle dove at morn or at ewe.
Many years ago, before the coming of the white man to this hunting
ground, so the legend runs, Ke-wah-ke-won, a noble chieftain of the Chip-
pewas. ruled his people with love and kindness. He was a patriarch among
them, and greatly beloved for his gentleness, forebearance, and the mildness
of his rule. He had been a great warrior in his day, but his youth had
departed, and the languid pulse and feeble footstep told, only too plainly,
that he would soon pass to the hunting grounds of the Great Spirit. The
good old chieftain felt that he was about to die. and was desirous of once
more seeing his tribes in council, and of bestowing upon them his last bless-
ing. Around him quickly gathered, in mournful silence, all of his beloved
people, eager to catch the last words of admonition from the lips of their
dying chief — forming a melancholy death scene in the wilderness. At
length the old man spoke, while the fire of his youth seemed rekindled in his
dim eve. and his voice, though weak, was calm and clear.
"My children," said he, "the Great Spirit has called me, and I must obej
the summons. Already is the tomahawk raised to sever the last cord that
binds me to my children; already my guide stands at the door to convey me
to the hunting grounds of my fathers in the spirit land. You weep, my
children, but dry your tears, for though 1 leave you now, yet will my spirit-
bird ever watch over you. I will whisper to you in the evening breeze, ami
when the morning comes you will know that I have been with you through
the night. Rut the Great Spirit beckons me. and I must hasten. Let my
body be laid in a quiet spot in the prairie, with my tomahawk and pipe by ray
side. You need not fear that the wolf will disturb my rest, for the Great
Spirit. I feel, will place a watch over me. Meet me in the spirit land, my
children — Farewell."
They buried him in a lonely spot in the wide plain, near the beautiful
river, with his face toward the rising sun; and was newer disturbed by bird
or beast, for so the Great Spirit had ordered it. Time passed on and a tree
arose from his grave and spread its branches over it. as if for protection,
while the great white owl — the spirit-bird sent to watch over it — came and
30 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
took possession. Though the tree has long since fallen before the woodman's
axe, yet the spot upon which it stood has often been pointed out, and where
sleeps Ke-wah-ke-won, the beloved chieftain of his race.
Nay-o-kee-man and Pau-pem-is-kobe
Long years ago on the banks of the Flint, fifty miles from Saginaw,
there could be seen a small mound under the branches of a large oak. A
Chippewa hunter, named Pet-e-bon-a-qua, in passing there one day stopped
to rest, and upon being questioned about it said that, before the pale faces
invaded his country, two braves had engaged in mortal combat upon that
spot, and that one brave warrior slept beneath the mound. One of these,
named Pau-pem-is-kobe, was the favored suitor of the beautiful daughter of
a mighty brave, and this had enraged the fierce Nay-o-kee-man, who was also
enamored of the dusky-eyed maiden.
One day the two young warriors came together in the forest, and words
of anger passed between them. Nay-o-kee-man nursed his wrath and some
time later while hunting he saw his hated rival in the woods. Secreting
himself he laid in wait. As Pau-pem-is-kobe passed in the narrow trail, the
whizzing of a tomahawk warned him of an unseen foe. With characteristic
agility he sprang for cover, but so true was the aim of the skillful Nay-o-
kee-man that he received a slight scalp wound. For some time there was the
usual dodging and feinting, each trying to get the advantage of the other.
At length the assailant exposed his person unguardedly for an instant,
when an arrow from the stout bow of Pau-pem-is-kobe struck him in the
neck. Seeing that his foe was partially disabled, Pau-pem-is-kobe then
rushed out to finish him ; but the latter was still in fighting trim. As the
two braves closed both drew their long hunting knives, and a death to death
struggle ensued. Nay-o-kee-man was the more powerful of the two, and,
though badly wounded, he finally succeeded in thrusting his knife into the
vitals of his antagonist, thus sending him to the happy hunting grounds.
The victor, fearing the wrath of his tribe, fled to another part of the territory,
while the spirit of the dead Pau-pem-is-kobe haunted the spot where his life
went out.
Retributive Justice of the Savage
In one of the revels at the camp of the Chippewas on the Saginaw, an
Indian who had quaffed too freely of the white man's "fire-water," killed his
squaw, and in order to conceal the crime threw her body into the lire. After-
ward recovering from his drunken stupor, he realized that the signs of his
guilt were still present, so he fled and took refuge in the camp of the Ottawas
near by. The charred remains of the poor squaw were discovered soon after,
the absence of the Indian noticed, and the cry for revenge was raised. The
avengers pursued the culprit to the campfire of their neighbors, and in solemn
council doomed him to the death which in the stern old Indian code was
reserved for those who shed the blood of their kin. It was a slow torturing,
cruel death. Placing a hatchet in the victim's hand, they led him to a large
log that was partially hollow and forced him to dig it out still more so as to
admit his body. This done he was taken back and tied to a tree.
While the executioners smoked, and drank fire-water, evening came on.
and they kindled fires about him. Then commenced the orgies peculiar to
the savage on such occasions. They danced and sang in their wild, exciting
manner, chanting the dirge of the recreant brave. The arrow' was fitted to
the ready bow-string, and often, with its shrill twang, it was sent into his
quivering flesh; and to heighten his misery his nose and ears were cut off.
The night passed in this fiendish manner, the victim still bound to the tree.
THE INDIANS OF SAGINAW VALLEY 31
bearing his punishment with a stoicism which nothing mortal could shake.
Seven long and weary hours after did he stand there, enduring the most
cruel torture, before his proud head dropped upon his breast, and his spirit
passed to the hunting grounds of the Great Spirit.
Then they took the mutilated body, wrapped it in a clean blanket, and
placed it in the log coffin the victim had helped to hollow. His hunting
knife was placed by his side that he might have some means of defense, his
bottle of "fire-water"' and his pipe and tobacco that he might find cheer on
his long journey. The cover was then put on, stakes were driven on each
side of the log, and the space filled with earth and brush. The murdered
squaw was avenged by this stern act of retributive justice, and quiet reigned
over the forest once mure.
O-ke-mos
"Old" O-ke-mos, a nephew of Pontiac and once the chief of the Chip-
pewas, was born on the upper waters of the Shiawassee, at a date unknown.
The earliest account of him is that he took the warpath in 1796; and he was
active in the battle of Sandusky, in 1803, which gave him his chieftainship
and caused him to be revered by his tribe. Afterward he settled with his
people on the banks of the Shiawassee, near the place of his birth, where for
many years he engaged in hunting, fishing, and trading with tine white men.
In 1837, when small-pox broke out in his tribe, their families became scattered,
and the sound of the tom-tom at council fires and village feasts, were heard
no more along the pleasant river.
O-ke-mos then became a mendicant, and many a hearty meal did he
receive from his friends among the whites. He was only five feet four inches
in height, but was lithe, wiry, and active, with the usual amount of Indian
intelligence, and possessed bravery ; but in conversation he hesitated and
mumbled his words. Before the breaking up of his tribe his dress consisted
of a blanket coat, with belt, steel pipe, hatchet, tomahawk, and a heavy, long.
English hunting knife, witli a large bone handle, stuck in the front of his
belt. He painted his cheeks and forehead with vermillion, wore a shawl
around his head in turban fashion, and covered his legs with leggings.
He died in his wigwam near Lansing, and was buried December 5, 1858,
at Shimnicon, an Indian village in Ionia County. Though his coffin was
roughly fashioned, in it were placed his pipe and tobacco, hunting knife, and
bird's wings, in accordance with the Indian traditions.
Nau-qua-chic-a-ming
Nau-qua-chic-a-ming, who was well and favorably known to all the early
white settlers of the Saginaw Valley, was made one of the chiefs of his tribe
upon the death of his father, and was then constituted head chief of the
Chippewas. His honesty and friendship to his white neighbors was proven
in numerous instances; yet he often declared that the vices of the Indian
were all acquired by contact with the white race. The native Indian, he said,
did not lie or steal and would not do a dishonorable act. In war he might
be cruel and vindictive, but in peace he was kind and just. Before the pale
faces came and robbed the red men of their wits with "strong water," and
their lands, and taught them the vices of civilization, the Indian was brave
and honest. No Indian ever locked his cabin lest some other Indian might
break in and steal. When the owner of the wigwam or cabin went forth to
war or on the hunt, he simply placed a stick against the door or entrance,
as a sign that he was absent, and no one ever disturbed his belongings. The
untutored savage believed in the Great Spirit, and was superstitous to a
degree, but his native honesty was a firmly fixed trait of character, and in
marked contrast to the Christian pale face.
32 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
In company with nthcr chiefs and prominent white men of Saginaw,
Nau-qua-chic-a-ming went to Washington in 1830, for the purpose of carrying-
out the provisions of the treaty negotiated in that year. He passed to the
happy hunting grounds, October 26, 1874, at the advanced age. it was be-
lieved, of more than ninety years. His son, "Jim," who was also a good and
respected Indian, died about 1892.
O-saw-wah-bon
O-saw-wah-bon, the famous chief of the Chippewas, was born in an
Indian camp on the site of Saginaw City, in 1798. His mother's name was
Ke-no-wah-nah-ah-no-quay, and the name she bestowed upon the infant
savage was Kay-pay-yon-quod. While bearing this peculiar title he was
generally ill. and as he grew older lie came to believe that its change would
lead to improvement of his health. He therefore cast it aside in regular
Indian form and adopted that of his father, < >-saw-wah-pon. He was always
very friend lv to his white neighbors — the honest traders, and was particu-
larly attached to General Cass, and on this account used his oratorical powers
in behalf of the government's plans for the settlement of his country. It
was even said that lie urged Tecumseh to desist from his purpose of opposing
the Americans. He died in Isabella County early in 1859, and was buried
with all the ceremony attending the funeral of an Indian chieftain.
Shaw-we-nos-se-ga
Shaw-we-nos-se-ga, a noted Chippewa, was also well known to the early
settlers of Saginaw. At a very early age he took rank among the warriors of
his tribe as a mighty hunter, and in after years, when the new settlers offered
a bounty for wolf scalps, he was among the principal holders of bounty
certificates. As late as 1857 he produced twelve wolf scalps before the board
of supervisors, and in addition to the bounty paid him. his prowess was
handed down to historic fame in a poetic tribute.
Ma-say-nos
One of the Chippewa braves, by the name of Ma-say-nos, by reason of
an affair at heart, in which he became enamored of a beautiful maiden of his
tribe, but who bestowed her affections upon another hunter, became a verit-
able Indian hermit. He lived alone and avoided the association of the tribe,
being seldom seen by any of them, or by the trappers, and rarely spoke to
anyone. He died in his desolate cabin, alone and unattended, a circumstance
which shows that in some respects the red man was not unlike bis white
brother.
Oge-maw-ke-ke-to
Oge-maw-ke-ke-to was not a chief by hereditary title; but because of
the high order of his accomplishments, his brother Indians conferred on him
the title and privileges which belonged to Miz-co-be-na-sa, who was content
to lead as chieftain of a band. It was said that both the hereditary and
de-facto rulers were Indians of the most noble traits, requiting justice with
lasting friendship for its dispenser, and punishing treachery with instant
i lea th.
Miz-co-be-na-sa
Miz-ce-be-na-sa, signifying the Red Bird, was a quiet, unassuming chief
of the Chippewas, and possessed n<> desire whatever for fame — no aspirations
after greatness. It was said of him that having his pipe and tobacco pouch
well filled, and his bottle of whiskey at his side, he was perfectly contented
and cared little about the affairs of the Indian state. He bad. however, been
THK INDIANS OF SAGINAW VALLEY
33
a mighty hunter in his day, but the fire of youth had passed away, and with
it all the energies of a youthful spirit.
It is a melancholy and lamentable fact, that as the country became
settled by the whites, the native energy and spirit of the red man grew less
and drooped, for he beheld the broad domains possessed by his fathers in
the hands of the pale faces, and the cherished hunting grounds which he
called his own melting away before the march of progress. As society
advanced the red man receded and degenerated, despite the efforts made to
civilize and enlighten him. While a feeble remnant of the bold and warlike
Chippewas remain, their fate is not unlike that of the Sauks, in that they have
been swept from the face of the earth before the advancing tide of civilization.
The zealous cupidity of the encroaching white man has driven out the once
proud possessors of the soil, has hewn away their forests, destroyed their
lodges, and with ruthless sacrilege has desecrated the resting places of
their dead.
Chief of the Chippewas, a native of Saginaw, at the age of eighty-four was strong, active and
keen-sighted. His father fought under Tecumseh, against the Americans, and received from
the British the medals which "Shop" wears. The silver hat band was inherited from his wife's
father. Chief Nau-gua-chic-a-ming, who had it from his forefathers.
CHAPTER III
THE ADVENT OF WHITE MEN
Early French Explorations — Discovery of the Great Lakes — Coming of the
[esuits — First Christian Mission Established in Michigan — Pere Marquette Founds
First Settlement — Did the Jesuits Visit the Saginaw River? — Primitive Maps-
Earliest References to .Saginaw — Advent of the Eur Traders — Jacob Smith (Wah-
be-Sins) Pioneer Trapper — Louis Campau, the First White Settler — Other Early
Pioneers.
LITTLE less than three hundred years ago, preceding any permanent
Ml-
lish settlement north of the Potomac, the footsteps of the white
A- — - — ,_ „,,,
Pilgrims anchored within Cape Cod, Joseph le Caron, an unambitious
Franciscan, the companion of Champlain, had entered into the land of the
Mohawks, had passed to the north into the hunting-grounds of the Wyandots
in < Intario, and, hound by his vows to the life of a beggar, had, on foot, or
paddling a bark canoe, gone onward and still onward, taking alms of the
savages, until he reached the rivers of Lake Huron. Wintering with the
friendly Indians in their wandering hunter life, enduring all its hardships,
and learning their language and ideas, he came at length to their palisaded
tow us near the shores of Georgian Bay. Thus was Le Caron the first of a
civilized race to behold the waters of the Great Lakes, and to plant the cross
on their shore--.
In the summer of 1615 he set up his altar in a new hark lodge he had
built in the Huron town of Caragouha, which was situated within the present
boundaries of Medonte Township in the extreme northern part of Simcoe
County. There he began to learn a new and strange tongue, to study the
nature of the savages, so as to teach the flock around him. Soon alter he was
joined by Champlain, on his return from the expedition against the Iroquois
near the outlet of Lake < intario. During the following winter they extended
their observations to Lake Huron and visited the neighboring tribes, of whose
habits and character Champlain made diligent study and wrote out the results
with great minuteness and detail. In the spring of 1616 he returned to
Quebec by the way of French Fixer, Lake Nipissing and the Ottawa River,
relinquishing further exploration to his subordinates. Le Caron continued
his labors anion- the Hurons until the fall when he, too, proceeded to
Quebec.
Among the pioneers of the wanderers in the American forests, a class of
men hardy, agile, fearless, and in habits approximating to the savage, was
Ltienne Brule, of Champigny, who had accompanied Champlain to the Huron
villages near Georgian Fay. He spent three years in roaming through the
vast forests of the North; and Sagard, in his Historic du Canada, published
in l(o4, mentions this bold voyageur, with a Frenchman named Grenolle, as
having made a long journey and returned with a "lingat" of red copper, and
with a description of a great inland ocean which was so large as to require
nine days to reach its upper extremity. This body of fresh water was named
Lac Superior, ami defined as discharging its waters into Lake Huron by a
fall, first called Saut de Gaston, and afterward Sault Ste. Marie. To him
belongs the undisputed honor of being the first white man to give the world
a knowledge of the region beyond Lake Huron.
THE ADVENT OF WHITE MEN 35
In 1618 Jean Nicollet came from France and entered the service of the
"Hundred Associates," a French fur company, under the direction of Cham-
plain. For several years he traded with the friendly Hurons, and on July 4,
1634, was at Three Rivers, a trading post but recently established. Thread-
ing his way in a frail canoe among the thousands of isles which extend from
Georgian Bay to the extremity of Lake Huron, he skirted the northern shore
and through a narrow strait discovered a large Icily .if water, which after-
ward received the name of Lac Illinois i Lake Michigan I. Turning south-
ward he continued his explorations and scion came to the Grand Bay, an
inlet of the western shore, which he described a-- impressive by its length
and vastness, and the dense forests that lined its shores.
More than lift}' years after the discovery of Lake Huron, or in 1669, the
existence of a fifth large lake was made known, probably by Joliet, and
named Lac des Erie, but the existence of the straits connecting these.- bodies
of water was then a mere conjecture. That this most southerly lake of the
group, extending to the east beyond the western end of Lake < >ntario, should
have been the last to be discovered by a civilized race was due to its lying
in the recesses of a country guarded by the hostile Iroquois. I Mi account of
the treacherous and unyielding character of these savages, which were veri-
table tigers of the American Indian, the route of the French missionaries
and the pioneer fur traders from Montreal to the western country was by the
way of the ( )ttawa River to Georgian Bay. and was followed by the Hurons,
with whom the French were on the most friendly terms.
( Mi the tenth of August, 1679, La Salle and his intrepid followers sailing
on Lake Erie in the Griffin, the first vessel to unfurl sails to the winds of the
inland seas, came to the mouth of a broad river. The following day the
explorers entered the strait, which they named Detroit; and Hennepin was
so much impressed with the beautiful scenery that he wrote:
"The straits are thirty leagues long bordered by low and level banks,
and navigable for their entire length; that on either hand are vast
prairies extending back to hills covered with vines, fruit trees,
thickets, and tall forest trees, so distributed as to seem rather the
work of art than of nature. . . . The inhabitants who will
have the good fortune to some day settle on this pleasant and
fertile strait will bless the memory of those who pioneered the
way, and crossed Lake Erie by more than a hundred leagues of an
unknown navigation."
But their progress was slow, due to unfavorable winds, and four or five days
elapsed before they cleared the river and entered a small lake. The calendar
day was the festival of Saint Claire, and as they sailed serenely over the clear
blue waters. La Salle named the lake after the patron saint, as also the broad
river which flows into it.
The Coming of the Jesuits
About 1625, finding that the mission field in New France required an
order bound to less scrupulous poverty than the Recollects, the office of con-
verting the Indians to Christianity, and thus enlarging the borders of French
dominion, was entrusted solely to the Jesuits. In that year Father Enemond
Masse, with Charles Lallemand and John de Brebeuf, and others filled with
apostolic zeal, came to America. The old opposition to their order was soon
renewed, and the Jesuits found themselves homeless, but the Recollects
opened the doors of their convent to them. A prouder sympathy was
awakened among the devotees of the court of France, and under the patron-
age oi the Duke de Ventadour, a nobleman of great piety, they soon began to
build, and brought over men to swell the settlement and cultivate the ground,
while they revived the missions which had been founded by the earlier order.
36 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The Ilurons were the first nation that cordially opened their hearts to
the reception of the christian faith; anil to their villages near Georgian Bay
went the Jesuits Brebeuf and Daniel, soon followed by the gentler Lalle-
mand and others of their order, bowing meekly in obedience to their vows.
Joining a party of barefoot Hurons, who were returning from Quebec to their
country, the}7 journeyed by way of the Ottawa and the rivers that interlock
with it, for three hundred leagues through dense forests. All day long they
handled the paddle or oar. or carried the canoe on their shoulders for leagues
through the thickest woods, three score times dragging it by hand through
shallows and rapids, over sharpest stones. At night there was no food but
a scanty measure of Indian corn mixed with water, while their couch was the
earth or rocks. Thus swimming, wading, paddling, or bearing the canoe
across portages, with garments torn, with feet mangled, and weak and weary,
yet with the breviary safely hung around the neck, the consecrated envoys
made their way to the heart of the I [uron wilderness, and settled in the rough
bark cabin which had been erected by Le Caron eleven years before. Here,
in the Indian village of Toanche, they founded the first Jesuit mission in
Upper Canada.
But the conversion of the Indians was a very slow process, and little
progress was made before the restoration of Canada to France, by the treaty
of St. Germain, in 1632, when the history of the great lesuit missions begins.
For sixteen years thereafter they continued their labors in the Huron villages,
with calm impassive courage and unwearied patience, in the midst of priva-
tions, perils, sufferings and contumely, the details of which would till a
volume of thrilling interest.
The First Christian Mission in Michigan
It was from the Huron mission that the first missionary explorers were
sent forth to instruct the Indians of our own territory. Early in the summer
of 1641, at a feast held in the Huron villages there was present a company of
Chippewas from the North, who, being deeply impressed with the sacred
character of the black-robed missionaries, cordially invited them to visit their
homes on the confines of a great lake, the charms of which they depicted in
glowing colors. The missionaries, ever anxious to extend the dominion of
the cross, joyfully accepted the invitation. For the leader of this first inva-
sion of our soil, Charles Raymbault, who was thoroughly versed in the Algon-
quin language and customs, was chosen; and. as Ilurons were his attendants,
Isaac Jogues was given him as a companion.
On the seventeenth of September. 1641, a birch bark canoe, freighted with
the holy envoys to the Chippewas, left the Bay of Penetanguishene for the
straits that form the outlet of Lake Superior. Passing to the north over a
wonted track to the French River, the}- floated onward between thickly clus-
tering islands, beyond the Manitoulins, and, after a navigation of seventeen
days, came to the Rapids of St. Mary. Flere, in the forest wilderness, they
found an assembly of about two thousand souls, who had never known Euro-
peans, and had newer heard of the one God. The missionaries made inquiries
respecting other nations to the West, as yet unnamed — warlike tribes, with
fixed abodes, cultivators of maize ami tobacco, of an unknown race and lan-
guage. The chieftains of the Chippewas cordially invited the Jesuits to dwell
with them, which inspired hopes of a permanent mission. A council was
held. "We will embrace you," they said, "as brothers; we will derive profit
from your words." Thus did the religious zeal id" the French bear the cross
to the banks of the St. Mary and to the confines of Lake Superior, and clear
the way for the first permanent European settlement within the borders of
our State, five years before Eliot had addressed the tribe of Indians that
dwelt within six miles of Boston harbor.
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38 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Having fulfilled their chief object, Raymbault, late in the season, returned
to the Huron mission, wasting away with consumption. In midsummer of
the following year he proceeded to Quebec, and in < (ctober the self-denying
man, who was the first apostle of Christianity to the tribes of Michigan,
ceased to live; and was buried in the "particular sepulchre which the justice
of that age had erected to honor the memory of the illustrious Champlain."
Father fogues, the companion of Raymbault, after suffering many tortures
from the hostile Iroquois, while bearing a proposal to establish a permanent
mission among the Five Nations, received his death blow- at the hands of the
Mohawks, on the eighteenth of ( >ctober, 1646, his head being hung upon the
palisades of the village, and his body thrown into the Mohawk River. Fathers
Daniel. Brebeuf, Lallemand and other faithful apostle-., who had braved the
enmity of the terrible Iroquois, also suffered a martyr's death amid scenes of
the most frightful and revolting atrocity. The Huron nation was vanquished,
the tribes scattered, their villages destroyed, the Christian converts mas-
sacred, and by 1650 little remained in evidence of the labors ami sacrifices of
the Jesuits in Upper Canada.
The Iroquois then reigned in proud and haughty triumph the whole
region from Lake Erie b> Lake Superior. Upper Canada was a desolate
wilderness, and even the route by the ( >ttawa River was not safe from the
war parties of these bold marauders. Nevertheless, in the summer of 1660,
a large company of < Ittawas, in sixty canoes laden with peltry, appeared at
( (uebec to trade with the French. They asked for a missionary, and the lot
fell to Rene Mesnard. He was charged to visit Lake Superior and Green
Bay, and on a convenient inlet to establish a resident mission — a place of
assembly for the surrounding nations. Powerful instincts impelled him to
the enterprise, and his departure was immediate with few preparations, for he
trusted — such are his words — "in the Providence which feeds the little
birds of the desert, and clothes the wild flowers of the forests."
Behold, then, this aged priest, obedient to his vows, entering on the path
that was red with the blood of his predecessors, making haste to scatter the
seeds of truth through the wilderness. At every step subjected to the coarse
brutality of his savage companions, he is compelled, in a cramped position,
to plv the wearisome paddle, to drag the canoe up the foaming rapids, and at
portages to carry heavy burdens. Want, absolute and terrible, comes in to
enhance his sufferings. When berries and edible moss are exhausted, the
moose skin of his garments are made to yield its scant\- nutriment. Finally,
with his breviary lost in dee]) waters, bare-foot, wounded with sharp stones,
exhausted with toil, hunger and brutal treatment, supporting life on pounded
bones, he reaches, on October 15. Ste. Theresa's Hay. probably what is now
Keweenaw Bay. Here, amidst everv discouragement and privation, and with
no white brethren nearer than Montreal, he begins a mission and says Mass,
which, he notes, "repaid me with usury for all my past hardships."
Thus, was the first Christian mission established in the Northwest, on
the soil of our commonwealth. During the long, bitterly cold winter on that
inhospitable shore did this saintly man minister to the native Chippewas,
baptizing the young and those who embraced the faith. A little cabin of fir
branches piled one upon another, through which the wind whistled freely,
was Ids only protection from the storms and cold, but it served the purpose,
"not so much," he wrote, "to shield me from the rigor of the season as to
correct my imagination, and persuade me that I was sheltered." Want,
famine, came with its horrors to make more memorable this first effort to
plant the cross within the borders of our State, but with the spring came
relief from suffering, and hopefully did he labor on.
THE ADVENT OF WHITE MEN 39
The hand of partially christianized Hurons who, on the destruction of
their nation, had sought refuge in these northern fastnesses, were at the Bay
of Chegoimegon and sent to Father Mesnard to come and administer to them
the rites of religion. It was a call he could not resist, although warned of
the dangers that beset his path ; and replied: "God calls me thither. I must
go if it cost me my life."' So lie departed from his neophytes, and with one
companion proceeded westward by the way of Portage Lake. On the twen-
tieth of August. 1661, at a portage, while his attendant was employed in
transporting the canoe, he wandered into the forest, became lost, and was
never again seen. Whether he took a wrong path, or was struck down by
some straggling Indian, was never known.
Undismayed by the sad fate of Mesnard, and indifferent to hunger and
cold, to the wreck of frail canoes, and to fatigues and weariness, in August.
1665, Father Claude Allouez embarked on a fresh mission, by the way of the
Ottawa, to the Far West. Early in September lie passed the rapids of the
St. Mary's River and entered the lake which the savages reverenced as a
divinity. Pressing onward beyond the Pay of Ste. Theresa, seeking in vain
for a mass of pure copper, of which he had heard, on the first day of ( Ictober
lie arrived at the great Indian village, in the Bay of Chegoimegon. On the
shore of the hay, to which the abundant fisheries attracted crowds, a chapel
soon rose, and the mission of the Holy Spirit was founded. Admiring
throngs, who had newer seen a European, came to gaze on the white man;
and during his sojourn of nearly two years, he lighted the torch of faith for
more than twenty different nations. The Chippewas from the Sault pitched
their tents near his cabin for a month; the scattered Hurons and Ottawas
from the North appealed to his compassion; from the unexplored recesses of
Lake Michigan came the Potawatomies, and the Sacs and Foxes travelled on
foot from the country which abounded in deer, beaver, and buffalo. The
Illinois, too, unaccustomed to canoes, having no weapon but the bow and
aiiow, came to rehearse their sorrows. Then, at the very extremity of the
lake, the missionary met the wild, impassive warriors of the Sioux, who dwelt
in the land of prairies to the west of Lake Superior.
With lu's name imperishably connected with the progress of discovery
in the west. Allouez returned to Quebec to urge the establishment of per-
manent missions, to lie accompanied by little colonies of French emigrants.
So glowing were his accounts and s<> fervent his plea, that in two days, with
another priest, Louis Nicholas, for his companion, he was on his way back
ti i the mission at Chegoimegon. Peace favored the progress of French
dominion; the fur trade gave an impulse to Canadian enterprise; a recruit
of missionaries arrived from France, — all of which aided fresh exploration
and the extension of christian missions.
Pere Marquette Founds First Settlement
At this point in our narrative of human events a heroic figure, the
illustrious Marquette, comes upon the scene. At an early age. imbued with
an earnest desire to devote himself to a religious life, he renounced the allure-
ments of the world, and entered the Society of Jesus. For twelve years he
remained under the remarkable training and instruction of the order, and
acquired that wonderful control, that quiet repose, that power of calm endur-
ance, that unquestioning obedience to his superiors, that thirst for trial,
suffering and death, that marked the Jesuits in this golden age of their
power. Taking for his model in life the great Xavier, he longed, like him.
to devote his days to the conversion of the heathen, and to die in the midst
of his labors, alone, in a foreign land. Accordingly, at the age of twenty-
nine, he sailed for New France, and arrived at Quebec September 20, 1666
40 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The first year and a half he spent under the instruction of Father
Dreuillettes in acquiring the native language ; and early in 1668, in company
with Claude Dablon, he repaired to the land of the Chippewas. At the
rapids of the St. Mary's River, through which the waters of the upper lakes
rush to the Huron, and which had been so admired by Raymbault, Jogues and
Allouez, on account of its woody isles and inviting bays, they stopped and
established the mission of St. Mary. The Chippewas received the religious
teachings of Marquette with eagerness, and would gladly have been baptized,
hut the wise and cautious missionary withheld the rite until he could clearly
instruct them in christian duty. In the following year the first christian
church in the western wilderness was erected, which was the foundation for
the oldest settlement begun by Europeans within the present limits of our
State.
But he was not long to remain on this first field of his labors, for, in
obedience to the orders of his superiors, in the fall of 1669, he left for the
Bav of Chegoimegon. For a whole month, defying the severity of the
climate and constant perils of life, he coasted along the shores of the lake,
contending with tierce winds, ice and snow. At length he arrived at the
village of the Hurons, many of whom had been baptized, and, he says, "still
preserve some Christianity." It was here, in the depth of a northern winter,
surrounded by his Indians, talking in a broken manner with an Illinois
captive, that he conceived the idea of a voyage of discovery. He hears of
a great river whose course is southward, and rejoices in the prospect, if the
Indians will build him a canoe, of seeking its outlet. "This discovery," he
wrote, "will give us a complete knowledge of the southern or western sea."
While thus employed with his mission and plans of discovery, the fierce
Dakotas, those Iroquois of the West, threatened to desolate the whole region
of the lake. First the < Ittawas left, then the Hurons, and without a spot
they could call their own. turned their faces to the east. The devoted mis-
sionary longed to labor in that field made sacred by the blood of Daniel,
Brebeuf. Lallemand and others, but the dreaded Iroquois were too near and
too dangerous for such an experiment. So, with the faithful Marquette at
their head, the fugitive tribes selected for their home the point known as
St. Ignace, on the Straits of Mackinaw. Bleak, barren and inhospitable as
this spot was, it abounded in fish, and was on the great highway of a grow-
ing Indian commerce. Here, in the summer of 1671, a rude church, made
of logs and covered with bark, was built, and around it clustered the still
ruder cabins of the Hurons, inclosed by a palisade, to protect the little colony
against the attacks of predatory Indians. Thus did Pere Marquette become
the founder of St. Ignace, as he had before been of Sault Ste. Marie, thirty
years before Cadillac laid the foundation of Detroit.
Further narration of the labors of this illustrious pioneer, of whom we
have so high a veneration, his discovery of the Mississippi, his trials and
sufferings, his fatal illness and heroic death, and his burial at the mouth of
the stream in our State, that bears his name, fill the most glowing pages of
our early history. But in this place it is suffice to note that his cultivated
mind, his refined taste, his warm and genial nature, his tender concern for
the souls in his charge, as well as his calm and immovable courage in every
hour of danger, and his cheerful submission to the bitter privations and keen
sufferings of the missionary life, his devotion to his faith and to the truth,
all entitle him to that high place in the regard of posterity, which he has
been slowly but surely acquiring.
42 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Did the Jesuits Visit the Saginaw River?
The early writers of our local history, almost without exception, assert
that the Jesuit fathers were the first Europeans to visit the Saginaw Valley.
Si ime even contend that they established a christian mission near the mouth
of the river, and that they lived and labored here many years, planting apple
trees and cultivating the soil. For the most part these writers content them-
selves with merely making the statement, as of fact, as if the plausibleness
were sufficiently convincing, and let it pass at that. One writer, however,
has undertaken to advance si .me proof that our earliest pioneers were these
black-robed missionaries, who actually planted the christian faith among the
Chippewas of this valley. The short paper he prepared on the subject was
honored by publication in the Michigan Pioneer Collections, Volume XXII.,
page 245.
In this article he states that Captain Whitmore Knaggs, in a talk with
John and Peter Riley, half-breed natives of this valley, who were then fifty-
eight and sixty years of age. was told by them that certain apple trees then
growing mi the hanks of the river, and mentioned in the treaty of 1819, bore
fruit when they were buys, ami that their chief. Kaw-kaw-is-kaw . or the
"Crow", said they were brought by white men wearing long black robes, who
were known as Onetia. He also states that Faillon, in his History of Canada,
refers t< > the Sag-ih-naw country, and the salt springs at the junction of two
rivers, where Indians came from all parts; and also that in 1(>S4 a large
company of colonists ami artisans came from France, a portion of whom
were sent to the Sag-ih-naw fixer, and that there were five Jesuit fathers who
were instructed t< > found missions in all this region. The information is
vouchsafed that in 1686 the Jesuits Engelrau and Perrott established mis-
sions between Cheboygan and Lake Erie; and furthermore that Champlain
in his map of bill had defined the safe harbor afforded by this river from the
storms on the bay connecting tzvo great seas, and showed the river with some
degree of accuracy.
However credible these statements may seem to the casual reader, and
however satisfying to his sense of historical truth, they are easily and quickly
disproved by certain undeniable facts directly connected with them. Any-
one who studies this subject, and attempts to verify the theory of the earl}'
ministrations of the Jesuits in this valley, is at once confronted with a very-
singular refutation, lie will quite naturally turn to the Jesuit Relations,
those wonderfully complete, concise, and interesting narratives of the devout
missionaries, for accounts of their labors in this field. But, however diligent
and careful his research max be. however thorough his study of every manu-
script, every page and line, of the original writings of the lesuit fathers, he
xxill find nothing — not a word, or even a hint that they ewer labored here or
that they even visited this river. Neither does the word Saginaw, or any of
its derivatives, appear in any of the ancient documents, as if it had not in
those times been coined. The word Saguenay, however, appears in connec-
tion with the founding and work of a mission on the river of that name, above
Quebec, which max have confused our narrator in the supposition that it re-
ferred to the Saginaw River.
Careful translators, historians, librarians and students of the early history
of Michigan, have never discovered any record or even a trace of missionary
explorers in Saginaw Valley, or at any point on the western shore of Lake
Huron. They quite generally agree that the Jesuits could not have had a
direct knowledge of this valley or its inhabitants. It is a fact, however, that
the lesuit Perrott, about 1686, was sent from the northern missions to Lake
THE ADVENT OF WHITE MEN 43
Erie, to establish missions on its sin ires. Having a definite purpose and zeal-
ous to fulfill it, it is hardly probable that he deviated a hundred miles from
his course to enter a storm-tossed bay to visit this valley, of which he could
have had hut meager knowledge, and that derived from the disconnected
accounts of the savages. The same year the mission and fort of St. Joseph
was established at the head of the St. Clair River, on the site of Fort
Gratiot.
As we have shown in the preceding pages, the pathway of the early
French missionaries to the Northwest lay up the Ottawa and connecting
streams to Georgian Bay, and while missions and settlements were slowly
being established on the shores of Lake Superior, Green Bay and connecting
waters, the whole lower portion of Michigan remained unknown and unex-
plored. Only along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan did the early ex-
plorers plant their primitive settlements, and only in one instance, the St.
[oseph's River, did they penetrate the interior. Furthermore, from the
middle to the end of the seventeenth century, the whole region of lower Mich-
igan was a desolate and abandoned wilderness, rendered inhabitable to the
Ottawas and roaming bands of Chippewas by the hostile incursions of the
Iroquois. Although Detroit was founded as early as 1701, the first Jesuit
mission was not established there until 1732. Cadillac, though a zealous
Catholic, was bitterly opposed to the Jesuits, and it is improbable that any
of them cut their way through the unbroken forest to the wilderness on the
Saginaw.
Knowing with what care and minuteness of detail the Jesuits wrote their
narratives, it seems strange, if they did establish a mission on this river, or
merely visited the shores of the bay, that they should have neglected to make
an authentic record of their explorations, or at least a brief mention of the
fact. In the Relations, their every thought and action, the labors and diffi-
culties of their ministrations, as well as the results accomplished, are set down
with striking fidelity. With all this before us, is it not incredible that they
ever entered the Saginaw, much less founded a mission on its shores? Is it
not far more credible that the story told Whitmore ECnaggs was a mere
myth — the thin and distorted remnant of an Indian legend?
Although it is true that apple trees grew along the river, as mentioned
in the treaty of 181'', before the coming of the first fur traders, or perhaps
as early as the founding of Detroit, there is nothing to associate their origin
here with a civilized race. It is known that fruit trees were cultivated by
certain Indian tribes east of the lakes, and apple trees were found in the
Ohio Valley by the earliest pioneers, hence, it seems more likely that the
trees on the hanks of the Saginaw, since they were set out in a very irregular
manner, much as the Indians plant their maize, originated with them from
seeds carried here.
Moreover, no relics or remains of any kind to indicate a residence of the
Jesuits, or even a brief sojourn here, have been found in the valley, although
two silver crosses, of exquisite workmanship and evidently of European man-
ufacture, have been unearthed, one at Bay City, and the other on the banks
of the Shiawassee. It is supposed that, could they he traced to Jesuit owner-
ship, they were lost by some Indian or early fur trader to whom given. The
remains of pre-historic races and of Indian tribes are everywhere found in
Saginaw Valley; why, may we ask, if the Jesuits came here at an early date,
should they have vanished, leaving no written record, no relics, no trace, not
even a clue, of their labors and ministrations.
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THE ADVENT OF WHITE MEN 45
Primitive Maps
Although Parkman, Bancroft, Winsor and other historians deal very
thoroughly with the explorations of the Jesuit missionaries in Michigan, they
all are silent as to any early white settlement on the Saginaw. Nowhere in
their works is this region even mentioned in connection with missionary
labors, for the reason, we believe, that the Jesuit fathers never came to this
valley, or. indeed, had any definite knowledge of the country or its inhab-
itants. The primitive maps drawn by the Jesuits and other explorers cast
some light on this point, and in a measure confirm this belief. One of these
very old maps is that of Jean Boisseau, which accompanied the Relations
published in 1643. Though it shows the St. Lawrence country and Lac St.
Louis (Lake Ontario) quite correctly, other sections are very inaccurate,
indicating a superficial knowledge of the lake region. Lake Huron and Lake
Ontario are connected, not by a large lake (Lake Erie), but bya series of
rivers and broad straits extending from west to east. Lake Huron is too dis-
torted to be of any value as determining a bay or river which could have
represented the Saginaw, though one stream with tributaries somewhat re-
sembling those of this river, is made to flow directly into the lake. Grand
Lac des Nadoussian (Lake Superior) is defined, but Lake Michigan is not
shown.
Another old map which appeared in 1657 corrects some of the errors and
omissions of the Boisseau map. In this more elaborate drawing Lake Erie
is denned with some degree of fidelity, and the straits and Lake St. Clair are
put down, but not named. But Lake Huron and a body of water probably
intended to represent Lake Michigan are made to run together at a point in
the former where Saginaw Bay should appear, entirely cutting off the upper
portion of the State. It is perfectly evident that these coasts could not have
been explored by the Jesuits at that early date, and what knowledge they
possessed of their contours was probably obtained from straggling bands of
Indians that came to the northern missions.
The ma]) of the Jesuit Franciscus Creaxius, bearing date of 1660, and
published in his Historia <lu Canadensis, Paris, 1664, is fairly accurate respect-
ing the lower lakes and the St. Lawrence. It shows a large indentation in the
west coast of Lake Huron, which was probably intended to represent Sag-
inaw Bay, but no river is indicated, and it is certain he did not know of its
existence. Marquette's map of l(>73-74, the original of which is preserved
in the archives of St. Mary's College, Montreal, shows only lakes Superior
and Illinois, and western rivers which he had known by actual explorations.
Joliet's map, which was drawn at the same time while on the expedition with
Marquette, though greatly distorted, shows all the Great Lakes, yet with
little regard to proportion or true location. The only suggestion of a bay on
the west coast of Lake Huron is a small cove or indentation, but no river is
shown, indicating that he had no information as to the existence of such a
river as the Saginaw. On the other hand, he puts down Sault Ste. Marie,
Mackinac, Manitoulin Islands, Green Bay and connecting waters with fair
correctness and minuteness of outline, proving that he had full knowledge of
all parts that he had actually explored.
In lo,X4 a map by Jean Baptiste Franquelin appeared, a reduced facsimile
of which was made for Francis Parkman, and is now in the Library of Har-
vard University, which defines the ( ireat Lakes in fair proportions, Lake
Huron having an indentation, quite distorted, on the west coast, named Bay
du Saginnam. into which two rivers flow. With slight imagination, one may
be made to represent the Saginaw, while the other may be the Au Sable,
16 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
though ii" names are given. Minet's map, of date 1685, shows both bay and
river, but far from their true form; Coronelli et Tillemon's map of 1688
defines hay and river flowing into it, without names, while Raffery's, of the
same year, gives neither bay nor river, and the coast lines are much
disti irted.
Hennepin's efforts to outline the Huron coast, in 1683, failed to show
either bay or river, though later, in 1697, he put down a river flowing directly
into the lake, very likely intended for the Saginaw. La Hontan's maps of
1703 and 1709 define both hay and river, though far from their true outlines,
and named Bay du Sakinan. Later, in 1747, a map accompanying Colden's
"History of the Five Nations," outlines a bay very inaccurately, but no stream
flows into it, or on the whole coast of Lake Huron. In 1755 a map by John
Mitchell describes a bay named "Saginnam" with fair accuracy, but it is
difficult tn identify the one small stream emptying into it from the south-
east, as being the navigable Saginaw.
From this evident lack of knowledge displayed by the Jesuit explorers
respecting our coast line, and bay and river, is it not a logical conclusion that
they never visited these shores?
Earliest References to Saginaw
The materials from which a history of the early explorations of Saginaw
River and its tributaries, prim- to 1819, can be compiled, or, in fact, references
tn this valley, are very few and very meager. From what little data and in-
formation can be gathered, it is evident that until the close of the eighteenth
century, the whole territory west ami north of Detroit was an impenetrable
and unbroken wilderness. What settlements existed in 1X00 were confined
almost exclusively to the shores of the lakes and connecting straits; and only
the native Indians knew or cared anything about the country to the interior.
It was the general impression of settlers at Detroit that the land was full of
swamps, impassable lakes and rivers, wild beasts, poisonous reptiles, and
worthless for agriculture, tit only as an abode for savages in their wild, hunter
state. Even the official reports and papers of the period touch but lightly
the unknown territory; and in only one instance do the Haldimand Papers,
on file in the Dominion archives at < Ittawa, refer to the Saginaw Valley.
But with all its natural wildness it was the paradise of the animals from
which the choicest of fur was obtained, such as the beaver, utter, tisher,
marten, mink and muskrat, also deer, bears and elk, while moose were found
at the headwaters of the streams which unite t< > form the Saginaw. Large
thicks of wild geese and ducks resorted to the streams to feed on the wild rice
that grew in great abundance on their borders; and the waters were stored
with bountiful supplies of the choicest varieties of fish. The fertility of the
s<>il was such that, with slight cultivation bestowed by the Indians, it pro-
duced abundant crops of corn, that indispensable article of food fur the red
man. As an indication of the extent of the cultivation of corn in this valley
nearly one hundred and fifty years ago, we find a letter from Major De
Peyster, commandant of the post at Mackinac, dated May 15. 1779, written to
General Haldimand, commander-in-chief of the British forces, the concluding
paragraph of which is herewith transcribed, verbatim:
"The Sakis & Reinards seems to be easy about the matter as appears
by Gautier's Letter but they will soon open their eves if it is possible
effectually to restrain that trade. ( )n that head as well as how 1 am to
act in case Detroit is taken is what I hope 1 shall receive your full in-
structions about by a light canoe. If Detroit shall be taken it is evident
we have but a dismal prospect however what can be expected from two
THE ADVENT OF WHITE MEN 47
Subdivisions shall be done. I think I may with propriety call my hand
full by that name when a part was employed at this Cannon having nine
Pieces of < Irdnance & only two Artillery men.
/ have scut to Saguina to endeavor to secure six hundred Bushels of Corn
for the Indians ■without -which our flour le'dl run short by the fall of the year.
"I have the honor, &c.
(signed) A. S. De Peyster."
Years afterward, at the conclusion of our last war with England, the
reports from the Indian Department cast some light on the number and
temper of the Indians residing on the Saginaw. In the Michigan Pioneer
Collections, Vol. W '.. page 553, we find:
"Thirteen Indians of Xay wash's band arrived at Burlington on the
9th of May from Flint River, and say that they are informed that two
vessels and six gun boats, with about 300 men, had passed the River St.
Clair, about the 22d or 23d of April (1814), for Michilimackinac, and
that not more than about 250 men remained at Detroit. These Indians
report that there are about 500 men at Saguina Bay, who were ready to slwzv
their attachment to their Great Father, whenever his troops shall return."
During this war the Chippewas were allied with the British, and made a
great deal of trouble for the white settlers. Before the seige of Detroit a
large band under Kish-kau-kou and his son, Che-mick, tramped from the
Saginaw Valley and joined the British forces, raiding the white settlement'-,
killing men, women and children, and burning their homes. Their savage
warfare was chiefly directed against the weak and unprotected, and it was
not until after the treaty of 1819 had been ratified that the whites in the
sparsely settled portions of the territory felt secure from their depredations.
This cowardly old chief of the Chippewas, who lived with his hand along
the lower stretches of the river, was conspicuous for his ugly disposition,
particularly when drunk with "lire-water." lie figured in many tragedies
of the early days, and was proud and boastful of the number of scalps he had
taken. In 1X05 he was indicted for the murder of a white man. but evidently
the capture of the fierce Chippewa was a duty which the marshal neglected,
for a second warrant was issued September 24, 1807. It was drawn by
Augustus B. Woodward, chief judge of the Territory of Michigan, and
directed to William Scott, marshal of the territory, and was the first case
against an Indian in the territorial supreme court. This interesting docu-
ment reads as follows:
"You are hereby commanded, as you have before been commanded,
to take the body of Kisk-kau-kou, a Chippewa Indian, late of Saguina,
in the Indian country, in the territory of Michigan, if he may he found
within such territory, and him safely keep so that you may have his body
before the judges of our supreme court at Detroit in and for said terri-
tory of Michigan, on or before the next ensuing term, to answer the
United States on a bill of indictment for murder, found against him by
the grand inquest of the body of the said territory of Michigan. And
of hi> writ make due return."
The return, which was scrawled on the back of the paper, reads:
"I have taken the body of the above named Kish-kau-kou, an Indian,
in obedience to this capias, on Sunday, the 31st day of July, and in bring-
ing him to prison he was rescued from me by an Indian named Little
Cedar, and his son, and other Indians unknown."
Omitting some of the verbiage which is repeated, the true bill which
the grand jury found against Kish-kau-kou sets forth his crime in the fol-
lowing curious manner:
48 HISTORY < >F SAGINAW COUNTY
"The jury upon their oath present, that Kish-kau-kou, a Chippewa
Indian, not having the fear of God before his eyes, but being moved and
induced by the instigation of the devil, on the ninth day of March in the
year of our Lord erne thousand eight hundred and two, with force and
arms in and upon one Antoine Loson, in the presence of God and of the
United States then and there being, did make an assault, and with a cer-
tain steel knife of the value of fifty cents, which he in his right hand
then and there had and held, felonously, wilfully and by his malice afore-
thought did hit. strike and stab, and did then and there give unto him,
one mortal wound of the length of one inch ami depth of three inches in
and upon the hack part of the neck of said Antoine, of which said mortal
wound he, the said Antoine, did languish, and si i languishing, thereof,
died."
The wily old chief, however, escaped punishment for the foregoing crime.
and lived until after the first settlements were well started in Saginaw Valley.
Of other offenses and "deviltries" that he committed more will he told in
the following chapter.
Advent of the Fur Traders
The first white men to penetrate the wilderness of the Saginaw were
probably coureurs de hois — the renegades of Canada, or possibly voyageurs,
a class of men described in English accounts of Detroit as. "generally | r
wretches, a lazy, idle people, depending chiefly on the savages for subsist-
ence, whose manners and customs they have entirely adopted." While this
description was undoubtedly applicable to many of the rough characters seen
about the settlements in early days, it is most unjust of the inhabitants gen-
erally. There were two distinct classes of these habitants. One was com-
posed of the active, intelligent, honest tradesmen and farmers, some ol whom
were of noble birth and connections; the other comprised the voyageurs and
coureurs de bois shiftless half-breeds. Side by side, these two classes built
their abodes and lived in harmony; yet each in his own sphere — each con-
tented with his lot.
The voyageur and farmer indulged in no dreams of the equality of man.
and ambition never embittered his heart, while the land owner and merchant,
jeaf ins of no encroachment, was the indulgent and kind-hearted employer
and patron. They were a gay, happy people, full of vivacity ami graceful
hilarity, honest among themselves, generous and hospitable. Surrounded by
danger, they were of undoubted courage, but when the present peril had
passed, their habitual gayety returned. Sorrow and suffering were soon for-
gotten, and privations laughed at, or cheerfully endured. Simple and frugal
in their habits, contented with their place in life, they renewed in their
forest recesses of the new world, the life of the old.
Among the first of the hardy, adventurous traders to visit this valley was
Jacob Smith, known to the natives as "\\ ah-he-sins," who for some years
had followed the occupation of trapper, lie came here, it is supposed, about
1810, to open trade with the Indians, leaving his family, composed of a white
wife and several children, in Detroit. With the gain of a dollar ever before
his eye, he traversed the tributaries of the Saginaw and entered recesses of
the forest newer before trod by civilized man. in quest of game and the
Indian with furs to trade. That he found this broad valley a rich field for his
labors is manifest by his having dwelt here the remainder of his life. By
fair dealing and kind treatment of the Indians he soon won their lasting
friendship, and for a long period was regarded by them, and especially their
chiefs, as a brother. His influence over them was very marked, and. as we
shall soon see, he exerted his powers to the utmost to his own gain. Rut
lie was brave and valorous, as he was kind ami generous, and newer failed to
protect the weak and helpless, as the folk .wing incident shows.
THE ADVENT OF WHITE MEN 49
Soon after the first settlement was started on the Saginaw, the United
States government appointed David Henderson to fill the office of Indian
Agent for this portion of the territory, and in due time he arrived with his
family. Scarcely had they become settled in their forest home when he
found it necessary to go to Detroit on business. 1 luring his absence the
vicious old chief, Kish-kau-kou, appeared at his cabin, terrified the inmates,
took them captive, and announced his intention to kill them. Jacob Smith.
who was then at the settlement on the Flint, where he made his headquarters,
hearing of the capture came with all possible speed to Saginaw, hunted up
the old besotted chief, and demanded what his designs were regarding the
wife and children of Henderson.
"I am going to kill them," answered the blood-thirsty chief.
"What," said Smith, "will you kill these little children who have never
done you or anyone harm?"
Nervously the chief replied. "Take them away, quick."
"But," protested the trader, "it is no use for me to take the woman and
her children through the woods. I shall meet some other Indians and they
will take them away from me and kill them. You must give me some men
to go with me to Detroit."
Without further parley the chief gave Smith six of his braves to act as
an escort of the party through the wilderness to civilization, and they arrived
safely at Detroit. Here the Indians were made prisoners and confined in the
fort, and only through the influence of Smith, their steadfast friend, were
they at length released, supplied with rations, and sent in charge of a file of
soldiers beyond the reach of danger from the settlers, who were then in-
furiated by the recent Indian outrages.
Louis Campau, the First Settler
Another of the early fur traders on the Saginaw was Louis Campau. who
came to its shores in 1816. He was an intelligent, shrewd, far-seeing oper-
ator, a man who will lie remembered by posterity as the first pioneer to break
ground for the embryo settlement. < )n the west bank of the river on ground
which is near the foot of Throop Street, he erected a massive two-story
structure, of great strength and solidity. It was built of squared logs, and
was evidently intended to subserve a double purpose — a pleasant residence
overlooking the placid river, and a stronghold to afford protection to an
armed and plucky family from an assault by the savages, and also as a ware-
house for the storage of furs and of goods for trade. For many years this
building was a somewhat cherished landmark, an ancient souvenir of the
pioneer age. Long after it had been abandoned as a trading post, the resi-
dence portion was occupied by an old Frenchman, J. Baptiste Desnoyers. a
relative of the Campau's and who was intelligent, voluble, communicative,
and polite. Many of the early pioneers will readily recall the easy grace and
refinement of manner with which he greeted them, proferring a pinch of
Maccaboy from his well filled silver snuff box, and relating some tale of
pioneer life, of Indian warfare, or of his experiences as trapper and trader.
Shortly after the death of this antique French gentleman, which occurred
early in the sixties, the old house fell a victim to the flames.
< M other early trappers and fur traders along the Saginaw and its trib-
utaries. Henry Conner, Whitmore Knaggs, (',. Godfroy, Archie Lyons, and
John Harson were the most prominent. All of these hardy, intrepid borderers,
by adopting the wild life and habits of the savages, had ingratiated them-
selves into their favor, won their confidence, and by kindness and friendly
good will opened the way for the first treaty for the grant of Indian lands,
which was soon to follow.
CHAPTER IV.
THE TREATY OF SAGINAW
The Territory of Michigan — Treaty of Detroit — Building the Council House at
Saginaw — Opening the Council — Oge-maw-ke-ke-to Speaks — The Influence of Wah-
he-sins — Transcript of the Treaty — Military occupation — Hardships of Frontier Life
— The Deviltry of Kish-kau-kou — The Second Treaty of Saginaw — The Treaty of
1838 and 1855.
BY the ordinance of 1787 the civil authority of the United States was
extended over the Northwest Territory; and in January, 1805, a part
was set off by Congress as the Territory of Michigan. This was the
first designation of a political division by the name of Michigan, and
it embraced the southern peninsula, the eastern end of the northern penin-
sula, and a strip of land now contained in ( )hio and Indiana. The old North-
west Territory was then known as Indiana Territory. In 1809 the Territory
of Illinois was formed, which included a portion id' the upper peninsula
west of the meridian which ran near the present city id' Menominee. This
left the part situated between this meridian and the meridian of Mackinac
as Indiana Territory, and the northern peninsula belonging to three ter-
ritories.
The State of Indiana was admitted in 1816, and the State of Illinois, witli
its present northern boundary, two years later. By an enabling act of
Congress the remainder of the old Northwest Territory was made a part
of Michigan Territory, which then included the present States of Michigan,
Wisconsin, the part id' Minnesota lying east of the Mississippi, and a narrow
strip of Northern Ohio. In 1834 Michigan Territory reached its greatest
extent, embracing all the territory of the United States west of the Missis-
sippi as far as the Missouri and White Earth River, and from the State of
Missouri to the British Possessions. This extension included the present
States of Minnesota, Iowa, and the eastern portion of the Dakotas.
The Treaty of Detroit
The first treaty of importance which was made for the extinguishment
of Indian title to the soil of this territory was entered into by William Hull,
then Governor of the territory and Superintendent of Indian affairs, in 1807.
This treaty gave the United States a possessory title to the southeastern
portion of the State of Michigan, as at present constituted. The northern
line of this grant was a trifle north of the southern boundaries of what are
now Lapeer and Genesee Counties, thus leaving the valley of the Saginaw
and its affluents in possession of the Indians, with the rights of the natives
intact and unaffected. Although a few fur traders had come among them
as the scouts or advanced guard of civilization, their favorite hunting grounds
were left to them undespoiled until the Treaty of Saginaw, which was made
in 1819.
General Cass, who had won renown in the War of 1812, in the vigor oi
manhood and with a laudable ambition to achieve a national reputation,
was commissioned to negotiate a treaty which would secure to the United
States a most important addition to its territory. In this treaty we are
52 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
particularly interested, since the cession of lands then made by the natives,
with the reservations therein provided for, include the rich and prosperous
valley of the Saginaw and its tributaries.
With his staff of interpreter- and aids, the General set out from Detroit
early in September, 1819, journed the whole way to Flint River through the
unbroken wilderness on horseback, and thence down the stream to the little
settlement on the Saginaw. The land along the Flint was an Indian reserva-
tion of Pe-won-ny-go-wingh — the tribal home of Chief Ne-ome and his
successor T< me-di ik-ane.
Building the Council House at Saginaw
( hie of the earliest white settlers to establish trade with the Indians on
the Saginaw was Louis Campau, who came to the wilderness in 1816. He
was a fine representative of the better class of French pioneers, a liberal,
public spirited, and worthy citizen. To him General Lass entrusted the
building of a suitable Council House, and the making of all arrangements
for the reception of the Commissioner and his numerous company. At the
same time the General despatched two government vessels, laden with stores
for the subsistence of the party, around the lakes St. Clair and Huron and
up the Saginaw to the frontier post in the wilderness. On one of these vessels
was a company of United States soldiery, under the command of Captain
i ass, a brother of the General, which had been ordered to the place of meet-
ing for the protection of those in attendance.
Campau and his workmen thereupon set about to construct the Council
House, which was to be a spacious though rough edifice with open sides and
ends, extending for several hundred feet along the bank of the river. It was
situated on a slight knoll — a very commanding and pleasant place, a little
east of what is now Michigan Avenue and north of Clinton Street. Trees
conveniently situated furnished the columns of the house, while their boughs
thickly interlaced above with other branches, and bark and moss, formed the
simple roof covering. A platform made of hewed logs, and elevated a foot
above the ground. to hold rustic benches for the accommodation of the Com-
missioner and his aids, occupied the center of the room. Huge logs in their
natural roughness were then rolled in upon the remaining space to serve as
seats for the native lords of the wild domain, when in solemn council. The
bordering woods were dotted with wigwams and cabins hastily set up by the
Indians for the comfort of themselves and families during the pending nego-
tiations.
Temporary yet convenient additions to his trading post were made by
Campau, to afford space for a good-sized dining room for the officials, and
also comfortable quarters for the distinguished Commissioner, who arrived
with his company on the tenth of September. It was said the number of
Indians present at that time was not large, although messengers had been
sent among the different tribes, some quite remote from the place of meeting,
to notify them of the council. When it was apparent that some tribes were
not represented, runners were sent out in all directions to urge their coming.
Opening the Council
The negotiations were pending for ten or twelve days, and three councils
were held. The number of Indians in attendance at the third council, which
was the fullest held, was variously estimated from fifteen hundred to two
thousand. At each formal council the chiefs, warriors, head-men and braves
were called and admitted into the Council lb. use. The sides and ends of the
house being open the squaws and young warriors gathered in timid groups
THE TREATY OF SAGINAW 53
close by as interested spectators of the solemn proceedings within. The
negotiations involved no less than a full and final surrender of the ancient
hunting grounds of their people, the fair and beautiful heritage of forest and
corn fields, lake and river, and the burial places of their fathers; and also
provided for their removal beyond the Mississippi.
The eloquent appeal of < reneral Lass, made known to the natives through
experienced interpreters, failed to make a favorable impression on the native
chiefs. He urged them to keep in mind the paternal regard which their
Great Father at Washington held for them and their welfare, and expressed
the hope that the peaceful relations which had existed between them since
the war should be rendered perpetual. He reminded them of their condition
as a people, the swelling of the wave of civilization toward their hunting
grounds, the growing scarcity of game, the importance and necessity of
turning their attention more to agriculture, and relinquishing the more
uncertain mode of living by the chase, and the better condition they would
ultimately be in by confining themselves to reservations, ample for the pur-
poses of agriculture, to be provided for them in the proposed treaty: and the
cession of the residue of the territory then occupied by those who were there
represented, upon such terms and guarantees as their condition required,
including therein stipulated annuities.
He was answered by their chief speakers with a gravity and eloquence
peculiar to Indian councils. Three chiefs of wide influence, Mis-hene-na-
none-quet, Oge-maw-ke-ke-to, and Kish-kau-kou were particularly vehement
in the treaty negotiations. The latter, however, was an Indian of violent
temper, and in the excitement of drink was reckless in the commission of
outrage. At the close of the first day of the council he had put himself out
of condition for parley, and it was found that he was less dangerous in his
wigwam quietly drunk than in the Council House tolerably sober. So he
remained in a state quite unpresentable as a speaker for his tribe until the
last day of the negotiations, when he was present merely to affix his totem
to the treaty, after it had been engrossed for execution.
Oge-maw-ke-ke-to Speaks
The chief speaker, Oge-maw-ke-ke-to, opposed the treaty provisions with
indignation, and it was said his speech was a model of Indian eloquence. He
was then quite young, being scarcely twenty-five years of age. but was above
the average height, and in his bearing was graceful and handsome, llis band
lived at the forks of the Tittabawassee ; and like the famous Seneca chief,
Sago-gewa-tha. he wore upon his breast a superb medal, which had been given
him by the United States government.
He addressed the Commissioner as follows:
"You do not know our wishes. Our people wonder what has brought
you so far from your homes. Your young men have invited us to come
and light the council fire. We are here to smoke the pipe of peace, but
not to sell our lands. Our American Father wants them, our English
Father treats us better. He has never asked for them. Your people
trespass upon our hunting grounds. You flock to our shores. Our
waters grow warm. ( )ur land melts away like a cake of ice. ( )ur pos-
sessions grow smaller and smaller. The warm wave of the white man
rolls in upon us and melts us away. Our women reproach us. Our
children want homes. Shall we sell from under them the spot where
they spread their blankets? We have not called you here. We smoke
with you the pipe of peace."
54 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
To this clear recital of their opposition the Commissioner replied with
earnestness, reproving the speaker for arrogant assumption; that their Great
Father at Washington had just closed a war in which he had whipped their
Father, the English King, and the Indians too; that their lands were forfeited
in fact by the rules of war, but that he did not propose to take their posses-
sions without rendering back an equivalent, notwithstanding their late act of
hostility; that their women and children should have secured to them ample
tribal reservations, on which they might live unmolested by their white
neighbors, where they could spread their blankets and be aided by agriculture.
The council for the day closed, and the Commissioner and his staff of
earnest and devoted aids, distinguished in Indian councils, retired to their
lodgings disappointed and anxious. There were Henry Conner, known to
the Indians as "Wah-be-sken-dip," Whitmore Knaggs, known as "Oke-day-
ben-don," and beloved by them. Colonel Beaufait, G. Godfrey and John
Harson, all with influence with the Chippewas. The chiefs and head-men of
the natives retired to their wigwams in sullen dignity, unapproachable and
unappeased. It was certainly an unpropitious opening of the great and im-
portant undertaking and trust which General Cass had in hand. The juncture
was a critical one, and, for a full appreciation of it, a brief allusion to the
relative status of the contracting parties to the treaty, but whose minds had
not yet met, is necessary.
The proposition for a cession of the Indian title came from the Amer-
icans, not from the Indians. Their possessory control by American recogni-
tion and action was as yet perfect. For any lawless or vindictive act upon
the treaty grounds there would have been immunity from immediate punish-
ment, and probably ultimate escape. The whites, comparatively, were few
in number. The military company on board the schooner, anchored in the
stream, was quite inadequate to successful resistance against an organized
and general outbreak. Sufficient time had not yet elapsed to wash out the
bitter memories of border fueds, of fancied or real wrong. Foot-prints were
vet fresh upon the war-path; indeed, only the fifth summer had passed since
that war had closed which had laid low many Chippewa warriors. The Com-
missioner and his staff of aids had placed themselves voluntarily within their
stronghold upon the Saginaw, into which no pale-face had penetrated through-
out the war, unless as a pinioned captive, with the exception of a single
memorable instance wherein a daring trader had rescued from captivity the
children of the Boyer family.
Here, within a half-dozen summers, the Indians had trained themselves
to war-like feats and prepared for those deadly incursions into the frontier
settlements, and for those more formidable engagements when disciplined
valor met their wild charge. After each bloody raid they looked to this valley
as to a fastness, and to it returned with their captives and streaming trophies.
And here, too, had been for generations their simple altar in the forests; their
festivals where thanks went up to the Great Spirit for the yearly return of the
successive blessings of a fruitful season, following to its source with direct
purpose and thankful hearts the warm ray which perfected their slender
harvest.
Ne-ome, the chief of one of the largest bands of the Chippewas, occupied
and assumed to control the most southerly portion of their then national
domain. This portion lay along the Flint River and its northerly affluents
which, by the treaty line of ISO/, were left in full Indian possession. The
river was called by the natives "Pe-won-o-go-wink, meaning literally the river
of Flint, and by the early French traders, La Pierre. Trails upon the Flint
and its tributaries, reaching to their head waters, all converging to the main
THE TREATY OF SAGINAW 55
stream as a center, f( irmed a net-work of communication which gave the
Chippewas access by land, as well as by canoes upon the rivers, to the Com-
missioner in council. The advancing wave of white settlement had already
approached, and in some instances had, with' nit authority, encroached upon
the southerly border of their net-work of trails upon the Flint. In point of
location geographically Ne-ome and his powerful hand stood at the door, the
very threshold, of the large body of land which our Government, through its
faithful and earnest Commissioner, wanted. Unless well disposed toward
the treaty, Ne-ome, holding the beautiful belt of land lying westerly of the
River St. Clair and Lake Huron, stood a lion in the path.
But this chief was honest and simple minded, evincing but little of the
craft and cunning of his race. He was sincere in his nature, by no means
astute, was firm in his friendships, easy to be persuaded by any benefactor
who should appeal to his Indian sense of gratitude: and was harmless,
generous, and kind. In stature he was short and heavily moulded. He was
a chief of patriarchal g lness, and his name was never mentioned by any of
the members of his band, even at a remote day, except with a certain tradi-
tionary sorrow, more impressive in its mournful simplicity than a labored
epitaph.
The Influence of Wah-be-sins
But there was a power behind the throne- of native chieftains, which was
greater than the throne itself. That power rested in the hands of a white
s
trader with the Indians, who was known to them by the name of Wah-be-sins
(meaning a young swan), and to the border settlers as Jacob Smith. So far
as known he was one of the first white traders to penetrate the wilderness
of the Saginaw. It was supposed that he came to the valley about 1810, for
he had traded with the natives there before the War of 1X12, and for a long
time after. His principal trading post, which he afterward made his perma-
nent one, was at the Grand Traverse, or fording place, of the Flint, in the
first ward of the present city of that name.
By long residence among the native tribe he had assimilated by degrees
their habits and customs, and even adopted their mode of dress. He spoke
their language fluentlv and with powerful impressiveness, and was generous,
warm hearted, and kind. Though small of stature and light in weight, he
was powerful as well as agile ; and was intrepid of spirit. Skilled in wood-
craft, sagacious and adroit, it was said he equalled, if not exceeded, the
natives in many of those qualities which, as forest heroes, they most admired.
Like most white men living upon the Indian frontier, he had become the
father of a half-breed family, of which one was a daughter, named Mok-itch-
en-o-qua.
Brought into almost daily contact and intercourse with the band of
Chippewas upon the Saginaw and its tributaries, he ingratiated himself into
the confidence of their chief, Ne-ome; and it is probable that of the one
hundred and fourteen chiefs and head-men of the Chippewa nation, who
were present at the council, there was not one with whom he had not at
some time dealt, and to whom he had extended some act of friendship, either
in dispensing the simple hospitality of the wilderness, or in substantial
advances to them of bread or of blankets, as their necessities may have re-
quired. By kindness and fair dealing he had intrenched himself into their
lasting friendship, and, at the time of the treaty negotiations, so closely had
he identified himself with the g 1 old chief. Ne-ome, that each hailed the
other as "brother." Even at a much later day, Sa-gas-e-wa-qua, daughter of
Ne-ome. and others of his descendants, when speaking of Smith and the old
chieftain, invariably brought their hands together pressing the two index
56 HIST( )RY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
fingers closely to each cither, as the Indian symbol of brotherhood and warm
attachment. Upon the treaty ground the two friends, the white trader and
the swarthy son of the forest, acted unitedly and in perfect unison.
Although Smith was personally known to General Cass, he evidently
looked with distrust upon the hardy borderer, as no position as aid to the
negotiations, either as interpreter or agent, was accorded him. For days
the most active and influential interpreters for the Government were in-
effectual in conciliating Ne-ome, < >ge-maw-ke-ke-to, and the other chiefs.
Not a step of progress was made until Knaggs and other agents assumed,
but with what authority is doubtful, to speak for the Government outside the
Council House, had promised the faithful Ne-ome that, in addition to various
and ample reservations for the different bands, of several thousand acres
each, there should lie reserved as requested by Wah-be-sins (Smith), eleven
sections of land of six hundred and forty acres each, to be located at or near
the Grand Traverse of the Flint. Eleven names as such reservees. all Indian,
were passed to Knaggs on a slip of paper in his tent.
Such progress having been made in the parley, due to surrender to
craftiness of the white trader with the Indians, another council was called
and was more fully attended by the chiefs and warriors. Many points of
difficulty had been smoothed over, and the storm which at first threatened
to overwhelm the best efforts of the Commissioner and his aids had passed.
In its place a calm and open discussion ensued on terms and basis which a
just and honorable treaty should be concluded.
There was one more general council held, which was purely formal, for
the purpose of having affixed to the engrossed copy of the treaty, the signa-
tures of General Cass, the witnesses, and the totems of the chiefs and head-
men of the Chippewas and Ottawa--.
One great obstacle to the consummation of the treaty w:as the desire of
the Government to remove the Chippewas west of the Mississippi, in addition
to the cession of the valuable tract of land lying upon the Saginaw and its
tributaries. But it was discovered by the Commissioner soon after his
arrival in council that this provision endangered the treaty, and it was there-
upon abandoned. This country had been so long occupied by the Indians,
and was so well adapted to their hunter state in the remarkable abundance
of fish in the rivers, lakes and bays, and in the game yet left to them in the
forest, that they were not inclined to listen to any proposition of removal.
Transcript of the Treaty
Art. 1. Tlie Chippewa nation of Indians, in consideration of the stipulations herein
made on the part of the United States, do herehy forever cede to the United States
the land comprehended within the following lines and boundaries: Beginning at a
point in the present Indian boundary line, which runs due north from the mouth of
the great Anglaize River, six miles south of the place where the base line, so called,
intersects the same; thence, west, sixty miles; thence, in a direct line to the head of
Thunder Bay River; thence, down the same, following the course thereof, to the
mouth; thence, northeast, to the boundary line between the United States and
British Province of Upper Canada; thence, with the same, to the line established by
the treaty of Detroit, in the year one thousand eight hundred and seven; thence with
the said line to the place of beginning.
Art. 2. From the cession aforesaid the following tracts of land shall be reserved,
for use of the Chippewa nation of Indians.
One tract, of eight thousand acres, on the east side of the river An Sable near
where the Indians now live.
One tract, of two thousand acre-., on the river Mesagwisk.
One tract, of six thousand acres, on the north side of the river Kawkawling, at
the Indian village.
One tract, of five thousand seven hundred and sixty acres, upon the Flint River,
to include Reaum's village, and a place called Kishkawbawee.
THE TREATY OF SAGINAW 57
( hie tract, of eight thousand acres, on the head of the river Huron, which empties
into the Saginaw River, at the village of Otusson.
One tract, of two thousand acres, where Xabolask formerly lived.
One island in the Saginaw Bay.
One tract, of one thousand acres, near the island in the Saginaw River.
( >ue tract, of two thousand acres, at the mouth of the An Gres River.
()ne tract, of one thousand acres, on the river Huron, at Menoequet's village.
One tract, of ten thousand acres, on the Shawassee River, at a place called the
Big Kock.
One tract, of three thousand acres, on the Shawassee River, at Ketchewaun-
daugenick.
One tract, of six thousand acres, at the Little Forks, on the Tetabawasink River.
One tract, of six thousand acres, at the Black Bird's Town, on the Tetabawasink
River.
One tract, of forty thousand acres, on the Saginaw River, to be hereafter located.
Art. 3. There shall be reserved for the use of each of the persons hereinafter
named and their heirs, which persons are all Indians by descent, the following tracts
of land:
For the use of John Riley, the son of Menawcumegoqua, a Chippewa woman, six
hundred and forty acres of land, beginning at the head of the first marsh above the
mouth of the Saginaw River, on the east side thereof.
F'>r the use of Peter Riley, the son of Menawcumegoqua, a Chippewa woman,
six hundred and forty acres of land beginning above and adjoining the apple trees on
the west side of the Saginaw River, and running up the same for quantity.
For the use of James Riley, the son (if Menawcumegoqua, a Chippewa woman,
six hundred and forty acres, beginning on the east side of the Saginaw River, nearly
opposite to Campau's trading house, and running up the river for quantity.
For the use of Kawkawiskou, or the Crow, a Chippewa chief, six hundred and
forty acres of land, on the east side of the Saginaw River, at a place called Menitsgow,
and to include, in the six hundred and forty acres, the island opposite to the said place.
For the use of Xowokeshik, Metawanene, Mokitchenoqua, Nondeshemau, TJeta-
bonaqua, Messawwakut, Checbalk, Ritchegeequa, Sagosequa, Annoketoqua, and Taw-
cumegoqua, each, six hundred and forty acres of land, to be located at and near the
grand traverse of the Flint River, in such manner as the President of the United
States may direct.
For the use of the children of Bokowtonden, six hundred and forty acres, on the
Kawkawling River.
Art. 4. In consideration of the cession aforesaid, the Cnited States agree to pay
to the Chippewa nation of Indians, annually, forever, the sum of one thousand dollars
in silver; and do hereby agree that all annuities due by any former treaty to the said
tribe, shall be hereafter paid in silver.
Art. 5. The stipulation contained in the treaty of Greenville, relative to the right
of the Indians to hunt upon the land ceded, while it continues the property of the
United States, shall apply to this treaty; and the Indians shall, for the same term,
enjoy the privilege of making sugar upon the same land, committing no unnecessary
waste upon the trees.
Art. (J. The United States agree to pay to the Indians the value of any improve-
ments wdiich they may be obliged to abandon in consequence of the lines established
by this treat}-, and which improvements add real value to the land.
Art. 7. The United States reserve the right to make roads through any part of
the land reserved by this treaty.
Art. S. The United States engage to provide and support a blacksmith for the
Indians, at Saginaw, so long as the President of the United States may think proper,
and to furnish the Chippewa Indians with such farming utensils, and cattle, and to
employ such persons to aid them in their agriculture, as the President may deem
expedient.
Art. 9. This treaty shall take effect, and be obligatory on the contracting parties,
so soon as the same shall be ratified by the President of the United States, by and
with the advice and consent of the Senate thereof.
58 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
In testimony whereof, the said Lewis Cass, Commissioner as aforesaid, and the
Chiefs and Warriors of the Chippewa Nation of Indians, have hereunto set their hands,
at Saginaw, in the Territory of Michigan, this twenty-fourth day ni" September, in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nineteen.
(Signed) Lewis Cass
and one hundred and fourteen Indians.
Twenty-three witnesses
The execution of the treaty was consummated about the middle of the
afternoon, and the silver that was to be paid to the Indians was counted out
upon the table in front of the Commissioner. The Saginaw chiefs and head-
men being largely indebted to Campau for goods furnished by him, had put
themselves under a promise to him that lie should receive at least fifteen
hundred dollars of the amount in satisfaction of his just claims. The Com-
missioner informed the Indians that all the money was theirs, and if it was
their will that Campau's debt should be first paid to him, to so signify and it
should be done. Three other traders were present with goods for sale, and
they were by no means pleased to see so large a proportion of the money thus
appropriated. Wah-be-sins (Smith) was one of the three traders. He
urged the turbulent and besotted Kish-kau-kou and his brother to object,
and they addressed the Commissioner: "We are your children; we want
our money in our hands." In accordance with this wish the Commissioner
directed the money to he paid to them, and Campau received none of his
pay fr< mi that fund.
At that instant Campau jumped from the platform and struck Smith two
heavy blows in the face. He was smart as steel and Campau was not slow;
but Louis Beaufait and others got between them and stopped the fight.
Campau lost his money and was thus cheated out of a good fight besides.
But he had his satisfaction that night. Five barrels of whiskey were opened
by the United States Quartermaster, for the Indians. Campau ordered ten
barrels of his whiskey opened and two men stationed with dippers at the
open barrels. The Indians drank to fearful excess; and at ten o'clock the
General sent Major Robert Forsyth to him to say: "The Indians are getting
dangerous, the General says stop the liquor." Campau sent back word to
him, "General, you commenced it."
A guard was thereupon detailed to surround his door. Soon after some
Indians from the Bay came to the post, and the guard tried to keep them out
with the bayonet. In the scuffle that ensued one of the Indians was stabbed
in the thigh. The war-whoop was given, and in fifteen minutes the building
containing the store room and the General's headquarters was surrounded
by excited Indians with tomahawks in their hands. General Cass came to the
door of his lodgings looking very grotesque, with a red bandanna handker-
chief tied about his head, and exclaimed, "Louis! Louis! stop the liquor,
Louis!" Campau answered him: "General, you commenced it; you let
Smith plunder me and rob me. but I will stand between you and all harm."
The General called out again, "Louis! Louis! Send those Indians to their
wigwams." "Yes, General," came the reply, "but you commenced it." In
recalling this incident, which is so illustrative of the state of things on the
treaty ground, Campau said: "I lost my money; I lost my fight; I lost my
liquor; but I got good satisfaction."
The trading post conducted by Campau before and after the negotiation
of the treaty stood on the east side of Water Street, on part of the site of
Wright's mill. Many years after this event it served as a residence, its
occupant being a genial old Frenchman, named ]. Baptiste Desnoyers, who
made the old house, with its rickety stairs and lo ise flooring, seem cheerful
with his cordial welcome. Lor one year, 1820, Campau also had a trading
THE TREATY OF SAGINAW 59
post on the east side of the river near where the Methodist Mission House
was afterward erected. But the Indians were discontented and would not
trade with him there, saying, "We gave you the other side for trading, go
there." So he was obliged to abandon this post soon after. In June, 1826, he
turned his business over to his brother, Antoine, and travelled westward to
the Grand River where, at the rapids nr Grand Traverse, he established a
trading post.
In the autumn of 1819, Jacob Smith, better known as Wah-be-sins,
whose influence over the Indians was ever on the increase, built a rough log
trading post on the Flint River. He had profited much by his friendship
with the native chiefs, through craftiness being granted eleven sections of
land on the Flint, where the City of Flint is situated. For several years he
traded there, but in 1825, after a lingering and pitiable sickness, due more,
it was said, to neglect than disease, he died. A good hearted Frenchman, by
the name of Baptiste Cochins, who was with him upon the trading ground in
1819, and was himself a fur trader, performed for the brave but unfortunate
man the last sad rites of humanity. An Indian lad who had lived with Smith
for several years, and who attended him faithfully in his sickness, was the
only household mourner. A few Indians gathered in mournful groups about
the grave as the remains of the unfortunate trader were committed to the
earth. Ne-ome, his trusty and faithful friend, was there mute with grief.
With that feeling of gratitude which is characteristic and which is a cardinal
virtue in their untutored minds, the Indians proved true and faithful through
his sickness to the last.
A few days after the death of the old trader, a relative came from Detroit
and gathered up most carefully the few remnants of the stores left by the
hardy frontiersman, and took them away. Sa-gas-ewa-qua, the daughter of
Ne-ome, expressed herself of this proceeding with sententous brevitv.
peculiar to the Indian :
"When Wah-be-sins sick nobody come. Him sicker and sicker, nobody
come. Wah-be-sins die. little tinker come and take all him blankets, all him
cattle, all him things."
Two years after, Ne-ome followed his friend Wah-be-sins to the spirit
land. He died at his tribal home a few miles above the settlement of Sagi-
naw, faithfully attended through a long and severe sickness by his children
and relatives. He was enthroned in patriarchal simplicity in the hearts of
his people, beloved and mourned.
Military Occupation
In the years 1821 and 1822 the Chippewa Indians on the Saginaw became
restless and ill-tempered to such a degree that the war department, in the
early past of 1822, ordered a detachment of the Third United States Infantry,
then stationed at Fort Howard. Green Bay, to proceed to the Saginaw
River, under the command of Major Daniel Baker. Shortly after. Doctor
Zina Pitcher, having been appointed an assistant surgeon in the army, was
ordered to report to Major Baker who, with two companies of infantry,
would arrive at Saginaw about the twentieth of July. He therefore left
Detroit with Captain Knaggs as guide, followed the Indian trail through the
unbroken forest to the clearing of Oliver Williams, (which is now the pleasant
little town of WTaterford, in Oakland County), and thence by way of Flint
River to the wigwam of the old chief Kish-kau-kou. which stood on the east
side of the Saginaw River. They arrived just in time to see the troops dis-
embarking on the opposite bank of the river near the spot now occupied by
the Michigan Central station.
60 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The vessels by which the troops were transported from Green Bay did
not come up the river beyond the present location of Bay City, where the
men and stores were transferred to canoes and flat-boats and conveyed to
the landing at their destination. They at once pitched their tents along the
slope of the hill and prepared for permanent residence, i hi the site of the
present Hotel Fordney they erected a block house, surrounded it with a
strong stockade, thus raising a fortress in the heart of the wilderness. Within
the stockade were the company's quarters, the officers quarters being on the
north side of the quadrangle, while cm three sides were the barracks for the
soldiers and their families. There were about one hundred and twenty en-
listed men, besides women and children — all told perhaps one hundred and
fifty persons, including the surgeon, the sutler and his clerks. The companies
were commanded by Captain John Garland, company K, Lieutenants Allen
and Bainbridge; and Captain Stephen H. Webb, of company I, Lieutenants
Brooks and Walker: and Adjutant Nelson 11. Baker, a brother of the major
commanding. Thomas C. Sheldon, Chauncey Bush, and Elliot Gray, all had
business connections with the command. Louis Campau and family, Antoine
Campau, Archibald Lyons, Indian interpreter. Air. Provensal, Indian black-
smith, Mr. Corben, and l'atrice Reaume, comprised the civil community. The
trail from Smith's trading post on the Flint River to Saginaw was blazed in
the winter of 1S22--.1, by a detail of soldiers commanded by Lieutenants
Brooks and Bainbridge.
Hardships of Frontier Life
The winter of lS22-J,i was very cold ami much snow fell. When spring
came the rapid solution of the ice and snow caused a great flood in the
Tittabawassee and other tributaries of the Saginaw, so that most of the
prairie between the post and Green Point was under water. The succeeding
summer was very warm, with the natural result that it proved very sickly to
the inhabitants. As early as July a very aggravated form of intermittent
fever became the universal malady, and only one of the officers escaped an
attack of more or less severity. Among the sufferers by the disease was the
surgeon. Dr. Pitcher, who for stweral days was carried from his quarters to
the bedside of his patients, and for whom he was the only person to prescribe.
During this state of things Lieutenant Allen. Mrs. Baker, wife of the com-
manding officer, his daughter and a young son about fifteen years of age, and
Lieutenant Nelson Baker, died, and one enlisted man only. Major Baker
himself being on the sick bed, Captain Garland, next in command, made a
requisition on Quartermaster Samuel Stanton for a surgeon to relieve Dr.
Pitcher.
On the twenty-ninth of August. Dr. J. L. Whiting, at a great personal
sacrifice, mounted his horse in Detroit, and under the guidance of a soldier
set his face towards the pestilential swamps on the Saginaw. ( )n the morn-
ing of the second day after, he sat down to a bountiful breakfast at the
quarters of Captain Garland, with whom he stayed for about three weeks.
He was then taken sick with the same disease and removed to the officers'
mess-house, where he spent, as he afterward declared, three of the most
harassing weeks of his whole life, but through a kind Providence recovered
sufficiently to leave the valley with the other members of the command.
Thoroughly disheartened and discouraged with their innumerable hard-
ships and sufferings. Major Baker, reported to the Department that the
climate was so unhealthy that "nothing but Indians, muskrats and bull-frogs,
could possibly subsist here." and requested removal of his ill-conditioned
troops to another post. In the midst of a howling wilderness, surrounded by
untamed savages, whose nightly whooping and infernal pow-wow orgies
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62 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
were far more appalling than even the cries of wild beasts, and exposed to
the rigidity of a northern climate, together with its vicissitudes, they hailed
with delight the order for the abandonment of the fort on the Saginaw, and
their removal to Detroit. About the twenty-fifth of October the weakened
command embarked on the schooner Red Jacket, Captain Walker, and another
vessel commanded by Captain Keith, and sailed for Detroit wdiere they
arrived safely on the thirtieth of the same month.
The Deviltry of Kish-kau-kou
While the troops were stationed at the fort on the Saginaw, besides suf-
fering many privations and inconveniences, they were subject to petty annoy-
ances and insults from some of the Indians, who looked upon them as tres-
passers. The savages did not dare, however, to make any advances towards
hostility, for they knew full well that the troops were prepared to meet any-
thing of that nature with prompt retaliation. Still the "red-skins" lost no
opportunity of reminding them that they were not at home upon ground
claimed by themselves. ( >ld Chief Kish-kau-kou in particular, whose wigwam
was close under cover of the fort, was exceedingly annoying, at least to the
soldiers, but more so to the sentry. Every night as he. on his accustomed
round, would give the hour, with the usual "all's well," this rascally chief
would mockingly reiterate the watchword, together with a taunting shout and
whoop, making the very welkin ring again, and startling the inmates of the
fort, who not unfrequently imagined, upon being si i unceremoniously
awakened, that an attack was at hand.
The old chief had repeated this trick a number of times, when the
soldiers determined to punish him a little, and at the same time enjoy some
sport at his expense. .Accordingly they loaded an old swivel to the muzzle,
with grape and canister, and mounted it upon the pickets, pointing it in the
direction of the savage's wigwam, but in such a position that the shot would
merely rattle over his head, with no other effect than that of frightening him
into silence, if nothing else. Night came ami all was still, the heavy tramp
of the sentinel, ami the distant howl of hungry wolves alone being heard.
The men were lying quietly behind the gun, while a match was ready to apply
at the signal, which the old chief himself was unwittingly to give. At length
twelve o'clock came, the hour usually selected by the Indian for his echo.
"Twelve o'clock — all's well," sang out the sentry. "All well," echoed the
savage, "ke-whoop-ke-kee-who-whoop," making at the same time a grand
flourish after the war style of his forefathers — • "ye-ye-ye-yeep-ke-who."
At this instant a bright gleam of fire shot from the walls of the fort
accompanied by a report so loud, so deafening, that the buildings shook with
the concussion, wdiile the grape and canister rattled fearfully over the wig-
wam and tore through the branches of the trees overhanging it. The old
chief thought his end had indeed come, and called lustily upon all the gods in
his unlettered vocabulary, and the medicine men of his nation, to save him.
After this salutary rebuke no papoose in the tribe was more humble or
deferential to the troops than this same Indian. lie probably thought it
advisable to keep on good terms with the men who repaid insult with
thunder, lightning and iron hail.
During the epidemic of fever in the garrison, a great Indian council was
held at Green Point, according- to Indian law, at which the old tyrant. Kish-
kau-kou. was present. A Delaware Indian, intermarried with a Chippewa
woman, was on trial for the killing of a Chippewa Indian in a drunken brawl.
THE TREATY OF SAGINAW 63
The offender had compromised the matter, and bought his life by paying the
relatives a certain amount of furs, skins and money. But according to the
custom of the Chippewa tribe, it was necessary that the pardon should be
confirmed by a council. In this proceeding the delinquent was required to
walk around in a circle on the ground, formed by the assembled red-skins,
and if unmollested by any of the relatives of the murdered man, the matter
was to be considered as finally settled, and not to be reopened forever after.
He had quietly passed all the relatives, near ami remote, and was therefore
restored to his former standing in the tribe; but in passing the old tyrant,
Kish-kau-kou, he rose and struck the offender dead at his feet. The whole
circle was amazed at this audacious act. and the usual "W'augh" was uttered
by the council. The hereditary chief, Min-non-e-quot, said: "What does this
mean? It is contrary to Indian law." Old Kish-kau-kou deigned only the
reply : "The law is altered." The council then hroke up, and the old rascal
took the body of the slain Indian into his canoe, covered it with skins and
furs, and paddled away to his village at the mouth of the river, where it
was buried.
When on the way to Maiden, to receive their annual presents from the
British government, Kish-kau-kou. who was in the habit of travelling with
thirty or forty blood-thirsty warriors, took advantage of the sparseness of the
settlements, and levied contributions upon the poor settlers. If his demands
were not readily complied with he would take what he wanted by force, such
as cattle, hogs, anil corn, thus subjecting the poor settlers to great suffering
and continual fear. On one occasion, after his arrival at Detroit which hap-
pened a few days before payment, his men being very hungry, he applied to
some of the authorities for food, saying, "Unless my young men get some-
thing to eat. it will be impossible for me to restrain them from robbing the
settlers along the route." To this threat General Cass replied: "If your
young men commit any depredations upon the settlers. I will send my young
men to punish them." Notwithstanding this admonition, depredations were
occasionally committed with impunity upon the helpless pioneers.
Kish-kau-kou at length came to his end in a manner strikingly in keeping
with his cowardly career. In April. 1825, while encamped at a place a little
above Detroit, known as the Chene farm, he got into a drunken brawl mi
Water Street, on the site of the Grand Trunk Railway Station, and killed an
Indian. The dead savage was taken to "Uncle" Harvey William's hlack-
smith shop, directly across the street, and an inquest was held, while Kish-
kau-kou and his son were conveyed to the fort. Feeling assured from con-
templation of his past conduct that he need expect no mercy or lenity, from
the hands of those whom he had so often outraged, he anticipated the action
of the law by drinking the hemlock in his prison, and died before the trial
was concluded. It was supposed that the poison was provided him by one
or more of his numerous squaws. 1 1 is son, who was no party to the crime,
escaped.
The successive chieftain of the Saginaw tribe was Oge-maw-ke-ke-to,
whose name signified the "Chief Speaker." Me was in every respect anti-
podal to Kish-kau-kou. being a high-minded and honorable Indian, and
was an eloquent orator. Although he was not the head chief by birth, he
was a great favorite with the white settlers, on account of the loftiness of
his style, the beauty of his expression, and his powerful and commanding
eloquence which always carried conviction with it. The place upon which
the settlement of Saginaw was built was called by the Indians Ke-pay-sho-
wink, meaning "the great camping ground."
64 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The Second Treaty of Saginaw
In 1836 Henry R, Schoolcraft, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, drafted
for the government a second treaty which was presented before an Indian
council the same year. The friendliness and spirit of gratitude of the
Indians, t< > those white settlers who were kind and generous to them, is
well illustrated by an incident in connection with the making of this treaty.
James McCormick, who was then settled among the bands on the Indian
fields, received from his aboriginal neighbors a tract of six hundred and forty
acres of land in recognition of his kindness to them during- the prevalence of
the small-pox epidemic. This valuable grant had gone into the possession of
McCormick; but in the treaty presented by Schoolcraft there was no men-
tion made of it. ( )ne of the Indian counselors demanded why this important
item was omitted, merely gaining' the laconic answer: "It can't be done."
'Aery well," said the Indian orator, "we will not sell our lands unless our
white brother is provided for. We will not sign the treaty." The assembled
Indians thereupon dispersed and the Commissioner was left to ponder over
a new phase of the nature of the savage, in the deserted wigwam.
In January of the following year the Commissioner invited the Indian
counselors to meet him at Detroit, and on the fourteenth of that month they
assembled in council. Schoolcraft then assured them that the treaty papers
as presented contained full provision that McCormick would be continued
as lessee of the lands in question. With this assurance mi the honor of an
officer of the L'nited States Government, the children of the forest deeded
away their hunting grounds, and also, as a few years proved, their muni-
ficent gift to their "white brother." The Commissioner never inserted an
article guaranteeing the title of the land to McCormick, and as a result he
was evicted from a home and farm which he had improved, which he well
merited, and which was endeared to him by many associations. By this
treaty the Indians ceded to the United States all the reservations mentioned
in the first treaty of 1819.
This treat}' provided for the sale of these lands, ami the sum so derived
after deducting the expenses of survey and treat}', was to be invested under
direction of the 1 'resident, in some public stock and the interest thereof to
be paid annually to the Indians. Certain sums were also set apart for the
payment of their valid debts, and for depredations committed after the sur-
render of Detroit, in 1812. The Indians agreed to remove from Michigan to
some point west of Lake Superior, or locate west of the Mississippi and
southwest of the Missouri, to be decided by Congress. A supplementary
article provided for the erection of a lighthouse on the Na-bo-bish tract of
land, lying at the mouth of the Saginaw River; and a subsequent article to
this treaty, concluded at Saginaw, changed the location of the lighthouse
to the fort}1 thousand-acre tract of land, on the west side of the river.
The Treaty of 1838
A treat}' was concluded at Saginaw, January 23. 1838. with the several
bands of the Chippewa nation, comprehended within the districts of Sagi-
naw, in which the chiefs represented, that at the sale of lands for their use
a combination was formed and the prices per acre greatly reduced. The
treaty then provided that all lands brought into market under the authority
of the previous treaty, of January 14, 1837, should be sold to the register
and receiver for two years from date of commencement of sale, at $5 per acre,
which sum was declared the minimum price; provided, that should any
portion of saiil lands remain unsold at the expiration of the two years, the
THE TREATY OF SAGINAW
65
minimum price was to he reduced to $2.50 per acre, at which price the
remaining lands were to he disposed of; and after five years from date of
ratification of the treaty, if any lands then remained, they were to he sold
for the sum they would command, but none less than seventy-five cents
per acre.
The Treaty of 1855
On August 2, 1855, a treaty was concluded at Detroit, between George
\Y. Manypenny and Henry C. Gilbert, Commissioners on the part of the
United States, and the Chippewa Indians of Saginaw, Swan Creek and Black
River, in which the United States agreed to withdraw from sale six adjoining
townships of land in Isabella County, and townships 17 and 18 north, ranges
3, 4 and 5 east; agreed to pay the Chippewas the sum of $220,000, to be used
for education, agriculture, building material; to build a saw mill at some
suitable water-power in Isabella County, at a cost of not exceeding $8,000;
to test the claims and pay the just indebtedness of said tribe of Chippewas;
to provide an interpreter for said Indians for five years and longer if neces-
sary; and said Chippewas ceded to the United States all lands in Michigan
heretofore owned by them as reservations; and that the grants and pay-
ments provided in this treaty were in lieu and satisfaction of all claims legal
and equitable on the part of said Indians, jointly and severally against the
United States, for land, money, or other thing guaranteed to said tribes or
either of them, by the stipulation of any former treaty or treaties; the entries
of land made by the Indians and by the Missionary Society of the M. E.
Church for the benefit of the Indians, in townships 14 north and 4 east, and
10 north and 5 east, were confirmed and patents issued.
MORASS IN THE WILDERNESS
Typical of the Saginaw Valley in the Early Days of its Settlement
CHAPTER V
THE COMING OF DE TOCQUEVILLE
or
"A Fortnight in the Wilderness"
Voyage across Lake Eric to Detroit — Follow Trail to Pontiac — Pioneer Life
in the Wilderness — Taking Trail toward the North — Encounter with Indian — Lost
at Night in Forest — They Reach Flint River — Penetrate the Virgin Forest — Hard-
ships of the Journey — Arrival at Saginaw River — Picture of Early Saginaw — They
Shoot Wild Ducks — Return to Civilization.
ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE, a distinguished French statesman and
traveller, who explored much of this western country in 1831, was
probably the first European to penetrate the wilderness of the
Saginaw. In his memoirs, which were translated and published in
I.iiiKlcin thirty years after, he states that he was most curious to visit the
extreme limits of civilization, and even some of the Indian tribes which had
preferred flying to the wildest depths of the forest, t<i accommodating them-
selves t" what the white man calls the enjoyments of social life. With this
object he traversed places celebrated in Indian history, he reached valleys
named by them, he crossed streams still called by the names of their tribes;
but everywhere the wigwam had given way to the log lint, and the log hut
to the house — the forest had fallen. Where there had been solitude there
was now life; still he seemed to he treading in the steps of the aborigines.
With a trusty companion, named Beaumont, he set forth from Buffalo
on the steamboat Ohio at 10 A. M. on July 19, enroute to Detroit, a strong-
northeast breeze giving to the waters of Lake Erie the appearance of ocean
waxes. After skirting the southern shore of the lake and touching at Erie,
they bore straight across the expanse of fresh waters to the mouth of the
Detroit; and in the afternoon of the following day arrived, without unusual
incident, at the town of that name.
Detroit at that time was a town of from two to three thousand inhabi-
tants, occupying a site cut out of the forest, and contained many French
families. Although the settlement was mi the frontier of civilization, it had
ahead)- assumed the life and customs of the east. Almost everything could
he Found, even French fashions and caricatures from Paris; and the shops
seemed as well supplied with goods as those of New York. The looms of
Lyons worked for both alike.
"Where you see that church, yonder," some one said. "1 cut down the
first tree in the forest hereabout." "Mere," said another, "was a scene of the
conspiracy of Pontiac and of Mull's surrender. But the Indians have gone
beyond the Great Lakes, the race is becoming extinct; they are not made
for civilization — it kills them." Other settlers, sitting quietly by their fire-
sides, said: "Every day the number of Indians is diminishing; it is not that
we often make war upon them, hut the brandy we sell to them at a low price
carries off every year more than our arms could destroy. God, by refusing
to these first inhabitants the power of civilization, has predestined them to
destruction. The true owners of the continent are those who know how to
turn its resources to account."
THE COMING OF DE TOCQUEVILLE 67
This only whetted the curiosity of the adventurous De Tocqueville, to
satisfy which he must cross almost impenetrable forests, swim deep rivers,
encounter pestilential marshes, sleep exposed to damp air in the woods, and
perhaps encounter wild beasts. To subject oneself to such hardships if a
dollar is to be gained, the early pioneers conceived worth while; but that a
man should take such a journey for the mere satisfaction of curiosity, they
could not understand. That the travellers should admire huge trees, or wild
scenery, was to them incomprehensible.
Upon inquiry of Major Biddle, the United States agent for the sale of
wild lands, they were informed that the country beyond was covered by an
almost impenetrable forest, which extended uninterrupted toward the North-
west, full of Indians and wild beasts. The government was opening a way
through, he said, but the road stopped at Pontiac ; and they must not think
of fixing themselves further off. On the contrary, the travellers were over-
joyed at the prospect of finding a place which the torrent of civilization had
not yet invaded.
Follow Trail to Pontiac
On the twenty-third of July, therefore, they hired two horses, bought a
compass and some provisions, and set forth with guns over their shoulders
to make their way to the settlement on the far distant Saginaw. A mile from
the town the road entered the forest and never left it. They observed that
the ground was perfectly flat and often marshy. Now and then they came
upon newdy-cleared lands, the approach to which was usually announced by
the sound of a little bell hung around the neck of cattle, and a few minutes
later by the strokes of an axe. As they proceeded, traces of destruction
proved the presence of man; lopped branches covered the path, and trunks
half calcined by fire, or slashed by steel, still stood in the way. A little
further on the wo. ids seemed struck with sudden death, and in midsummer
the branches looked wintry. This was a settler's first measure to prevent
the thick foliage overshadowing the Indian corn, which he had planted
under the branches.
Next they came upon the settler's hut standing in a plat more carefully
cleared than the rest, but in which he sustained an unequal struggle with
nature. Like the littered field around it, thus rustic dwelling bore evidences
of new and hasty work. Its dimensions were about twenty by thirty feet,
and fifteen feet high, with its walls and roof composed of half-hewn logs, the
interstices being filled with moss and mud. At the sound of their footsteps
a group of children, who had been playing in the dirt, jumped up hastily and
fled beneath the paternal roof; whilst two half-wild dogs came out of the
hut, and growling, covered the retreat of their young masters. The pioneer
himself then appeared, called off his savage dogs, and stepped forward to
meet his visitors, holding out his hand in compliance with custom; but his
countenance expressed neither kindness nor joy. He spoke only to question
them, to gratify his curiosity. Hospitality to him was one of the painful
necessities of the wildnerness, a duty of his position.
Pioneer Life in the Wilderness
Within the log hut they noticed a single window', before which hung
a muslin curtain, while on the hearth, made of hardened earth, a fire of
resinous wood lighted up the interior better than the sun. Over the rustic
chimney hung trophies of war or of the chase, a long rifle, a doeskin, and
eagles' feathers. ( In a rough shelf were a few old books, including a bible
and Milton's poems. Beneath this in a darkened corner were rude bunks,
chests for use instead of wardrobes, and some rustic seats, all the product of
68 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
the owner's industry. In the middle of the room was an unsteady tabic, with
its legs still covered with leaves, upon which were an English china tea pot,
spoons of pewter ami wood, a few cracked cups, and some newspapers.
"The pioneer," wrote De Tocqueville, "despises all that most violently
agitates the hearts of man; his fortune or his life will never hang on the
turn of a die, or the smiles of a woman; but to obtain competence he has
braved exile, solitude, and the numberless ills of savage life, he has slept on
the bare ground, he ha- exposed himself to the fever of the woods and the
Indians' tomahawk. Many years ago he took the first step, lie has never
gone back; perhaps twenty years hence he will lie still going on without
desponding or complaining. Can a man capable of such sacrifices be cold
and insensible? Is he not influenced by a passion, not of the heart but of
the brain, ardent, perserving, and indomitable!-'
"llis whole energies are concentrated in the desire to make a fortune,
and he at length succeeds in making for himself an entirely independent
existence, into which even the domestic affections are absorbed. He may
be said to look upon his wife and children only as detached parts of himself.
Deprived of human intercourse with his equals, he has learned to take
pleasure in si ilitude.
"Look at the young woman who is sitting on the other side of the fire,
preparing the supper. This woman is in the prime of life; she also recollects
an early youth of comfort. 'Idle remains of taste are still to be observed in
her dress. But time has pressed heavily upon her; in her faded features and
attenuated limbs it is easy to see that life to her has been a heavy burden.
And, indeed, this fragile creature has already been exposed to incredible
suffering. To devote herself to austere duties, to submit to unknown priva-
tions, to enter upon an existence for which she was not fitted — such has
been the employment of her best years, such have been the delights of her
married life. Destitution, suffering, and fatigue have weakened her delicate
frame, but have not dismayed her courage.
"Round this woman crowd the half-clothed children, glowing with health,
careless of the morrow, true children of the wilderness. The log hut shelters
this family at night; it is a little world, an ark of civilization in the midst of
a green ocean. A few steps off the everlasting forest extends its shades, and
solitude again reigns."
Continuing their journey the travellers reached Pontiac at sunset, and
found there about twenty "very neat and pretty houses, forming so many
well provided shops, a transparent brook, a clearing about a square half-mile
in extent surrounded by the boundless forest." The}- were taken to the inn
and introduced into the bar room, where all assembled to smoke, think, and
talk politics on a footing of the most perfect equality. The owner was a
very stout gentleman, "whose face had about as much frankness and sim-
plicity as that of a Norman horse dealer." For fear of intimidating them lie
never looked them in the face when he spoke, but waited until they were
engaged in talking with someone else, to consider them at his leisure. They
were looked upon with surprise and interest, as their travelling dress and
guns proved that the}- were not traders; and travelling for curiosity was a
thing newer heard of.
De Tocqueville told the landlord that they came to the region ti > buy
land; thereupon they were at once taken into another room, a large candle
lighted, and a map of Michigan spread before them.
"This country is not like France," said the host, "with you labor is cheap
and land is dear. Here the juice of land is nothing, but hands cannot be
bought. One must have capital to settle here, only it must be differently
THE COMING OF DE TOCOUEVILLE
employed. An acre in Michigan never costs more than four or five shillings,
when the land is waste. This is about the price of a day's work. In one
day. therefore, a laborer may earn em >ugh to purchase an acre of land, but
once the purchase is made the difficulty begins. The settler betakes him-
self to his newly acquired property, with some cattle, a salted pig, two barrels
of meal, and some tea. He pitches his tent in the middle of the wood which
is to be His field. His first care is to cut down the nearest trees: with them
he quickly builds a rude log hut. The keep of the cattle costs nothing, as
they brouse in the forest, not often straying far from the dwelling.
"The greatest expense." he continued, is in the clearing which costs four
or live dollars an acre; but the ground once prepared the settler lays out an
acre in potatoes and the rest in wheat and maize. The latter is a providential
gift of the wilderness; it grows in our marshes, and flourishes under the
shade of the forest better than when exposed to the rays of the sun. Mai/e
saves the settlers' family from perishing, when poverty, sickness, or neglect
has hindered his reclaiming sufficient land in the first year. The great diffi-
culty is to get over the first years which immediately succeed the first clear-
ing. Afterward comes competence, and later wealth.
"Cultivation, at first, of the soil of the forest is always a dangerous
undertaking, and there is scarcely an instance of a pioneer and his family
escaping the forest fever during the first year. Sometimes all the occupants
of a hut will be attacked by it, who resign themselves and hope for better
times. There is little prospect of help from neighbors many miles away, and
the nearest doctor may be lift}- or sixty miles off. They do as the Indians
do, theyr die or get well, as it pleases God.
"In the wilderness men are seized with a hunger for religion. Almost
every summer some Methodist preacher comes to visit the new settlements.
News of his arrival spreads, and on the day of meeting the settlers and
families flock from fifty miles around towards the place. The}- meet in the
open air under the arches of the forest trees, rough logs serving as seats
in the rustic temple. The pioneers camp close by for three or four days, and
scarcely intermit their devotional exercises."
After receiving some other valuable information, the travellers thanked
the landlord for his counsels, and assured him that someday they would profit
by them, adding. "Before leaving your country we intend to visit Saginaw,
and we wish to consult you on that point."
At the name of Saginaw a remarkable change came over the features
of their host. It seemed as if he had been suddenly snatched from real life
and transported to a land of wonders. His eves dilated, his mouth fell, and
the most complete astonishment pervaded his countenance.
"You want to go to Saginaw." he exclaimed: "to Saginaw Bay! Two
foreign gentlemen, two rational men want to go to Saginaw Bay! It is
scarcely7 credible."
"But why not?" they asked.
"Are you aware," continued their host, "what you undertake? Do you
know- that Saginaw is the last inhabited spot towards the Pacific, that be-
tween this place and Saginaw lies an uncleared wilderness? Do you know-
that the forest is full of Indians and mosquitoes, that you must sleep at least
one night under the damp trees? Have you thought about the fever? Will
you be able to get on in the wilderness and to find your way in the labyrinth
of our forest-- ?"
"All that may be true," replied the travellers, "but we start tomorrow
for Saginaw." By the way," they resumed, "have you never been there?"
"Yes." he replied. "I have been so unlucky as to go there five or six
times, but I had a motive in going, and you do not appear to have any."
70 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
They vouchsafed no explanation to this observation, whereupon the
landlord took a candle, showed them a bed room, and left them after giving
each a truly democratic shake of the hand.
Taking the Trail Toward the North
At dawn tlie next day they arose and made ready for the start, their
host lending his aid and often reflecting in an undertone: "1 do not well
make out what can take two strangers to Saginaw." Until at last De
Tocqueville said to him, "we have many reasons for going thither, my dear
landlord," and with a wave of the hand they trotted off as East as they could.
Among the directions given them they had been advised to apply to a
settler, named Oliver Williams, as he had long dealt with the Chippewa
Indians, and had a son established in Saginaw. (This early pioneer was a
great-grandfather of A. I'.. Williams, a resident of the West Side.) After
riding some miles in the forest, they saw an old man working in a little
garden. They spoke to him and found that he was the person they sought.
He received them with much kindness, and gave them a letter to his son.
They asked him if they had anything to fear from the Indians. "No. no,"
he replied, "you may proceed without fear. For my part, I sleep more fear-
lessly among Indians than among white persons."
After leaving Mr. Williams they pursued their way through the woods;
from time to time a little lake shone like a white table cloth under green
branches. "The charm of these lonely spots," wrote De Tocqueville, "as
yet untenanted by man. and where peace and silence reign undisturbed, can
hardly lie imagined. The solitude is deep, but the feelings produced are
tranquil admiration, a soft melancholy, a vague aversion to civilized life, and
a sort of savage instinct which causes one to regret that soon this enchant-
ing solitude will he no more. Already, indeed, the white man is approaching
through the surrounding woods, and in a few years he will have felled the
trees now reflected in the limpid waters of the lake, and will have driven
to other wilds the animals that feed on its banks."
Encounter With Indian
Still travelling on they at length reached a country of a different aspect.
The ground was no longer flat, hut thrown into hills and valleys. They
noted with delight the rough grandeur of some of these hills, and in one of
the picturesque parses they saw close to them, and apparently following step
by step, an Indian warrior. He was about thirty years of age, tall and
admirably proportioned. llis black and shining hair fell down upon his
shoulders, and his face was smeared with black and red paint. He wore a
sort of very short blue blouse, and his legs were covered with a loose
pantaloon reaching only to the top of the thigh; and his feet were encased
with mocassins. At his side hung a knife, and in his right hand he held a
long rifle, while in his left were two birds that he had just killed.
To seize their guns, turn around and face the Indian in the path, was
the movement of an instant. lie halted in the same manner, and for half
a minute all were silent. Thev could see that in the deep black eyes of the
savage gleamed the fierce nature of his tribes. llis nose was acquiline
slightly depressed at the end, his cheek bones were very high, and his wide
mouth showed two rows of dazzling white teeth, proving that the savage,
more cleanly than the American, did not pass his day chewing tobacco
leaves, lie stood their scrutiny with perfect calmness and with steady and
unflinching eye. When he saw that the travellers had no hostile intentions,
he smiled, probably because he perceived that thev had been alarmed. They
then addressed him in English and ottered him brandy, which he readily
THE COMING OF DE TOCOUEVILLE 71
accepted without thanking them. Making signs they asked him for the birds
which lie carried; and he gave them for a little piece of money. They soon
bid him adieu and trotted off.
"At the end of half an hour," continued the narrative, "of rapid riding,
on turning round, once mere 1 was astounded by seeing the Indian still at
my horse's heels. He ran with the agility of a wild animal, without speak-
ing a Mn^ie word or seeming to hurry himself. We stopped; he stopped:
we went on; he went on. We darted at full speed; the Indian doubled his
pace; I saw him sometimes on the right, sometimes on the left, jumping
over underwood ami alighting on the ground without the slightest noise.
The sight of the strange figure, now lost in the darkness of the forest, and
then again appearing in the daylight, and seeming to fly by our side, caused
us to fear that he was leading us into an ambush."
They were full of forebodings when they discovered, right in front of
them in the wood, the end of another rifle. They soon came alongside the
bearer, and at first took him for an Indian, lie was an upright and well-
made figure, his neck was bare, and his feet were covered with mocassins.
Coming close to him he raised his head, and they stopped short. He came to
them, shook them cordially by the hand, and entered into conversation. The
Indian rested nearby, ami the settler observing him and being told of his
having followed the white men, said: "He is a Chippewa, or as the French
would call him a 'sautier.' I would wager that he is returning from Canada,
where he has received the annual presents from the English. His family
cannot lie far off."
As De Tocqueville and his companion resumed their journey, the pioneer
called to them: "When you pass here again, knock at my door. It is a
pleasure to meet wdiite faces in this place."
Some miles further on one horse lost a shoe, but not far off. happily,
they met another settler who put it on again. He advised them to make
haste, as the daylight in the forest was beginning to fade, and they were at
least five miles from Flint River. Soon, indeed, they were enveloped in dark-
ness, but were forced tip push on. The night was line, but cold; the silence
of the forest was so deep, the calm so complete, that the forces of nature
seemed paralyzed. Now and then they saw the distant gleam of a fire,
against which they they could trace, through the smoke, the stern and
motionless profile of an Indian.
Lost at Night in the Forest
At the end of an hour they came upon a place where the path separated,
two trails opening in different directions. One led to a stream they could
not tell how dee]), the other to a clearing. Which to take was a difficult
thing to decide. The moon just rising, however, showed them a valley of
fallen trees, and farther on the dim outline of two huts. In order not to
lose their way at such an hour they decided that Beaumont should remain
to take care of the horses, while De Tocqueville with gun over his shoulder.
should descend into the valley.
He soon perceived that lie was entering a little settlement. Immense
trunks of trees and branches yet unlopped covered the ground, which neces-
sitated his jumping from one to another to reach the stream. Happily, its
course was impeded at this place by some huge oaks that the pioneers had
doubtless thrown down to form a sort of rustic bridge. By crawling along
these fallen trees he at last reached the other side. He warily approached the
huts, which he could see but indistinctly, fearing they might prove Indian
wigwams. They proved to he unfinished dwellings with doors open; and
no voice answered his calls.
72 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Returning to the edge of the stream, he admired for a few minutes the
awful grandeur of the scene. 'Idle valley seemed a vast amphitheater sur-
rounded on all sides by dark w Is as if by a black curtain. In its center
the moonlight played among the shattered remnants of the forest, creating
a thousand fantastic shapes. No sound of any kind, no murmur of life, was
audible.
"At last I remembered my companion," writes De Tocqueville, "and
called loudly to him to cross the rivulet and join me. The echo repeated my
voice over and over again in the solitary w Is, but I got no answer. The
same death-like stillness reigned. I became uneasy and ran by the side of
the stream till I reached the place where it was fordable.
"When T got there I heard in the distance the sound of horses' feet, and
soi m after Beaumont appeared. Surprised by my long absence, he had pro-
ceeded toward the rivulet, and was already in the shallow when I called
him. lie told me that he, too. had tried by every means to make himself
heard, and as well as I, had been alarmed at getting no answer. If it had not
been for this ford, which had served as a meeting place, we should probably
have been looking for each other half the night."
They Reach Flint River
They resumed their journey and in three-quarters of an hour came upon
a settlement, consisting of two or three huts, and, what was still more agree-
able, a light. A line of water in the valley proved that they had arrived at
Flint River. Soon, a loud barking echoed in the woods, and they soon found
themselves close to a log hut, with a fence between them and shelter. As
they prepared to climb over it, they saw in the dim moonlight a great black
figure rise before them, almost within reach of their arms, having wild, fiery
eyes, its hot breath fanning their faces, showing as clearly as anything could
its intention to give them a fraternal embrace.
"What an infernal country is this," exclaimed De Tocqueville, "where
they keep bears for watch dogs. If we attempt to get over the fence it will
be difficult to make the porter listen to reason."
They halloed at the top of their voices, and at length a man appeared
at the window, who. after scrutinizing them by the light of the moon, opened
the door and welcomed them.
"Enter, gentlemen," he said, "Trink, go to bed. To the kennel. I say.
They are not robbers."
The bear waddled off, and the travellers got in almost dead with fatigue.
They asked the settler if they could have some oats for their horses.
"Certainly," he replied, and at once went out and began to mow the
nearest field as if it were noon day. Meanwhile, they settled themselves as
comfortably as they could and slept soundly.
A wilderness of forty miles separated Flint River from the settlement on
the Saginaw, and the trail was a narrow and hardly perceptible pathway.
It was therefore necessary to procure guides, and two Indian boys who
could be trusted were employed to show them the way. < >ne was only twelve
or fourteen years of age. and the other about eighteen. The latter, though
he had attained the vigor of manhood, gave the idea of agility united with
strength. He was of middle height and slendor, his limbs were flexible and
well proportioned, and long tresses fell upon his shoulders. He had daubed
his face with black and red paint in symmetrical lines: a ring was passed
through his nose; and a necklace and ear rings completed his attire. His
weapons consisted of a tomahawk, which hung at his side, and a long, sharp
knife used by the savages to scalp their victims. Round his neck hung a
THE COMING OF DE TOCQUEVILL]
73
cow horn containing powder, and in his right hand lit- carried a rifle. His
eye was wild, but his smile was friendly and benevolent. At his side trotted
a dog, more like a fox than any other animal, with a look so savage as to be
in perfect harmony with his master.
They asked him hi-- price fur the service that he was about to render,
and the Indian replied in his native tongue, the trader informing them that
what he asked was about equivalent to two dollars. They thereupon gave
him the money and the Indian picked nut from the stores a pair of mocassins
and a pocket handkerchief, worth perhaps half the amount, but he appeared
perfectly satisfied with the bargain. The trader, however, was ready to do
justice tn the savages, who were i ndy beginning ti i understand the value of
i$l
/t
THE TRAIL TO SAGINAW
things. "Trade with them becomes every day less profitable," he said. The
Indian in his ignorant simplicity would have said that he (the trader) found
it every day mure difficult to cheat his neighbor; but the white man finds
in the refinement of language, a shade which expresses the fact, and yet saves
his conscience.
They Penetrate the Virgin Forest
All being read}*, they mounted their horses, wadded the river which
formed the boundary of civilization, and entered the real forest wilderness.
The guides ran, or leaped like wild cats, over the impediments of the path,
a fallen tree, creek or bog, while the travellers groped blindly on, incapable
not only of treading the labyrinth unaided, hut even of finding in it the means
of sustenance. At the top of the loftiest tree under the densest foliage, the
children of the forest detected the game, close to which an European would
have passed one hundred times in vain.
74 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
As they proceeded they gradually lust sight of the traces of man, and
soon even proofs of savage life disappeared. Before them was a scene that
they had long sought — a virgin forest. "Growing in the middle of the thin
underbrush, through which objects are perceived at a considerable distance,
was a single clump of full grown trees, almost all pines and oaks. Confined
tn so narrow a space, and deprived "I sunshine, each of these trees had run
up rapidly in search of light and air. As straight as the mast of a ship.
the must rapid grower had overtopped every surrounding object; only
when it had attained a higher region did it venture to spread out its branches,
and clothe itself with leaves. < )thers followed quickly in this elevated sphere,
and the whole group, interlacing their boughs, formed a sort of immense
canopy.
"Underneath this damp, motionless vault, the scene is different. Majesty
and order are overhead — near the ground, all is chaos and confusion. Aged
trunks, incapable of supporting any longer their branches, are shattered in
the middle, and present nothing but a sharp, jagged point. < 'titers, loosened
by the wind, have been thrown unbroken to the ground. Turn up from the
earth, their roots from a natural barricade, behind which several men might
find shelter. Hugh trees sustained by the surrounding branches hang in
mid air, and fall into dust without reaching the ground. In this solitude
of America, all powerful nature is the only instrument of ruin, as well as of
production. Here, as well as in the forests over which man rules, death
strikes continually, but there is in me to clear away the remains."
Hardships of the Journey
They had been riding for six hours, and the sun was already high, when
the Indians stopped short, and the elder, named Sag-an-cu-isco, traced a
line in the sand. Showing them one end he exclaimed, "Michi-conte-minque,"
meaning Flint River, and pointed to the other as the end of their journey;
then, marking a point in the middle, he signed to them that they had
travelled half the distance, and that they must rest awhile. They asked by
signs if water was near, whereupon their guides showed them a spot, thirty
paces off in the forest, where in the hollow formed by an uprooted tree, there
was a little reservoir of rain water.
At this place they ate a scanty lunch ami drank of the brackish water;
but they minded more other discomforts of the dense woods. "Add to this
a cloud of mosquitoes," wrote De Tocqueville, "attracted by the vicinity of
water, which we were forced to fight with one hand while we carried our
bread to our mouths with the other, and an idea may be formed of a rustic
dinner in the virgin forest."
When they began to think of continuing their journey, they were dis-
mayed to find that their horses had strayed from the path, and it was with
some difficulty that they traced them, blessing the mosquitoes that had
forced them to quickly resume the trail. The path soon became more difficult
to follow, and frequently their horses had to force their way through thick
brush w 1. or to leap over large fallen trees that barred the way.
At the end of two hours of extremely toilsome riding they at length
came to a stream which, though shallow, was deeply embanked. At this
spot (which was probably on the Cass River about a mile south of the present
village of Bridgeport), they waded across and saw a field of maize and what
looked like two log huts. As they approached, the huts proved to lie Indian
wigwams; but the silence in the deserted camp was no less perfect than
in the surrounding forest.
Sag-an-cu-isco stopped and examined attentively the ground and every-
thing around him. He laid down his rifle and indicated in the sand that
THE COMING OF DE TOCQUEVILLE 75
they had travelled about three-fourths of their journey. Then he arose and
pointed to the sun which was quickly sinking into the woods; next he
looked at the wigwams and shut his eyes. This sign language was easy to
understand, but the proposal astonished and annoyed De Tocqueville and
his companion. The solemn grandeur of the scenes, their utter loneliness,
the wild faces of their guides, and the difficulty of communicating with them,
all conspired to take away their confidence.
"There was a strangeness, too," relates De Tocqueville, "in the conduct
of the Indians. The trail for the last two hours had been even more un-
trodden than at the beginning, and everyone had assured us that we could
go in one day from the Flint River to Saginaw. We could not, therefore,
imagine why our guides wanted to keep us all night in the desert.
"We insisted on going on, but the Indian signed that we should be sur-
prised by darkness in the forest. To force our guides to go on would have
been dangerous, so I had recourse to their cupidity. The Indians have few
wants and consequently few desires."
Sag-an-cu-isco had paid particular attention to a little wicker-covered
bottle that hung from De Tocqueville's belt, a thing he had a sense to
appreciate and admire. They at once signed to their guide that they would
give him the bottle if they would take them on to the Saginaw. At this he
seemed to undergo a violent struggle, looking at the sun and then on the
ground: but at length he came to a decision, seized his rifle, exclaimed twice
with his hand to his mouth. "( )uh ! ouh !" and darted off through the bushes.
They followed at a quick pace for two hours even faster than before.
Still night was coming on ami the last rays of the sun had disappeared
behind the trees, and the travellers began to fear lest their guides would quit
from fatigue and want of food, ami insist on sleeping under a tree. At last
darkness overtook them. The air under the trees became damp and icy cold.
and the dense forest assumed a new and terrible aspect. The only sign of
life in the sleeping world was the humming of mosquitoes, and now and then
a fire fly traced a luminous line upon the darkness. The gloom became still
deeper, but they pushed resolutely on and in the course of an hour came to
the edge of a prairie.
Arrival at Saginaw River
Their guides then uttered a savage cry that vibrated like the discordant
notes of a tam-tam. It was answered in the distance, and five minutes later
they reached a river; but it was too dark to see the opposite bank. They
dismounted and waited patiently for what was to follow. In a few minutes
a faint noise was heard and a dark object approached the bank. It was an
Indian canoe, about ten feet long, formed of a single tree. A man crouched
in the bottom who wore the dress and had the appearance of an Indian. He
spoke t<> the guides who took the saddles off the horses, and placed them
in the canoe.
As De Tocqueville was about to step in, the supposed Indian touched
him on the arm. and said with a Norman accent, which made him start: "Ah,
you come from < )ld France. Stop, don't be in a hurry."
"If my horse had addressed me," wrote De Tocqueville, "I should not
have been more astonished."
Looking intently at the speaker, whose face shone in the dim moon-
light like a copper ball, he said: "Who are you then? You speak French,
but you look like an Indian."
He replied that he was a "bois-brule," which means a son of a Canadian
and an Indian iv iman.
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
I )e Tocqueville seated himself in the bottom of the canoe and kept as
steady as possible. His horse, whose bridle he held, plunged into the water,
and swam by his side. By this means they at length reached the west side
of the stream, and the canoe returned for Beaumont. They then proceeded
to a log hut. about a hundred yards from the river, that had just become
visible in the moonlight, and which the Canadian assured them would afford
shelter. They contrived, indeed, to make themselves fairly comfortable with
the meager and rough furnishings of the place. The myriads of mosquitoes,
however, that filled the house, annoyed them greatly, but fatigue at last pro-
cured for them an uneasy and broken sleep.
"These insects called mosquitoes," wrote De Tocqueville, "are the curse
of the American wilderness. They render a long stay unendurable. 1 never
felt torments such as those which 1 suffered during the whole of the expedi-
tion, and especially at Saginaw. In the day they prevented us from sitting
still an instant; in the night thousands of them buzzed around us, settling
on every spot on our bodies that was uncovered."
Picture of Early Saginaw
The travellers went out at sunrise for their first daylight view of the
village of Saginaw, which they had come so far to see. A small cultivated
plain, bounded on the south by a beautiful and gently flowing river, on the
east, west, and north by the forest, constituted at the time the territor} of
the embryo city. The house in which they had passed the night was at one
end of the little clearing, and a similar dwelling was visible at the other end.
Met ween them on the outskirts of the w Is, were two or three log huts,
half hidden in the Foliage. On the opposite side of the river stretched the
prairie, from which curled a column of smoke. Looking whence it came
they discovered the pointed forms of several wigwams, winch scarcely stood
out from the tall grass of the plain. A plow that had upset, its oxen gallop-
ing off by themsleves, and a few half-wild horses, completed the picture.
"The village of Saginaw." continued De Tocqueville, "is the farthest
point inhabited by Europeans to the Northwest of a vast peninsula of Michi-
gan. It may be considered as an advanced post, a sort of watch-tower,
placed by the whites in the midst of the Indian nations.
"Sometimes an Indian stops on his journey to relate some sad realities
of social life: sometimes a newspaper dropped from a hunter's knapsack, or
only the sort of indistinct rumor, which spreads one knows not how, and
which seldom fails to tell that something strange is passing in the world.
"Once a year a vessel sails up the Saginaw to join this stray link in the
great European chain which now binds the world. She carries to the new
settlement the products of human industry, and in return takes away the
fruits of the soil.
"Thirty persons, men, women, old people and children, comprised this
little society, as yet scarce!}' formed — an opening seed thrown upon the
desert, there to germinate. Chance, interest, or inclination had called them
to this narrow space, no common link existed between them and they dif-
fered widely. Among them were Canadians. Americans, Indians and half-
castes."
After breakfast they went to sec the principal fur trader in the village,
named Carder D. Williams, to whom they had a letter of introduction.
They found him in his trading post selling to the Indians small articles, such
as knives, glass necklaces, ear-rings and the like. His cordial welcome and
open countenance showed immediately a taste for social pleasures, and
careless indifference to life. In many respects he had the appearance of an
Indian. Forced to submit to savage life, he had willingly adopted its dress
Till". L'oMINt! ()F DE TOCQUEVILLE 77
and its customs. He wore mocassins, an otter-skin cap, and carried a
blanket. To flv to the wilderness he had broken every social tie, though
he loved his own fireside; but his imagination was fired by novel scenes and
he was seized with an insatiable desire for violent emotions, vicissitudes and
perils. He had become almost a worshipper of savage life, preferring the
savannah to the street, the fur trade to the plow.
Encamped on the other side of the river, the Indians from time to time
ca^t stoical glances on the habitations of their brothers from Europe.
They admire neither their industry nor envy their lot. Tin nigh for nearly
three hundred years civilization has invaded and surrounded the American
savages, they have not yet learned to know or to appreciate their enemy.
In vain, in both races, is one generation followed by another. Like two
parallel rivers they have flowed for three centuries side by side towards the
same ocean, only a narrow space divides them, but their waters do net
mingle.
"From the interior of his smoky hut, wrapped in his blanket, the Indian
contemplates with scorn the convenient dwelling of the European. He has
a proud satisfaction in his poverty; his heart swells and triumphs in his
barbarous independence. He smiles bitterly when he sees us wear out i un-
lives in heaping up useless riches. What we term industry he calls shame-
ful subjection. He compares the workman to the ox toiling on in the furrow.
What we call necessaries of life, he terms childish play things or womanish
baubles. He envies us only our arms. If a man has a leafy hut to shelter
his head by night, a good fire to warm him in winter, and to banish the
mosquitoes in summer, if he has good dogs and plenty of game, what more
can he ask of the (Ireat Spirit?"
They Shoot Wild Ducks
After their visit to the trading post the travellers went a short distance
up the Saginaw to shoot wild ducks. A canoe left the reeds and its Indian
occupants came to them to examine their double-barreled gun. A fire arm
that could kill two men in a second, could be fired in the wet and damp,
was to them a marvel, a masterpiece beyond price. They asked whence it
came, and the guide replied that it was made < m the other side of the great
water, an answer that did not make it less precious in their eyes.
When evening approached they returned to their canoe and, trusting
to the experience acquired in the morning, they rowed alone upon an arm
of the Saginaw, of which they had had a glimpse.
"The sky was without a cloud," relates De Tocqueville, "the atmosphere
was pure and still. The river watered an immense forest, and flowed so
gently that we could scarcely tell the direction of its current. The wilder-
ness was before us just as six thousand years ago, it showed itself to the
father of mankind. It was a delicious, blooming, perfumed, gorgeous dwell-
ing, a living palace made for man, though, as yet, the owner had not taken
possession. The canoe glided noiselessly and without effort: all was quiet
and serene. Under the softening influence of the scene our words became
fewer, our voices sank to a whisper, until at length we lapsed into a peace-
ful and delicious reverie.
"The report of a gun in the woods aroused us from our dream. At
first it sounded like an explosion on both sides of the river, the roar then
grew fainter till it was lost in the depth of the surrounding forest. It
sounded like the prolonged and peaceful war cry of advancing civilization."
The next day De Tocqueville and his companion shot over the prairie
which extended below the clearing. The prairie was not marshy, as they
had expected, and the grass was dry, rising to a height of three or four
I
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
ire there rattlesnakes
feet. They found but little game and, as the heat was stiffling and the
mosquitoes annoying, they soon started on their return. On the way they
noticed that their guide followed a narrow path, and looked very carefully
w here lie placed his feet.
"Why are you so cautious," asked Beaumont, "are you afraid of the
damp?"
"No," he replied, "but when 1 walk in the prairie I always look down
lest I tread on a rattlesnake."
"I liable." exclaimed De Tocqueville with a start,
here ?"
"Oh yes, indeed," answered their guide, "the place is full of them."
At five o'clock the next morning the travellers resolved to start on the
return to civilization. Every Indian had disappeared and, as the settlers
were busily engaged in the harvest, they were obliged to retread the wilder-
ness without a guide, So they bid their friends good bye, recrossed the
Saginaw, received the farewell and last advice from their boatman, and,
turning their horses' heads toward the southeast, were soon in the depth oi
the forest. It was not without a solemn sensation that they began to pene-
trate its damp recesses. The unbroken forest stretched behind them to the
Pole and to the Pacific.
"We asked ourselves," observed De Tocqueville, in a prophetic mood,
"by what singular fate it happened that we, to whom it had been granted
to look on the ruins of extinct empires of the East, and tread the deserts
made by human hands, we children of an ancient people, should be called
upon to witness this scene of the primitive world, and to contemplate the
as yet unoccupied cradle of a great nation.
"These are not the more or less probable -peculations of Philosophy.
The facts are as certain as if they had already taken place. In a few years
these impenetrable forests will have fallen; the sons of civilization and
industry will break the silence on the Saginaw; it> echoes will cease; the
bank- will be imprisoned with quays; it> current which now flows on
unnoticed and tranquil through a nameless waste, will be stemmed by the
prows of vessels. More than a hundred miles sever this solitude from the
great European settlements, and we were, perhaps, the last travellers
allowed to see its primitive grandeur. So strong i- the impuls
the white man to the entire conquest of the New \\ orld.'
that urges
VIEW ON SAGINAW RIVER
CHAPTER VI
PIONEER DAYS
Retarded Settlement and Its Causes — The Fur Trade — Treaty Reservations to
the Rileys — Indian Payment Days — Customs and Habits of the Indians — Character
of Au-saw-wa-mic — William McDonald, the "factor" — Doctor Charles Little —
Eleazer Jewett — "Uncle Harvey Williams" — The Williams Brothers — Encounter
with Wah-be-man-ito — Story of the fearless Neh-way-go — Other early Pioneers.
ALTH< >UGH the treaty of Saginaw, which was negotiated with the Chip-
pewas in September, 1819, granted to the United States a large por-
^ tion of the territory lying between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron,
and the land was opened fur settlement mi very favorable terms,
immigration to the Saginaw Valley was slow in starting. The people of the
East had still in mind the horrors of warfare and the barbarities and out-
rages suffered by the early settlers in Ohio ami mi the Detroit, and were
reluctant to leave their homes and seek fortune in the western wilderness
( >nly the most daring and adventurous spirits thought it worth while to risk
life on the distant frontier, and nearly all settled along the Detroit and St.
Clair rivers.
The withdrawal of the United States troops from Fort Saginaw in the
fall of 1823, by reason of the extreme unhealthful climate, as had been
widely circulated, also deterred many emigrants from penetrating the in-
terior; and De Tocqueville, in his memoirs, makes note of the fact that the
land agents and others interested in the sale of lands directly west of Detroit,
exerted every influence to discourage a permanent settlement on the Saginaw,
and to direct immigration westward. Then, too. the fur traders, who were
the only white inhabitants of the valley, with the future of their trade ever
in mind, also opposed any settlement of the country which would inevitably
exterminate or drive away the wild animals, upon which their trade was
based. As a result of these conditions, for more than ten years after the
treaty was ratified, the number of white settlers in this valley could not have
exceeded thirty; and there were only three or four hamlets between Sag-
inaw and Pontiac.
Nearly all the early settlers were engaged directly in the fur trade, the
profits (if which were large and was simply an exchange of commodities.
An Indian would bring in rich furs, to him scarcely of any value, but worth
perhaps ten dollars in London or Paris. He would receive in exchange a
strong, keen-edged knife, worth in European cities about a half dollar, hut
to him worth ten times the furs. His joy was great as he showed the keen
rutting tool which shaved down his bows and arrows so smoothly, in con-
trast to the laborious use of his hard stone implements. Imagine the
delight with which an Indian woman, for the first time in her life, hung a
stout iron kettle over her cabin tire. Would she not induce her "brave"
to give up his scant)- supply of furs in exchange for it?
80 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
From the "Voyage <>t Captain Richard Lode" a clear insight into the
terms upon which exchanges were made with the Indians, is derived. Beaver
skins were then the standard currency employed in trade, and values were
based on them. The Indian gave in exchange for —
1 gun 10 beaver skins
| pound of powder 1 beaver skin
4 ] ii mnds of shot 1 beaver skin
I axe 1 beaver skin
I I knives 1 beaver skin
1 pound of glass beads 1 beaver skin
1 laced coat 6 beaver skins
1 laced Female dress 5 beaver skins
1 pound tobacco 1 beaver skin
1 comb and looking glass - 2 heaver skins
Treaty Reservations to the Rileys
Among the reservees in the treaty of 1819 were John, James and Peter
Riley, who were the suns of James V. S. Riley and Me-naw-cum-ego-qua,
a Chippewa woman. According to early accounts of pioneer life the father
by heritage came from excellent stock, and was a most fearless man of great
strength and resolution. It is related of him that upon coming to Detroit
in his youth, he refused to work on the King's highway, as ordered, and a
file of soldiers was drawn up to flog him. but he dared them to do it. This
defiant challenge was borne to Major Antrim, in charge of the British forces,
who was s, i dazed by the Herculean mould and courage of the young fron-
tiersman that he released him.
The sons inherited much of their father's physical strength and intrepid
spirit, and were of great aid to the Americans in the war of 1812. i In one
occasion one of them, probably John, guided General Cass, Judge Moran and
others in repelling hostile Indians in the suburbs of Detroit, and shot a
fierce warrior in the advance. The aid the Rileys gave the government was
no doubt the cause of the generous reservations of land for their individual
use in the treaty of Saginaw. The location of John Riley's land was within
the corporate limits of Bay City; James Riley's grant formed a part of the
site of Fast Saginaw, while that of Peter Riley was on the west side of the
river. None of the Rileys ever took up a permanent residence here, their
tribal homes being near the head of the St. Clair River. In 1836 lames and
Peter sold their lands here to Andrew F. McReynolds and F. II. Stevens,
when their connection with local history ceased.
Indian Payment Days
< hie of the provisions of the treaty provided that in consideration of the
cession of the territory named in the treaty, the United States should pay to
the Chippewa nation of Indians, annually, forever, the sum of one thousand
dollars in silver, and to pay all annuities due on former treaties to the said
tribe in the same coin. Indian payment days of that olden time, long before
the settlement mi the Saginaw had attained any importance, was an interest-
ing and picturesque event. About twelve hundred Indians of all sorts and
conditions, from the papoose strapped to a piece of birch bark to the swarthy
savage, were assembled early in the morning upon the lawn which sloped
gently toward the river in front of the council house. Groups of Indian
boys, some exercising with the bow and arrow, others wrestling, racing and
making the woods ring with their gladsome meniment, were collected in the
vicinity of the tents. The river was covered with canoes in which many a
dusky maiden demonstrated her dexterity in the use of the paddle.
PIONEER DAYS 81
The money to be paid the Indians was placed on a table in the council
room, in piles of ten and twenty dollars, each in American half-dollar pieces.
Around the table sat the Indian superintendent, interpreter and clerks. A
list of all the names of the heads of Indian families also lay upon the table.
Commencing at the top of the list, the names were called off, the Indians
presented themselves, were paid off, and stepped aside to make room for
others. Each Indian invariably had a large number of friends on these occa-
sions, and too often, the money soon disappeared. There was generally
plenty of "fire water" to be obtained, despite the vigilance of the authorities,
and drinking, rioting and carousing were characteristic features of this annual
event.
Customs and Habits of the Indians
The Indians of the Chippewa tribe, as they appeared ninety or one
hundred years ago, were well built, exceedingly swarthy, with prominent
cheek bones, coarse black hair, but with no whiskers; and were not at all
attractive in their personal appearance. They were usually attired in a calico
shirt, w'l ilen < >r buckskin leggings, and wore heavy mocassins. In the
early days they wore no head covering whatever, but in later years they
adopted the cap of the white man. The warriors at first wore feathers in
their hair, and the chiefs were elaborately decorated in their councils and
festivals. On the war path they painted their faces with red. black and
yellow colors, in hideous and often diabolical manner, a custom which was
also practiced on occasions of councils, feasts or other ceremonies.
The squaws were almost without exception ugly in appearance and care-
less in their personal habits, although there were exceptions, and some of the
half-breeds were quite pretty. The women usually wore calico dresses and
mocassins, a very plain and simple costume, but one which answered the
requirements. The papooses were strapped to narrow shingle boards or
stout bark, and when travelling were carried on the backs of their mothers.
In camp the boards were placed against a tree or post, a practice which
caused the infants to grow straight.
It was a universal habit among the Chippewas to loiter around the trad-
ing posts, staring at everything, and asking for anything that pleased them
such as bread, pork, tobacco and whiskey. They did not steal, and were not
quarrelsome unless crazed by drink, and altogether were as inoffensive as
they were worthless. It was the contamination of the white men that
blighted the character of the savages. They lived chiefly by hunting and
fishing, in season picking berries for sale to the whites, and making baskets
anil mocassins. The painting of their baskets with gay colors, and the em-
broidery of their mocassins and leggings, were their only attempts at a
crude though interesting art. They lived in wigwams, log cabins and bark
shacks: and their only cultivation of the soil consisted of planting and weed-
ing a little corn, a work which was done entirely by the squaws.
The Character of Au-saw-wa-mic
A mighty hunter of the Chippewas was the chief Au-saw-wa-mic, who
bitterly opposed the treaty, and refused to attach his totem to the inscribed
document. He lived in the vicinity of Sibi-way-ink, the Sebewaing of the
present day, but afterward moved to a point about six miles from Saginaw;
and was noted for his prowess as a hunter, having killed many a bear single-
handed, and had run down a deer. His figure was the personification of
physical strength and manhood — the ideal aborigine, such as J. Fennimore
Cooper immortalized in his Leather-Stocking Tales, or as the poet drew with
Ins magic pen in Hiawatha. He was always attired with great care, and in
82 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
the strictly native garb, consisting of deerskin wampus, leggings and mocas-
sins, all ornamented in the must elaborate fashion. A broad belt, artistically
colored, encircling his waist, tall eagle feathers adorned his head, while his
face was painted with as much care as that of a fashionable belle. His long
rifle rested across his arm with unstudied grace.
After the treaty had been consummated Au-saw wa.-mic isolated him-
self from his tribe to a great extent, and never failed to taunt them for hav-
ing bartered away their birthright. For years after he would present him-
self to the paymaster to receive his share of the annuity, and to show his
contempt of his people and the general government, he would take his
allotted stipend, walk majestically to the bank of the river, and contempt-
uously hurl the shining coins into the stream. The old chief never became
contaminated with the vices of the whites, and infinitely more than any living
member of the various tribes did he manifest a spirit of dignity, independence,
and pride which never forsook him.
William McDonald, the "factor."
In August, 1824, the American Fur Company established a post at Sag-
inaw City, with William McDonald as "factor", or agent. This post was
located within the stockade and log houses of Fort Saginaw, which stood on
the present site of the Hotel Fordney and adjoining buildings on Court
Street and the old First National Bank building. McDonald was known
among the dusky hunters as "White Cloud", and was probably more trusted
and beloved by the red men than any of the early traders in Saginaw Valley.
His life from early manhood had been spent in the service of the American
and Hudson Bay companies; and he spoke with fluency many dialects of
the various tribes with whom he came in contact, and his mind was well
stored with the legendary lore of the tribes which roamed the vast region
to the north. For years after his retirement from trade, late in the 40's. he
was well known to all the pioneer settlers, whom he often entertained with
recitals of the many stirring scenes which he had passed through during his
life in the forests and among the untutored children of nature. Interspersed
with his tales of border days were occasional incidents illustrative ot the
inquisitive nature of the savages.
One bright afternoon in May, while enjoying a quiet smoke in front of
the store of William H. Sweet, one of the early settlers of this valley, the
giant figure of an Indian chief, with the customary salutation, "bon-jour",
uttered in the deep guttural ejaculation of the native, entered, bestowing
upon the proprietor a keen glance as if mentally interviewing him. Without
further notice he proceeded to ransack the drawers, shelves and cases, tak-
ing from them in the course of a hall-hour a variety of articles which seemed
to invite his fancy. Having examined them very carefully his curiosity was
apparently satisfied, for he replaced everything and departed, exchanging a
few words in his own tongue with McDonald as he passed out.
Naturally, this peculiar proceeding of the Indian, as well as his physical
proportions and racial characteristics, which were unlike any of his race,
aroused the curiosity of the storekeeper, and he enquired of McDonald the
name which he bore. It was old chief Au-saw wa mic the renowned hunter
of the Chippewas. To further satisfy his inquisitiveness he had inquired of
McDonald the name of the storekeeper, how long he had been in the \ alley.
and other things he desired to be informed of. The old fur trader further
stated that it was a habit of the Indian chief to enter the cabin of any settler,
particularly a new comer, and make a thorough inspection of the chattels and
personal belongings therein, and that he might be expected to make a call
PIONEER DAYS
83
at Sweet's house. It would be well, he said, for the storekeeper to inform his
wife, so that she might not be alarmed, as the Indian was perfectly harmless,
merely seeking to gratify his curiosity.
The surmise of McDonald was soon verified, for one pleasant afternoon
the shadow of the chief appeared at Sweet's threshold. His wife was sew-
ing as the strange visitor glided noiselessly into the cabin, hideous in feathers
and paint, and all the tawdry trappings of the native. For a moment she
was startled at the sudden apparition, who without a word of greeting gave
her a scrutinizing glance, and took a look at the sleeping babies with appar-
ent pleasure. This brief interview was followed by a personal examination
by Au-saw wa-mic of all the settler's property, including a number of colored
lithographs of Indian chiefs, drawn by an artist named Catlin, who had
visited many of the western tribes.
'Die inspection of these pictures
afforded him great pleasure, which
he evinced by various guttural ex-
clamations which could not be mis-
interpreted. One in particular, the
likeness of a chief of the Menominee
tribe across Lake Michigan, an old
friend of Au-saw-wa-mic, excited
his wonderment, the recognition
being so unexpected as to be a
mystery the like of which he had
never experienced. It was a revela-
tion and delight to him to gaze upon
the face of his savage friend, whom
he never again expected to see. As
lie was about to leave he plucked
from his crest an eagle feather and
handed it to Mrs. Sweet, gave the
sleeping babies and the pictures a
parting glance, and quietly de-
parted.
Soi m after this incident Mc-
Donald informed the storekeeper
that the old chief had told him of
his discoveries in the settler's cabin,
and that he wanted the picture of his old friend — the chief who lived far
away to the west. It is needless to state that Au-saw-wa-mic was duly pre-
sented with the portrait of his red brother, and for years it hung as a precious
gift in his wigwam. To the settler the bestowal of the picture was a real
pleasure; to its new possessor a delight, which manifested itself in the stead-
fast friendship of the native lord of the forest. For years after he remem-
bered his white friend with many offerings of venison, duck, bear meat and
other trophies of his skill as a huntsman. Long after Au-saw-wa-mic had
passed to the happy hunting grounds, his rude though noble virtues were
recalled by those who recorded the chronicles of the race.
In those early days the Chippewas were quite numerous in the vicinity
of the little settlement on the Saginaw; and there was a large village at
Swan Creek, another at Taymouth, one at St. Charles, and one on Cheboy-
ganing Creek in Buena Vista Township. It was then a common occurrence
to see numbers of Indians in town trading their peltry, sugar, baskets, fish
and other game with the whites for such articles as their rude tastes fancied.
Despite their characteristic stoicism some were "wags" in their way. One
AU-SAW WA-MIE
84 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Chippewa brave, having given a trader some annoyance, was told that if he
was ever again seen with a buttle, it would be taken from him and thrown
into the fire. A few days later the Indian appeared at the trader's cabin,
with his pint flash in his blanket as usual. The trader thereupon demanded
the bottle, which the savage rather reluctantly yielded up and started for
the door. The trader threw the flask into the stove, when there was a sudden
eruption, the stove and windows being blown out, and the trader making a
hasty exit through the largest opening. From this experience he learned
that it was advisable before burning an Indian's wdiiskev flask to ascertain
that it did not contain gun powder.
Doctor Charles Little
A sturdy pioneer who laid the foundation for early settlement on the
Saginaw was Doctor Charles Little, wdio for forty-two years practiced his
profession in Avon, Livingston County. New York. As early as 1822, hav-
ing formed a favorable impression of the resources of this section of Mich-
igan, he deposited the necessary funds t < > secure lands by government entrv.
He had passed over the site of Rochester, New York, at a much earlier day,
when it was a sylvan waste, and had seen that and other localities, which
could have been purchased at nominal prices, converted, as if by magic,
into busy marts of trade. In the summer of 1822 and 1823 he visited the
Saginaw Valley and traced all the principal tributaries of the main stream,
and, acting upon a practical theory which had been impressed upon him,
and with a foresight eminently wise, he made his entries which embraced the
site of almost the entire East Side of the City of Saginaw, and other desirable
lands.
These entries extended for several miles along the east bank of the
river, from a point near Crow Island all the way, with occasional exceptions,
to Green Point, including the site of the Milage of Salina. On the west bank
of the stream the entries extended from the embryo settlement to the Titta-
bawassee and along that stream for some distance; and vears after his de-
scendents realized and appreciated his far-seeing sagacity. After a life of
great usefulness Doctor Little died at his homestead in 1X42.
Eleazer Jewett
Eleazer Jewett, the first surveyor to trace lines in Saginaw Valley, was a
native of New Hampshire and came to the little settlement in the western
wilderness in the summer of 1826. Attracted by the beautiful surroundings
at the head of the Saginaw, he and Asa L Whitney, who had preceded him to
the valley, built a comfortable log hut on the bank of the Tittabawassee at
the place known as Green Point. Here they passed the winter of 1826-27, in
the employ of the American Fur Company. Whitney was accidentally-
drowned in the river near their camp in April of the following spring. That
year Jewett succeeded McDonald as factor for the company, and at once
established a post at the forks of the Tittabawassee. near the present site of
the town of Midland. This proceeding somewhat displeased the Indians, and
he was threatened by them with death if he continued business there. This
threat, however, he treated lightly, not believing that the chiefs, with whom
he had sustained the most cordial relations, would permit their young men
to molest him.
One day he saw more than a hundred blood-thirsty warriors approach-
ing the post along the narrow trail, the only thoroughfare through the woods
in those days. They were all attired in full war dress, and the afifair had a
serious aspect. Jewett, however, was made of stern stuff and did not pro-
m
E JEWETT
86 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
pose to be bluffed into abandoning the business at this place. He appeared
at the ili Mir with presents of tobacco to the chief, the stoical and savage
Oge-maw-ke-ke-to, who refused to accept the gift. Being well conversant
with the Indian character, he at mice realized the gravity of the situation,
and hastily retired within his stout cabin, bolted the door, and made ready
for defense. He had a half-breed assistant with him and a large number of
guns and plenty of ammunition. While the Indians were holding a confab
outside, the occupants of the post loaded the guns and made ready to give
the redskins a hut fight. Before a shut was fired, however, more than a
scute nt tomahawks were launched against the heavy door of hewed planks
in which they were half-buried.
The moment fur action having arrived, Jewett fired several shuts over
the heads of the savages, as he did not want t<> kill any of them if it were
possible to avoid it: and then sent a few charges of tine shot into the legs
of the red men, taking care not to inflict much harm, his object being to
intimidate them. He knew that if one of the savages was killed they would
become infuriated, and with the odds so overpowering in their favor they
would speedily find a way to enter the post and slaughter the inmates. See-
ing that the trader meant business and did not intend to give up the post
without a tierce fight, the chief finally called off his braves, and made no
further attempt to take possession of it.
The old savage was always known to place high esteem upon personal
bravery, and he was convinced that Jewett was no coward. The next day
Oge-maw-ke-ke-to visited the post alone, was admitted anil given a hearty
meal which was always appreciated by the Indian. His visit was soon after
repeated and a similar reception given him. ( >n the third day he came again,
and was given a howl of his favorite soup. After his appetite had been
appeased and he bad enjoyed a smoke with tobacco which the trader had
furnished him, the old chief for the first time spoke, addressing lewett :
"My pale face friend." he said, "I did wrong in seeking your life, but now it
is all over and you and I are friends forever." And the red man was true
to his word, and proved his sincerity by acts of kindness to his white friend.
On October 22, 1831, Mr. Jewett was married to Miss Azubah L. Miller,
a sister of Albert Miller who, in after years, was one of the prominent
citizens of Saginaw and Hay City. She was born at Ilartland. Vermont, of
parents who belonged to an old Puritan family of that State. In the spring
of 1831, having resigned her position as school teacher in her native town,
she came with her mother to Michigan, and settled at Grand Blanc. Her
wedding trip from that place to Saginaw took one week, the first part of the
journey to the grand traverse of the flint being by wagon, and the remainder
by caime fashioned from the trunk of a huge tree. In those days the Flint
River was choked in several places with driftwood, and at times it was neces-
sary to call in the aid of Indians to get them over the portages. Mr. and
Mrs. Jewett settled at Green Point, hut a few years after they built a hotel
in the town, which they kept until 1859. In an interesting account of her
experiences, Mrs. Jewett gives a vivid description of pioneer life from which
the following paragraph is taken:
"When I contemplate my social privileges, in the midst of a population
of fifty thousand, containing hundreds of friends and acquaintances, that I
can visit any day I choose — for, if they are too distant for a walk, street
cars will carry me to their residences or near them. — I wonder at my con-
tentment then with mv nearest neighbor two miles and a hall away, and with
no means oi travelling except by river, either on the ice or in a canoe: often
many weeks would pass without seeing a female friend. We lived in a log
PIONEER DAYS 87
house, and nearly every stranger that visited Saginaw would come to our
cabin for entertainment. There were very few conveniences for cooking;
no cookstove, coal range, gasoline stove, only an open fireplace with but few
cooking utensils. Men always came in groups; one or two would seldom
come through the woods from Flint to Saginaw by themselves. Our life
began to grow wearisome from entertaining people under disadvantages, and
concluding that we could as well keep a hotel, in 1837 Air. Jewett built one
sufficiently large to accommodate the travelling public, fur a number of years.
When the plank road was built from Flint t<> Saginaw, in 1850, and steam-
boats came up the river, and a bridge was put across, only a small portion of
the travelling community could be accommodated in the first public house
that was built in the place."
For a number of years Mr. Jewett kept a ferry and owned the only boat
that would carry a horse across the river. He was the first surveyor in this
county, and tilled other positions of honor including the office of probate
judge, of which he was the second incumbent. About 1860 the family re-
moved to a farm in Kochville Township, where he died in February, 1875.
Mrs. Jewett was an energetic woman of keen intellect whose generous and
kind impulses were proverbial. In the early days she extended innumerable
kindnesses to those who, as young men in the wilderness, were laying founda-
tions for the business which made many fortunes. She was the mother of
four children, Mrs. X. I ). Lee, Alonzo, Oscar and Wallace Jewett. The
daughter was born in the log house at Green Point, in February, 1834, and
excepting one born when the United States troops occupied the fort at Sag-
inaw, was the first white girl born in Saginaw Valley. Mrs. Jewett died at
Saginaw, June 8, 1889, in her eighty-fourth year.
"Uncle Harvey Williams"
Another of the early pioneers to Saginaw Valley was "Uncle Harvey
Williams", the eldest son of Alpheus Williams who emigrated from Concord.
Massachusetts, to Detroit in 1X15. As far as Buffalo the journey was made
by wagon, but from there to the mouth of Detroit River on a schooner of
forty tons burden, called the Salem Packet, commanded by Captain Flier
Ward, Senior, the voyage requiring thirteen days. Detained by contrary
winds the little vessel could not stem the current of the river, and Mr.
Williams was compelled to cart his goods to Windsor and ferry over in a
"dug out." In those days the rate for passage across Lake Erie was fifteen
dollars, and five dollars a barrel for merchandise.
In the same year, 1815, Harvey commenced blacksmithing on the ground
where the Russel House stood for many years, making steel traps, axes, and
doing regular custom work for the inhabitants. His business increased
rapidly, and he soon added a small furnace, using charcoal for melting the
iron, ami a single horse to do the blowing. He commenced casting plows
and was verv successful, his product soon increased to three plows a day,
when the fact was published broadcast as an "evidence of the great progress
Detroit is making in her manufactories." The business grew from year to
year until it exceeded $100,000 annually. He purchased, set up, and used
the first stationary steam engine in the territory of Michigan; he built the
first steam engine used in a saw mill in the territory, and his last work in
Detroit, in his simp located on the triangular lot at Cass Street, Jefferson
Avenue and Woodbridge, was the building of the twin steam engines for the
steamboat Michigan.
Late in the fall of 1X22, the military authorities at Detroit found it neces-
sary to transport supplies overland to the troops stationed at Saginaw, and,
knowing the determination ami indefatigable perseverance of Uncle Harvey,
88 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
they exerted every influence to persuade him to undertake the expedition.
With reluctance he consented to make the attempt, and calling to his assist-
ance John Hamilton, of Genesee County, the arduous journey was begun.
After eight days of exceeding hard labor, in which they suffered every
privation of the wilderness through which no road existed, they succeeded
in carrying four tons of supplies from Detroit to the little fort on the Sag-
inaw. In making this journey they were obliged to ford the Clinton River
five times, and the Thread, Flint and Cass Rivers, as well as the Pine and the
Elm, once each. It was indeed fortunate for the soldiers that the trip was
successful, for when the supplies arrived the garrison was nearly famished,
having been on greatly reduced rations for two days.
From his own observations and from conversations with the officers of
the post, he formed the opinion that at some future time the Saginaw Valley
would become one of the important points in Michigan. For twelve vears
thereafter he thought much of this place, and in 1834 the inducements were
sufficient to tempt him. with all his courage, to try living in a wilderness
forty miles from the nearest habitation of white men. On arriving here his
first labor was the erection of a steam saw mill at the foot of Mackinaw
Street, the first steam mill operated in the Saginaw Valley. Afterward a run
of stone was added to the mill for grinding corn. In 1836-37, he built for
Mackie & Company, of New York, of which he had a one-fifth interest, the
first steam saw mill on the east side of the river south of what is now Bristol
Street, and afterward known as the Emerson mill. This was the mill of
its day. and was operated by Uncle Harvey until the disastrous crash of 1837.
'I Ins was a time when Saginaw became almost depopulated, but his faith in
the ultimate prosperity of the valley was not shaken, though he went down in
the general crash. In the following year his well known integrity of char-
acter resulted in his being employed by the State in the opening of new
roads. He constructed the road from Flint t.> Saginaw, through Bridgeport
Center, and in various enterprises for the improvement of communication to
the valley, he was among the foremost advocates. Through his influence the
light house at the mouth of the Saginaw was established, and for the first
year was under his charge.
About 1N44 Uncle Harvey and his genial wife, who was Miss Julia
Tourniaid before their marriage in 1819, removed to a new home at the
mouth of the Kaw-kaw-ling, which he called the "Ogah-kah-ning", on Sag-
inaw Bay, where he resided for twenty years. He was extensively engaged
in the fisheries along the shores of the bay in the months of the spring, and
in the summer and fall his operations were extended down the shore of Lake
Huron. During the winter his trading with the Indians was extensive,
amounting to the aggregate to hundreds of thousands of dollars. So fair
and upright was he in all dealings with the natives that he secured to him-
self the unchanging regard of all. no man ever possessing a firmer con-
fidence of the Chippewas than he.
Those of the white settlers who sometimes shared the hospitality of his
house upon the bleak shore of the bay, particularly in midwinter, when the
winds from the north blow in wrath, learned to know and appreciate the
warmth of his welcome at the threshold; the savory board, the profusion of
which was only equalled by its neatness; the luxurious bed for tired, chilled
limbs; and last, always grateful, that barrel of pure, crystal water from the
bay, with its remarkably line flavor, soft and palatable.
IMoNEKR DAYS 89
The William Brothers
Among the names which will go down to posterity, of pioneers who
developed the early resources of this valley, that of Williams Brothers
occupies a prominent place. The father. Major Oliver 'Williams, a descend-
ant of Roger Williams, was horn at Roxbury, Massachusetts, May 6, 1774.
He came to Detroit in 1808 and soon after established a mercantile business,
purchasing his goods in Boston, carting them overland in covered wagons to
Buffalo and shipping thence by water to Detroit. During the winter of
1810-11 lie built, at the River Rouge, a large sloop which he named Friends'
Good Will, and in the summer of 1812 made a voyage to Mackinaw. There
his vessel was chartered by the government to take military supplies to the
garrison at Chicago, then a small military and trading post, and to bring
back a cargo of furs and peltry. Upon his return to Mackinaw he was
decoyed into the harbor by the British, who had captured the fort during
his absence, by their flying the American flag, and he and the crew made
prisoners of war. The vessel and cargo were taken possession of for the
benefit of the British government, the name of the vessel changed to Little
Belt, and it formed a part of the squadron captured the following year by
Commodore Perry at the battle of Lake Erie. Mr. Williams was paroled,
sent to Detroit under charge of British officer-.; was there at the surrender
of the fortress and town by General William Hull, and, with other citizens,
he was marched through the province to Kingston, as a prisoner oi war. In
due time he was exchanged, and made his way to rejoin his family at Con-
cord, Massachusetts.
In the fall of 1815 Mr. Williams removed with his family to Detroit, and
found his business and personal property scattered to the winds. The town
then contained from five to six hundred white inhabitants, and was overrun
with eastern people, so he opened a hotel in his homestead at the corner oi
Jefferson Avenue and Bates Street, and gave it the name of Yankee Hotel,
with the sign of a golden pumpkin. Three years later he disposed of all his
property and purchased a half section of land about thirty miles northwest
from Detroit, in the heart of the wilderness of Oakland County, at a place
now known as Waterford. The land was beautifully situated in the vicinity
of a large body of crystal water, which he afterward named Silver Lake.
In a little clearing he built a comfortable house of hewed logs carefully laid
up, fifty feet long anil twenty feet wide, erne and a half stories high, with a
shake roof. Here the family commenced to make a farm among the Indians,
mosquitoes, snakes, wild game, and fever and ague. He used to say, when
asked if they had the ague. "Yes, we have a little about thirteen months in
the year."
The first years of pioneer life in the wilderness were full of dangers and
hardships, and they suffered much from sickness, privations, and lack of com-
forts to which they had been accustomed in their eastern home. The Indians,
however, were very friendly and kind during their sickness, bringing them
wild game and berries of the choicest kind. So remote were they from civil-
ization that six months would sometimes pass without the mother and
daughters seeing the face of a white woman. In this wild life of the Mich-
igan forests the sons, Gardner D. and Ephraim S. Williams, were reared,
and where they attained to man's estate. Oliver Williams died on the farm
at Silver Lake,'( )ctober 11, 1834, in his sixty-first year. Mrs. Mary Williams,
the mother, was a native of Concord, Massachusetts, born January 11, 1777,
and died in Pontiac, April 1, 1860, at the advanced age of eighty-three. She
was survived by seven children (of a family of fourteen), forty-two grand-
children, and sixteen great grandchildren.
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PIONEER DAYS 91
In 1828 a Frenchman, named Reaume, an old Indian trader, was "factor"
of the American Fur Company at the post in Saginaw. Between him and the
Campaus there had existed personal difficulties of long standing, which had
become an inveterate feud, creating unprofitable divisions among the Indians
amounting with them to fierce partisan hatred. The current of savage
animosity finally turned against Reaume, and, his personal safety becoming
endangered, the trading post was kept closed too much of the time to be
profitable to the company. To add to their difficulties, Dequindre, an active
young Frenchman, who was sub-agent at the branch post at the forks of the
Tittabawassee, had been driven away by a vicious Indian, named Wah-be-
man-ito, or the "White Devil", and barely escaped with his life. Taking to
the woods he became lost in the labyrinth of forest, roaming about for
several days with scanty supply of f 1. but at length reached the settlement
with frozen feet. Judge Abbott, the company superintendent at Detroit,
thereupon displaced the Frenchman, and appointed the Williams Brothers
their successors on the Saginaw and its tributary.
Gardner 1). Williams, in assuming the duties of factor for the fur com-
pany, arrived in Saginaw in the spring of 1828, and thereafter made this
place his home. With consummate tact and skill he proceeded to place the
business on a firm basis, in order to recover the valuable trade which, since
the abandonment of the post on the Tittabawassee, had been left wholly to
the Campaus, who also had a small post there. He was born September 9,
1804, at Concord. Massachusetts, wdiere his boyhood was spent and his
earlv instruction received in the district school. Coming to the western
wilderness with his parents, at the age of eleven years, he was reared among
the friendly Indians, and trained to endure without flinching the hardships
and privations of rough, frontier life. As he grew to manh 1 he learned to
speak with ease and fluency the dialects of the various tribes in this section:
and understood perfectly the Indian character. Owing to his dignity, his
strength of will, and his taciturn, self-collected manner, his power over them
was absolute; and in all his dealings he was honorable, just and liberal,
traits of character which even the untutored savages quickly recognized and
understood. Among all classes of inhabitants he exercised a wide influence
through his kindly nature and the extent of his business in the valley.
In the fall of 1828 he was joined by his elder brother, Ephraim S.
Williams, who was born in the homestead at (Uncord, Massachusetts, Feb-
ruary 7, 1X02, and came to Michigan with the family in 1815. In early man-
hood he acquired an intimate knowledge of the Chippewa dialects, which he
spoke with ready fluency, and had much influence with the Indians. lie was
a frontiersman of splendid physical proportions, being tall and erect, and
with a commanding presence ; and his mind was well stored with practical
and useful information as a result of his observations and experience.
I'pon arriving at the trading post within the stockade of the old fort, one
of his first duties was to reopen and restock the branch post on the Titta-
bawassee, and he chose for his assistants Jacob Graveradt and the two
younger Roys. Although prudent friends endeavored to dissuade him from
embarking in an enterprise so fraught with danger, even though the com-
pany's interests required the venture, he soon after set out with his assistants
and re-established the post without serious interference of the savages.
< Inly a short time elapsed, however, before the old warrior, Wah-be-man-ito,
resumed his attitude of hostility, and only by the exercise of his native in-
trepidity and resolute spirit did the trader subdue the fiery temper of the
Indian, and win his friendship.
92 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Si i
One day, while on his way with his outfit to the trapping around,
mewhat loaded with "fire water". Wah-be-man-ito stopped at the door of
the little trading post in the depth of the forest, and in an insolent and
defiant manner, which only a half-drunken Indian can assume, he demanded,
"Mish-sha-way," (William's name, meaning Big Elk), "give me whiskey."
It was refused. He placed his hand upon the handle of his tomahawk, and
repeated the demand more fiercely than at first, and was met by another
refusal as defiant as the demand. The infuriated savage then sprang at
Williams with his tomahawk uplifted and aimed a blow at his head, which
hail it not been dexterously avoided would doubtless have been fatal. With
a well-seasoned hickory club the trader defended himself, knocking his
savage assailant to the ground. He was about to continue the punishment
when the discomfitted red skin begged for mercy. Upon getting to his feet
and recovering somewhat from the effects of the stunning blow, he walked
out of the trading house and sat down in front of it. apparentlv in deep
thought. He soon called to the determined and resolute trader and very
humbly expressed great sorrow and mortification over the outrage he had
attempted; and to attest his sincerity, he promised that he would bring his
next furs to his new friend Williams. This promise he kept faithfully, and
became the fast friend of the man at whom lie had aimed a deadly blow.
The Williams Brothers soon after took over the business of the American
Fur Company, which was growing to large proportions, and the following
year purchased the trading post of the Campaus, the elder, Louis Campau,
having gone to the Grand River in 1826. These moves quieted the danger-
ous spirit of rivalry that had alreadv culminated in some serious affrays
between the Indians and those who had become parties to the feud, and
peace once more prevailed in the valley. Thus the brothers controlled the
fur business of a large portion of Michigan; and about 1830 and for several
years thereafter occupied the red warehouse at the foot of Mackinaw Street.
Personally, Gardner D. Williams, like others of the family, was generous
and hospitable, as many of the old residents, who have sat at his table and
refreshed themselves after a long journey through the woods or by the
river, have testified. As a husband and father he was kind and considerate,
a thought fulness which he extended to relations and kindred who sought his
aid. His influence in the community was considerable, and was exercised
with judgment as consistent with his views of justice and right.
During his useful life he held many public offices, both under the federal
and State governments, in all of which, as well as those of a local character,
he acquitted himself with honor. At different times he held the office of
Indian farmer and interpreter, for the duties of which he was well fitted.
He was a commissioner of the first board of internal improvements,
appointed March 21, 1837; was county judge of Saginaw County for several
years, was elected senator from the Sixth district, in November, 1844; and
received the office of circuit court commissioner of this county during the
same year. In 1X40 he was appointed to the office of postmaster which he
held for many years. Mr. Williams died at his residence in Saginaw City,
December 11, 1858, in his fifty-fifth year. Mrs. Elizabeth Beach Williams,
wddow of G. D. Williams, died September 27, 1862.
Ephraim S. Williams, who also occupied a conspicuous place in the
business and social history of the Saginaw Valley for a number of years,
was closely associated with his brother in all trading operations, and lent his
aid in developing the resources of the country. In addition to the extensive
fur trade conducted by the brothers for about twelve vears, lumbering in
the virgin forests contiguous to the Saginaw occupied much of their atten-
PIONEER DAYS 93
tion, and they were the pioneers of that industry in this valley. In 1834
they caused to he erected the first saw mill on the river, their cousin. "Uncle
Harvey Williams", installing the machinery and putting it in running order.
Fur several years this mill was of more than sufficient capacity to supply all
local needs in building material, and some of the lumber cut here was shipped
in sailing vessels to the market in Chicago.
Mr. Williams, like his brothers, was a life-long Democrat of the Jack-
sonian school; and in 1834 was appointed the first postmaster of Saginaw
City. This office he held until 1840 when, upon removing with his family
to Flint, in Genesee County, he resigned the office to which the brother,
Gardner D., was then appointed. He was also prominent in Masonic affairs,
being a Knight Templar. Socially, he was peculiarly affable, with fine con-
versational powers; and his knowledge of Michigan history was often said
to be encyclopedic in volume and accuracy. For many years he was an
active member of the Michigan Pioneer Society, to whose archives he con-
tributed some of the most valuable historical papers.
On March 13, 1825, he was married at Auburn, Oakland County, to Miss
Hannah M. Gotee, who was born at Aurelius, New York, June 5, 1809. She
came to Michigan from Buffalo on the first trip of the steamer Superior1 in
May, 1822. After rearing a family of six children, three sons and three
daughters, she died in Flint, on February 12. 1874. Mr. E. S. Williams,
after leading a life of high integrity and usefulness in his home town, died
in Flint, on July 20, 1890, in his eighty-ninth year.
Among the agents employed by the Williams Brothers who at different
times lived at Saginaw or the immediate vicinity, was Sherman Stevens.
To a recognized ability he united a rare vein of romance and sentiment
which made him a genial companion and a real acquisition to the social set.
He was a master of the Chippewa dialects and spoke the language fluently.
Another trusted agent, who was identified with the history of the valley
before the treaty of 1819, was Archie Lyons. He was a fine penman, well
educated, and was a musician of skill, playing the violin very effectively.
He lived at the Little Forks of the Tittabawassee, now known as Midland,
and in skating down on the ice one winter's day, for the purpose of playing
for a dancing party, he was drowned. His tracks were found upon the ice
next day, to the edge of a hole into which he had plunged. His widow, a
bright and agreeable woman of French and Indian extraction, who formerly
had an almost unpronouncable name of Ka-ze-zhe-ah-be-no-qua, afterward
married Antoine Peltier, of Pine-ne-con-ning, again freeing herself from a
remarkable Indian name.
Me-je-au, an Indian of quarter blood, was one of the successful traders
employed by the Williams Brothers, and, although he could neither read nor
write, he was an accurate clerk in keeping the simple accounts of the time.
Thousands of dollars passed through his hands yearly without loss. His
system was very simple. A straight mark symbolized one dollar: one O
a muskrat skin or a quarter of a dollar; two O's a half dollar. Instead of
the name of the Indian with whom he traded being put down, his totem was
drawn, sometimes in fantastic fashion, at the top of the page which recorded
the transactions. The totem of Oge-maw-ke-ke-to was a long fish, like a
spotted pickerel, which he made with some skill; another's was a beaver,
other's were a bear. deer. elk. moose, and various kinds of birds.
The Fearless Neh-way-go
In the history of the Chippewas it would be difficult to find a character
so magnificently stoic, or so rashly courageous, as that of Xeh-way-go, the
young brave whose name was immortalized by Ephraim S. Williams. Fie
94 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
was described as a model of native strength and grace; and in early life
made his camp at Green Point. About 1829, while engaged in an altercation,
he killed the son of Red Bird who lived on the Tittabawassee reservation,
and the relatives demanding a forfeit of his life, he went to the mourner's
wigwam, where the warriors of the family had assembled, for them to strike
at his heart. He bared his bosom, and took a position for the selected
number to pass by him and inflict the knife thrusts. Having imposed, as
they Imped, the mortal wounds, Indian custom, according to their laws, was
satisfied, and he was allowed to depart. While making his way as fast as he
could, with his streaming wounds, to his own wigwam, he was struck in the
hack by a cowardly Indian, receiving a severe stab, hut. like the others, not
fatal. He was yet able to reach his wigwam, some distance off, where his
young squaw was waiting scarcely expecting to see him alive. She dressed
and hound up his wounds and. after frightful suffering, he was partially
restored to strength. Soon after this incident he moved his camp to the
ni' mtli of Kaw-kaw-ling.
< in one occasion, when he had come tip the river with his squaw to trade
with the Williams Brothers, some unfriendly Indians sent word to O-saw-
wah-hon's hand, then camping at Green Point, that he was at the trading
post. The Williams were well aware that if they and Neh-way-go met
there would he a dreadful tragedy. They therefore placed a watch for any
Indians coming from that direction. It was not long before O-saw-wah-bon
and two braves were seen approaching. While Neh-way-go was still stand-
ing by his canoe, leaning on his paddle for support, he was told to get into
his canoe and make away. This he indignantly refused to do, saying he was
no coward, hut would await the expected attack. < )-saw-wah-bon had mean-
while been met by E. S. Williams, and told that he must go inside the post.
as he wanted to see him. When he was inside, the door was closed and
barred, and he was told that they knew his business, and that he must now
give up his knives.
After some parley the wily old chief reluctantly drew a long knife from
its sheath and handed it to Williams, who immediately demanded his other
knives, lie then pulled out another which he had concealed in his back.
When they asked him if he had any more, he said "No." E. S. Williams
then said they would have to search him. which he refused t<> submit to.
Although O-saw-wah-bon was a very powerful savage, Williams clinched
him, and with the assistance of his brother. Benjamin, and some others, they
threw him on the floor. Holding him fast, Williams commenced the search,
and inside one <>f his leggings found a still larger knife, a very formidable
weapon, ami almost as keen as a razor. As it was being drawn out very
carefully the Indian caught it by the blade and refused to give it up; and
before they could wrench it from his grasp it had nearly severed his hand.
They then let him up ami dressed his wound.
While this was transpiring others slipped out the back door, found
Neh-way-go still standing on the shore leaning on his paddle, while his
squaw wa> sitting in the canoe crying. Taking him up by main force they
put him into the canoe, shoved it off from the shore, and ordered the woman
to paddle him home, and not to come back. Returning to his home on the
Kaw-kaw-ling he soon after fully recovered from his old wounds.
Some time afterward finding upon his hunting grounds the cowardly
Indian who had inflicted upon him the wound in the back, he visited him
summarily with savage vengeance, death. < hi Indian payment day. when
the braves were assembled in large numbers at Saginaw, an altercation
ensued between Black Beaver, an Indian of considerable note with the
PIONEER DAYS H5
various tribes, and the fiery Neh-way-go. The former reproached him with
the outrage upon the Indian who had struck him in the back, whereupon
Neh-way-go defended his act as brave and just; the reproof was repeated,
and upon the instant he slew Black Beaver.
This tragedy took place in the camp of Black Beaver and his band,
which was near where the old "middle bridge" crossed the river (now
Bristol Street), and near the old Emerson mill, in the vicinity of the present
City Building. ( )n the west side of the river, in the open plains, near where
the residence of Clark Ring now stand-. Neh-way-go and his hand were
encamped.
After his bloody deed Neh-way-go crossed to the west side of the river
among his own tribe. A warrant was at once issued by Colonel Stanard for
his arrest, acting as justice. Upon hearing of this action Neh-way-go fled
to the east side, and. accompanied by a trusted friend, secreted himself in
the dense woods which stood upon a part of the business section of the East
Side. He preferred to trust himself to the fury of the tribe whose leading
warrior had been struck down by his hand, rather than to endure the morti-
fication of arrest and punishment by the wdiite man's laws. At nightfall he
sent to his wdiite friends. Antoine Campau and Ephraim S. Williams, asking
them to come to the woods in which he was hiding, when by giving a signal
he would come to them. This they did and he soon appeared. He said he
had sent for them for advice; that the white man's punishment was only
lit for cowards; death by the hands of his own race was glorious in com-
parison, if any relative of his last victim should choose to make it cause for
vengeance.
They advised him to cross back to his own camp, present himself to his
people, and let the affair take the course warranted by Indian usage. The
arrest by the officer was waived, and the undaunted brave appeared at his
i iwn camp i ipenly.
ddie hour for the burial of Black Beaver arrived; and a great number
of Indians, from two to three thousand, the old narrative relates, assembled
as mourners and spectators. The place of burial was just below the old
Campau trading post on the brow of the hill, very near the present residence
of Benton Hanchett, and almost within the encampment of Neh-way-go and
his band. The body of the slain Indian had been placed in a rude coffin;
and the relatives with their faces streaked with black paint had gathered
anmnd it. The few white settlers then in the valley were there as specta-
tors, as the fearful outrage so near their own doors had absorbed and
engrossed the attention of all.
While the solemn Indian rite was in progress over the remains of their
favorite warrior, Neh-way-go was seen approaching from his camping ground.
He was dressed in full and careful costume, tomahawk ami knife in his girdle,
and a small canteen of whiskey at his side, his whole appearance imposing
and gallant. He made his way with a lofty and majestic step to the center
of the mourning group, even to the side of the rude casket. With perfect
composure he placed upon it his tomahawk and knife, filled his calumet with
kin-a-kan-ick. lighted it, and after taking a few whiffs himself, he passed it to
the chief mourner. It was disdainful!) refused. He passed it to the next,
and the next, with the same result. lie then passed his canteen of whiskey
with the same formality, and received a like refusal. Each and all declined
to partake.
He then unloosed the collar of his hunting shirt, and bared his bosom,
seating himself with calm dignity upon the foot of the coffin. Turning his
face full upon the chief mourners, he addresed them:
96
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
"You refuse in)' pipe of peace. You refuse to drink with me. Strike
not in the back. Strike not and miss. The man that dues, dies when 1 meet
him i m nur hunting ground."
Not a hand was raised. Upon the dark and stoical faces pf that throng
of enemies by whom he was surrounded, no feeling found expression except
that of awe; no muscle moved.
He rose from his seat on the foot of the rude coffin, and, towering to
his full height, exclaimed in thundering tones: "Cowards! Cowards!
G wards !"
As composedly as he had taken them out, he restored, unmolested, the
tomahawk and knife to his girdle, and, with his canteen at his side, he walked
away from the strange scene as lordly as he came. He had awed his
enemies, and evidently was master of the situation. Away from the scene
of his feuds anil fearful exploits, he soon after fell upon the hunting ground,
in a personal encounter with a relative of one of his victims. They sat
down and drank together, talked over old times, and then, to see which was
the better man, drew their knives and struck each other to the death; both
fell.
Thus ended the brave Neh-way-go, a forest hero, as fearless as Rob
Roy, as chivalrous as Rhoderick Dhu, and worthy the pen of a Sir Walter,
a J. Fennimore, or the epic verse of Whittier or Longfellow.
ON THE CASS RIVER. NEAR ITS MOUT»
CHAPTER VII
ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY
Some Features of the < )lden Time — To Whom Honor is Due — Elijah N.
Davenport — Alhert Miller — lames Fraser — Organization of the Township — Organ-
ization of Saginaw County — Proclamation and Legislative Act — Locating the Seat
of Justice — Building the First Court House — The First County Bond — The First
Criminal Trial — The First Probate Case — Official Proceedings.
FR( )M the earliest period of colonization pioneering has been the chief
occupation of the American people; and the experiences and actual-
ities of pioneer life proved a liberal education without parallel to any-
thing the present affords. The pioneer was a man with a purpose.
It may have been the love of adventure, to better his condition, to make a
new home, or to achieve an ideal; or an aversion to social shams may have
impelled him to seek the more agreeable environment of a new country. For
two centuries settlements moved slowly westward. Land was the attrac-
tion, as from it all sustenance and wealth is derived. The soil must produce
before a people can contrive to live.
Glance at some of the features of the olden times, eighty or ninety years
ago, when men had time to live and die in their own homes. The epoch of
haste had not come; the saddle was the emblem of speed; the canvas-
covered wagon was the ark of progress, and the turnpike was the leading
artery of trade. The stage coach was a swift inland means of travel, and a
day's journey was a short distance. From east to west was the pilgrimage
of a lifetime: from north to south was a voyage of discovery. Before the
steam saw mill had begun to devour the forests, no one ever dreamed that
the screech of the locomotive would disturb the solitude of the wilderness.
When the land was lighted with tallow candles after nightfall, domestic or
household industries were the rule, and the spinning wheel hummed the
tune of prosperity in every thrifty farmer's home. No house had a sewing
machine, but nearly all were full of children. Brain and brawn were united
in the same person, the toiler was the thinker; and the man who owned a
half-section of land was the foremost citizen.
Young persons of the present day can form no adequate idea of the self-
sacrificing life of the pioneers, nor realize the hardships and privations which
their grandparents suffered in laying the foundation of our prosperity. Every-
thing is changed. Ox yokes and ox "gads", axes, axe-helves, beetles and
wedges for rail splitting, hand spikes for log rolling, harrows made from
crotches of trees, sap-troughs and neck-yokes have long since disappeared as
implements of husbandry in Saginaw County. Log houses with shake roof-
ing and split flooring, a vast improvement on the bark wigwams of the
native Indians, are of the past. There is more civilization, and with it, bolts
and bars, locks and keys, vices and crimes, than when the buckskin string,
tied to the wooden latch on the inside and passing through a hole in the
door to the outside, was pulled to gain admission to houses and their hospi-
tality. There was less schooling, but no lack of education in the practical
object lessons of nature and life, during the pioneer period. For those who
do right, life is better worth living now than then; while for those whose
bent is evil the opportunities for wrong are greater now.
98 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
< If the agonies of the past are born the blessings of the present, and
from the difficulties of the present spring the hopes of the future.
To Whom Honor Is Due
It was great to have been a pioneer. The name itself is the synonym
of western progress; and we have reason to be proud of our inheritance.
The early settlers, who laid the foundations of civilization in this wilderness,
except a very few whose silver hairs and feeble footsteps remind us of pass-
ing years, have passed from the scenes of their activities. Among those
who were here in the early 30's, aside from those previously mentioned,
were David Stanard and Charles McClean, who came in the winter of 1828.
The former settled on the old Court farm, and owned a run of stone for
grinding corn, which was operated by horse power. McClean settled on a
tract of forty acres adjoining the Bacon farm, and was the first man to sow
wheat in the county.
In 1829 Lauren Riggs and John Brown, natives of Avon, Livingston
County, New York, came to the valley and settled on land one mile above
Green Point, on the banks of the Tittabawassee. A son of the former, named
John Riggs, was born in November, 1829. and was said to have been the first
white boy born in Saginaw County. The father owned the first two horse
lumber wagon ever brought here, and conducted a trading post at Green
Point. Stephen Benson came at about this time and located on the banks
of the Saginaw, opposite from the Bacon farm. Edward McCarty and son
Thomas arrived in August, 1830, and settled on the Tittabawassee, several
miles from its mouth.
Another of the prominent settlers was Grosvenor Vinton, who came
from Avon, New York, early in 1830, and settled on land in recent years
owned by Benjamin McCausland. The first summer he worked for Riggs
& Stanard, going on to his own land in the fall, where he continued to live
until December, 1834. At different times during these years he made trips
to Pontiac to mill, that being the nearest point, by ox team, the journey
taking nine days. In the winter of 1831 the territorial legislature organized
the Township of Saginaw, and at the first meeting in April there were
fifteen voters, of which Vinton was one. He was married August 25, 1831,
to Miss Harriet Whitney, sister of Abram and Asa L. Whitney; and were
the first white couple married in this county. Their first child, Sarah Vin-
ton, afterward Mrs. Samuel Dickinson, was born May 9. 1833.
Thomas Simpson, better known as "Elixir Boga", who was a witness to
the totems of the Indian chiefs in the treaty of Saginaw, was a conspicuous
figure among the early settlers. He came to this territory at an early day
and settled at Pontiac, where in 1830 he commenced the publication of the
Oakland Chronicle, the first newspaper in Michigan, north of Detroit. After
a precarious existence in the struggling settlement it was discontinued,
probably from want of sufficient patronage. About 1832 he came to Sagi-
naw and took up his epiarters in a small log house within the old fort. He
was a man of talent, though addicted to the excessive use of whiskey, and
when under its influence his belligerent propensities were greatly increased.
The peculiar soubriquet was given him on account of a phrase used by him
when threatening an assault: "I will give him the Elixir Boga."
He was intensely Democratic in his politics, and during an election at
Lower Saginaw, in 1836, while acting as clerk, his morning's libations hav-
ing taken effect, he struck George W. Bullock, one of the Whig delegation,
a stunning blow in the face. Bullock was a quiet man. and considering
where the blow came from, passed quickly out of reach. He had apparently
given no offence, but his assailant probably thought he was preparing to
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100 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
say something of a partisan nature. A severe wind and snow storm pre-
vailed that day, and, although the polls were kept open the time required
by law, only five votes, two Whig and three Democratic, were cast. After
supper at the Globe Hotel, which had recently been opened as a public house
by S. S. Campbell, the parties started on the return trip. The only house on
the way was one built of logs at Carrollton, then occupied by Joseph Holts-
lander and family, where the whole party stopped to warm before a rousing
fire in a clay fire-place with a mud and stick chimney. Everyone was in
good spirits and jokes freely passed. Another pull brought them to their
homes about midnight. The next day finished the election, between one and
two hundred votes being cast in Saginaw, of townsmen and farmers, the
Democrats being fairly beaten, no one on that ticket being elected except
Elijah N. Davenport for sheriff. In 1847 Simpson kept the lighthouse at the
mouth of the river. He died in Saginaw a few years later, leaving one son,
]olm Simpson, who lived here a long time after.
Elijah N. Davenport
E. N. Davenport, who for many years bore the title of "Judge", in this
county, came to Michigan in 1831 and settled oh an eighth-section at Grand
Blanc, in Genesee County. Later he went to the crossing of the Flint, on
the site of the present City of Flint, purchased two hundred acres of land
on the east side of the river, and built a small log house near Hamilton's
saw mill. Soon after he left this place and returned to his farm at Grand
Blanc. In 1834 he removed his family to Saginaw. Packing his household
effects and stock into two flat boats, he and his family floated down the
river, every few miles finding their progress impeded by floodwood, which,
owing to the narrowness of the stream, completely filled it. To pass the
obstruction he was compelled to hitch his oxen, with which he was for-
tunately provided, to the boats and draw them over the land to where the
river was clear again, and relaunch them in the river. For seven long, weary
davs did they pursue their way before reaching the settlement on the Sagi-
naw, each day being fraught with difficulties that required no ordinary degree
of perseverance and hardihood to surmount.
Soon after landing here he commenced keeping tavern in an old block
house, which stood on what is now the northeast corner of Court and Hamil-
ton Streets, at present occupied by the Bauer Block. It was a long, roughly
built structure, formerly used by the soldiers in 1822, while they were build-
ing the fort, and afterward for the officer's mess. The only sleeping apart-
ment was in the low attic, which was reached from below by a steep ladder.
Through the entire length of the center was a passageway between rows of
beds, barely wide enough for persons to pass in going to the beds they were
to occupy. If there were any women guests they had to go to bed first.
( )pposite this rough log house was the old stockade fort, which occupied the
ground on which the Hotel Fordney now stands and a part of the block east,
including a section of Hamilton Street. At that time it was quite an eleva-
tion, but with the laying out of streets to take the place of the roads and
trails, it was graded down and brick blocks now cover the spot.
For four years following 1836 Mr. Davenport filled the office of sheriff,
and afterward" was elected county judge. He died October 10. 1863. Mrs.
Davenport, who was Miss Martha Cronk. before her marriage in Niagara
County, New York, in 1828, continued a resident of this city for a period of
fifty-six years, or until her death on February 24, 1890. She was the mother
of George Davenport, an ex-State senator, Porter Davenport, Julia Daven-
port, and Mrs. II. R. Hardick. Mrs. J. E. Wells. Mrs. P. S. Heisrodt, Mrs.
Henry Moiles and Mrs. 1 >. W. Gooding.
ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY
101
Albert Miller
Albert Miller, an early settler of Saginaw Valley, was born at Hartland,
Windsor County, Vermont, May 10, 1810, and was descended from the old
Puritan stock of New England. His childhood and youth were spent in his
native town, where he had the meagre advantages of a pioneer school educa-
tion. Being but seven years of age when his father died, he had to make his
way in the world; and in his twenty-first year he came west, arriving in
Detroit. September 22, 1830. Saginaw was his destination, but at Grand
Blanc he met acquaintances from his native town wdio persuaded him to pur-
chase a farm in the vicinity and remain there. In May, 1831, his mother and
his two sisters joined him in the new home in the wilderness. In ( )ctober
of the same year his younger sister was married to Eleazer Jewett, and re-
moved to Saginaw.
On Mr. Miller's first visit to Saginaw in 1832, he formed a very favor-
able impression of the place. In his broad view of the wilderness lay the
tranquil river, skirted by dense forests and beautiful prairies with rich, fer-
tile soil, with the waters teeming with fish, the banks swarming with wild
fowl, and the forests abounding with
game. This entrancing reality ex-
actly corresponded with the imagin-
ary picture he had previously formed
of" the locality, and he decided to
have a home on the hanks of the Sag-
inaw. In the fall of that year he ac-
cordingly sold his farm at Grand
Blanc, and, in preparing for a new
home, bought a plot of ground from
the government on the east side of
the river at the junction of the Shia-
wassee and Tittabawassee Rivers.
In February, 1833, he removed the
family to the new locality; and for
m a n y years he lived at different
points within a short distance of the
beautiful stream.
In the w inter of 1834-35 he
taught school in a portion of the old
barracks erected by the soldiers in
1822, h a v i n g in attendance from
twelve to twenty scholars, some of
whom were half-breeds. This was
the first school taught in Saginaw
County. It was quite in contrast with the present elaborate system, if one
can imagine the little dingy room, made of hewed logs with mud and moss
filling the crevices, and with oiled paper covering the window's, where were
gathered all the children within two or three miles around, instructed by one
teacher, tor a few weeks in winter.
Upon the organization of Saginaw County, in 1835, Mr. Miller was
appointed Judge <>f Probate and a justice of the peace, which offices he held
for many years, lie was a member of the Legislature in 1*47, and held other
offices of honor and trust in township, county, and State. He was the first
president of the Michigan Pioneer Society, elected February 3, 1873; and
in the following years contributed a number of interesting and valuable
papers to its archives.
ALBERT MILLER
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ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY 103
Early in life he was married to Miss Mary Ann Daglish, a native of
England, who, on coming with him to the wilderness, shared the hardships
and compensations incident to pioneer life. She was a devoted, carefnl
mother, a true, sincere friend, an excellent worker with the needle, and was
ever courteous and kind. Upon removing to Bay City, in later life, she and
her husband were among the founders of the First Presbyterian Church, and
for many years were staunch supporters of its good work. Mrs. Miller died
at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. C. L. Collins, at Bay City, April 23,
1904. at the age of ninety-one.
After rounding out a life of great usefulness and helpfulness to others,
Mr. Miller died at his home in Bay City, September 19, 1893, in the eighty-
fourth year of his life.
James Fraser
In the early part of 1833 James Fraser, having purchased some land on
the banks of the Tittabawassee not far from the settlement on the Saginaw,
concluded to remove his family there. He had recently married Miss Busby.
a native of London, England, who had come with her father's family to
Detroit in 1830. Her father kept the Eagle Tavern, on Woodward Avenue
just below what is now Grand Circus Park, but was then only a mud hole
filled with water after a heavy shower. As the location was unhealthy and
cholera raging fearfully in the town, the elder Busby was prevailed on to
move to the newer country. He therefore sold out his business, and accom-
panied the Frasers to their forest home. In the party was Joseph Busby,
one of the sturdy settlers of this county.
They drove a small herd of cattle and a few horses, and so rough was
the trail through the woods that they were three days in covering the dis-
tance of seventy miles to the Flint River, camping out at night on the damp
ground. At the crossing of the Flint they stopped with John Todd, who had
the only house in the place, and proceeded the next day to the Cass River,
where they arrived after dark. An old Frenchman, who lived on the
opposite bank of the stream, took them across in his canoe and provided a
hot supper, when they were glad to lie down on the rough floor in front of
a good fire and sleep until morning. After breakfast they recrossed the
river, found the horses and cattle browsing near by, as they had been too
tired to stray far, and, swimming them across, resumed their journey.
Toward noon of the fifth day they came to the broad Saginaw, at a point
opposite Green Point: and here they met Albert Miller and his brother-in-
law, Eleazer Jewett, who helped them in getting their stock across the
stream. Miller was then quite a young man and lived with his mother,
whose kindness of heart and hospitable welcome to new comers was well
remembered and highly appreciated. Having secured their cattle they pro-
ceeded on their way, and arrived at their destination before nightfall. The
Busby family soon after settled on the place opposite the Fraser*s, so that
the families could be near each other.
The following year James Fraser went back to Detroit to purchase
some stock for his farm on the Tittabawassee. While driving in from Flint
to Saginaw, on his way home, the cattle became confused and would not
keep to the narrow trail. He chased them about in the thick underbrush
which lined the path on either side, until he was tired out, when he took
off his coat and after carrying it awhile, and getting near the trail, as he
supposed, he hung it on the lower branch of a tree. He then started to
head off some of the cattle, and in doing so lost the location where he had
left his coat, and could never find it. He used to say, in after years, that
this was the greatest loss he ever had, as all the money he possessed, about
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INAW, 1837
Abstract Co.
106 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
five hundred dollars, was in a pocket of that coat. There was a great hunt-
ing for the coat, but it never was found. It was supposed the wolves, which
infested the country, pulled it down and tore it to pieces.
Murdock Fraser, who was born at Iverness, Scotland, in 1812, and came
to Detroit with his parents. John and Elizabeth Fraser, in April, 18.34. soon
after set forth on horseback to explore the Saginaw Valley with the view of
locating some lands. He passed the Flint River in safety and crossed Pine
Run Creek, when he became lost in the wilderness. For seventy hours he
traversed the forest, hungry, fatigued and anxious. He lost his horse, which
made his situation more desperate, and packs of gaunt wolves threatened
him. yet he pushed onward toward the north, and finally reached the prim-
itive dwelling of a settler named Kent, located on the Cass River. After
resting and repairing his torn clothes, he resumed his journey to Saginaw.
Later he returned to Detroit, and in June, 1835, married Miss Isabella
Goulding, a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, who was born August 17, 1817.
They then made their way to Saginaw on Indian ponies, and for a time-
lived at James Fraser's house, on land which in after years was known as
the A. B. Paine farm. Soon after they settled on a piece of land on the banks
of the Tittabawassee, which had been located by Duncan McLellan, and
where they lived fur many years in the enjoyment of the highest reputation
for cordial hospitality, which was a feature, and a pleasant one, among many
trying scenes of pioneer life. Mr. Fraser died in 1876. His widow, after
a residence in this count}- of fifty-three years, died April 30, 1889, survived
by nine children.
Organization of the Township
These were the sturdy pioneers, together with those mentioned in a
foregoing chapter, who created the township of Saginaw, and afterward
were instrumental in organizing the county. Oakland County, lying to the
south, was organized in 181'), and in 1824 the territorial government em-
powered that county to levy a sufficient tax to defray the expenses of that
county. As yet the settlement on the Saginaw had not known a tax col-
lector. In the same year, the unorganized counties of Saginaw, Lapeer,
Sanilac and Shiawassee, were attached to Oakland for judicial purposes.
In 1830 an act was established organizing the township of Saginaw, em-
bracing within its limits the entire county. This act took effect April 4,
1831, when, at a meeting of the settlers held in the block house of the old
fort, Gardner D. Williams was elected to represent the township on the
( < unity Board of Oakland; Ephraim S. Williams was elected township clerk ;
A. W. Bacon treasurer; and David Stanard. Eleazer Jewett and Charles
McClean, overseers of the three districts of Saginaw, Green Point and Titta-
bawasaig. Eleazer Jewett was appointed deputy surveyor of Oakland
County. In the same year an act establishing a seat of justice at Saginaw
City was passed, and Gardner D. Williams and David Stanard were ap-
pi linted justices.
An act defining the boundaries of the enmity was also adopted, within
which were thirty-two townships, embracing portions of Gladwin, Midland
and Tuscola Counties. The modest township board administered the civic
affairs of a territory larger than some of the eastern states, and accomplished
its duties so efficiently that within four years the Territorial Legislative
Council organized the district into a county.
Organization of Saginaw County
On January 28. 1835, an act was passed organizing this county, provided
that the township board sit and act as a county board until such time as
there should be three organized townships in the county to elect a board of
ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY 107
supervisors, and conferred upon said board authority to transact all business,
as by law was conferred upon boards of supervisors. Embraced within the
limits of Saginaw County was a territory now known as Bay County. For
the first time in the history of the county did the local authorities impose a
tax upon its inhabitants. No record exists of the levying of any prior tax.
The proclamation of Lewis Cass, Governor over the Territory of Mich-
igan, and the legislative acts, organizing the county, are herewith transcribed :
"And I have thought it expedient to lay out the following county, that is to say:
"All the country included within the following boundaries: beginning on the
principal meridian, where the line between the fourteenth and fifteenth townships
north of the base line intersects the same, and running thence south to the line be-
tween the eight and ninth townships, north of the base line; thence east to the line
between the sixth and seventh ranges cast of the principal meridian: thence north to
the continuation of the line between the fourteenth and fifteenth townships north of
the base line: thence west to the place of beginning, shall form a county, to be called
the county of Saginaw.
"And I hereby declare that the county herein 'laid out', to-wit: the county of
Saginaw, shall be organized whenever, hereafter, the competent authority for the time
being shall so determine, and that until then the said county shall be attached to.
and compose part of the county now organized, in the following manner:
"The county of Saginaw shall he attached to and compose a part of the county of
Oakland.
"In testimony whereof, I have caused these letters to be made patent, and the
great seal of the said territory to be hereunto affixed.
"Given under my hand, at Detroit, this tenth day of September, in the year of
our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-two, and of the Independence of
the United States the forty-seventh.
"LEW. CASS."
By the Governor:
Secretary of Michigan Territory.
"Be it enacted by the Legislative Council of the Territory of Michigan:
"Section 1. That the county of Saginaw shall be organized from and after the
taking effect of this act, and the inhabitants thereof entitled to all the rights and
privileges to which by law the inhabitants of the other counties in this Territory are
entitled.
"Section 2. That all suits, prosecutions, and other matters now pending before
the courts of record of Oakland County, or before any justice of the peace of said
county, shall he prosecuted to final judgment and execution; and all taxes hereto-
fore levied and now due shall be collected in the same manner as though the said
ci mnty of Saginaw had not been organized.
"Section 3. That the circuit court fur the county of Saginaw shall he holden on
such days as shall be provided by law.
"Section 4. That it shall be the duty of the sheriff of the county of Saginaw
(until public buildings are erected in said county), to provide a convenient place, at
or near the county site, for the holding of said court.
"Section 5. That the township board for the township of Saginaw shall, until
there be three townships organized in said county, sit as a county board for said
county, and are hereby authorized to transact all business now incumbent on the
board of supervisors in the respective counties in this territory.
"Section 6. That this act shall take effect and he in force from and after the
second day of February next.
"Approved January 28, 1835."
Platting the Town
As early as September, 1822, James McCloskey, son-in-law of Gabriel
Godfroy who aided in negotiating the treaty of 1819. anil his associate.
Captain John Farley, entered a portion of the land on which Saginaw City
was liuilded. Other entries were made the same month by Doctor Charles
Little, Jonathan Kearsley and Louis Campau ; and Justin Smith entered land
in 1823. The lands entered by McCloskey and Farley, comprising one hun-
dred and thirty-six acres, were surveyed by John Mullet, the State surveyor,
who platted a portion under the name of "Town of Sagana."
108 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
This town on paper comprised twenty blocks with the river lots on
Water Street, extending four blocks from the river, with its southeast corner
near the foot of what is now known as Clinton Street. It embraced the
ground upon which Louis Campau in 1816 erected the first trading posl on
the river, and also the council house where the first treaty with the Indians
was negotiated. James McCloskey soon after sold his undivided half-interest
to A. G. Whitney, of Detroit, who later sold it to Doctor Charles Little.
Only six lots of the original town plat were sold by Farley & Company, of
which lot No. 77 was sold May 8, 1X23, for twenty-five dollars. Near the
northern limits of the town was a street named Farley Street, which years
after became known as Bristol Street. When the town prospered and became
well settled, some of the lots of this original plat were purchased by promi-
nent citizens, who erected pretentious residences thereon.
The second platting of the town was made by Samuel W. Dexter, on
I lecember 3, 1830, and comprised all the land which he had entered in 1825,
extending west from the river at Cass Street to Harrison, and north on that
street to Jefferson (now Cleveland Street), and thence east to the river. Of
the lots represented by this plat only eight were sold that year. On July
IX, 1X35. he disposed of all his interests to Doctor Abel Millington, of Wash-
tenaw County, excepting twenty-four lots previously sold by him, and the
public square which had been located as the seat of justice. The following
year, having lost faith in the prospects of the valley, the doctor transferred
his property, on April 26, to a company composed of Norman Little, John T.
Mackie, Samuel Oakley and William Jennison, Junior, for the sum of fifty-
five thousand dollars.
Under the direction of the new proprietors, who were enterprising men
with ample capital, an entirely new platting of the town was made, and named
the Currier Plat. This plat was a very extensive one, and embraced lands on
the east as well as the west side of the river, showing four hundred and seven
blocks, and bore the date of February 1. 1X37. Streets on the west side of
the river were laid off and named, a comprehensive map was drawn and
printed for circulation throughout the eastern States, and an elaborate plan
of improvements was prepared. As a result about nine hundred persons
were attracted to this place before the close of 1837. Then the crisis came,
and by 1X41 only three entire blocks and fifty-eight single lots had been sold;
and on April 9 of that year all their property was s,ilil to James Hunt, for a
consideration of two hundred and twenty thousand dollars.
Locating the Seat of Justice
In the selection of the village of Saginaw as the seat of justice for the
county, there hangs a tale which illustrates the fact that the acts of public
officials in pioneer days were not always free from the curse of personal gain.
The story was told many years ago by Thomas A. Drake, a member of the
Legislative Council of Oakland County, who, with an associate commissioner,
named Frost, came to the Saginaw to locate a site for the county seat. Here
they found Judge Dexter, and an engineer and surveyor by the name of Ris-
don, engaged in platting Saginaw City. Dexter approached the commis-
sioners with his skeleton map in hand, designated one of the lots as the
"court house lot", and very abruptly informed them that if they located the
site for the seat of justice on that lot, he would donate it to the comity, and
would give to each of the commissioners one lot, perhaps two. The third
commissioner was entirely satisfied with this proposition, and from that
moment looked at nothing but the lots Dexter proposed to give him. Drake.
however, was inclined to treat Dexter's proposition with contempt, and for
a time Frost took the same view, and together they looked at other places.
ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY 109
\\ here East Saginaw was afterward located there was an uninhabitable
forest, and it was said that the whole country hack from the river was a
morass and utterly impassable. They resolved, nevertheless, to inspect it
for themselves, and, with Eleazer Jewett for a guide, they traversed the
country up and down the river, and back from the stream, until they were
satisfied they had found the best place for a court house. Drake and Frost
fixed upon a site, drove a stake to indicate the spot selected, and took meas-
urements from different points on the river, with such bearings as would
enable anyone to find it. They agreed to meet the next morning and make
their report. Drake then went to Jewett's house at Green Point to spend the
night, while Frost went to the block house inside the fort, where he would
find their associate commissioner.
The next morning it was learned, to the great surprise of Drake, that
during the night Frost had been overcome by drink, demoralized, and in-
fluenced by the third commissioner to sign a report locating the site on the
lot selected by Dexter. Through the love of whiskey by Frost, and the love
of gain by the other commissioner, the county seat was located at Saginaw
City, and the first court house was built on the site of the present county
building.
Building the First Court House
The first sessions of the circuit court in Saginaw County were held in
the old school house, which then served as town hall, church, lecture room,
and as a place for social gatherings. But after the increase in population in
1836, and public improvements had been begun, it was thought by the lead-
ing men that it was incumbent on the county officials t<> erect a court house
that would he an ornament to the city, that it was expected would soon rise.
In January, 1838, the county board consisted of Ephraim S. Williams, town-
ship clerk; Jeremiah Riggs, supervisor; and Albert Miller and Andrew Ure.
justices of the peace, four public-spirited men who laid the plans for the
building that served the county for nearly fifty years. In determining the
plan the board was largely influenced by Judge Riggs, in adopting the plan
of the court house in Livingston County. New York, in which he had sat as
an associate judge. He obtained a plan of that structure, specifications were
made and proposals for its construction advertised for.
At a meeting of the board held March 2. 1838, a resolution that a build-
ing for the use of county officials he constructed, was introduced; and the
bids for the construction of the building were then opened. There were four
in all, and the amounts ranged from eleven to twelve thousand dollars. As
the lowest bid exceeded the amount appropriated, and all the bidders were
present, it was decided to let the contract then and there to the lowest viva
voce bidder. After some spirited bidding it was struck off to Asa Hill, a
brother-in-law of Ephraim S. Williams, for $9,925, reducing the amount of
his written proposal nearly sixteen hundred dollars. ( hi March 3, the con-
tract was signed for the erection of the building, which was deemed suitable
for the needs and requirements of the public and its officials for a long time
to come, and a structure of which all could feel proud. Accustomed to
meeting in private houses, or in small, inconvenient halls, it was natural
that thev should regard the plans and specifications, and not long after the
building which grew out of them, with a considerable degree of satisfaction.
The First County Bond
From the dim and dusty records of the township board it appears that
the Saginaw City Bank, which had recently been organized under the general
banking law, proposed to loan the county on its bond the sum of ten thou-
sand dollars with which to build the court house. In the preceding January
110 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
the county board had convened in the township clerk's office (which was
also the postoffice). on the upper floor of a two-story building on Water
Street (now Niagara), north of Mackinaw, and signed a county bond in that
amount, payable in ten years, with interest payable annually. It was given
to the bank and the bank officials negotiated it with the Superintendent of
Public Instruction, and obtained the sum of ten thousand dollars.
The contract for the building of the court house stipulated that all the
money advanced should be expended in the purchase of material and in the
payment for labor, and that all material purchased should become the prop-
erty of the county. A building committee was appointed to see that the
terms of the contract were complied with, and the collecting of the material
proceeded with energy until midsummer, when Hill, the contractor, was
prostrated with a malarial disease and died in the following October. As
a result of this unfortunate occurrence, and the failure of the bank soon after,
together with the general financial depression, all operations on the build-
ing were suspended for some time.
Meanwhile, the material collected for the building lay on the ground
and likely to go to waste, so something had to be done to save it. Many
discussions were held by the settlers in reference to reducing the cost of
construction, and it was proposed to dispense with the columns on the east
end of the building. At that time there was but one house east of the site
of the court house, and it was contended by others, who opposed any change
of plans, that it would be unfair to the owner of this house to deprive him of
a view of the ornamental columns. At length, Eliel Barber, a reliable
mechanic, was hired by the county board at two dollars a day to take charge
of the material and prosecute the work, so far, at least, as to save the mate-
rial from waste. He hired carpenters at one dollar and twenty-five cents
a day, and laborers at a dollar a day, and went on with the building opera-
tions until the outside was finished and all the rooms on the lower floor were
made ready for occupancy. A large room intended for the grand jury was
used for a long time as a court room; and it was not until fifteen years after
the contract had been let that the court room on the upper floor was
finished. It was said that when first occupied the members of the Saginaw
County bar were justlv proud of the fine appearance of their court room.
Before the county bond for ten thousand dollars became due, the man-
agers of the state finances claimed from the county the full amount with
interest, but the county, having received only a portion of the money, while
willing to pay that sum. refused to acknowledge any further liability on
account of the bond. It was contended that the bond was only a guaranty
on the part of the members of the board individually that the county would
pay the bank the sum of ten thousand dollars. However it may have been,
in 1842. the cashier of the bank which was still defunct, proposed to turn
over a certain tract of land at five dollars an acre, to pay its indebtedness
to the county, provided the amount was agreed upon and a settlement soon
made. Evidently this proposal w^as not accepted, for on January 19, 1844,
the county board adopted a preamble reciting in substance that the bank
was indebted to the county in the sum of $4, 667. 25 ; that it repudiated the
claim: that by a recent decision of the Supreme Court it appeared that
collection could not be enforced; and that the bond for ten thousand dollars
was held by the commissioner of the State land office; and the board
appointed a committee to negotiate with the commissioner on the subject
of the bond. On March 4th following, this committee reported that they
had agreed upon a settlement, by which the county should give a bond pay-
able in four annual installments for $5,257.75. and also interest to July 1.
1844, amounting to $1,208.25, which was ratified by the county board.
ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY 111
It was claimed by some persons that exhorbitant charges were made
against the county by some of the parties who were authorized to make a
settlement, for their services in effecting it. No records, however, exist to
substantiate any accusation of this nature, and, judging from the usual com-
pensation granted to public officials of that time, they were not paid more
than the service warranted. It would be impossible at the present day to
ascertain what the sums paid on account of the bond, and for finishing the
court house, amounted to, but it was the belief of Albert Miller, who made
record of the above facts, that it was not so largely in excess of the con-
tract price, as was generally supposed.
The First Criminal Trial
The first intimation in the records of the commission of crime in this
county was in November, 1838, when the sheriff informed the board that
he had a prisoner in custody and did not know how to keep him, no place
having been provided for that purpose. After some discussion he was
authorized to lease of A. Butts the blockhouse for one year, with the
privilege of erecting two cells therein. The prisoner was probably held on
some minor charge, as he was never brought to trial, so far as the records
show. The first criminal trial in the circuit court was not called until nearly
three years later.
In 1841 William McDonald, who traded in furs in the old red ware-
house, received a cargo of goods in a vessel commanded by Captain West.
The mate who had charge while in port was a young man very well con-
nected in the State, while the sailors were Willard Bunnell, a young married
man who had lived here for several years, a Frenchman named Dezalia, and
a young Englishman whose name is forgotten. While unloading the cargo
the sailors had free access to the cellar of the warehouse where the goods
were stored, and particularly Bunnell, who was well known and trusted by
the trader.
( )n the last day the vessel was at dock, Bunnell made a discovery in an
old barrel partly filled with rubbish, of a box of silver coins that McDonald
had hidden away for safe keeping. Taking his companions into his con-
fidence, Bunnell made an errand into the cellar late in the evening, and
placed the box of money on the ledge of the window, which was protected
on the outside by a grating of oak stripes an inch square. Late at nighl
when all was quiet they cut the grating, took the money on board the vessel,
and proceeded to divide it by having the Englishman pass a certain number
of coins to each in succession. But Bunnell and Dezalia. during the time of
division, frequently put their hands into the box, to ascertain, as they said,
how the money was holding out, with the result that in the final count the
Englishman and the mate had but $130 each of the $800, the amount stolen.
The robbery was soon discovered and suspicion rested upon the parties
responsible for it, but no arrests were made until the following winter, when
the Englishman, having brooded over the trickery of two of his companions
in crime, went before Justice Williams, at Detroit, and made oath to the
facts concerning the theft. The mate of the vessel and Dezalia were soon
apprehended and lrtld for trial, but Bunnell, who was one of the first in
Saginaw to hear tme news of the confession, at once disappeared. He was
suspected of lurking in the vicinity, and a sharp watch was kept for him.
Late one winter's night the culprit was seen in the neighborhood, the
sheriff was informed, and a posse of resolute men determined on capturing
him, quickly gathered at McDonald's store, and started out before daybreak.
At a place on the east bank of the river near what is now the foot of Emer-
son Street, there was a deserted wood cutter's shanty, in which Bunnell had
taken refuge for the night. Just at break of day he had kindled a fire and
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ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY 113
was thawing out his mocassins preparatory to putting them on, when he
heard his pursuers close upon him. He eluded them for a time by quickly
passing out of the door with his mocassins in his hand, and an exciting chase
ensued. Being fleet of foot he would probably have escaped had not a sharp
crust, which had formed on the snow, lacerated his feet so as to cripple him.
and he was forced to surrender.
As there was yet no jail in the county the prisoner was taken to Jewett's
tavern, where his feet were dressed and cared for by his father. Dr. Bradley
Bunnell, who pronounced them in very bad condition, and kept them band-
aged for some time. Henry Pratt was sheriff and acted as guard at the
hotel, while waiting for his prisoner to improve so that he could be taken to
the Genesee County jail at Flint. At length he was pronounced conval-
escent, though apparently in great pain and unable to stand. The day for
his departure was set, and the evening before, after all his friends had taken
leave of him. his brother and sister (Mrs. Lester) and wife were admitted
to his room for a final interview. The sheriff occupied a room the door of
which opened directly opposite that of Bunnell's, so that he could watch all
the movements of the prisoner.
About nine o'clock Mrs. Lester passed out of the room leaning heavily
on the arm of her brother, bowed and stricken with grief at parting with a
brother under such painful circumstances. A short time after, Pratt called
at the door to terminate the interview between the husband and wife. The
door was opened and he saw the sufferer tossing his sore feet, and heard
him groan. The wife begged for a longer interview which was rather re-
luctantly granted. At midnight Pratt, being tired of his vigils, knocked at
the door which was quickly opened. Instead of groans from his footsore
prisoner, he was greeted with a merry laugh by Mrs. Lester, who told him
that her brother had been gone three hours, mounted on the fleetest horse in
the town.
As the sequel showed, Bunnell went first to Lower Saginaw, where he
secreted himself for a time, and then sought refuge in the depths of the
forest, living at the Indian camps until summer, when he made his way
around the lakes and across Wisconsin to La Crosse. Later he was joined
by his wife, and they lived there respectably for many years.
Sheriff Pratt was greatly chagrined at the ruse which had spirited away
his prisoner, and in order that the law might lie vindicated, he caused the
arrest and examination of Mrs. Lester on a charge of assisting a prisoner to
escape. The examination, which was before three justices of the peace, as
the law then provided, excited considerable interest in the community and
the court room was crowded. "When it was adjudged that Mrs. Lester must
give bonds for her appearance for trial before the circuit court, every gentle-
man in the room offered to be her bondsman. The bond was made accept-
able and she was discharged ; but was never called upon to appear for trial,
and so the matter ended.
The real culprits who had been apprehended did not, however, escape
so easily. The young Englishman turned State's evidence, and after he had
testified in the case there was no doubt as to the guilt of the prisoners. In
giving sentence Judge Whipple spoke feelingly to the mate, but as he had
had charge of the vessel, and could have prevented the theft, he said he con-
sidered him the most culpable of all, and gave him three years at hard labor.
After a few month's imprisonment, however, the convicted prisoner was
pardoned. Dezalia stood up and received his sentence with perfect com-
posure, but soon after was seen weeping bitterly. Being asked if he con-
sidered the sentence too hard, he replied, "Oh, no! but the disgrace of being
tried by such a hard-looking jury, is what grieves me."
114 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The First Probate Case
The old territorial law under which Saginaw County was organized,
required that some learned person sin mid be appointed in each county to the
office of Judge of Probate. At the time, Albert Miller was teaching the
first and only school in the county, and in order that the requirements of
the law might be fulfilled, he was appointed to that office; for, as his friends
said. "Who could be a learned person if the school teacher was not?"
Ephraim S. Williams was recommended for county clerk and register of
deeds; and Andrew Ure, Gardner U. Williams and Albert Miller for justices
of the peace.
While balloting for justices, an old Frenchman very pertinently ex-
claimed: "1 throw all the pape for justices of the peace in the fire; I don't
want any in this county. I once lived on Connor's Creek, where all was
peace and harmony till they got a justice of the peace in the settlement, and
then they began to sue each other and quarrel, and then there was no more
peace." But notwithstanding his protest justices were appointed, and he
had a great deal of litigation before them.
The first business transacted in the Probate Court for this county is of
more than passing interest, as it involved some very peculiar circumstances.
In the summer of 1833 a young sailor, named Charles Cater, came to this
valley and purchased land at the forks of the Tittabawassee ; but instead
of remaining to cultivate it, he returned to his occupation on the high seas.
The following year Abram Cater, a brother of Charles, came and settled in
the vicinity of Saginaw, and married here in 1835. Not long after he re-
ceived news that lbs brother had been cast away and had died at sea. In
due time he was appointed administrator of the estate of his brother Charles,
but before the estate was fully settled Abram Cater died. Charles had lived
in Ohio before proceeding on his last voyage and had left personal property
there. His estate was administered in Ohio and converted into cash, which
was remitted to the Judge of Probate for Saginaw County, to be paid to
Abram Cater's widow, who, in the absence of any other heirs, was con-
sidered the person best entitled to it.
The manner of remitting funds in pioneer days was very cumbersome
compared witli the methods of today, when exchanges are so easily effected.
The bills were cut in halves, one half remitted by mail, and the other half
retained until notice of the safe arrival of the first half was received, when
the other halves of the bills were sent. In the Cater case the letter con-
taining the first half of the bills was mis-sent and went to Mackinaw by the
winter mail, causing considerable delay, but it finally reached its destination,
and in due time the other halves of the bills were received; and all was
paid over to Mrs. Abram Cater, who in the meantime had taken another
husband.
So, ,n after the payment of the money to Abram Cater's widow, a letter
from the administrator of Charles Cater's estate in Ohio was received by the
court, expressing some anxiety about the matter, as Charles Cater had
appeared there and demanded his property. The Judge of Probate for Sag-
inaw County could do nothing in the matter, except to forward the receipt
tor the money which he had paid over according to directions. Upon investi-
gation it proved that Charles Cater's land and the estate of Abram Cater
were in the part of the Township of Saginaw that remained in Oakland
County, after the boundaries had been changed upon organization of the
county. Charles Cater thereupon took out letters of administration in Oak-
land County on Abram's estate, and the tables were turned in respect to
heirship, Charles Cater becoming the heir of Abram.
ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY 115
Official Proceedings
The history of human events in the early days of the county would not
be complete without some mention of its official proceedings, the dusty
records of which disclose the way in which the foundation of civil govern-
ment was founded, and upon which its future super-structure — civilly and
morally — was reared. A portion of the record of township and county is
therefore presented :
First meeting of the board October 2, 1835, at the house of Elijah N.
Davenport, in the village of Saginaw. Present, G. D. Williams, supervisor:
Albert Miller, A. F. Mosely, justices of the peace; and E. S. Williams, town
clerk.
Board allowed in payment of officer's fees $71.60, included in which was
the sum of fifteen dollars for attorney's services for the year 1835.
For township expenses $93.94
For building bridges 100.00
For collector fees 9.69
Total - $203.63
1836. Amount voted to be raised for the year was S2. 400.62, which
included an item for building jail, $1,570.59.
1837. Amount voted to be raised for all purposes, $2,279.04. At an
election held the people voted to issue bonds in the sum of $10,000 for the
purpose of building a court house.
1838. Jeremiah Riggs succeeded G. D. Williams as supervisor, other-
wise the board remained as at its first meeting. Board met February 20th
and adopted a plan for the court house, and advertised for bids for its con-
struction. The board allowed the sum of $<>.20 for making the census of the
county, "being at the rate of one dollar for every one hundred persons."
(This shows that the population of the county at this time, assuming the
statement to be correct, was 920.)
At the ( ictober session of the board the following sums were voted to be
raised, viz. :
For wolf bounties - $28.80
For interest on court house bonds 700.00
For State tax 1,709.00
For support of poor 100.00
Town expenses 646.81
Total - - $3,184.61
November 19, 1838, Duncan McLellan, Cromwell Barney and James Fraser
were elected board of county commissioners to hold office for three years.
1839. At a meeting held October 9, the board appointed three superin-
tendents of the county poor. On October 12. the board made appropriations
as follows :
Ti i pay expenses of the February term
the Circuit Court -
To pay expenses of July term
To pay for school expenses -
To pav township exp ns:s
Total
)f
$77.06
241.07
80.64
512. 7i
$91 1
50
116 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Fur the first time the records disclose the fact of an assessment of property,
the valuation of real and personal property being then given at $621,052.75.
At this session of the board bids were solicited for making a copy of the
assessment roll of the county; several bids were submitted and the job was
let for $24.50 to Timothy Howe, the lowest bidder. The bids ranged from
that amount to $35.
1840. Commissioner's meeting July 15. Board appropriated $40 to pay
year's salary of prosecuting attorney.
October 9, board made appropriations as follows:
For expenses of Town of Saginaw $673.64
For State tax 604.50
For county expenses - 544.63
For making assessment roll 30.00
Total ' $1,852.77
The board rejected the assessment roll of the township of Tuscola for
irregularities, doubtless to the great relief of the citizens of that township.
At this session of the board license was granted to Gardner D. Williams
to operate a ferry at any point within one mile north or south of Mackinaw
road, at the following rates:
Each foot passenger 12' S cents
( )ne man and horse - 2? cents
One man, wagon and horse ?>7 ' J cents
One man, wagon and two horses 50 cents
Cattle and horses, each 10 cents
Sheej) and swine, each 6% cents
1841. Jul}- 12, the board held its first meeting for the purpose of equal-
izing the assessment rolls, three townships having been organized, namely,
Saginaw, Tuscola and Tittabawassee.
1842. Taymouth appears as a township. < >n July 6, the board equalized
the township assessments, as follows:
Value of real and personal property in Saginaw, S125.190.50
Value of real and personal property in Taymouth, 27,791.25
Value of real and personal property in Tuscola, 13,090.04
Value of real and personal property in Tittabawassee. 57,259.86
Total - S223.241.o5
CHAPTER VIII
THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF SAGINAW CITY
The McCormick Family — Joseph Busby — Difficulties and Privations of Pioneer
Life — Benjamin Cushway — Phineas D. Braley — Hiram L. Miller — The First Steam-
boat on the Saginaw — Extract from Mrs. Richman's Diary — Charles H. Richman —
Saginaw City in L837 — The Northern Canal Project — The Enterprise of Norman
Little — The Old Webster House — The Bubble Bursts — Anthony R. Swarthout —
Horace S. Beach.
A sturdy pioneer of Saginaw Valley, who aided very materially in the
development of its resources, was William R. McCormick. He was
born at Bethlehem, New York, August 16, 1822, and spent his early
boyhood on the homestead farm. As early as 1832 his father, James
McCormick, emigrated with his family to this territory, landing in Detroit on
the first of August, after a voyage across Lake Erie in the steamboat Superior.
By the advice of John R. Williams, a former resident of Albany, New York,
then living in Detroit, he decided to go to Saginaw, and soon after set out
with his two elder sons to traverse the northern wilderness. At the crossing
of the Flint they stopped to rest, ami were so impressed with the rustic
scenery of the place that the father purchased one hundred and twenty-five
acres of land, a half-breed title, on the north side of the river and east of what
is now Saginaw Street, comprising at present a portion of the first ward of
the City of Flint, for one hundred and twenty-five dollars. They soon built a
log house near where the north end of the bridge now is, and moved the
family from Detroit to their new home in the forest wilderness. At that time
there were but two other houses at this place, one being on the south bank
of the river and west of the trail, and occupied by John Todd, while the other
was the old trading post of Jacob Smith, known to the native Indians as Wah-
be-sins, and located about forty rods below on the north bank of the river,
then the home of Judge Stowe.
After getting his family settled, the lather started out to secure provi-
sions for the winter. There was plenty of venison to be hail from the Indians.
but there was no pork in that vicinity, so lie and George < diver paddled down
the Flint in a canoe for the settlement on the Saginaw. After several day-
spent in reaching their destination, he purchased what meat was needed;
and on the return trip up the river they camped on the old "Indian field,"
about seven miles south of the bend in the Cass, now known as Bridgeport,
and about fourteen miles from Saginaw by the present road. Tie took a
great fancy to this field, which contained about one hundred and fifty acres
without a stump or a stone, and ready for the plow, where, he believed, he
could raise enough crops to support his family. The Indians had abandoned
the land years before, because grub-worms had destroyed their maize; and
it was their belief that the Great Spirit had sent them as a curse on the land.
In the fall of 1832 Rufus W. Stevens moved with his family from Grand
Blanc to Flint; and James Cronk built a log house about half way between
the Flint and Thread Rivers. In the log house which had been built by
Elijah N. Davenport, and later abandoned by him on his return to Grand
Blanc, the first school in Cenesee County was started, and was attended by
William R. McCormick, his three sisters, and the children of the other
settlers.
118 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
James McCormick soon sold his place at Flint to a son of Jacob Smith,
the Indian trader, for six hundred dollars, thinking he had made a great
speculation. Yet, so great have been the strides in the development of the
country that at the present time this property collectively is probably worth
a million dollars, or more, an increase in eighty-odd years from one dollar
an acre to eight thousand or possibly ten thousand dollars. He then moved
his family down the river to the Indian field, where they arrived at sun-
down of the second day, and camped for the night with only a tent made of
blankets, to shelter the mother and little children. In two or three days
they had put up a comfortable shanty to live in while building a log house,
which they soon commenced and had finished by the time winter set in, and
where they lived for many years.
The first year's crop was excellent, and the second year they sold one
thousand bushels of corn to the American Fur Company, for the Indians
beyond Lake Superior. The greatest difficulty of their rough pioneer life
was in getting to the grist mill on the Thread River, to have their grain
converted into flour. They had to take the grain in a canoe up the river
about thirty-five miles, get it drawn one and a half miles to the mill, and
back to the river and thence by the river home. This trip, requiring the
hardest kind of labor, usually took four days, camping out every night, and
the work always fell to James J. and William R., whose feet became very
sore from walking in the winter over sticks and sharp stones, in getting
their heavily laden canoe over the rapids of the stream. When winter set
in they could not go to the mill, as there was no road through the unbroken
wilderness, so in the long evenings the boys took turns pounding corn in a
home-made nmrtar. fashioned by hollowing out the end of a three-foot
section of a log, similar to that used by the Indians for the same purpose.
There was nothing but a trail, or bush road, between Flint and Saginaw
in those days, and part of the year it was impassible, and nearly always so
for women, consequently most of the travel went up and down the river in
canoes or skiffs, though it was a very laborious and tedious journey.
In the fall of 1837 William R. was sent by his father to Saginaw to
attend school, boarding with Major Mosley who kept a sort of tavern in
one of the old blockhouses inside the stockade. The school house st 1
near the location of the old jail, and the teacher was Horace S. Reach, lie
was a kind-hearted man, but very linn and determined, qualities which were
necessary in the conduct of that school, as he had a hard lot of boys to
manage. He was equal to every emergency, on one occasion requiring
Walter Cronk and William R. McCormick to saw and split seven cords of
wood, instead of administering the usual flogging as punishment for fighting.
That winter Mr. [leach kindly offered to teach his pupils to sing, if they
would form an evening class. This they glady did. and six boys and six girls
met regularly for singing lessons.
The McCormick family continued to live on the old Indian field, which
they called the "Garden of Eden." until 1841, when the father and son James
J. bought an interest in the old Portsmouth steam mill and removed to that
place. They soon commenced the manufacture of lumber in this mill, the
second built on the river, and shipped the first cargo of lumber, consisting
of forty thousand feet, that ever went out of the Saginaw River. It ran
sixtv per cent, uppers, and was sold in Detroit to James Busby, a brother-in-
law of James Fraser, for eight dollars a thousand feet, one-third down and
the balance on time. Lumbering did not produce fortunes in those days, hut
it opened the way for those who came later to accummulate riches. James
McCormick, the father of James I. and William R. McCormick. died in 1X47.
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120 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
As years passed, William R. McCormick, who had grown to manhood,
assumed the management of the ever increasing lumber business established
by bis father and brother, and became one of the leading progressive citizens
of Bay City. He erected a commodious and pretentious home on a slight
knoll near the river at Portsmouth, which for many years was a landmark
of the olden times.
Joseph Busby
In the earl}- part of 1833 there arrived at the trading post on the Sagi-
naw, a young man named Joseph Busby, who was born in London, England,
April 26, 1812. llis father was a dairyman and kept a store in London for
the sale of butter, cheese, eggs and milk; but in 1830 he sold out his busi-
ness, bid farewell to the friends of a lifetime, and sailed for America in a
packet ship of five hundred tuns burden — a large vessel in those days. From
New York they travelled westward to the Michigan wilderness, by the way
of the Erie Canal and lake steamboat, a journey of two weeks duration.
After engaging in the hotel business in Detroit for two years, they removed
to Saginaw and settled on land bordering on the Tittabawassee, opposite the
present 1'aines farm.
At that time the only habitation nearer than Green Point, was a log
house on land adjoining theirs, which was occupied by a family named Tuft,
with whom they lived while putting up a house of their own. James Busby,
a brother of Joseph, who was a mechanic by trade, came from Detroit, and
assisted in cutting logs for the house, which was to be twenty by thirty feet
in size, and hewed them on two sides. They then invited the neighbors
for miles around (and it took all there were) to the raising, and they got
the walls up that day. The shingles were brought from Detroit by water,
and were laid on split oak ribs, and nailed fast, so the)- had a good tight
roof. The floors were made of heavy planks cut from green pine with a saw
brought from England, Allien Miller being the lower portion of the human
machinery, or the "pitman," while Joseph Busby was the other half, or the
"topsawver" ; and was said to have been the only saw running in the valley
at that time. When the house was completed the family had a regular
old-time house-warming, with music and dancing: and they felt some secur-
ity, and pride, too, in the possession of a home, though a rustic one, in the
depths ( if the wilderness.
While living at Tuft's (who was a very superstitious man), they were
awakened one night by him in great alarm, ami called to get up as the world
was coming to an end. They at once got up and went out doors and wit-
nessed a very beautiful sight, the meteoric shower of 1833. They watched
the grand display until daylight, afterward declaring that it was a spectacle
never to be fi irgi itten.
Soon after they were settled in the new house there was a happy event
in the family, the marriage of James Busby and Miss Susan Maiden, eldest
daughter of Joseph W. Maiden. lie was formerly a sea captain, but from
1835 to 1838 he kept a log tavern in Saginaw, afterward receiving the appoint-
ment of lighthouse keeper at the Island of Mackinac. The young couple
were married by Judge Albert Miller, an associate at all their social gather-
ings, and was the third marriage ceremony performed in the county. As
the iudge was not very familiar with the proper ceremony for such occasions,
the family produced a prayer 1 k of the Episcopal Church, and the service
was read by Mr. Miller, much to his relief. Mr. Busby and his young wife
then went to Detroit where they lived for several years, but in later life
returned to Saginaw City where they died, survived by Thomas W. Busby.
THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF SAGINAW CITY 121
In 1835, when the father moved into town, Joseph Busby took the farm
to run nn his own account. The following spring he had some very promis-
ing crops on the low bottom lands, but the water rose and overflowed the
banks thus destroying them. Waiting until the ground became dry enough
to work, he replanted everything, but soon after the water rose a second
time so that he could paddle with his canoe all over the ground. This dis-
couraged him and he gave up farming, and came into the village to engage
in other business.
Difficulties and Privations of Pioneer Life
At times they were much annoyed by wolves and often kept awake at
night by their bowlings. Sometimes it seemed that there must lie fifty or
more of them, generally after they had been chasing deer. The bears also
were troublesome at times, their chief depredations being the killing of hogs.
I hie of their neighbors one night heard a great commotion among his hogs,
and upon going out to ascertain the cause, saw in the moonlight a huge
bear making off with a fat hog weighing about two hundred pounds. Upon
being pursued, the bear dropped the bog which he had killed, and made off
in the woods.
Among their other troubles was the great pest of blackbirds, which
destroyed the crops, especially the corn just when it was soft and milky.
They would flock in the fields by the thousands, requiring all the farmers'
time and attention, until the corn got hard, to keep them off. Day after
day, for several hours after sunrise and again for two hours before sunset,
they had to run up and down the field firing at and hallooing at them t<>
keep them from alighting, and by so doing would drive them over; but they
would come, one flock after another. The fanners finally built stages some
distance apart, and beat with a stout stick on a barrel, a tin pan, or anything
to make a great noise, thus keeping the birds on the wing so they would
pass over to the wild rice fields until towards evening. Another great pest
was the mosquitoes, which were so thick and troublesome that the farmers
had to keep fires burning around the house to keep them off by the smoke.
Imt often it seemed that the insects could stand as much smoke as they could.
Thev had to cover the door and windows, screen their beds, and even cover
the fireplace with a sort of netting, to live in any degree of comfort.
They also suffered many privations in those days, when all supplies had
to be brought from Detroit by water, and there was only one small sailing
vessel available. Late in the season it would get frozen in the ice on the
bay or river, and then they would have to wait until the ice would bear a
team, to haul the goods to town. Meanwhile, they would be without flour,
meal, and other necessaries of life, but those who had food cheerfully divided
with those who had none. At such times the small grist mill, which was
attached to the Williams Brothers saw mill, would be run to grind the
wheat, corn and buckwheat that was raised by the farmers in the vicinity.
But this means of obtaining food supplies sometimes failed by breakdowns
of the crude machinery, and the settlers would be without bread for days.
Although the Indian camps were very numerous along the Tittabawassee
for several miles above Green Point, the pioneer settlers were seldom
molested by the red men, with whom they were on friendly terms; and they
often traded with them for venison, fish, cranberries, and the skins ,,f
animals they had killed. Sometimes the Indians would pitch their wigwams
near the log houses of the settlers, and then they would get little sleep.
The braves would hold a pow-wow and keep it up all night, with a
monotonous drumming and singing, after their fashion; but beyond this
annoyance they were not troublesome. At one time two big braves came
122 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
to the Busby house late at night, and asked for some whiskey, saying one
of them had a little papoose at his wigwam. Although they seldom let the
Indians have liquor, this seemed a special occasion so they gave them some,
whereupon they seemed in no hurry to go home, but stretched themselves
on the floor and slept until daylight. They then left very quietly.
On Sunday Joseph Busby usually went from the farm to town to get
the mail, which came on horseback from Flint once a week. The mail
carrier used to cross the river at Green Point, the only crossing at that time.
( >n one occasion, when Mr. Busby met him at the Point, he had some errand
to a settler up the river, and not wanting to carry the mail bag back and
forth, he tossed it into the bushes until he should return and proceed to town.
At that time, 1834, the mail was seldom heavy, as the population of the
county did not exceed one hundred persons.
Benjamin Cushway
Many of the older residents of the valley still remember one of the
pioneer mechanics, Benjamin Cushway. who was appointed by General Cass,
then Territorial Governor of Michigan, as United States blacksmith for the
Chippewa Indians. He was born at Grosse Point, Detroit, February 7,
1810, and was a son of John B. Cushway, a native of Canada and of French
parentage. During his boyhood Benjamin worked on his father's farm, his
early education being obtained by attending night schools in Detroit. At
the age of seventeen he began the blacksmith's trade with "Uncle Harvey
Williams," who was afterward prominently identified with the lumber in-
dustry in Saginaw Valley, and continued this work for seven vears.
In 1S.54 he received the official appointment as Indian blacksmith, and
came to Saginaw, making his headquarters in a block house within the old
fort. lie was removed by the treaty of 1837 to Bay City, where he held the
same position until 1844. While there he purchased large tracts of land
and other property, and acquired a competence.
About 1848 he returned to Saginaw City and built a house on the lot
where the Miller block was afterward erected, on the southeast corner of
Court and Hamilton Streets. He lived there until 1866, when he purchased
the Wendall farm near the city on the Mackinaw road, where he resided for
several years. At one time he owned the Brockway farm and other parcels
o| land in different parts of the State.
On July 15, 1833, Mr. Cushway was married to Miss Adelaide Delisle,
who was born at Detroit in 1812, and was a cousin of the Campaus, the first
white settlers in Saginaw Valley. Her first visit to this place was in 1827.
when the settlement consisted of only two block houses. Fourteen children,
nine boys and five girls, were born to them. Mrs. Cushway died in 1878
at the age of sixty-six years. After an active and useful life Mr. Cushway
died at his home in Saginaw City on May 25. 1881, in his seventy-second
year, lie was well known and respected for his sterling qualities and
In ispitable nature.
Phineas D. Braley
In an account of pioneer life in the thirties, Mrs. Eleazer Jewett relates
that at a late hour one night, when alone in her cabin at Green Point, there
was a call from the opposite side of the river, some man wanting to come
across. She informed him that there was no one to set him over. He then
said he hail ridden all day. was utterly exhausted and sick, and unless aid
reached him he would lie down and die. This appeal touched the heart of
Mrs. Jewett, and although she had never paddled a canoe across the river
and tlie night was very dark, she resolved to make an attempt to get him
over. Putting a candle in the window for a beacon in coming back, she took
THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF SAGINAW CITY 133
a canoe, and after stemming the current and often calling to know where to
land, she at length succeeded in reaching the opposite shore. There she
found a traveller who had been taken with fever and ague, and was so ill
that he could scarcely get into the canoe. By leading his horse by the side
of the little boat, they finally reached the west bank of the stream at the
In ittr of midnight.
This early pioneer who arrived here in such an unfortunate plight was
Phineas D. Braley, who afterward was one of the best known lumber jobbers
in the valley. He was born in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, April 17,
1811, and came with his parents to the Michigan wilderness in 1835. Thc_\
settled on a tract of land on the Tittabawassee where T. C. Ripley after-
ward lived, the family, including that of an uncle, Ephraim Braley, number-
ing seventeen persons. The wagon by which they had travelled the greater
part of the long journey from New England, was one of the first wheeled
conveyances brought to this place.
The first winter Phineas lived there he cut two hundred cords of wood
and put it on the bank of the river for "Uncle Harvey Williams," at thirty
cents a cord. He often told an amusing incident in connection with his
wagon. "Harvey Williams came and hitched his ox team to it one day, and
refused to return it, saying he wanted to buy it ; but I refused to sell. He
paid no attention to what I said, but put his hand into his pocket and drew
out a handful of bank notes, and gave it to me without counting it, remark-
ing as he left that if it was not enough he would give me some more. I
counted the money and found there was just one hundred and seventy
dollars in currency."
In August, 1833, Mr. Braley was married to Miss Rebecca Hubbard;
and to them three children were born. Mrs. Braley died, and some times
after he married Miss Jane Blewer. After her death he married on December
18. 1842, Mrs. Olive Hubbard Grout, who was born at Oxford. ( (ntario,
December 28, 1819. Her parents came to Saginaw in 1831. being among
the early settlers here. About 1867 Mr. Braley built a comfortable home on
Washington Street, Saginaw City, and at that time was one of the most
pretentious houses in the town.
Mr. and Mrs. Braley lived to rear a family of nine children, and were
survived by Phineas J., Fred J., Mrs. Henry Snider, Mrs. G. W. Bennett,
Mrs. Charles A. Lee, and Mrs. F. A. Farmer. Having spent a useful and
well regulated life, Mr. Braley died December 9, 1887, Mrs. Braley surviving
him until April 17. 18''0. when she died at the home of her daughter, Mrs.
G. W. Bennett.
Ephraim Braley, who came to this valley with his brother Phineas, in
1S55, was born in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, March 29, 1813, and
died at his home in Saginaw Township October 11, 1886.
Hiram L. Miller
Another of the early pioneers who left the stamp of their individuality
upon the dim memories of the past was Hiram L. Miller, one of the first
ordained preachers to impart Christianity among the settlers. He was born
in January, 1804, obtained his early education at Morristown ami Basking
Ridge academies, and took a three years' theological course at Auburn, New-
York. His first pastorate was at Buffalo, New York, whence he went t<>
Lockport and later to Avon, in the same State. In 1830. while pastor of the
Presbyterian Church at Avon, he was married to Miss Adaline Little, the
fourth child of Doctor Charles Little, one of the early explorers of Saginaw
Valley. She was born November 30, 1810; and was educated at the Ontario
Female Seminary, founded in 1825 at Canandaieua, New York.
THE RISI-: ANT) PRnCRESS (»F SAGINAW CITY 125
Mr. Miller removed with his family to Saginaw City in 1836, at a time
when there was a great accession to the population of the place. In the
fall of that year a Presbyterian congregation was organized, which was pre-
sided over by him as pastor for about two years, and a marked improvement
was made in the religious and social status of the inhabitants. A Christian
mission was also established among the Indians, many of whom were con-
verted to the white man's religion. Albert Miller relates that in looking
pine lands in 1846, far up on the Tittabawassee, he started from camp one
morning at daybreak, and while paddling his canoe down the river his ears
were greeted with familiar music wafted from the recesses of the forest. He
was never more charmed than while listening to the sweet notes of a hymn
tune sung in the wilderness by a family of Indians at their morning
devi itions.
Besides the ministrations of Christianity to his fellow-men, Mr. Miller
evinced a deep interest in the material side of life and in civic affairs in
general, and exerted a powerful influence for the upliftment of the com-
munity. At different times he served the county in official positions, was
one of the first justices of the peace, and was collected with the first news-
paper printed here. He was chairman of the first board of supervisors,
organized in 1X42, and was twice a member of the legislature, in 1841 and in
1844, and served on the State Board of Education. Familiarly known as
"Priest" Miller, he was long looked upon as one of the foremost men of the
county. The offices of register of deeds, county treasurer, and county clerk
were held by him at different times. In later years he expressed regret that
his life, though a long and useful one, had been so diversified, his preference
being a life devoted to a single object.
Mr Miller lived to the venerable age of ninety-two years, going to his
reward on May 16. 1896, after a residence here of sixty years. He was
preceded by Mrs. Miller who. after a long life marked by decision of
character and fidelity to principle, and unostentatious generosity, died July
27, 1S89, in the seventy-ninth year of her life. They left one son, Norman L.
Miller, and three grandchildren, Mrs. John |. Spencer, Frank Miller and Mr--.
H. L. Brintnall.
With E. S. Williams and Albert Miller he completed the trio of illus-
trious men who bore the heat and burden of the early pioneer days, and
whose influence for good extended far beyond their lives.
The First Steamboat on the Saginaw.
Not all the early pioneers in coming to the wilderness on the Saginaw
broke through the dense forest, a journey always attended with innumerable
dangers and hardships. Some preferred to brave the perils of lake naviga-
tion and took passage in the frail and incommodious vessels of the period,
for a voyage across Lake Huron and Saginaw May. In 1836 a small party
of prospectors arrived here in the first steamboat that ever plied the waters
of the Saginaw, an event of surpassing interest to the settlers and natives of
the forest.
It was in the month of July that Albert Miller and James Fraser, accom-
panied by Eleazer fewett, then county surveyor, and an assistant, were
making a preliminary survey of a tract of land, upon which the town of
Portsmouth was afterward built, for the purpose of making a plat of it.
While at dinner one day at Leon Tromble's place, a small log house on
John Riley's Reserve, near the corner of Fourth and Water Streets, Louis
Tromble, then a boy about ten years of age, came running in greatly excited
crying, "A steamboat! A steamboat!" They all went out to see what the
boy had mistaken for a steamboat, and were greatly surprised and delighted
126 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
to behold the vessel slowly making headway against a south wind and the
current of the river. They hailed the steamboat, which proved to be the
Governor Marry, commanded by Captain Gorham and piloted by Captain
Rhodes, and chartered by Norman Little in behalf of himself and Mackie,
Oakley and Jennison, who proposed to invest in and built up the town of
Saginaw. The surveying party went out to the steamboat in their canoe.
and with some difficulty got on board, Mr. Jewett losing his compass staff
in the effort. They then steamed up the river, when, for the first time, the
white owds on the Lone Tree, the wild ducks on the river, and the fishes in
the stream were disturbed by the noise of steam propelled machinery.
The settlers at Saginaw were greatly elated at the arrival of the first
steamboat at their town, and the next day an excursion was run up the
Tittabawassee to test those waters for steamboat navigation. Nearly every
person in the place turned out and the boat, which was a logy old tub of
only sixteen tons burden, steamed up the river about two miles bevmid
Green Point, when its progress was impeded by overhanging branches.
Among those on the boat were Doctor Charles Little, who was then visiting
his daughter. Airs. Hiram L. Miller, and George W. Bullock, who for many
years occupied a prominent place in business circles of Saginaw.
A few days after, the Governor Marcy left for Detroit, and continued to
make regular trips between Buffalo and Saginaw during the remainder of
the season, and during the season of 1837 and a part of 1838. Her first com-
mander. Captain Gorham, was a perfect dandy who dressed in fantastic style,
and was known to have changed his clothes three or four times after entering
the river, before reaching the landing at Saginaw. He would perch himself
on the wheelhouse and motion with his arms in a most grotesque manner.
as if piloting the vessel, Captain Rhodes, the pilot, who was an old navigator
of the river, paying not the least attention to him, or to his commands.
In passing the rapids at the head of the St. Clair River, the utmost
power of the little steamboat was steadily employed for a time. There was
a big stump on the Canadian shore opposite the strongest current, which
passengers were accustomed to watch in ganging the progress made. The
boat would push boldly forward for a few rods and get ahead of the stump,
then, through some slight deviation from a direct line, the current would
cause her to fall back, and the stum]) would be ahead. But by repeated trials
and perseverance the steamboat always won out, and left the rapids and the
stump on shore far behind.
There were no tugs in those waters at that time, and sailing vessels
often had to lay to and wait for a favorable wind to help them over into the
lake. I'n one occasion, when the steamboat was about to stem the rapids,
the captain of a vessel hailed her. came on board, and gave her captain one
hundred dollars for a tow into Lake Huron. Some passengers on the vessel
stepped on board the steamboat for a short ride, and the towline had just
been made fast, when a fresh breeze sprang up, the vessel hoisted sail, the
line was cast off, and she sailed proudly through the rapids into the lake,
leaving the steamboat to struggle with the swift current. After getting into
the lake, the vessel hove to and waited for the steamboat to come up, for her
passengers to get on board.
Extract From Mrs. A. M. Richman's Diary
Among other hardy spirits, who arrived on the Governor Marcy. in 1836,
were Charles L. Richman and family, consisting of his wife and one son,
Charles H. Mrs. Richman. a daughter of James Sibley, one of the earliest
settlers of Ontario County, Xew York, was born at Canandaigua, January
THE RISE AXD PRnCRESS < >F SA(iINAW CITY 127
9, 1807. She was one of the noble pioneer women of the west, and mie of
the best known and must highly esteemed residents of Saginaw City. A
graphic account of what this place was when she came here is imparted by an
extract from her diary of early date:
"We arrived at old Fort Saginaw on Saturday morning October 1, 1836,
in a drizzling rain, amid the cheers of the settlers and the waving of a table
cloth, which to ns. who on the last day of the voyage were on an allowance
of pork and hard tack, was at least suggestive. We were very kindly and
hospitably received by Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Miller, who had been here a short
time, having come down the Flint River in a canoe. Things in general
seemed the newest of the new, and the prospect was dreary in the extreme,
but then we reflected on poor 'Robinson.' and took heart. I went into the
store to write back my 'first experience,' and met my old friend Peyton R.
Morgan, of Avon, Xew York, who suggested that I wait until morning; but
I didn't. That letter was preserved in the family as a gem of the west.
"The question now arose, where were we to find shelter? Very for-
tunately a kind and over-ruling Providence sent us to the 'old block house,"
and to the unwearied attention of Major Mosely and his dear wife. The
morning after our arrival, which was Sunday, a good portion of our colony
met at the house of H. L. Miller, who was a Presbyterian minister, to
return thanks to our loving Father for our safe passage after our many
perils of the lake.
"The old block house stood inside the fort stockade, partially sur-
rounded by the original pickets. But few buildings were left of the old fort,
and this was the best. They were all occupied, as was every nook and
corner, even to standing boards from the pickets, as we. when children, made
play houses. One of the buildings was used as a hotel, kept by Mr. Tibbetts,
with the modest name of Saginaw City Exchange. That same old block
house has welcomed many a pleasant gathering, for they were the very souls
of hospitality, and how we feasted on wild game, on trout, sturgeon and
white fish, which was brought from the bay corded as they do wood. Cran-
berries were so plentiful that vessels on their return trips were ballasted with
them. Neither did we sweeten them with Indian sugar — ah! no. During
the ever remembered and pleasant winter we passed in the old block house,
there were many arrivals in town, so that our society was good and intel-
ligent: and. as in our isolated condition, we were dependent upon each other
for our mutual comfort and happiness, the memory of that winter is a green
spot.'
"On the first of (anuarv. 1837, we introduced the eastern style of calls,
with 'hot coffee and cake.' The calls were so numerous as to be oppressive;
the constant repetition gave a sameness. The gentlemen had a sleigh, and as
they laughingly expressed it. they 'called and returned it.' Some thought
they were called for. but the finale was at a place of pleasant memories, the
old block house of 1836."
Long after Mrs. Richman had beheld and endured the sufferings and
privations of early settlement, and had witnessed the subsequent growth
and prosperity of the place, she died at her home on March 16, 1877, at the
age of seventy years.
Charles H. Richman
Captain Charles H. Richman, for forty-seven years a resident of Saginaw
City, who came here with his father, Charles L. Richman, in 1836, was born
at Canandaigua, New York, September 28. 1828: but his boyhood, and. in
fact, the greater part of his life, was spent in this valley.
128 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
At the outbreak of the civil war he raised a company of soldiers, called
the "Saginaw Rangers," which were attached to the Tenth Regiment of
Volunteer Infantry, designated as Company B, of which, upon being
mustered into service on October 1, 1861, he was made captain. He served
with his regiment in the held until February 6, 1865, when , having con-
tracted acute neuralgia while in line of duty, he was mustered out. During
this lung service he saw much hard fighting, his regiment being engaged in
several severe battles. For some months during the winter of 1863-64 he
was attached to the staff of General J. D. Morgan, commanding the First
Brigade, Second Division of the Fourteenth Army Corps, as Inspector Gen-
eral, and participated in that capacity in the action at Tunnel, Mill, near
Dalton, Georgia, on February 25, 1864. His conduct on that occasion was
such that he was complimented in the official report by his commanding
officer. After Sherman's march to the sea, in which he participated, he
proceeded to Sister's Ferry, Georgia, fifty miles from Savannah, where over-
come by illness, he was sent back to that city, mustered out, and sent home.
In 1871 he removed to Chicago and engaged in the hotel business, but
eight weeks after was burned out in the memorable fire of that year, and
thereupon returned to Saginaw. Afterward he leased the Rust House at
Farwell, which he conducted for two years. Returning to Saginaw he joined
the staff of the old Courier, as Saginaw City reporter, a service which he
performed faithfully anil acceptably for several years. About 1880 he leased
the Jewell I louse at Vassar, where he remained for a year, but his health
failing he removed to a farm on the Bridgeport road, near East Saginaw.
Surrounded by every comfort, and with all the care and medical skill of the
time, he gradually failed, and it was soon seen that restoration was hopeless.
He was a man of genial, happy temperament which made him friends in all
circles, and there were many sincere and saddened regrets at his death, which
occurred June 17, 1883, in his fifty-fifth year.
Mrs. Charles 11. Richman, who was of the highest type of womanhood,
of tine motherly qualities, and purity of every thought and action, was born
in ( )swego County, New York, January 28. 1838, and came to Michigan with
her parents when quite young. They first settled at Northville, but in 1847
removed to Saginaw, where she was married to Mr. Richman. She died
March 7, 1891, at the age of fifty-three; and was survived by two daughters,
Mrs. James II. Norris, and Miss Kate Richman, who afterward married
William C. Phipps, of this city.
Saginaw City in 1837
< )n the nineteenth of June. 1837, E. L. Wentz, in company with Alfred
Hovey, left Binghamton, New York, with a view of rinding employment in
the west. After a journey of twelve days filled with varying experiences
they arrived at Detroit on July 1st. There they saw some flaming-red
posters advertising low fares to Saginaw City by the steamboat Governor
Marry, which was a temptation to further adventure, so they took passage
to this port arriving on July 3, 1837. Their first view of the struggling
settlement was a disappointment, as they had expected to find a city of at
least ten thousand inhabitants, whereas they had landed in a little hamlet of
scarcely fifteen buildings, and not over one hundred persons residing therein.
"At the extreme south end of the town," writes Mr. Wentz, "on the
bank of the river was a steam saw mill, with one upright saw that if closely
watched might have cut one thousand feet of lumber in twenty-four hours.
A short distance from the mill and a hundred yards from the river, was a red
building where the Millers kept store. Gardner 1). Williams had a residence
about a thousand feet back from the river at the extreme south end of town.
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130 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Near the red store were two or three small buildings, in one of which was the
postoffice. At that time the mail came to Saginaw but once a week on
horseback by way of Flint and the did Indian trail. About a thousand feet
from the postoffice down the river and immediately on the bank was a ware-
house, directly back of which at the foot of the bluff was a small building,
in which someone kept a stcpck of Indian goods, and still further back on the
tup n! the bluff was the old government stockade. Two hundred feet north
of the stockade was the old log tavern, kept by an Englishman by the name
of Maiden. Six or eight hundred feet further north, and a hundred feet
further back from the river, was a small building where Henry Pratt kept
a shoe shop, and still further north was Richman and Lyon's store, a little
north of which and immediately on the bluff was a dwelling. At the extreme
north end of town Mr. Jewett had a nice residence in which he kept a hotel.
There was also a very nice residence in the southwest part of the town occu-
pied by Mr. Little.
"The prospect of finding employment in this place was not very cheer-
ful, but we went to an old log tavern and engaged board at two dollars and
fifty cents a day each. The sleeping room was overhead, entrance to which
was up a ladder through a hole in the Hour; ami it contained about thirty
single beds with the numbers chalked on the logs at the head. After getting
our baggage stowed away we went back to the river, and followed the bank
to the saw mill and sat down on a log to talk over the situation. Mr. Hovey
counted his money and found he had just two dollars and fifty cents. 1 bad
no money to count. We were perplexed to know what to do. I suggested
that we could cut wood, as there was plenty of it in the country. Hovey
said, 'yes:, but there are no people here to burn it,' which was indeed a fact.
"While we were further debatting the matter, we saw a large canoe like
craft coming down the river, propelled by twelve oars, and when it got
opposite to us it turned in and landed directly in front of where we were
sitting. The first man to step out of it was Charles I7. Smith, the chief
engineer of the Northern or "Had River' (anal, then being projected, lie
had come down from the woods at Bad River, bringing his whole corps of
engineers and camp equipage to celebrate the Fourth of July. I had worked
with Smith for some time on the New York ami Erie Railroad, and knew
him intimately. lie soon told me that he had work for both of us, and we
took hold with a will and helped to pitch the tents on the bank of the river
near the northeast corner of the old government stockade; and my first night
in Saginaw 1 spent in a tent with the engineer corps. The party was held in
Saginaw several days to allow some of the men to sober up from their
celebration; and we were then sent to the woods at Bad River. In travel-
ling to ami from the canal work we were compelled to use canoes, there being
no roads i,r trails, and the country was low, fiat and wet, with numerous
streams and bayous to cross that made it almost impossible to yet there
except by the rivers."
The Northern Canal Project
The first constitution of Michigan, adopted in 1835, made it the duty qi
the government of the State to encourage internal improvements, and oi the
legislature to make provision by law for determining the proper objects of
improvements in relation to roads, canals and navigable waters, and also to
provide for an equal, systematic and economical expenditure of all funds
appropriated for these objects. Among the various improvements projected
during the formative period of our State, was the Northern or "Bad River"
Canal, intended to connect the waters of the Bad River with those of the
Maple, and by improving the rivers to open a waterway from Lake Huron
by way of the Saginaw and Grand Rivers to Lake Michigan at Grand Haven.
THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF SAGINAW CITY 131
The settlers of Saginaw Valley anticipated great results from this im-
provement, by its opening up a waterway west into a portion of the interior
of the State that was known to contain some of its richest lands for agricul-
tural purposes, and would also furnish a shorter route across the peninsula
than by the course of the lakes. Early in 1837 surveys of the canal were
made and specifications prepared for the first section extending west from the
forks of the Bad River. The report of the survey was regarded as exceed-
ingly favorable, showing the existence of a remarkable depression extending
westward from the waters of the Saginaw to those of the Maple, and that
these waters, flowing in opposite directions, were only three miles distant
from each other at one point, and that between them the highest elevation
necessary to be crossed was only seventy-two feet above Lake Michigan. It
was along this valley and across this low summit that the engineers located
the route for the canal, with certain slack-water improvements to be made
east and west of it.
Contracts for grubbing and clearing of the route were let in 1838, and
work was commenced in that year. The contract for excavating the site was
let soon after to Norman Little, of Saginaw, and another part of the work
was undertaken by Alpheus Williams. Great expense and hardship attended
the prosecution of the work, as it was located in a wilderness fifteen miles
from any white settlement, thereby adding to the difficulties of transporting
materials and supplies. But under the management of the energetic con-
tractor, it was continued with vigor, about one hundred Irishmen being-
employed in excavating; and a large quantity of timber was cut and lumber
brought in for the construction of coffer-dams. The canal as projected was
to be twenty miles long, ninety feet wide, with nine feet depth of water.
The work on the canal continued until July. 1839, when it was suspended
and the project abandoned. The immediate cause of the failure was the
inability of the State to meet the monthly estimates of the contractor,
according to the terms of the contract, for the reason that the Morris Canal
and Banking Company, which hail taken the S3. 000.000 State loan, had failed
before the whole amount had been paid over. The timber intended for the
construction of the locks and dams remained to rot on the ground, and
remnants of some of them were plainly visible within the last twenty-five
years in Chapin Township.
When the payment of wages and materials stopped, and the Irishmen
were dismissed from the job without their last wages being paid, they came
to town and for two or three days paraded the streets threatening all those
who had had anything to do with the canal. Timid persons feared mob
violence, but when the matter was fully explained so that the laborers under-
stood the cause of the non-payment of their wages, they left without doing
any damage to anyone.
The sums expended on the canal project, and which were a total loss
to the State, were, in 1838, $6,271.12; in 1839, $15,985.69; a total of
$22,256.81.
Ten years after the abandonment of the canal project by the State, the
legislature of Michigan, by act approved March 30, 1849, incorporated a com-
pany composed of Gardner D. Williams, James Fraser, D. J. Johnson, of
Saginaw, and other parties in the State, "to enter upon the canal commenced
by the State, as their property, at the forks of the Bad River, and upon lands
on either side, and through which the said canal may pass, to the bend of
the Maple River, a tributary of Grand River, and so far on that river as may
be thought proper; to construct a tow path and concentrate the water for
canal use. and to dig, construct or excavate the earth; to erect or set up
any dams, locks, waste-weirs, sluices, feeders or any other device wdiatsoever,
132 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
to render the same navigable with boats, barges or other craft." The com-
pany was duly organized under the name of Saginaw and Grand River Canal
Company, with a capital of $200,000, and its stock was offered for sale.
The revival of the project reawakened hopes that the Maple River was at
last to become part of a navigable waterway between the two great lakes,
and the people indulged in the most visionary and impracticable notions in
regard to the water courses of the State. Having no railroads or even wagon
roads leading to the interior, the Indian trails being the only means of com-
munication between the scattered hamlets, it was perhaps natural that they
should have held greatly exaggerated ideas of the value of their rivers as
highways of commerce. No work on the old canal was ever done by the
company organized here, and finally the enterprise was definitely abandoned.
never to lie again revived. With a better understanding of the economics
of transportation, the impractical schemes of visionaries today meet with
little encouragement or support, particularly in an age when the facilities
for communication to the remotest parts of the State are entirely adequate
to the needs of commerce.
The Enterprise of Norman Little
* >l all the energetic and progressive men who came to this valley at an
early day, Norman Little must be regarded as having been the most enter-
prising. Partaking of the public spirit of his father. Doctor Charles Little,
he came here with him in 1822-23, but with others of the party returned to
New York State after their exploration-, were completed. In 1836, having
enlisted the financial support of Mackie, ( >akley and Jennison, of New York
City, in a project for the building up of the village of Saginaw, he took up
his permanent residence here. He thereupon chartered the steamboat Gover-
nor Marcy and, with a party of prominent citizens of Detroit and a number
of emigrants, made the first voyage by steam power to the Saginaw, and
proudly steamed up the river to this place. Soon after this important event
he established a regular steamboat line between Buffalo and Saginaw, and,
by extensive advertising in eastern cities, started the tide of emigration to
tlie then remotest point on the western frontier.
I lis broad scheme of exploitation embraced the erection of a number
of costly buildings, and the making of certain public improvements; and
the expenditures of Mackie & Company, of which he was a member, in
carrying out their designs, amounted to a large sum. They first purchased
the military reservation, comprising the old fort and adjacent land, which is
now the center of the business section of the West Side, and proceeded to
improve it. After the United Stales troops had been withdrawn from the
fort in the fall of 1823, this property was sold to Samuel Dexter, of Wash-
tenaw County, the consideration being seven thousand dollars. In 1832
Eleazer Jewett surveyed and platted the land for Mr. Dexter, who then
gave the place the name of Saginaw City. That portion south of Cass Street
was then owned by Gardner D. Williams and Ephraim S. Williams, and they
had it platted at about the same time.
Mr. Dexter designed to exploit the advantages of this village as a busi-
ness center of a large territory rich in natural resources, and to build it up
for a desirable place of residence. But his efforts in this line were not very
successful, and in 1835 he sold his interests here to Doctor Millington. of
Ypsilanti. for eleven thousand dollars. The following year, when the more
progressive men from the east, with abundant capital at their command,
arrived to exploit its wonderful resources, the value of this property had
apparently risen over night to an unheard of figure in the history of settle-
ment of the wilderness, for they paid fifty-five thousand dollars for it.
NORMAN LITTLE
The projector of Saginaw City and founder of
East Saginaw.
134 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Upon the inauguration of Mr. Little's extensive plan of improvements,
and the expenditure of large sums of money, there was a great change in the
appearance of Saginaw City. A large influx of population soon commenced,
and a speculative mania seized all the ardent, enterprising men (as it did
adventurous spirits throughout the United States between 1835 and 1838),
and an era of speculation set in which was unequalled in the history of the
State. Property here changed hands from day to day at fabulous prices,
and the pioneers began to think that the consummation of their hopes of
seeing the Saginaw Valley a rich and populous country, was near at hand.
Some lots, so the records show, sold as high as two thousand dollars, while
an eighty acre plot of ground, within a mile of the river, brought eighty
thousand dollars. Nearly the entire section of the county, bordering on the
cast side of the Saginaw and Shiawassee Rivers to the south side of the Cass
River, and extending a mile or more along the north hank of that stream,
was platted and offered for sale. Some of these plats covered acre upon
acre of land submerged at all seasons of the year, the only occupants being
the muskrat, bull frog, and wild fowl.
In 1837 a new plat of Saginaw City was made by Mr. Little, which
embraced all the smaller plats previously drawn, including the "Town of
Sagina" and the Dexter plat, and spread itself into magnificent distances
taking in a great deal of territory. However extravagant such a plat may
now seem, the entire land then platted, after a lapse of fifty years, was
covered with stately edifices and beautiful homes. Afterward Yates and
V\ Iruff acquired a considerable portion of the platted territory, and, being
men of wealth, they commenced improvements which could only have been
inaugurated under the influence of a mania of speculation. Attracted by the
beauty of the location and of the surrounding country, with its bountiful
forests and water communication to the east, these men sought to build up
.i I leautiful city.
The Old Webster House
Among the improvements made by this syndicate was the building of
the Webster House, a large hotel located on the northwest corner of Wash-
ington and Jefferson Streets, the site of the present residence of Mrs. George
Grant, Jr.. the streets now being known as Michigan Avenue and Cleveland
Street. Like other structures projected by these speculators, this hotel was
of spacious proportions, three stories in height, having a Grecian portico,
with fluted columns sustaining the entablature, and broad verandas, a fine
basement, and was of sufficient size to accommodate the ordinary hotel
necessities of a town of ten thousand inhabitants. For a long time it was
the most pretentious and best conducted public house of any in Michigan,
anil, as the center of the social life of the town, it helped to spread its fame
in other sections of the State. The projectors also constructed a capacious
warehouse, about one hundred feet in length by sixty feet in width, having
three floors, on the margin of the river at what is now the foot of Cleveland
Street.
Soon after the Webster House was opened to the public, in 1838. E. L.
Wentz, who during the previous year hail lived at Maiden's log tavern,
moved over to the new hotel, and at times assisted Mr. Harring, the pro-
prietor, in the office. In this capacity he became well acquainted with the
people who stayed there; and many years after told an amusing incident
illustrating a peculiar custom of the time.
"1 have a vivid recollection," said he, "of a high lark that Henry Pratt
and I had at the Webster House a short time after it was opened. There
was some doings that brought all the people of the country into town, and
1 1
THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF SAGINAW CITY 135
they all stopped at the Webster House. The country guests all took off
their boots, shoes and stockings in the office and left them there, going' up
stairs bare-footed to bed. After all were in bed and the house quiet, Pratt
and I went to his shop, got some shoe brushes and blacking, returned to the
hotel and blacked one of every pair of boots and shoes we could find in the
house. We worked at it until daylight, then blacked one of our own in the
same way, and went to bed for about an hour. I came into the office early to
see the effect of our night's work.
"When the people began to come down the fun commenced. Everyone
tried to get a pair of polished boots or shoes, some didn't know their shoes
and looked half an hour for them, some accepted the joke and laughed, while
others cursed a blue streak, threatening to kill the person who blacked their
boots, if they could find out who did it. During the day nearly every man
to be met on the streets had on one polished boot or shoe, and that was
evidence that he was a guest of the Webster House. Pratt and I kept very
still and had our laugh all to ourselves. Saginaw at that time was very
dull, and anything that created a little excitement was enjoyable."
The Bubble Bursts
'fhe general inflation of values caused by speculative mania finally pro-
duced an abnormal condition of affairs throughout the country. In 1838
the huge bubble of speculation collapsed. But few banks in the United
States survived the disaster, and those that did, suspended specie payments.
Then followed several years of broad-spread commercial and mercantile de-
pression. For a long time the business of the country was paralyzed, finding
but little relief until the passage of the bankrupt law by Congress, in 1842.
For several years after the collapse very little progress was made in the
valley of the Saginaw. Evidently the projectors of the realty boom, and
of the improvements referred to, had anticipated a large influx of population
and a corresponding increase in trade, lor they were strong in the faith of
ultimate success, a quality indispensable to the pioneer, and men of ideas
and energy. Put with the suspension of the Saginaw City Bank, a "wild-
cat" concern organized by Norman Little and others, and of all construction
work, many mechanics and laborers were thrown out of employment, and
a large number returned to the East. Instead of speculating as to the
quickest way of making a fortune, the people had to turn their attention
to the best means of obtaining bread. Had it not been for the abundant
resources of the country, many who remained might have come to want;
but with plenty of game in the forests and the choicest iff fish in the waters,
and a productive soil on the alluvial bottom lands, all that stayed here
managed to obtain a livelihood. Many who had been in other business \J
resorted to farming, which hastened the clearing of the land, and aided in
the development of the country.
Anthony R. Swarthout
Captain A. R. Swarthout, who gained his title in the Pottawatomie and
Black Hawk wars, was born in Seneca County. New York, in September,
1796. He was of Dutch descent, some members of the family being noted
for longevity, his great grandmother having attained to the remarkable age
ot one hundred and seventeen years. His boyhood was passed in his native-
place: and in 1816 he was married to Miss Hannah Rose, and removed to
Steuben County, New York. In 1826, having heard much of the opportun-
ities of settlement in the territory of Michigan, he made a tedious journey
to the then "Far West"; and in the following year moved his family to
lamp he had located near Ypsilanti.
136
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
After the Indian wars, in which he was enrolled in a company of rifle-
men known as "minute men," were ended, Captain Swarthout ventured the
journey through the almost unbroken wilderness to the trading post on the
Saginaw, arriving here on September 2o, 1835. At the first township meet-
ing held in the spring of 1836, there were seventeen votes polled, and he
was elected one of the township officers — that of highway commissioner,
which he held for sixteen years. In this capacity, with the aid of Abram
Butts, another early settler, he laid out and established most of the public
highways of this and adjoining counties then embraced within the limits
of Saginaw County, lie also served a term as supervisor, and was town-
ship clerk for fourteen years without intermission.
A man of unquestioned integrity and generous hospitality, Captain
Swarthout always commanded the respect of his fellow townsmen. He died
in 1881 at the age of eighty-five, survived by four sons and three daughters.
Horace S. Beach
One of the oldest and most respected of the pioneers of this count)- was
Horace S. Beach, who was horn in New York City, January lo, 1806. Most
of his young manhood was passed in his native State, hut in 1X37 he came
to Saginaw. During that and the following year he taught the first school
opened in the county, being preceded as master only by Albert Miller. As
a surveyor, a profession which he soon after adopted, he made many of the
early survevs. and was engaged in this work until 1855. In 184'' he moved
to a farm in Tittabawassee Township, on which he lived and died.
His first vote was cast for John Quincy Adams, but in late years he
became a firm and consistent advocate of the principles of the Republican
party. He served the county in several official positions, in 1842-43-44 as
register of deeds. In 1840 he was married to Miss Catherine Maiden, sister
of Mrs. James Bushy, of Saginaw City; and to them four sons were born.
Firm in his convictions he had the iron will of a strong man, yet preserved
the tender sympathy of a woman, lie died in 1881.
A CAMP IN WINTER
CHAPTER IX
FOUNDING OF EAST SAGINAW
Convivial Habits of the Pioneers — "Uncle Jimmy", the Fiddler — Anecdote of
Major Mosely — Plague of Blackbirds — Primitive Settlement on the East Side —
Original Plat — Curtis Emerson Comes upon the Scene — His Eccentricities — Lays
out Village of Buena Vista — Norman Little Founds East Saginaw — Builds Plank
Road to Flint — His other Enterprises — William L. P. Little — Charles David Little.
CHRISTMAS aim mt;- the pioneers of the West, especially those of
French extraction, was always observed as a holiday, to be celebrated
in a manner congenial to their ideas and tastes. This generally took
the form of carousals among the rougher element, and milder
champagne parties among the "select", and in our frontier settlement this
was no exception. Liquor flowed freely on all occasions of jollity and
merry-making, drinking being one of the chief recreations of the male portion
of the inhabitants. So abundant was the supply that in unloading a cargo
of supplies at the dock, it was observed that there were about four barrels
of whiskey to two barrels of flour and one of pork; and some persons used
to wonder where so much flour and pork went to. In those early days they
were wont to say that strong drink was a necessity to life, and considering
the wet and marshy condition of the ground and the malarial tendencies of
the climate, they were probably right about it.
In New England, whence a number of our prominent residents hailed,
but little attention was paid to the Christmas festival, Thanksgiving day
being the great holiday of the year; therefore many who had emigrated
from those States kept steadily at their work or business, as on any other
day. And they resented any interference in their established custom.
On one Christmas day in the olden time Albert Miller, in company with
his brothers-in-law, Eleazer Jewett and Harvey Rumrill, who were natives
of Vermont and New Hampshire, after working until near the close of the
day, took a large canoe and paddled down the river from their homes at
Green Point to the "Fort", where they had business at the trading post of
G. D. & E. S. Williams. On entering the store they were confronted with
the rough and boisterous element of the little settlement, the door was
quickly locked and guarded to prevent their leaving, and they saw that they
were in for a hot celebration. Jewett, at once taking in the situation, gave
his companions the wink to be ready to escape the moment an opportunity
offered. On looking through the crowd they found that nearly all the male
population, after carousing all day, had gathered at the store to have a night
of it. The New Englanders thereupon entered into their sport with such
pretended zeal, that their captors soon relaxed their vigilance over them,
when, upon edging toward the door, it was suddenly opened and they darted
out and ran for their canoe.
In an instant a dozen or more stalwart men were after them, making
in all haste toward the river, and the foremost oik- was about to grasp the
prow of their canoe as they shoved off from shore. Being determined to
prevent their escape, he waded into the water until it reached his waist,
which at that season of the year was not very enjoyable holiday sport. Fail-
ing in their first attempt, they quickly manned a large batteau and started
138 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
in pursuit, and it was stated that no water-craft ever before passed over the
two miles to the Point in a shorter time than those two canoes on that
Christmas night. It was an even race all the way; and when they landed,
instead of going to their cabins. Miller and his companions ran to the woods
where they concealed themselves in the thicket. The racket soon raised by
their pursuers around their houses, and a boisterous threat to tear down one
of them, frightened their families, so they came out of the woods and faced
them. The roisterers then attempted to force them into the canoe to carry
them back to finish the night in revelry, but they began a g l-natured
scuffle with them, which, with their exertions of paddling their canoe,
partly sobered them, so that they were soon willing to take to their canoe
and return home alone.
Besides these carousals there were more select parties whenever there
seemed occasion for them, the arrival of some friend of a resident, or some
person contemplating settling here, an advantageous sale of property or any
family event, being considered an apportune time for convening a champagne
party. These parties were entered into for the desire for social enjoyment,
ami for keeping up the reputation of the village for hospitality and good
cheer, which was proverbial. The How of champagne soon loosened the
tongue- for song, anecdote and smart speeches, the conviviality continuing
until morning when the company dispersed, some with "sair heads." The
last one of these participated in by Albert Miller was in February, 1838,
soon after his marriage, and was gotten up for the purpose of "laying him
out", as he expresses it. The incident is told in his own words:
"i )n the morning after a night spent in social enjoyment with a large
party at the opening of the Webster I louse, I was awakened by a number
oi voices calling to me from outside of my house. Suspecting what was
intended. I was too well acquainted with the company to think of shirking
the ordeal. I quickly rose and met the company of about a dozen men at
the door, when they took me into Jewett's Hotel, which was next door, and
presented me with a bottle of champagne; not waiting to uncork the bottle
I broke the neck of it on the stove and put it to my mouth and allowed the
contents to run down into my boots. I told them that if they would allow
me to finish dressing 1 would go with them wherever they desired.
"We started in sleighs and drove to every place in town where liquor
could be obtained. I generally took the lead, called for the bottle, and
prepared myself with a bumper of cold water to drink with them when they
had their glasses filled. I feigned drunkenness, which I could easily do
for 1 had plenty of patterns before me. and in the afternoon, when I went
with the company to my own house to partake of some choice wines that
I had, my wife and mother were greatly shocked at my apparent condition
of inebriety, but were not more surprised a short time after when I returned
without a show of liquor about me. I had scarcely swallowed a drop of
liquor during the day. and was not in the least under its influence, but my
companions were all ready to retire from the field before night. I became
convinced of the folly of such actions, and as the hard times came on, after
the general financial crash of 1838, the people generally, if they had the
disposition to do it. had not the money to spend foolishly."
"Uncle Jimmy", the Fiddler
But it must not be supposed that drinking bouts, or Saginaw "trains"
as they were usually termed, were the only form of conviviality indulged in
by the early settlers. During the long months of winter they often had
dances, and when one was all arranged to be held at the house of Mrs. (1. 1).
Williams, Mrs. E. N. Davenport, Mrs. James Fraser. Mrs. Eleazer Jewett,
FOUNDING OF EAST SAGINAW 139
or ctliers, a messenger was dispatched through the woods some thirty miles
to the cabin of James W. Cronk, t < ■ notify him that his services as "fiddler",
were required at such a time. There were other persons nearer by who
could supply the music for such occasions very acceptably, but the old
citizens of Saginaw were too aristocratic to have any one play for them but
their old friend and pioneer, "Uncle Jimmy", who always at the appointed
time put in an appearance with a fiddle-box under his arm and his rifle over
his shoulder. These were the only parties the old fellow would condescend
to play for, but he never failed his old friends, and no one contributed so
much to the enjoyment of the evening as he.
James W. Cronk afterwards volunteered in the Mexican war and re-
ceived a captain's commission. lie died some time after, together with his
son. Norton, of yellow fever, at Vera Cruz. Mexico, deeply regretted by all
the early pioneers. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, and one
of the most genial of companions, as well as a great favorite among his
assc iciates.
Anecdote of Major Mosely
In the days of the fur trade the American Fur Company had a small
sloop named the Savage, which brought in goods for trade with the Indians.
and provisions, clothing and sundry articles for the settlers, and carried away
the quantities of furs which had been collected. This little sloop of only
twenty-eight tons burden would leave Detroit and touch at several points on
the St. Clair River, taking on such goods as were needed in trade, including
some demijohns of very line whiskey, brandy and rum.
There was at this time an old lawyer named Major Mosely, who lived
in one of the block houses inside the stockade and kept a sort of tavern, who
had been appointed custom house officer. When the little sloop arrived at
her dock, the old major would go aboard with all the pomposity imaginable,
and in going down into the diminutive cabin, he would say in an authorita-
tive manner: "Nothing must lie touched until I examine the cargo." Then
the captain would give him a glass of brandy, and he would go on deck and
tell the owners "It is all right; no smuggled goods aboard."
( )ne night just after the vessel came in. the old major said to William I\.
McCormick, then a boy who lived at the tavern while going t«> school, "I
don't want you to go to lied very early tonight. Something will be left for
me at the back door, and when you hear a knock, you and Amanda (the
servant girl) go and get it and carry it up stairs."
Sure enough, about eleven o'clock they heard a knock at the back door,
and on going there found three sailors with as many demijohns of different
kinds i if liquors, which they carried up into the garret. This was repeated
every time the little sloop arrived, until at the close of navigation the major
had twenty-one demijohns of "good things", the very choicest liquors. What
became of all this was told by Mr. McCormick many years after.
"About four o'clock in the afternoon a sleigh would drive up to the
back door of the old block house occupied by the major, and the driver
would knock and go in, saying: 'I want a demijohn of whiskey, one of rum.
and one of gin, for the party at so and so's place tonight.' One day when
he came the major was out, and 1 told him 1 had no authority to give any,
and that he must see the major. 'That is all right,' he said, 'the major
furnishes all the liquor for the parties, and what is left is always brought
back in the morning.' So 1 went out ami found the major, and he said:
A es : only tell them to firing back what is left in the morning.'
140 1 1 [story OF SAGINAW COUNTY
"The next week there would be another party at the house of some
other pioneer, when the sleigh would come around again for the supply of
liquid refreshment. All the major's friends knew how lie got his liquor,
and as they were all one social circle it was no more than right that it sin mid
be equally distributed. Such enjoyment at parties I have never seen since;
whether it was owing to the kindly feelings that existed among those few
families, isolated from the world, or the good effects of the excellent liquor
of the major's, or everything combined, I am unable to saw I am inclined
to think it was owing to the kindly feelings that existed among the early
pioneers, and will continue to exist as long as memory lasts."
The Plague of Blackbirds
As previously mentioned, blackbirds were a great pest in the primitive
days of agriculture in this valley, and they came in flocks of thousands.
The Williams Brothers had a small field of 'oats hack of the fur company's
store, which they had cradled and were about to get it in to save it from
the birds, when another brother and some friends came to visit them. The
oats were forgotten for the time being, but the birds came heavily reinforced
that day to finish them. As they kept coming by the store, one of the
party proposed that they see how many birds they could kill with one shot.
Ephraim S. Williams had a fine, large single-barreled duck gun which he
loaded with mustard seed shot, and commenced firing from the door, as the
other- drove them from the oats. After firing ten shots and his brother one
shot, the boys picked up the dead and wounded birds and put them in a
pile in front of the store. As the result of eleven shots they gathered five
hundred and forty-five birds, and for days after, in the road and at the edge
of the river, there were hundreds that had crawled to the river for drink and
died there. This story is given as a strictly true one.
About 1836 the board of supervisors passed a law giving a bounty of
two cents per head for blackbirds. The heads were taken to any justice of
the peace, whose duty it was to destroy them and give a certificate which
could be exchanged for a county order. These orders were worth in those
days about fifty cents on the dollar, and redeemable only in store pay.
There was one old justice who lived in one of the block houses inside the
fort, and to him the boys used to take their bird heads, for a very good
reason. He was in the habit of throwing the heads into his back yard,
after counting them, for the hogs to eat. instead of destroying them accord-
ing t«> law. After the boys would get their certificate, they would ask the
old fellow to go down to Captain Maiden's and take a drink, which he was
never known to refuse, when another of the boys who had kept out of sight
would slip into the justice's back yard, pick up the heads and put them into
a bag. By the time he got back again to his office, the boy would have the
same heads at his door to get another certificate from him. The boys
exonerated themselves by saying that, since county orders were worth only
fifty cents on the dollar, they hail to sell the birds twice to get what the law
contemplated they should have. The consequence was that this old justice
got all the business in blackbird heads, and numerous drinks thrown in.
Primitive Settlement on the East Side
The first habitation of white men on the east side of the Saginaw River
was the branch trading post established by Louis Campau in 1820. It was a
rough log cabin situated on the bank of the river, where the Methodist
Mission House was afterward erected. This was near the northeast corner
of Water and Fitzhugh Streets, so long occupied by the residence of Norman
Little. But the Indian- would not trade with the enterprising Frenchman
142 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
at this place, and he was obliged to abandon the post the following year.
No further efforts at settlement were made for several years, and the
solitude of the wilderness was unbroken save by the howling of wolves and
the occasional whoop of the red men.
In lS.ii Albert Miller, while on a visit to his sister, Mrs. Eleazer Jewett,
located land at the junction of the Shiawassee and Tittabawassee Rivers,
opposite Green Point. On a beautiful spot along- the gently-sloping bank of
the stream, he erected a comfortable log house; and in the following spring
was joined by his mother and sister, who moved from Grand Blanc. For
several years they lived in this primitive fashion, hut amidst the must attrac-
tive surroundings, being the first white settlers on the east side of the
Saginaw River.
The first attempt to form a permanent settlement was made in 1836,
when "Uncle Harvey Williams.,' in association with Mackie, Oakley and
fennison, of New York City, purchased a tract of land south of what is now
Bristol Street, and erected thereon a saw mill, a stable, and two or three
dwellings. At the time this enterprise was regarded by the settlers on the
west side as one of doubtful utility, since the capacity of the mill far exceeded
the consumption of lumber in the village, and shipping it to other markets at
a distance was not dreamed of. The promoters, however, had broader plans
than the mere creation of a single industry in the unbroken wilderness. They
had virions of a large and prosperous city springing up along the east side
of the river; and they proceeded to survey and lay out an elaborate plat,
embracing no less than one hundred and five blocks.
The Original Plat
The original plat was published in the "Map of the City of Saginaw",
dated February 1, 1X37, a reproduction of which appears on pages 106 and
107; and covered all the land along the river for a space of nearly a mile,
and extended back about three-quarters of a mile. Beginning at the southern
limits, which was about at the northern entrance to Hoyt Park, there was
a street named "First Street" running east and west and intended to cross
the low, marshy ground ( now a pari of Hoyt Park) to the high ground
beyond. The next street to the north was "Second Street", the lines of
which are probably followed quite closely by Holland Avenue; and then came
"Third Street", now- called Bristol Street. Continuing toward the north
were ten other streets, bearing numerical names in consecutive order until
"Thirteenth Street" was reached at the northern limits of the town. The
lines of this street were probably staked very near the present location of
Hayden Street. Each block was three hundred feet long north and south.
and the streets were sixty-six feet wide: and the total length of the plat
was forty-four hundred and fifty-eight feet.
The first street along the river, beginning at "Third Street" (Bristol i.
was named "Water Street", and the next, which was two hundred and forty
feet to the east, was named "Pearl Street", each of which was sixty-six feet
in width. Then came "Broad Street" ninety-nine feet wide, which corre-
sponds to our Washington Avenue, and followed by "Marshal", "Clay",
"Calhoun", "Branch", "Barry", "Eaton", and "Ingham" to mark the eastern
limits. About where "Branch Street" was laid out. or twelve hundred and
forty feet east of the center line of "Broad Street", now runs Jefferson
Avenue, but the present lines would not coincide with those of the old plat,
which was never adopted or its streets opened up.
It is interesting to note that the projectors had in mind the laying out
of a Public Square, which was to be on either side of "Broad Street' at
"Sixth Street." Had their plans materialized this square would have been
F( )UNDING OF EAST SAGINAW 143
located cm our Washington Avenue very near to McCoskry Street. All of
the blocks now occupied by the City Hall and the gas works, were reserved
by the proprietors for their saw mill and allied industries. But in 1838,
following the collapse of the speculative bubble, with the consequent shrink-
age of capital and credit, the whole enterprise fell flat, the saw mill was shut
down, and the well formulated plans of founding a city on this site were
temporarily abandoned.
The inscription at the foot of the map of 1X37 reads as follows;
"The City of Saginaw lies in the heart of Michigan, at the head of
steamboat navigation on the Saginaw River, which is formed by the
confluence of the Flint, Cass, Shiawassee and Tittabawassee Rivers, all
diverging into a rich farming country, and navigable for small craft.
The Shiawassee may easily and doubtless soon will be connected by a
short canal with the Grand River, by which the trade of all that country
and much from the western shore of Lake Michigan will center at Sag-
inaw. It will open a water communication from Chicago and Michigan
City to Lake Erie, 500 miles shorter than the dangerous navigation
through the northern parts of Lakes Michigan and Huron. Building
materials of every description, w 1, brick and stone, may be procured
on the spot, a great advantage over most other places. Many buildings
are now being erected, a Court House. Gov't Land Office, and it is
expected a Lank also will be located here this season. The large number
of mechanics and others employed in the improvements of the place, will
create a brisk business and afford a ready market for the surplus pro-
duce of the surrounding country. In short, Saginaw possesses advan-
tages superior to any other new place in the State, and promises to
become one of the most important cities of the West."
As we look at the location of this prospective city, after a lapse of
seventy-five years, and compare the high, dry ground to the east and south
of the City Hall, with the low, unsightly and malarial-breeding ground upon
which very much of East Saginaw was originally built, we cannot but feel
that the section from Holland Avenue north to Holden and east as far as
Warren Avenue should have been the site of the business section of the
East Side. It is true that the narrow strip of ground east of Washington
Avenue would have presented some objection, but of scarcely more conse-
quence than those of the bayou which once crossed Genesee Avenue at
fiaum Street, and which are still in evidence. In the former site the ground
on all sides is much higher than the level of the present site of the business
section, and is above the reach of the highest floods. The selection of the
site of East Saginaw in a bayou and marsh ground shows that the location
oi village sites in a new country is often largely a matter of circumstance
and enterprise, rather than of consideration of the natural advantages and
ci mvenience.
Curtis Emerson Comes Upon the Scene
For ten years following the financial panic of 1837-38, the village of
Saginaw City suffered all the after effects of a speculative boom, and little
was done in building or improvements. Many mechanics and laborers, who
had found employment in the various enterprises inaugurated by the pro-
jectors and land owners, left the valley and the village settled down to a
quiet, dormant existence. About the only residents that remained were
those who had invested interests in the place, in the way of land holdings
which could not be sold, or in stocks of goods the demand for which was
largely curtailed. All, however, shared the earnest conviction that event-
ually the place would again prosper and become one of the important cities
of the States
144 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
About the time that conditions began to improve there came to Saginaw
City a young man by the name of Curtis Emerson, who, of all the queer
characters who ever resided here, was the queerest. < >ld citizens still grow
loquacious when relating his sayings, and smile and laugh with reminiscental
glee over his grotesque eccentricities, witty expressions, violent prejudices,
monumental profanity, and crackling humor. In person he was diminutive
and slight, being not more than five feet two inches in height, and weighing
about one hundred pounds, with a complexion midway between swarthy
and sallow, keen, fierce, gray eyes, which glared with resentment or twinkled
with fun, according to his ever changing moods. He was a plucky little
fellow, full of energy and vitality, and when engaged in an altercation would
tackle a man twice his size, but was not vindictive, and when worsted in
wordy debates or fisticuffs would promptly extend his hand to his antag-
onist, and invite him and all the bystanders to liquid refreshments. He was
always well dressed in the pink of fashion, and looked as if he had just
stepped from a band box.
"Curt", as he was generally called, was born at Norwich, Vermont,
February 4, 1810. His boyhood was spent in his native town and in Wind-
sor, the same State; and he was educated in the best schools of New
England. His father, Thomas Emerson, who was a leading merchant and
banker of Windsor, was a man of eccentric character, of violent temper, of
kindest heart and bitterest prejudices, of unbending integrity and purpose,
while his mother was a meek, quiet, pious and uncomplaining woman, who
bore the crosses and burdens of life but a few years. But she blended in the
son's nature many of her virtues and tine feelings, which offset, through
his life, the peculiar and unpleasant traits of the father. Entering into
business under his father's patronage, dislikes and personal quarrels soon
rose between them, and "Curt" came west, arriving at Detroit on May 11,
1836.
As agent of a large eastern land company, he travelled extensively for a
time through Michigan, Wisconsin, and even west of the Mississippi, but
made his home at the Michigan Exchange Hotel. Afterward he went into
the manufacture of malt liquors, investing his father's capital in the first
brewery in Detroit, situated at the southeast corner of Congress and First
Streets, the firm name being Emerson, Davis & Moore. He continued in
this business until 1845, when he went into copper mining enterprises, which
were a speculative furore in those days.
His Eccentricities
While living in Detroit he was always surrounded by a group of friends,
who laughed at his eccentricities and profited by his liberality. Utterly
unconventional, he joined in any conversation he might overhear, and vented
his ideas with freedom and emphasis. If he did not like the appearance of
either acquaintance or stranger, he would without ceremony abuse him to
his face. In the early '40s. during the Washingtonian temperance move-
ment, when the evils of strong drink was a leading topic in all circles of
society, a lecturer named Hyde delivered an open-air lecture on the subject,
from a dry-goods box. when "Curt", who was among the auditors, exclaimed
in a h aid v 'ice :
"You're a— —liar." adding an extremely insulting epithet.
Hyde was not a meek and lowly character, and descending from the box,
knocked him down. Emerson wa.s a little dazed, but rising up. came to
Hyde with his hand extended, saying:
"You're a good man, sir. Shake hands. You'll get along in this wide
world of sorrow and tears. Let's take a drink."
FOUNDING OF EAST SAGINAW 145
He fraternized with the Irish element partly because they appreciated
his witty sayings, and also because they were mostly strong Democrats like
himself. < hi a St. 1'atrick'-. day he turned out in the procession with an
abundance of green ribbons in his coat and hat, and ordered a supper in the
evening at the Michigan Exchange. When Curt went into the dining room
he thought it was not worthy of the occasion, and mounting the table he
went from one end to the other knocking off all the dishes in his progress,
and then held the supper in a restaurant. It was certainly a big affront to
Dibble the landlord, but he didn't complain, for Curt always settled for the
damages.
( hie day his father, who was generally called the "Deacon", came to
Detroit to see how his sons, Curt and John, w-ere getting along, lie learned
that they had gone on a jamboree, and started out in search of them. At
Dan Whipple's saloon on the west side of Bates Street, between [efferson
Avenue and Larned Street, he heard a tremendous racket, and looking in saw
his two sons endeavoring to outdo each other in destroying the bar room.
There was no light or quarrel, but pictures were being broken, mirrors
smashed, glasses and decanters dashed to pieces, while Curt was making a
Frantic effort to over-turn the bar. The old gentleman smiled at this evidence
of recklessness, and poking his head in the door, said:
"Co to it. Curt! Go to it, John 1 I'm proud of you. Landlord, thai
will be all right."
Curt was a great friend of Alfred Williams, always dubbed "Salt"
Williams, because he was interested in the salt works at Syracuse. Xew
York, and agent of its business in the West. At one time he engineered a
successful corner in salt in this State and Wisconsin, gathering in nearly
slHi.UUO in profits. He also was an eccentric character, of medium size and
elegant in carriage, witty, fond of fun. and an inveterate joker. On one
occasion when the two friends left for Buffalo on a steamboat, another
steamboat forged up to them and an exciting race ensued. "Salt" knew the
other boat and offered to bet one hundred dollars that it would arrive at
Buffalo first.
"Done," cried Curt. "No boat afloat can beat the boat I'm sailing on."
In a little while the other boat drew ahead. Curt consulted with the
captain and learned that there was a consignment of hams and bacon on
1" lard.
"Put them down below," he said. "I'll pay for them."
The captain objected to this, but Curt finally had his way, and several
thousand pounds of perfectly good meat went under the boiler. Curt helping
as stoker. The safety escape valve was fastened down, and the boat
trembled under the increased speed, but when Curt emerged from below the
rival steam boat was a mile behind.
"Salt" didn't like to be beaten, so he offered to bet another hundred
dollars that he could pick out the homeliest man on the boat. Curt, whose
sporting spirit was thoroughly aroused, promptly took it, and each produced
his man. Both were fellow passengers who entered into the fun. A jury
was empanelled, and while they were examining the men it soon became
apparent that Curt had won again. "Salt's" choice thereup began making
diabolical grimaces to influence the jury, when his Packer, who had an im-
pediment in his speech and stuttered, exclaimed:
"You, you n-n-needn't sc-sc-screw your urgly face. God has s-s-s-saved
i <u the tr-tr-tri luble."
When the boat reached Buffalo all on board, captain, crew and pass-
engers were in an advanced state of alcoholic sprightliness.
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FOUNDING OF EAST SAGINAW 147
Lays Out Village of Buena Vista
As early as 1839 Curtis Emerson visited the Saginaw River, and in
December, 1846, he became a permanent resident of Saginaw, being identified
with its rise and progress for a period of thirty-four years.
He at once engaged in the lumber business, but not prospering in that
to his expectations, he removed in 1847 to the east side of the river, and
erected a building near the foot of Bristol Street. On the property which he
purchased at that time there was a saw mill, one dwelling, one boarding
house, a barn and a small blacksmith shop, which had been built eleven years
before by "Uncle Harvey Williams."
In the spring of 1848. Charles W. Grant, another of the early pioneers
of the East Side, brought some workmen from Flint, and, with Emerson,
commenced the manufacture of lumber in the old saw mill which ever after
was known as the "Emerson mill." That year Curt consigned to C. P.
Williams <!v Company, of Albany, New York, the first full cargo of clear
lumber ever shipped from Michigan. A store was soon opened and a per-
manent settlement begun, to which he gave the romantic name of Buena
Vista, in honor of General Taylor's then recent victory over Santa Anna,
in the Mexican war. A town was organized in April. 1849, and at the first
election held in Emerson's house, nineteen votes were cast, Curtis Emerson
being chosen supervisor, Charles W. Grant township clerk, Stephen Lytle
treasurer; and .Andrew Evart, < leorge Oliver and Stephen Lytle were elected
justices of the peace. The commissioners or highways were Aaron K.
Penney, C. W. Grant and Sylvester Webber; the school inspectors were
A. M. Hoyt and A. K. Penney; while the constables named were Archibald
Campbell, David Joslin, George Miner and Erastus Vaughn.
In 1850 Mr. Emerson built a two-story house, which he facetiously
called the "Halls of the Montezumas", in which he made his bachelor home
and was the scene of man}- rollicking assemblies during which his con-
viviality and profanity attained a local celebrity. Me was the leader of the
hardy pioneers, and many are the traditions of "good old times" that were
witnessed in his house. It was burned in 1866, and Emerson mourned the
loss perhaps more sincerely than any other, except the death of his favorite
dog "Caesar."
The old saw mill was dismantled in 1854, and two years after he closed
up his lumbering operations and engaged in the real estate business, in
which he prospered and in 1863 was rated a wealthy man. On July 4, 1864,
he made a demonstration in honor of the day by setting fire to the ruins
of his old mill which, it was said, made a very imposing bonfire.
During the Civil War he was what was termed a "copperhead", and a
very emphatic denouncer of the "nigger war." One day Zachariah Chandler
came to Saginaw to address a political meeting, and when he stepped from
his carriage at the Bancroft House there was a crowd, in which was Curt
and his dog Caesar. The canine was short in stature and long in body, and,
like his master, had an explosive temperament. Emerson and Chandler knew
each other, but the former did not speak, merely addressing his dog:
"Caesar, if you wag your tail at that man, I'll disinherit you."
Although Curtis Emerson was of peculiarly slight physique, he was a
man of wonderful energy, vital power, and physical and mental activity.
His fondness for the social glass was his most serious fault, and that was
not acquired, but was inherited. His command of language was remarkable,
and under the influence of liquor he became a volcano of mingled wit,
sarcasm, vituperation and blasphemy. In politics he was a strong Democrat,
despising the "d — - black Republicans" as he called those of the oppos-
148 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
ing party; and many of the early conventions in this State were witnesses of
his fitful outbursts. When he was in easy circumstances he was a prince in
his lavish expenditure of money; but in his later years he was involved in
litigation and law suits about hi-- property, and met with severe losses which
in the end left him a poor man. Mis last years were eked cut in poverty,
yet under all adversity there arose the strong individuality, the masterly
spirit of independence and defiance, the untamed demon of inherited habit
and desire. Full of quick, hateful, uncontrolled desires, eccentricities and
faults, he fairly overflowed with charity, kindness, and warm hearted affec-
tion fur his friends. No one who ever knew him could hud in their inmost
being a single trace of unforgiving hate; yet he was shunned, dreaded,
despised, and in turn petted, honored, and loved by all. A demon now, and
in an In air a man of sense, humor and business, his character was penciled
in finer lines of light and shade than any other of our early pioneers.
J lis final illness came gradually, with the least pain, and his quiet and
easy death February 11, 1880, was the complete calm that follows life's
fiercest tempests. Not a relative was present to smooth his pillow, hut true
friends stood by his bedside, and the last breath brought no struggle. Thirty-
five years have passed, hut his memory is still green with those who knew
him and yet remain.
Norman Little Founds East Saginaw
Norman Little, whose enterprise in the palmy days of speculation
effected such development and improvement in Saginaw City, may well be
.ailed the projector and "father" of East Saginaw. Disappointed, but not
discouraged, at the set-hack to hi-- fortunes on the west side of the river, he
turned his attention to promoting and building up an entirely new town on
the east side. In promoting his landed interests here, he started the early
settlement upon the site selected more than twenty years before, and as it by
magic a flourishing town soon rose in a bayou and marsh, which was a glow-
ing tribute to his undaunted nerve and progressive spirit.
In 1850 he induced James M. Hoyt, of Eli Hoyt & Company, of New
York City, and his son lesse Hoyt, to become interested with himself, each
one-third, in the site and business of promoting settlement of the lands
originally entered by his father. The I loyts had been business acquaint-
ances and old friends .if his family for many years, and came to know his
worth and integrity of character. To consummate the enterprise two hun-
dred ami twenty acres of land upon the original site, and other property
amounting to twenty-four hundred acres, all on the east side of the river,
were purchased by the partners. Part of this land had previously been
purchased by a man named Carroll and others, from Doctor's Little's estate,
and some had passed to the Farmer's and Mechanic's Bank, oi Detroit.
From this enterprise inaugurated by Norman Little, backed by the
capital of the Hoyts, East Saginaw entered upon its era of remarkable
growth and development. The valley of the Saginaw was the natural outlet
for the vast timber resources of a wide territory extending in all directions;
and when this fact became generally known and recognized by ambitious
people in the Fast, immigration flowed to this western frontier in increasing
volume. Capital in turn was also attracted by the lure of riches easily
gathered, and freely opened its treasure house to the expenditure of millions
to reap the harvest that was ready, but the -ad- of which it had not sown.
The great pineries to the West and North were soon teeming with logging
camps, the streams became choked with logs, long rafts filled the river and
bayous, and the whirring saws completed the transformation of the standing
timber to merchantable lumber. Idle saline resources of the earth were soon
FOUNDING OF EAST SAGINAW 149
tapped and the refuse and wastes of the saw mills were utilized through the
medium of steam to convert the brine into salt. At every hand there was
industrial activity; and in due course agriculture gradually assumed an im-
portant part in the general prosperity.
In 1849 the only sign of habitation on the site of the primitive settle-
ment was a shake-roofed log cabin built by the American Fur Company, for
the use of < >ne of its agents, Captain Leon Snay. It stood on part oi the
ground now occupied by the Bancroft House, and in 1851 was used as a
private school. A small clearing was made in the vicinity of this log house,
the work being dune by Seth and Thomas Wiley ami their associates,
including Otto H. (i. Moores ami Adoniram Dann; and the lands were
surveyed and platted immediately after the choppers passed over the ground.
The first rude buildings of the little village sprang up mi the hank of the
river along what is now Water Street, between Tuscola and Germania'.
There was a steam saw mill, a boarding house, an office, a rough building
called "the store", and a barn, together with a few board shanties, one story
and an attic, used fur dwellings, to form the nucleus of the settlement.
An unbroken forest extended mi three sides of the clearing, which was
bounded by Washington, Tuscola and German Streets, and the river, but
here and there were to be seen evidences of settlement in the smoke of a
lonely hut in the woods, < <r burning brush heaps. A short distance below
was another small clearing made by Gardner I). Williams, called the "farm",
which was purchased about that time by Norman Little for agricultural
purposes. It was not long before the ground was cleared as far as the bayou
which crossed the Plank Road (Genesee Avenuei near the present location
of Baum Street, and wooden buildings began to appear for the use of stores
in the block between Washington Street and the river.
The original plat of East Saginaw, known a-- the ''Hoyt Plat", was sur-
veyed by A. Alberts for Alfred M. Hoyt, and published December 12, 1850.
The streets running east and west, beginning south of the twelve river front
lots, at the north limits, were named Astor, .Miller, Carroll, Fitzhugh, John-
son, Tuscola. Plank Road (Genesee Street I. and continuing south German,
Williams, Hayden, Millard, Thompson, Hoyt and Emerson. The streets
running ninth and south, parallel with the river, were named Water. Wash-
ington, Franklin, Cas--. Jefferson, Warren. Webster. Clay and Rockwell. It
will he noted that only a few changes of name-- have been made in sixty-five
years, and w ere rendered necessary in order to avoid duplication of names
by the consolidation of the twin-cities of Saginaw, which took effect in IS' 0.
Miller Street was changed to Carlisle: Williams to Janes; Cass to Baum;
Webster to Weadock; ('lay to Park; and Rockwell to Second Street. At
the same time a few changes were made in the names of streets mi the West
Side, to avoid confliction with streets bearing the same names mi the East
Side. Franklin Street (the first north of Court) was changed to Hancock:
Jefferson to Cleveland: Water to Niagara; and Farley to Bristol Street.
The additions to hast Saginaw since the date of the original plat have been
made by well known citizens, some of which, though comparatively insig-
nificant in area, are valuable on account of their central location and the
large and important buildings erected thereon.
Norman Little was a man of great foresight. He was also a | 1
advertiser. The latent wealth of the valley, its productive s, ,il and its great
forests of timber, which had attracted him in former years, he now exploited
throughout the East, and drew to its confines many a hardy, ambitions man
with the true stuff of the pioneer. It is related by William II. Sweet, a well
known lawyer, now deceased, that in February, 1850, he crossed the river
from the west side with Mr. Little, at the site of the present Bristol Street
150 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
bridge, and walked down on the middle ground from that point to the little
village of East Saginaw, the trail being through an almost unbroken forest.
In his journey from Detroit to Saginaw, in January of the same year, he was
not pleased with the appearance of the country hereabout, as it seemed to be
a vast swamp. It was a wet. open winter, and the passage from Flint was
made in a big uncomfortable wagon, sometimes through water and deep mud,
but a part of the way between Pine Run and Saginaw was over corduroy
mads. In his walk with Mr. Little he spoke of the unfavorable impression
he had formed of the country, and expressed doubts respecting the future of
Saginaw.
Mr. Little thereupon drew from his pocket a map of Michigan, spread
it out upon a fallen tree, and pointed to the various rivers rising on all sides
in the interior. "Those rivers," he said, "are all tributary to Saginaw. When
the great wealth of valuable timber growing adjacent to said streams shall be
brought to Saginaw, when the salt and coal underlying the valley, and
agriculture shall be developed and become important factors in the business
of the valley, then you will know that my confidence in the ultimate growth
of the valley is not misplaced. These rivers, like the ancient roads, 'all lead
to Rome," and if you live the ordinary life of man. you will see this valley
occupied by a hundred thousand people." To Mr. Sweet this seemed like a
prophetic vision of a speculative enthusiast. Time, however, has demon-
strated the wisdom of Mr. Little's prediction.
He Builds a Plank Road to Flint
One of the earliest and most important improvements inaugurated by
Mr. Little was the construction of a plank road to Flint, a distance of thirty-
two miles. In 1S48 he applied to the legislature for a charter, but the scheme
was considered a visionary one. and only after much opposition did he finally
secure it. "There certainly can be no harm, one way or the other, in voting
for a charter," the members at length agreed, "for it will never amount to
anything. The idea of building a plank road through that swampy country
is ridiculously absurd — might as well talk of building a plank road to the
moon." But through the untiring efforts of Mr. Little the road was put
through and completed at considerable outlay. It opened up a direct high-
way of communication with the outside world, the value of which was at
once apparent in the rapid increase in immigration and settlement.
As a result oi this enterprise a post office was soon established, and a
coach-and-four brought in and carried out a daily mail, while every day the
cry everywhere heard was "still they come." At the lower clearing a large
steam flouring mill, called the Mayflower Mills, with four run of stone, was
built, which many conservative persons thought a Aery rash expenditure.
Soon a large warehouse made its appearance on a substantial dock, and
steamboats and sailing vessels began to visit the town. The only tavern
then in the place was the Valley City Hotel, built in 1851 by William F.
Glasby on Water Street about midway between I 'lank Road and Tuscola
Street'.
As the village began to assume the appearance of a thriving and pros-
perous town, a pretentious hotel was deemed a public necessity, and soon a
three-Story frame building arose on the southeast corner of Plank Road and
Water Street, covering nearly half of the square along the road, and was
given the name of Irving 1 louse. Another grist mill was erected at about
this time on the west side of the bayou on the site of the store now occupied
hv Woolworth ; new docks were built along the water front, and a ferry was
put in operation at the foot of Plank Road. The demand for village property
JESSE HOYT
152 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
then became clamorous, and lot after lot was taken up, fenced off, and a home
or business house erected thereon. Business continued to increase, people to
flock in, and houses sprang up almost mysteriously; yet no reaction set in.
The man to whose enterprise and unceasing efforts this promising state
of affairs was primarily due was Norman Little. lie was born at Avon,
Livingston County, New York, March 21, 1806; and was the eldest son of
Doctor Charles Little, who made the first entry of government land on the
Saginaw, llis earl}' boyhood and school days were spent in his native town,
where he received a good education in the practical affairs of life. At the
age of sixteen he came west with his father to prospect for lands suitable
for town sites, ami was with him in his memorable visit to the Saginaw River
in 1822-23. But the time had not arrived for the unfolding of their plans of
settlement, and they returned to New York State. In 1836, when the spirit
(if --peculation swept the country. Doctor Little came to Saginaw on a visit
to his daughter, Mrs. Hiram L. Miller, and was followed in July by Norman
and a party of emigrants, among whom were Charles L. Richman and
wife. They arrived on the first steamboat, the Governor Marry, to traverse
the Saginaw River. Doctor Little, who was born September 12, 177d, passed
his declining years in Saginaw, where he died September 1(>, 1841, at the age
of sixty-five.
Having enlisted the financial support of Mackie, Oakley & Jennison, oi
New York City, in the project of building up a prosperous city on the Sagi-
naw. Norman Little proceeded to carry out an elaborate plan of improvements
on a new plat embracing all the previous plats on the west side of the river,
ami including an original plat on the east side in the vicinity of what is now
Bristol Street. Something of In- remarkable enterprise and achievement in
promoting the upbuilding of Saginaw City, before the collapse of the specula-
tive bubble in 1838, is narrated in the preceding chapter. In 1852, when his
efforts in building up a new town on the east side gave promise of success,
he removed his residence to East Saginaw, and settled in a new house on
the northeast corner of Water and Fitzhugh Streets, where he lived the
remainder < if his life.
To all the multiple business affairs of Jesse Hoyt, Air. Little applied his
genius as an organizer and promoter, and very much of the wealth that after-
ward accrued to the former was directly due to the enterprise and progressive
spirit of the latter. While it was the capital of Mr. Hoyt that made possible
the early improvements, including the laying of the plank road to Flint and
the building of substantial structures, thereby declaring his confidence in the
future of the place, it was the indomitable courage and energy of Mr. Little
in directing the enterprises inaugurated, and the handling of the infinite
details, that insured the success of their ventures. It should be remembered
that Mr. Hoyt never look up a permanent residence in Saginaw, nor did he
ever linger long in his periodical visits to the town; therefore, it seems
eminently proper that, having left an enduring monument to himself in the
splendid library which bears bis name, the greater measure of credit and
praise should be bestowed on bis able lieutenant, who lived here and bore
all the hardships and privations of pioneer life. All honor to him who
builded so well, even better than he knew.
The people who now enjoy the fruits of bis far-seeing wisdom, especially
when they call to mind the struggles and sacrifices through which be labored,
should cherish the memory of Norman Little with tender care. The courage
with which he carried out his plans and the perseverance by which he
brought them to a glorious fruition, should always be held in grateful re-
membrance. To great energy of character and physical endurance he united
a mild and benevolent disposition, and was blessed with a truly social nature
FOUNDING OF EAST SAGINAW 153
which rendered him, to the last moment of his life, an object of affectionate
regard to those who were his juniors, and of uninterrupted attachment to his
friends and associates of past years. To these he ever remained constant,
for true friendship and a spirit of universal hospitality belonged to his nature
and became substantia] characteristics.
After spending the best years of his life in founding our prosperous city,
.Mr. Little suffered a tragic death by drowning in the Saginaw River, this
unhappy event occurring on the morning of November X. 1859. Though
scarcely fifty-four years of age, he left a name intimately associated with
every pioneer movement in Saginaw Valley.
William L. P. Little
W. L. 1'. Little, better known t>> the early settlers 'if Saginaw as "Colonel
Little", was born at Avon, New York, November 26, 1814. lie was the
second son of Doctor Charles Little, and spent his childhood and youth under
the paternal roof, receiving such education as was afforded l>v the schools ol
his native town. In early life he developed to a remarkable extent the
indomitable energy, rare financial capacity, and mathematical exactness in
matters of trade and negotiation, which were distinguishing characteristics
throughout a lout; and active business life, lie came to Saginaw City in
1836 and for four years was actively associated with his brother, Norman
Little, in the upbuilding of the town. After the financial collapse we find
him engaged in the mercantile business with his brother-in-law, Hiram L.
Miller, in which he continued for ten years.
In 1851 Colonel Little removed to the east side and entered into partner-
shin with Jesse Hoyt in general merchandising, occupying the premises at
the foot of Genesee Street later covered by the Commercial Block. Their
stove was destroyed lay fire on July 5. 1854, when they closed up the business.
At this time the needs of the growing town for banking facilities became
urgent, and cm January 1, 1X55, Mr. Little opened the hanking office of
\Y. L. P. Little & Company on the second floor of Hoyt's Block (now known
as the Exchange Block), on the northeast corner of Genesee and Water
Streets. For the first year he attended without great inconvenience to all
the duties of the bank, but in 1856 James F. Brown came from New York
and assumed the position of cashier. Three years after. Douglas Hoyt
became an employee in the office: and in the fall of 1X59 the bank was
removed to the Bancroft I louse Block, in the room on Genesee Street so long
occupied by the billiard room, ddie original vault for the safe-keeping of
the specie and valuable papers of the old bank may still be seen in this room.
On December 31, lXd4, this bank went out of existence, its business being
taken over by the Merchant's National Bank, which was then founded with
Mr. Little as its president.
During these years Mr. Little devoted a part of his time to real estate
and general commercial transactions, to the development of the salt industry,
and to the manufacture of lumber in which he became one of the heaviest
dealers. To the many local improvements, both of a public and private
character, then being promoted, he also lent his aid and encouragement. I lis
principal business, however, and the prime object of his ambition was the
bank which bore his name, and which, from his ability as a financier and
unswerving integrity in every business relation, he was peculiarly fitted to be
the head.
At the first charter election under the act incorporating East Saginaw
as a city, held in March. 1859, Colonel Little was elected to the Mayoralty by
a large majority, notwithstanding the fact that the Democratic party, with
which he was always allied, was then in the minority. The duties of his
position he discharged with zeal and fidelity, and to the entire satisfaction
a » _ -s
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FOUNDING OF EAST SAGINAW 155
of all the people. In 1857 he was appointed Receiver of the United States
Land Office, Muses B. Hess being the Register; and it was mainly through
their efforts that the transfer of that office from Flint to East Saginaw was
effected.
About 1854 he built a commodious residence, pleasantly arranged with
luxurious appointments, on the northeast corner of Water and Johnson
Streets. The house was of frame construction of a prevailing style of the
period, with a large wing on the south side, and was painted a glistening
white. It altogether was one of the pretentious residences of the town.
Water Street north from Tuscola in those days was the most exclusive
residence section, and the west side of the street between Johnson and the
Mayflower Mills was an attractive little park slopping gradually to the
water's edge. The fortunate residents thus had an unobstructed view of
the river and its activities: and their back yards and stables faced cm
Washington Street, where are now sonic of our attractive residences. North
of Colonel Little's house were the homes of Solomon B. liliss, Charles B.
Mott and Norman Little, all of which have disappeared excepting the old
Mott House, on the southeast corner of Water and Fitzhugh Street--, so long
occupied by Emil Moores, and now the home of William Glover Gage.
When past the meridian of life, in full possession of every comfort and
luxury wealth could provide, which came of years of unwearying toil, sur-
rounded by associates ever read}- to yield an unquestioning assent to the
suggestions of his ripe judgment and well-tried experience, happy in the
possession of an affectionate family and a devoted circle of friends, a dread-
ful malady seized his overworked brain, and in an instant of temporary
hallucination his great energy of mind was turned to self destruction. On
the morning of December 9, 1867, he died in his bed from a bullet wound,
self inflicted. In this tragic event which closed his earthly career the ruling
instincts that had swayed his life were all apparent, and he died as he had
lived, fearless and with that unconquerable spirit of a man of intense action.
Charles David Little
Another well known member of the Little family, who came here at
the beginning of the remarkable expansion .if our industries and who lived
here the remainder of his life, was Charles 1). Little, the third son of Doctor
Charles Little. He was born at Axon, New York, March 5, 1822, and passed
his boyhood in acquiring a schooling, and later received a classical education
with the intention of following his father's chosen profession. But his elder
sisters had fretted over the strenuous life of their father in his efforts to
relieve the physical ailments of the little community in which they lived,
ami persuaded their brother not to follow in their father's footsteps. Aban-
doning his original plan of life work, when yet a boy he visited Saginaw
with his brothers in 1836, but soon after returned to his native State and
later began the stud}- of law in the office of Walter I. Hubbell, at
Canandaigua.
In 1842 he came to Michigan and settled at Flint, where he completed
his legal preparation and was admitted to the bar. He then entered into
partnership with E. H. Thompson of that town, and in 1846 was elected
Judge of Probate of Genesee County. At the close of his term he came
to Saginaw City, and followed the practice of law for twelve years. In 1862
he enlisted in the Twenty-third Michigan Infantry, of which he was appointed
quartermaster, but upon going to the front he was made assistant-adjutant
general on the staff of General R. S. Granger. On account of impaired
health he was compelled to resign in 1863, and. upon being honorably dis-
charged, returned to Saginaw and engaged in farming and in dealing in real
estate.
156 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Aside from his personal affairs Mr. Little always evinced a deep interest
iii public matters, from 1864 to 1870, being chairman of the board of super-
visors. In 1868 he was elected to the State legislature, and was again
honored in 1870 and later in 1878, and was one of the prominent Democrats
among the law makers of the period. He was a fine parliamentarian, and
his suavity ol manner, his ready command of language, his dignity and
uniform courtesy made him a distinguished member of any body of men
with which he was associated. For years he was , me of the leaders in the
business ami social circles (if Saginaw City, to which his circumstances of
comparative leisure eminently fitted him.
Fraternally. Air. Little was prominently identified with the Knights of
Pythias, and was instrumental in founding Achilles Lodge in this city in
1874. Upon the surrender of its charter in 1889 he associated himself with
Wolverine Lodge, No. 94, of which he was a member at the time of his
death. In 1901 he attended the meeting of the grand lodge at Battle Creek,
when he had the distinction of being the oldest past grand chancellor present.
He was also a member of J. N. Penoyer post. No. 90, G. A. R., of which he-
was past commander.
( >n November 29, 1853, he was united in marriage with Miss Pamela W.
Webster, of Hartford, Connecticut. Four children were born to them.
Charles 11.. recently deceased, Mrs. S. C. J. Ostrom, Mrs. Gilbert M. Stark!
and William EC. Little also deceased. For mam- years the family home, in
the stately residence at 1019 Gratiot Avenue, built by Mr. Little in 1866, was
a haven oi hospitality, which a courteous, considerate gentleman and his
highly intelligent and charming wife presided over to the enjoyment of their
numerous friends.
During his long life of nearly eighty-one years. Mr. Little was a close
ol. sC,-ver of the progress of the nation in the century which was the most
remarkalde in the world's history. Even when lading energies made close-
study and reading irksome, no subject of passing interest escaped his notice,
and he was well informed on the current events of the time. On fanuary
27, 1903, he laid down life's burdens, the last of a prominent family of hardy
pioneers, who will he remembered as long as records of human events
exist.
Charles Wesley Grant
Charles W. Grant, who came here in a canoe as early as 1X4C> and built
the first frame house on the East Side, was horn at Smithfield, Chenango
County, New York, March 15. 1818. His father, a native of Massachusetts,
was born in 1774 ard served in the War of 1812, holding the rank of captain.
He died at the age of ninety-two in Clinton County, this State, where he had
lived for fifty years. The mother died when Charles was only seven
years old.
Mr. Grant came to Michigan in 1839 and settled at Ionia, where he
owned and operated a saw and grist mill, one of the first in that county.
In the spring of 1840 he removed to Flushing, where he started in operation
the first circular saw in that section, and was also employed in a shingle
mill for some time. The same year he went to Flint, where he lived until
1849, when he came down the river to this primitive settlement in a canoe.
His first work here was placing a circular saw in the Emerson mill, which
stood a little south of Bristol Street and west of the present City Hall.
In the spring of 1850 he formed a partnership with Alfred M. Hoyt, and
they erected the "Blue Mill" at the foot of German Street, and also a wooden
building which was the first frame residence built in East Saginaw. It st 1
at the corner of William i now Janes) and Mater Streets. This mill cut
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HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
plank for the northern division of the Saginaw and Flint I 'lank Road. Later
Mr. Grant sold his interest in the mill business to his partner, Mr. Floyt,
and then purchased a saw mill at Lower Saginaw (Bay City), which was
destroyed by fire in 1860. In 1S65 he purchased an interest in the Chicago
mill, and operated it in association with Thomas Savior, under the firm name
of Grant iv Saylor. The panic of 187.1 brought reverses and nearly all the
property of Mr. Grant was swept away.
By the power of an indomitable will and perseverance he gradually
recovered his fortunes, and in January, 1880, in association with a nephew,
purchased the Callam mill below Carrollton, which was operated many years
uinler the firm name of C. L. Grant & Company. A salt works was also
operated in connection with the mill.
In 1897 Mr. Grant retired from active
business.
In his prime Charles W. Grant
was a wonderfully vigorous and active
man, and during his eventful life wit-
nessed the transformation of a dense
wilderness into a prosperous and pop-
ulated metropolis of all this section of
Michigan. When he came here the log
hut of Leon Snay, a pioneer trapper,
was still standing on the site of the
Bancroft, with native forest trees all
round, and a swale or marsh extend-
ing to the very door. The little settle-
ment centured on what is now <me of
the busiest thoroughfares of a pros-
perous city, was then tranquil in its
primeval simplicity.
At the first township meeting held
May 1. 1850, the township of Buena
Vista was organized, and he was
elected township clerk and commis-
sioner of highways, and afterward he
served as supervisor. From 1856 to
1860 he was deputy United States
Marshal, and was also deputy collec-
tor i if customs for one term. In 1885
he was elected sheriff of Saginaw
County, an office he held tour years. Covering a long period he was secre-
tary of the Board of Trade, and was actively identified with every move-
ment for the upbuilding of the city. For many years he was corresponding
secretary for Saginaw County of the Michigan Pioneer Society, and con-
tributed many biographical sketches of our representative citizens to its
historical archives.
Mr. Grant was a generous man, and an excellent citizen, who did his
share in promoting the advancement of Saginaw Valley, and in laving the
foundation of a flourishing city. Personally, he was genial and companion-
able, and helil the cordial respect of all. In the autumn of 1861, he was
married in Genesee County to Flecta Curtis, a native of Onondaga County,
New York, and through all the changing years "they lived and loved
together." Having finished his life's work, he died July 11, 1903, at his home
at 1663 South Washington Avenue. The passing of this kindly old gentle-
man of the "old school", caused profound regret and sorrow' in the hearts of
those who knew him well and loner.
CHARLES W. GRANT
w.
P. LITTLE FAMILY
The child at thi
years. Tin- young
lefl was Minnie Little, who died at the age of sixteen
er girl was Alice, afterward Mrs. \V. H. Coats, well known
in Saginaw.
CHAPTER X
REMINISCENCES OF PIONEER CITIZENS
Recollections of Norman L. Miller — Oscar Jewett Located Old Business Houses
William A. Crane Experienced I lardy Pioneer Life — Mary Hubbard Ide Came in
is:;:, — William A. Williams Told of Lumber Days — John W. Richardson Once Lived
in the Old Fort — George Streeb Was One of the First Merchants — What John Moore
Found Here in 1851 — Joseph A. Whittier Paid Tribute to Jesse Hoyt — James I
Brown Was the First Bank Cashier — Emil A. L. Moon - Was Here in Pioneer I ' ; i \ - -
Fast Saginaw in ts:,-i
T;< > have come to the place that is now a prosperous city of sixty thou-
sand people, when tiiat place was a forest wilderness, abounding with
swamps, reptiles ami wild beasts, to have seen deer chased by wolves
along trails that are new. and have been fur many years, modern city
streets, ti > have shot deer where line residences and well-kept lawn-- new line
the way, and to have lived to a g 1 old age possessing memories that charm
and please those who may listen, has been the experience of a number of
entertaining "tellers of old tales." The first recollections of a few of these
pioneer citizens, of the primitive settlement on the Saginaw, began in the
thirties, and like other young boys, the novelty of their early life made an
indelible impression upon their minds.
The great woods, the winding rivers, and the denizens of the wilder-
ness— a hear sniffing the air with curiosity as he detected the newcomers,
and tlie howl of wolves at night, close to their doors, producing sensations
of dread — were vividly recalled, as also the dense flocks of wild pigeons that
darkened the skies, and the myriads of wild ducks, the sound id' whose wings
as they arose being like distant thunder, and the great schools of fish which
were so numerous that they literally crowded each other in their watery
retreats. In those times every man was a hunter and fisher, and every boy.
as soon as he could shoulder a musket, emulated his elders in feats of the
chase.
Besides the great abundance of game and fish, there were other inhabi-
tant-- of the dead waters, some with voices of amazing depth and power. An
amusing incident of the olden time is related in regard to them. An eastern
young lady was visiting here and was struck with the number of cattle that
ivere owned by so few persons, for on arising in the morning, the first alter
her arrival, she told how in the night she had heard them bellowing, first
far up the river, again directly across the stream, then far down the river
As there were very few cattle then owned by the settlers, the family enjoyed
a g 1 laugh at her expense before explaining that the supposed cattle were
the huge bull-frogs that populated the bayous. The)- would commence their
concert in Green Bayou, roar for awhile and subside. The chorus would
then be taken up in the Emerson Bayou I Lake Linton) and brought to a
proper pause; and it would be completed in the Davenport Bayou north ql
the town.
Recollections of Norman L. Miller
' i'ie of the most versatile and entertaining conversationists oi our
pioneer citizens, especially when in a reminiscent m 1. was the late Norman
L. Miller, who came to the primitive settlement in 1836.
REMINISCENCES OF PI< >NEER CITIZENS 161
"My father and family arrived here," said Mr. Miller, "when I was only
four years of age. It was a delightful day of early spring, and the river
seemed like a mirror, so unruffled was its surface, while all nature was garbed
in her brightest green. That day is one of the pleasantest memories of my
boyhood. Our first night in Saginaw was spent at a lug house located within
the old fort stockade, which had been abandoned by the military force only
twelve rears before. Later we lived in a house on Hamilton Street, about
four blocks north of the fort.
"On the north side of Madison Street, about forty feet from the curb
line of Hamilton Street, stands a bitternut hickory tree over two feet in
diameter, which in my youth was a sapling three or four inches through at
the base. At the foot of this tree was a spring from which the few settlers
in the neighborhood secured their water for cooking and drinking. A short
distance south and west, on ground now occupied by the residence of Mrs.
\Y. P. Morgan, was quite a sand hill, where during the day the children
played. At night it had other visitors, and the howling of the wolves i-.
another distinct recollection of my boyhood. In the morning their tracks
could be plainly seen in the soft sand.
"The Indians were so numerous that they were scarcely noticed, and
therefore created little comment or observation. Some of them, however,
impressed themselves on my memory, and especially Tawas. a chief from
whom the 'Tawases' took their name. He was a red man of mild character
and demeanor, and was a common caller at my father's house, always being
ready to partake of the hospitality of the settlers. He seemed to be possessed
of an insatiable appetite, for he was always 'buck-a-tay', meaning hungry.
"Another well-known Indian was Yellow Beaver, who was sometimes
observed to be in mourning, with his face blackened in token of sorrow or
dejection. Paints were much used by the redskins, yellow and red being the
popular colors, and were laid on the face in blotches and stripes. They were
picturesque figures in their mocassins and blankets, bare-headed, occasionally
with a hawk"s or eagle's feather twisted into their black hair. Their names
were a variegated assortment of Bears, Beavers. Birds, Fishes and Frogs, to
say nothing of the beautifully poetic and descriptive names, such as 'Almost-
Touches-The Clouds', 'The-River-of-Stones', or 'The-Great-Rock.'
"Deer and bears were frequently seen in what is now Michigan Avenue,
while the wild pigeons were so plentiful as to be nuisances to those who
might sow a little wdieat. Saginaw was a great fur-trading point then, and
had been one of the stations of the American Fur Company. In fact, every
merchant was a fur trader. 'While in the employ of W. L. P. Little, who ran
the store known as 'The Red Warehouse'. I have seen twenty thousand dol-
lars' worth of valuable pelts hanging in that place awaiting shipment. About
1848 muskrats brought eight to ten cents; coons, twenty-five to fifty cents;
mink, sixty t< > seventy-five; marten, one dollar to a dollar and a quarter;
fisher, one dollar and a half; beaver, one dollar per pound, and Indian tanned
deer hides, the same price.
"There were also red and gray fox. bear, lynx and other fur which went
to provide the Chippewas with blankets, beads, firewater, powder and other
necessities, real and imaginary.
"At this time I was about sixteen years of age, and I well remember the
Indians used to gather in hundreds for the payment of their treaty annuities.
I have seen not less than twenty-five hundred here at one time, occupying
the river front of what is now Rust Park in hundreds of their temporary
wigwams, their canoes lining the shore, and the night rendered indescrib-
ably weird and picturesque by the reflected light of their camp fires.
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REMINISCENCES OF PIONEER CITIZENS 163
"Houses were very few at that day and the must prominent buildings
were the old fort, the 'Red Store' at the foot of Mackinaw Street, which was
the American Fur Company's establishment, the 'Red Warehouse' at the foot
of what is now Cleveland Street, and Campau's trading post near the site of
Wright's mill. The residence of E. S. Williams was on the high ground now
occupied by my own house, while Gardner D. Williams had a residence-
further south in the block now covered by the Hill Trade School. The old
cellar of this house was plainly visible a few years ago, and marked the site
of the home of a man who in the early days contributed much to the life and
prosperity of Saginaw.
"During primitive times a creek crossed Michigan Avenue at Cass Street,
and was spanned by a bridge from which boys, including myself, were wont
to fish. This little stream entered the river at about the foot of Adams Street,
and it formed quite a gully at that point, which flanked the fort on the south,
and gave a measure of protection to that frontier post.
How He Shot His First Bear
"It was a part of my duties to bring down the cows from a pasture in a
small clearing near where the pail and tub factory now stands,, and on these
daily trips I always carried my gun and was accompanied by my dog which
was very active in the pursuit of game, both large and small. ( hie afternoon
in the fall, while attending to this duty, the dog began a great barking, which
was always indicative of game being near. At that time the road was
approximately where Michigan Avenue is at present, and when I came out
upon it I was met by my father, who said the dog had treed a bear. We made
haste to follow the direction of the furious barking, and soon came up with
the dog where indeed he had a bear 'up a tree.' The exact spot was near
where Stewart B. William's house stood on South Michigan Avenue.
"My gun was a small bore weapon, having been a rifle which had been
re-bored for shot, and was so loaded. As quick as my father said 'bear'. I
began searching in my pockets for something heavier than shot, and found a
slug made for a different gun, but by chewing it into shape I made it tit my
own weapon, so that by the time the game was sighted the gun was 'loaded
for bear.' My father, fearing the result, wished to do the shooting, but I
could not see it in that light, and took a very deliberate aim at the bear's
head, fired, and down came Mr. Bruin, dead as a hammer. He was not very
large, weighing perhaps a hundred pounds, but it was a pretty good exploit
after all for a boy.
"As I grew older I often hunted deer, and even after the Civil War these
animals were killed within the limits of the present city. The land from the
River Road, now the extension of Michigan Avenue, to the Brockway Road
was nearly all covered with a dense forest; and on our farm, now the Morgan
fruit farm, a deer runway crossed from north to south. < )ne day while hunt-
ing on this tract I struck a deer trail and began to follow it. Soon noticing
the print of mocassins following it, I concluded that the Indian was first in
the held and thus entitled to the game, so I struck out for the Brockway
Road with the intention of going home. I had not gone far when, near the
Steltzriede clearing, f came upon another deer trail and followed it for a
short distance, when a tine buck sprang up in front of me and was promptly
shot. I had tied the heatl and legs together and made ready to drag the
carcass out, when an Indian appeared, following the trail. He glanced at the
dead buck, then at me. gave an expressive 'ugh'! and turning quicjdy away,
disappeared in the forest, ft was the same deer that he had followed for
hours and had tired down to the [mint of causing it to lie down to rest, when
it fell a victim to me who had so easily earned it.
164 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
"In tin isc days the favorite method of deer-hunting was still-hunting. As
si ii m as the snow fell in the fall, the hunter would search for tracks, and find-
ing one would quietly follow it. If he was unable to come up with the game
unawares, lie still patiently followed the trail. When the deer became tired
it would lie down, and if the wind was not unfavorable, the hunter stood a
got id chance of getting a shut when the animal started to its feet. On one
occasion I tracked a deer fur two days, taking up the trail in the morning
where I left it at night, and at last get a single ineffectual shut, when I gave
up the chase in disgust. Another time, when crossing a •-mall clearing or
'slash', a young deer came bounding through at a range of only four rods.
Although the gun I carried was an English, double-barrel shot-gun, 16-gauge,
cap lock. I tired and brought him down, the pellets completely penetrating
the small body, and hanging in the skin mi the opposite side.
"Here hangs a tine buck head," continued Mr. Miller, "a trophy of a hunt
near YVahjamega in Tuscola County. On that occasion I was armed with
two guns, the double-barrel shot-gun and a repeating Spencer carbine, the
latter being of a kind used by some of the cavalry in the Civil War. A deer
was started and 1 opened a rapid-fire with the Spencer, which proved in-
effectual. I then seized my old standby — the shot-gun — aimed and fired,
ami the buck dropped in his tracks, death-stricken.
"One of the party named Powell coming up. called out: 'Did ye git
him?' He was told yes. 'Well, I thought so, fer I heard ye emptyin' yer
arsenal!' I felt greatly chagrined to have wasted seven shots from the
Spencer, hut as the operation of working the mechanism was new to me, I
was excused for shouting wild.
"In the early days, wolves and bears were very plentiful, but appeared
much shyer than the deer, and I newer more than once or twice saw a wolf
running wild, one (if these occasions being when a wolf was seen pursuing
a deer through wdiat is now the heart of the business section of the West
Side "
Oscar Jewett Located Old Business Houses
Another of those men closely associated with the settlement of the
county, was the late Oscar Jewett. son of Fleazer Jewett the first permanent
white settler in this valley. For many years Mr. Jewett lived on a farm not
far from the northwestern limits of the city, and a few months before his
death gave a glimpse of early affair-- mi the West Side.
"I was Imrn November 3, 1837, in Jewett's Hotel, located at what is now
the corner of Throop and Niagara Streets. This was the first hotel ever built
in Saginaw, and was put up by my father in 1833. He moved into it from the
former home at Green Point, where Riverside Park is now. Father came
here in 1826, and my sister, Mary Jewett, who became the wife of Doctor
X. I). Lee, was the first white girl born in Saginaw County, which then ran
clear up toward Mackinaw.
"The hotel was a popular place at that time, and in 1839 every man,
woman and child in the vicinity of the little settlement, gathered there for
the Fourth of July celebration. A cannon had been packed up from Detroit
i m horseback lor the occasion, and was fired off between speeches; and a
great dinner was served. The other hotels as I remember them were, the
Webster House, situated on Washington Street, with Lester Cross as pro-
prietor: the Saginaw City Exchange, on Ames and Water Streets, conducted
by Horace Douglass; the Shakespeare Hotel, kept by C. T. Brenner, at the
corner of Adams and Hamilton; the Aetna House, by George Beeman. at
the corner of Van Buren and Water: and C. F. Esche's Sylvan Retreat on
G inrt Street.
REMIN1SCEXCF.S < >F I'loNEER CITIZENS
165
"Michael Dougherty's shipyard was located on Water Street; A. C.
Paine's livery stable at the corner of Cass and Water; C. Wider's tannery at
Stevens and Water, and John W. Richardson's harness shop, the steam spoke
factory, and A. Fisher's cabinet and chair factory on Water Street. The dry
goods houses were those of D. II. Jerome & Company, in the Jerome Block;
George W. Bullock. (1. T. Zschoerner, in the Woodruff Block; Ferin and
Flathau and F. C. Andre, on the dock. The grocery trade was represented
by J. Dow ling, A. Andre, Myron Butman. George Streeb, William Binder.
Jacob Vogt, on Water Street; and Michael Redman kept a restaurant at the
corner of Hamilton and Jefferson (Cleveland) Streets. Mrs. Rice and Mrs.
Hamilton supplied the needs of the women with millinery; and the tailors
were John Mullcahy, M. Rathke and F. A. Leasia. Such was Saginaw City's
business circle sixty years ago."
In his declining years Mr. Jewett retained to a remarkable degree the
vigor and strength of his early youth. He was a man of powerful frame,
broad shouldered, deep chested, and in his prime stood six feet four inches,
weighing more than two hundred pounds.
William A. Crane Experienced Hardy Pioneer Life
The name of Crane is a well known and honored one in Saginaw
County, for there is an ex-Probate Judge, a prominent lawyer and real estate
man. two physicians and a prominent farmer, all the descendants of a pioneer
boy whose father, < (badiah Crane, settled on the Tittabawassee River in 1831.
The log cabin that first sheltered this early
pioneer stood a little east of the Hackett
Ravine, and it soon gave way to a substan-
tial house of square-hewed logs, in which the
first "town meeting" in Tittabawassee was
held. This pioneer boy was William A.
Crane, who was born in the "block-house"
in bS.i.S. and whose earliest recollections
were of Indians, wild beasts, and all the wild
surroundings of pioneer life. Directly across
the river was the large Red Bird Reserva-
tion, so called after the chief, Red Bird; and
here the family lived until 1843. In those
times there were many feasts and dances in
the Chippewa villages, and thrilling exper-
iences and occasional tragedies which made a
lasting impression on the mind of the little
hoy. Deaths by violence were by no means
rare, falling trees, gunshot wounds, drown-
ings or other casualties making a long list of
deaths in the aggregate.
"One of my earliest recollections," said
Mr. Crane, "was the tragic death of a par-
ticular friend of my boyhood, Eli Benson, who was about my age. I was
playing with him one afternoon, and on his return home to the west side of
the river, was called by his father to drive a cow away from the vicinity of
the place where he was felling a tree. By some mischance, the little fellow-
got directly in the path of the falling tree, and was killed. This happening
made a deep impression upon my mind, and one which will never be effaced.
OBADIAH CRANE
166 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
"Among the Indians who frequently visited my father's house was Green
Bird, win i evinced a particular fondness for me, and made for me hows and
arrows, and brought eagle's feathers to stick in my hair and paint to daub
my face. < >ne day ( rreen Bird engaged in a friendly scuttle with another
Indian back of our house, and close to the water's edge. He got his
antagonist down and held him in such a maimer that he drowned. From
that time my Indian friend was an object of terror to me who had been his
favorite. < >n another occasion, when an Indian pow-wow was being held, a
savage who had secured some of the white man's rum became drunk, and in
some manner discharged a gun in the crowd, killing a squaw. The shoot-
ing was purely accidental, the gun being loaded for the purpose of tiring a
salute, and the woman was killed by the wad. which was heavy enough to
do the mischief.
"It often became necessary fur my father to be away from home for a
day i >r two. and on such occasions, my mother would pile the firewood
against the door at night to keep the Indians from entering, for like most of
the settler's wives, she stood in fear of them. Still they were very friendly,
and many were the choice pieces of game that came from their hands. Their
clothing in winter was more or less of deer skins, and they wore mocassins
and used paint freely on their faces. Their canoes were familiar sights as
they passed up and clown the river, bareheaded, save for an occasional
feather. They managed their cockle-shell craft with the utmost grace and
skill. At times their rich voices were heard in the wild songs of the forest,
and perhaps the boom of the drum rolled out across the stream, and at night
their camp fires twinkled through the gloom.
"One of the things the pioneer craved after providing a comfortable
shelter for his family, was some means of educating his children. My father
had built a log house for his sister across the ravine, and immediately on its
banks, where for a time she and her husband lived. Later it was abandoned,
and as there were now several families with children, scattered up and down
the river, some rude benches were constructed and placed in the log cabin,
a teacher named Elmore secured, and school begun. Mr. Elmore did not
teach very long and was succeeded by Miss Agnes Ure, who is held in lov-
ing memory by the few living who went to her school. The log cabin was
soon after superseded by a more pretentious structure in a different locality.
"1 recall an incident," added Mr. Crane, "which occurred while my aunt
was living in the school-house cabin across the ravine. One evening the
family dog, a fine large animal, began making an outer}- in the hollow, when
my uncle, hearing the noise, shouted, 'Shake him, Keep! Shake him!' From
the sounds he knew it was a wolf that the dog was grappling, and believing
that his dog was a master of any wolf, shouted to encourage him. But it
was the wolf that was doing all the shaking, and when they came to the
rescue poor Keep was dead. This ravine was a favorite runway for wild
animals of all kinds, as it afforded them a covered passage to the water's
edge and led far back into the timber."
Mr. Crane, who has passed his eightieth year, was married in 1857 to
Miss Purchase, a native of Xew York State, who came to this valley with
her father's family at an early day. In April. 1915, they celebrated the
fifty-eighth anniversary of their marriage, rejoicing that their five sons and
two daughters are living. William E. Crane and Riley L. Crane are prom-
inent members of the Saginaw County liar. Doctor B. F. A. Crane is widely
known as a surgeon. Doctor Mil«> A. Crane is practicing in Chicago, while
Ambrose crane is a farmer and business man of Midland. There are sixteen
grandchildren and one great grandchild.
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168 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
William A. Williams Told of the Lumber Days
The last member of that sturdy family of pioneers, which was such an
important factor in the upbuilding of this county, was William A. Williams.
He was burn here March 12, 1X34, and had the distinction of being the first
white male child born in the county. I lis father was Gardner D. Williams,
a prominent fur trader and lumberman of the early days, and was afterward
the first mayor of Saginaw City. For years William was a member of the
lumber linn of George S. Williams & Brothers, and later owned and con-
ducted a large farm. His eventide of life was spent in a cozy home with
ample garden spot in the outskirts of the West Side.
"In 1834, the year I was horn," he said, "my father and Uncle Ephraim
built the first saw mill on the river, and it was located at the foot of Mack-
inaw Street. There was not much demand for lumber then, and they sold
better lumber for two dollars and a half a thousand feet than you can buy
now for twenty dollars. Mill culls, they called them, hut a man could get
as g 1 lumber as he wanted to put into a house out of mill culls. If an
end of a hoard was a little shaky, it was graded as cull, even though the
other end might be clear stuff. With all the wealth of standing timber in
those days, I never thought I should see the time that we would use lumber
in Saginaw shipped here from California.
"About 1850, when Norman Little began t<> build up the east side of the
river, my brother George and I took lumber on a lighter from our mill for
the first frame building put up there. Jesse I loyt had some sort of an office
building then, but I don't think it was of frame construction.
"You must remember our old house which stood on the corner of Mich-
igan Avenue and Mackinaw Street. All the lumber in that house was whip
sawed, except the siding which was brought from 1 'ort Huron. That seemed
a long distance to firing boards, farther away than California is now. You
will be surprised when I tell you that in the main chimney of that house
there were nine thousand brick. It had five fire places and a hake oven con-
nected with it. We didn't have any stoves in those days. My mother did
all the cooking in an open fire place. We boys would haul in the wood on a
sled, and put on more than a quarter of a cord to build a fire.
"When a boy I have seen my father load eighteen thousand bushels of
cranberries into the hold of a vessel, lie bought them from the Indians
who gathered them in the marshes, and they were worth about a dollar a
bushel. They were good berries, too, and found a ready market in the larger
pi irt-- along the lakes. There were great times here seventy years ago, and
the fur business was immense.
"When I notice Saginaw's prosperous citizens riding by here in their
automobiles, I think of the style that prevailed in the early days. I remem-
ber how 1 used to put straw and blankets into a dump cart, put the old pacing
mare into the shafts, and then my mother, Mrs. Norman Little, Mrs. A. M.
Richman, and perhaps some other member of their social circle, would get
into the cart and drive out to the home of my uncle, Alpheus Williams. He
lived on what is now known as the Vogt farm. They would get dinner there
and then go across the river to the house of Albert Miller, where they gen-
erally stayed for supper. They enjoyed life just as much as people who ride
in their motor cars today; but the old cart would look rather queer alongside
some of the car-- that pass here.
"In 1X50 I accompanied Uncle Alpheus and his family, including the --mi
Gardner, to Pontiac when they started fur California. They went through
with horse-- and wagon. When we got to Pontiac they urged me to sell my
REMINISCENCES OF PIONEER CITIZENS 169
conveyance and go along with them. Maybe I would have been better off
if I had, but 1 am well satisfied to be right here in the place where I was born
and reared.''
George Washington Davis
One nf the early postmasters of Saginaw City, who followed Ephraim S.
and Gardner D. Williams, in the early fifties, was George W. Davis, a sturdy
pioneer who is still remembered by our older residents. He was burn April
20, 1819, and was one of eleven children, his father, Josiah Davis, being an
owner and operator of canal boats on the Erie Canal. They removed fr< mi
Schnectady, New York, to Michigan as early as 1837 and settled at Oxford,
where the father entered government land as a pioneer settler and engaged
in clearing the ground and cultivating the soil.
In 1X49 George W. Davis came to Saginaw City and opened a general
store in the "old red store," which stood at the corner of .Mackinaw and
Water Streets. This business he conducted until 1855, when, upon the
death of Mrs. Davis, lie sold out and later operated a small packet on the
river between here and St. Charles. The rivers at that period formed the
only means of communication between the two places. About 1865 he went
into the grocery business, under the firm name of Davis & Harrington, at the
southwest corner of Water and Franklin ( Hancock) Streets, directly opposite
the water pumping station. Two years later he put up a w len building
on Water Street opposite the freight house, but it soon burned down and he
built a brick block in which he kept a grocery store for some years. In 1870
he established a dray and freight cartage business, in which lie continued to
the time of his death which occurred February 11, 1890.
Thadeas de Lamorandiere
An old French gentleman, familiarly known in the old days as "Teddy,"
win i it was believed came of an old and distinguished family in their native
land, was Thadeas de Lamorandiere. He was born about 1823, and came
from Canada to this valley in 1845, engaging in the fur business. When the
fur trade declined he entered the employ of Daniel L. C. Eaton, in the insur-
ance business, the office being in the Bernhard Block at the corner of L'nurt
and Water (Niagara) Streets. He died in 1900 at the age of seventy-
seven, survived by two daughters who reside at 820 Cass Street.
Mary Hubbard Ide Came to the Wilderness in 1835
Mary Hubbard, who in later life was Airs. Mason Ide, mother of Frank
Ide. was a little girl seven years old when in 1835 her family removed from
Lockport, New York. The trip from Buffalo to Detroit was made by boat,
and thence to Saginaw by wagon. The leader of the party was the late
I'hineas D. Braley, and consisted of seventeen persons of whom the Hub-
bards counted seven. All of the party could nut ride at one time, and even
the children who were old enough t< > walk took their turns in picking their
way among the stumps which covered the path through the forest. It was
so obstructed in places with fallen trees and brush that the men of the party
had often to use their axes t < > clear the way. The party was more than a
week on the road from Detroit. At the Cass River they had the good
fortune to meet the road crew that was cutting a way through to Saginaw,
and were ferried across the stream in a large scow.
"Just before reaching the scow." relates Mrs. Ide, "my mother, who had
been walking, fell utterly exhausted, and was picked up by a man of the
party and carried like a child mi board the scow. She was very slight and
the extreme fatigue of the unusual trip had worn her out. I well remember
p
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ADELAIDE DELISLE CUSHWAY
i.Mrs. Benjamin Cushway)
MARY HUBBARD IDE
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GEORGE WASHINGTON DAVIS
THADEAS DE LAMOR AN Dl E RE
REMINISCENCES OF PIONEER CITIZENS 171
that the hickory nuts were falling, and think it must have been late Septem-
ber or early October. After leaving the Cass at Bridgeport Center, the road
followed the Indian trail (now the extension of South Washington Avenue)
to the present Mackinaw Street bridge, where there was a scow ferry by
which we were taken across the river. At that time there was a building
known as the 'Little Red House', near the corner of Niagara and Mackinaw
Streets, in which we spent <>ur first night in Saginaw, the children sleeping
on the floor upstairs, while the men of the party sought shelter elsewhere.
"Afterward my father and Mr. Braley located on the Tittabawassee
River, the latter building a house which I think is still standing on the East
River Road, on a knoll a little west of the Shattuck Creek and on the south
side of the road. My lather located on the river flats south of the Braley
place, where he built a frame house on the bank of the river. Here we had
numerous neighbors, some of whom were occasionally troublesome. The
Indians were frequent callers, while bears, deer and wolves were so common
that they soon ceased to be novelties. At night the howling of the latter
was quite terrifying to the young children.
"One day a big bear, that had gained the idea that fresh pork would be
an agreeable change of diet, was observed making preparations to enter the
pig sty where were several young pigs. My brother and another boy with
their guns sallied forth and interrupted the feast. Bruin making oft' in haste,
unhurt, however, except in his feelings. Incidents of this kind were of com-
mon occurrence, and many were the adventures told in front of the great
fireplaces or around the old 'revolving stove.' This curious utensil of daily
use was a treasured possession of the family, and was so arranged that the
pots and kettles and pans could be severally brought over the fire by turn-
ing the top of the stove, which revolved on a pivot. The stove had no oven.
the want of which was supplied by an arrangement consisting of an iron
ring with suitable covers which was placed on top of the stove, thus making
a portable oven in which we baked our bread or roasted meat.
"The first year of my childhood pioneer life I well remember was one of
privation, as there was but little to be obtained in the way of shoes, hats
and clothing; and the mother was obliged to make shift as best she could in
clothing her family. Some leather was finally obtained and the children
were shod with a sort of mocassin of her own manufacture.
"It was not long before my father found that he had made a mistake in
locating on the flats, for after the country began to be settled up the streams
were cleared of floodwood which held back the freshest waters, and the
obstructions to boat and canoe navigation in the smaller branches were
removed. This allowed the floods to come out with a greater rush, with
attendant high water on the lower courses. < >ur place was flooded out, and
we lost pigs, chickens, and a horse, and my father moved away from this
original location."
In young womanhood, Mrs. Ide taught school for several terms, her
first school being located on the present site of the Thomastown cemetery,
above the State Street Bridge on the West River Road. She was united in
marriage with John Mason Ide in 1849 at Flint, where they lived until 1858
when they removed to Flushing. .Mr. Ide died April 5, 1871, and two years
later Airs. Ide came to Saginaw, where she resided until her death in 1915.
John W. Richardson Once Lived in the Old Fort
It is not given to many to round out four-score years, and when we find
a person still older who has passed almost his entire life here, we realize that
he is a true pioneer and feel a quickening interest in him. This was partic-
ularly true of ]<>hn VV. Richardson, who came here in early boyhood and
172 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
lived a useful and eventful life covering a period of seventy-eight years in
this community. He was born on the island of Cape Breton, June 23, 1833,
ami two years after came with his parents to America, locating first at
I '.i 'Stun. Later they spent a year in Detroit, and came to Saginaw in the
fall of 1S37. He obtained an education such as the common schools of that
day afforded; and in 1851 was apprenticed to the late Cole Garrett, then the
only harness maker in Saginaw. Throughout his active business career, he
always evinced a broad public spirit; and he possessed a keen memory which
enabled him to relate many incidents of the early days in this valley.
"On New Year's day. 1838," said Mr. Richardson, "we were living in
the old barracks of the fort stockade, which stood on or near the corner now-
occupied by the Miller Block, at Court and Hamilton Streets. It wasn't
exactly that corner for the streets were not laid out when the log barracks
were built, and the building probably stood partly on what is now the inter-
section of the streets.
"No, there are not many people here who were residents as long as I
can remember. William A. Williams, ( )scar Jewett, Norman L. Miller and
William A. Crane were schoolmates of mine. Miss Beach, afterwards Mrs.
Samuel Shattuck, was my first teacher. She was an aunt, I think, of Emmett
L. Beach, an ex-Circuit Judge. As long as I can remember there were only
three German families here, so you see the pioneers of that nationality are
generally junior to myself.
"After learning the harness business very thoroughly,'' he continued, "I
opened a shop of my own in 1854. It was located on Water Street where
nearly all the business houses were then situated, and when they lined both
sides of the street from Jefferson I Cleveland ) Street to Mackinaw. I was
a maker and dealer in harnesses, which was largely that demanded by the
lumbering industry, and also in saddles, martingales and trunks, a business
1 conducted for fifty years. When the lumber business fell off, ray trade was
affected somewhat and I felt out of touch with the newer conditions, so I
gave it up several years ago.
"At different times during my active life 1 kept the books for certain
lumber jobbers and attended to their business here, and some of them, on
going to the woods for several months at a time, made a practice of leaving
their money with me for safe keeping, rather than entrust it to a bank. This
sounds rather queer in these days, when the solidity of our banks is unques-
tioned, but the conditions were very different then. The people had not
gotten over their distrust of moneyed institutions, and the disasters attend-
ing the period of wild speculation and of the 'wild cat' bank days, were still
fresh in their memory."
In the late sixties Mr. Richardson built the business block at 115-117
South Hamilton Street, and his faith in the ultimate prosperity of Saginaw
was shown in his investing at times in other parcels of real estate. In
politics he was a staunch Democrat, and served the city and count} as
alderman and supervisor. He was the last city treasurer of Saginaw City,
concluding his second term when the consolidation of the Saginaw's was
effected. < >n municipal and State affairs he was very well informed, and he
acquired a general knowledge of world's events by extensive reading and
study.
( )n ( ictober 9, 1872, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Kelley,
of Belleville. < Intario ; and was the father of William J. Richardson and .Miss
Alice Richardson. There is also one grandchild. He was a devout Roman
Catholic and at the time of his death, February 13. 1915, was the oldest
living member of St. Andrew's parish, of which he was one of its most liberal
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174 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
supporters. He was also the projector (if "St. Andrew's Cemetery, and was
its treasurer for many years. In his views he was very tolerant and was
highly regarded by all who knew him.
George Streeb Was One of the First Merchants
Very few of our pioneer merchants now living have attained to such a
venerable age and rounded out so many years of active business as George
Streeb, the "veteran grocer of North Webster Street. Though bis eyesight
and hearing have been somewhat impaired of late years, his heart is still
merry with the spirit of youth. The keynote of his life has been activity,
and even in bis advanced years he is always busy. He has been engaged in
the grocery business on the West Side for sixty-two years, and speaks enter-
tainingly of his life and work.
"I was born in Nurnberg, province of Bavaria, Germany, February 28,
1822, where my boyhood and youth was spent, but in 1850 I came to Amer-
ica. Soon after, I was married in New York to my -childhood sweetheart,
Margaret Beck, who had preceded me to this country about three years.
We came direct to Saginaw, where my wife found employment in the Web-
ster House, while I went to the woods and chopped wood at forty cents a
cord. After three years we had saved a little money and decided to estab-
lish a grocery business, which we located first on Water Street, as that was
the only business section of the town. The first permanent sidewalk in
Saginaw was laid in front of my store.
"After working up a good business we moved to our present location
where for forty-four years I have continued the trade. At first it was the
onlv store west of Washington (Michigan) Street, but since then the whole
neighborhood has been built up with residences. I can well remember when
the Emerson mill and office and boarding house were the only buildings on
the east side of the river, and when the Indians and dog trains carried the
mail to and from the northern settlements, long before the river became
choked with logs, and the hum of the lumber industry was heard at every
band.
"No, I can't see to read any more, but my daughters, Margaret, Johanna
and Catherine read the newspapers, both German and English, and I am still
interested in world's events, even though 1 am in my ninety-fourth year.
What John Moore Found Here in 1851
Among the enterprising men who came to this valley at the beginning oi
its prosperity is John Moore, the father of the Union School System. In the
sixty-fifth year of his residence here he is one of the few remaining links
connecting the past with the present, and occupies the somewhat unique
position ("if one whose counsel, for the last thirty-five years, has been
esteemed because of the high place lie attained in legal and municipal
matters during his active life. His reminiscences of early days are always
entertaining, and his clear, keen memory in the ninetieth year of his life
brings out interesting incidents of long ago, and clothes the leading figures
of our history with life and action, often picturesque and humorous.
"I first came to Saginaw in May, 1851," relates Mr. Moore, "to look over
the ground and to meet J. ( ',. Sutherland, afterward circuit judge, who had
been admitted to the liar in the same class with me three years before, and
with whom I was considering a partnership. There was then no railroad
to these parts, but there were stages running from Detroit to Pontiac, Pon-
tiac to Flint, and Flint to Saginaw. The Mackinaw Road which the State
had been constructing, with Mackinaw as its objective point, then stopped
at Pine Run.
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REMINISCENCES OF 1'IONEER CITIZENS 177
"'The trip to Saginaw was a tedious and tiresome one as 1 came by my
own conveyance, but I arrived safely and put up at the Webster House,
then the leading" hotel of the place. It was located on the northwest corner
of what are now Michigan Avenue and Cleveland Street, and was the gather-
ing place for the crowd. The following day was Sunday, but there was
little religion here then, and the office and liar room of the hotel was a lively
place. Drink was distributed freely and pleasantly.
"It was Sutherland who suggested that we visit the Halls of the Monte-
zumas. I didn't know to what he referred, but he said Curt Emerson lived
there, and we started. We took a canoe and paddled across the river to the
Emerson property, which was where the City Hall now stands. It was a
frame building, much like the other frame houses of the place and well kept.
Air. Emerson 1 found ti > be of medium height, slim and sharp featured. I
afterward came to know him very well, lie was an educated man and very
gentlemanly when sober. Unfortunately he could not resist temptation and
a little liquor seemed to upset him. It was unfortunate for him and for the
city that he was so intemperate.
"I was introduced to him on this occasion and as was his custom he
quickly offered us liquor. The sideboard was covered with bottles. I de-
clined, however, and asked to be excused, as I did not use liquor. He had
been drinking a little, although he was not intoxicated, and he made a demon-
stration as though about to force me to take it. when Mr. Sutherland inter-
fered and told him that he knew I did not drink. Mr. Emerson straightened
up.
" 'Do you think of coming here to practice law and not drink whiskey ,J'
he asked.
" 'I think so,' I said.
"'Huh!' he snorted. 'You come here and we'll have you drunk as a
fool in sixty days.'
"Nevertheless I transacted his business for him from the time I came
here, and when a friend chided him for employing me, when I took no part
in his convivial gatherings, he said:
" '( )ne d fool's enough in business. I can do that part.'
"I came to know him very well. When he was sober he was quiet,
refined, gentlemanly, big-hearted and courteous. He was a man of fine
ability, of energy and courage. But a little liquor affected him. When he-
had been drinking he liked to make speeches ami to quote Latin.
"Conditions here were different in tho.se days. This was the frontier
and the men were of the 'hail fellow well met' kind. I found in Saginaw
when I came men of great ability, young, eager, energetic, capable — men
who did things. It is always those of the greatest energy ami hardihood
who lead in the frontier work. And they were all a convivial set. Every-
body drank. There was a great deal more liquor consumed in those days
than now. I sometimes think it curious as 1 look back at some of the lead-
ing figures of those clavs, able, dignified, honored, and yet they drank freely
and enjoyed the conviviality of the times. They were not necessarily intox-
icated; but they became mellow.
"Alfred M. Hoyt was here developing the East Side when I came, and
for a year after my arrival he made his home at the Webster I louse. There
was little enough of the East Side then. It is hard for the eastsider today
to realize what it looked like then, when it was solid forest from the river
back to the bayou. The only road to Saginaw was the Mackinaw Road,
178 HISTORY < >F SAGINAW COUNTY
coming into what is now the South Side, but already they were working on
the plank road from Bridgeport, which came into Fast Saginaw by what is
new known as Genesee Avenue.
"Norman Little was the man at the head of the East Side development.
Back in 1836 he had been associated with three or four other men in a com-
pany that platted a part of Saginaw City, and altogether carried on an im-
portant work expending over two hundred thousand dollars by 1840, when
they failed. There was nothing more done until 1849, when Mr. Little in-
terested the Hoyts in building u]> a city on the Saginaw. Jesse Hoyt had
some difficulty with the promotors on the West Side and announced his
intention to develop an entirely new town on the east side of the river, then
only a forest and swamp. Alfred M. Hoyt came on and was engaged in
clearing oft' the land there when I came. I don't know what arrangements
Norman Little had with the Hoyts, hut he was the man of push and energy
in the work. The Hoyts were behind him and furnished the capital. With
the completion of the plank road, the East Side began to grow rapidly, and
it soon developed into a thriving city.
"Saginaw was only a small town in 1851. The census of 1850 showed
that there were between two and three thousand persons in Saginaw County,
which included what are now Bay, Tuscola, the east half of Gratiot, Midland,
Isabella and Gladwin Counties, and extended north on the bay shore. On
the west side of the river 1 suppose there were four hundred or five hundred
persi ms.
"Curt Emerson had one hundred and sixty acres of laud extending from
where the City Hall now stands to Emerson Street, and it was cleared back
to the bayou. Alfred M. Hoyt owned the property north of that. It is a
somewhat curious fact, illustrating conditions in those days, that the winter
mail used to be brought down from Lake Superior by dog train."
Joseph A. Whittier Paid Tribute to Jesse Hoyt
Coming to this State when it was still undeveloped, and helping mate-
rially in its making, and prospering thereby, Joseph A. Whittier, an honored
citizen, was one of the prominent figures in our early history. The rugged
honesty and Quaker-like simplicity, which marked his long life of usefulness
ami broad purpose, are among the pleasantest memories of those who knew
him best, and found expression in a letter he wrote several years before his
death. It tells of the early days of Saginaw and other interesting facts, and
should be preserved in enduring form.
"I came to Saginaw in October, 1856," wrote Mr. Whittier. The rail-
road terminus was at Holly, thence by plank road to Saginaw. The road
between Holly and Flint was not completed. The first sight of Saginaw was
after one emerged from the woods but a short distance east of Jefferson
Street. Across the bayou front Jefferson to Franklin was an embankment of
earth not much wider than was necessary for two teams to pass. There were
two taverns at the corner of Genesee and Washington Streets, and one
church — Methodist — which stood on German Street, just back of where the
Vincent Hotel now stands. The residence part of the town was on Wash-
ington and Water Streets. The stores were mostly on Water Street; a few
on Genesee and a few sh< >ps on the bayou, with long plank approaches to
them. lefferson Street, north, did not exist. South of Genesee it was an
unmade road winding through the trees, with two or three small cottages on
it. It terminated at the Hoyt Street school house, where a long elevated
plank walk across the bayou connected with Washington Street.
"The largest stores as I recollect them, were kept by Beach and Moores,
John F. Driggs, Curtiss and Bliss, Copelands, and W. II. Beach. The mills
REMINISCENCES OF PIONEER CITIZENS 179
were the Mayflower flour mill, Williams. Miller, Paine & Wright, the Chi-
cago mill, owned, I think, by Whitney, a mill opposite the center of the
town, afterward^ bought by James Hill; Charles Merrill & Company, and
the Westervelt mill at Carrollton. A mill just below the F. & P. M. was
bought by D. < i. Holland, who ran it for many years: and a mill built by
[esse Hoyt, was afterwards owned by C. II. Garrison. The Gallagher mill,
which was bought and run for man)- years by Sears and Holland; the old
yellow mill worn nut and condemned, was built, 1 think, by Curt Emerson.
Curtis & King had a mill at Salina. now South Saginaw. There may have
been one or two more mills, but they do not occur to me.
"The product of lumber was small; most of the logs were cut on the
lower waters of the Flint and Cass Rivers. The quality of the lumber was
verv good, but the manufacture was poor, mostly done with upright saws.
Miller, Paine & Wright had a round log gang, and the winter of 1856-57 C.
Merrill & Company put in a flat gang, which sawed boards from cants.
"But few logs had been cut on the Tittabawassee and its branches. If
I recollect clearly, Thomas Merrill cleared the Pine River in the winter of
1856-57 from the Horse Race, a short distance above Midland, to St. Louis,
so that loys could be driven, and that he cut some timber near St. Louis that
winter. Two or three years after he cleared the Chippewa River, ddie
Tittabawassee had logs driven out of it from where the Gerrish dam now
stands. The quality of the timber on Pine River was equal to that of the
Cass and Flint; that on the Chippewa not quite so g 1. The Tittabawassee
afforded a large quantity of sound desirable timber. One has but to look
Over the statements of the annual production to ascertain the immense
quantity of timber that was cut on Saginaw waters. As the business in-
creased, the manufacture improved, until Saginaw lumber was acknowledged
the best for quality of timber and nicety of manufacture.
"As the years passed and the business increased Saginaw grew and be-
came a place of note. No town ever had a better set of men to guide and
to help its destiny, and first of all I wish to speak of Jesse Hoyt, who pro-
jected the town, bought the land when it was a forest, and with just dis-
cernment saw the opportunity to build a city. His large means were lib-
erally used in building mills and vessels. He had one of the finest fleets on
the lakes. He built the plank road to Flint, the Bancroft House, the May-
flower Mill, a planing and saw mill, and many other enterprises to help the
city. His bequest to us of park and library will ever be a reminder how
much we owe to his strong, forcible character."
James F. Brown Was the First Bank Cashier
An almost unbroken residence of fifty-seven years in Saginaw was the
record of James F. Brown, who first arrived in August, 1853, and with the
exception of one year, when he went west for Mrs. Brown's health and was
glad to get back, he had resided here continuously. In 1856 he entered the
employ of W. L. P. Little & Company, Bankers, in the capacity of cashier,
a position he held for many years. When this private bank' of which fesse
Hoyt was a partner, was succeeded by the Merchants National Hank, Mr.
Brown was elected cashier and. upon the death of Mr. Little, in lf;f>7, he was
made president. A short time before his death Mr. Brown talked enter-
tainingly of the old days and pioneers.
"The first year when it was all w Is where my office is now, I tell you
we had to rough it and I became very lonesome for the more enlivening times
of New York, whence we had come. But in time that wore off. Then there
were only about three hundred persons in Last Saginaw. The Irving House,
at the corner of Water and Genesee Streets, was the first hotel. It was built
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REMINISCENCES OF PIONEER CITIZENS 181
by Jesse Hoyt and run by Menzo C. Stevens. In the spring of 1854 we were
a hamlet in the township of I'.nena Vista, and we got sixty-four votes towards
organizing a village. There wasn't a brick building here then. The town
extended only to Cass (Baum) Street; and there were a few buildings on
Water Street, and nothing on the hank of the river.
"In July, 1S54, a lire burned our -.tore and other buildings, and the first
brick block on the east side was put up on the site of the Irving Mouse.
It was called the Buena Vista Block, and --till stands, the property of the
Hoyt Estate. The Bancroft House was built in 1858-59 and opened to the
public September 7, 1859.
"It was anything but a fashionable life in those days. We had to get
our provisions from boats that came in from Cleveland and Detroit. Besides
the dense woods which surrounded the town, there were bayous and it was
very unhealthy. Every second man was continually shaking with the ague.
We used to cross the bayou at Baum and Genesee on a bridge that was made
by felling three big oak trees for stringers, then nailing plank to them with
wooden pegs, and piling up small branches for railings.
"But in the winter we had a jolly g 1 time, the few of us that were
here. The young fellows would hire the hotel dining room for the evening,
then go around and get their girls and until \2 o'clock there would be a good
time. Tom Willey was the tiddler and Joe Hatzel the harpist. Those who
came from the other side crossed the river by means of a scow, pulled by a
rope with an old German, named Fritz, as the man power. A pioneer of
those days can recall any number of interesting events of early Saginaw."
Emil A. L. Moores Was Here in Pioneer Days
One of our oldest residents, who was associated with the Hoyts at an
early day. was Emil A. L. Moores. He came here in 1X4'*, at the very be-
ginning of the settlement on the east side, did some hard work for a time,
and then secured employment in the store of W. L. I'. Little & Company.
For many years he lived in the Mott homestead at the southeast corner of
Water and Fitzhugh Streets; and was manager of the Mayflower Mills.
He was thoroughly conversant with the history of the Little Company,
which was backed by the Hoyts, and years after was wont to eulogize Jesse
Hoyt when speaking of the early days.
"The site of East Saginaw was picked out by Norman Little, who
was acquainted with James M. Hoyt and Son. of Xew York. The old
gentleman wanted to invest for his son, Alfred M. Hoyt. and purchased a
large tract of land here from parties in Detroit. Seth Willey took the contract
for clearing about two hundred acres of land along the river. Alfred didn't
like the country very well, and when his brother Jesse came here, he returned
to the East. Jesse then took control of affairs, and always kept it though he
newer lived here permanently. He was a fine man. East Saginaw began to
grow and then to boom after he built a saw mill, a flouring mill, a plank
road to Flint, and made other improvements in the place, lie delighted in
bringing in people to the new town in the wilderness; and he got W. L. 1'.
Little interested in running a general store, and used to come out here fre-
quently to visit us. He was a hands. .me man and a kind one.
"When I arrived here the settlement was very small, but the west side
of the river, or Saginaw City as it was then called, was well built up, was
high and dry, and had several hundred permanent residents. There was
practically no business district on the east side, and the country was largely
water and swamps. Five years later, or 1854, in the block where the Tower
Block now stands, between Plank Road (Genesee) and what is now Lapeer
Street, at Jefferson, there was only one house, owned by a man named
1S2 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Godard, and a lime-kiln operated by a Scotchman. The entire block and
property could have been purchased for five hundred dollars. There was no
Lapeer Street, and the land to the north was nearly all bayou. Where the
Anchor I louse now stands was the toll gate, which was the end of civilization.
"The only streets regularly laid out at that time were Water, Washing-
ton. Franklin, Tuscola and German, besides the Plank Road to Flint, with
which Saginaw was connected by a stage line. There were no railroads
then north of Holly, hut the steamer Huron, a freight and passenger boat,
made occasional trips between here and Detroit. There were only a few-
stores then, and some roughly built houses; hut there was plenty of timber,
and game and wilderness.
"( >ne day I was dealing with a customer." continued Mr. Moores, "and
not having enough change I told him '1 will have to owe you a sixpence."
A gentleman standing near by heard me and said. 'I'll loan you a sixpence.'
That was my first sight and introduction to Jesse Hoyt. Some time passed
and I had forgotten the incident, but he had not, for one day he said to me.
'Young man. you owe me a sixpence.' and I had to pay it.
"Jesse Hoyt was something of a musician, and was much interested in a
singing society we had in the early days. Among his many enterprises, he
had sailing vessels built here, and were named. Sunshine. Quickstep, H . C.
Potter, Sunlight and others I have forgotten. I lis main object was to keep
men employed. In the store we kept everything from a needle to a crowbar,
and shipped goods to remote points in the State.
"Yes, there were many Indians here then, and they comprised two tribes
which roamed this section; but we did not have any trouble with them.
They generally behaved themselves unless drunk with the white man's 'fire-
water'; and the troubles were due to the loafers, sailors, raftsmen and
w i m idsmen."
East Saginaw in 1854
A most interesting document relating to the earl)- days is a letter written
by Anson Rudd, when East Saginaw was only four years old. He was a
farmer in Pennsylvania, and came here in 1854, the letter being written soon
after his arrival. The property for which he paid six hundred dollars is at
the corner of Washington Avenue and Tuscola Street. The letter follows:
"East Saginaw, Vienna, Mich., 1X54.
"Worthy and Honorable Sir — After my best respects to you and family
I would inform you 1 have bought a house ami lot in the village of Sag-
inaw, on the second street from the water, near the center of the town. The
town is about lour year's growth and covers an area ol not far from three
miles: is the most nourishing and enterprising place I ever saw for the time.
I paid six hundred dollars for the house and lot: the house is not quite
finished. We started the next Wednesday after Edwin and Marthy did.
We came as far as Detroit by water; from thence we sent some of the
heavy boxes to this place and came from there by land with the family
wagon and horses, and drove the two cows on the way. We went a day's
drive tip Cass River to look lor laud; found a very tine country. Thought
we were getting too far from market. From thence we turned about and
came to Bridgeport, where we hired two rooms about a week. Hid not like
that part of the country as well as many other parts. The mosquitoes were
confounded bad. now mind. I tell you.
"While there we came clown here to the wharf to get our boxes, calcu-
lating to go to some place to buy a farm, but on arriving here I was so well
pleased with the place, and while here I inquired lor a house and lot for sale
REMINISCENCES OF PIONEER CITIZENS 183
and found this, which I have since bought; exactly suits my notion, as it is
one street north of the plank road running to Flint, a distance of not far
from thirty miles, and one street east of the street that run-, along the river.
I went to Bridgeport and informed Lure)- of the circumstances and situation
of the place; wanted her to come down and examine the place for herself,
hut she declined. Told me to suit myself; therefore Albert and I came down
and bargained for the place. We calculate when we will get our addition
finished, which is now in a state of progression, as I finished putting on the
roof yesterday, and the joiners are making the doors and window frames
(the addition is 20x28), to keep a boarding house.
"I think the village is as handsome a place as ever 1 saw for the age of it.
It is allowed to be the second best place of market in the State. There are
forty-one steam mills in the distance of seventeen miles, mostly run night
ami day. Such immense sights of pine lumber on the wharfs. The pine
logs are rafted down the tributaries that come in to Saginaw, a distance of
from seventy to one hundred miles. There is but one log house in the town.
As handsome looking land as ever I saw in any country.
"There are two steamboats coming in here daily, and vessels and raft- oi
almost every description running to and from up and down the river, also
hundred- of rafts of pine logs. There are two daily stages running from this
to Pontiac — a distance of sixty miles. Albert drives team from this to
Flint, a distance of thirty-two miles; he generally has a load both ways.
Loduski is at work at a tavern in this place for two dollars a week, and is
liked first-rate.
"Provisions of all kinds are very high. Flour is ten dollars per barrel;
corn one dollar per bushel; oats six shillings; pork one shilling a pound;
beef eight cents; hams about the same; butter eighteen pence; and pota-
toes six shillings per bushels. Crops of hay and grain to all appearances
are coming in first-rate; for that matter crops of every description look well.
Read this and send to Sarah: tell her I want her to write directly; also I
want you to answer this as soon as possible after you get this. Don't forget
it. Lurey sends her love and respects to you all. Tell me where Edwin and
Marthy are. I want you to understand this is a lively place.
"Ti i Ji ibish Sawdy."
"Anson Rudd."
It is important that the reminiscences of our pioneers, who have seen a
panorama of scenes and events covering three-fourths of a century and more,
should be preserved in enduring form for the enlightenment of future gen-
erations, as well as our own. Beginning with savages and wild beasts, a
frontier fort, fur traders, hunters and explorers, followed by permanent
settlers with their farms chopped out of the primeval forest; then the saw
mill with its yellow cubes of pine lumber on the docks, and the salt block
with cargoes of snow-white crystals, this panorama spread itself before them
in a kaleidoscope of human endeavor. From the day of the tallow dip, or
pine splinter lighted with flint and steel, to the day of the electric light pro-
duced at the touch of a finger — all this has been accomplished in the span of
one life. It is not possible that each individual may develop and be rounded
out in a fullness of life and accomplishment equal to the material change that
these old pioneers have witnessed. Only a few still living have seen this
magic transformation. May they live out their century in honor and peace,
for they and their fathers built well, and we of another generation and those
to follow have profited and will profit by their works.
LUMBERING ON THE SAGINAW IN THE FIFTIES
Familiar scenes that remind the pioneer of by-gone days
in the woods, at camp and of the activities along the river.
CHAPTER XI
AN ERA OF PROSPERITY
Advent of Enterprising Men — Some [terns of Interest — Early Conflagrations —
Extracts From the Diary of James S. Webber — Incorporation of the Village and City
— Incorporation of the Village of Salina — The Commercial Interests of East Saginaw
in 1858 — Incorporation of Saginaw City — William Binder — Myron Butman — William
H. Sweet — The Commercial Interests of Sagmaw City — The Fish Trade — Summarj
of Trade in 1853 — The Extensions of Trade to Hamilton Street.
IX the eighteen-fifties a new life was infused into the business <>f the valley
by the advent of enterprising, courageous men of public spirit, generous
and forceful, possessing capital for the development of its industries.
Among" them were Aninii \Y. Wright, (Jbel A. Brockway, Timothy ami
David H.Jerome, Thomas Merrill, John Moore. Frank Sears. Myron Butman,
Joseph T. Burnham, David, John. Amasa and Ezra Rust, and Newell Bar-
nard, who settled at Saginaw City: and Moses I'.. and George Hess, W. L. P.
Little, Michael Jeffers, Jefferson Bundy, James Hill, Byron B. Buckhout,
James S. Webber, lames L. T. Fox. Chester B. Jones, Alexander Ferguson
and others, at East Saginaw.
The political, social, moral and business structure which the early
pioneers of the valley had before reared, though of somewhat infantile pro-
portions, was the deep-laid foundation upon which the newcomers reared a
substantial superstructure, and the foundation thus laid stands an imperish-
able monument to the foresight, prudence and wisdom of the early pioneers.
It would seem that these daring and hardy spirits, in spite of every
difficulty that arose to dishearten and discourage them, were gifted with a
sort of divination in their determination to make the valley a prosperous
place of abode. They must have foreseen Saginaw a great, flourishing city,
teeming with life and busy animation, and her bright river agitated with
vessels and noisy steamboats. Some of these men, indeed, lived to realize
their most extravagant anticipations, and doubtless felt amply repaid for
their toil, trials and difficulties. Of the newcomers, however, who builded
on the foundation already laid, many were better adapted to the effeminate
and luxurious life of the city than to the hardships and stern realities of
border life. But to their credit, be it said, they went to work with resolute
and determined will of true pioneers, ami deserve greater credit for their
enterprise.
Early in the fifties all was bustle and activity in the valley of the Sagi-
naw, and the sound of the axe. the hammer and the saw rang merrily over
the waters of the river, or echoed in the green woods around. ( )ne or two
steamboats plied regularly between Saginaw and Detroit, barks and
schooners came up the river to the towns, and more docks were built to
accommodate them. The demand for lumber began to increase, and in
every direction saw mills appeared along the banks of the stream. As early
as October, 1853, there were twenty-three saw mills, some of small capacity
it is true, in operation on the river, and twenty-one others in course of
ci instruction.
186 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Nor was agriculture neglected. The dense forest which surrounded
the primitive settlements began to melt away, and lands previously chopped
off were cleared, fenced in. and dwellings erected thereon. Farming lands
in the immediate vicinity were quickly located and settled upon, and tilled
fields, fruit trees, and cattle soon gave evidence of rural industry. The
eastern states were awakening to a realizing sense of the growing importance
of the new country. Everything gave promise of great thing-..
Some Items of Interest
The ferry established by Elijah N. Davenport in 1851, at the foot of the
Plank Road, now Genesee Avenue, became a paying enterprise the following
year. The entire outfit consisted of a primitive-looking scow, propelled by
pole--, ami attended by a curiously-fashioned "dug-out" to escape by in case
the scow went under. Afterward a large rope was stretched across the river,
as a better means of propulsion, and the operation of the scow then became
more certain and safe, especially in times <>t heavy ice and flood. The course
of this ferry was a line upon which the piers of the Genesee Avenue bridge
now stand. Later a steam ferry was run at irregular intervals between the
two towns. It was not until 1864 that the first bridge, operated by a com-
pany of citi/ens as a toll bridge, was completed and opened for traffic at
( ienesee Street.
School was first taught in 1850 by Dr. C. T. Disbrow, in the upper story
ol Morgan L. Gage's residence, which stood on the north side of Plank
Road, between Water and Washington Streets. The following year Miss
( arrie Engersoll opened a school in the log house which stood on the site of
the Bancroft 1 louse. In 1852 Truman B. Fox established a select school in
a small building at the corner of Water and Hoyt Streets, and soon had
eighty-three scholars in attendance. The same year the "Old Academy"
was built on the site of the present Hoyt School.
Alfred M. Hoyt was the first postmaster at East Saginaw ; and Moses
I'.. Mess was the first mail carrier, having settled here in 1850. lie succeeded
Morgan F. Cage as postmaster in 1853.
The first church was organized in 1852, and the first edifice used for re-
ligious services was a shanty near Emerson ami Water Streets.
The Saginaw Valley House, a pioneer hotel of East Saginaw, situated
on Water Street, was completed and opened to the public in 1851.
'fhe organization of the first Methodist Episcopal Church was effected
in 1852, with Reverend A. C. Shaw as pastor; and soon after a church edifice
was erected <>n the southeast corner of Washington and German Streets.
The first telegraph (the Snow Line) was in working order between De-
troit and Saginaw on February 17. 1S5S. with Alexander Ferguson as local
operator. The office was in Mr. Ferguson's jewelry, 1 k and stationer)
store on (ienesee Avenue between Washington and Water Streets.
<)n March JO, 1853, ice broke up in the river and passed out into the
bay; and on the 28th the steamer /. Siwzi.' ran up the river, the first of the
seas! m.
A saw mill and half a million feet of lumber at Carrollton, owned by
Yolncv Chapin, was burned on fune 9, 1853, with a loss of thirteen thousand
dollars.
On September 4. 1853, a camp meeting of Chippewa Indians was held
at Swan Creek, about seven miles from Saginaw City, Rev. George B.
Bradley presiding.
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188 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
A quarterly meeting of the M. E. Church was held October 29, 1853,
in the "< >ld Academy," services commencing at "earlv candle-light."
The steamer Huron struck a rock in the lower river, on a late trip No-
vember 2(>, 1853, and was seriously damaged; but no lives were lost.
In December, 1853, the first newspaper in East Saginaw, "The Saginaw
Enterprise," was established by F. A. Williamson and A. J. Mason, and
edited with "tolerable ability."
St. Mary's Church (Roman Catholic) was organized here late in 1853
by Father Shultz.
Early Conflagrations
Scarcely had the village of East Saginaw assumed any importance before
it was visited by several disastrous fires, the first of which was on November
li', 1853. It was in the frame building of Burt and Iiayden, on North Water
Street, and entailed a heavy loss though it did not spread to adjoining
pr< iperty.
The first big tire, however, which still lingers in the memory of the
oldest residents, occurred on March Jo. 1X54. It raged for hours in the
block bounded by Washington, German, Williams (Janes) Streets and the
river, and destroyed the steam saw mill erected by Jesse Hoyt, and about
three million feet of lumber with considerable dock. This property was
situated on ground now occupied in part by the warehouse of Morley
Brothers, at the foot of Germania Avenue. A number of dwelling houses
were also burned, including the hotel on the southeast corner of German
and Water Streets, which was kept by the father of William Barie. He
vividly recalls the excitement at this fire and the heroic efforts of the
citizens to stay the flames, with no other means than the primitive bucket
brigade taking water from the river. This was a severe blow to the infant
village; yet its motto was "never despair," and soon business went on as
befi ire.
Rebuilding had scarcely commenced when another and far more de-
structive lire broke out in the very heart of the village, and swept every-
thing in the direction of the previous fire. Before it had burned itself out,
as the means of fighting lire were then entirely inadequate to check the
flames, two entire blocks of buildings, including the Irving House, the ex-
tensive wholesale warehouse and dock of W. L. P. Little & Company, and
several grocery stores and dwelling houses were burned. The principal
buildings destroyed stood on the south side of Blank Road (Genesee) at the
corner of Water Street, and for a time there was grave fear that the whole
village was doomed. The scenes at this tire were very graphically drawn
in the diary of James S. Webber, which has been preserved, an extract from
which folk iws :
"1854. July 5th :
"This morning I was awakened by a person rapping at my door at about
two o'clock, saying that the 'Irving House' was on fire. As my store was on
the opposite side of the street, I was not long in dressing and getting there.
I had a load of wood on my wheelbarrow standing at the door, and I turned
it over as the quickest way to unload it and took it with me. A large com-
pany was already there. I unlocked my door and emptied the contents of the
safe, as several persons had effects and books in it, into the wheelbarrow and
started for home. Enjoining Mrs. Webber not to leave the house, 1 went
back to the store, but, it being very still, it was not then thought the lire
AN ERA ( )F I'K( iS'PERITY 189
would cross the street north; it was going south rapidly. A small building
just west of my store was covered with carpets, blankets and so forth, and
kept wet. My store being in a double building and a part of it occupied by
.Morgan L. Gage's family, we were in danger if the lire got into this small
building, which was occupied by Seth Willey. Mr. I". B. Jones and my son
had their offices oxer my store. They had emptied their offices at first, but
by the lively use of pails and dishes in wetting these two buildings, the fire
was kept out and the wind veering a little to the south about the time the
frame of the 'Irving House' fell, the most of the danger was past. T re-
turned the goods to the store again; and after sunrise the fire had stopped.
Many boarders at the 'Irving House' were now at the mercy of the citizens,
as well as Mr. Stevens and family, for breakfast. I sent word to Mrs. Web-
ber to prepare extra and took a number with me for breakfast. Bv dinner
time all had some place to go to. I have been thus particular in my state-
ment, as this and the fire of March 26th were my first experience in fires, and
the first that East Saginaw had suffered by."
This fire was indeed a public calamity, and for a time everybody stood
aghast, but not in despair. Before the embers had ceased smoking, work-
men began clearing away the debris, and rebuilding was quickly begun.
Soon a fine brick building, called the Buena Vista Block, occupied the site
of the Irving House, and was the first brick block built in East Saginaw.
It still stands at the corner of Genesee Avenue and Water Street, the upper
floors within recent years having been refitted for use of the Bancroft House,
of which it forms a part. The warehouse of W. L. P. Little & Company
was at the foot of the street, on ground where the brick building, now occu-
pied by the Hubbell Company, stands.
Although the population of the village did not exceed three hundred, the
sales of Little & Company the first year amounted to ninety thousand dol-
lars, and the second year to a quarter of a million. This seems almost in-
credible, but when it is considered that Saginaw City, Lower Saginaw (Bay
City), and the whole farming country adjacent to our rivers, were supplied
with merchandise from this establishment, which was very complete in all
its details, such a volume of business was possible. With characteristic
energy and enterprise the burnt district was soon covered with substantial
business blocks and dwellings, for the most part built of brick, and all traces
of the fire were obliterated.
Extracts from the Diary of James S. Webber
1855. Ice left the Saginaw River Saturday and Sunday, April 7th and
8th. Steamboat Huron first arrival for the season from Detroit, April 21.
December 10: The ice on the river is very uncertain, the water being
up to the top of the dock and frozen over so people cross on foot. ( )ne day
a man crossed the ice with the mail by using two boards, occupying one-
while he shoved the other ahead of him; and he got over all safe. The
ferry that was used for crossing Saginaw River was a large scow, ludge
Davenport owning the right to ferry. The scow was propelled by means of
a rope, each end of it being made fast to a post on each side of the river, the
landing on the east side being at the foot of Plank Road (Genesee Street i.
Spring and Fall, when the ice was breaking up or forming, ferrying was very
uncertain business.
1856. October 11: I commenced building September 13 a two-story
house, being partly what is called a "balloon frame." but using posts and
beams. The frame was raised Tuesday, September 30. Daniel L. Reding
finished a cement cistern, holding over one hundred barrels, under my wood-
house floor.
190 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
October 13: My son has built a new house on the corner of Washing-
ton and Johnson Streets, which he bought from Dr. Lee, and moved into it
thi-. date. The lot is ninety by two hundred and forty feet. Foggy Fall.
October 16: This morning smoke and Eog so thick that objects could
not be seen thirty feet distant.
October 18: Cleared so that we could see across the river. The cause
of the smoke supposed to he the swamps and marshes that were on tire
through these regions. The sun was hid from sight most of the time for
several days.
October 23: This morning a wind from the north with a light rain
drove off the smoke: after a few more rains the fires were extinguished.
( Ictober 25: My house was enclosed. In July I learned that a man was
wishing to buy some lots on the west side of Jefferson Street directly oppo-
site my house, to occupy them for burning lime. As I did not want a lime
kiln there 1 bought four lots in Block 58 i all bayou lots) giving $350, paying
over $80 down. 1 did not know what use they would he, but thought I
would rather do this than have such a nuisance SO near me.
November 20: Thanksgiving. The last of this month the sand dock-
in fnmt of my store on Water Street was finished.
December 6: Snow in the w Is eight inches deep.
1857. February 27: Ice mostly out of the river at night and water
to the top of the sand dock. Ice said to he good below Zilwaukee and
people crossing it with teams.
March 1_': Water fallen about four feet and new ice formed. Charlie
Rod crossed it with a team ami seven barrels of flour in safety.
March 14: A channel cut for the ferry scow; it came across today.
March 24: Ice said to he -one as far as Bangor. At 6:30 P. M. the
steamboat Comet came up from Bay City where she had wintered.
April (>: A snowy da}- and town meeting.
April 11: The steamboat Sam Word arrived front Detroit yesterday,
and today the Forest Queen arrived from the same port.
April 26: Sunday morning, commenced snowing, stopping at X I'. M.
Suppose if it had not melted it would have been over a foot deep.
|ulv 1: Moved into my new house before breakfast. For dinner had
green peas. ( ool and rainy.
July 24: Curtis Emerson's new steam ferry scow came down the river
to the toot of Plank Road (Genesee Avenue) and back to his place on her
first trial trip. This is the first steam ferry on the river.
July 2d: Sunday about 4 1'. Al. Peach & Moores store mi the dock
l where \\ . I.. 1'. Little & Company's store St 1 before the big fire l took
lire and burned down. The lire engine was called out for the first time and
did good service.
October 8: Hard times in money matters, banks suspending daily and
no exchange on New York to be had.
< >ctober 15: These days money won't pay debts, for no one dare take it.
About all the banks in New York suspended specie payment. 1 owed a New
York debt and went several times into W. L. P. Little & Company's bank-
ing office to buy a draft, but I could not; they had rather not take any
money. 1 wrote to the parties to ask what I should do; their answer was.
"send your money by express and we will take what is good and send the
rest back." So I just laid my money by till times should be more quiet, not
being disposed to trust anyone with sorting my money.
AN ERA OF PROSPERITY
l'.H
October 28: 1 was able to buy exchange today and make remittance.
December 1 : Some banks still below par, yet 1 am able to close up with
the New York creditors. I bought a draft of YV. L. P. Little & Company,
paying two and a half per cent, on Canadian banks, and ten and a half on
western bank bills, and paid them all.
November 19: This morning several inches of snow fell: a high wind
for several days. Captain William Blyben, whose family is living in one of
my houses, was on his way from Chicago with his vessel, the Quick Step, and
had a severe time of it. but got his vessel into Bay City. The steamboal
Forest Queen of Detroit made her last trip here.
1858. March 15: Warm and thawing, and ice floating down stream.
April lo: Commenced my building for a hall on Lot 10. Block 58, Jef-
ferson Street, opposite my dwelling.
May 11: A great rain with wind from the north.
May 25: Heavy rain today. Some boys having made a dam across
the ditch so that water in the night wore a channel through, and this morn-
ing teams could not pass to the north into Genesee Street.
UNION
HALL
Built by rames S. Webber in L85S on the sit,, of the Schraelzer Apartments and
used by the first Baptisl Church. Some years after, when the society built the
present brick structure, the old hall was moved to the corner ot Johnson and
Second Streets, I lias since been used by Zion Baptist Church (col I)
and
Mr.
June 4: The water has been over the sand dock for several davs ;
this morning the wind is blowing fresh from the south. About 9 A.' M.
Lord's ball alley gave way and went to pieces. (It was located on Genesee
between Franklin and Cass Streets, south side.)
June X: Water is falling. Some of the mills started again as most of
them hail to stop in high water. It has been extremely warm for several
days, ainl the mosquitoes very thick.
July 2: Finished my 'Union Hall,' costing six hundred dollars unfin-
ished. It was occupied by the First Baptist Church, they holding meetings
on the third and fourth instant.
July / : A company left on the steamboat Magnet for Goderich, Canada.
to railroad celebration to be held on the eighth.
August 1/ : The Queen's message has been received by the Atlantic
cable, and at night bon-fires, military ami lire companies' aided in the
celebration.
102 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
August 23: Light frost in spots. A big celebration will lie held here
mi the 29th, mi account of the Atlantic cable.
December 9: People crossed the river mi the ice today.
December 24: The gas works at the brick hotel of Jesse Hoyt's (the
Bancroft) so far completed that this evening a few lights were lighted as a
trial, with satisfactory results.
1859. January 2: This evening attended worship at Buena Vista Hall.
It was lighted with gas fur the first time.
lanuarv 6: The ladies of the Baptist Church formed a sewing society
at my house.
lanuarv 11 : Teams crossing the river on ice. This evening I crossed it
fur the first time since living in Saginaw.
February 16: Ferry scow running today, after about ten days stopping
un account of river being frozen for the crossing of teams.
March 8: A small sail boat came up the river from below. The first
city election held. George Ball and myself were two on the board.
August 19: The first rail mi the Flint & I 'ere Marquette Railroad laid
at Saginaw River.
September 7: The new brick hotel "Bancroft House" has been opened,
and the stage stops here. Mr. Hobbs keeps the hotel.
October 10: The steamboat Forest Queen brought up a six-pound brass
cannon and carriage for the artillery company now forming in this place.
The bark Sunshine is repaired and went from here about a week ago.
October 22: Snow about three inches deep, and sleighs out this morn-
ing. Captain D. Lyon moved my ice house and cellar from the rear to the
front of my lot beside my store mi Water Street.
November 10: Norman Little was buried, having been found drowned
in the river, near Hoyt's mill, mi the evening of the eighth. This was a very
stormy day of rain and snow.
Reverend J. S. Goodman and family arrived at my house at about one
o'clock. Will it is expected occupy one of my houses until spring, hav-
ing been settled over the Baptist Church of this place.
1860, lanuarv 19: Made my first visit to where they were drilling
for salt. The well is 625 feet deep.
[anuary 21: At evening an old vacant house owned by C. Garrison,
mi the bank of the river above the mill, was nearly burned down.
March 5: City election. The entire Republican ticket elected with ex-
ception of mic constable. A tine day. I was elected director of the ] r.
March 7: An alarm of tire about six o'clock this morning at the gas
works ..f Jesse Hoyt's. adjoining the Bancroft House: some damage done
the works and building, will delay the operation of the gas works for a short
time. The steamboat Traffic went to Bay City. Ice out of the river.
March 10: About seven I'. M. Jesse Hoyt's steam flouring mill was
seen to be mi tire in the upper story: supposed to have caught by the chim-
ney burning out the previous morning, the fire lying concealed and burning
down. No other buildings were injured, but a large amount of grain was
burned and flour damaged.
June 26: The East Saginaw Salt Company commenced boiling salt. I
visited the works and got a sample of salt. Fifty kettles in a block.
July 4: A small propeller named Star came from Detroit and com-
menced running as a ferry-boat from here to Saginaw City.
AX ERA ( >F I'R( ISPERITV
193
1868. September 10: The large Brick Central Market, being built by
Anton Schmitz, on the southeast corner of Genesee and Cass (Baum) Streets,
was opened today with stalls for vegetables by Air. Turner and Mr. Charles
Pendell.
October 21: The Nicholson pavement is finished today; it was com-
menced at Franklin Street running west to the foot of Genesee Street across
two blocks, then north on Water and Washington Streets to Tuscola, being
one block north and south of Genesee Street. The cost of the pavement,
including curb-stones, was 830,000; sand taken from Cass Street and the
bavou.
December
Saginaw.
jas lighted in street lamp
for first time in East
Washington and Ger-
1869. January 1: First Congregational Church
man Streets, was destroyed by tire.
July 10: The trustees of the First Baptist Church sold the old church
(Union Hall) to the colored Baptist Church, for $600, and moved it to the
northwest corner of Johnson and Second Streets. This is the Zion Iiaptist
Church
September 15: John G. Owen rebuilding the i
and Penney City Mill cm Genesee Street into stores
October 10: Mr. A. Schmitz fell from hi
on Sunday: when picked up was dead.
1 Egleston, Champlin
uilding, the Central Market,
Incorporation of the Village and City
East Saginaw was incorporated as a village in 1855, and its first legisla-
tive body met May 11, with Norman Little as president of the council:
i harles I'.. Mott, recorder; S. C. Beach, treasurer; and A. L. Rankin, mar-
LAYING NICHOLSON PAVEMENT IN GENESEE STREET, 1868
194 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
shal. Under the incorporation act there were elected as trustees: \Y. L. P.
Little, David Lyon, Jacob C. Voorheis, Clark M. Curtis and Augustus 11.
Mershon; and as assessors, F. R. Copeland and W. F. Glasby.
In 1856 the council was composed of: Morgan L. Gage, president;
C. B. Mott, recorder; trustees. William L. Webber, Augustus II. Mershon,
Martin Smith, L. 11. Eastman, W. F. Glasby; and attorney. William L.
Webber; marshal, F. T. Hall; street commissioners, L. S. Keeler and A.
Dann.
In 1857 the councilmen were: Morgan L. Gage, president; W . II.
Beach, recorder: trustees. William L. Webber, W . F. Glasby, C. M. Curtis,
J. A. Large, S. Beach and William Gallagher. William J. Loveland was
elected attorney, and L. S. Keeler, marshal and street commissioner, while
W . T. Hoyt was the village clerk.
In 1858 the councilmen were: John F. Driggs, president; C. B. Mott,
recorder; trustees, S. C. Beach, W. F. Glasby, I. A. Large, (.. A. Lathrop,
S. R. Kirby and G W. Merrill. William L. Webber was the attorney, M. L.
Gage, marshal, G. F. Ball, street commissioner, and C. II. Gage, clerk.
This form of government was sufficient for the needs of the community
only four years, as in 1859 the village received a city charter, and was duly
incorporated under its provisions. The first city officers elected were':
W I.. I'. Little, mayor; 1). W. C. Gage, recorder; W. J. Bartow, controller;
James F. Brown, treasurer; F. A. Curtis, marshal; and the aldermen were,
C. B. Mott. John S. Estabrook, Alexander Ferguson. W. F. Glasby, G. W.
Wilcox; the city constable, A. L. Rankin; and the school inspectors, Asahel
Disbrow, C. If Jones. John J. Wheeler. G. J. Dorr. Volusin Rude and S. If
Knapp. < )n March 17, 1859, the first common council of the newly incor-
porated city met as a municipal legislative bodv.
Incorporation of the Village of Salina
As early as 1848 Aaron K. Penney located land on the east side of the
river, a little above the settlement of Saginaw City, which he commenced
working as a farm. In this occupation he was quite successful, as he was a
practical farmer, hut ten years later he sold his land to William Gallagher,
who at once removed there with his family. After the discovery of salt
deposits underlying the valley, Callagher conceived the idea of laying out a
town upon his farm, and in less than a year a pleasantly situated village was
under way. Mills and salt works were soon erected, docks built, and gen-
eral husiness enterprises inaugurated. In 1864 the Fast Saginaw Street
Railway completed its line to the new town, thus connecting, and almost
identifying, it with the flourishing city about three miles below.
Muring' the early years of its existence, this busy and progressive town
had been known as Salina, but in 1X66 it was incorporated as a village under
the name of South Saginaw. Theron T. Hubbard was its first president;
and the trustees were. Isaac Russell, Aaron Linton. William Nimmons,
Hiram Dunn, John Ingledew and Nicholas A. Randall. These men met first
as the village council, November 20. 1866. The village did not. however,
retain its separate existence long, for in March. 1873, it became a part of
the city of East Saginaw. This consolidation of interests increased the
population of the city about three thousand, added three or four church
organizations, one church edifice, and a tine graded school with five hundred
scholars and seven teachers. The school building was a substantial struc-
ture costing more than ten thousand dollars.
AN ERA ( )F PR( iS'PERITY 195
The Commercial Interests of East Saginaw in 1858
Eight years after the founding of this enterprising city, the first "1 listory
of the Saginaw Valley" appeared, published by Truman B. Fox. It is a
small pamphlet, five by eight inches in size, but it contains much valuable
information relative to the commercial, professional and industrial affairs of
the valley during the formative period. Several hundred copies of the his-
tory were undoubtedly printed, hut after a lapse of fifty years they have
become very rare, and only a few copies are now known t< > exist. From its
pages we glean some interesting facts relating to the commercial interests
of long ago, and of the men prominent in business life.
Copeland & Bartow were "'wholesale and retail dealers in staple and
fancy dry goods, carpeting, clothing, boots and shoes, groceries and provi-
sions, crockery and cutlery," and were located on Water Street, on the dock
hetween Tuscola and Genesee Streets.
|ohn P. Derby was a dealer in groceries and provisions, 1 ts and shoes,
and Rockingham ware on Water Street; Franklin Copeland dealt in dry
goods, groceries and provisions on the corner of Hoyt and Water Streets.
while William Weeks kept a stock of ready-made clothing and furnishing
goods on Genesee Street.
Other dealers in groceries and provisions on Water Street, "near the
ferry," were. Curtis & Bliss, \\". 1'. Patrick, J. S. Webber and J. A. Whittier;
Peter Hiller was located on Genesee Street, and J. Greener, who also dealt in
crockery, was on Water Street near Durfee & Atwater's mill. Sanborn &
Tucker were wholesale and retail dealers in the same commodities in the
Corliss Block, on Genesee Street; M. Minick added ready-made clothing to
hi-, grocery line, while Brown & Mumford dealt in "groceries and provisions,
country produce, flour, etc., on Washington Street near Genesee."
The hardware trade was represented by George Schram, whose shop was
on Water Street, between ( ienesee and German Streets; C. M. Curtis, who
was on Water Street near the ferry; and B. B. Buckhout, who announced
that he was a "wholesale and retail dealer in iron, steel, nails, stoves and
all kinds of hardware, farming utensils, cutlery, tin and sheet iron ware," and
was located in the "brick block" on Water Street.
In drugs ami medicines we find I less Brothers and Dr. J. K. Penney,
who, in addition to attending to physicians prescriptions "with care and
despatch," carried a line of fancy articles, perfumery, paints and oils. The
Hess Brothers were in their own block on (ienesee Street, while Dr. Penney
was located on Water Street hetween Tuscola and (ienesee.
Books, stationery and jewelry stocks were those of Alexander Fergu-
son, who added fancy articles, on Genesee Street hetween Water and Wash-
ington; Sol Lathrop, on (ienesee Street, and Fred X. Bridgman, who was
located "at the Postoffice, Mess Block, corner of (ienesee and Washington
Streets."
The professions were represented, in the law by William J. Loveland, an
"attorney and counsellor at law, and solicitor in chancery," whose office was
in the Hess Block, up stairs; James L. T. Fox, who announced "collections
attended to in any portion of the State or United States," with an office in
the letters Block, on Water Street; Webber & Wheeler, whose office was in
the brick block on (ienesee Street; and D. W. C. ( iage. with an office in
(.age's Block, up stairs, on (ienesee Street. In the practice of medicine were
Doctors ( i. A. Lathrop, J. K. Penney, A. Bryce, Curtis and C. T. Disbrow.
In the way of hotels the village was well provided, there being the Kirhv
I louse, kept by John Godley, at the corner of Washington and (ienesee
Streets; the Farmer's Exchange, W. Wisner, landlord, coiner of Washing-
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AN ERA OF PROSPERITY 197
ton ami ( ienesee, "c >pp< >site the Kirby I louse;" the Purest City House, corner
of Water and Genesee; the Franklin House, kept by John Leidlein, at the
corner of Franklin and Genesee Streets; and the Buena Vista House, with
John Jeffers as landlord, on Water Street near the steam ferry.
W. L. P. Little & Company were bankers and dealers in foreign ex-
change, the banking- office being in Hoyt's Block, up stairs, corner of Gen-
esee and Water Streets. The United States Land Office, of which Colonel
W. L. P. Little was the receiver, and Moses B. Hess the register, was
located in the same block.
The Saginaw Enterprise, the first newspaper established in East Sagi-
naw, with Perry Joslin as editor and proprietor, was located on Water Street
between Genesee and Tuscola.
The Tax agency and surveying office was conducted by < J. G. Hess and
D. A. Pettibone in the Hess Block, on Washington Street.
A millinery shop, "with all the latest styles in bonnets," was kept by
Mrs. Morrison at the corner of Genesee and Water Streets, North.
In manufacturing the village made a good showing, with Hoyt's Steam
Flouring Mill in the lead. According to its announcement, it "grinds
annually over fifty thousand bushels of wheat, fourteen thousand bushels of
corn, its products amounting, in flour to nearly seventy thousand dollars,
and corn meal to eleven thousand. This mill has four run of stone, and a
powerful and magnificent engine. Corner of Water and Carroll Streets, on
the dock." Wilcox's Steam Flouring Mill was on Water Street, "near the
steam ferry," and "a large portion of the business of this mill is custom work,
the total amount is probably fifteen to twenty thousand bushels of grain
ground annually." There was also the City Mill on (lenesee Street, "in the
bayou," on the site of the building long occupied by I). B. Freeman and
M. C. Murray.
The foundry and machine shop business was represented by Warner,
Eastman & Company, who were "repairers of steam engines, mill gearing,
poney gangs, and other work in that line." with a shop on Water Street;
George W. Merrill, who was a "manufacturer of steam engines, threshing
machines, plows, steamboat and mill gearing, all orders pertaining to this
business being promptly attended to. Water Street on the dock ;" Fred
Koehler. blacksmith and repairer of machinery for steamboats, vessels, etc.,
with a shop on Tuscola Street, between Washington and Water; Birdsall &
Brother, blacksmithing and horseshoeing clone to order, with shop on (len-
esee Street, over the bayou; and I. F. Godley, manufacturer of horse shoes.
and blacksmithing done to order, on Washington Street.
The woodworking industry had Hosea Pratt, whose steam sash, door
and blind factory was on Franklin Street, in the bayou; Ernest Feige, a
manufacturer and dealer in all kinds of cabinet ware, upholstering, etc.. on
Water Street; and J. A. Large, with a furniture wareroom and manufactory
of cabinet ware of all kinds, including "coffins made to order," on (lenesee
Street, lames Lewis was also a manufacturer of sash, doors and blinds at
his steam factory on Water Street, on the dock; and A. II. Mershan & Com-
pany operated a planing mill on Water Street, near the ship yard.
Chester B. Jones was a leading dealer in lumber, shingles and lath, with
an office in Gage's Block, up stairs, Genesee Street. John S. Estabrook was
also a dealer in and inspector of lumber and shingles, his office being on
"Water Street opposite the printing office." E. J. Mershon followed the
occupation of inspecting lumber and shingles, and his office was in Hoyt's
Block, up stairs.
198 HlSTokV OF SAGINAW COUNTY
In the stave and heading business, I). Shaw was a dealer and exporter
of hogshead and butt staves, having an office on Water Street between
Thompson and Harden; Henry Woodruff was a dealer in staves fur export,
mi ( ienesee Street; and Robert Pierson dealt in staves on Water Street.
The diversified industries of the village included the business of .W. L.
Gage, manufacturer of harnesses, saddles, trunks, etc., on Genesee Street;
II. Marks, manufacturer of hats, caps, furs, and furnishing goods; A. F.aton,
maker of boots and shoes, on (ienesee Street: and 11. Schwartz and Casper
Braden, makers of chairs and cabinet ware. ( ). L. Glover and Hall & Loomis
were the house, sign and ornamental painters, both having shops on Water
Street, n< irth.
An extended list of the lumber manufacturers and their production at
this period will he found in the chapter on The Lumber Industry.
Solomon Bond Bliss
Another of our old and esteemed citizens was S. Bond Hliss, who came
tn Kast Saginaw in the Spring of 1X54. lie was born at Brimfield, Mass-
achusetts, April 17, 1828, and was the oldest of a family of five, four suns and
nne daughter. Without enjoying the full educational advantages of the
time, he went t<> work at the age of twelve years, finding employment at
Springfield and Boston. After his seventeenth birthday he went to Ohio,
and located at Elyria where he was married in 1850 tn a daughter of Dr.
( ). L. Mason. They resided in Cleveland four years, when he came to this
valley tu transact some lumber business, and thereafter made this city his
hi ime.
For a time he engaged in the grocery business with Curtis Brothers, but
later purchased their interest and extended the business tn that of a general
mercantile character. lie was also for some years interested in the lumber
business; and he organized the Saginaw Valley Bank, in partnership with
bis brother, \Y. K. Bliss and B. M. Fay, under the firm name of Bliss, Fay &
Company. This firm built the brick block at the southeast corner of (ien-
esee and Washington Streets, which was long known as the Bliss Block,
now- the Mason Building.
In 1862 he was elected to the State Legislature, and was postmaster of
Fast Saginaw for a short term under President Johnson. For many years
he was a leader of the temperance movement here, being president of the
Reform Club, lie was a member of the Saginaw Valley Pioneer Society,
of St. Bernard Commandery No. Id, K. T., and was one of the charter mem-
bers of the Unitarian Society. Kindness and generosity were prominent
traits of his character, and he was wont to lend a helping hand to those in
need, particularly worth}- young men, those who were in his employ speak-
ing in high terms of praise of his aid and personal interest in their welfare.
Mr. Bliss was a genial gentleman with a smile and kind word for all
acquaintances, and was held in high esteem by all classes. His death mi
November 12, 18X4, was deeply felt by all citizens, particularly his older
friends with whom he had shared the struggles, trials ami final triumphs oi
pioneer life. Surviving him were Mrs. Bliss and one son, Walter B. Bliss,
who continued to reside at the family homestead, at 320 North Water Street.
The former died July 23, 1892, and the son, Walter, died in Chicago, April
26, 1905, leaving a widow- and a son and daughter.
Incorporation of Saginaw City
From the official records of long ago it appears that Saginaw City was
never incorporated as a village, and to the year 1857 it was a part of the
township of Saginaw. A city charter was granted which went into operation
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200 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
in the spring of 1857. the first meeting of the common council being held
April 11. Gardner 1). Williams was the first mayor; Cue Garrett, recorder;
E. H. Shiminond, treasurer; and the first aldermen were, John Moore,
George W. Bullock, Jay Smith and David Hughes; John E. Gibson was
marshal, and E. C. Newell, city attorney. Mayor Williams was elected the
following year for a second term, hut his death occurred on December 11.
1858, and Hiram L. Miller, then recorder of the city, acted as mayor until the
election of George W. Bullock t: < > the mayoralty, in the spring of 1859.
In the early days of the incorporated city the most desirable residence
section was on North Hamilton Street, and here were the homes of William
Binder, Myron Butman. William 11. Sweet, Newell Barnard, Doctor I. N.
Smith and others whose names will lie recalled by the older residents
acquainted with our early history.
William Binder
Bur many years the home of William Binder was on the east side of the
street, between Franklin (Hancock) and Ames Streets. It stood just north
i if the site of the three-story brick building, which was erected many years
after by Barnard & Binder at the corner of Franklin. Mr. Binder was a resi-
dent (if Saginaw fur more than forty years, and during the era of prosperity
was a prominent lumberman and salt manufacturer. For years he held the
office of secretary of the Saginaw Barrel Factory; and was actively indenti-
licd in the promotion of industrial enterprises fur the upbuilding of the city.
When he removed to a new and pretentious house, which he had built at the
northwest corner of Washington (Michigan) and Bristol Streets, his old
home was converted into a place of business, and occupied for a long time bv
A. Siebel.
During the panic of 1873 Mr. binder met with severe reverses of fortune
which was newer regained. He was a public spirited citizen, and was the last
controller of Saginaw City, relinquishing the office upon the consolidation of
the Saginaws, which occurred in the spring of 1890. Shortly after, he re-
turned with his family to the scenes of his boyhood at Hersau, Wurtemberg.
Germany, where he passed his declining years, and died February 7, 1915.
Myron Butman
Among the oldest, best known, and highly esteemed lumbermen of
Saginaw was Myron Butman, who was born at Milan, Erie County, Ohio,
October 5, 1825. His father was John S. Butman, one of the early pioneers
of Northern Ohio. He received his early education in the public schools oi
his native place, and afterward attended the Fluron Institute, in a neighbor-
ing town, where he completed his schooling. Quite early in life he embarked
in the retail lumber business in connection with a mercantile venture in
Milan, and continued in this trade for about ten years.
In 1854 he sought wider fields for his enterprise and went first to
Chicago and thence, a year later, to Saginaw when blanket Indians were as
yet no uncommon sight in the streets. Lumbering in this section was then
beginning to assume large proportions, and he engaged in the general lumber
business, which he conducted on a broad scale throughout his active career.
In 1860 he entered into partnership with Samuel II. Webster, and the firm
built a saw mill and salt works at Zilwaukee. They were pioneers in the
salt industry of the State, as this salt block was the third erected after the
manufacture of salt became an assured commercial venture in the valley.
From a small beginning, they witnessed the remarkable expansion of the
industry, in 1900 reaching a total production in Michigan of more than five
and a quarter million barrels; and the initial price of three dollars a barrel
reduced to fifty cents a barrel on the dock.
AN ERA OF PROSPERITY 201
This partnership continued fur three years, when Mr. Webster withdrew;
and Mr. Butman then formed a co-partnership with Amasa Rust, under the
firm name of Butman & Rust, which continued until the death of Mr. Rust
in 1893. Meanwhile he dealt extensively in timber lands, the beginning of
this business having been made with about four thousand acres of fine timber
in this valley, which he had located just previous to his coming here.
In 1871 the firm of Butman & Rust, in connection with Bust & Hay, pur-
chased the old Watson mill at Bay City, which they remodled and operated
under the name of Hay, Butman & Company until 1885, when Butman &
Rust bought out the other interests. During the last few years of its opera-
tion this mill was one of the best on the river, its capacity running to ninety
thousand feet per day. its timber supplies being drawn from the Tittaba-
wassee River and tributaries. The firm acquired an enviable reputation as
manufacturers of high-grade lumber, due in no small degree to the excellent
judgment of Mr. Butman in the selection of timber; and special care was
taken in manufacture, the element of character of the product being of greater
consideration than that of quantity. Running largely to the better grades, it
was eagerly sought by the trade, and commanded the highest prices in the
market.
Mr. Butman was married in 1848 to Miss Mary P. Adams, who was born
and reared in Milan, Ohio. Mrs. Butman was a woman of quiet, refined
tastes, and closely attached to home ties. She was a devout member of St.
John's Episcopal Church, and was deeply interested in the work of the parish
and of charitable organizations, in all of which Mr. Butman was thoroughly
in sympathy. They had one daughter, Mary P., who inherited many of her
father's sterling qualities and her mother's refinement and tenderness of
heart, to which was united a benevolent disposition. Possessed of fine feel-
ings, generous impulses, and sensitive to the misfortunes of others, it was
but natural that her acts of kindness and helpful interest, always unosten-
tatiously bestowed, should have been widespread. Unfortunately wedded
to a man whose character, temperament and trend of thought were entirely
antipodal to her noble qualities, her married life was marred by unhappiness
and sorrow. She died May 7, 1912, preceded to the beyond by her mother
who died April 24. 1907.
In his active business life Mr. Butman did not confine his interests to
lumbering, but associated himself with other industrial enterprises. He was
one of the organizers of the Bank of Saginaw, which he served as president
for many years; and he was interested in the Allington & Curtis Manufac-
turing Company and other concerns designed to supplant the lumber in-
dustry, which about 1890 had reached a period of decline. He was a man of
deep sympathies, was broad minded and generous, and lived a life of use-
fulness in the community, marked by the highest, integrity. He died Jan-
uary 10, 1901, in the city which for almost fifty years had known him as an
honored citizen.
William H. Sweet
William II. Sweet, for many years one of the leading attorneys of Sag-
inaw County, was born in New York City, October 13, 1819. At the age of
two years his parents moved on a farm, where his boyhood was spent. But
at eighteen years of age, his health being precarious, lie shipped on a whaling
voyage which continued for three years, during which time he visited nearlv
every port in the world. Returning to New York, he entered into a mer-
cantile life, but after three years closed out his business, purchased a stock
of general merchandise and in 1850 brought his goods to the western fron-
tier on the Saginaw.
WILLIAM H. SWEET
MYRON BUTMAN
NEWELL BARNARD
DANIEL L. C. EATON
AN ERA OF PROSPERITY 203
This business he conducted successful])- for some time, but later sold
out to engage in lumbering. While still a young man he studied law, in
due time was admitted to the bar, and became associated with J. (i. Suther-
land, one of the pioneers of his profession in this \ alley. Mr. Sweet was
mayor of Saginaw City for two terms, was prosecuting attorney of this
county from 1861 to 1863, and was a member of the Hoard of the Union
School District in 1891.
By his first wife, who died in 1872, Mr. Sweet was the father of six
children — three daughters, who upon marrying were Mrs. Martin. Mrs.
Penoyer and Mrs. Pendleton, and Fred B. Sweet, one time county clerk, and
William and Sumner Sweet. After a long illness Mr. Sweet died at his home
in Saginaw, February 16, 1X98.
For many years the family home was on the northwest corner of Throop
and Hamilton Streets, on or very near the site of the old council house used
by General Cass in negotiating the treaty of 1X19 with the Chippewa
Indians.
The Commercial Interests of Saginaw City
In 1X5X, according to Fox's "History of Saginaw," the city boasted of
"many beautiful buildings, several extensive warehouses, docks, etc. Noth-
ing can exceed the beauty of the locality, especially in Spring and Summer.
The streets are regularly laid out. are. in many parts, well shaded with
locust and maple trees, and residences of many citizens evince great taste
and refinement." At that time the city had a population of about twenty-
five hundred.
The business ami professional interests were represented by citizens of
sterling character, who left the stamp of their individuality upon the future
city. In the dry goods line were 1). II. Jerome & Company, who also dealt
in clothing, groceries and provisions, in the Jerome Block on Water Street;
George W. Bullock, with fancy dry goods, staple groceries and provisions,
at the corner of Ames and Hamilton; G. T. Zschoerner, in the Woodruff
Block, Water Street on the dock; and I'. C. Andre in the same general line,
on Water Street on the dock.
In groceries ami provisions were I. Dowling, A. Andre, on Water Street;
Mynm Butman, George Strecb and William Binder, in the Woodruff Block,
on Water Street; Jacob Vogt, on the dock; and M . Redman kept a restau-
rant at the corner of Hamilton and Jefferson Streets.
The hardware trade was supplied by 1). II. Jerome & Company, who
also carried a stock of "iron, steel, nails, stoves, and hollow ware," at the
corner of Water and Van Buren ; and X. Gibson, who dealt in mill saws,
chains, cutlery, etc., in Gibson's I 'dock on Water Street.
The merchant tailors were F. A. Leasia, "dealer in all kinds of garments,
hats, caps, etc.," in the Mitchell Block, on Water Street; M. Rathkie, manu-
facturer and dealer in ready-made clothing, etc.. on Water Street; and M.
Mulcahay, in clothing on Water Street. The milliners were Mrs. Rice, who
also carried fancy goods, on Water Street, and Miss Hamilton, mantua
maker, at the corner of Ames and Hamilton Streets.
A. Fisher was the leading cabinet and chair manufacturer, with a shop
on Water Street, then the principal business street.
The tannery was owned and operated by C. Wyder, "tanner and currier,
Stevens and Water Street, towards Green Point." J. W. Richardson was a
manufacturer and dealer in harnesses, saddles, martingals, trunks, etc.. on
Water Street; and the shoe shops were those of C. Kull. C. Shultz. C. T.
Brenner, G. Sanders, P. M. Hale. C. Fuche and G. Winkler, all on Water
Street.
204 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
In drugs and medicines were Jay Smith, M. D., at the corner of Van
Buren and Water; A. ( ). T. Eaton ec Brother, at the corner of Court and
Water; and U. F. Mitchell, in the Mitchell Block on Water Street. The
physicians were ]. B. White, whose office was at the corner of Lyon and
Water Streets; N. D. Lee. on Jefferson Street; D. F. Mitchell; M. C. T.
Plessner, on Water Street; Dion Birney, at Court and Water; and S.
Franke, at the corner of Franklin and Hamilton Streets.
The legal profession was well represented by Moore & Gaylord, "attor-
neys and counsellors of law, and solicitors in chancery." office in the court
house; E. C. Newell, the city attorney, at Water and Jefferson Streets;
C. D. Little, at the corner of Washington and Madison; Hiram S. Penoyer.
with an office in the court house: Sutherland oc Benedict, at Court and
Water; and William H. Sweet, on Water Street.
A livery was conducted by A. H. Paine, who "always keeps on hand all
sorts of good vehicles, with first-class horses;" and the ship yard of M.
Dougherty on Water Street, completes the list of tradesmen of that period.
The Fish Trade
For many years fisheries was a business of some importance in the
valley; and in 1858 the value of this trade was about forty thousand dollars.
Large quantities of fish were used in the town, and much was shipped to the
East. The weight of fish then caught in the lakes, bays and rivers was:
for Sturgeon, seventy to one hundred and twenty pounds; Trout, twenty to
sixty pounds: Muskellunge, fifteen to forty pounds; Pickerel, six to fifteen
pounds; Mullet, five to ten pounds; White Fish, two to five pounds; Perch,
about one pound; Black l!as>. one to three pounds; Bill Fish, one to three
pounds; and Cat Fish, ten to twenty pounds. In tho>L- days the flesh of the
sturgeon was called "Saginaw beef."
"There was a time every spring," relates E. S. Williams, "when the
Indians from Saginaw and the interior would congregate in large parties,
for the purpose of putting up dried sturgeon, which made a very delicate
dish when properly cooked, and was much used in those days by the first
families of Detroit. We used to purchase considerable of it for our use.
The Indians would select the best, flay the pieces, ham; them across poles in
rows, about four feet from the ground and two feet apart, then a gentle
smoke was kept under them until they were perfectly dry, then packed up
in bales of perhaps fifty pounds each. Where they accomplished this was
on the Point An ( ires.
"At a certain time every spring the sturgeon would come upon this
point, which was very shallow a long distance out, and in the warm sun
would work themselves to the shore until they would lie and roll like cord
wood, perfectly helpless, and here the Indians would go among them and
select the best. I have been on the point at these times and seen the sport.
A little Indian will wade in to about a font of water, find a big sturgeon
(some are very large), strike a small tomahawk in his nose, and straddle him.
The sturgeon will carry him through the water at quite a speed, the little
fellow steering by the handle of his tomahawk, not letting him go to deep
water, and when he tires of the sport he runs his fancy nag ashore."
"In the spring of the year," continued Mr. Williams, "in high water,
the ice being gone, the wall-eyed pike would rim up the Saginaw in great
numbers, running on the Shiawassee meadows which were overflowed for
miles, from three to six feet deep. One beautiful warm spring morning.
Major William Mosely and myself proposed to go up the Shiawassee about
four miles and have a little sport, spearing in the evening by torch light. I
took a large canoe, one man. a lunch basket, blankets, etc., expecting to stay
over night.
AN ERA ( >F PR( iSPERITY 205
"Arriving at the Indian camps the water for miles was like a mirror in
the hot sun. We went out a short distance and found the water alive with
fish. We speared a good many, with much spurt. The Indians proposed
if I would buy the fish the}- would go out and spear enough to fill our
canoes. I agreed to do so, and in an hour or two they came in alongside
my canoe. I would count the fish, taking each Indian's name and number
of his fish in my pass book. We loaded the fish in our canoe, and I engaged
two "thers, loaded them, and got home before dark, when Ave set men to
work cleaning and packing for market.
"Next morning the result of our day's sport was thirty barrels, then
worth and sold for five dollars per barrel. These fish were in schools, and
the water black with them. An Indian stood in the bow with a spear, while
one in the stern would hold the canoe still on <me of these schools, and the
spearsman would till the canoe, often bringing up three or four fish at a time.
averaging from three to six and eight pounds each. We used to take a g 1
many with seines in the Saginaw, opposite the city, but it was not a suc-
cess, there being so much sunken floodwood."
Summary of Trade of Saginaw in 1858
Fur Trade $ 30,000 Shingle Trade S 30.000
Fish Trade 40,000 Stave Trade 30.000
Lumber Trade 872,000 Ship Yard Trade 50.000
Lath Trade 20,000 General Trade 200,000
Total..... SI. 272,000
The Extension of Business to Hamilton Street
In the seventies a two-story brick building was erected at the corner of
North Hamilton and Ames Streets, and some time after the space between it
and the larger block on the corner of Franklin (Hancock), was tilled by a
two-story brick structure. The entire property was then owned by the late
Arthur Barnard, and became known as the Barnard Block, where he made
his heme for a number of years. Mr. Barnard also acquired the property at
the corner of Niagara and Hancock Streets, originally the Ritter Block,
which was the second brick block erected on the west side of the river.
This block was occupied for many years by the "Saginawian," the paper
established by the late George F. Lewis.
In those days the west side of Water Street, between Hancock and
Ames Streets, was devoted entirely to business, and it was here that George
Streeb, the veteran grocer, established the business which, about 1870, was
removed to the present location on North Webster Street. Years after, the
building at the corner of Niagara and Ames Streets was erected by Mr.
Barnard, who owned the entire square.
It was in 1871 that the must pretentious business building in Saginaw
City was erected at Hamilton and Hancock Streets, and was the appropriate
home of the newly established dry goods house of Dawson & Moore, which
occupied the double store next to the corner which was used by John C.
Ziegler with a hue stock of jewelry. The second and third floors were filled
with offices, including the law office of Gaylord & Hanchett, which was
composed of Augustus S. Gaylord and Benton Hanchett. Leading physi-
cians and other professional men had offices in this prominent building.
The depression following the panic of 1873 proved too great a handicap
for the successful development of the dry goods business, and after a time
Dawson & Moore retired. Ammi W. Wright was behind the business, and
he would nut allow it to go down to failure, and for some years after the
leading dry goods lmuse in Saginaw City was maintained at this location.
HAMILTON STREET. LOOKING SOUTH FROM JEFFERSON (CLEVELAND)
ABOUT 1875
VIEW ON SAGINAW RIVER. LOOKING NORTH FROM MACKINAW STREET
BRIDGE, ABOUT 1875
CHAPTER XII
SOME MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATIONS
The City Officials in 1868 — The Fire Department — First Volunteer Fire-
Fighters — Primitive Maud Engines — Rivalry of the Fire Companies — A Test of
Their -Mottle — Advent of Steam Engines — Reorganization of the Department-
Stewart S. Ellsworth Becomes Chief — George \\ . Wallis, Veteran Fire-Fighter —
Fire-Fighters of Saginaw City — Some Big Losses — The Great Fire of May, 1893
The Holly Water Works — The West Side Water System — A Consolidation of the
Water Systems — The Police Department — Controlling the "Red Sash Brigade"-
Enter a New Element, Patrick Kain — When Changes Were Rapid — Saginaw an
( irderly City.
IN searching out and examining" the dim records of the past, often musty
and discolored with age, it is interesting to trace, step by step, the de-
velopment of the municipal organizations which governed the two cities
of the Saginaws. From the time of their incorporation as cities, in 1857
and 1859, to their consolidation in 1850, both enjoyed a period of uninter-
rupted prosperity. The timber and salt resources of the valley were pro-
ducing wealth tn many sturdy and energetic men of capital and brains:
trade and commerce was creating competence to others; and the ablest men
in the ci immunity were directing the business of the people. None, however
engrossed in his private affairs, declined t< > serve the public, or refused to
give of his time and means to promote enterprises and improvements calcu-
lated to advance the material interests of the city.
The men at the head of the various departments constituting the city
governments were the biggest, brainiest and most progressive citizens of
their time, and they conducted the municipal affairs with probity and policies
of conservatism. In 1868 the city officials of East Saginaw were: James
L. Ketcham, mayor; Charles II. Camp, recorder; Albert R. Wedthoff,
treasurer; C. \ . DeLand, controller: Gilbert R. Chandler, marshal; Martin
Smith. F. W. Carlisle, B. li. Buckhout, aldermen of the first ward; Meter
Geisler, George W. Morley, William Zimmerman, aldermen of the second
ward; A. B. W 1, John G. Owen and L. II. Eastman, aldermen of the
third ward. Ilezekiah Miller, ( i. A. Flanders and !•'.. A. Stnrtevant were the
justices of the peace; Noah C. Richardson, Egbert Ten Eyck and Volusin
Millie were the sewer commissioners; Morgan L. Gage, Chester B. Jones
and Charles \ . Deland were the cemetery commissioners, and E. A. Moore
was street commissioner.
About this time the city offices were located in the Derby Block, on the
west side of Water Street between Genesee and Tuscola. Public improve-
ments were being made in the business section, which extended to feffer-
son Street, stumps and rubbish being cleared away, side streets opened up
and sidewalks laid. A good system of sewerage had been put in a few
years before, and the bayous that formerly were so obnoxious to the eye and
--o detrimental to health were both drained and tilled up. The most string-
ent measures were adopted to insure the good health of the city; and an
efficient police organization, under the metropolitan system, was formed for
the public safety.
208 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The same year (1868), the city officials of Saginaw City were: Alfred
F. R. Braley, mayor; J. II. Scheick, recorder; Emil Schuermann, treasurer;
Edwin Saunders, controller; and I. T. Burnham, C. T. Brenner, N. I). Lee.
G. K. Stark. S. B. Williams. M. T. C. Plessner, A. A. Brockway and J. S.
North were the aldermen of the four city wards, each of which was entitled
to two.
At that date the city had a gm »1 school system, and besides several ward
school houses had recently finished the new Union School, which, according
tn Fox, "is perhaps, in point of architectural beauty and convenience, the
finest edifice in the west." A gas company had recently been organized,
"which proposes to furnish the city with gas, soon;" the "Saginaw City
Street Railway extends from the foot of Mackinaw Street bridge to the foot
nf Genesee Street, East Saginaw." A fire department, with a steamer and
hook and ladder company, had been organized some time before.
The Fire Department
In the olden times the Saginaws. as villages, suffered all the losses by
fire which usually befell settlements in the western wilderness. With no
means at hand to fight lire, except the primitive "bucket brigade" taking
water from the river, or wells and cisterns, very little could lie done to check
a raging conflagration, which generally burned itself out. The log cabins
and first frame houses in the villages were widely scattered, and when a fire
started it seldom spread to neighboring buildings; but the populace turned
out and there was great excitement and confusion.
'fhe men and able-bodied boys quickly formed a line, and an endless
chain of pails, pans and anything that would hold water, was kept in hurried
motion between the nearest supply of water and the burning building.
Meanwhile, the women hung blankets and quilts on the exposed sides of the
nearest houses, and by the use of tin ware and dishes kept them wet. < >ther
persons, no less active, removed the contents of nearby buildings, or made
themselves useful in other ways. But there was no leader to direct the fire
fighters, and. their efforts were quite ineffectual.
As the villages grew up after extensive improvements had been made,
and houses and business blocks filled the vacant places, the danger of a con-
flagration was greatly increased, but no adequate protection was afforded to
save valuable property. The villages had not yet had their first experience
with a big fire.
The First Volunteer Fire-Fighters
'fhe disastrous fires of 1854, however, awakened the leading men of both
places to the necessity of some effective means of fighting lire. Discussions
were held at various times and information was sought from eastern cities,
but it was not until early in 1857 that any definite action was taken toward
organizing an efficient fire fighting force. At East Saginaw this took the
form of regularly organized volunteer fire companies, the first company tak-
ing the very appropriate name of Pioneer No. 1, with the motto "Always
Ready." It had a membership of forty-one, and was provided with neat and
attractive uniforms which, together with its engine, hose cart and other
equipment, were kept in an engine house located on the southeast corner of
Water and Williams (Janes) Streets.
The list of charter members and officers of Pioneer Fire Engine Com-
pany, No. 1, is transcribed from Fox's History of Saginaw Count}-. 1858:
George J. Dorr, Foreman George Schram
T. W. Hawley, 1st Ass't Foreman John Swift
James F. Brown. 2nd Ass't Foreman A. L. Rankin
Alexander Ferguson, Secretary 1. Hutton
F. N. Bridgman, Treasurer E. A. Moore
GENESEE STREET, LOOKING EAST
FROM WATER STREET
GENESEE STREET, LOOKING WEST
FROM WASHINGTON. ABOUT 1868
RUINS OF JACKSON HALL. BURNED
MAY 25, 1873
GENESEE STREET, LOOKING EAST
FROM WASHINGTON, ABOUT 1872
IE GREAT FLOOD OF 1873 ACROSS
GENESEE STREET BRIDGE
WATER STREET, LOOKING NORTH
FROM GERMAN, GREAT FLOOD 1873
Comp
am
No. 1 — continued
B.
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. II
. Beatty
F.
11.
Hall
1.
H.
1 fumes
G.
F.
Corliss
lesse
A. Burdick
M(
ises Garner
Martin Smith
210 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Charter members of Pioneer Fire Engint
Z. W. Wright
B. B. Buckhout
R. A. Eddy
1). G. Holland
0. J. Quinn
1 . II. Springer
W. C. Yawkey
J. L. Hayden
I. S. Estabrook
G. VV. Phillips
F I '. Simpsi m
C. Merrill
James Lewis
• 1. C. Warner
William Weeks O. J. Phillips
As a component part of this company of tire fighters there was an
organized hose brigade or "smoke eaters." named Pioneer Hose Company,
No. 1. composed of the following members:
J. E. Mershon, Foreman H. A. Pratt
Sanford Keeler, Ass't Foreman S. A. Pratt
James Ruan. Secretary C. II. Gage
William J. Driggs H. Woodruff
F. A. Van Antwerp C. II. Hayden John Weller
Although the population of the village at this time did not exceed six-
teen hundred, the spirit of co-operation was strong among all classes, and
soon a second company, named Jesse Hoyt Fire Engine Company, No. 2,
was duly organized. It had a membership of thirty, its motto was "Rough
and Ready," and. like the first company, was fully equipped with appro-
priate uniforms, hand fire engine, hose cart and fire-fighting tools, all of
which was kept in readiness for instant use in a separate tire engine house
on the west side of Water Street at the foot of Tuscola. The members of
this o mipany were :
T. A. McLeese, Foreman Thomas Coats
J. E. Burtt, 1st Ass't Foreman Thomas Safal
L. Newton, 2nd Ass't Foreman Henry Marks
Charles T. Harris. Treasurer Thomas Garry
Robert Haddon, Secretary Patrick Connor
D. D. Keeler. Steward George Perkins
Charles Allen Willi's Abel
Dennis McDonald Charles Blodgett
Thomas Derry John Haggerty
C. Tebo Henry Horton
J< ihn Earow 1 1< >sea I 'ratt
Albert Bates Lewis Causley
Thomas Redson George Rowell
Jasper Englehart Aaron Ketrich
Samuel Allen James Perry
Connected with this engine company was an efficient hose company,
named lesse Hoyt I lose Company, No. 2. with a membership of seven, as
fi 'll< iv\ s :
Samuel Hewitt, Foreman ]ohn Connor
E. Bissell, 1st Ass't Foreman Edward McGunn
Thomas Abbott William Bodeno W. McGraff
SOME MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATIONS 211
Ni it tn be outdone by these energetic townsmen, other men. prominent
in the business and social life of the place, formed a very necessary adjunct
to the volunteer fire-fighting forces. This was the Rescue Honk and Ladder
Company, N<>. 1, organized August 14, 1858, and was composed of twenty-
five members, who were:
William J. Bartow. Foreman Clark M. Curtis
W. L. Webber, 1st Ass't Foreman John Sharp
L. H. Eastman, 2nd Ass't Foreman B. F. Brown
Charles B. Mott, Secretary P, Mumford
Jay S. Curtis, Treasurer Frank R. Copeland
S. Bond Bliss William Gallagher
Thomas W'illey T. A. Whittier
William Fl. Beach fohn F. Driggs
J. H. McFarlin "William Final
Moses B. Hess Charles ( ). Garrison
J. C. Godley R. 11. Loomis
Seth C. Beach Charles W. Grant
N. Whitney
The Primitive Hand Engines
The hand lire engines which afforded the first real protection against
fire, were a unique feature of the volunteer forces and a source of great
pride to the members of the respective fire companies. They were of
mechanism wonderful to behold and when in action, manned by twenty
stalwart men clad in bright red and yellow uniforms, they were an endless
joy and delight to the small boys. 'Hie dimensions of the engines, as de-
termined by S. K. Kirbv, then chief engineer of the department, were as
fi illows :
No. 1 No. 2
Length of Brakes 1XC> feet 20 feet
Diameter of Cylinders 7' „■ inches N;i inches
Area of Plungers 44 inches 60 inches
Average Stroke of Piston u'j inches 6 inches
Capacity of Cylinders 2S7 sq. inches 360^4 square inches
Diameter of Suction Pipe 4 inches 4C inches
Diameter of Delivery Pipe. 21.- inches 21 .. inches
Diameter of Nozzle 7s — 15/16 in. 7s — 1 1/16 in.
When worked at their normal speed of sixty strokes per minute, the dis-
charge of engine No. 1 was sixty-two gallons, and of No. 2 seventy-eight
gallons, the ratio of capacity being one to one and a quarter. For sixteen
years these engines were in active commission, and for half of that period, in
conjunction with a third engine named Cataract Engine, No. 3, provided the
only mechanical mean-- of lighting lire.
Rivalry of the Fire Companies
Almost at the beginning of organized fire-fighting a spirit of rivalry and
daring seized the members of the two engine and hose companies; and there
were keen contests of speed and endurance between them, the first company
to reach a lire and throw a stream being declared the winners. The com-
panies drilled ami practiced with great zeal, and were often called out to
make a short run to an imaginary lire, when they quickly manned their
engine, laid their hose, and threw water on somebody's house or barn. Each
man thus became thoroughly familiar with his duties, so that when an alarm
was sounded all responded promptly and worked with precision.
GENESEE AVENUE BETWEEN BAUM AND
JEFFERSON, ABOUT 1860
SOME MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATIONS 213
After a while this practice grew irksome and they lunged for a real fire
to give zest and danger to the spurt. As none occurred they proceeded to
make their own — to order — huge bonfires in out of the way places. Some
of the side streets, not far from Genesee Plank Road, were then being cleared
of standing timber, and were littered with brush, bark and refuse, all dry
and highly inflamable. This material the enthusiastic firemen gathered and
piled in big heaps, and at appointed times applied the torch. One or other
of the fire companies would then assemble at their engine house, the alarm
would be given, the men fall in the traces and rush to the bonfire and
quickly extinguish it. the hose company doing their part.
A Test of Their Mettle
'fhe first real test of the skill and endurance of the volunteer firemen
occurred on |ulv 26, 1857, on the occasion of the burning of Beach & Moores'
store, which stood on the site of W. L. P. Little & Company's warehouse,
which was burned in the memorable fire of July 5. 1854. It was about four
o'clock on Sunday afternoon when the lire was discovered, and had gained
such headway that the building burned to the ground, though by hard work
the firemen saved the adjoining property. After this exciting event the
self-made bonfires palled on the doughty firemen, and they resorted to the
actual thing for their sport.
Some of our older residents still relate with reminiscent flavor, not
devoid of humor, of the frequent fires, generally of a trifling nature, which
occurred on the outskirts of the business section, after the Beach & Moores
fire. Both sides of Genesee Street between Cass ( Baum ) Street and Jeffer-
son, were then lined with one-story frame houses and shanties, of the most
flimsy construction and of little, if any, value; and were occupied by a shoe
shop, a paint shop, two or three saloon-,, a cheap clothing store, a small bake
shop, and a few shacks used for dwellings. In one or the other of these
rows of buildings there was a fire almost every Saturday night.
Late in the evening the various companies would meet in their respec-
tive engine houses and, clad in their bright uniforms, would stand in readi-
ness for the alarm, all eager and impatient for the contest. At the first tap
of the bell out they would come in a mad rush for the scene, and the com-
pany which had been informed in advance of the exact location of the blaze
generally arrived first, and had the first stream playing on the lire. Such
fires seldom entailed much loss, but after a time, when by their frequency it
became apparent that they were caused by premeditated intent, a strict
watch was kept and they then stopped. In justification of the practice the
firemen used to say that, for the appearance of that end of the street, and as
a preventative against a big fire, the little old buildings ought to be burned
(1( nvn.
he owners and village officials evidently thought differently.
The Advent of the Steam Fire Engine
In 1865 East Saginaw attained a population of about six thousand and
spread far beyond the original limits of the village. For six years it had
enjoyed the city form of government, and during this time some important
buildings had been erected, including the Bancroft House, the Bliss Block,
(rouse Block. Little Jake Seligman's blocks, the Methodist, Congregational
and Episcopal Churches, and St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, and many
pretentious dwellings. To safeguard this valuable property, ami insure
against a disastrous fire, it was deemed advisable to reorganize the fire de-
partment, purchase a steam fire engine, hose carts ami complete equipment,
and make it a really efficient lire-fighting machine, with minute men as its
standby. Then, too, the novelty of the volunteer organization, with its
214
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
competitive element, had worn off, the men no longer assembled and prac-
ticed in tire-fighting for the mere sport of it. and it was becoming more
difficult every year to keep the companies recruited to an efficient working
force. The glitter of the uniforms had disappeared, and only stern duty and
the need of protection remained.
Early that year the common council entered into contract for the pur-
chase of one No. _' Rotary Steam Fire Engine, of Silsby's Island Works,
Seneca Falls. New York, together with hose cart, hose and tools. The
contract for the engine, the Valley City No. 1, provided that it should dis-
charge five hundred gallons of water per minute, throwing one stream
through one and a quarter inch nozzle, two hundred feet: through one and
one-eighth inch nozzle, two hundred, and thirty feet; through one thousand
feet of hose and one-inch nozzle, one hundred and sixty-five feet: and two
streams through three-quartei inch nozzles, two hundred feet.
O /<?
•VALLEY CITY" BOYS. 1864
Thomas Stolze Nick Raup John Kinney Charles Smith M, Mergen
Eugene Drapei Jesse \ Burdick Eddie Burdick I en Potter Vick Hes1 m
The engine was delivered in November, 1865, and on the seventeenth
the trial tests were held. In every test the engine more than met the con-
tract stipulations, and accomplished the far more difficult feat of throwing
a stream, through fifteen hundred feet of hose, with one and one-eighth inch
nozzle, a distance of one hundred and forty-six feet eight inches, 'hi the
following Monday, in a trial for the purpose of initiating a new engineer,
the "Valley City" threw a stream from one and one-eighth inch nozzle, two
hundred and thirty-seven feet, taking water from the river.
The committee on lire engines of the council, composed of Messrs.
Jeffers, Lewis. Wickes, O'Brien, Keeler. Ward, Deitz, Buckhout, Hovey,
SOME MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATIONS 215
Joslin and Swartz thereupon voted unanimously to accept the engine and
hose cart and twenty-five hundred feet of rubber hose, the report to the
council being' signed by M. JefFers, Chairman, and George F. Lewis.
Secretary.
To properly house the new rire engine, hose cart, hose and other equip-
ment of the new company, together with three horses, a new brick tire station
was built at the southwest corner of German and Cass (Baum) Streets.
This was a small two-story structure, substantially built, with a lofty tower
in which was hung a large tire bell. The tire engine horses were then
always kept in harness, so as to be ready for action at a moment's notice,
and the engineer, Jesse A. Burdick, and his family lived in the upper portion
of the building, and he was required to In- always on hand, or furnish an
able substitute during his absence. The other members of the Valley City
Company were minute men, who were expected to respond quickly on call.
Soon after the inauguration of the new company, the engine house-, of
Pioneer Engine Company, No. 1, and Excelsior Engine Company, No. 2,
i formerly the Jesse Hoyt No. 2), were removed from their original locations
to the lot adjoining the new brick fire station, and the department thus con-
solidated. Cataract Engine Company, No. 3, with its hand engine was also
housed here. With all the passing years the old Valley City engine house.
with its several additions, is still in use as headquarters of the department:
and the old bell rings out the alarms as it did many years ago.
In those days, long before the inauguration of the water works system,
the fire engine took water from the river, and sometimes pumped through
two thousand feet of hosC to reach a blaze some distance back in the out-
skirts of the city. At big tires the old hand engines were brought out.
manned with volunteer firemen, and pumped dry all the wells and cisterns
in the vicinity. As the city expanded and the outlying sections needed
better protection, large cisterns and tanks were placed under ground at suit-
able places, and kept tilled with water by the steamer working at the bank- of
the river. Many disastrous fires were prevented by having an ample supply
of water at hand, and a steam tire engine to throw steady streams. In the
case of nearly all fires down town, the steamer would pump water from the
river, furnishing one strong effective stream, but in some instances threw
mih- stream on the tire and pumped water through another line of hose to
one or two of the hand engines winking near the fire.
Labor at the hand engines was then compulsory, rendered s, , by State-
law, and every able-bodied man was required to work at the brakes, when
called on by the chief. Byron B. Buckhout was chief of the department for
a number of years and, though short of stature, was a picturesque figure at
tires, clad in uniform with red helmet and belt, and carrying a huge speaking
trumpet, which he used very industriously. On One occasion when a big
tire threatened on Water Street, being short handed at one of the engines,
he ordered a strapping lumber-jack to take a place at the brakes. Being
refused by him in an insolent manner, the chief struck him a stunning blow
on the head, knocking him down. This act had a. salutary effect on the by-
standers, and there was no further trouble in manning the engine-.
In those days nearly all the buildings were of w 1 of flimsy construc-
tion, and great quantities of saw dust and slabs scattered about, so that
there were a good many tires for a small city. The firemen were often called
out three times in a day. and once five times, but on an average there were
about five fires in a week, and in summer four or five a month. There was
in i water works then, and the firemen often had to work with long lines of
hose, and take water from the bayou, which was very muddy. Yet through
all this hard and continual service, the "Valley City No. 1." as reported 1>\
216 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
the engineer in 1869, "never gave out or failed to do its work in a perfectly-
satisfactory manner, and that all the repairs to it during the four years had
not exceeded one hundred dollars; and it works just as well as on the day
we got it." The engine was a part of the fire-fighting equipment of the
city for about twenty-five years, although after the Holly Water Works was
put in commission, in December, 1873, furnishing a direct pressure at the
hydrants, it was kept in reserve. About 1890 the old steamer was sold to
William Williamson, of South Saginaw.
Reorganization of the Department
As the city expanded and building operations assumed large proportions,
the i >ld central station system, with its one or two full pay men. and pipe
and ladder men "on call." was deemed entirely inadequate for the protection
of valuable property. In 1X74. when George D. Walcott was chief of the
department, a thorough reorganization was effected ami five small hose
houses were built and equipped in widely separated sections of the city.
Each of these stations was provided with one hand hose cart, four hundred
feet of hose, play pipe, wrenches ami lantern. The station at South Saginaw
had. in addition, the hand lire engine No. 2, three hundred feet of hose, brass
play pipe, lanterns and wrenches, and one hook and ladder truck with five
ladders, pole and grappling books, pick and chopping axes and speaking
trumpet.
In perfecting the organization. S. S. Ellsworth, foreman of Valley City
Xo. 1, was appointed secretary of the department, and given a general super-
vision of all the auxiliary hose houses and equipment, binder his immediate
command at Xo. 1 were a groomsman, six firemen and two hydrant men.
I lose bou--e Xo. 2 was located on Franklin Street, between Astor and Potter,
and Henry Xacgely was foreman with seven firemen; hose house No. 3 was
located mi Sixth Street, between Lapeer and Tuscola, and Charles W.
Wrege was the foreman with six firemen; hose house Xo. 4 was located on
Emily Street, between Hoyt and Merrill, and William Ellis was the foreman
with nine men; hose house Xo. 5 was located on McCoskry Street, between
Washington and Water, and George C. Merrill was the foreman with six
men: and hose house Xo. t> was located on Center Street, near Mackinaw,
and C. C. Martindale was the foreman and had seven firemen under his com-
mand. Hook and Ladder Company No. 6, was also stationed at this house,
and comprised eighteen members, including Charles 1'. Hess, Kasper Zeigin.
II. Chriscaden, A. II. Starring, Peter Stine, Daniel Edwards and Henry
Blankerts, all old residents of the South Side. The foremen of these hose
companies, excepting Xo. 1, acted as janitors of their respective houses, re-
ported on the condition of the equipment every week, and drilled the men in
their duties. They were paid ten dollars per month, and the firemen six
dollars per month, for their services "on call" in lighting fires.
Stewart S. Ellsworth Becomes Chief
Upon the resignation of Mr. Walcott. on March 31, 1875, Stewart S.
Ellsworth was appointed chief engineer of the department, but he retained
the position of foreman of Valley City Xo. 1, at a salary of eight hundred
dollars a year. Under his able and wise management of affairs, covering
a period of more than ten years, the department was greatly strengthened,
the equipment improved, and the men attained a high efficiency. His
economical handling of department matters was manifested on various ucca-
sions. At one time, when better protection was urgently needed at South
Saginaw, he repaired the old hand engines, sold one to the village of St.
Charles, and one to Yassar, applied the proceeds, by consent of the council.
SOME MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATIONS
217
VALLEY CITY NO. 3 FIRE STATION
Department Headquarter, Corner Germania and Baum.
to the purchase of a new two-horse hose cart for Valley City No. 1, and
transferred a good one-horse hose cart from there to Hose House No. 6, on
Center Street.
In the early eighties the old call system was gradually superseded by
the full pay system, the number of men devoting all their time to the duties
of the department being increased t<> about nineteen. This force included
nine men stationed at Valley City No. 1, whose pay ranged from one thou-
sand dollars a year for the chief engineer and foreman, three hundred and
twenty to five hundred and sixty dollars for foremen who were also drivers
of carts, to two hundred and forty dollars for pipemen, and one hundred and
eighty for hosemen, the pipemen and hosemen, however, having other occu-
pations close to the tire stations. These men lived and slept in the upper
portions of the hose houses, which were made quite comfortable for them,
and were thus always on hand to respond to alarms.
To each hose house was allotted a foreman and two pipemen; ami one-
horse hose carts were substituted for the old hand carts previously used.
Hose companies Nos. 2 and 3 were consolidated, and the 'station removed
to Third and Potter Streets. In 1885 the < ramewell Fire Alarm System was
introduced, with twenty-five boxes well distributed in all sections. 'Ibis was
a great advantage to the department and the city, and was very largely due
to the efforts and repeated recommendations of the chief engineer. Mr.
Ellsworth died December 15, 1885, shortly after extreme exertions at a fire
in the Burnham and Still mill.
George W. Wallis — Veteran Fire- Fighter
The oldest man now in the department, in point of service if not in years,
is George W. Wallis, who has seen thirty-seven years of continuous service
to the City, twenty-eight of which he has filled the office of chief. On May
218 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
24, 1878, he was appointed call man at Valley City No. 1, at the munificent
salary of ten dollars per month. At that time there were only three full-
pay men in the department, two of whom were attached to Valley City
No. 1, and the third to Hose House No. 6, at South Saginaw. Afterward
the pay of hosemen was advanced to fifteen dollars per month for call ser-
vice; and the records show that in March. 1XS4, George VVallis and Thomas
Passmore were appointed pipemen at twenty dollars a month salary. In
1887 Mr. Wallis was appointed chief of the department, and three years later
was reappointed to the same position and responsibilities lor the consolidated
Saginaws.
1 luring this long and faithful service he has witnessed many changes
in the East Side, and has endeavored to keep the department apace with
the lire hazard of a growing and prosperous city. Soon after he took charge
the fire-fighting force was put on a full-time, full-pay basis, ami the number
of men increased from time to time, so that now there are thirty-three men
in the department on the East Side. The old wooden hose houses have
been replaced by substantial brick buildings, in places calculated to best
serve the sections in which they are located. All the one-horse hose carts
have been replaced with two-horse hose wagons, carrying from seven hun-
dred to one thousand feet of hose and tools used in fighting lire; and the
hand-drawn ladder trucks have long since been displaced by two-horse hook
and ladder equipment. Even these will soon disappear in favor of motor
propelled and motor driven lire engines, ladder trucks and water towers,
tlim- greatly increasing the efficiency of the force.
The City of Saginaw now owns live pieces oi motor equipment, engine
No. .1. introduced into the department in the fall of 1911, engine No. 13,
stationed on the West Side, delivered in 1914, chemical engine No. <>. at the
City Hall station, commissioned late in 1915, a motor-driven ladder truck
and the chief's motor car. Other equipment will soon he added to the
department; and eventually all the apparatus will he of the machine type.
Of the older members of the force were Thomas I. Passmore, who
entered the seiwiee February Id. 1880; George Scollen, in February, 1SSJ;
II. E. McNally, in April. 1882; Edward Taylor, in May. 1883; Fred Heck,
in April. 1884; Duncan J. Mclntyre. in January, 1886, and Frank Powd, in
May, 1886. The only one of these now in the service is II. E. McNally, the
captain of In ih' company No. 1.
The six hose houses on the East Side are located and manned as follows:
No. 1 — At Kirk and Fourth Streets, A. I. McNally, Captain, three men.
No. _' — At Fitzhugh ami Sixth Streets, William Feeheley, Captain.
three men.
No. 3 — At Germania and l'.aum Streets, William Brockless, Captain,
nine men. J. Kreuzberger, Captain Hook and Ladder Company.
No. (i — On South Washington Street, near City Mall. Angus Mel, cod,
Captain, six men.
No. 7 — On Perkins Street, near Genesee, II. F. McNally, Captain, three
men
No. X — On Center Street, near Fordney, Dave Schaefer, Captain, three
men.
flic lire alarm system connecting all these houses has also expanded in
the thirty years it has been in use, and there are now fifty-four boxes on
the F.ast Side. The service thus rendered, together with the aid of the two
local telephone systems, with more than six thousand connections, is of the
greatest advantage to the department and the city.
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220 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The Fire-Fighters of Saginaw City
Immediately after the incorporation of Saginaw City, in May. 1S57, the
earliest measures for fire prevention were introduced, and two Fire Wardens
were appointed by the council, one for each ward. An ordinance relative to
the prevention of fires was passed and approved by the mayor, Gardner D.
Williams, on May 13, in which the duties of the lire wardens were clearly
defined. The first fire wardens were Nathaniel Gibson and David H. Jerome,
and it was their duty, or either of them, in the months of May and Novem-
ber, "to enter into any house or building, lot. yard or premises in said city,
and examine the fire places, hearths, chimneys, stoves and pipes thereto, and
ovens, boilers and other apparatus likely to cause lires, also places where
ashes may lie deposited, and all places where any gun powder, hemp, flax,
rushes, shavings or other combustible materials may be lodged, and to give
such directions in regard to these several matters as they may think ex-
pedient, either to the removal, alteration, or better care thereof." The
penalty for neglect to comply with the directions thus given was fixed at
thirty dollars fine, and two dollars per day after thirty days from date of
m itice.
These measures were evidently regarded as sufficient protection to the
infant city, for the primitive "bucket brigade" was still the only means of
fighting fire. It was not until 1863, when the city had attained a popula-
tion of about three thousand, that the first measures were taken by the
council to organize a fire department and to equip it with engine, hose cart,
hook and ladder truck, hose and tools. < )n January 7, 1863, a resolution was
passed by the council for the purchase of such equipment, and the lease or
erection of a suitable building for a hose house. For this purpose it was
proposed t<> sell city bonds in the sum of two thousand dollars, which was
approved by a vote of the people, and the bonds issued.
In April the council authorized alderman William II. Taylor "to pur-
chase for fifteen hundred dollars the best fire engine offered for sale by the
City of Detroit, and for one hundred and lift_\- dollars the best hose cart,
honk and ladder truck and other appurtenances," he having inspected fire-
engines there and in Cincinnati and other cities the preceding January. On
May 4. aldermen Taylor and Paine were appointed a committee, "to purchase
five hundred feet of new hose in addition to what has already been purchased
fur use of the fire department." The following month Augustus S. Gaylord
was appointed the first chief engineer of the department, and Isaac Parsons,
Jr.. was appointed assistant chief. The engineer was then authorized "to
expend five dollars for putting an attachment to the Presbyterian Church
bell, to be used for fire alarms." < >n June 25, James M. Gale was appointed
fire warden to succeed P. C. Andre, resigned.
The lire department was thus organized under very auspicious circum-
stances, and the first company was styled the "Active Hook, Ladder and
Hose Company No. 1." Its engine and hose house was situated on North
Hamilton Street, in the middle of the block between Ames and Jefferson
(now Cleveland) Streets, on the site of the present brick livery and sales
stables. Adjoining it on the north was the blacksmith shop of Robert Wiley,
ami mi the corner stood the original frame portion of the Kerby House,
which is now a landmark of the West Side. Although the hand engine and
other apparatus was second-hand equipment, the needs of the city were filled
for a time, and the citizens no doubt felt some measure of security in their
fire-fighters. That the company was well drilled and took a certain pride in
their equipment is evident by their turning out and going to Bay City, on
the occasion of the Fourth of |ulv celebration, in 1863.
SOME MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATIONS
221
Two years after, not to be outdone by their more progressive neigh-
bors across the river, some of the leading men advocated the purchase of a
steam fire engine, as a further safeguard of valuable property. The need of
such additional means of lire protection was apparent, and soon a third-class
Silsby rotary fire engine was added to the equipment of the fire-fighters. It
was capable of throwing four hundred gallons of water a minute, and was
regarded as a valuable acquisition to the department. Trior to the inaugura-
tion of the water works system, in 1X72, this lire engine was used at nearly
all fires, sometimes running for eight or ten hours without stopping. For
forty-nine years it was continually in commission, and was only retired from
service by the purchase of the motor driven tire engine No. 13, in the sum-
mer of 1CH4. The old steamer is now kept in reserve at Hose House No. 6,
to be called out only under stress of extreme necessity-
*w
4
idfcsC-SHOLING.a
Repairing Shop.
H.L f HOSE
COMPANY.
ACTIVE HOSE, HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY NO. 1
Saginaw City in the Early Days
(Left to right) Robert Wiley, chief; John LaTnont, John Sharrow, Frank Vondette.
In 1869 Saginaw City attained a population of about seven thousand,
with the western boundaries extended some distance back from the river,
and it was deemed a public necessity to erect a new fire engine and hose
house. The site selected was on the northeast corner of Harrison and Van
Buren Streets, and a two-story brick structure with mansard roof and tower
was soon completed and turned over to the department. For many years
this was the headquarters of the "smoke-eaters," but in time it proved too
small for the increasing needs of the city, and was rebuilt and enlarged. It
is the most pretentious fire station in Saginaw, and houses Company No. 13.
comprising ten men, with the latest type of motor-driven fire engine, hook
and ladder truck i horse drawn i and complete equipment.
222
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
In addition to the new fire station, another precautionary measure was
taken in the construction of four cisterns, or reservoirs, to hold twenty thou-
sand gallons each. These cisterns were placed under ground below the
action of frost, and were on Harrison Street at the intersection of Monroe,
Franklin (Cleveland), Van Buren and Williams Streets. They were con-
structed entirely of brick and were twelve by twenty-four feet in size, and
eight feet deep. The cost of these improvements was more than thirteen
thousand dollars, and was derived from the sale of city bonds drawing ten
per cent, interest. T. S. North was then chief engineer of the department,
and Fred Clifton was engineer of Steamer No. 1. In 1874 and succeeding
years George L. Burrows was chief engineer, and G. A. Lyon was the assist-
ant chief. The department was then well organized and thoroughly effi-
cient, comprising five hose companies, one hook and ladder company, three
thousand feet of hose, and one steam tire engine.
As years passed and the city increased in population, the old hand-drawn
hose carts gave way to one and two-horse hose carts, the old time hook and
ladder truck to more modern apparatus, and the force placed cm full-time,
full-pay hasis. Later hose wagons supplanted the old reel hose carts. At
present there are four hose companies on the West Side, located as follows:
No. 10 — On North Michigan Avenue, near Genesee, George Fradd,
Captain, three men.
No. 13 — At Harrison and Van Buren Streets, John Duncan, Captain,
nine men.
[amilton Street, near Lee Street. Albert Hudson,
Michigan and Sherman Street, Fred Schunecht,
No. 15 — < >n South
Captain, three men.
No. 19 — At South
Captain, three men.
Robert Hudson is the efficient assistant chief of the Saginaw Fire De-
partment, ami makes his headquarters at the hose house of Company No. 13.
lie i^ one of the few veterans of the department, having entered the service
2P* M
HOSE HOUSE NO. 13. HARRISON AND VAN BUREN STREETS
Headquarters of Ass't <'hief Robert Hudson
SOME MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATIONS 223
April 1, 1887, and was appointed assistant chief on December 5, 1892. Dur-
ing his twenty-seven years of faithful duty, he has witnessed many changes
and betterments in the department, some of which were made through his
untiring efforts for improvement.
Some Big Losses by Fire
The first saw mill erected on the Saginaw River, operated by the Wil-
liams Brothers, was burned on July 4, 1854, the blaze being started by a fire-
cracker. On May 7, 1861, a disastrous fire started in the letters Block on
Water Street, and wiped out twenty-three buildings and other property.
entailing a loss of fifty-five thousand dollars. The steam grist mill oi
W. L. P. Little &Company was burned on May 10. 1860, the loss being
thirty-five thousand. A. W. \\ right's mill was wiped out on June 13, 1865,
with a loss of eighty thousand dollars; and the Chicago mill at Carrollton
was burned the same day, loss ten thousand.
On Saturday, February 27, 1870. a fire broke out in Eolah Mall, in the
Van Wey Block, adjoining the Taylor House, and spread rapidly. Mayor
A. F. R. Braley sent a messenger to East Saginaw for assistance, and in a
short time B. B. Buckhout and his lire-fighters appeared with the steamer
Valley City No. 1. After a severe battle the flames were brought under
control, but not without considerable hiss to the property.
The Crouse Block, which stood on the site of the Eddy Building, was
entirely destroyed by fire in October, 1.872. with heavy loss to merchant-
and other tenants. On May 2d, 1873, Jackson Hall on South Washington
Street, opposite the Bancroft House, was burned. William E. Pringle and
P. A. Burns, pipemen of the Valley City Company, were stationed in an
archway of the building when they had warning that the wall was falling.
Burns jumped further under the arch and escaped injury, but his comrade
jumped to the other side and was instantly crushed to death.
The Janes, Mead & Lee planing mill, lumber yard, and a number of
dwellings were destroyed June 2D. 1873, with a loss of seventy-five thou-
sand dollars; and on August 23 following, Paine's mill and salt block were
burned with a loss of seventy thousand. On June 30, 1874, George T.
Williams & Brother's saw mill burned, with a loss of forty thousand dollars;
and on August 16, 1875. occurred the fire at Grant & Savior's mill, which.
was totally destroyed with a loss of thirty-five thousand.
On December 4. 1878. A. I'. Brewer's saw mill. John (1. Owen's lumber
and salt sheds, Tuttle & Pease's saw mill and property belonging to B. B.
Buckhout were destroyed, entailing a loss of two hundred and fifty-four
thousand dollars. Sanborn & Bliss' mill at Carrollton was burned on August
20, 1879. the loss being one hundred and thirty-seven thousand. Wells
Stone & Company lost sixty thousand dollars' worth of property on January
2. 1880; and A. 1). (.'amp lost his saw mill and salt block by fire on Novem-
ber 24, the same year. On December 8, 1882, fire destroyed the large plant
of the Saginaw Barrel Company, at the foot of Wayne Street, with a loss
of two hundred thousand dollars.
The Hoyt planing mill was totally destroyed on May 1(>, 1882, the loss
being seventy thousand dollars: and on < >ctober 28, Hamilton ec McClure's
plant at Zilwaukee burned, loss ninety-three thousand. On April 4. 1884,
the Michigan Saw & File Company's works, at the corner of Washington and
Astor Streets, burned, involving a loss of ninety-five thousand dollars; and
the same night St. Paul's Episcopal Church, at the corner of Lapeer and
Warren Streets, was totally destroyed. In August, 1887, John G. Owen's
planing mill was burned, the loss being one hundred and twenty-one thou-
sand dollars: and on August 8, 1888, Lee's planing mill and a number of
'.'24
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
residences burned, with a loss of one hundred thousand. On November 6,
1890, C. S. Bliss & Company's saw mill, at the west end of the F. & P. M.
R R. bridge, was destroyed, the loss being twenty thousand dollars.
The Great Fire of May, 1893
At
ten minutes after four o'clock on the afternoon of May 20, 1893, an
alarm was turned in for a fire on the old "Middle Ground," in the abandoned
saw mill of Sample & Camp. The wind, blowing a -ale, carried burning
embers to the Bristol Street Bridge, one-half mile distant, setting lire to it
and the cooper shop adjoining. The lire spread rapidly to the square
hounded by McCoskry Street. Washington Avenue, Atwater and Tilden
Streets. While the department was trying to prevent it from crossing
OLD STYLE HOSE REEL AND FIRE COMPANY. ABOUT 1881
Ben Smith, driver. (Left to right) John Frederick, Frank Vondette, P, Bush, John Lamont,
Louis Sharrow,
Washington Avenue, fire broke out in the Standard Lumber Company's
property in the bayou; also at St. Vincent's Orphan's Home, at the corner
ot Emerson and Howard Streets, eight blocks away. The fire-fighters were
finally driven oil Washington Avenue, being compelled to abandon all lines
ot hose, and return to Hose House No. 3 for a new supply.
At this time the conflagration was terrific. The wind was blowing a
gale and carried huge embers long distances and started fresh fires in dozens
of places. It seemed that no human power could stay the progress of the
flames. The department made heroic stands at Holden and Tilden Streets,
at three points on Jefferson, at Sheridan and Holden, Cornelia and .Martha,
Owen and Emerson, Emerson and Sheridan, and at the comer of Warren
and Martha Streets.
SOME MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATIONS 225
After a fierce and determined battle, aided by firemen and equipment
from Bay City and Flint, the fire was surrounded, and the wind dying down,
the tire was placed under control at 6:30 P. M. It had burned over an area
of twenty-three squares, destroying two hundred and fifty-seven buildings,
and rendering hundreds of families homeless.
At six o'clock in the evening fire started from some unknown cause in
the planing mill of Edward Germain, cm Holland Avenue, about a mile
from the center of the fire zone, and the plant was totally destroyed, to-
gether with a large quantity of lumber. The department was unable to
respond to this fire until nine o'clock, owing to the demands of the big fire.
The total loss during the day was six hundred and seventy thousand dollars,
and the amount of insurance paid was four hundred and sixty-four thousand.
On October 3, 1895, the Saginaw Box Company sustained a loss of
thirty-one thousand dollars by the burning of their factory at the corner of
Wheeler and Green Streets. The Central School on Court Street was dam-
aged on April 15, 1896, to the extent of twenty-six thousand dollars. On
November 3, 1896, Crume & Sefton's butter dish factory was burned, loss
thirty-two thousand; and on December 30, Gebhart oc Fstabrook's planing
mill, loss twenty-one thousand. The Bliss & Van Anken saw mill was
destroyed on December IS. 1898, the h >ss being thirty-two thousand dollars.
In isoo the plants of K. ( ',. Palmerton Woodenware Company, and Green,
Ring & Company, were totally destroyed.
Thomas Jackson & Company's planing mill was burned March 2, 1903,
loss forty-two thousand; and on November 5, 1905, "Old Gray Pat," of Hose
Company No. 13, while on a run to a fire dropped dead in front of the new
Jackson factory. This faithful old horse was twenty years old. and had
been in the service for fifteen years. On December 15, 1907, at the fire at
the Saginaw Produce and Storage Company, ten firemen were injured or
overcome by the dense smoke. At a fire in the cooperage plant of Malcolm
& Brown, on Queen Street, four firemen were seriously injured, one suffer-
ing a fracture of the right shoulder, and laid up for thirty-three days.
The Holly Water Works
Under the provisions of a special act of the State Legislature, approved
February 28, 1873, it became the duty of the common council of East Sagi-
naw to appoint five persons, residents and freeholders of the city, as a Hoard
of Water Commissioners, to hold office for the term of one. two, three, four
and five years from the first Tuesday in March, 1873. At its regular meet-
ing held on March 3. the council thereupon appointed Wellington R. Burt,
James G. Terry. John G. Owen, Conrad Fey and H. H. Hoyt, to fill the
respective terms which were decided by lot. Their first meeting was held
March 10. 1873, when they proceeded to elect officers for the ensuing year,
John G. < >wen being chosen president, Wellington R. Burt, treasurer, Ferd
A. .Ashley, secretary. On April 23 the board contracted with George D.
Walcott to act as engineer and superintendent of construction.
'fhe first Board of Water Commissioners of Fast Saginaw thus organ-
ized was required "to examine and consider all matters relative to supplying
the city with a sufficient quantity of pure and wholesome water for the use
and convenience of all the inhabitants thereof, to be obtained from the
Tittabawassee River, or such other source of supply as may be deemed expe-
dient, and to so plan, manage and construct such water works as to provide
for an ample supply to protect the city against fire and for other public and
sanitary purposes, as the best interests of the city and its inhabitants may
seem to require."
226 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
For this purpose the board was empowered to borrow from time to time,
as they might deem expedient, a sum of money not exceeding three hundred
thousand dollars, and to issue bonds pledging the faith ami credit of the city
for the payment of the principal and interest, said bonds to bear interest not
exceeding the rate of eight per cent, per annum, and payable at a period not
exceeding thirty years from date of issue.
Upon assuming control the commissioners found in their possession a
tract of ten acres of land lying along the Saginaw River, near the mouth of
the Tittabawassee, which the common council had purchased for the site of
the pumping station, for one thousand dollars. < >n this land there had been
constructed a pile and plank dock, upon which had been piled a large
quantity of brick, for the construction of the water works building. There
was also a contract made by the council with the Holly Manufacturing
Company, of Lockport, New York, dated December 13, 1871, for all the ma-
chinery and pumps necessary to supply the city with two million gallons
of water every twenty-four hours, including boilers, connections, auxiliary
rotary pumps, shafting, gearing and couplings. In consideration for the
specified machinery, the city agreed to pay the sum of thirty-two thousand
dollars, in five monthly payments from May to September, 1872.
There bad been many difficulties and delays in prosecuting the con-
struction work on the piping and buildings, and on assuming control of
affairs, six months after the time specified for the completion of the work,
the machinery was still lying at the works in Lockport, upon which only
two payments had been made. The first duty of the board was to advertise
for proposals for furnishing and laying the necessary iron water pipes and
for building the water works structures according to plans and specifications
which had been adopted. W. R. Coats was soon after awarded the contract
tor the pipe work, and William Grant the contract for the buildings, brick
chimney, cisterns and all mason work. The carpenter work, including put-
ting on the iron roof, was done by P. V. Westfall. The total cost of the
completed water works ready for efficient service, was two hundred and
seventy-three thousand three hundred and fifty-four dollars.
The pumping machinery was completely installed and connections made
to the mains about the middle of November, 1873, and during the month of
December the works were put in effective condition for all ordinary purposes
of fire protection. Their efficiency was practically tested at the fire in the
Moores Building, on the morning of the twenty-fourth, a large amount of
property being saved by their use. The official tests were held January 10,
1N74, with the following results:
Vertical Horizontal
First — On 1'otter Street, six one-inch streams 80 feet 120 feet
Second — On Sixth Street, six one-inch streams 90 feet 170 feet
Third — On Hoyt Street, six one-inch streams 100 feet 192 feet
Fourth — At Baptist Church, one one-and-one-half-
inch stream 160 feet 200 feet
Fifth — At Bancroft House, three one-inch, two one-
and-i me-eighth-inch, < me one-and-seven-eight-inch
streams 125 feet
Sixth and Seventh — Bancroft House, same pipes as
above with four additional 120 feet
During the construction of the water works, including the filter beds,
Mr. Burt was one of the most active- members of the board, and in their first
annual report to the common council, dated January 1, 1874, the other mem-
bers expressed their appreciation of his services, in these words :
LOADING AT HOLLAND'S DOCK, 1879
THE SAGINAW RIVER. LOOKING NORTH FROM M. C. BRIDGE
SOME MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATIONS 229
"The condition of the money market the past season, and more espe-
cially since the financial panic in October, has made the negotiation of our
bonds a matter of extreme difficulty, as that class of securities felt must
this financial stringency. And the board feel that they have been especially
fortunate in being able to dispose of the large amount they have at so
favorable a rate. The magnitude of the work to be done made constant
demands for large sums of money to keep the work progressing steadily, and
the balance of the board feel under great obligations to their treasurer,
Commissioner Burt, for his untiring efforts to provide the necessary funds,
and also for a large amount of time given to a personal supervision of the
entire work."
For the purpose of extending the piping system, the legislature in
March, 1874, authorized the issue of fifty thousand dollars additional water
bonds, and at a special election held April 6 a large majority of the electors
voted in favor of such additional issue. The bonds were sold in sums of
five hundred dollars each, payable twelve years from date. During 1874
and subsequent years to and including 1881, eighteen thousand nine hun-
dred feet of three, four and five-inch mains were laid, making a total of
eighteen and a half miles then in use. At that time there was a great acces-
sion to the population, and in 1882 the city issued bonds in the sum of fifty
thousand dollars for the purpose of making needed additions to the pump-
ing machinery. A new Holly quadruplex compound condensing engine,
capacity six million gallons daily, was installed and put in operation April
14. 1883. Three years later a further bond issue of seventy thousand dollars
provided for extensions of the mains, which in 1890 were thirty-eight miles
in length.
In 1890 the Gaskill horizontal compound condensing engine, capacity
twelve million gallons daily, was added to the pumping machinery, ami has
been in almost constant use since February 13, of that year. Pipe extension
continued and in 1900 there were fifty-two and a half miles of mains in use.
In 1910 the pipeage system had reached a total of sixty-three and a half
miles, and 1915 it was more than seventy-four miles, mostly of six. eight and
ten-inch pipe, the feed mains being sixteen, twenty and twenty-four inches
in diameter. In 1913 a Meyer cross compound pump of six million gallons
capacity was installed to provide additional fire protection. Two W'ickes
vertical water tube boilers, of three hundred horse power each, have been in
use since 1911. Charles A. Scherping is chief engineer, and Charles \Y.
( (T.rien and Charles Pardridge are assistant engineers of the East Side
station. The bonded indebtedness on the Fast Side pumping system has
now been reduced to two hundred and thirty-eight thousand five hundred
dollars.
The West Side Water System
The project for water works at Saginaw City, to afford ample fire pro-
tection and to provide a sufficient quantity of pure water for the use of its
inhabitants, was launched and promoted in 1872. Early in May of that vear
the city issued bonds in the sum of sixty thousand dollars, bearing eight per
cent, interest, and payable in fifteen to seventeen years. The pipeage system
was planned and laid out by George L. Furrows, who for several years was
very active in promoting better fire protection, and was then chief of the
fire department. The pumping station was located on Water Street at the
foot of Franklin (Hancock), and the machinery consisted of one Holly
quadruplex compound condensing engine, of two million gallons daily capac-
ity, auxiliary pumps and boilers. There was some discussion at the time
230 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
iiver the location of the pumping station, a number of citizens advocating a
place up the river nearer the Tittabawassee, where the water was clear and
free from sewage, but fire protection was the main issue, and the station was
erected in the present location to afford a better direct pressure at the fire
hydrants. It was planned to eventually take water from the Tittabawassee
through a conduit put down from near its mouth to the pumping station,
but in all the intervening years this much needed improvement has not been
made, and is not likely to be made.
In August, 1873, a further bond issue of fifty thousand dollars was made
to provide for extensions of the mains, which were much needed, and were
chiefly of four and six-inch pipe, with feeders of eight and ten-inch pipe.
This work progressed as the city expanded so that by 1885 there were twelve
miles of high-pressure water mains, some of which were twelve and sixteen
inches in diameter. In that year bonds in the sum of twenty-five thousand
dollars were floated to provide for a new (iaskill horizontal compound con-
densing engine, capacity four million gallons daily, which has been in almost
constant service since. No further extensions were made until 1890, when
about one-half mile of six-inch mains was laid, and one Rogers Brothers
duplex horizontal compound condensing engine, capacity two million gal-
lons dad_\-, was installed.
From 18c0 to 1900 slightly more than thirteen miles of pipes were laid,
making the total about twenty-six miles. During the next ten-year period
the pipeage system was increased to forty-two miles, and in 1915 it reached
a total of fifty-one miles, and some of the smaller mains were replaced with
larger pipe. To provide for this needed improvement bonds were issued in
November, 1893, to the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars; in July,
1894, for ten thousand, and in September, 1906, for five thousand. The total
bonded indebtedness of the "West Side water works is now one hundred and
twenty-seven thousand four hundred dollars, all of which matures before
March 10, 1924.
In 1895 three Wood water tube boilers in separate arches, rated capacity
one hundred and twenty-five horse power each, were installed, and Aube
smoke consumers were added to the furnaces in 1911. In that year the
pumping machinery was augmented by two Fairbanks, Morse & Company's
compound duplex direct-acting pumps, of three million gallons daily capac-
ity each, replacing the old 1 lolly two million gallons capacity pump and the
Rogers pump. This pumping station is capable of furnishing direct pressure
for the ordinary needs of fire protection, excepting in the outlying sections
of the city.
A Consolidation of the Water Systems
Since 1890 the question of consolidating the water works has been before
the people, but in the Summer of 1915 the numerous problems connected
with the project remain unsolved. The first definite plan to provide for one
adequate and complete pumping station, together with a filtration plant to
supply clear water, was put forth in 1905, but the bond issue necessary to
carry out the project was voted down by the people. The question of loca-
tion of the pumping station anil the method of purifying the water were not
thoroughly settled in the minds of the people; and besides, a large number
of citizens were not satisfied that the source of supply (the Tittabawassee
River i was the best, bidding that Saginaw Bay furnished an inexhaustible
supply of pure, soft water for all domestic purposes. ( ithers. too. contended
that the Ogemaw Springs water was by far the best for all purposes of the
city and individuals.
SOME MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATIONS
231
The Police Department
In the early fifties all that was needed to keep the peace in Buena Vista
Township, in which the village of East Saginaw was situated, was the ser-
vices of one constable; and even after the city was chartered, in 1859, there
was no regular police, the ordinances and by-laws of the city being enforced
by a marshal and constables. At times, as occasion required, night watch-
men were employed, and not until May, 1868, was the first police force
organized and uniformed. The first chief was James A. Wisner and he had
seven patrolmen under his control. In 1869 the city charter was so amended
as to merge the two offices of marshal and chief of police and Mr. Wisner
was appointed marshal. The force then consisted of one marshal, one cap-
tain and eight patrolmen. In the following year Peter McEachron was
appointed marshal, and the force was increased to ten patrolmen, and it
remained at this strength for three years.
The act of 1873, amending the charter of the city, created a Board of
Police Commissioners to consist of three members, comprising the Mayor,
and two other persons to be appointed by the common council, who were
given entire control of the police department. The first commissioners
appointed were Frederick W. Carlisle, for a term of four years, and Charles
F. Shaw, for two years; and the other member of the board was the mayor,
William L. Webber. Bradley M. Thompson was attorney and clerk, and
Benjamin B. Ross was surgeon.
In the reorganization of the police force which followed, T. Dailey
Mower was appointed chief of police. Under his command were fames
Connon, captain, James Nevins, George Major and Thomas P. Oliver,
sergeants, sixteen patrolmen and one jailor.
The force was divided into two divisions,
one for day and one for night duty, the
hours of duty being from eight o'clock in
the morning until eight o'clock in the even-
ing, and from eight o'clock in the evening
until the same hour in the morning. The
day force consisted of the chief, one ser-
geant and six patrolmen, while the night
force was made up of captain, one sergeant
and ten patrolmen, so stationed that at
night nearly the entire city was patrolled.
The oldest member, in point of service,
then on the force was Captain Connon, who
was appointed May 21, 1868^ and the next
oldest was Patrolman Henry 11. Pries, who
joined the force August 1, 1870. Sergeant
Thomas P. Oliver was appointed June 16.
1871, and Patrolman James P. Walsh, who
served so many years as captain of the
First Precinct, and as Chief of the depart-
ment in 1914, was appointed July 22, 1872. Patrick Kain entered the ser-
vice October 18, 1873. and in 1915 completed his forty-second vear of
continuous and faithful duty.
The police headquarters in those days was located at the corner of Gen-
esee and Cass (Baum) Streets, the office being kept open at all hours, with
an officer always on duty to hear complaints and attend to them. In his
first annual report to the Board of Police Commissioners, Chief Mower
stated: "The present building erected at a cost of something over one
thousand dollars, is amply large for the present wants of the city; it is well
ventilated and very comfortable."
T. DAILEY MOWER
ZACH BASKINS
JAMES P. WALSH
PATRICK KAIN
ELMER E. BISHOP
TIMOTHY McCOY
OUR GUARDIANS OF PUBLIC SAFETY
SOME MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATIONS 233
Controlling the "Red Sash Brigade"
These were the prime days of the "red sash brigade." recruited from the
ranks of hardy lumber-jacks of the north woods, when a person could walk
but a few blocks on the main streets without seeing a fight of some sort.
And how these rough, ignorant woodsmen could tight. When the camps
broke up in the Spring they would come to town in droves, and trail along
from one saloon to another in Indian file, just as they tramped through the
woods. In this fashion they would often meet with other tiles or gangs of
reckless dare-devils, and then nine times out of ten a pitch battle would
ensue. They fought as regularly as they ate, and if it was not with another
gang they went at each other. Drunkenness, licentiousness and boisterous
revels were the order of the day, and of the night for that matter, and the
police were kept very bus}' in maintaining a semblance of order. That they
succeeded in this was due to prompt and fearless execution of their duty on
all occasions.
Enter a New Element — Patrick Kain
Potter Street and the vicinity of the Flint & Pere Marquette depot was
then a hot-bed of turmoil and fistic encounters, and night was rendered
indescribably fantastic, and sometimes tragic, by the numerous woodsmen
who infested this section. Sanford Keeler was then master mechanic of the
road and alderman of the first ward, and in 1873 he recommended for appoint-
ment to the police force a young Canadian, who was employed as blacksmith
in the shops. The recommendation was favorably acted upon, and in due
course Patrick Kain became a patrolman and was assigned to Potter Street,
working the beat in turns with John Wiggins. A new element and a new
policy in handling the "red sash brigade" was thus injected into the service.
It worked so well that the policy was soon adopted by the department offi-
cial'-, and has been pursued ever since in handling criminals.
Patrolman Kain sized up the situation on Potter Street, and came to the
conclusion that the first duty of an officer was to keep the peace. He
trailed the rough, half-drunken woodsmen, and when they started a tight he
jumped right into the thick of it and stopped them. Put this was no picnic,
as the jacks never hesitated to strike out, and. quite naturally, he got in the
way of a good many hard blows. The scheme seemed to work though, and
the number of arrests on the beat fell off one-half. Instead of having the
record for the greatest number of arrests made in the city, or anywhere else
for that matter. Potter Street became as orderly as any business street.
This condition of affairs soon came to the notice of the commissioners, and
they looked for the cause.
One day Commissioners Carlisle anil Shaw drove down to Potter Street,
found the new patrolman with the advanced ideas, and questioned him as
to how the number of arrests from his beat had fallen off. The officer
thought he was to be reprimanded, and spent some very uncomfortable
minutes explaining his mode of handling street tights, and "the lumber-jacks
in general. The commissioners said nothing until he had finished, and then
they told him. much to his relief, that he was right and to continue that line
of action. Shortly after this incident the police force was called together and
Bradley M. Thompson, then city attorney, gave the men a talk, instructing
them to always remember that a police officer is first in all qualifications a
peace officer, that he should be alert, intelligent, well read, and a master of
self. He should be a better student of mankind than the mere "husky,"
capable of overpowering the other fellow by brute force, and possess un-
doubted courage to act fearlessly on all occasions.
234 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
When Changes Were Rapid
Mr. Mower continued as chief of police for nine years, or until 1882,
when he resigned and James Adams was made head of the department. He
was chief for about six weeks and then relinquished the office to James
Connon, who had served as captain for several years. After filling the posi-
tion of chief for eight months, Mr. Connon resigned and Mr. Mower was
recalled and persuaded to remain as head of the police force. On January
6, 1883. Patrick Kain was made sergeant, his commission being signed by
L. Simoneau, president of the board, and Ferd A. Ashley, clerk; and on
November 6, 1883, he was promoted to first sergeant. Upon the retirement
of Mr. Mower, on January 11, 1890, Sergeant Kain was made chief of police
of East Saginaw, and on April 22 of the same year, was appointed chief for
the consolidated Saginaws.
After faithful and continuous service of twenty-four years, during which
the force under his command made many important captures, not only for
themselves but for the departments of other cities, Mr. Kain was retired on
lanuarv 1, 1914. Captain James P. Walsh was then appointed chief by the
new council, composed of "Mayor Ard E. Richardson and four councilmen,
and he remained at the head of the department until his death on March 11.
1915. During this period Elmer E. Bishop held the position of captain at
tlie First Precinct station, detailed on day duty; and Lieutenant Timothy
McCoy had charge of this station at the night detail. On March 30, 1915,
Captain Zach Baskins, of the Second Precinct station, was appointed chief
of police, and Lieutenant McCoy was made captain, in charge of that station.
These appointments were in force, however, for only two weeks, for upon
the organization of the new council, April 13, with Mayor llilem F. Pad-
dock i:i the chair. Patrick Kain was reinstated to the position of chief, Chief
Baskins being reduced to the rank of captain, in charge of the Second Pre-
cinct. Captain Bishop was also reduced to first sergeant; and Captain Mc-
Coy was transferred to the First Precinct on day duty.
Saginaw an Orderly City
Despite its early reputation as a rough border town, wide open and
given over to the lumber-jacks and river men, which has clung to it for
years, statistics and facts show that Saginaw now compares very favorably
with other cities of its class for orderliness. It has had a full quota of
crimes, some brutal and revolting, as must be expected, but the records show
an improvement from year to year. "Compared with other departments,"
Chief Kain said. "I think the men of the Saginaw force size up well for
intelligence and efficiency, and they are faithful and conscientious, even if
not vet perfect. I have always refrained from talking about arrests of the
early days, because I can recall a number of instances where men who have
served terms of imprisonment have started anew, and are now leading use-
ful and reputable lives, and I do not propose to put any stone in their paths.
"Thieves and criminals of the present day have, so to speak, kept pace
with the general advancement. Their schemes are more ingenious in the
larger crimes; they frequently show a remarkable degree of misdirected
skill and cleverness, to say nothing of intelligence, and the needs of police
departments of the present day correspond. The police must meet the
changed conditions; each officer must be keenly alert, exercise careful judg-
ment, and be a close student of human nature."
During his long and active career Chief Kain has met nearly every
police officer of prominence in the United States and Canada; and has come
into contact with crooks of high and low degree and made many important
SOME MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATK )NS
235
captures. A few years ago lie was instrumental in bringing about the arrest
of two dangerous New York crooks, who had perpetrated a great diamond
robbery, and was warmly thanked by Chief Inspector Byrnes, of the New
York department. Having a natural aptitude for the business of running
down criminals, an unusually accurate memory and a reader of the workings
of the human mind, his record as a sharp tracer of thugs and confidence
men is well known to all police departments. His name is such a terror to
a long list of crooks that they give Saginaw a wide berth.
But the demands upon this efficient and capable chief of police are
varied, by no means being confined to the ordinary routine duties of his
office. The demands of the help-seeking public require that he shall be
something of an attorney; something of a lecturer; a mind reader and
several other things, as well as a friend to all in trouble. They all come to
him with their troubles, and many matters are straightened out by the police
that are far from the regular line of duty, but which is helpful 'to the indi-
vidual and the community.
In recent years the old horse-drawn patrol wagons, which served the de-
partment in making quick hauls, have given place to new motor propelled
wagons having a wider range of service and far greater speed, which have
added to the efficiency of the force. The department now has two motor
patrol wagons of approved type, one stationed at each police station, and
one motor car used by the chief. The First Precinct station, which has
been in use for about forty years, is on Germania Avenue, adjoining Valley
City Company, No. 3; and the Second Precinct Station, a more modern
structure on the West Side, is located mi the mirth side of Adams Street,
between Michigan Avenue and Hamilton Street. The force on the East
Side now (1915) numbers fort}' men. and on the West Side twenty-four
men, a total of sixty-five, including the chief, in the department.
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CHAPTER XIII
THE CONSOLIDATED SAGINAWS
Intense Rivalry Between the Two Cities — East Saginaw Starts Public Improve-
ments— Veto of the Electric Lighting Project — Consolidation the Only Remedy —
Provision for a New City Hall — Court Street Bridge — Other City Bridges — City
Sewer Systems — Street Improvements — Cement Sidewalks — City Deep Wells —
The Idea of Civic Beauty — Beginning of Our Park System — Bliss Park, the Ideal
Playground — Board of Park and Cemetery Commissioners — Ezra Rust Park Im-
provements— Fordney Park — Jeffers Park — Federal Park — Small Parks — Mershon-
Whittier Natatorium — Brady Hill Cemetery — Oakwood Cemetery — Forest Lawn —
The Auditorium — City Government by Commission — The Present Council — City
Officers in 1915.
FR( >M the day that Jesse Hoyt crossed the river, and in a woody marsh
located the site for a new city, which he intended should soon rise, a
spirit of opposition to the enterprise possessed the leading men of
Saginaw City. He had come to this place with an idea of investing
heavily in desirahle property, of making many public improvements to
attract immigration to the valley, and. of course, to profit thereby. Backed
by the ample capital of the Hoyts, he was in a position to erect substantial
buildings, promote great industries, expand the natural resources of the
valley on a huge scale, and build up an enterprising and prosperous city.
He was exactly the type of man the land-poor, slow-going inhabitants of
the village, to the number of five hundred and thirty-six, needed to put them
on their feet. Yet, when he with ready money endeavored to buy property
on an equitable basis — at a price attractive to capital — so unreasonable
were these narrow-minded men in their demands that the great opportunity
slipped through their fingers. So exorbitant and headstrong were they that
Mr. Hoyt, unable to make any progress in his negotiations, gave up in dis-
gust : and it seems was actually driven from the place.
This unfortunate occurrence was a monumental blunder — one of a long
series of blunders which illustrate the folly of some "west siders;" and the
effects have been far reaching. It blasted all hopes of making a city which
should be the metropolis of Saginaw Valley, and left the village in the hands
of irrational nun. It resulted in the founding and building up of another
city on a low. undesirable site, and in dwarfing the efforts of a few
enterprising men of the older village to promote the best interests of the
ci immunity.
From every sense of the fitness of things ami the economics of creating
commercial centers and pleasant and healthy places of abode. East Saginaw
never should have been begun. There never was a practical or logical excuse
for its existence. The level plateau arising from the west bank of the river
from a short distance north of (ireen Point to the Penoyer Farm, and
extending west to the Tittabawassee River, offered the one feasible site for
the exercise of Mr. Hoyt's enterprise. In the early days of settlement, when
the ( rovernment established old Fort Saginaw, this place was recognized as
the ideal location for permanent residence in the wilderness, and it is now,
as it was then, the best site for miles around for a great city. But instead
of building here on the foundation already laid, a new settlement was dumped
into a marsh. Capital, brains, enterprise and an idomitable spirit to do
things were the elements which soon produced a thriving village and later
a prosperous city.
238 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
But worst of all. the spirit of opposition and intolerance, kept aflame by
commercial rivalry and bicker, engendered in the minds of the west siders
a keen hatred of all persons in any way identified with the remarkable pro-
gress of East Saginaw. This feeling found expression in numerous ways.
a favorite occupation of some of the "old fellows," who loafed in the office
of P. C. Andre, or the store of George W. Bullock, being to denounce in
brilliant and expressive language the activities of the hustling residents of
"east town." and to curse in staccato tone the enterprise of Norman Little
and his associates. That such enmity should have existed was incompre-
hensible to the inhabitants of the more prosperous city, and they generally
treated it with mild contempt or indifference. As strange as it may seem,
this feeling" of petty jealousy has come down through two generations of
men and women, even to the present; but is met with a smile and an expres-
sion of incredulity whenever manifested.
East Saginaw Starts Public Improvements
Along in the eighteen-eighties. about the time that the lumber industry
was at its height. East Saginaw began a broad scheme of public improve-
ments. For twenty years previous the city had been busy with its sewage
and water systems, in opening up and grading new streets, laying sidewalks,
and providing for fire and police protection. Having arranged all these
matters satisfactorily, it was thought incumbent on the council to plan and
order street paving on a moderate scale. Definite action was taken ami in
due time a new cedar block pavement was laid in Genesee Street, to replace
the old Nicholson pavement, extending from the river to Williams (Janes)
Street. Soon after Washington Street, north and south from Genesee, and
several side streets in the business section, were improved with the same
material. These improvements added greatly to the prestige of the city as
the metropolis of the valley, and excited the envy of the backward city on
the other side of the river.
It is related that at this juncture in the affairs of the two cities, many
of the more liberal minded citizens of Saginaw who owned stylish "turnouts,"
drove over in the summer evenings through the mud and saw dust of their
streets to enjoy riding on the new pavements of their neighbors. In this
pleasant pastime they noted, not without some degree of envy, the vastly
improved appearance of the streets and public buildings, the new and attrac-
tive residences surrounded by well kept lawns and flower beds, and the tone
of prosperity that pervaded the city. The streets were brilliantly illuminated
at night with electricity furnished by the new plant of the Swift Electric
Light Company, which was located in a three-story brick building on Water
Street near Johnson. It was one of the show places of the city, in which
the people were justly proud, as it was one of the first electric plants erected
in this country for public lighting purposes.
These evidences of enterprise and public spirit made a deep impression
on the progressive men of Saginaw City, who had made money in the lumber
and salt industries, and some conceived the idea of promoting like improve-
ments in their city. They realized that progress in such matters was neces-
sary if they were to grow and prosper, and could see in their minds Court
Street, and Washington (Michigan) and Hamilton Streets, converted as if
by magic from lanes of mud holes into beautiful boulevards lighted at night
with brilliant electric arcs. Some day they would have a connecting boule-
vard with the well paved streets of "east town," a dream of municipal
opulence in strange contrast with the niggardly policy that had been pur-
sued in public affairs.
***,
FROM THE ROOF OF THE "ACADEMY" LOOKING EAST, 1886
FROM THE ROOF OF THE "ACADEMY" LOOKING SOUTHWEST, 188G
240 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
So these prosperous citizens, having ready money to pay their share
of public improvements, went before the common council with a measure
to provide for such pavements as they desired, and deemed necessary for
the advancement of the city. Other prominent men, however, some of
whom had exerted a large influence in shaping public matters, were strongly
opposed to improvements on an elaborate scale, and only after much discus-
sion was the paving of the streets in the business section, including sections
of Washington Street, ordered by the council. This was one of the first
moves for civic betterment in Saginaw City, and the effect was far reaching.
But the old policy of blind conservatism, encouraged by a deplorable
want of public spirit, was still dominant in the conduct of public affairs, and
so insistent was it that the city came very near losing the county seat, in
1883. The old court house, which had served as the abode of justice for
almost fifty years, was then deemed inadequate to the needs of the county,
and a project for the erection of a new edifice was presented. As usual
with such measures it met with little support by a certain element among the
leading citizens, and for a time little progress was made toward the desired
result. At this juncture East Saginaw, with its characteristic enterprise, came
forward and offered to donate a suitable site and erect a large and stately
court house, to cost not less than seventy-five thousand dollars, if the seat of
justice was removed to that city. This proposition stirred the people of
Saginaw City to strenuous effort to retain the county seat, which, more than
sixty years before, had been gained by chicanery, but of which they were not
responsible. At length, by making a bid exceeding that of their neighbor
across the river, they preserved to themselves the honor of having justice
meted out in their midst. They erected a very imposing court house, on the
site of the old, which had been donated to the county by Samuel Dexter,
at a cost of one hundred thousand dollars, provided by an issue of city bonds
in that sum, all of which was paid by the consolidated city.
Veto of the Electric Lighting Project
Meanwhile, the more progressive men of Saginaw City were gradually
getting control of public affair-, and early in 1884 they introduced a measure
in the common council for the erection and operation of an electric lighting
plant, to be eventually owned by the municipality. The only public lighting
then afforded was by scattered gas lamps which, though they marked a way
through the streets." accentuated rather than relieved the gloom. Contrast
with the brightly lighted thoroughfares of "east town" was decidedly dis-
tasteful, and a latent spirit of civic pride was awakened among the people.
They were almost ready to approve any public improvement which would
aid them in keeping within measurable distance of their prosperous neigh-
bors. The lighting project, however, failed through the action of one man -
the mayor of the city.
The proposition presented to the council by the Van Depoele Electric
Light Company provided for the erection of a generating plant equipped
with all requisite machinery, five mast towers, one hundred and twenty-five
feet in height, and one hundred pole lights distributed throughout the city.
In all there were to be one hundred and thirty standard lamps completely
wired and with all connections ready for use. Upon completion of the plant
the company was to operate it for two weeks as a practical test, at then-
expense, when, the installations proving satisfactory, the city was to lease
the property for a term of two years, and to pay the company within fifteen
days the sum of eight thousand live hundred and twenty-three dollars. One
year after the city was to make a further payment of nine thousand five bun-
THE CONSOLIDATED SAGINAWS 241
dred and forty-six dollars, and at the expiration of two years a final payment
of nine thousand and thirty-four dollars, with interest at six per cent. The
city, having paid twenty-seven thousand one hundred and four dollars, was
then to receive from the company a clear deed to all the property.
The electric light committee of the council appointed to consider the
matter was composed of D. C. Dixon, chairman, E. A. Kremer, C. F. Zoeller
and Dan P. Foote, city attorney, who were among the more progressive
citizens. This committee, upon thorough examination of the project and
consideration of the proposition, reported unanimously in favor of it, and
thereupon it was passed by the council by a vote of seven to four. Evidently
the proposition was a Aery favorable one to the city, and it is certain would
have provided a much needed improvement. But when the resolution came
up to the mayor. Charles L. Benjamin, for his signature, the influences at
work in opposition prevailed, for he vetoed the measure and the whole
project fell through. This act of Mayor Benjamin, it was said, retarded the
progress and advancement of Saginaw City for several years, the city
settling back into its old time lethargic existence. Years afterward he
admitted to a resident of the East Side that his veto of this measure was
the greatest blunder of his official life.
Consolidation the Only Remedy
The rivalry between the two cities, often degenerating into bitter con-
tests, finally reached a stage where the progressive men of both si<h>s oi the
river concluded that consolidation was the only remedy for the conflict of
interests. The question of consolidation had been brought before the State
Legislature several times, but without success. There was a great diversity
of opinion among the people as to the desirability of consolidation, and it is
doubtful if a majority of the people of both sides would have voted in favor
of the proposition at the time it was adopted. At length a number of lead-
ing citizens of the two cities met in conference, and after prolonged con-
sideration, they resolved to appeal to the Legislature to pass an act uniting
the Saginaws upon certain terms ami conditions. Accordingly, a bill was
drawn up and introduced in the Legislature of 1889, and after due delibera-
tion it was passed as Act 455. of the Local Acts of the Legislature, and
approved June 28, 1X89.
The consolidation of the two cities, which was thus effected, marked
an important stage in the history of Saginaw, the beneficial effect of which
exceeded the expectations of its projectors. On the first Monday in March,
1890, the officials and aldermen of the new city were duly elected to office;
and on the twelfth of March the first meeting of the new council was held,
with George W. Weadock, mayor, in the chair. The council was composed
of Aldermen Daniel J. Hoist, Charles M. Harris. William Rebec. John G.
McKnight, Fred J. Buckhout. Henry Naegely, William C. Mueller, John
Klein, John Elwert, Charles Ziem, James S. Corn well. Joseph B. Staniford,
Chris Maier, E. Everett Johnson, Michael Rellis, Joseph Provencher, Solo-
mon Stone, John W. Wiggins, Joseph B. Clark, Charles Schaefer, Theodore
R. Caswell, Aaron P. Bliss, James Higgins, Fred Stobbe. Emil Achard, John
L. lackson, Michael Klemm, Robert D. Stewart. |ames McGregor and (lark
L. "Ring.
Provision for a New City Hall
Among the conditions of consolidation was one fixing the location of the
new City Hall, which, though near the geographical center of the city, is
one mile from the business section of the East Side, and one mile and a half
from the business section of the West Side. The location is convenient to
THE CONSOLIDATED SAGINAWS 243
no one, being a compromise to satisfy the demands of some west siders ; and
the handsome edifice which soon rose is a monument to their folly. The
City Hall, a large structure of brick and stone, was erected on the site of
Curtis Emerson's house, which he facetiously called the "Halls of the Monte-
znnias." at a cost of one hundred and seventy thousand dollars, the site alone
costing fifteen thousand one hundred and fifty dollars. The building was
completed and first occupied in 1893, the city offices being removed from the
Schmitz Block of the Germania Society to the new and perfectly appointed
quarters.
The Court Street Bridge
Another condition of consolidation was the building of three bridges
across the river, to accommodate the growing population of both sides. At
the time there was but one bridge free from street railway tracks, and it
was not in a location to conveniently carry a large vehicular traffic. Although
there was some difference of opinion as to when and where the new bridges
should be built, it was conceded that Court Street would afford an unob-
structed, popular channel of communication between the two sides. The
leading business men of the city were working together harmoniously, and
they exerted every influence to bear on the project to build a wide, modern
bridge at the foot of this street, and a connecting roadway across the middle
ground and Emerson Bayou to Washington Street. Their efforts were
successful and in 1897 the new thoroughfare was completed and opened for
traffic. During the intervening year- it has been kept free from car tracks,
and is largely used and appreciated by owners of motor cars, as well as by
the general public. The cost of this improvement was met by an issne of
city bonds in the sum of sixty-eight thousand dollars.
The building of the other bridges was deferred for some years, partly on
account of the policy of retrenchment in public improvements then pursued,
and also because of the difficulty in deciding the exact locations lor them.
The bridge at the north end of the city, to connect with the Township of
Carrollton, was constructed in 1904, the superstructure being the old Gen-
esee Avenue bridge which was then being replaced by a modern lift bridge.
Although in an out-of-the-way place, as respects population, this bridge
serves the farming interests of both sides of the river; and it intersects
North Washington Avenue at Sixth Street, hence the name of Sixth Street
Bridge. The cost of construction was forty-three thousand dollars, pro-
vided by an issue of city bonds to that amount. The other bridge was an
entirely new structure and satisfied the demands of the "south siders" for
direct communication with the rapidly growing manufacturing district of
the Nineteenth Ward. It spans the river at the foot of Center Street
and meets an extension of Florence Street, which intersects Michigan Avenue
at the Belt Line crossing. This bridge and roadway was completed in 1906
at a cost of eighty-nine thousand dollars, also provided for by a bond issue.
Other City Bridges
The first bridge put across the Saginaw River was at the foot of Gen-
esee Street, and replaced the old and uncertain rope ferry, which had been
operated by E. N. Davenport for thirteen years, except when ice and the
weather prevented. The bridge was built in 1864 by a few enterprising
business men, who organized the Saginaw River Bridge Company January
21, of the preceding vear. and was seven hundred feet in length with a draw
span to allow vessels to pass through. The roadway across the bayou at the
west end of this bridge was constructed by the primitive method of laying
slabs and bark to a width of about twenty feet and then covering the founda-
244
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
COURT STREET BRIDGE. 1898
tion with layer upon layer of sawdust. When thoroughly packed down this
material made a passable road, but at this place during spring freshets it was
covered with water t« • a depth of four to six feet. The track of the street
railway, which connected the business sections of the two cities through
Washington (Michigan) Street, crossed the bayou on a trestle of piling, and
thence by the bridge t<> the Bancroft House.
In 1865, to afford further communication with the west side of the
river, the same company built a bridge at Bristol Street, to cross which a
toll was exacted. This bridge was considerably longer than the other, the
distance from shore to shore being ten hundred and eighty feet, and had two
draws, one near each end. It was conveniently located for the growing
population of both cities, and about 1885 was ' purchased by the Central
Bridge Company, rebuilt and used by the cars of the Union Street Railway
to reach the business center of Saginaw City. Since that time it has been
one <>f the main arteries of travel across the river. In the nineties a new
steel swing span was placed at the west channel, to safely carry the increas-
ing traffic and the travel to and from Riverside Park. In 1911 this bridge
was entirely rebuilt by the street railway company, at a cost of about thirty
thousand dollars, and on May 6, 1912, the ownership passed to the city,
without consideration, the only condition being its maintenance by
municipality.
the
The Mackinaw Street bridge was built in 1874 by the Saginaw Bridge
Company, a corporation of which the officers were: David H. [erome, presi-
dent, Daniel L. C. Eaton, vice-president, and George L. Burrows, treasurer.
The bridge and approaches were seven hundred anil sixty feet in length and
thirty feet in width, and formed a direct and convenient communication with
the hustling town of South Saginaw. About fifteen years later the title and
THE CONSOLIDATED SAGINAWS
245
ownership of this bridge passed to the city, at a cost of eighteen thousand
dollars. It is now the oldest bridge on the river, having been in constant
use for forty-one years, fifteen of which it carried the street cars which ran
to and from the "south end."
About the time the lumber and salt industries slowly approached the
zenith of production, the west side of the river directly opposite East Sag-
inaw was a very busy place, and a bridge at Johnson Street, the second
north of Genesee, was deemed a public necessity. Accordingly, in 1878, a
bridge thirty-two feet in width, having an iron swing span and two fixed
spans of wood and iron, was built at this location. The cost to the city was
eighteen thousand eight hundred and fifty-five dollars. For many years this
bridge carried a considerable traffic, directly with the numerous mills and
salt works along the river as far as Carrollton, but when these industries
declined it fell into disuse. In 1912 it was condemned as unsafe for any
other than pedestrian travel, and the following year was replaced by a
modern steel girder, Scherzer Lift bridge, thirty-five feet five inches wide,
having a total length of five hundred and twenty feet. The superstructure
was built on solid concrete piers, and it is probably the best and most sub-
stantial bridge ever secured by the city for anywhere near the cost, the total
expenditures on its account being within eighty-five thousand dollars. Con-
trary to the usual custom of issuing bonds for such improvements, the
entire cost of this bridge was met by four annual items placed in the tax
budget, beginning with 1910.
the original
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During the intervening years since the construction
bridge at Genesee Street, this thoroughfare has been the main artery of
travel between the two sides and will always remain so. As far back as
the seventies the first bridge proved inadequate, and was rebuilt and
GENESEE AVENUE BRIDGE, 1305
246 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
strengthened. Following the catastrophe in which the east approach col-
lapsed under the weight of hundreds of persons, who were watching the
progress of a fire a short distance up the river, a number being drowned,
an entirely new superstructure was erected and general repairs made at a
cost of eighteen thousand five hundred and ninety dollars. This bridge
served the needs of the city until 1901. when it was condemned as unsafe for
street car service, it having been weakened by heavy interurban traffic. In
the Fall of 1903 the bridge was taken down, and a new modern bridge of
the girder type, having a Scherzer lift affording a clearance of one hundred
and nineteen feet, was begun to replace it. The new structure has a total
length of four hundred and forty-one feet, a width of fifty-six feet, is paved
with concrete and creosote blocks, and is borne on solid concrete piers of the
most enduring character. Both approaches arc of earth filling, tamped and
paved. The leaves of the Scherzer lift are operated by electricity, and are
quickly raised and lowered for the passage of vessels, with but slight inter-
ruption to traffic. The bridge was completed and opened to the public early
in September, 1905. and the total cost exceeded one hundred and eighty-eight
thousand dollars, which was provided for by the issue of city bonds in that
amount. This sum was about thirty thousand in excess of the estimated
cost of the bridge, and was due to many changes in the contract plan, in-
cluding the raising of the superstructure about three feet above the prede-
termined grade, due to the great Hood of 1904 in which damage resulted to
i ither city bridges.
The City Sewer System
Since 1866, a year in which East Saginaw expended more than eighteen
thousand dollars for the construction of sewers, almost continuous progress
has been made in this department of public works. To and including 1889,
before consolidation with Saginaw City was effected, this city paid more
than half a million dollars for sewers, about one-half of which was assessed
directly against the property benefited by the improvement. The expendi-
tures between 1880 and 1889 were particularly large, and at the latter date
the city was well drained, excepting in some of the outlying sections. Since
1890, moreover, the sewer system of the Eastern District has been greatly
extended, and the total cost has reached the sum of seven hundred and forty-
six thousand dollars. Four hundred and fourteen thousand dollars of this
amount was paid by assessment on the property benefited.
In providing for this very necessary public improvement Saginaw City
was not far backward. From 1881 to and including 18S9, the expenditures
here reached two hundred and fifty-seven thousand dollars, only eighty-three
thousand of which was paid by the property benefited. In the period follow-
ing consolidation, to January 1, 1915, the mileage of sewers was greatly
augmented, and the expenditures reached a total of six hundred and forty-
two thousand dollars. A change in the policy of apportioning the costs
resulted in three hundred and twenty-four thousand dollars of the total
amount being paid by the property benefited.
On January 1, 1915, the total length of all main and latteral sewers in
both taxing districts was one hundred and seventeen miles; ami the total
cost was one million three hundred and eighty-seven thousand eight hun-
dred dollars. City bonds had been issued from time to time to meet the
expenditures, but at the above date the amount outstanding was only three
hundred and fourteen thousand one hundred dollars, showing that the city
has paid in special assessments and through the general tax budget more
than a million dollars for its sewer systems.
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248 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Street Improvements
The one big item in our elaborate scheme for civic improvement is
street paving, and it constitutes the largest expenditure the city is called
upon to meet. City pavements are expensive necessities, and their cost adds
appreciably to the tax burdens of the average citizen. In the beginning of
street improvements cedar blocks, laid on one-inch boards upon a smooth
bed of sand, was the material exclusively used, and it made a smooth and
satisfactory pavement. But it was not a durable pavement, and although
its cost per square yard, compared with brick or sheet asphalt, was small, it
was soon discarded for more enduring materials. Of the several hundred
thousand yards of cedar block pavements in the streets of both cities prior
to consolidation, only fifteen thousand three hundred yards now remain, and
the streets so laid are now almost impassable. Some cobble stone pave-
ment was laid in the eighties, and some cedar with brick or cobble stone
gutters, but it also proved unsatisfactory in a few years of use. The first
brick pavement was laid in North Franklin Street in 1891, and though it
bore heavy traffic for twenty-three years it was still in condition in 1914 so
that resurfacing with sheet asphalt was all that was needed to make it a
good pavement with the appearance of an entirely new one. The brick-
pavement in Washington Avenue, between Johnson and Janes Streets, was
put down in 1893, and is still in fair condition.
The first smooth enduring pavement of sheet asphalt was laid in Genesee
Avenue, from Water to Jefferson Streets, and from Janes to Hoyt Streets,
in 1896. It proved so satisfactory that in the following year a pavement of
the same materials was laid by the Barber Asphalt Paving Company, in
Jefferson between Genesee and Holland Avenues: and in 1898, in Jefferson
between Genesee and I 'otter, and in Hoyt Street between Jefferson and
< lenesee Avenues. On the West Side, the first asphalt pavement was laid
in 1897, in Harrison Street between Court and Gratiot; and in 1898. in
North Hamilton Street between Court and Bristol Streets. Court Street,
from the river to Bay Street, a distance of nearly a mile, was put down in
1899; and Hamilton Street between Court and Mackinaw Streets was like-
wise improved the same year. After a few years' satisfactory test of asphalt,
this material with brick gutters became the standard for practically all of the
city paving.
While the total cost of the city pavements, which have a total length of
seventy-two miles, has been enormous, the liquidation of the city bonds,
which were issued yearly to pay for the improvements, has gone on steadily
the maturing bonds being easily met by special annual assessments on the
property directly benefited by the improvement. By this means the city
merely uses it-, high credit to finance street betterments, for and to the aid
of individual citizens. The total amount of all street improvement bonds
outstanding January 1, 1915, was six hundred and sixty-nine thousand three
hundred dollars, divided between the two taxing districts, the Eastern, four
hundred and eighty-eight thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars, and the
Western, one hundred and eighty thousand five hundred and fifty dollars.
Building Cement Sidewalks
In the early days of street improvements, if there were any sidewalks at
all in a street, they were invariably of white pine planks, usually from twelve
to sixteen inches wide and two inches thick, laid on stringers of the same
material and spiked down. Along Genesee Street, in front of store build-
ings, the planks were laid crossways of the street, and after they had become
warped and worn the walking was not good and easy, nor altogether safe.
THE CONSOLIDATED SAGINAWS 249
In the residence streets the planks were laid lengthways of the road, from
five to eight planks wide, and when new afforded very comfortable walk-
ing. But the average life of such walks was less than ten years, and some
property owners became careless about keeping them in repair. Falls,
broken bones and sprained ankles were of almost daily occurrence, and
damage suits brought against the city fur such injuries at length became
very numerous.
Late in the nineties the situation had become so serious that the mayor
ordered all dangerous and defective walks torn up, and a thorough inspection
was started in all sections of the city. So vigorous was the crusade of de-
struction that in about two weeks miles upon miles of bad sidewalks had
been entirely removed, leaving in many instances hollows of soft muddy
earth, into which persons stumbled or fell in the dark. There was a very-
general complaint of the conditions throughout the city; but the decree had
gone forth that no more board walks should be laid anywhere.
At this time the business sections of the city were quite generally pro-
vided with sidewalks of brick or artificial stone, as being more durable and
economical, and many citizens laid hard walks in front of their residences.
Concrete was an expensive material to use. and other citizens, through in-
difference or unwillingness to incur the expense of laying new walks, did
nothing. A year or two after the decree went forth the situation was not
greatlv improved, and not until the council decided to pursue the same plan
in building sidewalks, as had been followed for years in laying pavements,
that relief was afforded. By this plan of bonding for special improvements,
the property owner was ordered to lay a walk in front of his lot or lots, of
specified materials. If he chose to disregard the order the city built the
walk according to specifications, and assessed the cost to the owner of the
property, the payments of the same with interest being divided into ten
yearly payments, to fall due at the time of the city tax collections.
This plan worked out very well and soon became the popular procedure,
thousands of sidewalks in all sections of the city being built of concrete,
strictly according to specifications and carefully inspected during the work.
As a result the streets everywhere are lined with smooth, durable sidewalks,
with cross walks of asphalt' on streets paved with that material, and of stone
elsewhere. The bonds are retired on the same plan as those issued for street
paving, the amounts outstanding January 1. 1915, being, for the Eastern Dis-
trict, ninety thousand six hundred dollars, and the 'Western District, seventy-
nine thousand two hundred dollars, a total of one hundred and sixty-nine
thousand eight hundred dollars.
The City Deep Wells Are Popular
Before passing to a more important subject mention will be made of
the City wells, which supply a large proportion of the population with good
water for drinking and cooking purposes. No one uses, or should use. the
water pumped through the city mains for such purposes, and it is scarcely
fit for any domestic use. especially on the West Side. But many families,
for want of a better supply, are forced to use it for washing and bathing,
though for no other purpose. For culinary uses they resort to the water
pumped from deep wells, either private or public. Years ago the city author-
ities and the people generally recognized the fact that river water was an
exceedingly dangerous fluid to take into the human system, and measures
were taken to supply clear, sparkling water from deep down in the earth.
Many citizens of means put down private wells on their premises, and often
supply their neighbors' needs, as well. But at best these could furnish only
a small percentage of the water required by the whole city.
*» IS.
HERBERT H. HOYT
JOHN G. OWEN
JOHN WELCH
1879-81
A. F. R. BRALEY
1867-69
LYMAN W. BLISS
1879-80
FRANK LAWRENCE
1883
JOHN S. ESTABROOK HENRY M. YOUMANS
1884-85 1886
SOME OLD-TIME MAYORS OF THE SAGINAWS
THE CONSOLIDATED SAGINAWS 251
Long before the consolidation of the two cities, several deep wells were
drilled at Saginaw City at the expense of the city for public use. They were
located at Court Street and Michigan Avenue, Genesee and Michigan Ave
nues, Niagara and Hancock Streets, Bond and Clinton Streets, Bristol and
Hamilton, and Hamilton and Perry Streets. These wells filled such a public
need that, in the nineties, several others were put down in convenient places.
In 1900-01-02 nineteen more were drilled, and for ten years thereafter, an
average of four was added each year. At the beginning of 1915 there were
sixty-six deep wells on the West Side owned by the city.
( In the East Side municipal deep wells were first drilled in 1892, when
wells at the City Hall, in Hoyt Park, at Washington Avenue and Mackinac
Street, and at Genesee Avenue and Lapeer Street offered cool, refreshing
water to the thirsty. Other wells were soon added, and from 1900 to 1910
thev multiplied until at present there are eighty-five deep wells scattered
over the city, maintained and kept in repair by the municipality. They may
not furnish "the best water that is easily available for culinary use, but they
are certainly a valuable source of supply under the present conditions of our
water works. There are now one hundred and fifty-one of these wells in
use, and their depth varies greatly, the shallowest being eighty-five feet and
the deepest two hundred and twenty-live feet in depth. The best water is
not always found at the greatest depth, as is proved by the superior quality
of some waters taken from shallower wells.
The Idea of Civic Beauty
In strolling through our parks and playgrounds and noting their beauty
and charm, it is not easy to realize that they are a work of comparatively
recent vears. Cut out of the native forest they seem to have always existed,
and it is a long stretch of the imagination to conjure up the wigwam of the
red man on the spot where we linger in meditation of past scenes.
The first concern of our pioneers was to make homes, to provide a living
for their families, and the wilderness offered little choice of occupations.
In the primitive settlements the struggle for existence was hard and long,
and the village fathers were chiefly concerned in the business of grading
streets and laving out new ones. Long after the cities were formed the
problems of sanitation and public safety were urgent of solution; and after-
ward, the desire for street improvements led to the transformation of mud
and sawdust towns into pleasant places in which to live. This awakened
in many citizens a personal pride in the appearance of their homes and
grounds, and a new tone of prosperity was everywhere apparent. Later,
when public buildings and better facilities for communication between the
two sides had been provided, the people settled back to enjoy a rest. But
the rest was of short duration, for the idea of Civic Beauty — an aesthetic
creation — asserted itself.
The Beginning of Our Park System
In the true narration of human events, Jesse Hoyt may properly be
termed the "father" of our system of public parks. More than thirty years
ago, perceiving that Saginaw was destined to become a large and prosperous
city, its citizens appreciating the finer things of life which please and delight
the e\re, he bequeathed to East Saginaw a considerable tract of land in the
lames Riley Reserve, for park purposes. Then but little more than wild
land, heavily wooded on the upland, and a waste of marsh in the low land,
it was a very unsightly spot upon which to make a city park. Along the
Washington Street front was a common board fence, of what use it is hard
to conjecture, unless it was to keep the cattle, which roamed the streets at
252 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
will, from doing damage to the forest trees. The idea of Civic Beauty had
not yet taken root in the public mind, and for several years nothing was
done to improve the land, except to trim and thin out the" forest trees.
It was well along in the nineties that the first definite plan of im-
provement was formulated. The ground of the upland was graded and
seeded, gravelled roadways were laid out. and the slopes cleared of brush
and weeds. Afterward, flower beds were set out and a band stand erected,
and the upland assumed the appearance of a real city park. As vet the low
waste of marsh remained untouched, and was still "the abode of' bull frog-.
muskrats and water snakes. By LS94 the cost of improvements in Hoyt
Park amounted to twenty-five thousand dollars. Meanwhile the triangular
spaces at Second, Park and Tuscola Streets, and at Weadock and Hoyt
Street, were laid <>ut, trees and shrubs planted, and made attractive at a cost
of live hundred and one thousand dollars, respectively.
With this modest beginning in beautification, Civic Pride was thor-
oughly aroused, and the city entered upon an era of expansion and develop-
ment of its park property. The rapid progress made in this direction is
worthy of note, the results accomplished being a work of the last twelve or
fifteen years. In the early years of this century the wild and unsightly bot-
tom land in Hoyt Park was still in its native state, but about 1904 the ground
was drained, plowed and leveled, and seeded to lawn. A roadway was
built along the east side and connected at either end with roads leading to
the upland. At the north end a sump, or well, was constructed and a pump
house with necessary equipment was erected, to drain off and pump out
h" ' waters in the Spring. This was a work of two or three seasons, but
when completed the results were very satisfactory.
In place oi wild marshy grass covering pools of slimy, stagnant water,
fit breeding places of mosquitoes, a beautiful lawn greets' the eye. Includ-
ing the slope from the upland, this lawn comprises more than twenty acres
of the twenty-seven in the whole park. With the gently-rising slope form-
ing a natural amphitheater for thousands of spectators, this sward is an
admirable parade ground and arena for games and sports. It has often been
used for Masonic drills and maneuvers of the militia; and during the Semi-
centennial celebration of 1' 07, it was a popular place for holding such events,
and has been the scene of many brilliant gatherings. For the exhibition of
fire works it could not lie surpassed, as many as fifteen thousand people
having witnessed displays on the evening of a Fourth of July.
in these days of public playgrounds Hoyt Park has been given over
very largely to such purposes. During the Summer it is popularly used for
base ball games, and in the Fall for foot ball, while in Winter the bottom
land is flooded to form a huge ice skating rink. Coasting on the bill is also
a popular pastime, and it has been suggested that a portable toboggan slide
be erected to enhance the enjoyment of this sport.
Bliss Park — The Ideal Playground
The transformation of the old Campau property, embracing the
"Butchers Woods," in the Fourteenth Ward on the Wes't Side, into a park
of rare attractiveness, abounding with native forest trees and such a profu-
sion oi flowers as to charm the vistior. was equally noteworthy. It was
made possible by the munificence of ex-Governor Aaron T. Bliss, who, in
just pride of his home city, purchased the site for a park to bear his name,
and not only gave a liberal sum for its improvement, but endowed the park
for its future maintenance. The work of creating a beautiful park was per-
formed during 1905 and 1906, a part of the cost.' to the extent of ten thou-
VIEWS OF HOYT PARK
SCENES IN BLISS PARK
THE CONSOLIDATED SAGINAWS 255
sand dollars, being borne by the city under the terms of the grant. _ It was
a happy circumstance that the donor thus realized the fruition of his plans
in the beautificatinn of a public resting place, which has become the most
popular of our parks.
Bliss Park is an ideal place for picnics and family parties, and almost
every day from the beginning of warm weather until after the first of Sep-
tember, it is the scene of happy gatherings. The wooded section and play-
ground is safely removed from the traffic of the streets, and mothers can
rest in the shade of the trees or enjoy the flowers, while the babies and chil-
dren disport themselves in the sand pile, or in the swings, teeters, slides and
other play apparatus, with which the park is well provided. The flowers
in the sunken garden are especially worthy of note, the large variety of
peonies, phlox, asters, petunias and gladioli, oriental popies and many
flowering shrubs, adding greatly to the beauty of the park. With its num-
erous groupings consisting of many varieties of plants, shrubs and trees,
increasing in beauty from year to year, and lending the charm of their varied
coloring "to the landscape, it affords great pleasure and interest to visitors.
Toward the close of the Civil War, the ground of this park and the
vicinity was the scene of the organization of the 29th Regiment. Michigan
Volunteer Infantry, of which Colonel Thomas Saylor was the commanding
officer. Fifty years after, during the Summer of 1914, a large held boulder
was placed in a prominent place at the junction of the main walk ami the
winding road, to mark the vicinity of the camp. On October 20 the appro-
priate monument was dedicated, the unveiling and exercises taking place
before a considerable number of the survivors of the 29th Regiment, public
officials and citizens. There was placed in the boulder a copper box con-
taining records and souvenirs of the Regiment, and data and records about
the city, and the occasion of the unveiling. < >n the bronze tablet in the face
of the boulder is an inscription denoting its purpose, the date, and names of
the donors of the monument.
Creation of Board of Park and Cemetery Commissioners
By an Act of the Legislature May 24, 1905, the parks of the city
passed into the care and control of a Board of Park and Cemetery Commis-
sioners, 'fhe original members of this board, appointed May 29, 1905, were
James G. Macpherson, E. P. Waldron, Frank Plumb, Charles H. Peters and
William B. Mershon. On December 31, 1906, Walter J. Lamson was ap-
pointed a member of the board to fill the unexpired term of F. P. Waldron,
resigned; on January 17, 1910, John A. Cimmerer replaced Frank Plumb,
resigned; L. C. Slade was appointed November 21, 1910, to lill the unex-
pired term of Charles H. Peters, deceased; and ( ). R. Fowler succeeded
William B. Mershon January 6. 1913, on account of expiration of term. The
board was automatically retired January 1, 1914, by provision of the new
city charter, and the commission form of government, which went into
effect on that date.
Muring the life of this board, covering a period of eight and a half
years, was witnessed the greatest progress in carrying out the idea of Civic
Beauty, in the development of our park system. Great credit is due the
members of the board, for their untiring and unselfish efforts to beautify the
city, and in particular do our citizens honor William B. Mershon and James
G. Macpherson, and cherish the memory of Charles Ff. Peters with tender
care. Under the new city government William H. Reins, one of the five
councilmen, was designated Commissioner of Parks and Cemeteries on Jan-
uary 2. 1914. His term expired April 11, 1915, but he was re-elected for a
256 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
two-year term, his conduct of the office on an economic basis of efficiency
being eminently satisfactory to the city. Daniel II. Ellis, the superinten-
dent of parks under the old board was retained, his valued services recog-
nized by the new administration.
Ezra Rust Park Improvements
It was during the existence of the old board of commissioners that the
great preliminary improvements were made to Ezra Rust Park. In the
Summer of 1906 a survey was made of that part of the park lying between
Lake Linton and the Saginaw River, including the waters adjacent thereto,
and therein mi a grade was fixed for the filling, and an estimate made of the
quantity of earth required. The year previous William S. Linton, who has
ever had the interests of the city at heart, interested his friend Ezra Rust,
in a project to secure title to the old '"middle ground" lying in the river
between the Bristol and Mackinaw Street bridges, and in time convert the
unsightly ground into an attractive city park. It was a huge undertaking,
but through the generosity of Air. Rust the property was purchased and a
proposal made to the city for its improvement. The property with several
additions since made by the donor, now comprises one hundred and thirty-
six acres in the heart of the city, and eventually will be one of its chief show
places.
By the terms of the proposal, which was accepted by the city fathers.
the city contributed fifty thousand dollars, to which Mr. Rust added a like
sum. for the cost of filling; and < >i i September J4. 1907, a contract for the
work of dredging and filling was awarded to II. \V. Ilubbell & Company for
ninety-six thousand five hundred and twenty-five dollars. During the sea-
sons of 1' ()X-()<) the work was vigorously prosecuted with a hydraulic dredge
and a dipper dredge, under the direction of Mr. Ilubbell. until the comple-
tion of the contract in December, 1909.
The work of filling of the ground north of Court Street brought the
elevation to five feet above city datum, and that south of Court Street to
six feet, while the dredging of Lake Linton (Emerson Bayou) and the
waters adjacent gave a depth of ten to twelve feet below city datum. Six
hundred thousand cubic yards of Idling was required for this preliminary
improvement. Much further filling was required, however, to bring the
elevation above flood waters, and this was provided during the Summer of
1914 by hydraulic dredges working in the river on a government contract
for widening and deepening the stream. Upon the settling of the ground to
a permanent level, this section of the park, comprising seventy-six and a half
acres, will be in condition for the permanent improvements which con-
template the laying out of two base ball diamonds, a foot ball field and
tennis courts, within a mile speedway, and an elaborate plan of beauti-
fying the ground. The tilled area has a water front of two and a half miles,
and a water area of over thirty acres.
The benefit of this improvement in converting a large area of swamp
land and stagnant water into solid ground and living water, and the gen-
eral benefit to the health of the people, cannot be measured by a monetary
consideration. It is even greater than the improvements already made to
the entrance and older portions of the park, improvements that please the
eye, give a quiet restful tone to the whole neighborhood, and help to make
life worth living in the city. To the parkings in the vicinity of Washing-
ton Avenue a peculiar interest attaches by the presence of a boulder mark-
ing the site of the camp of organization of the 23d Regiment, Michigan
Volunteer Infantry, which was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on
September 11, 1913; and also by a smaller boulder bearing a bronze tablet.
/-'•/,
258 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
to mark the spot upon Mound Hill on which once stood an ancient Indian
village, which was placed by the Saginaw Chapter of the Daughters of the
American Revolution, and dedicated by them on October 26, 1911. The
Still fountain at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Court Street.
is also a work of some interest.
Fordney Park
The use of this attractive park, which was presented to the city by
Joseph W. Fordney, is very similar to that of Bliss Park, a neighborhood
resting place, popular for picnics and a playground for the children. It is
the latest acquisition to our park system, having come under the care and
control of the park commissioners in 1913, and comprises ten acres of wood-
land, level green sward and a small pond. Conveniently situated in the
southwest part of the West Side, adjoining the estate of the donor, it is of
easy access to a large population, and its privileges are enjoyed by numerous
parties and individuals during the Summer.
Jeffers Park
At the triangle formed by the intersections of Genesee, Germania and
Warren Avenues there is a small park quite tastefully laid out with shrubs
and flowers. A few years ago this property was covered with business
blocks, but in order to leave a fitting memorial to his brother, the late
Michael Jeffers, John Jeffers and his niece Miss Elizabeth Champe, cleared
the ground and converted it into an attractive little park. To perpetuate
the memory of the man who had done so much for the upbuilding of the
city, Mr. letters soon after erected an enduring monument, in the form of a
large and ornate drinking fountain supplied with crystal water from a deep
well close by. The park is situated almost in the center of the business
section of the East Side, and, although small in area, is much frequented by
the public.
Federal Park
Adjoining the Federal Building on the south, and between it and Hoyt
Library, from Jefferson to Warren Avenues, there is a plot of ground exactly
one acre in extent, which is called Federal Park. It was laid out and im-
proved by the planting of trees and shrubs shortly after the government
building was completed, and is now an attractive feature of a very pleasing
landscape of stone edifices covered with ivy. In the center of this park is a
soldiers monument and fountain erected about twelve years ago by Aaron T.
l'diss, as a memorial to his comrades who fell in battles of the Civil War.
The trees in this park are now of sufficient size to afford an abundance of
shade — a feature of no little importance in providing a comfortable resting
place di iwn town.
Small Parks
Supplementing the park system there are a number of circles and culti-
vated spots at irregular intersections ,,f streets, all properly cared for by the
department, such as Germain Park, Second Street Park, Sheridan Avenue
Park, Weadock Park, Park Place Park and Webber Circle. There are also
two unimproved pilots of ground, named Linton Park and Webber Park,
which will probably be objects of city appropriations for improvements in
future years.
The total area of Saginaw's parks is two hundred and twenty acres, of
which about one hundred and twenty-five acres are improved and a source of
joy and pleasure to the people. As years pass by the section of Ezra Rust
Park called Ojibway Island will be improved, and other betterments made,
and eventually the city will have a park system unsurpassed by any city of
THE CONSOLIDATED SAGINAW'S
259
its class in the Middle West. The present expenditure for maintenance
and improvements of the parks exceeds fifteen thousand dollars annually,
and is increasing" from year to year.
The Mershon- Whittier Natatorium
A fitting adjunct to our parks is the Mershon-Whittier Swimming Pool,
which is under the care and control of the Commissioner of Parks and
Cemeteries. This unique feature of the city's utilities was built and pre-
sented to the city in August, 1910, by Edward C. Mershon and Charles
Merrill & Company, as a fitting memorial to Augustus H. Mershon and
Joseph A. W'hittier, both of whom were esteemed citizens of this city; men
of great integrity who did much for its upbuilding and firm establishment.
The site for this' swimming pool is on the old W'hittier mill property at the
west end of the Johnson Street bridge, a very accessible location; and the
records show that in 1914 the attendance was twenty-eight thousand eight
hundred and seventy-seven, of which Uv^: thousand four hundred and eigh-
teen were women and girls, using the pool on Tuesday and Thursday only.
Under the terms of the grant the city furnishes river water for the filters,
and provides for the maintenance and operation of the pool. All the water
that enters the pool first passes through the filter, which has a capacity of
two hundred gallons per minute, and thence into one or other of the two
sections of the concrete basin. The first section is sixty-eight by sixty-one
feet in size and ranges in depth from eighteen inches to four feet, while
the other is sixty-one by thirty-one feet in size and has a depth of eight
feet. These sections are separated by a concrete wall and railing, si > that
children unable to swim will not readily get into deep water. While the
pool is in use the water is continually being changed, the overflow passing
into a round, shallow pool in the center of the court, wdiere all persons are
required to wash with soap before entering the swimming pool. Around the
walls of the court are benches, lockers and hooks for the use of the bathers.
MERSHON-WHITTIER NATATORIUM
260 HIST! )RY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
whip may check their valuables with an attendant fur safe keeping. A
nominal charge for towels, bathing suits, lockers and similar privileges pro-
duces a small revenue of about five hundred dollars each season, which is
used toward defraying the expense of operation. In 1''14 the ] 1 was in
use one hundred and one days, an average of six hours each, using forty-
seven thousand live hundred gallons of filtered water each day, ami a total of
four million eight hundred thousand gallons for the season.
The City's Cemeteries
The public cemeteries owned and cared for by the city, like the public
parks, passed under the control of the Board of Park and Cemetery Com-
missioners, May 24, lr'05. Brad_\- Hill, the oldest of the city's burial grounds,
comprising about twenty-two and a half acres, was first used in 1X35. The
first conveyance was from Alfred M. Hoyt to the Hoard of Health of the
Township of Buena Vista, which, in 1882, by quit-claim, conveyed the same
to the City of East Saginaw. The following year William L. Webber,
executor and trustee of the estate of Jesse Hoyt, executed a release to the
city of all the rights reserved in tine original deed made by Alfred M. Hoyt,
which perfected an absolute title in the city. With but limited revenue from
the sale of lots, it was then almost entirely dependent upon city appropria-
tions for its care and maintenance, no endowment fund having been created
in former years for this purpose.
As a result of a want of foresight on the part of the early board of
health, and the parsimonj of the city fathers thereafter, Brady Mill Cemetery
was very much neglected for a number of years. But in 1908, witli a view
of adding to the finances of the cemetery, the commissioners had the unoc-
cupied portion, at the corner of Holland and Jefferson Avenues, replatted
into lots to be sold for burial purposes. This action brought forth a protest
from the residents of the neighborhood, together with a proposition from
them to make a gift of four hundred and sixty-four dollars, so subscribed
by them, to the commissioners for the sole purpose of defraying the expense
of parking the unused portions of the cemetery along Jefferson Avenue, and
at its intersection with Holland Avenue. This proposition was accepted by
the commissioners, and the improvements made at a cost of about seven
hundred dollars.
In l'<14 the income of the Louisa C. Bartlett Endowment Fund for this
cemetery became available, and about nineteen hundred dollars were spent
that year in improvements about the family vault and the grounds im-
mediately surrounding it. With this work completed and a small sum
reserved for care and maintenance, the balance of the money from the endow-
ment will be available for use elsewhere in the cemetery. The permanent
improvements already made have added greatly to the appearance of the
cemetery, and shows what can be done with intelligent use of the funds
available.
Oakwood Cemetery
A very suitable plot of ground, although not conveniently situated, was
purchased by Saginaw City for burial purposes in 1867. It is two miles
beyond the present city limits, on the Gratiot State Road, and will never
be encroached upon by the future expansion or growth of the city. As a
place of burial it was opened in 1868, and is now the resting place of many
pioneer citizens who were early identified with the growth and progress of
Saginaw. Comprising ninety-eight acres with a noble forest of oak, beech
and maple trees, and with natural ravines insuring perfect drainage, it is an
ideal location for a cemetery to endure for ages.
VIEWS IN OAKWOOD CEMETERY
*W
VIEWS IN FOREST LAWN CEMETERY
THE CONSOLIDATED SAGINAWS ' 263
It is unfortunate that no endowment, or trust fund, has been established
for Oakwood, a provision which is necessary if annual appropriations in
future years for care and maintenance are to the avoided. The present con-
ditions are such that the revenue from lot sales barely meets the current
expenses. To put this cemetery on a self-supporting basis fur the future-
should be the aim of interested lot holders, and could be accomplished by
donations and bequests, left in trust, the income from which to be used
for its care and perpetuity. Endowments also may be made by lot owners
and deposited with the city for the special care of lots and keeping in repair
the stones and monuments thereon.
Forest Lawn
In 1881 the limited number of lots in Brady II ill made it necessary for
the city to secure additional burial grounds, and for this purpose the I). L. C.
Eaton farm at the southerly limits of the city, containing ninety-seven and
a half acres, was purchased at a cost of about seventeen thousand dollars.
In the same year the noted landscape artist, Joseph Earnshaw. of Cincin-
nati, furnished plans, consisting of a general l<>t plan, drainage and platting
plans, together with the staking out and numbering of thirteen hundred lots
and five hundred ami eighty single graves.
Superseding the old and obsolete methods of small sections and sunken
paths, which were not economical from either an income or maintenance
standpoint, the new plans were drawn on modern lines, known as the lawn
system or park plan. The observance and effect of this system with skill
and taste in arrangement, produced a uniform ami restful beauty through-
out the whole cemetery.
The Chapel and Receiving Vault, a durable and handsome edifice, well
adapted for the purposes intended, was constructed in 1901, at a cost of
eight thousand nine hundred dollars, and is held subject to the wishes of
any persons who may need its use. at a nominal charge. The artistic setting
of the chapel has been enhanced by the judicious planting of shrubs and
evergreens around the building, which is of Byzantine style, the whole effect
being very pleasing to the eye.
In 1893 a Local Act was passed by the Legislature providing for a trust
fund for Forest Lawn, consisting of "fifty per cent, of all moneys which
shall from time to time be received from sale of lots and single graves in
said cemetery, shall constitute a trust fund, the income from which, together
with the remaining fifty per cent., shall be used for the general care and
maintenance of said cemetery." The amount of this fund on January 1,
1915, was eighty-five thousand five hundred and eighty-four dollars, invested
in our city or county bonds. As the income from this trust fund is used for
the general care and maintenance of the cemetery, and not for special care
of lots, monuments and mausoleums, a number of lot owners have made
endowments, amounting to seven thousand two hundred dollars, for the
care and improvements of their lots.
The Jefferson Avenue entrance gates and parking were constructed and
improved from a fund provided by William L. Webber, and applied for these
purposes through the sanction and interest of his daughters, the gate piers
being of Bedford stone. The Washington Avenue entrance is now improved
with wrought iron gates of graceful design, and with simple but massive
granite piers that will endure for ages. Mr. O. C. Simonds plan for planting
at this entrance, when fully carried out, was very pleasing in effect. The
public service building, combining rest room and sexton's office, which was
built in 1913. covers a long desired necessity, and is artistic in giving a
proper setting to the main entrance.
264 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Besides the city's public cemeteries there are Calvary and St. Andrew's
Cemeteries, which are owned and maintained by the several parishes of the
Roman Catholic Church. Calvary is situated on the brow of a hill a short
distance south of Brady Hill, and is reached by a winding road through
lloyt Park, and also by a lane from Jefferson Avenue. Though not a large
burial ground, a number of Saginaw's pioneer and representative citizens
have here a final resting' place. It is a beautiful spot, well eared for, and
commands a fine view ol Hoyt I 'ark and environs.
The Auditorium
More than twenty-five years ago, during a strike of lumber shovers, or
"dock-whallopers" as they were called, Wellington R. Burt, in discussing
the situation with another citizen, conceived the idea of establishing a huge
building where the people could get together and talk over matters in dis-
pute, and thus more quickly come to an understanding. As time passed and
the need of such a building, where conventions and public meetings could be
held, seemed more urgent, a tentative plan gradually unfolded itseli in his
mind, and he resolved to put the matter before the people, lie had just
witnessed the completion of the Manual Training School, which had been
made possible by his generosity and personal interest in the welfare of the
rising generations, and he wanted t" do something for the older people. 'I he
Spirit of helpful CO-operation and interest in the future prosperity of his
home city, which he had known for more than fifty years, were strong
within him, and he manifested it, as usual, in a practical way.
About 1905 lie accordingly launched a movement for a public conven-
tion hall, to seat from three to four thousand people. The site at first
advocated was the parking between the Federal Building ami lloyt Library,
1 ml many citizens, wishing to preserve this attractive spot as a park, ob-
jected to this location, and for a time the project was in abeyance. The
vacant corner at Warren and Germania Avenues was also suggested as a
suitable site for a public building of this character, but the location likewise
met with disfavor, the price asked being generally regarded as prohibitive.
Thus the matter drifted until October, 1907, when Wellington R. Burt and
Temple E. Dorr made a joint proposal to the city council, providing for the
erection of a municipal convention hall.
Their proposition was a very favorable one to the city, inasmuch as it
provided for an expenditure on their part of seventy-live thousand dollars
toward the project, the city to furnish the remainder of the cost of construc-
tion and equipment. The offer was duly accepted by the council, plans and
specifications were prepared by W. T. Cooper & Son, and the contract tor
the erection of the building awarded to John II. Qualmann. The site
finally selected was entirely satisfactory to the citizens in general, and has a
frontage of one hundred and twenty feet on Washington Avenue, and ex-
tends one hundred and eighty feet on Janes. ( In April 24. 1908, the corner
stone was laid with interesting ceremonies, and the construction work was
rushed during the Summer, in order to have it completed in < (ctober, for the
Fifty-sixth Convention of the Michigan State Teachers Association.
On September 30 the large building was so near completion that the
first public meeting- was held, and on ( >ctober 23 occurred the first formal
civic opening, when the keys of the Auditorium were delivered by the donors
to the trustees, who had been duly appointed to manage its affairs. The
dedicatory ceremonies, taking the form of a grand musical festival, were
held on October 28 and 29, and eclipsed anything of this nature ever at-
tempted in Saginaw Valley. The great feature of the concerts was the New
York Symphony < irehestra, directed by Walter Damrosch, aided by a mixed
THE CONSOLIDATED SAGINAW'S
2(55
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THE AUDITORIUM
Erected in 1908 through the munificence of Wellington I: Burl and Temple E. Dorr
chorus of four hundred voices under the direction of John G. Cummings, and
the great organ played by C. II. White, of Bay City. The soloists were
Mine. Johanna Gadski, Mine. Isabella Boulton, contralto, and George Ham-
lin, tenor; and Earl Morse, violinist, and Frank LaForge, pianist, added
greatly to the enjoyment of the concerts.
The climax of the grand festival was on the evening oi the twenty-
eighth, when Mendelssohn's Hymn of Praise was rendered by the chorus,
orchestra and
.gel
in a manner surpassing any previous effort of the
singers, and which still lingers in the memory of all music lovers who were
present. On the following afternoon occurred the second of the orchestra
concerts, and in the evening was given the complimentary concert to the
teachers at the convention. More than four thousand were admitted to the
great hall, yet many were unable to enter, so crowded, was every corner of
the structure. When .Mine. Gadski learned of this condition, she kindly
offered, in order that none of the teachers should be disappointed, to give an
extra concert the following morning, which was held to an overflow house at
the Academy of Music.
On these occasions the great organ, a magnificent gift of Mr. Burt, was
heard for the first time by throngs of citizens, and visitors to the city, all
of whom were captivated by its tone and power. In the lofts at either side
of the stage, and in the center of the ceiling, are the great, swell, pedal and
echo organs, while the four manual console, electrically operating many hun-
dred pipes of the fifty-five stops, is in the center of the orchestra pit. The
organ is one of the great features of the Auditorium, and is heard to splendid
advantage at the Sunday afternoon concerts during the Winter, and at
musical festivals and other gala occasions. It was built and set up by the
Austin Organ Company, at a cost of about twenty thousand dollars, and
ranks among the largest and best in the State.
•266 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The Auditorium itself is a valuable asset to the city, ami with its
splendid equipment, thanks to the generosity of Messrs. Burt and Dorr, has
cost the city only about fifty thousand dollars, the burden of which is spread
over a number of years. The benefits accruing from this large and useful
building are enjoyed by present generations, as well as it will be by those
tn follow, and is for the use of the people, not for any particular party, class
or creed, but is open to the humblest citizen. It provides a suitable place
for holding large public meetings, conventions, industrial expositions, musical
festivals and theatricals, while the banquet hall above the lobby affords
every facility for dancing parties, art exhibits, lectures and small gatherings.
'Jdie Hoard of Auditorium Trustees is composed of William S. Linton, pres-
ident. William Ferris, secretary, and W. R. Purmort, treasurer.
Adjoining the Auditorium on the west is the new and well-equipped
Armory Building, which houses the local company of the State Militia and
the Second Division of the Michigan State Naval Brigade. This is a three-
story and basement brick and stone structure, sixty by one hundred and
twenty feet in size, of pleasing and appropriate style, and was completed in
the Fall of 1909. It was built jointly by the State and the city, the legisla-
tive appropriations being twenty thousand dollars, while the city contrib-
uted ten thousand dollars additional, for its construction. Affording com-
plete club facilities, with reading room, billiard and pool room, howling
alleys, gymnasium and drill hall, and shower baths, the new armory is much
appreciated by the officers and men of the two companies.
Directly opposite the Armory, at the foot of Janes Street, is Battery
Park, on ground which was purchased by the city in 1909 for a municipal
dock and water front park. It is an admirable drill ground for the militia,
ami affords convenient docking facilities for the naval reserve cutters and
small craft in general. The municipal investment in this park and the im-
provements was about eight thousand dollars, the benefits of which will
largely accrue to following generations.
City Government by Commission
As a whole the citizens of Saginaw, with all their progressiveness and
enterprise, have been quite free in the past from adopting fads and fancies,
seemingly being content to "let well enough alone." But in the matter of
civil government they all at once discovered, or thought they had, that they
were far behind the times, and, throwing traditions aside, they overturned
the old party regime, with its cliques, combinations and frame-ups. and
adopted a new and less cumbersome municipal government. Among the
various causes for this revolution may be cited sectional strife and jealousy,
party garb for spoils; it was charged there was wasteful and inefficient
conduct of city affairs; and possibly the Genesee Avenue Bridge muddle,
the gas franchise scandal, the electric lighting contracts, and disregard of
the will of the people had something to do with it.
As a matter of fact the city was not badly managed as many of our
citizens imagined. At the time of transition to '■commission form of gov-
ernment," Saginaw stood at the head of all cities in the United States of
like population as to its general credit, rate of taxation, etc. Even granting
the errors and omissions of former councils, a grave doubt existed in the
minds of many conservative, yet progressive citizens, that the new form of
government was any better than the old. or would deliver them from blunder
in the future. The ideas of the reformers however prevailed, ami the ques-
tion of making a new charter was put to a vote of the people, and carried.
In due course the charter commissioners were elected, and after many months
of deliberation over the various provisions proposed, a new charter was com-
&
TW ,
26S HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
pleted and presented to the people. At a special election held November 15,
1913, the charter was approved by a majority of nine hundred and ninety-two,
and it took effect January 1, 1914.
By the terms of the new charter, a primary election was required to he
held on December first next following, for the purpose of choosing the
nominees for mayor and four other councilmen, and ten supervisors at large.
There was a large held of available material, for the most part eager to he
retained or to get in public service, and great interest was aroused among
all classes of the people. The campaign waxed warm and fifty-four candi-
dates qualified for the councilmanic plums, and forty-three for the office of
supervisors. The three candidates for mayor were Ard E. Richardson,
Albert \Y. Tausend and Daniel Crane. From the first strong opposition was
aroused to the candidacy of Mr. Tausend, chiefly among the leaders of his
own part)' (politics still dominating the situation), and personal animosities
entered in no small degree to heighten the interest, The Democratic party
was dominated by the Beach-Lown faction, which insisted on simon pure
Democratic timber for all public offices, and newer forgave Tausend for a
division of the offices with hated Republicans, especially certain city officials
who were kept in office by the Tausend-Stenglein-Graebner combination in
the council.
This combination procured for the city a non-partisan body of city offi-
cials. ;it the head of which was George C. Warren, controller (Republican).
Mr. Warren's efficiency is unquestioned, lie placed the city's accounting
Upon a hasis second to none in use in any municipality in the country. Mr.
Tausend's (Democrat) effort for efficient non-partisan city administration
cost him defeat in immediate future aspiration to office.
The spirit of revolution was strong among the voters, and they de-
termined to establish an entirely new regime in city affairs. A new square
deal was what was needed for the best interests of the city. To change
the system, as they had previously voted to do. and reorganize the city
business, and then put back into control the men who were wrongfully
charged 1>_\ the press with having strenuously fought against any change,
would be the height of folly as showing a. lamentable want of common sense.
An entirely new set of managers was what they wanted. The truth was many
of the members of the old Council, including Mayor Tausend, were in favor
of and voted for the new form of government. So the electors marched duti-
fully to the polls and registered their verdict, with the result that Ard F.
Richardson was elected mayor by a majority of fourteen hundred and twenty-
two, carrying sixteen id' the twenty wards. The councilmen nominated at
the primary were: William 1*'. Jahnke, Robert F. Johnson, William lleiui.
William II. Reins. George Holcomb, Egbert II. Patterson, I. E. Runchey and
Charles II. Peters.
The election of the councilmen and supervisors was held December 22,
1913, and was merely formal as carrying out the expressed wishes of the
people. Some surprising results obtained nevertheless, and most noteworthy
being the strong following of William II. Reins, who led all the nominees.
The vote was: William II. Reins, four thousand and twenty-one; William
F. Jahnke, thirty-eight hundred and twenty-nine; George Holcomb, thirty-
eight hundred and twelve; and Robert F. Johnson, thirty-six hundred and
fifty-eight. The supervisors elected were: Charles F. Bauer, John J. Leid-
lein, Abe Van Overen, Leo I. Demers, Fred Bluhm, John B. Nauer, Adam
Sharp, Fred P.. Curtis, Julius C. Hahn and George P.. Scollen. These men
elected at large represent the entire city on the Board of Supervisors, and
act with the mayor, councilmen. city controller, city engineer, city attorney,
and the five members of the board of review, as representatives of the City
of Saginaw on the county's governing board.
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270 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The Present Council
The new charter provided that the term of the lirst council should expire
on April 11, I'll 5, and a new council elected fur two and four year terms. At
the primaries held mi March Id, with a strong array of candidates in the
field, Ard E. Richardson and Hilem F. Paddock were nominated for the
office of mayor, George Holcomb was elected councilman (having received a
majority), and the choice of six other nominees for councilmen and twenty
for supervisors was consistent with the idea of good government. Political
influences, however, were still strong in moulding public opinion and party
lines were drawn close, especially in the contest for the mayoralty.
The dominating faction of the Democratic party rallied to the support
of Mr. Paddock, and conducted a quiet, inside campaign of great effective-
ness. In this policy they were unconsciously aided by the supporters of Mr.
Richardson, who adopted a blatant, laudatory method of conducting their
campaign, featured by expressions so derogatory to the opposing nominee as
to lie almost vituperant in intensity. ( Hher influences also were at
work, reminding the people of certain acts of the chief executive, evidently
prompted by the reformers of his part}-, including the disorganization of
the police department, the tire department investigation farce, and other ill-
advised matters, which at the time met with wide public disapproval. Al-
though many voters were not impressed by the administrative abilities dis-
played by the Mayor, they generally agreed that the city had never had a
more conscientious and hard-working official — actuated by high ideals.
The election was held on Tuesday, April 0, 1915, and resulted very
happily to the supporters of Mr. Paddock, he being swept into office by a
majority of ten hundred and fifty-three. All the other councilmen, William
F. Jahnke, Robert F. Johnson and William II. Reins were re-elected to office
by substantial majorities; and the supervisors elected were: Charles F.
Bauer, Fred Bluhm, Sr., John J. Leidlein, George Schulz and Adam Sharp,
for the four-year term, and Charles A. Beckman, Fred F. Curtis, John fl.
Deibel, Julius C. Halm, and Chester A. 1 lowed, for the two-year term.
City Officers, July 1, 1915
Mayor, President of the Council,
Commissioner of Health and Safety Hilem F. Paddock
Vice-President of the Council,
Commissioner of Light, Water and Sewers Robert F. Johnson
Commissioner of Finance William F. Jahnke
Commissioner of Public Works George Ilolcomh
Commissioner of Parks and Cemeteries William II. Reins
Controller George C. Warren
Deputy Controller Carl A. Werner
Treasurer William F. Jahnke
Deputy Treasurer.. Hoyt Holcomb
Clerk Herbert S. Gay
Deputy Clerk Frank Ardern
Assessi ir Charles Spindler
Deputv Assessi >r Charles Evans
Attorney Robert T. Holland
Recorder and Police Judge William H. Martin
Justice of the Peace Arthur Clements
Health Officer Dr. W. J. O'Reilly
Physician Dr. F. W. Edelmann
Chief < if Police Patrick Kain
THE CONSOLIDATED SAGINAWS 271
Chief of Fire Department George W. Wallis
Assistant Chief of Fire Department Robert B. Hudson
Superintendent of Poor John Clark
Plumbing Inspector Joseph Schrems
City Electrician James Niven
Inspector of Foods and Measures Noble R. Snell
City Engineer Herman 1 1. Eymer
Assistant Engineer Otto Eckert
Superintendent of Parks Daniel 11. Ellis
Board of Estimates
Jacob Schwartz, President
W. E. McCorkle M. W. Guider Fred J. Buckhout James G. Macpherscm
Board of Review
George S. Lockwood, President
James C. Corn.well F. C. Trier William A. Iirewer Simon G. Koepke
THE FIRST COUNCIL UNDER THE COMMISSION GOVERNMENT
1— Aid E. Richardson. Mayor 2 — Robert F. Johnson
3 — George Holcomb 4 — William F. Jahnke 5 — William H. Reins
272 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Mayors of East Saginaw
1859 -William L. P. Little 1874 —Herbert 11. Hoyt
1860 —William ]. Bartow 1875 | ,-, ,,, ,,'••
10,. , - ,.,-. y — Chauncey \\ . Wisner
N" '-Charles B. Mott f76
1862 \ IS// ,, .. .. „,
io 3 „-■,,■ I- ,-, , u„,, — Bradley Al. I In >mi>son
1863 —William F. Glasby 18/8 \ ■ '
1864 —lames F. Brown ' 1879 I
1865 —Samuel W. Yawkev 1880 [• -John Welch
1866 — Dwight G. Holland 1881 J
1867 —Wellington R. Burt 1882 — Leander Simoneau
1868 I , , ,- , , 1883 — Frank Lawrence
1869 \ -James '- Ketcham 1884 ) , , . r t , ,
1870 -John G. (-wen 1885}-
1871 — Leander Simoneau 1886")
1872 —Charles L. Ortman 1887J
1873 —William L. Webber 1888)
IS/ 1 — Leander Simoneau 18S(> 1 ,, , , x.
,„--, ,-, , T .. . ,,,.,- V — Henry Al. Youmans
'872 — Charles L. Ortman 188/ J
— William B. Baum
Mayors of Saginaw City
,o-o — Gardner D. Williams 1974 \ — Benton Hanchett
!oAn '-—George W. Bullock If-5, I —Fred H. Potter
1860 J ° 1 8/ ( i \
1861 I t , •>, 1877 1 t- j
1S(|) —John Moore .„_„ I — George F. Lewis
}^g |. -Peter C. Andre jgj I -Lyman W . Bliss
1865 Stewart 1! Williams 1SS1 | . . ,,.,.
1866 —William M. Miller 1882 \ ~ Arthur nm
1867] 1883 —Peter C. Andre
1868 \ —Alfred F. R. Braley 1884! n, , T r.
jS|l) - 1885 1 — Charles P. benjamin
1870 —William H. Sweet 1886 —Arthur Hill
1871 -George F. Williams 1887 —John 11. Shackelton
1872 -William H. Sweet ISSN —Lyman W. Bliss
1889 —Gilbert Al. Stark
Mayors of the City of Saginaw
1890 ] 1904 ]
1891 J —George W. Weadock 1905 J —Henry E. Lee
1892 J 1906 J
1892 | 1906]
1893 \ -William S. Linton 1907 , —William B. Baum
1894 J 1908 J
1895 / ,,-.,,. ,, ,, , 1908
,. • — William a. Mershon ,,- t. ,,
1896 \ to — George W. Stewart. Al. I).
1896] 1912 J
to —William B. Baum 1912 I s,, ,,, ^
1904 j 1913 J — Albert W. 1 ausend
1914 I . , r ... , ',
,q,- — Ard L. Richardson
1915 — Hilem F. Paddock
HILEM F. PADDOCK
-Mayor of Saginaw
1915-1919
CHAPTER XIV
OUR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Earliest Schools — A. S. Gaylord Takes Charge — The New "Union School" —
Expansion of the Schools — The Union School District — Modern Buildings — The
Arthur llill Trade School — The First School at East Saginaw — Building the
"Academy" — Pioneer Teachers — Alonzo L. Bingham in Charge — Organization of
Board of Education — Extension of the School System — Prof. Tarbell's Unique
Action — The Hurt Manual Training School — Sectarian and Parochial Schools — The
First Public Library — The Public and Union School Library — The Butman-Fish
Memorial Library — The Public Library — [ioyt Library — Literary and Reading
Clubs — The Art Club.
ONE of the chief drawbacks to pioneer life in the wilderness was the
want of schools, which, with the hardships and privations suffered
by the early settlers, was keenly felt. Scarcely had the woodsman
felled the trees that supplied the logs for bis house, and disturbed
the soil for planting potatoes and corn, ere bis thoughts turned to the educa-
tion nf bis children. Coming from New England or New York where in
boyhood he bad received such instruction and training as was afforded by
old established schools, be naturally brought the educational habit with him,
and bis early efforts to provide school instruction speak well for bis intelli-
gence. It is therefore eminently fitting that some account of the inception
and growth of the work which was started by our sturdy pioneers, should
be included in this narrative id' human progress.
The Earliest Schools
The first school in Saginaw Count}-, or in fact in this section of .Michigan,
was opened in the Fall of 1834 by Albert Miller. It was located in a portion
of the old lo<;- barracks which bad been erected by the United States troops
in 1SJ2. In the little dingy room, the walls of which were hewed logs with
mud and moss filling the crevices, and the windows covered with oiled paper,
were gathered all the children for two or three miles around, from eighteen
to twenty-five in number, some of whom were half-breeds. Here, in the
forest wilderness, on the border id' a great unknown territory stretching west-
ward to the Pacific, was planted the first token of advancing civilization.
It was in strong contrast to our present elaborate system, with brick and
stone school buildings perfectly equipped, corps of intelligent teachers and
thousands of pupils.
In 1837 School District No. 1, of Saginaw Township, was organized,
and the first school house, a small frame building, was erected on the south
side of Court Street near the site of the court house. Some years later it
ivas removed across the street to ground now occupied by the county jail.
The first teacher of this organized public school was Horace S. Peach, of
New York City, whose efforts to instill knowledge in the young members
of the community evidently were successful, for be retained the position
until 1840.
During the following winter Henry A. Campbell and Dion Birney, the
latter a brother of James ( ',. Birney, followed as teachers, and in the Summer
of 1S41 the position was filled by Miss Catherine Peach, afterward Mrs.
Samuel Shattuck. From 1X42 to 1845 the school had several teachers suc-
ceeding each other, including Ira Bissell, of Grand Blanc; Daniel Woodin,
OUR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 275
of St. Clair; and Edwin Ferris, of New York. During the term of Mr.
Ferris the number of pupils became too large for one room and one teacher,
and the school building was thereupon enlarged and Miss Harmony Hay-
wood employed as assistant. Shortly after Mr. Woodman, of Hamilton,
New York, was employed as teacher for a few months.
In 1X45 Miss Harriet A. Spaulding, a young woman of fine education
and accomplishments, came as missionary from Boston. In the public
schools she found an excellent opportunity to advance good work among
the young, and was so employed during that year and in 1846. Her mission
was not in vain, for years after her pupils still cherished letters written to
them after her departure, which prove her sincere regard for them. From
1847 to 1850 there were several teachers, including Miss Eliza Booth. E. C.
Erwin. Miss Anna Dayton-, Joseph A. Ripley, of Tuscola, Charles T. Dis-
brow, and Milo Woodward, of Ohio. In 1S47. when the district school was
in charge of Miss Booth, a private school was taught for several months by
Miss Angeline J. Berry; hut the public school from its beginning generally
met the educational needs of the time.
Augustine S. Gaylord Takes Charge
Early in April. 1851, Augustine S. Gaylord came here from Ohio and
was employed as teacher of the school, which then had an average attendance
of fifty-five scholars. In November of the same year Mr. Gaylord was
appointed deputy county clerk, and relinquished the duties of teacher to
Charles Johnson who filled the position until the Fall of 1853. At this time
Saginaw City abolished the rate bill and made her school absolutely free,
being one of the first towns in the State to take such action.
The new "Union School," which had been in process of erection on the
south side of Court Street, at the east corner of Webster Street, was com-
pleted late in 1853. It was a two-story frame building, divided midway of
its length by a hall and double flight of stairs, and contained four rooms to
accommodate about two hundred pupils. For sixteen years this school was
the chief temple of knowledge to the rising generation, and within its walls
many of the prominent citizens of Saginaw City received their early educa-
tion. In 1868 the building was removed to the Fourth Ward, where it served
the same cause for a number of years. It was afterward used as a parochial
school by SS. Peter and Paul Church.
The first teacher of the new Union School was Charles R. Gaylord, who
received a salary of five hundred dollars for the school year of forty-four
weeks. This was the highest compensation ever before given to a teacher
in the Saginaw school. He was assisted by Miss Mary Rice, of Grand
Blanc, and the attendance in two rooms was about one hundred and fifty
scholars. In the following year the number of pupils increased to one hun-
dred and eighty, necessitating the employment of a second assistant teacher.
The studies pursued were the common English branches, natural philosophy,
algebra and Latin.
Mr. Gaylord was succeeded in 1835 by 1'. S. Heisrodt, who conducted
the schools with characteristic vigor for four years, lie was followed by
A. L. Bingham, a life-long and successful teacher, whose memory is held in
grateful remembrance by many of our older citizens. The principals who
succeeded Mr. Bingham were: Isaac Delano, 1862-63; Lucius Birdseye,
1863-65; Joseph W. Ewing, 1865-69; C. D. Heine, 1869-72; Cornelius A.
Gower, 1872-7(>, and Cyrus B. Thomas, 1876 to 1885.
Among the well-known teachers at this period and for some years fol-
lowing were: Miss Sibyl C. Palmer. Miss Sarah L. Johnston, Miss fosephine
E. f.ohnston, Miss M. |. Alexander, Mrs. fuliette Fonda and Mrs. Maiw 11.
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OUR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 277
Prentiss. In 1881 George Hempel was principal of the High School, and
Miss Isabella Ripsom and Miss Mary E. Gelston were his assistants. The
lower grades were taught by the Misses Annie and Minnie De Land, Mary
E. Atwater, Fannie G. Lewis, Lucy L. Townsend and Maggie A. Durand.
The German-English course, fifth and sixth grades, was conducted by Con-
stantin Watz ; and Misses Emily Barck, Florence E. Guillott and Anna
Rose taught the primary grades. < )ther successful teachers were Misses
Emily Case, Carrie Redman, Gertrude Lee, Rhoda I. Van Zile, Jessie Lee,
Emma Plessner, Sadie Ketcham and Leila M. Lyon. Mr. L. M. Fetzer was
instructor in German-English in the Fifth Ward School.
Expansion of the Schools
In 1860 the population of Saginaw City was nearly eighteen hundred.
and the need of additional school facilities began to be felt. Immigration
to the valley during this decade was so rapid that it was difficult for those
in charge of educational affairs to provide accommodations for all the chil-
dren who would attend school. Every few years the school board provided
for the erection of a new school, but it was not until 1868 that the demand
was fully met.
The Sixth Ward school house, a two-story brick building, was erected
in 1863 at a cost of three thousand dollars. Though of plain exterior, its
two rooms furnished pleasant accommodations for one hundred and twenty
pupils, who, after four years of primary instruction, were promoted to the
Central School.
In 1865-66 a new brick school house was erected in the Third Ward, at
a cost of seven thousand five hundred dollars. It was a two-story structure
containing two large and well-lighted rooms, a wide hall and ample cloak
room. The first four grades only were taught here, the scholars then being
sent to the fifth grade in the Central School.
The First Ward School at the North End, or what was known as the
Penoyer Farm, was a frame building, one story in height, was built in ISoS,
and enlarged in 1872. It contained three rooms in which the pupils com-
pleted six grades of school work before promotion to the Central School.
'fhe first really imposing school building in Saginaw Citv was built in
18(i~-68, and was called the Central School, its location being on the north
side of Court Street, between Harrison and Webster Streets. It was con-
structed of brick and stone, three stories in height, with a basement, and was
crowned with a Mansard roof above which rose a lofty bell tower. This
school house contained twenty-seven assembly ami recitation rooms, capable
of seating about eight hundred pupils. All the grades were taught here,
pupils remaining twelve years in the school before graduation. Afterward,
the building was provided with steam heat and thorough ventilation, when
it was exceedingly well fitted for the purposes of education. Twenty years
ago it was gutted by fire, rebuilt along modern ideas, newly equipped, and
given the name, John Moore School.
'fhe fifth Ward School, occupying an entire square on Charles Street,
one block north of Court, was a two-story frame building containing four
rooms, and planned to seat about two hundred pupils. It was built in 1872
at a cost of fixe thousand dollars, (inly the two primary grades were here
taught, pupils being transferred at the end of the second rear to the Central
School.
In 1870, when the population of the city had reached seven thousand
five hundred, the official school census showed twenty-one hundred children
of school age (from five to twenty-one years), and the number of teachers
employed was twenty-five. The total enrollment for that year was four-
278 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
teen hundred, and the average daily attendance was about eight hundred.
Ten years later the population had increased to ten thousand six hundred,
and the teachers numbered thirty-five, including Superintendent Thomas
and special teachers in penmanship, drawing and music. The total enroll-
ment of pupils was seventeen hundred and sixty-seven, and the average daily
attendance for the year was twelve hundred and thirty-three.
The Union School District
By a special enactment of the Michigan Legislature in 1865, the Union
School District was organized, and put under the exclusive control of a
school board of six trustees. Under this special act the schools were care-
fully reorganized with three departments — primary, grammar and high
school. Each of these department'- covered four years, and a course of study
was prescribed for the twelve years. The first class t" complete the course
graduated from the high school in 1870, and was composed of ten scholars,
four boys and six girls.
During these years the services of several public-spirited citizens, who
gave time and attention to promote the advancement of learning, stand out
boldly. Such services were rendered, as a rule, without adequate reward or
appreciation, unless the consciousness 'if doing a good work may be counted
compensation. In the earlier years Hiram I.. .Miller. Dr. l>avis, fabez Suther-
land and Dr. M. C. T. Plessner were conspicuous. Later, John Moore,
William II. Sweet, Benton Hanchett. Jay Smith. Dr. 1. N. Smith. Dr. I. H.
Jerome and D. B. Ketcham took an active and honorable part. In 1881 the
school board was composed of David II. Jerome, president; Otto Roeser,
secretary; George L. Burrows, treasurer; and the other trustees were
D. L. C. Eaton, A. T. I 'diss and A. W. Achard.
In June, 1880, a committee of the Faculty of the University of Michigan.
invited by the school board, visited the schools, and carefully examined into
their organization and the methods and thoroughness of the instruction
given. As a result the school was at once recognized as a preparatory
department of the University, and its graduates of 1880 were admitted to the
University classes without examination at Ann Arbor.
Modern School Buildings
In the last thirty years great progress has been made in providing proper
and adequate facilities for education, and particularly in the erection of new
and modern school buildings in convenient locations. The old frame struc-
tures, in which many of our citizens prominent in business and social circles,
received their earl_\- training, have gradually been replaced by buildings of
brick and stone, equipped with the latest and best appliances for training the
youthful mind. Enlargement and improvement of these earlier school build-
ings is constantly going on. to keep pace with the increasing demands for
space and better facilities. In 1915 the Union School District comprised ten
modern schools, valued with their equipment at half a million dollars, in
which convenience for students and teachers, and sanitary arrangements are
prominent features.
The John Moore School, very properly named after an honored citizen,
who was a member of the first board of trustees of the Union School Dis-
trict, and who served many years after, is a modern brick structure erected
on the foundation of the old Central School. It contains sixteen school
rooms and the well furnished and equipped offices of the school board, which
meets every month, all the business of the district being transacted through
a competent clerical force under the direction of Arthur D. Bate. German is
taught in eight grades in this school.
OUR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
279
THE JOHN MOORE SCHOOL
The Stone School, named after Farnum C. Stone who served the Union
School District as treasurer for main- years, is located at the corner of State
and Stone Streets. It is a modern brick building containing sixteen class
rooms, office of the principal, teacher--' room, and also a room equipped with
the necessary materials for first help in sick cases. The eight grammar
grades are taught in this school, the blackboards being graded.
The Bliss School, named after Aaron T. Bliss who was president oi the
board for a number of years, is located at Bond and Bristol Streets. This
is also a modern brick structure containing eight class rooms in which the
first seven grades are taught.
The Herig School is named after Dr. E. A. Herig. who for thirteen
years was a member of the board, holding various offices and was chairman
of the committee on teachers. This school is a substantial brick building
completed in September, 1907, and has eight class rooms, ante-rooms, sani-
tary wardrobes, graded blackboards and other modern appliances in school
house architecture. The first six grades, including German, are taught in
this sch( h il.
The Otto Roeser School, named after a prominent citizen who served
the school district as secretary for many years, is a brick building remodeled
with all modern appliances, and with heating and sanitary arrangements
well carried out. There are eight class rooms in which the first six grades
are taught, including German in the first and second.
'Idle Williams School, named in honor of the family of Gardner D.
Williams, one of the early pioneers in this section, is situated at the corner
280
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
of Harrison and Williams Streets. It is a two-story brick building, and
until recently four grades were taught by two teachers, but is not now
in use.
The Jerome School, named after David II. Jerome, one time governor
of Michigan, is situated at the corner of Harrison and Dearborn Streets.
It is a modern brick structure with all sanitary arrangements, and contains
eight rooms in which the first seven grades are taught.
The Durand School, situated at the corner of Grout and Joslyn Streets,
is named after a long-time president of the hoard, Lorenzo T. Durand. in
honor of his faithful and efficient service. This school, which is modern in
every respect, was erected in 1904 and enlarged in 1915, and has sixteen
rooms, principal's office, teachers' room, graded blackboards and other con-
veniences. German is included in the courses of study in this school.
The Arthur Hill High School, in which is the office of the superinten-
dent of schools, is situated at the corner of Court and Harrison Streets, and
is a modern building in every respect and perfectly equipped. Three com-
plete laboratories, chemical, physical and biological, render valuable and
indispensable aid to the students in science. There are full courses in Ger-
man, French. Latin and English, and a well-equipped business department
prepares students for commercial work. The County Normal Training
School, which prepares teachers for county schools, is also in this building.
The high school is affiliated with a long list of universities and colleges, at
which the graduates are accepted without examination, on presentation of
their diplomas. The sell, nil is named after our distinguished citizen, .Arthur
Hill, wiio in 1893 established four scholarships at the University of Mich-
igan. I hie is awarded each year to the graduate student standing highest
in his work during the senior year, and is valued at one thousand dollars.
THE ARTHUR HILL TRADE SCHOOL
OUR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 281
The Arthur Hill Trade School
Mr. Hill's efforts in matters educational in his home city did not end
with his gift of scholarships. There was in his mind, as a part of our com-
mon school system, the need for the trade or vocational school where boys
and girls could acquire something to aid them by training the hand and eye-
as well as cultivating the mind, to better equip themselves for work with
the hands, and that it was desirable that they should acquire that knowledge
during the school age rather than through apprenticeships after leaving
school. Desiring to have this broader field entered at an early day, he
bequeathed to the Union School District the sum of two hundred thousand
dollars for establishing an industrial school. Seventy-five thousand was to
be set aside as a permanent endowment toward the support and mainten-
ance of the school, and the remainder to be used for the purchase of a site
and the erection and furnishing of the school building.
The courses of study to be taught in the trade school and the equip-
ment to be used were in a general way determined before the plans for the
building were considered, the intention being to provide a thoroughly prac-
tical plant and one economical to operate. Preliminary work in connection
with securing the site, which is on the east side of South Michigan Avenue
at Mackinaw Street, was begun early in 1911, and the building was com-
pleted and transferred to the Union School District. September 23, 1913.
The school building was designed as a shop, but it also contains the
necessary class rooms, library, drafting room, laboratory, exhibition space
and administration quarters. The shops are centered about the power plant,
in which are installed many types of stationary and marine engines, also
electrical equipment for use in producing light and power for the building.
All this is valuable for demonstration to the students of the school. There
are also various types of machine tools, forges and pattern-making equip-
ment, all of which are of use in courses of training common to stationary,
marine and electrical engineering, or for special instruction and practice.
The building trades, such as carpentry, bricklaying and plumbing are
accommodated in shops designed especially for handiwork, and are equipped
with the usual tools and appliances used in actual practice. There are also
courses in elementary forestry, machine sewing, dressmaking, millinery,
novelty work, drawing, trade mechanics, industrial history and English.
As the school is for those who through choice or necessity elect to make
their living through industrial and trade pursuits, in order to lie of the
greatest service to the community, there are. in addition to a day school, a
continuation and a night school. The continuation school is intended to
give boys and girls between fourteen and eighteen years of age, who are
already engaged in a trade, an opportunity to complete their general school
education, and also to improve their theoretical and practical knowledge oi
their trade. The night school is to help men and women engaged in a voca-
tion to better their condition by increasing their knowledge and skill.
In order to meet these conditions the school is kept open all the year
round, and every day from eight to eleven-thirty in the morning, from one
to three-thirty, from four to six, in the afternoon, and from seven to nine in
the evening. Saturdays the school closes at noon; and holidays are observed
according to law.
The instructors for the trade work are men and women who have been
engaged in practical work, specialists in their particular line, men of broad
training, who know the requirements in the world of trade and industry,
and who are able to appreciate what is best for the students. All cultural
2S2 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
subjects taught in the school are closely correlated with the vocation studied,
and are taught by regular teachers who understand the boys in their period
i if adi ilescence.
The aim of this school is in harmony with and is the same as the general
aim of all education; but the specific aim is the development of trade effi-
ciency and love of work, and with this the cultivation of those virtues which
effectiveness of effort and love of work immediately call forth: conscien-
tiousness, diligence, perseverance, responsibility, self-restraint and dedication
to an energetic life. In addition to filling its purpose as an educational
institution, the distinctive character of the gift as executed is a fitting
memorial to Arthur Hill, whose interest and service were of such great
benefit to the public schools of his home city.
Mr. Hill was a man of broad culture, of exceptional vigor and ability,
and was a philanthropist and philosopher. Notwithstanding his various
activities he yet found time for extensive travel in America, Europe and
Asia. lie occupied main positions of public trust and made many gifts to
public institutions, particularly of educational character. He gave to the
University of .Michigan, from which he graduated in 1865, a farm for forestry
purposes, also a beautiful bronze bas-relief of President Angell. now in
Memorial Hall, the work of the well-known sculptor Karl Bitter; and he
left the university by his will a fund for the building of a much needed
Auditorium, which was completed in 1914.
He served upon the school board of Saginaw City for six years, most of
which time he was its president. In 1901 he became a regent of the Uni-
versity of Michigan, which office he held at the time of his death, December
6, 1909. Taking a broad view of education, he was a firm believer in our
free public schools, and sought in every way to broaden their scope to meet
the changing needs of the age.
'fhe members of the board of the Union School District in 1915 were:
Lorenzo T. Durand, president; Ernest A. Snow, vice-president; E. D.
Church, treasurer; Charles A. Klnien. secretary; and Dr. E. E. Curtis and
Harker \V. Jackson.
In 1914-15 the total enrollment of pupils was thirty-eight hundred and
sixty-three, ami the daily attendance was thirty-one hundred and thirty-six;
and the number of teachers was one hundred and nine.
The First Schools at East Saginaw
'fhe history of the schools of East Saginaw commenced with the efforts
of the early settlers to build a city, which was coincident with the clearing
away of the forest on Jloyt's Plat begun in the Spring of 1850. The terri-
tory embraced within the limits of the little settlement was a part of the
Township of Buena Vista, and it was by authority of the township board
that Morgan L. Cage, director, engaged Dr. C. T. Disbrow to teach a school
at his residence. This was a plain board house which stood on the north-
east corner of Washington and Emerson Streets; and the school sessions
were held in the upper story. Years after the house was remodeled and
enlarged after the style of a "Gothic Cottage," and became the home of
A. \\ . McCormick. It was an interesting landmark of this part of town,
but was torn down about 1892 to make way for contemplated railroad im-
provements. The site is now occupied by the Michigan Central Railroad
station.
The pioneer children came flocking to this school faster than they could
be cared for; and on March 10, 1851, School District No. 1, of the Township
of Buena Vista, was duly organized, and a call issued for the first primary
-
OUR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 28r>
school meeting to be held on the fifteenth. At this meeting of the qualified
voters of the district, D. W. Norton was chosen director, J. T. Calkins,
moderator, and C. G. Persons, assessor. From the minutes of this meeting
we learn that the district officers were empowered "to make such arrange-
ments as they think best for a school this season," and to carry out this
purpose a resolution was passed "that forty dollars be raised by tax to pro-
vide for a suitable room for the school," and in addition "twenty dollars for
purchasing globes, outline maps and other apparatus for the use of the
school."
Under these provisions a rough hoard shanty was built on the site ol
the Bancroft I louse, and Miss Carrie Ingersoll, sister of Mrs. C. T. Disbrow,
was engaged as teacher. The attendance at this school varied from twenty
to twenty-five pupils. At this time not more than six blocks of land had
been cleared out of the dense forest, which covered the site of the infant
settlement. But the progress under the able management of the Hoyts was
rapid, and the development of the schools kept pace with it.
Early in 1X52 Truman B. Fox. the pioneer historian of Saginaw Valley,
established a select school in a small building which stood on the corner of
Water and Hoyt Streets. The whole number of pupils, he records, was
about eighty about whom many pleasant memories were associated in his
mind, with those days. During recess the children would gather wild
flowers that grew abundantly in the green woods, within a few rods of the
school house door, and bring them as peace offerings to their teacher, for
those who happened to lie a little tardy in coming to the call of the hell.
Building the Union School, or "Academy"
Among the other provisions of the primary school meeting was one for
raising by tax of two thousand dollars for the purpose of building a school
house within the district; and a committee, composed of Curtis Emerson,
Morgan L. Gage and Norman Little, was appointed to select a site for it.
After due consideration of this matter the committee reported that Alfred
M. Hoyt and Curtis Emerson had offered to donate the block hounded by
(efferson, Emerson, Cass and Hoyt Streets, for school purposes. This
liberal offer of public-spirited men was thereupon accepted, and upon the
ground which is now the site of the Hoyt School was erected the first school
house in East Saginaw, the forerunner of our splendid school system.
At a school meeting held May 3, 1851, a plan of the new school building
was presented by J. E. Voorhees, upon which the lowest estimate of cost
was two thousand six hundred dollars. This amount being largely in excess
of the tax levied for the purpose, the officials were in a dilemma until Norman
Little, with characteristic liberality, offered to erect the building and finish
it for two thousand five hundred dollars, taking the tax of two thousand
dollars when collected, and a mortgage on the building for five hundred,
payable in five years, in equal annual payments. This offer was unanimously
accepted by the inhabitants of the new settlement, who displayed a com-
mendable zeal and promptitude in providing for the education of their
children.
A contract with Mr. Little having been entered into, the work of
assembling the material and erecting the building was at once begun, and
it was completed in the Summer of 1852. Standing, as it did. on the high-
est ground in the township, it was conspicuous for its stately appearance,
and soon became known as "The Academy." The pioneers who are still
living remember it as a commodious, square building, resting on a stone
foundation, and containing on the first floor two large rooms, one on each
side of a broad hall. < >n the upper floor was one large room, or hall, with
286 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
recitation room and wardrobe annexed. It was used as a town hall, and for
church services, all religious denominations in the absence of church organ-
izations, irrespective of creed or church forms, worshipping together.
At tins time the only means of crossing the bayou, which lay west of
the school and extended" in both directions far beyond the limits of the
settlement, was by a rude foot bridge at Hoyt Street, and a plank walk con-
nected it with Washington Street. When water rilled the bayou, both
teacher--' and scholars who lived upon the opposite side (and very few per-
sons then lived east of it), had to be ferried over, or make a detour of
Genesee flank Road, which was then the only team bridge crossing the
bayou. There was quite a hill from the west side of the school house to the
margin of the bayou, and in winter this was the coasting ground for the
boys and girls, and the bayou afforded line skating all the way to Genesee
Plank Road. Their playground was virtually unlimited, as the beautiful
forest of Maple, < >ak, Beech and Elm, approached to the east side of Jeffer-
son Street.
The Pioneer Teachers of the "Academy"
Upon the completion of the "Academy" a competent teacher from the
East was engaged as principal, and Miss Alary Rice, a teacher in the Sagi-
naw City school, was employed as assistant at a salary of seven dollars a
week. When the time came for the opening of the new school, the principal
failed to appear, thereupon Miss Rice assumed the duties of that position
"without change of salary." In an early report of the Board of Education,
1873, page 43, Miss Rice recounts her experience:
"1 could see the beautiful new school from my room at the Webster
House in Saginaw City. Looking oxer toward it the morning I was to
commence my duties there, and remembering that, instead of the compar-
atively easy work of assistant. I was to fulfill the more arduous task of
1'rincipal, 1 felt over-awed and timid. 'I never can do it,' I was beginning
to sigh, when courage came back saying, 'Yes, you can.' So I went over
resolved to be equal to my work, and to give myself entirely to it. The
first dav I was alone with a house full of pupils, large and small, untaught
and advanced, all sorts and all sizes.
"At my suggestion Mr. Morgan L. Gage, Director, secured the services
of Miss Charlotte Messer (Mrs. Norman L. Miller, of Saginaw City), who
was then teaching a private school there. After classifying our scholars
so that she had about sixty primaries, 1 was still left with as many as the
upper room would seat. So Miss Clara Dean, of Pine Run. was engaged
as my assistant. Every boat landing at the wharf brought to the town new
comers, and of children there was a fair share. Miss Messer's room was
soon crowded to the utmost, and Miss Nellie Little (Mrs. Derby) was called
to assist her. Our salaries were moderate, ranging from four to seven dol-
lars a week, and were paid monthly.
"We had 'company' almost every day ami it encouraged and stimulated
us greatly. It was not always easy to get to the school house. Jefferson
Street, toward the north, was marked by a line of stumps, west was the
bayou, and east and south dense woods. Such splendid woods! Full of
mosquitoes they were. too. They came in clouds, if not thick enough to
darken the air, yet thick enough to oblige us to build 'smudges' in daytime.
We had a floating bridge over the bayou. ( )ften when Miss Messer and 1
were crossing, our affectionate pupils would throng around us, and the
bridge would sink two, three or six inches in water, so we often taught all
day with wet feet. Rut we were young, strong and happy, and neither
feared or minded a cold much."
OUR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
287
THE OLD "ACADEMY"
The First School House in East Saginaw, Erected <m thf Site of the Hoyt School
At the cud of this pleasant school year, in the Spring- of 1853, an exhibi-
tion and picnic was held. It was no easy task to bring to the school house
such things as were needful for the occasion. James L. Webber, however,
undertook to draw the lumber and to construct the seats for the visitors in
the "grove" near the school house. The reader should not underrate such
an effort made more than sixty years ago. Instead of driving due south as
he could today, on well paved streets, he had to drive north, then east on
the plank road, and south wherever he could find solid ground for his team
and a passage through stumps and brush. But the exhibition came off in
style, according to the report, and "there were refreshments and speeches,
varying with declamations and music." An essay was read by Chauncey
Cage, which received high commendatory notice, and the exercises were
closed with an address delivered by William L. Webber.
The Weekly Enterprise of September 21, 1X53. announced the opening of
school under the guidance of J. ( ). Selden. principal, assisted by Misses
Kmeline and Clara Dean. The school attendance tor this year was two
hundred; and the school was in session seven months, and the whole amount
paid to teachers was four hundred and eighty dollars. Besides the common
English branches, physiology, philosophy, botany, algebra, bookkeeping and
vocal music, were taught in the school.
School opened in the Fall of 1854 witli J. C. Warner as principal and
Miss Rice as assistant. He was a graduate of Yale and eminently qualified
for his position, but his health was feeble and he died in September of the
following year. His successor was Dr. R. II. Steele, who remained only a
short time, being dismissed by resolution of the board. ( Ither teachers' at
this period were: Misses Harriet Weller, Helen King. !•'.. R. Burt, Clark,
Parker, Jennie Frey, and Mrs. C. E. Stearns.
288 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Alonzo L. Bingham in Charge
( >n December 21, 1855, Alonzo L. Bingham took charge of the school,
and thereafter it was "in successful operation," the new principal giving
"general satisfaction." At the close of the winter term in 1856 there was a
thorough examination of the school, to which the public was invited by Mr.
Bingham. The schools in those days commanded a fair share of public
attention, and the Union School is mentioned as having formed a part of the
procession on the Fouth of July, 1857. The manner of equipping the school
with 1 looks is shown by the calling of a meeting on September 28, for the
purpose of voting a tax in order to procure a Webster's Dictionary. The
school census of 1857 gives the number of children of school age (between
four and eighteen years), as six hundred and forty-six, hut the number in
attendance is not given.
Mr. Bingham continued as principal of the school until 1860. llis work
marked a new era, and gave a tone and discipline to the primitive school
that had before been lacking. During the Civil War he served with honor,
with the rank of Captain, and was present at the Wilderness, Spottsyh ania
and Petersburg, and returned, scarred by wounds, to live out a life of use-
fulness, and receive in death, which occurred in January, 1893, the tribute
of our leading citizens.
The moderators of School District No. 1 — Township of Buena Vista,
from 1X51 to 1X55 were: J. T. Calkins, 11. B. Hubbard, Morgan L. Cage,
L. 11. Eastman, R. C. Newton. Chester B. Jones, \\ . II. Warner, Henry
Woodruff and J. S. Curtis; and the directors were: D. W. Newton, J. E.
Voorheis, Morgan L. Cage, William L. Webber, D. W. C. Gage, Charles T.
Disbrow and George W. Merrill.
Organization of Board of Education
[n February, 1859, an act to incorporate the Board of Education of the
City of East Saginaw was approved by the Legislature, and the first Board
of Education was organized March 22. a date which marks a distinctive
period in the growth of our school system. These were changeful and stormy
times, after the quiet progress of the preceding four years, and the board
was embarrassed by the want of funds, and discouraged by the ill success of
so many principals, following the able administration of Mr. Bingham. The
fall term of 1860 began with 1). B. Sturgis as principal, and four women
teachers, but the total number of pupils enrolled was only two hundred and
ninety-eight, and an average daily attendance of one hundred and seventy-
live. Mr. Sturgis tried the experiment of "moral suasion," with the usual
result, of that time, that he left at the end of the year.
Beginning with March 1, 1860, the proceedings of the board were regu-
larly published, Perry Joslin contracting to do this work for twenty-live
dollars a year. From these proceedings it appears that the fall term of 1X61
opened with C. J. Myers, a cultured man, of pleasing manner, as principal;
and he taught the school successfully until the end of the spring term of
1X65. Two of his assistants were Miss Mary Rice, the first teacher of the
"Academy," and Miss M. Gillett who also achieved an enviable reputation
as a popular teacher.
At a special meeting of the board on March 15, 1862, occurred an inter-
esting and novel event. This was the first "annual report" ever made to
the board by its president. For sound judgment, admirable arrangement,
keen insight, and comprehensive understanding of what the schools had
done, and what they should do in the future, this report has not been sur-
passed. It was made by John J. Wheeler, and marked him as an intelligent
OUR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 289
and public spirited citizen, even if no other record of his work could he
found. From the report we glean the fact that the number of children in
the city of school age was eight hundred and fifty-one; the number of pupils
enrolled was four hundred and fifty-nine, and the school rooms could prop-
erly accommodate only two hundred and sixty. As some of the citizens had
expressed the opinion that "the schools cost too much." the report showed
that the annual cost per pupil, taking the average daily attendance as a basis,
was eight dollars and seventy-seven cents, which was very much less than
the cost in many other cities.
Extension of the School System
As early as 1857 the "First Ward" school house, a small frame building
of "cottage" style, was built near the site of the present Crary School, on
Warren Avenue. In those day-- it had the name of being a very hard school.
Eleven years later it was replaced with a two-Story brick school house, con-
taining four rooms with two hundred and sixty-five sittings. This build-
ing was afterward enlarged by the addition of four class rooms, to accommo-
date the demands of this growing section of the city, and is still in use.
About 1863 the board purchased a site for a school on German Street,
between Clay and Rockwell i Park and Second), on which was a large, barn-
like unpainted house, containing two large, poorly furnished rooms. It
was known as the "Old Tin Shop" school, the building in an earlier day
having been used for that purpose. To meet the growing needs of the
schools the board in 1866 built on this site a substantial brick building,
which soon became known as the Central School. This school contained
seven large rooms and accommodated five hundred and ten scholars. The
cost of the structure was fort}' thousand dollars, a large expenditure for
educational facilities in those days. For a number of years this was the
largest school in the city, seven departments being conducted — the lligh
School. Grammar, Intermediate, and four primary grades.
The first principal of the Central School was William S. Tennant, after-
ward circuit judge, who had charge from April to Jul}-, 1866. lie was
succeeded by Professor Joseph Estabrook, under whose superintendency,
covering a period of five years, the number of teachers in the four schools
increased from sixteen to thirty-two. An important event was the incorpor-
ation, in 187n, of the German schools with the public schools. The "Cer-
mania School," a three-story brick structure, was built, but not completed,
by the Germania Society in 1868. English and German were taught in this
school by teachers employed by the society, but in the year stated it passed
under the control of the Board of Education, on the condition that instruc-
tion in German be continued.
At this time the number of teachers employed by the society was three —
two German teachers and one English — and the number of pupils enrolled
was below one hundred. The teaching of German in the lower grades, at
first confined to this school, increased until in 1893 the number of pupils who
received primary German instruction was about eleven hundred. This
department then required twelve teachers, one of whom, L. J. A. Ibershoff,
acted as supervising principal. During the twenty-two years intervening,
Air. Ibershoff has served faithfully as principal of this school, which is one
of the distinctive features of our school system. The German schools are
graded and taught in the same manner as are the other public schools in
which English branches alone are taught.
It is not needful to here enlarge upon Professor Estabrook's work in
connection with our schools, his career belonging rather to the history of
the State. In July. 1871, he was succeeded by Professor 11. S. Tarbell, who
290
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
THE OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL, ERECTED IN 1866
remained with the board until the close of the school year of 1877. During
his efficient superintendency several important changes occurred, including
the incorporation of the South Saginaw schools with those of the city. < me
of the principal problems with which the board had to deal at this time was
that of providing sufficient room for the increasing number of pupils who
desired to enter sell' nil, but it was solved in a manner characteristic of a
pn tgressive people.
From 1870 to 1875 the extension of the school system was very rapid,
not less than eight new school houses of brick and wood being built to
accommodate the increasing demands of the growing city. The Potter
School in the hirst Ward, and the Houghton School in the Third Ward,
both wooden buildings of four rooms each, and containing sittings to the
number of two hundred and thirty, were erected in 1870. Following these
was the new Hoyt School built to replace the old "Academy," which was
burned in 1871. The new school, a fine modern structure of brick, con-
taining six rooms and sittings for three hundred and twenty-five scholars,
was opened on November 11, 1872. About twenty years later this building
was rebuilt and enlarged, requiring ten teachers to instruct the four hun-
dred scholars it accommodates.
The Emerson School in the Sixth Ward, a brick building containing
four rooms and accommodations for two hundred and ten pupils, was added
in 1872; and the following year the Salina School, a w len building with
four rooms, was incorporated in the school system by the village of South
Saginaw consolidating with East Saginaw. In 1874 the Jones School in the
Fourth Ward, and the Sweet School in the Seventh Ward, were built.
Both of these buildings were of brick and added nearly four hundred sittings
to the former capacity of the schools. In recent years all the old w len
buildings have been replaced with large modern structures, perfectly fur-
nished and equipped with the best appurtenances for the training of the
youthful mind.
OUR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 291
Professor Tarbell's Unique Action
In 1X74 the Board of Education made a contract with Professor Tar-
hell for three years service at three thousand dollars a year; and two years
later, when the city passed through a period of financial depression, he sent
the following communication to the board:
"In recognition of the importance of making the burdens ol the tax-
payers as light as possible, and in hope that a concession on my part m.i\
aid in maintaining the several departments of the schools unchanged, and
the salaries of the teachers untouched, 1 hereby suggest and consent that
the sum of twenty-five hundred dollars only for the superintendent be
included in the estimates for the coming year."
This is the first, and probably the only, case upon the records of a man's
salary being reduced at his ozvn suggestion.
The Board of Education which, during this period of expansion, directed
the improvements and additions to the school system of Last Saginaw, was
composed of some of the leading men of the city, and deserve honorable
mention in this connection. In 1868 the members of the board were:
Edwin Aiken, president; A. P. Brewer, John S. Lstabrook, C. < ). Garrison;
George W. Merrill. Leander Simoneau, inspectors; and George Maurer,
secretary. The presidents of the board were: W. L. P. Little, 1859: W. 1-
Bartow, 1860; John J. Wheeler, 1861-62-64-65; fohn B. Dillingham, 1863;
Edwin Burt, 1866-67; Edwin Aiken, 1868; George C. Warner, 1869-70;
Charles E. Doughtv, 1871; George W. Morley, 1872; Chester B. Jones, 1873
to 1875; Henry M. Youmans, 1876 to 1878; Alex. G. Anderson, 1879; Edwin
Saunders, 1880 to 1882.
Mr. Tarbell's successor was Professor J. C. Jones, the principal events
of wdiose superintendency were the establishing of the Training School for
teachers; the erection of a new Lligh School building in 188(1; and the
inauguration of the free text-book system in the Fall of 1885. While the
necessary preparation for adopting the free text-book system was made
under the supervision of Professor Jones, the details of its execution were
carried out by Professor C. B. Thomas, he having been called to take charge
of the schools on the resignation of Mr. Jones, in 1885. Probably no one
measure ever adopted by the board has been productive of more beneficial
results than this, and the example of Saginaw has since been followed by
the principal cities of Michigan.
The new High School which stands at the corner of Warren Avenue
and Millard Street, was originally an eleven room, two-story brick building,
in which but three rooms were used for assembling pupils, the others being
used as recitation rooms. It was heated by hot air coal furnaces, a marked
advance over the old method of heating the schools by wood and coal
stoves: and it had sittings for two hundred and eighty-two scholars. In
1893 this building was remodeled and enlarged at a cost of thirty-two thou-
sand dollars, increasing the capacity to six hundred pupils, and providing a
chemical laboratory, a physical laboratory, and an assembly hall with gallery.
Professor Thomas continued as head of the schools until late in 1890.
being succeeded bv Professor C. N. Kendall, and he by A. S. Whitney.
From 1884 to 18' n the Hoyt, the Emerson, the Potter, and the Jones schools
were all replaced with modern school buildings, built of brick, and equipped
with the most approved systems of heating and ventilating. One entirely
new school, the Washington, was built at South Saginaw; and modern
methods of heating and ventilating applied to all the other schools. In
more recent years the Longfellow School, and the new Salina School, both
brick structures perfectly equipped, have been added to the school system.
i >UR EDUCATIONAL DEYED iPMENT
293
Under Air. Kendall's supervision the Kindergarten was made a part of
our school system, being gradually extended to the various schools of the
city. Besides maintaining the work of all departments at the high standard
attained by aide instructors, special attention was then being directed to
physical and moral training. Thus, by reaching out to form and develop
the three-fold nature of the child; the moral, the intellectual, and the physi-
cal, it was believed that the schools would, in a wider sense than ever before.
be the nurseries of good citizenship.
The Burt Manual Training School
Following advanced ideas, the course of study in our schools aims to
he of such a practical character as to lit its student'-, so far as possible, for
the actual work of life. Besides the time-honored subjects of instruction,
there are modern enrichment'- of the course of study in drawing, music,
nature study and manual training, with competent supervisors at the head
of each department. The Saginaw High School with its splendid equipment,
is particularly strong in its physical, chemical and biological laboratories,
and its library is well supplied with needful reference books. Since 1S7'1
this school has enjoyed the privilege of entering its graduate students in the
University of Michigan without examination.
In its facilities for manual training — the teaching of trades and voca-
tional occupations, the Saginaw High School is in a fortunate position.
Through the noble generosity of Wellington R. Burt, the city schools pos^-ss
a manual training department of unusual excellence. Imbued with the idea
of affording a practical course of helpful studies to advanced pupils, Mr.
Hurt was the forerunner of manual training in the valley. As a result of
his interest in the cause of practical education for the young, of all classes
and creeds, and the contribution of a fund of about two hundred thousand
dollars, there was opened in September, 1505, the magnificent .Manual Train-
ing High School, which, with its complete equipment ami swimming ] 1.
represents an investment, including the city's share, of a quarter of a million
dollars. Its equipment includes machinery and tools for wood and iron
work for the boys, and sewing and cooking for the girls.
THE BURT MANUAL TRAINING SCHOOL
-'-I HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
' i
( In the first floor of the spacious building, which is built of paving brick
and stone, and directly opposite the High School, are two mums for wood-
working, one for carpentry and joinery, and the other for wood turning and
pattern making. In these shops thorough instruction is given in joinery
and cabinet making, as well as in the use of the wood lathe, planer, drill's
and light tools. ( In this floor is also the clay modeling room, where oppor-
tunity is afforded for work in clay, a kiln for firing clay work being located
in the foundry room. The foundry is thoroughly equipped for molding, also
for casting in iron, lead and brass, having an iron cupola and brass furnace
and a core oven. The forge simp has twenty Sturtevant down-draft forges,
and the same number of one hundred and thirty pound anvils. In the
machine shop are twelve lathes, including a Reed lathe with motor directly
attached. There are also a Cray planer, shaper, Cincinnati milling machine,
Stuart gas furnace, and Landis universal grinder.
On the second floor are the two drawing rooms, one for mechanical
and one for free-hand drawing, the mechanical and technical library and
reading room, and the offices of [■'.. C. Warriner, the superintendent of
schools. A unique feature of tin- floor is the suite of rooms illustrating all
the typical rooms of a house, for the teaching of domestic economy. This
suite of room- comprises a kitchen, butler's pantry, dining room, reception
room and bed room. These rooms are all plainly but appropriately fur-
nished, the bed room affording opportunity for instruction in the elements
of nursing. The three sewing rooms are on the third floor and are equipped
with tables, drawers, showcases, sewing machines and other appurtenances.
I he stenography and typewriting room and the bookkeeping department
are also located on this floor.
To afford physical training of boys ami girls there is a splendidly
equipped gymnasium, thirty-nine by seventy-four feet in size, with locker
rooms lor both sexes adjoining. Connected with this popular and valuable
accessory to the school by a passageway, is the bath house and swimming
pool. 1 he pool is twenty-two by sixty feet in dimensions, with water three
feet deep at one end and six feet at the other. In the bath house are till) and
shower baths, with a hair dryer for drying women's hair. In the swimming
pool instruction is given to High School pupils, as well as to those of the
seventh and eighth grades, in the art of swimming. The pool is kept open
during the summer months for the benefit of school children.
As a further adjunct to practical education, evening classes are main-
tained in school each winter in machine shop practice, mechanical drawing,
sewing, cooking, stenography, bookkeeping and woodworking. A complete
course of this important branch of study is also given in grades below the
High School. In the first four grades the work is done by the regular grade
teachers, under the direction of a supervisor, and consists of paper folding,
weaving with raffia and yarn, and basket making with raffia and reed. In
the fifth ami sixth grades the work is done by two special teachers who go
from school to school, visiting each of these grades once a week. The work
here consists of elementary sewing for the girls and knife work for the boys.
In the seventh and eighth grades there are special teachers for cooking and
bench work in wood. There are two woodworking centres for the seventh
and eighth grades, one at the Manual Training School, and the other at the
Salina School, and two cooking centres for the girls, one at the Central
School, and the other at the Washington.
The Board of Education of Saginaw (East Side), in 1915. was com-
posed of the following members: Dr. William F. English, president;
Gustav F. Oppermann, vice-president; J. Will Grant, Dr. Charles P. Stone,'
Frank E. Bastian, George H. Zuckermandel, Hamilton Watson, Henry
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296
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
THE NEW GERMANIA SCHOOL. COMPLETED IN 1914
Witters, William J. Johnson, Charles W. Thompson, John Gerhart and
Bertram A. Wright. The secretary of the Board, who has served in that
capacity for thirteen years, is William C. Klumpp ; and the office of super-
intendent has been Idled with marked ability by E. C. Warriner, for a
I erii id i if twenty years.
During the school year of 1914-15 the total enrollment of the Saginaw,
East Side, schools was five thousand and forty-four; the average number
belonging was forty-two hundred and fifty-two, while the average daily
attendance was forty-one hundred and thirteen. The number of teachers
employed, including special teachers and supervisors, was one hundred and
fifty-five. The total valuation of the fourteen school buildings, the complete
equipment and appurtenances approaches a million dollars. In the school
year of 1914-15 the cost of maintaining the schools was two hundred and
eleven thousand five hundred dollars, including purchase of new school site,
renewals, library and new books, payment of bonds, etc., which amounted in
the aggregate to thirty-four thousand dollars.
Sectarian and Parochial Schools
Besides the public schools there are a number of sectarian and parochial
schools maintained by various church societies of the city. On the East Side-
are the Roman Catholic schools of St. Joseph's, St. Mary's, Holy Family,
Holy Rosary and Sacred Heart churches, and the schools of St. John's.
St. Paul's and Trinity Evangelical of the Lutheran body. On the West Side
are the schools of Holy truss and SS. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic
Churches, St. Andrew's Academy, also of that body, and the Michigan Luth-
eran Seminary. These schools, in addition to the usual English and German
branches, mathematics, history and the sciences, instruct the pupils in the
strict religious tenets peculiar to their faith.
The First Public Library
Coincident with the beginning of education in this county arose the need
for books, with which to instruct the youth and to enlighten the minds of
older persons. The more intelligent pioneers had brought with them to the
OUR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 297
forest wilderness such of their books as tliev cared to preserve, and thus
whiled away many of the dreary hours of winter. Although few in number,
the books tilled a niche in the life of the early settlers, and were made to do
multiple service by being loaned about from house ti > house.
When the school under Horace S. Beach was thoroughly organized in
1836, someone conceived the idea of making a collection of such books as the
owners would donate, for the purpose of founding a public library. Though
their mean- were limited and their possessions -mall, their interest in educa-
tion was strong, and they responded liberally. In a short space of time a
carefully selected list of books was prepared, and the volumes collected and
shelved in the school house, which stood near the site of the present court
house.
From the dim and musty records of the past has come to light an inter-
esting letter written the following year by Norman Little, in regard to bonks
for the newly founded library of the Mechanics' Association. It was evi-
dently the custom to request of newcomers a donation of 1 ks to the library,
and in this particular instance the letter addressed to Daniel II. Fitzhugh,
of Geneseo, Livingston Count}-, New York, anticipated his taking up a resi-
dence here. He afterward moved his family to this valley, locating on land
south of the Tittabawassee opposite Riverside Park, where he lived for many
years.
Written long before the days of steel pens, fading ink and rotting paper.
this letter, manifesting the enterprising spirit of the writer, comes down to us
well preserved and perfectly legible. Before the invention of the paper
envelope a sheet of foolscap, upon which the message was written, was made
to serve a double purpose. < >ne-half of the back of the sheet was left blank.
and the sheet was so folded that this was on the outside with the flaps within.
It was then sealed with wax and addressed Postage stamps had not yet
come into use. but the postage, which then was twenty-live cents, was indi-
cated by figures placed in the upper right hand corner.
This letter of Mr. Little's has been framed with glass over both sides of
the sheet, and hung in the new Butman-Fish Memorial Library on the West
Side. It is a unique message of a by-gone age penned by the founder of our
city and of such unusual interest that it is reproduced in facsimile.
The list of books comprising the Mechanics Library in 1837, which was
included in the letter, embraced standard works of philosophy, history, biog-
raphy, travel and religious subjects. There were "The Philosophy of Sleep,"
"Dick's Mental Illumination," "Pierre's Study of Nature." "Theory of Another
Life," "Shaw's Architecture." "Mcintosh's England," "History of Italy,"
"Henderson's Brazil," "Plutarch's Lives," and works of fohnson, Burns,
Goldsmith and Sterne. "Pilgrim's Progress," "Paul and Virginia," "<iil Bias,"
"Gregory's Letters to His Son." were also on the list with "Irving's Works,"
and the novels of Bulwer, Scott and Cooper.
Other titles sound strange to devotees of present-day literature, and the
contents ol some books, though of deep and serious nature, would no doubt
cause some merriment today. "Guide to the Thoughtful," "Treasury of
Knowledge." "Spiritual Despotism," and "Hervey's Meditation" hardly tit in
with modern thought and ideas, while "Mother at Home." "Father's Book,"
"Poor but Happy," "Beauty of Female Holiness," "Fireside Piety," "Placid
Man." "Thinks I to Myself," and "Man as He is Not" are quite without the
realm of good reading in this age. In all there were three hundred and
ninety-one volumes in the collection, some of which are still to be found on
the shelves of the West Side School Library.
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300 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The Public and Union School Library
From this small beginning made by Norman Little and others nearly
eighty years ago, lias been developed the useful and efficient library on the
West Side. The collapse of the speculative boom in 1838 was followed by a
period of extreme depression in this valley, and not until 1849 did the four or
five hundred inhabitants of Saginaw City notice any indication of returning
prosperity. The school and the church had struggled along miserably, and
not until several years after were these institutions of our social fabric thor-
oughly organized. In 1857 the early collection of 1 ks, augmented by per-
sonal donations from time to time, was re-established as a public library, and
eight years later when the Union School District was organized it was turned
over to the first school board. Thereafter it was known as the "Public and
Union School Library of Saginaw City."
When the Central School on Court Street was completed in 1868, the
library was removed to a suitable room on the first floor of that building.
In the fire of 1895, which nearly destroyed the imposing old school house, the
books of the library were greatly damaged by water and smoke, but all those
not rendered useless were carefully dried and cleaned, and removed tempor-
arily to a room in the High School. During the reconstruction the library
was conducted there, but upon the opening of the John Moore School, which
replaced the old Central, it was removed to a basement room in the new
building. Although a high and well ventilated basement, some damage re-
sulted to the 1 ks from dampness, and the library was unwed in September,
1900, to the Kindergarten building in the same block. It remained there until
November, 1915, when upon completion of the new Butman-Fish Memorial
Library building, it was installed therein. Since September, 1899, the library
has been in charge of Miss Anna Benjamin, whose ability and fitness for the
position are recognized by students and citizens generally.
The Butman-Fish Memorial Library
Several years ago, when the need arose for a suitable building to accom-
modate the Public and Union School Library, the interest and co-operation ol
some prominent families of the West Side were solicited to provide it. The
idea was for one family to erect a library building, specially designed for
present and future needs, as a memorial to those who have passed to the
beyond. Among the persons of generous and philanthropic nature who were
thus approached were Mrs. Myron Butman and her daughter, Mrs. Mary 1'.
Fish. Through a life-long friendship with the librarian they knew the needs
of the library, and also the possibilities of greater usefulness. After much
thought and consideration they decided to provide a handsome edifice, which
would stand for ages as a fitting memorial to husband and father, the late
Myron Butman.
Before definite plans could be formulated and put into execution both
Mrs. Butman and Mrs. Fish were stricken by death. Fortunately for the
library their ideas and often expressed wishes have been duly respected by
the executors of the estate, for not long after their death the sum of twenty-
five thousand dollars was made available to the trustees ol the Union School
District, for the purpose intended. Afterward, when it became evident that
this amount was insufficient to complete the structure, the sum of live thou-
sand dollars was added to the gift.
While the total amount thus given has provided a very suitable and con-
venient library building, especially designed for the purpose, the needs oi the
future, owing to want of adequate funds, have been little considered. The
sum regarded as necessary for the proper fulfillment of the project was fifty
( >UR EDUCATK )NAL DEVEL< )PMENT
801
THE BUTMAN-FISH MEMORIAL LIBRARY
thousand dollars. This amount was often named by the librarian in confer-
ence with Mrs. Butman ami Mrs. Fish, on the subject, ami it is believed that
they fully intended to make a bequest to the library in this sum. Neverthe-
less, the' stately building which has risen by their misdirected munificence,
stands as a noble monument alike to the memory of one of Saginaw's fore-
most ami upright citizens, and to his wife and daughter.
The new library building is conveniently and appropriately situated on
the |ohn Moore School grounds, at the corner of Harrison and Hancock
Street^. Built of dark paving brick embellished by trimmings of Bedford
stone, the structure presents a rather imposing appearance. Entering through
the wide portico. Hanked by lofty columns of the Ionic order of archi-
tecture, a vestibule and hall leads direct to the librarian's desk and 1 k
stacks. The stacks are arranged around three sides of the bay. and rise to
and above a gallery which is reached by short steps conveniently placed. For
both reference ami circulation the library now contains about eighteen thou-
sand volumes, including the best of current literature. On either side of the
hall are spacious reading and study rooms, admirably lighted and made cheer-
ful by huge fire places at the ends. < >ne of these rooms is intended for the
exclusive use of children and the other for adults.
From the vestibule double stairways lead to the floor above. Here was
recently established a museum of prehistoric and Indian relics and antiquities
of real value and interest. In the collection already assembled is the splen-
didly arranged group of Indian relics and curios of Mr. Fred Dustin, mention
of which was made and some illustration given in the first chapter of this
work. This is well worth a careful examination and study. The walls oi
the three rooms <,n this floor were designed for the hanging of paintings and
other works of art. and special attention has been given to correct lighting
to insure the proper effects. It is believed that eventually this division of the
library will contain many public and individual groups of valuable paintings,
works of art. curio, and relics of a bygone age, to be handed down in proper
form to p. isterity.
302 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The Public Library
Like other collections of books for public circulation in pioneer days, the
Public Library of the East Side had a small and insignificant beginning. As
early a> May 5, 1859, a committee was appointed by the school board to con-
sider the subject of a library, and to make a report on an ordinance for gov-
ernment of same. This committee reported "that the whole library of the
School District No. 1 of the Township of Buena Vista belongs to this board."
The clerk of the board was thereupon instructed to ascertain and report to
the board "the present condition of the library and the books now absent
and in whose hands, and also to make a catalog of the books now belonging
to the library." Morgan L. Gage was appointed librarian to take possession
of the books, i )n September 13, 1859, the board requested the common
council to raise by tax one hundred dollars for library purposes.
Shortly after, the committee on teachers and 1 ks recommended that
the library lie removed to the Union School and that A. L. Bingham be
appointed librarian. Evidently this was favorably acted upon, fur mi Novem-
ber 15 the committee reported that the clerk of the Township of Buena Vista
had come and taken possession of the books of the library by charges thereon,
and carried them off. An effort was then made to secure a settlement of the
disputed ownership of the bunks by legal means. Meanwhile the money
collected in the tax of 1859 for library purposes was diverted to other uses.
In 1861 another fund of one hundred dollars was collected by tax and the pur-
chase of books authorized. The books arrived in November, the expenditure
being one hundred and ninety-one dollars; and the hours of opening, 2 to 5
on Saturday, were established.
The annual report of 1862 states that two hundred and twenty-six dollars
were spent on the library, and that there were one hundred and nine volumes
on the shelves. Reference was made to the fact that the Buena Vista library
was estimated to be worth three hundred dollars, but apparently no settle-
ment had been reached as to the ownership. A few months after the books
had increased to one hundred and seventy-five, and the circulation for seven
months was five hundred. C. K. Robinson was the librarian, but was suc-
ceeded the following year by M. II. Allard. From this small beginning made
under great difficulties has sprung the large and efficient public library, which
is an important factor in our educational development.
In 1S72 a room in the Central School, opposite the superintendent's office,
was fitted up for the library, and the library committee was authorized to
make a new selection of books. Miss Louise Johnson was then appointed
librarian at a salary of one hundred and fifty dollars a year, the library to be
open on Wednesdays from 4 to f> and on Saturdays from 3 to 7 o'clock. That
year seven hundred and ninety dollars were spent for books, when the number
of volumes increased to eleven hundred and thirty-eight. In 1874 the library
was recatalogued and renumbered, and four hundred and forty-seven dollars
spent for new books. It was then deemed necessary to secure larger quarters
and adopt new methods to make the library more useful to the public.
With this in view a proposition was presented to the board for the pur-
chase of the 1 ks and property of the Library Association, which occupied
a building on Washington Avenue. After much discussion of the matter, the
real estate consisting of the so-called "library building" with twenty feet
frontage, was taken over by Christopher Palm, and on < >ctober IS, 1875, the
Library Association turned over its library and furniture to the Board of
Education, for the consideration of one dollar. The board then leased of Mr.
Palm the second floor of his building, at a rental of one hundred and twenty
dollars a year, for a period of five years, for use of the library and board
OUR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
303
rooms. The library was then mined to the more central and convenient loca-
tion, and merged with the other. The consolidation added eighteen hundred
and thirty-five books to the seventeen hundred and seventy-eight volumes of
the Public Library, making a total of thirty-six hundred and thirteen. Addi-
tional book shelves were provided, a catalogue recommended, and the public
congratulated on possessing a "valuable library." In 1876 William L. Smith
was the librarian, his salary being two hundred and fifty dollars a year.
In 1878, in order to make the library still more useful to the public, the
hours of opening were extended to eleven hours a week, namely, from 3 to 5
every day except Sunday, and from 6 to 8 every evening, except Sunday and
Wednesday, and from 10 to 12 on Saturday morning. Up to this time the
work had been done by some teacher or other person devoting only a small
portion of one or two days a week, but from now on the librarian was
expected to give her whole time to the work. Mrs. Emma I. Shaw was
then appointed to the position at a salary of four hundred and fifty dollars a
year. In 18S1 a petition was received asking for a reading room and period-
icals, and, since more room was needed for the uses of the library, it was
removed in January, 1882, to the second floor of the building on South Jeffer-
son Avenue, where it has since remained. On June IS, 1879, Mrs. Susan
Cole was elected librarian. The number of volumes had increased to forty-
seven hundred and twenty, and the circulation to thirty-three thousand five
hundred. The number of cards was thirteen hundred and sixty-five, showing
that the facilities of the library were more generally enjoyed by the public.
Mrs. Cole served as librarian until July 1, 1886, when she was succeeded
by Mrs. Lucy E. Houghton who continued in the position for a period of
twenty-five years. During her efficient administration the library expanded
greatly, so that at the time she relinquished her duties the number of volumes
had increased four fold, and the library become correspondingly more useful.
On July 1, 1911, Miss Mary E. Dow assumed charge of the library, and in a
relatively short period has greatly increased its usefulness. The library in
INTERIOR OF PUBLIC LIBRARY, EAST SIDE
304 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
1915 contained twenty thousand volumes, and the- circulation reached eighty-
two thousand. In that year the second floor of the building was given over
entirely to the use of the library, and remodeled to meet the growing needs
i if the time.
The front is entirely of glass from floor to ceiling, affording an abundance
ol light; and the book stacks are arranged so as to be easily accessible to
persons wishing to browse among the books. Besides the reading and study
room at the front, there is a children's section supplied with low tables and
chairs, and shelving with separate catalogue for juvenile bunks. There is
also a mechanical branch in the Manual Training School, and bunks are dis-
tributed from three other schools. The library has a yearly income of about
five thousand dollars, hut after the usual expenses are deducted only a small
sum — about three or four hundred dollars — remains for the purchase of
books. This small amount does only meager service in supplying new books
from the ever increasing literature of the age.
The Hoyt Public Library
Approaching the end of an honorable and successful life, [esse Hoyt
summoned to his home in .Yew York City his counsel, Abraham Van Sant-
voord, and his Michigan attorney. William L. Webber, in order to arrange for
the preparation of his will. Ili-- large properties and interest in Michigan
necessitated the presence and advice of someone familiar with the laws of
that State. During the conference and while the Michigan properties were
under discussion Mr. Hoyt expressed his deep interest in Saginaw and his
desire to do something for that city in permanent form which should lie an
evidence of hi-- affection and a lasting token of his good will towards its
pei 'pie.
The gift of Hoyt Park to the city had been considered and the estab-
lishment of a library for the benefit and free use of all the people of Saginaw
was suggested. Mr. Hoyt felt that some portion of the expenses of a library
should be borne by the city and finally gave the park under such conditions,
benefiting the proposed library, as his executors should prescribe. Mr. Hoyt
then said that he would give a site for a library building and one hundred
thousand dollars as a fund with which to build the building, purchase books
and carry on the institution. Mr. Van Santvoord, probably aware of the real
requirements, suggested that the amount should be fixed at two hundred thou-
sand dollars, but Mr. Hoyt replied: "No, that should he enough. If the
people want more than that will accomplish they ought to provide it." The
will was executed on June 2< >, 1882, and Mr. Hoyt died on August 12. 1882,
< hi January 26, 1883, William L. Webber. Michigan executor and trustee
of the Estate of Jesse Hoyt, conveyed the four lots upon which the library
building stands to Henry (A Potter, Joseph C. Jones, Timothy E. Tarsney,
Henry C. Potter, Jr., and James P. Peter, as trustee-- and paid to them one
hundred thousand dollar--. The trust deed empowered surviving trustees to
fill vacancies and perpetuate the trust. The present trustees are Eugene C.
Warriner, Gilbert M. Stark, James (I. Macpherson, Fred Buck and James
B. Peter. In the interval between the date of the deed of trust and the pres-
ent time. William L. Webber. Aaron T. Bliss and Thomas A. Harvey were
elected to fill vacancies and served as trustees until their deaths; Benton
Hanchett and George W. Weadock were also elected to fill vacancies and
served as trustees until their resignations. The officers of the Board of
Trustees are : President, Eugene C. Warriner. who was preceded by Benton
Hanchett, Henry C. Potter, and William P. Webber; Secretary and Treas-
urer, lames I',. Peter.
OUR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 305
Contemporaneously with the establishment of the library, in considera-
tion thereof and of the transfer of Hoyt Park by the Estate of Jesse Hoyt to
the city, the latter agreed to pay one thousand dollars annually to the trustees
fur library expenses and also agreed to pay all taxes assessed against the
library pri iperty.
The fund remained invested until 1887. During that and the following
two years about fifty-six thousand live hundred dollars was used in the erec-
tion and equipment of the building and approximately twenty-five thousand
dollars was used in the purchase of books. There then remained about fifty
thousand dollars of the original bequest. In November, 1901, Alfred M.
Hoyt, Samuel N. Hoyt. Estate of Mary N. Hoyt I'ettit, Estate of Reuben
Hoyt and Mary Hoyt each gave five thousand dollars, and in February. 1907,
Samuel N. Hoyt gave twenty thousand dollars to the library: the whole
forty-five thousand dollars so given being placed in a special fund, the income
only derived therefrom being available for library uses. The income from
the unexpended portion of the bequest and from the subsequent gifts, together
with the annual payment by the city, constitutes the entire income of the
library.
The building was designed by Van Brunt and Howe, of Boston, who
were appointed architects after a competition in which such eminent archi-
tects as H. II. Richardson, of Boston; McKim, Mead ami White, of New-
York, and others participated. The accepted plans for the library resulting
in a building of dignified and artistic proportions, with outer walls of stone
from the Bay Port quarries, trimmed with Lake Superior red sandstone. The
finish of the interior is of oak. All division of space was planned for the
most convenient and economical use by librarian, attendants, students and
readers. In the construction of that portion of the building in which the
books are shelved protection from fire was especially considered ; the shelving
capacity being estimated at fifty thousand volumes. For the protection of
the building the grounds are surrounded by a substantial but open iron fence,
and with the trees, vines, shrubs and flowers are well kept and attractive.
The name of the library was established by the deed of trust which also
provided that the library should be for consultation and reference only. The
selection of the first books purchased was by Professor I. N. Demmon of the
University of Michigan and included .about twelve thousand volumes, which
number was increased by the purchase of about four thousand volumes by
the librarian under authority from the trustees and by the acquisition of some
two thousand volumes of governmental reports. Mr. Webber at that time
also donated about five hundred miscellaneous books. When the library was
opened it contained something over eighteen thousand volumes and now has
approximately thirty-five thousand volumes, representing every department
of research required in a well balanced library of reference. All subsequent
purchases of books have been made by the librarian under authority and by
approval of the trustees. Many valuable books, pictures and other things of
historical value have been received as gifts from various donors. There
are about two hundred periodicals, scientific, literary, artistic and miscel-
laneous, which include the best of English, American, French and German
publications, many of which to be accessible are bound annually.
The library was opened for free use by the public about November 1,
1890, under the care of Miss Harriet H. Ames, who came from Boston in
1888, was then appointed librarian and during the following two years com-
pleted the preliminary work of placing the library in order. Under her most
helpful and satisfactory management, thankfully appreciated alike by the
trustees and users of the library, its work has been ever since conducted. In
addition to the librarian there are two assistant librarians and a janitor, this
306
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
THE HOYT PUBLIC LIBRARY
being the entire salaried list. Excepting for the annual summer vacation of
one month and on Sundays and holidays the library is open every day and
evening and has an average daily attendance of over one hundred readers and
students.
The average annual income of the library is about six thousand four hun-
dred dollars; the average annual expenses, including usual repairs, about
four thousand six hundred dollars, leaving about one thousand eight hun-
dred dollars. After payment for newspapers, periodicals and binding there
remains available for necessary improvements, extraordinary repairs and the
purchase of new bunks an average annual amount of less than five hundred
dollars. In order to maintain the condition of the building, which as time
passes requires mure frequent attention and larger sums, less funds remain
with which to acquire new books or to otherwise increase the efficiency of the
library. This unfortunate situation is increasing and in all probability will
be more marked when in the future, as will probably be the case, the rate of
interest upon sale and desirable investments i-- reduced. No part of the trust
funds of the library, either principal or interest, has ever been lost or its value
impaired. The average annual expense of caring lor the financial and
accounting department has been less than one hundred and fifty dollars per
year.
The trustees appreciate that the usefulness of the work in their hands
might be enlarged and increased. The library occupies a unique situation
in that it is solely for study and reference and has no department of 1 ks
for circulation. It is evident that provision must be made before many years
for an increase of shelving capacity. The building was located as it stands
with reference to possible future additions which might be required. The
deed of trust contemplated the possibility of placing the City Library upon
the grounds adjoining that occupied by the Hoyt Public Library, and ample
room remains for a building to be attached to the present building, of the
()L'R EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 307
same material and architectural design. Neither library would conflict with
the work of the other and each would fill its respective field to the benefit of
the public.
The library should be open every day and evening of the year. In many
cities a special department for young children has been very attractive and
successful. Pack of and inability to command means has prevented the trus-
tees from making improvements and carrying out plans the profit and success
of which have been demonstrated in other "libraries. The trustees are em-
powered to receive money or property from other sources and use the same
for educational purposes without the restrictions attached to the bequest.
The results of the years of its existence justify the foundation of the
work which has stimulated and enriched the intellectual life of Saginaw.
The name of Jesse Hoyt is linked in man)- ways with Saginaw and its
history but in no more visible, enduring and useful way than through the
institution which bears his name.
— James I'.. Peter
Time through the intervening years has mellowed the colors of the stone
of this artistic building, and nature ha- outdone the architect by covering
the walls with a luxurious growth of ampelopsis. Besides the rare trees and
shrubs which adorn the grounds, there is a somewhat unusual hedge of holly-
hocks, which in bloom is the special pride of the librarian. With the attrac-
tive little park adjoining and the Federal Building, this square is one of the
beauty spots of Saginaw.
The entrance to the library is through a broad porch on the south and
west facades, the columns and arches of which are of red sandstone, and the
entablature of the same material is richly carved. ( (pening from the double
vestibule on the main flour are a cloak room, two large reading and study
rooms, librarian's office and the stack room. Through faulty design the
stacks are entirely shut off from the other rooms, ami the books not being
easily accessible to the public the library falls short of meeting its utmost
usefulness. < Ml the second floor is a lecture hall, now used as a stack room
for government documents, including the "Globe" and other Congressional
records ami department reports, of which the library is especially strong.
There are also on this floor a trustee's room and a smaller room used for
study purposes. All the rooms utilized for study are spacious, well lighted
and quiet, thus insuring an ideal place for students and readers.
That the privileges of the library are appreciated by I Iigh School students
is evidenced by the large number who frequent the study rooms during the
latter part of the afternoon. To the literary and reading clubs the facilities
for research afforded by this library are invaluable, and much of the success-
ful work accomplished by the clubs is directly due to the earnest co-operation
of the librarians. In times past Miss Grace Push was the accomplished
assistant to the librarian, and her years of faithful service are alike appreciated
and remembered by the older patrons of the library. In more recent years
the greater part of the detail work of the library has devolved upon Miss
Blanche Topping, the able associate librarian, and Miss Mae llebert, her
assistant, whose untiring efforts t<> increase the usefulness of the library have
added appreciably to its popularity.
Literary Clubs
In the broad and liberal view of education, the literal'}' and reading clubs
of Saginaw command a prominent place in her intellectual life. For nearly
forty years women's clubs have been an important factor in the general
scheme of education, and today their work is along lines of dee]) and thorough
308 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
rv
research, [n striving for higher culture — the object and aim of litera. .
circles, the mind is broadened and one's views of life, under the influence of
proper reading and debate, often undergo a corrective change. This has an
important hearing upon the home life and tends to elevate the moral tone of
the household.
Anions; the very early clubs, the forerunners of our prominent literary
organizations of the present day, was the Tuesday Club. It was a small but
very exclusive club of women, all very close friends, who were prominent in
the social and religious life of the city. They first met together in the early
eighties, and the name was suggested by the choice of Tuesday as the weekly
time of meeting. 'Hie membership was limited to fifteen, and there was
always a waiting list of leading women eager to enter the inner circle of
their friends. There was no very formal organization, and the charter mem-
bers were not enrolled on vellum in letters of gold. The gold they sought
were the nuggets of knowledge gleaned from thoughtful study and reading
of the best literature. The picture on the opposite page, taken from a photo-
graph made in 1885, probably embraces nearly, if not all, the original members.
The members shown in the picture, which was taken on the steps of Mrs.
Buckhout's home on North Washington Avenue, are: Mrs. Chauncey Wis-
ner, Mrs. Farnum Lyon, Airs. C. Stuart Draper, .Mrs. ( lurdon Corning, Mrs.
Edward Mershon, Mrs. Henry D. Wickes, Mrs. William F. Potter, Miss
Lizzie Thurber, Mrs. James F. Brown, Mrs. 1.. A. (lark, Mrs. Sanford Keeler,
Mrs. Byron 1!. Buckhout and Mrs. John J. Wheeler. Mrs. Robert Boyd and
another member of the club, not now recalled, were not present at the time
this picture was taken.
The work of the Tuesday Club was always conducted very quietly, with-
out the least publicity, but its influence upon the intellectual life of it's mem-
bers, with reference to the sociological and philanthropic side of their natures,
was very marked. Through death and removal from the city of its leading
members the club at length disbanded, after an existence of more than twenty-
five years, but the recollection of its good work still lingers with the few mem-
bers still living.
The Monday Club, the Tourist Club, the Carpe Diem and other literary
clubs of later years, all accomplished an excellent work covering a more or
less extended period, but for various reasons finally dissolved, and only the
memories of pleasant and profitable hours spent in "meeting remain for those
who once were prominently identified with their work.
The Winter Club
< d the prominent literary clubs to retain their organization and continue
research work, the Winter Club is the oldest. It owes its existence to an
informal gathering of less than a dozen men and women in the autumn of
1877, for the study of English history. This band of studiously inclined
persons numbered twenty at the close of the first year, but was increased to
twenty-four in the second year. There was no formal organization, although
a chairman was elected who appointed a committee to arrange a course of
study, as required from time to time.
In October, 187''. the membership was increased to thirty-two, officers
were duly elected, a constitution and by-laws adopted, and a line of study
mapped out. Meeting regularly each Monday evening, for seven months of
the year, at the homes of members, the club was fairly launched into club
life, with Julius K. Rose as first president. In 1880-81 George B. Brooks was
president, and the first printed program appeared with the subject of Roman
history, with appropriate readings from Shakespeare. The second part of
the program contained the full list of officers and members, and it is interest-
310 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
ing to note that a quarter of a century after, eight of the thirty-two still
retained active membership. George I'.. Brooks has the distinction of being
the only charter member still active in the club work.
Those who became members in 1878-79 were Mrs. Byron B. Buckhout;
Miss Harriet V. Bills, now Mrs. George B. Brooks; Miss Fanny C. Farrand,
now Mrs. fohn F. Boynton ; Mrs. Henry C. Ripley, with fulius K. Rose.
James T. Oxtoby, I >. 'l )., and John S. Estabrook. In 1881-82 Bradley M.
Thompson was president, and the detailed program gave thirty evenings in
Greece, in the study of the art and literature of that ancient civilization.
The following year, with William II. Masker in the chair, the subjects took
the members through sunny France. In their literary travels the members
visited the ends of the earth and the isles of the sea; they traversed Siberian
wastes and penetrated African jungle--; they climbed lofty mountains and
stocked aquariums from the depths of the sea; they sorrowed over the perils
and sufferings of Arctic navigators, and they shuddered at the wickedness
and In irrors i if war.
Science and invention opened their secret doors to curious eyes; and the
voices of the wizards Edison and Marconi awakened them to the possibilities
of new forces, while the feats through the upper air of Santos-Dumont
thrilled them, and they rejoiced in all their triumphs. In later years they
studied the great lights of English, German, French and Italian literature:
gave many original interpretations of the immortal lines of Shakespeare,
entered heartily into reform work with Luther, Wyclif, Savonarola and Ball-
ington Booth, indicated t< > the Pope of Rome a few errors in his theology, and
gave their views regarding the care of alien races, the uplifting of the negro,
and the civilization of the American Indian.
The Winter Club is the only association in the city where men and
women meet on a common footing, and is one of the very few clubs in the
State to which men are admitted, on any terms. Besides those already men-
tioned there were Theodore Nelson, Franklin Noble, Warren F. Day, I.. M.
W lrufF, George 11. Wallace and William II. Gallagher, the characteristics
and distinctive attainments of each being treasured memories of members
still living. Roswell G. Horr with his fund of humor added greatly to the
pleasure of the club, during the short time he was a member. Among those
who won national fame was Mrs. Alice Freeman Palmer, who was with the
club two years during its programless period, and who died in 190.-) in Paris,
where she was studying with her husband. Two others of the High School
were John ( >. Reed and E. C. Goddard, who later, with Bradley M. Thomp-
son, one <>f the charter members, tilled places of honor in the University of
Michigan.
The club opened its thirty-ninth year on November 1. 1915, with a review
of current events. In the meetings which followed general subjects were
treated, the choice of topics being left to individual members. This plan has
been successfully followed for some years, anil, while the subjects chosen
have no correlation, the papers are generally very thorough and compre-
hensive, as members choose subjects with which they are familiar, or at
least, which appeal strongly to them. As a result the papers are highly
interesting and instructive, and are enthusiastically received by all the mem-
bers. Some of the subjects chosen this year were: China and Japan, Cavour,
World Troubles of 1915, A Vacation in Alberta. Phil A. Sheridan. Literature
of the War. The Criminal from a Medical Standpoint. The Isle of Fire ( Ice-
land i. William Morris and Prohibition of the Liquor Traffic. The officers
of the club for the present year are: Julian A. Keeler, president; Mrs.
William Glover Gage, vice-president; Mrs. William L. Whitney, secretary;
Robert II. Cook, treasurer.
OUR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 311
The Saginaw Reading Club
( Irganized in 1885 with forty-six members, the Saginaw Reading Club,
meeting on the West Side, has contributed very largely to the literary culture
el the city. Pursuing a very active and progressive policy it was incor-
porated in 1894, admitted as a member of the General Federation in 1893, and
of the State Federation in 1895. It began its thirty-first year of study in
the Fall of 1915, under the direction of the following officers: Mrs. Carrie
Goff, president: Mrs. Maude < Irigg, vice-president: Mrs. Jessie Johnston,
secretary: Mrs. Augusta Tubbs, treasurer, and Mrs. llarriette Robertson,
librarian. The current subjects of study were: Social Progress of the Pres-
ent Age, Literature, Art, Music and the Drama. The club holds weekly
meetings on Mondays at three-thirty, from the middle of September to the
first of May, at St. John's Church Parish I louse. Its present membership
comprises fifty-six active members, fifty-three associate members, and five
honorary.
The club collect — "Keep us. ( ) God, from pettiness; let us be large
in thought, in word, in deed. Let us be done with fault finding and leave
off self-seeking. May we put away all pretense and meet each other
face to face without self-pit}- and without prejudice. May we never be
hast}- in judgment and always generous.
"Teach us to put into action our better impulses, straight forward
and unafraid. Let us take time for all things: make us grow calm,
serene and gentle. Grant that we may realize that it is the little things
that create differences: that in the big things of life we are as one. And
may we strive to touch and to know the great common woman's heart
of us all, and O Lord God, let us not forget to be kind."
The Saginaw Woman's Club
Another of the leading clubs, and the largest in point of membership, is
the Saginaw Woman's Club. This club was organized in 1S92. federated in
1895, and incorporated in 1914. It has an active membership of seventy-five,
an associate membership of the same number, and an honorary list of four.
The subjects of study for its twenty-fourth year, which commenced on ( >cto-
ber 15, 1915, were: French Art. Modern American Literature. Music and
Drama. Sociology and Political Science. Minor Nations in the War Zone.
The work of the club is directed by the following officers: Mrs. Fanny
dole}-, president; Mrs. Mark S. Brown, vice-president; Mrs. John Langdon,
recording secretary; Mrs. Walter E. Moore, corresponding secretary, and
Mrs. Albert Bumgarner, treasurer. Club meetings are held Tuesdays at two-
thirty, from the middle of < Ictober to the first of May.
The Research Club
Although of limited membership the Research Club, organized in 1894,
has always occupied a prominent place in literal}- circles of the city, and
accomplishes a good work. It was admitted to City Federation in 1900 and
to State Federation in 1' 01. The club flower is the scarlet carnation, and
the club motto is "Qui non proficit, deficit." Meetings are held on Tues-
days at two- thirty, between October and May. The club stud}- for its
twenty-second year, which began on October 5, 1915, was miscellaneous
subjects. The membership of the club comprises twenty-five active, twelve
associate, and seven honorary members; and the work is directed by the fol-
lowing officers: Mrs. W. 11. Minard. president; Mrs. David Nichol, vice-
president; Miss Edith Markey, secretary; and Mrs. William II. Granville,
treasurer.
312 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The Edelweiss Club
Of later organization the Edelweiss Club, which came into existence in
1899, is also deserving of honorable mention. This club entered the City
Federation in 1908 and the State Federation the following year. Its colors
are brown and gold, and its motto is "lie who does not progress, fails." Club
meetings are held on Tuesdays at two-thirty. Beginning its seventeenth
year in October, 1915, its work was directed by Mrs. George Hanks, presi-
dent; Mrs. William Ffoyt, vice-president; Airs. Noel Laing, secretary; Mrs.
Harry Tyler, assistant secretary; and Mrs. Charles Robbins, treasurer. The
club numbers seventeen active, five social, and four honorary members.
The Art Club
Thirty years ago several young women of Saginaw City, desiring to
delve into foreign art and to cultivate their taste for the beautiful, met
together at their homes for studies in art. They were the pupils of John P.
Wicker, a successful teacher of drawing and painting, who aroused in many
of his students a tine sense of artistic values. Their studies eventually took
them through realms little dreamed of in their school work. No very formal
organization was affected at that time, but those most prominent in the
affairs of the society, to which the\- gave the name "Art Club," were: Misses
Winnifred Smith, Lucy Burrows, Ida Rust, Harriet Wood, Maude I'enoyer,
Louise Grout and Mrs. F.dwin I'. Stone.
As the work of the club expanded and the interest increased, other young
women with artistic tastes were admitted to membership, and the club became
a recognized factor in the intellectual life of the city. In 1896 the club was
Federated, and in the following year it was duly incorporated with twenty-
nine charter members. The first officers were: Winnifred Smith, presi-
dent; Harriett Powell, vice-president ; Carolyn Robinson, secretary ; Henri-
etta Schemm, treasurer, ami May Joslin, librarian, who also comprised the
board of directors. In 1898-99 there were twenty-eight active and ninety-
seven associate members, and in 1913-14, the last year of regular program
work, there were twenty-three active and ninety-three associate members.
The papers given at the meetings of the club were prepared with unusual
care and thoroughness, and were rendered even more interesting by the
exhibition of art pictures and lantern slide views, bearing directly on the
subjects treated. With the passing years the collection of lantern slides
has grown to considerable value, as has also the club library of art books,
photogravures, and photographs of works of general interest to art. With
a fine appreciation of their value as a factor in education, the club in recent
vears has placed its library, lantern and slides at the disposal of the schools,
for lectures and exhibitions, and thus greatly increased the scope of its work
and usefulness.
< If late vears the Art Club has discontinued the preparation of individual
papers, and adopted a schedule of prescribed readings for members at home
from art books and journals. This work is supplemented by lectures given
from time to time bv prominent artists and others; and the club gives art
exhibitions each year which, open to the public free of charge, have been
productive of awakening a general interest in art. The club owns a number
of fine paintings of considerable value, which are loaned to one or another of
the public libraries for more extended exhibition. The officers of the club
for the ensuing year were: Miss Winnifred Smith, president; Mrs. William
L. Whitney, vice-president; Mrs. William Glover Gage, secretary; Mrs.
lulian Keeler, treasurer ; and Mrs. George lb Brooks, librarian.
CHAPTER XV
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE
Early Missionaries — Organization of the First Church — St. John's Episcopal
Church — The Methodists of Saginaw City — German Lutheran Church — The Liberal
Christians — First Baptists — St. Andrew's R. C. Church — SS. Peter and Paul Church —
( >ther West Side Churches — The First Church at East Saginaw — St. Paul's Episcopal
Church _The Congregationalists — The First Baptist Church — Warren Avenue Pres-
byterian—St. Mary's R. C. Church — St. Joseph's R. C. Church — Church of the
Sacred Heart — St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church — St. Mary's Hospital — St.
Vincent's Orphan Home — Saginaw General Hospital — The Woman's Hospital —
Home for the Friendless — The Young Women's Christian Association — The Young
Men's Christian Association — The Germania Society — The Arbeiter Society —
Teutonia Society — The East Saginaw Club — Country Club — The Canoe Club — The
Elks — Masonic Orders — Other Fraternal Societies.
THE religious history of Saginaw Valley began with the brief, but heroic
labors of several ardent missionaries who came among the sturdy
pioneers to this wilderness. As early as 1832 the Methodist confer-
ence sent out the Reverend Bradford Frazee to establish a mission
among the Indians. The white fur traders, who because of their friendly
relations with the savages exercised a certain influence over them, were
opposed to the conversion of the Indians from their primitive and simple
belief in the Great Spirit, and the efforts of the missionary were of little avail.
In 1835 and 1836 the Reverend William H. Brockway spent some time at
Saginaw and vicinity, his labors being among the white settlers, by whom
he was well received. After Mr. Brockway came the Reverend F. O. North
and also a Methodist minister named Babcock, but they did not do much
towards building up the church. In 1838 the Reverend Hudson, an earnest
and faithful minister of the gospel, took up his labors here and was instru-
mental in placing Methodism on a solid footing in this valley.
Organization of the First Church
Swept along by the incoming tide of emigration of 1836 was the Reverend
Hiram L. Miller and his wife. Adaline, a daughter of Doctor Charles Little.
In early days he had enjoyed the ministrations of Albert Barnes, whose
lectures under the title of "Barnes Notes on the Gospels," made his name
familiar over the whole protestant world; and his theological instructor was
Doctor James Richard, of Auburn Theological Seminary, whom he greatly
revered and loved. These were the two men who moulded his spiritual life
and gave shape to his theological views. His first pastorate was at Trumans-
burgh. New York.
Soon after his arrival at Saginaw, filled with the zeal of a trite missionary
and actuated by the devotion to his faith, he set about to form a church
society of the Presbyterian creed. This was the first church organized in
Saginaw Valley. The organization was effected on March 1, 1838, in a car-
penter shop which stood on the southwest corner of Washington (Michigan I
and Madison Streets; and the little society numbered but twelve members
who were; Norman Little, Jane A. Little, Elizabeth Rice, Thomas Smith,
William Heartwell, Mrs. Harvey Williams, T. L. Howe, Mrs. T. L. Howe,
Hinds Smith, Mrs. Julia Smith, Mabel Terrill and Mrs. Hiram L. Miller.
This devoted servant of God first preached in the carpenter shop, then in
the office of Norman Little and in Mechanics Hall on Washington Street,
and at times in the homes of church members. Afterward the little band of
Christians met in the hrst public building erected in the valley, serving a-
314
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
<&_>"»
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT SAGINAW CITY
school In 'use-, town hall and court room, which stood in the rear of the old
court house. In December, 1838, a series of revival meetings were held by
the Reverend O. Parker, with marked success, during which Albert Miller,
one of the most public-spirited of the early pioneers, with others, joined the
church. The pastorate of Mr. Miller continued for two years, and a notice-
able improvement was made in the religious and social status of the
inhabitants.
The Reverend Harry Hyde supplied the church in 1842 and 1X43. He
was a strong Congregationalist, and prevailed upon the younger members
oi the church to change its government and connection to that of the Con-
gregational body. Hiram L. .Miller, who was present when the vote was
taken, refused to unite with the new society, and stated that he felt that it
would he his duty to organize a Presbyterian church as soon as one could be
sustained. A new church was newer organized. The old society, unable to
maintain distinctive service, later merged itself into a miscellaneous congre-
gation, uniting in the support oi any minister of any denomination who proved
himself acceptable.
It was just at the revival of commercial activity in 1X51 that the Rev-
erend David M. Cooper visited Saginaw. On the evening of his licensure at
Detroit the Reverend Calvin Clark asked him if he had ewer thought of
becoming a foreign missionary. lie replied that he had often discussed the
matter with his chum at Princeton, who had decided to go to India. "Well,"
said the reverend gentleman. "1 have found you a field. I want you to go
right up among the heathen at Saginaw."
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE 315
Closely following upon this he received earnest letters from Saginaw
inviting him to visit the place, and especially one from Charles I). Little.
which he preserved with care. These invitations he persistently declined,
feeling unfit for the work, and being desirous of continuing his studies under
the direction of the Reverend George Duffield. But finding himself shortly
after supplying the pulpit at Flint, he concluded to visit Saginaw and see for
himself what manner of heathen these people were, what kind of clothes
they wore, and what gods they worshipped. So he pushed on through
sloughs of mud. the wearisome journey being alleviated by the company
of Albert Miller, then of Lower Saginaw.
"It was a little handful of people — ten resident members, of which
number only three were men," said Mr. Cooper, "who had extended to me
the invitation to visit them. A subscription for the erection of a church
edifice was already in existence amounting to twelve hundred dollars, with
the promise from the citizens of a bell in case theirs was the first church
edifice erected in the place. They seemed importunate to have me remain
with them. 1 considered. The subscription, unless speedily secured, would
vanish away. They promised to put up the building themselves without
burdening me with any of the responsibility. There was no church of our
denomination nearer than Flint. It seemed impossible to find another man
and so I consented to stand in the breach.
"As I look back it seems presumptuous for me so young and inexpe-
rienced, and in every way so poorly equipped, to have undertaken the pas-
torate of a church upon the outskirts of civilization as Saginaw was at that
day. That Sunday, April (>. 1851, when I entered upon my labors, I can
never forget. No preacher ever stood up in a modern Gothic cathedral with
its groined arches and stained glass windows and elaborate architecture, with
as much pride as 1 stood up in that little school house, thirty by forty feet
in size, its seats, after the old fashion, ranged on the sides, and preached
Christ. My soul bubbled with joy to think that 1 was deemed worthy to
preach the gospel, and that even a score of persons were willing to listen
to my poor stammering. The walls of the room had been neatlv white-
washed and festooned with flowers, and Welcome! seemed to shine on every
face. My text was 1 Tim. 4:8, 'Godliness is profitable unto all things having
promise of life that now is and of that which is to come.'
"My first lodgement when I arrived at Saginaw," continued Mr. Cooper,
"was at the renovated Webster House, but 1 soon found mvself settled for
housekeeping jn a small one-and-a-half-story dwelling on Washington Street.
An ingrain carpet for the parlor, a deal table: for curtains, cotton sheets
suspended on forks: a kitchen stove, a barrel of flour, a Cord of maple w 1,
an axe, a saw and saw buck to exercise the w 1 with, Mrs. Miller to supply
us with doughnuts and jumbles for dessert, a stock of four sermons and the
prospect of four hundred dollars salary per year, comprised my total belong-
ings and my equipment. But I entered upon my work with elasticity and
joy. Like Mark Tapley, I was soon 'floored' by ague that never wholly
remitted its attacks during my sojourn in the valley, and yet. like Mark also,
I managed also to continue 'jolly.'"
The promise made to erect a church edifice on condition of Mr. Cooper
remaining with them was speedily fulfilled, mainly through the untiring
energies of Mr. and Mrs. Miller. The former not only superintended its
erection, but day by day might have been seen adjusting timbers, carrying
stone, digging in the cellar, sometimes mounting on the roof — anything to
hasten completion, while the latter, in the quiet of her home, was writing
letters of appeal to old friends. As a result of her efforts a thousand dollars
came from outside, another thousand was received from her personal solici-
tation in the village, ami her own gift of a thousand more made a total of
316 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
three thousand dollars, which was a large proportion of the cost of the build-
ing. It was a handsome, commodious structure of architecture peculiar to
the time, and was dedicated December 15, 1852.
The must prominent feature of the new church was the pulpit, covering
nearly one-third of the area and reaching up toward the ceiling, capacious
enough, it was said, to accommodate a meeting of the presbytery. On either
side of it was a winding stair, which required unusual exertion to surmount,
so that by the time the pastor reached the top he was compelled to rest on a
sliding hair-cloth sofa, and regain his breath before proceeding with his
sermon. On the desk was a large cushion for the Bible, and the top was
covered with cloth that hung in folds half-way to the floor, and was orna-
mented with cords and fringes and tassels, which were twisted and woven in
the parsonage with a skill quite ecpial to that of Aholiab, the noted em-
broiderer, in blue, scarlet and purple, a combination of colors which ily
comported with the sombre hue of the coverings. The material was of olive-
colored broadcloth, which answered fairly well in daylight, but at night, in
candlelight, it assumed the semblance of mourning and appeared more like
a catafalque than a sacred rostrum. Afterward, in the interest of good
taste, the pulpit of wonderful proportions was removed, and a low platform
put in its stead.
Until some time after the dedication of the new church Air. Cooper acted
as stated supply, but on March 3, 1853, he was duly ordained to the gospel
ministry, the sermon being preached by Reverend R. R. Kellogg, and the
charge to the pastor was given by Reverend Noah Wells. On March 20th
he preached his first pastoral sermon, the text being, 2 Tim. 4:5. "Do the
work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." At this time the
church membership numbered eighteen, four men and fourteen women, and
the average Sunday congregation was from eighty to one hundred.
In 1859, having planted the Presbyterian faith over this extreme north-
ern outpost, Mr. Cooper was compelled by failing health to relinquish his
charge: and was succeeded by the Reverend David II. Taylor. The Rev-
erend Jesse Hough was called to the pastorate in 1865, and in the following
year the edifice was enlarged, refurnished and rededicated. The small and
old-fashioned pews raised above the level of the aisles, and the high and box-
like pulpit, still remained, and something of the spirit of the founders of the
church lingered to give inspiration to their faithful followers. 'If this re-
markable old church Mr. Hough long afterward wrote: "A precious build-
ing was that old church, representing an amount of faith and patience and
loving sacrifice such as n < ■ other church that will ever adorn the valley, how-
ever costly and splendid, will represent."
In 1883, when the church had entirely outgrown the accommodations of
the primitive edifice, the present brick structure was begun on the site of the
old, and finished in the following year. It was enlarged in 1902. during the
pastorate of Dr. AW P. Covert. To keep pace with the demands of the time,
in 1914 the basement was entirely remodeled, and another addition made,
thus enlarging the stately building to its present proportions.
Since the coming of Reverend David M. Cooper the First Presbyterian
Church has been served by a long line of able and consecrated ministers,
among whom were: Reverened O. S. Tavlor, 1868-69; Reverend George
Dufifield, D. D., 1869-73; Reverend P. P. Shaw, 1873-78: Reverend A. F.
Bruske, D. D., 1878-92; Reverend Charles E. Branson. D. D., 18'*2-1900;
Reverend William C. Covert, D. D.. 1900-05; Reverend Frederick W. Lewis,
1905-09; and Reverend Harry Rogers Stark. D. D., TOO. Under the leader-
ship of these earnest preachers of the gospel, the church has grown to be one
of the strongest and most influential of the Presbyterian faith in our State.
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE
317
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
St. John's Episcopal Church
As far back as 1836 there were in Saginaw Valley only three commun-
icants of the Episcopal Church, and in them — Mr. and Mrs. James Busby
and Mrs. Amanda L. Richman — was the nucleus of the present St. John's.
They looked and labored for the time when the services of the Church might
be established in Saginaw City, and in 1841 occasional services were held by
the Reverend Daniel E. Brown, of Flint. After he had ministered to the
little company of devoted church people for several years, the Reverend Mr.
Rieghley, also of Flint, held frequent services in Saginaw. It is therefore to
St. Paul's Parish of Flint that St. John's, the mother parish of the Episcopal
churches in Saginaw Valley, owes a debt of gratitude for inspiration and
encouragement to establish a congregation which was to take a prominent
part in the religious and social development of the community.
3 1 s
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
JOHN'S, ERECTED 1853
.st. John's Church was organized in 1851, and was the third church
society formed in Saginaw Valley. The first settled clergyman was the
Reverend Joseph Adderly, who, after a service of one ycat\ was followed
by the Reverend D. B. Lyon, 0f Grand
Rapids, who also remained for a year. In
1853 the Reverend Voltaire Spalding came
t>> St. John's as its rector at the munificent
salary of three hundred dollars a year. Ser-
vices were then held in the old school house
at Court and Fayette Streets, and also in
the old Court House. The number of com-
municants at this time was eleven, who
were: Mrs. Eliza 11. Williams, Mrs. A. M.
Richman, Mrs. Lucy Spalding, Mrs. S. E
Westervelt, Mrs. Maria Warren. William
Spalding, Richard Sibley, Mrs. Mary Sibley,
Miss Car. .line Wickham, William" Hutton
and Mrs. A. A. Hayden. Mrs. Ann Fitz-
hugh, of Lower Saginaw i Has City), was
also a communicant and attended services
whenever it was possible to travel the fif-
teen miles from and t.. her In. me.
On April 11. 1853, the corner stone of
the lirst church edifice of St. fohn's was
laid by Bishop McCoskry, hut. ..win- to lack of funds the construction of the
building did not progress very satisfactorily. In 1856 the need for a church
home becoming more and mure pressing, the Reverend V. Spalding went
East and collected the Mini of five hundred dollars from devoted churchmen.
towards the building fund. Later, by the a. Lice and consent of the Bishop,'
Charles L. Richman supplemented the efforts of the rector by visiting si.uk'
oi the large eastern cities, and succeeded in raising six hundred dollars more.
There were also presented to St. John's a baptismal bowl and a communion set
by Mrs. Ebenezer Hale, of Canandaigua, New York. The church edifice was
at length completed, and on I Ictober 11, 1X57, the first services were held in
it. The Reverend Mr. Spalding resigned the rectorship May 2, 1858, the
number of communicants at that time being twenty-four.
Occasional services were held that year by the Reverend Mr. Swan, of
Finn, and the Reverend < >. I!. Staples, of Grand Rapids, but on March']/.
1859, the Reverend Edward Magee, of the Diocese of Ohio, became rector.
On May 9, 1860, the church was consecrated by Bishop McCoskry, a debt of
four hundred dollars basing been assumed bv' members of the vestry, who
were Newell Barnard, William Binder, Myron Butman, X. D. Lee, David H.
Jerome. L. Webster. George L. Williams, William li. Sweet. John Parish
and Stewart I',. Williams, the last two being the wardens. The Reverend
Mr. Magee served as rector for two years, and at the time of his resignation
the number of communicants was twenty-seven.
The Reverend Osgood E. Fuller accepted the rectorship June 18, 1862,
and at this time the first rectory was built. It was a small wooden structure
of Gothic design, and much of the work of building it was done by the rector.
In 1865 Mr. Fuller resigned leaving a communicant list of fifty-seven. In
July of the same year the Reverend John Leech, of Elmira, New York,
assumed the duties of rector. On July Id. 1866, the bell now in use was
hung- in the belfry of the church, and a bible and prayer 1 k were given by
the Ladies' Society. The baptismal font now in use was presented to the
church by Mrs. Amanda M. Richman, in memory of her daughter. Kate
Richman. Mr. Leech resigned in 1870, leaving one hundred and sixty-two
RFLIGK )US AND S( )CIAL LIFE
319
communicants in the parish. This notable gain in confirmations shows that
the church was then keeping pace with the growing city, and that the sacrifice
and devotion of the faithful few in the early days was beginning to bear its
n liition.
In December, 1871, the Reverend W. II. Watts, of Kalamazoo, entered
upon his duties as rector of St. John's, and two years later the church edifice
was enlarged at an expense of twenty-two hundred dollars. After serving
for five years Mr. Watts resigned, leaving one hundred and eighty-six com-
municants in the parish. ( In December 3, 1876, the Reverend L. S. Stevens,
of Toledo, Ohio, became rector, and under his charge St. John's grew in
influence, if not in numbers. In 1878 a new rectory was built at a cost of
thirty-five hundred dollars, which sum was raised largely by the women of
the parish. Having served faithfully for five years Mr. Stevens relinquished
his charge with a communicant list of two hundred and three.
The New Church Edifice
For a year and five months the parish was without a rector and the
church work suffered. Though without a spiritual head the vestry, in the
faith that a proper man would soon Ik- found, formulated plans for the erection
of a new church building. < In April 17, 1883, the Reverend Benjamin F.
Matrau, of Owosso, accepted a call to become rector of the parish, and on
Sunday. May 6, he held his first services. The erection of the present church
edifice' of brick and stone was begun the following day, the building com-
mittee being composed of Newell Bar-
nard, Ezra Rust, George F. Williams.
Dudley J. Smith and David 11. Jerome.
The corner stone was laid lulv 12.
1883, by Bishop Harris. |„ 1887 and
1888 the parish house and the rectory
were built of the same materials and
in an order of architecture conforming
with the church edifice.
The Reverend Mr. Matrau served
as rector for six years and six months.
during which time the church member-
ship reached its greatest number —
four hundred and ninety-five. He was
an indefatigable worker, a man < « f
strong individuality and personal mag-
netism, and was much beloved by all
classes; and his name is much revered
in hundreds of homes in Saginaw, even
to this day. At this time St. John's
established a choir of boys and men,
which was a leading feature of the
church services, and under the able-
direction of Henry B. Roney soon
came to be regarded as one of the best
in the diocese, winning fresh laurels of
praise and appreciation whenever
beard in neighboring cities.
The able assistant to Mr. Matrau
in all his labors at St. John's was the Reverend George D. Wright, now of
the diocese of Chicago, and the record of official acts in the parish register
is abundant proof of the tireless energy of these two devoted servants of ( kid.
ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
320
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
By the earnest and zealous efforts of Mr. Matrau, Calvary Memorial
Church, at Genesee and Hill Streets, came into being as a mission. The
edifice was erected through him by a gift of Madame Le Brun, of Owosso,
to whom Calvary Church is a memorial. For several years the services and
mission work were conducted by the rectors of St. John's, but later was organ-
ized as a separate parish. St. Paul's Church at East Saginaw and Trinity
i hurch at Bay City also owe their early existence to the mother church of
St. John's.
( In April 30, 1890, the Reverend Dean Richmond Babbitt, L. L. D., entered
upon his duties as rector. He was a very scholarly man of high attainments,
possessing a brilliant mind and unusual power as a preacher. I luring his
rectorship, which continued until
February 26, 1893. he attracted
much attention among the religious
and intellectual classes by his splen-
did discourses on the gospels. lie
was succeeded by the Reverend
Benjamin T. Trego, B. D.. who as-
sumed his duties June 1. 1893, and
resigned in December, 1896. In the
following Spring the Reverend
Ralph H. Baldwin became rector
and continued in charge for one
year.
Reverend Emil Montanus
Becomes Rector.
The church was then vacant for
a year, and in May, 1899, the Rever-
end Emil Montanus. the present
rector, took charge. Coming to St.
John's at a time when the parish
was thoroughly disorganized, it >
members discouraged, if not dis-
heartened, he has by conscientious
effort and the exercise of rare judg-
ment, built up the parish to it>
proper sphere of influence and g 1
in the community. The true mis-
sionary spirit is strong within him.
By countless acts of kindness and benevolence, he is beloved by the poor, the
sick, and the needy, and his name is a watchword in hundreds of humble
homes in which formerly little was known of the true God. From a scant
two hundred names on the list of communicants sixteen years ago, the num-
ber of professing churchmen ami church women has, by his efforts and in-
fluence, increased to three hundred and fifty-two, and is growing steadily.
REV. EMIL MONTANUS
The Methodists of Saginaw City
The earliest record of any effort to plant Methodism in this valley was of
May 20, 1850, when the Reverend George Bradley, ''Presiding Elder of Grand
Rapids District," made a certificate appointing Andrew Bell, Stephen Lytlle,
Levi D. Chamberlin and Louis Hart "Trustees of the Methodist Church in
Saginaw County." This certificate was recorded June 24, 1850. The pre-
liminary organization then created must have lapsed, as when John Moore
came here in 1851 it had no active existence, and was never after recognized.
"Andrew Bell," said Mr. Moore, "must have been a minister who had prior
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE 321
to that date preached here. None of the others resided here in the Spring of
1851, and there was no Methodist Church organization, no class, and no
regular preaching. Occasionally, in the Summer of that year the Reverend
George Bradley preached in that part of the court house then finished and
used as a court room and for all public meetings."
In the Fall of 1851, the Reverend C. C. Olds was sent by the Conference
and remained here for one year. He organized a class consisting of Theodore
Dean, his two sisters, and Mrs. John Moore, the only persons here at that time
who professed to be Methodists. This was the first class formed and the
commencement of the present church organization. Shortly after there were
several persons of this faith residing near Shattuck's Mill, who met for wor-
ship as a separate class in Ure's school house, and were James N. Gotee and
wife, Mrs. Shattuck, C. C. Batchelor, Mrs. Swarthout, and perhaps a few
others. Dean and his sisters soon after moved away, and Mrs. Moore was
left the sole resident survivor of the first class.
Mr. Olds remained until the Fall of 1852, when the Reverend George
Bradley was appointed to look after the straggling band of Methodists in the
whole of Saginaw Valley, including Indian missions. He was followed in the
Fall of 1853 by the Reverend A. C. Shaw, who resided at East Saginaw and
preached in both villages.
In July, 1854. a contract was made for the purchase of part of the ground
upon which the church buildings now stand, and the interest on the purchase
price and the taxes were guaranteed by John Moore. Soon after, the old
school house was purchased and moved upon the lot, fitted up as a chapel,
and so used until the more commodious church was built. The old building
was then made over into a parsonage, which purpose it served until 1873 or
1874. when it was sold and moved off. On November 10, 1859, the stipulated
price, two hundred and fifty dollars, on the lot. was paid and the title con-
veyed to James N. Gotee, L. B. Curtis, Major \V. [ Fillister, Smith Palmer,
Edwin Saunders, George A. Davis and Aimer Hubbard, as trustees. Addi-
tional ground adjoining was purchased the following year, and in 1866 fifty
feet more was donated by L. B. Curtis and John Moore.
The church building as first erected was commenced in 1859 or 1860,
while the Reverend William Fox was pastor, and finished in 1861. Charles
E. Miller was the builder. Afterward the church building was enlarged by
the addition of thirty feet in the rear, and again by what was the lecture
room. The parsonage was erected during the pastorate of Seth Reed, and
his successors appreciated his self-sacrificing labors and hold them and him-
self in grateful remembrance. In the Spring of 1884 the church building
with all its contents was destroyed by fire; and Upon its site rose the stately
edifice which, with its several additions, has filled the needs of the congrega-
tion for more than thirty years.
Through a long line of able pastors, from the Reverend Mr. Olds and
the Reverends Washburn, Hawks, Allen and Lovejoy to the present pastor,
the Reverend E. P. Bennett, the Methodist church on the West Side has
grown to be a large factor in our religious life, and its progressive policy
promises well for the future.
The German Lutheran Church
As early as January 29, 1849, a few German Lutherans, J. A. Gender,
K. F. Kull.'j. J. Weiss, E. Weggel, J. M. Hancke, G. Dierker, M. Backer,
M. Gremel, M. Winkler and J. M. Strauss organized a church society, and
extended a call to O. Homer Cloeter to become pastor. He accepted the
charge and was installed November 30th by the Reverend F. Sievers. In
322 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
the same year the o incremation bought a lot on the southeast corner of Court
and Washington (Michigan) Streets, and in 1850 built a small church and
parsonage thereon. Five years later the society bought a house and two
lots for a par- mage, and the small house beside the church was thereafter
used for a school.
In 1857 Mr. Cloeter was succeeded by the Reverend J. A. Huegli, and
two years later the Reverend M. Guenther was installed as pastor. In 1866
the society sold the parsonage and bought the present church property on
Court Street, between Fayette and Harrison. They soon erected a new par-
sonage, and in 1868 built the present church at the corner of Fayette Street,
at a cost of eighteen thousand dollars. The church was dedicated February
7, 1869. Following Mr. Guenther as pastor was the Reverend Joseph
Schmidt and in 1875. when a new organ was installed the membership com-
prised one hundred and sixty families.
This church deems it a duty to provide the children of its members with
sound religious instruction, and therefore supports a well-conducted parochial
school, in the earlj days the work of instruction fell upon the pastors, but
in 1861 a school house was built and a teacher called. In 1868 the two-story
frame school house was built on Court Street, and in 1872 a third teacher
was employed, the number of school children having increased to one hun-
dred and sixty.
The Liberal Christians
This society of professing Christians was organized in 1871, with the
Reverend J. II. Burnham as pastor. The members at once resolved to build
a church edifice, and within a few months their liberality and labors resulted
m a brick building being erected for a house of worship. This church, which
was dedicated July 18. 1871, still stands on South Michigan Avenue between
Adams ami Cass Streets. The society grew in numbers until there were
about two hundred and seventy members; and in 1874 the trustees were:
A. W. Wright, A. W. Thompson, Thomas L. Jackson, W. H. Sweet, James
Hay and T. M. Hubbell. Later the organization was discontinued, the
church building sold to the hirst Baptist Society, and the members left at
liberty to attach themselves to any denomination of the Christian Church.
The church building, which characterized its projectors, as well as their
financial and religious liberality, served the Baptists as a house of worship
for more than thirty years.
First Baptists
From the time of the organization of the Baptist Church at East Saginaw,
in 1858, the followers of this faith on the west side of the river had been
connected with that church. But in November, 1863, fourteen of them asked
for letters of dismissal from the society in order that they might form them-
selves into a church in Saginaw City. These earnest church workers were:
Valorous A. Paine, Mrs. Harriett Paine, Ebenezer Briggs, William M. Has-
kell. Fli Townsend, Mrs. Hannah Townsend, Mrs. Belinda Benjamin, Mrs.
Nancy A. Cody, Mrs. Jane Low, Mrs. Matilda Miller, Mrs. Christina Ross,
Mrs. Mercia 1'.. Palmer ami Hannah Briggs. In addition to these. Mrs. Julia
A. Burrows brought a letter from the First Church of Rochester, New York,
and Mrs. Jennie F. Paine from the church in Bay City.
The meeting for organization was held in the home of Mr. Paine, on
Court Street, in the place now occupied by the Smith Building. This house
is still standing on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Adams Street. The
Reverend ]. S. Goodman was chairman of the meeting and V. A. Paine was
^s$&&&*^
JEFFERSON AVENUE, NORTH FROM HAYDEN STREET, 1886
WEADOCK AVENUE. NORTH FROM THOMPSON STREET
:i24 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
clerk: and the Articles of Faith and the Covenant were duly adopted. On
December 3, William M. Haskell and Ebenezer Briggs were chosen deacons.
The legal organization and incorporation of the church society was effected
in July, 1864, the trustees being: Valorous A. Paine, George L. Burrows
ami William J. Bartow.
For a time services were held in the jury room of the court house, but in
1865 a church building was erected by the society on the corner of Fayette
and Franklin (Hancock) Streets. Thirteen year's after, this building, then
outgrown by the congregation, was sold to the Evangelical Association. The
parsonage on the adjoining lot on Fayette Street was first occupied July 31,
1877, and is still owned and so used by the society. The Mission Chapel, on
Fayette Street between Perry and Dearborn, was built during the pastorate
of the Reverend W. W. Pattengill, and dedicated June 4, 1871. The church
building on Washington Avenue (now Michigan), near Adams, was pur-
chased by the Baptist Church from the Liberal Christian Society; and was
dedicated' on March 27. 1878, the sermon being preached by the Reverend Dr.
Hotchkiss, of Buffalo, New York. This church edifice served the congre-
gation for about thirty years.
The present commodious and imposing structure of the Michigan Avenue
Baptist Church, at the corner of Michigan Avenue ami Adams Street, was
erected in 1908 through the united efforts of Dr. W. i'. Morgan, L. A. Bur-
rows and other zealous church members. It is conveniently arranged to
meet the needs of the various church activities, and contains large Sabbath
School and society meeting rooms, the church office and pastor's study,
arranged with outside entrances. The style is of a composite type of church
architecture, and the materials were brick and concrete with facing of dark
paving brick and trimmings of stone.
The first superintendent of the Sunday School was the Reverend J. S.
Goodman. lie was succeeded by Dr. George Northrup, and he by Levi
Clark. In 1871, Dr. W. I'. Morgan assumed the duties of this office, a
christian work in which he was very successful and conducted for mam-
years, imparting to teachers and scholars a large measure of his spirit of
zeal and religious training. In September, 1880, Dr. Morgan was elected
■one of the deacons of the church. The Mission Sunday School was organized
by the Reverend N. P. Barlow, who was the first superintendent. After-
ward the office was filled by Messrs. Irving, Pattengill and Wood, the latter
serving for six years.
In 1875 the number of trustees was increased to seven, ami in that year
were: George L. Burrows, O. C. Davis, N. W. Dennison, W. I'. Morgan,
A. B. Paine, William T. Tibbetts, and N. S. Wood who was then treasurer
i if the s< iciety.
Of the earnest and devoted members of this church, who labored long
for the cause of righteousness, were the late William P. Morgan and Latham
A. Burrows. The former spent a life of service to mankind, and his influence
in the church activities will be felt for years to come. Mr. Burrows was also
a steadfast Christian — a seeker after the truth. He was a musician of more
than ordinary ability and attainments, and for a long term of years served
the church as organist and choir director.
Among the early pastors who ministered to the congregation were the
Reverend L. L. Fittz. 1867-68; the Reverend N. P. Barlow. 1808-70; the
Reverend W. E. Lyon, 1870-73: and the Reverend W. W. Pattengill, 1873-81.
Other devoted ministers no less able and beloved have carried on the work of
the church through intervening years, the present pastor being the Reverend
Francis C. Stifler, who assumed charge in the Fall of 1912.
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE
325
St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Church
The earliest record of ministrations of the Roman Catholic Church in
Saginaw is of 1841, when the Reverend Martin Kundig came to establish a
Catholic mission. In the month of May of that year he held the first services
in the house of I. J. Maiden, on Water (Niagara) Street, near the location of
the first freight house of the Jackson, Lansing and Saginaw Railroad.
Afterward, the Reverend Lawrence Kilroy was appointed to the charge of
the mission, and for several years held services of the Church in the homes
.if his faithful followers. Father Monahan and Father Kendekens succeeded
him, coming from Flint to hold services. The Reverend H. T. H. Schutzes.
secretary of Bishop Burgess, was the first priest appointed to the special
charge of the Saginaw Valley missions.
The first church house of St. Andrew's parish was a carpenter shop, pur-
chased in 1852. which stood on the west side of Washington Street, just smith
of Adams. The following year this rough building was moved to the corner
of Washington and Monroe Streets, and used as a church for twelve years.
Reverend Father Vanderhayden was appointed priest of the Roman Catholic
missions at Saginaw City and East Saginaw, in 1862, and under his direction
the first church edifice of St. Andrew's was built in 1865. Five years later
the building was inadequate to seat the rapidly increasing congregation, and
was enlarged, and the erection of a parochial school commenced. Later, a
priest's residence was built adjoining the church.
In 186(i the mission at East Saginaw was set off as a separate parish, and
the Reverend Father Vanderhayden was appointed pastor of St. Andrew's
Church. Thus St. Andrew's is the mother church of the Catholic parishes
in Saginaw, its history antedating any other efforts of the Roman Church in
Saginaw County.
The first committee of St.
Andrew's Church, elected in 1862,
was composed of Patrick McCullen,
F. H. Fish, John Schnecker and
John W. Richardson. To all activ-
ities of the parish these staunch
churchmen lent their aid and en-
couragement, the liberal support of
Mr. Richardson for a period of more
than fifty years, until his death in
February, 1915, 6 e i n g especially
noteworthy.
Father Vanderhayden w a s a
verv earnest and energetic priest,
and his labors in Saginaw City were
fruitful of increasing members in
the fold. He established St. An-
drew's parochial school, which in its
early years was conducted by the
Sisters of Divine Providence.
Greatly beloved by his own people
and citizens outside the Catholic
Church, he continued his labors for
thirty-nine years, or until 1601,
when he retired from active work
and returned to his old home in
Holland. father vanderhayden
326 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The Reverend Father Vanderhayden was succeeded by the Reverend
Joseph J. Vogl, whose pastorate continued for ten years.' In 1911, upon
the consecration of the Reverend Joseph Schrembs 'as bishop of Toledo.
Father Vog] was transferred to the charge of St. Mary's Church, Grand
Rapids, thus left vacant. It was during his ministrations at St. Andrew's
that initiative was taken toward the erection of a new church edifice, and a
large proportion of the subscriptions to the building fund was secured' by his
efforts. The old church was removed to a lot adjoining the priest's residence,
on Hamilton Street, and the foundation of the new church was soon after
laid on the i ild site.
The present pastor is the Reverend H. I'. Maus, of Grand Haven, Mich-
igan, who succeeded Father Vogl. Soon after he assumed charge the new-
church edifice, which had been in process of erection by Father Vogl, was
completed at a cost of about fifty thousand dollars. On Decoration 'Day,
May 30, 1913, at 7 A. M., the magnificent church was consecrated by Rt.'
Reverend Edward D. Kelly, D. D.. auxiliary bishop of Detroit. Pontificial
High Mass was celebrated at 10:30 A. M., by Rt. Reverend Henry Joseph
Richter, D. 1)., in which the new church was* opened to the public, no less
than twelve bishops and priests participating. In the evening a banquet was
given to the visiting clergy, and toasts responded to by the Mayor and lead-
ing Catholic citizens. The old church building has since been remodeled into
a useful parish hall, in which many events in the social life of the Church
are held.
Father Maus is a man of powerful figure and commanding presence,
ami is a very energetic priest with a firm grasp of the affairs of the parish!
both material and spiritual; and is tireless in good work among his people.
IK- is a strong and eloquent speaker, and his sermons are delivered with con-
vincing manner anil telling effect, thus drawing many persons outside the
Roman Catholic faith. In all he is an able successor of unusually able priests
in the Lord; and the church work of St. Andrew's advances with' the material
pn igress i if the city.
SS. Peter and Paul Church
Twenty-eight years ago the increasing need of a new parish in the
southern portion of the city, resulted in the formation of SS. Peter and Paul
Church, and the erection in 1888 of a substantial brick edifice on the corner of
Wayne and Fayette Streets. The Reverend Father Lefevre, who had served
for many years as assistant to Father Vanderhayden in St. Andrew's parish,
was largely instrumental in organizing the new church, the first trustees of
which were: E. P. Austin, Hugh McPhillips, Patrick McManmon and F. J.
Ruchser, now all deceased with the exception of Mr. McPhillips. The new
church building was dedicated in ( )ctober, 1888, by Bishop Henry Joseph
Richter, of Grand Rapids, with a membership of two hundred and eighty-
eight Sollls.
The first pastor of the church was the Reverend Father Lefevre, who,
after a long and faithful service, still ministers to the congregation. Being
of a strong and energetic nature, and zealous for the upbuilding of the King-
dom of Christ, he soon cleared the church of debt, and in 1889 opened a small
school with three Sisters as teachers and eighty-six children. But the school
grew so fast that every year to 1892, one room and one teacher was added
to meet the needs for primary instruction and religious training. In 1892
the pastor's residence was built on Wayne Street, and in the following vear
an addition of two rooms was made to the school house. The congregation
at that time numbered seven hundred and seventy-five members.
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE 327
In 1909 a large new church school was begun and finished in 1910. In-
cluding a Sister's residence this school has twenty-fine rooms, and cost with
its furnishings twenty-five thousand dollars. On September 6, 1914, the
school opened with twelve teachers in charge and three hundred and sixty-
five children; and the congregation increased to over thirteen hundred souls,
now being one of the largest churches in the city. In that year a large addi-
tion to the church edifice was built, the interior redecorated and new furnish-
ings installed, at a cost of twelve thousand dollars.
The Fall term of 1915 opened very auspiciously with thirteen teachers
and nearly four hundred children. In the past three years SS. Peter and
Paul school has been affiliated witli the Michigan LTniversity, and is in good
standing in all its twelve grades.
Other West Side Churches
St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized November 30,
1851, by the Reverend Julius Ehrhart with twenty-two members. The first
officers of the society were: ^Yilliam Barie and M. Strauss, deacons; J. P.
Roller, H. Schnuphase and Dr. M. C. T. Plessner, trustees. In 1857 a church
was erected at the corner of Harrison and Ames Streets. Twelve years later
the present edifice was built at a cost of eight thousand dollars, and dedicated
October 17, 1869.
The first pastor of the church was the Reverend J. Ehrhart, who was
succeeded in the earlv vears by Reverends Christian Foltz, Conrad Foltz,
C. Adam, Hugh B. Kuhn and Chris Eberhardt. The present pastor is the
Reverend J. H. Westendorf, a native of this county, who was born and reared
at Zilwaukee. He assumed charge in February, 1898, and in eighteen years
of faithful service has witnessed a steady growth of the church, both in
numbers and in spiritual life.
From the time this church was organized a parochial ^chi»>l has been
maintained to afford religious instruction to the children and youth of the
members. It also offers elementary education in English and German. In
the early days the pastors were also the teachers of the school, and the old
church building, upon completion of the new edifice, was devoted to school
purposes. In 1883 the present school house was built, but owing to greatly
increased attendance, it was enlarged in 1892. Three teachers are employed,
and the average daily attendance is about one hundred and twenty-five in
the eight grades. The graduates of the school pass directly to advanced
courses in the Arthur llill High School.
The Evangelical Association was formed in 1875 by the Reverend M.
Heininger, of Flint, and Vincent Gaum, president: Daniel Haller. secretary;
John Himmelbach. treasurer, and the Reverend J. M. Fuchs, pastor. In
1878 the old Baptist Church, at Payette and Franklin ( Hancock i Streets,
was purchased by the association and improved for chapel purposes, for
which it was used for nearly thirty year--. The pastors of early years of the
association were the Reverends J. M. Fuchs. C. C. Stiffield, W. P. Zanders
and H. Schneider. In 1X81 the membership had reached forty-five; and the
Sunday School was in charge of John Himmelbach as superintendent, Bar-
bara Stengel, secretary, and V. Gaum, treasurer.
The First Church at East Saginaw
To the Methodists belong the honor of having organized the first church
society at East Saginaw, at a time when the place was but a hamlet, built
upon a marsh. Previous to the Fall of 1852 there was no class or organiza-
tion representing Methodism on the east side of the river, but at the con-
ference of that year the Reverend George Bradley was appointed missionary
for the Saginaw Valley. On the sixteenth of December, 1852, he organized
32S
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
the "Methodist Episcopal Church of the Village of East Saginaw," making a
certificate for the appointment of trustees. At that day there was not a man,
woman or child in the village who professed to be a Methodist, so Mr. Bradley
named Charles Johnson, then a teacher in the Indian Mission School at Kaw-
kawlin, Samuel N. Warren and Henry T. Higgins, of Flint, himself, as Meth-
odists, and Norman Little, Charles T. Disbrow and John Moore, trustees.
The first Methodist sermon was preached by Reverend Bradley in the
"Irving House." the leading hotel of the place; and services were held there
for some time thereafter. The pastor meanwhile purchased some lots on
Water Street as a suitable site for a church, but they were never used for
that purpose. In the summer of 1853 John W. Griswold took up his residence
in the village, and soon made himself known as an earnest Methodist. He
was a man of some means, and acting with Mr. Bradley selected the lot at
the southeast corner of Washington and German Streets, now occupied by a
part of the Hotel Vincent, as a suitable site for a church building. Soon
after he purchased the lot in his own name and his own cost, and deeded it
to the church society January 20, 1854. Such an act of generosity attracted
considerable attention in the village, but the donor soon left and his where-
abouts were unknown. Reverend Bradley thereupon started plans for the
erection of a church building; but in the Fall he was superseded by the
Reverend A. C. Shaw, who had been appointed to the charge of the churches
on both sides of the river.
Reverend Shaw was a man of great energy, understood western life, and
it was not long before he knew everybody on the river. He made a great
stir, and early in 1855 had a church building under way. Many amusing
stories have been told about this ardent missionary. He could preach and
pray with the solemnity of a Bishop, could work on the church building with
hammer and saw. cross the river on a saw log to meet appointments; and
there was nothing reasonable or consistent with his following, that he could
licit, or did not do, in carrying on his work.
The style of the church building was pleasing, it was said, to only one
member of the board of trustees, Norman Little, who represented the Hoyt
interests and had great influence in such matters. The church was at length
completed and dedicated in the Fall of 1855; and
■ the Reverend Samuel Clemens was sent to take
charge of the work on both sides of the river. He
remained for one year and was followed by Rev-
erend Belknap, whose pastorate was of only six
months duration as he was obliged to leave on
account of failing health. In the Fall of 1857 the
Reverend Mr. Mosher came, and during the two
years of his labors there was a great revival and
increase in membership, lie was succeeded by the
Reverend H. N. Brown who remained for two
years, then the Reverend H. O. Parker was pastor
for one term. Late in 1863 the Reverend F. A.
Warren became pastor and remained for one year.
During these years of hardship and sacrifice,
worship was still held in the little brown church on
Washington Street. It was not a fashionable con-
gregation— Methodists, Presbyterians and Bap-
tists— that gathered together in those early days;
and they resorted to the use of candles to light the
church for evening service, some brother or sister having the honor of hold-
ing the candle during the singing so that those around them could see the
nni^ic of the hymns. Other sisters brought scissors to snuff the candles,
^KlN
OLD METHODIST CHURCH
JEFFERS FOUNTAIN
The Federal Building and the Elk's Temple in Background
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RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE 333
thereby giving a little more light. The interior of the meeting-house was
bare of carpet except in the pulpit and on each side of the altar, but the spirit
of the Almighty was present. His power being displayed in the conversion of
sinners and in the sanctification of believers. To afford better light for the
pastor, a beautiful lamp was afterward presented by John P. Allison, for use
on the pulpit ; and soon after oil lamps replaced the candles.
The Ladies Aid Society of the Methodist Church was organized in 1863.
for the purpose of aiding the project for a new church. Mrs. A. M. Driggs
was its first president and guiding- spirit in years to follow. During the
succeeding fifteen years, by personal solicitation, socials, church suppers and
other activities, the society raised at least twelve thousand dollars, which
was expended for furnishings, expenses and charitable work. During the
Civil War its relief work for wounded soldiers was a notable feature of its
labors; and in after years became the main stay of the pastors, and was an
inspiration to the male workers of the church. For some years the society
paid the insurance on the property, kept the organ in repair, paid the organist
and sexton, bought fuel for heating the church, and dishes for the parsonage
and the church kitchen.
In 1864 the Reverend R. R. Richards was sent by the Conference, and he
worked in good earnest. By his special request Mrs. Mary West became
superintendent of the Sabbath School, which position she filled for many
years. During his pastorate the little church became over-crowded with
worshipers, and in 1868 the building and parsonage were sold to the newly
organized Presbyterian society. Services were then held in Penney's Hall,
on Genesee Street, and later in Jackson Hall, on Washington Street. Rev-
erend Richards retired in 1867, and was followed by the Reverend J. H. Mc-
Carty. Meanwhile, the society purchased a new lot on Jefferson Street, and a
subscription raised for the erection of a new meeting-house.
The corner stone of the new church was laid by Reverend McCarty on
March 27. 1867, but the building of so large and well appointed an edifice
was a big undertaking, considering the resources of the society, and it was
not until the fourth Sunday in August of the following year that the first
services were held in the basement. The church was finally completed and
dedicated by Bishop Haven, December 27, 1868, at which time there were one
hundred and fifty members. The total cost of the edifice, including the spire
rising to a height of one hundred and sixty-two feet, was fifty-one thousand
dollars. In 1X70 Mr. McCarty was succeeded by the Reverend J. M. Fuller,
and after two years of toil was superseded by the Reverend David Casler,
who remained for three years.
Other pastors of the church were: Reverend Castor, 1875-78; Reverend
W. E. Bigelow, 1878-79; Reverend |. X. McEldowney, 1879-81; Reverend
|ohn Wilson, 1881-84; Reverend Charles 11. Morgan, 1884-87; Reverend
George W. Hudson, 1889-90; Reverend Camden M. Cobern. 1890-91; Rev-
erend William Dawe, 1891-93, and six years as presiding elder; Reverend
W. W. Washburn. 1893-95; Reverend George W. Jennings, 1895-98; Rev-
erend I. S. I killer, 1898-1902; Reverend E. A. Elliott, 1902-07; Reverend
A. B. Leonard, 1907-09; and Reverend C. B. Steele. 1909-11.
The present pastor i^ the Reverend Frederick Spence who came to this
church in 1911, and will soon conclude his fifth year of faithful service to the
congregation. In his pastorate extensive alterations were made t<> the church
edifice, and refurnishing and other improvements added appreciably to the
attractiveness of the audience and Sabbath School rooms. The parsonage
directly back of the church on Warren Avenue is a valuable adjunct to the
property, and is a comfortable home for the pastor, from which the various
activities of the church are directed. In 1916 the membership was five hun-
dred and fifty in good standing.
334
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
was dependent
well
welfare of the city at heart,
a gift of a lut at the northeast corner
In 1873, through the persistent efforts of the Reverend James Riley, the
Ames Chapel Mission was established on Penoyer Farm. This mission, in
the midst of a new settlement directly across the river from the business
section of East Saginaw, occupied a comfortable chapel on Fourth (Hanchett)
Street near Lincoln (Genesee) Avenue. As this section of the city built up
a separate and independent congregation was formed from the mission, and
regular church work and services have been maintained there since. The
present pastor is the Reverend G. H. Curts who came to the church in Sep-
tember, 1912; and the membership is now one hundred and ninety.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
St. Paul's Parish, like other Latin die churches, had its origin in a mission
established in the early days of settlement of East Saginaw. It was in 1854
that the Reverend Voltaire Spalding, who had charge of St. John's Church at
Saginaw City, organized this parish mi the east side of the river. No other
church than the Methodist society then existed, so that St. Paul's is next in
order of seniority. Like all the others this little company of churchmen and
churchwomen was for a time without a church home, an
upon public halls in which to worship.
At length Jesse lb>yt. who ever had the social, religious and cultural
it material progress, made the parish
of Warren and Lapeer Streets, as a
suitable site fur a church building.
The location was then well removed
from the center of the settlement,
being mi the edge of the almost un-
broken forest, but the ground was
firm and solid. Upon this site
which is now close to the center of
the business section of the East
Side, was erected in 1864 the first
St. Paul's, a wooden building of
the medieval style, comfortably
furnished, heated and lighted. It
had seatings for about four hundred
persons and cost about twenty-two
thousand dollars.
Among the early rectors may
be named the Reverend G. B. East-
man, the Reverend George W. Wil-
son, the Reverend L. S. Stevens and
the Reverend William A. Masker
who assumed the duties of rector
May 25, 1881. In 1S74. under the ministrations of the Reverend I i. W. Wilson,
the membership was one hundred and seventy, and the Sunday school num-
bered one hundred and fifty. St. Paul's was then keeping pace with the
growth of East Saginaw which was fast becoming a lumber port of con-
siderable impi irtance.
i hi April 4. 1SS4, the parish suffered the loss of its church building by fire.
This was a severe blow to the congregation, which was soon after enhanced by
a disruption among the members over the selection of a more favorable site
for the erection of the new church. After many heated discussions in which
it was impossible to arrive at an agreement, the parish at length divided, the
majority, comprising the older and more influential element supporting the old
organizatii in.
OLD ST. PAUL'S. ERECTED IN 1864
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE
335
The other and more radical element of the congregation, which was com-
posed very largely of "high churchmen," thereupon organized the new parish
of All Saint's, and called the Reverend Father Radcliffe to the rectorship. He
was an earnest and faithful priest and drew many persons into the fold. A
very appropriate location for the new church edifice and rectory was chosen
at the northeast corner of Genesee Avenue and Burt Street, and the erection
of the building begun. In due couse it was completed and furnished at large
sacrifice by the devoted members of the congregation. For several years All
Saint's Church did a good work in the eastern part of the city, but the burden
of debt which had been assumed at the time of building the church was too
great to be carried, and the parish sold its property and dissolved. Some of
the more active members then allied themselves with Calvary Memorial
Church at North Saginaw, to the work of which they entered with their
accustomed zeal and faithfulness.
INTERIOR OF ST. PAUL'S CHURCH
The old St. Paul's congregation, meanwhile, had chosen lots at Wash-
ington Avenue and Fitzhugh Streets, and in 1887, during the rectorship of
the Reverend Isaac Barr, commenced the erection of a stone edifice for their
church home. At this time Henry 1). Wickes, his brother, Edward N.
Wickes, John |. Wheeler and C. Stuart Draper were influential vestrymen
of the parish, and gave most liberally of their time and means to forward the
building operations, ddie beautiful new church was completed and dedicated
in the Summer of 1888; and services of the Church have since been held
within its walls.
The Reverend Isaac Barr was followed in 1X90 by the Reverend William
H. Gallagher, a very aide and devoted minister, who remained rector of St.
336 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Paul's for a period of twenty years. His broad and liberal Churchmanship,
sturdy Christianity and good deeds without number, soon brought him into
prominence in the religious life of the city, and few clergymen have enjoyed
the universal esteem and high regard in which he was held by all classes of
citizens, irrespective of creed or religious belief. His preaching, though
never sensational, was vigorous and masterful, and was marked by deep
and thorough knowledge of the scriptures. He appealed to the reason and to
the spiritual sensibilities of his hearers rather than to the emotions; and his
beautiful reading of the church service will always be remembered with
peculiar pleasure by the members of his congregation.
The present rector of St. Paul's is the Reverend Thomas E. Swan, who
has rilled the churchly office for the last four years, and is carrying on the
good work of the parish and Sunday School.
The Congregationalists
In the early years of Christian endeavor in Saginaw there were a num-
ber of persons professing the faith of the Congregational Church, but, for
want of a separate organization they worshipped with the members of other
churches. In Saginaw City they became strong enough in 1842, as we have
seen, to change the established Presbyterian Church to their own organiza-
tion, and, although the society later went back to its previous form of govern-
ment, a few persons still adhered to the covenent and fellowship of the
Ci mgregational Church.
Among these true and zealous Christians was Chester 1!. Jones, who was
yet a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church. In April, 1853,
imbued with a true missionary spirit, he organized the first Sabbath School
on the east side of the river, the sessions being held in the "Academy" on
South Jefferson and lloyt Streets. The few families which professed mem-
bership in the Congregational Church, like the Presbyterians and Baptists,
worshipped with the Methodists whom they had aided in building the first
church edifice at East Saginaw.
At length it seemed advisable to have another church in this place, and
the Congregationalists and Presbyterians united and began to look about for
a suitable minister. In the Spring of 1857 Mr. Jones and a few others with-
drew from the church in Saginaw City, in which they had labored for several
years, and were instrumental in forming a new congregation on the East
Side. On May 3rd the Reverend William C. Smith, of Lapeer, preached in
the Methodist Church, which stood on the southeast corner of Washington
and German Streets, and in the evening in Buena Vista Hall. He was
immediately engaged by the society with much zeal, as their pastor, for one
year; and services were held in the hall, which had been offered to the
citizens by Jesse Hoyt. for public worship.
On the hTst Sunday of the following June Mr. Smith and a few others
formed a Sabbath School, Mr. Jones being chosen superintendent. Within
a few weeks the school numbered about one hundred and fifty scholars, and
had a library of six hundred volumes, many of which were the gift of friends
at the East through John P. Allison. Mr. Jones held the office of superin-
tendent for six terms, and was succeeded by Henry M. Flagler, the school at
that time having three hundred and thirty-six scholars. Alter three years
II. T. Collins wa> chosen to the office, and later was succeeded by Lucius C.
Sti irrs.
When the society had been well established some of the members desired
a church organization, and a meeting was held Tuesday, September 11. 1857.
t<> consider the subject. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. W. II. Warner,
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob E. Vorhies, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Woodruff. Mr. and Mrs.
RHLICK >US AXI) SOCIAL LIFE
337
s
THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Erected in L860 at the Southwest Corner of Washington and German St i« i i s
George Morris, Mrs. Norman Little. Mr--. Menzo C. Stevens, Mrs. William L.
Webber, Mrs. DeWitt C. Gage, Mrs. Robert Pearson, Mrs. Stephen B. Knapp,
Mr--. Nancy Brown, Mrs. George Elseffer, Mrs. William McKnight, Miss
Catharine Lathrop, Solomon Lathrop, Edwin A. Aloore, Horace B. Hubbard
and Chester B. Jones.
Having decided upon a church organization the form of government was
determined by ballot, eighteen votes being cast for the Congregational form
and four for the Presbyterian. The name chosen was "The First Congrega-
tional Church of East Saginaw:" and on October 7. 1857, an Ecclesiastical
( 'otincil organized the church, the Reverend William C. Smith offering the
Prayer of Organization. At this time Mrs. Smith, the wife of the pastor,
and Miss Augusta E. Kimball were admitted by letter, and the Misses Helen
R. G. Little, Amanda and Elizabeth Woodruff by profession. The first
Preparatory Lecture was given ( )ctober 31, and the Sacrament was first cele-
brated November 1, 185/".
After a faithful and honored service of eight years Air. Smith resigned
the pastorate and closed his labors here on Sunday, April 30, 1865. Follow-
ing him was a line of aide and consecrated servants of God, who were:
Reverend John < \. W. Cowles, 1865-71; Reverend Joseph Estabrook, as sup-
ply in 1871; Reverend William DeLoss Love, 1871-76; Reverend William F.
Day. 1877-82; Reverend Franklin Noble. 1883-89; Reverend George R. Wal-
lace, 1890-94; Reverend William Knight, 1894-97; Reverend Andrew Burns
Chalmers, 1898-1901 ; Reverend Nelson S. Bradley, 1901 to the present time.
To co-operate with the church the First Congregational Society was
formed September 7, 1857, and the following were elected trustees: Norman
Little, DeWitt C. Gage, Chester B. Jones, Jacob E. Vorhies and George J.
Dorr. Others serving later in this capacity were: W. L. P. Little, John H.
Elseffer, Henry Woodruff, George W. Waldron, William C. Janes, Alfred T.
Silsbee, George II. Newcombe. Henry M. Flagler, Dwight G lb 'Hand.
338 HISTORY ( )F SAGINAW COUNTY
Erastus T. Judd, Charles K. Robinson, I). Forsyth Ruse, William H. Warner
and Byron B. Buckhout. In 1911 the society and church were consolidated
under the name of "Idle First Congregational Church of Saginaw."
The first house of worship used by this church was built on the south-
west earner of Washington and German Streets, directly opposite the Meth-
odist Church; and the first effective work on it was performed in October,
1860. It was first used by the congregation for worship on February 3, 1861.
The original cost of the structure was two thousand dollars, but in the fol-
lowing year additional pews were provided and the gallery enlarged, bringing
the cost of the church property, including heating and lighting arrangements,
to forty-five hundred dollars.
In the Autumn of 1866, to provide for the increasing membership,
measures were taken toward building the present church, and its dedication
was held on Sunday. June 14, 1868. Professor Joseph Haven, I). I)., of
Chicago, preached the Sermon of Dedication, after which upwards of twenty-
two thousand dollars was added to the subscriptions to the building fund;
and in the evening the Reverend J. W. Hough preached, and more than six
thousand dollars was added to the fund. fhe Prayer of Dedication was then
offered by the pastor. In 1891 extensive repairs and alterations were made
in the edifice and chapel, including a new elevated floor, new opera chairs,
and perfect electric lighting and ventilating arrangements throughout. fhe
organ was moved from the side to the center, back of the pulpit, thoroughly
rebuilt, and a place provided for the chorus choir of about thirty voices. The
total cost of the church property, including these improvements, lias been
seventy-seven thousand dollars.
The Men's Club of the First Congregational Church was organized
October 30, 1907, for church extension and social purposes, and has had a
useful existence since that time. The original officers were: William I'.
Powell, president; Robert T. Holland, vice-president; Fred C. Roberts,
recording secretary; Norman N. Rupp, secretary: William A. Brewer,
treasurer.
Among the general interest meetings that have been held may be men-
tioned those in which Wellington R. Kurt spoke on "The Constitutional Con-
vention," William B. Mershon on "Forestry," William S. Linton on "The
Parcel Post," Professor 'R. C. Allen on "The Iron Mines of the Upper Pen-
insula," Frank C. Peck on "Railway Mail Service." Eugene Wilber on
"Alaska." Professor Shull on "Eugenics," William J. Gray, of Detroit, on
"The Federal Reserve System," C. W. Stive on "The Shipping Bill," and
Bishop Charles 1). Williams, of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan, on
"Taxation."
The club has extended its membership to include others than those con-
nected with the Congregational Church, and has added materially to the
cultural life of the city.
The First Baptist Church.
The first Baptist Society was organized in 1853 with scarcely a score of
members, but with zealous purpose of worshiping according to the tenets of
their church. Their first house of worship was a small frame building
erected by James S. Webber, on South Jefferson Avenue nearly opposite the
present church. A picture of this primitive meeting house appears on page
191. The first meetings of the society held in this building, which was known
as "Union Hall," were on the third and fourth of July. 1858. Ten years
later, when there was extensive church building and other improvements
in East Saginaw, the society acquired the lot at the northeast corner of
Tefferson and German Streets, and soon after erected thereon a red brick
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE 339
editice with gray stone trimmings. In style the church building resembles
the Methodist and St. John's German Lutheran churches, and has an audience
room seating six hundred, noted for its excellent accoustic properties. The
basement is divided into lecture and Sabbath school rooms and pastor's
study. Even in the early days the church was heated by steam and lighted
by gas; and the total cost was thirty-six thousand dollars.
Tlie erection of this substantial church edifice in so commanding a loca-
tion was largely due to the indefatigable labors of the Reverend H. L. More-
house, who was pastor for twelve years, and also to the liberal support of the
active church members, many of whom were numbered among our most
solid citizens. In LS73, the Reverend Theodore Nelson assumed the pastorate
and under his able ministrations covering a long period of vears, the member-
ship, which was one hundred and seventy at his coming, increased more than
two fold. He was followed by the Reverend Taber and other able minister'-;
and in 1908 his son, the Reverend Wilbur Nelson, was called as pastor and
remained in charge four years. The present pastor is the Reverend Stuart
Gordon Boone who assumed his duties July 1, 1912.
In more recent years the church property has been greatly improved,
the stained glass windows and large pipe organ being features appreciated
by the large congregation.
Other church societies of the Baptist faith are the Fordney Avenue
Church, at South Saginaw, and the Zion Baptist (negro), at the corner of
Johnson and Second Streets.
Warren Avenue Presbyterian
Among those who formerly united with the Congregationalists in sus-
taining preaching in East Saginaw, were a few persons who still adhered to
the Presbyterian faith. These devout Christians withdrew in 1867, and on
March 24th of that year organized the "First Presbyterian Church of East
Saginaw," afterward changed to the Warren Avenue Presbyterian. On that
day the Reverend L. J. Root preached and administered the Sacrament, and
was assisted by the Reverend Calvin Clark, secretary of Home Missions.
Alexander Mitchell and Alexander Ross, having been previously ordained,
and duly elected ruling elders of the church, were regularly installed as
pastors. Besides these devoted ministers and their wives, there were thirty-
two charter members of the society, including Mrs. FYances E. Spinney, Mr.
and Mrs. William Allen, Mrs. Isabel Sutherland, Mr. and Mrs. David M.
Austin, Orrin M. Stone, Mrs. Mary A. Hodson, David Taggart and Mr. and
Mrs. Thomas Steele.
The Reverend W. W. Thorpe ministered to the congregation and was
succeeded by the Reverend A. F. Johnson. In 1X70 the Reverend S. E.
Wishard became pastor and remained for two years, when the Reverend
Thomas Middlemis took charge and continued his ministrations for five years.
During his pastorate the society, which hitherto had not prospered, began a
new life and built a substantial brick church building on the corner of Warren
and Millard Streets. It was at length completed at a cost of twelve thou-
sand dollars, and first used as a house of worship in the Fall of 1874, when
the congregation comprised seventy-six members.
In 1877 the Reverend David Van Dyke was called as pastor, and on
July 1, 1880, the Reverend John T. ( Ixtoby, of hallowed memory, assumed
pastoral charge. Under the ministrations of this able and scholarly minister
the church grew in members and influence, and soon numbered among its
staunch supporters some of our representative citizens. His pastorate cov-
ered a period of sixteen years, during which he endeared himself to thousands
by his sturdy Christianity, strong character and great sympathy for all in
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RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE 341
distress. He retired in 1896 and was followed in March of that year by the
Reverend Toseph Riley Tewell, who ministered to the congregation until his
death in 1903.
Mr. Tewell was an earnest and devoted minister of rare spiritual endow-
ment, and an indefatigable worker. Through his efforts the church edifice
was greatly improved, refurnished and redecorated, and a new heating system
installed. But by a strange turn of fortune the house of worship was not
again to seat the congregation, for on the very Sunday morning that it was to
have been reopened for worship and joyful hymns of praise, a fire started
around the furnace and the structure was entirely destroyed. Dismayed hut
not disheartened by the loss of their church home, the minister and congre-
gation set about with commendable energy to rebuild the edifice along
modern lines well adapted to present needs. In a remarkably short time the
present building arose on the site of the old, and is a monument to the labors
of Reverend Tewell and his able helpers in the congregation. By his influ-
ence and persistent efforts the entire debt on the property, including three
thousand dollars for the organ, was liquidated shortly after the church
building was completed. The strain of overwork, however, was too great
for his enfeebled state of health, and he died on February 23, 1903, deeply
mourned by all who had known him, or had come under his helpful influence.
The present pastor is Reverend J. A. Dunkel who assumed charge Sep-
temher 1, 1903. Under his able direction of the church activities the member-
ship increased to eight hundred and fifty, including a mission maintained in
Buena Vista. The other church property consists of church house at 510
South Warren Avenue, and the Manse at 710 South Weadock Avenue, from
which the religious work of the congregation is directed.
Other churches of the Presbyterian faith are: Grace Presbyterian,
at the corner of Dearborn and Fayette Streets ; Immanuel, i m ( lenesee Avenue
between Hill and Hanchett Streets; and the Washington Avenue Presby-
terian, at the corner of Washington Avenue and Williamson Street.
St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church
The beginning of St. Mary's Church, the largest and most influential of
the Roman Catholic parishes of this city, was in a small mission established
by Father Schutzes in the eighteen-fifties. lie was one of a band of devoted
priests of Dutch descent who came to the forest wilderness along the Huron
shore, to establish missions among the pioneer settlers. At the mouth of
the Saginaw River he first planted the Cross, but soon pressed on to the
settlement of East Saginaw, where he formed a flourishing mission among
the few followers of his faith. This good work he continued until 1863, when
Father Vanderhayden, who the preceding year had assumed charge of the
mission at Saginaw City, was assigned to the duties of both missions.
The first church edifice of St. Mary's was built in 1863, and dedicated on
Christmas day of that year. It stood on the site of the present imposing and
churchly building, at the corner of Wells (< >wen) and Hoyt Streets, and was
capable of seating about six hundred persons. From 1863 to 1866 the parish
was under the charge of Father Vanderhayden, who was then relieved of the
duties of this church to devote all his energies to the upbuilding of St.
Andrew's on the west side of the river. Father Vanderbom was deputed
to the work at St. Mary's, which he continued for twenty-three years, and
was greatly beloved by his flock. In 1874 the number of communicants was
fourteen hundred and thirty-two, an illustration of the remarkable success of
the early missionary priests of the Church.
During the pastorate of Father Vanderbom the church property was
greatly improved by the addition of the parochial school and priest's residence
342 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
on Hoyt Street. Besides the church services and pastoral duties his activi-
ties included the establishment of a branch of the Convent of the Immaculate
Heart, consisting of four sisters, who taught in the school which numbered
two hundred and seventy pupils. St. Vincent's Orphan Home, which cares
for a large number of indigent children, was also established, very largely
through the efforts of this devoted servant of God.
In 1889 bather Michael Dalt<m was appointed to the charge of St. Mary's,
and ministered to the spiritual needs of the congregation fur over twenty-
four years. He was born in County Clare, Ireland, February 24, 1X52, and
received elementary education in schools of his native land, wdiere he finished
lii^ classical and philosophical studies. Upon coming to America he con-
tinued bis preparation for the priesthood at Mt. St. Mary's Seminary in
Cincinnati. He held pastorates at Sandwich, Ontario, Detroit, Ludington,
Berlin. Grand Haven and Big Rapids, and came to Saginaw in the prime of
bis intellectual and spiritual power. It was during his charge of St. Mary's
that the magnificent church edifice was erected with its many beautiful
memorials and costly gifts, representing the sacrifice and loving devotion of
the faithful in Christ.
Father Dalton died < Ictober 9, 1913, greatly mourned by his congregation
which then numbered more than twenty-five hundred souls; and the parish
of St. Mary's with its many activities in religious and charitable work, is a
monument to his consecrated life.
fhe Reverend Edward A. Caldwell was then appointed to the charge of
this prosperous church, the appointment being a high tribute to years of
faithful service in minor parishes, bather Caldwell was born and reared in
this city, and received his early education and religious instruction in the
school of the church over which he now presides as priest. Before the altar
at which he says mass and hears songs of praise, he received his first com-
munion, and at the confessional in which he hears of the sorrows of the
penitent, he first confessed his sins. To him his people are like one great
family which he has known and loved for a lifetime, and which, having known
him from boyhood, regard him as their very own.
St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church
In 1X72 a number of Catholic families connected with St. Mary's Church,
among whom was Michael Jeffers, set about to form a new parish in the
northern part of the city. This section of East Saginaw was then beginning
to build up by railroad men in the employ of the Flint et Pere Marcpiette
Railroad, and the church people saw an opportunity to plant the Cross on
fruitful soil. They entered with zeal upon the task of organizing the new
parish, and in the Summer of 1X73 the Reverend Richard Sweeney was
appointed to the charge. He was a young man of exceptional ability, and
grew in favor with his people, so that soon the church numbered one hun-
dred and thirty-five families.
The commodious and churchly house of worship, which was begun in
1872 at the corner of Sixth and Sears Streets, was finished soon after Father
Sweeney assumed charge, and has served the congregation to the present
time. In due course a pastoral residence was built adjoining the church, and
a parochial school ami Sisters' house erected at the rear. From a small
beginning made forty-four years ago, St. Joseph's parish has become one of
the best equipped Catholic churches in Saginaw \ alley.
Father Sweeney remained the beloved pastor of St. Joseph's, laboring
long and late for the spiritual welfare of his flock, for forty-one years, and
relinquished his charge only when, old in years, his enfeebled state of health
compelled such action. This was much against the wishes of his devoted
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE
343
If oly Rosa fir Church and School
Saginaw, Mich.
parishioners, many of whom he had baptised, communed, married and
watched over as they grew from childhood to manhood, and became stead-
fast followers of the faith.
This able and consecrated prelate was succeeded by the Reverend K. J.
Whalen. who assumed charge January 1. 1(»14. He is a priest of command-
ing figure, a powerful preacher, a true friend of the poor ami needy, and is
endeavoring by spiritual grace to worthily continue the good work of his
predecessor, and afford comfort and assurance to the two hundred families
which comprise his flock.
Church of the Sacred Heart
Like St. Joseph's parish, the Church of the Sacred Heart sprang from the
mother church of St. Mary's. On the fifteenth of January, 1874, the first
meeting of the German Catholics of the old congregation was held to elect
trustees of the new parish. A. Baumgarten acted as chairman and Arnold
Nachtweih as secretary of the meeting. The trustees were: Adolpli
Schmidt, Alois Grohmann, Gottfried Fritz, Simon Erey, G. Schmitt, 'William
Casparr, George Wirtz, Bernhard Berghott, Caspar Echenbach, Joseph Ham-
burger and John Henrigs.
The corner stone of the building intended for the use of the church and
school was laid on August 24, 1S74. The location, at the corner of Sixth
and Cherry Streets, was most advantageous for steady growth of the parish,
and time has shown the wisdom of its selection by the founders of this pros-
perous and influential church. At that time the congregation consisted of
only forty-five families, but by personal efforts and large sacrifices they at
length completed the building, at a cost of seventy-three hundred dollars.
The school opened very auspiciously on December 14. 1874, with Miss Weiss
and Miss Geisler as teachers in German and English. ( )n Sunday, December
20th, of that year, the first service was held in the new church-school, the
pastor being the Reverend Hugo Praessar.
344
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The priests' residence on Cherry Street was built in the Summer of 1878
by Father Joseph Reis, who assumed charge of the parish September 28,
1876. During his remarkable pastorate covering a period of forty years, he
has witnessed great changes in the city and wonderful growth of the Roman
Catholic churches, llis congregation has grown steadily, and at present con-
sists of die hundred and sixty families. The school has also kept pace with
the advancement of Catholicism, and now has enrolled <me hundred and
forty-five scholars, divided into eight grades. At present the school is in
charge of the Dominican Sisters.
The present church edifice, which is an excellent example of true ecclesi-
astical architecture, was commenced in 1891. The high basement was soon
completed and finished off, and used for church services for a number of
years. Meanwhile the erection of the imposing
superstructure was under way, and was com-
pleted in 1911 at a cost of eighty thousand
dollars. In this large and beautiful church the
congregation worships, listen to songs of praise,
and receives spiritual comfort from the scholarly
discourses of their beloved rector, which are
spoken in both English and German.
Father Reis. the aged prelate who still min-
isters unto his people, directs the activities and
benevolent work of this prosperous church.
There are few priests of the Church in Michigan
whose labors for the upbuilding of the Kingdom
of Christ have been of longer duration; and the
Church of the Sacred Heart, in both its material
and spiritual establishment, is to a large de-
gree a monument to the patient, persistent
and kindly endeavors of this consecrated priest.
Roman Catholic parishes of Saginaw are: Holy Family Church
Father Louis M. Prud'homme. priest in charge, on South Wash-
ington Avenue opposite Hoyt Park: Holy Rosary Church (Polish), on
Annesley Street between Thirteenth and Fourteenth Streets; Lady of Mt.
Carmel Church (Italian), on Warren Avenue between Lapeer and Tuscola
Streets; and St. Josaphat's Church in the northwest section, and its parochial
school with two Dominican Sisters and one hundred and twelve pupils.
Other
( French |,
St. John's German Evangelical Lutheran Church
Another of the older church organizations is St. John's German Evan-
gelical Lutheran, whose valuable property is situated on Germania Avenue
between Second and Third Streets. The substantial brick church was erected
in 1868, at a cost of thirty thousand dollars, and is of a style of architecture
common to that period, and has a chime of bells in the tower. In later
years a comfortable and attractive parsonage was erected on Second Street,
adjoining the church, and in 1915 a large brick school house replaced the old
wooden building on the corner of Germania and Third, which had served the
needs of the society for nearly fifty years.
The form of worship observed by this society is distinctively Lutheran
as laid down in the rubrics of the Reformed State Church of Germany. The
Reverend Conrad Volz was pastor of this church for many years, and was
greatly beloved by the old and the young. Under his able ministrations the
society increased in membership ami in influence, and upon his death his
son, the Reverend Frederick Volz, who for many years had labored in the
church as assistant to the pastor, was called to the pastorate, and continues
the good work of the church.
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE 345
In addition to the older churches of the Lutheran faith there are: St.
Tames German Lutheran, on the east side of Washington Avenue, south of
Ortman Street; St. John's Evangelical Lutheran, on the southeast corner of
Bliss and Elm Streets: St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran. South Fifth Street.
between Germania and Lapeer; Trinity German Evangelical Lutheran, cor-
ner of Cherry and Ninth Streets, and Zion Lutheran at Hancock and North
Mason Streets.
Other denominations of the Christian Church are: St. Mark's Evan-
gelical at Lapeer and Third Streets; the Michigan Avenue Evangelical;
Church of Christ, at Genesee Avenue and Burt Street; Genesee Avenue Con-
gregational, at 1815 Genesee Avenue; Free Methodist, at Clinton and Ninth
Harrison Streets; the First Methodist Protestant, corner of Farwell and
Fourth; the Stevens Street Methodist Protestant, at Stephens and Fayette
Streets; the First Church of Christ (Scientist) on Warren Avenue at Hayden
Street; The Free Methodist and the Seventh I >ay Adventist, and the Hebrew
Temple B'Nui Israel.
The total valuation of all church property, including parochial schools,
in the City of Saginaw, is placed at one and a quarter million dollars, ami is
increasing each year.
St. Mary's Hospital
This well known and admirably conducted institution was founded
August 22, 1S74, and incorporated as the "Sisters of Charity of St. Mary's
Hospital, East Saginaw." Father Vanderbom, rector of St. Mary's Church,
and Doctor B. B. Ross, a leading physician of this city, were largely instru-
mental in establishing the hospital, which was first opened in a private house
on Washington Street, near Wickes Brothers plant. The location selected
for the hospital building, on South Jefferson Avenue, was a most fortunate
one, as it is the highest ground in the vicinity and permits of expansion to
meet future needs. The first wooden building was completed in 1X75, and
accommodated from eighty to ninety patients.
The Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, by whom the hospital is
conducted, is an ancient order of consecrated women with the mother house
in Paris. In the United States there are two provinces governing the order,
the mother house of the Eastern province, with which the Sisters of St.
Mary's are connected, being at Emmitsburg, Maryland, near Baltimore, and
that of the Western province at St. Louis. Missouri. The four Sisters who
opened St. Mary's Hospital were Sister Mary Elizabeth Roche, deceased;
Sister Cecelia Casey, now connected with the retreat at Dearborn, Mich-
igan; Sister Agnes Bauer and Sister Regina Wren. During the forty-one
years of the hospital's existence it has ministered to thousands of suffering
humanity, and attained a high reputation for the excellence of its service and
care of patients.
In the days of extensive lumbering in this section of Michigan, St. Mary's
came into prominence for its care of injured and maimed woodsmen. For a
small individual fee paid to the hospital early in the logging season, as a
sort of insurance premium, the Sisters agreed to care for and nurse back t< i
health the holder of the insurance certificate, in case of accident or sickness.
This was a noble work, and furnishing protection, as it did, to thousands of
lumber-jacks in the north w Is, brought a steady income to the Sisters of
Charity.
At length the demands upon them for medical and surgical treatment
became so great that a new and larger hospital building was laid out on an
extensive scale, providing for future as well as the present needs. To this
end the south wing of a magnificently planned hospital was built in 1891.
It is a substantial brick structure with a height of four stories and high base-
346 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
ment, which is capacious and well equipped. At some future time the main
building will be erected without destroying the architect's original scheme of
noble proportions or beauty of design. At present the grounds are capacious
with broad driveways and well-kept lawns, which are a source of pleasure
to convalescent patients and to the public in general.
The tine new hospital building was opened under the supervision of
Sister Frances O'Connor, who ably conducted its noble service to mankind
until 1905. She was succeeded by Sister Eugenia Gill, who still has charge
of the institution. In 1916 there were twelve Sisters and thirty-three nurses
in the training school, who cared for the ninety to one hundred patients, the
normal capacity of the institution. The old hospital building, since the erec-
tion of the new structue, has been used as the nurses' home.
St. Vincent's Orphan Home
Another institution of benevolent character conducted under the direc-
tion of the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, is St. Vincent's Orphan
Home. This institution was founded in 1875 by Sister Cecelia Casey, and
was first opened in a small house in Hoyt Street. Soon after, the increasing
demands on the Home and the liberality of Catholic churchmen, resulted in
the erection of a w len building on the corner of Howard and Emerson
Streets, a very appropriate site affording ample play grounds for the chil-
dren. This institution carried on a successful work for indigent children.
continually growing in influence and public favor until the great lire of May
20, 1893, when the Nome and its contents was entirely destroyed in the
conflagration.
Not discouraged nor disheartened by their great loss, the Sisters at once
set about to rebuild a more substantial structure on the site of the old. To
their appeals for aid in their inspired work, Roman Catholics and other- not
connected with the Church responded liberally, and in 1895 the present struc-
ture was opened. Sister Cecelia directed the activities of the Home until
|ulv, 1915, when she retired and was succeeded by Sister Marie Murphy, an
able and competent director.
At present there are about one hundred and fifty children cared for in the
1 Lome, requiring the devoted services of nine Sisters. The work of the Home
is not confined to receiving and caring for children of Catholic families;
all indigent children are welcomed, and no child under any circumstances
is refused admission. As the noble work is very largely anion;; the very
I r and needy, or unfortunate class, very little revenue is received from the
parents or natural guardians of children so entered, and the income is prin-
cipally derived from the annual banquet given on the anniversary of Wash-
ington's Birthday, by the devoted women of the Catholic parishes. Citizens
of all creeds and denominations .if the Christian Church, to the number of
about fifteen hundred, support this event with enthusiasm, and a considerable
sum is derived for the support of this worthy institution. In addition to this
source of income an annual collection in all Catholic churches is made
thoughout the Diocese, for the support of St. Vincent's and a home of similar
character in Grand Rapids.
Aside from the physical care of children, mental and moral training is
carefully attended to by the Sisters in charge. The little one's life is made
as bright and cheerful as possible, and everything is done to care for those
bereft of parents. In all eight grades of schooling are conducted by the
Sisters, and instruction given in sewing, darning, cooking and house work,
and domestic science to older children. Afterward the inmates are sent to
industrial schools conducted by the Church, ami prepared for the practical
work of life.
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348 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Saginaw General Hospital
This public institution so well situated off the main travelled thorough-
fare between the east and west sides, and looking on beautiful Bliss Park
and the fine group of buildings and grounds of the Michigan Employment
Institution for the Adult Blind, is one of Saginaw's leading hospitals. It
was incorporated May 4, 1887, and opened to the public in June, 1880. The
main hospital building as originally planned soon proved too small for the
demands upon it, and in 1897 the Amasa Rust Memorial Annex was built.
Three years later another addition, the Farnam C. Stone Memorial Annex,
was erected at the north end, providing for a model operating room which is
well equipped for the large amount of work which comes to the hospital.
The property now comprises three structures, the main four-story hospital
building, the Christian Endeavor Hospital for contagious diseases, opened
December 7, 1804, and the Davis Nurses' Home, opened in 1907.
The main building has accommodations for twenty-four patients in the
general wards, and there are twenty-one private rooms. One of these is
maintained by the Martha Washington Chapter No. 113, O. E. S., while others
are cared for as memorials by some of our prominent citizens. A feature of
the hospital is the visiting nurse system for the care of tubercular cases, which
was established in 1905 under endowment of Mrs. Paul F. H. Morley. This
has proved a most helpful and successful work, and led to a system of visit-
ing nurses for general cases. In 1914, the city having taken over the work
of caring for tubercular cases in its fine new hospital, erected especially for
this purpose, this feature work of the hospital was discontinued, and the
endowment fund transferred to the building fund for the new hospital.
For several years Miss Anna Coleman was matron and superintendent
of this hospital, and under her able direction it was brought to a high state
of efficiency. Under her direct control were sixteen nurses and other neces-
sary help for the conduct of the institution. The assistant superintendent
and the head nurses are all graduates of recognized training schools, and
under them are nurses in training in the efficient service of the hospital, who
are graduated upon completion of their terms of training. The present super-
intendent is Miss Edith R. Jefferies, and has as her assistants an able corps
of nurses. The medical staff is composed of sixteen of Saginaw's representa-
tive physicians, with Doctor E. E. Curtis, president, and Doctor J. W.
Hutchinson, secretary.
The organization of the hospital embraces fifty active members of whom
Mrs. W'allis Craig Smith is president; Mrs. George L. Burrows and Mrs.
S. S. Roby, vice-presidents ; Miss Carrie M. Durand. secretary ; and Charles
H. Khuen, treasurer. The board of trustees comprises twenty-four members,
in addition to the above named officers, meetings of which are held on the
second Thursday of each month. There is also an advisory board composed
of nine prominent citizens.
To place the hospital on a firm and enduring basis, endowments have
been made to it by interested citizens, and the total is now one hundred and
fifty-eight thousand eight hundred dollars. The principal endowments are
the Harriott F. Stone and Louise Miller Rust funds, of twenty-fine thousand
dollars each; the Helen Wells (Mrs. P. F. II. Morley I fund of thirty thou-
sand, and the Arthur Hill fund for charity and relief of inebriates, of fifty
thousand dollars. The total annual income, including hospital service earn-
ings, is about thirty thousand dollars; and the total expenditures are about
twenty-nine thousand dollars.
The location of the hospital, a short distance from Michigan Avenue,
is ideal for the quiet and seclusion of patients. Though they can see through
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE 349
the park the traffic of the thoroughfare, they are sufficiently removed from it
to escape its noise and confusion. The public demands on the hospital are
increasing year by year, and it will soon be necessary to erect an entirely new
and modern structure at this location. To this end the creation of a building
fund is now under way, and in a few years a more commodious and adequate
building will doubtless replace the old.
The Woman's Hospital
Pleasantly situated on Janes Avenue, at the corner of Seventh Street, is
the Woman's Hospital. It was established in ISSN by prominent women of
the city, and the association owns a substantial three-story brick building,
with ample grounds, to which several additions have been built; and there
is space For future expansion. The grounds are well shaded and neatly kept,
adding attractiveness to invalids and patients. For several years the hospital
was in charge of Miss E. A. Dark, who came from Buffalo, Xew York, in
1907, her wide experience in hospital work making her services a valuable
acquisition.
Under the matron of the hospital are fifteen nurses who are efficient and
capable of caring for the sick. A training school for nurses is also conducted
in connection with the hospital, and its graduates are eagerly sought for in
medical cases. The hospital has a general ward which will accommodate
five patients, and there are also several private rooms. There is also a large
nursery capable of caring for a goodly number of infants. The entire build-
ing and annex are admirably laid out, and has a fully equipped operating
room; and the hospital is well appointed for the great work it is doing for
womankind. The average number of patients in this hospital is about twenty.
The present officers of the Woman's Hospital Association are: Mrs.
John C. Davies, president; Mrs. Emmett L. Beach and Airs. William S.
Linton, vice-presidents; Mrs. William Poison, recording secretary; Mrs.
John A. Cimmerer, corresponding secretary, and Mrs. Charles A. Howe,
treasurer.
During its existence of twenty-eight years the hospital has found in
Wellington R. Rurt a true benefactor. Besides contributing to its general
fund for operating expenses, on two occasions of pressing necessity he came
forward with donations amounting to thousands of dollars, to lift the mort-
gage on the property and strengthen its financial condition. This is another
illustration of Mr. Burt's wholehearted and generous interest in every project
for the betterment and advancement of his home city.
Home for the Friendless
In order to care for infants and children cither bereft of parents, or whose
parents find it convenient or necessary to place them out of their homes while
they are at work, the Home for the Friendless was established. In 1870
some of our leading women who were identified with local charities met
together and organized the association, which controls and directs the insti-
tution through a board of managers. These women assume all responsibility
of the maintenance of the home, and to provide necessary funds for the work,
the annual rummage sale has become a regular event, the treasury being
replenished by upwards of two thousand dollars thereby.
The Home occupies a fine brick structure situated at the corner of
Howard and McCoskry Streets. Surrounding it are spacious premises afford-
ing ample play grounds for the little ones. On the front is a well-kept hedge,
and the lawns are maintained in the best condition. On an average there
are from eighty to one hundred children cared for each year, all ages of the
350
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
homeless finding shelter and loving care within its walls. The Home is
doing a noble work, and is capably managed by the matron, Sarah |. Graham,
who has filled the position for a long term of years.
The present officers of the Hume are: Mrs. George \Y. Morley, pres-
ident; Mrs. James T. Wylie, vice-president; Miss Elizabeth Gage, recording
secretary; Mrs. William F. Schultz, corresponding secretary, and Mrs. John
F. Bovnton. treasurer.
THE NEW Y. W. C. A. BUILDING. ERECTED IN 1912
The Young Women's Christian Association
At a meeting of a few women interested in a good cause, held at the
home of Mrs. William Callam. on October 13, 1891, the Young Women's
Christian Association came into existence. The conditions surrounding girls
and women in business life twenty-five years ago were not conducive to their
comfort or happiness. There were no rest rooms or other place where they
could go during their noon hour, and those who lived or roomed at some
distance from their places of employment brought lunches, which they ate
on dry goods boxes, behind their counters and office doors, often without
even a glass of water. To correct these conditions and throw a helpful
influence over working girls, this association was duly organized.
The first hoard of managers was composed of Dr. Harriett V. Brooks.
president; Dr. Delia Pierce, vice-president; Julia Hoffman, treasurer; Eliza-
beth J. Stalker, corresponding secretary; Mrs. C. N. Kendall, recording
secretary; and Mrs. Gurdon Corning, Mrs. Elizabeth I. Freeman, Mrs. G B.
Wiggins, Mrs. Fred Wolpert, Mrs. ( i. \. Sears, Mrs. I. Humphrey, Mrs.
T. P. Whittier, Mrs. f. 11. Simpson and Mrs. Thomas Merrill.
( in
15. 1892
few rooms were rented in the Chase Block, on
North Washington Avenue, and furnished through the generosity of Mrs.
Sears. In these rooms business l; iris and women were welcomed that they
might have a cup of hot tea. cocoa or milk with their lunch. Miss Bernice
Hunting, of Flint, was called as the first general secretary, and gospel meet-
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE 351'
ings were held every Sunday afternoon and on Friday evenings. A few-
classes for study also were formed. After two years of helpful work the
finances were harder to meet, notwithstanding the liberal support of the
founders and others interested in the association, and for a time things looked
dark.
With the coming to the association as secretary of Miss Carrie J. W 1-
hull, who assumed her duties on March 17, 1894, a brighter era for the
association dawned. Under her wise management, covering a period of ten
years, the association grew steadily in membership, which meant new life
and activity. Larger rooms were soon necessary and on January 1, 1895,
the association moved to quarters in the First National Bank building. Here
the educational work began to grow, and Mrs. Grace Whitney Evans, of
Detroit, brought to the association a religious interest, and her personal
helpfulness during that year left a lasting imprint on the characters of the
members. In 1896 the association again moved to more adequate rooms in
the Brewer Block, on North Franklin Street, which were occupied for nearly
sixteen years.
Miss Woodhull's efficient work as secretary was manifested in the inter-
est shown in the various lino of social, educational and religious work. An
employment bureau was also established by her. to which many young
women owe their start in business life. During the Winter of 1898-9'' there
were two hundred and sixty-six women enrolled in the evening classes, and
thirty-three passed the international examinations. Doctor Ostrom delivered
a series of lectures on "First Aid to the Injured," and fifteen of the thirty-
five enrolled in this class were given the Red Cross diploma on graduation.
Many girls and women who were not privileged to enter and complete High
School courses attended the association classes to study bookkeeping, arith-
metic, English literature, penmanship, stenography, domestic science, physical
culture, music and other branches. The classes in commercial arithmetic
were taught by C. P. Colvin, in penmanship by Miss Ella Feige, and in sten-
ography by Mrs. J. B. Howell, and these were perhaps the most successful.
Mrs. Ellen K. Hooker, whose personal influence meant so much to many
girls, taught the English literature classes for two years; ami Mrs. Alice
Freeman Palmer gave several inspiring talks, her lecture on "Personal Remi-
niscences of Whittier, Holmes and Phillips Brooks," being recalled by those
whi i were present.
Thus the association grew steadily in membership and influence, and the
quarters in the Brewer Block, which so long had seemed ample, were too
inadequate to meet the expanding needs of the work. At this crisis in the
affairs of the association. Wellington R. Burt, with characteristic generosity,
offered to give the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars toward a fund for the
erection of a suitable building, for the future as well as the present needs of
the association.
Bequests had previously been made by Mrs. Louise C. Bartlett, of one
thousand dollars, Jennette P. Rose, of one hundred dollars; and Mrs. Grace
\\ hituev-1 loft" had sent two hundred dollars from abroad. Mrs. Mary
Hanchett Stone solicited five thousand dollars in the city for the purchase
of a building site, which was of her selection on South Jefferson Avenue,
opposite Federal Park, a very commanding and convenient location. Addi-
tional funds were raised byr the young business women and others connected
with the association, in a spirited subscription campaign, and plans for the
structure were speedily prepared. The corner stone of the imposing build-
ing was laid on |une 6, 1912, with appropriate ceremonies. In the mag-
nificent building which soon rose, with perfect appointments, gymnasium,
rest mms, dormitory arrangements, and cafeteria which is open to the public,
the association began its twenty-first year of noble work.
352
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The spacious building is constructed of brick and reinforced concrete,
with a facing on the street side of dark paving brick and Bedford stone, and
is four stories in height with a high basement. On the first floor is a broad
hall leading to the stairway and to the cafeteria, to the right of which are the
reception and reading rooms, and to the left the offices of the association.
On the second floor rising through the third at the front is the gymnasium,
which is well equipped with all needful apparatus for physical training of
women. Back of the gymnasium is the dormitory which also extends over
the whole of the fourth floor, affording accommodations with most pleasant
surroundings and helpful influences to main otherwise homeless young
women.
The present officers of the association are: Mrs. William |. Spencer,
president; Mrs. Julian Keeler, Mrs. \\'. 11. Wallace, Mrs. ]l. B. Brooks, Mrs.
F. E. Button, vice-presidents; Mrs. Peter Mitts, recording secretary; Mrs
C. L. Judd, corresponding secretary: Mrs. Charles T. Kerry, treasurer, and
Miss Amelia Huss. general secretary.
To Elizabeth J. Freeman's interest in the welfare of girls and young
women, and her persistency, is largely due the establishment and permanent
work of the association in this city; and to express the sincere appreciation
of her labors for the betterment of conditions surrounding working women.
Mrs. Freeman was unanimously elected I 'resident Emeritus, in 1910.
Because of Mr. Burt's large heartedness in making possible a finely
equipped building for the special needs and enjoyment of the girls and
women of Saginaw, truly the present and future generations of his fellow
citizens do and will honor him with their deepest gratitude.
THE CAFETERIA OF THE YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
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354 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The Young Men's Christian Association
The origin of this worthy institution in East Saginaw is not definitely
known. It may have had its inception in the Young Men's Association
which was formed October 7, 1864, and organized August 18, 1865. This
association was managed by a board of directors elected annually by the
members, the first board being composed of Henry C. Potter, president;
George L. Newcombe, vice-president; Irving M. Smith, treasurer; L. C
St. .rrs, recording secretary; George F. Lewis, corresponding secretary; and
George B. Boardman, William L. Webber, George C. Warren, Chauncey H.
Gage and S. W. Yawkey. It was closely allied with the East Saginaw
Library Association, which had rooms on Washington Street; and every
winter an interesting curse of lectures was given, some of the best public
speakers of the time being engaged. Any resident of the county above the
age of eighteen years was eligible to membership, the initiation lee being
two dollars and the annual dues the same am. unit. ( >n < (ctober IS. 1875, the
Library Association turned over its library and lease of its rooms to' the
Board .if Education; and it is probable that the Young Men's Association
dissolved at that time.
Al). >ut 1886 a few earnest church workers at East Saginaw met together
to organize a Young .Men's Christian Association. There appeared to he a
need for an organization of this kind in the rough lumbering town, and men
of the leading churches became interested in it. A committee was appointed
t<> search out suitable quarters, and after thorough inspection of available
halls, vacant rooms in the Bates Block on Franklin Street were secured for
this purpose. These quarters were nicely fitted up with reading room, office
and bowling alley mi the ground floor, and a well-equipped gymnasium and
baths on the flour above. With additions of space and improvements from
time to time, these rooms were occupied by the association for a number of
years. Like nearly all associations of the kind the revenue derived from
membership dues never met the annual expenses, and only by liberal sub-
scriptions ..f interested business and professional men was the association
kept alive.
At length it seemed advisable t. < reorganize the association and erect a
suitable building for its needs, in which the good work among young men
and boys could be conducted on a larger scale. The rooms then occupTed by
the association, on the second flour of the I 'ere Marquette Building, were
poorly adapted to its work which had languished, and there had been diffi-
culty in getting competent men to conduct it. Finally the aid of prominent
business men was enlisted in the new project and a whirlwind subscription
campaign started. The old moms of the association were closed and a vacant
store at the corner of Franklin and Tuscola Streets rented for the campaign
headquarters. Wallis Craig Smith was the chairman of the subscription
committee, which comprised a number of representative young business men.
After a spirited campaign of about three weeks duration the subscriptions
reached a total of more than fifty thousand dollars, and the prospect of a suc-
cessful issue of the campaign was very bright. But at this juncture differ-
ences arose among the workers and church members over minor technical
questions of management of the association, a rupture occurred in the ranks,
some of the larger subscriptions were withdrawn, and the whole project was
abandoned. Shortly after this unfortunate occurrence, which was in 1905. the
affairs of the old association were wound up and the organization dissolved.
Since that time there has been no effort to re-establish the association on
the East Side, and no concerted work among the young men and boys, out-
side of the church societies, has been attempted.
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE
855
THE NEW Y. M. C. A. BUILDING
directors, I. D.
T. Bliss, E. T.
C. L. Zander. There were thirty-one
constituted the board of
[ackson, I). W. Briggs, A.
The Association on the West Side
In the palmy days of the old association, when the membership included
a number of young men of the West Side, a branch was established there.
This department afforded practically all the privileges enjoyed at the parent
association home, a n d accom-
plished a good work in that part
of the city. Early in 1895 it
was decided to transfer this
branch to an independent organ-
ization to he known as the West
Side Y. M. C. A. of Saginaw.
The organization was effected
and assumed the liabilities and
took over all the assets of the
old branch.
The officers of the new or-
ganization were: W. 1'. Morgan.
president; J. F. Barrows, vice-
president; S. S. Roby, secretary,
and L. A. Burrows, treasurer.
These, with the following men,
Leland, C. II. (been. Thomas
Loeffler, Stewart Williams and
charter members in all.
At that time the work was carried on in rented quarters, and was much
restricted on account of limited facilities. J. \Y. Whitney was the general
secretary, but was succeeded April 1, 1895, by Stewart Williams, and he the
following year by I. E. Baker. In 1898 an assistant secretary, John Hood,
was provided to successfully carry on the increasing work of the association.
On January 1, 1900. W. II. York became general secretary. About 1902 the
association found itself in financial straits, and the house which had been
acquired for its home was closed and the work discontinued. For about
seven years very little was done, there being only an occasional meeting of
the board of directors.
Upon the death of Aaron T. Bliss, on September 16, 1906, the association
became the beneficiary of a bequest of twenty thousand dollars, to be used
toward the erection of a suitable building for its needs, or, in case a building
was already provided for, the bequest was to constitute an endowment for
its maintenance. On December 6, 1909. Arthur llill died, leaving a provi-
sion in his will for twenty-five thousand dollars for the association.
These liberal bequests made by public-spirited citizens resulted in the
re-establishment of the association, and the splendid building which it now
occupies attests their interest in the welfare of young men and boys. In
March, 1910, J. M. Davis was engaged to promote a campaign for funds for
a building, and the following May it was carried to a successful conclusion.
Ft. L. Markell was engaged as general secretary in August; and ground was
broken for the new building in April, l''l 1 . < >n < >ctober 1, 1912, when John
Herzog was president of the association, the new building was opened to the
public. The value of the property is approximately one hundred thousand
dollars.
The Y. M. C. A. building provides for all forms of association work. It
has a splendidly equipped physical department, consisting of a modern
gymnasium containing a complete line of apparatus, and a thirty-two lap
running track, a hand ball court, and locker rooms for seniors, visitors and
356
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
business men. The swimming pool, which is one of the great features of the
building, is one of the finest in the State. It is sixteen feet in width by sixty
feet in length, and has a depth of three and a half to seven feet. Almost the
entire length of the pool is under skylight; and there is a visitors' gallery
along one side. The water fur the pool passes through two efficient filters,
a thousand gallons of fresh water being added daily, and a vacuum cleaner
keeps the floor of the pool free of sediment.
The social department of the association has commodious quarters on
the lower floor, and is provided with three pocket billiard tables, one carom
billiard table and two bowling alleys. On the second and third floors are
forty-seven well furnished dormitory rooms, which are occupied most of the
time by young men away from home. For the accommodation of the dormi-
tory men and other members a self-serve restaurant is operated in a light,
pleasant dining room on the first floor, the room also being used on occa-
sions as an auditorium.
The boys' department is an association within the association, and has its
own entrance on Ames Street. A large social room with many games is
provided for the boys, also a reading room, a special locker room and shower
baths. More attention is given the boys than to the men. and within the
department are many and various clubs for the physical, moral and mental
training of boys. The reading room on the main floor is supplied with
Saginaw and Detroit daily papers, and the best weekly and monthly maga-
zines published.
Air. Markell continued the good work of the association until the Sum-
mer <>f 1913, and was succeeded by F. VV. Boswell. lie in turn resigned in
September, 1''14, and was followed by the present secretary, Phil B. Willis.
Under him arc assistant secretary F. B. Davis, physical director J. H. Fee,
and boys' work secretary Doctor F. A. Poole.
The present officers of the association arc: P. W. Staffeld, president;
M. N. Brady, vice-president; George L. Burrows. Jr., second vice-president;
I. C. Graves, secretary, and N. G. Begle, treasurer. The board of directors
comprise these officers and the following: B. S. Tefft. J. W. Johnson, A. D.
Bate, J. E. Anderson. C. W. Alderton, Newell Barnard," W. P. Powell, B. G.
Appleby, Dr. W. L. Crego and < ieorge B. Bliss.
Upon the death of Latham A. Burrows, who was one of the most active
workers in the association since its beginning, the Y. M. C. A. came into
SWIMMING POOL AT Y. M. C. A.
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE
357
possession of a beautiful tennis court situated about a mile from the building.
This property consists of two very fine tennis courts, an indoor base ball
diamond, and a well-equipped club house.
In addition to the work which the equipment especially provides for, the
association carries on other activities. In the course of the year many young
men are directed to positions, movements of public interest are promoted,
such as summer gardening, swimming campaigns and school play festivals.
In the line of religious work there are Bible classes, and religious meetings
are held regularly, the association co-operating with its controlling body,
the Church.
GROUP OF GERMAN CITIZENS. 1865
F. Ziegner F. svh.nl. C Watz C. Roseland
Geisler J. Leidlein E. Bruske C Schroeder F. Palm
Otto Schmltz
F. VVrege J. F. Frey A. Schmitz
The Salvation Army
Twenty-eight years ago the Salvation Army commenced work in Sagi-
naw, first being located on the West Side. The barracks were on South
Hamilton Street, and Captain Frazee was the officer in charge. Shortly after
the work was extended to the East Side, the corps being located on South
Franklin Street under the command of Captain and Mrs. Watts. Since that
time the local army work has been in charge of Captain Hoare. Ensign Under-
wood. Captain Bouters, Captain Stocking, Adj. Mason, Captain Lawton,
Ensign Porter, and Captain and Mrs. Atwood who are in charge at present.
Evangeline C. Booth is commander of the Salvation Army in America, and
Lieutenant Colonel A. E. Kimball is in command of this province.
The work of the Army in this city is extensive, and those in charge are
at the call of the distressed twenty-four hours a day. They help the needy
in sickness and poverty, and no call of genuine need is ever turned down.
Services are held every night in the year at seven-thirty, and on Sunday at
ten-thirty in the morning, while the Sunday School meets at one-fifteen.
Praise meetings are held at three oclock and Young People's meetings at six.
followed by the regular evening gospel services at the usual hour. At Christ-
358 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
mas two hundred and fifty baskets filled with the needful things for a family
dinner are distributed to the worthy p. .or of the city, which otherwise would
not know the good cheer of the gladsome season; and an entertainment is
given to five hundred children who are freely supplied with toys, candy
and nuts.
All the various activities of the Army are supported by voluntary con-
tributions of the rich and poor, that is, by the small offerings of the working
class and by the larger sums of the wealthy. By this means the property at
1.10-132 South Baum Street, now occupied by the corps as a permanent place
of worship, was secured, a large number of influential men of the city, among
whom was Wellington R. Burt, making this possible by their 'generous
financial support.
The corps now has a small band which is making progress under the
leadership of Ellis Metcalfe, and renders effective aid at the song services.
The Sunday School is in charge of ( >scar McClure, and the Young People's
Legion is directed by .Mrs. Metcalfe. Besides Captain and Mrs. Atwood,
who have charge of all local army work, there are Cadet Lockwood, assistant^
Herbert J. Reynolds. William Harbrom, treasurer. Daniel Smalley, secretary!
and Adiss Bertha Harmon, secretary of the Junior Salvation Army.
In connection with the work there is a relief department and industrial
store, m charge of .Major Reynolds, where waste material is received and
donations of various articles are used in the best possible way, distribution
being made with a view of uplifting the needy rather than of pauperizing
them.
Rescue Missions
The City Rescue Mission, at 117 Lapeer Avenue, another helpful insti-
tution to the poor of the city, was organized in 1905 by Melvin E. Trotter, of
Grand Rapids, aided by A. C. White and other earnest churchmen. In the
broad scope of its work it reaches out a helping hand to the down-trodden
and unfortunate, and relieves much suffering among the very poor and
needy. Its noble work extends far beyond the scope of modern church
activities, and hundreds of '•down-and-outs" have been given practical and
sympathetic aid and encouragement to live better lives. Many of these men
have been saved, and some have taken up mission work among their fellow
men and conduct missions elsewhere. For its motto the mission has "Who-
soever Will May Come."
The first superintendent of the mission, when it was located at 111
Genesee Avenue, was George W. Trotter, a brother of the founder. By his
earnest efforts the mission became thoroughly established, it grew in influence
and endeavor, and was recognized as an important factor in evangelical work.
Several years after the quarters were removed to Germania Avenue between
Washington and Franklin Streets; and in 1913 the present hall i >n Lapeer
Avenue was secured. There is increasing need for a mission building
equipped with additional Bible class rooms and dormitories, and other facili-
ties to make the work even more effective.
A distinctive feature of the mission is the "open door." by which the
missionary work of the churches is greatly broadened. Its doors are open
from eight-thirty in the morning until nine at night, and persons come in
from all walks of life, in every condition, some to be sheltered from the cold
or receive material aid, others through curiosity, or because they heard the
call to lead a better life. They all hear the gospel story, for every night in
the year it is preached and salvation freely offered them". In 1915' four hun-
dred and forty-one gospel services were held in the hall, with an average
SOME PIONEER MEMBERS OF THE "GERMANIA'
C. Watz
William Barie
A Schupp
A. L.. Bingham
V. Bude
Fred A. Koehler
C. ( >j >i m ■ i r i l;i mi
James C. I lavenport
Daniel Holsl
Chauncey 1 1
Jage
360
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
attendance of forty-two, resulting- in two hundred and eighty-six confessed
conversions, and two hundred and three others who were enough interested
in their own salvation to request prayer.
Fellowship meetings of the workers are held at nine-thirty on Sunday
mornings, and the mission Sunday School meets at three in the afternoon.
The average attendance of the Sunday School is well above one hundred.
John Deford being the acting superintendent. The men's Bible class meets
at four fifteen under the instruction of Charles H. Dennison. There are also
a girl's Bible class and the Women's Society which are doing a splendid work.
Other activities of the mission included three hundred and ninety-two
calls during the year upon the sick and needy, by the City Missionary, in
which aid was extended in many ways, and more than one thousand articles
of clothing were distributed and groceries and fuel placed in homes where
most needed. ( i 1 homes were found for a number of children and old
people, who were without the comforts of home, thus helping to preserve
the murals of childhood and to relieve the sufferings of the aged. The city
mission also conducts a free labor bureau, a relief work for boosting the
THE FIRST GERMANIA SCHOOL
under-dug. no less than two hundred and twenty-three men and fifty-one
women having been aided in securing work. In every way the mission seeks
to be a real friend of the man in trouble, always having in view the salvation
of his soul.
Our citizens who are especially interested in the City Rescue Mission,
and comprise its board of directors are: Doctor T. E. Howson, president;
C. H. Parker, vice-president; D. 11. Ellis, secretary; B. F. Griffin, treasurer;
Robert A. Allen, superintendent, and E. V. Stark, F. W. Hollister, J. W.
Johnson, Charles H. Dennison, W. II. Meader, Airs. J. K. Rickey, J. Smith
and Doctor Martha Longstreet. The mission is supported entirely by volun-
tary offerings of earnest church workers and others interested in benevolent
work, the revenues for 1915, amounting to about twenty-three hundred
dollars, being the subscriptions of four hundred and fifty persons.
The Central Rescue Mission on the West Side, which is doing a splendid
relief work among the very needy, is another worthy institution which merits
the support of our citizens. It was founded in 1909 by the late George A.
Newberry, and its hall was opened for services on July 13th of that year.
Mr. Newberry had been engaged in Salvation Army work here, but upon
closing of the" barracks he was prevailed upon by Riley L. Crane and other
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE 361
interested persons, to remain and establish a mission. Thus the Central
Mission was organized with Airs. May C. Bliss as president, VV. L. Paxson,
secretary, and John W. Foote, treasurer.
The work of the mission is very similar to that of the City Rescue Mis-
sion, the relief given to distressed and suffering humanity being its chief
concern. Mr. Newberry, its superintendent, was the soul of the institution,
and hundred-- of unfortunate and profligate men have been raised up and
given a new start in life. The most that the average "down-and-out" wants
is a chance, and to give him honest employment and opportunity to make a
decent living is far better than to extend to him the hand of charity. By
thus aiding him he is not pauperized, and his self-respect is preserved.
To very few mission workers, however, is given the spiritual power and
grace to successfully reach the hearts and better impulses of degenerates.
Along these endeavors Mr. Newberry was greatly gifted, and he exerted a
wonderful influence upon young men and women on the downward path.
His services every Sunday in the county jail were productive of great good,
prisoners seeming to feel that in him they had a real friend. So marked was
this impression in the minds of sinful men — some hardened by dissipation
and crime, that upon his death they gave their last few pennies for simple
flowers for his bier. In all his labors for the uplift of the down-trodden, he
had the earnest and devoted co-operation of Mrs. Newberry, his able assistant
in the mission.
Their extensive Christmas activities for 1915 included giving a big mis-
sion dinner to the poor, to the number of two hundred and fifty, who
otherwise would have gone unfed and without cheer, and also the Christmas
tree festivities in which more than four hundred little children were made
happy with toys and candy. A large share of the work fell upon the super-
intendent, and so weakened was he by his zealous adherence to his duties
that a severe cold contracted the day after quickly developed into pneumonia.
and he died on December thirtieth, llis entire energies throughout an active
and useful life were devoted to mission relief work, in which he was eminently
successful, and few Christian workers in this city have been so universally
beloved and esteemed.
The present quarters of the mission, at 115-117 South Niagara Street,
were secured by Mr. Newberry and the hoard of directors through a bequest
of the late Thomas Merrill, of fifteen hundred dollars. The property was
owned by Ezra Rust who, upon being informed of the desire of the mission
workers tip own it as a permanent rescue home, offered it at a very low price
and donated one thousand dollars to the fund. Thus the mission came into
possession of a two-story brick building with forty feet frontage, which was
remodeled to meet the needs of the work and otherwise improved. The
location is considered well adapted to mission work, and it is hoped that the
mis-ion will eventually change the character of the street in its vicinity.
In it^ organization the mission has the co-operation as directors of F. E.
Emeriek, W. L. Case. L. Crane. Riley L. Crane, W. E. Crane, J. E. Anderson
and Frank Abel; and the trustees are Airs. May C. Bliss, Airs. |. F. Ferris,
Mrs. F. A. Hicks. Airs. D. F. Morgan, Mrs. Dr. Goodsell and' Airs. F. E.
Button. The Reverend Emil Montanus, rector of St. John's Church, is also
deeply engrossed in the work of the mission, giving generously of his time
and energies in visiting the sick and poor, in investigating cases of poverty,
and offering sympathy and substantial aid to the needy. He is a frequent
speaker at the regular evening services at the mission, and in numerous ways
proves that he is a true friend of all in distress.
362
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
THE GERMANIA INSTITUTE
The Germama
Of all the German Societies in Michigan, the Germania stands second to
none in the State. Primarily the Society was organized as a Turn Verein.
In the Spring of 1856 the following Germans met and formed a Turn Verein,
viz.: Adolph Schill, Carl Stoecker, F. Ziegler, F. Lange, F. Palm, Johann
Springer, Ed. Bloedon, Fred Koehler, F. A. Guenther, L. Baumgart, G.
Richter and A. Alberti, and at a subsequent meeting negotiations were put on
foot whereby entire block 58, Glasby's Addition to Fast Saginaw, was subse-
quently secured. This block is bounded by Lapeer, Third, Fourth and Tus-
cola Streets. ( Originally only a part of the block was purchased of Mr. Wm.
F. Glasby, but permission was secured to use the entire block for turner
exercises, provided the Society would "free the premises from stumps and
underbrush." From an exclusive turn verein the association gradually added
music, a kindergarten and a library, which latter is the largest German library
in Michigan, comprising over eight thousand five hundred volumes. On the
26th of August, 1856, the Society adopted a constitution and by-laws, adopted
the name "Germania," and the object to be "physical and intellectual develop-
ment, social and musical entertainment of its members." On the 2nd of
September of the same year the constitution was signed by all of its mem-
bers. I. II. Springer was president; Jacob Schoen, vice-president, and Fred-
erick Koehler, treasurer. The secretary's name does not appear. It was
apparent that the Society, at the time of organization, did not contemplate to
confine its membership to Germans, and does not at this date ( 1916). Among
the names of signers of the constitution appear the following well-known
Americans: Albert Rates, Truman llawley, D. 11. Nelson, G. L. Walker,
Chauncey H. Gage, M. Y. Hood, George II. Richardson, James Rivard, W. H.
Little, A. L. Bingham, B. B. Buckhout, Dan P. Fox, Sant Keeler, Jas. C.
Davenport and Wm. Bordino.
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE
3 63
Out of this simple Turn Verein Society grew what is today "The
Germania." The original object of the society was considerably surpassed -
its singing section, the "Maennerchor," is very popular, not only in the State,
but at national festivals it gathered laurels for the Germania. The Society
is proud of this branch. The library, which is so extensive, eight thousand
five hundred volumes, it having outgrown the Society, is at the disposal of
our citv school teachers, the scholars of our public schools and Germans, and
those interested in German literature in general, regardless as to being
members of the Society.
In the matter of education the Germania was foremost in effort to intro-
duce the teaching of German in our public schools. As early as 1859 the
Society engaged Mr. J. H. Springer as its first teacher, a small frame one-
story building was erected, which, as time passed was enlarged, and finally
in 1868 the Society erected a three-story brick building on the northern half
of the block, in order to accommodate the increasing attendance and demand —
the Germania School. Financial conditions compelled the Society to place a
fifteen thousand dollar mortgage on this portion of its real estate. In a few
years after this school was in full operation, the demand for German teaching
being on the increase and the city board of education taking notice of the
desire of its citizens, and the board' desiring to introduce German into various
of its grades and schools, a proposition came from the city and the school
was sold in 1873, with the proviso that teaching of German must be continued
in the school. In the early development of education in Saginaw the Ger-
mania was foremost in its assistance.
A sketch of the Germania would be incomplete without mention of the
Society's benefactor, Mr. Anton Schmitz. Upon the death of Mr. Schmitz,
October 10, 1869, which was accidental, he, while looking after the repair of
a lightning rod on his building where the Barie department store now stands,
fell from its roof and was instantly killed, his "beloved Germania" was bene-
MEMBERS OF THE GERMANIA BUILDING COMMITTEE
I la I: it-l 1 ';il7.ir
C. Beierle H. Melchers
E. Feige
.1 N'rl'Mil
G. W. Bruske
E. J.
Heyde
.1 G. Edelma nn
Anion ScJftmitg
^fl
*■
s
WKltJD >. x»7>:e
'3&CRE
THE FIRST TRUSTEES OF THE SCHMITZ ENDOWMENT
E. Ann eke
II. M elch e r s
H. Vasold
B. Haack F. Wrege P. Geisler
ANTON SCHMITZ Dr. B. Hesse
I Nerreter A. Eymer R. Luster
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE
365
ficiary of this property. The present Germania Block (The Wm. Barie
Department Store) was erected by the Society in 1899, and is a parcel of real
estate that has been advancing in value from time to time and is worth at
least one hundred and fifty thousand dollars today. It is the income from
this source that enables the Society to support its various branches, as not
one of them is self-sustaining. Anton Schmitz's generosity, coupled with
efficient management on the part of the various executors of his estate, have
made the Germania one of the wealthiest German societies in the United
States.
The provisions of the Schmitz testament was undoubtedly responsible
for the organization of the kindergarten. In April, 1876, Miss Henrietta
Jahns, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, i now Mrs. A. \Y. Barck), was secured as
the first teacher, and on May 11, 1876, the school was opened with fifty-six
children. One remarkable fact about this branch is that a majority of the
little tots here are the children of American parents, and it is astonishing how
readily and easily these three, four and five-year-old American children
acquire the ( ierman language. This is a very worthy branch of the Society.
The present average attendance is forty.
The Germania, at the present day. January, 1916, has a membership of
three hundred and ninety-eight, of which sixty-two are Americans.
The Maennerchor comprises an average of thirty regular singers, but on
occasions when district Saengerfests are held it often reaches over fifty. This
branch is at present, and has been for some years past, under the efficient
directorship of Mr. F. A. Berger. who has been in harmonious accord not
only with the singers but with the Society in general.
The turner branch comprises a total of one hundred and twenty members
in all its divisions and has been for the past eighteen years under the able
directorship of Mr. Franz Dreier. than whom there is none more able in the
State. He is also physical director in our public schools.
FRANZ DREIER AND SOME OF THE TURNERS. 1906
366 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
2
The officers this year (1916) are: G. F. Oppermann, president; Fran..
Leitzow, vice-president; George A. Klette. secretary, and Joseph Maerz]
treasurer.
Our Arbeiter Vereins
The Arbeiter Untersttitzung Verein of East Saginaw is the parent Ger-
man workingmen's association of the Saginaw Valley. In August, 1869, the
hrst effort was made toward its organization, and on the twenty-sixth of the
same month the actual incorporation took place. Its first incorporators were
Adam Wegst, Conrad Fey, Christian Schlatterer, Heinrich Schmidt, Wilhelm
Edinger, Johann Buckel, Doctor Friedrich Massbacker and Friederich Neid-
hardt. Christian Schlatterer (1916) is the only remaining living member of
the original incorporators.
Shortly after its incorporation the Arbeiter Verein was consolidated with
the German Young Maenner Club. The latter was a si ,cictv organized for
social and musical puriH.se> and comprised perhaps forty young Germans,
and this acquisition at -nice gave the Arbeiter Verein an impetus which mate-
rially assisted in its rapid growth.
The object of all Arbeiter Vereins in the State of .Michigan, under the
jurisdiction of the State Bund, is to assist its members when sick during a
period of at least twenty-six weeks, at a rate of live dollars a week. In case
of death fifty dollars is appropriated toward funeral expenses of the deceased,
and in case of a member's wife dying a like amount is given for the same
purpose. It is also the duty of the committee on sick to pay regular visits
and to do all in their power to relieve distress.
As is usual, the first object of a growing society is to secure a home and
toward that purpose the best energy of its members was directed. In 1880
the society purchased a block located on the corner of lanes and Fourth
Avenues, upon which a commodious hall was erected at a cost of over
twenty thousand dollars, and the remaining space converted into a beautiful
garden. That the Verein of East Saginaw possesses suitable and beautiful
quarters was evidenced by the fact that the State Bund has held its annual
sessions here for four different years, 1871. 1884, 1898 and 1912.
Beginning with 1870 and continuing for forty-one years, the local Verein
expended for sick benefits the sum of forty-eight thousand three hundred and
seventy-five dollars, and for death benefits, that is. funeral expenses, twenty-
three thousand three hundred and thirty-nine dollars; and during the same
period paid into the State Bund one hundred and eighteen thousand three
hundred and forty-seven dollars. From these figures it would seem that the
local society is materially assisting the State Bund. The society at the
present time numbers something over one thousand members, and its real
estate is worth fully fifty thousand dollars.
The entrance fee for young men from eighteen to twenty-five years of
age is gratis; from twenty-five to thirty years, one dollar; from thirty to
thirty-five years, two dollars; from thirty-five to forty years, three dollars;
from forty to forty-five years, seven dollars. The dues are one dollar a
month.
The officers for the year 1916 are: John Leidlein, president: Albert
Bender, vice-president; Ferdinand Heymann, corresponding and recording
secretary; T. F. Reitz, treasurer; Doctor F. \Y. Edelmann and Doctor Karl
Kanzler, physicians; Karl Reusch, secretary for the sick; William Olden-
berg, Edward Beuthin and Simon J. Koepke, trustees, and Rav Corbin, flag
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE 367
The society has a women's auxiliary which was organized in 1896 with
forty-five members. The object of the auxiliary is to render whatever assist-
ance they can for the benefit of the male branch, at the same time to render
sisterly assistance in time of need or distress to its members. In 1912 this
auxiliary reported a membership of ever six hundred, the second strongest in
the State.
Its first president was Mrs. Augusta Walter whose energy ami perse-
verance did mi ire than any other influence to increase the membership of this
worthy branch. They do not have any specified sum in case of sickness,
depending entirely upon the circumstances of the case, but in case of death
they allow the family two hundred dollars for funeral expenses.
The Arbeiter Unterstiitzung Verein of Saginaw City
On Easter Sunday. April 9, 1X71. this society was organized and the
committee appointed to work out the constitution and by-laws comprised
F. Dengler, A. Ganschow, C. Radke and A. Kern. The first regular meeting
of the society took place on Sunday, April loth, of the same year under the
chairmanship of F. Dengler. There were present fourteen members who
signed the constitution and elected the following as their first officers:
August Ganschow, president ; Rudolph Kern, secretary ; Friedrich Dengler,
treasurer, and Theodore Krauss, physician. Two weeks later a vice-president
'was added in the person of Adolph Laue, and a corresponding secretary,
Emil Schoeneberg.
In the beginning of 1S72 the society had increased to one hundred mem-
bers, and in the following year a lot was purchased on the corner of Adams
and Oaklev Streets, for fifteen hundred dollars. Two years afterward, on
the thirteenth of December, 1875, the society had erected a beautiful hall
upon the site, and its dedication took place at that time. The society
increased very rapidly and in 1908 reached a membership of one thousand
and forty-seven, being the largest of any Arbeiter society in the State.
Since the organization of the Yerein the following amounts to 1908.
were expended: Funeral expenses, thirteen thousand seven hundred and
ninety-one dollars ; sick benefit expenses, forty thousand four hundred and
forty-five dollars; received from the State Bund, eighty-six thousand four
hundred dollars; paid to State Bund, one hundred twenty thousand eight
hundred and six dollars; and the number lost by death was one hundred
and seventy-five.
The present officers (1916) are: F. J. Plettenberg, president; J. L.
Weigl, vice-president; John Broederdorf, secretary; Edwin Kersten, cor-
responding secretary; Henry Maier, treasurer; Albert O. Richter, Martin
Fieger, John C. Krogmann, H. C. Reincke and William Geese, trustees ;
Emil P. W. Richter and L. Miller, physicians; August Borchard, chairman
of the house committee ; Emil Wagner chairman sick committee, and Edward
Schrank, Phil Deibel and Paul Bohnhof, finance committee.
The society also has a woman's auxiliary which was organized on the
twenty-eight of July, 1898. Its first president was Mrs. Elizabeth Deibel.
through whose efforts the auxiliary grew rapidly. The first officers elected
were: Elizabeth Deibel, president; Louise Kessel, vice-president; Ernes-
tine Bluhm, secretary, and Emma Heidmann, treasurer. A short time after-
wards an executive board was elected comprising the following women : Mrs.
Minna Ewald, Bertha Krukenberg and Anna Plettenberg. The member-
ship in 1908 was four hundred and seventy-two, and the number of members
lost by death was twenty-one.
— Joseph Seemann.
H
I
m
370 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The Teutonia Society
This well known and popular society of West Side citizens was organized
in December, 1869, by the amalgamation of three German societies. The first
of these was the Turn Society, which had been organized in August, 1856;
and the others were the School Society and the Library Society, which had
been formed soon after. They held their meetings and enjoyed amusements
in Ritter's Hall, at the northwest corner of Water and Franklin Streets (now
Niagara and Hancock Streets), in a building which is still standing.
\\ hen the Teutonia Society had perfected its organization, the members
decided to build a new hall of their own, and a lot on South Fayette Street,
between Court and Adams Streets, was purchased fur this purpose. A school
house at the corner of Harrison ami Adams Streets, which had been erected
by the former School Society for the purpose of teaching the German
language, was moved to the newly acquired lot, and the new hall was built
as an addition to it. This building was completed in January, 1871, and was
used for meetings of members of the society and various amusements given
by the various divisions. In these social activities the singing sections gave
concerts, the dramatic section presented plays, held masquerade balls, and
otherwise added materially to the gayety of the town.
In the Summer of 1872 a fair was held in the new hall, which placed
the financial condition of the society on a firm basis, and thereafter it assumed
a permanent position in our social life. Several years later the wooden build-
ing in front of the main hall was replaced with a two-story brick building,
which has since been used as a club rooms, thus greatly extending the scope
and usefulness of the organization. Afterward a bowling alley was placed
in the basement of the new structure, adding another feature to the social
status i if the si iciety.
The Teutonia has always been in a fairly prosperous condition, but in
the last ten years has made efforts to interest the younger members, and in
this it has met with fair success. Within recent years the society has
shown great activity in the various branches of its educational and social
life, and is today one of the favorite social clubs of the city. Its valuable
property consists of one-half of the block in the center of the West Side, a
Spacious brick building for club and social rooms, and beautiful lawns and
attractive flower beds which add much to the civic beauty of this section of
the city. The building is conveniently arranged for the purposes of the
society, the club rooms and buffet being on the main floor, with library, read-
ing room, and large dining room, together with a ladies' club rooms on the
second floor, while the large hall with gallery accommodates all the big social
functions held on the West Side.
Enrolled in the membership of the Teutonia are about three hundred
men of the solid, substantial element of our citizenship, some of whom were
identified with it in the early days and aided in giving it character and per-
manence. In 1907 a Grand Fair was held which resulted in providing a
fund for expansion and giving new life to the society, with an incentive to
further activities. The membership increased rapidly for a time, and in
recent years little effort has been made to secure new members.
The recent officers, with one or two exceptions, have served the Teutonia
Society for the past six years or longer, and are: J. W. Ippel, president; Peter
Bauer, Jr.. vice-president; Frank Herrig, financial secretary: Hugo Schreiber,
corresponding secretary; Charles A. Khuen, treasurer. The directors comprise
the above and the following: Charles T. Schoeneberg, Adolph Roeser, Otto
Stempel. librarian, and B. Gaertner, steward. The representatives to the
Central Roard are Louis Liskow, Otto Stempel and John Fib.
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE
371
THE TEUTONIA HALL
As it appears today and as it was thirty-eight years ago
The Wah-wah-sums
The famous boat club, the Wah-wah-sums, was organized December 12,
1868, the first officers being L. Burrows, Jr., president; G. A. Lyon, vice-
president; E. N. Briggs, secretary, and G. B. Grout, treasurer. It was a
popular club in its day, the members were enthusiastic in their rowing exer-
cises and practice, and eventually became very efficient in the art. Their
peculiar cognomen was given them by Chief Shop-en-a-gons who, upon being
asked to suggest a name fur the rowers, asked, "Good men are they :' "Sure,"
replied Mr. Burrows. "Then call them 'Wah-wah-sum' — lightning on the
water," said the old chief.
The story of this famous water team is a romantic one. hi the sixties
there was a crew of "east town" oarsmen, composed of Frank Wilkins, Jim
Mack. Met Brown. Pat Glenn, Joe Stringham and Frank Lawrence, and
their boat was named the "Neptune," from which they took their name.
These boys in their showy uniforms would frequently row over to Saginaw
City, pulling a beautiful oar. and sport around in those waters in a very
tantalizing manner. They would then go ashore and get some refreshments
at the new Taylor House and other places, meanwhile, putting on, as some
of the " voting bloods" thought, unwarranted "airs." These actions so amused
some of the husky fellows over there that they got together and formed a
rival crew.
The first barge of the Wah-wah-sums, named the "Eclipse," was six-
oared, and the boat house was directly south of the Mackinaw Street bridge.
The stroke oar was Mr. Slenau, No. 2 oar was pulled by John Smith, No. 3
oar by Pat McElgunn, No. 4 by Henry Smith. No. 5 by Bert Payne, and No.
6 by Ed. Behan. Charles E. Wheeler, then with Rust Brothers, was cox-
swain. The rival teams first clashed in 1869, the Wah-wah-sums six and the
872 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Neptunes eight (jars, and the former won. From that time these sturdy
lumbermen won race after race by brawn and skill, not knowing the sting
of defeat.
Their hrst important event was in the regatta at Detroit in 1X70, when
they rowed in the six-oared barge race, making erne and a half miles in eleven
minutes forty-live seconds, and won the race. At Oconomowoc these oars-
men again showed their skill, and in the fourth animal regatta of the
N. W. A. B. A. Association, held at Erie, Pennsylvania, July 10 and 11,
1872, they won the championship race with six-oared shells. At Toledo, in
July, 1873, they won the championship race, and in the contests of the follow-
ing year added t < > their honors.
The career of this club was exceptionally brilliant, and continued to
retain its high repute in boating circles for many years. In 1SS1 the officers
were: Edward I. Peck, president; R. J. Birney, secretary; Henry Smith,
captain; L. A. Burrows, 1st. coxswain; E. J. Fisk, 2d. coxswain. Upon
decline of the sport, late in the eighteen-eighties, the club disbanded.
Military Companies of Early Days
The first military company in Saginaw was the Hampton Guards, organ-
ized at "Fast Town" in November, 1856, and was commanded by Captain
Thomas.
The Saginaw City Light Infantry completed it-- organization March 10.
1859, and on April 25th following the company appeared on parade fully
equipped. The first officers were: Louis Franke, captain: Henry Miller.
1st. lieutenant; Hugo Wesener. 2d. lieutenant; Theodore Sceurus, 3d. lieu-
tenant : C. A. Ranke, secretary, and Charles Miller, treasurer.
The East Saginaw Light Artillery Company followed in September,
1859, with Captain A. D. Robinson, Jr., Lieutenant A. Ferguson, Sergeant
A. L. Rankin, and Corporal R. II. Loomis, in command. Among the privates
of this company were: F. N. Bridgman, lames F. Brown, George F. Corliss,
R. A. Eddy, G. F. Hobbs, J. H. Hilliard. Michael Jeffers, J. II. Mershon,
J. E. Mershon. Sanford Keeler, Fmil Moores, F. \Y. Wiggins, T. T. Willey,
Z. W. Wright and A. F. Young.
On April 13, 1873. the Fast Saginaw Rifles was organized, and immedi-
ately attached to the Third Michigan Infantry, as Company E. D. D. Keeler,
A. L. Button and F. H. Doughty were the first officers of the company.
The seventh anniversary of the company was properly observed in 1881 by
a public parade, after which the veteran corps met in the armory and
elected the following civil officers : C. F. Shaw, president : Theodore S.
Hill, vice-president ; W. S. Doughty, secretary, and A. L. Button, treasurer.
The company then numbered seventy rank and file, fully equipped and drilled.
Under the various enlistments for the Civil War in this county, the first
company to leave for the front was the East Saginaw Light Guard, organ-
ized April 19, 1861, with Captain William Kremer and Lieutenant Emil
Moores and John Leidlein in command. On the thirtieth of April the com-
pany, mustering seventy-nine officers and men, left for Detroit, the Flint &
Pere Marquette Railway taking them to Pine Run, then the terminus of the
road. From there they were conveyed by wagon to Fentonville, on the line
of the Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad, and arrived at Detroit in the evening
of the following day. On June 5th the company left for Washington as
Company H of the 2d Michigan Infantry, the first three-year regiment which
left the State.
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE
373
___
The Hoyt Light Guards, under the command of Captain H. \Y. Trow-
bridge and Lieutenants William O'Donnell and Charles H. Hutchins, was
organized April 24, 1861, with a strong desire to go to the front in the early
days of the war.
The military census of the county showed twenty-one hundred and
thirty men tit for service, of which number six hundred and eighty-six were
already enlisted in active service, in September, 1862, including the 23d
Michigan Infantry mustered in on the thir-
teenth of that month. During the year
1863 the county contributed three hundred
and sixty-five men, making an aggregate of
ten hundred and forty-one furnished since
the beginning of the war. Enlistment con-
tinued through 1864, and the 29th Michigan
Infantry was organized by John F. Driggs,
July 29, 1864, and mustered into service
October 3rd. with eight hundred and fifty-
six officers and men. Their camp ground
was on the west side of the river within the
present confines of Bliss Park, where a
stone marker was erected by the survivors
on the fiftieth anniversary, in 1''14, and un-
veiled with impressive ceremonies. The
regiment left Saginaw October 6, 1864,
under the command of Colonel Thomas
Sayh ir.
From October 31st until the close of
recruiting on April 14, 1865, one hundred
and thirty-four men eidisted, bringing the
military representation of Saginaw to two
thousand and thirty-nine, or about one
forty-fourth of all the troops sent to the
front by the State. The aggregate expendi-
ture-- of the county for war purposes, up to
and including the year 1866, was one hun-
dred and fifty-eight thousand one hundred dollars; and the various sums
granted to the families of volunteers amounted to eighty-one thousand. The
donations of money, clothing and various articles was about seven thousand
dollars which, added to the other expenses, made a grand total of two hun-
dred and forty-six thousand one hundred dollars, a large sum of money con-
sidering the condition of the country at that time.
A review of the military campaigns in which the Saginaw troops par-
ticipated, and in which so many patriotic men won a soldier's crown, would
take in every field contested in Southern States. As this has been quite
thoroughly covered in Chapman's History of Saginaw County, 1881, copies
of which are still in existence and may be consulted by interested persons,
it does not seem necessary or desirable to repeat the accounts here. It is
sufficient to add that through the brilliant campaigns which marked the pro-
gress of the terrific struggle, there was scarcely a black letter in the records
of the troops furnished by Saginaw, unexcelled bravery and magnificent
endurance marking their service in the defense of the Union.
It is to be regretted that reliable information pertaining to the organiza-
tion and equipment of the local military Companies C and D, (the latter now
known as Company F, Thirty-third Regiment) of the Michigan National
Guard, is not available for this work. A search of the early military records
COLONEL THOMAS SAYLOR
374
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
of the State, in the Adjutant General's office at Lansing, divulged the fact
that the former Company 1), Third Regiment, was organized January 21,
1882. Company E, Third Regiment, located at East Saginaw, was organ-
ized .April 13, 1874, and mustered out June 5, 1905.
Many changes have taken place since those days, and great progress
made in maintaining this defensive arm of the State. Not only have large
and substantial armories been built in the largest centers of population, but
the equipment and arms have greatly improved, and much attention is given
the physical condition of the enlisted men. The spirit of the troops as a
defensive force is excellent, as was manifested in 1913 when the entire guard
was sent to the Upper Peninsula to restore and maintain order during the
great strike of copper miners, a task which kept the troops on duty for
several months.
Nothing could be more conclusive of the general preparedness of the
State troops than the prompt response to the call of the 1'resident, on lune
18, 1916, for the mobilization of the National Guard. Within a few hours
practically the entire Company F, like other companies throughout the State.
had assembled in the armory in readiness for further orders. Recruiting was
undertaken in an effort to raise the muster rolls to full strength of one hun-
dred and forty, in anticipation of service along the Mexican border, but a
true spirit of patriotism among the young men of Saginaw was evidently
lacking, at a time when war threatened, and ninety-eight was the total enlist-
ment of the company. On Saturday, June _'4, the company and band en-
trained for the military camp at Grayling, where three entire regiments of
the State troops mobilized on that day. Inspection, medical examination and
mustering in the Federal Army service followed, in which about sixteen men
of the local company were refused for physical defects or weakness.
Interest in the military and naval defense arms is enlivened in Saginaw
by the presence of the Thirty-third Regiment Hand, which was reorganized
here about six years ago. The members of this excellent and popular military
band were recruited from the ranks of Saginaw's leading professional musi-
ENLISTED MEN OF COMPANY F. THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT, M. N.
I From a photograph taken in front of the Armory, June 20, lt'lfi]
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE 375
cians, a number of whom had swayed under the baton of Professor Reiss in
his famous organization of years ago, and also under Professor William Boos.
The band has a membership of thirty-six and is ably directed by Professor
Arthur Amsden, who has served many years with the State troops in the
capacity of hand leader. So high is the reputation of this organization that
wherever it is heard, as well as in this city, it is greeted with enthusiasm
and applause. During the Winter the Sunday afternoon concerts at the
Auditorium, given by the Thirty-third Regiment Band, are largely attended,
while in Summer the weekly concerts in various parks meet with the popular
accord.
The officers of Company F, Thirty-third Regiment, Michigan National
Guard, in 1916 and for several years past are: William H. Martin, captain;
Frank McCullagh, first lieutenant; William Bohstedt, second lieutenant.
The Saginaw Naval Reserves
It was fitting the geographical position of Michigan, surrounded as it is
on three sides by the waters of the Great Lakes, that the Naval Militia of
the interior should have been founded on its shores. On February 28. 1894,
a few enthusiastic vachtsmen of Detroit met and decided upon the formation
of the Michigan Naval Brigade. Anion- them was Truman II. Newberry,
destined in after years to hold the highest office in the Navy Department,
and who was an indefatigable worker in the upbuilding of the Reserves. The
first division of the brigade was quickly recruited to eighty members' — pro-
fessional and business men — with the inborn sense of duty of the patriot.
The object of the Naval Militia is to furnish the navy of the United
States in time of war, with an auxiliary force of well drilled and seasoned
crews, trained in navigation, engineering, gunnery and signalling, and
familiar with and subject to discipline and ship routine. The organization
has the same relation to the navy that the State militia has to the regular
army; and is of great importance, since it is impossible to recruit trained
bluejackets from the ordinary pursuits of life in time of need.
From the beginning made in Detroit the movement spread, and in the
Fall of IS' 4 Samuel F. Owen. Rollin A. Horr and other-, who had some
military training, organized a division in Saginaw. On December 6th about
forty professional and business men representing the younger element, met
at the Bancroft House, signed the articles of incorporation, and proceeded to
effect a permanent organization. This division, which took the name of
Second Division, Michigan State Naval Brigade, was soon recruited to more
than sixty members; and elected officers as follows: Samuel F. Owen,
lieutenant, commanding; Rollin A. Horr, lieutenant, junior grade; Lorenzo
Burrows, Junior, and James PI. Gilbert, ensigns, and Charles A. Wood,
assistant paymaster.
The petty officers of the division were: Fred J. Buckhout, boatswain's
mate — first class: John R. Mearns and Arthur C. Perrin. boatswain's mates —
second class; C. D. TenF.yck, gunner's mate — second class; Ira D. Alden.
quartermaster — second class; Edwin C. Peters, Charles A. Khuen, J. Will
Grant, Merman A. Wolpert, coxswains; J. H. Goodby, Junior, Elmer B.
Norris, gunner's mates — third class; and Frederick A. Dudley, quarter-
master— third class.
During the Winter of 1894-95 the reserves were drilled in infantry tactics,
the handling of arms, in knotting and splicing, gunnery and general orders.
The armory was located in the three-story brick building at 113 North
Washington Avenue, the second floor being used for club rooms, office, Picker
rooms and storage for accoutrements, while the third floor with its high
ceiling was a suitable drill hall.
370
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
THE ARMORY. ERECTED IN 1909
In July. 1895. the division joined the second and third divisions, of
Detroit, in a cruise in the vicinity of .Mackinac Island, old Fort Mackinac
being the headquarters of the brigade. The gunboat Michigan, manned by
officers and bluejackets of the United States Navy, lay in the harbor, and
each morning the reserves with their own officers, under Lieutenant Gilbert
Wilkes, brigade commander, went on board the antiquated war ship. There
they went through various drills, the handling of the thirty-two pounder
guns, and were instructed in general ship routine, including "clearing decks
for action," "all hands to quarters," manning the capstan to "up anchor." and
"laying over the masthead" which consisted of climbing the ratlines on one
side oi the ship, crossing over the masthead, and coming down on the other
side. In the evening the divisions returned to the barracks at the old fort.
< >n the third day, before boarding the Michigan, two men from each sec-
tion were detailed for target practice on shore. Ten rounds were fired in
the morning and ten in the afternoon at the rifle range, the target being at a
distance of two hundred yards. Coxswain Edwin C. Peters carried off the
honors of the day in this practice, scoring sixty-one out of a possible one
hundred points.
On the Michigan, which steamed out into Lake Huron, the divisions were
drilled in gunnery, the targets being placed three hundred rods from the ship.
Special details were engaged in sub-calibre practice with the three-inch rifles.
There was a heavy wind and a choppy sea, which interfered with accuracy of
aim at the bobbing target nearly a mile away, and Fred A. Dudley was the
only man to hit the mark. At a subsequent practice, when the sea was less
choppy, Arthur Beese made three successive hits, being the best record of
this cruise.
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE
377
In 189f) the Second Division cruised in the old Michigan on Saginaw Bay,
i iff Pi lint Aux Barques, and in the numerous gun and boat drills added prac-
tical experience to their previous training in armory and on board ship. The
weather during a greater part of the week of the cruise was stormy, and the
amateur sailormen were confined closely to the ship's quarters, little shore
leave being granted. Lieutenant Commander Leutze. U. S. A. commanded
the old gunboat, and so severe and unyielding was he in the unpleasant duty
of training the landsmen that the boys facetiously dubbed him "( )ld Rain-In-
The-Faee." Lieutenant Marble was another officer of the Michigan, whom
the reserves disliked exceedingly. The following year the three divisions
mobilized at Fort Mackinac for further instruction and drills on board the
Michigan.
During the Spanish War the Michigan Naval Brigade saw actual naval
service and warfare on the Atlantic. To the number of almost two hundred
and fifty officers and men. they comprised the crew of the auxiliary cruiser
Yosemite in blockade duty off the coast of Puerto Rico, and were engaged in
several bombardments of Spanish Forts. There were no casualties in the
brief engagements, and the divisions returned when the war was over with
the men in good physical condition. This was quite in contrast with the
weak and emaciated condition in which the members of the State Militia
returned home after their terrible experience in Cuba.
Within the last ten years the naval militia has grown more rapidly, and
there are now two battalions of six divisions comprising the Michigan State
Naval Brigade. The total enrollment is four hundred officers and men. The
fourth division of the first battalion is located at Benton Harbor, on Lake
Michigan, while the divisions of the second battalion are located at Hancock,
on Lake Superior, and Escanaba on Lake Michigan. The training ships
manned by the brigade are the Don Juan de Austria, of eleven hundred and
SAGINAW NAVAL RESERVES ON BOARD THE
"MICHIGAN." 1895
Sibbald
Khucn Williams Mearns Buclchout Martin
.Mills Plummer Fitzgerald
378 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
thirty tuns, stationed at Detroit, and the Yantic, in charge of the second bat-
talion and stationed at Hancock. The former ship is of historic interest.
being one of the Spanish ships sunk by Admiral Dewey in the Battle of
Manila Bay, which was afterward raised by Captain Hobson, repaired, and
brought to this country. The Yantic is one of the old frigates of the Civil
War times, having been launched at Philadelphia, on August 12, 18<>4, and is
of brigantine rig.
The Saginaw Naval Reserves of today is an entirely different body of
men from that which perfected its organization and performed a useful part
in the Spanish War. Another generation of young and enthusiastic patriot-
has grown up to take the place of those who by much personal sacrifice and
hard work established the naval brigade. The conditions of service today
are very different, too, from those of twenty or more years go. Instead oi
rented halls ill adapted to the use and work of the reserves, the Second Divi-
sion occupies a part of the perfectly appointed Armory at the foot of Janes
Avenue, and facing Battery Park.
Within this solid structure of paving brick and concrete is every Facility
for the proper training- of citizen bluejackets. There are spacious club rooms
well furnished for the comfort and enjoyment of the members, a perfect sys-
tem of lockers, splendid equipment and arms, and a four-inch rapid firing rifle
complete, for practical instruction in the handling of big guns. ( )n the water
front, only a few rods from the Armory is a boat landing, where are kept
tl e small boats of the division. These comprise a completely equipped steam
cutter, of a type used on modern war ships, an eight-oared barge, and whale-
boats. With this equipment it is possible to supplement the practices at oars
on the river, with short cruises up and down the stream and on Saginaw
Bay, adding greatly to the efficiency and skill of the enlisted men.
The present officers of the Second Division of the Michigan State Naval
Brigade are: Warner L. Cooper, lieutenant, commanding; Guy Palmer,
lieutenant, junior grade: John J. Spencer, Jr., and James F. Cooper, ensigns.
The East Saginaw Club
On Thursday Evening, April 18. 1889, a number of representative citizens
met together at the old council rooms in the Schmitz Block, for the purpose
of organizing a social club. Among these men was ( >scar F. Wisner, who
had been active in arousing interest in the project, and in securing sub-
scribers to it. The first proceeding of the meeting was to call Mr. Wisner
to the chair, and to appoint Ferd A. Ashley secretary. The club was there-
upon organized with a capital of fifty thousand dollars, and the articles of
association were drawn up and signed by forty-seven members.
An election was then held and Oscar F. Wisner, William F. Potter.
B. F. Webster. William Callam, William B. Mershon, George B. Morley,
Robert M. Randall. J. Will Grant and John M. Brewer were elected a board
of managers. This board then met and elected the first officers of the club,
who were Oscar F. Wisner, president; William F. Potter, vice-president ;
A. H. Comstock, treasurer; and Ferd A. Ashley, secretary.
A committee was appointed to select a suitable site for the club house,
and after careful consideration of available locations recommended the pur-
chase of the lot-, on Washington Avenue, having a frontage of one hundred
and forty feet. This property was soon after acquired at a price of forty-
seven hundred and fifty dollars; anil plans for a pretentious club house were
drawn by W. T. Cooper. In due course the contract for the mason work
was let to William C. Mueller, and that for the carpenter work to Michael
Winkler, and the work of construction proceeded with diligence. The cost
of the building, including the heating ami lighting arrangements, was about,
twenty-five thousand dollars.
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE
379
THE EAST SAGINAW CLUB
When completed the club had a home in which the members took a just
pride. Everything that went into the construction was of the highest grade,
and the furnishings and equipment were sumptuous and in g 1 taste. Some
of the fine leather furniture, in excellent condition after a service of twenty-
seven years, is still in use. The property of the club has always been kept in
good condition, and affairs well managed.
In the early years of the club the membership varied from two hundred
and fifty to three hundred in number, hut it was afterward limited to the
former figure and then to two hundred and twenty-five. The low ebb in
membership was in the period of 1898 to 1900. hut in the succeeding ten years
the city gradually regained its former prosperity, and the club acquired many
desirable members Mom among the newcomers. It also took in a number
of young men who, since its organization, had grown to manhood. The
membership was then increased to about three hundred and fifty, with that
figure as the limit.
Through these years of prosperity and decline of the club ami its gradual
rehabilitation, Thomas A. Harvey was one of its most interested and help-
ful members. Few indeed, in a period of more than twenty years, did so
much for its advancement, aiding every movement for its increased popularity.
In 1905 additional property was purchased at the rear of the club house, ami
the building enlarged at a cost of about ten thousand dollars, providing for a
grill room on the main floor and a roof garden above. In this, as in other
improvements, Air. Harvey was one of the foremost members, subscribing
liberally with others, for the additional stock then issued, lie also inaugu-
rated the movement for the acquisition of art treasures, oil paintings and
pictures of real value.
In this department the club is indeed fortunate, possessing a number of
paintings of more than usual interest. These were acquired from time to
time by personal subscriptions of prominent members, the gift and list of
donors being enrolled in the records of the club. There is a large full figure
portrait of Shopenagons, the noted Indian chief, done by Couse, the well
380 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
known portrayer of savage life, and two or three other paintings of Indian
characters, which are of high order. A group (if western cowboy pictures,
said to be of very unusual interest, was presented several years ago by
Arthur Hill.
The present officers of the club are: Fred J. Fox. president; James E.
Vincent, vice-president; A. H. Ale, secretary and treasurer; and R. Max
Boyd, chairman of house committee. The president, vice-president and the
following members constitute the board of directors: R. M. Boyd, E. A.
Robertson, H. T. Wickes. E. P. Stone, 11. S. Siebel. A. R. Treanor and H. R.
Wickes. The membership is now about three hundred and eighty, with a
limit of four hundred; and the value of the club property is placed at eighty
thousand dollars.
Um-zoo-ee Club
In years long passed the Um-zoo-ee Club, an association of leading young
men and women for the purpose of holding dancing parties, filled a prominent
part in tlie social activities of the city. It was organized in the late seventies,
at a time when the city was enjoying a phenomenal growth, and numbered
among its members young men who have since become some of our most
solid citizens. Its parties were the social events of the season, and for bril-
liancy and pure enjoyment have seldom been equalled since.
hi the Winter of 1880-81 the officers of this club were: Thomas A.
Harvey, president; William B. Mershon, vice-president; Albert H. Morley,
treasurer; and W. S. Conklin. secretary. The committee of invitations was
composed of J. Will ('.rant, chairman; Misses Mamie Wickes and Kitty
Penoyer ; the committee of arrangements comprised George B. Morley, chair-
man. Miss Winnie Smith and W. S. Conklin. while that on the "German"
was Albert II. Morley, chairman. Miss Lizzie Thurber and William B.
Mersb ni.
\l~ter a pleasant existence of more than twenty years, (hiring which it
was recognized as the leading dancing chili, it at length disbanded, and only
the recollection of brilliant and enjoyable events it promoted, linger with its
one time active members.
Saginaw Country Club
The origin of the Country Club was in the gentlemens' game of golf,
which was introduced into Saginaw about eighteen years ago. Charles H.
Davis in his travels throughout the country had \isited several prominent
golf clubs, and had seen such men as .Marshall Field, Robert T. Lincoln and
other distinguished men climb high fences, break through minature jungles,
and wade shallow creeks in quest of the elusive ball. He was seized with an
overwhelming desire to follow their pursuit, and returned to Saginaw thor-
oughly inoculated with the microbe of this strenuous game. Golf as yet was
unknown in this part of the State, no one. excepting Samuel C. Kimberly,
having had the temerity t<> allude to the sport.
Mr. Davis was determined to introduce the game into his home city,
and accordingly laid out a nine-hole course at his farm on the Gratiot Road.
When everytbing was in fine shape and the country clad in its richest verdure,
he invited some of his friends and citizens out to the new links to see what
the game really was. He was proficient in the game, and to those who
realized its possibilities of out-door enjoyment, he instructed in the various
strokes and rules of the game. Soon after, in the Fall of 1898, small groups
of business and professional men might have been seen wending their way
out to the Davis farm, where they spent a morning or afternoon in mastering
the details and acquiring skill in the sport.
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382
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
THE SAGINAW COUNTRY CLUB
From this beginning emanated the Saginaw Country Club, which was
organized March 24, 1899, the articles of association being signed by John S.
Porter, Frank R. Judd, J. Will Grant, A. S. Whitney, C. W. Penoyer, W. J.
Wickes. Willis T. Knowlton, E. C. Fisher, H. E. Cross, Gilbert M. Stark,
Albert H. Morley, Charles A. Rust, Doctor F. Gaertner, Charles E. Mershon
and H. T. Wickes.
The following year the club purchased ten acres of the east part of the
E. G. Rust farm, and erected an attractive club house and other buildings,
leasing from Mr. Davis the nine-hole golf course. Ten years later the club
purchased the course comprising about forty-seven acres of valuable laud,
and later added the property directly across the mad, which was owned by
Thomas A. Harvey and George B. Morley. This land embraced a picnic
grove of large, natural-growth timber, and was fifty-one and a half acres in
extent. Upon this tract a new nine-hole course was laid out and improve-
ments made, so that the whole property is not only beautiful, but one of the
best eighteen-hole courses in the country. The total land holdings of the
club is one hundred eight and a half acres, and is piped with water mains
and carefully tile drained.
Twice in the life of the club has the State Golf Tournament been held
at its links, the second being played on the new eighteen-hole course. This
event was a very brilliant affair, and was referred to by visiting golfers as,
the best tournament ever held in the State, the perfect golf course" the club
house, the hospitality of the members and the good management of the special
committee in charge, being highly complimented. Again, in the Summer of
1916, the club entertained the State Golfers in a grand tournament, which
added to the high reputation already attained. The club has been further
honored by James T. W'ylie twice winning the State Championship, and
Arthur Mill Vincent was runner-up in the State championship contest in 1913.
The past presidents of the club, the men who have been especially
prominent in shaping the management of its affairs are: Charles H. Davis,
James T. W'ylie. George B. Morley and Clark L. King. During the past
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE
383
year Lewis C. Slade was president. Gilbert M. Stark, vice-president, Edwin
P. Stone, secretary, and James A. Montross, treasurer. The directors were
George B. Morley, A. T. Ferrell, Amasa M. Rust, S. A. Sommers, ( iilbert
M. Stark, VVallis Craig Smith, Lewis C. Slade. H. J. Gilbert and Norman
N. Rupp. The chairman of the Ground Committee was William B. Mer-
shon; of the House Committee, Norman N. Rupp; of the Tournament and
Entertainment Committee, S. A. Sommers; of the Ladies' Entertainment,
Mrs. Mary E. Harvey; of the Tennis Committee, J. W. Symons, Jr.; of the
Membership Committee, Wallis Craig Smith, and of Auditing, Gilbert M.
Stark.
The club has an active membership of one hundred and fifty-nine, and an
associate and non-resident membership of about one hundred. The valua-
tion of its property, including the valuable land holdings close to the city
limits, is placed at forty thousand dollars.
Saginaw Canoe Club
This popular club composed very largely of the younger element of our
best citizenship, holds a unique place in the social life of the place. It was
organized to bring together young men, and to promote an interest in canoe-
ing, boating and aquatic sports. To this end articles of association were
drawn up on February 24, 1904, and signed by George L. Burrows, Jr., Fred
L. Cribbins, \\ . 11. Howland, George C. Potter, Edward T. Lindsay, V. E.
Schwahn, James A. Griggs and Benjamin Farmer. Organization was per-
fected and the above members and Paul F. H. .Morley constituted the tirst
board of directors.
In the Summer of l'i()4 a small but attractive club house was erected at
the west end of Riverside Park, facing the Tittabawassee. This was an ideal
location for a canoe club, and it soon became a popular rendezvous of devotees
of the sport. Members quite generally kept their canoes at the club house,
as it was the most convenient point from which to paddle in the shade of
overhanging trees alonij the banks, or through the "cut" into the Shiawassee.
THIRTEENTH GREEN
Saginaw Country <'lul> Golf Links
384
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The following year the scope of the club was extended to include dancing
parties on the broad porch, and catering service was inaugurated. After-
ward clay pigeon shooting was added to official sports, and a "small stand was
erected for the comfort of the members and their friends. A tennis court was
later laid out to accommodate members devoted to this game. In all, the
club has been prominent in promoting interest in wholesome out-of-doors
sports and games.
At length it seemed advisable to extend the privileges and usefulness of
the club by building a larger and better appointed club house. The question
of location was debatable for a time, but the appropriate grounds on Osakina
Island of Ezra Rust Park offered the greatest advantages to the greater num-
ber of members, and was chosen to the general satisfaction of the club. The
capita] stock was increased to ten thousand dollars, and a campaign started
for increased membership. This move was successfully made and in 1913
the large new club house was erected and furnished in rare taste. The fol-
lowing Summer the grounds were brought to grade, levelled off and seeded,
and otherwise improved. A landing for canoes and boats was constructed on
tlie river bank close to the side of the club house, and proper housing pro-
vided for all canoes owned by the members. A good catering service was
provided and everything arranged for the pleasure and comfort of members,
which generally identify well conducted social clubs. The dancing parties
and social functions given by the club or by individual members, are among
the brilliant social events of the year, and the popularity of the club is
increasing.
The members comprising the present board of directors are: Howard
O'Brien, president: Archie Milne, commodore: Doctor J. A. Connery, vice-
commodore; F. H. Jerome, secretary and treasurer, and Robert H. Cook,
Herbert E. Cross, John Benson, J. C. Craves and T. A. Saylor.
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SAGINAW CANOE CLUB ON OSAKINA ISLAND
The Elks
Saginaw Lodge, No. 47. of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Flks,
was instituted June 23, 1886, and chartered on December 12th of the same
year. The objects and purposes of the association are to protect and aid its
members and their families, and to promote friendship and social intercourse,
and to accumulate a fund for that purpose. The articles of incorporation
were drawn up and signed by fourteen members as follows: H. D. Norris,
O. F. Stevens, William C. Bernard, C. E. Ring, Edward \\ . Henssler, Hamil-
ton Bogardus, James G. Harris, Merritt 11. Eggleston, |ohn Prendergast,
John P. Hemmeter, Edward W. McCormick, Charles C. Stevens and W. K.
Kerwin. The lodge was thereupon instituted by John R. Sterling. District
Deputy, assisted by members of Detroit Podge, No. 34. with thirty-eight
charter members. The regular sessions of the lodge are held every Thursday
evening at the Elk's Temple.
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE
385
The first lodge hall of the order was in the McLean Block, on the north
side of Genesee Avenue between Baum and Jefferson. As the lodge increased
in membership the quarters were moved to the Lloyd Block on Washington
Avenue, which, upon reconstruction of the building by the late Michael
Jeffers, were again moved to the Metropole Building on North Washington.
But as the order continued to grow in numbers and influence a club house,
built especially for the social needs of the lodge was deemed necessary, and
the valuable property at the northwest corner of Germania and Warren
Avenues was purchased for live thousand dollars. Plans were then drawn
for an elaborate and perfectly appointed club house, which was erected in
1906 and 1907, at a cost of about fifty thousand dollars.
The Elk's Temple is an imposing structure of paving brick and cut stone,
two stories and high basement; and was dedicated on November 18. 1907,
with appropriate ceremonies. It is the social center of the Klk's activities,
and affords every facility for the ex-
ercise of those cordial and fraternal
relations among the member'-, which
have made the order famous through-
out the country. There are bowling
alleys, billiard and pool rooms, a per-
fectly appointed grill, reading room
with current magazines, and a small
library.
At the time the club house was
projected there were about three hun-
dred members enrolled in the lodge,
but so successful has been the social
and benevolent work of the club, that
the membership in 1916 reached
eleven hundred. As the building was
designed to comfortably accommo-
date three hundred and fifty ti > f< >ur
hundred members, it has become greatly overcrowded, especially on occasions
such as the annual Christmas tree festivities, and annual and special meetings.
To meet the emergency a project was advanced in 1916 for the addition of
another story to the building which, provided with casement windows, would
serve as a roof garden in Summer, and a large auditorium in Winter. This
improvement when realized will relieve the congestion on the other floors,
and afford space for private dining rooms and cither conveniences greatly
needed.
Every Tuesday afternoon the dining room of the club is given over to
the ladies of the members, and their friends, who quite generally avail them-
selves of the privileges extended, for the purpose of holding card parties,
socials and teas.
The Past Exalted Rulers of the Elks are : Rowland Connor, James
Stewart, George A. Reynolds, Thomas A. Kerr, H. D. Norris, W. H. Winnie,
C. J. Reynick, C. F. Schoeneberg, J. W. Messner, W. C. McKinney, Emmett
L. Beach, Julius W. Ippel, Edwin C. Peters, C. E. Gage, C. F. Bauer, C. E.
Lown and A. W. Ganschow.
The present officers are : Alexander C. Sutherland, E. R. ; Carl J. Bauer,
E. Leading K. ; Henry Naegely. E. Lecturing K. ; Doctor Charles P. Stone,
E. Loyal K. ; Charles F. Nelson, Tyler ; Robert T. Holland, Esquire ; Herman
Krause, Inner Guard ; Rowland Connor, Secretary, and Henrv Witters.
Treasurer.
THE ELK'S TEMPLE
i <
m tr.
f
William Binder
.Mrs. Jennie Paine
George L». Burrows
PIONEER RESIDENTS OF SAGINAW CITY
Mrs. W. A. Armstrong
Lorenzo I !ui rows, .Jr.
Mrs. George L. Burrows
Harvey Joslin
Teresa Jones
I tarry Miller
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE 3S7
Masonic Orders
The Masonic Order in Saginaw Valley had its beginning in Germania
Lodge, No. 79, which was organized in Doctor M. C. T. Plessner's house in
March, 1854. The first officers of this lodge were M. C. T. Plessner, W. M.,
Count Solms, S. \\\, and G. Liskow, J. W., who with five members instituted
the lodge and held meetings in the building at the corner of Cass and Hamil-
ton Streets. Doctor Plessner was Worshipful Master from 1854 to 1862 and
from 186S to 1874; Otto Roeser, 1863-64: Cunt Solms. 1875-76. Afterward
Henry Bafnhard, A. W. Achard and Peter Herrig held the office. The
present officers are Frederick G. Oppermann. W. M. ; William Stange, secre-
tav ; Andrew Gosen, treasurer.
At East Saginaw the organization under dispensation of Saginaw Lodge,
No. 77. F. & A. M.. was next effected. On June 23, 1855, the dispensation
w;is granted by the Grand Lodge to Moses B. Hess, as W. M. ; David
Hughes, S. W. and James A. Large, J. W. The other charter members were
S. C. Munson, S. C. Beach, A. F. Hayden and David F. Hess. On the last
dav of [ulv. 1855, the degree of E. A. was conferred upon Norman Little,
William L. I'. Little, William L. Webber and Charles B. Mott. The charter
was granted in January, 1856, and the lodge was dedicated on February 27th.
Among the early Worshipful Masters of the lodge were James A. I. arm-.
William I.. Webber, William J. Bartow, J. S. Goodman and Frank Lawrence.
In 1868 the lodge had a tine hall, thirty-two by fifty feet in size, well fur-
nished and lighted with gas. The present officers are D. A. Nicol, W. M.;
Z. D. Ells, S. W.; llan'.ld Walz, J. W. ; II. A. Penney, treasurer; J. W.
Hilling, secretary; Trustees, A. G. Ritchie, W. J. Winston and A. G. Meakin.
Saginaw Valley Chapter. No. 31, R. A. M.. received its charter January
12, 1864, with William L Webber. H. P.; Charles B. Mott, K. ;' S. W.
Yawkey. S.. and William J. Bartow, Ezra Rust. E. W. Lyon, L. A. S. Lein-
heim. George W. Merrill. J. C. Lowell, Charles E. Gillett, George F. Lewis,
John J. Wheeler, R. II. Weidemann, A. P. Brewer. M. B. Hess, John S.
Estabrook, 1. M. Smith, Charles W. Grant and William Hodgson, charter
members. The first meeting of the chapter was held on February 4, 1864.
'fhe officers in 1916 are: frank W. Pohlman, II. I'.; William A. Shackel-
ford, K. ; Doctor C. M. Welch, S. ; George E. Scollen, secretary; Harry
i >ppenheimer, treasurer.
Saginaw Valley Lodge, No. 154 was organized under dispensation Feb-
ruary 19, 1804, with D. M. Bennett, W. M. ; William McBratnie, S. W., and
T. L. Jackson, J. W. A charter was granted by the Grand Lodge on June 13.
1865, under which the same officers were installed. The present officers of
this lodge are; Fred Dustin. W. M.; G. J. Brenner. S. W. ; Richard \\ .
Atwell, J. W. ; Charles W. Khuen. treasurer; Wm. H. McBratnie. secretary.
Executive Committee; Henry R. Witt and J. A. Huff.
Saginaw Council, No. 20, R. S. M.. was organized July 25, 1866, and soon
attained a high place among Masonic ( )rders of the State. In 1881 its officers
were: Fred E. Hoyt, T. I.M.; D. B. Reeves. D. M.; Charles Doughty. 1'. C.
of W. ; W. Fitzgerald. C. and G. ; D. Hoyt. treasurer. George B. Gage,
recorder, and II. II. Cheeney and William Cole. The officers for 1916 are:
R. K. Logan, T. I. M. ; Fred Dustin, D. M.; Thomas Brown, P. C. W. ;
Frank Robinson, secretary; Henry Feige, treasurer; C. M. Welch. C. G. ;
Roy Rogers, C. C.
St. Bernard Commandery, No. 16, K. T., was also organized in 1800,
and at the annual conclave F. E. Hoyt was elected E. C. ; T. E. Borden,
general ; George L. Remington, captain general ; Edwin Saunders, prel ;
F. A. Ashley, S. W. ; A. D. Macomber, J. W.; William H. Clark, treasurer;
J. H. Woollacott, recorder; William Grant, St. B. : William H. Cambrey,
388 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
S. B. ; Charles A. Lee, warden; William Cole, sentinel; William Williamson,
C. W. Crav and ( ). J. Hetherington, guards. The present officers of this
commanderv are: William H. Filbert. E. C. ; William H. McBratnie, G. ;
James A. Griggs, C. G. ; H. B. Fry, S. W. ; Charles Koeppler, J. W. ;
Reverend Emil Montanus, P.; William Wallace, treasurer: Andrew J. Lynd,
reo irder.
Joppa Chapter, No. 63, R. A. ML, was organized January 13, 1869; and
in 1881 (',. EC. Grout, Charles A. Lee. DeWitt C. Dixon. Frank R. Ganschow,
George 11. Durand, John Ballentine, Jira S. Martin. F. 1. Peek. N. W. Wright,
B. B. Bartlett. W. W. Knight and H. W . Whitney were most active in con-
ducting the work. The present officers are: Burton S. Tefft, H. P.; Howard
1. Gilbert, K. ; Clarence Bauer. S. ; L. J. Richter, treasurer: J. A. Huff,
secretary.
Elf Khurafeh Temple. A. A. O. N. M. S., meets at Masonic Temple on
call. ( If its officers Hiram A. Savage is Potentate; Floyd A. Wilson. C. R. :
John 0. Newberry. A. R. ; Wm. 11.' Mead. II. P. and P.; Charles A. Khuen,
0. G. ; Harry E. Oppenheimer, treasurer; Win. 11. McBratnie, secretary.
Arab Patrol has for its officers ' >tto F. Richter, president; Clarence M.
Ereton, captain; Edwin C. Forrest, adjt; William 11. McBratnie, secretary.
Ancient Landmarks Lodge. No. 303. F. & A. M., was instituted in the
Spring of 1871 with C. II. Cage as \\'. M. Doctor B. 1!. Ross, Lawson C.
Holden. Henrj I'.. Roney, Charles F. Weber. J. M. Brooks. Douglas White
and William Cole were prominently identified with it. The present officers
are: Homer L. Blaisdell, W. M. ; Guy D. Meston, S. W.; Otto F. Eckert,
1. W.; Charles L. Bigelow, S. D. ; Joseph S. Gerhart, 1. D. ; Charles J. I'helps,
secretary; Frank W. Perry, treasurer.
Apollo Lodge, No. 348, was organized in 1S77 with W. W. Knight,
W. M. ; Byron B. Stark. S. W. ; Reuben W. Andrus, J. W. ; < (liver 1'. Barber,
secretary; ami Nathan S. Wood, treasurer; Thomas M. lames, S. D. ; and
Charles E. Wheeler, J. D.
Salina Lodge, No. 153. was instituted in 1867; Saginaw Valley Conclave,
No. 4. of the Red Cross of Constantine was organized April 27, 1874, and East
Star Lodge, No. 6 i colored ) was chartered in 1862.
Merlin Grotto No. 63 Mystic Order
\ , Veiled Prophets Enchanted Realm, was
instituted under dispensation by Harold
/\ A M. Harter, of Toledo. Ohio, the Grand
^^ Venerable Prophet, on April 15, 1915, with
'/ if?P /*""¥» _. _ ^ / a charter membership of fifty-one. The
^^te»/..-. """-rXJ -r ""WW-/, first officers appointed at this time were:
-T/PPFElC 3,'f / Lvlln B- Emery, Monarch; J. A. Huff.
;[ J &PR"*" " --i; JfflJK, Chief Justice; Charles E. White, Master
rriz.r-~ ■""!!?• '".';■ "*' ceremonies; Charles J. I'helps. Secre-
5~l| ' f>;,* ' tar)- : Simon ( i. Koepke, Treasurer.
Tffc ^5jl| ( >n April 28th, the first Ceremonial
ij^^%. and Initiation was held at the Academy
MB j|i i**** of Music, the Degree being conferred by
8^,' jf*~ (~\ ,. ;•...,„.. Zal-Gaz Grotto, of Ann Arbor, on eighty-
§§ njJK ■■_ five candidates. A charter was granted
^■WH >'^^ ' -P-E^gSHB&g by the Supreme Council at the annual
5 atmm meeting held in Buffalo, N. Y., on June 9,
1915. The present membership is 385.
MASONIC TEMPLE Th£ ( ;,., )tto has f, „. jts pUrpose the
bringing together of all Masons into one common body and promoting the
spirit of good-fellowship.
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE 389
Other Fraternal Orders
Of the Independent ( >rder of ( >dd Fellows. Saginaw Lodge, No. 42, was
the first to be instituted in Saginaw. On February 9, 1849, this lodge was
organized by Charles D. Little, special D. D. (i. M., and the following
officers were elected: W. L. P. Little, N. G. ; J. S. Woodruff, V. G. ; J. B.
Chamberlain, secretary, and J. Bookstaver, treasurer.
Oriental Lodge, No. 188, meets Friday evening at 2710 South Washing-
ton Avenue. James P. King is N. G. ; Roy VV. Phoenix, R. S. ; and Frank
Newvine, treasurer.
The Star Lodge, No. 156, was the second circle of I >dd-Fellowship organ-
ized in this city; with Charles Move as X. G.. in 1853. The lodge was
reorganized in 1872. Its officers are G. J. Watkins, X. G. ; William Parkins,
secretary; Frank Maruna, treasurer.
O-Saw-Wa-Bon Lodge, No. 74, was instituted at East Saginaw on June
2. 1855. Owing to the small population of the place and other causes, the
lodge, whose first officers were Charles B. Mott, N. G., and Alexander Fer-
guson, V. G., gave up its charter two years later. It was reorganized in 1865
with J. S. Curtis, N. G. ; A. Ferguson, R. S. ; C. H. Barton, P. S. ; and
W. F. Glasby, S. This lodge has since become one of the largest and most
influential in the city. The present officers are: John T. Dunn, X. G. ;
Edward J. Diehl. recording secretary; George E. Dunn, treasurer.
Washington Encampment was instituted May 9, 1866, by M. VV. G. P.
1 lennis, with thirty members among whom were A. G. Van Wey, W. McRath,
D. H. Buel. A. O. T. Eaton, B. Rice and A. F. Rockwith. Valley Encamp-
ment, Xo. 20. was instituted May 10. 1866, with J. S. Curtis. C. H. Burton,
A. Ferguson, T. F. Doughty, VV. 11. Southwick, J. M. Luther and J. H.
McFarlin, charter members.
The other lodges of this order are the Empire, organized August 12. 1X74;
the Buena Vista Lodge, on February 26, 1872; the Oriental, instituted in
1872 with LeRoy II. DeLavergne, N. G. : and the Magara Encampment,
organized April 28, 1875.
Saginaw Lodge, No. 10, Knights of Pythias, was organized March 28,
1873, with James ( i. Terry as C. C. This important lodge has been well
maintained through the years, and its social and financial condition is unex-
celled. The present officers are: Charles W'. Light, C. C. ; A. E. Gold-
smith, K. of R. and S. and M. of F.
Thesus Lodge, No. 119, meets every Wednesday evening at 413 Court
Street. The officers are: Clinton VV. Osborn, C. C. ; Benjamin F. Eaton.
V. C. ; Charles VV. Ellis, prel. ; John Ferguson, M. of A.; E. Baskins.
trustee.
The Achilles Lodge, No. 15, was instituted January 7. 1874; and in 1881
Charles D. Little, Robert J. Birney, Benjamin (leer. Thomas L. Jackson,
Racine Purmort, C. M. Beach, and J. T. Burnham, all prominent citizens of
Saginaw City, were its most active members.
East Saginaw Lodge, No. 172, Good Templars, was established Novem-
ber 24. 1865, with Reverend B. F. Taylor. W. C. 'I". Fountain Head Lodge
was instituted Ma) 19, 1875, with George Stevens, VV. C. T., and forty
charter members.
Among the older orders of which record is found was a lodge of the
Daughters of Rebekah, known as Azure Lodge. Xo. 43. which was instituted
in Saginaw in 1871. At present the order is represented here by Azure
Lodge, No. ?)7 . Ilah Lodge. No. 174. Magnolia Lodge, and Naomi Lodge. Xo.
270, all of which are in flourishing condition.
OLD-TIME PORTRAITS OF WELL-KNOWN CITIZENS
Charles K Penney John Weller John JefCers
Walter Gardner Isaac Bearinger
.Mrs. E. .1. Ring Isaac Parsons Jlrs. C. W. Wells
Frederick II Herbert Gurdon Corning and Ida C.
Nicholas A Randall hi II Williams Judge L. C. Holden
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE 391
Court Valley, No. 232, of the Independent Order of Foresters meets in
Foresters" Temple with C. E. Hamilton as C. R. ; W. P. Stewart, V. C. R. ;
L. W. Hodgins, recording secretary; A. ( 1. Meakin, treasurer; II. J. Lemcke,
financial secretary, and A. Robertson and William J. McDonald, trustees.
Other lodges of this order are; Court Acme, No. 551; Court Mount-
aineer, No. 577; Court Starlight, No. 1024; Court Waldon, No. 529; and
Court Wanigas. No. 4529. There are also lour courts of the Lady Com-
panion Independent Order of Foresters.
The Macabees are a strong fraternal order in Saginaw, having no less
than ten tents, namely: Allemania Tent, No. 114; Concordia Tent, No. 132;
East Side Tent, No. 385: Cage Tent. No. Ill; Italy Tent. No. 866; [esse
Hoyt Tent, No. 51; John A. Edget Tent, No. 430: Lincoln Tent, No.' 113;
Penoyer Tent, No. 204 ; and Saginaw Tent, No. 107. There are also nine
hives of Ladies of the Macabees.
The Prudent Patricians of Pompeii, of Washington, D. C, is splendidly
represented here by nine primaries, which are: Peninsular Primary, No. 1;
Paragon Primary, No. 3; Purity Primary, No. 5; Peerless Primary, No. 6;
Pleasant Primary, No. 8: Puritan Primary. No. 16; Peerless Primary, No.
21; Philemon Primary, No. 29; and Penoyer Primary, No. 54; all of which
are in flourishing condition.
The Tribe of Ben Hur is represented by Saginaw Court, No. 85, of which
J. B. Johnson is P. C. : John McDonald. Chief; Robert Schenk, Judge;
E. Schenk, Scribe : and by Eros Court, No. 27, with Otto A. Weidemann,
Chief; Clarence L. Hay, Judge; Anna B. Cray, Scribe; and also by Wash-
ington Court, No. 116. William H. Borrowman is Deputy.
The Royal Arcanum has two councils in this city, Central Council,
No. 29, having for its officers Elmer E. Bishop, P. R. ; William I7.. Goodman,
R; William Curtin, V. R. ; J. C. Bauer, < ). ; II. J. Lemcke, secretary; J. H.
Woollacott, collector, and Carl R. Rogner. treasurer. Saginaw Council. No.
33, meets at K. of P. Hall on the West Side, and is also in flourishing
condition.
The Royal League has one council. Saginaw Council, No. 44. organized
in March, 1887. Cordon Robertson is archon; W. W. Grobe, scribe, and
D. A. King, treasurer.
The Royal Neighbors of America has Clover Leaf Camp, No. 157, and
Woodbine Lamp, No. 1549; the Royal Order of Lions is represented by
Saginaw Den, No. 304; and the Protected Home Circle by Saginaw Circle.
No. 133. and by Silver Leaf Circle, No. 243. The Loyal Guard has Saginaw
Division. No. 21 ; the Loyal Order of Moose by Saginaw Lodge, No. 82; the
Modern Brotherhood of America by Michigan Lodge, No. 1099, and Saginaw
Lodge, No. 1255.
The Modern W Imen of America has three camps, East Saginaw
Camp, No. 915; South Saginaw Camp, No. 4723. and Wheeler Camp, No.
4848. The Orangemen have Eden Lodge, No. 120; and the National Union,
East Saginaw Council, No. 179.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles is represented in this city by Saginaw
Aerie, No. 497. with Fred L. Travers, W. P.; Charles C. Holmes, W. V. P.:
E. B. Mowers, W. C. ; H. J. Lemcke, secretary, and John N. Richter,
treasurer.
The Knights of Columbus have a strong council in Saginaw Council.
No. 593, which has a fine building on North Washington Avenue for its
club home. The membership is said to be about five hundred, comprising
the foremost Roman Catholic citizens. There are also the Knights of St.
John with District Commandery and No. 158: and Knights of Honor repre-
sented by Schiller Lodge, No. 837, organized January 1, 1878, which meets on
the West Side.
GENESEE AVENUE, LOOKING WEST FROM JEFFERSON. 1900
WASHINGTON AVENUE. LOOKING NORTH FROM BANCROFT HOUSE, 1900
THE INDUSTRIAL HISTORY
OF SAGINAW
CHAPTER XVI
THE LUMBER INDUSTRY
Predictions of First Settlers — Earliest Saw Mills — The "Williams'1 Mill — The
First Mill on the East Side — Emerson Shipped the First Lumber — Evolution of Saw-
ing Machinery — Logs and Booms — The Output of the Tittabawassee — The Famous
Cork Pine of the Cass — Lumber Production of the Saginaw River — Experiences in
the North Woods — Theology in Camp — "Captain" Xaegely and the Lumber-jacks —
Some Old-tinu- Mills — A Model Establishment — Saw Mills in the Eighties — Output
of Saginaw Mills in 1S92 — Saginaw Becomes a Distributing Market — Charles Mer-
rill— John S. Estabrook — Samuel H. Webster — Benjamin F. Webster — Washing-
ton S. Green — Isaac Parsons — Characteristics of Amnii W. Wright — Ralph A. Love-
land — William II. Edwards.
THAT the Saginaw \ alley is entitled to pre-eminence in a history of the
lumber industry of the Northwest, is generally conceded, in view oi
the fact that from the earliest days of the State's development, it was
the central figure around which the lumber business of a large section
of Michigan revolved, while in the main its conditions were an index to those
of the State at large. The Saginaw River is the effluent of a number of
streams which penetrate the confines of the Huron watershed, and drain an
area of thirty-two hundred square miles. The principal stream is the Titta-
bawassee with numerous branches extending to the North and West. At
the confluence of this river with the Saginaw is the Shiawassee River run-
ning southward, while a short distance above are the Cass and Flint rivers,
extending to the East and Northeast, with various creeks penetrating the
pine forests of the "Thumb."
jThe early settlers of Saginaw Valley of the period of 1830, while fully
aware of the existence of vast forests of pine throughout this section of the
State, did not fully comprehend their extent or value, yet knew enough to
render them skeptical as to the possibility of their exhaustion in their own.
or the lifetime of their children. The supply of timber in the illimitable,
but accessible forests of Maine, was supposed to be sufficient with the most
wasteful extravagance, to answer all the demands of the East for a century,
hence the idea that the timber of Michigan could ever be in more than local
demand, was preposterous. How correct these predictions; how short a
time — scarcely more than half a century — it has taken to tell of the destruc-
tion of the vast pine forests of Michigan and Wisconsin, as well as those of
Maine. Even the present timber resources of Canada would provide for the
consumptive demand of the United States for only a few months. Later,
when lumber was shipped by cargo to the Albany market, in active competi-
tion with the product of Maine, the views of the early settlers underwent a
change; and late in the sixties it was foreseen that, at the rate the pine was
then disappearing, before the close of the century the pine lumber business
of Michigan would end.
394 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The Earliest Saw Mills
Albert Miller, in his interesting contributions to pioneer history, men-
tions that, on his first visit to Saginaw in 1830, he passed the saw" mill of
Rufus Stevens at the crossing of the Thread River, near Flint, and asserts
that this was the first mill on waters tributary to the Saginaw. Another
mill was that of Rowland Perry and Harvey Spencer at Grand Blanc, on the
head waters of the Thread River. The first raft .if timber floated on the
tributaries of the Saginaw was out at the Stevens mill, and hauled to the
Flint River, a distance of about three miles, where it was rafted. In 1830
an attempt was made by Alden Tupper to build a mill on the Flint below
Flushing, but it never did any work. George Oliver ran the Thread River
mill for Mr. Stevens, and a few years later a grist mill was added, and there-
upon became known as the "'Thread Mills."
The first lumber at Saginaw probably was cut by Albert Miller in the
primitive man-power method, he being the "pit" sawyer and Joseph Busby
or t harles A. Lull the "top" sawyer. This was early in the thirties, and the
lumber thus laboriously made was used for building their homes.
The "Williams" Mill
It was in 1834 that Harvey Williams, familiarly known as "Uncle Har-
vey," came to Saginaw from Detroit and built for Gardner 1 >. and Ephraim S.
Williams, his cousins, the first steam saw mill on the Saginaw River, thus
inaugurating the lumber industry of this stream. This mill, which was first
operated in 1835, was a very primitive affair, having a single gate saw driven
by an engine of wonderful proportions, and calculated to cut about two thou-
sand feet oi one-inch boards in a day of twelve hours. The engine, originally
built for the first steamboat, the Walk-in-the-Water, to ply the ( ireat Lakes,
had a cylinder six inches in diameter by forty-eight inches stroke, and after-
ward, following the wrecking of that boat in 1822, had been installed in the
steamboat Superior, and rendered good service for more than ten years longer.
Harvey Williams was an excellent blacksmith and all-round mechanic, and
personally forged the main parts of the iron work for the mill, bringing it
from Detroit when ready for use. He succeeded in adapting the peculiar
construction and power of the engine to the uses and needs of sawing
machinery; and afterward provided a run of stone for gristing.
To Gardner 1). Williams, who came to this forest wilderness in 1826, is
honor due for being the first lumberman on the Saginaw. He was of the
sturdy, progressive type of pioneer, fearless, and undaunted by the difficulties
ol border life. A strong man, physically and mentally, he became inured to
hardship and privation, and in following the occupation of fur trader grad-
ually assumed the customs and habits of the native Indians, whose" true
friend he was. (A portrait of Mr. Williams appears on page ninety.) In
this connection an interesting tale is told by a well known lady of tlie East
Side, wdio, coming to the settlement on the Saginaw when a mere child, lived
with her family in the old block house, which had been a part of Fort Sagi-
naw in 1822-23.
"It was yet in the thirties." she said, "that one delightful day in Summer
a young Indian girl appeared at the block house, with basketry and other
articles of craftsmanship of her race for sale. Because of her beauty and
grace of bearing, as well as by the hue texture of her dress, she everywhere
attracted attention and was an object of my curiosity, though I was but a
mere child. Instead of the loose and much soiled garments of the average
Indian, she was clad in a beautiful robe, evidently of European manufac-
ture, her stockings were silken, and instead of moccassins she wore fine
THE LUMBER INDUSTRY
395
CHOPPERS AT WORK IN THE FOREST
leather shoes of style and lit which betrayed a foreign origin. Her skin,
though tanned by exposure to the elements, was soft and fair, her hands
were shapely and without the appearance of toil or drudgery, and her luxur-
iant hair was carefully combed and dressed in some semblance to the style
of the frontier. Her manner was gentle and her voice soft and musical,
denoting care and patience in her training to young womanhood. 1 had
never seen so striking a beauty among the Indian girls, and was eager t < >
know her name and whence she came.
"When she had gone I asked the woman who conducted the little tavern,
whi i she was and where she lived. " 'Why, have you not heard?' she replied,
'the little Indian girl is the daughter of the great trader. Gard Williams
whose Indian wigwam is mi the hanks of the Tittabawassee.' Afterward,
I learned that the abode of the squaw who was her mother, and one among
a thousand of her race, was indeed up the river on the site of an ancient Indian
village. Within, it was lacking the tawdry trappings of the savage, but was
comfortably furnished with home-like articles of real utility, and the clothing
of the Indian woman was of the finest texture and weave."
In extenuation, it may be said that in the earliest days of settlement of
the wilderness, when the whites were so few and interspersed with renegades
from Canada, the mixing of the races and rearing of Indian families by the
traders, was not an uncommon occurrence, though frowned upon by the
better element of the scant population.
The mill of the Williams Brothers, at the foot of Mackinaw Street, was
for several years of more than ample capacity to supply the wants of the few-
settlers who had made homes for themselves in the valley. A cut of two
thousand feet per day was considered excellent, and required the engine to
be run at its full power, with its ponderous sash or gate rising and falling
with ever}- revolution of the twelve-foot fly wheel, to which it was directly
connected. With various improvements of equipment this mill was operated
off and on for a number of years, but was finally burned July 4. 1X54. having
been set on fire, it was supposed, by a fire-cracker. It was rebuilt and oper-
396 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
ated during the peril id of increasing production of lumber on the river, but
was again destroyed by fire in the early eighties. Rebuilt by George F.,
William A. and Stewart B. Williams, sons of Gardner D., on a much larger
scale and equipped with modern sawing machinery, with an extensive salt
block, this mill was one of the largest at the upper end of the river, and con-
tinued in operation until the exhaustion of the pine timber resources of this
section. At the close of the century the "Williams" mill, as it was commonly
called, was for the third time wiped out by fire, and nothing remained to
mark the location of a once prosperous business.
The First Mill on the East Side
In the Fall of 1836 "Uncle Harvey" Williams built a mulay mill on the
east side of the river for Mackie, Oakley & Jennison, of New York, in which
firm he had a financial interest, and thus, with Norman Little began a new
settlement. The mill was situated (see page 141) on rising ground just
south of the present Bristol Street bridge, on the site of the gas works.
When ready to commence operations in 1X37, with an engine of ten inch bore
and fourteen inch stroke, it was confidently expected that its capacity was
fully equal to any demand for lumber for at least a quarter of a century.
How little was it comprehended that within the lifetime of the pioneer lum-
bermen, the demand upon, and the production of lumber in the Saginaw
Valley would reach a thousand million feet in a year, as was the case in 1882,
The mill was engaged in the first few years of its operation in cutting
"long stuff" for the Michigan Central Railroad, then but recently commenced.
After an uncertain existence of eight years the mill was closed down, and
with three empty house-- stood as a reminder of shattered hopes. Its use-
fulness was not ended, however, for under the influence of youthful energy
and determination, and ample capital, its machinery was overhauled and again
put into action.
Curtis Emerson was the rejuvenating spirit of the old mill, who, in the
Spring of 184o, in association with Charles W. Grant, purchased the prop-
erty and cine hundred and seventy-five acres of land in the vicinity, for six
thousand dollars. Having spent ten thousand dollars in placing new boilers,
engine and other new equipment, the mill was ready for successful opera-
tion: and was thereafter known as the "Emerson" mill. It was fifty-five
feet by one hundred and twenty feet in dimensions, and had three upright
saws of three thousand feet a day capacity, each; one edging table and a
butting saw. The engine was of seventy-five horse power, with a stroke of
four and a half feet, and the new boilers were eighteen feet long by forty-two
inches in diameter. The annual capacity was about three million feet, work-
ing by day only. In those days no slabs or saw-dust were used as fuel, the
refuse from the saws being hauled away to dumps at an expense of five dol-
lars a day. though the boilers consumed seven cords of mixed wood in twelve
hours, at a cost of two dollars a cord. In later years, when cord wood was
not so easily obtained, a large part of the waste was burned under the boilers
of the river mills.
Emerson Shipped the First Cargo of Lumber
The first cargo of clear lumber ever shipped from the Saginaws was
loaded at the Emerson mill in 1X47. It was consigned to C. P. Williams &
Company, of Albany, New York, and was the first cargo of clear cork pine
to reach that market. Its peculiar value quickly attracted attention, and an
immediate demand for Saginaw pine lumber was created. This first ship-
ment to a foreign market was the birth of the lumber business in the valley,
and Emerson & Eldridge, who then operated the mill, projected better facili-
ties for transportation.
THE LUMBER INDUSTRY 3U7
In 1850 Charles W. Grant and Jesse Hoyt built the second mill on the
east side of the river, at the foot of German Street. It was known as the
"Hoyt" mill, and was successfully operated until March 26, 1854. when it was
destroyed with a large quantity of lumber, in the great tire which swept from
the river to Washington Street. The next mill in succession was that of
Sears & Holland, erected in 1855, near the foot of Atwater Street.
Meanwhile, the great flow of capital to the valley had stimulated invest-
ment in timber lands and building of saw mills, and by 1854 there were, upon
the authority of John S. Estabrook, twenty-nine mills on the river, and nine
others in process of building, with an estimated cutting capacity of one hun-
dred million feet a year. At the upper, or Saginaw, end of the river there
were in 1857 fourteen saw mills, and nine on the tributary streams, and
these cut in that year sixty million feet. An authentic list of these mills
appeared in the first History of Saginaw County, published by Truman B.
Fox, in 1858, and is herewith transcribed:
East Saginaw
Cut Value
Cushing & Company 4,500,000 feet $ 36.000.00
I. Hill " 2,500.000 feet 21,000.00
L. B. Curtis 3.000,000 feet 24.000.00
D. G. Holland 1.500,000 feet 10.0(H). Of)
Whitney & Garrison 3,000,000 feet 24,000.00
Gallagher Mill, (W. F. Glasby) 2.000,000 feet 14.000.00
Copefand & Companv 1.500.000 feet 10,000.00
Atwater Mill, ( Sears & 1 1. .Hand ) 3,500,000 feet 30,000.00
Saginaw City
Gang Mill 7.000,000 feet $ 30,000.00
G. D. Williams & Son 2,500,000 feet 21,000.00
Millard Mill. ( Curtis & King) 3,500,000 feet 30.0CXD.00
Zilwaukee
Johnson's, ( John Drake | 4,000,000 feet 35,000.00
B. F. Fisher 1.500,000 feet 10,000.00
J. A. Westervelt 4.000,000 feet 35.000.00
44,000,000 feet 8330,000.00
Tributary mills, including four water power, at
St. Charles. Chesaning, Birch Run and
Frankenmuth 16.000,000 feet 105,000.00
Total 60.000.000 feet S435.0O0.00
Average value, per thousand feet, seven dollars and twenty-five cents.
Evolution of Sawing Machinery
Up to this time the mills of the valley had passed through the evolution
from the sash to the mulay saw, which was superseded in turn by the rotary,
or "circular," as it was commonly called. Ten years later nearly all the mills
had discarded both gate and mulay, and the circular with a few gangs did
practically all the cutting, the former, of four to six gauge, having a capacity
of about one thousand feet an hour. The Sage & McGraw mill, at the
southern limit of Bay City, which was the largest mill on the river, had one
mulay for siding down the large logs, (which were then quite common, and
too valuable to be slaughtered on a rotary, the width of whose cut was
limited), one rotary saw. two slabbing gangs, and two stock gangs of forty
saws, each, making a seasons cut of about thirty million feet.
398
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The rough edges of the lumber as it fell from the saw were removed by
a single circular saw on a table at the side of the mill, which was operated
by men who walked its length, returned, turned the board over and repeated
the operation for each individual piece. Hut long in the sixties William H.
Taylor, a lumberman of Saginaw City, conceived the idea that the circular
saw was capable of cutting more than one thousand feet an hour, ami made a
wager with George William'- that he could cut double that quantity. On
a given day a test was made in the presence of a large number of incredulous
mill men, who came to be witnesses of Taylor's discomfiture. Imagine their
chagrin when, in less than an hour the mill was piled full of unedged lumber,
which the edging table could not take care of. The saw had cut more than
four thousand feet of lumber in the hour, and demonstrated that its capacity
was limited only by an ability to edge the lumber and remove it from the mill.
Inventive genius was at once set at work, and in a short time Thomas
Munn, of Hay City, introduced a double-edging table which, with mechanical
leed. quickly trimmed 1 oth edges of the hoard at one operation. The double
*•
LOADING ON SLEIGHS
HAULING TO SKIDWAY
edger was at once received into favor by mill men, and within a few years
was to fie found in nearly every mill in the country. The limit of capacity of
the circular saw was so greatly increased that twenty-four thousand feet per
hour has been attained by a Texas mill, cutting Southern long-leaf pine.
Improvement of the gang saw followed, and the great waste in the early
cutting operations was largely eliminated. In this important advance the
machinery firm of Wickes Brothers, composed of Henry D., Edward N.,
and Charles T. Wickes, performed great service to the lumber industry, and
their perfected gangs have been the standard wherever lumber is manufac-
tured. Today, their gang saws, adapted to every and particular need of the
industry, are made in this city, and are sent to every country in the world.
The first experiment in the use of a band saw for cutting lumber was
made by James J. McCormick, in his mill at Bay City about 1X58, but proved
a failure from the multiplicity of wheels employed to secure a proper tension,
and was discarded as impractical. At the Centennial Exposition of 1876 a
band saw mill was exhibited by I. F. Hoffman, of Fort Wayne, Indiana: and
he may fairly be called the father of the practical band-saw mill. It was not
THE LUMBER INDUSTRY
399
until about 1883-84 that the possibilities of the band saw began to gain recog-
nition, and in a highly perfected condition has since found general acceptance
in the saw mill world. The chief advantage (if the hand saw lies in its speed
and thin kerf, thereby reducing the cost of operation and also the waste.
Especially is this true in resawing, the facilities of which have been greatly
increased by the line of perfected resaws manufactured in Saginaw by W. B.
Mershon & Company. Starting about twenty-five years ago in a small way.
by the making of a few resaw machines, the invention of Edward C. Mershon,
for local trade, the business has grown to enormous proportions, and resaws
for every purpose and need are made and shipped to every country on the
globe.
Logs and Booms
The log product of the vast forests to the North and West was floated
mainly to the mills of the Saginaw River, for the handling of which booms
became a prime necessity. As the number of operators putting logs of vari-
ous marks into the different streams, increased, it was necessary that some
*****
A LOG DUMP
RAFTING LOGS
central point should be established, at which the logs could be separated and
each owner be enabled to claim his own. To this end boom companies were
incorporated, and large sorting works erected at the mouth of the various
main streams.
At each banking ground where the logs were dumped into the stream.
the end of each log was marked with a hammer containing the letter or device
adopted by the owner as a distinctive mark. These marks consisted in many
instances of a single letter, and in others of a device such as crossed keys,
square and compass, a boot, an anchor, or a square or diamond enclosing
an initial letter in capitals two or three inches long. Enough hammer strokes
of the letter or character were struck upon each log to ensure that whatever
side of the log floated upward, a mark would be visible. In this simple man-
ner the logs of a score or a hundred different owners would be separated at
the sorting gap, so that each owner could receive his own.
The logs which had been dumped promiscuously into the stream at vari-
ous points, were floated by the current to the head of the boom works, where
they were diverted from the main stream into a large boom or enclosure
400 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
occupying one-half of the river and reaching for miles up its course. At the
lower end was a narrow sorting gap, through which, as each log passed it
was examined for the owner's mark upon its end, and run into a pocket con-
taining logs of the same mark. As the logs of each owner accumulated they
were rafted, by securing each by a slotted wooden pin driven into its side at
the middle, through which a rope was stretched making "strings," or rafts,
tn he floated or towed to the mill 1 m of the owner. These operations,
including the delivery of rafts to the mill booms, were performed by the boom
companies.
The Output of the Tittabawassee
The Tittabawassee was the leading boom of the Saginaw district, as
indeed of the State. The first boom mi this stream was built in 1856 by
Joseph A. Whittier fur Charles Merrill & Company, and from that date until
1864 about une billion seven hundred million feet of logs were rafted out to
supply the Saginaw mills. In 1864 the Tittabawassee Boom Company was
organized to take over the business, and that year rafted nut ninety million
feet of logs, leaving six million in the boom. Two years later the company
had twelve miles of bourns, gave employment to about two hundred and fifty
river men, expended twenty-one thousand dollars for rope to be used in
railing, and rafted out one hundred and eighty-six million feet of logs. In
1867 Joseph E. Shaw was president of the company, foseph A. Whittier,
secretary, Ammi W. Wright, treasurer, and Charles Burleson, agent; and the
company sorted and rafted nine hundred sixty-seven thousand six hundred
and ninety-five pieces, scaling over two hundred and thirty-six million feet.
The high tide of the output of this famous stream was reached in 1882,
when six hundred eleven million eight hundred and sixty-three thousand feet
of pine saw logs were rafted and delivered to the owners. From that date
the cutting of logs gradually fell off, until in 1895 only fifteen million feet
were rafted, and in the following year ten million feet. The total output of
the Tittabawassee and its tributaries aggregated eleven billion eight hun-
dred and fifty million feet, figures which stagger the mind to grasp. No
other lugging stream has floated such an enormous quantity of logs, and the
high record is likely to stand for generations.
The Famous Cork Pine of the Cass
Next in importance was the cork pine of the Cass River, the first cutting
of which was as far back as IS.iO. on the banks of Perry Creek. During a
period of fifty years, in which was witnessed the rise and fall of logging on
this stream, the finest growth of cork pine timber in the United States was
swept away, and a fine agricultural country has taken its place. While the
stream was not as prolific of timber as some other Michigan rivers, it made
a notable showing with one billion one hundred and twenty-six million feet,
and its fame in point of quality will live as long as the annals of Michigan
lumbering are preserved.
The first saw logs from the Cass were cut in a little mill that had been
put up by E. W. Perry, mi the banks of the creek that bore his name, near
the present village of Tuscola. The mill was constructed primarily to supply
the local demand for lumber, that section beginning to attract settlers, but
even its limited capacity was more than sufficient to supply the wants of the
locality, and as the stock accumulated Mr. Perry sought other markets for it.
Cass River at that time was obstructed by driftwood and snags, and before
any attempt was made to clear the stream, this pioneer lumberman made up
the lumber in the form of small cribs and ran them down the river. He
succeeded in reaching Saginaw with the greater portion of his stock, and
z <.*•%
402 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
shipped sixty thousand feet to Cleveland on the schooner Loraine, Captain
Pool, in which market it was sold and Perry received his pay. In 1839 he
shipped another cargo to Detroit, but before he received payment for it the
bankruptcy law of 1840 became effective, and the purchaser of the lumber
paid for it in a bankrupt's notice.
The first saw logs of any amount were rafted down the lass River in
the Spring of 1847. Curtis Emerson and James Eldridge, who were operat-
ing the "Id yellow mill which was near the site of the City Hall, sent a lum-
berman from Maine, named Daggett, up the Ca>> t' > make sellections of
timber which it was proposed to purchase and stuck the mill. Daggett went
over this section and returned with a doleful story that there was not enough
timber available on the stream to furnish logs for a saw mill to run three
years. Neverthele>>, one tract of timber that he said would furnish logs for
"lie seasons' run, was purchased, a road cut through to the timber, a camp
started and logging begun. The camp was located within eighty rods of the
present court house at Card. The inaccuracy of the "Id lumberman's esti-
mate is illustrated by the fact that twenty-six years later more than one hun-
dred million feet of logs were rafted out ") the Cass in a single season.
The difficulties of hauling supplies t<> that primitive camp on the Cass
were herculean. Every pound of feed for man and beast had t" be hauled
from Saginaw, one-half of the distance being through a dense wilderness,
with only a rough trail winding through the forest. There was no bailed
hay in those days, and by the time a load of fxise hay had been hauled many
miles through the forest, a considerable portion of it was pulled away by the
limb-- of overhanging trees. But with all the trials and hardships, the early
woodsmen were equal t" the occasion, and a g 1 stuck of the famous cork
pine was put into the stream, and in the Spring floated down t" the mill at
Saginaw.
In later years, it having been demonstrated that logs could be handled by
organized effort more effectively and economically, the Huron Log Booming
Company was organized with a capital of twenty-five thousand d"llars. In
1864, the first year of its operations, the company had three miles of booms
and rafted about forty million feet of logs, and in 1867 handled nearly seventy-
two million feet. During the season from sixty to eighty river men were
employed "ii the 1 ms and rafts, and almost nineteen thousand dollars worth
of rope was used in rafting. The officers of the company were: C. K. Eddy,
president; J. F. Bundy, secretary, and Edwin Eddy, treasurer.
The largest output of the Cass in a single season was in 1873. when one
hundred four million four hundred and fifty-eight thousand feet of logs were
rafted out; and the prices of cork pine logs ranged from two and a half
dollars to five d"llars a thousand feet. Such lumber as these logs produced,
clear without shaken or sap, would firing on the market today more than one
hundred dollars a thousand feet.
Bv 1885 the cork pine had been nearly cleaned up on this stream, but for
about ten years longer hemlock and hardw Is were cut and rafted, but never
exceeding five million feet in a season, ranging from one and a half million
t" three million feet, the logging operations being conducted by individual
owners. < >ne stand of cork pine, however, the last of its kind, consisting of
two hundred and sixty trees, on a "lie hundred acre tract two miles east of
Cass City, was held for thirty-five years by John Striffler and sold in 1907
t" the Sterling Cedar Company, of Monroe, Michigan, for eighteen thousand
dollars. The largest trees measured a little over five feet in diameter at the
stump, while others ranged from four to two feet, the whole bunch cutting
more than one hundred thousand feet of high grade lumber.
THE LUMBER INDUSTRY 403
In 1865 the Bad River and tributaries contributed about twenty million
feet of logs tn the Saginaw mills; in 1866, twenty-three million feet, and in
1867 about nineteen million. During the same years the Flint River yielded
thirty million, twenty-two million and five million five hundred thousand feet,
respectively, mostly for John P. Allison. James Shearer & Company, William
[Hodgson nd J. S. Noyes. The rapid decline of production on this stream, oi
timber coming to the Saginaws, was attributed in part to the fact that a
number of inland mills erected near the head waters of the river consumed
a large portion of the output, and also to a combination of operators that
existed to prevent logs from coming down. In 1897 only one hundred thou-
sand feet of logs came out from the Bad and Flint Rivers, and the pine timber
of these streams passed into history. Their output cut by the Saginaw mills
was by no means inconsiderable, as nearly three hundred and nineteen million
feet of logs were rafted from these streams from 1872 to the close of logging
operatii ins.
Lumber Production of the Saginaw River
Without delving too far in the realm of statistics, it may be well t • •
include, for the sake of permanent record, the yearly cut of the Saginaw River
mills, and the production of shingles, from 1851 t < > and including" 1897, as
fi ill' iws :
Lumber,
Shingles
1 .umber.
Shingles
feet
pieces
feet
pieces
1851
1 12.000,000
1875
581.558.273
124,030.240
1852
90,000,000
1876
583,050,771
204,31o, 725
1853
96,000,000
1877
(.40. Id',. 231
167,806,750
1854
100,000,000
1878
574,162,757
153,999,750
1855
100.000,000
1879
736,106,000
218.O34.00O
1856
110.000,000
1880
873,047,731
241.075,0,0
1857
113,700,000
1881
976,320,317
304.' )25,50( )
1858
1" .,500,000
1882
1.011,274,005
295,046,500
185"
122.750,000
1883
938,675,078
242,126,000
18o()
1 25. 000,000
1884
978,497,853
261,266,750
18ol
120.000,000
1885
728.408.221
222,0.53,000
1862
128,000,000
I880
7"X.X2<k224
227,463,000
1863
133,580,000
1887
783,661,265
196,983,000
1864
215,000,000
1888
880,669,440
297,224,000
18i.5
250,639,340
1 88' '
851,823,153
220.7So.25o
1866
349,767,344
1 8' i< )
815,054,465
221.830,000
1867
423,963,190
60,983,
000
1891
758,610,548
222,1,07,250
1868
451,3')5,225
104.104,500
1 8' >2
708,465,027
182,315,200
1869
523,500,830
119,843,
500
1893
585,839,426
112,856,000
1870
57(1.72(1,606
178,570,000
18' >4
481.244.03')
85,602,250
1871
529,682,878
1 87.( . '0. (!■; 10
1 8! »5
433.683.083
52.845,000
1872
602,118,980
159,001,
750
1896
316,797,879
38,180,000
1873
olo.877.021
218,394
,558
1897
330.001,000
48,276,000
1874
?73.<,32.77\
208,489
,500
22.O30.757.551 5.580.555,223
The above table will give a fair idea of the advance in lumber production
from year to year toward the maximum in 1882, and of the rapid decline both
in lumber and shingles. No figures are available to show the shingle pro-
duction previous to 1867, wliile no estimate can be offered regarding the minor
production of lath and pickets, but the aggregate quantity of the former must
have reached high figures.
404
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
••SNAKING" LOGS BY OX TEAM, 1860
Manv million feet of pine saw logs were rafted from points on the I [uron
shore north of Tawas and from Lake Superior to the Saginaw River, of which
no records are at hand. In 1892 there came from these sources sixty-three
million feet of logs, and in 1894 about thirty-eight million feet. The pine
forests of Georgian Bay also yielded a great quantity of lugs for our mills,
the inception of the hag boom in 1891 marking the first year of any con-
siderable movement from Canada to this river. In that year eighty million
feet of logs were towed across the lake, the rafts ranging from two to six
million feet, and while a raft occasionally went ashore in a gale, the loss of
timber was only about rive hundred pieces to every seventy thousand pieces
rafted. In 1892 there was brought from Georgian May to Saginaw River, one
hundred eighty-four million five hundred thousand feet of pine logs; and in
1893, two hundred and seventy five million feet to Michigan mills, while in
IS1'", one hundred and sixty-seventy million five hundred thousand feet came
to this river. The estimated value of the logs handled in 1895 was eleven
dollars a thousand, and many Michigan lumbermen made large purchases of
pine timber limits in Canada to stock their mills.
Experiences in the North Woods
An old time tale of actual experiences in the northern pineries was told
some -.ears ago by the late William Callam, better known as "Bill Callam,"
one of the best known lumbermen of the valley, lie came to Saginaw in boy-
It 1 and grew up with Wellington R. Hurt's big saw mill, his first job being
to bundle lath, fifty pieces in a bundle. Every lath was made clean and
sound in those days from the great slabs that came from the logs. After-
ward In ran the lath saws, ami as he grew stronger bolted the slabs, and
firalh became foreman of the mill in the sawing season, and foreman in the
w i ii ids in the Winter.
While directing the felling, skidding and hauling of the logs to the
stream, he looked timber a little, ami one day far away from cam]), away tin
the Chippewa, he found a most beautiful body of white pine timber, lie
THE LUMBER INDUSTRY 405
sized it up as it stood, fifty, sixty, seventy and even eighty feet to the first
limb of some of the giants, and stumbled across the witness tree and the
corner stake that had been planted by the government surveyors only a few
years before. It read, "Section Eighteen, One West." and appeared to him
a beacon to success.
He was then twenty-three years of age, married, and had saved twenty-
five hundred dollars from his earnings, which was deposited in the hands of his
boss to his credit. At the end of the sawing season he quit his job at the mill,
drew out his savings, and proceeded to carry out his cherished plan of making
a start for himself.
"Before sun-up the next morning, he said, "I started out with a few
dollars in my pocket, taking along as a companion an old muzzle-loading
rifle that had fallen to me in a previous Thanksgiving raffle, and set out on a
tramp up the Tittabawassee. This was in "58, in the Eall of the year, and the
weather was fine. A gun wasn't taken out just for ornament in those days,
for you could stumble on to bears and cats and deer, wolverines and such
like, almost anywhere. Now, bears never trouble a man unless it's occasion-
ally an old she-bear, unless he gets cornered, and then he is likely to get
ugly. 1 got up to the mouth of the Pine and arranged with an old chap
who ran a store there for an outfit. I packed up just eighty pounds of pork,
beans, flour, tea and salt, and the next morning started up the Pine and
branched off up the Chippewa.
"Before leaving Saginaw I had gone to the land office and had found
that section eighteen, one west, still belonged to the government, 1 often
wondered why, because it was a magnificent piece of timber, and logging
operations had been going on up the Chippewa for several years. The next
day I found the witness tree and the corner stake, and I spent a week in the
woods up there racing off forty after forty, and picking out the very best
portion of the timber. I hadn't seen a soul, but about four o'clock one after-
noon I saw tracks. They weren't Indian tracks either. I knew 'em. They
were landlookers tracks, and they were fresh, and I saiil to myself, 'Hill, if
you get this land you have got to get a move on yourself.' Bill got
"It was sixty miles by trail to Saginaw, and I waited just long enough
to hide my gun in a hollow tree, and started, and 1 never stopped. I didn't
go home to see my wife, but staggered into the land office just as it was
being opened up, and I gasped: 'Let me see the map covering eighteen, one
west, again' 1 got the map in my hand. The section was still unentered.
I picked out two hundred and forty acres of the six hundred and forty of the
section, and had the clerk enter them to me. I handed him twenty-five dollars
and told him I would be back in fifteen minutes with the rest of the three
hundred. You know we bought government land then at ten shillings
an acre. I rushed into my house, tore up a corner of the carpet, grabbed a
handful of bills and hurried back to the land office. The clerk was just
signing my receipt when up in front rode my old boss' landlooker wit1: his
horse dripping with sweat and dead beat. I had beaten him in afoot by just
fifteen minutes.
"1 bought six horses, hired fifteen French-Canadians, not one of whom
could speak a word of English, bought supplies of fodder and provisions, axes,
cant hooks and peavies, and loaded the whole outfit on an old sand scow that
I chartered for the Winter. My wife went along. We poled that good
hundred miles up the Saginaw, the Tittabawassee, the Pine and the Chippewa.
On the upper river we would occasionally find a riffle, where we would have
to unload the horses and drag the scow up to deep water again. Eventually
we arrived at section eighteen, one west, and built a shanty of logs, roofed
with rived shakes, partitioned off a little room in the rear for my wife's bed-
room, and started camp for the Winter.
406
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
"The boys slept ami ate and fought and swore, and swore and fought and
ate — al! in French-Canuck — in the main part of the shanty. We built another
shanty for the horses; then we made a few roads that were necessary, and
started in felling and skidding logs. We all winked like Trojans. Those
Frenchmen worked hard because I worked with them. My days were busy
in the woods, and the evenings 1 spent in repairing harness or mending
sleds, and making whiffletrees. My wife was the only woman in the camp,
and was .he must popular person in it. Even out of the few materials at
hand -he conjured dainties for the men that they highly appreciated.
"It was a great Winter. The snow fell early and stayed without a
break-up. We did hustle logs and in the Spring with the breaking up of the
river, we started down a drive of one million four hundred thousand feet
of cork pine logs, that averaged less than three to the thousand. The old
■and scow was transformed into a cook house, and with my wife aboard,
brought n]i the rear of the drive. We made a clean drive that Spring, ami we
vol the whole hunch of logs safe and clean into the Green Point boom.
"I owed everybody. 1 didn't have a cent left to pay my crew, hut 1
coaxed Uncle John Estabrook — dear old chap — to advance me twenty-five
hundred dollars and take his pa) in lumber at seven dollars for culls, twelve
dollars for common and forty dollars for uppers. Seven, twelve and forty
was no slouch of a price for lumber in those days. Well, that was my start iii
lumbering on my own account, and 1 stuck to it as Ion- as there was any
timber left in these parts."
INTERIOR OF BUNK HOU5E
THE LUMBER INDUSTRY
-407
Yeai
Theology in Camp
ha
irs ago, among the hardy river drivers of this section, there was a
noted character named "Silver Jack," otherwise John Driscol, who was a
"lough" by nature and universally feared and dreaded throughout Northern
Michigan. The incident embodied in this verse was given to the writer,
Clarence H. Pearson, substantially as related, by one of Driscol's former
a -si iciates :
"I was on the drive in eighty,
Workin' under Silver Jack,
Which the same is new in Jackson,
An' ain't soon expected back;
An' there was a chap amongst tis
By the name of Robert Waite,
Kinder cute and smart and tonguej
Guess he was a graduate.
"He could talk on any subject
From the Bible down to Hoyle,
An' his weird- flowed out so easy —
Jest as smooth an' slick as oil;
He was what they call a skeptic,
And he loved to set and weave
Hifalutin' words together
Tellin' what he didn't b-leve.
"< 'tie day while we all was waitin.
heir a flood we sat around
Smokin' nigger-head toboccer
An' hearin' Bob expound;
Hell, he said, was all a humbug,
An' he showed as clear as day
Thet the Bible was a fable,
An' we 'lowed it looked that way.
" 'Miracles.' said he. 'an' sich like
Is too rank fur me to Stan';
\s fur him they call the Savior,
He was jest a common man.'
'You're a liar!' someone shunted,
'An' you've gut to take it back.'
Then everybody started —
Twas the voice of Silver Jack.
'An' he cracked his lists together,
An' he shucked his coat and cried,
'It was in thet thar religion
Thet my mother lived an' died;
An' although I haven't alius
Used the Lord exactly white,
When I hear a chump abuse him
lie must eat Ills words or light.'
'Xi \v this Boli. he warn't no coward.
An' he answered bold and free:
'Stack yer duds and cut yer capers.
For there ain't no flies on me.'
An' they tit for forty minutes,
An' the lads would whoop and cheer
When Jack spit up a tooth or two,
( )r Bi ibby lost an ear.
'But at last Jack got him under
An' he slugged him onct or twict,
An' Bob straightway acknowledged
The divinity of Christ;
But Jack kept reasonin' with him
Till the poor cuss gin a yell
An' allowed he'd been mistaken
In his views concernin' hell.
'Then the fierce discussion ended,
An' they got up from the ground,
An' someone fetched a bottle out
And kindly passed it round;
An' we drank to Jack's religion
In a solemn sort of way.
An' the spread of infidelity
W.i- checked in camp that day."
"Captain" Naegely and the Lumber-jacks
In the good i Jd lumbering days of the seventies and eighties, when all
was hustle and activity mi the river, the "red sash brigade" of lumber-jacks
was one of the picturesque features of the border towns. Upon breaking up
of the lumber camps in the Spring, these hardy woodsmen came to town in
droves, bedecked in Mackinaw coats of many colors, red sashes, pacs and
hurons. and with large rolls of money, the earnings of a Winter's work, which
they spent freely in revelry and dissipation. Saginaw was a "wide open"
town, and welcomed the reckless woodsmen with open arms, a condition
which was exactly to their liking, and they did just about as they pleased.
Some lumbermen, however, made their homes here, working in the mills in
Summer and in the pineries in Winter.
On quitting the camp the lumber-jacks were paid off in "camp orders"
drawn on the lumber company, for the net amount due each one, and were
payable at the company's office in the Saginaws. f\o up ney circulated in
the camp-;, but the simple wants id' the men. such as heavy, warm clothing
worn in the woods, pacs, tobacco and pipes were supplied them from the
company stores and charged to their account. Beyond these necessities there
408 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
1 1
was no way of spending money in the depths of the forest, and the men
who stuck to the camp through the long Winter, came out with orders drawn
for two to three hundred dollars, or even more.
At that time "Captain" Naegely kept a hotel in the low two-story brick
building, which is still standing, on the west side of Jefferson Street, near
Tuscola. He was a "father," so to speak, of a large number of lumber-jacks
who stayed at his house and enjoyed his hospitality, and he knew how to
handle them. The wise ones who realized the pitfalls of the city, made him
their hanker, and he would cash their cam]) orders, either handing out a
generous mil of bills or retaining the greater part of the aim unit in his safe
keeping. This preliminary arranged, nothing would do hut he should look
after their physical comfort. A visit to Jerry's barber shop on Lapeer Street
relieved them of a Winter's growth of hair ami whiskers, and a hot bath made
them tolerably presentable. Next, a call at Bendit's or Koch's clothing stores
refitted them with new. clean outfits, including the inevitable red sash, and at
Lenheim's or Warner's with new boots or pacs.
After some minor purchases had been made and the woodsmen hail filled
up on the feed provided by the "Captain," they were ready to "take in the
sights of the town," and this they proceeded to do in characteristic fashion.
Water Street from the depot at 1 'otter Street to Sears and Holland's mill,
near Bristol, was the principal trail of the lumber-jacks, one of their favorite
haunts, the Riverside House, being situated at the corner of McCoskry and
Water Streets. The main streets of the town were rendered indescribably
gay and fantastic by the fighting woodsmen, the lives of law-abiding citizens
ften being jeapordized by their murderous outbreaks. Many reckless spirits
lost their "wads" in one night by theft, others spent their all in a week or ten
days, while a few wiser ones managed to "have a time of it," and still keep
some of their hard earned wages. The truth was, the tradesmen were "out"
t<> get the woodsmen's coin, and the rough element got the most of it, from
Warren Bordwell's show house, mi Washington Street, to the ever open row
oi resorts on Franklin Street. The scenes of revelry witnessed by those who
were thrown much with the lumber-jacks and river men. will never be erased
as long as memory lasts.
In those days everybody was busy as there was plenty of work to do.
and with money and spenders everywhere, many enterprising men were
gaining wealth. The foundation of many a substantial fortune was laid in
trading and less legitimate pursuits, generally at the expense of the dwellers
of the north woods. As years went by, the "Captain," as the friend of the
woodsmen, acquired a handsome competence and erected the three-story brick
hotel, nearly opposite his old place, which for many years bore his name, and
in which he continued to entertain the lumbermen and the traveling public.
Some Old-Time Saw Mills
Beginning at the lower end of town, at the railroad depot, and proceeding
up the river erne would come to the steam saw mill of Dwight G. Holland,
capable of making five million feet of lumber annually and giving employment
to eighteen men. Next in order was the ship yard of Jesse Hoyt. and then the
extensive stave factory of C. iv: E. Ten Eyck, with a capacity of two million
staves and employing ten men. Afterward the manufacture of shingles be-
came the principal product of this concern. Jesse Hoyt's planing mill, work-
ing twenty men, came next, and its capacity was forty thousand feet of planed
lumber per day. Above this was the Genesee Iron Works of Wickes
Brothers, and the Mayflower Mills owned by Jesse Hoyt and operated by-
John Bradfleld. Its capacity was one hundred and fifty barrels of flour per
THE LUMBER INDUSTRY
409
day. and
L .C. W
annually
The
order, w
per day,
in all to
A. H. M
pump Ik
day, and
eighteen
machine.
was considered one of the best equipped flouring mills in the country.
hiting's saw mill came next, and had a capacity of three million feet
, employing eighteen men.
saw mill of W. F. Glasby, of three million feet capacity, was next in
ith stave making machinery which turned out fifty thousand staves
and shovel handles and wood work generally, giving employment
thirty-six men. In the same establishment was the planing mill of
ershon, with a capacity of twenty-five thousand feet per day, and a
•ring machine capable of Inning cue thousand feet of pump logs in a
other machinery for cutting, sawing, boring and planing, requiring
men. E. A. Wilder also had in operation at this mill a patent hoop
which turned out twenty thousand barrel hoops per day.
TABLES SPREAD IN ■'CHUCK" SHANTY
Above this factory was the mill of Penny 6c Quackenbush, giving em-
ployment to fourteen men and turning out about two million feet of lumber
in a year. Next above was the large mill of < i. C. Warner & Company, of
^ix million feet capacity and employing twenty-eight men. Near by was the
foundry and machine shop of Warner & Eastman, and the brewer}- of John
F.rd. which made three thousand barrels of ale and beer in a year. The
iron foundry of George \\ . Merrill came next giving employment to ten
men. Above the foundry was the immense saw mill of F. P. Sears cc Com-
pany which cut seven million feet of lumber and manufactured staves for
forty thousand nail kegs in a year, employing thirty-five men. In 1863 the
combined capacity of the mills at East Saginaw was forty million feet oi
'lumber, and large quantities of square timber, staves, shingles and lath.
In other parts of the city were numerous works of various kinds, among
which was the sash and blind factor) .if llosea Pratt, on Hayden Street,
which employed twelve men; the "City Mills," owned by O. H. P. Champlin,
with a capacity of fifty barrels of flour per day; the sash and blind factor)
of Allen & McLean, on Jefferson Street adjoining the hotel of II. Naegel).
and the brewer)- of Charles Langlas, on the same street.
410 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Near the upper limits of Saginaw City was the shingle mill of William
If. Tuttle, and near by the steam saw mill of Jerome & Taylor, with a
capacity of five million feet of lumber. Next in order coming down the river,
was the saw mill of Williams Brothers, cutting three million feet, and
further down the gang mill of Millard, Paine & Wright, then the largest
mill in the world. This mill had a capacity of ten million feet in a year,
which was regarded as a phenomenal production. Waterman & Harrington,
and Blanchard & Sons, had large factories, and X. R. Ramsey an extensive
sash, door and blind shop. There was also a steam fiouring mill, having two
run of stone, owned by E. R. Shimmons, on Water Street, all within the
limits of one mile.
A Mcdel Establishment
In the seventies the saw mill of W. R. Burt & Company, situated about
seven miles below the city, was one of the most complete establishments on
the river. Whether its sawing capacity, or its stave and heading mill, barrel
factory, shingle mill or salt works, all combined under one management, was
considered, and its carpenter ami blacksmith shops, gas works, school house
and public library — everything requisite for a community in itself — the guiding
spirit oi a master mind was everywhere apparent. The mill was completed in
July, 1868, and the banks of the river at the isolated and barren location pre-
sented an almost unlimited space for boomage ami dockage, and with a channel
of a depth of eleven feet to the Bay. To reach Zilwaukee a roadway had to
be made through the prairie on the bank of the river, but the principal mode
of conveyance to East Saginaw, where Mr. Hurt lived and had an office, was
by boat. 'Idle investment in plant was nearly two hundred thousand dollars.
a large capital for that time, and was exclusive of heavy investment in timber
lands in adjoining counties.
During the sawing season one hundred and fifty men were employed in
the mill proper, which ran night and day with an average cut of one hundred
thousand feet every twelve hours. There were two gangs, one circular and
one upright saw, with edging tables and cut-off saws, a lath machine which
made twelve thousand pieces in twelve hours, and stave machinery turning
out seven thousand pieces and a heading machine eight hundred sets in the
same time. The shingle mill employed twenty-five men and boys, who made
fifty thousand shingles, and the cooper shop with fifteen men turned out three
hundred barrels daily. The salt works had a capacity of two hundred and
seventy-five barrels per day, and gave employment to forty men. In all two
hundred and thirty men were employed at this mill, and formed a community
living in cottages erected and owned by the company, and in huge boarding
houses, all on the premises. It was Mr. Burt's policy to employ married men
whenever possible, as they were more steady and less excitable in time of
strikes. In one instance, when nearly every mill on the river shut down on
account of labor troubles, the Burt mill did not stop a day. the men being
contented and well satisfied with conditions. A school house erected by the
company was open to children of employees seven months in a year, and a
well stocked public library was maintained for the benefit of the people.
The lumber cut in this mill was shipped largely to < Ihio ports, and the salt
found a ready market at Chicago and Milwaukee. As an index of the volume
( f business transacted by this company, the shipments for the first half of 1874
amounted to fourteen million feet of lumber, one million two hundred and
thirty thousand pieces of lath, forty-five thousand sets of heading, two million
and seventy-seven thousand shingles, one hundred thousand staves, and
thirty-one thousand barrels of salt. The office in Saginaw was on Water
Street and was in charge of Frank Lawrence, afterwards an extensive real
estate dealer and mayor of the city.
THE LUMBER INDUSTRY 411
The Saginaw Mills in the Eighties
About two miles below the Burt Mill, at Melbourne, was the large saw
mill and salt works of Whitney & Batchelor; and above, at Zilwaukee, were
the mills of Rust, Eaton & Company, E. F. Gould, Bliss, Brown & Company,
and C. L. Grant & Company, while on the cast side of the river were the mills
of the Saginaw Lumber & Salt Company, Melchers & Nerreter and S. W.
Tyler & Son. At Carrollton, coming up the river, was the saw mill and solar
salt field < if J. C. Lockwi lod, the mills and salt works of \Y. A. I )eGrauw, Aar< >n
T. l'.liss, T. Jerome iK: Company, E. F. Gould, J. Riley, and the planing mill
and salt works of William 1'.. Mershon. On the middle ground opposite was
the extensive plant of the Hoyt Estate, managed l>\ William L. Webber,
which included a complete planing mill on the east side of the river; the
planing mills of W'itham. Anderson & Company and J. J, Winsor, and the
large plants of fohn G. Owen, comprising saw mill, salt works, and planing
mill which also made sash, doors and blinds.
At Florence, directly opposite East Saginaw, were located a number of
lumbering concerns, including Backus & Binder, Whittier & Company (also
making shingles), Charles Merrill & Company, the salt works of George E.
Anthony, the saw and shingle mill of James Patterson, the shingle mill of
George Davenport, and the extensive plants of C. EC. Eddy & Son, J. H.
Pearson & Son. and the shingle mill and salt works of Wylie Brothers. On
the east side of the river were the mills of C. & E. Ten Eyck, Charles Lee,
Warner ec Eastman and Nelson Holland.
Within the limits of Saginaw City during this prosperous period in our
history, were the mills of A. W. Wright & Company, the planing mill of
Wright & ECnowlton, the shingle mills and salt work-, of 1). Mel. cod & Com-
pany and Brand & Hardin, the planing mill of D. Hardin & Company, the saw
mills and salt works of ( i. F. Williams & Brothers and N. & A. Barnard (the
latter also operating a shingle mill), Cameron & Merrill and Green, Ring &
Company. On the midde ground, now Rust Park, were the saw mills of
Sample & Camp. W. 1'.. Stillman and A. 1). tamp, the shingle mill of D. S.
Chapin, the saw mill of Burnham & Still, and the mills and salt works of
Gebhart & Estabrook.
At Salina, on the east side of the river, were the salt works of E. J.
Ring, the planing mill of A. Linton & Son, the saw mills ami salt works of
Rust Brothers & Company, Eaton, 1 'otter & Company ami Wiggins, Cooper
& Company. Above, near the head of the Saginaw, were the shingle mill
of F. Kelly, the salt works of F. Beschkee and W. A. ( CDonnell, the shingle
mill and salt works of E. R. Phinney and John Creenie, the salt works of Red-
mond & Nolan; and the shingle mill of F. ec L. Brucker, completes the list of
sixty-one active lumbering and salt making concerns.
The Output of the Saginaw Mills in 1892
The manufacturers of lumber, lath, shingles, staves and heading, in 1892,
embracing a majority of the concerns enumerated above, employed eighteen
hundred and ninety men in the saw mills, and two hundred and ninety-two in
the shingle mills, and paid in wages six hundred twenty-six thousand six
hundred and forty-four dollars in the saw mills, and seventy-three thousand
dollars in the shingle mills. The value of the product was four million eight
hundred and twenty-four thousand dollars for lumber, and three hundred
thirty thousand five hundred and ninety-two dollars for shingles. The total
cut of the Saginaw mills, in 1892, was three hundred twenty-one million
eight hundred and thirty-one thousand feet of lumber; one hundred twenty
million two hundred and fifteen thousand shingles; fifty-nine million seven
W'AKNKI; ,V K \ST.M \\.
O
^ .£^•-^'''"'.9 »'"' Circular Sawn/ Lumber,
&
'-*■>
•^■Y^^'/" SAOJ^ .111 . MJ, *"
, ('.<""
>x
\^
h.,
G. F. Williams & Bros.,
EASDFACTDEEES AND DEALERS IN
LUMBER, TIMBER, LATJ
Shingles, Posts. p' ' (<(}>•
«-.» ,.,.. _i^--- l(.»H -^
A. \Y. WRIGHT & CO.,
.1/.M7 /./r/ / UliJlH "ft
Gang Sawed Lumber,
-VIM A X I > I'M 'KKTs.
%88* -* EATON," POTTER & CO., >J?> **#,
.v>*
X
_i'V
_i>
^
MILLS AND SALT WORKS IN EAST SAGINAW
L». < >. A IH>I5 I3SS5 :
CHAPIN, BARBER & CO
-T \&^
S^'
SNC
aTn
BARNARD «£ BINDER,
LTjiSiBEPt- G-ang Sawed Lumber,
salt jlesb SHiMre-iaES.
Special attention paid to Ft ihing Bill Stuff, Tim1-
ShiuRlc- Mill. F. Sr
CLEVELAND H
9^ *«&&&
LATH, SCANTLING. JOISTS.
.»_> 1> TIMBliB < M-.vl.l. XI/.IW.
-TBS a-ct:d heading.
- «uid Bairy Salt.
\£
p^:-»'
.. w?
.--1
. -« »
.
^
•=>?
JANES. MEAD & LEE, , *-A'j
Lumber, Sash, Doors, Blinds, Mouldings, ., &iate,
Sidi-iu, Floori.ia, Ccilinfl =->d Hard Wood t,i nil I ^ e,^tt,,.
Cor. lias den & Fran'ilin Sts., ar. Washington
' *fe«
v^. i >*A<-I>.".V1
BUSINESS CARDS OF LEADING LUMBERMEN, ABOUT 1874
THE LUMBER INDUSTRY 413
hundred and seventy thousand lath; thirteen million two hundred and two
thousand staves, and seven hundred and fourteen thousand sets of heading.
Saginaw Becomes a Distributing Market
Early in the seventies the necessity of adopting a general system of
preparing lumber for use. previous to shipping it. became manifest, and
serious consideration was given the subject of establishing planing mills and
lumber yards in the Saginaws. The shipment of rough lumber, either green
or dry, involved the transportation of a large percentage of waste material,
as dry, dressed lumber weighs only half as much as rough green, and the
bulk is twenty per cent less. Lumber must be seasoned and planed and
otherwise prepared before it can be used for most purposes, dry kilns and
planing mills doing the bulk of this necessary labor. It was evident that if they
were located here, instead of at Ohio ports, and at Buffalo and the Tona-
wandas, and the debris and waste incident to their operation removed before
any transportation costs were incurred, a great advantage would acrue to this
market, and the shavings and trimmings could be utilized as fuel in the
manufacture of salt, our other large staple. A discussion of this subject by
A. II. Mershon, Inspector General of Lumber in 1874, was pertinent to the
case, references from which are transcribed:
"The dull state of the lumber market, slow sale, low prices, slight
demand, causes the anxious manufacturer to ask what is the matter, and
( wdiat is more to the point) what is the remedy? * * ! The consumers
are, as far as we are concerned, the retail lumber yard men ami the
large builders, hut we hardly recognize them in our trade. We have
only sought to sell by the cargo or the million feet to the large city and
lake port yards. Somebody must pay the yard and dock rents, the sorting
and piling, the office and incidental expenses, that do not add one cent
to the value of the lumber. What can't be added to the price and got
out of the consumer-, must be subtracted from the price paid the pro-
ducer by the middle men who have made fortunes nut of simply handling our
lumber. Heretofore the consumer has paid his share, and I think the
manufacturers begin to realize that they have paid theirs, and unless they
change their tactics they will, from this time on, pay the whole of it.
"The consumers have found out that there are railroads to Saginaw
and beyond. They have heard that lumber is cheaper than it was. < Ine
comes to Saginaw and tells us what he wants — perhaps a car load of two-
by-fours, a car load of stock boards, one or two of selects or finishing
lumber, a few uppers and a load of flooring, some siding and fencing.
We patiently listen and say we can't bother with his order. We have a
cargo or two of log run, or common and culls, or bill stuff, but as for
selling in such driblets as half a dozen car loads, we can't bother with it;
all is piled together and we can't pick it out for you. The country dealer
from Ohio thinks he has come to the wrong place, and goes up the road
to the little one-horse affairs, as we contempuously call them, and finds
just what he wants — buys it and goes home. In a few days his lumber
arrives by rail, without transfer, and is unloaded already sorted, directly
in his yard, and he finds that he has saved several dollars per thousand,
and the only expense he regrets is the cost of spending a day or two in
Saginaw. * * *
"Our railroad connections now are such that we can reach almost
every section of the country. We have the advantage of being the largest
manufacturing point of lumber in the world, and we would newer know
what hard times are if we worked the manufacturing business down to
a fine point — do the work and sorting here, so that we can sell the cus-
414 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
tomer just what he wants without compelling him to take a great surplus
that he doesn't want. There is a demand for all we make, dry and dress
it. do it here before it starts, and keep the fuel at heme to make salt. :;c * *
"What we want for the good of the trade and the good of the valley,
is mure labor put upon the lumber right here at home. Increase our
population by giving more men work, and increasing the vadue of our
production instead of the amount of feet. The argument that water
freights are cheaper than rail 'won't wash.' You can't reach the con-
sumer by water, ami rough lumber as usually shipped by water weighs
two tuns a thousand feet, while dry and dressed lumber weighs one, and
the different transfers are saved and the lake port charges and profits.
Sort your lumber, sell your customers what they want, and you can get
your price and your pay; almost anyone can buy a few car loads if he
can get such as he wants. Sub-divide your common lumber, sell the
coarse lew and get its value for the finer grades."
At that time ( 1 S74 ) several lumbermen had already established sorting
yards, among whom was Jesse Hoyt, all his lumber being handled in this wa\ .
about one million feet of dressed lumber going from the planing mill every
month. Wright. Tipton & Company. John McGraw & Company, Brooks &
Adams, C. Merrill and several others were doing a prosperous business in
this way. The distributing market, though slow in starting, began to increase
in the eighties and at about the height of its trade, in 1892, there were eighteen
concerns in the Saginaw- doing a yard and planing mill business, namely:
Bliss & Van Auken, Wright Lumber Company, E. < >. & S. L. Eastman, D.
Hardin & Company, York & Tillotson, Briggs & Cooper, Gebhard & Esta-
brook, E. Germain, Linton Manufacturing Company, O'Donnell, Spencer
& Company, Avery & Company, George F. Cross Lumber Company, W . B.
Mershon & Company, Ayres Lumber & Salt Company. Charles Lee. Saginaw
Box Company, Charles Noll and L. C. Slade, a wholesale lumber yard only.
These concerns employed an average of twenty-three hundred men and boys
during 1892, to whom were paid eight hundred twelve thousand, four hundred
and twelve dollars in wages. The\ also employed twenty-four commercial
travellers. The value of their manufactured product was five million, two
hundred and eight thousand dollars, which was four hundred thousand
dollars more than the value of the product of the saw mills.
Characteristics of Ammi W. Wright
At a gathering of business associates of Mr. Wright, July 5, 1892, to
celebrate his seventieth birthday. James 11. Pearson, a partner in some of
his numerous enterprises, gave a few of the peculiar and strongly marked
characteristics of their host:
"His motto was 'Early to bed. and early to rise.' He was a sound
sleeper whether it be on the floor of a lumber camp, with his coat for
a pillow, and a buffalo robe or blanket over him. with the temperature
twenty degrees below zero; it was all the same to him. In one minute
after his head was on the pillow he was sound asleep. He was the first
man to arise and take a general survey of all the horses, oxen, bob-sleds,
logs and camp equipments; find out how much pork, beef. Hour and
other supplies there were on hand: how many logs were banked, ami how
manv skidded, and he would have the foreman of each department render
an account before breakfast of everything that was going on in and about
the lumber camp.
"One little incident illustrates his hardy nature. I came over from
Chicago some twenty-five years ago to spend a week with Mr. Wright
in visiting the fifteen or twenty camps in which we were interested,
THE LUMBER INDUSTRY
415
thereby making a circuit of two or three hundred miles with a pair oi
horses and a tote sleigh. We started on Monday morning and we
rounded up on Saturday night at what they called old Daddy Wright's
place, some ten or twelve miles above St. Louis. The snow was two feet
deep or more, and the night we stayed there the thermometer was
between twenty and thirty degrees below zero. Mr. Wright got up in
the morning, put on his pants and a woolen shirt, and pulling up his pants
as a boy would who was going to wade in the summer time, went out
barefooted into the snow two Feel deep to the barn to feed his horses.
GRINDING AXES IN CAMP
DRAWING WATER AT SPRING
I think it must have been thirty degrees below zero; the snow creaked,
and I thought it a most insane thing to do.
"When he came hack into the log house he went to his cold room,
and with a dry towel wiped hi-- feet perfectly dry for more than ten
minutes, then lie put on a pair of g 1, dry woolen socks, his boots, no
overshoes fur him; simply a pair of thick boots. 'Never go near the
fire in cold weather.' he said, 'if you want to keep warm.' We drove fifty
miles that day and I thought 1 should freeze, yet lie --aid he was not cold
at all. I was never so glad in my life to get to a warm house in Saginaw.
"I mention some of these things that you may know, as 1 do, of his
wonderful power and business capacity, his ability to endure hardships
and to overcome all difficulties. lie had a wonderful tact in dealing
with all classes of men. and knew what to say and what not to say on all
occasions; he was a good judge of human nature. 1 know of no man his
equal to conduct a large business, and to comprehend the entire situation
and to make a success of whatever he might undertake to do."
Charles Merrill
Among the prominent lumbermen of Saginaw Valley was Charles Merrill,
who was horn at Falmouth, Maine, in February, l"1',^. With ripening years
he engaged in the lumber business at Lincoln in his native State, where he-
operated a saw mill; and in 1836 visited Michigan and made some purchases
of virgin forest lands on the St. Clair River. In 1845 he located perman-
ently in Detroit, ami began a series of investments in some large tracts of
pine lands in Saginaw Valley, and was accounted one of the largest owners
of timber limits in this section of the State. He purchased in 1854 the saw
416 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
mill which had been erected the previous year by Michael Jeffers, on the
river bank opposite East Saginaw. The mill was rebuilt and improved from
time to time, making it one of the best equipped on the river; and in the half
century of its successful operation under the same ownership, its production
reached a total of nearly half a billion feet of lumber.
It was the policy of Mr. Merrill to admit to an interest with himself
in the lumber business, such faithful and competent men as in his judgment
would conduct his affairs with discretion. He supplied the capital, while
they devoted their time, experience and best energies to the carrying out
of his plans and policies. For more than forty years his interests in
Saginaw Valley were in charge of the late Joseph A. W'hittier, who was
recognized as one of the leading lumbermen and an honored citizen of this
valley. Air. Merrill was pre-eminently a man of business, taking little inter-
est in politics and politicians, while withal intelligent in his citizenship.
lie was a staunch Republican, and his influence was always consistent in
the advocacy of those principles and measures which commended themselves
to his conscientious judgment.
Mr. Merrill was married in 1836 to MisS Frances l'itts, of Maine, and to
them was born one daughter, who in womanhood became the wife of Thomas
\Y. Palmer. The death of Mr. .Merrill in 1872, was universally regretted in
the removal of a man of integrity and probity of character, enterprising in
business, far seeing, and one who in the midst of many activities was not
unmindful of the rights ami interests of his fellow men, and of the com-
munity in which he dwelt.
John S. Estabrook
Few men connected with the early development of the Saginaws, had a
more intimate knowledge of the lumber trade than John S. Estabrook, who
was born at Alden, Erie County, Xew York, in 1820. lie received a common
school education in his native village, supplemented by a winter's course in
a select school. In 1844 he was employed in a grocery store at Buffalo, but
in June of the following year he took passage on the schooner Cambria, bound
for St. Clair, Michigan, then one of the leading lumber ports west of Buffalo.
He was here employed as tail sawyer in the mill of Wesley Truesdell, attend-
ing school in the Winter. The following Summer he was head sawyer in
the same mill and spent the Winter in a logging camp. After other varied
experiences he arrived at East Saginaw in 1852, ami purchased for his
employer, W'illard Parker, one million feet of very choice cork pine from the
Cass River stock, paying eight dollars for "quarters" and fifteen dollars for
"uppers." From John Gallagher he bought an additional two hundred
thousand feet of equally choice lumber at the same prices. 'J ne deals netted
Mr. Parker in the Albany market a net profit of ten thousand dollars, and so
pleased was he with this result that he gave outright to Mr. Estabrook the
sum of two thousand dollars, and instructed him to return to this valley
and search for other bargains on joint account.
So successful was he in the selection of prime stock that he soon began
an investment of timber on his own account, and in the Winter oi 1853-54
lumbered a tract on the Cass River, bringing down three million feet oi
logs. The following year he operated on the Shiawassee, but without
marked success, and became associated with Samuel W. Yawkey & Com-
pany, in the commission and inspection business. In 1862 he became associ-
ated with E. P. Mason, of this city, in the inspection and shipping of lumber
and allied products, a partnership arrangement which continued for several
years. His field of activities was enlarged in 1871 by the purchase, with
A. Gebhart, of the Curtis & King mill at Salina. which they rebuilt and
THE LUMBER INDUSTRY 417
commenced the manufacture of lumber on a commercial scale. In 187o the
firm began the shipment of their products by rail, the preparation of the
stock requiring the erection and equipment of an extensive planing mill, and
for years thereafter they sold direct to retail dealers in all sections of the
country.
Mr. Estabrook was married in 1854 to Miss Ellen R. Burt, of Ypsilanti,
who died in January, 1863, leaving one child, Winnifred, afterward the wife
of W. P. Powell, of this city. In 1865 he was married to Miss Helen C.
Norris, who died in 1867 leaving two children, Justus Norris and Mary
Elizabeth. On the third of September, 1889, he was married to Miss Harriet
Sharp, of Jackson. Mr. Estabrook was prominent in social life, eminent in
Masonic circles, and a staunch Republican, having held the office of mayor
of Saginaw (see portrait on page 250) and other municipal positions of
trust ; and was twice elected to represent his district in the State Legis-
lature. F<>r many years he was an active member of the Board of Trade,
and was a recognized authority upon all matters connected with the business
interests of Saginaw Valley. In his declining years he still enjoyed the
regard and esteem of all classes of the community, which he had done so
much to mold, and died in peace on October 4. 1903.
Samuel H. Webster
A well known and highly esteemed lumberman of the old days was
Samuel II. Webster, who was connected with its trade when the supply of
pine timber was supposed to be inexhaustible, and lived to see the days of
its decadence. He was born in New Hampshire, in 1822, and in his early
years alternated between work on his father's farm and the district school.
After following various occupations, in one of which he was associated with
Ammi W. Wright, he turned his face westward, and arrived in Detroit in
1847, taking an interest in a grocery store. In 1855 he came to Saginaw
and purchased some pine lands on the Cass River, which he lumbered ami
found a customer for his logs in McEwen Brothers, of Bay City. There
were no boom companies on the rivers, and he found it necessary to supervise
the work of running the logs down the river and delivering them to the
mill boom.
Mr. W'ebster continued lumbering on the Cass for several years, and
then transferred his operations to the Bad and Pine rivers. In 18d0 he
became associated with Myron Butman, and the firm built a saw mill and
salt works at Zilwaukee. Later he built a mill at Carrollton, having a
capacity of seventy thousand feet of lumber a day, which was afterward sold
to C. W. Grant & Company. During the sixties and seventies Mr. Webster
owned and operated many large tracts of timber lands in Saginaw Valley
and elsewhere, and eventually made the handling of pine lands his business.
It was said that his knowledge of existing conditions and stumpage values
was second to no other man in the State.
In 1849 Mr. Webster was married to Miss Angeline Rice, of Vermont,
and to them one son, Benjamin F., was born. Mr. and Mrs. Webster made
their home at the Bancroft House for twenty-eight years, in which they
were identified with the social activities of the city. In politics Mr Webster
was a Republican, but was never an office seeker, preferring to devote all
his energies to his business interests. He was a director of the First
National Bank, and was connected with many mercantile institutions of
the valley. Few men have exercised a more salutary influence over the
business circles with which they have been connected.
418
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
RECORD LOAD HAULED BY ONE TWO-HORSE TEAM
Benjamin F. Webster
I enjamin F. Webster, only son of Samuel II. Webster, was born Sep-
tember 8, 1853, at Detroit, and may be said to have been "brought up" in
the woods of the Cass and other logging streams of the Saginaw Valley.
His father at the time was superintending his own camps during the winter
months, and running the logs down the river in the Summer, and the lad
was kept in the camps and on the drives until he was old enough to go to
school, lie then attended the common schools of Saginaw. When his
schooling was completed he began working in his father's mill office, and to
so good purpose that in a few years he became manager of the immense
lumbering i iperatii ins.
In later years he became interested in Lake Superior and Georgian Bay
timber limits", and also lands in Mississippi. He was a director of the First
National Bank and of the Saginaw Valley Insurance Company; and com-
manded the respect and confidence of the business men oi the valley. He
was married m 1879 to Miss Leona Livingston, of Saginaw.
Washington S. Green
For more than thirty years W. S. Green was prominently identified with
the lumber interests of "Saginaw, hi> residence here dating from 1864. lie
was born at Leonardsville, New York, in 1X14; and upon attaining manhood
was engaged in making agricultural tools. Upon coming to Saginaw he, in
company with Daniel Hardin, purchased the saw mill of Hale & Stinson,
which was operated under the firm name of Green & Hardin, ami m later
years that of Green, Ring & Company, with an annual production of twenty
to twenty-five million feet.
Mr. Green was well versed in w 1 craft, and until well advanced in
vears had charge of the outside business of the firm, in the care of the
THE LUMBER INDUSTRY 419
camps ami the logging operations. He was interested in the Bradley-Ram-
say Lumber Company, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and also in a tract esti-
mated to be one hundred million feet, in the State of Washington. In other
industrial affairs he was prominently identified, generally in association with
his son. Charles II.. and was interested in the Hank of Saginaw in its early
history. In later years he engaged in mining operations in the San Juan
district 'if Colorado, and in the Kootenai district of British Columbia, in
which he was very successful.
As an ardent Republican Mr. Green newer aspired to the calling of a
politician, or to hold political office, lint was content t < > hold a higher place
in the esteem (if his fellow citizens, having a mure honorable record in all
that pertains to good and useful citizenship. Mr. ( Ireen died November 11.
1S<>7, in his eighty-fourth year.
Isaac Parsons
Another pioneer of the lumber industry in the Saginaws was Isaac
Parsons, who came here in the early fifties and engaged in "looking" land
for some of the leading lumbermen of the valley, lie was horn at Leyden,
Lewis County, New York, November l'». 1829, his father being of English
descent, sprung from Sir John Parsons who came to Massachusetts in the
early colonial days, while his mother was Mary Brown Parsons, of Scotch
descent.
His boyhood was spent in his native village where he attended the dis-
trict school, and upon attaining manhood he came to Saginaw. With his
In other, Aaron A. Parsons, he engaged in the real estate business at Saginaw
City, and made the first set of abstract bunks fur this county. While thus
occupied he gradually acquired extensive holdings id' land in and near the
city, of which the Parsons Addition and the Gaylord & Parsons Addition
represent the large tracts. He also at one time owned the larger portion of
the river front of Carrollton ; and he and Doctor 1. X. Smith owned the farm
which later comprised Union Park.
About 1866 Mr. Parsons embarked in the lumber business, associated
with William Little. It was a time when the pine forests were yielding
fortunes to enterprising men. and soon alter he formed a partnership with
Alfred F. R. Braley, and still later with Aaron P. Ibiss. The linn of Bliss &
Parsons operated extensively in Wisconsin fur some years, considerable pro-
fit accruing to each member. In later years Mr. Parsons secured mining
interests in Montana and in Canada.
On July 10, 1866, Mr. Parsons was united in marriage with Miss Helen
Ackley, and to them was born one daughter. Helen A. Parsons. Isaac 11.
Parsons, a nephew, who resides at Haywood, California, was adopted by them
in boyhood, and was as a real son to them. Mr. Parsons was devoted to his
home and his business, and never cared for the honors of political office or
of public life. He was counted as a Democrat, though for years he belonged
to the class of independent voters who acknowledge allegiance to no party.
As a husband and father he was sympathetic, kind and generous, and as a
neighbor and friend he was true and helpful. As a member of St. John's
Episcopal Church he served as vestryman for many years, and was a liberal
supporter of the good work of the parish. After an illness of about four
years he died on Sunday morning, September 7, 1902, in his seventy-third
year.
Ralph A. Loveland
The lumber business in the main has been carried on by men of rare
intelligence and good citizenship, and Ralph A. Loveland, for main years
at the head of the Saginaw Lumber & Salt Company, belonged to this repre-
420 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
sentative class of lumbermen. Me was born at Westport, New York, January
17, 1819, the son of Erastus ami Lucy Bradley Loveland. In his youth he
devoted his Summers to boating on the Hudson River and Lake Champlain.
and his Winters to study at Essex Academy. Later he engaged in shipping
on those waters, in which he was successful, but in 18(>3 he disposed of these
interests and removed to Janesville, Wisconsin. There he was occupied in
sheep raising and wool growing, a business which he followed for six years.
In 1869, in company with D. L. White, S. W. Barnard, A. S. Page and
A. G. P. Dodge of New York, he established a lumber yard at Chicago, with
branches on the North Side and on the North Branch. Closing out this
business in 1876, Mr. Loveland purchased a small mill with a tract of timber
in Montcalm County, Michigan, upon the exhaustion of which he bought
lands on the An (ires River in [osco County, estimated to cut one hundred
and fifty million feet of sawed timber. The logs were cut and rafted to the
mill at Crow Island, four miles below Saginaw. The cutting of this tract
continued until 1893, after which the mill was supplied with logs from
Georgian Lay, towed across the lake in huge rafts.
The Saginaw Lumber & Salt Company was organized in 1881, with
James Maclaren, president, ( 'tis Sheppard, Vice-president, R. H. Roys,
secretary and D. L. White, Jr., treasurer. For many years the average cut
of the mill at Crow Island was twenty million feet per year, and ten to
twenty million feet in addition was cut at other mills on the river, for the
company. The salt block connected with the mill had a yearly capacity of
fifty thousand barrels, in the manufacture of which the mill refuse, formerly
a source of expense in its removal, was made to pay a profit as fuel in salt
manufacture. Afterward the mill plant was removed to Sandwich, Canada,
opposite Detroit, wdiere it was operated for several years and then again
taken down and rebuilt at Georgian Bay, near the timber limits of the
company. Associated with .Mr. Loveland in these enterprises were his sons,
Daniel K. and Ralph, who conducted the business long after his death.
Mr. Loveland w^as married March 25, 1840, to Miss Harriet M. Kent,
daughter of Daniel M. and M. G. Kent, of Benson, Vermont. She died at
Saginaw, December 23, 1887. In March, 1894, he married Miss Helen
Crittenden, of San Francisco, a lady of refinement and culture. He was
interested in all public affairs that concerned the welfare of the city and
State, and was a Henry Clay whig and afterward a Republican. In his
religious convictions Mr. Loveland was a Baptist, and an influential member
of that church. He was an excellent type of the average lumberman of past
years, exhibiting enterprise and public spirit, qualities which characterized
the lumber fraternity.
William H. Edwards
For many years prior to 1860 William H. Edwards was a prominent
figure in the lumber trade of the Saginaw Valley. He was born at Hunting-
ton, Connecticut, in 1816, and enjoyed the limited privileges of the schools
of the day, combined with employment in a woolen factory. At the age
i I eighteen he worked in a machine shop, acquiring a general knowledge of
machines and tools. In 1848 he engaged in cutting lumber at Lockport, New
\ ork, adding a four-foot circular saw in 1852, one of the first in that section,
and afterward began the manufacture of cut shingles. He gradually extended
his lumbering operations, ami in 1858 removed to East Saginaw, which
offered a more extended field.
From that time Mr. Edwards carried on quite an extensive business in
logging from lands located on the Flint River, and on the Tittaba-
THE LUMBER INDUSTRY
421
LOADING LOG TIMBER FOR SHIP SPARS
wassee. About 1870 he operated a shingle mill opposite East Saginaw, and
later erected a circular saw mill in Ogemaw County, which was burned in
the forest fires of 1875.
Mr. Edwards was an enthusiastic Democrat, and was so devoted to the
principles of the party that in 1870 he established the Saginaw Courier, a
daily paper advocating those principles. Through constant advances of
money in its support, it fell into his hands and drew heavily upon his fortune.
Jovial in disposition, Mr. Edwards was a most genial man with a heart
ever ready to respond to the claims of friends, or relief of the needy, and
probably he never had an enemy during his long life, numbering eighty-one
years. In 1857 he was married to Miss Harriet Beardsley, of Bridgeport,
Connecticut, two sons and one daughter blessing the union. He died Feb-
ruary 9, 1897, hut the mental image of a good citizen and honored lumberman
remain with all who knew him.
Side Lights on Some Pioneer Lumbermen
Among the numerous anecdotes related of our pioneer lumbermen, a few
leave vivid impressions of the men connected with them. One in particular,
concerning an honored citizen, illustrates the rapidity with which timber
lands in those days increased in value, often without the owners being aware
of the fact.
Early in the seventies S. Bond Bliss, who built the four-story brick
block, now known as the Mason Building, being in need of some ready
money, applied to Wellington R. Burt, then one of the big lumbermen on
the river, for a loan of four thousand dollars. The security he offered was
ample, being a mortgage on the business block he owned, but Mr. Burt, with
customary caution, hesitated a moment while debating the matter in Ids
mind.
Mr. Uliss said, "I own a section of timber land at the head waters of the
Muskegon, near Houghton Lake, and will throw that in for good measure.
422
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
1 have never seen the timber, but I think there must be some value to it."
After a few minutes consideration the terms were arranged, the loan made,
and the papers delivered.
Nothing more was thought of the matter, much less the timber land.
for several years, but when the principal and accrued interest amounted to
in. ire than six thousand dollars, Mr. Burt began to doubt the sufficiency
of his security. He had never taken the trouble to have the land "looked,'"
to determine the amount of standing timber, as it was far removed from
Ids lumbering operations, and there was no railroad anywhere near it; and so
the matter rested.
One day a stranger entered the office. He was a rough, hardy fellow
with all the marks of having come down from the woods, evidently to °-et
a job in town. At the moment of his coining Air. Burt was very busy at his
desk with some important business, and spoke without looking up. The
man asked if he was interested in some timber land on the upper Muskegon,
giving a description of the land. Mr. Burt replied that he was and that the
land was for --ale.
"What is your price for it?" asked the stranger.
Still intent upon his work, the thought ran through his mind that the
fellow was a "timber wolf" who wanted an option on the land in order to
tell it to some other lumberman, so Mr. Burt replied in a loud tone, as if to
dismiss the whole matter: "One hundred thousand dollars is my price."
The man waited a moment and then asked, "Is that your best terms?"
"Yes, " snapped the busy lumberman, without glancing up, but hoping
thus to be well rid of the intruder.
"Well! We will take it," was the calm reply.
ddie explosion of a bomb could hardly have produced a greater sensation.
Awakened to the situation Mr. Burt wheeled in his chair and for the first
time faced the woodsman.
"Do you mean that?" he thundered, "Who are you anyway?"
"Yes, 1 mean it," he replied, and added. "I represent Hacklev & Humes
of Muskegon. If you will have the deeds drawn at once, and sent to our
bank in Muskegon the money will be paid over. The funds are there await-
ing von."
S«#7
SAW MILL AND LUMBER YARD IN THE CAR TRADE
THE LUMBER INDUSTRY 423
Never before in his all his varied experience had such a deal as this
been put through in such an amazing manner, but it was a bona-fide bargain
and was closed according to arrangement. The land which Air. Burt would
have sold for five thousand dollars was worth a hundred thousand to those
who could lumber it along with their operations in the neighborhood. A
handsome profit accrued to the Saginaw lumberman, and a well-known mer-
chant and realty owner was again "put on his feet."
When the country to the north and west of, Saginaw was yet in its
wild, primitive state, a large reservation was set off in Isabella County as a
tribal home for the Chippewa Indians. In this almost unbroken wilderness
the savages roamed, and fished and hunted, set up their villages and planted
maize, unmolested by white men. But when lumbering operations crept up
the tributary streams and approached the boundaries of their retreat,
covetous eyes were cast on the pine timber which covered the land. Soon
"land lookers" were going among the Indians offering to buy the timber,
giving in exchange trinkets dear to the untutored mind, necessities of savage
life, and perhaps a little money. Not all were fortunate enough to pick up
valuable timber in this way. and some got none at all.
When the cutting of timber on the reservation lands actually began,
it was observed that one company, headed by a leading citizen of Saginaw
City, had title to the very choicest timber in the reservation, and in such an
aggregate amount as to cause much comment and concern by their rivals in
the business. Section after section of the best timber had been deeded
by the Indians to the head of the company; and no hint or trace could be
found as to when or how the deals with the red-skins had been made. The
old lumbermen spent many sleepless nights figuring out how the trick had
been turned, and they had been check-mated in the game.
One thing they learned, too, that increased their amazement and chagrin.
It was the fact that insignificant consideration had been given for most of the
choicest timber. In talking with the former owners of a valuable tract, the
land lookers or agents would invariably ask. "What did you get for this fine
clump of trees?"
"Huh! Me get pint fire-water, gun, powder, blanket, all good," the
Indian grunted.
Another said, "Me get big pipe, much heap smoke, fire-water, red sash."
"Us get pale face canoe (batteaux), hook 'em fish, axe. knife," others said.
It was apparent that little or no coin had been given, and the value of
the stuff which attracted the Indians was very small and insufficient. With
all their searching and questioning nothing which threw any light on the
subject was ever discovered.
Years afterward, when lumbering operations in thi'- section had been
brought to a close, the secret was told.
There was an old lawyer and politician, named John Eaton, who lived
in the forest settlements, and later settled at Clare. He had somehow "got
wind" of the time and place of holding of the council, when the reservation
lands were to be given over to the red-skins individually. Here was an
opportunity, he believed, for some shrewd lumberman with means to get a
decided advantage over his competitors.
So he wrote to Arthur Hill, whom he knew quite well as one of the
rising lumbermen of Saginaw Valley, to come up and meet him in the
village at the appointed time. Without knowing what had been "cooked up"
by the crafty lawyer, Mr. Hill went to the place of meeting in the woods.
and put up at the little tavern which was the only lodging place in the
wilderness for miles around.
424
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
SCALING AND SORTING LUMBER ON THE DOCK
The following day the Indian Commissioners vvitli their luggage arrived
at the tavern, ready for the final council with the Chippewas. One piece of
baggage in particular attracted the attention of the lumberman, and the
lawyer guessed that it contained the official papers in the big deal. So they
kept an eye on this valise and took note where it was stowed away behind
1 lie bar, which also served as the office counter of the border tavern.
Late at night, when all was quiet in the place, the schemers lighted a
candle, crept out softly in their bare feet, and slipping below lifted the
valise from behind the counter and took it to their room. It was the work
of only a moment to find the official list of Indian reserves, with the des-
cription of the land each was to receive. A longer time, however, was
required to make a hurried copy of the list, when the original paper was
replaced in the valise and it was put carefully back in its place. So stealthily
had this been done that no one dreamed of the trick that had been put over
the commissioners.
To send competent and trustworthy land lookers through the reservation
and pick out the choicest timber was the next move. Then the shrewd
lawyer, with this information and the official list of reserves, checked up
with it, did the rest, lie knew many of the Indians personally, and it was
not a difficult matter to get them "feeling good," and then by offering them
the necessities of savage life they craved, to induce them to sign away their
timber rights.
When the truth was known and the story told, the wdiole affair was
regarded as a huge joke on the other lumbermen, who were thus compelled
to take the "leavings."
In speaking of the good old lumbering days on the river, O. E. Else-
more, one of the prominent log scalers and boom men of the time, recently
said: "The famous cork pine of the Cass was indeed a wonderful timber,
but some equally as good, though in small lots, was found on the Tittaba-
wassee and tributaries. I well remember one fine tract near Red Keg
(Averill), which cut twenty-seven million feet of logs to a section; and one
THE LUMBER INDUSTRY
425
acre i if especially fine trees, which I had measured and staked off, was cut
and skidded separately to satisfy my curiosity. This one acre scaled more
than one hundred thousand feet of logs, seme of which ran two to the
thousand, a record which ha-- seldom been equalled.
"I came to Saginaw in ISO" and went to work on the old Huron boom
in the Cass River. It was a busy stream in those days, and from scaler I
advanced to the position of foreman of the boom, which I held for thirteen
years. The boom company was composed of such men as Sears & Holland,
X. B. Bradley, Bundy, Brown & Little, Shaw & Williams. Edwin Eddy,
Ketcham & Company, Avery & Murphy, Charles K. Eddy, James Tolbert
and others. Those were great days. The memorable forest fires of < >ctober,
1871, destroyed a vast quantity of valuable timber, and in order to save that
which had been killed, but not burned, the logging operations the following
winter were on a big scale. As a result the logs rafted and delivered to the
mill booms from the Cass, in 1872, reached a total of one hundred and four
million feet, the greatest in its history. The following year the production
fell off to about fifty-six million feet, and soon dwindled to fifteen or twenty
million. By 1885 the pine and hemlock timber on this stream, including a
territory many miles back on both sides, was entirely exhausted, though
small rafts amounting in the aggregate from one and a half to five million
feet, came down for several years after.
"The Saginaw Valley lumbermen, as a whole, were as honest and
straightforward a lot of business men as you would find anywhere; but.
since you ask it, 1 will say that they all were looking after their own best
interests. This sometimes resulted in coups, misunderstandings and hard
feelings. No timber was stolen outright — it was too cheap for such
tactics, but the timber itself was sometimes purloined and the loss not
discovered by the owner for several years. In cutting a quarter or an eighth
section here, or a quarter in an adjoining section, or another tract some dis-
tance away, which belonged to the operator, he was careful, you may be
sure, in the absence of very definite lines, to get all the timber belonging to
him, and if his cut extended well over on the land of his neighbor there was
no one there to dispute or stop him, and he got away with it. Some men
grew rich, I have no doubt, in following this practice, but it was not so
universal as was at one time supposed. Wealth came easily to energetic
men of ability and capital, and it was not necessary to encroach mi the rights
of others to gain a fortune. It was rather the traits of integrity, per-
severance and hard labor which brought wealth to our lumbermen."
THE TITTABAWASSEE AT RIVERSIDE PARK
CHAPTER XVII
THE SALT INDUSTRY
An Essential Element of Lite — Doctor Houghton Makes Early Discoveries — The
Mate Bores For Salt — Failure of the Project — Granting a Bounty on Salt — Incor-
poration oi the First Salt Company — Erection of the First Salt Block — United with
the Lumber Industry — Repeal of the Bounty Law — The State Reaps the Benefits —
1 unty ot Saginaw Salt — Early Methods of Manufacture — Rapid Development of the
Industry — Difficulties Beset the Manufacturers — Formation of the Saginaw & Bay
Sat Company— the State Salt Inspection — Michigan Salt Company — Decline of
Salt Production — Economies of Modern Salt Making— Utilization of Exhaust Steam—
lhe Wilcox Automatic Rakes — Working Up the By-Products — Salt Production.
FR< »M its being one of the usual and necessary constituents of food and
a component part of the blood, salt is an essential element of life, while
the enormous consumption and variety of purposes to which it is
applied in manufacturing operations, invests its history with a peculiar
interest. In consequence of the great demand in the economy of human
life, constant exertions have been made, both by public and private enter-
prise, to devise new sources for its production, either as a rock salt or in the
form of salt brine.
Salt also possesses an element of romance. The mining of it has been
earned on in Austria for centuries, the mines in the wonderful salt country
around Ischl being show places, through which tourists are conducted for
a fee. In the valley of the Vistula, in Austrian Poland, there is an under-
ground city hewn from rock salt. It was started a thousand or more years
ago, and now has winding streets, railway stations, churches, restaurants
and other features, both civil and industrial, of a prosperous community.
Doctor Houghton Makes Early Discoveries
Although the Saginaw Valley and a large portion of Lower .Michigan
is underlaid with an immense bed" of rock salt, of inexhaustible proportions,
which might be and indeed has been mined, the economical production of salt
in this State, as at other points in the .Middle West, is by the simple reduction
of resulting brines. As early as 1837 Doctor Douglas Houghton, the State
geologist, in his first report on the subject of brine springs, speaks of one
at the mouth of Salt River:
"On the Tittabawassee River, in Midland County, numerous indi-
cations of the existence of brine springs were noticed, extending from
near the mouth of Chippewa River as far as I ascended the "former
stream, being a few miles above the mouth of Salt River. Upon either
side of the Tittabawassee River, between the points noted, small pools
of brackish water were observed, as also, occasionally, springs discharg-
ing a similar water in small quantities; and although an examination
showed the waters to contain large quantities of the salts of lime, and
occasionally of iron, they were never destitute of more or less salt.
"Springs of a more decided character occur in the vicinity of the
mouth of Salt River. The first observed occurs in the stream near
the right bank of the Tittabawassee, a little below Salt River, *** and
was found by actual measurement to discharge about seventy gallons
of water per hour. Nearly a mile above this spring upon the same bank,
and elevated from eight to ten feet above the water of the river, is a
THE SALT INDUSTRY 427
second spring, discharging a somewhat larger quantity of water. Near
by, but at a greater elevation, several small springs of brackish water
were seen issuing from the sloping bank of the river, which, upon
examination, were found to contain a notable quantity of salt.
"The quantity of water discharged from these springs is small, but
when considered in connection with those already noticed, they become
matters of considerable interest, since they serve to show that the salines
are not confined to one or two springs, but are widely dispersed over
a large district of country. Urine springs are known to exist near the
mouths of Flint and Cas^ Rivers in Saginaw County; but they occur in
a flat country and the unfavorable season compelled me to defer examin-
ing them until some future time."
In commenting on this report, Stevens T. Mason, the first governor
of Alichigan, in his message of January 4, 1838, to the Legislature, says:
"The examination of the saline springs has been carried so far as to
render it certain that we possess an extensive salt region, and that, with
hut a comparatively trilling expenditure, we shall be enabled to manu-
facture salt in sufficient quantities not only for home consumption, but
that it must become an article of extensive export. The whole number
of salines granted by the Act of Congress have not as yet been located,
in consequence of a want of time to examine the northern region of
the State; but such a number have been secured as to justify the Legis-
lature in authorizing preparatory measures for bringing them to public
use."
In accordance with the recommendation contained in the governor's
message, the Legislature, by act approved March 4, 1838, directed the State
geologist to commence boring for salt as soon as practicable at one or more
of the State salt springs. He was authorized to employ a chief assistant well
skilled in the practice of salt-boring, and other assistants as might be neces-
sary, appropriating a sum not exceeding three thousand dollars to defray the
expenses, to be paid out of the internal improvement fund. The geologist
accordingly visited the principal salt wells of Ohio. Pennsylvania and Vir-
ginia, with a view of availing himself of the most recent improvements in the
method of conducting the work.
The salt springs of New York were so differently situated that a satis-
factory comparison with them could not be instituted, on which point he
said :
"Any attempt to improve the water of our own springs upon the
plan there pursued, would most assuredly prove valueless. The brine
springs of our State, like those of Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia,
emanate from a rock which lies deep, being covered with a mass of
earthy matter, which it is necessary to penetrate. But the appearance
of salt springs at the surface is of itself far from being evidence of water
below. It is only a single link in the chain of facts."
The State Bores for Salt
Two points were selected for test wells ; one on the Grand River about
three miles below the village of Grand Rapids, and the other on the Tittaba-
wassee, at the mouth of Salt River. The appropriation for this purpose was
quickly expended in preliminary work, the country roundabout being a
forest wilderness ; but the following year the Legislature directed the
geologist to continue the improvements, and appropriated fifteen thousand
dollars to defray the expenses thereof.
In speaking of the well at the Tittabawassee River, Doctor Houghton
in his annual report says:
428
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
SALT BLOCK AND MILL BOOM
THE LOG END OF SAW MILL
"In continuing the shaft commenced at this place much difficulty
lias been encountered from the influx of water; but the condition is such
that this difficulty may now he easily overcome by properly sinking
tubes. All is in readiness to proceed with rapidity, and the whole outlay
for materials having been incurred, the remaining expense of completing
the work will be comparatively small.
"At a little less than fifty feet a continuous vein of salt water was
opened, but so intermixed with veins of fresh water as to make it im-
possible to determine the absolute quantity of saline matter contained in
it. * * Although this water is not of sufficient strength to admit of its
economical use for the manufacture of salt, it nevertheless serves to add
confidence to the hope before expressed, of eventual success in obtaining
the object sought, if the plan proposed be carried out."
The work at that time was suspended because the moneys appropriated
could not be realized; and the report of the select committee "called attention
to the fact that seventy-two sections of land, amounting to more than five
thousand acres which, apart from the special value in consequence of the
salt springs, were worth five dollars an acre, must be regarded as a gift from
the United States, in consideration of the testing of their value for the pro-
duction of salt. "Your committee are fully aware of the opinion." the report
reads, "that the prospects of success, offered by a continuance of the improve-
ments in progress, are such as not only to warrant their continuance, but also
that the best interests of the State demand it."
THE SALT INDUSTRY 429
By act of March 30. 1840, the Legislature appropriated five thousand
dollars for the improvements at the salt springs on the Grand River, and a
like amount on those on the Tittabawassee. Under this act a contract was
made with Ira T. Farrand. by which he agreed to sink the shaft upon the
State salt lands at Tittabawassee to the ruck beneath, and a well in said rock
to the depth of three hundred feet from the surface, the price to be seventeen
dollars per foot for the first fifty feet: and sixteen dollars per running foot for
the remaining two hundred and fifty feet; and in addition the State was to
nay for the tubing if any be used. The contract was confirmed on March 16,
1841, and the work, which for eighteen months had been suspended, was
speedily resumed.
At the mouth of Salt River, where the earth-boring was originall)
estimated at one hundred to one hundred and fifty feet, after nine months of
continuous labor the contractor had only been able to reach a depth of <me
hundred and thirty-nine feet. The results were disappointing, but the geoL
gist restates the opinion that to obtain water at maximum strength the shaft
should be sunk to a depth of at least six hundred feet, and recommends that
the well be completed at an early day.
Failure of the State Project
An appropriation of fifteen thousand dollars was approved February 14.
1842, to be expended upon the two wells already commenced; but further
attempts to obtain water possessing qualities suitable for making salt proved
unsuccessful. The salt lands of the State were then platted into lots and
leased with the right to manufacture salt, provided that at least four cents
per bushel of fifty-six pounds be paid to the State for the water. No further
progress was made at the springs on the Tittabawassee, except to keep the
machinery in repair; and some doubt was entertained as to the validity of the
title of the State to the land where the salt well was commenced.
The foregoing facts, comprising the principal action of the State toward
the development of the salt springs in the Saginaw Valley, prior to 1859, were
embodied in a paper prepared by the late William L. Webber, and read
before the State Pioneer Society, February 2. 1881. The paper was honored
by publication in the Michigan Pioneer Collections. Vol. IV, pp 13-22.
Granting a State Bounty on Salt.
In 1859, some citizens of Grand Rapids applied to the State Legislature
for an appropriation of ten thousand dollars to be used for further
testing the question of the existence of salt at the Grand River well. There
was no proposition for continuing the experiment in the Saginaw Valley, and,
as the State treasury had no great surplus, the Legislature would not make
an appropriation to be applied merely for experiment. Knowing this fact, a
few prominent men of East Saginaw having faith in salt, met at the office of
Charles B. Mott, on January 26, 185'', and after a general discussion of the
whole matter appointed a committee, consisting of Norman Little. Morgan
L. Cage. Doctor George A. Lothrop and William L. Webber, with instruc-
tions to petition the Legislature for such aid as in the opinion of the
committee the Legislature would be most likely- to grant.
The committee believed it would be useless to ask for a money appropri-
ation, but it was thought probable that a bounty would be granted contingent
ii]" in success. A petition to that effect was duly prepared and sent forward,
and a bill proposing a bounty of ten cents on each barrel of salt made was
sent to James Birney, then representing the Saginaw district in the Senate,
to be presented to that body. The Legislature seemed to regard it as a
harmless bill, and by way of ridicule some member moved to make the
bounty ten cents a bushel, equivalent to fifty cents a barrel. Willing to
430 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
carry out the juke, the Legislature passed the bill in that form, and it was
aproved February 15, 1859. The act as passed also exempted from taxation
all property used in the business of manufacturing salt.
Incorporation of the First Salt Company
Encouraged by this act of the Legislature, and with no more doubt that
the State would in good faith observe and keep its promises than that it
would ultimately pay its bonds, the enterprising men of East Saginaw,
including Jesse Hoyt, of New York, formed themselves into a corporation
under tbe general manufacturing law as the "East Saginaw Salt Manu-
facturing Company." with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars, consisting
of two thousand shares of twenty-five dollars each. The whole amount
was subscribed in two davs and the articles of association were signed on
April 10, 1859.
The men to whom the Saginaw Valley and the State are indebted for
the discovery of brine, and to whose risk and expense this industry, which
proved of such great value, was created, were William L. P. Little, Webber
& Wheeler, James L. Ketcham, George A. Lathrop, Dwight G. Holland,
Moses B. Hess, Alexander English, John F. Driggs, William J. Bartow,
William F. Glasby, Jesse Hoyt, Charles B. Mott, Henry C. Potter, Chester
B. Jones and John P. Derby, each of whom subscribed for one hundred and
twenty shares of the capital stock. William C. Yawkey and George W.
Merrill each took forty shares; D. W. C. Gage and O. P. Burt twenty shares
each; and Chauncey H. Gage and Perry Joslin ten shares each. Doctor
George A. Lathrop was elected president of the company, W. L. P. Little,
treasurer, ami William L. Webber, secretary; and these officers, with Messrs.
Mott, Ketcham, I les>, Putter, Merrill and Glasby, comprised the board of
directors.
Organization having been perfected, Jesse Hoyt tendered the use of
ten acres of land near the bank of the river for the boring of an experimental
well, with an option in case of success to purchase the same at an agreed
price. The location selected was north of Washington Street and just below
the site of Carlisle's tannery. None of the men connected with the enter-
prise had any knowledge of the geological formation of the valley, or any
experience concerning the boring of salt wells, so a committee, consisting of
George W. Merrill and Stephen R. Kirby, was appointed to visit the Onon-
daga salt wells in the State of New York, and learn what buildings,
machinery and tools were necessary for the boring of the well.
After a thorough investigation of the matter by these practical
mechanics, some of the tools and equipment required for the work were
purchased at Syracuse and shipped by way of the Erie Canal and the lakes
to Saginaw. In due course the work was commenced by the erection of a
drill house, an engine was procured and the machinery set up and put in
operation under the direction of Sanford Keeler, then a young engineer on
the river. Other necessary tools and appliances were made or purchased,
tubing for the earth boring was secured and the well begun.
Soon after the work was well under way, Mr. Kirby, who had general
charge of the enterprise, was called to the West to look after some of the
Hoyt interests, and the direction of affairs and the whole responsibility of
carrying on the operations devolved upon Mr. Keeler. Me was equal, how-
ever, to every emergency, and the results obtained were due very largely
to his ability and perseverance. The first well bored was four inches in
diameter, carried through a layer of soil ninety-two feet in thickness, at which
point a brown sand rock was encountered. From that the boring continued
down through alternate strata of rock to a depth of six hundred and thirty-
three feet, terminating in a fine sandstone known as salt rock.
THE SAL"!' INDUSTRY
431
s. mford Keeler
Who Drilled the First Salt Well
Stephen R. Kir
Who Planned the Operations
TO WHOM HONOR
George W. .Merrill
Who Made Part of the Machinery
IS DUE FOR THE DISCOVERY OF SALT
The want of definite knowledge of the geological formations delayed
the operations considerably. At Onondaga, the wells were carried down
only to the salt rock, but here it was found necessary to penetrate the saline
deposit ; and in doing this a new difficulty arose. The drills which had been
used in boring were not suited to working in salt rock, they would wear dull
very quickly and then stick and break, on one occasion requiring incessant
labor for three weeks to dislodge the parts and remove the fragments, so that
operations could be resumed. On account of these delays, which taxed the
patience and ingenuity of the young engineer, it was not until February 7,
1860. that the work on the well was completed; nor until that date did the
board of directors declare the experiment a success.
On the ninth of February public announcement was made of the dis-
covery of brine of sufficient strength for commercial reduction to salt, and as
stated' in the Courier of that date, the "news struck the community like an
electric shock." In their report to the stockholders the directors said:
"We have been aware of your natural anxiety for information during
the progress of the work, but the board of directors at an early day
adopted the policy of studiously withholding the facts developed from
time to time, however encouraging, lest they might excite hope which
the final results would not justify. We are happy now to assure you
that Saginaw possesses salt water second in strength and purity, and
we believe in quantity, to none in the United Slates."
Erection of the First Salt Block
Greatly enthused over the success of their experiments, the company
at once proceeded to the erection of works for the manufacture of salt, con-
sisting of two kettle blocks after the manner of those in use at Syracuse.
Cord wood was used for fuel, and the manufacture commenced in the latter
part of June, 1860. The production the first year was ten thousand seven
hundred and twenty-two barrels of salt, consisting of five bushels each; and
432 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
in the second year — July 1. 1861, to July 1. 1862, the production of this com-
pany alone was thirty-two thousand two hundred and fifty barrels. As
soon as the success of this experiment was thoroughly demonstrated, other
companies were formed and wells commenced at various points on Saginaw
River. In five years the production had reached five hundred and twenty-
nine thousand barrels; and in 1880 — twenty years after the discovery of brine
— the manufacture was two million six hundred seventy-eight thousand
three hundred and eighty-six barrels, being something over thirteen million
bushels of salt.
Experience demonstrated that the mode first adopted for the manu-
facture was not calculated to produce the best economical results. The East
Saginaw Salt Company estimated that the wood used in 1862 cost twenty-five
and a half cents for each barrel of salt made, and that each cord of wood
used in the kettle blocks gave a product of about seven barrels of salt. Cord
wood at that time could be procured at about one dollar and seventy-five
cents per cord of average quality, but soon after the manufacture of salt
increased the price was raised to about three dollars a cord, which brought
the cost of fuel to about fifty cents a barrel of salt.
The Salt and Lumber Industries United
Saginaw River was then lined with saw mills producing vast quantities
of sawdust and slabs, which could be utilized as fuel, far in excess of that
required for the use of the mills. It was soon discovered that the quality
of the brine was such that evaporation in vats and pans was more econom-
ically accomplished than in kettles. The heat in the exhaust steam of the
saw mills, it was also found, could be utilized for this purpose; and by
combining the two manufactures, salt and lumber, the fuel for the former
could be obtained practically without cost. Thus the two industries were
united, or rather, salt manufacture was largely developed by the lumber
business. For the production of salt in 1880 the saving in fuel alone was
one and a quarter million dollars, and the consumer received the benefit of
this saving. In 1870 the average price of salt at Saginaw was one dollar
and thirty-two cents per barrel, but ten years later it had dropped to
seventy-five cents per barrel, or fifteen cents a bushel, at which price no one
could manufacture salt in kettles without loss.
Repeal of the Salt Bounty Law
The Legislature of Michigan, having passed the salt bounty bill provid-
ing for a bounty live times greater than was asked or desired, with the
object of encouraging private enterprise of a measure, in which public
experiment had signally failed, soon discovered its mistake, and at its session
of 1861 repealed the act absolutely. The result was that the Fast Saginaw
Salt Manufacturing Company, at whose risk and expense this great industry
was discovered and developed, received from the State as a bounty only the
sum of thirty-one hundred and seventy-four dollars, which was paid by a
compulsory writ from the Supreme Court. The payment was but a trifling
compensation for the losses incident to the making of the discovery of brine,
and testing all the experimental questions in the manufacture of salt, com-
peting, meanwhile, for the market with a rival so strong as the Onondaga
Salt Association which, to cripple the Saginaw industry, sold salt in com-
petition at one dollar a barrel at the lake ports, when their retail price at
Syracuse was two dollars and thirty-five cents a barrel.
The changes in the method of manufacture were such that the stock-
holders of the East Sa»inaw Salt Manufacturing Company, who had paid in
on the capital stock (which had been increased to two hundred and fifty
THE SALT INDUSTRY 433
thousand dollars), the sum of one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars,
found themselves with practically a worthless property on their hands, their
competitors, who had profited by their experience, keeping the price so low
that no profit could be realized from the manufacture by their method. At
least one hundred and fifty thousand dollars was sunk by this company for
which no return was ever received, and the stockholders had to content them-
selves with the satisfaction of knowing that to them, and to their enterprise
and expenditure, was the State indebted for this industry which assumed such
enormous proportions within twenty years.
The State Reaps the Benefits
The advantages which the State received from the manufacture of salt
on a commercial scale within its boundaries, were inestimable. From I860
to and including 1881, the production of salt in Michigan amounted to
eighteen million eight hundred sixty-five thousand three hundred and sixty-
nine barrels. Everything used in the manufacture and packing for shipment
was produced at home, except the nails to hold the hoops and heads on the
barrels, so that practically all the money received for the product added to
the wealth of the State. At an average price of one dollar per barrel for all
the salt produced in the twenty-one years, the total valuation was almost
eighteen and a half million dollars. Prior to the discovery of brine, the
price paid for salt by the people of Michigan was much higher than prevailed
afterward ; and on a basis of one bushel a year for each individual, the
consumption in 1881 was about three hundred thousand barrels. If the
saving to these consumers was only half a dollar per barrel, the total amount
for twenty-one years was fully two and a quarter million dollars. In addition
to this, the value of taxable property was greatly increased, thus lightening
the burdens of other portions of the State.
The Purity of Saginaw Salt
At an earlv day in the development of our salt industry it was deter-
mined by practical tests that the quantity of brine in the Saginaw Valley was
inexhaustible. Every new well bored produced an abundant supply, and
excessive pumping reduced the strength only temporarily, the brine at once
regaining the prime standard when the excessive drain was checked. The
brine was perfectly clear and apparently pure when drawn from the wells,
but by exposure to the atmosphere some impurities were precipitated, and
in the process of manufacture others were developed and removed by careful
treatment. Care in the process greatly enhanced the preservative qualities
of salt, and the majority of the Saginaw manufacturers produced an article
so pure and wholesome as to stand the test of most thorough experiment
and investigation. As a result a high reputation was soon attained for
Saginaw salt in all the markets it reached.
Early Methods of Manufacture
Almost at the beginning of the salt industry there were two modes of
manufacture, one by the evaporation of the brine by artificial heat, the other
accomplishing the same result by the heat of the sun.
The mode first employed here was that evaporating by artificial heat.
of which there were several processes, the original being the kettle process.
A salt block consisted of fifty or sixty kettles and the stone or brick work
in which they were set. The kettles were arranged close together in two
rows, over two arches with only a dividing wall separating them, reaching
from the mouth of furnace to the chimney. The arches in front were about
three feet deep, the bottom gradually rising as they receded, so that under
the back kettles the space was only ten or twelve inches. Each block was
W
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THE SALT INDUSTRY 435
housed under a wooden building from seventy-five to one hundred feet long,
and about twenty-five feet high in the center, with sheds on each side contain-
in- bins for the drainage of the salt as made. After remaining in these bins
for two weeks the salt was packed in barrels for market.
When the works were in operation, an engine at the well pumped the
brine through pump logs to vats or cisterns close by, flowing in through a
spout over the top. From these vats another set of pump logs carried the
brine into the block, and along the top of the masonry between the rows of
kettles, with a spout extending over each kettle. When the kettles were
filled and the brine was heating by the rousing fire of four-foot cord wood
beneath, before boiling commenced, a scum arose on the surface and was
removed. After boiling a short time the crystals of salt began to form on
the surface and fall to the bottom; and when boiled down about one-half
the salt was dipped out with a long-handled pan and thrown into a basket
placed over one side of the kettle, for draining: The "bitter water" thus
drained off carried with it the Calcium Chloride and other impurities, the
elimination of which was an all important point in this mode of manufacture.
Solar salt, produced by the other mode of manufacture — evaporation by
the heat of the sun, was made in shallow wooden vats, and was much purer
than that first made in vats in the ground. A salt cover was eighteen feet
square, and had an annual capacity of fifty bushels. The solar process was
very simple and entailed but slight expense in operation.
Late in March the water which had remained in the vats during the
winter, to preserve them from the action of frost, was drawn off. and every-
thing cleaned and put in order. As soon as the sun's rays began to have
sufficient warmth, the brine was poured from the reservoirs into the hundreds
of wooden vats, each of which was provided with a movable cover or roof,
mounted on a trolley stage, so that it could be moved backward and forward
over the vat to protect or expose the brine, as the state of the weather
rendered desirable. The appearance of these acres of rows of wooden pent
covers from a distance, gave the otherwise desolate marshes over which they
spread the semblance of a barrack ground. ( )n approaching them the
illusion was quickly dispelled, and instead of a bugle call or sentry challenge,
the sharp shriek of the engine whistle, calling the men to their labors, or the
noise of the pumps, greeted the ear.
The brine was allowed to remain in the vats from six weeks to two
months to evaporate, according to the number of warm sunny days, when
the salt was all deposited, drained off and dried, and at once packed in
barrels for shipment. The works produced three crops of solar salt in a
season, the first being gathered about the middle of July, the second in
September, and the third the last of October. A small quantity, about a
tenth of a crop was gathered in November, from the vats which produced
the first crop. The middle crop was considered the most valuable due to
the exceeding coarseness of granulation, by reason of its more rapid evapor-
ation in hot, dry weather. This coarseness of solar salt gave it increased
value, and it was highly prized by pork and beef packers, as it prevented the
meat from packing too closely and permitted a free circulation of the brine.
It is also peculiarly adapted "for salting hides ami for other purposes of like
nature. The last solar salt works tip be operated at this end of the river was
that of Mitchell, McClure & Company, below Zilwaukee, but it was
abandoned and fell into ruin about ten years ago.
Rapid Development of the Industry
By means of various processes in manufacture, such as kettles, solar and
steam evaporation, pans, and Chapin's Patent which originated here, the
production of salt at Saginaw increased very rapidly. In 1867 one and a
436 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
quarter million dollars were invested in the industry, which produced three
hundred and fifty-eight thousand barrels of salt, and gave employment to
four hundred and seventy-one men. The following table gives the names
of manufacturers, location of works, production, number of men employed
and the investment :
George D. Lord, Zilwaukee 11.224 15 $100,000
Western Salt Company, Zilwaukee 35,000 40 82.000
Oneida Salt & Lumber Co., Crow Island 10,900 11 35,000
Orange County Salt Co., Carrollton 14,000 20 75,000
Saginaw Valley Salt Company, Carrollton 16,000 14 74,000
Chicago Salt Company, Carrollton 22,500 30 30,000
Empire Salt Co., Carrollton 10.000 14 50,000
Elisha C. Litchfield, Carrollton 14.000 18 30.000
Ilaskin, .Martin & Wheeler, Florence 47,467 50 70,000
Last Saginaw Salt Mfg. Co., East Saginaw 21.500 7? 140,000
Buffalo Salt Co.. East Saginaw 15,000 15 55,000
F. Briggs, East Saginaw 11,049 10 18,000
Chapin, Barber & Company, Last Saginaw 1,250 3 7,000
Burnham, Lawton & Co., East Saginaw 2,863 6 25,000
D. G. Whitney, Saginaw City 8.5(H) 13 28,000
Mack, Schmid & Lull, Saginaw City 11,550 8 10.000
Barnard & Hinder, Saginaw City... lh.000 10 25.000
Green & Hardin. Saginaw City. 13,148 10 12,000
Heather & Allison, Saginaw City 4,500 ! 10,000
Forest City Salt & Lbr. Co., Saginaw City 9,219 9 15,0000
N. B. Nye & Co., South Saginaw 28.000
Ann Arbor Salt & Lbr. Co., South Saginaw 9,030 11 17,000
Rust & Ingledew, South Saginaw 6,000 6 10,000
Allen Sutherland, South Saginaw 1,660 5 8,000
Steven, Cromwell & Co., South Saginaw 7.2'?2 16 30,000
Medina Salt Company. South Saginaw 12,000
Salina Salt Companv.' South Saginaw 16,300 25 30,000
New England Salt Works. Buena Vista 3,000 6 5,000
Wayne County Salt Co.. Tittabawassee 9,589 9 5,000
Albany Salt G i., Cass River 9,000 15 85,000
Gordon. Penny & Co., Cass River 30,000
I Jni< m Salt Works, Bridgeport 500 6 10.000
Difficulties Beset the Manufacturers
Along in the sixties the salt industry began to feel the effects of over-
production and the want of co-operation among the manufacturers in the
matter of proper handling of the market demand. Experience was also
having its effect in teaching the lesson of economy and perfection in all
the processes of manufacture. F'rom the excitement of the early years,
caused by tapping an inexhaustible reservoir of wealth, leading too frequently
to enterprises suggested by imagination rather than by calm judgment,
the industry was getting down to the hard pan, which was reached when it
was discovered that skill was required to make good salt, economy and
industry to make cheap salt, and business tact and judgment to put it on the
market in competition with Onondaga and Ohio River salt, so as to produce
a profit. The combination of the salt block with the saw mill, peculiar to
this valley, was a remarkable instance of mutual adaptation and co-operation
between separate industries, the use of exhaust steam from the saw mills
in evaporation of the brine, being an important economic measure, as the
i "M of fuel for this purpose was eliminated.
THE SALT INDUSTRY 431
Formation of the Saginaw & Bay Salt Company
As a result of these economic changes in the sail business, an associative
movement began in 1866, under the name of the Bay County Mutual Manu-
facturing Company. The following year the concern adopted the name of
Bay & Saginaw Salt Company, and broadened its operations in an endeavor
to market the production of the Saginaw Valley. Shortly after the company
was reorganized under the name of the Saginaw & Bay Salt Company, with
a capital of two hundred thousand dollars; and Henry M. Fitzhugh was
president, Newell Barnard, vice-president, John S. Judson, secretary, and N.
B. Bradley, treasurer. This was a long step in advance in the salt business,
and its operations gave steadiness to the market, prevented speculation, and
the absorption of the profits of manufacture by middle men.
The company was organized on strictly mutual principles, its stock
being held by manufacturers only, who chose the directors from their own
number. It received all the salt made by the stockholders, giving liberal
advances on the product on their docks, sold it on the best terms, and
made monthly settlements of accounts due; and by circulars issued each
month kept its members well informed of the entire situation and of the
affairs of the company. It gradually extended its business with the largest
markets, reaching many points never before touched by individual effort,
and realized better prices as indicated by the appended table of average
prices per barrel for 1867:
May $1.77 September $1.73
| une 1.77 October 1.75
July 1.74 November 1.85
August 1.78 December 2.16
These prices were net, covering all expenses, and paid in cash to the
producers. In addition five cents a barrel was retained by the company to
cover expenses of administration and incidentals, from which revenue a con-
siderable surplus accumulated for the payment of dividends to the share-
holders.
The cost of producing a barrel of salt in Saginaw at this time was
estimated as follows :
Pumping $ .05 Labor $ .30
Barrel 40 Fuel 50
Packing, etc 08 ;_i Interest ami Repairs 15
Inspection 01 ' 4
$1.50
The number of men employed directly and indirectly in the manufacture
of >alt was about one thousand, and the average wage was two dollars a day.
In 1868 the company sold and shipped three hundred eighty-two
thousand two hundred and fifty-two barrels, the Chicago market receiving
and consuming the larger proportion of this quantity. Its operations
brought about a uniform system of inspection and introduced order and
reliability into a business which, without such general regulation, had proved
unrenumerative.
The State Salt Inspection
In 1869 a rigid inspection of Michigan salt was instituted, and in a few
years fully realized the expectations of its originators. Owing to its estab-
lished character Michigan salt met with steadily increased demand, and
found a ready market throughout the country. Samuel S. Garrigues, a
scientific and practical chemist of ability and reputation, was the first State
Salt Inspector with an office at East Saginaw. In 1N74 George \Y. Hill was
deputy inspector at East Saginaw. II. Estabrook filled the >ame position
43S
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
SALT BLOCK, SAW MILL AND COOPER SHOP OF CHARLES MERRILL & COMPANY
at South Saginaw, V. VV. Paine at Saginaw City, James Mill, at Carrollton,
ami John Haight, at Xilwaukee. In later years Mr. Hill became the State
Inspector, an office he held for an extended period.
Four grades of salt were created, the product being packed in barrels
of two hundred and eighty pounds, or fifty-six pounds to the bushel. No. 1,
Fine, was for general use and all family purposes; Packers was suitable for
packing and bulking meat and fish, one of the finest and best brands for such
purposes; Solar salt, when screened and branded as"C Solar C" for coarse,
and "F Solar F" for fine grades, was equal in all respects to Xew York solar
salt; No. 2, Second Quality, was a grade intended for No. 1, of any of the
above grades, but which for any cause did not come up to the standard
tests, and was so branded and sold as such. It was good for salting stock,
hay, hides and such purposes.
During 1873 the distribution of Saginaw salt was three hundred and
twenty-five thousand barrels to the Chicago market, one hundred and fifty
thousand barrels to Milwaukee, fifty thousand barrels to Cleveland, one
hundred and fifty thousand barrels to Toledo, twenty-five thousand barrels
to Sandusky, and about seventy-five thousand to Michigan points. So high
was the favor in which the local product was held that the managers of
the exposition at Cincinnati awarded a handsome silver medal and diploma
to the exhibitors of Saginaw salt, namely: Burnham v\; Still, for two barrels
of fine steam salt; Bundy & Youmans, for fine kettle salt; T. Jerome &
Company, for fine pan salt and packers; Thomas Savior i\- Company, for
exceptional quality of solar salt. This prize was awarded from a locality
heretofore supplied by the Ohio River and Onondaga Salt Companies, and
was a high compliment to Saginaw salt which attracted much attention at the
exp< isition.
In 1872, at the Union hair at Grand Rapids, and at the State Fair the
following year, Saginaw salt from the works of John F. Driggs took the first
premium in competition with Onondaga salt. Fifty years of progress in the
manufacture of salt in New York State, where it had been produced since
1797, did not equal the progress made in five years in the Saginaw Valley.
THE SALT INDUSTRY
439
Michigan Salt Association
The Michigan Salt Association — the successor of the older co-operative
companies, which was managed so many years by Dvvight (1. Holland with
great skill and energy, was a powerful factor in the business and constantly
extended its field of operation by introducing its product into new markets.
The Association was organized in 1 S7< > and embraced as members all the
manufacturers of salt in the State excepting thirteen. Its object was to
secure united action among the many producers and to market their product
through one channel, thus by a minimum expense of distribution obtain better
net prices for its members. Taking their salt as fast as it was made and ship-
ping it to the consumers direct, or to it- different reshipping points, the
Association made liberal advances on the monthly output and paid the manu-
facturers in full when sold.
'Ibis method of handling such a large quantity of one commodity, proved
such a success from the start that the members conceived the idea of building
spacious warehouses at the large lake ports, for reshipping to the interior,
those at Chicago, Milwaukee. Toledo, Detroit and Michigan City being the
largest. The prices at which the salt was sold was fixed by the Association,
and each member contributing received the same price per barrel, or per ton
in bulk, no limit being placed on the output.
The first officers of the Association, which was capitalized at two hun-
dred thousand dollars, were: Wellington R. Burt, president: Albert Miller,
vice-president; Thomas Cranage, Jr., treasurer, and Dwight d. Holland.
secretary. The executive committee was composed of Wellington R. Burt.
|. L. Dolsen, Thomas Cranage, Newell Barnard, and W. J. Bartow. These
officers were elected year after year and by their management the salt busi-
ness of Michigan reached such gigantic proportions, the Association market-
ing from three to four million barrels per year.
Wellington R. Burt held the office of president until 1894, when Thomas
Cranage was elected to this position. In 1896 he was succeeded by E. D.
Wheeler, of Manistee, who served two years;
and in 1898 Walter S. Eddy was elected presi-
dent and continued until 1914.
The secretary of the Association was
Dwight G. Holland, who served continuously
from the organization until his death in 1903,
a period of twenty-seven years. The office of
secretary and treasurer were then consolidated,
and C. M. Ireton, who was assistant secretary
for main' vears, was elected to till both offices
which he continued until 1914.
( >n January 1, l'>l-4. C. M. Ireton and A. A.
White associated together, and securing the
assets and good will of the Association, are
continuing the business of distributing and
wholesaling salt, with offices in Saginaw.
C. M. Ireton was born in Kalamazoo. Mich-
igan, July 23, 1857, and came to Saginaw four
years later with his parents. From the age of
twelve to seventeen he worked during the Sum-
mer in and around saw mills on the river, being
able to "hold down" an)' job that was assigned him; and he attended the
public schools in Winter. He then went to the Highland Military Academy,
at W'orchester, Massachusetts, from which he graduated with the class of
1S77.
C M. IRETON
440 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
His business experience was gained through service with Morley
Brothers, Avery & Company, and Eddy Brothers & Company; and through
Wellington R. Burt he was appointed to a position in the office of the Mich-
igan Salt Association.There by strict attention to business he has gained his
present standing in commercial circles, being recognized for bis integrity
and sterling qualities.
( >n December 11, 1878, Mr. [reton was married to Miss Isabelle Fraser,
daughter of Murdock Fraser, one of the earliest pioneers to this section of
Michigan. The two children living a-- a result of this union are a son, Russell,
ami a daughter, Winifred.
Mr. Ireton received a First Lieutenant's commission under Governor
E. B. Winans, in 1892. Fraternally he is a 32nd degree Mason, I'ast Com-
mander St. Bernard Commandery, K. T. ; Past Potentate Elf Khurafeh, Shrine
A. A. ( ). X. M. S., being organizer and captain of this Shrine's famous patrol.
Decline of Salt Production
The manufacture of salt, even at the height of the industry, was produc-
tive of very small profits, but the making of by-products from the waste
bittern by new and economical processes gradually brought about a revolu-
tion in the business. The cost of fuel was the largest single item of expense
of manufacture, and the effect of the decline of the lumber business, upon
which the salt industry depended for its existence, was noticeable in the
eighteen nineties. Without the once free exhaust steam from the saw mill
engines, and refuse from the saws, no salt wells could be operated at a profit,
and hundreds of pumps that in former years were active soon fell into disuse,
and the salt blocks were dismantled. The industry was kept alive, however,
by the development of the coal fields in Saginaw Valley, by which cheap
slack coal was burned under the saw mill boilers to furnish steam for the
brine pumps and salt blocks. Even this means of bolstering up a declining
industry was not altogether successful, and the price of salt declining to
forty-five cents or less a barrel, its manufacture here was rendered unprofit-
able.
Tlie industry in the Saginaw Valley has not failed absolutely, as in
recent years the price of salt has risen to a more profitable plane. In 1916
the business at Saginaw was represented by six active corporations, five of
which were engaged in wood-working, and one in making plate glass.
They were the Bliss & Van Auken, Mershon, Eddy, Parker Company, S. L.
Eastman Flooring Company, Strable Lumber \; Salt Company, E. Germain
Estate and the Saginaw Plate ( Mass Company. It was at the last named
plant that the most complete salt-making works in the country were com-
pleted and put in operation in 1906, and since that time has been the largest
producer in Saginaw County.
Economics of Modern Salt Making
In erecting this new salt block advantage was taken of all new devices,
machinery, and methods of handling the product, so that one thousand barrels
of fine salt packed ready for market, without the touch of a hand of lift of an
arm, are produced in twenty-four hours. The cost of producing fine mer-
chantable salt, moreover, has been reduced to a figure astonishing to all salt
experts. The three factors that bring about this economy are solid rein-
forced concrete grainers, waste exhaust steam from the numerous engines
of the glass-making plant, and automatic machinery by which no hand
touches a crystal of salt. Only the master saltmaker and a few helpers are
required to watch the machinery and keep it in perfect running order.
THE SALT INDUSTRY
441
The salt brine is supplied by twelve wells about one hundred and fifty
feet apart, ranging in depth from seven hundred and seventy-five to eight
hundred feet, and penetrating the ruck salt for some distance. The wells are
encased with heavy tubing extending
into the rock, through which the
saturated brine is brought to the surface ; and above rise the drill houses with
their high towers protecting the pumping machinery. Each well is equipped
with a brine pump operated by a seven and one-half horse power electric
motor, the current being furnished by generators in the power plant of the
glass works. From the drill houses the brine is pumped to an elevated
circular tank of two hundred barrels capacity.
All brine is more or less impregnated with iron and other impurities;
and to free it of these it is drawn from the elevated receiving-tank to one
of a series of settling tanks, to which it flows by gravity. These tanks are
built of solid concrete, each one hundred and seventy feet long by twenty
feet wide, and seven and one-half feet deep, and are reinforced by long cor-
rugated rods of iron. Every alternate dividing wall is provided with a
narrow plank walk, so that the saltmakers can more readily examine the
brine. The flow of brine through the troughs along the top and end of the
settling tanks is controlled by a simple arrangement of gates, through which
it may be made to flow into any of the tanks desired.
In these settling tanks the brine is treated to a solution of lime, which
precipitates the remaining impurities held in suspension, leaving the brine
as blue as ocean expanse, and as pure and clear to the eye, but far more
saltv to the taste. The purifying of the crude brine through the agencies
of the sun, air and chemical action, having been fully accomplished, the
clear brine is ready for the next important operation — its conversion into
crystaline form. This is the most interesting part of salt making. The clear
brine is pumped into one of the salt blocks, a wooden building one hundred
and eighty feet square, and conveyed to two concrete pre-heaters, where it is
heated by steam coils and made ready for evaporation.
SECTION OF SETTLING TANKS. SALT WORKS OF
SAGINAW PLATE GLASS COMPANY
442 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The grainers, ten in number, are the principal feature of the whole works,
and were the first ever constructed of solid concrete. By this departure from
the old method of using wooden plank--, calked, the builders achieved a
remarkable advance in salt-making. The grainers are long shallow tanks
of concrete, each one hundred and fifty feet long, twelve feet wide, and twenty
inches deep. The sides and bottom vary in thickness from six to ten inches,
and rest upon a firm earth foundation, and so constructed with steel rein-
forcement that no damage occurs by reason of the constant expansion and
contraction going on through the changing temperature of the mass.
[Through the entire length of each grainer are ten four-inch steam pipes,
running close together through truss bars suspended about eight inches
fiom the floor of the grainer, by means of wire cables secured to heavy
beams abi >\ e.
The Utilization of Exhaust Steam
All the engines of the large plate glass works exhaust into an elevated
main, twenty-two inches in diameter, connecting the works with the salt
blocks. This main is protected with asbestos covering and the steam is
conserved for all the requirements of the salt-making processes. When the
engines are not running live steam direct from the boilers is turned into the
exhaust main, which is not an unduly expensive procedure since the boilers
are fired with cheap slack coal from the coal mines of this valley. The main
•■team pipe enters the block at the rear end, and extends across the ends
of the grainers at right angles to them. At intervals of fifteen feet along the
main feed pipes branch off to the right and connect with the ten
steam pipes in the grainers. This is done in such a way that there is equal
distribution of steam to all. so that all the grainers may be operated at the
same time.
When the brine in the pre-heaters has reached the requisite temperature,
it is allowed to flow into a grainer, nearly filling it. Exhaust steam is then
turned on, and passing through the steam pipes in the grainer, continues the
heating of the brine to lite boiling point, when crystalization begins. This
is a most interesting chemical action. Upon the steaming-hot surface of
the brine a pellicle of salt forms; it soon breaks and sinks down to be
followed by another, and the crystalization proceeds rapildy throughout the
grainer. It is the extreme rapidity of the process in the concrete grainers
that astonishes the old saltmakers, who declare they have never seen anything
like it before.
"The secret is this," explained one of them: "the concrete becomes s, .
extremely hot from the maintained temperature of the brine, that it acts as
an oven and actually makes salt on its sides. Even after the steam is
turned off the grainer goes on making salt for an hour or two. We have had
to put on scrapers to remove the salt from the sides of the grainers; and is
a device which saxes the wages of three or four men."
The Wilcox Automatic Rakes
The salt accumulates rapidly on the floor of the grainer, and to remove
it there were installed the Wilcox automatic rakes, which operate beneath the
steam pipes. These are long rigid frames of steel, running the entire length
of the grainer, of angle-iron construction, which slide backward and for-
ward along a steel track which is bolted to the concrete walls about six inches
from the bottom.
At intervals of eight feet, beginning at the extreme back end of the
grainer, are hung crosswise rakes of galvanized bar iron, about six inches
wide, hinged to turn upward and forward. This steel frame with the rakes
ONE OF THE TEN CONCRETE "GRAINERS." WORKS OF
SAGINAW PLATE GLASS COMPANY
AUTOMATIC RAKES DUMPING SALT FROM GRAINERS ONTO CONVEYORS
SAGINAW PLATE GLASS COMPANY
444
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
HILLS OF SALT IN HUGE WAREHOUSE. DRYING OUT FOR PACKING
IN BARRELS. SAGINAW PLATE GLASS COMPANY
is attached at the front end to a hydraulic cylinder, of nine feet stroke, so that
with each forward movement of the piston rod the salt is gathered by the
rakes and moved along the floor of the grainer nine feet toward the front end.
The return stroke places the rake next in front one foot behind the little pile
of salt, twelve feet long or the width of the grainer, the hinged rake slipping
over, and the operation is repeated again and again. This goes on through
the whole length of the grainer, a complete stroke requiring three minutes.
The last rake of the series at the front end brings up the accumulated salt on
an inclined table which drains off the brine and then dumps it over the edge
into a wooden conveyor below.
As the salt drops into the conveyors, which are twelve inches wide and
twenty inches deep, automatic rakes carry it along to a series of hoppers,
set in the bottom of the conveyor, at intervals of twenty-five feet. Beneath
the hoppers are fast-running rubber belts, fifteen inches wide, which catch up
every particle of the salt and carry it into the storage building adjoining. The
salt, as it leaves the belt is caught up by vertical conveyors, lifted to the roof
and deposited on other conveyors which carry it to any part of the big build-
ings desired, where it slips off. forming huge piles. The power to drive these
conveyors is furnished by a number of electric motors placed at convenient
places for the transmission.
When the salt has been inspected it is branded with the company's
trade brands, and is then ready for shipment. If loaded in bulk in cars,
the operation is simply to run a pair of bucket conveyors into the car
and in a short time thirty tons or more of the glistening white crystals are
transferred from the hillsides of salt. The usual practice, however, is to
ship in barrels, even though the package costs more than the salt it contains.
Working Up the By-Products
A further economic advantage to the Plate Glass Company in the manu-
facture of salt, lies in the fact that two of the constituents of plate glass —
saltcake and soda ash — are by-products of saline brines. As the brine lies
THE SALT INDUSTRY 445
in inexhaustible supply deep down in the earth's crust and under the immense
plant, it is. of course, simply a matter of good business to bring the brine
to the surface and work it up into the various products, some of which are
essential to their other processes. The waste bittern, which remains after
the salt has been taken from the brine, is here treated by chemical processes
and converted into a dry solid — calcium chloride, which resembles salt.
This chemical is used for a number of other purposes, and is in demand
principally for refrigerating, cold storage, cooling, the making of artificial
ice, ami to take the moisture out of blast-furnace gases. It is also used on
roads to settle dust, as it is cleaner and better than crude oil. About thirty
tons of the substance are made per day in the chemical plant, adjoining the
salt blocks, which is thoroughly equipped for the purpose. In each depart-
ment of the great industry nothing is wasted.
Within the last two or three years the chemical business in Saginaw
has been augmented by a similar plant for the reduction of salt brine bittern,
by S. L. Eastman Flooring Company, at their salt works adjoining the maple-
flooring mill in Carrollton, about two miles below the city.
Salt Production
The production and value in Michigan for l'»14, according to the last
report issued, were greater than for any previous year, the total amount of
brine and rock salt being eleven million six hundred seventy thousand nine
hundred and seventy-six barrels, valued at three million two hundred ninety-
nine thousand and five dollars. The average price per barrel was twenty-
eight cents three mills, the highest since 1901 except in 1904 when it was
thirty cents nine nulls. From 1905 the average price per barrel has risen
from nineteen cents six mills to the present figure.
The following table shows the production and value of salt in this State
during the last decade:
Barrels
Carrels
1906
9,936,802
$2,018,760
1911
10,320,074
$2,633,155
1907
10,786,630
2.062,357
1912
10,046.739
2,974,429
1908
10,194,270
2,458,303
1913
1 1 ,528.800
3,2<>3,032
1909
9,966,744
2.732.55X
1914
11,670,976
3,299,005
1910
9,452,022
2,23\,2<<2
Since the decline of the lumber industry in Saginaw Valley the manu-
facture of salt here has fallen off to a little more than three per cent, of the
total output of the State; and in 1913 and 1914 was as follows:
1913 1914
Barrels Barrels
Common fine r'5.478 $49,991 30,795 $15,065
Coarse 266,579 105.053 367,272 176,003
362,057 $155,044 5'»S.067 $FH,068
In 1914 the production of Saginaw County was only three and four-tenths
per cent of the State production, but in value it was five and seventy-nine
hundredths per cent of the total amount received by the manufacturers. The
largest proportion of salt output of the State is now derived from the
immense salt works on the Detroit and St. Clair Rivers and at Manistee and
Ludington, although Bay Count}' still contributes a considerable quantity.
j»*t - jSi«_
WASHINGTON STREET NORTH FROM JANES, 18
CASS (BAUM) STREET SOUTH FROM TUSCOLA, 16
CHAPTER XVIII
THE COAL INDUSTRY
Primitive Coal Mining — Discoveries in Saginaw County — Early Mining at Sebe-
waing — First Mines in Saginaw — Expansion of the Industry — Arthur Barnard Be-
gins Mining Coal — Labor Difficulties — Some Miners Become Operators — The Oper-
ators Take a Hand — Caledonia Wins Out — The Operators Regain Advantage —
Characteristics of Saginaw Coal — Development of Mines — Costs of Mining — Value
of Coal Lands — Methods of Mining — Introduction of Mining Machines — Coal Pro-
duction— The Output of Saginaw County — Consolidation of Coal Interests.
THE existence of coal beds in Michigan has been known for many years,
almost since the earl}- settlement of the State, but for economic reasons
they were not developed until comparatively recent years. Fuel for
the pioneers lay at their very doors, the wood from the forests which
were leveled to make ready for agriculture, supplying all their simple needs.
Timber was a waste product of advancing civilization and had to be burned
to get it out of the way. As years passed and cities and towns took the
place of primitive settlements, quantities of hardwoods, and the refuse of the
saw mills which sprang up on every stream, were made to furnish heat for the
inhabitants. Not until the timber supplies of the State began to fail, and
other sources of fuel were sought, did enterprising men turn to deposits of
coal in the earth.
In 1856 the first coal mines in the State were opened a few miles west
of Jackson, and five years later mines in the city were first worked by
William Walker. The operations were conducted on a small scale, and in
1877 only four mines were worked, giving employment to about two hundred
men and producing sixty-eight thousand tons of bituminous coal in a year.
Later coal beds at Corunna were developed on a commercial scale, but the
product was of poor quality, containing a high percentage of sulphur and
ash, although running well to fixed carbon and volatile matter. There was
yet but small demand lor such fuel and slight incentive for capital to develop
new coal fields.
Discoveries of Coal in Saginaw County
The first discovery of coal veins underlying the Saginaw Valley was
made in 1X5'), jn drilling the first salt well of the East Saginaw Salt Manu-
facturing Company. This well, it will be remembered, was on the east
side of the river, just below the present site of Carlisle's tannery. From the
diagram of the upper portion of this well, which was made at the time it was
put down, it is seen that the drills passed through two coal bearing strata,
one twenty-three feet in thickness, at a depth of two hundred and eleven
Feet f r< m the surface, and the other ten feet in thickness, at a depth of two
hundred and forty-six feet. Nothing whatever was done to examine these
coal strata or to determine their extent, which is an illustration of the fact
that the people hail not yet begun to comprehend the great natural wealth
and resources of this valley. A wealth of forest in all directions awaited
their enterprise and energy to create fortunes therefrom, and lumbering was
the one great industry. In drilling into the earth salt brine was what they
were seeking, and the discovery and development of it occupied their whole
attention. Very many salt wells afterwards drilled passed through various
coal strata, but no efforts were made at the time to arouse any public interest
in mining it.
448 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
In 1875 a vein of coal was discovered on the Shattuck farm, five miles
west of the city, and created some interest among our enterprising citizens.
In a report of the discovery made public at the time, it was stated that:
"Two holes, nne-fourth mile apart, were sunk to the depth of one hundred
and sixty-four feet, resulting in finding a superior article of bituminous coal.
During the past summer another hole was bored nearly a fourth mile distant
from the others, and the following is the log of the borers: Sand, sixteen feet;
sandstone ami slate, twenty-three feet; coal, four and a half feet; sandstone,
slate and shale, twenty-four feet, and coal, seven feet, a total of one hundred
sixty-one and a half feet.'
"The following" analysis was reported by the chemist to whom the coal
borings were submitted: 'Carbon, seventy-three ami three tenths per cent;
ash, five and seven tenths per cent; sulphur, sixty-eight hundredths of one
per cent.'
"The almost entire absence of sulphur and the large preponderance of
carbon render this, it is claimed by those who claim to be posted, fully equal
to the product of the celebrated Blossburg and Cumberland mines."
The report concludes with an account of the drilling at a point south-
west of the holes mentioned, on the farm of William Badger on the banks
of the Tittabawassee, in which a bed of coal seven feet in thickness was struck
at a depth of one hundred and fifty-eight feet from the surface. As in
pievious discoveries of coal nothing was done to open up mines ami as late as
1892, when coal was found at numerous places, south and southwest of
Saginaw, from forty to fifty feet below the surface, with good roof, and in
beds from five to seven feet in thickness, and of excellent quality, capital was
still reluctant to develop the new fields. At that time it was believed that the
whole Saginaw Valley was underlaid with rich deposits of coal, and it was
confidently predicted by some enthusiasts that coal "would furnish an
unlimited supply of fuel for the great manufacturing industries to be
devel( 'ped."
Early Mining at Sebewaing
Ever alive to the commercial interests of the valley, William L. Webber
was the first to practically develop coal mining in this section. He made it
the hope of the commercial and industrial development of Saginaw by
opening a mine at Sebewaing, in Huron Count}-, on the line of the Saginaw,
Tuscola & Huron Railroad, of which he was president. In 1889 John
Russell, a well borer, reported to Mr. Webber that he had drilled through a
vein of coal about four feet thick, and submitted specimen of coal in fine
particles, which was taken from this drill hole. Mr. Webber tested the
specimen and finding good coal directed several test holes to be made at his
expense. These holes revealed the presence of a bed of considerable extent,
and he directed that a shaft lie put down in order to take out enough coal to
test its quality with other coal then sold in this market. The comparison
proving satisfactory, a coal company was formed, of which Mr. Webber was
the principal stockholder, and he was elected its president.
Mining at Sebewaing by the Saginaw Bay Coal Company was actually
commenced in the latter part of 1890, and soon reached a commercial scale,
the product finding a market at Saginaw and other cities of the valley. The
coal vein was about one hundred feet below the surface, and averaged four
and one-half feet in thickness. The quality of the coal, however, was not
what had been confidently expected; it contained a large percentage of
sulphur, and in burning had a tendency to cake or run together and form a
mass on the grates. For this reason it was found to be unsuited for steam-
making purposes, and was little used by manufacturing concerns. The coal
THE COAL INDUSTRY 449
was thoroughly tried out in engines of the Saginaw, Tuscola & Huron Rail-
road, with only partial success; and later was tested by the Flint & Pere
Marquette Railroad, but after several months of experiment it was abandoned
as unfit for use in locomotives. This decision closed a wide market for
Sebewaing coal, and thereafter it was in less demand.
Meanwhile much trouble had been experienced in the mining operations
by "flooding," and the scarcity of labor, and because of these and other
adverse circumstances the Sebewaing mine was closed down in 18' '4. During
1892 there were mined and shipped from Sebewaing by this and another
mine operated by l!ay City capitalists, eight hundred and six cars of coal,
being an average of sixty-seven cars a month. The amount of coal raised
and shipped during the four years of its operation was about sixty-six
thousand tons, but the sales did not compensate Mr. Webber and his associ-
ates in the mining project for the time and money expended in this experi-
mental stage. The discover}' then made and pushed forward proved an
incentive for others to follow, and to Mr. Webber, perhaps more than to any
other pioneer mine owner, is credit due for having inaugurated a great
industry, with numerous mines scattered through the valley, from which
thousands of tons of bituminous coal are being hoisted daily.
Some years later the old Sebewaing mine was reopened by Thomas P.
\\ hittier and others for the purpose of recovery of pyrites, a mineral which
was abundantly associated with the slate. Mining operations were carried
on for some time, but without very marked success, the production of coal
being a secondary consideration. Pyrites is commonly of a bright brass-
yellow color, and is often found crystallized in cubes. It is very widely
diffused, frequently being found in coal fields, the action of water and air
changing into sulphate of iron, during which so much heat is devolved as to
render some mines unworkable. The mineral is used for the manufacture of
sulphuric acid and alum, and sulphur i- obtained from it by sublimation.
First Mines in Saginaw County
Coal was first mined in Saginaw County early in the eighteen-nineties
by local capitalists, who sunk a shaft at Verne, in Taymouth Township, about
twelve miles south of the city. This was the original proved coal vein in the
valley, and mining operations were conducted on a small scale there for
several years. At first the coal met with a ready sale among the farmers
and the villages within easy wagon haul of the mine, but gradually it found
a market at Saginaw. The quality, however, was inferior to the Ohio and
West Virginia coals then used in this city for steam and domestic purposes,
and the production being limited it was never favorably known here. Later
its production was used exclusively near the mine, when it could not be
worked profitably and was abandoned.
The first production of coal on a commercial scale in this county was at
the old Saginaw mine, located on the Genesee plank road, in May, 18%.
The company which controlled this property was promoted by William T.
Chappell, to whom is due the honor of having successfully inaugurated the
coal industry in this city. This mine tapped the richest vein of coal on the
east side of the river, and was operated at a good profit through miles of
passages until very recent years. When the long distances the coal had
io be hauled to the shaft rendered further operations unprofitable, the mine
machinery was removed and it was closed. No other mine in this district
has had so long a life, or produced so great a quantity of good coal.
Expansion of the Industry
Lncouraged by the success of this venture in coal mining, capital was
at last released for investment in the infant industry : and such astute
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THE COAL INDUSTRY 451
business men as Harry T. and William J. Wickes organized a company, with
Robert M. Randall as general manager, to prospect for and mine coal. As
a result the Pere Marquette Coal Company sunk a shaft on the John P.
Allison farm, near the Saginaw mine; and it was named Pere Marquette Xo.
1. Soon after a second shaft was sunk on the West Side, just beyond the
city limits between Gratiot and Brockway Streets. This mine was known
as Pere Marquette No. 2, and soon mining was commenced on a large scale.
About 1899 the Standard mine, located a short distance south and west
of the original mine, was completed and put in operation by other parties;
and the coal business of the valley was fairly launched. The product found
a good market close at hi 'me. and at a good profit in active competition with
Ohio and West Virginia coals, which had to bear a freight charge from three
to eight times more than that of the local coal.
Arthur Barnard Begins Coal Mining
An enterprising citizen early identified with the coal industry was
Arthur Barnard, who first secured coal leases in I'dumhcld Township, about
nine miles east of the city. On this land he soon after sunk a shaft near the
line of the Saginaw, Tuscola & Huron Railroad, which formed an outlet for
the product. This mine was successfully operated for a number of years,
the coal taken from the entries being of very good quality, and was mostly
consumed at home.
The success of this mine and the prosperity attending the expansion of
the industry led to further investments, and early in the present century
he "Jimtown" mine, in James Township, the Riverside mine, south of the
city on the Tittabawassee, the Chappell & Fordney mine, on the Belt Line
near Gratiot Street, and the Barnard mine, on South Michigan Avenue, were
sunk by enterprising operators, and the coal business in Saginaw began to
assume large proportions.
.Meanwhile the Pere Marquette Coal Company was absorbed by the
Saginaw Coal Company, which was composed of practically the same stock-
holders, and the mining operations of the company expanded to a huge scale.
Besides sinking new shafts in proved coal veins, the company purchased
several of the independent coal companies, whose operations had not proved
entirely successful, and in a few years it practically controlled the coal
business at Saginaw. Some of the older mines, such as the Pere Marquette
No. 1, which had reached the end of profitable operation, were dismantled
and abandoned. In others improved machinery, electric haulage, and
modern equipment were installed, to place them on a better paying basis.
For economic reasons the industry was gradually becoming consolidated,
not only to better control the market and the shipment of coal, but also to fix
the selling price. In this city the price was fixed on the basis of the price
of Ohio and West Virginia coals at the mines, plus the freight charges to
this point, and ranged from four to four and a half dollars a ton delivered.
Labor Difficulties
During the early period of coal mining in Saginaw Valley, the labor
problem was the greatest difficulty encountered. At first there were no
experienced miners here, and after the industry was fairly started it was
necessary to go to Ohio and West Virginia coal fields for them. This was no
easy matter to bring about, as the Michigan coal fields were almost unknown
to the miners of the old fields, and they were reluctant to leave their homes
to try out newer conditions in the Michigan field. It was necessarv to send
a g 1 man with tact, judgment and patience into the coal fields, and corral
every unemployed miner and as many others as could be induced to leave
452 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
their jobs, herd them together as a party in chartered ears for the trip to
Saginaw. A close watch had to be kept over them at every place the train
stopped, to keep them from wandering off; and even then a number (if the
recruits would desert their new "boss" at the first opportunity, although the
lares and expenses were paid by him. It was altogether a strenuous job to
land the greater portion of a gang of new miners in Saginaw, and actually
get them started to work in the mines. In this work of bringing in miners
Frank S. Spencer, for a number of years with the Saginaw Coal Company,
was very successful.
Some Miners Become Operators
The operators in the Saginaw coal field, which includes all mines in this
county, have experienced the usual labor troubles arising from disagreements,
disaffection anil the persistent efforts of the miners to improve working
conditions. Added to these difficulties was the active influence of Social-
ism, which has many followers among the workingmen in Saginaw, and cries
out against the employers with some bitterness. Some of the Socialist
miners in looking around for something more practical than verbal expres-
sions of hatred, conceived the general plan of the Caledonia Coal Company,
a purely co-operative concern, which was organized in 1905.
It was planned to make this essentially a workingmen's mine, the com-
pany to he composed of practical mine workers, each of whom was to have an
equal share of the slock, and to be equally interested in the output. Every
man would thus lie working for himself, and whatever his ability and industry
gained would be of direct value to himself, instead of going as profit to the
capitalist class. The mine and the general business of the company was to
lie directly controlled bv a superintendent, who was accountable to a board
of managers; and the decision of this body was to be at all times subject
to review bv the general assembly of the miner-stockholders.
To the socialist mind the plan had much charm, and many workmen
were attracted to it. As organized the company consisted of one hundred
men with a capitalization of fifty thousand dollars. A year later the number
of shareholders and workers was increased to five hundred, and the capital
stock to two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The individual contribu-
tions were not large, and some workmen paid for their shares in labor,
believing that if the co-operative plan was worth anything, it was worth
the trial.
The organization of the company was perfected with the utmost secrecy,
and all arrangements cpiietly made for sinking a shaft. A little tract of forty
acres in the eastern limits of the city, upon which the coal lease, originally
held by one of the old companies, had been allowed to lapse, was quickly
secured by the Caledonia Company; and only when actual work on the shaft
was begun, did the coal companies and the public learn wdiat was going on.
The shaft was put down with surprising rapidity, and on September 1. 1905,
coal was sold from the new mine, the entries of which were at a depth of one
hundred and sixty-five feet. There still remained the work of clearing away
the waste and rock, extending the entries, and erecting the necessary struc-
ture over the shaft; and it was late in the Fall before the company was
ready to enter the market with its product.
The Operators Take a Hand
Meanwhile the operators had advanced the price of coal for the local
trade, to the regular winter rate of four dollars and fifty cents a ton, although
coal was sold at points a hundred miles or more away, with three times the
freight charge, at considerably less. Thereupon the Caledonia Company
beean selling coal at four twentv-five a ton.
LOADING COAL IN WAGONS AT CALEDONIA MINE No. 1. 1905
SOCIALIST MINERS JUST UP FROM THE MINE. 1905
454 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
This unheard-of proceeding aroused the operators to quick action. A
conference was held at which they explained to the little group of socialist
miners their painful duty. But the miners were not won over.
"We must protect the public against extortion," they contended, a prin-
ciple which fell on unheeding ears. The operators were firm. "You know
l lie price of life," they said.
The Caledonia reply was instant and unmistakable. The price of coal
was dropped to four dollars, then to three-fifty, at which point it remained
for several years.
The action of the operators was equally positive. Coal was rushed to
the new mine, at which most of its product was sold, and was offered directly
in front of the Caledonia mine at the startling price of one dollar and seventy-
five cents a ton. This action was kept as secret as possible, as it was hoped
that the socialist miners would be brought to their senses, without wide
publicity of the methods employed.
The Caledonia Wins Out
The effect was lacking, however, and when the public realized the situa-
tion the little mine was flooded with orders. It was soon evident that the
operators were beaten, the supply of one seventy-five coal was withdrawn,
and the general retail price for the city trade was fixed at three dollars a ton,
delivered, fifty cents under the Caledonia price. Hut the little socialist mine
with imly forty acres of coal had already gained many friends, and these con-
tinued ti i stand by it.
It was soon evident that the Caledonia mine was the key to the whole
situation as only because of its competition was the low price conceded by
the operators. If at any time through lack of support or any other cause the
Caledonia had succumbed, the retail price would at once have advanced to
the old figure. There were enough consumers in the city who realized this
fact, and they kept the mine well supplied with orders. It thrived largely
because of the difficulties that beset it.
True to its promise the Caledonia mine ran regularly, even through the
bituminous coal strike (if 1S06, when every other mine in the State was
closed down I'm' several months. The owners of the mine worked it them-
selves, they had no labor troubles and were unaffected by labor disturbances
outside. Every man was personally interested in the company, and eager
to do his utmost for its success. They had the whole market to themselves,
during the Summer, but the retail price of their product remained at three
fifty a ton. The management was in the hands of strong, capable nun.
The wage scale of the company was based directly on the Michigan
scale, hut was applied to "mine run" instead of to the screened coal, as
applied bv the operators. This was a decided advantage to the miners, and,
moreover, was based on a thirty-six inch vein of coal, although in other
mines it was based on a thirty inch vein. Day men received ten cents
per diem above the price fixed by the Michigan scale. In 1906 the average
wage paid in the Caledonia mine was two dollars and seventy-five cents a day.
Realizing that their original forty acres of land, hedged in on all sides
by the coal leases long held by the old companies, would not hold out very
long, the Caledonia people soon after secured five hundred acres of good coal
land on the outskirts of the city, and set about to develop it by sinking a new
shaft. All the profits of the first mine, above the operating expenses, and
the proceeds of the new stock i^Mied to new workers under their plan, were
used in this development; and the company prospered to a remarkable degree.
Later another site for extended operations was located on the West Side, in
the vein which had produced the best coal in the valley, and it was fully
developed.
THE COAL INDUSTRY 455
The Operators Regain Their Advantage
in January, 1910, discouraged by the continual opposition of the opera-
tors, who had become stronger than ever, the Caledonia Company entered
into an agreement whereby their entire output was contracted for, covering
a period of years, by the Consolidated Coal Company. The expected in
regard to the city trade at once happened, the retail price being advanced to
four dollars a ton; and in January, 1911, it was raised to four fifty, at which
figure it has since remained. The entire production of the socialist mines has
since been marketed by the Consolidated people, who, strange as it may
seem, are the very "masters" the socialist miners regard with such inveterate
hatred.
Characteristics of Saginaw Coal
According to a report of the State Geologist, the coal veins in Michigan
thicken and thin, divide ami unite, ami pinch out so rapidly, or are cut out by
sandstone beds or by erosion so often, that the finding of a thick bed at one
place forms no proof that the same bed or other beds may be found a few
hundred feet away. On the other hand, the absence of coal at a particular
spot does not preclude the possibility of finding workable coal at astonishing
short distance away. The beds are often of such local extent that it is never
safe to attempt an exploitation of coal deposits without a proving of the
area by thorough drilling, and even this is not always reliable. Too often
a coal bed gives way to black shale horizontally or vertically, or its place
may be taken by sandstone. Cannel coal and bone coal are often observed
as gradations from coal to black shale.
The Saginaw coal, one of the thickest and most extensive seams in the
State, is probably the best vein in quality, though its coal is non-coking. Its
thickness is often more than three feet and forms the base of most of the
mining in this county. It is low in sulphur with a decidedly high heating
power, and although leaning toward gas and coking types, the high content
of moisture renders poor coke. Some of the later mined coals, especially
of the Saginaw seam, running well above fifty per cent, in fixed carbon, with
little or no sulphur, are much higher in grade. Saginaw coal in comparative
tests with Hocking Valley, made by E. C. Fisher, of the Wickes Boiler
Company, proved superior in several respects to that most famous steam
coal. By tests the superior St. Charles coal, which comes from the same
horizon, does not rank in efficiency with Pocahontas, but was better than
several other coals, and nearly equal to the best Hocking Valley. Its good
qualities make it a fine domestic coal and a steaming coal much in favor
with railroads.
A Rider is a small coal seam found as a cap to the lower ami thicker
parts of the troughs of coal, and is formed by the settling and compacting
made by the fifty or sixty feet of peaty, material in the process of forming
the main seam, in which shallow basin the rider was made. The middle or
Saginaw Rider is a scam of considerable thickness, and possibly the East
Side mines have their shafts in this coal. No bed of coal was ever con-
tinuous over the basin, as sandstone often replaced the beds, showing that
the coal was cut out after it was formed.
Development of Mines
d here are some peculiarities in the occurrence of coal which have
retarded and will continue to more or less retard its future development.
Sometimes the roof is a porous sandstone or is full of fissures, allowing free
circulation of water, but usually the water comes from the coal itself or from
the foot walls. Heavy beds of sand and gravel in the drifts carry a great
456
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
MINERS SETTING ELECTRIC SHORT WALL CUTTER
deal of water, and are formidable obstacles in sinking shafts. Shale forms
an impervious roof, but is likely to be weak and thus need considerable tim-
bering if close to the rock surface. An impervious roof is all important in
this valley, the amount of water to be handled often being a serious problem.
The heavy cost of adequate machinery, and of raising the water to the
surface consumes a large part of the profit in mining. For economical
handling, shafts are sunk into the lowest part of the coal bed, so that all
water will run towards the pumping shafts. To find the most advantageous
point for beginning operations requires much preliminary drilling. Some
of the larger mines have poor roofs of rotten shale or slate, and require much
timbering; and frequently a shale roof slakes with exposure to air and scales
off, rendering work extremely hazardous.
With all these discouraging conditions the Saginaw operators may be
thankful that fire damp and coal dust explosions in this field are hardly
known, while noxious gases such as choke damp are not troublesome. The
mines are too wet for dust explosions, and only a few miners have ever been
injured by this cause in Michigan. Nearly all the casualities in local mines
have been caused by falling slate and coal, due to weak and unsupported
n » ifs.
Costs of Mining
Because of excessive water, quicksands, smaller workable areas, thin
veins and lower grade coal, the expense of pros] lectin- and proving up areas,
of sinking shafts, of mining thin veins, of timbering had roofs and of hand-
ling water is far greater in this valley than in Ohio and Indiana. Higher
mining and wage scale and extra allowances for narrow work tend to swell
tiie expense rolls. The average cost of placing a ton of coal on a car. in
1910, was one dollar and seventy-nine cents a ton, which was sixty to eighty
cents more than the average cost in West Virginia.
A larger part of the increased cost is keeping up the mines during the
Summer, the water making it imperative that the pumps be kept working.
Many operators continue mining throughout the dull season, marketing a
THE COAL INDUSTRY
457
limited production at very slight profit, or even at a small loss. It is the
cost of getting rid of the water in the local mines that enables Ohio operators,
in dull times, to la}' down at a small profit their excess coal at the very tipples
of our mines, at prices ruinous to the operators.
Freight rates on Saginaw coal to the markets it reaches run from twenty-
five cents to seventy cents a ton, and the difference between these and the
rates from mines in Ohio and West Virginia, which range from one dollar
and forty cents to one dollar and ninety cents a ton, to the same markets,
forms a protective tariff for our coal. Thus, there is a net margin of protec-
tion to Saginaw coal ranging from nothing to forty-five cents, or a little more
for purely local use. But a ton of the best Ohio or West Virginia coal is
worth in actual heating power slightly more than a ton of average Saginaw
coal. The difference in quality, measured by British Thermal Units, has a
money value of twenty to thirty cents a ton, therefore, Saginaw coal cannot
compete with the former at the same prices.
Value of Coal Lands
Experience has shown that hardly half of the computed tonnage of a
coal bed is ever realized in actual mining. This is due to incomplete and
unreliable drilling, sudden or unexpected variation in thickness of the vein,
or weak and treacherous roof. The first reduces the total amount of coal
present; the second reduces the amount of workable coal, and the third
the amount of available coal, as a large amount of coal must be left as pillars.
A three-foot vein of coal should yield about three thousand tons to an
acre, which at ten cents a ton profit gives three hundred dollars as the value
of coal land But undeveloped and unproved land is worth only about one-
half that of developed tracts, or five cents a ton as a base price. This figure,
however, must be discounted according to the length of time before mining
begins anil number of years of life of the mine. The value of undeveloped
but proven property is estimated at one and one-quarter cents a ton, giving
a land value of thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents an acre for the coal.
ELECTRIC CONTINUOUS CUTTER MOUNTED ON TRUCK. READY FOR OPERATION
458 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
In 1910 the average price received fur coal was one dollar and ninety-one
cents a ton, from which was deducted the costs of operation, or one dollar and
seventy-nine cents, leaving twelve cents as net profit per ton. Some mines
average better, some less, and a few have run at a loss. In Saginaw County
there ar? three thousand three hundred and ninety-seven acres of proven
coal lands, estimated to contain nine million five hundred and fifty-six thou-
sand five hundred tons of coal, and valued at three hundred fifty thousand
nine hundred dollars. From these facts it is obvious that Saginaw coal lands
have only slight value over and above their value for agricultural purposes.
Methods of Mining
The thin and variable seams of coal, the treacherous shale roofs, and
the abundance of water are the factors determining the methods of mining
in this State. In general operators must rely upon a thorough draining
system and good pumps to keep the entries dry.
The roof of most of the coal seams is a black shale, and often requires
a great deal of support. Usually large pillars of coal are left standing for
this purpose, but these cut out a great deal of coal per acre; and the low yield
of about one thousand tons per acre is largely due to the use of the room and
pillar system. Timbering is much resorted to, but adequate timber is so
expensive, due to the exhaustion of the timber supplies near at hand, as to
be almost prohibitive.
From actual experience the mining of veins thinner than three feet is
more expensive on account of narrow working quarters and greater amount
of dead work. Naturally the average cost per ton of mining a four-foot vein
is less than that of a three-foot vein. Veins less than two and a half feet in
thickness cannot possibly be mined at a profit under present economic con-
ditions. In mines working beds more than three feet thick it is often
possible to extend operations into areas much thinner, providing the coal is
of good quality and the roof is good.
In the method characterized as "shooting off the solid" the only pre-
paration consists of drilling the holes necessary for the explosive charge.
Objection to this method has arisen because it is injurious to the mining
property, in that the unusual charges of powder weaken the roof and pillars,
which increases the liability to falls of roof and coal. Furthermore, it is a
wasteful method in lowering the quality of the product. The heavy charges
of powder necessary to blow down the coal, when it has not been previously
undercut or sheared, result in the production of a much higher proportion of
fine coal, and render the lump coal so friable that it disintegrates badly in
handling and in transportation. This naturally creates dissatisfaction on the
part of the consumer who buys lump coal and gets at best mine-run.
Introduction of Mining Machines
The large coal operators of the Saginaw Valley have kept pace with the
manufacturing interests, realizing that the best methods and the best equip-
ments are absolutely necessary for successful mining. This is shown by the
large numbei of mining machines installed in local coal mines, and the large
proportion of coal undercut by them. The first coal cutting machines were
introduced in 1898, and materially increased the quality as well as the
quantity of the coal mined. They were so successful that twenty-five
machines were used in the following year, and the number gradually increased
until a maximum of one hundred and twenty was reached, including seven-
teen punches, eighteen chain breast and seventy-two short wall or continuous
cutters. Even this new equipment did not keep pace with the growth of
the industry, as in 1910 the machine mined coal was only forty per cent, of
CLOSE UP VIEW OF SHORT WALL CUTTER, SHOWING COMPACTNESS
CF CONSTRUCTION
ELECTRIC CHAIN CUTTER OPERATING IN ENTRY
460 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
the total production. The ratio, however, increased rapidly after 1910. and
in 1914 nine hundred ninety-eight thousand nine hundred tons, or seventy-
seven and eight tenths per cent., were raised by machines; two hundred
eighty-one thousand six hundred tons, or twenty-two and nine tenths per
cent., were "shot off the solid," while only twenty-three hundred and seventy
tons, or two-tenths of one per cent., were mined by hand.
Coal Production
It was not until 1896 that Michigan began to he reckoned among the
coal producing states. There was a steady hut extremely slow increase
from twenty-three hundred and twenty tons in 1860 to about one hundred
and thirty-five thousand tons in 1882, the one hundred thousand ton mark
being realized in the years 1880 ti> 1882, inclusive. The panicky times
immediately following completely demoralized the struggling industry, so
that the production fell off to about thirty-five thousand tons. In 1894 it again
declined to about forty-five thousand tons, or ten thousand tons less than in
1885.
The sale of Michigan coal is limited mainly to its home markets, and
coal mining wholly outstripped the growth of the cities which were its best
customers, so that, in 1907, the production was much greater than their
capacity to consume. The banner production of that year glutted the coal
markets so that coal prices fell to points ruinous to operators; and the dull
iron season of 1908 caused Ohio operators to seek new markets for their
surplus coal. With cheaper mining facilities they were able to put their
product at a small profit upon Michigan markets at prices that meant bank-
ruptcy to our operators, if long continued. The year 1908 showed a decided
falling off in local production, due to these causes, which has continued to
the present.
The total production of the State in 1914 was one million two hundred
eighty-three thousand and thirty tons, valued at the mines at two million five
hundred fifty-nine thousand seven hundred and eighty-six dollars. This was
an increase of fifty-one thousand two hundred and forty-four tons, or four
and sixteen hundredths per cent, in quantity, and one hundred four thousand
five hundred and fifty-nine dollars, or four and twenty-six hundredths per
cent, in value, over 1913. The Michigan production exceeded two million
tons in one year only. 1907; since then decreasing steadily until 1912 when
it reached the minimum for the decade.
The decrease is attributed to the competition of higher-grade coals from
\\ est Virginia, and to the small demand for lump coal in manufacturing
plants of the State, many of which are equipped with mechanical stokers and
use slack coal obtained cheaply from the eastern mines. Michigan slack
tints becomes a drug on the market, ami the coal mines are obliged to depend
almost exclusively on the domestic trade which requires lump coal. In
Winter the demand for lump coal exceeds the capacity of the mines, and in
Summer the production exceeds the demand.
The Output of Saginaw County
The growth of the Saginaw coal industry has been due to the central
location of the field, extensive markets near the mines, and to the complete
network of railroads to the large manufacturing centers of the State. Sagi-
naw and Bay counties produce about ninety-two cent of the total amount
of coal mined in the State; and out of thirty-seven mines, Saginaw County
lias sixteen and Bay County twelve.
In 1914 the production in Saginaw County was fixe hundred eighty-four
thousand six hundred and forty-eight tons, of which fixe hundred thirteen
thousand nine hundred and eighteen tons were loaded at the mines ior ship-
THE COAL INDUSTRY 461
ment ; forty-eight thousand one hundred and ninety-four tons were sold to
the local trade; and twenty-two thousand five hundred and thirty-six tons
were used at the mines for steam and heat. The total valuation was one
million one hundred ninety-four thousand four hundred and thirty dollars,
an average value of two dollars and four cents a ton at the mine. The aver-
age number of working days was two hundred and fourteen, and the number
of miners was eleven hundred and ninety.
The coal production of Saginaw County in short tons from 1899 to and
including 1914, the last year of which a report has been issued, is shown by
the folic .wing table :
Tons Tons
1899 455,607 1907 1.047,927
1900 601,112 1908 999,338
1901 938,042 1909 859,434
1902 670,304 1910 667,282
1903 1.011,898 1911 6< ,7, 282
1904 906,289 1912 489,198
1905 915,803 1913 521 ,848
1906 H35.475 1914 584,648
Analyzing the production of 1913 in this county, we have the following
table by months :
January 11
February 11
March. .' 9
April 9
May 9
Tune 9
July 8
August 7
September 8
October 8
November 7
December 8
X z
'Si •*-*
-' Z
daily
wage
a -j
:( -
< £
~ - r
Tota
mini
Cost
> « e
1,063
7.f>
17.7
3.30
$62,205.64
47.1 oS $93,676.5'
L98
1,072
7.6
18.2
3.53
68,983.72
51.860
94,641.00
1.82
882
7.5
19.6
3.24
5o.033.66
40.608
77,869.69
1.91
914
7.5
18.8
3.64
62,709.
47.22?,
S7,o51.80
1.85
908
7.x
15.4
5.52
4 ..455.20
33,950
70,225.86
2.01 1
865
7.X
15.3
3.83
50,382.69
37.754
74,045.17
1.95
838
7.6
16.6
5.04
51.579.94
39,059
75.52S.42
1.93
800
7.6
19.9
3.59
57,140.74
42,407
81,319.91
1.91
816
7.6
16.6
3.46
46,965.60
32,590
68,117.12
2.09
867
7.6
24.4
3.11
66,673.19
54,014
92. 181. 13
1 .70
825
7.6
21.7
3.16
5 i,684.5S
42,471
81 1.7 2l 1.8' i
1.94
922
7.9
22.o
3.40
70,904.83
52j .54
96,704.39
1.S4
$696,498.71 > 521 .848 $992,687.92
Consolidation of Coal Companies
In order to cut ruinous local competition, reduce mining costs, and to
better adapt their output to the demands of the trade, many of the Saginaw
operators consolidated prior to 1906, and continued with evident good results.
This was manifest in better equipped and better managed mines, so that the
equilibrium between production and demand was nearly accomplished..
The Consolidated Coal Company
The largest of these amalgamated companies is the Consolidated Coal
Company, which was organized by the principal operators in this field, the
Eddy and Wickes coal interests, and ably managed by Robert M. Randall.
This company was incorporated February 8, 1906, under the laws of the State
THE COAL INDUSTRY 463
of Maine, and the first board of directors was composed of Walter S. Eddy,
Arthur D. Eddy, Harry T. Wickes, H. C. Potter, Junior, William J. Wickes,
S. T. Crapo, Otto Schupp, Robert M. Randall and George L. Humphrey.
The officers of the company were: Walter S. Eddy, president; Harry T.
Wickes, Vice-president; George L. Humphrey, secretary-treasurer; Robert
M. Randall, general manager.
The coal mining companies incorporated in this important group in-
cluded the Saginaw Coal Company, operating the old "Saginaw" Mine; the
Pere Marquette Coal Company, operating the "P. M." Mine. No. 2; the
Barnard Coal Company, which owned the old "Barnard" Mine; the Chappell
& Fordney Coal Company, operating Mine No. 1; the Shiawassee Coal Com-
pany, operating the Shiawassee mine; the Northern Coal and Transportation
Company, which owned the "Jimtown" Mine; the Riverside Coal Company,
operating Riverside Mine No. 1 ; the Uncle Henry Coal Company, which
operated "Uncle Henry" Mine No. 1 ; the Standard Mining Company owning
the Standard Mine No. 2; the Central Mining Company, operating Central
Mine No. 2; and the Cass River Coal Company, which operated the Cas>
River Mine.
In addition to these properties, which were among the most productive
mines in this section of the State, the Consolidated Coal Company also ac-
quired a controlling interest in the Wolverine Coal Company, operating
Wolverine Mines No. 2 and No. 3, located in Bay County.
Since the organization of the company, whose operations have been on a
large scale and tended to unify the coal interests of the valley, several mines
have been worked out and abandoned. These were the old Saginaw Mine.
Uncle Henry No. 1, Pere Marquette Mine No. 2, Chappell & Fordney Mine
No. 1, Riverside Mine No. 1, Standard Mine No. 2. Central No. 2, Cass River
Mine, Barnard Mine and the Northern, or "Jimtown" Mine.
In order to maintain their production the company has in recent years
opened up Pere Marquette Mine No. 3, and Chappell and Fordney Mine No. 2;
and Riverside Mine No. 2 and Uncle Henry Mine No. 2 are now in course of
development. The policy of the company has been toward high efficiency
and economy of operation, and to this end all their mines are fully equipped
with electric haulage and the latest approved cutting and drilling machinery,
some of which is illustrated in the preceding pages. The problem of exces-
sive water in the mines is ever an active one in the Saginaw coal field, and all
the mines of the Consolidated Company are equipped with electric driven
pumps, which are more dependable and economical of operation than the old
steam pumps.
In 1908 the company installed a modern coal washing plant, on the old
Eddy mill property just west of the Genesee Avenue Bridge, and it has been
in continuous operation since that time. It handles approximately two
hundred thousand tons of slack coal annually, removing all impurities from
the coal and leaving the product bright and clean. The impurities average
about fourteen per cent, of the total shipments to the washer, the operations
of removing the dirt and slate producing a very high grade of fuel, namely.
Washed Nut Coal for domestic use, and Washed Slack Coal which is in high
favor with steam users.
The present directors of the Consolidated Coal Company are: William
J. Wickes. Harry T. Wickes. Walter S. Eddy, Arthur I >. Eddy, Stanford T.
Crapo, James B. Peter, Robert M. Randall, Otto Schupp and George L.
Humphrey. The officers are : William J. Wickes. president; Harry T.
Wickes. Vice-president; Otto Schupp. treasurer; Robert M. Randall, general
manager, and Charles W. Stiver, secretary.
464
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
TIPPLE OF BLISS COAL MINE, SWAN CREEK
The Bliss Coal Company
About 1905, during the period of expansion of the coal business in Sagi-
naw Valley, Aaron P. Bliss and Arthur Barnard began prospecting for coal
in lames Township, about five miles southwest of the city. Air. Bliss owned
a tract of eight hundred and eighty acres, which was thoroughly drilled up
and several veins of high grade coal were discovered. The coal was then
offered for sale, but no satisfactory bids being made by the coal companies
operating in the vicinity, the owners decided to organize an operating com-
pany to develop the coal beds. ( )n May 6, 1905, the Bliss Coal Company was
organized with Aaron P. Bliss, president, and Arthur Barnard, secretary and
treasurer. C. E. Linton, for a number of years with the Sommers Coal
Company, of Cleveland and St. Charles, was engaged as manager of the com-
pany's operations.
After further drilling had been made to ascertain the lowest point of the
intersecting veins, which had an outline formation much like a clover leaf,
the exact location for the mine shaft was determined. This was at a point
one and a quarter miles from Swan Creek Station on the line of the Michigan
Central Railroad, which furnishes all facilities for shipping and for bringing
the miners from the city to and from their work.
In August, 1907, work was begun on the shaft, which was sunk to a depth
of one hundred and sixty feet. Entries were then run in three directions
through the veins, modern mining equipment was installed, and everything
made ready for extended operations. ( In January 8, 1908, the first car load
of coal was shipped from this mine, and thereafter the production gradually
increased until the maximum was reached in 1910.
In order to place the operation of the mine on an economic basis in rela-
tion to modern methods and competition, the mine was electrically equipped
with cutting and drilling machines, such as are illustrated in the preceding
pages. Electric pumping machinery was also installed. The mine operat-
ing on a single day shift employ-, on an average one hundred and eighty-five
THE COAL INDUSTRY
465
men. and produces about eighty thousand tuns of bituminous coal annually.
The coal is of high quality. It is marketed almost exclusively in Michigan,
being shipped to Grand Rapids, Petoskey, Cheboygan and other northern
points, and to Lansing and other points in the southern part of the State.
C. E. Linton, who has ably managed the affairs of this company since
its beginning, brought to the company an experience founded in the lumber
business. Years ago, with his father and brother, he conducted the large
wholesale yard and planing mill business known as A. Linton ec Sons, on
South Jefferson Avenue. His aptitude for figures and for determining costs
of production, net profits, and comparison of the same by month and year, is
illustrated by concise business forms compiled by him. 1A aid of these forms,
which show the distribution of operating expenses, the tonnage produced and
per centages of entry and room coal, the cost per ton and many other details
he is able to display the exact condition of the business for every month.
with comparisons for any month in preceding years.
The present officers of the Bliss Coal Company are: ]. F. Brand, presi-
dent C. 11. Brand, vice-president and treasurer: C. E. Linton, secretary and
general manager. The officers comprise the board of directors, fohn T.
Phillips is the efficient mine superintendent and underground expert, whose
wide experience in mining is a valuable asset to the company, lie is often
called in consultation in meetings of the operators in relation to mining
conditions and underground work in general.
The other large operators are the Robert Gage Coal Company, operating
three mines at St. Charles and several at Bay City, and Handy Brothers, of
Bay City, whose operations in Bay County are very extensive. The latter
company, in order to tap new coal beds and to open up new territory for then-
product, promoted and built a railroad into the "Thumb." This is the
Detroit, Bay City and Western, extending eastward to Cam and througn
Sanilac County, which will ultimately open a new outlet for this vallev to
rne Jiast by Port Huron.
JOHN T. PHILLIPS, SUPERINTENDENT, AND CLARENCE H. BRAND,
AT MOUTH OF BLISS MINE
CHAPTER XIX
THE BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY
Sources of Sugar — Sugar-Making an Ancient Science — Early Experiments in
Beet Culture — General Interest Aroused in Beets — Development of the Industry —
The "Sugar-Bowl" of Michigan — Building Up the Sugar-Bowl — Practical Experi-
ments Made — Bay City Capitalists Erect the First Factory — Youman's Beet-Sugar
Bounty Law — Why Saginaw was Backward — Saginaw Sugar Company Organized. —
Dark Days for the Industry — Utilization of Beet Pulp — Opposition of Eastern Sugar
Magnates — The "Trust" Control of Beet-Sugar — Value of Beet-Sugar Industry —
Trip Through the Carrollton Factory — How Beets are Scoured — Slicing the Beets —
Extracting the Sweet Matter — Purifying the Diffusion Juice — Boiling Down the Rich
Syrup — Converting the Syrup into Sugar — Granulation the Final Touch — Packing
Sugar for Market — The Benefit to the Farmer — Single-germ Beet Balls.
CULTIVATING the sweet-tooth is a favorite pastime of the American
people, who now use their average weight of sugar in a year, at a cost
of half a billion dollars. The} are not content with being the greatest
sugar-eaters on earth, but are continually demanding more, the
quantity needed to satisfy the individual craving having increased from
eighty-three pounds for every man, woman and child, in 1909, to eighty-nine
pounds in 1915. This docs not take into account the large quantities of
syrup, honey and either sweets which they consume with seemingly equal
i elish.
Sugar, in some form or other, is in almost universal use in all parts of
the world; and although the enlightened races have developed the art of
sugar-making to a high degree, the semi-civilized peoples obtain their sweets
in the crudest ways. The saccharine element is found, to a greater or less
extent, in all fruit and vegetable juices, particularly those of the tropics, but
the cost i.\ production is so great as to render it of mi commercial value.
The economic sources of supply are limited to the cane, beets, corn and the
juice of the maple. Large quantities of corn syrup, or glucose, are made
from starch and other corn products, but no process has yet Been devised to
reduce it to the form id" sugar at a moderate cost.
Sugar-Making an Ancient Science
The art and science of sugar making date back to the first century of the
( hristian era, when the sweet sap of the Indian reed or sugar cane was
sought and reduced to a syrup. It was tin is.e versatile people, the Arabs,
however, who introduced granulated sugar made by a process peculiarly
their own. In time the art of refining sugar with ashes was made known
to the Egyptians, who in the seventh century transmitted the knowledge to
the Chinese. It is known that sugar was made in Persia also at a very early
day, and from Arabia the culture of sugar cane and the extraction of its sweet
content spread to many lands.
Until 1747, sugar was supposed to be the producct of sugar cane only,
but in that year Marggraf, a German chemist, demonstrated that it was a
natural product of other vegetables, and especially of the beet-root. It
was near the end of the century, however, when its manufacture from that
source was begun in Silesia. Almost all the sugar consumed in Europe is
now. for economic reasons, obtained from the sugar beet. The cultivation
of beets and the care of the soil, in ( iermany, are objects of national concern;
THE BEET- SUGAR INDUSTRY 467
the machinery used in the industry has reached a high state of perfection,
and the workmen are skilled in the art. Jt is from them that the people of
America have learned the science, and from them that the annual supply
of beet seeds is imported.
Early Experiments in Beet Culture
The experimental period in the beet-sugar industry in the United States
had its beginning as early as 1830, when a small factor}- for making sugar
from beets was built and operated in Philadelphia; and ten years later another
factory was built in Connecticut. Both were failures because of careless
methods of beet culture and the crude system and apparatus used in the
factories; and furthermore, neither factory was well situated in a g 1 beet-
growing district. The industry was not revived until 1870, when a factory-
was set up at Alvarado, California. Six years later the company failed, and
not until 1879 was it reorganized; but it has been in operation every season
since. As late as 1888 the output of this factory was only two million pounds
of white sugar a year.
The total product of beet sugar in 1887 was six hundred thousand
pounds; ami in 1893 it reached forty-three million six hundred forty-eight
thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven pounds, all made in Virginia,
Nebraska, Utah and California. The capital invested in the seven factories
was two million dollars; and they consumed the product of twenty thousand
acres of land, at a cost of cultivation of five hundred thousand dollars yearly.
In 1891 the beet sugar industry had its practical beginning at Chino,
California, thirty-three miles east of Los Angeles. Several thousand acres
of w-aste land in lower Pomona Valley, at that time but recently reclaimed
by irrigation, had been planted to the Mangel-wurzel beet. This variety
of the sugar beet was well adapted to the soil and climate, for the crop was
a complete success, the beets growing in man}- instances to the size of a
man's body and extending a foot or more above the ground. The beets
contained from ten to twelve per cent, of saccharine matter.
Meanwhile a large factor}- had been erected, and machinery such as was
used in Germany was imported from that country. Jt was necessary also
to bring over mechanics to set up the machinery and afterwards to operate
it. so little being known in this country of the details and science of sugar-
making from beets. The success of the Chino factory, owned by the Oxnard
interests from the start, led to the planting of other tracts of land in Cali-
fornia, and the erection of factories, so that in a few years the industry became
well established on the Pacific Coast.
General Interest Aroused in Beets
It was not long before capitalists and farmers in other States were
attracted to the possibilities of beet-growing and sugar-making, and experi-
ments were made toward adapting the various seeds grown in Germany to
the soils of different sections of the country. The selection of the proper
seeds for each soil is a very important matter, and, in fact, combined with
proper fertilization and intensive cultivation, is the key to success. Wher-
ever sugar beets can be profitably raised and the factories are properly
managed, the industry flourishes. In ln0"> there were sixty-seven beet-
sugar factories in operation in the United States, and sixty-five in 1915.
Although these factories produced one billion pounds of granulated sugar
in the season's run. this vast quantity was but one-fifth of the nation's con-
sumption. To suppbj the entire needs of the country, four hundred factories
would he required, and thereafter at least ten new ones added every year
to keep up with the increasing demand. That this expansion of the industry
468 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
will ever be realized is not probable, because of tbe immense quantities of
raw cane sugars produced and imported from our insular possessions. The
sugars are produced by cheap labor and shipped by cheap water transpor-
tation to the great refineries, and so long as the sugar situation is controlled
by the Havemeyer, Arbuckle and other large interests, there can be little hope
of expansion of the beet-sugar industry.
Development of the Industry
The development of beet sugar-making within the last fifteen years in
the Middle West is very interesting, and embodies an clement of romance.
The soils of the vast agricultural belt extending east and west between
Central New York, Northern Ohio, and Georgian Bay in Canada, and the
Straits of Mackinaw westward to the Pacific, are especially adapted to beet-
growing. They are rich in certain constituents that impart to the white
Slesvig beet a high sugar content, the percentage under proper cultivation
ranging from twelve to twenty, with an average of eleven tons oi beets to the
acre.
The States of Colorado, Michigan and California, in the order named,
are the largest growers of sugar beets, and, of course, produce the most
beet sugar which finds a ready market in the Middle West and the Western
States. In Michigan, which follows Colorado so closely in point of produc-
tion as to be of equal importance in the industry, the soil and climate are
peculiarly adapted to the growth and culture of sugar beets; and there are
fifteen factories in operation during the season"s campaign, which begins in
October ami ends in January. The industry here cuts beets from an acreage
exceeding one hundred and forty thousand, and the crop is worth nearly
eight million dollars to the farmers of the State. The average test of beets
lor sugar content is about sixteen per cent; the skilled workmen number
about eighteen hundred with an average wage of three dollars a day, while
the common laborers, such as coal and lime passers, and unloaders, to the
number of twenty-five hundred, receive an average of two dollars a day. To
the communities at large further direct benefit is derived from the large
purchases of coal and limestone, and to the railroads for hauling the beets
and other Mipplies, and also the hundreds of carloads of refined sugar to the
markets near home and to points at some distance.
The Sugar-Bowl of Michigan
The Saginaw Valley has been very aptly termed the Sugar Bowl of
Michigan, from the fact" that it is the richest beet-growing district in the
Middle West. In this thriving agricultural section, once famed as the great
lumber mart and producer of the clearest cork pine ever known to the trade,
has sprung up a new industry of the soil. Where once stood the magnificent
giants of the forest, eighty or one hundred feet clear and straight to the first
i .ranches, there now grow succulent beets rich in sugar content. The "sugar
bowl" is about fifty miles in diameter, with Saginaw as its center, and within
it are nine large sugar factories with an aggregate cutting capacity of seven
thousand tons of beets per day of twenty-four hours. The season's run, of
about one hundred days, produces about one hundred and fifty million pounds
of granulated sugar." The other six factories in the State are widely
distributed in good beet territory, as from Mt. Clemens, near Detroit, to
Charlevoix, and to Menominee, in Upper Michigan.
The Michigan Sugar Company, capitalized at twelve million five hundred
thousand dollars, is the largest producer in Michigan, and operates six large
factories located at Bay City, Carrollton, Sebewing, Caro, Alma and Croswell.
It is ably managed by conservative capitalists whose policy has ever been
2 '
m
"n
>
ifef
*?-
470 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
for the upbuilding of the industry, and the encouragement and promotion
of the best methods of beet culture among the farmers. The protection
afforded by the tax on raw sugar lias been an important factor in shaping the
success of the beet-sugar industry; and in the fight in Congress for retention
of the duty, the industry has never had a more staunch advocate than
Joseph W. Fordney, the popular congressman from this district.
Building Up the Sugar-Bowl
With this brief survey of the beet-sugar industry we will proceed with
the history of the "sugar bowl," which embodies some features of unusual
interest. Although sugar was first made in Saginaw Valley in 1898, the first
efforts to awaken the farmers to the value of sugar-beet crops, and capitalists
tc the apparent profits of sugar-making, were put forth several years earlier.
In this preliminary work much credit belongs to Joseph Seemann, as one of
the men who educated Michigan and, indeed, a large part of the Middle
West, to the opportunities and advantages of sugar-beet culture, a work
which had a large influence in establishing an important industry in this
State.
In 1884, while on a visit to the land of his birth in Bohemia, Austria-
Hungary, Mr. Seemann became interested in sugar-beet culture and the
science of sugar-making. That part of Bohemia was inhabitated principally
by Germans, who were the pioneers of the beet-sugar industrv in Europe;
and he was impressed by the numerous sugar factories throughout the
province. Upon inquiry he learned that in a territory somewhat smaller
than the State of Michigan, there were one hundred and thirty-one sugar
mills, employing thousands of skilled workmen and converting the product
of more than a million acres of land into fine white sugar. On returning
home he gathered all the data on sugar-beet culture that was available and
found that an industry deserving the name had not yet been established in
this country.
Five years later Mr. Seemann again visited Bohemia and was greatly
impressed and interested in the growing sugar industry. During his inves-
tigation of the principal sugar mills, he conceived the idea of experimenting
in beet culture in Michigan; and accordingly sent a kilo of Klein-
wenzleben sugar-beet seeds to his business partner, Charles II. Peters. A
large part of these seeds were soon after sent to Professor R. C. Kedzie. of
the Michigan Agricultural College at Lansing, for experimental purposes
to ascertain if the soil and climate of Michigan were adapted to their culture.
In the experiments conducted in 1891 by the State agriculturists in Saginaw
Count}-, beets being grown principally on sandy loam soil, the size varied
from one pound three ounces to four pounds eleven ounces, and the pro-
duction ranged from twelve to thirty-two tons to the acre. ( )n pine cut land
twenty-four tons of beets were raised. The sugar content varied from ten
and one-half to sixteen and one-half per cent., the beets grown on pine cut
land going as high as fourteen and one-quarter; and the co-efficient of purity
was very high, ranging from eighty-one to ninety-three per cent.
A singular coincidence in connection with the experiments conducted at
the Agricultural College was that Edwin C. Peters, a son of Charles H.
Peters, who in 1893 was a senior student in the college, was assigned one acre
of ground for sugar beet experiment, lie prepared the soil, planted the seed,
thinned out the young plants, attended to all the cultivation, and late in
September harvested a very satisfactory crop of beets. To complete the
experiment and leave a permanent record of the results, he was required to
write a treatise on the subject, and this was the first written from original data
and personal experience on beet culture in Michigan.
THE BEET- SUGAR INDUSTRY 471
Upon his return to America, Mr. Seemann brought a number of pam-
phlets printed in German especially for the education of the farmers. He
was thoroughly imbued with the advantages of establishing the industry in
this country, and proceeded to publish in the German weekly newspaper, the
Saginaw Zeitung, then owned by Seemann & Peters, an entire pamphlet in
serial chapters. As this was printed in German it gave the German-Ameri-
can farmers in this section of Michigan instruction as to the proper culture
of sugar-beets. Some of these farmers who had emigrated from Germany in
the sixties and seventies were somewhat familiar with the growing of beets,
as conducted in their native land, and they became deeply interested in the
subject, and afterward were among the first in this county to experiment with
beet seeds. The publication of this pamphlet was the first comprehensive
information given the people of this State on what has since developed into
a large and important industry. The firm of Seemann & Peters at that time
also published the Saginaw Evening News, and they made this medium the
pioneer journal in Michigan to advance the beet-sugar industry.
A few years later, between 1X93 and 1898, Mr. Seemann contributed
many practical and valuable articles to the State press, on the culture of
sugar-beets, and aroused wide interest in the subject. In 1894 the annual
production of sugar in the United States was only three hundred and five
thousand eight hundred tons. This quantity, he pointed out, was less than
one-sixth of the total consumption, amounting to two million and twenty-
five thousand short tons, while the value of the imported sugars was one
hundred and eight million five hundred and ninety thousand dollars. All
the wheat and flour exported by America did not pay for the sugar it impor-
ted. The greater proportion of our sugar supplies came from the cane grown
in Cuba. Porto Rico, and some of the Southern States, although about forty
per cent, of the raw sugar was imported from Germany. Furthermore the
price paid the farmer for his beets was four dollars and fifty cents a ton, which
was twenty-five per cent, less than the price received by the growers in
Bohemia. The need for large increase of home production of sugar was
therefore apparent, the advantage of the sugar-beet as a rotation crop was
plainly evident; and it only remained for progressive farmers ami capitalists
to join hands in establishing a new and prosperous industry.
The highest national and state authorities. Doctor II. W. Wiley ami
Professor R. C. Kedzie, determined in 1895 that Michigan, for one hundred
miles north and south of Lansing, by reason of its soil and climate, was
well adapted to the profitable growing of sugar-beets. From the beginning
it was apparent that the successful conduct of the business was an agricul-
tural problem rather than one of manufacturing, and the first thing to be
di me was t> i ascertain if beets of proper quality and in sufficient quantity c< mid
be produced to justify the building of a sugar factory. For the business to be
successful beets should yield from two hundred and twenty to two hundred
and forty pounds of sugar to the ton, and sugar produced at a cost not
exceding three cents a pound.
The proper course to pursue, as advocated by Samuel (1. Iliggins, who
was one of the earliest promoters of the beet-sugar industry in Saginaw Val-
ley, was to educate the farmers as to the best methods of raising beets, by
giving practical instruction in the field by expert agriculturists in planting,
cultivating and harvesting of the beets. It was important also to show that
the sugar-beet is one of the best rotation crops the farmer can have, and should
not be grown on the same land oftener than once in four years. It does not
require a rich soil, as many persons believed, as it contains less impurities
than when richly fertilized. While sugar-beets will grow well on almost any
oil, it reaches a perfect growth in sandy loam deep enough to allow the
472
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
i .,,, Mi
BEET WAGONS WAITING TO UNLOAD AT MERRILL WEIGH STATION
roots to reach down into the soil. Favorable results, the experts contended,
might he expected from planting in marsh land, if the soil be well drained and
tilled.
Practical Experiments Made
Early in 18' '7 the whole matter reached a stage where practical experi-
ments in sugar-beet culture were undertaken in Saginaw County on a large
and comprehensive scale. To finance the operation a fund was created
largely through the efforts <>f Harry T. Wickes, Thomas V. Harvey and
George B. Morley. together with a number of prominent citizens. It was
planned to secure the services of an expert agriculturist and chemist, procure
a supply of proper beet seeds, and to interest by personal solicitation as many
farmers as possible in making careful experiments. To this end a Mr.
Lenders, a chemist well versed in the art of growing sugar-beets, was brought
here and, in association with Samuel G. Higgins, commenced an active cam-
paign.
By the influence of the publicity already given the whole matter, and
the promise of successful results, six hundred farmers in this county were
induced to plant, thin and cultivate small plots of ground to sugar-beets.
From time to time during the Summer they were given instruction in the
field as to the proper methods of cultivation, and otherwise aided in the
experiments: and further publicity was given the project by Mr. Higgins in
valuable articles to the press. The results From the crop, by analysis of
specimen beets from each plot, showing an average of sixteen per cent, of
sugar content, with some beets going as high as twenty per cent., far exceeded
the expectations of the promoters, and awakened the farmers and capitalists
to the great possibilities of a new industry for Michigan, and particularly for
Saginaw Valley.
THE BEET- SUGAR INDUSTRY 473
The climax of the experiments came in < )ctober, when in a vacant store
on the south side of Genesee Avenue, between Washington and Eranklin
Strets, an exhibition was held of the best specimens taken from the beet crop.
In all there were five hundred and twenty-seven separate specimens, well
illustrating the scope and thoroughness of the experiments, and proving
beyond reasonable doubt this valley to be a rich field for growing of the
sugar-beet. The exhibition opened the eyes of the community to the pos-
sibilities of beet-growing and sugar-making, and exerted a greater influence
than anything else, except the experiments themselves, in establishing the
industry in this section of the State.
These experiments, financed by Saginaw business men, were the most
systematic that had ever been conducted in this country, and the satisfactory
results led Mr. Higgins to declare that "three crops of beets produced in
consecutive years are worth as much as one crop of pine trees, which have
been growing for one hundred years or more." The building of small sugar
factories was not advocated; although the cost of a large mill and refiner \
necessitated large capital, and it was believed that a plant with slicing capa-
city of five hundred tuns of beets a day, would meet the requirements of the
company which was to be organized with a capital of five hundred thousand
dollars.
Bay City Capitalists Erect the First Factory
While the experiments in beet culture were being made in Saginaw
County, preliminary to starting the industry here, Bay City capitalists, be-
coming convinced of the practicability of beet sugar-making, organized the
Michigan Sugar Company and erected a large factory at the lower end of
the river. This was the first beet-sugar factory in Saginaw Valley, and,
indeed in the State, and it commenced slicing beets on October 14, 1898, from
an acreage which hail been contracted among the farmers near that city. So
successful was the venture that three other companies were quickly organ-
ized, one being a co-operative concern capitalized by influential fanners;
and the industry scion became well established in Hay County.
The rush of the Bay City people to get into sugar-making was due to
two causes. At the time there was much idle capital in Saginaw \ alley,
accumulated by the closing up of extensive lumbering operations; and it was
generally believed that the sugar industry offered the best opportunity for
large investments. Then, to,,, the Youman's Beet-Sugar Law, passed by the
State Legislature in 18' '7, which granted a bounty of one cent a pound upon
all sugar made in Michigan from beets grown in this State, was a great incen-
tive to prompt action. The old lumbermen in turning to sugar-making as a
means of employing their idle capital, had in mind the experience with the
salt bounty law which had been enacted forty years before, and repealed
before the salt makers could derive any benefit from it. and they feared a like
action with the sugar bounty. If they were to take all the risks of starting
the new industry, they naturally wanted all the bounty money they were
entitled to, and therefore lost no time in organizing their companies, con-
tracting for beets very largely with Saginaw County farmers, erecting
factories and beginning the manufacture of sugar.
The Youman's Beet-Sugar Bounty Law
The beet-sugar bounty law provided that "the manufacturer shall pro-
duce good and sufficient receipts and vouchers to show that at least four
dollars per ton of twenty hundred pounds, has actually been paid for all beets
purchased, containing twelve per cent, of sugar," and "a sum proportionate
to that amount for all beets containing a greater or less per cent, of sugar."
474 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The benefit to the farmer, which was one of the primary objects of the law,
lay in the requirement of the manufacturer to pay the following prices for
beets in order to obtain the bounty :
For beets containing 10 per cent, of sugar, $3.33; j per ton.
For beets containing 11 per cent, of sugar, o,662A per ton.
For beets containing 12 per cent, of sugar, 4.00 per ton.
For beets containing 13 per cent, of sugar, 4.33H per ton.
For beets containing 14 per cent, of sugar, 4-.662A per ton.
For beets containing 15 per cent, of sugar, 5.00 per ton.
For beets containing 16 per cent, of sugar, 5.33H per ton.
The law made no discrimination as to co-efficient of purity of beets,
the same price being stipulated for beets with purity of seventy-five as for
those of a purity of eighty-five, should the percentage of sugar content be the
same. By co-efficient of purity was meant the percentage of saccharine mat-
ter contained in the beet that would crystalize into sugar, the remainder
working up into molasses or other sweet stuff. The co-efficcient varied
greatly in the beets, some of high sugar content showing comparatively low
co-efficiency, or from fiftj to sixty, while other beets of less percentage of
saccharine matter showed a high co-efficient oi purity.
As a result of the failure of the law t< . recognize the co-efficient of
purity, the manufacturers were often compelled to pay a higher price for
poor "beets than for good ones. The loss to the manufacturer extended in
many cases to the farmer, inasmuch as at the price stipulated by the law
for beets of high sugar content but of low co-efficient of purity, say at fifty,
the beets could not be made into sugar at a profit, and were therefore rejected
at the factory, entailing a direct loss t" the grower. If the co-efficient of
purity had been recognized in the law. ami the prices based on it as well as
on the percentage of saccharine matter, the manufacturer;, would probably
have accepted the poorest beets in cases such as stated, and paid what they
were worth to them, thereby saving the farmer from loss.
In other respects the sugar bounty law worked out very satisfactorily,
the experience of the first Bay City factory, in 1898, showing that the bounty
earned, amounting to fifty thousand dollars, turned an apparent operating
loss of'ei^ht thousand five hundred dollars, into a profit of more than twenty
per cent, of the capital invested. The bounty, however, was deemed by some
legislators as unnecessarily high, though the correct position seemed to be
that as to the existing factories, or those projected, the bounty should not be
changed. For new companies to be organized later, some modification of the
bounty seemed advisable, since the pioneers in the industry took risks that
those who came later and had the benefit of the former's experience, did not
have to assume to so great an extent. In a few years, however, when nine-
teen factories were in operation, or in course of construction, the sugar bounty
law was repealed; and the industry has since stood entirely upon its own
merits and resi mrces.
Why Saginaw Was Backward
During 1898, when there was such activity in Bay City in starting the
beet-sugar industry, the business men of Saginaw still held up the organiza-
tion of 'a sugar company here. They were entirely satisfied that the proper
quality of beets could be grown here in sufficient quantity to make the
business a success, but were willing, nevertheless, to let their neighbors down
the river make the first manufacturing experiment-, from the experience of
which they would profit bv. A more logical cause, however, for the delay
was a statement made bv Professor Smith, of the Michigan Agricultural
College, at a meeting of Saginaw business men, that Saginaw River water,
THE BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY
475
from the presence of saline held in solution was a har to the manufacture of
sugar. This was a serious problem and was given thorough consideration
by local investors before definite plans were formulated.
To determine the truth or falsity of this statement, which was a decided
blow to the prospects of the infant industry, Joseph Seemann wrote to
Doctor II. W. Wiley, chief of the Division of Chemistry, Washington, D. C,
for advice in the matter, and in due course received the following reply:
"Dear Sir: I am in receipt of your letter concerning the introduc-
tion of beet-sugar manufacturing in the vicinity of Saginaw.
"Experience has shown that in the manufacture of sugar common
salt in small quantities is not objectionable. The objection to most of
the common saline impurities of water is that they prevent the crystali-
zation of sugar. This is not the case with salt, as it is practically neutral
so far as impeding or favoring crystalization is concerned."
(Signed) "II. \Y. WILEY.
Chief of Division."
This letter was published by the local press in the hope of correcting the
unfavorable impression which existed regarding our water supply, and in a
measure accomplished its purpose.
The quantity of water required daily for a sugar factory of six hundred
tons capacity, which it was proposed to erect here, is about three million
gallons, about one tenth of which is used in direct processes of manufacture,
and must be filtered. Since no process of filtration will remove salt or other
impurities held in solution, the old impression that Saginaw River water was
entirely unsuited for making sugar still persisted, and it was necessary to
>ettle the question before attempting to organize the first sugar company
here. The problem wras at length solved to the satisfaction of all concerned
by sending various samples of river water to Doctor Wiley, at Washington,
for analysis and further advice in the matter. After complete analysis of
the waters had been made. Doctor Wiley declared very positively that the
salt contained in the waters of Saginaw River would not interfere in the
slightest degree with its use in manufacturing sugar.
CARROLLTON PLANT OF THE MICHIGAN SUGAR COMPANY
476 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Saginaw Sugar Company Organized
This decision of an authority on the subject left no doubt as to the entire
practicability of sugar-making in Saginaw, and early in 1899, when the
success of the first Bay City factor}" was assured, local capitalists, headed by
W. V. Penoyer, an up Huron Shore lumberman, organized the Saginaw
Sugar Company with a capital of five hundred thousand dollars. A site for
the factory was soon alter selected on the II. 1'. Smith property, at the corner
of South Jefferson Avenue and Sidney (Rust) Street, plans were prepared,
and the foundation for the main buildings laid in the hall of that year.
The erection of a modern sugar mill and refinery on the most economic
basis requires about one year, so that it was in October, 1900, that the work
ot construction of the new factory was completed, and the machinery put
in condition for operation. Ample acreage had been contracted among the
farmers of this county, and late in September deliveries commenced at the
huge beet sheds on South Jefferson Avenue. It was a novel and interesting
scene when several hundred farmers' teams congregated at this point, deliver-
in- the first crop of succulent beets to the initial sugar company of Saginaw.
The run that year and the one of 1901 were entirely successsful, and greal
hopes were expressed for the ultimate expansion of the industry s, . auspici-
ously begun.
The success of this company, however, was of short duration, and the
fourth year of its operation was the last. The factory was not well located,
for line thing, being nearly a mile from its source of water supply — the
river, entailing a heavy outlay for extra piping and sewage systems, and
additional expense for pumping. There was only one railroad connection
with the plant, although another road passed close by, and an unnecessary
burden for switching charges was put upon it. The plant itself was of small
capacity, compared with the successful sugar factories elsewhere, and mis-
fortune seemed to follow it-, operations. The management, moreover, was in
the hands of men who had made fortunes in turning the pine tree into
marketable lumber; and, as everyone knows, lumbering methods are the
most wasteful of all American industries.
In general the sugar business in Michigan was conducted on much the
same lines as success had been made in lumbering. Economics of industry
did not seem to enter into the equation at all. A long time was required For
(lie process of shaking down to an economic basi*. of operation. While this
change was going on the pioneers of the industry learned many things about
the business, including the policies of the eastern sugar magnates, and met
their losses without quibble or complaint.
Dark Days for the Industry
The result of these conditions was that after the fourth year of operation
the Saginaw Sugar Company was in precarious financial position. After a
time it was reorganized, and a consolidation arrangement entered into with
the Valley Sugar Company, of Carrollton, whose plant had been built two
years before in a very favorable location for permanent succcess. The
business was thus put on a better economic and industrial basis, ami con
tinned operations, under the name of Saginaw-Valley Sugar Company, for
several years, the old Valley plant of the company still being in use.
The old Saginaw plant, which was so badly located and of capacity which
could not be operated at a profit except at large expenditure for additions,
was sold, dismantled in 1905, and removed to Sterling, Colorado. The price
realized from the sale was hardly more than one-third of the original cost
THE BEET- SUGAR INDUSTRY 477
of the plant, the Penoyers losing, it was said, about one hundred and eighty
thousand dollars by the deal, while other stockholders in the company lost
as much more.
Many other troubles that came to the sugar industry in its early days
were due to avoidable causes. The business was overdone in the Saginaw
Valley almost from the start, factories springing up with mushroom growth,
and with little or n< > regard for location so as to permanently control good
beet-growing territory. In three years six large factories were erected in Bay
City and Saginaw, within a radius of about eight miles, and, although the
shipping facilities were unexcelled, it was impossible at the time(1899 to
L903) to secure enough beet tonnage t" supply them all to full capacity.
Other factories were built at Caro, Sebewaing, Alma. Owosso, St. Louis,
Mt. Pleasant and Lansing, all of which drew beel supplies from the natural
territory of the Saginaw and Hay City factories.
Although the leading farmers of this section, especially the German-
American class, have been enthusiastic growers of sugar-beets and have
profited thereby, the great majority of farmers in Michigan have newer been
very staunch advocates of beet-growing, and their education to the advan-
tages of the industry has been a long and expensive one. In recent years,
however, the price paid to the farmers fur beets has risen to a point where
very few progressive farmers, situated near a sugar factor), can ignore the
attractive beet contracts, and few there are who do not grow a more or less
extended acreage of sugar-beets.
Utilization of Beet Pulp
Another element of uneconomic management was the great waste of
beet pulp, which in the early days of the industry was handled as a waste
product. It was sold to the farmers at a very low price or thrown away in
order to be rid of it. After six or eight years of harrowing experiences the
leading companies began installing pulp dryers to convert the hitherto useless
pulp into a valuable by-product. This is a light flaky substance packed in
bags for the market, and i^ shipped to all parts of the country. Jt is
especially valuable as a feed for dairy herds, and when fed to milch cows
increases the yield of milk not less than a gallon, and in many cases to two
or three gallons, a day, within ten days after beginning its use. It has also
been known to start cows which had dried up. Its fattening qualities for
steers is remarkable, a herd after forty-eight days gained one hundred and
thirty-three pounds per head on seventy pounds of pulp per day, and five
pounds of hay for cud. Cattle men claim that pulp-fed steers make firmer and
tenderer, and" better colored beef.
Opposition of Eastern Sugar Magnates
The troubles at home, which for a time threatened to wreck the industry,
were not the only difficulties that vexed the beet-sugar companies. They
had to contend with the bitter opposition of the eastern sugar magnates, who
exerted every effort to ruin the infant industry. The control of the market
in the Middle West and Western States, which the so-called "sugar trust" had
enjoyed for many years, was jeopardized by the quantities of beet-sugar
which at certain times flooded the market; and retaliatory tactics were
resorted to in order to thwart the ambitious designs of the promoters of
home industry. As a result of the most unscrupulous methods employed by
the eastern refineries, the beet-sugar men met opposition at every turn in the
marketing of their product.
One of the chief weapons of offense used by the old sugar crowd was its
vigorous attack on the protective tariff on raw sugars. This tariff was. and is.
the very life and backbone of the struggling beet-sugar industry. It was
478 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
used very effectually by the combatants as a "big club," by agitating a reduc-
tion in the schedule, or its entire removal. They claimed that the tariff had
much to do with high prices of sugar, and that it was a "wicked tax" as it hit
the workingman as it did his rich neighbor, since both consume practically the
same quantity as a household necessity. "They pay not according to their
ability, but according to their needs, thus reversing the elemental principle of
taxation," they said.
A moderate tariff on raw sugars imported from Cuba and abroad is
absolutely necessary, it is contended, if the beet-sugar industry is to prosper
in this country. This is because it costs much more to produce beet-sugar,
at prices paid for beets which will induce farmers to grow them, than it does
to produce cane sugar at the average cost of raws, made by the cheap native
labor of Cuba and foreign countries. As a matter of fact the American
farmer receives more for the sugar in the beets than the refiners pay for the
raw sugar laid down in Xew York. As it costs nearly five times as much to
extract the sugar from the beets as it does t<> simply refine the raw sugar, the
beet-sugar manufacturers must have a differential to cover the high relative
price paid the farmer for the beets, or quit the business. Even with the
present duty added to the raw sugars, the beet sugar costs on the average .08
of a cent more per pound than refined cane sugar.
The "Trust" Control of Beet-Sugar
When the old sugar magnates in the East had conducted their bush war-
fare against beet-sugar for three or four years, and had helped to reduce
the struggling industry to a pitiable condition, they appeared openly on the
scene, in the guise of friends, as benefactors, to put the beet-sugar business
on its feet again. Beet-sugar stocks were almost worthless, farmers who
,,re\v beets were dissatisfied with conditions, and the operators were almost
readv to quit. By the use of large sums of money, in buying up stocks here
and "there, and by loaning large amounts to conduct the campaigns of 1904
and 1905, these shrewd financiers gained the confidence and good will of the
western sugar men, ami incidentally gained for themselves absolute control
of the industry.
In the process of rejuvenation they instilled into the corporate system
something of the element of success that had previously marked the sugar
refining business; and today no one doubts the stability and value of the
industry to the whole people. About 1910, when the sugar magnates had
given their lesson to the westerners, and there was no prospect of expansion
of the beet-sugar industry, the "Trust" began gradually to withdraw. The
following year it was estimated that the trust holdings of Michigan stocks
was only thirty-four per cent, of the total capitalization. Today very little
Michigan Sugar stock is held directly by the Trust.
Value of Beet-Sugar Industry to Country
The relinquishment of control of beet-sugar was a g 1 thing for the
whole country. This fact was emphasized by the effect of throwing the new
sugar stocks of 1911 on the market. During September of that year the
"trust" had boosted the price of sugar throughout the country to the almost
unheard of figure of seven eighty-five per hundred, wholesale, which meant
a retail price of nine or ten cents to the housewife. The Michigan crop of
sugar-beets was the largest in the history of the industry, and when, on
October 12, the new supplies of beet-sugar were placed on the market, the
trust price at once fell to five fifty-five per hundred, wholesale, and the retail
price to about seven cents.
ti
THE BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY
479
THE '•SCROLL" OR WORM CONVEYOR WHICH LIFTS THE BEETS
FROM FLUME INTO FACTORY
The practical benefit and value oi beet-sugar competition is not confined
to Michigan or the Middle West, but is shared in equal measure by the
whole people. This is due to the fact that the wholesale prices of the various
grades of sugar, as set by the Trust, are practically the same at all points
in every State and territory. The consumer in California pays on a given
day approximately the same price as the consumer in Maine or New York,
and the consumer in Florida the same as the consumer in Oregon. Thus,
when the new stocks of beet-sugar came on the market, the high and
unwarranted Trust prices were broken, and retail prices quickly fell about
three cents a pound in every city. town, hamlet and corner of the country.
This was true at places far beyond the zone of shipment of beet-sugar itself,
and proved the influence of Michigan beet-sugar in the market.
Trip Through the Carrollton Factory
The Valley Sugar factory, now the Carrollton plant of the Michigan
Sugar Company, was built in 1901 and put in operation late in ( )ctober of
that year. It ran successfully during the campaigns of 1902 and 1903, but
in the following year, when the company consolidated with the old Saginaw
Sugar Company, it was closed down. In 1905 the original Saginaw plant
was torn down and the machinery moved away. Since that time the
Carrollton plant, with a rated capacity of eight hundred tons of beets a day,
and the only sugar factory in Saginaw County, has worked up beets grown on
six to eight thousand acres each year.
Active operations for the annual campaign start in September, when
the beets begin to mature and the farmers are busy pulling and topping
them. Until about 1'07 this work was done entirely by hand, but the diffi-
culty of obtaining labor resulted in the perfecting of a machine, that not
only pulls the beets without any breakage, but also removes the tops with far
more precision than can be done by hand; and it also deposits the beets
and leaves in separate and distinct piles. The company begins receiving
beets at the factory the latter part of the month, and when fully five thousand
tons are on hand, and the small army of mechanics has the machinery in the
pink of condition, the factory starts for the season's run.
480 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
A large supply of beets constantly in reserve, and all machinery in fine
working order at the start, are very important factors in the successful
management of a sugar plant, for the reason that when operations have once
begun there is no stop fur an instant, at least for much of the essential
machinery. The work goes on at night and day, and cm Sundays anil holi-
days, until the last beet has been worked up into tine white sugar.
The huge storage sheds, four hundred and fifty feet long and two hundred
feet wide, are the first points of interest, and are veritable beehives of workers.
Through wide doorways farmers' wagons are entering to unload, after weigh-
ing up at the entrance; while in the farther section of the sheds railway cars
are being shunted into place for a like operation. It would be difficult to
count the wagons. Sixty-four may be unloaded at the same time, while the
number constantly driving away empty, and others waiting their turn, seem
to be as many more. In the railway sections gangs of men are unloading
the cars heaped high with the rich product of the soil, a- many as twenty
of the largest gondolas being placed on the two tracks.
The storage bins are constructed of concrete, and are twenty feet wide
and eight feet deep, with a V-shaped bottom the whole sloping gradually to
tlie farther end. On leaving at the factory end of the sheds, the first thin-
to attract attention is a series of concrete flumes, two feet wide and four
feet deep, rounding away from the middle of each bin, and converging at a
main flume of somewhat larger size, leading into the main building. Upon
looking down into this flume a stream of muddy water is to be seen rushing
along and carrying in its current a continuous mass of beets. The water,
which is quite hot, is forced through the flumes from the front end of the
sheds by powerful pumps; and, in conveying the beets to the factory, the
further 'operation of removing the outer layer of dirt ami weeds is easily
acci implished.
The main factory building is a structural steel frame, four hundred and
twenty feet long, eighty-five feet wide, and five stories in height, upon which
rest the ponderous machinery and numerous tanks used in the various pro-
cesses. The whole frame of heavy columns and immense girders, like the
steel frame of a modern office building, ami its valuable mechanical outfit,
are enclosed within walls of brick and concrete, and pierced by many windows
to furnish ample light and ventilation. The construction throughout gives
an impression of solidity and permanence.
How the Beets are Scoured
Before entering the main building there is a short passage through
a little one-story addition, in which the main flume widens into a shallow-
pit which contains the lower end of the "scroll," the conveyor which lifts
the beets up into the factory. This scroll is in principle an exact Archi-
medean screw, with the slight alteration of having the lower half of its
cylinder perforated with rows of half-inch holes to drain off the dirty water,
as the beets are rolled along its revolving blade. A system of levers operates
a gate which regulates the flow of beets to the scroll, so that the right
amount is supplied at all times to the slicing machine.
Passing along the narrow entry, which is filled with a cloud of steam, and
through a doorway, the visitor is at last in the factory of mysterious doings.
For a moment he stands spellbound. The massive machinery, the rumbling
of hundreds of wheels, the grinding of heavy gears, the hissing of steam as
it rushes through the big pipes overhead, are enough to shock the senses of
sight and hearing. The next sensation is of stifling heat due to many lines
of steam pipes of various sizes, and other pipes filled with boiling-hot water;
THE BEET- SUGAR INDUSTRY 481
a
for the principal factor in sugar-making is heat, as utilized through the
medium of water in its vaporous state, while as a liquid at different tempera-
tures water is used in man}- of the processes.
Throwing off outer wraps the visitor is read}- to follow the beets, which
re coming into the factor}- at a lively rate. They are forced up and through
an opening in the wall and dropped into a washing tank, where they are tossed
about in warm water by paddles revolving on a horizontal shaft. In this
process the beets are thoroughly scoured and at the end come out on a
draining board, white and clean. From there they are lifted to the ceiling by
another scroll, and by a bucket-conveyor are carried to the fifth floor.
Slicing the Beets
The next point of interest is at the topmost platform, under the roof,
where the hopper of the huge slicing-machine receives the beets from the
bucket-conveyor. From this elevation there is a good view through the
center well of the fourth and third Hours, of the ponderous machinery and the
intense activities of the factor}-. The floors are constructed wholly of con-
crete, the stairs and railings are of iron; and throughout there is the utmost
cleanliness and almost perfect ventilation. But despite the attention given
to this matter, a pungent odor of lime and sulphur, with a certain acute
acidity, is experienced, which at first is not altogether pleasant; but, upon
proceeding through the factory, the sights and sounds and smells, as well
as persona] comfort, are forgotten in the keen interests aroused by each new-
process.
The huge hopper at the top of the bucket-conveyor, in turn deposits the
beets by gravity into a weighing machine which, with every half-ton, dis-
charges the mass through its drop bottom into the hopper of the slicing
machine. Every dump is automatically registered so as to determine the exact
percentage of sugar obtained from the beet tonnage. As the bottom of this
hopper is bell-shaped, the beets are forced outward and fed to the swiftly
i evolving knives of the slicer. This is a huge upright cylinder within which
is a horizontal wdieel of the exact inside diameter, and placed slightly below
the lower edge of the hopper. The wdieel carries on its outer edge or rim
an endless line of sharp corrugated knives about ten inches long, which cut
up the beets in a flash as they are pressed down on them by the weight of the
mass above. The slicings fall through to a receiver, where they are rasped,
to tear up the cells, after which they pass out on an endless belt conveyor on
the second floor, to be distributed as required to the diffusion battery.
Extracting the Sweet Matter
In this process the series of boilers is called a diffusion battery, because
the sugar content is removed from the slicings by water, into which the
sugar diffuses. There are fourteen cells or huge cylindrical tanks, placed
upright and close together on the ground floor. Their top openings with the
connecting valves extend through to the floor above, so that the steel traps,
which are three feet in diameter and open on hinges, may be closed easily,
and the valves operated by hand. When three and a half-tons of the beet
slicings have been taken into a cell from the belt conveyor, the supply is
shut off or turned by a system of gates to another cell, and" the cover or trap
is swung back in place and clamped down securely, becoming air tight.
The process of boiling is. of course, unseen, but it is easily underst 1.
The juice parses by a complicated system of pipes and valves through the
charged cells of the scries, always from the longest-filled cell, which contains
nearly exhausted slicings, to the ones most recentlv filled, thus extracting the
largest possible quantity of sugar with the smallest amount of water, which
48i
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
THE CARBONATORS, IN WHICH THE IMPURITIES IN THE
JUICE ARE ABSORBED
varies in temperature from one hundred and four degrees to one hundred and
eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit. All the water, of course, must be evaporated
in subsequent processes, and the nearer to saturation this solution becomes in
getting all the saccharine matter that is possible from the slicings, the greater
is the economy of operation.
In about an hour the slicings have become exhausted of their sweet
content, when the door at the bottom of the cell is thrown open by lexers,
and the mass of beet pulp gushes out and runs off in a concrete flume to the
pulp drier. There the pulp is thoroughly dried and otherwise prepared for
shipment. The empty cell is then cleaned by jets of hot water, which remove
any clinging" shreds of pulp: and the cell is ready for another charge of
fresh slicings. With fourteen of these cells, each of which is recharged every
hour, the process may be said to be continuous.
Purifying the Diffusion Juice
When the diffusion juice leaves the battery it is pumped to a receiving
tank, and from there to a measuring tank, which records the amount of juice
being obtained from the slicings. In its present raw state it is heavily
charged with various impurities, and in order to remove these there is a
complicated system of purifying agents. First, the juice is pumped to two
superheaters, which are tanks containing vapor coils, and in these the juice
is heated to prepare it for carbonation.
In this process the two factors are lime and a gas containing about
thirty per cent, of carbonic acid. This gas is made by burning lime and coke
in the proportion of one part of coke to four or five parts of lime. The
kiln is outside the main factory; about thirty tons of lime are made and used
every twenty-four hours. The lime is thoroughly slacked with water, and the
solution is pumped into the factory, where it is heated in a circular tank to a
degree necessary for its useful purpose. The diffusion juice, already hot,
is passed to the carbonators, in which it ami milk of lime are thoroughly
mixed in the proportion of fixe quarts of lime to every thousand gallons oi
THE BEET- SUGAR INDUSTRY
483
the juice, and the temperature is quickly raised to ninety degrees Centigrade.
(Juieklime is then added — about fifteen pounds to every hundred gallons, and
the gas is pumped in by powerful pumps.
The impurities in the juice having been fully absorbed by the lime and
gas, it is necessary to remove all traces of these agents; and, since the quality
of sugar produced depends on the process of clarification, considerable skill
and care are here required. A powerful pump now forces the solution
through pressure filters. Each of these is a series of steel frames about
four feet square anil one and a half inches thick, over which are stretched
sheets of canvas, and the frames are pressed tightly together by a ^crew
press to render the joints water-tight. The juice is forced through pipes
into one side of the press, and through the canvas of the frames, depositing
the lime on the fabric and pouring out on the other side into troughs an almost
clear liquid. Though this liquid has lost much of its original matter in
solution, it is still far from the purity necessary to crystallize. It flows from
the troughs into a receiving tank for cooling.
Boiling Down to a Rich Syrup
At this stage it is plain that the clarified juice is a mixture of pure
sugar and pure water, the sugar varying in proportion according to the
richness of the beets, the fidelity of the machinery, and the watchfulness of
the operators. To extract the water from the juice, thus converting it into a
rich syrup, is the next process, and is an interesting one. The juice is
pumped into multiple-effect vaccum evaporators, so called because the heat-
ing effect of the steam is utilized in vacuo as many times as there are pans
in the series. Steam is supplied to the first pan, and the vapor from the
boiling juice passes to the second pan, and so on through the series. From
the last pan the vapor passes to a condenser kept in a constant state of
vacuum by a continuously-acting pump, from which it tlows away, a dark-
colored syrup. When it obtains a density of thirty-one and one-half to
thirty-two and one -fourth by hydrometer test, it is pumped to storage tanks.
There the syrup remains until drawn off as needed in the sugar mill, which is
a distinct division of the manufacturing process.
PRESSURE FILTERS, WHICH REMOVE ALL THE PURIFYING AGENTS
484 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Converting the Syrup Into Sugar
From the storage lank the syrup is pumped to the fourth floor and
admitted to the syrup boilers, or "strike-pans," of which there are four.
These are large cylindrical cast-iron vessels, provided with a vacuum pump,
a condenser, ami coils of copper tubing to which steam may be turned as
needed. After condensation has taken place, and when the pans are about
one-fourth to one-third full of rich thick liquor, a charge of cool syrup is
admitted, to cause the formation of minute sugar crystals, the size being
controlled by the sugar-boiler, who regulates the boiling and the admission
of fresh syrup so as to avoid the formation of new crystals of "false grain."
In about four hours after the beginning of the boiling, and when the pan has
become tilled with a dense mass of sugar crystals, a "strike" is made. This
is simply emptying of the "strike-pan" of its contents into one of twoV-shaped
tanks just beneath the pans, and in which the mass is constantly stirred by
mechanical paddles to keep it from hardening.
To separate the sugar crystals from the syrup that will not crystallize
in the boiling, is the next process. For this machines called "centrifugals"
are used. Fourteen of these machines are placed directly beneath the
V-shaped tanks, so that the mass flows to them through discharge pipes
regulated by cut-offs. These machines are cylindrical, metal vessels about
three feet in diameter, and two and a half feet high, fitted with solid bottoms,
but with walls constructed of fine wire cloth supported by a perforated brass
Kicking. The drums are hung on vertical shafts revolving at about fourteen
hundred per minute. The drum being washed out to remove all stickiness
and then polished bright, a mass of sugar crystals and the containing syrup
is admitted until it is about half full. The electric motor which operates the
drum is then started.
Operation of the Centrifugals
The process is verv simple and the most interesting yet seen, because
the vessel is open to the free circulation of air and the transition going on
in it can be plainly seen. The mass is at first a dark brown color, but as the
drum revolves faster the mass rises on the walls and is held there by
.centrifugal force. The syrup being a liquid, though thick, is forced through
the fine mesh of the wire cloth, ami passes off through the perforated back
to tanks beneath. Watching the inside of the drum, we see the color change
gradually from dark brown to a lighter shade, then to a yellow, and finally
to a cream wdiite, as the syrup leaves it. In about thirty minutes the syrup
is entirely eliminated, and the sugar clings to the walls of the drum, four or
five inches thick. The motor is then shut off and the operator scrape-- ofl
the sugar with wooden paddles, through a removable trap in the bottom to
the receiving tank on the second floor. There the sugar is sprayed with
water in which a little harmless bluing has been added to correct the yellow
tint, and then is ready for the final process to render it fit for culinary use.
Granulation the Finishing Touch
The final touch to the sugar is the granulating process, which is done in
huge drums, eight feet in diameter. Through these the sugar falls, is caught
up and mixed about, while a blast of hot air from steam coils is blown
through. By looking through little windows in the chamber we see the sugar
being tossed about inside. Finally, after twenty minutes of this treatment
it has become fine white sugar, and passes to the storage bin, from which it is
drawn to the barrelling room beneath. Eight to ten hours before it was
VACUUM EVAPORATORS WHICH REDUCE THE PURIFIED JUICE
TO A RICH SYRUP
SYRUP BOILERS, OR "STRIKE PANS," IN WHICH THE RICH SYRUP
IS CRYSTALIZED TO SUGAR
486 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
the heel's sweet content; now it is refined sugar on its way to the peoples'
tallies, to sweeten their breakfast food, syrup their griddle cakes, and supply
the loaf fur steaming-hot coffee, to say nothing of confections.
The syrup that will not crystalize in the first boiling, and which was
separated from the sugar in the centrifugals, is worked through a system of
purifying machines and crystallizers entirely different from the other
machines, and eventually is worked up into sugar or ordinary molasses oi
ci immerce.
Packing Sugar For Market
In the packing room on the ground floor is the last scene of intense
activity. Here the barrelling is done, and it is a bustling place. The fore-
man is filling the barrels, regulating the flow of sugar from the bins above;
some workmen are lining barrels with heavy paper; others are nailing in the
heads df filled barrels, while still others are rolling the barrels into the storage
building just bevond. The output is about six hundred barrels every twenty-
four hours, or a single barrel every t\v<> and a quarter minutes. Yet what
seems through narrowed vision a great amount of sugar, is but a drop in the
sugar market and a small drop at that. The State of Michigan would con-
sume in about thirty days the product of the entire run of about one hundred
days, and for the years' supply for the State the output of twelve factories of
like capacity, would be required. The total annual production of beet-sugar
in Michigan, if all of it were used within the Stale, would fill the demand
for scarcely more than the year.
The Benefit to the Farmer
The farmer is the man who is most benefited by the beet-sugar industry,
if he gives thoughtful care and proper cultivation to his beet crop. While the
cost of caring for the beets averages about thirty dollars an acre, the returns
are large, and it is not unusual for an acre of good land to yield from sixteen
to twenty tons, with an average of sixteen per cent, of sugar content.
Another advantage to the farmer is the fact that the price does not vary
greatly; the basis is fixed by contract before the seed is planted, and it can-
not be changed. In 1915 the farmers received six dollars per ton for sugar-
beets, regardless of the percentage of sugar content, at which price many
netted from fifty to sixty dollars an acre, although the average for the "sugar-
bowl" was not so high.
To further aid and encourage their farmer friends, the sugar companies
have established weighing stations, at railroad points within a radius of thirty
miles from the factories. Where distances are too great for economical haul
by wagons to these stations, or roads leading to them are impossible for
heavy loads, spur sidings have been put in at many scattered points, where
cars are loaded. In such cases the weighing is done at the factor}1, a careful
system of records of every carload being kept, to insure against errors.
It is an encouraging fact that wherever sugar plants have been established
in good beet-growing teritory, farm lands have had an appreciable increase
in value. When reduced to a labor equivalent the land is proportional to
the number of hands it can employ; and the utilization of the sugar-beet as a
regular rotation crop means much for the soil. It also means an expansion of
the dairy industry, with more meat, milk and butter, since many cattle may
be fed upon the residium pulp from beet-sugar factories. This results in
occupation for more men the entire year, with an advance in real estate and
property in general. A thousand acres cultivated in beets, with a neighboring
Migar factor}- properly managed, becomes more valuable and brings a larger
income than any other farming purpose to which it can be put.
THE BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY
487
■•OSMOGENES" IN WHICH THE SYRUP THAT WILL NOT CRYSTALIZE
IN THE FIRST BOILING IS FURTHER PURIFIED
Single-Germ Balls
The farmer is dependent on the sugar companies for his supply of beet
seed, and practically all the seed planted in this country is imported by the
the companies from Germany. In that country the cultivation of beet seed
is a separate and distinct industry, and has been brought to an exact science.
The production of a race of single-germ beet balls, however, is purely
American, something which has not been attempted by the scientists of
Europe. In this country it is being attempted through selection. Each beet
ball contains from one to six germs, and it is possible that each of these
germs may produce a plantlet. In order to secure a stand of beets about six
times as much seed as necessary must be planted ; and it becomes necessary to
thin out the surplus plants, leaving them standing in the row at the proper
space.
If the ball producing the particular plant left standing has only one
germ, in thinning we have but one plantlet to contend with. In case the ball
produces several plants, these intertwine in the soil, and considerable labor is
necessary in extracting the surplus plants. Xnt only is extra labor required
but the rootlets of the plants retained will be mure or less broken. This
temporarily disturbs the growth and vigor of the plant in its tender stage;
and it is the working theory that a plantlet produced by a single
germ beet ball will be more vigorous. It will have a natural vigor that
comes from better nourishment of the mother seed, as it does not have to
divide its food supply with other plantlets.
This work of attempting to produce a single-germ beet ball has been
systematically undertaken by the Bureau of Plant Industry. United States
Department of Agriculture. By inspection nothing but single-germ seeds
are selected to produce "mother beets." These beets are planted, and from
the resulting crop of seed nothing but single-germ balls are selected. This
work will be continuous from year to year until such time as the habit of
producing single-germ seed is thoroughly fixed in this new race of beets.
These experiments have been under way for several years, and enough has
already been done to indicate ultimate success.
CHAPTER XX
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
Timber Supplies Fail — Starting New Industries — Boosters Become Active- —
Growth of Factories — Summary of Factories and Labor — A Period of Depression —
Reconstruction — How Some Gained Unexpected Riches — How Hill "Put One Over"
on the Wrights — A Revival of Industries — Disruption Threatened — Celebrating a
Semi-Centenary Anniversary — Retrospection — Conclusion of the Golden Anniver-
sary— The Oil Development — The Well Spouted High — Speculators Foiled — Sum-
mary of Saginaw's Industries in 1914 — Representative Manufactories in 1917.
THE decline in lumber and salt production, which began to be felt in
the Saginaws late in the eighteen-eighties, was the beginning of a
long period of depression in the Valley cities, and awakened the enter-
prising and public-spirited men to the urgent need of new industries
of a diversified nature, to replace the old. This change in the commercial
affairs of the Saginaw Valley was so gradual as scarcely to be perceived at the
time, the rafting of logs across Lake Huron by means of bag-booms having
extended the life of the lumber business tor several years. But this source
of supply finally failed, because of the high export duty on logs exacted by
the Canadian Government, and the Saginaws soon lost their prestige as a
:■ i eat lumber mart.
The exhaustion of the pine forests was followed by a new era of manu-
facturing activity, which gained momentum with the closing of some large
lumbering operations and the consequent accumulation of large amounts of
idle capital. The evolution from the cutting of pine trees, and the making of
lumber and salt, to varied industries of a more permanent character is still
going on, and will probably continue as long as any timber remains. In the
slow process the natural resources of the valley have been developed, and a
number of diversified industries established by manufacturers from outside,
aided and encouraged by the capital which once found employment in the
lumber and salt business.
Starting New Industries
The valuable tracts of hardwood timber tributary to this valley, com-
prising more than eight million acres of hemlock, birch, oak, ash, elm, and
cedar and basswood was yet untouched by the woodman's axe, and factories
for the utilization of this timber soon found a place among our permanent
industries. Included in the new enterprises were furniture factories, carriage
and wagon works, washboard, curtain roller, box and barrel factories, a match
factory, and other manufactories with varied products of which the principal
ci impi ment was wood.
These industries were represented by the Saginaw Manufacturing Com-
pany, Stenglein Manufacturing Company, J. H. Benjamin, Crescent Match
Company, \Y. G. Smith, I ». Hardin ec Company and the Michigan Curtain
Roller Company, on the west side of the river; and by O'Donnell & Spencer,
Feige-Silsbee Furniture Manufacturing Company, Linton Manufacturing
Company, Edward Germain, Avery & Company, Henry Feige, Alic Lirss and
E. A. Gyde, on the East Side. In the manufacture of logging tools the estab-
lishment of Morley Brothers on Water Street, and in dust separators for
woodworking plants the Allington & Curtis Manufacturing Company, whose
factory was on Holden Street, were very successful.
490 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The heavy machinery business was well covered by Wickes Brothers,
A. F. P.artlett & Company, Merrill & Bacon, John L. Jackson, William
Williamson and Koehler Brothers, while the boiler simps were those of
James McGregor i\: Sons ami Thomas Steele and Wildman Brothers. There
were also the Michigan Saw Company, McClellan File Company, 11. L. Hil-
dreth and others which enjoyed a profitable trade.
Boosters Become Active
The organization of the Saginaw Improvement Company, in 1890, with
its endeavors to bring in new industries, gave great impetus to the forward
movement. By its plan of purchasing acreage property on both sides of the
river, platting the same into lots, and acquiring factory sites convenient to
the railroads, a number of new industries were secured to Saginaw with the
proceeds of the lots sold. About four thousand residence lots were platted
in two new divisions lying mostly within the city limits, the streets laid out
were graded and otherwise improved, and railroad connections secured
between the three trunk lines ami the factory sites. Great interest in the
project was aroused among the citizens generally, and about twenty-five
hundred lots were quickly sold at one hundred and fifty dollars each.
The distribution of the lots to purchasers was by drawing, and stirred
in hundreds of minds vain hopes of winning a valuable piece of property. For
the capital prize, which attracted much attention, there was the old home-
stead of William L. Webber, on South Jefferson Avenue, which consisted
of a substantial brick house set in an attractive grove of pines. This prize
was drawn by Mrs. Chauncey H. Gage; and other valuable prizes com-
prising lots on the principal streets in the new divisions, found eager and
appreciative owners. < >thers, less fortunate, who drew lots outside the city,
or removed some distance from the factory sites, were keenly disappointed;
and some never took deed of their drawings, or afterward let their lots
revert back for unpaid taxes. As always follows such schemes, the business
men who subscribed for the stock of the improvement company, and the
majority of the lot owners, lost heavily individually.
Great benefit, however, accrued to the city at large from the activities in
fostering new industries, the influence of which is still felt in various ways.
In two years eight factories of importance were located here which employed
six hundred and fort) persons, mostly men. The sites for these manufac-
tures, conveniently connected with the leading railroads, and the buildings
for the immediate requirements of the companies, were given free of cost,
and resulted in securing very substantial manufacturing concerns which were:
F. (i. Palmerton Woodenware Company.Limited, manufacturing tubs
and pails.
Ferrell, Frame & ( Izier, manufacturing grain cleaning machinery of
various kinds.
Beelman Manufacturing Company, manufacturing furniture, especially
hall furniture.
Keystone Manufacturing Company, manufacturing adjustable shade
1 1 illers.
Saginaw Box Company, manufacturing grease boxes.
Crume & Sefton Manufacturing Company, manufacturing wooden butter
dishes, berry foxes, etc.
Lufkin Rule Company, manufacturing steel and wood rules, steel tape
lines, etc.
Peninsular Carriage Company, manufacturing buggy bodies, running-
trears and bent work.
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES 491
Shortly afterward the II. J. Heinz Company, of Pittsburg, established a
pickling station on the East Side Improvement grounds, between the Lufkin
and Peninsular factories, and lias been in successful operation each year
since.
Along in the nineties it was determined that Saginaw was a desirable
location for the manufacture of plate glass, and in due course the Saginaw
Plate ( llass Company was organized. A large modern plant was erected on
South Michigan Avenue, west of the city limits; and in 1906, in order to
utilize the great quantities of exhaust steam produced in the various processes,
a complete salt manufacturing plant was built as an adjunct to the business.
Later a complete chemical plant was added to work up the hitherto waste
"bittern water," a product of salt making, into valuable chemical by-products
including calcium chloride. This great industry is capitalized and managed
entirely by Saginaw business men.
Growth of Factories
Besides the foregoing industries there were nine concerns employed in
the manufacture of brick, which gave employment to two hundred and
eighteen men, and paid in wages, in 1892, the sum of forty-four thousand
dollars. The output of these brick yards was sixteen million five hundred
thousand brick, valued at seventy-four thousand two hundred and fifty dollars.
Saginaw County is one vast clay bed. a portion of which must be fire clay
and potters clay of great value. Some very fine specimens of the latter
quality have been discovered a short distance south of the city, yet nothing
has been done to develop this hidden wealth of the soil.
In the manufacture of cigars seventeen concerns reported in 1892 a
production of three million seven hundred and ninety-two thousand cigars,
valued at eighty-four thousand one hundred and sixty-six dollars. These
factories employed one hundred and twenty-seven men. and paid in wages
thirty-seven thousand dollars.
There were five steam laundries in this city in 1892, employing seventy-
nine workers wdio were paid twenty-six thousand two hundred dollars in
wa^es. The aggregate business was fifty-nine thousand dollars, divided
among Witters Brothers, A. Robertson, 1\ II. Jerome, Palace Laundry ami
Wolpert & Son.
Five breweries reported a product valued at two hundred and fifteen
thousand dollars, and employed fifty-eight men to whom were paid thirty-
eight thousand dollars in wages. These breweries were the National Brewing
Company, Eagle Brewery, [acob Raquet, Saginaw Brewing Company and
J. G. Schemm.
Three concerns, R. II. Crane, Saginaw Broom Company and Fred
Stoerk manufactured nineteen thousand dollars worth of brooms of various
kinds, and employed thirteen men at a total wage of five thousand four
hundred di illars.
Although the Mayflower Mills, which was established by Jesse Hoyt
and operated successfully for many years by Emil Moores, was closed down
in 1892, two other flouring mills were running in Saginaw. These were
the Brand & Hardin mill at the foot of Mackinaw Street, and the Saginaw
Milling Company on West Genesee. In 1893 William Callam erected a new
mill on North Franklin Street, which was modern and complete in everj
particular. The output of this mill found a ready market direct with the
consumer, deliveries being made to hotels, boarding houses and residences.
One of the institutions of which Saginaw was justly proud was the
tannery of F. W. Carlisle & Company, which was started in a small wa\
many years before. Hemlock bark is secured from the surrounding country,
492
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
WILDMAN BROTHERS'
BOILER WORKS. 1885, AT FOOT OF WILLIAMS (JANES)
STREET. NOW BATTERY PARK
and hides arc brought in from the outside points. The leather manufactured
by this concern is of the highest grade, and is used chiefly in making'
harness .
An entirely new industry, established by enterprising business men of
this city, was the United States Graphite Company, which employed a large
number of men and utilized the product of the company's mine in Sonora,
Mexico. The company manufactured axle grease, stove polish, paint, and
prepared graphite for a large part of the lead pencil factories of the East.
A. Hobson's stone and marble yard, an old institution, employed a force
of men in grinding and polishing stone from Lake Superior, and marble from
the famous quarries of Vermont. The Bay Port quarries, located about
fifty miles from this city, also supplied a high grade of limestone for building
purposes. Being very hard and of a light blue color, this stone presents a
fine appearance in large structures, ami was used in several public buildings
in Saginaw, notably the lloyt Library. Before the opening of these quarries,
in 1883, limestone for building purposes was brought by vessels from Lake
Erie ports, and ci st from ten to twelve dollars a cord, but the competition of
Bay Port stone quickly reduced the price to five and seven dollars a cord.
Seven houses engaged in printing and binding reported in IS' 'J the value
of their product at one hundred and twelve thousand dollars. They employed
eighty-five workers and paid thirty-nine thousand four hundred dollars in
wages. These concerns were Seemann & Peters, Jones & McCall Company,
Saginawian, Ganschow & Son. Laing & Moiles, Saginaw Printing & Binding
Company and < i. Fi >x.
The Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad -.hops and general offices gave
employment in Saginaw to eight hundred and fifty men. who received seventy-
five thousand dollars a month in wages. A large number of men were
engaged in building and keeping in repair equipment for seven hundred
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES 493
miles of road which extended from Saginaw in all directions. Two companies
operating- twenty-seven miles of street railways employed one hundred anil
seventy-five men, and in 1892 paid eighty-five thousand five hundred dollars
in wages. The number of passengers carried that year was mure than four
million.
Of miscellaneous industries, some small but nevertheless of importance
as employing" labor, were the Saginaw Roofing Company, a new concern
which enjoyed a rapidly growing business; the Metallic Curtain l'ull Corn-
pan}-, which made wire curtain fixtures of ornamental design, and various
other wire goods; Henry Passolt, who manufactured soaps and potash; and
Case Brothers, C. 11. Newell and Wider & Son, engaged in making awnings
and tents.
Summary of Factories and Labor
Of the total number of factor}- employees in 1892, which was eight
thousand nine hundred and sixty-three, four thousand eight hundred and
sixty-six were engaged directly in the lumber and salt production, leaving
four thousand and ninety-seven employed in the diversified industries of
the city. The total wages paid all employees in 1892 was three million eight
hundred and eighty-four thousand nine hundred and fourteen dollars, of
which two million two hundred and twenty-one thousand five hundred and
thirty-seven dollars was paid to workers in diversified industries. A sum-
mar}- in tabulated form of the various industries will be of aid in determining
their importance :
Value of Number of Wages
Factories Product Employees Paid
Machine and boiler shops $1,068,500 480 $288,621.00
Furniture factories 374,500 296 105,595.00
Breweries 215,000 58 3S.O60.0O
Printers and binders 1 12,000 85 3' '.433.00
Laundries 59,080 79 26,201.00
Cigar factories 84,166 127 37,075.00
Brick yards 84,250 218 44,000.00
Broom factories 19,500 13 5.434.00
Miscellaneous 2,236,022 1,406 5i .3.538.00
Street Railways 175 S3. 500.00
Newspapers . 220 88.080.00
F. & P. M. Railroad 850 900,000.00
$4,253,018 4,097 $2,221,537.00
To the above summary which omits small shops, building trades and
employees in stores and wholesale houses, might properly be added the
record of the planing mills, which ran the year round. These institutions
alone employed two thousand three hundred and two men, who received
eight hundred twelve thousand four hundred and twelve dollars in wages;
and the value of the product was five million two hundred eight thousand
six hundred and thirty-four dollars. Adding these figures to the footings
of the summary, we have six thousand four hundred employees, who earned
three million thirty-three thousand nine hundred and forty-nine dollars, and
the value of whose product was nine million four hundred sixty-one thousand
six hundred and fifty-two dollars. This left two thousand five hundred and
sixty-three men employed in saw and shingle mills and salt blocks, who
received eight hundred fifty thousand and nine hundred and sixty-five dollars
in wages, and whose product was valued at five million seven hundred five
thousand seven hundred and ninety-three dollars.
494 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
In view of the rapid decline ol the lumber and salt production in the
nineties, the growth of diversified industries in Saginaw was especially pleas-
ing. The increase was about five times as great as the loss in saw and shingle
mills for ten years previous. In 1892 the labor employed in the latter indus-
tries was only twenty-eight per cent, of the total labor employed by all
industries in the city, and the wages paid was only twenty-two per cent of the
total wages. The value of the product of lumber, shingles and salt, however,
was nearly thirty-eight per cent, of the total valuation of Saginaw's products.
I his shows that, while the saw mills and salt blocks were the main
support of the Saginaws in the years of big lumbering in Michigan, other and
more permanent industries were gradually taking their place. The amount
paid for labor was constantly increasing, the mercantile interests were
expanding, hank deposits and exchanges were growing, while the saw mills
were going out of existence. The value of a factory to the city is principally
in the amount of labor it employs and in the wages it pays. The saw mills
only ran about six months in the year, and a greater portion of their labor was
cheap and unskilled. Although some of the men worked in the woods in
Winter, it was all common labor, at twelve to twenty dollars a month and
keep, and many men had to find other employment at the time of year they
most needed steady wages.
As a result the employees of saw mills, like the woodsmen, were a shifting
element of the population, and occupied cheap rented houses living in a "hand
to mouth" sort of way. The employees of a furniture factory, a carriage
works, a plate glass or other permanent establishment, however, received
better wages and employment the year round, and consequentily secured
homes of their own and became settled residents. Such an institution em-
ploying only thirty men paid as much in wages in a year as a saw mill
employing one hundred men for the average run, and was a much greater
benefit to the city.
A Period of Depression
Notwithstanding the improvements in the industrial situation brought
about by securing new industries to the city, the material advancement of
the Saginaws was checked for a time. The final extinguishment of lumbering
was marked by a long period of depression, which was keenly felt by the com-
mercial as well as the industrial interests of the city. 'This period of lassitude
in business was more pronounced between 1895 and 1905, in which the
population fell off heavily. According to the United States census of 1890
the population of Saginaw was forty-six thousand three hundred and twenty-
two, but the census of 1900 gave the city only forty-two thousand eight
hundred and forty-six, a loss of about thirty-five hundred. This loss, how-
ever, was fully recovered in the following decade, when substantial gains
were also recorded, the population given by the census of 1910 being fifty
thousand five hundred and ten.
A contributary cause of the depression, though not directly affecting
so much the loss in population, was the failure of some of the new industries
established by the Saginaw Improvement Company, the readjustment of
whose affairs required much time and attention. The Peninsular Carriage
Company, controlled by the Den Bleykers, of Kalamazoo, was the first to
show signs of .listress, and si,, in after failed. Later the plant was taken over
b\ ( harles \\ . McClure and a new business in farm wagons and silos was
established under the name of Farmers' Handy Wagon Company. After-
ward the wagon business was discontinued, and the name changed to The
YTc< dure Company.
DIVERSIFIED INDCSTLILS
495
The Beelman Manufacturing Company, which was engaged in making
furniture especially for halls, was the next concern to go under. The plant,
however, was soon after put to good use by the Brewer-Pryor Piano
Company, in the manufacture of a medium grade of pianos which were sold
direct to purchasers. Later this substantial factory building was acquired
by William Poison oc Company, and has since been used in the manufacture
of sash, doors, blinds and interior finish.
On the West Side several other of the new industries were likewise
unsuccessful. The Crume & Sefton Company, which manufactured wooden
butter dishes and berry boxes, was closed down, and the plant acquired by
A. T. Ferrell. The Lockwood and one or two other factories in this district
were burned at different times, but the sites were afterward built up by-
other and more permanent concerns. Among these was the Saginaw Table
Company which developed a large business, and was absorbed by the llerzog
Art Furniture Company. This prosperous concern, occupying an immense
plant of most modern construction and equipment on SouthMichigan Avenue
at the Belt Line crossing, is one of the wonders of Saginaws' recent industrial
development. It manufactures the highest grade of art furniture which meets
with ready sale throughout the civilized world, and also several tine lines of
phonograph cabinets for large producers of phonographs.
Reconstruction
Among the new developments in industrial affairs, which gave encourage-
ment to enterprising men who had newer lost faith in the ultimate future of
Saginaw, were the Werner & Lfleiderer Company, making bakery ovens and
machinery, the Oakland Vinegar & Pickle Company, F. A. Robertson &
Company, fashioning ladies' silk waists and gowns, the Saginaw Silk Garment
Company, the Bernhard Company in the same line, the Germain Piano Com-
pany, making high grade pianos, the Mershon & Morley Company, manufac-
turing wood portable houses, the I '.erst Manufacturing Company, making
tooth-picks and butter dishes, and several large concerns which began making
flooring i if various grades on a large scale. This latter business has since
developed into immense proportions, much of the output being exported to
foreign countries. The Asphalt Roofing Company, at Michigan Avenue
and Wheeler Street, and the Saginaw Paving Brick Company, promoted by
John II. Qualman and others, on South Jefferson Avenue, are also successful
concerns developed in the period of reconstruction.
MAPLE FLOORING PLANT OF S. L. EASTMAN FLOORING COMPANY
496 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The rebuilding of Saginaw's industries might have been hastened, it is
believed, had our wealthy lumbermen been willing to invest heavily in enter-
prises to develop the natural resources of the valley. But, discouraged at the
ill success that attended some of the earlier ventures, and believing that the
greatest source of wealth lay in the pine forests, they invested their idle
capital in timber lands in Minnesota and the State of Washington, ami s< .me
moved their place of residence t<i the scene of their new activities. This
policy of our moneyed men left the actual "boosting" of the city and the
securing of new industries to the younger men of moderate means, and the
l".Mti<.n Saginaw holds today in the business affairs of Michigan, is due
almost entirely to their efforts.
How Some Gained Unexpected Riches
In this connection it is pertinent to note that the pine forests and the
saline deposits of the earth were not the only sources of wealth which came
i" some Saginaw lumbermen. To a few greater riches came from beneath
the soil than they had ever gained from the exploitation of the forests. In a
lew instances wealth was actually forced upon them, though, of course, not
unwillingly. The iron ore which lay in heavy beds beneath thousands of
acres of pine timber in Minnesota, brought untold riches to already opulent
lumbermen, the narration of which rivals the fairy tales of old.
The story of the man who became a millionaire ami never knezv it, illustrates
how sudden riches came to some men, entirely unlooked for.
In the busy days of lumbering in Minnesota, Ezra Rust and George L.
Burrows were large holders of valuable timber land in that section, and
they employed Gilbert B. Goff, father of E. A. ( .off of this city, as land looker.
Resides a salary for his services in selecting valuable timber land, he received
as commission on certain deals a one-third interest in the lands acquired, some
of which proved very profitable.
On a trip, to the north woods he one day came across "ten forties" of
timber, which ran largely to hardwoods with some choice pine, but had not
enough of the latter to attract the Wrights and others who were lumbering
in the neighborhood. Upon looking over the tract (.off concluded that it
would be a g 1 investment to buy the land and hold it until such time as the
logging companies would want it to clean up operations in that section. The
cost of the four hundred acres, at the government price of one dollar and
twenty-five cents an acre, was only five hundred dollars, ami he prevailed
upon the Rusts to buy the ten forties for future development.
Several years after, the land looker, having settled on a farm near Eden-
ville, on the upper waters of the Tittabawassee, was in need of some readv
money and came to Saginaw to raise it. Mr. Rust was away at the time, but
his secretary, T. H. Rusling, looked up the particular land deal of the ten
forties which the parties still owned. Tine timber had greatly increased
in value since the purchase of this land, and < ioff hoped to realize some money
on his share of the property. Rusling, who bad saved a little money which he
had deposited in the bank, was tempted to help the land looker on his own
account, but hesitated to accept security of such uncertain value on a loan of
twelve hundred dollars, the amount that Goff needed.
The land looker, however, was so insistent in his plea for cash that
Rusling at length said: "If you will give me a deed to your share of these ten
forties. I will give you the money."
"All right," said Goff, "1 will do it. Draw up the papers right away."
So the sale was made and Rusling became the owner of a one-third
interest in the ten forties, which he had never seen nor expected to see. while
the land looker was well pleased with the deal.
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES 497
Nothing- further was thought of the matter until some years after when,
on a trip to the north, Goff heard rumors of the existence of iron ore deposits
on lands near or adjoining the ten forties, in which he had once been inter-
ested. Me looked into the subject very thoroughly, and found such strong
evidence of ore under the land that he believed there might be some truth in
the stories. So he came right back to Saginaw, raised what money he could,
ami going to Rusling, --aid:
"I have now a little spare cash, and will repay the money you gave me
-cine time ago mi those ten forties, with interest to date. If you want the coin
instead of the third share in the land, here it is."
So Rusling went to the safe, found the deed to the one-third interest in
the land, which he had not even recorded, and handed it over. The money
was counted out. paid over to him. and the deed was torn up thus ending
the whole transaction. This part of the deal, however, was the greatest
mistake of his life, as the sequel shows.
When Andrew Carnegie began acquiring rights to ore properties on
the Mesaba Range, he had test-- made of the ten forties still owned by Rust
and others, and concluded a lease with them whereby he paid five thousand
dollars a year to In 'hi the ore right-. Goff's share of this payment was
sixteen hundred and sixty-six dollars a year, a very acceptable little wad t<>
the land h inker-farmer.
This deal, however, was but an incident in the wonderful romance of iron
ore, that which, follows revealing the touch of the fairie's wand.
Several years later, when the Carnegie Steel Company was absorbed
by the United States Steel Corporation, the new owners decided to terminate
the lease of iron "re right- by purchase of the ore in the ground. So they
agreed with Mr. Rust and the other owners to buy the ore at thirty cents a
ton, the quantity to be estimated by careful tests conducted by both parties
l.i the deal. Experienced ore men were sent to the ten forties, and after
exhaustive tests had been made they reported that the tract contained not less
than twenty-four million Ions of iron ore. At the pre-arranged price this ore
was worth seven million two hundred thousand dollars, which sum was paid
to the Saginaw lumbermen. Goff's share of this unlooked for wealth was
two million four hundred thousand dollars, which he gained without the invest-
ment i >f i me cent.
Rusling, meanwhile, had died never knowing that at one lime in his
r.indest business life he had acquired great riches, and become a millionaire
twice i iver and al>< >\ e.
How Hill "Put One Over" on the Wrights
During the great ru-h to gain control of the inn ore deposits in
Minnesota, some years ago. James J. Ilill made a proposition to Amnii \\ .
Wright and others to purchase the iron ore in certain lands they owned.
The price finally agreed upon was lour million live hundred thousand dollars,
which the lumbermen considered as "velvet" since the only thing they had
paid for in buying the land was the timber which stood upon it. The exis-
tence of iron eire at the time they acquired the land was not dreamed of, and
it was a case ol sudden wealth actually forced upon them.
A year and a half later, the true value of the ore having been determined,
by exhaustive test- and calculations as to the quantity in the ground, Mr. Hill
sold the ore rights to the Great Northern Railroad for forty-four million
dollars, which was a gain of almost ten times the cost to him.
The enormous return in royalties to some of Saginaw's lumbermen, is
illustrated by an incident in the circuit court of this county a few years ago,
in which Wellington R. Burt testified that his income from his iron ore
498
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
properties the preceding year had amounted to seven hundred and fifty thousand
dollars. At about the same time Temple E. Dorr, who once moved a whole
town in Minnesota several miles to clear its site which contained valuable
ore deposits, was receiving, it was said, a draft for five thousand dollars every
zveck in the year, to cover his royalties on the ore the removal and disposal of
which he had not to lift a finger. To open the letter, take out the draft,
endorse and deposit it to his account in hank, were the only moves called for
by his part in the deal.
In pondering over these sudden acquisition of riches, which were entirely
unsought by the principal-, and of which many other instances of similar
purport might be told, one must wonder how great a sum the government —
the people of the United States — has lost by the policy of not retaining title
to the mineral resources of the soil. Instead of this wealth being distributed
among the mass of the people, it has been concentrated in the hands of a few-
men already wealthy and who could not he made happier by it. The excuse
is that they having ready capital and the hrains to carry on extensive opera-
tions, develop the natural resources of the earth, and are thus entitled to all
the profits and emoluments to he obtained therefrom. This presentment,
however, is not altogether acceptable to the American people, as a whole.
MAMMOTH PLANT OF THE LUFKIN RULE COMPANY
A Revival of Industries
About 1906 it became apparent that if Saginaw was to progress industri-
ally a revival of manufacturing must be inaugurated. With this object the
Merchants ami Manufacturers Association came into being, to secure the
location of new and outside industries and business enterprises. By the
donations of business and factory sites and buildings, and by other induce-
ments, it was hoped that substantial concerns would locate here, and thus
add appreciably to our industrial welfare. It was also the purpose of the
association to co-operate with the Saginaw Board of Trade in accomplishing
the material advancement of the city.
The association was duly organized and incorporated by Marry T.
Wickes, Theodore IIuss. John L. Jackson. A. C. Melze, Benton Hanchett,
Max lleavenrieh, Arthur l">. Eddy, Delbert E. Prall, James S. Smart. M. W.
Tanner and Ralph C. Morley ; and the first seven comprised the board of
trustees for the first year. By the Articles of Association the trustees were
authorized to receive contributions and pledges of property and money for
the purposes of the association, and to make assessments on contributors for
money required to carry out its purposes. After a spirited campaign among
business and professional men and manufacturers, the sum of two hundred
and twelve thousand dollars was subscribed, and the plans of the association
were at once set in motion.
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES 499
During the following years in which the association was very active in
its endeavors to secure new industries to this city, a number of large
and important corporations were induced to locate here, and several local
companies of promise were started and given substantial aid. Among these
new industries were the Brooks Boat Manufacturing Company, Rainier
Motor Company, Saginaw Sandstone Brick Company. Valley Sweets Com-
pany, Saginaw Concrete Stone Company, Valley Grey Iron Company
Brueck Sectional Book Case Company, Saginaw Heading & Veneer Company,
Saginaw Pure Ice Company. Clare Knitting Mills, Erd Motor Company,
Wilcox Engineering Company, Saginaw Silk Garment Company. Saginaw
Show Case Company, Cooney & Smith. Valley Boat & Engine Company,
Tackson-Church-Wilcox Company, Sommers Brothers Match Company,
Yates-Upholt Brass Company, Argo Electric Vehicle Company, Wessborg
Manufacturing Company, Michigan Creamery Company, Koenitzer Tanning
Company, Saginaw Eadder Company, Opportunity Manufacturing Company.
Saginaw" Sheet Metal Works, Stork Motor Company, Modart Corset Com-
pany, and Kerry & Way. In more recent years the Strable Manufacturing
Company, Nelson Brothers Company, Saginaw Wood Products Company,
Schwinck Brothers (packers). Saginaw Enameling Company and the Ameri-
can Cash Register Company have been added to the long list of Saginaw's
prosperous corporations.
From the organization of the association in 1906 to April 1, 1910, the
total wages paid by the new industries secured by the associaticm amounted
to six hundred and ninety-seven thousand one hundred and thirty-seven
dollars, which was three "times more than the total subscriptions to the
Merchants and Manufacturers Fund, and six times as much as the amount
covered by the assessments on the suhscribers to that fund.
A Disruption Threatened
On January 1, 1911, Joseph I'. Tracy assumed the duties of secretary
of the association and of the board of trade, by a joint arrangement between
the two organizations. He was an organizer of recognized ability, but lacked
a judicial and well-balanced view of commercial affairs, and as a result
plunged the associations into a surging sea of trouble, from which they have
yet scarcely recovered. Without the wisdom of keen foresight or realization
of consequences, or indeed without the knowledge or consent of the members
of the transportation committee of the board, he started a vicious attack on
the Pere Marquette Railroad at a most critical time in the financial affairs of
that corporation. As almost everybody knows the I 'ere Marquette has done
more in the last fifty years for the advancement of Saginaw's prosperity than
any other corporation or individuals. The unwarranted attack in the name of
the Board of Trade therefore created a furore among the members of that
body, and w-as published broadcast over the State arousing great indignation
in man)- quarters.
The consequence of this high-handed action of the secretary was to
put the affiliated associations in disrepute, not only among our fair minded
citizens generally, but throughout the State a feeling of resentment was
aroused against Saginaw, which has been difficult to overcome. The
influence of the new secretary in any movement for the advancement of the
city's interests was thus rendered negligible, and lie was forced to retire
from office May 6. 1913. Other ill-advised and premature plans were put
forward with great zeal by this official, and a disruption of the commercial
bodies was narrowly averted. To the end of his tenure of office, however.
Mr. Tracy had the support of some of the most influential men in the two
organizations, although the greater proportion of the members were utterly
r.00 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
opposed to his policies and his conduct of the office. The natural result of
internal trouble and dissension has been that the material interests of the
city have not advanced during the last three or four years at anywhere near
the ratio of progress that marked Saginaw as a growing manufacturing city,
from 1905 to 1911. With old animosities put aside and forgotten, it is con-
fidentl) expected that some of the great industrial activity of Michigan cities
will si ii ni lie felt here in the promotion of new industries and commercial
enterprises.
Celebrating a Semi-Centenary Anniversary
The Saginaw Board of Trade is an old organization and has long been
activel) identified with every movement fur the advancement of the city's
welfare. It was organized oil April 9, 1863, by smne of the prominent men
of the time, among win mi were Colonel W. L. 1'. Little, Ezra Rust. A. W.
Brockway, L. 1'.. Curtis, Castle Sutherland, William S. Driggs, William F.
Glasby, II. Hobbs, Charles I-'. Disbrow, James L. Ketcham, I ). L. C. Eaton,
George L. Burrows, II. C. Potter, Newell Barnard, William L. Webber, V.
A. and A. B. Paine, William Binder, Charles and Egbert TenEyck, W. I >.
Leavonworth and John S. Estabrook.
The fiftieth anniversary of this event was celebrated on May 6, 1913, on
the occasion of the annual meeting of the hoard which then numbered seven
hundred and sixty members. At two o'clock in the afternoon a public
meeting was held at the Auditorium, the golden anniversary exercises being
opened by an organ recital by Professor A. W . Platte. This was Followed by
"America" Mini;' by the audience led b\ Professor Arthur Amsden, director
of the Thirty-third Regiment Band, M. X. G., and by two songs rendered by
the Amphion Club of the Saginaw High School. An able address was then
delivered b) E. C. Warriner mi "Saginaw in Prospect," and llarr\ V
Wheeler, president of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, spoke
mi the "Call tn Business." A reception for members and guests followed at
six o'clock, a large and brilliant company of Saginaw's representative citizens
being present.
The leading function of the celebration was the banquet in the evening,
in which President J. A. Cimmerer was toastmaster. A happy circumstance
was the presence of Ezra Rust, one of the three surviving charter members
nf the association, who delivered a stirring address mi "Retrospection." In
receiving Mr. Rust as the first speaker nf the evening, the assemblage rose
and gave the Chautauqua Salute in his honor and in respect tn those who
associated fifty years before in the first meeting nf Saginaw Board nf Trade,
,i nd u hi i had "gi me befi n e.
Among other things Mr. Rust said: "When 1 first came tn Saginaw in
the Fall nf 1859 there were about thirty-two hundred inhabitants of East
Saginaw and seventeen hundred in Saginaw City. There was no railroad
nearer than Holly, there were no bridges across the river, no paved streets
except an occasional strip nf plank mad, sidewalks were few and poor, and in
mi respect save water supply was there any similarity tn our present flourish-
ing city. Three rope ferries — at Mackinaw, Bristol and Genesee Streets —
-aye transport for teams; foot passengers were taken across the river in
row boats. : * * The commerce nf the two towns was entirely by water. A
boat ran twice a day to Bay City and return, and a steamer made bi-weekly
trips tn Detroit. All large Freight, including lumber, was carried in sailing
\ essels.
"Such, in brief, was Saginaw in 1859. During the next few years its
growth was rapid; as the lumber trade increased new mills were built mi
both sides of the river, and the population in 1863 had become nearly seven
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
501
/f./HS- /
^
FAC SIMILE OF SIGNATURES TO ORIGINAL ARTICLES OF
INCORPORATION OF THE BOARD OF TRADE
thousand. * ::: * ( inly a few brick structures had yet been erected, the Ban-
croft being' the largest. Stores were not numerous, and outside oi provisions
and clothing there was little call for any merchandise save lumbering tools
and machinery.
"In the Spring of 1863 a meeting of the National Board of Trade was
announced to be held at Detroit, and it was suggested by Colonel \Y. L. P.
Little that the Saginaw Valley should be represented on that occasion.
Accordingly, on .April 9, 1863, the original articles of incorporation of a
'Board for the Saginaw Valley' were signed by Colonel Little and thirty-one
others. Delegates to the Detroit meeting were duly chosen, but to my best
recollection this ended the active operations of the hoard; at all evnts no
record exists of any other proceedings.
"Two years later, in 1865, twelve of the original incorporators with
fifty-two additional signers attached their names to the constitution of the
'Board of Trade of East Saginaw.' No record remain'- of the proceedings of
this body, and it is my belief that little was ever done; in fact, there was
no crying need for the organization.
"During the period from 1860 to 1870 the commercial conditions in
Saginaw Valley began to change. While lumbering was still the great
industry, salt-making greatly increased and the rapid growth in population
W I; Burt
Arthur Hill
Aaron T. Bliss
T.-ini le E. I ion-
Jesse Hoyt
Joseph A. Whittier
Ezra Rust
Aaron Linton
John Jeffers
PROMINENT PROMOTORS OF AND DONORS TO THE
SAGINAW BOARD OF TRADE
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES 503
caused the establishment of other important lines of manufacture, many of
which remain to this city. The Flint and 1'ere Marquette Railroad had been
built to Flint, and extended north to Bay City and west through Midland
across the State. The Jackson, Lansing oc Saginaw Railroad gave us an
outlet to the southwest, and the Saginaw Valley and St. Louis Railroad had
opened the territory to the west. The population of the twin cities had mean-
while increased from five thousand to twenty-seven thousand.
"These rapid changes brought conditions which seemed to call for an
active and efficient Hoard of Trade, and in 1876 a reorganization was effected,
a new constitution and by-laws adopted and signed by one hundred and ten
prominent business men of both sides for the purpose of promoting 'just and
equitable principles in trade, to correct any abuses which may exist, and
generally to advise the interest-- of trade and commerce in the Saginaw
Valley.' Among the signers of this constitution I find only three of the
original incorporators ol 1863.
"Colonel Little, the founder of this board, was a large man in every
respect; of commanding figure, ruddy face, he was one who commanded atten-
tion wherever he went — but above and beyond his personal charm he posses-
sed qualities of mind which made him eminent in the community. Strong,
forceful, persuasive in manner and speed), he was a leader whom it was a
pleasure to follow; and to his influence Saginaw owes much.
"It was my good fortune to be intimate in both business and social
relations with most of the leading men of this community for more than
thirty years of active business life, and 1 can truthfully say that I believe
a greater number of intelligent, forceful men newer were gathered together
in any community of similar population, and in very few of much larger
number. :;' |c * Energetic, enterprising, well informed in all directions, bold
in action and wise in judgment, they were the fitting progenitors of the
present generation."
In 1871, when a delegation of Saginaw and Bay City men, with a few
representatives from Detroit, went to Washington to oppose a bill introduced
in Congress to remit the duty on all lumber intended for use in rebuilding
Chicago, Senator Zach Chandler said to Mr. Rust: "I have never seen so fine
a delegation of men since I have been in Washington."
Conclusion of the Golden Anniversary
Following Mr. Rust. President Harry A. Wheeler spoke on "American
Commerce" without manuscript or notes, the principal topics being "Genius
for Organization," "Right of Combination," "Currency Reform," and
"( Iptimism."
During the banquet music was rendered by the Thirty-third Regiment
Rand. M. N. < i.. under the leadership of Arthur Amsden, director; and the
ceremonies were concluded by singing of Auld Lang Syne.
The officers for the fifty-first year of the Hoard of Trade were: William
S. Linton, president; John J. Rupp, first vice-president; Emil Staehle, second
vice-president; and William Seyffardt, treasurer. The directors were A. A.
Alderton, J. P. Reck. J. A. Cimmerer, J. A. Cleveland, E. C. Forrest, Louis
Mautner, II. W. Merrill. Ralph C. Morley, Hiram A. Savage, John W. Smart.
S. E. Symons, and Frank J. Wolfarth.
The Oil Development
An industrial flurry of more than ordinary interest was the oil prospect-
ing campaign conducted by local capitalists in 1912 and 1 ' '1 ,L For years
the possibility of oil being found here had been much discussed. State
Geologist Lane being so firm in his belief of the presence of oil that he offered
504 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
to put up money with others for sinking test holes. To settle for all time
the question as to whether there remained beneath the surface of the Saginaw
Valley other natural resources than salt and coal, a company of capitalists
and business men was formed, to whose enterprise and energy the community
at large owes no small degree of gratitude.
The organizers of this company, which was known as the Saginaw
Valley Development Company, were representative men of ability and integ-
rity, who devoted months of incessant labor and much money to further the
prospecting work. No effort or expense was spared in making the most
thorough experiments, and at length, after expending more than one hundred
thousand dollars with no success, the fact was clearly established that oil in
commercial quantities does not exist in this locality. The officers of the
company were: Wallis Craig Smith, president, Clark L. King, vice-president,
Norman X. Rupp, secretary and treasurer; and the board of directors was
composed of the officers and George B. Morley, John L. Jackson, Elmer J.
Cornwell anil Laurence L. Linton.
The first boring was made on the Mundy & Fifield Farm, a large tract of
reclaimed marsh land a few miles north of the city. A well was sunk to a
depth exceeding two thousand feet, but without any discovery of oil or gas.
Specimens of the different strata through which the drills passed were taken
out and sent to the laboratory of the University of Michigan, for analysis;
and later preserved in glass tubes for public exhibit and for the use of students
and others, in order that the experiments might aid them in their researches,
thus performing a valuable educational function.
Not discouraged by the failure of the first test, and indeed not expecting
success so early in the development work, the company set about to sink
another well near the geographical center of the city, a short distance north
of the Bristol Street bridge. The spot was on the west bank of Saginaw
River, where vears before Professor Lane had indicated that oil might be
found. After innumerable difficulties had been overcome by the untiring
efforts of Norman X. Rupp, who superintended the operations, the drills
penetrated to a depth of twenty-three hundred feet into oil bearing sandstone,
the evidence of gas, meanwhile, being very strong.
Greatly encouraged by the prospects of success at this place, preparations
were at once made for "shooting" the well, or opening by high explosives a
cavity at the bottom. One hundred quarts of nitro-glycerine in long cylind-
rical cans were carefully lowered to the bottom of the hole, and at 3:45 in the
afternoon of Sunday, September 29, 1912, the charge w-as set off. A percep-
tible thud deep down in the earth was felt by the spectators, and great
quantities of gas from the resulting explosion came from the mouth of the
well to enhance the excitement. Nothing of spectacular nature occurred,
however, and all but financially interested persons left the scene.
The Well Spouted High
The real spectacle, which aroused great expectations for the future of
the oil development, occurred fifty-five minutes after the actual "shooting,"
and was witnessed by few persons. It was an eruption or spout of oil forty
feet high from the mouth of the well, and stood solid for four or fwn minutes
gradually subsiding with strong indications of gas. rivulets of oil running
down the slope to the river. This spout was followed a few minutes later by
a second and higher column of oil, which reached nearly to the top of the
derrick, eighty feet high, and lasted about two minutes with quantities of gas.
About an hour later there were three discharges of gas, the first carrying
twelve barrels of oil into a tank, but the others were free of oil.
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
505
WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN A FAMILIAR SIGHT
"Shooting" of First Oil Well at Saginaw,
September 29, 1912
The excitement in Saginaw attending this discovery was spontaneous,
and predictions were freely expressed that a new era of prosperity was
opening for the Valley cities. The oil discovered was of very fine quality,
ami great hopes were raised that it existed in commercial quantities to insure
success of the new enterprise. News of the find spread quickly far beyond
the boundaries of this State, and in an incredibly short time oil speculators
and promoters arrived with the avowed purpose of organizing other oil
companies to secure oil leases and to prospect for oil and gas. The local
demand for stock in the parent oil company was overwhelming, but none was
offered, and the bills rose by leaps ami hounds until at around six hundred
some stock changed hands. No new stuck was issued, and the company
announced its policy of not effecting its operating organization until the
quantity of oil existing in this locality was definitely determined.
506 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Speculators Foiled
In the minds of promoters and speculators, who saw in the oil situation a
great opportunity for gain, this policy was a grave mistake. While the
public interest was so keen, with business men and others with ready cash
clamoring for oil stocks, the "wild-eating" of development companies on a
large scale would have been an easy matter, the insiders becoming rich by
stock manipulations. Hut this sort of thing was very effectually prevented
by the honorable policy of the parent company. By giving out daily reports
to the press of actual conditions at the various wells which the company
proceeded to bore, much of which was not of a favorable character, the public
was kept fully informed of the actual situation, and the speculative fever
gradually subsided. After many heated arguments with the officials of the
company, the outside promoters quit in disgust and main- of them left the
city.
The directors of the Saginaw Valley Development Company fully realized
the opportunity for great expansion of oil development, and while risking
their own money in the "gambler's chance," they were unwilling to open up
a field of speculation which would entice tile willow's mite, the hard-earned
savings of clerks, or the profits of small business, while there was the least
chance of failure through the paucity of oil, and the consequent disaster to
those who could ill afford to lose. On the other hand it was announced that
if success crowned their efforts, and oil found in large quantities, the public
would be let into the company to profit by the experience of the developers.
Meanwhile the Saginaw Company, with its strong backing of influential
men. was securing valuable leases of oil rights in this vicinity, ami it was
stated that their holdings amounted to eighty thousand acres, out of the
aggregate of one hundred and fifty thousand acres held by local ami outside
speculators. In this connection Mr. Smith, president of the company, said:
"We do not regard with special favor the efforts of lease speculators, parties
win' secure leases upon lands in this vicinity, not with any view of doing
development work thereon, but of sitting by and hanging on while legitimate
developers are proving their value." As a result of the strong position of
this company, promiscuous leasing of land for speculation purposes was
largely curtailed and soon ceased entirely.
It is an indisputable fact that the firm stand of Wallis Craig Smith and
his associates in the oil company, in preventing wild speculation in develop-
ment companies, saved the citizens of Saginaw and the people of Michigan
hundreds of thousands of dollars which otherwise would have been irretriev-
ably lost. For, after more than a year of exhaustive tests throughout the
townships adjoining Saginaw, without discovery of oil or ^as in commercial
quantities, it was determined beyond reasonable doubt that oil was a myth
in this locality. In consequence of this the operations of the company
ceased, the equipment and tools were sold, and the oil leases terminated. It
was unfortunate that after every effort had been made in the enterprise, the
results should have been so meagre, but the very thoroughness with which the
prospecting was conducted will undoubtedly save others from further experi-
ments in the future.
Summary of Saginaw's Industries in 1914
According to the special census reports issued by the Department of
Commerce. Washington, 1'. C, for the year l'>14 (the last report), the
population of Saginaw was estimated to be fifty-four thousand, and the
number of employees in local industries was eight thousand four hundred
and sixty-six. The capital invested increased from twenty-six million seven
Theodore Hums
John \j. Jackson Arthur Eddy
Harry T Wickes
Benton Hanchett .Max Heavenrieli
A. C. Melze
TRUSTEES OF MERCHANTS AND MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
1909 TO 1913
508 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
hundred thousand dollars in 1910 to thirty-three million one hundred and
forty thousand dollars in 1914; and the value of products, representing
value or price at the plants as actually turned out during the year but includ-
ing amounts received for work done on materials furnished by others;
Increased from eighteen million eight hundred and thirty-three thousand
dollars in 1910 to twenty-four million two hundred and seventy-nine thousand
dollars in 1914. Meanwhile the wages and salaries paid in our industries
increased from four million one hundred and ten thousand dollars in 1910
to five million five hundred and eighty thousand dollars in 1914. In the two
years which have intervened since the period of the last report, the industrial
situation in Saginaw has greatly improved, and it is confidently believed that
at this writing I May, 1916) the figures in some of the above departments
would show a substantial increase.
The Sommers Brothers Match Company
This successful industry had its beginning in the old Saginaw Match
Company, which was organized in 1903 by Charles F. Summers, Sylvester A.
Summers and Frank F. Summers. They bought a brick factory building on
South fefferson Avenue, made their own match machinery, and invented the
now famous "Saginaw Tip" match. At first they placed on the market such
limited quantities of this newly invented match as they could manufacture.
The double tip match revolutionized the match business and in a short
time its popularity became so universal that imitators sprang up like mush-
rooms over night, and filled the market with imitation matches which they
claimed to be just as good as the original "Saginaw Tip." The public, how-
ever readily detected the difference, and the Saginaw Match Company was
unable t<> manufacture double tip matches last enough to supply the demands.
In 1909 the directors of the Company, realizing that a much larger factory
was necessary, organized a new company to be known as the Sommers
Brothers Match Company, with a capital stock of two hundred and eighty
thousand dollars. The new stock was quickly sold at par, and with the funds
the Company erected a new, modern factory, a five-story white sandstone
brick structure one hundred and twenty feet by one hundred and fifteen feet
in dimensions. A complete power plant and laboratory and chemical build-
ings adjoin the factory on the east and west.
The new plant was equipped with the most modern facilities and match-
making machinery of the most approved type, designed by Charles F. Som-
mers, the president of the Company, under whose personal direction the new
factory was erected. Each match-making machine is ninety feet in length,
sixteen feet in height, and weighs eight and a half tons. It carries four
hundred feet of chain, consisting of twelve hundred match plates, each plate
holding seven hundred and fifty matches. Small match blocks are placed in
the "stamper" at one end of a machine, ami converted into match sticks with
the amazing rapidity of eighteen thousand sticks per minute. These -.ticks
are automatically placed and held in the match plates, dipped in paraffine.
double-tipped in match head composition, and then carried up and down over
and under dozens of wheels and pulleys ami through air blasts from electric
fans so that they become perfectly dry. At last they reach the turning table
where they are automatically packed in match boxes.
An idea of the quantity of matches made each working day may be
obtained from the statement that each machine makes eighteen thousand
matches per minute, or ten million eight hundred thousand matches in ten
hours. The eight match machines produce a total of eighty-seven million
matches a day, filling one hundred and seventy-live thousand boxes, or one
thousand seven hundred cases, equivalent to three car loads. If laid end to
end a day's production would make a continuous line twenty-five hundred
and thirty-five miles in length.
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
509
The match timher used by the Company is straight grained Idaho white
pine, which is cut by a block plant owned by them at Sand Point, Idaho.
This timber is first sawed into proper sized planks, and after thorough sea-
soning the best stock is shipped to Saginaw, all knotty and cross-grained
blocks being left in Idaho to be sold for fuel. In every department of this
important industry the enterprise of the Summers Brothers is clearly mani-
fested, and is one of Saginaw's largest manufactories.
Erd Motor Company
A rapidly growing institution is the Erd Motor Company, manufacturers
(if marine, truck and tractor motors, whose efficient plant is located at
Niagara and Mackinaw Streets. Like some other of Saginaw's flourishing
industries, this concern started in a modest way. In 1902 John <".. Erd and
Harry S. Erd opened a small machine shop in the Barnard Block, at the
corner of Niagara and Hancock Streets. They were practical machinists
and mechanical engineers and made marine engines to order and did general
motor repair work for local boat owners. The output was about one com-
plete motor a month, but they were of such excellent design and workman-
ship that in a short time the capacity of the shop was overtaxed.
In 1906 the shop was removed to a larger frame factory building on
North Niagara Street, and the equipment and working force largely increased.
The production soon reached ten or twelve marine motors a month, which
were shipped to the East and South. By judicious advertising the demand
for Erd motors, of sizes ranging from one to six cylinders, increased very
rapidly and the plant and manufacturing facilities were taxed to the utmost.
On December 11, 1909, the business was incorporated by John ( '•. Erd,
Harry S. Erd and William J. Passolt, with a capital stock of twenty-live
thousand dollars. The stock was later increased to one hundred and twenty-
five thousand dollars, and the business expanded to a remarkable degree. In
addition to turning out one complete six-cylinder motor a day, there was the
same production of smaller motors, mostly for marine use. This expansion
soon necessitated increased plant facilities for production, and in 1910 the
present brick factory building was erected and equipped with modern
machinery, tools and jigs.
"^. ■*» ffi 9JI
PLANT OF THE ERD MOTOR COMPANY
510 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Later the manufacture of heavy truck and tractor motors was added to
the product, and this part of the business has grown to such a volume that
the Company is now turning' out about fifteen motors a day. The success of
the Erd Motor is due to its great power and reliability at comparatively low-
speeds, and tn the general excellence of workmanship. It is a valve-in-head
type with long stroke, the cylinders being of four-inch bore and six-inch
stroke. These features give from ten to twenty per cent more power with
ten to fifteen per cent economy in fuel consumption. The bearings are of
ample size and an oiling system which gives perfect lubrication to every
part, is provided.
About eighty-five mechanics are steadily employed by the Company, and
the force will eventually be increased by a number of molders in a foundry
which it is proposed to add to the equipments for making of all castings used
in the motors, man}- of which are now made in other cities.
The present officers of the Company are : John G. Erd, president ; R. H.
Knapp, vice-president ; Harry S. Erd, secretary and treasurer; and the board
of directors comprises the officers and William |. Passolt and E. M. Marshall.
The Saginaw Manufacturing Company
( >ne of tlie oldest and most successful of local industries is the Saginaw
Manufacturing Company which, with its parent concern, the Saginaw Barrel
Factory, has had an active existence of forty-five year--. The Saginaw Barrel
Factory was established in 1X71 by a company of local capitalists, headed by
Messrs. P.allcntine, A. F. R. Braley, William Binder and C. A. Lee, who were
the first officers of the Company. The capital stock was seventy-five thou-
sand dollars, hut was afterward increased to one hundred and twenty-five
thousand.
From the nature and variety of its products the old barrel factory was
one of the most interesting concerns in Saginaw Valley. The factory was a
three-story brick building, oik- hundred by one hundred and lift}- feet in
dimensions, and with the blacksmith shop, saw mill and salt block, extended
three hundred and sixty feet along the bayou. About one hundred ami fifty
men were employed with labor saving machinery in the manufacture of axle
grease boxes. Wilson's patent wash boards having crimped zinc facing, of
which the output was three hundred and fifty dozen daily, step ladders, pails,
wooden measures for grain, curtain poles and rollers, tobacco drums and
cheese boxes. The barrel factor}- burned in 1882 and for several months the
business was suspended.
In the following year the Company was reorganized under its present
name by Ammi W. Wright, Charles II. Davis, New ell Barnard and Thomas
Merrill, and the business continued mi a larger scale than ever before. A new
and complete factory of increased dimensions was erected on the site of the old
and thoroughly equipped with modern machinery and power plant.
In 1892 Henry J. Gilbert and Arnold Boutell. both of whom had pre-
viously been connected with the Company for several years in subordinate
capacities, were put in charge of its affairs, Mr. Gilbert as vice-president and
general manager, and Mr. Boutell as secretary and treasurer. To their ability
and business sagacity is largely due the marvelous strides made by the Com-
pany within the last twenty-five years, which have placed the Company at
the head of the lines manufactured. Gradually the great variety of useful
products made was cut down, and about fifteen years ago the production was
reduced to wash boards and w 1-split pulleys, to which it has since been
ci mfineil.
h'or many years the average number of employees has been about four
hundred, ami the amount paid in wages has been about two hundred thou-
512
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
sand dollars yearly. The value of the annual production exceeds one million
dollars, which places the Company among the leading industries of this city.
In the manufacture of wash boards this Company is the largest producer
in the world, the average daily output of various sizes being one hundred and
twenty-five thousand. The Gilbert Wood Split Pulleys are in almost uni-
versal use. the production being the second largest in this country. They
arc made in sizes from three inches diameter and two-inch face, in the solid
wood type, to large drive pulleys twenty feet in diameter and four feet or
more face and ranging in price from less than one dollar to nineteen hundred
and twenty-eight dollars each. All pulleys arc made from selected clear
Michigan maple which, after air-seasoning for eighteen months or more is
thoroughly kiln dried, dressed and cut into rim cants. In all there are more
than eighty distinct operations in making a Gilbert W 1 Split Pulley, and
the output of six and eight-inch pulleys is three hundred per day.
The present officers of the Company are: Henry J. Gilbert, president and
general manager; Harwood J. Gilbert, vice-president; Arnold Boutell, secre-
tary and treasurer; Charles 'i'. Gilbert, superintendent; Roger Boutell, assist-
ant secretary.
FORMER SHOPS OF SAGINAW SHEET METAL WORKS
ON TUCOLA STREET AND LAPEER AVENUE
Saginaw Sheet Metal Works
To what extent a small struggling business may be developed into a
large and successful industry is clearly shown by the remarkable record of
the Saginaw Sheet Metal Works. From a small beginning in a tin shop
established in 1902 by A. C. Klopf ami A. 1'.. Lewless at the corner of South
Washington Avenue and Atwater Street, this city, the business outgrew two
other enlarged shops and increased in volume to such an extent that in 191/
it was occupying quarters in a specially built ami well equipped plant on
Genesee Avenue and the Belt Line crossing, which contained over forty thou-
sand square feet of floor space.
The guiding spirits of this concern arc Arthur J. Beese and Andrew B.
Lew less. Arthur 1. Beese first became interested in the infant industry in
1903 and during the Fall of that year the business was removed to 113
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
513
Lapeer Avenue. Later, during the same year. Mr. Beese and Mr. Lewless
purchased Mr. Klopf's interest in the co-partnership. The business was oper-
ated as a co-partnership by the above persons until the year 1910. when it
was incorporated. During its early existence as a co-partnership, it employed
from three to five tinsmiths, doing a general tin shop business such as eaves-
trough work, tin roofing, repair work and furnace work. Such strides were
made in developing the business that in 1907 it was necessary to obtain
larger quarters and they built a considerably enlarged brick factory building
at 513 Tuscola Street.
In this new factory the scope of the business was broadened to include
the manufacture of metal cornices, skylights, ventilators, windows, ornamen-
tations, etc., and also to the engaging in tile, slate and metal roofing. In this
building they employed from twenty t< > thirty skilled artisans, and their work
at that time is notably exemplified by such buildings as the Cleveland Hippo-
drome. Cleveland, Ohio; the Auditorium and Manual Training School, Sagi-
naw; the Masonic Temple, Bay City: the Buick factories, Flint, and many
churches, libraries, etc. During this time they also did extensive work for
EFFICIENT PLANT OF THE SAGINAW SHEET METAL WORKS
the United States Government, mainly on post offices. In less than three
years the business became so large that the factory on Tuscola Street was
inadequate and larger quarters were necessary.
In 1910 it was decided to incorporate the business, to build a larger
factory, and to engage in the making of hoods, fenders, and other sheet metal
products for the automobile trade in addition to continuing in the already
well established lines. The Company was incorporated lor one hundred
thousand dollars, and the following officers were chosen: A. ]. Beese. presi-
dent and general manager; A. B. Lewless, vice-president; F. W. Bremer,
secretary and treasurer. There has been no change in the officers of the
Company since that time. Their principal products now are automobile
fenders and sheet metal stampings, although the construction work is still a
very important part. This latter line is under the personal supervision of
Mr. Lewless. who is also president I l'»17) of the Michigan Sheet Metal Con-
tractors' Association.
Their present plant on Genesee Avenue is equipped with the latest
approved and up-to-date machinery. In the sheet metal department are huge
shears, stamping presses, electric welding machines and much special
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES 515
machinery of their own design which has been developed at a great expense.
In their enameling room are huge vats in which the fenders and other pro-
ducts are immersed, and large baking ovens which hake off the products at
between four hundred and five hundred degrees Fahrenheit. They also have
a modern forging shop equipped with power forging hammers, punches and
other machinery, and a machine simp in which they make all their own tools
and dies. The capacity of this efficient plant, worked at its maximum with
about two hundred mechanics, is more than a half million dollars yearly. At
the present time it is giving employment to a goodly number of well-paid
mechanics whose average earnings are about one thousand dollars a year, and
about one thousand five hundred tons of sheet steel are converted into pro-
ducts yearly.
The progress made by this Company is a monument to its founders,
and a good example of what industry, integrity and perseverance, rightly
directed in practical channels, will accomplish.
Saginaw Ladder Company
The history of the Saginaw Ladder Company, which is one of Saginaw's
prosperous institutions, is one of evolution or development of a practical idea.
To make an article of household use and of large utility in trade, better than
had ever before been attempted, with all the United States east of the Rocky
Mountains as a market, was the sensible idea. A national demand exists for
step and extension ladders of various kinds, and with the rough material
close at hand and favorable labor conditions in this valley, it was good busi-
ness to establish here an industry of this nature. As a result of this idea
and the enterprise of several local business men, this Company was organized
in 1903 by William Williamson. Carrie II. Fairman and \Y. F. Stew ens.
The first factory for the manufacture of ladders was located on Mackinaw
Street, in a building owned by Mr. Williamson, and here the foundation for
a successful business was laid. The product consisted of ordinary forms of
step and extension ladders which, because of the clear, straight lumber from
which they were made and the care in assembling, found a ready sale. The
line was gradually increased to include the now famous center-rail ladder,
flat step extension ladder, windlass ladder, painters combination trestle and
extension ladder, and swinging ladder scaffold. Later single and "Oregon"
fruit step ladders, collapsible carpenters horses and other wooden specialties.
were added to the already popular lines.
After several years of successful operation, in which the business gave
great promise of permanency, the Company' suffered a heavy loss by the burn-
ing of their manufacturing plant. In 1906 the Company was reorganized with
Sidney L. Eastman and J. F. Boynton added to the list of incorporators and
to the directorate. The factory was rebuilt and plans made for an extension
of the business into every State east of the Rocky Mountains. The strength
and comparative lightness of the ladders, together with the superior quality
of materials and workmanship, gained for the Company many customers in
remote sections of the country. But misfortune again attended the Company
in the fire on the evening of March 1(>. 1914, which entirely destroyed the
w ' ii idwi irking plant.
At this juncture the Company, instead of rebuilding on the site of the
old. purchased the large and well equipped plant of the Saginaw Wheelbarrow
Company, at the corner of Florence and Niagara Streets. By this arrange-
ment they were able to resume business with little delay, and they added to
their line the manufacture of wheelbarrows which previously had found a
ready sale. The business was thus increased and now requires five traveling
representatives to take care of the trade.
516 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The present officers of the Company are: S. L. Eastman, president;
J. F. Boynton, vice-president; C. H. Fairman, secretary; W. F. Stevens,
treasurer and general manager.
William F. Stevens was born at Newboro, < mtario, in 1853, and came to
Saginaw in 1876. For several years he engaged in the manufacture of salt
and shingles at South Saginaw, with his brother the late George W. Stevens.
Later he operated the Melbourne shingle mills, but in the eighteen-nineties
became interested in getting out and shipping telephone pules, ties, etc., in
which business he continued for many years. At length the camps, mills and
timber were destroyed in a great fire, and the business was thereupon
abandoned. Shortly after this unfortunate occurrence the Saginaw Ladder
Company was organized with Mr. Stevens as general manager, in which
position he has since remained.
The Wolfarth Bakery
Baking is one of the "blest of earth's arts, its great antiquity being only
equalled by the art of tanning skins and the burning of pottery. Like most
arts of ancient origin its history is very obscure, and is based entirely on
tradition. The earliest methods of which there is any knowledge consisted of
soaking the grains until they bad become swollen, then subjecting them to
pressure, afterwards drying them into cakes by natural or artificial heat. This
method was subsequently improved by crushing the grain before moistening.
It was a long time before man learned how to make risen or leavened bread,
the Egyptians probably being the first people to use leaven, which was of the
simplest kind.
Progress in the art of baking has been so notable and so beneficial to the
human race, that the mind fails to grasp its full significance. In no other
industry has science and intelligent application made greater strides in the
direction of human advantage during recent years than in the art of baking
bread. Compared with the loaf of our grandfathers' modern baker's bread is
a positive delight. The old-fashioned spongy loaf with its big holes, a taste-
less indigestible mass, has been displaced b\ a food substance which in color,
texture, flavor and nutritious qualities has never been equalled since man
ceased to subsist on roots and herbs.
The philosophy of baking, it seems, is understood by but few housewives.
Most women follow the same process as was employed by their mothers, with
no scientific knowledge of the causes which produce effects. Of the recip-
rocal relations of the various ingredients that compose good bread they know
little, and success or failure in baking is generally ascribed to good or bad
luck.
It is entirely different, however, with the Wolfarth bakers. With the aid
of chemistry and scientific skill, they have gone to the bottom of things;
they have eliminated many useless practices and adopted improved methods
so that the whole process is carried on with a degree of ability that practically
admits i >f n< > error.
Almost everyone knows how bread is made in the home, but few know
anything concerning the best practice of baking today as exemplified in
modern bakeries, such as the Wolfarth establishment. The story of this
baker's loaf of bread begins in the Spring of l.Xo", when John ( J. Wolfarth
opened a small bake shop in East Saginaw, then a struggling, backwoods
lumber town. The bakery was located in South Franklin Street, on the site
of the present Gately building, a fact which will be recalled by pioneers still
living. In the Spring floods of 1870 this section of the town was inundated,
and that year Air. Wolfarth moved bis shop to the present location on Gen-
esee Avenue, which was then on the outskirts of the town, lie was a prac-
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
517
JOHN G. WOLFARTH
Founder of the Wolfarth Bakery
tical baker and made such excellent bread and other bake goods that his
modest establishment became the Mecca of tired housewives, who were thus
able to eliminate baking from their household duties. So successful was
this well conducted bakery that now. after fifty years of continuous opera-
tion, the name of WOLFARTH is synonymous of all that is pure, wholesome
and appetizing in bread and bake goods.
In 1893, Frank J. Wolfarth, only son of the pioneer baker, who had been
"brought up" from boyhood in the bake shop, assumed charge of the busi-
ness thus relieving his father of large responsibilities which the growing
trade entailed. From that time the business made greater strides than ever
before, necessitating modern machinery, steam ovens and improved facilities
for making baker's products. In a few years the capacity of the bakery was
increased to ten thousand loaves a day, giving employment to twenty-five
skilled bakers and other workmen; and shipments of bread were made to
about one hundred towns and villages in Saginaw Valley. The well known
brands were "Butternut." "Home Made," and "Jersey Cream," which were
distinctive of the best in the baker's art. By 1911 the demand for Wolfarth
Bakery products so far exceeded the capacity of the bake shop that an entirely
new plant was begun on the site of the old, at < ienesee Avenue and Walnut
Street.
The new plant is a two-story brick building eighty-six by two hundred
feet in size, and extends from (Ienesee to Hoyt Avenue. It is a model struct-
ure for cleanliness and light, the sanitary measures for the making" of abso-
lutely pure bake products being perfect. The interior is finished throughout
518
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
in white tile and enamel, and every facility is provided for clean, pure air in
every room in the building. The retail department on the ground floor front
is largely of plate glass with large windows separating it from the bakery,
making it possible for customers to see the modern sanitary method of mixing
dough in the Wig mixers, in which no hand touches the dough or any of the
ingredients. Electricity is used for both power and light throughout the
building. The latest type machinery was made by the home institution, the
Werner & I'fleiderer Company. Special brands of bread made are the famous
"Tip-Top," "Jersey Cream," "Muster Brown," and "Mother's," all well known
in thousands of Saginaw' homes and in a wide territory round about.
The Sanitary Making of "Tip-Top" Bread
The first operation in making "Tip-Top" and other Wolfarth bread and
bake products is the mechanical sifting of the flour. A mammoth scientific
flour sifter, holding several barrels of flour, sifts and resifts, bolts and rebolts
THE WOLFARTH BAKERY
Home of "Tip Top," "Buster Brown," "Mothers" Bread,
the substance through the finest and closest screens made. The meshes of
steel, as fine as silk and meshes of silk as strong as steel, sift the flour so
that only pure "Tip-Top" bread flour remains.
In the mixing room great batches of flour, milk, sugar and yeast, of exact
proportions automatically weighed by a delicate machine, are thoroughly
mixed into dough in the big mixers, the giant arms of which know no weari-
ness as did our mothers' arms of old, and whose backs ached by the exertion.
Round and round go the giant arms steadily kneading the dough, mixing,
combining and mingling the ingredients over and over again until the sub-
stance becomes thicker, smoother and yet still smoother.
All the time the watchful eye of the white uniformed baker is upon it.
now adjusting, now slowing it down, until at length he pulls a lever, the
giant arms stop revolving, and the mass of dough falls into a waiting steel
trough, which is clean and polished like a mirror. The dough is then wheeled
into another room wdiere it is allowed to "rise." All the air is purified before
entering. After rising the dough is shaped and rounded into loaves in mould-
ing machines and proving boxes.
FRANK J. WOLFARTH
The Guiding Spirit of Saginaw's Sanitary Bakery
520
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
BATCHES OF DOUGH
MIXING DOUGH
A complete record is kept of each batch so that the office can tell the
time each one began any day in the year; and the amount of each ingredient
which enters into it is set down with every mixing. In this way the bakers
are checked in order to prevent slackness or carelessness.
Most interesting, perhaps, are the great white ovens where the bread is
baked, and by which, due to their construction, fumes and gases from the fire
are prevented from getting to their baking contents. Just pure, clean, dry
heat of 550 degrees Fahrenheit, which never varies, accomplishes this opera-
tion. When thoroughly baked the loaves are drawn piping hot, and giving
out a rich buttery flavor. They are then placed upon clean, sanitary steel
racks and run into the cooling room. The cooling operation is deemed neces-
sary because hot bread is a cause of indigestion, and "Tip-Top" bread must be
just right. The bread is then wrapped in a wonderful machine which per-
forms the operation with surprising precision and rapidity. Throughout the
various operations neither the ingredients, the dough, the moulded leaves or
the bread itself has been touched by human hands in this beautiful, modern
sanitary bakery. The equipment includes six steam mens, each having a
capacity of five thousand loaves of bread in ten hours, or thirty thousand
loaves in all. About fifty persons are employed in the various departments
of the Wolfarth Bakery. The annual output is valued at two hundred and
fifty thousand dollars.
MIXING AND MOLDING
FRESH BREAD FROM OVENS
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
521
IN THE OFFICE
RETAIL SALES DEPARTMENT
American Cash Register Company
Although the cash register as we see it today, with its wonderful record-
ing mechanism and features of great utility, is comparatively a modern
invention its origin antedates that of S' mie other useful inventions now con-
sidered old. The development of this invention, from a position ol doubtful
utility to one of almost universal use in the world of business, has been slow
and attended with many difficulties. From a narrow and restricted field of
usefulness twenty years ago it has evolved into a necessary accessory to
modern business svstems, and is indispensable to the proper recording of all
cash transactions, large or small.
In this evolution the American Cash Register was a must prominent
factor, inasmuch as it was the original machine of its kind, the old Hallwood
register; and today it is one of only two cash registers of importance manu-
factured in the whole world. Its history is a romantic story of human
endeavor beset by the most unholy trade competition, intrigue, and unscrup-
ulous practices on the part of the competing company. Only recently have
the trade difficulties, which encompassed the Company for more than twenty
years, been overcome and the future of the parent cash register company-
placed upon a solid and enduring basis.
The original cash register, the one now manufactured by the American
Cash Register Company, of this city, was the invention of II. S. Hallwood,
the patentee, who for several years made a small number of registers in a
machine shop at Columbus, < >hio. Later he sold the manufacturing business
and major patent rights to a company of Columbus capitalists, known as the
American Cash Register Company, which made practically all the parts for
the machine and assembled them in its own plant.
In 1912 this company sold all its rights, title and interest in the cash
register to a new corporation — The American Cash Register Manufacturing
Company, of Columbus. Ohio, and with increased capitalization and renewed
energy in manufacturing the prospects were very bright for a time. But the
following Spring the great floods which devastated a large part of Ohio, de-
stroyed the cash register factory and much of its valuable equipment, entail-
ing a heavy loss to the company already burdened with costly litigation to
defend its patent rights from infringement. After this unfortunate event the
company sought a new location for its plant, one which would be safe from
any danger of flood.
522
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
SALESMEN OF AMERICAN CASH REGISTER COMPANY IN CONVENTION.
SEPTEMBER. 1916
At this juncture F. M. Caldwell, industrial agent for the Michigan Rail-
way Company, informed the officials of the Saginaw Board of Trade and the
Merchants and Manufacturers Association of the contemplated change of
location of the cash register plant. The matter was taken under advisement
and inducements made to the register company to locate here. The local
trade associations furnished a factor}- site on South Jefferson Avenue, and
loaned the company thirty-five thousand dollars for the erection of a new-
modern factory building. Construction work on the one-story brick structure
was begun in August, 1913, anil in December the machinery and other equip-
ment was placed in position and made ready for operation. At this time the
company was managed by C. G. Heine, who brought with him from the Ohio
city a considerable number of skilled mechanics and their families. Manufac-
turing oi cash registers was begun under very favorable conditions, and the
future of the American Cash Register seemed very bright.
Upon the declaration of war by the European nations, in August, 1914,
a cloud passed over the bright prospects of the company. Sixty per cent, of
the business in cash registers was foreign trade with the belligerent nations,
and this was at once cut off or very heavily curtailed. As a result of this
condition and the general unsettled state of commerce and trade in this
country during the first months of the war, the register company was soon
in dire straits and the factory was closed down.
At this critical point m the affairs of this promising industry, aid was
sought from the local trade associations, and a committee composed of Ralph
C. Morley, Arthur W. Seely and Hiram A. Savage was appointed by the
Board of Trade, to investigate the situation and to work out a plan for
refinancing the company, furnishing sufficient capital to carry on extended
operations, and establish a large domestic trade. Under recommendation of
this committee, stock to the amount of thirty-five thousand dollars was taken
over by representative business men. and the company again put on its feet.
In the reorganization which followed this action of our enterprising
citizens, the name was changed to The American Cash Register Company,
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
523
and Hiram A. Savage was chosen president and general manager, and William
Seyffardt secretary and treasurer. The board of directors is composed of
Messrs. Hiram A. Savage, Win. Seyffardt, Joseph Seemann. M. W. Tanner.
Christian F. Bach, John F. O'Keefe, Otto F. Dittmar, Den. G. Appleby and
John Cimmerer.
The American Cash Register is known in almost every civilized country
on the globe, and is especially well received in Cuba, South America and
Australia. Besides a constantly growing domestic trade a large business is in
prospect for the company upon the termination of the European war, as all
belligerent nations will be in need of new and improved facilities for regaining
their share of the world's business. The world market has yet only been
touched by cash registers and a great held in America is still undeveloped.
When it is considered that only two or possibly three concerns are manufac-
turing cash registers in the whole world, the future of this corporation seems
very bright.
The capacity of the present efficient plant, under conditions of maximum
production, is about six hundred machines a month valued at about one hun-
dred thousand dollars. To make this number of machines would require
nearly three hundred skilled mechanics and other workmen, who would re-
ceive about twenty thousand dollars a month in wages. Under the manu-
facturing schedule of December, 1916, the production was about two hundred
and seventy-five machines, worth forty thousand dollars, and giving employ-
ment to one hundred and thirty mechanics, who were paid about eight
thousand dollars in wages monthly. In addition to this factory force there
are sixty agents and salesmen, to whom is distributed a large sum in
commissions.
In the rehabilitation of this important industry, the placing of its affairs
on a substantial basis such as determining the exact cost of production and
ASSEMBLING ■'AMERICAN" CASH REGISTERS
524 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
regulating its finances, and opening up a large domestic market for its pro-
duct, the managing directors of the company deserve great credit. To Hiram
A. Savage and his sound business policy are due the very satisfactory results
now obtained, and William Seyffardt has proved a most reliable and efficient
executive, during a period in the affairs of the company when unusual ability
and business capacity was demanded. It is the opinion of astute business
men who fully understand the situation that within five years the American
Lash Register Company will be the largest manufacturing establishment in
Saginaw, giving employment to thousands of skilled mechanics, and adding
greatly to the city's prosperity.
Wickes Brothers
Comparatively few of Saginaw's leading industries, though tracing their
origin to an earl}- date in local history, have had so successful a career, or
have contributed so much to the city's prosperity, as Wickes Brothers. This
old and substantial concern was established at Flint in 1855 by H. W. Wood,
in association with Henry D. and Edward N. Wickes, young men who had
been born and reared in Yates County, New- York. The Genesee Iron Works,
as the business was then known, comprised a general foundry and machine
simp, where plow shares and odd castings, rough and finished, were made,
and repair work of all kinds required by a frontier settlement was done.
From this small beginning, made more than sixty years ago, has developed
an extensive and growing business, with iron and steel products which reach
every section of this country, and are sold in foreign lands.
During the early years, before the era of railroads or modern transpor-
tation facilities, the pig iron used in the foundry was brought to Saginaw by
\essel, and hauled over the plank road to Flint, to lie made into castings.
Much of this product was used in the building of saw mills and shingle mills
in the Saginaws, which were then attracting attention for activity and enter-
prise in manufacture of lumber and forest products. To the practical minds
of the Wickes brothers this haulage back and forth across the country was
an unnecessary waste, and in 1860 they removed the iron works to East
Saginaw.
Mere they began to realize some of the great opportunities offered in
their business. A plot of ground along the river, the site of a part of the
present plant, was cleared of timber and a foundry and machine shop erected;
and the concern began making saw mill and salt block machinery, including
engines and general repair work. As river navigation increased rapidly
much attention was given to repairing steamboat engines and machinery.
In 1864 the brothers purchased the interest of H. W. Wood, and the firm
became Wickes Brothers by which the business is known today.
Both brothers were gifted with fine mechanical minds, coupled with
inventive genius, and because of these qualities and business integrity of the
highest order, their names are indissolubly linked with the lumber industry.
Soon after coming here the defects and imperfections of the existing type of
gang saws used in the saw mills along the river, were brought to their
attention, and their mechanical ingenuity was at once turned to the improve-
ment of such machinery. To their ability and efforts is undoubtedly due the
great success of the Wickes gangs, which for fifty years have been a standard
rawing machine wherever timber and logs are made into lumber.
The principal improvement to the gang saw was a device, invented by
the Wickes brothers, which, by giving an oscillating motion to the saw frame,
caused all the teeth of the saws to cut smoothly and evenly. This overcame
the difficulty arising from only the lower teeth of the saws doing all the
cutting, as the machines were heretofore operated. The first gang of the
526
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
ERECTING A WICKES GANG SAW
new type was erected in the mill of Hackley and Humes, of Muskegon, in
1868. Other improvements followed in quick succession, permitting in-
creased speed of the saws, and the use of saws of thinner gauge, whereby the
kerf was reduced and the cutting capacity increased four fold, besides making
cleaner and better lumber with much less waste. Various typos of gangs,
all embracing the same principle, to meet every requirement of the lumber
industry, were developed, and the business became the largest of its kind in
the United States. Mammoth gangs of wonderful capacity are still made to
order by Wickes Brothers for the demands of extensive lumbering operations
in the Southern States and on the Pacific Coast.
Until IS" 0 the business was conducted as a partnership, but in that year
it was incorporated with a capital of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
Henry I). Wickes was president. Edward \. Wickes was vice-president,
Harry T. Wickes, secretary and treasurer, and William J. Wickes, general
manager in charge of manufacturing and sales. The elder Wickes brothers,
the founders of the business, died in 1901. and shortly after the following
officers were elected: Harry T. Wickes, president and treasurer; William I.
Wickes, vice-president and general manager; and E. C. Fisher, secretary.
In November, 1905, the capital was increased to one million dollars. The
present board of directors is composed of Harry T. Wickes, president:
William I. Wickes. vice-president; Frank H. Payne, secretary and treasurer;
and Robert M. Randall.
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
527
The third generation, grandsons of the founders of the business, namely,
Harvey Randall Wickes, son of Harry T. Wickes, and Edward B. Wickes,
son of William J. Wickes, have for several years been actively identified
with the corporation. Starting in the shops in the daily tasks of the me-
chanics and workmen, these energetic young men have acquired a thorough
understanding of the business, and won for themselves positions of respon-
sibility and trust.
In the most active period of lumbering on the Saginaw River, the firm
of Wickes Brothers filled contracts for complete mill installations, including
boilers. They were having some trouble with the boilers riveted by hand,
which local boiler shops made for them on sub-contract, and the difficulties
led to their adding a first-class boiler shop to their large plant. They were
then able to compete with any and all makers, and soon after began making
Scotch marine boilers for F. W. Wheeler & Company, of Ray City, the
Chicago Shipbuilding Company, and Alexander McDougall for some of his
whaleback steamers. Afterward, when this part of their boiler business
interfered with more profitable work, it was discontinued. The firm had
meanwhile developed a high type of vertical water-tube boiler, and under
the able management of E. C. Fisher built up a large business. In December,
1907, a new corporation, the Wickes 1 '.oiler Company, was formed for the
purpose of taking- over the boiler department, and since that date has carried
on an extensive business.
Upon the decline of the lumber business in Michigan in the early nineties,
the corporation added a department of used mill machinery. They purchased
saw mills in process of liquidation, dismantled the mills, rebuilt the usable
machinery and resold it to the trade throughout the country. This part of
the business was extended in 1893 by the purchase of some of the fine
machinery at the Columbian Exposition at Chicago, which was then being
dismantled. The business stretched into Wisconsin and far into Minnesota,
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529
and for a number of years was a large and profitable department. < >wing to
the depletion of lumbering operations in the Northwest, this business was
finally ended.
Meanwhile, the enterprise and ingenuity of the present Wickes brothers,
who inherited the mechanical ability of their father, developed new lines of
manufacture, and in fifteen years the corporation has acquired an even higher
position in the machinery world. They began the manufacture of general
machinery, shipbuilding and boiler simp tools, such as plate and angle bend-
ing rolls, plate straightening rolls, flanging clamps, punches and shears, and
extended the lines to include coping machines, stake riveters, radial wall
drills, boiler head facing machines, plate planers, hydraulic flanging presses,
pit lathes, etc. Today they produce a full line of boiler shop and structural
steel-working machinery, which has been in specially active demand since the
beginning of the war.
The Wickes heavy and medium duty bending rolls, of the pyramid type,
were designed and first built in their own boiler shop in 1888. They were
made in capacity to bend five-eighths inch by twelve-foot plates; and the
upper roll bearing was in knock-down housing for easy removal of full circles.
They are equipped to be driven by either belt, steam engine or electric
motor. In angle bending rolls all three rolls are gear-driven, and will bend
T bars and flat and square bars, or Z bars, T rails, round bars, pipe, channels,
I-beams and many other structural shapes by the addition of special collars,
with capacities from three by three by one-half inch to six by three-quarter
inch.
The Wickes Mangle, or plate straightener, is a tool built for the United
States Government. It is very largely a special machine and the corporation
is prepared to build this tool in a wide variety of combinations, with an)'
number and arrangement of rolls desired for any required duty.
GROUP OF WORKMEN IN WICKES BROTHERS IRON WORKS. 1914
530 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
In the building of vertical punching and shearing machines, as univer-
sally used in shipbuilding plants, boiler shops and structural steel works,
Wickes Brothers are especially strong, these tools being recognized all over
the country as standard of their kind. It is believed that the corporation
has a more thorough, practical knowledge of the requirements concerning
bending rolls, punches and shears than any other builder in this country.
This contention is substantiated by the special types of shears developed,
such as the Wickes Alligator Shear, with length of 'shear blades from twelve
to eighteen inches, the Wickes Plate Splitting Shear, using long blades to
preserve as nearly as possible the flat condition of the plate ; and the Wickes
Sprue Cutter, which is used to clip sprues from crucible steel castings, and
from brass and other soft metal castings. The Wickes Radial Wall Drill,
made for rigid attachment to column or wall, or with bracket for vertical
adjustment, is also a useful tool found in all well-equipped shops and iron and
steel works.
A more recent addition to their machinery output is a line of heavy duty
engine lathes, the building of which was begun in July, 1915. This line
consists of a thirty-two inch three-step cone, double back" geared lathe, built
Horn nine feet six inches up advancing to two feet lengths; a twenty-six
inch three-step cone lathe, and a seventeen inch three-step cone heavy duty
rapid production lathe, having a swing over the bed of eighteen and one-
quarter inches. Present plans of the corporation contemplate the building
of still larger sizes of lathes to meet increasing demands of the trade.
All the heavy iron castings and the brass and other metal castings for
all the machinery lines, are made in the well equipped and efficient foundry,
which since the beginning of the business has been an important part of the
w i irks.
With the growth of the plate glass business the corporation has become
interested in the building of glass making machinery of improved types, and
tins is now a promising addition to the large lines manufactured.
_ A unique feature and side line of possibilities is the Wickes Continuous
Electric Blue Printing Machine, which was developed and perfected to meet
their own large and exacting needs. Its principal features are: economy of
operation, noiselessness, perfect lighting, and automatic devices by which
an unskilled office boy can operate it successfully.
\\ ith all these important lines of manufacture requiring skill and effic-
iency of the working force, which numbers some three hundred mechanics
and workmen. Wickes Brothers corporation ranks among the most important
industrial institutions of Saginaw Valley.
The Wickes Boiler Company
Another of Saginaw's oldest and most successful industries is The
Wickes Boiler Company, which, with its parent concern, Wickes Brothers,
and still earlier, II. W. Wood & Company, was established in July. 1800. upon
the east banks of the Saginaw river where today stands the busy manufac-
turing plant of Wickes Brothers and The Wickes Boiler Company.
The Wickes Boiler Company was organized and incorporated in Decem-
ber, 1907, taking over the rapidly growing boiler business of Wickes
Brothers. This company was incorporated under the laws of the State of
Michigan and commenced its active business January 1. 1°08.
The Wickes Boiler Company distributes its boilers to every State in
the Union, as well as to foreign countries.
The present manufacturing plant covers under one roof more than a city
square. It fronts on Washington Avenue and is bounded by Carlisle Street,
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PRESENT PLANT OF WICKES BOILER COMPANY
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THE WICKES WATER TUBE BOILER
532
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Vstor and Water Streets. The last three named streets have been closed
and the building now occupies a portion of these original streets.
The shop, for convenience in handling work, is divided into two central
main aisles two hundred and forty feet by fifty-two feet and forty-seven
feet wide respectively. These hays are equipped with two trolley electric
traveling cranes having a capacity of thirty-five tons.
The fitting up and assembling of the boilers is carried on in these main
aisles, while the forging and machine work is done in five side hays approxi-
mately two hundred and forty feet by thirty-five feet wide each." The bays
are equipped with every possdde tod pertaining to excellence in boiler
making, as well as being equipped with traveling and jib cranes for hasten-
ing the progress of the work.
The office is located on the corner of Carroll and Water Streets, and
the yards extend to Totter Street, bounded by Washington Avenue and
Water Streets.
This company manufactures the Wickes Vertical Water Tube Steam
Boiler (illustrated on the preceding page) as its specialty.
They also manufacture a horizontal return tubular boiler of the very
highest grade material and workmanship, specializing in the larger sizes, as
illustrated beli >w.
TYPE OF FIRE TUBE BOILER
A. F. Bartlett & Company
The oldest machinery house in Saginaw Valley is the A. F. Bartlett &
Company, which traces its beginning to a small machine shop established
in 1854 by Warner & Eastman. At that time East Saginaw was only a
struggling lumber town of less than three thousand inhabitants, but the
vast forests of Michigan were being penetrated by the saw-men and axman.
and the river was becoming dotted with rafts of logs to supply the numerous
saw and shingle mills along its banks.
A few years after the business was purchased by A. F. Bartlett, a prac-
tical machinist and mechanical engineer, who soon after became associated
with Mr. Morris, the firm name being Bartlett & Morris. Later Henry
Spin. Her was identified with the business under the name of Bartlett & Spind-
ler, and it became known as the Pioneer Iron Works. In the sixties the
firm manufactured steam engines, gang, circular and mulay saws and mill
machinery of approved types, and tools and fixtures for salt blocks, steam-
boats and manufactories in general. All kinds of iron and brass castings
were made to order, and wrought iron forging, jobbing and repairing was
done in the best manner of the time. The firm was agent for ludson's
celebrated patent governors and patent graduating governor valves. The
works were then located at the corner of Water and Emerson Streets.
Upon the death of Mr. Bartlett, which occurred m 1879, Mrs. Bartlett
purchased the interest of Mr. Spindler, and continued the business under the
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DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
535
name of A. F. Bartlett & Company, as it is known today. For a number of
years Mrs. Bartlett attended to the financial affairs of the company, while
Alexander M. Lemke, a capable and experienced machinery man, had charge
of the management of the works.
The plant at that time comprised a foundry, blacksmith shop, machine
shop, warehouse, etc., covering more than half a square. The machine shop
was a white brick bulding, two stories in height, and sixty by one hundred
and fifty feet in dimensions. On the main floor was a large boring mill that
swung and turned a ten-foot pulley, twenty lathes of all sizes, with a capacity
for turning an eight-foot diameter down to the smallest sizes, five drill
presses, four planers, one shaper, one slotting machine, two pipe machines, a
bolt cutter and other machinery driven by a thirty-five horse power engine.
On the second floor was a pattern shop well stocked, and having a full outfit
of light machines, fine tools and other equipment.
In the blacksmith shop was a powerful steam hammer for heavy forgings,
punches, shears, and all tools and equipment. Large as the facilities were,
even in the formative period of the development of manufacturing in Sagi-
naw, the expansion of the business was such that a new foundry and
galvanizing shop were built in the eighties and the machine shop enlarged.
A large business was carried on in the manufacture of galvanized iron pipe
for salt wells and blocks, and about five hundred thousand feet of pipe were
galvanized annually. There was also a steady demand for mammoth and
medium sized steam feeds, salt well machinery, etc. Saw mill engines were
sent as far west as Denver and the Northwest lumbering districts, their
reputation for slide-valve engines being unsurpassed. The works also turned
out castings, such as frogs, switches, frog plates, etc., for street railways.
Alexander M. Lemke, who assumed the general management of the
company in 1887, is a mechanical engineer of ability and extensive experience,
PIT LATHE IN BARTLETT PLANT FINISHING OFF
PLATE GLASS COMPANY
'DECK" FOR SAGINAW
536 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
formerly having been connected with E. P. Allis & Company, of Milwaukee,
builders of Corliss engines. One of his first productions after coming to
Saginaw was a fine Corliss engine for the Feige-Silsby Furniture Company,
whose factory was located on Holland Avenue. Arrangements were soon
made for the "manufacture of Heme's patent tubing clamp for salt works.
Upon the decline of lumbering in Michigan the Bartlett Company
entered a new field of practical operations in the machinery world, namely,
the purchasing and dismantling of lumber mills and salt works, the machinery
being rebuilt and sold to the trade throughout the United States and Canada.
This" was a large and important department of the business for a number
of years, but it too. following the almost entire depletion of saw mills in this
State, finally was supplanted by other profitable lines of business.
About fifteen years ago the large warehouse on the water front and north
portion of the machine shop, were entirely destroyed by fire, which also swept
away property alone;' the river as far as Emerson Street. Although a heavy
loss was suffered by the company, the structures were rebuilt with cement
block and steel construction, rendering them fire-proof. A new power plant
was soon after erected on Water Street and other needed buildings added,
and ecpiipped with modern machinery, making the plant one of the most com-
plete of its kind in Saginaw Valley. The products of the company are
distributed throughout the United States and Canada, and the operations of
the plant arc steadily expanding. The company is one of the strong supports
of labor in this city, giving employment to more than one hundred and fifty
skilled mechanics and workmen.
The present officers of the company are: Alexander M. Lemke, presi-
dent; R. Perry Shorts, vice-president; Hanford F. Willis, secretary and
treasurer.
Jackson & Church Company
Among the older and substantial industries of the West Side is the Jack-
son & Church Company, which was founded in 1880, by John L. Jackson.
The lumber and salt business of the Saginaw Valley was then approaching
the height of production, and the steady demand for saw mill and drill house
and salt-well machinery led him to start a machine shop and foundry business.
At first the shop was' located in a two-story brick building at Water and
leffei-son Streets, now known as Niagara and Cleveland Streets; ami turned
out steam engines for driving circular and gang saws and other mill ma-
chinery, pumping equipment and general repair work. From the beginning
the business was successful and has been developed into one of the largest
machinery industries in Saginaw.
By 1894 the business had increased to such an extent that a division of
responsibility seemed desirable, and Edgar D. Church was admitted to part-
nership, the" name of Jackson & Church then being adopted. Mr. Church
assumed charge of the financial and office affairs of the new firm, an arrange-
ment which left Mr. Jackson free to devote all his attention to the manage-
ment and superintendence of the machine and boiler shop operations.
Meanwhile the lumber business at Saginaw hail declined, due to the exhaus-
tion of the pine timber in this section, and the old business of mill machinery
fell oft'. To replace the old lines the firm began the manufacture of stave,
hoop and heading machinery, which for a time was in demand in .Michigan.
Later the manufacture of dock and deck hoisting and dredging machinery
was undertaken and proved so successful that at the present time this line
is a large part of the production of the company.
The business thus established on a solid and enduring foundation was
incorporated in 1898 as the Jackson e\- Church Company, with John L. Jack-
son, president, A. G. Roeser. vice-president, and Edgar D. Church, secretary
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
537
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THE NEW MODERN PLANT OF JACKSON & CHURCH COMPANY
and treasurer. In IS1'1* E. D. Church purchased of James McGregor, his
interest in the boiler works of McGregor & Jackson, and the manufacture of
boilers, heaters, tanks, burners, plate and structural iron added to their line.
Since that time the business has experienced a remarkable expansion. The
company has developed the "Saginaw" system of sand-lime brick machinery,
which is manufactured for brick companies established from one end of the
country to the other, setting up and making the machinery ready for success-
ful operation. It also builds steam shovels and dredges, dredging, hoisting
and car-pulling engines, automatic safety jointer feeders, and boilers, heaters,
tanks, burners, plate and structural work.
About 1908, when the utilization of the great waste of beet pulp in
beet-sugar factories of this country was still a problem of economic manage-
ment of this great industry, the Jackson & Church Company began the
manufacture of beet-pulp drying machinery of improved type. The company
has since done a considerable business in this line, the machinery and equip-
ment furnished for this purpose being recognized as standard; and the
installation of such plants as adjuncts to sugar factories proving a source
of direct revenue to the companies from the extensive sale of the dried pulp
for stock feeding.
The machinery and boiler plant, meanwhile, has grown and expanded
with the addition of various machinery products, and is now one of the
important industrial establishments of the city. From a small shop on
Water Street, employing a few mechanics in building engines and mill
machinery, the plant has spread out to cover practically a square between
Hamilton, Cleveland, Niagara and Madison Streets and nearly another city
Mock lying adjacent thereto. Steady employment is now given to one
hundred and seventy-five machinists, moulders and boiler makers, and the
pay rolls are constantly growing.
The modern and well equipped machine shop fronting on Niagara Street,
during working hours, is a scene of well directed activity, and the boiler
works in the new steel and concrete building along Cleveland Street, from
[.38
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
kM
MACHINE SHOP OF JACKSON & CHURCH COMPANY
Niagara to Hamilton Street, is likewise a busy place. North and west of
these buildings are the foundry, power house, and material and stuck rooms,
all arranged for the most economical handling of supplies and finished pro-
duet. The plant is served by the Michigan Central Railroad whose tracks
enter the property, and by the Saginaw & Flint Railway (electric line) from
its Hamilton Street tracks.
Jackson-Church-Wilcox Company
Division of Genera] Motors Company
In the new, modern plant of the Jackson-Church-Wilcox Company,
division of the General Motors Company. Saginaw has a valuable acquisition
to its manufactures, and it places the iron, steel and machinery interests in
the front rank of the city's industries. The original company was incorpor-
ated on April 21, 1906, by John L. Jackson, Edgar D. Church and Melvin L.
Wilcox, with a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars. Though starting in a
small way for the manufacture of light automobile parts, the advancement of
the company was rapid, the prestige of Messrs. Jackson and Church in the
machinery trade and the genius of M. L. Wilcox, combining to promote
success.
The machine shop was first located in a two-story brick building at
Hamilton and Madison Streets, formerly occupied by the Saginaw Street
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HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
VIEW IN JACKSON-CHURCH- WILCOX PLANT
Railway, but which was then a part of the Jackson & Church plant. A part
of the new machine simp <>f this company, which had recently been built on
Niagara Street, was also utilized by the Jackson-Church-Wilcox Company,
whose office was at 321 I [amilton Street. In these somewhat limited quarters
the foundation of an extensive and growing business was well laid, though the
possibilities of expansion were not then fully realized.
Xot long after the shop was running smoothly, making essential parts for
some of the leading automobiles, the attention of the company was directed
to a radical improvement in steering gears, a patented device' by which the
ideal condition of driving was obtained. The company began making the new
gears on a small scale, and soon proved the practical utility of the device.
Afterward, when manufacture was largely increased, the company purchased
the patent rights and gave to the improved gear the trade name of Jacox,
derived from the names of the incorporators. This was a master move, and
the progress of the company from that time was rapid.
In 1909 the capital stock was increased from twenty-five thousand dollars
to sixty thousand dollars, and a site for new shops was purchased at Hamilton,
Monroe ami Niagara Streets. A new plant of the most modern construction
was here erected ami equipped with new automatic machinery, the most part
for the manufacture of Jacox gears. Their largest customer was the Buick
Motor Company, of Flint, whose requirements were constantly increasing
and assuming mammoth proportions. In order to control the entire output
of the new plant, and expand the business to meet its future needs, the Buick
Company bought the entire property of the Jackson-Church-Wilcox Company,
including its patents and good ill'. The transfer was duly made, and on
January 20, 1910, was held the first meeting of directors of the controlling
interests — the General Motors Company.
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
541
The plans of expansion at that time evolved were laid on a large scale.
In perfect accord with the policy of this great corporation, this involved the
purchase of the entire block bounded by Hamilton, Clinton, Niagara and
Monroe Streets. It was realized that here was to arise a great manufacturing
plant, and in order to make it a homogeneous unit the common council of
Saginaw granted a petition for closing of Monroe Street, between Hamilton
and Niagara Streets, for the purposes of the corporation. This having been
done the new site was cleared of buildings of various kinds and the ground
made ready for the erection of the big plant. The first large addition was
built in 1915, quickly followed by other extensions; and about January 1, 1917,
the expansion reached a stage which nearly approached completion.
The Jackson-Church-Wilcox shops for the exclusive manufacture of Jaco.v
gears comprises the largest plant in the world devoted to the manufacture
of steering gears, and are, indeed, the most extensive making any automobile
unit. This is one of the most complete and mechanically efficient plants in
the United States. It is of single floor, saw-tooth roof construction of steel,
concrete and brick, affording perfect light and ventilation, and is nearly
fire-proof. The entire plant covers an area of four hundred and forty by two
hundred and forty feet, or, including the two-story sections, more than three
acres.
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THE "JACOX" STEERING GEAR
542 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The plant is equipped with the most advanced automatic machinery,
thereby greatly increasing production and reducing operating costs. "Chuck-
ing" is done almost exclusively by compressed air. an improvement which
reduces labor and tends to increase efficiency and production. The lay-out
of machinery, stock rooms and simp operations is such that waste effort in
moving the various parts, which number about one hundred, through the
various operations, is entirely eliminated; and the burden, or overhead
charges, are reduced to a minimum.
From the receiving room, in which all material is unloaded from railway
cars and trucks, the raw material passes directly to stock bins arranged in
order close to the machines through which it is to pass in the processes of.
manufacture. The machines are so arranged that the parts in course of manu-
facture pass from one to another in the regular course of factory operations,
and at last reach the storage bins, without causing the least confusion or loss
of effort. From there the) go to the unit assembly room, or to the assembly
shop, as required in the order of manufacture. The finished and inspected
gears then pass to the stock room and are shipped to various automobile
manufacturers.
George II. Ilannum. the general manager, who was recently elected
president of the Saginaw Board of Trade, came to the plant in 1912 in the
capacity of factory manager. It was largely by his untiring efforts to increase
efficiency that the scientific scheme of factory operations was evolved, and the
lay-out of the new, modern plant, as it now stands, was adopted. The com-
fort and convenience of the mechanics have also had his earnest consideration;
and for their comfort and health a modern water distilling and cooling plant
was installed at a cost of ten thousand dollars. This feature, which is indica-
tive of the progressive policy of the General Motor- Company, provides cold
running water of absolute purity to workmen and office workers.
The capacity of this model manufacturing plant has increased from
twenty-seven thousand gears in 1910, and fort}' thousand in 1912, to six
hundred thousand in the present year. This is the normal capacity of the
existing plant, employing a single shift numbering six hundred workmen
on a ten hour working schedule. The daily output on this basis is about two
thousand finished gears, about half of which are used in Buick and other
automobiles of the General Motors Company, and the remainder is distributed
i" various manufacturers of high-grade automobiles.
The high reputation of Jacox gears is due very largely to easy steering
qualities, ami to positive action which obviates the tendency of the car to
slew when steering at an angle too short for its wheel base. The gears are
designed so that when the proper linkage connection between the rocker arm
and the road wheel is chosen, a car equipped with these gears will follow
an ordinary crooked rut. ami at the same time the gear locks itself against
any sudden shock, so that a slight gripping of the driver's hand holds it at
any time. The driver can follow or feel his way oxer rough roads, or even
follow the gradual turn of a street car track, and striking a large object in the
road does not deflect the wheels or transmit a shock to the handwheel.
Mitts & Merrill
This old representative concern, which for sixty-three years has been
well known in the machinery trade, is one of the substantial industries of
Saginaw, anil a steady supporter of labor and civic progress. It was founded
m 1S54 by the late George W. Merrill, a young machinist ami moulder, who
was born at (laines. New York, March 4, 1826, and came to Oakland County.
Michigan, with his father's family in 1828. The beginning was mi a small
scale, the fi undry being one of the first established in Saginaw Valley; and
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544 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
the original building, at 1 00' ' Smith Water Street, still stands, occupied for
many years by the office of the concern. Mr. Merrill was a very energetic
and practical mechanic, a man of strong' character, will and determination.
By 1859, when experiments were actively undertaken fur the discovery
of salt brine of commercial strength in this valley, Mr. Merrill interested
himself in the first operations, and was one of a committee, consisting , of
Stephen R. Kirby and himself, appointed by the directors of the East Sagi-
naw Salt Manufacturing Company, to go to Syracuse, New York, and investi-
gate the methods there employed in drilling salt wells. Having given the
matter thorough study ami consideration, some tools and supplies were pur-
chased there and shipped t<> Saginaw. .Much of the machinery and equip-
ment for drilling the first salt well, were made in the Merrill shop, ami set
up and operated by Sanford Keeler. A lull account of these operations and
portraits of Mr. Merrill and others directly connected with the work, will lie
found on pages 430-32. Later, equipment for drilling salt wells for the Sagi-
naw City Salt Company, the Bay City Salt Company and others, was fur-
nished by Mr. Merrill from his slid]).
In the eighteen sixties and until 1871, the business was conducted by
George W. Merrill & Company, under the trade name of the "East Saginaw
Foundry and Machine shop." Associated in the company were George W.
Merrill, George C. Merrill, Robert I'.. McKnight, James S. Cornwell and
Andrew W. Merrill. The lines of manufacture had been extended from
steam engines, mill gearing and machinery, salt work machinery, salt kettles,
stoves and general iron castings, to include brass and composition castings,
machinery blacksmithing and forging; and particular attention was given to
jobbing and repairing mill, salt block and steamboat machinery. In an
announcement of 1867 they said: "Our prices will be uniformly low, and
we will spare no pains to please our customers." This has become a motto
of the company in its extensive dealings with customers throughout the
world.
It was during the expansion of the business that William Merrill, eldest
son of George \Y. Merrill, who was born at Birmingham, Michigan, January
13, 1851, was admitted to the firm; and through other changes in the organ-
ization it was conducted under the name of Merrill, Hast wood >\ Company.
This company continued the business until 1876, when on September 16, the
business was sold to Mitts & Merrill, a co-partnership under which title the
extensive business has since been conducted.
William Merrill died February 16, 1907, while on a visit to his sister in
Boston; and on January 11, 1908, George W. Merrill, the founder of the
business, died in Saginaw. The present officers of the company are:
Sylvanus S. Mitts, president, and Herbert W. Merrill, secretary and treasurer.
Herbert W. Merrill, eldest son of William Merrill, entered the employ of
the firm in 1896, starting as an apprentice in the shops and working his way
up through various stages to a leading position in the development of the
business. lie possesses a fine mechanical mind and enterprising spirit, to
which the successful expansion of the company's business in the last decade-
is very largely due.
Within the last thirty years the lines of manufacture, like nearly all
the machinery concerns in Saginaw, have undergone radical changes. From
steam engines and mill machinery the business gradually developed the manu-
facture of a patented "bog," a machine for grinding of all kinds of wood into
chips, and which has become a celebrated product sold in every civilized
ci mntry on the globe.
This business began in a comparatively small way, in making grinders
for cutting up slabs and other refuse of saw mills and wood-working factories.
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES 545
The uses of such machines were gradually increased to include other lines of
business, in which a careful study of the economic needs of each particular
use was made by Herbert Merrill, and special "hogs" designed and produced
to meet the special requirements of each. This progressive policy has greatly
increased the reputation and prestige of the company in making special and
dependable machines which effect a considerable saving in operation.
This feature is appreciated to the extent that manufacturers of dyes
which before the world war were imported from Europe, have turned to
Mitts & Merrill to produce grinders for their special uses, and today a con-
siderable number of such machines, made only in Saginaw, are being used
in the preparation of logwood, chestnut, quebaccio, sumack and other woods
in the manufacture of dye stuffs. A grinder has also been perfected for
grinding up old rubber, in the form of scrapped automobile tires and refuse
in general, preparatory to its use in making various articles in the rubber
trade.
An important development of this company, aside from the lines already
mentioned, is the patented keyseater which is recognized as a tool of superior
utility, and is everywhere known by the machinery trade. This also started
in a small way, but with the introduction of many improvements over the
original design, the keyseater has become known in foreign countries as well
as in the United States and Canada, and the name of Saginaw is carried to
remote places of the world.
At the present time Mitts & Merrill in their different departments give
steady employment to an increasing number of mechanics, moulders and
workmen; and the annual production of the company shows a substantial
gain.
Valley Grey Iron Foundry Company
One of Saginaw's busy institutions, which began operations about ten
/ears ago, but of which little is known by the people of this city, is the
Valley Grey Iron Foundry Company, whose model foundry is located at
Bristol and' Water Streets. This is historic ground, for away back in the
eighteen-fifties the site was occupied by the Buena Vista House, kept by
John Jeffers, and burned in the great fire of May 20, 1893.
The incorporators of the foundry company, which was organized April
12, 1907, were Alexander G. Finlay, John C. Luetjohan, Peter J. Redmond,
William P. Powell and Edward C." Mershon, all residents of this city. The
organization was effected without publicity, the blare of trumpets, or even
public subscriptions or assistance from the local trade associations; and from
the beginning the company has met with singular success.
The company is partly co-operative in its industrial structure, and from
its inception ten or a dozen of its skilled moulders have been owners and
holders of a good portion of its capital stock, which is twenty thousand
dollars, paid in. This feature has had no small influence in shaping the
-uccess of the compary, as labor troubles or disagreements are unknown;
and when other foundries in this city have been shut down at times by strikes
or other labor troubles the Valley Grey Iron Foundry never lost a day's
operations from this cause. Three of the incorporators and nearly all of the
original moulders in the employ of the company, were formerly employees
of one of the leading foundry companies of this city, men who were familiar
with the work and needs of iron and machinery manufacturers in this valley.
Among these are George W. Hesse, James Cabot, James Hellmus, Carl Gabel,
Robert Young, Robert Arndt, George Scott. R. W. Wruck and T. II. Ford.
The Valley Grey Iron Foundry is strictly a jobbing shop, having large
contracts for grey iron castings of all sizes with such large manufacturers
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DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES 547
as William B. Mershon & Company, Saginaw Manufacturing Company,
Lufkin Rule Company, National Engineering Company, Erd Motor Com-
pany, Bransfield-I'iillings Piano Action Company, the Columbia-Western
Mills, the Stork Motor Company and many others. William B. Mershon &
Company alone use more than six hundred tons of grey iron castings from
this foundry, valued at twenty-five to thirty thousand dollars, annually. The
total yearly production is nearly fifteen hundred tons of castings, having a
market value (1917) of about seventy-five thousand dollars.
The main foundry building is a one-story brick structure with paving
brick front, one hundred and twenty-six feet by eighty feet in dimensions;
and the storage house for raw materials and the office is a two-story brick
building at the corner of Bristol and Water Streets. There is also a fire-
proof pattern storage room, for the safe keeping of customers' patterns. The
whole plant is equipped with the most modern appliances, employing skilled
moulders and mechanics, and turning out a high ^rade of castings. About
iorty men are employed in the foundry during busiest portions of the year.
Alexander G. Finlay, president of the company, is an old and experienced
moulder by trade, and knows every detail and requirement of the large
machinery manufacturing concerns of Saginaw Valley, and gives his un-
divided attention to the operations of the foundry. He came to East Saginaw
in 1877 and entered the employ of Bartlett & Spindler, founders and mill
machinery house, afterward A. F. Bartlett iK: Company. For thirty years
he was closely connected with this large and prosperous business, the last
twenty-one years as foreman of the foundry. With the intimate knowledge
thus gained of the demands of the machinery trade, he was well qualified to
open up and conduct a successful foundry.
John C. Luetjohan, the capable assistant to Mr. Finlay in foundry opera-
tions, is also an old Bartlett employee, and came to the new concern with
experience and skill at his command, qualities which are constantly mani-
fested in the successful operation of the model foundry.
Peter J. Redmond, secretary of the company, is a well known business
man of Saginaw, and has charge of all financial and office affairs of the
foundry. In his active life he has been connected with some of the large
successful institutions of this city, and was deputy postmaster under the
postmastership of Abram G. Wall," from 1894 to 1898.
National Engineering Company
Like many other of Saginaw's successful industries the National En-
gineering Company, which started in a small way more than twenty years
ago, has gradually built up a large business giving employment to a con-
siderable number of skilled mechanics and other workmen. In May, 18' '5.
a few business men organized the Walcott Windmill Company, for the
purpose of manufacturing windmills of an improved type. The factory was
on South Niagara Street, and for eight years the company carried on a more
or less successful business with a somewhat doubtful future.
At length the windmill business was discontinued, and in May, 1903, the
company was reorganized under the present title with a paid-in capital of
thirty thousand dollars. The officers of the new company were: Aaron P.
Bliss, president; Willis G. Van Auken, vice-president and treasurer; and
E. C. Loomis. secretary.
At this time the new company began the manufacture of wood tanks
and gasoline engines of various sizes for general farm use. This business
gave great promise of success, and an improved motor for pumping water,
known as No. J Pumping Engine, was introduced. By reason of its being
548
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
MACHINE SHOPS OF NATIONAL ENGINEERING COMPANY
directlv connected to the pump, without the use of a pump-jack, this engine
at once met with great favor; and a large contract was entered into with the
Kewanee Water and Supply Company, of Kewanee, Illinois, fur such motors.
This contract continued in force for four or five years with varying degrees of
success, though without much profit to the engine builders.
About 1907. when the automobile business was beginning to expand to
such proportions as to tax the production capacity of the leading manufac-
turers, the company decided to take up crank-shaft finishing. The plant was
moved into the larger machine shops of the Moffett Vehicle Bearing Com-
panv. whose patents, g 1 will and business had recently been sold by
Messrs. Bliss & Van Auken, its principal stockholders, to New York City
parties and the business removed there. In the better equipped shops the
company undertook the machining and finishing of all crank shafts used in
the two-cylinder Reo car and other automobiles. Later, when the larger
vertical cylinder engine was introduced for automobiles, the company finished
crank shaft- for the four-throw Reo motors, a business which continued on a
profitable basis for five years.
Since l'»12 the National Engineering Company has operated very
successfully in the same line, having large contracts with the Buick, Chev-
rolet, < 'Ids' Motor and other companies, and has attained a high reputation
for the general excellence of its work.
On February 1A 1916, the prosperous business, including plant, machine
shops and good will, was sold to Lansing capitalists. The reorganized
company, which retains the old name, has a capital of two hundred thousand
dollars ;' and the manufacturing operations are carried on on a larger scale
than before. The officers of the company are : C. P. Downey, president ; J.
W. Wilford, vice-president and treasurer; E. C. Shields, secretary, all of
Lansing; T. M. Carpenter, general manager, and Alexander Liddle, Junior,
superintendent.
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
549
At about this time the company entered into a contract with the North-
way Motor & Manufacturing Company, of Detroit, for finishing fifty-six
thousand crank shafts for automobile motors, of which they are large pro-
ducers. Recently a contract for finishing ten thousand crank shafts for the
Republic .Motor Truck Company, of Alma, was taken. The shop equipment
was increased in 1917 by the addition of six automatic grinders and other
machinery, and the production capacity raised from two hundred and
seventy-five to four hundred crankshafts a clay, or about one hundred and
twenty thousand a year, with a contract value approaching half a million
dollars.
Under the increased schedule more than one hundred and fifty machinists
and workmen are given steady employment at good wages. A premium
system of computing earnings is employed, whereby a day's pay is deter-
mined by the number of single operations performed by the workman. Each
mechanic is paid a certain amount per hour for a regular quota of operations
per day, and a further allowance is paid for all operations performed in
excess of his quota. Under this system the workmen have a constant
incentive to speed up their work, and the more skilled often double
their quota of operations. The production is thus greatly increased and
labor troubles reduced to a minimum.
It is such progressive concerns as this which are building up the indus-
trial structure of Saginaw, and are advancing the prosperity of the city more
than is generally realized. Without local publicity or advertising they are
extending their business, adding to plant and equipment, and employing more
workmen. The distribution of larger pay mils increases the amount of
money in circulation, which finds its way into every mercantile trade, and is
reflected in the constantly increasing bank deposits.
Labor conditions in Saginaw Valley, especially in the factories, have
been very satisfactory for a number of years. The diversity of our industries
tends to stabilize the labor market, and encourage steady employment and
permanent residence. The wage scale is generally fair to the mechanics and
workmen, considering the living conditions here, and strikes or serious labor
difficulties are almost unknown.
GRINDING CRANK SHAFTS. NATIONAL ENGINEERING COMPANY
550 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Werner & Pfleiderer Company
Institutions, like individuals, have prestige and prominence based upon
their intrinsic value and the merit of their work and products. Among tin-
leading industries of Saginaw, to which this maxim applies with peculiar
force, is the Werner & Pfleiderer Company, patentees and manufacturers of
mixing and kneading machines of various sizes and types and for specific
purposes, everywhere used in some of the leading trades.
The products of this highly successful concern, all made in this city,
are a complete line of machinery and appliances used in the manufacture of
bread, biscuits, cakes, macaroni, vermicelli, noodles and other flour products,
and mixers for the chemical, pharmaceutical and rubber-working trades. So
essentia] are these machines that they are regarded as universal, and a neces-
sar) economic equipment of all modern plants. The extensive line of ma-
chinery consists i if sifters, elevators, blenders, conveyors, bins, mixers,
dividers, rounders, proofers, moulders, troughs, racks, presses (hydraulic and
screw i. kneaders, dough brakes, etc. A special feature of the business, which
has grown to be the largest of its kind in this country, is the equipping of
entire bakeries and macaroni plants; and the company furnishes, through its
efficient engineering department, blue-print suggestions for new plants or
alterations of old ones.
The manufacturing plant in Saginaw is the outgrowth of an extensive
business, which was founded in Germany more than half a century ago.
Like many other industries its development was slow and attended with
difficulties. Old bakers who clung to the primitive practices of their fore-
fathers, had to be educated to the advantages of scientific, sanitary and expe-
ditious methods now quite generally followed, and the public had t < > be
convinced that the bakers' loaf was wholesome, appetizing and economical.
Eventually the business became thoroughly established in Europe, and its
founder, the late Herrn Commerzienrat Hermann Werner, of Cannstatt,
began to look about for markets in other countries and especially in America.
It was a fortunate circumstance for Saginaw and, indeed, the State of
Michigan, that Ilerr Werner chose this city for the location of its American
business. In 18'»7 the first steps were taken to establish a permanent trade
in this country, and by an arrangement with the Saginaw Board of Trade
about two acres of land was purchased at the west end of the Bristol Street
Bridge, and the original factory building erected. From a small beginning
the business has increased year by year to the mammoth proportions it has
now attained, making it one of the largest institutions of its kind in the
world. The factory structure has undergone constant additions and the
working force steadily increased. At length the original site was deemed
inadequate to accommodate the prospective buildings which the future busi-
ness would demand, and a new site on I less venue, near South Jefferson
Avenue, was selected. In 1913 a new and completely equipped foundry and
pattern shop was erected thereon, the first units of a huge modern plant
which should be a distinctive model of its kind. The cost of these first units
approximated one hundred thousand dollars, and several times this amount
will be expended before the big plant is completed in its entirety.
The dimensions of the foundry, in which all the castings used by the
company are made, are one hundred by one hundred and forty feet; and
the foundry equipment is the best known to the trade. Close by is the
pattern shop and experimental bakery, fifty by one hundred feet in size.
The entire upper floor of the new building is used for the pattern shop and
for the storage of patterns, while the lower floor is intended for the practical
working display of the full equipment for a modern baker}'. In this exhibit
are shown all the machinery used in the making of bread, biscuits, cake, etc.,
HERMANN WERNER
Founder of The Werner & Pfleiclerer Company
552
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
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MACHINE SHOPS OF WERNER & PFLEIDERER
including a traveling chain oven having a capacity of twenty-five thousand
loaves in ten hours. An oven of this kind costs a baker) almost twenty
thousand dollars.
The main building of the plant, which will be a perfectly equipped
machine shop, will have dimensions of three hundred by one hundred and
eighty feet, and, with the units already erected, cover a considerable portion
of the seventeen acres comprising the factory site. Of the most approved
construction lending abundant light ami ventilation, the new machine shop
will provide every facility for high efficiency of its skilled mechanics, and
will be equipped with the best automatic machinery. When completed the
capacity of the plant will be more than doubled, and the working force
materially increased. In 1917, when the machine shop still occupied the
original plant with enlargements, the total number of mechanics ami work-
men exceeded two hundred.
Besides the head office of the company at Saginaw, branch offices are
maintained at New York City, Philadelphia and San Francisco; and there
are European houses at Cannstatt, Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, Moscow,
Vienna, Milano, Paris, London. Buenos Aires, Argentine, under the direct
management of the general offices at Cannstatt.
In the manufacture of the diversified machinery products of Werner &
Pfleiderer. at its Saginaw plant, about five thousand tons of raw material
are annually consumed, and the amount is constantly increasing. The popu-
larity of "Universal" kneading and mixing machines is due to the fact that
it is the only apparatus which combines in itself a perfect mixer and a
thoroughly efficient kneader. It is entirely distinct from all others, and the
great success it lias attained in all parts of the globe proves that it possesses
unsurpassed qualities and is of first cla>s construction. As to speed, blades
ami other details of operation, the concern builds special machines to suit
the numerous and peculiar requirements of various trades. There are now
about fifty thousand "Universal" kneading and mixing machines at work in
all parts of the wi irld.
Another important product of the company is a steam pipe, draw plate
liven, which built and set up in batteries of one to ten, provide modern
bakeries with facilities, of the most sanitary and economic nature, for pro-
ducing from ten to one hundred thousand loaves of bread in ten hours. A
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
553
large number of such batteries have been installed by leading baking com-
panies in the largest cities, and the ovens have become a standard product in
the baking trade.
The "Improved" loaf dough divider, introduced to the trade in 1905,
is a product of the mechanical and inventive genius of the concern, and is
entirely automatic in its action. It divides with absolute accuracy all kinds
of dough, especially straight doughs, without the least injury. By means
of a newly devised conveyor arrangement the loaves can be delivered singly
and without further handling direct to the moulding machine. This ma-
chine pays for itself in a short time through the economies it effects. Its
output varies from one thousand to forty-two hundred loaves per hour, and
it divides loaves from twelve to thirty-six ounces in weight.
There are also rounders, dough moulders, blenders, wrapping machines,
sifters, flour and water scales and other equipment in the long list of products
of this enterprising firm. The macaroni and vermicelli making machinery,
and mixers for the exacting uses of the chemical and pharmaceutical trade-.
a- well as in making gunpowder, celluloid, artificial silk, etc., are standard of
their kind.
In the rubber-working trade the washers and mixers built by Werner &
Pfleiderer have advantage- over all others of the kind. The "old way of
washing crude rubber was to pass the rubber between adjustable rollers 'that
forced it out into a thin sheet, and then, by mean- of a flow of water, wash
away the impurities. The action of the rollers being rather severe, tended
to impair or damage the life and nerve of the rubber, and the capacity of
the rollers was limited. The "Universal" rubber washer was designed to
bring every particle of rubber into contact with water, and by allowing the
water to escape, carry away all impurities with it. By causing the two cor-
rugated washing roll's to revolve towards one another at slightly different
speeds, so as to lacerate and mix the material effectively, every "particle is
brought to the surface and exposed to the water sprayed from above. Eighty
pounds of Para and similar grades can be thoroughly washed in front ten
to twenty minutes, and other grades according to the condition of the gum
and the degree of purity desired. The ".Masticator" and mixers for making
rubber solution, or cement, are also machines of standard type used in work-
ing rubber into useful products.
THE NEW FOUNDRY AND PATTERN SHOP
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Type V Mixer
Paper Pulper Rapid Dissolver
Type X Mixer Type IX Mixer
Vacuum Mixer Masticator Rubber Washer
UNIVERSAL KNEADING AND MIXING MACHINES
Dough Mixer
f Rounder
1 »raw Plate Ovens
Dough Divider
Brake
Macaroni Press
Kneader
MACHINERY AND OVENS USED IN BAKING AND MACARONI INDUSTRIES
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
557
EMIL STAEHLE
The "Universal" paper pulper is another practical machine which dis-
integrates all kinds and grades of paper, such as dry or wet broken, shav-
ings, trimming, coated paper, ledger, bond, writing, old papers, news, box
board cuttings, scrap, etc., in fact all classes of paper stock having no canvas
or linen lining. While not taking the place of the "beater" in common use in
paper mills, the pulping machine dues dissolve the paper stock and facilitates
the mill operations. In some cases paper disintegrated in the "Universal"
can be passed directly to the stuff chests, and no "broken" will show up in
the new sheet of paper. Working up the loose broken and storing it in bins
in its wet state, eliminates the constant danger of fire, and enables the mill
to use a larger percentage in the beaters. The capacity of the machine is
four hundred pounds per hour.
In all the activities of this progressive firm, so far as the extensive
American trade is concerned, Emil Staehle is the governing and managing
head. He has been connected with this part of the business since it was
established in this country, and is thoroughly familiar with every detail
of manufacturing and distribution of the machinery- products. To him is
largely due the remarkable expansion of the trade in America, and the
bright future of the firm in this department of its international business.
Mr. Staehle is a man of extensive travel and broad education, and is an
honored citizen of Saginaw, having filled position of trust and responsibility
in commercial life, for several years being vice-president of the Saginaw
Board of Trade, to which he devoted much earnest attention. He is of that
all too small class of business men who accomplish much without the blare
of trumpets or the acclaim of citizens, but whose influence is nevertheless
felt in tile community in which his interests are centered.
558 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
S. Fair & Son, Inc.
To what extent a prosperous business may be built up from a small
beginning is well exemplified by the successful career of S. Fair & Son, Inc.
The business was started in 1898 by the late Samuel Fair, Sr., as a plow
factory, and was located on North Hamilton Street, between Madison and
Monroe, the site of the present modern foundry. By degrees a profitable
trade was worked up, and the prospect of rapid expansion was very bright.
In 1905 the demand for grey iron castings for sewer work and special uses
led Mr. Fair to start a grey iron foundry, lie was a thoroughly practical
moulder and founder, and in this departure made a distinct success. After a
life of activity in trade and business he died October 21, 1916, at the age of
seventy-i >ne years.
At the beginning of the grey iron foundry Louis Fair, now president
of the company, entered his father's employ. He applied himself diligently
to the various duties of the office, ami at length acquired a full knowledge of
the business. Meanwhile Samuel Fair, Junior, was foreman of the foundry,
in the practical operation of which he showed efficiency, and the Fair
foundry earned a high reputation for the general excellence of its castings.
So rapid was the expansion of the foundry trade that in 1909 the con-
cern was incorporated under the above title, with a capital stock of twenty
thousand dollars, and new responsibilities were assumed by the younger
men. The foundry was newly equipped for the making of crucible steel
castings of high grade, mostly for outside trade, and, inasmuch as this was
the second foundry of the kind to be established in Michigan, there was a
steady demand for its products. These consisted principally of small steel
castings for some of the largest automobile builders in Detroit, Flint, Lansing
and Pontiac. This business proved very successful, and helped to bring to
the attention of motor car makers the superior advantages of Saginaw as a
manufacturing center for automobile parts and units.
In 1**1-1- the steady growth of the business demanded further facilities
in the way of foundry extensions, and the capital stock was increased to
seventy-five thousand dollars. The officers elected at this partial reorgan-
ization were : Samuel Fair, Sr., president ; Louis G. Fair, vice-president,
and Mae M. Fair, secretary and treasurer. Miss Fair, who was a young
woman of unusual business ability, had entire charge of the financial affairs
of the company and attended to the general office work. She died May
11, 1916. Soon after the reorganization was effected, the construction of a
new foundry was begun, and on the site of the old plow factory and adjoin-
ing land there soon arose a large modern foundry, equipped with all essential
machinery, furnaces and tools.
Meanwhile the European War had demoralized the iron and steel trade
of this country, and interfered with importations of many essential mate-
rials and supplies from Germany. Among the very necessary supplies were
German crucibles, made from a particular clay obtained only in that country.
These crucibles were required for the crucible steel furnaces, and when the
supply was exhausted the old furnaces were displaced by an entirely new
type.
Early in 1915 a Snyder electric steel melting furnace of large capacity
was installed in the foundry at a cost of fourteen thousand dollars. This
was a decided innovation in the foundry trade of Saginaw and, indeed, of
Michigan. The new furnace not only increased the output one hundred
per cent but effected surprising economies of operation. It was one of
only seven furnaces of the kind in the 1'nited States, and its installation in
the steel foundry here emphasizes the progressive policy of S. Fair e\: Son,
Inc.
560
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
ELECTRIC FURNACE AT S. FAIR & SON, INC.
The making of vanadium steel castings of high grade was at once
begun, and consisted mostly of automobile parts requiring tremendous
strength and toughness. To the credit of the concern it may be said that.
due to the uniform excellence of its castings and to economical and efficient
management, the foundry lias since worked to full capacity on contracts
with some of the largest makers of high class automobiles.
A considerable amount of electrical energy is consumed in this furnace.
which permits of six or seven beats, or meltings, a day. and is furnished by
the local power company, at a low rate, but at an average cost of one thou-
sand dollars monthly. About fifty moulders and founders, grinders and
"tlier laborers are employed in the foundry. The monthly output is about
one hundred tons of small high grade vanadium steel castings; and the
yearly production, at the prevailing prices of vanadium steel products, i>
nearly half a million dollars.
The immediate requirements of the foundry, in the way of extensions
to meet the constantly increasing trade, lias recently been filled In- the in-
stallation of a second electric steel melting furnace of improved type. This
furnace embodies all the essential economic features of the other, and in
addition provides for quick renewing of the furnace lining, thus reducing the
time the furnace is put out of use. Furthermore, the linings are renewed
only half as frequently, the capacity of the furnace being doubled therebv.
These improvements in the electric furnace were made by the Fair brothers,
who are always alert to provide efficient and economical operation of the
foundry. The building of this furnace here speaks well for the ingenuity and
practical knowledge of Louis (1. Fair, anil of the progressiveness displayed
by the concern.
The present officers of the company are: Louis (i. Fair, president
and treasurer; Ernest A. Snow, vice-president, and Elizabeth Houlihan,
secretary.
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES 501
Saginaw Plate Glass Company
During 1859 a number of progressive business men of this city, desiring
to utilize the natural resources and give impetus to the growing prosperity
of Saginaw Valley, conceived the idea of locating a plate glass factory here.
The idea took definite form and soon a plan was worked out for the incor-
poration of a stock company having a capital of three hundred and fifty
thousand dollars. The stock was quickly subscribed and the organization
of the company effected.
Among the incorporators were: William J. Wickes, John L. Jackson,
Benton Hanchett, Frederick W. Carlisle. Frank G. Palmerton, James G.
Macpherson, T. E. Dorr, E. F. Achard and Samuel G. Higgins. The officers
were: Frederick W. Carlisle, president; William J. Wickes, vice-president;
Samuel G. Higgins, secretary; E. F. Achard, treasurer, and Thomas L. Kerr,
general manager. All the original promoters of this successful industry,
which was entirely new to this section of Michigan, were Saginaw capital-
ists with the exception of Mr. Kerr, lie was a practical plate glass maker
who came from Pittsburg to superintend the erection of the plant, and after-
wards to operate it.
In order to secure an ample tract of land contiguous to the river and
having adequate railroad facilities, the present site was selected. The loca-
tion is a very advantageous one, providing an abundance of water direct
from the river, superior transportation facilities, and also affording a dump-
ing ground on the low lands adjoining the factory for the natural wastes of
manufacture. At that time there was a great demand for plate glass creat-
ing a ready market, a condition which has prevailed except at brief inter-
vals. The original plant was erected and equipped for an annual capacity
of one million square feet of plate glass, winch was considered a fair output
at that time.
During the ten years following the opening of the plant a marked in-
crease in the consumption of plate glass developed in this country. A fact
not generally known is, in consequence of tile tremendous expansion of the
automobile industry in Michigan, which uses a great quantity of plate glass
for windshields and enclosed bodies, this State is now the largest consumer
of plate glass in the United States. At least fifteen per cent, of the total
production of the country is used in .Michigan, a large proportion of which
finds its way into the finishing of motor cars, while a moderate quantity is
used for mirrors by the great furniture factories of Grand Rapids and else
where.
To avail themselves of the active market thus created, the present man-
agement of the company thought wise to increase the production of plate
glass, and in 1913 and the following year made extensive additions to the
plant and equipment. The original capacity of the plant was thus more than
trebled and today, when all the improved equipment is in fine working con-
dition, the output is fully four million square feet of glass. Running at full
capacity the plant employs three hundred and fifty men. some operations
being on a double or three-shift basis, which is necessary in some instances
on account of the nature of the work.
In the original equipment of the factory much of the special glass mak-
ing machinery was purchased in the Pittsburg district and adapted to the
needs and requirements here. Later, when improved methods and economic
management were adopted, all special machinery installed in the plant was
designed by employees of the plate glass company ami made in Saginaw.
562
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
THE MAMMOTH PLANT OF THE
Jn this departure, the iron works of Wickes Brothers, Jackson & Church
and others, which had furnished the numerous engines and hatteries of
boilers used, derived a considerable amount of business which gave steady
employment to local mechanics and workmen.
Within the last ten or fifteen years many improved methods of making
plate glass have been put in use, and at present everything is handled
mechanically, in sharp contrast to manual labor formerly employed. This
effects threat economies of operation, huge conveyors and handling devices
in casting and transporting glass through the various operations, being
notable additions to the highly efficient plant. The equipment has also
been augmented by furnaces of much larger capacity, and an annealing lehr
two hundred and eighty feet long, designed to make plates as large as twelve
by twenty feet, which are as large as any used in this country. Formerly
plates eight by thirteen were the maximum of size produced. The furnaces
are operated by producer gas made on the premises from Saginaw coal.
The making of plate glass requires a great quantity of heat and power,
which is produced at the plant by a producer gas plant and by a large battery
of boilers. Saginaw coal is used exclusively, two hundred and fifty tons
being required daily to produce the required energy in various forms. The
raw materials used in making plate glass on a large scale are a considerable
item of tonnage; and the products, including salt in big quantities, com-
prise steady shipments. The freight movement to and from the plant is
extensive, not less than twenty-five loaded cars entering and leaving the
plant daily, and about equally divided between coal I inbound I. salt I out-
bound), and other raw materials and finished products.
At the time the glass plant was established the promotors had in mind
the utilization of the great quantity of waste exhaust steam from the various
operations, but it was not until 1905 that the directors ,,f the company de-
cided upon building a modern salt block adjoining the plate glass plant. In
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
r»63
SAGINAW PLATE GLASS COMPANY
that year a very complete salt making plant was erected, having ten grainers
constructed throughout of reinforced concrete, and with a capacity of about
seven hundred barrels daily. The equipment was in advance of any salt
block in Michigan, every process and handling of the product being auto-
matic. Later two additional grainers were built and several salt wells drilled
and equipped, increasing the output to one thousand barrels of salt daily,
or eight car loads. Salt is shipped to a ready market in the Central and
Southern States, the well known purity and non-hardening qualities of
"Saginaw" salt giving it a high reputation wherever used. An interesting
account of the making of salt in this modern plant is included in the chapter
on "The Salt Industry," pages 440-44. About thirty men are employed in
this department, principally in packing the salt in barrels for shipment.
To further utilize all the constituents of salt brine, or rather to make
use of the hitherto waste "bittern" resulting from the manufacture of salt,
a modern chemical plant was erected in l'»ll adjacent to the salt block.
The principal product is calcium chloride which is largely used in various
trades, and for which there is a steady demand. Later other products were
added such as bromine, magnesium chloride, etc., made from wastes which
formerly went into the river. In 1912 a separate company, the Saginaw
Chemical Company, was organized to take over and operate this department
of the business. James C. Graves, who was instrumental in establishing
this valuable part of the business, is vice-president of the company, and
manager of its operations. The chemical company employs from eighteen
to twenty-five men in its own plant.
The present officers of the Saginaw Plate Glass Company, which now
has a capital investment exceeding one million dollars, are: William J.
Wickes, president; Arthur D. Eddy, vice-president; George C. Fastwood,
secretary and treasurer; and the board of directors is composed of these
officers and Frederick W. Carlisle. Peter Corcoran. Walter S. Eddy, Benton
Hanchett, James G. Macpherson, M. N. Brady and John J. Rupp.
564
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The United States Graphite Company.
In the early part of 1891 the graphite industry was controlled, and to a
large extent monopolized, by one company so far as the preparation of high
grade graphites and the manufacture of graphite products were concerned.
The company in question for a matter of about sixty years had the field to
themselves, but on April 29, 1891, The United States Graphite Company of
Saginaw, Michigan, was incorporated and while starting in a small unpre-
tentious way. the foundation of this great business was started.
It did not at that time give prospects of being a serious competitor of the
larger company, but it progressed step by step, developing slowly until
today it is a recognized power in its own field.
There was nothing elaborate about its early life. It procured its mines
in Mexico and while the directors and incorporators were convinced of the
superiority of the Mexican Graphite over any other then sold, it still remained
for them to convince the users of graphite that this was so.
ORIGINAL PLANT OF U. S. GRAPHITE COMPANY
Its first plant was a small frame shed in the northern side of Saginaw.
To this small frame shed it hauled and unloaded its graphite ore from Mexico,
pulverized and refined it. Its equipment was more or less limited and rather
crude. All of the packing of the goods was done by hand and the office
was frequently used to pack and label the cans of graphite.
The company was started and developed by the Messrs. Wickes, who
are still stockholders, directors and officials in the organization. Its struggle
was long and arduous at the beginning, but it so surely developed and became
£0 strongly entrenched that it finally became cramped for quarters and in
the latter part of 1904, the present up-to-date plant with its equipment was
built or rather started, for ever since the modem plant was erected additions
have been constantly added. Today the factory is probably twice as large
as when it was first erected in 1904. Products are now manufactured that
were not even contemplated at that time. The factory grounds approxi-
mate eight acres, which is deemed sufficient to take care of the expansion that
is anticipated.
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
565
The company moved into its new plant in December, 1904, and a little
later the late president, Mr. Eugene McSweeney, was elected by the directors
to the executive position. Under his management the progress of the com-
pany was substantial and marked, and today it is one of the largest organi-
zations of its kind in the world.
Mr. 11. C. Woodruff, vice-president and general manager, entered the
service of this company on December 7, 1891, and has been continuously
associated with it. He entered the employ of the company shortly after its
incorporation, as bookkeeper.
Mr. M. J. Houlihan, sales manager, came with the Company in 1902, as
assistant to Mr. Woodruff after the business had started going sufficiently to
demonstrate the need of more assistance. He has also been continuously
associated with the company since that time, and both have been closely
identified with the company's progress.
The company now manufactures practically everything into which
graphite enters with the exception of crucibles and pencils, though it is a
larger producer of pencil graphite than all the other graphite concerns in the
world combined ; producing approximately from eighty-five to ninety per
cent, of all of the graphite used in pencil manufacture.
In 1916 the company erected a thoroughly modern and up-to-date plant
designed for the manufacture of motor and generator brushes, and graphite
and carbon specialties, opening up another broad field that will greatly in-
crease the business of the company.
The company occupies a more or less unique position among miners
and manufacturers of graphite and graphite products. It has a distinct ad-
vantage over its many competitors owing to the fact that it is the only
graphite manufacturing firm that mines its entire supply. The supply of
its Sonora mines is practically inexhaustible and due to the fact that it is
the purest and best amorphous graphite ever discovered, it is not necessary
for this company to depend on any other source for its output.
>^*<
.,' * JSj
- - - -• s^» ******* iS/,*^ ->-L-_?3 ^-^CTT^
MEXICAN MINERS AND HUGE PILE OF GRAPHITE ORE
:,<;r,
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The mines are located about twenty miles south of the mining town of
La Colorado in Central Sonora. The deposits were discovered in 1867 and
work was begun on them in 1891, though it was almut 1895 before commercial
operations of any importance were attempted. The country adjacent to the
mines is dry and little more than a desert except during the rainy season
which is July, August and September. The temperature is very high during
the Summer and frost never occurs. Water is so scarce that little agricul-
tural utilization can be made of the climate and soil.
Some distance from the graphite mines are large formations of rock,
but as one approaches the mine the rock changes to sedimentaries, >;unlstones
around the mine itself, and a little to the southwest of it are heavy limestones.
The elevation above sea level is about thirteen hundred feet. The company
formerly worked from two shafts, but in recent months it has sunk a third
shaft that reaches a greater depth than either of the other two shafts, and
has opened up for use a bed of graphite considerably larger than any of the
others opened up by the former shafts. There are at least seven beds of
graphite in the mines. The graphite as removed from the mines is so soft
and friable that a large lump may be taken in the hand and crushed to small
particles. It is velvety and smooth to the touch.
Owing to the friability of the bed almost no explosives are necessary
as most of the mining is done with pick and shovel. After being raised
to the surface the graphite is spread out in the hot sun on a concrete plat-
form to dry, which it does in a short time and then is thrown up in piles to
await shipment. From here it is packed by wagon train over the desert ami
hills to the Southern Pacific Railroad over which rails it finally reaches its
destination, Saginaw, Michigan.
The officers and directors of the corporation are William J. Wickes,
president; Harry C. Woodruff, vice-president and general manager; Harry
T. Wickes, treasurer; Arthur 1 >. Eddy, secretary ; and A. S. Harvey.
^
PRESENT PLANT OF UNITED STATES GRAPHITE COMPANY
William Poison & Company
Among the well established wood-working interests of Saginaw is
William Poison & Company, whose factory is located at Hess Street and
Jefferson Avenue. The corporation was organized in 1904, succeeding to the
business established several years before by White & Poison. The plant
was then located on the A. C. White mill property, on South Jefferson
Avenue and the Pelt Line, but was totally destroyed by fire in May, 1904.
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
507
MB*
t&nggS",**;
PLANT OF WILLIAM POLSON & COMPANY
:
Nothing daunted by the loss of plant William Poison reorganized the
business under the above title, with a capital stock of sixty thousand dollars.
and purchased the present factory building. This three-story brick building,
having a floor space of thirty thousand square feet and well adapted to the
requirements of the business, was speedily equipped with modern wood-
working machinery and put in active operation. The plant has ample rail-
road switching facilities with direct connection with a trunk line road, for
the rapid handling of several million feet of yellow pine, mahogany, oak and
other hard woods worked up, and for the shipping of finished product to all
points in the Middle West.
The principal products are sash, doors, window and door frames, and
all kinds of turned work and interior finish, for the local market and to supply
a steady demand in a territory extending as far as the Ohio and Mississippi
Rivers. A very satisfactory trade is conducted with Cleveland, Detroit,
Flint and other growing cities, contractors and builders appreciating the
uniform excellence of the wood products of this company.
Recently the company added a new department to its business, the
making of fine mahogany wood finish for show windows, numerous examples
of which may he seen in Saginaw. This includes mahoganv finish for fine
residences and public edifices, and promises to be a successful part of their
large business. The company employs a force of fifty men running on a full
time basis; and the annual output is valued at about one hundred and twenty-
ti\ e thousand dollars.
The present officers of the company are: William Poison, president;
William C. Kenny, vice-president; and John Poison, secretarv and treasurer,
who, with II. II. Hymer, comprise the board of directors. They are men ot
high standing and integrity, and deserve the success that has come to their
united effort-.
568 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Herzog Art Furniture Company.
Scarcely more than sixteen years ago a young man, born in 1867 on a
farm near the little German village of Frankenmuth, started a new industry
in Saginaw. This concern was the Herzog Art Furniture Company, and the
founder was John Herzog, whose high ideals, integrity, courage and pro-
gressiveness developed a business of wonderful possibilities.
lie was one of a family of thirteen children — descendants of sturdy
Bavarian Lutherans who settled in this fertile section in the late forties. At
an early age he manifested unusual skill in making small pieces of furniture.
After a few years spent in working in a planing mill, and in attending the
church school in Frankenmuth. he came to Saginaw and for two years was
employed in the old Feige-Silsby furniture factory, where he acquired some
knowledge of cabinet work and finishing. He then went to Grand Rapids
and for twelve years worked in various departments of the largest furniture
factories in that city.
Later he went to Europe where he remained for three years, working
in factories and inspecting big expositions of furniture in England, Italy,
Belgium, France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland and Austria-Hungary. He
returned to his native land with well-formulated plans for a model furniture
factory of his own.
In March, IS")'), shortly after his return to Saginaw, with the assistance
of Joseph Grohman, now general factory superintendent of the mammoth
Herzog plant, and August Miessler, he established a cabinet business in a
very small way. The capital of this infant industry was three thousand
dollars, unbounded confidence, perseverance and a thorough knowledge of
the business. The little factory was located in a frame building converted
from a barn into a mill, at the corner of Cass and Niagara Streets. At first
they employed two men and a boy in the manufacture of tallies and church
furniture in the •'knock-down." and used a wheelbarrow to deliver furniture
shipments to the railroad station. Soon all the means the three founders
could command was expended, and the church furniture project had to be
abandoned. This occurrence, however, in the light of subsequent events, was
a kind act of fate.
In order to continue the manufacturing business more capital had to be
interested in the enterprise, and a plan was formulated for the organization
of a stock company with a capital of seventy-five thousand dollars. This
work progressed very slowly and would have failed but for the helpful
interest of one of our most progressive citizens — John L. Jackson. The
critical time came one Saturday night. The next morning John Herzog
went to .Mr. Jackson's home almost ready to give up his cherished plan.
Mr. Jackson's co-operation and encouragement alone could save it.
After the former had told of his tireless and unsuccessful effort to secure
the necessary capital, Mr. Jackson said: "You are a church member, aren't
vmi, and usually go to church on Sunday? I am not a church member, yet
I like to rest from business cares on Sunday. Don't worry about the matter
today. Go to church and drop all thought of business. Tomorrow morn-
ing I will come down to your factory, and we will see about it." Mr. Herzog
gratefully accepted the suggestion.
The next morning Mr. Jackson looked the factory over and satisfied
himself that the value placed on it by its owners was not excessive. Before
the end of the week capital was secured, and the Herzog Art Furniture
Company was organized, the beginning of the magnificent business now
located on South Michigan Avenue at the Belt Line crossing.
JOHN HERZOG
r.70
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
MAMMOTH PLANT OF HERZOG ART FURNITURE COMPANY
The stiir}' of the marvelous development of this industry fills an interest-
ing page in our local history. From a small wooden building erected on the
new site the plant has grown by almost constant additions under a com-
prehensive plan of expansion, until today the various units of the five-story
brick factory have a total floor space of three hundred and thirty thousand
square feet, or about eight acres. The superb plant lends an impression of
bigness, of dignified stability and permanence, and of high character of its
product. Within its solid walls are installed not only all the ordinary
machinery usually found in furniture factories, such as routers, dove-tailers,
locking machines, tilting tables, mitre saws, automatic turning lathes, and
small tools, but also Saginaw-made machines not found in other factories of
this kind. These machines were invented and patented by John L. Jackson,
president, and John Herzog, general manager, of the company, and permit
this factory to turn out styles of furniture that other manufacturers cannot
make except at prohibitive cost. Among such machines, which are built in
the Jackson & Church works, is a curious "finger jointer" that face planes
the dimensioned stock to take all wind or warp from the boards.
Another notable improvement is the conveyor system of finishing furni-
ture and cabinets. Each piece automatically passes through the operations
of applying the finishing coats, drying, rubbing and polishing, all of which
are accurately timed to produce the best results without the waste of a minute
or second.
In the machine rooms the parts are shaped to the variety of patterns
afforded by the five hundred different articles in their line. Many band
and jig saws are employed on the extremely artistic designs here produced,
and a very high degree of skillfulness is developed. Then the surfaces are
sanded anil polished. There are special machines for sanding mouldings,
both curved and straight, disc sanders for sanding flat edges, belt sanders of
several varieties for following the curves of legs, upright belt sanders, spindle
sanders and drum sanders.
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES 571
In the veneering process marvelous technical development and efficient
performance are seen. Although a pound of glue is made to spread as far
as possible, and yet produce an absolutely reliable quality of workmanship,
the value of glue alone consumed in a year is fifteen thousand dollars. There
are a number of heaters and drying kilns for carefully conditioning the glued-
up stock. Out of these departments are turned oaks, mahoganies and walnuts
with wonderfully beautiful grains and flakes, that lend a surpassing elegance
to some of the product. For these reasons and the exquisite finish put on,
Herzog furniture is in steady demand throughout the United States, and is
attracting increasing foreign business.
Old designs in furniture, which at first were followed, gave way to new,
and in l'HO the twentieth century bulge arch design was evolved. This
beautiful and original design has given the name of Herzog a distinctive
place in the furniture world; and it is a maxim of the trade that no piece of
furniture made under this stamp of perfection fails of the artistic.
Furniture in the "white" is ready for the application of every known
variety of finish, including Adam Browns, Burly Walnuts, Circassians,
Enamels and Silvergreys. The finishing department alone is more than
three citv blocks lung and wider than Michigan Avenue. Here are tables,
desks, piano benches, dressers, bed-room suites, record cabinets, phonograph
cabinets and cases. All cabinets of the famous Sonora phonograph, in all
their beauty of design and perfect workmanship, are here finished in exquisite
style.
The small beginning of the Sonora cabinet business at a quite recent date
makes its phenomenal growth a magical demonstration of the judgment of
John L. Jackson and John Herzog in measuring and in developing a wide-
spread demand for a brand new idea. Mr. Herzog had designed samples of
music cabinets with the bulge lines, and had patented the application of this
design to phonograph cabinets. The idea received scant attention from
phonograph manufacturers and distributors until brought to the notice of
George E. Brightson, president of the Sonora Phonograph Corporation, of
New York. The conception fitted perfectly in his plans to produce an ideal
phonograph that would be the epitome of artistic design.
His first order with the Herzog Company was for ten cabinets, and
material for fifteen cabinets was cut. These fifteen cabinets having been
disposed of, Mr. Herzog went after a cutting order for twenty-five, hut
received an order for only ten, taking the chance of the phonograph people
selling the remainder. He next solicited an order for one hundred cabinets,
but the conservative Sonora Corporation would guarantee to take only fifty
with the understanding that they were to be held subject to order, l.efore
the order was half completed, so man) more phonographs were sold that the
Sonora Corporation ordered the entire lot of cabinets finished and shipped
to New York.
Meanwhile a fairly complete line of samples had been manufactured, and
twenty-five of each number were put through on the first regular cutting
order. Before these had been manufactured and sold, new lots of five
hundred each were ordered from almost every number. This was only about
five years ago (1912), yet at the present time some of these numbers are
ordered by the Sonora Corporation in lots of ten thousand cabinets; and in
1916 sixty-seven thousand cabinets were ordered, made and shipped to the
phonograph people by the Herzog Company.
The remarkable success of the Sonora phonograph is due very largely to
ihe collaboration of these industrial leaders in producing patented manu-
facturing processes, patented machinery, and patented designs which have
made commercially practical the famous tone quality and tone control
obtained by the construction of a patented wooden horn, used only in the
572 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Sonora phonograph and made only in Saginaw. The marvelous beauty of
the Sonora cabinets is due both to their superior finish and to their graceful
flowing lines obtained by the patented bulge process of making furniture.
The instrument itself also has numerous quality advantages over all others,
the motor being made by Swiss expert mechanics with generations of ex-
perience, while the reproducer is the most perfect sound producer that is
made. A matter of particular interest is that the Sonora won the gold medal
for tone quality, in competition with every other type of talking machine, at
the Panama-Pacific International Exposition at San Francisco, in 1915.
Early in 1('17 the business of the Sonora Corporation reached such an
enormous volume that a closer co-ordination of interests with the Herzog
Company was necessary. A large part of the assembly department of the
former company was moved to Saginaw, and installed in the plant of the
local company. At the same time a working agreement was entered into by
which the Herzog Company contracted to furnish twenty-five million dollars
worth of cabinets for the Sonora Corporation, covering a period of fifteen
years. This great production will very nearly require the entire facilities
of the mammoth furniture factory, with the employment of eight hundred
workmen, about two hundred working on night shifts. Another large addi-
tion to the Herzog plant is contemplated, and the Sonora Corporation has
planned to erect a large assembly plant for the phonographs, on the property
owned by the I lerzog Company directly opposite the main units of the factory
on .Michigan Avenue. The phonograph business is believed to be still in its
infancy, and what the outcome will be for the Sonora, and of its ally, the
Herzog Company, can scarcely be imagined.
The very highest design produced by the Herzog Company is retailed
by the Sonora Corporation at one thousand dollars, the features of which are
unsurpassed by any cabinet or piece of furniture made today. It is a unique
unit that most perfectly fulfills an artistic purpose. Plans are being
developed for the design and manufacture of several new and elaborate
models that will be placed on the market at retail prices ranging as high as
five thousand dollars.
But what of the personality of the founder of this great industry — John
Flerzog? A dynamo of energy and enterprise, he radiates inspiration and
zeal to all his associates. Through his genius, large inventive ability and
humanitarian ideas he has brought the factory to a high degree of efficiency.
Rulge Arch furniture is likely to become a monument to him, but whether
this is realized or not he is building day by day a lasting monument in the
hearts and lives of his workmen.
It is his constant aim to be helpful to all. and yet he almost persuades
himself that those he helps are more benefit to him than he is to them. He
takes a special interest in the apprentice boys, and has established night
schools where young men and boys are afforded practical instruction in
drawing, designing and woodworking — advantages equal to what a student
gets in a technical school. By this means highly trained mechanics and
cabinet makers have been developed. The policy of the company is to recruit
its leaders from the ranks of its own employees, and with its continued
growth practically all the foremen and sub-foremen have come from the
best class of workmen in the factory.
In 1916 the company inaugurated large bonuses to its workmen and
foremen. Ever}- operation has gradually been put upon the bonus plan of
wage payment, which will eventually enable the workmen to greatly increase
their wages in proportion to the amount of good work they produce.
Every summer the Herzog employees give a huge excursion and picnic at
some lake or city, which is financed by the company, though earned by the
workers. This event is followed by an animal banquet in the fall.
574
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
PLANT OF WM. B.
Wm. B. Mershon & Company
The industrial history of Saginaw contains few names of as much
prominence as that of Mershon, whose business activities through three eener-
ations have contributed very largely to the growth and prosperity of this
city. As earl}- as 1854, when Saginaw was little more than a frontier settle-
ment. E. J. Mershon, grandfather of the present principal generation, came
tn Saginaw, lie soon engaged in lumbering, and laid the foundation for the
great business which afterward developed. His activities and personality are
well remembered by pioneers still living.
Augustus II. Mershon, his son, followed in the lumber business and for
years was actively identified with the firm of A. G. Bissell & Company,
of which he was the executive head. At that time practically all lumber
was shipped by vessel to lower lake ports, in the rough as it came from the
saw, a practice which entailed a considerable loss to Saginaw River lumber-
men. Mr. Mershon was one of the first lumbermen to perceive the advantage
hi" planing and dressing lumber for shipment, and was the first to make box
shooks in Michigan, lie was Inspector General of Lumber in 1874, and his
views mi this subject were graphically expressed in his official reports,
excerpts from which appear in the chapter on "The Lumber Industry" pp.
413-14. It was largely by his influence that a number of lumbermen built
planing mills and dressed millions of feet of lumber for the Eastern trade.
During the eighties and early nineties the Saginaw Valley was one of the
largest lumber distributing markets in this country.
In 1876 Wm. B. Mershon took over the planing mill business, which
bad been well established by his lather, and erected a salt works as an
adjunct to the business. His brother, Edward C. Mershon, soon joined him
in the enterprise and. being of a practical mechanical turn of mind, was given
entire charge of plant and equipment. The business was incorporated under
the title of Win. B. Mershon & Co., with a capital of fifty thousand dollars.
Under aide management the business increased rapidly, and became one
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
57:>
MERSHON & COMPANY
of the largest wood-working institutions in Saginaw Valley. Its products
consisted of doors, sash, window frames, interior trim and finish, and lumber
for all building requirements.
An important part of the business was the making of box shooks—
pieces of lumber cut and dressed to exact dimensions for packing cases and
boxes of all descriptions. In those (lavs rough hoards were resawed to the
required thickness by circular saws, a process which entailed great waste of
material. No one had yet devised a practical sawing machine for doing this
work with a thin saw kerf and reduced cost.
Early in the eighteen-nineties the Mershon Company entered into a
large contract with the Standard < til Company of New York, for shooks
used for shipping petroleum products in the export trade. This contract
required a large quantity of lumber which was cut at the Shaw- & Williams
mill, adjoining the Mershon planing mill. The lumber from this mill ran
uniformly thick, and the waste in resawing it for this box shook order was
appalling. At length the oil company, in consequence of changes in the
methods of valuation by the custom officials, ordered the box shooks made
thinner than before, but the price remained the same.
This circumstance led the manufacturers to attempt a radical departure
in resawing, in an effort to secure three thin pieces from a thick one-inch
board, where only two pieces were being obtained by the old methods. Ex-
periments had elsewhere been made in resawing by the use of band resaws,
but without much success. The needs were so urgent, however, that
Edward C. Mershon examined the machines then in use in the East, and
ordered one for his plant. When received it was set up and operated accord-
ing to directions with fairly encouraging results. The thin band saws
reduced the kerf to a minimum, and three thin pieces of lumber, such as
were needed for the box shook order, were obtained from one board, instead
of only two. But there were inherent defects in the design and construction
576
HISTORY OF SAGINAW C< >UNTY
EDWARD C. MERSHON
of this primitive machine, which caused the saws to break and other parts
co gel oul hi order, so that the factory operations were constantly delayed.
entailing a heavy loss.
The inventive genius of I'd ward C. Mershon was at mice applied to
correct and overcome these defects. He studied every phase of the subject
and examined every part which seemed to need attention, and at length
discovered where the trouble lay. Plans and specifications for an improved
band resaw were drawn according to his ideas, and an entirely new machine
was built in Saginaw, at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars. This was the
first perfected band resaw ever built anywhere, and from the first day of its
operation it proved a complete success. Two other band resaws were soon
after built on the same plans, one of which was sold to a box shook manu-
facturer at St. Paul, and was burned in a mill fire a few years after. The
other machine is still in successful operation in a planing mill in Saginaw.
From this beginning, brought about by the necessity of the lumber trade,
there has been developed an extensive business. The first improved band
resaw, bearing the name of "Mershon," was shipped in 1892, and from that
time the demand for these machines has constantly increased. In 1901 the
lumber business of Wm. B. Mershon & Company was taken over by a new
corporation — the Mershon, Shuette, Parker Company, and in the Spring of
1902 the i ild company removed its machine simps into a new plant in the
neighborhood of the old.
This plant is a modern two-story brick structure, planned to meet all
the demands of the business, and is equipped with all essential machinery
and tin ils for the most economic operation. When opened thirty-eight
machinists and workmen were constantly employed. Extensive additions
to plant and equipment were made from time to time, and in 1917 the
concern is the largest in the world making band resaws. Machines are built
and assembled complete in this city, about one hundred and fifty of various
types and specially adapted t< > every need, being built annually. About
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
577
seventy-five skilled mechanics and workmen are now given steady employ-
ment in the shops, and they receive nearly one hundred thousand dollars
yearly in wages. The annual production is valued at about three hundred
thousand dollars.
The Mershon Band Resaw is known to almost every civilized country
on the globe, and the name "Saginaw" has been carried by this home product
to the most remote places. Machines have been shipped to Alaska, Aus-
tralia, New Zealand, to almost every country of South America, to Africa,
Sweden, Russia, and to the Island of Borneo. The smallest resaw sells
around seven hundred dollars, others at twelve hundred to two thousand,
while the big band resaws for saw mills are priced as high as thirty-six
hundred dollars.
In addition to economy in operation, the Mershon Band Resaws are
desirable from the standpoint of safety, simplicity, and adaptability to a
wide range of service. They minimize the saw kerf by the use of the thinnest
saw blade possible, resulting in an increased merchantable product from the
log or board. The band resaws as made today incorporate all the features
which the ingenuity and experience of Edward C. Mershon devised for the
perfect operation of thin saw blades.
The present officers of the company are Edward C. Mershon, president;
Wm. B. Mershon, vice-president; Hugh 1!. Brown, secretary and treasurer.
NEW STANDARD 60-INCH BAND RESAW
a
578 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Germain Manufacturing Company
An important addition to the wood-working industries of Saginaw is
the Germain Manufacturing Company, whose large plant is located on
South Jefferson Avenue between Rust Avenue and Webber Street. The
company was incorporated April 1, 1913, by Louis Germain, president and
general manager; Edward F. Germain, vice-president, and Walter M. Ger-
main, secretary and treasurer, with a capital stock of seventy-five thousand
di illars, paid in cash.
Louis Germain is a thoroughly practical mill man with extensive expe-
rience in the wood-working industry, having been fur many years superin-
tendent of the great plant of Edward Germain, his brother. Edward F. and
Walter M. Germain, his s< ms, the other active officials of the company, are
young men of ability and integrity. By diligence and strict application to
business they have aided their father in building up a large and prosperous
business, and now hold enviable positions of trust and responsibility.
The original plans of the company contemplated the erection of a modern
wood-working plant, one hundred and four by two hundred and twenty feet
in dimensions, with high and well lighted basement. This brick structure-
was designed specially for the making of piano backs and other piano parts
on a large scale, and was built at Jefferson Avenue and Webber Street.
With the large dry kilns and power plant adjoining, the plant covered
almost an acre of ground, while the lumber yard covered two or three acres
nil ire.
In this modern factory building was installed the best type of wood-
working machinery, some of which was designed especially for the making
of piano Lacks. These special machines included the assembling, or hand
screw presses, so devised that the piano back is put together in one opera-
tion and taken out as a completed unit. Before this stage is reached, how-
ever, there are numerous operations in preparing the wood, gluing the
pieces together, sawing the units thus formed into various shapes and
sizes, sandpapering and inspection. All this is done by batches of thou-
sands upon thousands of units, as the daily maximum capacity of finished
piano backs is two hundred.
All the machinery is laid out and the operations are carried on on a
scientific plan, insuring the utmost economy of handling the countless pieces
of wood, and also the expedition with which the finished product is turned
out. The beech and maple lumber from which backs are manufactured is
entirely a .Michigan product, and is brought into Saginaw by railroad. It
is here sorted and piled for several months air drying, and then placed in
one of eight steam heated dry kilns, conveniently located at one end of the
factory. After a thorough drying at uniform temperature for eight to ten
days, until the moisture is reduced to below five per cent., the lumber is
taken out directly into the mill, where it enters upon a regular chain of
i iperatii ins.
At this end of the factory are the numerous saws which rip and cut
the boards into pieces of various sizes, and planers and shapers which smooth
and form the pieces into the desired shapes. The machines are so placed
that the lumber, pieces and parts pass from one to another in regular, con-
secutive order, so that the handling is reduced to a minimum. There is no
retrogression in any of the operations. By a constant and well defined move-
ment, from one end of the factory to the other, the various pieces, after pass-
ing through the gluing processes and the screw presses, come out the
finished unit — a piano back in the "white." From twelve to fifteen days
have elapsed since the dry lumber was taken from the kiln, or about erne
calendar month since the rough lumber was moved from the pile in the
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T.SO HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
yard to the dry kiln. At this rate of manufacture it is readily to be seen
that from four to five thousand piano hacks are constantly in process of
making- in this modern plant.
When finished and loaded in the car for shipment the piano hack is
ready for the "bellying" process, which is the placing of the sounding board.
This, however, is dune by the piano makers in their own factory.
A notable feature of this well planned factory, whose annual capacity is
sixty thousand piano hacks on an employment schedule of one hundred men,
is the high and light basement. In this basement is installed all the shafting
and pulleys for driving the various machines. The main drive shaft is set
beneath the floor beams, and the pulleys transmit power by short belts
through the floor to the machines above. The pillow blocks, or shaft bear-
ings, are set in foundations of concrete, insuring stability and eliminating
much of the vibration incident to suspended shafts and pulleys running at
high speed.
A ready market for piano hacks is found in New York City, Buffalo,
East Rochester, Philadelphia, Columbus, Milwaukee and Chicago. The
field for the Germain Piano Back is steadily broadening, and the capacity of
the plant is so taxed that the manufacture of piano bridges, which at one
time was carried on quite extensively, has been reduced to a minimum.
It is interesting to note that this piano hack is entirely a glued product, no
nails, pegs, ties, or screws entering into the combining of the numerous
pieces of wood which enter into it.
Earl}' in 1916 this prosperous business was augmented by the addition
of two new departments, for the manufacture of dimension stock for piano
cases and box shooks. In June of that year the company acquired the
valuable property to the north of the plant. On this ground was a one-
story structure of steel truss construction, iron siding and gravel roof, two
hundred by four hundred feet in dimensions. This large building was re-
modeled and improved, and equipped with new wood-working machinery of
standard type. It is admirably adapted to the purpose for which it is now
used, and gives steady employment in both departments to seventy-five
\m irkmen.
The north side and east end of the structure is used by the box shook
department, which uses from six to seven million feet of box lumber, mostly
pine, every year. This is an important industry and supplies piano box
shooks to a large trade. The output is constantly increasing and an im-
mense business is in prospect.
The other, and equally as essential a business to the piano makers, is
the dimension stock department, which occupies a large part of the south
side of the building. Between this and the original factory is a battery
of drv kilns and a large storage shed for selected lumber. The operations of
this department consist of taking the kiln dried lumber, which is quarter-
sawn yellow poplar and chestnut from Virginia and Tennessee, planing, cut-
ting and gluing it together in various shapes ami sizes, and finishing it in the
"white," ready for the piano makers to finish and fashion with veneers to
meet their own designs for piano case--.
This addition to the plant has a floor space of nearly two acres, making
the total factory space under roof about three acres, while the lumber yard
and grounds adjoining the main building have an area of about five acres,
or eight acres in all.
Although the factory structures are as nearly fire proof as any wood-
working plant can be made, every part of the plant, every nook and corner,
is protected by the Globe Automatic Sprinkler System; and there are fire
pumps in the power plant ami water mains and hydrant-, throughout the
yard as a safeguard against fire in the lumber piles.
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582
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
PLANT OF SAGINAW SHOW CASE COMPANY
Saginaw Show Case Company, Lt'd
\n industry of special interest to this city is the Saginaw Show Case
Company, successors to the Stenglein .Manufacturing Company for more
than twenty years makers of tine furniture. In 1903 the new corporation
was i rganized and took over the plant and property of the latter concern
on Mackinaw Street between Hamilton and Niagara. The principal incor-
porators and stockholders are: John Stenglein. August Stenglein, C. J. Rice,
Henry Meier, F. W. Sawatsky. G. L. Burrows, Jr., S. E. Parrish, J. G.
Schemm Estate, E. G. Rust Estate. James A. Nolan Estate and Fred J. Fox.
There was a broad market and steady demand for floor cases and other
products of this kind, and the company started making high grade floor
cases of attractive design and fine workmanship. Gradually the line was
extended to include enclosed wall cases and store fixtures for the drug,
jewelry, dry goods, candy and other trades, and a large business was worked
up. The field of operations covered the entire United States, and in more-
recent years a considerable foreign trade has been developed, large ship-
ments being made to leading jobbers of Porto Rico and of some countries of
South America.
The woods used are largely native to this section of the country,
although more recently mahogany in both solid and veneer finish has become
most popular with the trades. The mahogany is imported from Africa and
South America, and worked up from the rough boards to the finely finished
cases, replete with all the latest fixtures, such a- marble base, mirror doors,
glass shelves and electric lights. Some special and highly artistic cases
have been turned out from this well equipped factory, embodying the latest
ideas of arrangement and finish, and costing as much as thirty dollars a
running foot.
A considerable quantity of line marbles is used in the construction oi
show cases; and bevelled, ground and polished edge plate glass, as well
as some fine art glass, products of Saginaw manufactories, are the principal
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
583
materials that go into the cases. Thirty-five to forty mechanics and skilled
workmen are employed by the company; and tin animal production is
valued at sixty to seventy thousand dollars.
The
Saginaw Mirror Works
jinaw Mirror Works, a Michigan corporation, was organized in
the Fall of 1904 with a capital stock of ten thousand dollars. A start was
made with two men making mirrors for a limited trade, but a year later
\Y. M. Guider became interested in the company, and a plan of operations
\\a> laid nut which soon indicated a large expansion of the business. The
capital stock was increased to twenty thousand dollars, and the plant was
enlarged with the installation of needed machinery and appliances to take
care of the rapidly increasing requirements. This included the building of
an addition to the original plant, at Niagara and Lyon Streets, which is
closely connected with that of the Saginaw Show Case Company, whose
needs in the line of mirrors and show case tups it supplies, and affords a
considerable portion of its business.
Besides the increasing use of mirrors in show cases, the .Mirror Work-.
finds a ready market in the furniture trade and with manufacturers of in-
terior finish, which insures a steady volume of business. The market for
mirrors of high grade is active and shipments are made to all points in the
United States, to Mexico, and to Cuba and South America.
In 1915 a departure was made in the already successful business by the
introduction of an art glass department. This includes the making of -lass
in beautiful and symmetrical designs for the building and allied trades. The
art glass is largely used in vestibule doors, stairways windows and for similar
purposes in fine residence, public buildings, etc. A feature of this depart-
ment is the exquisite designs for church windows and other purposes of
ecclesiastical nature. These include the use of rich cathedral glass for chan-
cel and altar windows and rose windows, some with large figures of script-
ural subjects done in exquisite colors, ami readily appealing to the spiritual
sense of church people. Although this is special work executed on order
THE SAGINAW MIRROR WORKS
584 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
only, it is becoming a considerable part of the total business of the company.
About forty men are given steady employment in the Mirror Works,
the total output of which is fully seventy-five thousand dollars yearly. The
present directors are: John Stenglein, president; A. U. Stenglein, vice-
president; W. M. Guider, secretary-treasurer and manager, and J. II. Ditt-
man and L. Decker.
Brand & Hardin Milling Company
The oldest milling concern in Saginaw Valley, and probably in this
section of Michigan, is the Brand & Hardin Milling Company, whose large
plant is situated at Niagara and Mackinaw Streets. This prosperous business
was founded in the eighteen-fifties by the late Daniel Hardin, whc built a
grist mill, thirty by sixty feet in size, on the site of the present mill, and
conducted a general flour and feed trade for many years.
On April 1. 1878, J. F. Brand took charge of the business, and a lew
months later was joined in the enterprise by A. C. Hardin, the firm name
being Brand & Hardin. This enterprising firm soon after sold the original
mill to John H. Shackleton who removed it to Mackinaw, Gratiot and Lyon
Streets. A general milling business was there carried on for about twenty-
five years. At length the old mill, which had been improved from time to
time, was moved to the Melt Line near Gratiot Street, and was entirely
destroyed by lire about six years ago.
Meanwhile the firm of Brand iK: Hardin erected a new. modern roller
mill, four stories in height, eighty by one hundred feet in dimensions, on the
site of the old mill, and it was equipped with all the essential machinery for
making flour of superior quality. The mill had a capacity of two hundred
barrels of flour a day, and hv it-- improved process of milling the firm estab-
lished a high reputation for their various brands. An addition to the mill
was fitted with roller process machinery for use as a feed mill, and a con-
siderable business was transacted in that line. The name of Brand & Hardin
was the foremost one in the milling trade of Saginaw Valley.
At the time the milling business was expanding the firm also engaged
in the manufacture of shingles and salt, products for which there was a steady
demand. The shingle mill was situated on the bank of the river adjoining
the flour mill, and exhaust steam from the latter was used in some of the
manufacturing processes, and was also used in working the pumps and in
evaporating the salt brine in the salt block. This utilization of a hitherto
waste product of the engines proved an economic measure, and added appreci-
ably to the profits of the firm. The production of shingles amounted to six
ami one-half million annually, and was continued until 1900 when the avail-
able timber became exhausted. The manufacture of salt continued and
reached thirteen thousand barrels a year, but later the production was greatl)
increased by their operation of the Kull block, which had a daily capacity
of about one hundred barrels. The salt business finally became unprofitable
and the blocks were closed down and dismantled about 1907.
The roller mill which was opened in 1882 and the feed mill in 1885 were
augmented in 1906 by the erection of a grain elevator adjoining the mill on the
south side. With ample railroad facilities the storage of wheat, oats, rye.
barlev and other grains for milling and trade purposes was good business
practice, and increased the business of the firm. In 1912 a second elevator
was built on the premises and used exclusively for the handling of beans.
About forty-five women and girls are employed in "picking" beans, and the
shipments of this popular article of food are about one hundred carloads a
year. From twenty to twenty-live men are given steady employment in the
mill and elevators.
586
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The present capacity of the roller mill is two hundred and fifty barrels
of flour a day, and so celebrated are their brands that the local demand,
and that of the surrounding country, calls fur the entire output. The "O. K.
Roller Patent" brand is a fancy patent made from winter wheat; "Gold
Medal" brand is made from a blend of winter and spring wheat; "Special
Patent" brand is a straight winter wheat flour, while "Monarch" brand is an
all spring wheat flour. There are also "< ). K. Buckwheat" and a self-rising
pancake flour of superior quality, which meet with great favor with house-
wives and the trade generally.
In 1908 the business of Brand & Hardin was incorporated as the Brand
& Hardin Milling Company. J. F. Brand is president of the new company,
C. H. Brand is vice-president, and W. E. DeWitt is secretary and treasurer.
Other stockholders in the company are D. W. Stewart, R. J. Walker and
E. L. Levi.
BUTTER MAKING AT SAGINAW CREAMERY COMPANY
Saginaw Creamery Company
Five vears ago the creamery business of this city was augmented by the
organization of the Saginaw Creamer}' Company, wdiose model establishment
is located at 209 North Writer Street. Charles F. Burger, the founder of the
company, is an enterprising business man whose progressive policy lias built
up a large trade. At the beginning of the successful business he adopted a
system of buying cream direct from the producer, which has been maintained
ever since.
'Idle direct shipping system by which shipments of cream are received
from all parts of the State, is a very popular one with producers, and the
steady supply of rich cream has increased to such an extent that at the end
of last summer the output of "Purity First" brand of creamery butter reached
a total of seven hundred and fifty thousand pounds. Cream comes from
points ar far north as the Straits of Mackinaw, as far west as Lake Michigan,
as far east as Bake Erie, and a considerable distance south. Cash is paid
for each shipment of cream sent in, and the producer of good cream receives
the highest price for butter fat, with the usual cream station operator's profit
added.
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
3S7
The creamery plant is very Favorably located to conduct a business of
this kind covering a wide territory. Cream from the producer is received
at the railroad stations, is hauled to the creamery by motor trucks, and an
accurate record made of it. Each separate shipment is accurately weighed
and carefully tested for butter fat content. Great care is exercised in this
matter, as correct weights and cash payments have been prime factors in the
growth of the business.
When emptied of their rich cream contents the cans are thoroughly
sterilized and returned to the shippers ready for further use.
At the present time there are more than four thousand satisfied producers
of cream who make regular shipments to the Saginaw Creamery Company.
Each and every transaction with them is carefully recorded, so that any
particular item or detail may be quickly referred to at any time. Cream
producers of Saginaw and adjoining counties, as well as those at a con-
siderable distance from this city, are fortunate in having such a reliable and
progressive creamery to take their dairy products.
PARKER
DAIRY
CO.
PARKER
DAIRY
CLARE H. PARKER
Parker Dairy Company
The Parker Dairy Company, which is one of the large distributors of
Pasteurized milk and dairy products in this city, was established in 1905,
and its model plant is located at 2_'8 North Warren Avenue and at 608-12
Johnson Street. The company was founded by Clare H. Parker, whose
energy, extensive experience and integrity have built up a very successful
business.
Mr. Parker was born in 1876 at Grand Blanc, ( ienesee County, which
was also the birthplace of his parents. After attending the district schools
and the Flint High School in boyhood, he took a full course in the Michigan
Agricultural College, from which he graduated in 1''00. He was superin-
tendent of Towar's Ann Arbor Dairy Farm from 1 ''00 to 1902; and was
588 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
manager of the Sanitary Milk Company, Grand Rapids, in 1903 and 1904.
The following year he came to Saginaw and founded the business of which
he is the guiding spirit.
In 1911 the dairy business was incorporated with a capital stuck of
twenty thousand dollars. Many improvements have since been made to
the plant, and at present the latest DeLaval clariiier and Jansen Pasteurizers
are in daily operation. The must sanitary conditions are constantly main-
tained, insuring absolutely clean and safe milk.
The milk comes from the same dairies every morning, and is brought
to the dairy plant mostly by motor trucks, thus providing at all times a
fresh and pure supply. The handling of milk in this plant is entirely by
automatic machinery, even to the capping of the bottles, so that it is pro-
tected from contamination by human hands.
In 1910 the company began making ice cream of high grade, though on
a small scale, but so great has been the demand for "Superior" Brand ice
cream that a modern freezing plant has been added. This product is now
shipped from Saginaw in all directions to points from ten to one hundred
miles distant, and forms a considerable part of the large business transacted
by the company.
Koehler Brothers
The greal and growing importance of the iron and steel interests of
Saginaw is reflected in the general activity which attends the industry here,
and is an augury of future prosperity of this city. Among the successful
concerns in this line is that of Koehler Brothers which for thirty-eight years
has been located at 20S-12 South Water Street. This old and reliable firm.
operating steam forge, bolt works and machine shops, succeeded in 1S7S to
the oldest business of its kind in Saginaw Valley. It was founded in Decem-
ber, 1852, by Frederick A. Koehler (see Vol. 1, page 35'', for portrait), father
of the present principal generation. East Saginaw was then merely a fron-
tier settlement and the mechanical needs of the pioneers were few and easily
supplied. Mr. Koehler had come with his father from New Jersey and settled
in Saginaw City, but was soon induced by Alfred M. Hoyt and Norman Little
to locate his shop at Fast Saginaw. A comfortable house was built at the
corner of Water and Tuscola Streets, where the Koehler family lived for
a number i if years.
The original blacksmith and machine shops were situated on the south
side of Tuscola Street, between Washington and Water Streets, where a
steadily growing business was conducted for about twenty-five years. Dur-
ing that period Mr. Koehler did practically all the iron work on Jesse floyt's
vessels, which were built in a little ship yard at the point where the Flint &
Pere Marquette Railroad afterward crossed the river, and most of the mill
work of Hoyt's extensive manufacturing enterprises.
With the aid of new machinery, steam power, steam trip hammer, blower,
lathe and bolt cutter, and all essential tools for rapid and skillful work, the
shops were enabled to do all kinds of heavy iron forging and blacksmithing
and the making of stair railings, awning frames, etc. "The old reliable
worker in iron," savs an old advertisement of 1869, "with one of the best
machine shops in the West, makes endless chain for carrying away sawdust,
slabs, edgings and other refuse of saw mills."
On April 10, 1878, the business was taken over by James A. and Frederick
11. Koehler. sons of the founder, and it has since been conducted under the
firm name of Koehler Brothers. In 1880 the plant was removed to the
present location on South Water Street, having a frontage of one hundred
feet and a depth of one hundred and twenty feet, which afforded much needed
space and increased facilities for carrying on the increasing business.
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
589
KOEHLER BROTHERS IRON WORKS
Frederick H. Koehler died in 1880, and the business has since been carried
on by Clarkson A. and James A. Koehler, the former, like bis brother, being
a skilled mechanic and millwright.
The works then occupied a substantial brick building covering practi-
cally the entire site, and were equipped with all requisite machinery fur doing
the heaviest blacksmithing and forging. There were special facilities for
making salt and artesian well tools of all kinds, bolts, pole joints, etc., and
all the appliances fur saw and shingle mills and salt blocks. Employment
was given to twenty skilled workmen. The thoroughness with which all
the details of the business were carried on. the high quality of materials used
and superior workmanship secured fur the owners of the plant a widespread
reputation. The firm enjoyed the confidence of mill men everywhere, and a
large business was transacted in Michigan. Wisconsin, Minnesota, and as far
\\ est as Colorado and South as far as Texas.
The present members of the firm are Clarkson A. and James A. Koehler,
who have been associated with the business nearly all their lives, and James
11. and Charles J. Koehler. sons of Clarkson Koehler. They are thoroughly
practical and experienced men in the business, and all the details of numerous
iron-working contracts taken by the firm have their personal supervision.
Their line of builders' iron work reaches out all over the country, and,
considering the wide line of mill work formerly done, there is scarcely a
State not touched by their product. In mill work they still make chains
used for conveying sawdust and refuse out of saw mills, and spur chains for
bringing up the logs into the mills. Their principal products, however, are
steel stairs, gratings, area doors, fire escapes, porte cocheres and ornamental
iron work. They also conduct a general forging and machine shop business,
and in all their various operations give employment to many mechanics.
590
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
In some of their more recent contracts they have installed iron work in
public and private buildings in Alma, Alpena, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Caro,
Muskegon, Petoskey, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Detroit, Flint,
Jackson and other cities. While there is no competition locally they do meet
with active competition in outside contracts, but their equipment enables
them to secure much of the work offered in their line. The firm is very
progressive and is one of Saginaw's substantial manufacturing institutions.
WHERE WOLVERINE GLOVES ARE MADE
Wolverine Glove Company
The diversity of Saginaw's industries is without doubt one of the chief
factors of the city's progress and prosperity. This is exemplified by the suc-
cessful concern known as the Wolverine Glove Company, 308-12 Tuscola
Street, one of the local manufactories which owes its expansion to the sheer
merit of its pn iduct.
The business was started in 1910 by George W. McConnell, who per-
ceived the broad field for cheap workingmen's gloves made from canvas, duck
or other cotton materials. He had the right idea, an indomitable will and
an ample degree of perseverance, and although the beginning was in a very
small way the business increased rapidly. A few machines had been set up
in Mr. McConnell's home, at 427 Howard Street, and it was not long before
his gloves attracted wide attention, and he had all the orders he could take
care of. At no time then or since has the factory been of sufficient capacity
to make gloves fast enough to supply the active demand.
Meanwhile C. E. Borland had observed the rapid expansion of this new
industry. It was literally buried under an avalanche of orders for its pro-
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
591
duct, and he soon interested E. A. Robertson in a comprehensive plan for in-
incorporation of the business and a great enlargement of its manufacturing
facilities. In November, 1916, the incorporation of the Wolverine Glove
Company was effected with the following officers: E. A. Robertson, presi-
dent ; George W. McConnell, vice-president ; C. E. Borland, secretary and
treasurer.
To provide suitable factory space the company leased the old "News"
building on Tuscola Street, a three-story and basement brick structure, hav-
ing a floor area of about ten thousand square feet. In this building was
installed a complete equipment of the latest glove and knitting machines,
and on January 1, 1917, the factory began operations. The output was in-
creased more than ten fold at a single step forward, and for the first time in
the history of the enterprise did the promoters hope to promptly meet all
demands for their product.
This hope was soon dispelled, however, by a greater expansion of the
business than had ever been dreamed of, and more machinery was ordered to
supplement the factory equipment. In a little more than a year the business
increased to a stage where employment is given to one hundred and thirty-five
women and girls. The line of gloves, meanwhile, was enlarged, and the
company now makes all kinds of workingmen's gloves to meet all require-
ments of the trade. Its principal outlet is through the large wholesale
grocery and jobbing houses, orders being taken for manufacture and delivery
months in advance. The popularity of Wolverine gloves is such that more
than likely the demand will necessitate a doubling of the factory equipment,
and in a few years at most more than two hundred and fifty women will be
employed by this establishment.
BEAN ELEVATOR WITH ILLUMINATED WAVING FLAG
592
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
-
MODERN PRINTING PLANT OF VALLEY PRINTING COMPANY
Valley Printing Company
Every red-blooded American, who is interested in the progress of his
State and county, finds pleasure in reading of the achievements of self made
men. and particularly of the career of those who have come within his
observation. In the application of those qualities of energy, intellect, per-
serverance and integrity, Saginaw has many worthy examples, among whom
is Willis 11. Brooks, founder and manager of the Valley Printing Company.
Beginning in a small way with limited capital, a print simp in cramped
quarters, he has by the display of an indomitable will built up a large business
in the better class of printing, employing skilled workmen in two well
equipped plants.
Air. Brooks began his career as a skilled printer in 1S78 with the Bay
City Tribune, and continued his connection with that paper fur about six
years. In l!So4 he went to Mint as a partner in the publication of the Flint
Journal, which soon after became a daily paper. After a precarious existence
tor several vears this property was sold, and Mr. Brooks interested himself
in job printing which ever since has been his occupation, and a very success-
ful one.
It was in 1893, following a year of hard work in soliciting good printing
for a local concern, that Air. Brooks, in association with AI. A. McConnelly,
started a small print shop in the Exchange Block, at the corner of Genesee
Avenue and Tilden (Water) Street. The room was only twenty by fifty-
feet in size, filled with good printing machinery and equipment, and for the
first time in his experience in this city was Brooks able to furnish the high
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES 593
grade printing his customers were demanding. "Quality First" was. and
always has been, his watch-word, and the remarkable success which came of
his efforts was due very largely to strict adherence to this policy.
Five years later, when the business had outgrown the space and the loca-
tion where it was started, the whole establishment was removed to the Brewer
Block on North Franklin Street. The floor space available was twenty by
eighty feet, but this was enlarged the following year by the addition of an
adjoining store, giving a total space of forty by erne hundred feet. The loca-
tion was a very favorable one for a business of this kind, and the mechanical
equipment was largely increased and renewed, so that the firm was able to
turn out the highest class work in general commercial printing, including
catalogues, pamphlets, etc., in large editions.
The increase in their facilities necessitated the addition of a complete and
up-to-date binder)' with equipment for making all kinds of loose leaf books
and devices. This was a long step forward, and was soon reflected in a con-
siderable increase in the business. Besides attending to the binding work
incident to a large job printing trade, a general binding business is carried on.
At about this time their field of operations was enlarged to cover all the
central portion of the State, and connections were made with some of the
largest corporations, for a considerable part of their printing orders.
In 1910 the trade developed in Mint and vicinity became so promising
that the firm purchased the business and plant of the Hammaker Printing
Company in that city. The equipment of this plant was overhauled and im-
proved, and additions made to it from time to time. It is operated as a
distinct unit and proves a valuable feeder to the Saginaw printing plant.
There is a large printing trade in Flint, especially with the motor manufac-
turers, and much of this business comes to Saginaw through the Flint branch
of this company.
That the printing plants are well equipped to handle all kinds of catalogue
and book work is well known to the trade, and the Saginaw plant is said by
competent judges to be the best balanced print shop in Saginaw Valley. This
i^ largely due to the fact that, following the disastrous tire of May, 1916,
which destroyed much of the fine equipment, entirely new presses and
mechanical appliances were installed. In June of that year the new plant,
removed to the three-story brick building at the corner of North Franklin
and Tuscola Streets, started printing operations. This well lighted and con-
veniently arranged shop has a floor area of about six thousand square feet,
more than six times the space of the original shop. All the machinery is of
the latest approved type, one machine alone costing more than twice the
original investment of the firm.
A machine of particular importance in this model printing plant is the
Monotype type setting machine, which is the only one of its kind north of
Detroit in this section of the State. This wonderful machine, which is used
in the largest printing establishments in this country, does everything that
any type setting machine will do and much more besides. It is especially
useful and economical in setting tables and in statement work, as it sets all
rules, leads and slugs and makes type of any size and face. Much hand com-
position is eliminated, the work of the shop expedited, and the costs reduced.
It has main- other advantages over other type setting machines.
The press equipment consists of large cylinder and job presses, all of the
latest types and improvements. All machines are electrically driven by sepa-
rate motors.
In the stock room is to be found at all times a full line of linen, bond,
ledger and book papers, which is drawn upon to fill orders for all kinds of
catalogue, book and job printing work.
594 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Seemann & Peters
This well known and reliable printing house, the publisher of the new
History of Saginaw County, enjoys the distinction of being the oldest in its
line in Saginaw Valley. Thirty-eight years ago Joseph Seemann and Charles
H. Peters, Senior, both veterans in the printing and publishing business,
joined forces in a co-partnership under the above name, which continued until
the death of Mr. Peters on November 12, 1910. In the following year the
business was incorporated with Joseph Seemann as president, Charles H.
Peters, Junior, vice-president, and Edwin C. Peters general manager. The
business thus founded lias developed rapidly, and the plant, operating all the
departments comprised under the general art of printing and engraving and
book making, is now one of the most complete in this section of the State.
Opening a job printing shop in 1879 in a small room fifteen by twenty
feet in size, on the second floor of the building at 319 Genesee Avenue, the
firm of Seemann & Peters began a long and successful career. In those days
everything was done by hand, it was all hand composition and very often
hand power that operated the presses. Two or three job presses, with such
an equipment of type as would serve a small print shop, comprised the outfit,
but by indomitable will and energy the partners gained a very strong
patronage.
As the business increased larger quarters were needed, and in 1885 the
firm acquired sixty feet of frontage on Tuscola Street, at Xos. 307-309-311,
and erected thereon the Saginaw News Building to which the business was
removed and the facilities increased to handle the rapidly growing trade.
( Ine of the important events in the formative period of the business was
the founding of the Saginaw Evening News, now the Saginaw Daily News,
the first issue of which appeared May 2, 1881. Although the paper was
launched on troubled seas, both its promoters had great faith in the under-
taking, and through their strong personalities and energies and the able
management of Mr. Seemann, the enterprise became thoroughly established
ami the paper entered upon a prosperous career which has continued to the
present time. Later, finding that the paper conflicted in certain ways with
their increasing printing business, they sold the Evening News to E. N.
Dinglev, of Kalamazoo, who took charge on February 15, 1893.
About 1900 the linn enlarged its plant and increased its facilities for
handling high-class work, by the acquisition of the property measuring one
hundred and eighty by one hundred anil twenty feet, at the corner of North
Franklin and Tuscola Streets, adjoining the News Building. The cost of
this property and the improvements then made in the building and the pur-
chase of improved machinery, was forty thousand dollars; and by rearrange-
ment of the plant the Evening News Company took additional space for its
editorial department. A third story was added to the corner building for the
exclusive use of the bindery, which is managed by Edward Ileim. The
bindery is in itself a large and complete plant, with machinery and expert
workmen for producing all kinds of blank books and high class general book-
binding.
An important feature of the business is the thoroughly equipped art
engraving and electrotyping department, which for a number of years has
been under the management of Charles II. Peters, Junior. The process
engraving business was started in Saginaw by O. M. Pausch in 1882, and from
that small beginning a large business has been developed. The electrotyping
department was installed in 1900, and is now a large part of the growing
business. Commercial photography is a branch which is commanding more
attention, and thousands of fine photographs of public buildings, factories,
L
596 HIST! )RY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
machinery, manufactured products and live stock are taken yearly for the
embellishment by illustration of catalogues, circulars and other advertising
matter.
Some ten years ago another important branch of the business was created
in the stationery, office outfitting and plate printing and die stamping depart-
ment. The large corner store with show rooms above for the furniture is a
fitting adjunct to the progressive printing, engraving and binding establish-
ment, where all classes of office furniture, safes, metal filing cabinets and
business appliances, together with social stationery, line leather and brass
goods can be obtained. For the last six years this department has been under
the management of Lynn B. Emery, who literally grew up in the stationery
business.
In 1914 Seemann & Peters purchased of F. & C. Reitter the old estab-
lished German newspaper, the Saginaw Post-Zeitung, and removed the entire
printing plant to its own building on Tuscola Street. The Zeitung is the
oldest weekly newspaper in the Saginaw Valley, having rounded out a half
century of continuous publication. The Post was consolidated with it in
1887. The acquisition of this prominent German newspaper enables Seemann
& Peters to produce all kinds of German job printing, which is considerable in
this thickly populated German community.
The Post-Zeitung is a first-class publication, sets its reading matter from
a linotype machine set with German letter characters, is ably edited by a
veteran journalist. Mr. Hans Dabis, and is managed by George A. Klette,
who has filled this responsible position on the paper for nearly ten years. The
Post-Zeitung circulation exceeds four thousand copies, and reaches every
locality where Germans have settled in Northeastern Michigan and in the
Upper Peninsula.
The Saginaw Daily News, which is controlled by the Scripps-Booth inter-
ests, in August, 1916, removed to the new building at Washington and
Germania Avenues. This left vacant a large part of the Franklin Street prop-
erty, as well as space in the old News Building, ami with characteristic enter-
prise Seemann & Peters proceeded to remodel the former structure to house
under one roof all the departments of their extensive business. The ground
floor was practically rebuilt, walls and partitions changed, and concrete foun-
dations laid for the big cylinder presses and other heavy machinery. All
openings between the two buildings were then closed, and the Tuscola Street
building was leased to the Wolverine (.love Company. Merrill & Kren, an
.Jd and reliable plumbing concern, occupy a portion of this building.
With the beginning of 1917 the entire business of Seemann & Peters is
consolidated in the remodeled building at Franklin and Tuscola Streets, with
a floor space of more than forty thousand square feet. While not the largest,
it is yet one of the most complete establishments of its kind in the State,
embracing all the allied trades of the printing class, designing, plate printing,
electrotyping, stationery and office outfitting, and publishing of the Saginaw
Post-Zeitung. On the first floor are also the general offices of the Company,
very conveniently arranged for the efficient conduct of the business, which
comprises seven distinct branches.
The printing department has been developed through many years,
until the composing room alone occupies twenty-live hundred square feet of
space, with a complete equipment of labor-saving machinery and with facili-
ties for putting in type the most intricate of general book and special com-
position. Two of the latest design linotype machines give facilities for the
rapid handling of all kinds of composition work, including books and cata-
logues, of which the Company does a large volume of business. In the press
room is a battery of five large cylinder presses and seven platens, all operated
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES 597
by electric power through separate motors, as are also the paper cutters,
ruling machines, staplers, binders and other small machinery in the various
departments. This large part of the business is efficiently managed by Carl
Schossow, who has been connected with the printing trade since boyhood
and identified with Seemann & Peters for several years.
An average of sixty-five men and women are employed in the various
departments of the business, and the monthly pay roll, not including the
executives, exceeds four thousand five hundred dollars, while the annual busi-
ness transacted by the Company is about one hundred and fifty thousand
dollars.
Industry Among Blind Folk
What the blind folk of Michigan are doing to earn a living, renew their
hope, regain their usefulness and self-respect, and brighten their lives, is
graphically told by the notable work of the Michigan Employment Institution
for the Adult Blind, which was established in this city in 1903-5. It was
during the governorship of Colonel Aaron T. Bliss that the Legislature
passed a bill to create this institution, and it was located on Houghton
Avenue opposite beautiful Bliss Park, which had been given to the City of
Saginaw by Mr. Bliss.
The question, "What can the blind do for a living?'" is answered in a
logical way by an enumeration of their activities in those occupations in
which they are least at disadvantage with seeing competitors. As a result of
this rational system, fully one-half of the three thousand blind folk in Michi-
gan are self-supporting.
( )n the theory that all real happiness is founded on productive effort,
the keystone of this institution is Industry. It is a trade shop, pure and
-imple. for blind people and those partially blind, between the ages of
eighteen and sixty; and many have learned a self-supporting trade in six
months to a year, and returned to their homes to follow it. Some oppor-
tunities also exist in business, which appeal to energetic and ambitious blind
people, and progress has been made in perfecting a special commercial course,
in addition to literary, musical and manual training afforded.
The apprentices, who always form the major part of the enrollment, as
it is intended they shall, are allowed their board, lodging, washing, and
instruction ; and, after a trade has been learned they become wage-earners,
if they care to remain. They are then put on the payroll and paid by the
piece at current wage rates, but begin at once paying for their living expenses
at the nominal rate of two dollars and fifty cents a week. At this rate the
slowest worker has earned above his living a dollar in a mouth, while the
skilled and rapid operator has cleared from twenty-five to thirty dollars in
the same time.
There are about one hundred inmates in the institution during the greater
portion of the year, of whom seventy are men. This disparity in the sexes
is due to the fact that the problem of how best to care for and give profitable
employment to blind women, has not been solved. Xew industries are being
introduced, but the difficulty seems to be in finding occupations adapted to
women's strength and endurance, at which the}- can work rapidly enough to
be self-supporting, and which they can follow when they return to their
homes. x\ few of these inmates are employed in sorting broom corn, or
selecting feathers for duster-making, besides those who are engaged in the
direct work of housekeeping in the institution. The visitor's attendant is
a blind girl, and she shows people around the buildings so fearlessly that
many refuse to believe that she is entirely blind. The seamstress is a blind
girl, and does all the mending and making of table-cloths, napkins, pillow-
r>98
HISTORY OF SACINAW COUNTY
MAKING FEATHER DUSTERS AT BLIND INSTITUTION
cases anil sheets, using a sewing machine as well as any of her sighted sisters.
Since a blind girl was put to work in the kitchen the dish washing has been
done satisfactorily.
Chief Occupations for Men
From time immemorial broom-making has been the chief occupation for
blind men, and in the Michigan Institution it forms the principal trade
taught. This must always be so because a considerable number of blind
men elect to remain as wageworkers in the institution, and some steady and
profitable work must be given them at all times. There is always a ready
market for brooms of different grades and sizes, including whisk brooms,
and the making of them i> simple and well adapted to handwork. Many
blind men take to it instinctively and soon become proficient workers. As
nearly all the work is done by hand, very little machinery is used, and it is
of the simplest kind. Each apprentice learns every process in the making
of a broom, so as to be able to make one completely; but when he becomes
--killed in the whole operation he generally chooses some particular process
in which he is the most adept. By this practice the workers become rapid
operators, and the production of the shop is greatly increased.
In sewing brooms the accuracy and precision with which the blind
workers use their fingers for eyes, is astonishing. One of the sewers is also
deaf and dumb, but despite his double affliction he is one of the most cheerful
men in the shop. J lis other faculties seem to be acutely attuned to every
sensation, to every vibrant pulse of the shop, for when the superintendent
enters, that fact is instinctively borne to him. With less fine perception
the other sightless ones determine the same fact by the distinguishing foot-
falls of his step. This blind and deaf and dumb man recognizes his friends
1>\ passing his hands quickly over the face, with a light and hardly percep-
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES
599
tible touch. lie converses with the foreman and with other inmates thus
afflicted, by use of the double-handed alphabet of the dumb. They simply
take hands and the reader with his fingers follows the motions of the other's
hands, conversation being thus carried on quite smoothly.
Feather -duster making is the second industry in importance ; about
fifteen kinds of dusters being manufactured, from the gilt-edged affair with
yellow feathers handsomely striped and tinted with delicate colors, to the
common cheap sort for ordinary, everyday use. The turkey feathers as
received in the shop are wrinkled and matted together, and after cleaning
are sorted to lengths, the different divisions on the measuring board being
indicated by little brass knobs, which the blind operators feel.
Of the industries which blind men may learn in the institution and follow
outside in their home towns, cobbling and rug-making offer the greatest
returns. Almost any corner of the main street in the village will support a
little cobbler's simp, and all the work is brought in and called for which is
an advantage to the blind workman. All the shoe-repairing for the inmates
of the institution and some from outside is done by the blind cobblers, and
they have even undertaken the making of shoes fur themselves. The accur-
acy, style, and finish of their work is remarkable. Rug-making from old
carpets offers many advantages to blind men. The work is simple, the looms
suitable for their work are inexpensive; and. where the worker is well known
plenty of weaving can be found. All those from the institution, who have
set up looms in their home towns, have done well.
Employment Suited to Women.
The profitable occupations suited to the physical limitations of blind
women are limited to chair-caning, rafifia-work in basket-making and other
forms, tapestry weaving, stenography and typewriting, hairdressing and
BLIND COBBLERS MAKING SHOES FOR INMATES OF THE INSTITUTIOT
000
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
BLIND GIRL AT TAPESTRY LOOM
massage, and domestic science. Of these tapestry weaving and stenography
are, perhaps, the most promising. A large amount of chair recalling is done
in the institution, mostly by the blind past middle age, and is to women what
broom-making is to the men, in furnishing steady and at the same time
profitable employment.
The tapestry looms, which are constructed to meet the special require-
ments of the blind, are said to have solved the industrial problem for blind
women. They are operated entirely by hand; but by diligent application
the difficulties have been overcome, and towels, table scarfs, sofa pillows,
laundry bags, and similar articles are woven entirely from the raw material.
Complicated designs in flowers, trees, animals, emblems, and geometrical
lines and figures, are reproduced in the linen with absolute faithfulness and
exquisite finish. The artistic touch, t"0, reveals a conception so subtle, and
deftness so precise, as to seem incredible in persons without sight. The
sense of feeling is, in this absorbing work, most highly specialized.
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES 601
The paper pattern by which the design to be woven in the linen is
communicated to the mind of the blind operator, is a marvel of simplicity,
and is easily made by a sighted person. A small sheet of ordinary cross-
section paper, such as is used by surveyors, and which is ruleil in little
squares one-eighth of an inch in size, is embossed by pin pricks, so that each
one represents a thread of the warp which enters into the figure. Likewise,
other pricks on the vertical lines reveal the outline and composition of the
figure, and by them the woof is laid. The blind operator, by an exceedingly
light but rapid touch reads a portion of the pattern, and lays down as many
threads as called for by the pin pricks. The particular shuttle is then slipped
through, and the operation is repeated until the figures and the fabric itself
is finished. A table scarf, twenty by twenty-eight inches in size, with a pine
tree design done in green, was made in fourteen and one-half hours, and the
cost, including the linen and silk, was one dollar and seventy-four cents. The
actual market value of the scarf was considerably mine; the difference repre-
senting the returns for the operator's time and a reasonable margin of profit.
Shorthand for the blind is an assured fact, and is now regarded as a
practical field for them. This seemingly impossible accomplishment is made
entirely feasible by the use of a wonderful machine, so simple in its mechan-
ism, yet arbitrary in its action, as to surprise those who have witnessed its
operation under the deft manipulation of the sightless, -killed in the art.
It weighs only nine pounds, and has only six keys with which to form all
the combinations used in the system ; yet the operator can take the most
rapid dictation and afterwards read the notes correctly. The process is
simply to press on the keys with a quick, elastic touch, by which the raised
shorthand type cipher is printed on a slip of white paper, which unwinds
from a large spool and travels across a tray on the top of the machine. After
the dictation has been taken, the paper is rolled back again, and is then read
with the fingers and transcribed on the typewriter.
Learning to Read and Write.
Instruction in the use of the ordinary typewriter, and in reading the
various point systems for the blind, are important courses taught in the
institution. It is given under the direction of A. M. Shotwell, the able lib-
rarian who, though blind, is an authority on all matters pertaining to those
so afflicted. Many of the inmates, who became blind in later life, and have
had no chance to learn to read or to use the typewriter, find these privileges
of the greatest value. To be able to read once more, even though it be slow
and a laborious task, and to communicate with others by putting his thoughts
on paper, after years of not having written a single letter, is a source of
boundless pleasure to every blind person.
One of the most important features of the institution is the Free Lending
Library, which is maintained for the use of blind folk in Michigan and ad-
joining states. By the provisions of the Rucker Rill, reading matter for the
blind ma) be sent free of postage anywhere in the United States, when sent
from and returned to a free lending library. Scattered throughout Michigan
and other states are many blind people to whom 1 ks of the various Braille
point systems are sent when asked for. and after being read or studied are
returned to the library. Thus to many not in the institution, hours of recrea-
tion and profitable study are given, as the list of books includes works of
history, poetry, fiction, science, music, and current literature, including a
magazine regularly published in the Braille.
The Michigan Employment Institution for the Adult Blind R ably
managed by Frank ( i. Putnam, who was appointed superintendent on May 9.
1910. James M. McCaren is president, and Earl F. Wilson is secretary of
the board of trustees.
CHAPTER XXI
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS
Primitive Trading I 'i .st > — Trade Development Slow — Little Items, of History
— The First Taverns — Hotels of Saginaw City — Hotel Fordney — Building of Ban-
croft House — The Opening Celebration — Toasts — Finis of the Old House — New
Hotel Bancroft — Other Well Known Hotels — The Hardware Trade — Dry Goods
and Notions — Clothing and Furnishing Trade — Little "Jake Seligman" — Other Suc-
cessful Clothiers — Furniture and House Furnishings — Drugs and Medicines — Real
Estate and Insurance — Coal, Lime and Cement — Grocery and Provision Trade —
Retail Grocers of Olden Times — Packing and Meat Trade — Early Newspapers — A
Reporter's Reminiscences — Pioneer Newspapers at East Saginaw — Edwin Cowles —
German Papers — Saginaw Post Offices — Growth of Postal Business — The Federal
Building — Why Saginaw lias Two Post Offices — A Detriment to the City — Postal
Business for 1915-16 — Amusements — Academy of Music — A Unique Character —
Franklin Theatre — Picture Theatres.
THE beginning of trade and barter in Saginaw Valley, long before tbere
was a permanent settlement here, was in the log block-house set up in
1816 by Louis Campau. Although Jacob Smith, known to the Indians as
"Wah-be-sins," and cither trappers preceded him by a number of years,
they came at irregular intervals and took away to market such furs as they
might gather. Campau's log house was the first habitation built by white
men on the then far western frontier. It was substantially made id' heavy
squared logs, two stories in height, and stood on the west bank of the river,
near what is now the intersection of Niagara and Throop Streets. For about
ten years it served a double purpose — a pleasant residence overlooking the
placid river, and a storehouse for furs anil u;""ds for trade with the Indians.
Long after it was abandoned by Campau, who left the valley about 1826,
an old Frenchman, J. Baptiste Desnoyers, occupied the residence portion:
and the old building was a somewhat cherished landmark. About 1862
the old house fell a victim to the flames.
These early efforts to open up trade with the Indians were followed by
the building of a trading post by the American Fur Company, in a small
clearing on the west side id' the river. In 1828 a Frenchman, named Reattme,
was the "factor" at the post, but owing to difficulties between him and the
savages the Williams Brothers were sent here to take his place. After several
years of successful trade they bought out the interests of the fur company,
and about 1830 occupied the "red warehouse" at the foot of Mackinaw
Jtreet. Sherman Stevens, Archie Lyons and Me-je-au, an Indian of quarter-
blood, who were masters of the Chippewa dialect's, were successful traders
employed by Williams Brothers.
Gradually the old-time trading posts gave way to the pioneer store, with
its general stock of goods — necessities of human existence in the wilderness.
They were operated on well defined principles of trade, necessary articles
and a few luxuries being sold at regular prices in the English shilling and
pence. The word "shilling" appears to have been in general use among the
Indians in those early days. In the following list of goods, derived from
old records, the prices of small articles is marked in shillings and pence:
604 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
s d s d
Whiskey, per gal 2 9 Indian Knife 2 0
Young I Ivson Tea, lb 9 6 Small Bell 6 0
Coffee, lh." 1 6 Pocket Pistol 6 0
Sugar, lb 6 Blue Cloth, per yd 24 0
Meat of one Coon 2 0 Shawl 7 0
Venison Hams 2 0 Cotton Thread, skein 0 6
Meat of One Small Deer. .. 8 0 Blanket 36 0
Hog, 204 lbs 51 0 Martin Skin 8 0
I '< itatoes, per barrel 4 8 Socks, per pair 2 0
Salt Pork, per lb 5 Buckskin 14 0
Corn, per bushel 4 0 Calico, per yd 1 6
Labor for splitting one thousand rails 20 to 30 shillings.
In 1831 one of the store-keepers introduced the words "dollars" and
"cents." and henceforth the foreign terms of exchange fell into disuse.
Trade Development Slow.
The development of trade ami commerce in Saginaw Valley, following
the early settlements, was very slow and suffered several setbacks. This
was due almost entirely to the physical condition of the country, which
tended to discourage permanent residence, and not until the natural resources
of the valley were exploited did the country begin to attract men of energy
and capital. The story of this development through the various stages and
by subjects bearing on manufactures, commerce, education and social life,
has been quite thoroughly covered in the preceding chapters, the reader being
referred especially to Chapters VIII, IX, X, and XI, pages 117 to 206.
Little Items of History.
Sanford M.Green was Circuit Judge of the Saginaw District in 1849. P. C.
Andre was register of deed-- in 1850. John Moore was prosecuting attor-
ney in 1854, and Charles W. Grant was sheriff the same year.
The first marriage celebrated in Saginaw Count} was on August 25,
1831, between Grovener Vinton and Harriet Whitney.
1 liram L. Miller, who came to Saginaw City in 1835. was the editor of the
nrst daily newspaper published in Saginaw Valley.
John McGregor was born in Tittabawassee Township, September 7, 1839.
In 1844 the old Indian chief Nau-qua-chic-a-ming killed seven wolves in
Saginaw County: and a wild cat, measuring seven feet six inches, was killed
on February 1, 1864, on one of the business streets of Saginaw City.
Robert Ure arrived in the valley in 1831 when the pioneer settlers were
few in number.
Captain Charles D. Little came here in 1850. and lived here until his
death in 1903.
The first swine were brought to this county by Eleazer Jewett in 1828.
On January 16. 1836, the first entry was made in the record book of the
Probate Court of Saginaw County. Albert Miller was the first Judge of
Probate.
Captain Edwin Saunders was city treasurer of Saginaw City in 1866,
and city controller in 1868.
In 1849, where now stands the new Hotel Bancroft, there was a shake-
roofed cabin built by the American Fur Company, and occupied by a French
trapper bv the name of Leon Sua)-. Two years later a school was held in
the cabin bv Miss Carrie Ingersoll.
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SACINAW CITY.
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M. a STEVENS PUOPMETOR.
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OLD TIME ADVERTISEMENTS OF SAGINAW BUSINESS MEN
606 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
In the sunimcr of 1850 Setli and Thomas Willey cleared the eighty- acre
tract of land upon which the early business section of East Saginaw was built.
VV. F. Glasby came here in 1850 and opened a tavern on Water Street.
I >ther early comers were Curtis Emerson, Charles \\ . Grant, Norman Little,
Moses l:. ["less, George Hess, Alfred M. Hoyt, Colonel W. L. P. Little, S. \\ .
Yaw key, Alex. English, John Ellsifer, Alexander Ferguson, F. II. Koehler.
Menzo Stevens and C. 1'. Colvin.
Byron I'.. Buckhout located here on August 17. 1853, and James F. Brown
came on August 20 of the same year. John J. Rupp came in 1855, Doctor A.
Farnsworth in 1857 and I. J. Mumford in 1861.
Sanford Keeler, Captain I). D. Keeler and Frank I). ECeeler, brothers,
landed in Saginaw in 1855, ami still reside here.
Warner & Eastman established the first iron foundry here in 1S5+.
One warm, dusty day in August. 1853, Charles If. Peters arrived in East
Saginaw. Me liked the place so well that he remained and spent the re-
mainder of his life here.
Andrew Eymer, eighty-five years old, came to East Saginaw in 1863.
lie had only twenty-one birthdays, having been born mi February 2'*, 1832.
L. 1'. Mason came t<> East Saginaw in 1859 and engaged in inspecting anil
shipping lumber, in which he continued for many years.
Clark M. Curtis was one of the trustees of the village of East Saginaw
in 1855; Colonel Michael Jeffers was an alderman in 1861 and justice of the
peace from 1863 to 1866.
A. B. Wi '"1 came here in 1863. He was a member of the State Senate
from 18o<) to 1872. John Henning came here in 1848; and Castle Sutherland
arrived in 1859.
In 1861 Charles Steinberg was a merchant tailor and dealer in ready-
made clothing, at 109 Genesee Street opposite the Bancroft House.
Gladwin & Beebe were "proprietors of the East Saginaw P.eer Works,
located on Genesee Street near Chestnut."
D. Forrest was "manufacturer of and dealer in 1 ts, shoes, leather,
findings and everything pertaining to the trade." He was located in the
Pendell I 'deck. Washington Street.
A dealer in real estate was E. Thatcher, "proprietor of Thatcher's Addi-
tion, on the south boundary of the city of East Saginaw."
In dentistry there was Doctor L. C. Whiting, whose office was in
"Room 11, 2d story Mess Block, first door north of Loveland's office."
Hoyt & Perkins were attorneys-at-law at East Saginaw in 1868; and
W. O. Atwood was a dealer in lumber and lands with an office at the south-
east corner of Water and Tuscola Streets.
Englehardt Feige, "manufacturer and wholesale and retail dealer in
furniture," conducted a warehouse at 108 South Water Street. He also
dealt in "wooden and metallic cuff ins and cases" at his undertaking rooms
at ''5 North Water Street.
Iluhinger Brothers located at Frankenmuth in 1846. They came from
Detroit to Saginaw in a sail boat, the journey taking two weeks. At that
lime there were only six farms cleared in Frankenmuth Township.
Edward McSweeney, the well-known grocer on Hoyt Street, came to
Saginaw City in 1840 and worked two years for Norman Little. He then
went back to New York State, but returned to Saginaw in 1864 and remained
until his death a few years ago.
Gus Strasburg first visited Saginaw while in the government service in
1858, and three years later located here permanently, lie built the brick
hotel property, now owned by Emil Francke, at the corner of Lapeer and
Warren Avenues.
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS 607
Thomas W. Babcock came to Saginaw in March, 1852. He states
that the only buildings then on the east side were a hotel on the
southeast corner of what is now Genesee and Water Streets, a warehouse
across the street on the river, the residence of Charles W. Grant in the rear
of the present Auditorium, and across the street from the Grant residence
was what was known as the Garrison mill. There was a small frame house
on what is now South Washington Avenue, across from the Germain Temple.
Mr. Babcock was employed at the Williams mill during the first summer
he lived here, and afterward at the Chicago mill, directly across the river
from the foot of Janes Avenue, and continued there with the late C. K. Eddy,
when he purchased it some years alter.
The First Taverns.
In the pioneer days of Saginaw City, when the entire population was
less than one hundred, strangers were entertained in the log houses of the
settlers, and made as comfortable as the meager and bare furnishings per-
mitted. There were few conveniences for cooking, stoves being yet unknown
in the wilderness, and an open fireplace piled with logs, and utensils con-
sisting of a few heavy pots, kettles and pans, afforded the entire facilities.
But visitors sat down with zest before wooden bowls filled with soup made
of smoked ham and rice boiled together, and feasted on wild game with
cranberries, and trout, sturgeon and white fish.
Eleazer Jewett and his estimable wife, the first permanent white settlers
in this county, lived in a log cabin at Green Point, and many strangers came
to their place for entertainment. They usually came in groups, as one or
two seldom cared to brave the dangers of travel in the dense forest by them-
selves: and caring for a number of guests under disadvantages at length
grew wearisome. They concluded that they could as well keep a tavern in
town, and in 1837 Mr. Jewett built a two-story frame hotel on Water
(Niagara) Street, between Clinton and Throop Streets. Jewett's Hotel soon
became a popular rendezvous of the more hardy pioneers and a stopping
place for visitors, who appreciated alike the whole-hearted hospitality of the
host and the excellent accommodations. For more than twenty years the
house was somewhat of a landmark.
Maiden's log tavern, at wdiat is now Court and Hamilton Streets, was
also a well known place in the early days; and Major Mosely's, a log cabin
within the old fort stockade, is still remembered by pioneers of Saginaw
City. When the Webster House was opened in 1838, and quickly recognized
as the leading hotel in Saginaw Valley, the old log houses lost their
popularity and were thereafter little used. An account of the old Webster
House is given in pages 134-5.
Other Hotels of Saginaw City.
In 1866, William II. Taylor, an enterprising capitalist of Saginaw City,
built a large pretentious hotel at Court and Hamilton Streets. This was the
site of old Fort Saginaw erected in 1822, the log cabins of which and the
stockade that enclosed them, having long before fallen into decay. The new
hotel, a four-story and basement brick structure, seventy-five by one hundred
and twenty feet in dimensions, of rather imposing appearance, was arranged
for stores on the Court Street front and had a main entrance on Hamilton
Street. Its ninety rooms were sumptuously furnished in the style and taste
of the day immediately following the war. The hotel was named the Taylor
House.
For awhile the hotel was conducted by Mr. Taylor, who stated in his
advertisements that "street cars pass the house every twenty minutes."
608
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
WEST SIDE BUSINESS SECTION. LOOKING SOUTH FROM COURT HOUSE, ABOUT 1886
About 18"0 I. II. Hopkins leased the hotel and conducted it for several years.
The house was closed about 1879 but reopened the following January by
L. Burrows. Junior & Company. Four years later it was again closed but
some months later Burrows & Sweet took charge and it was reopened to
the public. Afterward Fred B. Sweet managed the house alone. About
1895, after a checkered career of success and failure, the old Taylor House,
which had become somewhat of a cherished landmark of the West side, was
closed and remained dark and forbidding for fifteen years.
The New Hotel Fordney.
At length, realizing the need of a first-class hotel on the West Side, the
enterprising business men of that section formed a company, purchased the
eld hotel property, remodeled the building, and refurnished it throughout.
Given the name Hotel Fordney, after Congressman Joseph \V. Fordney,
wdio was one of the substantial promoters of the enterprise, it was opened
in 1912 with festivities befitting the occasion. Since that time the hotel
has been conducted as a first-class hotel, European plan, and has met with a
fair degree of success. A cheerful, home-like atmosphere pervades the whole
house, and the service, including the cafe on the ground floor, is excellent.
The Crowley House, at Hamilton and Ames Streets, the site of the
old Brockway House, afterward known as the Benson House, was opened to
the public by I ». Crowley in 1X7' >. Two additions were built by him, giving
the hotel a frontage of sixty-five feet on Hamilton Street and ninety feet on
Ames. The house then contained forty well furnished and comfortably
heated rooms, and was very popular with a certain element of citizens and
the travelling public. In recent years this hotel, now known as the Schuch
Hotel, has been remodeled and refurnished, an attractive cafe provided on
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS 609
Hamilton Street, and is now regarded as a very pleasant and home-like
hostelry.
Other hotels of Saginaw City in the formative period were: the Ameri-
can House, «>n Hamilton between Courl and Franklin (Hancock) Streets,
next to the post office, and conducted in 1870 by John Freidlein; the Kerby
House, at Hamilton and Jefferson (Cleveland) Streets; the Dunbar House,
at Water (Niagara) and Van Buren Streets, kept by B. N. Montross; and
Keyser's Hotel, at State and Cross Roads.
Building of the Bancroft House.
For several years after the big fires of 1854, the leading hotels were the
Kirby House, kept by John Godley, at the corner of Washington and Gene-
see Streets, and the Farmer's Exchange, VV. Wisner, landlord, directly
opposite. The need of a new first-class hotel was urgent, and in 1858, Jesse
Hoyt began the construction of a large brick hotel on the southwest corner
of the main streets, ft was a very pretentious building for the time, being
four stories in height, ami covering a plat of ground one hundred by one
hundred and forty feet in size. It was completed in the Summer of 185''. but
owing to some delay in getting the gas plant which was to light the rooms
in working order, the opening of the "New Hotel" did not take place until
September 7th. The proprietor was Henry Hobbs, of Xew York, who
brought from the metropolis the furniture and fittings valued at $15,000.
A picture of the original Bancroft House appears on page 196. The main
entrance was on Genesee Street about thirty feet from the corner, and there
was a ladies' entrance on Washington Street. At the left of the hall, in
the northeast corner was the office, twenty-eight feet square, and back of this,
where the lobby was afterward placed, was the dining room and storerooms.
On the right of the hall, commencing on the front were the "shaving saloon,"
reading room, and in the rear of these the porter's room, etc. "The culinary
apartments," according to the Saginaw Courier of September 1, 1859, "are stiil
back, and in point of convenience ami perfection of appointments and appur-
tenances, are equal to those of any hotel East or West."
On the second floor were the general reception room directly above the
office, and suites of parlors sixteen by eighteen feet in size. The billiard
room, thirty-two by sixty feet, equipped with four tables, was at the right
of these, and the remaining space on this and the upper floors was given
over to suites and single bed rooms, heated in Winter by huge box stoves.
From the old "Courier" we learn that "the committee appointed to
christen the Xew Hotel have named it the Bancroft House, after George
Bancroft, the great historian and statesman. The opening celebration comes
off Wednesday, September 7. From the character of the gentlemen connected
with it, and citizens generally, a 'good time' may be confidently anticipated."
The committee of management of the celebration at the opening of the
Bancroft House, was composed of W. E. P. Little, Chairman, Morgan L.
< lage, William E. Webber, D. A. Robinson, jr.. Curtis Emerson, Charles I'..
Mott, D. G. Holland, J. P. Hayden and S. C. Beach.
The Opening Celebration.
"At 10 a. m. ( Ismend's Cornet Band turned out in full uniform, and from
time to time during the day enlivened the scene with most excellent music.
At half past ten the delegation from Goderich arrived, among whom were
Mis Honor, Mayor McDougal, and several other prominent citizens of that
place. Dr. A. W. Butler, correspondent of the Buffalo Courier, also accom-
panied the delegation. People continued to arrive from all quarters, no less
than eight steamers landing at our wdiarves between 9 o'clock in the mornine
and 0 in the evening.
610 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The grand opening of the Bancroft was at six o'clock, when a sumptuous
banquet was served. Tables were spread for three hundred persons, yet this
was not sufficient for all the guests. "Everything in the bill was there
in rich profusion, and most excellent taste was displayed in the arrangement
and ornamentation of the tables." The leading feature was "East Saginaw,
1850-1859," and was quite original in design. It was in the form of a temple
with collonades in the portal, or background, under head of 1850 was an
Indian scene composed of wigwams, squaws, papooses, canoes, bows and
arrows and camp kettles, spread in the manner of an Indian camp. In front,
as coming up to a "state of present civilization was a representation of the
Bancroft House, with a background of steamers in the river, saw mills,
churches, schools and residences, such as are now the pride of our city.
On top and the sides were shields and banners upon which were inscribed
the names of some of our oldest and most prominent citizens."
The banquet itself was such as to satisfy the epicurean taste. From
mock turtle soup to fruits and nuts, every dish on the "Hill of Fare" was a
delight to the assembled guests. The reputation of the house was quickly
established, a reputation which has clung to it during the fifty-six years
intervening. There were pike and white fish prepared in various styles, cold
dishes of boiled tongue, ham, corned beef, and chicken salad, and boiled beef,
leg of mutton, chicken and pork, and turkey, with egg sauce. Of roasts
there were thirteen, including bear, turkey, with cranberry sauce, venison,
pig, chick-en and wild duck. The Entrees included fricasseed pigeon, chicken
a la Marengo, pork cutlets and venison steak. There was a great variety
of stewed and boiled vegetables to satisfy every taste. Of pastry there
were farina pudding with claret sauce, peach, apple and cranberry pie.
sponge cake, an chocolate, blanc mange, rum jelly, and lemon and vanilla ice
cream. The whole repast was "topped off" with fruits and nuts in great
profusion.
The Toasts.
Following the banquet there was jollity and speech-making, the toasts
given being :
"1. George Bancroft — a polished scholar, an able historian; a high-minded,
patriotic citizen, and God-father of this house.
Music, "Hail Columbia!'
1). A. Robinson, Jr., responded to this toast.
2. The Bancroft House and Its Proprietor.
Music. 'Good Cheer' Quickstep.
Responded to by Moses B. lless.
3. The Governor of the State of Michigan.
Governor VVisner in response.
4. Jesse Hoyt — one to whom the citizens of East Saginaw are largely
indebted for all public improvements, and whose example is worthy
of our highest commendation.
Music. 'I lere's 1 lealth.'
lxc-ponse by William L. Webber.
5. The Saginaw Valley.
Responded to by James Birney, of Bay City.
6. Norman kittle.
Music, 'Pioneer Quickstep.'
Responded to by J. P. Dillingham.
7. The Flint and Pere Marquette Railway.
Music, 'Wait for the Wagon.'
Responded to by Dr. H. C. 1 'otter, who in conclusion gave the volunteer
toast,
WASHINGTON STREET, SOUTH FROM TUSCOLA, 1887
FRANKLIN STREET, SOUTH FROM TUSCOLA, 1887
612 HISTORY ( >F SAGINAW COUNTY
8. The People of Saginaw Valley — may they soon get what their industry,
enterprise, eminent sobriety and unnumbered virtues so justly entitle them
to — a ride on a rail.
Other toasts were: The Mayor and Citizens of Goderich ; The Mineral
Wealth of the Peninsula ; The City of Detroit and Its Mayor ; The Goderich
Pine of Steamers; The Saginaw and Genesee Plank Road; and Our Mothers,
Wives, Sisters and Sweethearts."
The Grand Ball.
The ball was next in order and in commenting on this the Courier said:
''Terpsichorean festivities went on till 'the glorious ring of day' had deeply
tinged the eastern horizon with 'streakings' of the morning light, when the
gallant cavaliers escorted their layde loves to their respective homes. 'They
danced all night till broad daylight, and went home with the gals in the
morning.'
"During the whole of the festivities, from first to last, there was nothing
to mar the harmony of the occasion, and everything passed oft" to the entire
satisfactii >n of all."
The Bancroft House Proprietors.
The first proprietor of the Bancroft, Henry Hobbs, of New York City,
was succeeded several years after by Pantlind, Witt iK: Company, who
announced in the History of Saginaw Valley, published in 1868, that "This
house has lately been refitted and refurnished, and is now complete in all
i t -~ appointments. Ample accommodations for three hundred guests." Later
the hotel was operated by Pantlind & Dyckman, and in 1874 Israel 1!.
Norcross was the proprietor.
The best known and most successful manager of this popular house
\\a> Parnham Lyon, who remained in charge for more than thirty years and
made a reputation for the hotel which extended far and wide. He was
succeeded by William F. Schultz, for many years steward of the house, who
continued as manager until the old hostelry was closed.
Finis of the Old House.
After a continuous operation of fifty-six years, in which the hotel earned
a high reputation for the excellence of its cuisine and care of its guests, the
old Bancroft was closed on August IS, 1915. During these years many
distinguished men. including statesmen, capitalists, politicians, actors and
lumbermen stopped at this popular hostelry, and its fame extended far
beyond the confines of the State. Its corned-beef hash was one of the
numerous items on its daily menu, that became known far and wide and
helped to give the house its celebrity. In fact Bancroft House hash may be
obtained any day at several of the large hotels of New York City.
The Bancroft Realty Company was organized in 1915, to acquire and
hold all the hotel property so long owned by the lloyt Estate, and to erect
cm the site a new, modern, fire-proof structure, thus providing this city with
a first-class hotel. The property, which had originally cost Jesse lloyt about
one hundred thousand dollars, was transferred to the new company for a
consideration of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, secured by second
mortgage bonds. The old building, including Irving Hall which had been
erected in 1864, was demolished in September, 1915, and the new hotel build-
ing soon arose upon the solid foundations of the old.
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HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
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THE NEW HOTEL BANCROFT, OPENED IN JULY. 1916
The New Hotel Bancroft
The new structure of Ionic style of architecture, without embellishment,
is one hundred and sixty feet on Genesee Avenue and one hundred and forty
feet on Washington Avenue. It is of reinforced concrete with rough brick-
facing, with tile flooring and marble trimmings, and cost approximately five
hundred thousand dollars. The building was completed early in July, 1916,
and was opened to the public on July 20th, the first meal being served in the
cafe Sunday morning, July 23d.
The furnishings and fixtures are of the must tasty and pleasing style, in
perfect harmony with the interior finish, and cost eighty thousand dollars.
There are two hundred and thirty-seven rooms, of which fifty-five have
shower baths, sixty shower and tub arrangements, twenty-five large sample
rooms with shower baths, and sixty rooms with running water only; and
there is ample closet space in all moms. In addition to this there are four-
teen suites with private bed room and bath, connected with the drawing room.
Among other features are commodious reception and rest rooms, and a ban-
quet hall finished in white and gold, which will seat three hundred persons,
and is directly connected with the mezzanine balcony.
From the main entrance on Washington Avenue a short corridor leads
to the spacious lobby, thirty-five by seventy feet in size, where the magnifi-
cence of the hotel is first revealed. The American walnut finish in huge
panels, relieved by edgings of gold, gives a highly artistic tone to the interior.
In its appointments for the convenience of guests the hotel is absolutely up to
the minute, and it has that touch of home atmosphere which makes the weary
traveller glad to get within its welcoming portals.
The floor of the lobby is a huge checkerboard of black and white marble.
upon which are laid large heavy rugs in harmonious colors. Carried through
the second floor, upon which is the balcony elegantly furnished, is the ceiling
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS
015
of frosted glass admitting a soft, diffused light to the floors below. On the
south side of the lobby arc the desk, telephone booths, cigar and newspaper
stand, and entrance to the barber simp, coffee shop, telegraph office, billiard
parlors and roof garden.
There is also a ladies' entrance from Genesee Avenue connecting with
the ladies' rest room, elevators and lobby, and on the right with the sumpt-
uous cafe, which is decorated in gray and gold. The service is a la carte and
table d'hote, with strictly European plan for the hotel.
The banquet and ball room, which opens from the balcony, is a revela-
tion of magnificence in finish and decoration in harmonious colors. To soft
tones of white and gold there are added pale blue and deep pink tints, which
lend a pleasing effect to the walls and arched ceiling, while red plush curtains
complete the artistic interior. The door is of Terazzo marble. The light-
ing arrangements are perfect; the four exquisite electric chandeliers of
Austrian glass suspended by crystal fixtures, being among the beautiful fea-
tures of the hotel.
( >n the Genesee Avenue front is the elegantly appointed cafe opening on
the corridor which leads from the ladies' entrance to the rest room and
lobby. It is richly decorated in white and gold, and the small-paned windows
and large mirrors set in the opposite wall are exceedingly attractive features.
At the west end of the cafe is a private dining room, fittingly decorated and
furnished in the prevailing style.
The large and conveniently arranged kitchen is back of the lobby and
grill, with double doors leading to the cafe near the west end. In the com-
plete equipment is an ice-making plant for producing eight hundred pounds
of ice daily, and its own filtration plant furnishes running water in all rooms.
The large ice chests, cold storage rooms for meats, ovens, warming tables,
etc., are of ample size and of the best type. Efficiency in this all important
department is one of the watchwords of the hotel management.
ATTRACTIVE LOBBY OF HOTEL BANCROFT
MAGNIFICENT BALL ROOM OF HOTEL BANCROFT
CAFE OF HOTEL BANCROFT, ELEGANTLY APPOINTED
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS 617
For mure than half a century the old Bancroft House maintained a
reputation for comfort and excellence of its cuisine excelled by no hotel in
Michigan, and today the new Hotel Bancroft is lidding that reputation and
adding such prominence as comes to a new house elegantly furnished and
ably managed.
Like the old Bancroft, the new hotel is a center of social activities. Its
brilliant interior, warmth of color and comfort draws to it Saginaw's prom-
inent people as well as the travelling public. The excellent service in every
department and the attention given the wants of all within its walls, is in
keeping with the perfect appointments and beautiful surroundings. The mag-
nificent ball room, which is often the scene of brilliant gatherings, affords
every facility for dances and banquets; and small conventions, patriotic and
civic meetings are also held there. It is a popular place for holding musicales,
recitals and lectures, and a course of recitals was held there in the Winter
of 1917-18.
In Summer the attractive carbaret, or roof garden, which covers the one-
story annex on Washington Avenue, is a popular resort for persons seeking
pleasure and entertainment. The sides are veritable gardens constructed
with trellis, clinging vines and flowering plants. In these surroundings the
tables are set and tempt the visitor with offerings of popular beverages and
dainty lunches. At the south end a rustic stage is an attractive setting for
the entertainment afforded. The roof garden is easily reached by a short
flight of stairs, opening from a short corridor to the hotel lobby; and has the
same satisfactory service which lias made a name for the Hotel Bancroft.
At the time of opening the new Hotel Bancroft the officers and directors
of the Bancroft Realty Company were: Hiram A. Savage, president; Edwin
C. Forrest, vice-president: Harry E. Oppenheimer, treasurer; William S.
Linton, secretary, and John A. Cimmerer, Gilbert B. Goff, J. Will Grant,
Ralph C. Morley, John C. Thomson; and the builders were Nelson & Lewin
of Chicago.
John C. Thomson, the popular and efficient hotel manager, who is well
known to the traveling public and the citizens of Saginaw, was the first
manager of the Bancroft. Under his able direction the hotel was constructed,
furnished and equipped and opened July 20, 1916. Much of the success
attending its operation was due to his experience and ability, and it was with
sincere regret that he resigned in January. 1918, to assume the management of
the new Hotel Shelby, in Detroit. Mr. Thomson was succeeded at the Ban-
croft by F. H. Irish, an old and experienced hotel manager.
Benjamin Franklin Hotel
A commanding feature of the business section along South Franklin
Street is the high grey front of the Benjamin Franklin Hotel. Rising far
above the adjoining buildings this hotel adds a dignity to the aspect of the
busy street. It is a quiet, home-like hostelry, seven stories in height, and
has one hundred and twenty-five rooms. The facing of grey stucco and
ornamental porte-cochere, iron railing and lattice work with hanging baskets
of flowers and ferns lends an impression of distinction which clings to one as
he passes within.
Entering this attractive hotel the first impression of comfort and cheer
continues as the traveller goes from floor to floor. The floor of the lobby
is of tile, the wainscoting of white marble, while the upper walls and ceiling-
are artistically decorated in light bronze tone relieved with gold. The furni-
ture is oi mahogany and the big, comfortable chairs are upholstered in rich
tapestry. Oriental rugs in perfect harmony with the surroundings give an
air of elegance and home-like comfort.
618 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The Benjamin Franklin was completed and opened to the public on
July 5, 1915, the occasion being one long remembered bv the citizens of
Saginaw. At six o'clock in the evening the first dinner was served in the
attractive grill, and was enjoyed by a number of prominent people and guests
of the management.
The Hotel Vincent
This popular and comfortable hotel, which for a long period has met
with the favor of the travelling public, enjoys a reputation of being one of
the well appointed and attractive hostelries in this part of Michigan. The
five-story brick and stone building, at Washington and Germania Avenues,
was erected in 1890 by the late Arthur Hill and James E. Vincent. All the
furnishing and equipping of the hotel was under the personal supervision of
Eugene Kirby, a well known and experienced hotel man. who conducted the
house for a number of years. The opening of the hotel was an event in the
history of Saginaw.
The Hotel Vincent is well provided with beautiful parlors, large sample
rooms, an attractive dining room, and pleasant bed rooms provided with
private baths. Its dining n w mi and buffet service is excellent, and the man-
agement shows every feature of modern hotelkeeping and every appointment
that pleases the guests. For several years W. H. Aubrey & Company have
been the proprietors and operators of the hotel.
Other Well Known Hotels.
Another old-time hostelry which, because of its central location, has
been well patronized, is the Everett House at the corner of Genesee and
Franklin Streets. The three-story brick building was erected in 1864 with
stores on Genesee Street and a main entrance for the hotel on Franklin
Street. For several years the house was conducted by Marshall G. Smith,
a popular and experienced hotel man, and later by Smith & Crouse. Mr.
Smith withdrew from the firm and took the active management of the
Marshall House, one block south on Franklin, with which he was very
successful. In 1873 Walsh Salisbury became proprietor of the Everett, with
Eugene W. Farmer as chief clerk, and continued in charge for more than
twenty years, in which the hotel increased in popularity. During the hard
times following the decline of the lumber business, the Everett House, as
well as others, suffered from the prevailing depression, and was closed several
times for more or less extended periods. About ten years ago the property
was purchased by E. A. and P.. Goff, of this city, who remodeled the build-
ing and put it in good condition. Since that time Walter C. McKinney has
been the popular landlord and manager, and has established for the hotel a
wide reputation for excellent service.
The Sherman House, built and conducted for many years by the late
Martin Baum, and afterward by his sons, Martin and Sherman, has been a
landmark of the East Side for upwards of forty years. This hotel was well
patronized in the old lumber days, and since the return of Saginaw's pros-
perity, it has enjoyed a wide patronage of country folk and travelers in
general. From time to time various improvements have been made in the
building, at Baum and Tuscola Streets, so that it may he classed as a modern
hotel.
The Naegely House, at Jefferson and Tuscola Streets, for many vears
conducted by Captain Naegely, is another of the old-lime hotels. It was a
rendezvous of lumber-jacks and river men, in the days when life in Saginaw
was rendered indescribably gay ami boisterous by the "red sash brigade."
In more recent years the hotel has been known as the Wesley House, and at
present is conducted by Emerson P. Whaley, a popular landlord.
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS 619
The Hardware Trade.
From the pioneer stores familiar to our early settlers, with their varied
stocks of general merchandise, there gradually developed separate and dis-
tinct lines of business. The population of the county increased rapidly
preceding the Civil War, and the needs and requirements of frontier life
demanded still more diversified stocks of trade, the accumulation and dis-
tribution of which could be more readily made in separate stores.
One of the first lines to draw away from the general stores was hardware
and metal ware; and as early as 1854 a store of this kind was opened on
North Water Street by Byron B. Buckhout. He had been employed in
the hardware stock of Beach cc Moores, one of the large general stores of
the early pioneer period, and was familiar with the trade and needs of the
public. His stock included lumbering tools, mill supplies, then in demand,
and for many years he did a large and profitable business. The old stand on
Water Street was occupied by this business for more than fifty years, in
fact long after the retail trade had moved up Genesee Street beyond
Jefferson. The same business is now conducted by Fred J. Buckhout at
613 Genesee Avenue.
George Schram, wdiose store was on Water Street, south of Genesee,
and C. M. Curtis, "near the ferry," were early hardware dealers. C. & T.
B. Spencer, in the Commercial Block at 106 South Water Street, carried in
stock "hardware, stoves, and tin, copper and sheet iron ware." Another well
known firm was Reynolds & Choate, in the Derby Block on North Water
Street, who carried general and shelf hardware, rubber and leather belting',
stoves and hollow ware. George R. Bridgeman, on South Water Street.
was a gas and steam titter and dealer in stoves, tin, copper and ironware,
and "gas fixtures of every description," and James L. Ketcham was engaged
in much the same business, including "iron fittings for steam, water and gas."
One of the oldest hardware concerns in Saginaw City was that of
Blackmar & Eaton, which in 1853 was purchased by David II. and Tiff
Jerome, and conducted under the firm name of D. H. Jerome & Company
for more than forty years. The business occupied a three-story and base-
ment brick building on Court Street between Hamilton and Water Streets,
stocked from cellar to roof with "vast supplies of mill and lumbermens'
supplies, builders' and house furnishing hardware, painters' and plumbers'
supplies, wagon stock and bar and sheet iron, well tubing, steam pipe and
fittings, leather belting, etc."
A. W. Achard & Son, wholesale and retail dealers in heavy and shelf
hardware, mill supplies, stoves, etc., was established in 1864 by William
Seyffardt and A. W. Achard. Eater the firm became Achard and Schoene-
berg. and in 1884 was taken over by Mr. Achard alone and conducted under
his name. The firm owned and occupied a spacious two-story and basement
brick building, sixty by eight}' feet in size, which was erected in 1884, at
Hamilton and Adams Streets. A full assortment of builders' and shelf
hardware, tools, cutlery and metalware was carried on the main floor, while
bar and sheet iron was kept in a separate room at the rear. In the large
warehouse on Water Street was a "large stock of agricultural implements,
wagons, sewer pipe, drain tile. etc.. and paints, oils, glass, brushes and
painters' supplies." Eater the firm was incorporated as the Saginaw Hard-
ware Company, which occupies the same building and has an increasing
business in their lines of trade.
At South Saginaw, formerly called Salina, the hardware business was
long represented by Emil Jochen, one of the pioneer merchants of that
section of the city, lie started his hardware business in 1873, and built
620
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
THE SOUTH SIDE BUSINESS CENTER AT WASHINGTON. FORDNEY AND
CENTER AVENUES, 1888.
up a large trade- not only in the city but also among the farming community.
In his store, which originally was twenty by one hundred and fifty feet in
dimensions, he carried a general stock of hardware, stoves, tinware, paints,
oils, glass, putty and agricultural implements.
Tlu- firm of Yawkey & Corbyn, at 508-10 Genesee Street, of which Cy.
C. Yawkey and Ralph F. Corbyn were the partners, was established in 1883,
and carried a "completely diversified stock of heavy and shelf hardware,
builders' materials, stoves, tinware, paints, oils, glass, etc."
Another successful hardware concern was that of Seyffardt & Walz,
at Genesee and Webster (Weadock) Streets, which was founded in 1869 by
William Seyffardt and George Walz. They occupied a two-story brick build-
ing, eighty by one hundred feet in size, filled with "everything in the line
of heavy and shelf hardware, building materials, stoves, house furnishing
goods, agricultural implements, paints, oils, brushes, etc." They were agents
for the celebrated Columbia bicycles and tricycles; and enjoyed a large trade
to the north and west throughout the State. Afterward the firm became
Walz & Keller, and at length was incorporated in the Saginaw Hardware
Company and operated for them by Emil Bernhard with success. A few
years ago the business was sold ti > Bernhard & Janke, who have continued
the same general line at the old location.
Other well known hardware concerns of twenty or thirty years ago,
which with some changes in personel and management are still in business,
are Bruske & Schwartz Hardware Company, now G. W. Bruske, on Gene-
see Avenue; Popp cc Wolf, at Genesee and Park Streets, who have met with
phenomenal success and very popular with the trade. At Saginaw City are:
Paxson & Company, located on Hamilton Street, between Franklin (Han-
cock) and Ames Streets; and Solms Brothers, at 514 Gratiot Avenue. The
same general lines were also carried by several smaller dealers in different
sectii ms c if the city.
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS 621
Dry Goods and Notions.
The next important line of business to separate itself from the general
pioneer store was that of dry goods and notions, closely followed by cloth-
ing and men's furnishing. In the former line of business was the firm of
Schupp & Barie, dealers in dry goods and groceries, composed of the popular
dry goods merchant. William Barie, and Augustus Schupp. for a long period
treasurer of the Savings Bank of East Saginaw. They were located in the
Crouse Block, which occupied the site of the present Eddy Building. When
the partnership was dissolved Mr. Barie took the dry goods part of the
business and removed to a store across Genesee Street. Afterward he pur-
chased the stock of W. W. Fish, and combined the stocks at the location
of the latter on Genesee Street near Cass ( Baum) street.
From that time the business expanded rapidly and Mr. Barie soon became
the leading dry goods merchant in Saginaw Valley. About twenty years
ago he began wholesaling of dry goods and notions, this part of the business
being carried on in a three-story brick building on South Baum Street,
formerly the Aldine Hotel property, which was remodeled to suit the require-
ments of the business.
In 1899 the William Barie Dry Goods Company, which succeeded to the
business, moved into the spacious and finely appointed building at Genesee
Avenue and Baum Street, which had been erected especially for them by
the Germania Society, on property bequeathed to it by Anton Schmitz more
than thirty years before. Since that time the retail trade of the company
has shown marvelous gains, and "Barie's" is regarded as the leading depart-
ment store in this section of Michigan.
Other dry goods houses of the early formative period of East Saginaw
were: E. P. Penfield, located at 104 Genesee Street "near the bridge," dealer
in "dry goods, hosiery, ingrain and Brussels carpets, floor oil cloth, mats
and matting." Benjamin Geer, at 207 Genesee Street and on South Water
Street between Court and Adams, Saginaw City, transacted a profitable
business; and J. R. Livingston & Company, at Genesee and Abater Streets,
enjoyed a large trade, the business afterward being conducted by Mr. Living-
ston in the Chase Block on North Washington Avenue. Another successful
house was that of J. W". Howry, at 506 Genesee Avenue, later removed to
218 Genesee, one door west of Franklin Street with a back entrance on that
street. This business was afterward purchased by Anderson Brothers, com-
posed of Peter and Charles A. Anderson, who continued the trade at the
old stand for a number of years.
Contemporary with these stores was the dry goods business established
by D. B. Freeman, at 304-06 Genesee Street. After a successful career Mr.
Freeman sold the business some ten years ago to Margaret C. Murray, who
for a long period had been manager of the business. Soon after she removed
to the rebuilt double store at 206-08 Genesee, where a large and increasing
business is carried on. Seitner Brothers is another successful dry goods
house, which was first located on Genesee between Washington and Franklin
Streets; but since 1900 they have occupied the fine double store at 314-20
Genesee Avenue.
About fifteen years ago the Metropolitan Dry Goods Company was
formed to carry on a wholesale and retail dry goods business in the four-
story iron-front building of the Bearinger Estate, on North Franklin Street.
This building had been previously occupied by the Hoyt Dry Goods Com-
pany, and well arranged and equipped to carry on such a trade. After several
years of competitive business, which was said to be not profitable, the
622 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Metropolitan Company wound up its affairs and dissolved. The very favor-
able location for such a business is now occupied by the large dry goods
house of M. \V. Tanner Company, which is an outgrowth of the Saginaw
Dry Goods Company, established many years ago on Court Street, West
Side. The M. W. Tanner Company have the reputation of dealing in as
fine a grade of dry goods as is sold by any dealers in the State, and enjoy
a good trade in that line.
At Saginaw City the distinctive dry goods houses were those of George
W. Bullock, at Hamilton and Ames Streets; Scheib & Company, located
in Khuen's Block on Hamilton Street, north of the Post Office; and ].
Bauman (uncle of the Seitner Brothers), wholesale and retail dealer, whose
business was established in 1867 upon a comparatively modest scale. The
trade of this store, which had a frontage of forty-five' feet on Court and a
depth of two hundred feet on Washington (Michigan) Street, expanded
rapidly from year to year, and "the stock embraced everything in staple
dry goods, dress goods, cloaks, notions, and Brussels, tapestry and ingrain
carpets, rugs, etc." About twenty-five years ago the business was purchased
by Porteous, Mitchell & Company, who carried on the same general lines
for a number of years. Afterward it was sold to the J. W. Ippel Company,
who still conduct the prosperous business at the old stand.
Other successful merchants in this line are: Philip Ittner, at 416-18 Han-
cock Street; A. D. Phillipe, at 121-25 North Hamilton Street; William H.
Miller, at 405 West Genesee; Schwemer & Witt, at 719-23 Genesee Avenue;
and Charles II. Becker, at 2723 South Washington Avenue, South Saginaw.
Clothing and Furnishing Trade.
The flourishing clothing and furnishing trade of the pioneer davs was
represented by 11. Bendit, the "Star Clothing House." at 115 Genesee'Street,
"opposite the Bancroft House,'- but afterward at 203 Genesee; M. & IT.
Koch & Company, in the Hess Block on Genesee Street, with a "special
department for boys' and children's clothing, entrance on Washington
Street." and Browning & Penny, dealers in hats, caps and furs, at 302 Gene-
see. "Highest market price paid for shipping furs." Wilkin & Mack
succeeded to this business, and later was conducted by fames Mack alone,
under the title of "Mack the Hatter." Late in the ei^hteen-nineties, Mr.
Mack retired from business and the store, which had known the men's
furnishing trade since 1867, was taken by Peck & Tredo, the same business
that is now conducted by William P. Tredo.
Probably the best known clothier of this period was S. Bond Bliss,
facetiously termed "Steamboat Bliss." He was a genial, companionable man,
a good advertiser, and had the faculty of keeping himself in the public eye!
His store had a large trade at one time. He was a forceful character, 'of
unquestioned integrity and pleasing personality, but his business enterprises
were not always successful, and he suffered severe reverses of fortune.
Seelev & Spencer was another popular clothing house, which in after
year- was purchased by Griggs & Ryan, old employees of the store, and is
now conducted by William II. Ryan, at 215 Genesee' Avenue. Rich Brothers
were successful clothiers and general furnishers for a number of years, but
following a disastrous fire their building on Genesee Avenue, near'lefferson.
was remodeled into a vaudeville theatre and moving picture house, to which
uses it has since been put. Meyer & Brix. afterward H. H. Brix, at 323
Genesee Avenue, were engaged in the fur ami furnishing business, and is
still a successful business though in furs alone, and is "conducted at 607
Genesee Avenue.
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS
623
"LITTLE JAKE" SELIGMAN
"Little Jake" Seligman.
By far the best known and notable character in the clothing business of
Saginaw, was "Little Jake" Seligman, one of the most public-spirited
citizens of thirty or more years ago. Coming to East Saginaw in 1871, at the
beginning of the city's remarkable growth, he acquired valuable property at
Genesee and Franklin Streets, and under the title "Little Jake" established
and built up a large and profitable clothing business. He also dealt in real
estate and accumulated some of the most valuable realty on Genesee and
adjacent streets ; and he was regarded here and elsewhere as one of Saginaw's
most substantial citizens.
It is related that he and the late Michael Jeffers used to dicker for
business property with avidity, in the days when it was customary for each
to buy or sell a valuable piece of property before dinner every day. Among
the large deals in real estate put through was the sale of the Central and
adjoining blocks on Genesee Street to the Heavenrichs; the Tower Block,
containing the city clock (presented by him) and a bronze statue of him-
self surmounting the tower, to Michael Jeffers ; a two-thirds interest in the
Everett House property, also to Mr. Jeffers ; and the brick block at the
northwest corner of Genesee and Washington Streets, to the late T. F.
Thompson. He was also the promoter and builder of the Saginaw Union
Street Railway, which linked together the outlying sections of Potter Street,
Court Street and South Saginaw. About 1880 he sold a two-thirds interest
in his clothing business to Max and Carl Heavenrich, and in February, 1882,
disposed of his remaining interest to Sam Heavenrich. of Detroit; and the
business has since been conducted under the name of Fleavenrich Brothers &
Company.
024 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Mr. Seligman was also interested in banking- and large investments, for a
long period being proprietor of Seligman's Bank of Commerce, on South
Franklin Street, which had the full confidence of the public. George W.
Emerick was cashier of the bank and private secretary to Mr. Seligman in his
extensive business interests.
About 18('2 Mr. Seligman closed out his Saginaw interests and moved
to Detroit where, in association with Edward Doyle and others, he erected
the Majestic Building, a large store and office building at Woodward and
Michigan Avenues. In 1894 he removed to Salida, Colorado, largely on
account o! impaired health: and became interested in light and power invest-
ments, banking, mining, etc.; and for a time was vice-president of the
Salida State Hank.
"Little Jake" stood high in Flkdom, and was everywhere hailed as the
"smallest Elk in captivity." He had an exceedingly interesting personality,
aside from his diminutive size, and was a good disciple of the doctrine that
"to the hustler belongs the spoils."
Other Successful Clothiers.
The Excelsior Clothing House, a very successful business owned bv
Kerngood, Sloman & Rosenthal, was a popular store in the eighties and
nineties, and the location in the Fverett House Block was very favorable for
securing transient ami local trade. Late in the eighties the firm of John
Otto Jr. & Company conducted a furnishing store at 207 Genesee Avenue,
in Doughty's old stand, where they were "at all times prepared to supply
the gentlemen of Saginaw with the most attractive and desirable goods in
the lines in which they deal." l'eter Bauer, at 802 Genesee Avenue, has a
large and profitable business, and the location is improving each year. About
1902 Sam Carpenter opened a well stocked clothing store in the corner of
the Everett House, now occupied by Moore's Cigar Store, Mautner & Krause,
experienced clothing men who graduated from the larger stores, started a
business at Genesee and Baum Streets, also enjoy a lucrative trade. More
recent acquisitions to the clothing business are Jaeckel & Ran. at 212 Genesee
Avenue; Griggs & Butenshoen, at 319 Genesee; and Albert J. Zauel, at 323
Genesee Avenue.
On the West Side the leading merchants in the clothing business are:
Bauer Brothers, at 310-20 Court, whose business was established two or
three generations past; Brenner & Brenner, at Court and Hamilton Streets;
Campbell & Brater, opened on Court Street in 1906; A. O. Richter, at 1217
Court Street; Nathan Sheyer, at 2704 South Washington Avenue, South
Saginaw ; and ( ). B. Moore & Company, at 400-02 Potter Street.
Boot and Shoe Trade.
In boots and shoes, and leather goods were W. II. Warner & Company
with the "largest and best selected stock in the city," located at 214 Genesee
Street; C. H. Smith & Company, at 119 Genesee Street, "opposite the Ban-
croft House, with F. C. Burt's fine shoes, Newport fine boots and shoes, and
Joyce's dress ami toilet boots and slippers;" William H. Downs & Company
in the Eagle Block, 214 Genesee Avenue, opposite the Everett House; and
F. S. Lenheim & Company, dealers in boots, shoes, rubber goods, 1 t pacs,
etc., at 211 Genesee Avenue.
At Saginaw- City were [. 1*'. Brand, manufacturer and dealer in boots,
shoes, advertising "lumbermen supplied with pacs and heavy I ts." His
store was located in Bauer's Block on Court Street. Clarke & Byrne, also
on Court Street, were wholesale and retail dealers in boots, shoes and pacs;
and Charles Wider was a manufacturer and dealer in leather, lasts and
findings.
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS 025
Furniture and House Furnishings
In the early days of home building in Saginaw, Feige Brothers were
manufacturers and dealers in fine parlor and chamber furniture, with ware-
rooms at 318-20 Genesee Street, and factory at Hoyt and Genesee. E.
Weinecke & Brother, dealers in "furniture, mattresses, looking-glasses and
upholstering goods, "were located at 405 Genesee Street. August Eggert,
at 514-16 Genesee Street, succeeded to the business of Eggert & Heinemann
which was established in 1869. G. Werschky, cabinet maker and furniture
manufacturer, was located on Genesee between Clay (Park) and Rockwell
: Second ) Streets.
On the west side of the river L. Burrows, Junior, in the Taylor House
Block, was a dealer in furniture and upholstered goods; as was also J. F.
Wider, who added "pictures, cords, tassels and cornices, lounges, mattresses,
pillows, etc.. paper hanging, carpet laying, awning and lumbermen's tents."
W. G. Smith, wholesale manufacturer of parlor furniture, lounges, etc., was
located at 302 Court Street. Afterward, Foster, Charles & Company, con-
ducted a large furniture business in the Barnard Block, at Hamilton and
Franklin (Hancock) Streets. This establishment was later taken over b\
John Schmelzer, who conducts the business at the old stand.
The Oueensware and house furnishing line was carried on in those days
by E. Aiken & Company, at 20'' ( ienesee Avenue, a business which was
established in 1864. James Stinson was another pioneer dealer who started
in 1867 and for many years was located in the Schmitz Block, at Ger.esee and
Cass (1'aum) Streets. He carried the "finest line of crockery, china, glass-
ware, gas and oil chandeliers and English and American porcelain." Daudt,
Watson & Company were jobbers of earthenware, china, glassware, etc.,
at 420-22 Genesee Street, having succeeded to the business founded by
Daudt & Klauser several years before. The business is now conducted in
greatly increased volume by II. Watson iK: Company, at the old stand.
Of special interest t<> the ladies was the establishment of Mrs. E. V.
Hammond ( S. L. Warford), well known as the "Emporium of Fashion,"
which was founded in 1853 and conducted for nearly fifty years at one
location, on Washington Street opposite the Bancroft House. The stock in
trade consisted of "everything for the ladies, such as milliner)-, straw and
fancy goods, dress trimmings, cloaks and talmas, ready-made suits and fine
dress goods."
The leading music house of this period was that of A. W. Wheat &
Company, which was established in 1S'66. and were distributors for the
popular Estey Cottage Organs. C. M. Morris & Company followed in this
line of business, and their large and attractive store in the Tower Block,
stocked with the finest merchandise of the kind, is still remembered by old
residents.
Jewelry, Books and Stationery
T. E. Doughty was a leading wholesale and retail dealer in watches,
clocks and jewelry, at 301 Genesee Street; and I >. R. Brown & Company, in
the same line, were located at Genesee and Washington Strets, Charles F.
Lacy handled the same general line at Saginaw City, his place of business
being in the Eieger Block on Water (Niagara) Street. J. C. Ziegler in
Bernhard's Block. Court and Water Streets, were "dealers in gold and
silverware, clocks, opera glasses and spectacles." J. C. Watts & Company
were at one time extensive dealers in the general jewelry line, being located
at Genesee and Washington Streets, and afterward at 209 Genesee Avenue.
626
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
THE BEARINGER BUILDING, ERECTED IN 1892
Brown & Grant were very popular jewelers, their store being at 302 Genesee
Avenue, and was succeeded by J. W. Grant, at Genesee and Washington
Streets.
In the early days Alexander Ferguson was a dealer in books, stationery,
blank books, etc., and was manager of the Snow Telegraph Line, to Detroit.
His place of business was on Genesee Street between Washington and Water.
S. M. McFarlan was a dealer in the same lines but added wall paper, window
shades and fixtures, being located at 108 Genesee Street, Bancroft Block.
Augustus Bode, at 304 Genesee Street, also dealt in stationery, school books,
fancy goods, toys, notions, etc.. while Albert H. Frey was a binder and
blank book manufacturer at 213 Genesee Avenue, and was succeeded by
Frey & Wicklein.
At Saginaw City the book and stationery lines were represented by
Newell & Robinson, whose place of business was at 214 South Hamilton
Street; and Penoyer & St. John, succeeded by E. St. John, on Court Street,
who also carried wall paper, paints, oils, etc. The wholesale trade was
carried on by the Saginaw Valley Paper Company. F. S. Sears, proprietor,
at 221 South Hamilton Street; and by Swinton & Reynolds, who enjoyed a
very large business at their store on Genesee Avenue.
Drugs and Medicines.
In drugs and medicines there was the well known house of "Dunk, the
Druggist," founded by Doctor Curtis in 1851, whose store at the northeast
corner of Genesee and Washington Streets, was a landmark of the business
section. The business was succeeded by William B. Moore, who in later
years was followed by D. E. Prall & Company. Charles S. Frizell & Com-
pany were dealers in the same line and in "toilet goods, cigars, patent medi-
cines, etc., at Washington and German Streets. Henry Melchers, druggist
and chemist, was located at Genesee and Tefferson Streets, and also dealt in
wines and liquors. Eugene Ringler. druggist ami chemist, was also a dealer
in pure wines and liquors on Hamilton Street, Wesener's Block. William
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS 627
Moll, dealer in drugs, medicines and perfumery, paints, oils, etc., was located
on Water (Niagara) Street, between Court and Adams. This store was
removed on January 1, 1870 to the Taylor House Block, at Hamilton and
Court Streets.
Real Estate and Insurance.
The real estate business in early days was conducted in a vigorous
manner characteristic of the time. John Gallagher, whose office was in
the Gallagher Block on Washington Street, and II. H. Hoyt, who also
conducted an abstract office, were well known. Charles L. Ortman, once
mayor of East Saginaw, was a dealer in pine and farming lands, with an
office in the Wilkin's Block, Genesee Avenue opposite the Bancroft House.
I. M. & II. P. Smith were dealers in choice farm lands and city property,
at East Saginaw, and conducted an abstract office; and August Blanchard
was a "pine land agent with an office in the I less Block, opposite the Ban-
croft House." On the west side of the river were P. C. Andre, dealing in
"farms, pine and grass lands, city lots, dwelling houses, and salt and mill
properties." Stevens & Deveaux established a real estate office in the Bar-
nard Block, in 1877; and J. K. Stevens conducted a real estate, abstract and
loan office at the same location.
The East Saginaw Lumber Exchange. C. V. DeLand, secretary and
manager, was located in the Bancroft I louse Block, and advertised: "Buyers
visiting the Valley can obtain information of all kinds at our rooms, free of
charge. All are invited."
Among the leading insurance agencies were: C. V. DeLand, handling
fire, marine and life insurance, at 114 Genesee Avenue; George Lockley,
with an office under the Merchants' National Bank, North Washington
Street, Wheeler & Stringham were general insurance agents at 111 Genesee
Street. At Saginaw City were A. S. & II. K. Gaylord, general inusrance
agents having the Home Insurance of New York, the Insurance Company of
North America, of Philadelphia, which was chartered before George Wash-
ington took oath as President of the United States, and other leading
companies of the time such as the Glens Falls, New York Equitable Life
and New England Mutual. Their office was over Burrow's Bank, in the
Taylor House Block. Freeman Lathrop was agent for the Equitable Life
Assurance Society, and E. Schoeneberg had an office in the Taylor House,
which he established in 1883.
Kirby Blakely was a well known insurance agent and real estate dealer
who, in 1882, succeeded to the business established years before by D. A.
Pettibone. His office was on German Street near the corner of Genesee.
Later he added to his business the agency for the McCormick harvesting
machines, and handled farm implements of every description.
Other dealers in agricultural implements were the Williams-Perrin
Implement and Produce Company, located at Washington (Michigan) and
Gratiot Streets, Saginaw City, whose business in 1887 and subsequent years
exceeded one hundred thousand dollars annually; and William Roeser &
Sons, at 416-18 Franklin ( Hancock) Street, established in 1870, who handled
the "world-renowned McCormick binders, reapers and mowers, also Advance
engines and threshers."
Among the dealers in horses, wagons and carriages was Harry Bates,
whose stables at 208-12 North Franklin Street were the Mecca of horsemen
from this section of the State. The business was founded about 1867, and
Mr. Bates, who was justly regarded as an authority on horses and a skilled
veterinary surgeon, built up a large trade. He made a specialty of Clydes-
and other first-class stock, and his private sales averaged nearly six hundred
628 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
nurses a year. Connected with the business was a well equipped harness shop,
in which harness of the best quality was made to order. To encourage horse
racing Mr. Mates, late in the eighties, constructed a half mile track on his
farm at the eastern limits of the city, where he and his friends spent many
pleasant hours in speeding their horses.
Harvey & Coleman were other successful horse dealers, who conducted
a livery on German Street at the corner of Franklin. Later Air. Harvey
withdrew and Mr. Coleman opened a large and well stocked livery stable at
Washington and Tuscola Streets, a business which was continued for more
than thirty years.
In a business appealing strictly to men were: Eccard, Brown & Company,
wholesale dealers in tobacco and manufacturers agents, their place of business
located at 205 Genesee Street. Jacob Knapp & Brother were manufacturers
of domestic and Havana cigars, and dealers in tobacco, pipes, etc., on
Hamilton Street between Court and Franklin (Hancock) Streets.
C. H. Cheeney & Son were makers and dealers in superior quality of
log and board rules, "with square tempered heads and burned figures."
Their shop was located on North Washington Street, near the F. & I*. M.
R. R. depot. 11. Miller was also a maker of log and board rules, saw gauges,
etc., with a complete shop for making small brass castings, at 1016 South
Washington Street, between Brady and McCoskry Streets.
Coal, Lime and Cement.
ECetcham & Tuthill were pioneers in the coal trade and allied lines, their
business having been founded in 1857. They handled "Cumberland, Kloss-
burg, Lackawana, Lehigh and steamboat coal at the Park Dock, North Water
Street, between Johnson and Fitzhugh Streets." This business was later sold
to C. W. White & Company, of which George W. Morley and George B.
Morley were members. In 1880 Frank D. Ewen became a partner and, Mr.
White retiring, the firm name became Morley, Ewen & Company, which
continued the business lor thirty years. It was then succeeded by the Sagi-
naw Coal Company, which still conducts the business at the old stand.
John II. I'.eese & Company, at 235 South Water Street, was founded in
1883, and for a number of years enjoyed a large trade in this city and
adjoining territory. In addition to all kinds of coal this company handled
sewer pipe, drain tile, cement, hair, fire brick and fire clay. The firm employed
four teams and seven men in caring for the trade and in making deliveries;
and as a consequence of the accuracy of all its dealings enjoyed a thriving
business. Later the firm became Beese-Little Coal Company, the late Char-
les H. Little being admitted to membership; and about 1895 the business
was sold to Goodman & Winkler, who conducted it for about ten years.
At Saginaw City the firm of Remer Iirothers were manufacturers of
Kelly Island stone lime, and dealers in coal, calcined plaster, cement, brick,
etc. The business was founded in 1870 by J. Remer, afterward changing to
J. Remer & Son, and in 1882 assumed its present style. Their yard and
lime kiln, covering an area of one hundred and twenty by two hundred and
fifty feet, with railroad tracks in front and spacious docks in the rear, is
located on Water (Niagara) Street, at the foot of Madison Street, a very
favorable location for receiving stone for the kilns and coal and materials for
trade, while offering every facility for prompt delivery to all parts of the
West Side. In recent years the company purchased the property of E.
Everett Johnson, successor to Johnson Brothers, coal, wood and lime dealers,
located on Water Street at the foot of Hayden Street, and from this yard
handle a considerable part of their trade on the East Side.
a
>
630 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Retail Grocers of Olden Times.
The oldest retail grocer in Saginaw is < reorge Streeb. who started a small
business on Water Street as early as 1853. An account of his business career
and portrait will be found on pages 173-4 of this volume. Thomas L. Jackson
was another pioneer in the business, whose store at the corner of Washing-
ton (Michigan) and Gratiot Streets, was started in 1862. (See Volume II,
page 54.). \\ . C. Russell was a dealer in choice family groceries and
farmers' produce, his store located in Andre's new block on Court Street;
Ballentine Brothers were grocers on Court Street, "opposite Jay Smith's;"
and Downing and Brother kept a family grocery at Washington and Miller
Streets.
At East Saginaw, Curtis, Bliss & Company were prominent grocers,
with a store in the Crouse Block, at Washington and Genesee Streets; and
McBain & Ross, wdio dealt also in provisions, flour, feed, etc.. were in the
same building. J. II. Trakat was located at 105 Jefferson Street; Simpson,
Barber & Company, established in 1870. at 3!" Genesee; Draper & Cashin,
at 406 Genesee; Hathaway & Ware, at the corner of Washington and
Hoyt Streets. Burdick & Moore were located at 400-02 North Franklin
Street, and later, following the fire in their place of business on June 29,
1887, at 130-2 Jefferson Street, where they carried on a large grocery and
meat business. Gossell Brothers at 900 Lapeer Street, founded by Peter P.
Heller, in 1879; R. Asbeck, at Lapeer and Seventh Streets, where he located
in 1867; and Stewart Brothers, on Potter Street, and Charles Straw, on
North Washington Street, were successful merchants many years ago.
Grocery and Provision Trade.
A large and important division of local trade in the early days of Saginaw
was that of wholesale groceries and provisions, which has increased to such
a volume that the trade is now represented by four successful jobbing houses,
one coffee and spice mill, four extensive meat packing and distributing con-
cerns, and five large commission houses.
The first wholesale grocer and produce merchant was John P. Derby,
whose business in Saginawr dated from 1K57. Coming here at that time he
purchased the stock of goods in the store then owned by John F. Driggs,
and several business lots on North Water Street, and in 1866 erected
an imposing three-story brick building, known as the Derby Block, with a
dock in the rear, and opened a large wholesale house. He carried a "large
stock of staple and fancy groceries and shelf goods, mill and camp supplies,"
and enjoyed a large wholesale trade covering not only Saginaw- Valley but
all of Northern Michigan. He also dealt largely in produce as a general
commission merchant, and held the confidence of shippers by the careful
and accurate manner in which commission services were performed by him.
Later he opened a retail grocery in a two-story brick building, having a floor
area of forty-eight hundred square feet, at 718-20 Genesee Avenue, where a
very successful business, under the management of his son, J. Perley Derby,
was conducted for many years.
Another early wholesale grocery house was that of Shaw, Bullard &
Company, which was located at 121-23 North Water Street, with a broad
dock at the rear for the convenient and expeditious unloading of their mar-
chandise, practically all of which was brought here in those days by vessel
from Buffalo, Dunkirk and Erie. The building was later occupied by F. W.
Carlisle & Company, who moved from across the street about twenty-five
years ago. The line of groceries and lumbermen's supplies handled by
Shaw, Bullard & Company, included teas, syrups and tobaccos, and they
advertised "the only exclusive wholesale grocery house in the valley."
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS 631
The next important wholesale business was founded in 1867 at Saginaw
City by Ammi W. Wright and his associates, under the firm name of North-
rnp, Wells & Company. Their warehouse was a three-story brick building,
with a large one-story addition, at Water (Niagara) and Clinton Streets,
and with branch store's at Midland, Sanford, Loomis and Farwell, shipping
points on the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad. Two years after the business
was founded Mr. Northrup withdrew, and Farnam C. Stone was admitted
to the firm, when the name became Wells, Stone & Company. Their busi-
ness was primarily that of wholesale groceries and dealers in lumbermen's
supplies, but gradually trading in pine lands, logs and lumber became a
large part of the business.
In 1885 the Wells-Stone Mercantile Company was incorporated with
Charles W. Wells, president, and Farnam C. Stone, vice-president, and the
wholesale grocery and lumbermen's supply departments were relinquished
to them. The company occupied a two-story warehouse, two hundred by
one hundred feet in dimensions, which was completely stocked with every
description of staple and fancy groceries, tobaccos, dry goods, drugs, lumber-
men's tools and wearing apparel such as was used in lumber camps. Near
the warehouse was a spacious elevator equipped with all machinery for its
operation, having a storage capacity of one hundred thousand bushels of
grain, a mill for grinding feed and corn meal, and a large storage capacity
for grain in bags and other heavy merchandise. In addition the company-
occupied a large warehouse at Duluth, from which shipments were made to
an extensive trade in Minnesota and the Northwest. The company tran-
sacted an immense volume of business in the western and northern portions
of Michigan, and was rated as one of the biggest jobbing houses in this part
of the country.
In 1896, following the decline in the lumber business in Michigan, in
which the trade in lumbermen's supplies fell oft" rapidly, the firm of Phipps,
Penoyer & Company, was organized by William C. Phipps, Chauncey W.
Penover and others, to take over the wholesale grocery business so long
conducted by the old companies, and, although the outlook at the time was
far from encouraging, a large business was developed in the growing towns
and country districts to the western, northern portions of the State, and
in the "Thumb" district. About 1910 the company was absorbed by the
National Grocer Company, although the management remained with Mr.
Phipps until his death in February, 1915. Since that time the business has
been conducted under the name of the latter company and a large and
increasing trade accrues to it.
James Stewart, one of the pioneers in the wholesale grocery trade of
Saginaw Valley, started in business in 1872, occupying the two-story ware-
house at Genesee and Water Streets, and having ample dockage and shipping
facilities at the rear. In 1882 the business was incorporated as the James
Stewart Company, with Doctor Lyman W. l'diss, president; Max Heaven-
rich, vice-president ami manager; and O. F. Wisner, secretary. They carried
a full line of staple and fancy groceries, tobaccos, pork, flour, feed and
lumbermen's supplies, and imported direct all their own teas. The company
also dealt extensively in salt and shingles. About 1889, when the large four-
storv brick building was erected at Washington and Tuscola Streets, the
business was removed to it, where it was continued for more than ten years.
The company was then dissolved but the business was still conducted by
Mr. Stewart in the Cass Block, at P.aum and Tuscola Streets.
Robert Boyd was one of the leading grocers, in both wholesale and
retail trade fifty years ago, having founded a successful business in 1865.
His stores were in the Exchange Block, at Genesee and Water Streets, where
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS 633
the business was continued (after 1874 under the firm name of R. Boyd &
Company) until purchased by Cooper & Peck in November. 1886. This
(inn occupied the business block at 107-'' Smith Jefferson Street, which was
well fitted out for the display of goods in an attractive manner and the
sale of groceries, including a complete line of cigars and tobaccos. In
connection with the store was a well kept meat market, where were als" sold
fresh and salt fish, poultry, and all kinds of game in season. Their trade
extended from Jackson to the Straits of Mackinaw.
Symons Brothers & Company
The wholesale grocery house of Symons Brothers cc Company, which
now conducts the largest jobbing business of its kind in Michigan, has an
interesting history which illustrates to what extent an immense trade can
he built up from a small beginning. The origin of the linn dates back to
1877 when John \Y. Symons was employed as a clerk in Flint. Michigan.
While visiting in South Bay City he suggested to James S. Smart, Jr., that
they start a commission business on a small scale, Symons to buy butter and
eggs in Flint and Smart to dispose of them in South Bay City.
Though started in a small way the business prospered and soon Mr.
Symons gave up his position to devote all his time and energy to the new
enterprise. The firm of James S. Smart, Jr. & Company was then formed
with a capital of two hundred and twenty-five dollars saved out of Mr.
Symons' earnings. As the business continued to grow the firm put in a
general stock of merchandise and changed the name to Symons & Smart.
About 1879 a consolidation was effected with their biggest competitor, which
resulted in putting the firm in the front rank of the trade in South Bay City.
In 1881 a small jobbing business was established and the firm began to
look for a larger field. The old established wholesale house of Remington &
Stevens, at Ufi North Washington Avenue, East Saginaw, was purchased
outright, and in 1883 the business of Symons & Smart was removed to the
warehouses of the former at East Saginaw. At the end of the first year the
capital stock was increased to twenty-live thousand dollars, and from that
time the success of the firm was assured. Mr. Smart withdrew from the
company in 1886, and the name was changed to Symons Brothers & Company
by which title the business has since been known. J. W. Symons was
president, S. E. Symons, vice-president, and George H. Glynn, secretary and
treasurer of the company.
At the time the business was rapidly increasing, the sales of tea amount-
ing to two thousand chests annually, and one hundred and twenty-five
thousand pounds of coffee in the same period. By keeping their stock up
to the highest standard of quality and giving the trade every advantage in
prices, combined with uniformly fair and accurate dealings, they built up
a large business covering a large portion of Michigan.
Since removing to this city in 1883 the business has increased from two
hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars to three million dollars in 1917, a
period of thirty-four years, and it is still increasing. Their warerooms on
North Washington Avenue became much crowded with stock and about l'XX)
the firm removed to the four-story brick building at Washington Avenue and
Tuscola Street. In 1910. having again outgrown their quarters in this large
building, the company purchased a plot of ground on South Washington
Avenue between Millard and Thompson Streets, and erected thereon a large
five-story and basement brick warehouse, salesrooms and offices. This is a
perfectly arranged and appointed building, having a floor space of about two
hundred and twelve thousand square feet, and has direct railroad connection
with the Michigan Central and Grand Trunk railways.
634 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Among the men who are still connected with the house, who have been
with it since its early days are: John \Y. Symons, president, the founder of
the business; Samuel E. Symons, treasurer, who cast his lot with the new
firm before removing to East Saginaw; J. Will Hall, secretary, who came to
the firm as office boy in 1884; and Henry P. Goppelt, vice-president, who
came to the house direct from school in 1887. Rudolph Otto, a director of
the company, came as warehouseman in 1888, and J. W. Symons, Jr., and
S. E. Symons, Jr., sons of the founders, are also directors. P. T. Green, who
came to the company in 1912 from Harrisville, Michigan, and S. E. Symons,
Jr., are the buyers.
From time to time new lines have been added to the regular wholesale
grocerv lines formerly carried in stock. About five years ago the company
saw that there was a field in Saginaw fur a jobbing dry goods business, and
(his department has now been developed until the company stands in the fore-
front of Michigan's wholesale dry goods houses, as well as being second to
none as wholesale grocers. Walter J. Harris is manager of this growing
de] lartment.
George A. Alderton & Company
George A. Alderton, the veteran wholesale grocer of the West Side and
head of the company which bears his name, enjoys the distinction of being one
of the first men in this city to engage in the business. He is now the dean of
an extensive jobbing business in Saginaw, and none holds a higher place in
the estimation of the grocery trade. His entry into commercial life was in
the early days of big lumbering operations, and he has never relinquished his
active participation in supplying the needs of the people.
The origin of this company dates from the eighteen-sixties, when Mr.
Alderton was actively engaged in the spice business. The firm was Taggart,
Lindley ec Company, and their place of business was on North Water Street
at Tuscola Street. Mr. Alderton withdrew his interest and for a time oper-
ated the Kull Salt Block at Saginaw City. His preference, however, was for
trade and barter and he entered the grocery business, keeping a retail store-
in what is now the Nineteenth Ward. These enterprises were but prelim-
inary to the real and successful work of his life.
In 1X75, when the great lumber industry was approaching its height and
the woods were full of logging camps, he perceived the increasing demand for
lumbermen's supplies, and established a wholesale grocery and supply house
at 315-17 South Water Street, Saginaw City. The business proved success-
ful and the two-story warehouse, fifty by one hundred feet in dimensions, was
tilled with everything in the line of staple and fancy groceries, shelf goods,
and teas, coffees, spices and tobaccos. As the forests fell before the advanc-
ing lumberjacks and the country began to be settled, towns and villages
sprang Up in favored places; and the needs of farming communities over a
wide territory were supplied by the wholesale houses of Saginaw. In this
increasing trade George A. Alderton enjoyed a large share.
At length the business increased to such volume that incorporation was
expedient, and in July, 1900, this forward step was effected. George A.
Alderton is president of the company. Alfred A. Alderton is vice-president,
and Clifford W. Alderton is secretary. These officers and Frederick W.
Gensiver compose the board of directors. Mr. < i. A. Alderton is also identi-
fied with some of Saginaw's leading commercial houses, being president of
the Commercial National Hank, the Saginaw Valley Trust Company, and of
the Melze, Alderton Shoe Company.
The business continued to grow and the old warehouse became over-
crowded with goods. A larger and more conveniently arranged building was
imperative, and in 1902 the company acquired the property adjoining at the
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VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS 637
corner of South Niagara and Cass Streets. On this site there soon rose by
the enterprise of the company, a large three-story and basement brick build-
ing, eighty by one hundred and twenty feet in dimensions, and which was
opened for business on December 28. 1903. This structure is equipped and
arranged for the efficient and economical handling of all orders, and is a
decided advantage to their customers. A railroad siding of the Michigan
Central along one side of the building affords quick handling of merchandise
which is received in car load lots.
Within this fine business structure is carried a large and varied stock of
general groceries, coffees, spices, tobaccos and notions. The last named line
is quite extensive and comprises, not only the numberless small articles of
that trade, but overhauls, jackets, blouses, gloves, etc. There is a large de-
mand for workingmen's gloves, the well-known "Wolverine" brand made in
Saginaw, being the favorite. The company makes a specialty of "Fairy
Bow" flour — a Minnesota flour of highest quality, and the "Flag" brand of
canned goods, which is very popular with the trade. They are agents for
the famous "Sparrow" candies and enjoy a splendid business in this line.
In all kinds of tobaccos the company also has a satisfactory trade.
The growing business of the company extends over the greater portion
of Western and Northern Michigan and the "Thumb" section reached by
the Pere Marquette, the Michigan Central and Detroit & Mackinac rail-
roads. Six energetic travelling salesmen cover this large territory, and there
is a considerable mail order business due to the confidence of the trade in the
fair and liberal policy of the house in all its dealings.
Lee & Cady
(Saginaw Branch)
The origin of this old established grocery house was in the pioneer
business established in the eighteen-sixties, known as the Valley Coffee &
Spice Mills. The proprietors were Taggart, Lindley & Company, and their
place of business was on North Water Street at the foot of Tuscola. Frank
Plumb was the silent partner in this concern, and in 1X72 he purchased the
interest of Mr. Lindley, and soon after interested Ben MeCausland in the
enterprise, the firm name then becoming Plumb & MeCausland. This
firm extended its business by the addition of a general line of wholesale
groceries and lumbermen"s supplies, and a large trade was soon developed.
In 1876 the business had expanded to such a volume that more capital
was needed, and Waldo A. Avery entered the firm and furnished unlimited
financial backing to the new firm of Plumb, MeCausland & Company. The
business was then located at 121-23 North Water Street, in the three-story
brick building formerly occupied by Shaw, Bullard & Company.
An extensive business was carried on for about eight years, the annual
sales amounting to several hundred thousand dollars. As might be expected
the profits at this period were large. The lumbermen were gaining riches
from the forests and few were inclined to haggle over prices. For goods they
needed in their logging operations they were willing to pay reasonable prices ;
and progressive wholesalers who supplied them were entitled to fair profits.
In 1892 this successful business was purchased by George A. Alderton,
A. C. Melze and James S. Smart. Jr., who organized the firm of MeCausland
Grocery Company. James S. Smart, Jr.. was the active manager of this
enterprising firm, whose business was established in the Exchange Block, at
Genesee Avenue and Water Street, formerly occupied by Robert Boyd in the
same line. The firm transacted a large volume of business in lumbermen's
supplies, their trade extending over a wide territory including towns on the
bay and lake shores reached by the Shore Line Steamers.
638 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
In 1894 the name of the firm was changed to Melze, Smart & Company,
the stockholders and officers being: George A. Alderton, president; Fred
|. Fox, vice-president; A. C. Melze, treasurer, and James S. Smart, Jr.,
"secretary and manager. Two years later Mr. Melze retired and Mr. Smart
assumed the office of treasurer thus left vacant. Shortly after a wholesale
drug department was started as a profitable adjunct to the business. In
1899 the name was changed to The Smart & Fox Company, with the same
officers and directors.
Alx nit 1902 the three-story and basement brick building, which had been
erected at the foot of Tuscola Street especially for the wholesale house, was
occupied by The Smart & Fox Company, and the drug business was moved to
quarters there. The company soon after purchased the wholesale grocery
business of \V. I. Brotherton Sz Company at Hay City, and conducted it for a
number of years under the name of H. W. Jennison Grocery Compan)
Later it was known as the Hay City Grocery Company. The company rapidly
extended its business, and in 1906 purchased the wholesale house of Phelps,
Brace & Company, at I letroit, and a few months later purchased that of Ward
L. Andrews & Company. At about this time they disposed of the drug
business, which had assumed large proportions under the management of
|ohn W. Smart, with William B. Moore as assistant, to the Michigan Drug
Ci impany < if Detn >it.
( )n March 1. 1907, The Smart & Fox Company interests were consoli-
dated with the large wholesale house of Lee & Cady, of Detroit, and the name
was changed to Let-. Cady & Smart, with branch houses at Saginaw under
the name of The Smart & Fox Company, the Hay City Grocer Company, Lee
& (adv. Kalamazoo, and the Lee & Cady Eastern Market Branch, Detroit.
In l''ll the name of The Smart & Fox Company, Branch of Lee & Cady.
was discontinued, and the local business has since been known as Lee & Cady,
Saginaw Branch, with Fred J. Fox as manager. Mr. Fox came to Saginaw
on August 29, 1887, and became associated with McCausland & Company, and
ha- since been actively identified with this grocery business.
The present officer- and director- of Lee Sz Cady are: Gilbert W. Lee.
president; David D. Cady. vice-president; George R. Treble, secretary and
treasurer; R. F. Galwey, assistant treasurer; and R. W. Collins, assistant
secretary and auditor.
Melze, Alderton Shoe Company
A commercial house of which the average citizen has little knowledge or
realization of its importance to this part of Michigan, is the Melze, Alderton
Shoe Company. This large institution, which is situated in the four-story
and basement brick building at Washington and Tuscola Streets, is one of
the largest wholesale shoe and rubber houses in the State. Starting in a
very small way its history is interesting as showing what intelligence, dili-
gence and thorough knowledge of tin- business, rightly directed, will accom-
plish in building up a large trade.
The origin of this successful house was in the retail business of Jen-
nings. Lacy & Company which, some twenty-five years ago, occupied a small
store at 2\? Genesee Avenue. It was a -uccessful business, and, in order to
meet a need of other retailers of shoes and rubbers, developed a wholesale de-
partment. The outlook for thi- part of the business was such that the firm
was incorporated September 10. 1895, with George A. Alderton, president;
N. M. Lacy, vice-president; S. W. Jennings, treasurer and manager, and
lames S. Smart, secretary. The capital stock was fifty thousand dollars;
"and the place of business was at 111-13 Genesee Avenue, to which location
it had meanwhile been removed.
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640 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Changes in stockholders and in the personnel of the officers occurred in
the following years. E. P. Waldron of St. [ohns, Michigan, came to the
company August 12, 1899, in the capacity of manager and treasurer, an office
which he held until January 1, 1907. Ik- then resigned and removed from the
city. On February 24, 1900, N. M. Lacy retired and A. C. Melze was elected
vice-president and director. This change in officers was followed on Jan-
uary 1, 1901. by the resignation of S. W. Jennings, whereupon the name of
the company was changed ti < Waldron, Alderton & Melze.
Under able management the business grew and in May, 1903, was re-
moved from the cramped quarters on Genesee Avenue to the three-story
brick building at Franklin and Tuscola Streets. On March 24. 1904. the
capital stuck was increased to one hundred thousand dollars, a measure made
necessary by the greatly increased business and stock carried. Mr. Waldron
was succeeded by O. 1). Gilbert as manager; and the following men were
added to the hoard of directors: ( >. J). Gilbert, 11. B. Washburn C \ List
G. II. Hillman and C. W. Taylor.
On March 19, 1907, the capital stock was again increased to one hun-
dred and twenty-live thousand dollars; and the name was changed to Melze.
Alderton Shoe Company. From that time the business expanded more
rapidly than before, and began to assume proportions of the greatest im-
portance to a large portion of Michigan. On February 11, 1911, O. D.
Gilbert resigned his position and George 11. Hillman. who had been connected
with the concern since its earliest days, was elected to succeed him as buyer.
So great was the expansion of the business that on lanuary 20, 1913, 'the
capital stock was increased to two hundred thousand dollars, of which fifty
thousand is preferred stock.
The present location of this prosperous business was purchased in Jan-
uary, 1916. The large building, sixty by one hundred and twenty feet in
dimensions, was built expressly for a wholesale house, and has a floor space
of thirty-six thousand square feet, which is more than double that of the build-
ing formerly occupied. The necessity for ample storage space and shipping
facilities is best illustrated by the remarkable increase in sales in twentj
years, from seventy-six thousand dollars in 1896 to four hundred and eighty-
five thousand dollars in 1917.
This company is the largest dealer in lubbers in Michigan, being State
agents for the celebrated Lycoming Rubbers. Five travelling salesmen cover
practically all of Michigan as far North as the Straits of Mackinac. Recently
a complete line of automobile tires was added to their stocks for distribution
throughout Michigan.
In 1017 the officers of the company were: George A. Alderton. presi-
dent: A. C. Melze. vice-president and treasurer: E. C. Cramer, secretary,
and George II. Hillman, general manager.
Packing and Meat Trade
Spencer Barclay was a leading beef and pork packer in the early days,
his packing house being located at 204-6 North Water Street, and the retail
store at 127 North Washington Street. Stingel Brothers were wholesale
and retail butchers, "all kinds of meat constantly on hand," at 114-10 North
Washington Street. Fred Hubert was a wholesale and retail butcher at
the same stand; and John M. Tholl, with fresh and preserved meats, saus-
ages, etc., was located at South Washington and llovt Streets. Jacob
Meier was a manufacturer of "pork, ham, frankfort, liver and bologna
sausages," at 408 Genesee Street, while John Stolz & Son conducted a meat
business at 80/ Genesee, which was founded in 1852. Ernest Wilke con-
ducted a very successful meat market at 504 Potter Street; and Michael
Kundinger was a prominent dealer at 216 Hamilton Street. Saginaw City.
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS
641
LEWIS CORNWELL
The Cornwell Company
It was in 1863 that the Cornwell Company, or the business to which it
succeeded, was founded by the late Lewis Cornwell, who in that year began
supplying Saginaw, Bay City, Lansing and Jackson with cattle on the hoof.
Attaining a remarkable success as a pioneer in this field, Mr. Cornwell —
twenty years later — opened up the first wholesale meat establishment in the
Saginaw Valley. In a comparatively small building the Saginaw Beef Com-
pany had its inception, and in eight years the business had developed to such
an extent that larger quarters were necessary. A new and enlarged storage and
shipping establishment was erected in 1891, at Thompson and Franklin Sts.
By closely adhering at all times to Mr. Cornwell's firm policy of supply-
ing only the highest grade meats to the trade, and through the deep personal
interest of Mr. Cornwell in the success and welfare of each of those whom
his company served, rapid strides were made in the development of the con-
cern. At the death of Lewis Cornwell, in 1903, the large business was con-
tinued by the four sons — William C. Cornwell, Charles E. Cornwell, Elmer
J. Cornwell and L. W. Cornwell — all of whom had grown up in the business.
They followed the maxims of their father. "Never attempt to fool the trade
WM. C. CORNWELL C. E. CORNWELL E. J. CORNWELL L. W. CORNWELL
President Vice-President Secretary-Treasurer Manager Jackson Branch
642
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
or it will fool you. < )ffer nothing but the best and back it up with a square
deal — it's the only way to win success in the meat business."
On July 1, 1915, the business was reincorporated under the name of The
Cornwell Company, in perpetuation of the memory of the honored founder.
It was service and a progressive, business-like spirit, which dominates
the entire organization, that won the large bulk of Michigan's meat trade,
and made possible the erection of one of the finest cold storage plants in the
country — the new home of The Cornwell Company. In all Michigan there
is not another meat establishment to compare with this modern, six-story
structure, with its complete facilities for the sanitary and careful handling of
choicest meats, poultry, butter, eggs and provisions. Cleanliness and sanita-
THE NEW PLANT OF THE CORNWELL COMPANY
tion go hand in hand with the supplying" of high grade meats, and in this
respect the new Cornwell plant has no equal. Strictest attention was paid
to provide a system of mechanical handling of meats in so tar as possible to
minimize the human contact and to increase the purity of the products pass-
ing through the establishment. Plenty of light and air are admitted to all
parts (except, of course, the cold storage rooms) by huge windows which
greatly improve working conditions.
The Cornwell Company is the Michigan distributor for Swift's Packing
House products, with so perfect a system and service that the company is
enabled to make deliveries to the trade in almost every community in the
State within from two to five days from the time the meat is dressed in the
Chicago packing house. Besides this large business the company handles an
immense quantity of poultry, having facilities for keeping and feeding forty-
five thousand birds. The butter, egg and provision departments of the busi-
ness are also extensive and constantly growing.
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS
643
SAGINAW HARDWARE COMPANY
Saginaw Hardware Company
This old and prosperous company, whose wholesale and retail stores are
located at 200 to 204 South Hamilton Street, was founded in 1864 by William
Seyffardt and A. W. Achard. For nine years the business was conducted
by these enterprising men. and was then taken over by Mr. Achard. In
1873 the firm was known as Achard & Schoeneberg, and in 1878, when Mr.
Achard was joined by li is son, Emil F. Achard, the firm name was changed
to A. W. Achard & Son.
In 1884 the firm owned and eccupied a spacious two-story and basement
brick building, sixty by eighty feet in dimensions, at the present location;
and in 1887 a large addition was erected at the rear, giving a total floor space
of twenty thousand square feet. The business increased very rapidly, the
trade reaching west and north into the lumber districts and northeast into
the "Thumb." The retail trade of the firm at this stage of its history was
extensive, being by far the largest at Saginaw City.
On the main floor was carried a heavy stock and full assortment of tools,
cutlery, builders' and general shelf hardware and mill supplies, while in a
separate room at the rear, which was connected with the receiving and ship-
ping room, was a large stock of bar and sheet iron. In a large warehouse on
Water Street there was to be found a complete assortment of agricultural
implements, wagons, sewer pipe, drain tile, and paints, oils, glass, brushes
and painters' supplies. The high and water-proof basement and the upper
floor were stocked with surplus goods.
Later the firm's business was incorporated under the name of The Sagi-
naw Hardware Company, by which it is known today. As the trade has
broadened and new territory opened by a staff of travelling salesmen, im-
provements have been made in the building to afford increased facilities for
handling the business in an economical manner. In 1909 a large three-story
addition was erected at the corner of Water and Adams Streets, adjoining
the rear of the main building, which gave practically one hundred thousand
square feet of floor space to the establishment. To the large lines already
carried there have been added in recent years a full stock of automobile tires
and rubber goods, in which the company enjoys a satisfactory trade.
■ ZZ
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS 645
Morley Brothers
Fifty-five years ago, in a one and a half-story frame building standing on
stilts over a bayou, which in those days spread its slimy waters over the
greater part of East Saginaw, a middle-aged German by the name of Anton
Schmitz conducted a small hardware shop. Schmitz had two competitors.
His little store was the smallest of the three; hut the rapid growth of the
town, which then boasted a population of five thousand, and the cry of its
saw mills and logging camps for tools and hardware, had created a demand
for all three stores.
Inspired during the day by the hum of saws and the crack of the wood-
man's axe and lulled through the long Summer evenings by the croak of big
throated frogs in the mysterious bogs beneath and all about his shop, Schmitz
tended his business. Besides his stock of hardware and lumbering tools he
carried a layout of crockery for the housewives and toys for the children.
For some time Schmitz had been on the lookout for a desirable partner.
Most of the store work he had dune alone and, suffering from asthma, he
often found the combined duties of buyer, salesman and bookkeeper too
exacting. He realized that during the boom peril id of a wide-awake lumber-
ing town, added capital in his business would mean a more than proportionate
increase in profits. This was in 1863, four years after the incorporation of
the city of East Saginaw.
In Painesville, Ohio, at the time were two brothers, George W. and
Edward W. Morley, awaiting a business opening through which they might
convert their combined energy and talents into dollars and cents. Their
father was willing to back them so that it was simply a proposition of their
discovering the best business opportunity. They heard tales of the pros-
peritv i if Saginaw, the town in the Michigan forests, and of the discovery of
salt there, all of which made a deep impression upon their minds.
But it was not the wealth of limber nor the fortunes to be pumped nut
of salt wells that interested them most. Theirs was a purely mercantile
spirit — a hankering for trade and barter: and they foresaw that Saginaw
was destined t c . become a business center. So they came t( > East Saginaw.
liked the place and met Schmitz. A deal was soon made and the people of
Saginaw awoke one morning to see the old board sign of Anton Schmitz
gone, and in its place hung another which displayed in fresh paint the words,
"Schmitz & Morley."
From this modest beginning the present hardware firm of Morley
Brothers developed. Schmitz has long since been dead; the original store
deserted more than fifty years ago; but the Morley Brothers have remained
active in the business. They have seen it graduate from a country store with
barely six thousand square feet of floor space, from the back door ol which
boys used to spear bull frogs and shunt wild ducks, to a store and factories
covering nearly half a million square feet. For many years the business has
been the most thoroughly modernized hardware store in this section of the
country, transacting the largest business of it> kind in Michigan.
But this development was not of a moment, nor was it realized without
much hard work on the part of the brothers. In less than two years after the
new firm started, Schmitz & Morley moved into the Empire Block mi Water
Street, then the principal business street of the town. Here goods could be
loaded from the rear door of the store into sews to be poled up the river to
lumber camps, and supplies brought by lake boats could be unloaded practi-
cally up' m the linn's shelves. Soon after becoming settled in the new quar-
ters, the Morleys bought out Schmitz. and the linn name was changed to
Morley Brothers. The linn then comprised Albert Morley, of Painesville,
646
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
SILVERWARE AND ART SECTION, MORLEY BROTHERS
( )hio, the father, and his three sons, George W., Edward W., and Charles II..
the last named having joined bis brothers a few months after they had bought
into the Saginaw business. The father and Charles H. later retired from the
firm.
The continued growth of the business necessitated the addition of ad-
joining stores, first on one side and then on the other, until at last, in 1881,
Morley Brothers occupied seven stores, and decided to erect a suitable build-
ing of their own. On April 1. 1881, a large plot of ground, two hundred and
forty feet lony, with ninety feet frontage on Washington Street, and one
hundred and fifty feet on Water Street, was purchased from Jesse Hoyt. The
site was then occupied by a large Summer garden. Building operations were
at once begun, and on April 1, 1882, Morley Brothers moved into their new
building.
This event attracted much attention in the press, as the establishment,
with one exception, was the largest hardware store in the United States.
This was thirty-six years ago; but the firm has kept pace with the progress
of the times, and improvements and additions made from time to time. The
store has always been a pride of Saginaw and one of its show places to
visitors and travellers.
'Idle division of Morley Brothers' business into departments, which at
that time was a novelty, resulted in the following departments: 1, general
hardware ; 2. iron and steel ; 3. carriage hardware and w 1 stock ; 4. saddlery
hardware; 5, stoves; 0. housefurnishing g is and stamped ware; 7. mill
and lumbermen's supplies : 8. cordage, oakum and ship chandlery; 9, paints,
oils, varnishes and glass. Each department is most complete, that of hard-
ware, in which the company transacts a business annually reaching into the
millions, being one of the largest in the United States. Heavy hardware,
including pipe, iron and steel, cordage, etc.. occupies the rear portion of the
lower floors, and a large warehouse on the dock on Water Street, erected in
1900.
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS
647
The saddlery department, which was added in 1881, has grown to pro-
portions far greater than the imagination of the founders could have pre-
dicted. In it may be found everything of interest to the trade; and the
department is widely known with the rest of the institution for its standard
stocks.
In the sporting goods department, which is complete in every detail, may
be found at all times an unequalled line of guns and ammunition, cut glass,
silverware, fishing tackle and athletic goods. To this large stock have been
recently added a beautiful line of fine china, art glassware, and the Brooks
phonograph which is manufactured in this city.
The manufacturing departments include harness and collars in the
saddlery factory at Water and Tuscola Streets. Nothing is lacking t" make
the concern complete in every particular, ami this fact, coupled with the hon-
est, attentive business policy always followed, has brought it to a position of
a leading hardware jobbing store of the Middle "West.
George W. Morley, who served as president of the corporation since its
organization on February 15. 1883, died April 10, 1914, and was succeeded
by" Edward W. Morley. Ralph C. Morley was chosen general manager in
[anuarv, 1900, and later elected treasurer. The directors of the company
are: Edward W. Morley. John E. Morley, < ieorge W. Morley. Jr., Ralph C.
Morley, P. F. H. Morley. secretary: Charles A. Phillips, manager of the
saddlery department; H. A. Werner, buyer; Thomas A. Saylor, manager of
sporting goods department ; E. L. Reich le, manager of mill supply department.
The senior members of the company were confident from the earliest days
of the business stability of the city, and have lived to see Saginaw the third
city in the State, and one of the leading cities of its class in the entire country.
HARDWARE AND CHINA SECTION, MORLEY BROTHERS
048 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
»
The Early Newspapers
As early as 1836, when Saginaw City was only a frontier settlement
in the forest wilderness, a printing press and small assortment of type were
brought from New York by Norman Little. It was a time when this enter-
prising promoter was advertising extensively throughout the eastern states,
the advantages of settlement here, and his plans of improvement included
the starting of a weekly newspaper. Accordingly, on a certain day in 1836
there appeared the first issue of the Saginaw Journal, the pioneer newspaper
df the Saginaw Valley. John P. Hosmer was its first editor, his duties
including the work of type-setting, working the press, and everything else
done by hand, which generally fell tn the printer's "devil." How long this
primitive sheet was kept alive is not known.
The Saginaw North Star, the second newspaper printed here, was
established in 1842 by l\. W. Jenny. After a few years of precarious exis-
tence it suspended publication, and fur some time Saginaw City was without
any newspaper of its own. At length L. L. < \. Jones, having a liking and
facility for collecting news, started the "Spirit of the Times," the first issue
of which appeared on March 3, 1853. Under this somewhat catchy title he
put out a presentable sheet, a copy of which, of date 1858, is preserved by
Mrs. S. W. Kennedy. 703 North Michigan Avenue.
Another early newspaper was the Saginaw Valley Herald, which was
started by a man named Blair, who soon after sold it to P. C. Andre. Before
long Mr. Andre sold the paper, under certain conditions, to Bertram &
Gardner, but as the conditions were not fulfilled, the sheet reverted to Mr.
Andre in 1858. He continued the publication until 1868 when it was pur-
chased by C. V. DeLand and run by F. A. Palmer for about six years. In
the Fall of 1872 this paper started daily publication, and six months later the
office was removed to East Saginaw and an afternoon daily published to
take the place of the Enterprise, which had just suspended. The Daily
Herald was continued until November 28, 1875. when it too suspended, the
Weekly Herald, however, being continued.
In 1870 the Saginaw Republican, a weekly newspaper, was published
by F. A. Palmer & Company. The office was above Jay Smith's drug store
on Court Street, wdiere "job printing of all kinds, at moderate prices, was
executed promptly." Later the same company started the Daily Repub-
lican, in the Bliss Block, which was issued every afternoon (Sundays
excepted). The price was "eight dollars a year, by mail in advance, or
delivered 1>v carrier at seventy-five cents per month; job printing neatly
executed at reasonable prices." Luring this period the "Saginawian." a
Democratic newspaper was published at Saginaw City by George F. Lewis, a
pioneer journalist of this city. The office was in the Khuen Block, Hamil-
ton Street, where "job printing in all styles is executed and blank books
printed and bound to order." The Saginaw Valley News, a semi-weekly
paper, was established July 7, 1874, by Charles II. Lee.
A Reporter's Reminiscences
In speaking of the difficulties of collecting news and publishing news-
papers forty or fifty years ago. F. Bruce Smith, a well known reporter, a
short time before his death, said: "Today the news gatherer can sit at his
desk and with the telephone reach several hundred sources of information
about any local happening he thinks may interest the public. The intro-
duction of the telephone in Saginaw was, I think, about 1880.
"Conditions were very different here a half century ago. Prior to
1887 the only street lights in Saginaw City were gas lamps. The posts were
a block apart and were placed on only a few of the main streets. The only
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS
G49
pavements were of plank, rind only in the business section — Court Street
for two blocks and Hamilton for four blocks being paved full width. The
rest of the streets were dirt — muddy in Spring and Fall and dusty in
Summer. The only sidewalks were boards laid on the ground, or indeed, the
bare earth tramped down hard. Under such conditions getting about town
in quest of news was not easy or altogether enjoyable. A part of my equip-
ment when I commenced gathering news for a morning paper, as necessary
as my note book and pencil, was a lantern to light my way.
"One night when I was reporting- the proceedings of the common council,
one of the aldermen insisted that the time had come when the ordinance
prohibiting cattle and horses from running at large in the streets, should
be enforced. The late James Hay. who was present, said to me: T am glad
the council has taken this stand. 1 hope that the poundmaster will take my
cow and not some widow washerwoman's cow- to the pound.' He foresaw
that many animals would be impounded before the
i iwners
would realize
GEORGE F. LEWIS
Pioneer Journalist
that the old days of violation of the ordinance had passed. In this con-
nection I recall writing a paragraph to this effect: 'Sheriff M is
cleaning up the jail yard with a four-legged lawnmower.' The jail yard was
enclosed by a four-foot fence.
"The Daily Xews was published in Saginaw City for some six years
beginning in 1S77. For a year or two following I was ambitious for new
feature--, and church paragraphs under the heading of 'Religious Intelligence"
were presented in Saturday's issue. Some of the pastors had conscientious
scruples about announcing subjects of their sermons, but with most of them
the scruples gave way when they were to preach on a topic of special interest.
"in hXS'O the Saginaw Herald, which had succeeded the Saginawian,
tried the experiment of a Monday morning issue. The Sunday field for
local news was largely confined to church matters, and, as ministers were
not inclined to furnish a synopsis of their sermons, I had to cover four or
Jive churches. To get to all of them 1 frequently called on volunteer
reporters, one of whom was Fred W. Bushell, who was a book agent, selling
650 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
PERRY JOSL1N
bibles. The first work he did for me was reporting sermons of Reverend A.
F. Bruske, the pastor of the deer-shooting out of season notoriety, later
president of Alma College. From this start Mr. Bushell became one of the
ablest of Saginaw's newspaper men, and he was city editor of the Saginaw
Courier-Herald for several years. He then went to Minneapolis and became
city editor of the Minneapolis News, and died there about 1901." Charles
B. Schaefer, news editor of the Courier, was also a well known newspaper
man for many years connected with newspapers here.
During the late eighties the only daily newspaper in Saginaw City was
the Saginaw Evening Journal, which was established in April, 1886. D. Z.
Curtis was the manager and editor and F. Bruce Smith was city editor.
The Journal was a healthy and vigorous paper, alive to the interests of
Saginaw City, and had a substantial patronage. In 1887 a weekly edition
was started and it sustained the reputation of the daily paper for furnishing
interesting news.
Pioneer Newspapers in East Saginaw
The first newspaper in East Saginaw was the Saginaw Enterprise, which
was started in 1853 by Williamson & Mason. Without financial means to
carry on a publication on the frontier, or indeed, experience in newspaper
work, their efforts at journalism met with scanty support by the pioneers, and
a vear later the paper was sold to Perry foslin. He at once made it a live
sheet, injecting subjects and items of general interest, and soon had the
Enterprise on a solid basis. In 1864 Francis 1'arth, who had been connected
with the printing office since the paper was started, was admitted as partner
with Mr. Joslin, and a year later C. V. Deland also became a partner. In
September, 1865, the Daily Enterprise was started and continued until the
Spring of 1873. when it suspended. About 1870 the newspaper was located
in a building at 125-27 North Washington Street, on the site of Morley
Brothers hardware store. It announced "the largest circulation and best
advertising medium in this part of the State; plain and ornamental printing
neatly and promptly executed."
On June 16, 1859, appeared the first issue of the Saginaw Weekly
Courier, a paper founded by George F. Lewis, who was probably the ablest
of the newspaper men of that period. He was a man of strong character,
possessed an indomitable will, and became a powerful figure in city and
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS
651
county affairs. In 1868, in association with Bradley M. Thompson, E. W.
Lyon and Joseph Seemann, he started the Daily Courier which was "pub-
lished every morning (except Mondays) and is the organ for the salt and
lumber interests, and the best local paper in Northern Michigan. The
Weekly Courier (published every Thursday) is replete with the latest
current news and is a first-class family journal." Later the Courier was sold
to S. S. Pomroy, who printed the paper and conducted a job office on South
Franklin "Street, in the rear of the Penney Block.
Edwin D. Cowles Takes Charge of the Courier
The fortunes of the Daily Courier were materially improved in March.
1874, by the acquisition of Edwin D. Cowles. a journalist of great promise,
who for about two years had been city editor of the Daily Enterprise. Ik-
assumed the editorial management of the Courier, in which position he
remained for fifteen years, and was very successful in raising the standards
of journalism in this section of the State. In September, 1889, in association
Wau ■<>
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[Courtesy of W. J. Hunsaker]
FAC-SIMILE OF NOTICE OF MEETING TO SUPPORT THE DAILY COURIER
652
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
with Roswell G. Horr, he purchased the Saginaw Daily Herald, which had
been published by Laing Brothers on North Cass (Baum) Street, and was
made editor-in-chief of the Saginaw Courier-Herald, the paper which resulted
from the consolidation with the Courier. In
this capacity he remained until 1902, when he
si ild his interests in the paper and removed to
Bay City.
During his thirty years of editorial work in
Saginaw, Mr. Cowles manifested his courage
and fidelity to the principles of the Republican
party, to whose political fortunes the paper
was unequivocally committed: and during the
campaign of Colonel Aaron T. Bliss for Gov-
ernor of Michigan, the Courier-Herald was his
most staunch supporter, exerting a large in-
fluence in his behalf. For thirty-five years
Mr. Cowles was the Saginaw Valley corre-
spondent of the American Lumberman, and in
his compilation of statistics of lumber and salt
production in this valley, he became known far
and wide as an authority on these subjects.
His statements were prepared with great care
and attention to details, and no man was so
well posted on the history and development
of these industries. For a period of twenty years Mr. Cowles was the Sagi-
naw correspondent of the Detroit Free Press, to which he contributed much
interesting and valuable matter.
E. D. COWLES. IN 1874
The Saginaw Courier-Herald
On January 1, 1902, the Saginaw Daily Courier-Herald, then owned by
Edwin 1>. Cowles. bred G. Cowles and Governor Aaron T. Bliss, was sold
'■I \\ alter J. Hunsaker, of Detroit, and Chase S. < Isborn, of Sault Ste. Marie.
Mr. Hunsaker, who bad wide experience in journalism in the West and as
editor of the Detroit Journal, at once assumed the entire editorial manage-
ment and business control of the paper, while Mr. Osborn, who was State
Railroad Commissioner, took no active part in the business. Its policy in
general was not changed and it remained in politics an independent Repub-
lican paper, free from political direction and of influences, except such as were
in accord with its own thought and purpose.
To place the paper in the front rank of daily newspapers in Saginaw
Valley, it was necessary to overhaul the entire mechanical equipment; and
the new owners proceeded on an extensive plan of improvement. A battery
of five new Linotype type setting machines replaced the old Rogers typo-
graphs and new display type of attractive face was added from time to time.
Later a high-speed electrically driven Hoe press of the most approved type
was installed, capable of running twenty-four pages at the rate of twelve
thousand papers per hour and lesser pages at higher speed. In recent years
the equipment has become completely modernized, including electrical drive
f'H- all machines, insuring typographical excellence efficiently and economi-
cally produced. The general improvement in the news and editorial features
of the paper, as well as in mechanical facilities, is reflected in the steady
increase in circulation, m advertising, and in the influence exerted on public
i ipinion.
THE HOME OF THE SAGINAW COURIER-HERALD
654
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
BATTERY OF SIX LINOTYPE TYPESETTING MACHINES
During the Roosevelt-Taft primary campaign of 1912 Air. Hunsaker pur-
chased the interest in the paper of his associate, Chase S. Osborn, at that
time governor of the State, and thereupon assumed entire ownership of the
property. The paper has since been wholly directed by his policies, both
politically and editorially, as publisher. The editorial management is in the
hands of Arthur O. Cook. William A. Rorke, formerly of the Bay City
Tribune, is the business manager of the paper. Robert C. Laing, one of the
publishers of the old Saginaw Herald before its consolidation with The
Courier, is telegraph editor.
'I"hc Saginaw Courier-Herald at present represents the oldest continuous
newspaper published in Saginaw, and enjoys a prestige which permanency
gives. 1 1 > progenitors are grey with age. Dating from the establishment of
the Weekly Courier in 1859, the Daily Courier in 1868, and the purchase
and consolidation of the Daily Herald' in 1889, The Courier-Herald justly
claims the distinction of being the pioneer paper of Saginaw to maintain
continuous publication. Several years ago the Weekly Courier, which had
been published for half a century, was discontinued.
The demise of the weekly edition was due to the establishment in its
present scope of the rural free delivery service, which has had great influence
upon new -paper reading. By extending this service to cover practically
every farm home in Saginaw and adjoining counties, the Government opened
up a" large field for the daily morning edition. It was soon discovered that
farmers needed a daily morning paper, reaching them within a few hours
after publication, as a valuable adjunct to rural life. They found that The
Courier-Herald brought them the news of the world, the previous day's
market reports, and such tilings of general interest almost as quickly as it
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS
655
did to residents of the city. In fact a great many fanners living from twelve
to sixteen miles distant from the city receive their daily morning papers be-
tween nine and ten o'clock in the morning, and others nearer the city some-
what earlier. Consequently the rural circulation of the daily Courier-Herald
increased rapidly, so that the Weekly Courier as formerly constituted lie-
came obsolete. This was true of all weekly papers excepting certain local
weeklies published in small towns and county seats. As a result of the
creation of rural free delivery service The Courier-Herald quickly gained and
still holds by far the largest circulation among the farming community of any
publication in this section of the State.
Although the Weekly Courier was the oldest direct progenitor of The
Courier-Herald, the latter fell heir to all morning papers published here prior
to 1890, and from that year no efforts were made to start a competing morn-
ing paper in Saginaw. It is now the only morning newspaper published in
the eastern half of Michigan, between Detroit and Lake Superior, and has
had no competition in the morning held since it took oxer the Saginaw Herald
in 1889. This has resulted in its becoming "the paper that goes home," and
in its being read by the second and third generations of men who subscribed
for it when Saginaw was merely a border lumbering town. Many citizens
now past middle life recall the old Courier in the home when they were chil-
dren, and it was as much a part of the home life as now.
The present policy of The Courier-Herald is broad and liberal, yet
soundly conservative, and its attitude toward public questions is singularly
open-minded. It believes in unity and harmony between the several sections
of the city, and advocates a spirit of helpfulness and co-operation among
business and professional men. To all projects intended to advance the mate-
THE HOE HIGH SPEED PRESS
656
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
rial prosperity, increase the employment of labor, and better living condi-
tions of the community, it gives unqualified support, and may always be found
on the side of progress and truth. It stands for enlightened public interest
in good civic government, and, being free from political entanglements, exerts
a strong influence to the culmination of its purpose.
A factor of great importance in the success of The Courier-Herald is the
Associated Press full night telegraphic news service, over a leased wire direct
into its office, which the paper has enjoyed since 1' 02. It was the first news-
paper in tli is city to secure the full press reports, thus enabling it to give
complete day and night news up to nine o'clock in the morning. Moreover,
the reports, being gathered with more time for preparing the news than the
hurried day press reports, are amplified ami usually contain more interesting
details. A fac simile of the Associated Press certificate of membership,
granted to Walter J. Ilunsaker in 1902, is reproduced below.
CERTIFICATE DP MEMBERSHIP
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THE CERTIFICATE OF MEMBERSHIP IN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS HELD BY
WALTER J. HUNSAKER FOR THE SAGINAW COURIER-HERALD
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS 657
The Saginaw Daily News
Following in the footsteps of the pioneer journalists was the Saginaw
Evening News, founded in 1881 by Joseph Seemann and Charles H. Peters,
Sr., with whom the idea originated that there was room in Saginaw for an
evening paper. They were convinced that the public had more time to read
daily papers after supper than before breakfast; that there was a chance for
a larger circulation fur an afternoon paper and that the readers of such
papers were mure susceptible to the influence of advertisements than the
readers of morning papers generally. Accordingly the first issue of the
paper, consisting of several thousand copies, appeared on May 2, 1881, and
was in the main distributed gratuitously, the paid circulation being less than
five hundred. The price was fifty cents a month, and the politics Democratic.
Although there was a good business prospect for an afternoon journal,
the early days of the News were full of trouble. Mechanical difficulties
were few compared with others which had to be met. There were two morn-
ing papers in the field and one of these sought to head off the News by
printing an evening edition called the Evening Express. Possessing a fully
equipped newspaper plant, a large press, an organized staff, a telegraphic
news franchise and established delivery routes the odds were largely in favor
of the Express. The News efforts to obtain the day service franchise were
strongly opposed by the publishers of the Express, and the early issues of
the former were minus press despatches excepting a few costly specials. So
it was a fight for existence, and the fittest survived, but it cost the News
publishers many months of hard work, long hours, and much worry as to
where the funds for the regular pay rolls were to come from.
It was due to a sense of justice shown by the publishers of the other
morning paper that the anomalous situation was ended. Charles V. Deland,
the proprietor of the Herald, espoused the cause of the News and used his
influence in its behalf; and after considerable delay the evening paper secured
the Associated Press day news service, enabling them to publish a newspaper
in fact as well as in name. Its early rival, the Kxpress, suspended publi-
cation about a year after it was started leaving the News alone in the evening
field for several years. Other evening papers appeared at different times,
including the Journal, a West Side publication, which died of inanition, and
the Mail which secured the United Press service and proved a strong com-
petitor, making existence fairly precarious for both evening papers. Upon
the suspension of the Mail, the United Press franchise was purchased by
the News.
In 1885 the News, which had been published at 319 Genesee Street
(upstairs), was removed to the new building of Seemann <S: Peters on Tus-
cola Street, and remained there until its final removal to its handsome new
building at Washington and Germania Avenues. Meanwhile, the paper was
sold to E. N. Dingley of Kalamazoo, who took charge on Februarv 15. 1893.
He soon after disposed of the property to Eugene McSweeney and John T.
Winship, who conducted the paper successfully until 1910, when they sold
the property to the present owners. The name was then changed to Saginaw
Daily News by which it is known today.
During the management of Messrs. McSweeney and Winship, covering
a period of about seventeen years, the News made a great advancement, not
only in circulation and advertising matter, but in its general make-up. appear-
ance of the sheet and the influence it exerted upon the public mind. In 1893
the paper was printed on a Cottrell press, all the type was set by hand, and
the daily circulation was only twenty-six hundred. That year it purchased
a Duplex perfecting press, and shortly after a battery of three Mergenthaler
c.-.s
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
THE NEW HOME OF THE SAGINAW DAILY NEWS
type-setting machines was installed. It was not long before the business
outgrew this equipment, and a single-deck Hoe press replaced the Duplex,
and two mure type-setting machines were added. About that time the
publishers purchased the second evening newspaper, the Saginaw Globe,
giving it the entire afternoon field and placing it far in the lead among the
Saginaw newspapers.
From a humble beginning and steady progress the News has grown
to be one of the strongest and must influential newspapers in the State, and
the leading daily of northeastern Michigan. Its circulation continued to
increase rapidly and when it reached twenty-thousand daily and its quarters
became very cramped, in 1908, a three-deck Goss press, with color attach-
ment, was installed in additional space secured in the old Armory building
on North Franklin Street. A large room was also provided at that time for
a news buys' recreation hall, a feature which was greatly appreciated by the
urchins, large and small, who delivered the paper to thousands of Saginaw
homes and sold the paper on the streets.
It was the ambition .if the owners and managers of the Daily News to
own a modern newspaper printing plant, in which all its various activities
and operations might lie centered. This ambition, however, was subservient
to the effort to first publish a paper that would meet every want of the
community which it sought tin satisfy, and it was not until 1915 that the way
seemed clear to provide the much needed improvement. In that year the
valuable property at the southwest corner of Washington and Germania
Avenues was purchased and plans drawn for a three-story terra cotta, brick
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS
659
and concrete building to occupy the site. The handsome building of white
terra cotta facing was completed in September, 1916, and on Thursday the
twenty-first it was opened to public inspection.
This magnificent building is a monument of faith which is held by the
Daily News in the future prosperity of Saginaw. It is the first structure
of the kind in this city, is as nearly fire-proof as modern construction with
steel girders, concrete and brick with terra cotta can make it. and is equipped
with an automatic two-source sprinkler system having four hundred
sprinkler heads. Emm a short distance the building looks like a mass of
marble having wonderful window effects, and lends an impression of dignity
and character.
The main entrance on Washington Avenue opens into a spacious lobby,
about which are arranged the business offices. The floor is of mosaic tiling,
the counters are of quarter-sawed oak with marble base, while the ceiling is
finished in tints of old gold. The offices are equipped with every convenience
for persons transacting business with the News; and at the left of the en-
trance is the office of the editor and manager from which the entire business
of the institution is directed. Immediatelv back of the business office is the
mailing room, well lighted and well ventilated, with every modern con-
venience for assembling and sending out the large mail edition of the News.
COMPOSING ROOM
BATTERY OF LINOTYPES
FOUR-DECK GOSS HIGH-SPEED PRESS
660 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The press room is back of this department, and is specially designed for
its work and provides for any additional press equipment that may be
necessary in the future. Enormous windows afford abundant light and
give a view of the press room from the street. At the west end of the build-
ing is the boys' delivery room so arranged that papers are passed out as
they come from the press, eliminating confusion and delay. A twelve-foot
alleyway on the west and smith sides of the building affords every facility
tor rapid loading of motor trucks for speedy delivery of the paper to trains.
On the second floor are situated the editorial, composing and stereo-
typing rooms, which share the feature common to all in the building of
being splendidly lighted and scientifically ventilated. In the front part is
situated the editorial department housing the Associated I 'ress special wire
service carried by the Daily News, and the city, telegraph and society
editors and the editorial writers and reporters. In such admirable quarters
work becomes a pleasure. On the south side is the library and conference
room, an apartment specially appointed for the purpose. The composing
room is long and broad, decorated in orange and old ivory tints, and the
provision for artificial lighting is the best known to the electrical world.
The mechanical equipment consists of six linotype machines and all-steel
composing room appliances. Adjoining this room is the stereotyping depart-
ment where all matrix casting and finishing work is done. There is direct
elevator connection with the press room below, for lowering the forms
ready for the press cylinders. The mechanical departments are provided
with shower baths and toilet arrangements in keeping witli the sanitary
equipments of the building.
The News Auditorium occupies the entire third floor, and is one lofty
apartment beautifully finished as to general decorative scheme. It is a
daylight hall, forty-five by one hundred and five feet in size, capable of seat-
ing a small audience with unobstructed view from one end to the other.
Above and over the roof is a thirty-one foot steel flag pole bearing the Stars
and Stripes.
It is within the last eight years that The News has made its greatest
advances. In this time its development in all departments has been remark-
able and its sphere of influence and standing among journals has been
materially increased. Its mechanical facilities have been largely augmented
by the installation of a battery of new linotypes, six in number, with a
complete change in composing room material and the substitution of all-steel
equipment for the old style wooden cases and imposing stones. This new
equipment has made it possible to serve its family of readers with the news
up to the minute of going to press in a more comprehensive manner than
before.
In addition it has added to its press a fourth deck giving it the most
complete printing press to be had. This machine gives double speed and
carries a larger number of pages than before, thus making possible a more
newsy paper and a quicker delivery. The News also adopted the standard
metropolitan size of newspaper, eight column in width, thus giving to
Saginaw and contiguous territory a newspaper fully complying with the
most modern methods used in the largest cities of the country.
Just as it has advanced along mechanical lines, so has The News pro-
gressed in its editorial department. In addition to the complete service of
the Associated Press taken over a special leased wire direct in its own home.
it has the unequalled Newspaper Enterprise Association's features and illus-
trative service and in addition a number of specially selected valuable
features entertaining for every member of the family.
NEWSBOYS' ROOM MANAGING EDITOR'S OFFICE
BUSINESS OFFICE
EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT LIBRARY AND CONFERENCE ROOM
662 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
At the time of the sale of The News in 1910, its management passed into
the hands of two of the most experienced and successful newspaper men in
the State. Ralph H. Booth, at that time president of a number of successful
State dailies, was its president, and Charles M. Greenway, for many years
business manager of The Grand Rapids Press, became its general manager.
Under these officers The News immediately developed its field to a greater
extent than ever before and became a greater newspaper. Mr. Greenway
was succeeded upon his removal to Flint to become editor and manager of
The Flint Daily Journal, by Arthur R. Treanor, as editor and manager of
The Daily News. Mr. Treanor began his newspaper career in 1901 as a
cub reporter on The News and in the intervening years had passed through
the various offices in both the editorial and business departments, lie was
made business manager of the property in 1913, and in 1915 became editor
and manager.
Under the progressive management of the Daily News it is the policy
not only to keep pace with the advancement of the community but to keep
well in the lead as becomes a newspaper as a co-operating factor in a city's
growth and prosperity. The News has achieved a circulation which is the
best evidence of its popularity and its service, and it goes into practically
all the homes of Saginaw and into thousands of others in this part of Mich-
igan. This paper takes an independent stand in politics, believing that it
can thus best serve the public. It aims at impartiality and fairness in treat-
ment of all public questions; and it gives the best possible news service,
its resources in this direction being unusually large and comparing creditably
with those of metropolitan newspapers.
The Saginaw Press
Saginaw Publishing Company
A more recent acquisition to the news and publicity craft of this city is
the Saginaw Press, a weekly newspaper which is published by the Saginaw
Publishing Company. This corporation was organized in 1912 by Emmet
L. Beach and George W. Baxter, with one hundred and ten stockholders
and a capital of ten thousand dollars. Its first print shop was situated at
210 North Hamilton Street, and the paper was published daily (except
Sunday) under the name of Saginaw Evening Press.
This was the only Democratic newspaper in Saginaw County and it
filled very satisfactorily a want in both city and townships. So rapid was
the increase in the business that the original quarters became very cramped,
and about three years later Mr. Baxter erected at 410-412 Hancock Stret,
a modern brick building with high basement, arranged and adapted especially
to the requirements of the printing and publishing business. In this building
was installed a complete printing plant with the most modern equipment,
including a Mergenthaler linotype machine, cylinder press, paper cutters,
stitchers, etc., all operated by individual electric motors.
The daily newspaper field was very well covered and the difficulties of
printing a daily journal were such that in December, 1912, it was deemed
expedient to change the Evening Press to a weekly paper. This was done
and since that time the paper has appeared regularly as the Saginaw Press.
It has a wide circulation on the West Side and in the country districts, and
is everywhere appreciated on account of its clean reading pages, its vigorous
editorials and valuable farm and country news. It prints from eight to ten
pages weekly, and for the last two years, and one year at a previous time, was
the official paper for printing the county records.
In addition to publishing the newspaper the company does a general job
and book printing business; and its complete equipment affords every facility
for printing directories, pamphlets, catalogues, etc.
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS
663
PRINTING PLANT OF THE SAGINAW PRESS
(in January 1, 1917, the Saginaw Valley News was taken over by the
Saginaw Publishing Company and consolidated with the Press, and on
October 1, of the same year the Saginawian, an old weekly newspaper was
united with the Press, leaving the latter paper the only newspaper published
on the AYest Side.
George W. Baxter, the general manager, is an old Saginaw boy who has
had a wide experience in the newspaper field. He was on the staff of the
Detroit News, the Jackson Patriot, and daily papers in Kendallville, Indi-
ana, and Dowagiac, Michigan. In 1912 he returned to Saginaw, for which
he had always had a longing and, in association with Mr. Beach, started the
Saginaw Press.
As a means of ready reference, files of old newspapers are invaluable to
the historian and those seeking to confirm smiie fact or solve some question.
To this end the bound files preserved in Hoyt Library of some of our earliest
papers are valuable additions to the catalogue of reference books, and may be
consulted by anyone. The list of such hound files is as follows: Spirit of the
Times, published at Saginaw City, from February 17, 1853 to May 24, 1859
(incomplete); Weekly Enterprise, from September 8, 1853 t<i December 29,
1859, (very imperfect), and from
12, 1860 to December 25, 1873, (a
few numbers missing); Weekly Courier, from June Id, 1859 to December
6, 1866, and from January 1, 1876 to December 25. 18('0 (incomplete): and
the Saginaw Globe, from January to June, 1891 (incomplete); The Daily
Courier and Courier-Herald, from January 1, 1868, and the Saginaw Evening
News from July 1, 1890, both complete t" date.
The German Papers
In 1866, in order to reach the large German population in this county,
Anton Schmitz started the first newspaper printed in German, styled the
Saginaw Zeitung, with Count Solms as editor. The paper was fairly success-
ful and filled a want among our German citizens. Later the paper was pur-
chased by Constantine Beierle who conducted it until about 1890, when it
was sold to Ernest Zoellner. About 1895 Seemann & Peters published the
Zeitung but two years later sold it to the Saginaw Post, which had been
established in January, 1887. by F. & C. Reitter. These publishers then
operated a job printing office in German and English at 118 South Franklin
Street, in connection with the Post, and upon consolidation with the other
664 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
German paper, the name became Post-Zeitung under which it is published
at present. In February. 1913, the Post-Zeitung, its printing plant and
other property, was sold to Seemann cc Peters who have since published
the paper with complete equipment at their plant on North Franklin Street.
The paper is ably edited by Hans Dabis, a veteran journalist, and is managed
by George A. Klette who has been connected with it for ten years.
Saginaw Post Offices.
The mail facilities of early times, before there were any roads leading
to civilization, were primitive in the extreme, and the settlers had to depend
upon each other for such news as readied the frontier. A single mail carrier
used to come on horseback over the old Indian trail from Flint, once a
week, and cross the river at Green Point, the only crossing at that period.
Joseph Busby, one of the early pioneers, records having met him once near
the river and, as he had some business with the elder Busby, accompanied
him to his home on the banks of the Tittahawassee I now the Paines
tarm). As the carrier did not want to be troubled carrying the mail bag
there and back, he pitched it into the bushes at the side of the trail and left
it there until he returned. At that time the mail was not a heavy one.
The first post office in this valley was opened at Saginaw City, on
October 10, 1831, with David Stanard as postmaster; and he was succeeded
by Thomas Simpson, on December 4. 1X32. Ephraim S. Williams assumed
the office on May 7, 1834. and he held it until 1840, when he removed with
his family to Flint. At this period the post office was in the trading post
of the Williams Brothers, which was in the old "red warehouse," at the foot
of Mackinaw Street. Later it was located in a frame building on South
Water (Niagara) Street near Van l'.uren Street. Gardner D. Williams,
whose portrait appears with that of his brother on page 90, succeeded him
as postmaster on March 10, 1840. and retained the office for nine years.
Thereafter the postmasters at Saginaw City and Saginaw, West Side,
i the name changed March 17, 1892), with dates of their appointments, were:
George W. Davis Mar.21,1849 Edwin Saunders Aug. 20. 1866
Egbert |. Van Buren. . .Feb. 10, 1853 William H.Taylor \pril 5.1867
Daniel L. C. Eaton Kug. 8,1853 lames A. Hudson Oct. 4,1870
James N. Gotee July 8. 1854 Henry J. Northrup July 6, 1880
Hiram T. Ferris \pril 7. 1857 < reorge F. Lewis Feb. rK 1888
Tames N. Gotee Nov. 1, 1857 Levi' 1',. Kinsey Tune 10. 1890
lav Smith \ug. 1,1861 Fred II. Potter Mar. 26, 1895
William Moll Vpril 26, 1865
Martin N. Brady succeeded to the postmastership on March 3, 1899,
and held the office for sixteen years, when, under a Democratic adminis-
tration, he was supplanted by William F. Hemmeter in 1915, the present
incumbent. More than twenty years ago the post office was removed from
the old location on Hamilton Street, between Court and Franklin i Hancock)
Streets, to a large and well appointed room in the Merrill Block on Michigan
Avenue, between Court and Adams Streets.
The post office at South Saginaw was established as "Spalding" on
May 13. 1863, Aaron Linton being the first postmaster. The succeeding"
postmasters at this office, the name of which was changed on September 4.
1866, to South Saginaw, with dates of their appointments, were:
Henry H. Beebe Tan. 23. 1865 Arnold P. Sikes July 19, 1872
Lester I'. Beebe Tan. 22. 1866 Tonathan S. Rouse Dec. 16, 1872
Charles P. Hess Oct. 20, 1866 Theron T. Hubbard April 13, 1874
Theron T. Hubbard Vpril 5. 1867 Adolphus R. Moeller. . . Tune 20, 1878
William T. Cook Oct 0,1871
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS
665
ALFRED M. HOYT
First Postmaster a1 Fast Saginaw
This office was discontinued August 7, 1884, the postal business of the
"South End" thereafter being transacted through the East Saginaw office.
The first postmaster at East Saginaw was Alfred M. Hoyt, who opened
the office on September 15, 1851. He was succeeded by Morgan L. Gage
whose appointment bears date of November 11. 1X52. The office was there-
after held by the following well-known citizens:
Moses B. Hess April 27, 1853
George G. Hess April 8,1857
DeWitt C. Gage Mar. 13,1861
John Nugent
.Aug. 15, 1861
DeWitt C. Gage Oct. 9, 1861
Solomon B. Bliss Vug. 20, 1866
Perry Joslin Mar. 19, 1867
George Lockley April 20. 1871
Thomas Saylor Dec. 15,1875
William G. Gage [an. 24, 1884
M. V. Meredith June 2,1885
Edwin R. Phinney Oct. 16,1889
A I. ram G. Wall Mar. 9,1894
William S. Linton Mar. 22,1898
Under continuous Republican rule Mr. Linton held the postmastership
for sixteen consecutive years, rivalling Mr. Brady of the West Side post
office in length of service, and was only relieved of the responsibilities of
the office by the appointment (if Charles E. Lown, a leader of the Democracy
in this city, on March 20, 1914. Air. Lown assumed the uffice on April 15,
following, and has since held the government position with general satis-
faction to the public. The name of the post office was changed on March
17. 1892, to Saginaw, East Side, and again on June 24. 1898, to Saginaw,
Michigan.
SOME OLD-TIME POSTMASTERS OF THE SAGINAWS
James A. Hudson, L870-2
George G. Hess. 1857-8
George Lockley, 1\71-.",
William Moll, 1865
I. s X Gotee, 1 854
In- J. S Rouse, 1ST.'- I
Levi P.. Kinsey, 1S90
Charles P. Hess. 1866
M. V. Meredith, ixs:,
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS 667
Early Growth of Postal Business
The rapid growth of the postal business of East Saginaw in the form-
ative period is well illustrated by a comparative statement of the transactions
of the office, for the vears ending June 30, 1866 and 1874:
1866 1874
Number of clerks employed 2 5
Number of registered letters sent 280 1,070
Number of registered letters received 192 1,358
Amount of paper postage $ 333.16 $ 941.71
Amount of box rent 466.00 2.150.00
Amount received for envelopes and stamps 7,616.00 14.217.11
Number of letters received, per week 3,175 15,000
Number of lock pouches sent out, daily 9 22
Number of domestic orders issued 636 4,479
Number of domestic money orders paid 155 2,826
Amount of domestic money orders issued $9,990.21 $74,540.14
Amount of domestic money orders paid 3,072.37 55,843.85
Average per day of money orders issued 2 14
Average per day of money orders paid 1 9
Average amount of each order issued $ 15.70 $ 16,64
Average amount of each order paid 19.17 19.76
As many letters were registered at this nit ice, and the amount of postage
on regular printed matter was as much, for the last quarter of 1874, as during
the whole fiscal year of 1866 ; and often there were as many money orders
issued in one day in 1874 as during a whole month in 1866. The box rent
was nearly five times more in 1874; and despite a reduction in all foreign
postages and on printed transient matter, the receipts for stamps, envelopes,
etc.. doubled during the eight years. Sixty thousand postal cards were
sold in 1874 instead of three-cent stamps for first-class postage.
When Colonel Lockley took charge of the office on April 20, 1871, he
found it necessary to double and quadruple the capacity for business, and
introduced every improvement in the way of space, boxes, drawers and
and other appliances. At his own expense he placed several letter boxes on
street corners for convenience of business men. William Glover Gage was
the deputy postmaster at this time and gave "perfect satisfaction." The post
office was then located at the corner of Washington and German Streets.
While Colonel Thomas Savior was postmaster the office was in Lloyd's
Block on Washington Street, and later was removed to North Franklin
Street, between Genesee and Tuscola, in the Everett House Block. Some
time later it was removed to the Cass House Block, at Baum and Tuscola
Streets, where it remained for a number of years. Afterward the office
occupied the ground floor of the Flint & Pere Marquette Building, at Wash-
ington and Tuscola Streets, from which it was removed in 18^8 to the new
Federal Building.
The Federal Building
Under an Act of Congress of 1889, when Colonel Aaron T. Bliss was
representative of this district, an appropriation of one hundred thousand
dollars was made for a federal post office building at East Saginaw. The
city then owned the north portion of the block bounded by Jefferson, German,
Warren and William (Janes) Streets, a very convenient site for such a public
building, and after much discussion the property was deeded to the govern-
ment. There was much opposition to this plan, many citizens believing
that the ground should be covered by a city hall building, and the whole
matter dragged along for several years.
668 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The original plans for a federal building to occupy this site, prepared
by government architects, provided for a large, low, squatty structure, one-
story in height, which to everyone appeared inappropriate to the location
and surroundings. There was general disapproval of the plans and much
unfavorable comment on the departmental methods was heard, when William
S. Linton, who was foremost in opposition to the plans, by his large influence
at Washington succeeded in having an entirely new set of plans drawn.
The new plans corrected the main defects of the preceding ones, and after
some modification were deemed satisfactory. The contracts for the con-
struction of the building were then let and the work was begun, with William
C. Mueller, as contractor. Building operations proceeded with dispatch and
on Jul)- 4, 1898, the handsome new post office was opened for public
service.
At that time the Saginaw posl office was regarded as the best planned
building for the needs of a city of fifty thousand inhabitants, in this section
of the country; and its architecture and lay out of grounds meets with
the highest commendation of residents and visitors. In the eighteen years
since the federal building was opened, the business of the post office has
increased so rapidly as to necessitate a large addition to it, and in 1916
Congress appropriated one hundred and thirty-five thousand dollars for such
improvements. In the near future an addition will be built at the east end of
the structure on Warren Avenue, affording largely increased facilities for
handinlg the parcel post and outgoing mail business, as well as the distri-
bution of mail, and the transaction of registered letters and money order
business. When completed the new Federal Building will be one the citizens
of Saginaw may well be proud.
Why Saginaw Has Two Post Offices
Saginaw has the peculiar distinction of being the only city in the United
States, excepting Greater New York, to have two separate and distinct post
offices and two postmasters and deputy postmasters. While there may have
been some practical reasons for retaining both offices when the two cities
were consolidated in 1890, they have long since lost force and today the
separate post offices are a detriment to the city and to efficient service, so
far as the West Side is concerned. It matters not to the residents of the
East Side whether the West Side office is a part of the East Side post
office or not. since all mail directed to Saginaw comes direct to the East
Side office, and is quickly distributed to boxes or delivered to offices or
homes.
On the West Side, however, whose post office is officially designated
?.s Saginaw. West Side, the situation is entirely different. All mail for
this office which is properly directed with the words "West Side" placed
afier the name of the city goes, of course, direct to this office and is promptly
distributed in due course. All other postal matter for this section of the
city, where the special designation is omitted, even when the street address
is given, goes first to the Saginaw post office on the East Side, is there
sorted, pouched as for any mail route, and dispatched by wagon to the
West Side office. There it is resorted and in regular course delivered, but
from six to eighteen hours after it should have reached its destination.
All morning mail thus resorted and dispatched is not delivered by carrier
until afternoon, while the afternoon mails go over until the following day.
A large proportion of the West Side mail matter is thus unnecessarily delayed
in transit and delivery, much to the disadvantage of business men and
residents of that part of the city.
This peculiar situation is due entirely to the postal regulations govern-
ing separate post offices, and which can not lie changed to meet the local
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS
<><>9
THE FEDERAL BUILDING AT SAGINAW
conditions. A main sub-post office on the West Side, for the dispatch oi
mail and affording general postal facilities, would serve the residents of this
section of the citv far better than any independent office could. With one
post office all mail could he delivered by carrier direct from the Saginaw
office with only one handling, and the time of delivery materially shortened.
A sub-office on the West Side would not abridge < >r curtail any of the postal
facilities now enjoyed by the citizens over there.
The main objection to making the office a sub-post office, raised by
certain "West Siders" is that the West Side would thus lose its identity
and independence. They do not like "'giving in" to the East Side. The
logic of this position is not clear, since both sections of the city comprise
one municipality having supposedly single aims and single broad purposes.
As a matter of fact, however, a union of aims and purposes does not exist,
or, indeed, ever existed, a certain element on the West Side Mill adhering
to the old animosities and jealousies of their fathers. This is a deplorable
condition which has interfered with the possible advancement of the city.
The real and logical reason for maintaining two post offices in Saginaw
is one of politics. Every consideration of economics and public service is
opposed to separate post offices, yet, from the political point of view there is
every reason for opposing any change. For sixteen years, embracing con-
secutive terms of our esteemed Congressman, Joseph W. Fordney, the office
of postmaster on the West Side was held by his private secretary and
faithful henchman, "Bud" Brady, and while the office was administered
satisfactorily, considering the handicaps of delayed mail deliveries, the fact
is apparent that his long tenure of office was due entirely to a strong
political influence, rather than to any unusual ability or traits of probity.
This condition is likely to continue, since few West Side residents perceive
the disadvantages of the separate office, or else do not care to relinquish their
fancied identity or independence. That a large section of the city should
suffer from this twin-post office politics is inconceivable to outsiders.
670 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Two Post Offices Are a Detriment to the City
Another detriment to the city in having two post offices is the dis-
crepancy which arises in the official statements of the postal business tran-
sacted in Saginaw. To Michigan and the outside world this city is known
as Saginaw and, being one municipality, no one thinks of "Saginaw, West
Side," as a separate and distinct post office. Consequently, in comparing
the official statements of postal business in Saginaw and other cities of
its class, the figures for the Saginaw office only are taken, with the result
that the totals are about twenty per cent, less than the combined totals
of both Saginaw post offices. This is an injustice to the city and makes it
appear, insofar as its postal business is a criterion of its commercial activity,
in a very poor light. To outsiders the city is of less consequence than it
really is.
Saginaw Postal Business for 1915-16
In order to show the actual postal business of Saginaw the following
table, compiled from the official reports for the year ending June 30, 1916,
is given :
Per Cent. Sag.
Sag. Inc. 1915 W. S. Total
Total receipts $190,622.88 6.6 $47,040.59 $237,663.47
Insured parcel post packages 21,090 55. 5,980 27,070.
Fees on same 70' '.46 21. 233.88 ''43.34
C. O. D. parcels 5,085 26. 630 5.715
Fees on same 210.24 17. 65.00 27^.24
Amusements
The means of recreation and enjoyment in olden times were not numer-
ous, compared with those of today, but were suited to the tastes of different
el Lsses of the inhabitants. Among outdoor sports the chief recreation was
boating on the river which, for want of roads, was the convenient and
customary means of travel between the valley settlements. Canoes and
batteaux were numerous and dotted the stream between the villages, giving
a touch of activity to the quiet waters. In winter skating and snow parties
were the favorite pastimes, and as the bayou was then open through the
business section of East Saginaw, one could skate uninterrupted on it from
above Hayden's Bayou down across Genesee Street, where Barie's store
now stands, and beyond into the dense wood-, which covered what is now
the second ward. Many of our oldest residents remember the low ground.
most of which was covered with water, along Genesee, Tuscola, German,
Franklin and North Warren, between Washington and Jefferson Streets,
where they skated in Winter and fished in Summer.
Buena Vista Hall, on the third floor of the first brick block erected in
Fast Saginaw, at Genesee and Water Streets, and Irving Hall, in the four-
story building adjoining on Genesee Street, were the first public meeting
places where lectures, concerts, dances and parties, as well as church services
were held. Afterward Jackson Hall, in Washington Street on the site of
Wright's Hotel, was a popular hall. Fred Douglas lectured there on the
evening of January 31. 1868, John B. Goff. on February 3. following, and
many noted men appeared on it- boards. The building was burned in the
big fire of May 26, 1873. A view of the ruins appears on page 209.
The Academy of Music
For the lovers of the drama the old Academy of Music and Bordwell's
Opera House gave the residents of all classes all the thrill and excitement
desired, while the Germania Hall and the Did Armory were convenient
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS 671
meeting places for the people. The need for a first-class opera house was
long recognized, and in 1883 the Academy of Music Company was organized,
and a new brick theatre building was erected, John H. Qualmann, contractor,
at the northeast corner of Washington and William (Janes) Streets. Wil-
liam L. Webber was president, Wellington R. Burt, vice-president ana
William C. McClure, secretary, of the company.
The Academy of Music was a large and substantial structure, seventy by
one hundred and'forty feet in dimensions, and cost seventy thousand dollars.
Its stage was thirty-five feet in depth and sixty-eight in width, and was ade-
quately hung with all necessary drops and scenery, including a fine drop cur-
tain painted by Robert Hopkin, a Michigan artist of some celebrity, and which
was greatly admired by our citizens in general. The auditorium, which
had a seating capacity of twelve hundred persons, was noted for its fine
accoustic properties, and was admirably arranged for obtaining a good view
of the stage from every part of the house. It was comfortably seated and had
in addition to the orchestra circle, parquette, dress circle and gallery, four
boxes and ten Ioges.
At the time of its opening, on the evening of December 16, 1884, the
Academy was regarded as one of the finest theatres in Michigan, its furnish-
ings and appointments being first-class in every respect. The initial per-
formance was a gala event in this city, the presentation being "Lenore,"
an adaptation of "Lorlie," with Mme. Janisch in the leading role. The
house was crowded with the elite of Saginaw society, and from that hour it
sprang into favor with all theatre-goers. The second night the same
company appeared in "Camille," the star role being filled by Mme. Janisch.
The attractions offered by Clay & Buckley, the managers of the Academy,
were of the highest grade, such celebrities as Booth, Barrett, Salvini, Fanny
Davenport, Jefferson and others having filled engagements in this theatre.
Upon the retirement of Mr. Buckley from the theatrical firm operating
the Academy, Sam G. Clay continued the management for several years,
but was at length succeeded by John A. Davidson, who had been in active
charge of the affairs for a long period. About ten years ago the house was
sold to outside capitalists, and in 1911 was leased to the Butterfield interests.
After the expiration of their lease in 1915, the Academy was operated
by the owners, the National Amusement Company, with Fred E. Button as
manager.
On the night of April 17, 1' '17, the Academy was totally destroyed by
nre which started on the stage. As the house was "dark" the fire was not
discovered until the flames burst through the roof, and in an incredibly short
time the entire structure was a fiery furnace. Among the older residents
strong feelings of sentiment were attached to this popular old playhouse, and
much regret was expressed at the loss of it. The destruction of the Hopkin
curtain, a real work of art, was greatly deplored, and was said to be the last
of four or five curtains painted by the celebrated artist, a native of Michigan.
A Unique Character
Sam G. Clay, the old-time theatrical manager, was a unique character
who entered the profession as a musician and actor at an earl}- age. He
was born at Bath, England, February 14, 1817. When scarcely sixteen
years of age he joined the elder Booth, travelling in the East and Middle
West. In the absence of opera houses they played in hotel dining rooms
or other large rooms that might lie available, using sheets as curtains, anil
improvised stages made of boxes and old lumber to raise the performers
slightly above the audience seats.
672
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
SAM G. CLAY
In the early seventies Mr. (lay and others organized the pioneer theat-
rical circuit in .Michigan, if not in the United States, and included such cities
as Detroit. Saginaw, Bay City, Port Huron, Flint, Ann Arbor, and at times
St. Louis and other small places, in one night stands. Erlanger, later of
Klaw ec Erlanger. was 1 king agent, and John A. Davidson was ticket
seller in the Detroit Opera House. Although most of the advertising was
done in newspapers, Mr. Clay erected the first bill boards in Saginaw, one
(if which was on Genesee Street, where the Jeffers Fountain now stands.
The first paper put on was of the Dupree and Benedict Minstrels, during
Civil War times.
In the early days of Clay's theatrical life it was the custom of the
managers to meet once a year in Xew York City, to arrange bookings, etc.
These men hail an informal organization but later they formed the Order
of Elks. Among the charter members were Clay of Saginaw, Bidwell of
Xew Orleans, and McVicker of Chicago. In recognition of Mr. Clay's high
standing, and his services in obtaining the local charter in the order, the scope
of which had been enlarged to include other than actors, he was made a life
member of Saginaw Lodge Xo. 47. in 1892. In appreciation of this action
he presented the order with a number of fine portraits of famous actors of
the early days.
In striking contrast to the theatrical amusements of thirty or more
years ago, are the offerings of newer theatres and moving picture houses,
which I'm- diversity and human interest far surpass anything in the past.
This is apparent in the wide u^e> to which the Auditorium, the municipal
theatre and convention hall are put. This large structure was erected in
1908 through the munificence of two wealthy citizens, and with its splendid
equipment affords everv facility for presenting plays, musical festivals, con-
certs ami recitals, commercial exhibitions, fairs, dances and banquets. An
account of the Auditorium is given in pages 2M-66.
In 1902, when the (las Building, at Washington and Germania Avenues,
was erected by the late Michael Jeffers. the plans were enlarged to include
the rebuilding of the brick buildings adjoining on the north. The recon-
struction provided for a new theatre at the rear of these buildings, and when
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS 673
completed was named Jeft'ers Theatre, after its owner. The new theatre was
opened on August 2, 1902, by Bamford & Marks, as a vaudeville house, and
instantly met with great favor by all classes of the people. This form of
amusement was not new to Saginawians, as such shows had been given
for several seasons in the Casino at Riverside Park, with success. The
leffers Theatre extended this popular amusement from a few weeks run in
Summer to nearly a whole year. Afterward stock plays of good grade were
put on at intervals, and in 1915 moving pictures replaced the old policy.
Early in 1917 the letters returned to vaudeville with renewal of its former
prosperity. The theatre property is now owned by E. A. and B. Goff,
capitalists of this city.
The Franklin Theatre
With a laudable purpose of giving this city another commodious theatre,
some enterprising business men of South Franklin Street, and others, formed
a company in May, 1914, and erected the Franklin Theatre at the corner
of Germauia Avenue. The officers of the company were: Julius B. Kirby,
president; Herbert \Y. .Merrill, Vice-president; David Swinton, secretary,
and Peter Mitts, treasurer. The new theatre is a modern, fire-proof structure
of splendid appointments, costing one hundred and twenty thousand dollars.
It was opened under the most favorable auspices on the night of February 22.
1915, playing high-class vaudeville.
In this field of amusement, however, the Franklin was destined to mis-
fortune. Owing to strong opposition and questionable methods employed
by competitors, the lessees of the Jeffers, the former company was prevented
from securing the class of bookings to which it aimed, and much disappoint-
ment resulted, not only to the stockholders and directors of the company
hut to patrons as well. Litigation followed in which existing hard feelings
were intensified, and the difficulties were only settled by leasing the theatre
to the Ilutterfield Syndicate, who took charge July 1, 1915. After extensive
alterations to improve faulty accoustics and make the house more com-
fortable, it was opened to vaudeville enthusiasts. Cater it was changed
to high-grade moving pictures, in which field it meets with large patronage
and probable success.
In recent years the moving picture houses have become a leading factor
in public amusements, and in this respect the city is well provided. Pesides
the theatres already mentioned, all of which are equipped for animated
pictures, there are no less than fifteen "movie" houses. Some of these are
located at South Saginaw, on South Michigan Avenue and Potter Street.
The leading picture theatres are the Franklin. Palace, Mecca, Bijou,
Dreamland, Wolverine and Family, in which high-class films are shown.
meriting the patronage of particular people.
The Advent of the Automobile
The advent of the horseless carriage, as all motor vehicles were first
known, was an important event in our local history. For several years before
the first power wagon was seen on the streets of Saginaw, experiments were
made in widely separated places to produce a carriage that would propell
itself with some degree of dependency. Some experimenters adhered to the
steam engine as a proper motive power, claiming that it was far more reliable
in operation than any other type of engine, its steady, even power being
applied to the driving wheels without vibration or jar. Others adopted the
gas explosion engine as offering the ideal power for light vehicles; and their
experiments were carried on with great zeal to perfect an engine which would
be reliable and satisfactory.
674 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
For a while steam was the favorite power, as the simple slide valve
engine was dependable, seldom getting out of order, its great flexibility and
smooth running qualities recommending it to most pioneer motorists. The
generator of steam for it, however, was a real problem, and on this deficiency
the steam engine fell down. The generators then used, whether of the flash
or fire-tube types, were seldom of sufficient capacity to supply the engine with
steam at high effective pressure under adverse conditions. They required
constant attention of the driver when running, and despite the utmost vigil-
ance burning of boilers frequently occurred. In the early days, until the four-
cylinder gas engine was brought to some degree of dependability, the twin
cylinder steam carriage was the more satisfactory motor vehicle. With it
one could drive into the country with a reasonable hope of getting home with-
out hishap ; and he generally passed one or two gas engine wagons helpless
on the road.
Coming of the First Automobile
The first horseless carriage seen in Saginaw was a Locomobile steamer
owned and driven by Chauncey W. Penoyer, who brought it here in the
Summer of 1900. He drove it about the city and on the main roads, enter-
taining his friends with the novel experience of riding in a "fire-spitting
devil" carriage. It was, indeed, a thrilling and sometimes an exciting expe-
rience, as the difficulties of free propulsion were many, and when driven to
its full power a speed of twenty-five or thirty miles an hour was often
attained.
The chief drawback to enjoyable motoring at that time was scared horses,
confused cattle, and bewildered people. The former invariably shied at the
sight of the steam puffing carriage driven by an invisible power, and run-
aways were of frequent occurrence. Cattle generally stood stolid across the
road effectually blocking a passage, and had to be driven away by the motor-
ist before he could proceed on his way. People stared at the strange spectacle
of a carriage running smoothly without any visible power, and some scurried
away to a safe distance to avoid the fearsome vehicle. It was even questioned
that such wagons had any right to the use of the streets and roads, and many
heated arguments arose on this point. As a result the steamers were driven
at a very moderate speed, compared with the average rate of speed today, and
serious accidents were relatively few.
This first Locomobile steamer, after a short but eventful service, met
with a distressing accident which proved fatal to one of its passengers. On
the evening of November 6, 1900, while driving north on North Jefferson
Avenue, Air. Penoyer momentarily lost control of the carriage, a front wheel
struck the curb, and the three occupants were thrown violently to the pave-
ment. C. Kirke Eddy, youngest son of Charles K. Eddy a prominent lumber-
man of this city, struck the stone curbing fracturing his skull. Lie died
November 10. This sad accident dampened the motoring spirit of the others,
and for a time the steamer was stored in a bicycle shop. At length it was
overhauled and repaired and sold to Doctor L. W. Bliss, who used it regu-
larly in making his calls. He was one of the first physicians in this city to
use a motor vehicle in his profession.
The second steam carriage, also of the Locomobile production but having
a Victoria top, was brought here in December. 1900. by the historian. This
carriage of rather limited steaming radius, as were all steamers of that early
date, was driven very successfully not only in the city but on all passable
roads in the county and some distance beyond. In the eight years it was in
service here several enjoyable trips were made to various cities in the State,
although some difficulty was encountered with sand ami mud roads. There
were few improved highways in those days, even between the largest cities
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS
675
of the State, and motoring for pleasure was limited to driving on smooth
pavements in the city, and cm the plank road to Bridgeport, Frankenmuth,
Vassar and other nearby places.
The First Gas Propelled Carriage
To Albert T. Ferrell belongs the honor of having brought to Saginaw the
first gas propelled carriage. This was late in the Fall of 1900. The motor
was a "single lunger" (one cylinder) Haynes and the carriage itself was of
wonderful proportions and construction, and it ran quite satisfactorily when
the engine felt like running. Mr. Ferrell drove this pioneer motor buggy for
a year or two, and then traded it in for a new and improved model. Ever
since he has been one of Saginaw's most enthusiastic motorists, taking greal
pride in the mechanical excellence of his motor equipment.
During the Summer of 1901 eight or ten other horseless carriages, mostly
of the steam type, were brought to this city. The owners were: Daniel W.
Briggs, Frank < ',. Palmerton, Arthur D. Eddy, Harry T. Wickes, Charles W.
Bradford, William G. Hay and \V. G. Van Auken.
A SAGINAW MADE AUTOMOBILE, 1918
In the same Summer Rusco & Holland's minstrels visited this city, and
created more than usual notice and comment. For among their principal
attractions was a steam automobile which headed the parade. Horseless
carriages were still a curiosity, especially in the country, and throngs came
to see the steam puffing vehicle. When the steamer was unloaded from the
express car which had brought it from another city, the tires were soft, and,
in the absence of any garage or repair shop in the city, George E. Spring, a
well known bicycle dealer, was called to fix them. The show men had had
other trouble in operating the carriage, and becoming discouraged they de-
cided to dispose of it. After some dickering they sold it the following day
to Mr. Spring. He overhauled the machinery and put it in good running-
order, and drove it the balance of the season. Shortly after this pioneer
steam carriage became the property of William Zeman, who used it success-
fully, though with the customary troubles, for several years.
The White Steam Carriage appeared in 1902 and, as it possessed many
desirable features in generating steam, attracted several buyers here. Later,
when the large touring body, with detachable tonneau, was introduced, three
or four were sold to Saginaw pioneer motorists who derived much pleasure
in driving them.
The First Popular Gasoline Cars
When the curve-dash Oldsmobile and the two-cylinder Autocar came on
the market, the public interest in the horseless carriage was greatly stimu-
•576
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
lated, and it was not long before these more dependable ears became familiar
to everybody. The first one-cylinder Cadillac ear appeared at about that time
and found eager buyers. By 1905 there were at least one hundred automo-
biles in Saginaw and. excepting about fifteen steam ears, all were of the
gasoline motor type of single and double cylinders. After that the number
of motor propelled carriages seen on the streets of Saginaw increased rapidly.
The City Exacts a License
Late in 1904 the common council passed an ordinance defining the rights
of automobiles on the streets of the city, regulating the speed at which such
carriages should be operated, and fixed a charge of two dollars as a license
fee. Si mie provisions of this ordinance seem ridiculous today, namely, the
automobile owner must provide metal numbers six inches in height, accord-
ing to his license number, and placed on the rear of the body of his car; and
the speed such vehicles could be operated was limited to five miles an hour
in the business section, and eight miles in all other parts of the city. But
nearly all owners drove their cars with far more care and caution than is now
exercised, and accidents, either t < > themselves or the public, were few.
Since 1905 the use of motor vehicles in Saginaw County, as elsewhere,
has increased at a remarkable rate. To enumerate all features of this de-
velopment would be beyond our purpose. It is suffice to state that in 1917
the number of automobiles in the county was more than five thousand, about
three thousand of which were owned in the city.
Alfred W. Norris Opens the First Garage
The first public garage for the care and repair of automobiles was started
about 1902 by Alfred W. Norris, on South Washington Street. A few months
later tile Saginaw Automobile Company was organized by the Eddy ami
Wickes brothers, ami the building at the southwest corner of Water and
Genesee Streets was remodeled and converted into a large and conveniently
arranged garage. The following year Mr. Norris purchased the business out-
right, and moved his own into the more commodious quarters. He developed
a large patronage at this place, as he had at the time the only adequate facili-
ties for recharging the batteries of electric carriages in Saginaw. A number
of the best and most popular cars were sold there for several years, but at
length this garage took over the exclusive agency for the Ford car. Shortly
after Mr. Norris retired from the automobile business.
OFFICE BUILDING AT GENESEE AND JEFFERSON AVENUES
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS
677
INTERIOR OF OFFICE OUTFITTING STORE
The H. B. Arnold Company
Among the successful retail houses of Saginaw is the H. B. Arnold Com-
pany, whose attractive store is at 129 North Franklin Street. The company
was organized in 191-2 by some well known business men, with a capital stuck
of twenty-rive thousand dollars. The stockholders were: M. 1'. Gale, Thomas
G. Gale." James E. Vincent, A. H. Fish, R. B. Thayer and H. B. Arnold;
and shortly after E. V. Wynkoop acquired an interest in the company.
The business was started on June 1, 1912, at 213-15 Germania Avenue,
which at the time was the only suitable storerooms available. This location
was not as accessible to the trade as was deemed necessary to the most
successful conduct of the business, and on January 1, 1913, the stock was
removed to the present location which affords every facility fur handling a
large business. Besides the broad, well lighted store there is a conveniently
arranged stuck room, forty by sixty feet in size, en an upper floor, in which
a large reserve stock is carried.
In this convenient location the company does a satisfactory business as
general office outfitters, including office furniture, riling cabinets and sates.
All kinds of office stationery, loose leaf devices, printed forms and cards, as
well as all supplies for the office are constantly in stock. The company is
exclusive agent for Cutler desks, B. L. Marble chairs, Y & E filing devices,
and the Herring-Hall-Marvin safes. There is also a department of fine
stationery and engraving, which is popular with the social element of the city
and vicinity.
At the beginning of the business it was foreseen that a considerable trade
in the general line of office outfitting could be developed in the northern and
western sections of the State, and in the "Thumb'" district to the northeast.
Acting on this well founded belief Mr. Arnold sent salesmen through these
sections' to develop the trade. The results of these efforts were very satis-
factory, and today the company enjoys a large business from the cities and
towns thus covered, including Owosso and intervening points. Wherever
the name of The 11. B. Arnold Company has been carried and a foothold
secured in the trade, a growing business has resulted, and the outlook for
future trade is very bright.
67S
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
EMIL SCHWAHN
CHARLES A. KHUEN
CURT SCHWAHN
The Schwahn-Khuen Agency
The three enterprising citizens whose portraits appear above, constitute
the Schwahn-Khuen Agency, insurance writers. Born and reared in Saginaw
they have spent their entire life here, and aided in the advancement of the
material interests of the city. By industry, integrity and perseverance they
have built up a large and profitable agency, and number among their many
patrons some of the prominent men and large industrial and commercial
institutii ins.
The Schwahn-Khuen Agency is a combination of the old Khuen Insur-
ance Agency and the well known firm of V. E. Schwann & Brother, insurance
writers, which was effected in 1910. The former agency was established in
1852 by the late Richard Khuen, who for many years was an accurate and
reliable underwriter, and held the confidence of the insuring public. In the
eighteen-eighties such substantial companies as the Hanover, Citizens, Con-
tinental and German American, of New York; the Royal, of Liverpool, and
other foreign and American companies were represented by him. Upon his
death the business was continued by his son, Charles A. Khuen, who was the
secretary of the Saginaw County Savings Bank. For many years the office
was in the Miller Block, at the corner of Court and Hamilton Streets.
The younger firm of insurance writers was founded in 1900 by V. Emil
Schwahn, who by great energy and native ability soon developed a successful
agency. He then interested his brother. Curt Schwahn, in the growing
agency. By transacting all business on an unquestioned basis they won the
confidence of the public, and enjoyed an enviable position among the reliable
insurance men of this city.
In 1910, with that spirit of enterprise and progress which had marked
their career, the Schwahn Brothers and Charles A. Khuen consolidated their
agencies, the union resulting in a business which is one of the largest of its
kind in Saginaw- With an office in the Graebner Building, V. E. and Curt
Schwahn conduct the affairs of the agency with singular ability and efficiency.
"Service" i-- their watchword and their monitor.
Besides lire insurance they carry on a general insurance business, includ-
ing tornado, plate glass, compensation, automobile, liability and indemnity
insurance.
VARIED COMMERCIAL INTERESTS 679
SAGINAW IS
The greatest Railroad and Shipping Center in Central Michigan;
The natural Trading Center fur Northeastern Michigan ;
The largest Bean Shipping Point in Michigan;
The Sugar Bowl of Michigan;
The greatest Machinery Manufacturing City in Northeastern Michigan ;
A Deep-Water Port on the Great Lakes;
A most Desirable Place of Residence with Educational and Social Advan-
tages of the Highest ( trder.
SAGINAW HAS
The largest and most modernized Hardware Store in Michigan;
The largest individual Wholesale Grocery House in Michigan;
The largest Packing and Cold Storage House in Northeastern Michigan;
The largest Wholesale Shoe and Rubber House in Michigan;
The largest Wholesale Dry Goods House in Northeastern Michigan;
The largest State Bank outside of Detroit;
The only daily Morning Newspaper north of Detroit;
Seven Large Department Stores;
The largest Locomotive and Car Repair Shops in Northeastern Michigan;
The largest Plate Glass Works in Michigan;
The must modernized Salt Making Plant in Michigan;
The largest Rule and Tape Factory in the United States;
The largest Graphite Products Plant in the United States;
The largest Phonograph Factory in Michigan ;
The largest Art Furniture Factory in Northeastern Michigan;
Large Piano and Piano Parts Factories;
The largest Shade Roller Factory in Michigan;
The largest Match Factory in Michigan ;
The second largest Cash Register Factory in the World;
The largest and best equipped Printing and Engraving Plant in Northeastern
Michigan ;
The largest Shipbuilding Yard in Northeastern Michigan;
The largest Kerosene Tractor Motor Works in Michigan;
The largest Vinegar and Pickle Works in Northeastern Michigan ;
The largest and finest Hotel in Northeastern Michigan;
Three other High Class Hotels;
A Municipal Theater- The Auditorium — seating Four Thousand;
Three other New and Perfectly Appointed Theaters.
GENESEE AVENUE, EAST FROM WASHINGTON, 1918
CHAPTER XXII
DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Pioneer Farming — Preparing the Ground — Primitive Corn Planting — Close
Association Among Pioneers — Some Were Migratory — First Wheat Raised — Farm-
ing on Green Point — How the Farmers Fared — The "Michigan Appetite" — Value of
Bottom Lands — Wild Fruits and Berries — Early Fruit Growing — Grains and Veg-
etables— Rapid Increase in Agriculture — Marshes Early Attract Buyers — Winter-
ing Stock on Rushes — Reclaiming Marsh Lands — Development of the Prairie P'arm —
"Mosquito Road" Leads to Farm — A Bit of Holland in Michigan — Raising Blooded
Stock — United States Land Office — Saginaw Valley Agricultural Society — Central
Agricultural Society — Saginaw County Farmers' < irganizations.
PIONEER farming in Saginaw County is now so far away that only a
few persons living at an advanced age have a more or less distinct
remembrance of the difficulties attending it. The average soil was not
of that fertility the pioneers who came from New York or New England
were accustomed to, and there were many surprises for those who relied
upon the experience which the ruling opinions of their day had prescribed.
The egotism of some of these adventurous yoeman led them into many
agricultural pitfalls and disappointments. There were instances where two
bushels of wheat per acre were sown on raw. sandy soil, with a grim deter-
mination to teach the natives a practical lesson in farming. The fuzzy
product making futile attempts to form a semblance of a head was a sharp
reminder that Nature had some part to perform, and ought to have been
consulted. Some settlers insisted upon applying the rule for planting corn,
which the jingle,
"One lor the blackbird, one for the crow.
One for the cutworm, and three to grow."
had impressed upon their minds. But the appetites of blackbirds and crows
were insatiable, and the cutworms were still greedy, so that a hill of corn
came up a tuft, turned pale as it advanced, and yielded its quota of nubbins
and some excellent fodder.
Preparing the Ground
Much labor was expended by our grandfathers before corn growing
became possible. After the trees were felled there was cutting of brush,
piling and burning logs, and then the breaking, for which all previous work
was but preliminary. Holding a breaker drawn by seven yoke of oxen was
no sinecure. It needed a quick judgment to decide on which side of a big
oak grub the plow should go, to be most effective, and then a strong and
supple action to accomplish the purpose. Sometimes the coulter point of the
plow would strike the center of a big oak rout, split it. and march on; but
when the plow beame stuck fast, and the impetus of the moving force was
stopped, the difficulties multiplied. Then came a tug at the handles to
loosen the wedge-shaped coulter, and all hands and often the leading team
were required to free the plow.
This plow was fearfully and wonderfully made. No Curtiss or Dodge
fashioned its curves and pitch, and it was not made in great quantities at
South Bend. From a thrifty growing white oak tree its beam was hewed
lending the quality of length and strength. Its mould-board was a rough
casting, massive, thick and strong. The pitch of the plow was the black-
smith's art, and he made both coulter and share of steel. This -hare would
rni through four or live inches of solid oak root, if the proper inclination and
purchase were given the plow by the holder. There was a reason then for
deep plowing, for the deeper the plow went in the ground the -mailer were
the roots of the grubs, and the easier they cut.
Harrowing after breaking was no holiday affair. The big harrow with
inch square teeth, drawn by two yoke of oxen, pulled out the loose grubs and
partially levelled the ground, but there were left roots sticking up which
had to be cut t<> facilitate the cradling of grain. After the hot job of break-
ing a live grub would he left u] rj square rod of ground. Plowing
about these fast grubs required some -kill and the exercise of much patience
to keep the plow from grappling fast. \ week'- work at grubbing required
the expenditure of sufficient strength and energj t" perform a whole
labor with modern appliance- and tinder presenl conditions of soil. The
grub hoe had it- brief day af usefulness and was relegated t" the oblivion of
.st> mi ind am iwheads.
Primitive Corn Plai.'
The advent of the marker, standing on it- three lon{ that
-tump- were no obstruction to it- pi tep toward improve-
ment in growing corn. It replaced the primitive method of drawing a chain
hack and forth, to indicate something near the relative distance apart which
tradition had determined the p'w - should he. Opinions differed widel)
to the proper time to plant, and generally conformed to the facilit)
lie work, or were timed to the tardiness of the individual. Tile
hustler insisted that the fifth of Mav was the proper time, while others,
not -i' earl) awakened into activity. that the best field of corn the)
ever saw was planted in June. I'.etween these extremes ranged the majority
of settlers in regular order, so that changing work in planting time could
he distributed among them to meet the demam help when the fields
were read) for the seed. The meandering of ti i in an oblique rank
the field was quite unique, the springing com showing where the
leader'- story approached it- climax by the narrowing of the rows, and
closing peril d b) the long ellipses that f
The activities of farming were of a nature in th days
than farmers are accustomed t.> in the present. There wa- a short period
ecu the advent of clover a I hay. and the mov
machine, when the scythe in the hands of youth of immatui
an instrument of torture, in attempts at keepin i with tl
man.
Close Association Among Pioneers
The inherent de-ire for association among pioneer farmi tified
b) numerous bees, barn raisings and corn huskings. Mere the almanac
predictions for the weather, the effect which a -1 m the neighborh
would have upon the general market-; the durability of fern vith
the ti'i> end down, and diverse other questions were discussed, the kernel of
which was arrived at from the general opinion. The majority
hi" settlers, however, were mure interested in h it of
the soil or t" increase it- yield. They did not regard the lattei •inn
[ importance until the land had begun a slow d< of fertility, hut
when this became a tangible truth it sifted out the mere liver- from the
real farmers. The firmer class removed nearer the v er-e of civilization, and
the latter 1" the situation. Those who remained and
those who came into possession as second proprietors of the farms were
the true pioneer farmers. Their efforts were purely experimental, as the
experience gained in other States was no sure guide to win success here.
From their unsuccessful efforts the farmer of today has learned much to
fy himself against succeeding difficulties, and i> reaping success where
they harvested tribulation, while those who came after may gather richer
harvests from the soil their grandfathers and great-grandfathers opened to
the sun.
Some Were Migratory
Nearly a century ago there was a small class of settlers who might be
termed hereditary "r habitual pii would penetrate the. wilder-
ness and select some beautiful location for a temporary home, but would
ugh i" be surrounded with the comforts and
veniences of rural life. A traveller log house in the wil
CORN IS A PROFITABLE CROP
ness, w! mtn w i n< I was hospitably
entertained foi the night. In the morning he noticed that a lai iring
had been made, in which and
ulatecl the settler upon the b his surrounding
"Yes," he said, "it'> all ven pleasant hi
"Why, what's the matter. Isn't this a healthy plan
"i Mi ' yes, but it is gel i dense around here. There i- Jones settled
out in the woods onlj ten miles away, and I hear of another famih coming
the creek only five miles from here. I must move farther <>n.
1 will 1 1 ■ • t live where my m an leave home in the morning,
my house and return home the same night."
\n old ■ |ob i »lmstead, the father of twenty-
two children, all of whom, with sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and grand-
children, numbering mi. re than fift rted from Northwestern
Ohio in 1832 for the Saginaw Valley. He had heard of the abundant supply
di in these water-, and was in search of a new wilderness in which t"
maki ry home. In November, 1831, the trail between Flint and
inaw had been cleared of logs and the creeks bridged, so that is was
ible to travel b\ teams, but in i the following year a cyclone
til just north of Pine Run. levelling the timber of a width
of nearly three quarters of a mile, and completely blocking it. I "pen reach-
ing this obstruction the Olmsteads, with their teams of oxen, stuck of cows
and other animals, were in a serious dilemma, but they determined to push
forward, and the people of Flint generously contributed a supply of pro-
visions while they cut through the windfall. In about two weeks they
arrived on the banks of the Saginaw River, and found it teeming with fish
which were easily caught. They found an abandoned clearing and a log
house on the Tittabawassee, where they lived fur a time, but the family soon
became divided and the father went back to Pine Kim. In 1835 he and
Douglas Thompson built a saw mill on Pine River. It was nut long, how-
ever, before the migratory habit asserted itself and all the < (lmsteads left for
Wisconsin, and not one of the numerous family, or any of their descendants,
have since resided in Saginaw Valley.
First Wheat Raised
Our Saginaw pioneers, at length becoming tired of corn dodgers, began
to raise a little wheat, but in doing this they added to their difficulties. In
order to get it ground into flour they were obliged to go to Flushing and
sometimes to Waterford or Pontiac, in Oakland County, with ox teams, cut-
ting their way through the w Is for a portion of the distance. Upon one
occasion Murdock Fraser (see Chapter VII, page 106) started to mill with
thirty bushels of wheat. Arriving at the Thread Mill, one mile south of
Flint River, he found the mill out of repair, and went on to blushing, lie
was gone from home ten days, and being obliged to meet his expenses out
of his wheat, he found upon arriving home that more than half of his grist
had been used up.
As to who was the first to raise wheat in this county there may be some
question, but upon the authority of Charles \Y. Grant, a pioneer whose
memory was very keen, the honor falls to Charles A. Cull. Mr. Cull was
born at Windsor, Vermont, May 17, 1809, and came to Saginaw in 1833,
locating on eighty acres of land in section one, Township of Spaulding, and
became the first fanner to cultivate the soil on the east side of the river.
.About twenty years later be located one hundred acres of land in Bridgeport
Township, wdiere he lived until hi-- death July 11, 1885. The first wheat
raised in this county he took to Waterford to be ground, carrying it on a
sleigh drawn by two yoke of oxen. It was said Airs. Cull made the first
cheese and first woolen cloth in this county. Mr. Cull operated a saw mill at
Bridgeport for a number of years, and in l.S >3 sunk a salt well. 1 le built the
Center House there, which he kept for a long period, and was known as an
honest, upright townsman.
DAIRY FARMING
INAW COUNTY
Farming on Green Point
"On the twenty-seventh of March. 1833," wrote Albert Miller in his
Pioneer Sketches (Michigan Pioneer Collections, Vol. 7, pp. 236-9), ''we
commenced plowing prairie land on Green Point with three yoke of heavy
oxen. We had not been long plowing before we were solicited by Messrs.
Williams to train a yoke of four-year-old cattle that were so wild that they
could never do anything with them. We consented to try. and made pre-
parations by making a yard that no domestic animal could escape from.
We then planted a post firmly in the center of it. and enticed the oxen into the
yard with other cattle. Procuring a strong rope with a noose in the end,
we threw it over the head of the off ox, then snubbed him to the post and
put a yoke on him. After serving the other ox in the same way, we hitched
one strong yoke of oxen ahead of them and another behind them and com-
menced plowing. The wild steers, seeing the}- were conquered, soon gave
up and long before the spring plowing was done they led the team, being the
handiest yoke of cattle of them all.
"We continued our plowing until the twenty-third of May, when we had
thirty acres broken, all of which we planted to corn. We commenced plant-
ing on the fifth of May and finished on the twenty-fourth. We kept down
the grass and weeds during the season where it was necessary to do so,
and a more promising field of corn I never saw. But alas, for the result of
our summer's work! Before the corn was fairly in the milk, clouds of black-
hirds from the marshes would light upon it, and. in spite of all our efforts
to keep them away, they destroyed nearly the whole crop. The red-wings,
or rice birds, fed upon it until the rice was ready for them ; and then another
variety, called crow blackbirds, preyed upon it until it was taken from the
field. From all our thirty acres of corn which, if allowed to ripen, would
have yielded fifty or sixty bushels per acre, we saved only sufficient to fatten
forty-seven hundred weight of pork. What we saved was from the butts of
the ears that the birds could not get at. We fortunately had a good stock
of hogs, and the pork we made was in demand, some of it being sold to
parties in Grand Blanc and packed on horse to that place.
"That summer my cows were pastured on the opposite bank of the
river from wdiere J lived, and mornings when I crossed the river to milk
them I would tie a trolling line to my paddle, and I seldom failed of catching
fish enough for breakfast. Fresh fish w:ere a great luxury to new-comers
to Saginaw, but so plentiful were they that, after a year or two, they made
very little account of them for food.
"Rattlesnakes were plentiful in those days. I have heard they would
not remain where hogs have a free run. and I am inclined to believe it from
a circumstance that transpired during that summer. Our hogs ran on the
prairie outside the field we had fenced in for cultivation, and inside the field
I had some rails piled on the unplowed prairie. About mid-summer I wanted
to use them and drove my team alongside to haul them away. The first rail
I took up I found I had disturbed a rattlesnake; and before I had handled
half a dozen I found there were two or three snakes for every rail. I actually
backed out and left the rails for their especial use the balance of the season.
The snakes had taken refuge inside the fence to escape from the hogs."
How the Farmers Fared
The log house of the early Saginaw farmers, with its plain and oft-time
rude furnishings, and its huge fireplace made of stones, sticks and clay, was
a comfortable and cheerful abode. The old fireplace contributed much to
the health and happiness of the settler's home, and he, after a hard day's work,
seated with his family in front of his glowing fire, with an abundance of wood
.
J.J.X^J± vivi
*^J1 VVJ-Li>i I V V
in the corner, enjoyed all the comforts of frontier life. There was an art in
building a good fire, and was kept in constant practice in laying down aright
the backlog and forestick, and building thereon with small wood, in so skill-
ful a manner that a little kindling wood would start the fire and give out the
most heat and light to the household. If the lire was too dull to give light
in the evening, some fat was put in a saucer, a rag was twisted for a wick
and then coiled about in the grease, one end being left on the edge of the
saucer and lighted. This was a primitive lighting taper. As pine trees were
plentiful in some parts, pine knots were largely used and created a bright
blaze that lasted for some time.
The old iron crane, with its pot-hooks and links of chain, swung at the
will of the housewife, who hung on it the kettles containing the food to be
cooked, and pushed it back over the fire. Tigs, chickens and spare ribs were
roasted to a rich brown by suspending them by a wire before the fire. The
baking was mostly done in the old brick oven built in one side of the
chimney, although the "tin reflector" that was placed before the fire, was
much used to bake bread and cakes, and the I 'ink-eye and Meshanic potatoes.
The "Michigan Appetite"
The settler's daily fare, from want of variety m his larder, was neces-
sarily frugal. There was no fruit save the wild plums and the various
berries that grew in the woods and low lands. The fare for the table was
bread, pork and potatoes. Pork was often very scarce, some families going
without meat, except the wild game they killed, for a whole season at a
time. Salt was also hard to get, and mice sold as high as twenty-one dollars
a barrel. Tea, coffee, sugar and butter were rarely seen on a settler's table.
An herb called the teaweed, a kind of wild Bohea that grew in the woods,
w.as used by some, the leaves being steeped like our imported teas and the
decoction drunk. Crust coffee, made from wheat or other grains browned,
was in common use for drink at table.
Farmers were told that they would get the "Michigan Appetite" after
they had lived here for a short time. When it came, which was in the first
year, it was ravenous and pork and potatoes were delicious. The usual meal
of the family consisted of a huge platter of boiled potatoes, piled up steaming
hot and placed in the center of the table, bread or Johnny-cake, perhaps some
meat boiled or fried, and a large bowl of flour gravy. This was eaten with
a relish that swept the table of all edibles, and left a slim fare for the family
dog. Various reasons were adduced as to the cause of this appetite, but the
one good cause was hunger. The pioneer farmers, working long hours at
hard manual labor, seldom had enough to eat, and hence were always hungry
and ready to eat.
Value of Bottom Lands
During the period of settlement and for many years after, the impression
went forth that the Saginaw Valley was low and monotonous, traversed by
swamps with miasmatic vapors, populated by wild animals and bull-frogs,
and entirely unfit for human habitation. In the immediate vicinity of some
of the rivers and the bay this was to a certain extent true, but in localities
all over the valley were to be found beautiful rolling lands and ridges
covered with luxurious growth of timber peculiar to this latitude. The
bottom lands were often confounded with the wet prairie that skirted the
main streams, and while the latter was covered with wild rice and reeds and
under water a good portion of the year, the former along the water courses
in their native state were lined with a rich growth of walnut, linden, soft
maple and wild plums. These trees were usually festooned with grape
lines which attained to a large size and bore abundant fruit. The lands
A TYPICAL FARM SCENE
were subject to inundation in the Spring, but the waters usually receded in
time for the farmer to prepare the soil for seed. This soil was composed of
rich alluvial formation of wonderful fertility, and the crops it produced, par-
ticularly cereals, were remunerative in the highest degree. The bottoms also
afforded the best meadow lands, and had the advantage over the sandy ridges
in that they seldom suffered from drouth.
Another erroneous impression in regard to these Saginaw Valley lands
due, no doubt, to being wet and unforbidding at certain seasons, was that
they could not be drained and thus warmed into life and usefulness. It was
also believed that the county was t< o frosty and unreliable as to climate to
warrant the broad extent of improvements that were deemed necessary to
redeem the "pine barrens." Someone, however, discovered that a large por-
tion of these lands lay several feet above the normal surface of the river
and bay, and undertook to show that they could he made dry and rendered
susceptible to high cultivation, at the same time driving away innumerable
reptiles and noxious vapors and miasmas, which were a detriment to good
health and comfort. Many parcels of laud which were considered worthless
on account of their spongy condition, were redeemed anil made valuable by
a proper system of drainage and ditching. This improvement work, despite
the grave doubts of many pioneers that the \ alley would ever become even
a moderately productive farming district, went on continually, and today
greater attention than ever is given to improvements of this nature, and to
proper fertilization of the soil.
As an illustration of the fertility of the alluvial bottom lands, an early
pioneer contrihutes some interesting figures from actual experience. He
relates that he once traded the forty acres, known as Mapes' Addition to
East Saginaw, which now- includes the site of the Pere Marquette Railroad
depot and other railroad buildings, for the Fraser farm on the Tittabawassee,
situated two miles below the present railroad crossing at Fames'. The farm
was considered a choice selection, there being sixty acres of river bottom,
on which the crops raised might well satisfy any farmer, and the abundance
of them amplv compensate him for the inconvenience of an occasional over-
flow during the Spring freshets. Seventy bushels of shelled corn to the
acre was no uncommon yield, fie raised common field pumpkins that
weighed sixty pounds each, and from one vine gathered twenty-two pumpkins
the aggregate weight of which was three hundred and eighty-two pounds.
In 1833 Duncan McLellan raised eight hundred bushels of potatoes, the
yield being between three hundred and four hundred bushels to the acre.
688
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
In November, 1830. the elder McCarty and his son, Thomas, came from
Boston and settled on the Tittabawassee, and although neither had ever
chopped a stick of timber, they cut the lugs and built a house with their
own hands. In the rough log cabin they lived and cooked their own food.
During the Winter and Spring they cut the timber into short lengths that
they could roll into heap-, by hand, and thus partially cleared the land, upon
which they raised a crop of corn that they sold in the Fall of 1831 for sixty-
dollars. This first crop was raised without any team work. It was cus-
tomary for settlers to fell the timber and pile the brush neatly and burn it in
the Spring, and plant and raise their first crop of corn among the logs.
Edward McCarty, a younger brother of Thomas, afterward occupied the
same and surrounding lands and became one of the wealthy farmers of
Saginaw County.
Wild Fruits and Berries
Wihl or native fruits, such as plums, cherries, grapes and berries grew
in great abundance upon the bottom lands and along the margins of the
streams. All manner of shrub fruits and berries were found in the greatest
profusion in the woods, including currants and gooseberries of several
varieties, and whortleberries, blackberries and red and black raspberries.
The cranberry which grew in some of the marshes, was for a few years an
important article of export here, and hundreds of bushels were shipped an-
nually from the port of Saginaw to eastern cities. About 1868 this trade fell
off, owing to the great home consumption, and the destruction of the marshes
by fire and other causes. 1 luring the Fall of 1856 hundreds of acres of cran-
berry marshes were consumed by the fires which raged incessantly for
weeks along the rivers.
Strawberries seemed to be peculiarly adapted to the soil here, and
when properly cultivated and given the care which the delicate nature of
the plant requires, yielded abundantly. About 1856 the late Joseph Ilalstead
told of a wonderful yield of delicious strawberries in the garden of a friend.
He was at tea at his friend's house on several occasions when the table was
bountifully supplied with luscious berries, and he remarked to the lady that
they must have a large number of plants to gather from. "Yes," she replied,
"we have a dozen." 1 le thought if such supplies of berries could be produced
from a dozen plants, it might be profitable to raise them in larger quantities,
so he became the agent for an eastern grower of the plants, and introduced
them into many gardens in Saginaw.
Early Fruit Growing
The cultivation of domestic fruits received very little attention in Sagi-
naw Valley until the villages began to grow, and the people created some
demand for them. Tradition tells us that the earliest fruit grown here in
great abundance was produced without effort by anyone. When the first
fur traders came here more than a hundred years ago, they found several
clumps of apple trees growing near the banks of the river, which yearly
produced large quantities of rich fruit. At that time some of the trees indi-
cated an age of sixty years or more, and there was much conjecture as to
their origin. Hut it was at length conceded that in all probability the trees
originated from seeds brought by the Indians from Canada or some of the
Eastern States. One clump of these trees, though few in number, was
situated at Carrollton, near the bank of the river; another group was found
on land which afterward became the A. I'.. I'aine Farm, a short distance
above the crossing of the Michigan Central Railroad at Paines' station; and
others were at different places on the Tittabawassee above Paines'.
One of the apple trees on Paines' Farm had a peculiar formation, with
four or five large trunks springing from one root, and was always a prolific
Uh\ hLOL'AlhJN 1 Ob A(,KRUL1UKL
ONy
settlement of the place, this tree bore
bearer. One year, during the e;...
one hundred and eleven bushels of choice fruit, and each white family then
residing in the valley was presented with a large hag of delicious apples by
James Fraser, who at that time owned the farm. Afterward Mr. Fraser
had an abundant harvest of plums, and after supplying his own wants and
those of particular friends, he directed his man to gather the remainder in
large tubs and distribute the fruit among the families of the village. Most
of the old Indian apple trees died many years ago, the cause generally
attributed being the overflow of the lands adjacent to the rivers, in the
Spring foods which began about 1836-7, which it was supposed killed the
roots.
The first orchards in the county were grown from seeds brought from
New York State by Asa and Abram Whitney, and were on the banks of the
Tittabawassee near where barker's brick yard was afterward located.
Messrs. Little and Ladd also brought apple seeds from Livingston Count}",
Xew York, which were planted by Eleazer Jewett on his land at Green Point,
-
AN EXAMPLE OF SUCCESSFUL FRUIT GROWING
but owing to ravages of mice which girdled the tree--, only a few survived
to furnish trees for several gardeners. The want of roads in the early days
made it very difficult to transport fruit trees, but a few were brought in
lrom the farm of Oliver Williams, at Silver Lake, near Ponitac, and planted
in the gardens of his sons, Gardner D. and Ephraim S. Williams. These
probably were the first bearing trees propagated by the settlers of Saginaw
County.
James Fraser, who was very active in introducing Fruit here at an early
date, brought seeds from Xew York State, which he planted and distributed
the trees among the farmers. Some very choice varieties of peaches were
procured in this way, and there was no difficulty in growing delicious fruit
in great abundance until 1856. That winter was so severe that nearly all
peach trees were killed. A few that were covered by snow drifts were
preserved and bore fruit many years after, but as a general thing peaches
have not been so sure a crop as some other fruits. Plums were grown in
great abundance by grafting cultivated fruit on native wild stock. About
1840 Harvey Williams went to Detroit, and possibly to the Windsor
nurseries in Canada, to gather select fruit trees, and returned with a large
wagon load of choice varieties, which were planted and well cared for, the
result of which was a bountiful harvest of fruit for at least forty years.
690 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Grains and Vegetables
All kinds of field and garden cereals and vegetables were easily grown
on the bottom lands, and even further back on higher ground the soil was
found to be adapted to the growing of grass and root crops. Potatoes, tur-
nips, beets, carrots, parsnips and other vegetables proved by their large
yield and size the fertility of the soil, while varieties of garden vines produced
to a surprising degree. Peas, beans, tomatoes, cabbages and lettuce grew in
private gardens and fields to perfection and flavor. It was nothing unusual
for the pioneer farmer to dig three hundred bushels and upward of potatoes
to the acre. Wheat, barley, oats, rye, corn and buckwheat yielded profitable
crops, and while wheat, as a general rule, did better upon heavy soil back
from the streams, all other grains flourished in almost any locality in the
valley.
Rapid Increase in Agriculture
As lands became more cleared and opened to the light and heat of the
sun they improved every year, and in the broader clearings untimely frosts
became an exception rather than the rule. The certainty of a ready market
for all classes of farm products was an inducement to work all available
ground, and for immigrants to locate where no difficulties in the way of
transportation or slack demand were liable to prevent regular returns from
their labors. From 1X70 to 1874 there was more activity in clearing land and
making farms than in all the twenty years preceding; and the value of farm
l'ii 'duct'- mi ire than doubled within five years following eighteen seventy-
four.
In 1860 the number of acres of improved land (a part only slashed) in
Saginaw County was eighteen thousand and forty-eight, and the value of
the crops was one hundred sixty-five thousand three hundred and eighty
dollars, while in 1870 the acreage had increased to thirty-three thousand
three hundred and eighty-five, and the valuation of crops to six hundred
ninety thousand three hundred and eighty-two dollars. A fair estimate of
the entire farm production, including dairy and stock returns not included in
the figures for the years given above, in 1874, was two million dollars.
Dairy farming began to attract attention of the farmers early in the
seventies, the cities on the Saginaw affording a good market for such pro-
ducts. The rich alluvial soil of the valley was found to afford the best quality
of grazing lands; and thousands of tons of very good hay were annually
cut upon the prairies and wild meadows. Whenever the foreign and domes-
tic grasses were introduced on such lands the crops were uniformly
satisfactory. The constant demands of the lumbering districts, the wants
of an increasing population engaged in mechanical, manufacturing and mer-
cantile business, and ultimately the demand for shipment to the Lake
Superior region, all tended to keep the Saginaw market active and to increase
the demand.
The Marshes Early Attract Buyers
Persons who have only seen the Saginaw River in its present condition
or when the lumber and salt industries were at their height, with its banks
confined by docks and booms, can form no idea of the beautiful scenery
along its course. The river banks on either side were well defined, except
at the mouth of creeks and bayous, and the prairie was covered with blue-
joint grass free from any other vegetation, except near the banks of the
river where it was interspersed with morning glories, wild roses and other
wilrl flowers, presenting the appearance of a beautiful flower garden. The
ground was firm and solid so that a person could ride on horseback or drive
over it in any direction; and parties who visited it in the Summer of 1835
were captivated by the beauties of the surroundings.
DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE 691
In June of that year Daniel 11. Fitzhugh made his first visit to the valley
and rode over the prairies where the bluejoint grass was as high as the pony's
back, with nothing in view except the distant timber and the flower-decked
banks of the river. He was so pleased with the prospect that he purchased
a large tract of prairie land below Zilwaukee, where the New York Works
were afterward located. Another traveller who came West that Summer
with a view of investing in government lands was Albert H. Dorr, a wealthy
broker of New York City.
Wintering Stock on the Rushes
Mr. Dorr was delighted with the country, and the sight of so much
nutritious grass suggested at once the idea of stock raising. Among the
lands he selected for purchase was a tract of eight hundred acres of prairie
located on the east side of the river at the south end of Crow Island, which he
proposed to develop into a stock farm. He accordingly advanced one
hundred and fifty dollars to parties at Saginaw City with which to pay
for cutting and stacking one hundred tons of hay on his land, and employed
a man named John Mall to go with him to Ohio and assist in gathering a
Stock of cattle and horses for his farm, which he purchased from the govern-
ment upon his arrival at Detroit. But so little faith had the people of Sagi-
naw City that Dorr would carry out his plans, that the parties who were
to have cut the hay paid no attention to the matter, so that when he returned
late in November with one hundred and fifty head of horned cattle and fifty
horses, there was nothing provided for their wintering. There were but
few people then in the village and no surplus fodder in store, and the owner
of the stock knew not what to do.
After a few days' deliberation he went to Albert Miller, who then lived
opposite Green Point, to see if he could help him out of his trouble. It was
on Thanksgiving day. He offered to turn over the land and stock for a
period of ten years, and to write a lease for the same that would satisfy
Miller, which was done, one provision of it being that the latter should only
be responsible for the stock that should be alive on the first day of the
following May. He then gave Miller three hundred dollars with which to
do the best he could towards wintering the animals, and started at once on his
return to New York.
Mr. Miller then purchased all the hay and grain there was for sale in
the valley, with which to feed the stock until he could make other provision
for their sustenance. He had heard of great quantities of rushes growing in
the vicinity of the bay, upon which stock could be wintered, so he hired an
Indian to guide him, and, after several days' search, found on the east side
of Quanicasse River, a quantity of rushes that he considered an ample
supply for all the stock for the winter. Feeding the animals on the hay and
grain until the ice was strong enough to bear them, he started with two
toads of hay with which to feed them on the way, and drove the first day to
a point just above where Portsmouth was afterwards located. There he
found some hay that had been put up by Joseph and Medore Tromble, a part
of which he fed to the cattle, and in the morning continued to the mouth of
the river, where the hay brought from Saginaw was fed to them. The third
day, just before night set in, the cattle were driven into the rushes and they
had such a feast as they never had before. The growth of rushes, which
were of the jointed variety, commenced in the timber near the prairie and
extended over a large tract of land, and was about three feet high.
After getting the stock located on their feeding ground the men built a
rough shanty of logs for shelter while attending the stock; and two men were
left in charge with orders to be among the cattle and horses every day to
prevent their straying away. Mr. Miller visited the camp once a week to
692
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
HARVESTING GRAIN ON LOW LANDS
carry camp supplies for the men and salt for the cattle. I lis route was along
the whole length of Saginaw River, then across the head of the hay to the
mouth of the Quanicasse, and up that river two or three miles to a point
where the shanty sti » id.
The land he had leased down the river had no buildings cm it, and after
the ice became strong enough to hear the weight he placed a strung ox sled
under each corner of his frame house at Green Point, and. hitching eight
oxen to the sleds, hauled the house onto the ice and proceeded with it to the
farm at Crow Island, The furniture remained undisturbed in the house, with
fire burning in the stove and provisions being cooked upon it. The settlers
at Saginaw City, having no intimation of his plans, were greatly surprised
at seeing a house on runners passing down the river. Upon getting his
house firmly set on land, he got out a large quantity of rail timber preparatory
lo farming on a large scale the next season, lie then selected a nearer
route by which he could pass to and from the cattle tenders' camp, which was
ten miles by prairie and four miles through heavy timber. He was highly
pleased with the condition of the stock; it was thriving nicely, and the coats
of the animals were as smooth as those of stall-fed cattle.
After the frost was out of the ground he commenced plowing and caused
the stock to be driven home for inventory. A hundred or more head had
gathered when the river began to rise and overflow the prairie, so that
there was scarcely an acre of dry land remaining for them to stand on.
It was necessary to remove them to higher ground, which was done by
swimming them across half a mile of deep water, and was safely accomplished
by Miller mounted on a horse followed by his men in canoes driving the
animals after him. The water rose so that on the first of May, when the
lease should commence, there was not a foot of dry land on the eight hundred
DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE 693
acre farm. Mr. Miller then informed the owner of the situation, and asked
to be permitted to give up the lease, which was granted and the stock was
turned over to Gardner U. Williams to be disposed of. Some of the cattle
were good beef and so used during the Summer of 1836, while others were
driven to Detroit for beef or scattered over Saginaw and adjoining counties.
Reclaiming Marsh Lands
Although it was well known to Saginaw settlers and farmers that the
soil of the prairie marshes was of exceeding fertility, and would undoubtedly
produce wonderful crops, nothing was done to reclaim them. The Spring
freshets which overflowed the marshes to a depth of ten to fifteen feet, leaving
quantities of mud and refuse on the land, were the great obstacle to im-
provements. There was still a great acreage of wild government lands on
higher ground subject to drainage, offered at a low price, and there was no
incentive to experiment with the muck lands which lay only two or three
feet above the level of the lake. Northeasters from Georgian Bay often
piled the sluggish river waters back upon it, a dingy scum on the trunks of
trees revealing where the floods had risen head high. It was evidently not a
proposition to be undertaken by the individual farmer, as only by extensive
work on a large scale was there hope that reclamation of the marshes could
be brought to a successful issue. Time and development of our farming
lands were required to make a project of this nature seem feasible to
capitalists, and until that point was reached little could be expected of any
plans for reclamation.
It was late in the eighteen-eighties that the first efforts were made to re-
claim muck lands of Saginaw County. Harlan P. Smith, a prominent dealer
in choice farming lands, had delved into the subject very thoroughly and ac-
quired title to considerable acreage about seventeen miles south of the city.
He should "be regarded as the pioneer in the improvement of our prairie
marshes. Associated with him were Charles II. Camp and George B. Brooks,
who composed a well known law firm in East Saginaw, and together, under
the firm name Camp, Brooks & Smith, added to the holdings already acquired
until they owned about ten thousand acres. This large acreage in one
parcel was situated in Albee and St. Charles Townships, south and east of
the Flint and Shiawassee Rivers.
These representative citizens of Saginaw then proceeded to cut a large
ditch from the northern part of their prairie land to the Flint River, a distance
of about two miles, enclosing- three or four hundred acres, and plowed and
prepared the ground for seeding. The results of their practical efforts at
farming on this scale were fairly successful, but the difficulties were many
and the expense great, and there was mure or less trouble in keeping the
workmen on the farm in such an out of the way place.
After improving and operating several hundred acres of the prairie
land originally acquired, which had cost them from four to ten dollars an
acre, for several years, and proved the practicability of the scheme, the owners
sold all their holdings t<> the Saginaw Realty Company, composed of Harry
T. and William J. Wickes. Albert M. Marshall. Samuel G. Higgins and
others. This company, having ample financial means backed by the enter-
prise of its members, proceeded to extend and develop the extensive acreage,
and to equip the farm with modern appliances and tools, thus placing the
operations on a more economic basis. During the annual floods the land was
largely overflowed, which often delayed or prevented the Spring work, en-
tailing heavy loss, and it became apparent that much diking was necessary
to prevent this handicap to the operations. The farming operations at this
stage of the development of the Prairie Farm, and for some years after, were
in charge of Emmet T. Bowen, a well known young business man of this city.
694
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
DREDGE BUILDING DIKES AT PRAIRIE FARM
Development of the Prairie Farm
In 1903 certain Pittsburg capitalists, who owned a controlling interest
in the Owosso Sugar Company, attracted by tales of the natural fertility of
the muck lands in Saginaw County, investigated the soil and climate con-
ditions, and purchased from the Saginaw Realty Company their entire
holdings of marsh lands, amounting to more than ten thousand acres. They
at once laid their plans on a large scale for the reclamation of the waste lands,
and began to heap up hanks of earth, in the form of dike--, t" hold back the
flood waters in the submersible basin near where Swan Creek and Dad River
join the Shiawassee.
This is the bottom of the wast Saginaw drainage system, and is the
worst and the best country hereabouts. It is the worst because several
square miles of it lie only a little more than three feet above the level of
Saginaw Bay, and the best is that from the beginning of time it has been the
settling basin for rich alluvium brought down by rivers, from heights of
four hundred t' > eight hundred feet, which flow nearly one hundred miles
through fertile areas.
This pioneer effort in reclaiming the Saginaw marshes was a costly one.
The land had to be won from the waters foot by foot, but each acre of land
made dry proved so productive that the promoters were lured on, and eventu-
ally arrived at the conclusion that the value of the land far exceeded the
cost of controlling the flood waters. The diking was done by big dredges
starting" at the rivers and nosing their way into the land, scooping" up the
muck to form "borrow ditches." and depositing it along the outside edge of
the area to be drained. As the dredges advanced the water flowed in,
carrying them along in the channels which afterward were useful in draining
off the water from the land. At the lowest point of the area the dike was
made twenty feet high, and at other places the average height was seventeen
to eighteen feet, while the ditches were about twelve feet deep, with a
gradient of three inches to the mile to carry off the waste waters.
When the entire tract was enclosed, and lateral and cross ditches dug
and dikes thrown up, the total length of dike was thirty-six miles Along the
top of these dikes good roads were laid out and gradually improved to afford
easy communication with all parts of the big farm. The main roads are
surfaced with stone and oiled to render solid and enduring highways. At
DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE
(595
the lowest point of the farm, near its northwest corner, where the ditch
assumes the size of a canal navigable to scows and motor boats, a pump house
was erected. Installed in this building are four centrifugal pumps, which in
times of high water lift the excess water from the canal and discharge it
into the river beyond. In flood times these pumps work night and day, and
relieve the farm ditches of one hundred and sixty thousand gallons of water
an hour. The dikes hull back the flood waters, the canal and ditches drain
off the surplus rainfall on the enclosed lands, and the pumps discharge the
excess water into the swift current of the river, thus rendering the soil fit for
cultivation.
"Mosquito Road" Leads to Farm
There are two ways of getting to the Prairie Farm from Saginaw. In
the dry season one can go direct from the city by way of East Street and
turning to the right about nine miles from the city limits, drive straight
into the farm settlement four miles beyond. The other route is by railroad
to St. Charles, and a drive of nine and a half miles over the "Mosquito Road"
through swamps to right and left. Once on this road there are few chances
of getting off, as wide, deep ditches line it all the way. There are surprises en
route, as the road goes gently downward into the heart of the swamp, grass
and timber land. Every mile or so billows of land roll up out of the welter
of mud, and along these ridges appear prosperous farms, with good houses,
big barns, and here and there a silo indicating that dairy farming and cattle
raising are rural industries being developed.
As the visitor emerges from a wood patch, near the farm entrance at the
southwest corner of the farm, cultivated fields of vast extent burst into view.
He turns north on the hard, oiled road which traverses the crest of a low
dike bisecting the farm. A mile ahead is Alicia village, the largest settlement
for miles around. Here are four score yellow framed cottages, housing work-
men's families, a large clubhouse, a general store and an assembly hall.
Across the road are several large barns, cattle sheds, wagon, machinery and
tool houses, and a large grain elevator. This structure and the mint distillery
a little further on are situated on the spur track which connects the farm
with the Grand Trunk Railroad, six miles eastward. During the rush of
Summer work from three hundred to three hundred and fifty farmers and
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DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE 697
laborers are employed on the farm, and in Winter about seventy-five men
are kept busy attending to the stock, repairing wagons and harness, over-
hauling machinery, and getting all equipment in readiness for the Spring
and Summer campaigns.
Driving by automobile along the central dike northward to the center
of the farm, thence westerly about two miles brings the visitor to the lowest
point of land, to which all the water in the ditches flows and where it is
pumped out. Looking back from the top of the dike one has a clear view
of the beet and mint fields. Beets and peppermint, with corn and rye, are
the principal crops and are grown in great quantities on extended acreage.
In all there are six thousand acres under cultivation, and in the Spring of
1''17 another thousand acres went under the plow. All the plowing is done
by gang plows drawn by steam and motor tractors, twelve plows to the
gang; and much other heavy work previously done by horses now falls to
mechanical power. The Prairie Farm is said to be the largest farm under
cultivation east of the Mississippi.
A Bit of Holland in Michigan
At times when all this section of the county is under water, when the
Prairie Farm reposes within it earthen walls like a beleagured country, it
reminds one very strongly of a section of Holland set down here in Michigan.
Then the flood waters often rise to a height of seventeen feet on the outside
of the earth dikes, and there are watchful days and nights for the male popu-
lation. The dikes have to be constantly patrolled and threatened leaks and
breaks repaired immediately. There are native foes, too, to the dike, the
muskrat and the woodchuck. The latter is the one dreaded as he burrows
deep enough to cause much damage, and men are employed to hunt them out.
flere and there in the dark brown held, gray patches are noticed. These
are the clay subsoil touched now and then by the motor driven plows and
being worked up into the lighter surface soil — much to its betterment, it is
claimed. Only a little under the muck soil is a clay bed as dry as bone
dust. There are driven wells as also tiled wells, and here and there excellent
drinking water is found at a depth of about thirty feet.
The inhabitants of the farm lead an isolated and monotonous life, es-
pecially in flood time when communication with the world is almost entirely
cut off. Exit by boats in the swirling currents is difficult and dangerous.
Still the living conditions are steadily improving, and the farm dwellers have
the conveniences of electric light and running water in their homes, supplied
free by the farm's own generating and water plant, and also the use of tele-
phones. There is also regular postal service to Alicia.
Raising Blooded Stock
A leading feature of the Prairie Farm is stock raising. In all the varied
work of planting, growing anil harvesting the extensive crops, about three
hundred head of heavy draft horses are required; and in Summer about
seventy-five teams, some of which are three-horse teams, are in constant use.
In 1913 the Owosso Sugar Company, owners of the Prairie Farm, im-
ported twenty Belgian brood mares and one stallion for the purpose of estab-
lishing breeding stables. Their manager went to Belgium and selected mares
of the best blood that country produced. He succeeded in purchasing direct
offspring of the champion sires and mares of Belgium. They have mares
out of Reve de Or, who was champion over all breeds of Draft Horses at
the Paris Exposition in 1900. < )ne is a granddaughter of Indigene du Fos-
teau, the champion stallion of Belgium from 1906 to and including 1909.
This champion stallion was awarded with first prizes for his colt get in 1908
to 1913. inclusive, at the national Horse Show at Brussels. Among these
mares are such as daughters of Brin D'Or, Ideal du Fosteau and Soleil Lavant.
(598
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
HOME OF THE ROYAL BRED BELGIAN DRAFT HORSES WHERE THE BEST IN
AMERICA ARE RAISED
Their two stallions, now at the head of their stables, are two of the best
bred stallions in the United States. Sans Peur de Hamal, No. 3446, twelve
years old, is a grandson of Manage who was once owned by the Belgian gov-
ernment, and later resold to his original owner for an enormous sum. He
has shown himself to be an excellent colt getter, and has produced out of
grade mares, colts that at two years old weighed fifteen hundred pounds.
Sans Peur de Hamal was champion at the Michigan State Fair, Detroit,
in 1915 and 1916, and grand champion over all breeds in 1916, and champion
in 1917 at the State Fair.
Rubis, No. 4008, a six-year-old stallion, imported by the Prairie Farm in
1913, is a grandson of Rubens. Many noted breeders in Belgium regretted
that Rubens should go out of the country. He was purchased by General
Botha for the South African Government. Rubis is a real type of Belgian
Draft Horse. He was awarded a silver medal by the King of Belgium in
1913, when he showed with two hundred and thirty others in the two-year-
old class at the National Horse Show at Brussels.
The mares raised on the Prairie Farm are selected for breeding purposes.
They are workers and earn their living in the harness and by raising colts.
There has been accomplished what many breeders thought could not be done.
The farm has raised just as good young stock as Belgium ever produced,
some two-year-olds weighing seventeen hundred pounds and three-year-olds
over eighteen hundred. Michigan and Saginaw County have equalled Bel-
gium in this regard.
Besides this stock of heavy draft horses there are large numbers of pure
bred Friesian, Holstein and Hereford cattle, improved Duroc Jersey swine,
and registered Delaine Merino Black Top sheep. The Prairie Farm is also
an extensive grower of pedigreed seeds.
Jacob DeGeus, an experienced stockman and farming expert, is manager
of this great farm enterprise.
In a graphic way the Prairie Farm illustrates how capital and enter-
prise, coupled with genius and application of business principles, will redeem
waste lands and make them richly productive. In this instance lands worth
scarcely more than four or five dollars an acre twenty of thirty years ago,
have been made to yield such extensive crops that their value has increased
to eight) or ninety dollars an acre. And when il is considered that there are
SANS PEUR de HAMAL, No. 3446, OWNED BY OWOSSO SUGAR CO., ALICIA. MICHIGAN
A GRANDDAUGHTER OF INDIGENE du FOSTEAU AND A TRUE PRODUCTION
700 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
still cine hundred thousand acres of wild prairie lands in Saginaw Valley still
untouched, and only waiting action of the government for the control of flood
waters, the imagination must be be drawn upon to form an idea of what the
future development of this rich land means to the people of Saginaw.
United States Land Office
The United States Land Office for the sale of public lands, known as the
"Genesee Office," which was originally located at Flint, was removed to East
Saginaw, April 1, 1857. The Office of register was held by Moses B. Hess,
and that of receiver by Colonel W. 1.. I'. Little, wdio remained in charge
until the inauguration of President Lincoln. John F. Driggs then became
register, and C. K. Robinson receiver, their commissions bearing date of
April 1, 1861. Mr. Driggs was elected ti > Congress in the following year and
retired from the land office early in 1863, his place being filled by II. C.
Driggs. In I860 Andrew Johnson appointed M. \Y. Quackenbush as receiver,
and Isaac Worden as register, who held office until the end of the Johnson
administration. Thomas Saylor was then made receiver and Henry C. Ripley
register of the land office, and they held office for four years. On May 10,
1871, Robert L. Warren assumed the office of receiver and W. R. Bates that
of register; and in ! )ctober, 1872. Major Albert A. Day succeeded Mr. Warren
as receiver. At that time government lands sold at one dollar and twenty-
five cents to two dollars and fifty cents per acre, according to location relative
to railway lines.
Saginaw Valley Agricultural Society
For the purpose of promoting the improvement of agriculture and of
stimulating the growing of live stock, a number of leading residents of this
county organized on March 20, 1866, the Saginaw County Agricultural
Society. The first executive committee of the society was composed of
Barney II. York, president; George F. Lewis, secretary, and Thomas L.
Jackson, treasurer. The vice-presidents were George F. Veenfliet, William
J. Bartow, William M. Smith and William McBratnie, and the other directors
were John Wiltse, John G. Hubinger, Andrew Goetz, Wellington R. Burt,
Andrew Crofoot, X. S. Beach and Robert Ure.
The first fair of the society was held in East Saginaw, October 3 to 5,
the commissioners for arrangement of all animals and articles for exhibition
being: William M. Smith, cattle; William J. Bartow, horses; George F. Veen-
ileit, butter, cheese, vegetables and seeds; William McBratnie, farm
implements and miscellaneous; and Robert Ure, flowers, drawings, paintings
and ornamental work. There was a generous premium list and competent
judges to make awards. The attendance was large considering that the
population of the county was only about one-fourth what it is at present.
The fair grounds were situated on the east side of South Jefferson Avenue
between Sidney (Rust) and Webber Streets, and boasted of a fine half mile
track. In the following years many famous racing horses speeded on this
track, Jay-Eye-See making a world's trotting record.
After a successful career of almost thirty years the society disbanded,
its last fair being held at Union Park on the Vest Side, which had been laid
out and maintained by Isaac Bearinger. The park itself with its fine track
was abandoned in the ball of 1905, and the following year was subdivided
into city 1< >ts.
Nothing was done to revive the agricultural society until 1912, when the
Saginaw County School and Farm Bureau Association was organized, and
gave interesting educational exhibits at Riverside I 'ark in the Fall of that
year, and m 1913. The officers of the association were: Frank J. Newman,
DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE
701
Birch Run, president; Valentine Katzenberger, Bridgeport, vice-president;
L. S. Foote, Saginaw, secretary: Henry Coats, Hemlock, treasurer; Burton
S. Tefft, Saginaw, fair manager.
From this beginning the Saginaw County Agricultural Society was re-
organized and placed on a sound working basis. 'Idle society held successful
fairs and stocks exhibits with racing at the driving park laid out and improved
by Harry Bates about thirty years ago, in 1914 and subsequent years; and
in 1917 erected two permanent buildings for exhibition purposes. The plans
of the society provide for the erection of other buildings especially adapted to
the needs of the fair.
The present officers of the society are John Popp, president; William J.
Morgan and Jacob B. Hoffman, vice-presidents; Frank F. Kleinfeld, secre-
tary; Christian F. Gugel, treasurer. The directors are the officers and Jacob
DeGeus, William F. Jahnke, John Leidlein, Langley S. Foote, Charles B.
McClure, John C. Rauchholz, Thomas B. McDonagh, Val Katzenberger,
Cameron C. Speer and Fred Wiltse.
MACONVALE CANARY. No. 153.622
The Saginaw Valliy stock Farm, Owner
Central Agricultural Society
Believing that the west tiers of townships should have an agricultural
society of their own. some business men of Saginaw City and prominent
farmers organized the Saginaw Central Agricultural Society in May, 1873.
The officers of the society were: Dr. I. X. Smith, president; William McBrat-
nie, secretary; George R. Stark, treasurer. The vice-presidents were:
Willard Shattuck. John A. Leinberger, Martin Stocker, John McMillan.
Thomas P. Hines, Frank Ackley, Samuel Harder, Theodore Bundage, X. S.
Lockwood, S. B. Williams, James Graham, John Wright, William Roeser,
Colin McBratnie, George Ward, S. C. Goodale, Eleazer J. Ring, Norman L.
Miller, Peter C. Andre and Thomas Shimmons. These officers and Thomas
L. Jackson, Moses Harris, Jacob H. Lewis, Jay Smith, Nelson Abel, David
Geddes and William A. Crane, composed the board of directors. The first
fair of the society was held September 15-17. l<X7o, at the well appointed
fair grounds on Court Street. This society maintained a fairly successful
existence for about fifteen years, but at length disbanded and its grounds
reverted to the uses of agriculture.
702 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Saginaw County Farmers' Organizations
The officers of the Saginaw County Farm Bureau are: Jacob B. Hoffman,
Oakley, president; E. G. Rust, Merrill, vice-president; Langley S. Foote,
Saginaw, secretary and treasurer; Earl P. Robinson, Saginaw, county agricul-
tural agent.
The officers of the Saginaw County School and Farm Bureau Fair
Association are: F. J. Newman, Birch Run, president; Val Katzenberger,
Saginaw, vice-president; Langley S. Foote, Saginaw, secretary; Henry Coats,
Hemlock, treasurer. The Fair Managers are Burton S. Tefft, county com-
missioner of schools, and Earl P. Robinson, county agricultural agent.
The Saginaw County Bean Growers Association has for its officers Fred
Wiltse, Saginaw, president; Charles W. Sutliff, Oakley, vice-president; Alex.
Pullar, Saginaw, secretary; Richard Frahm, Frankenmuth, treasurer.
The Saginaw Valley IIolstein-Fresian Breeders' Association is conducted
by William J. Morgan, Saginaw, president ; Thomas Phoenix, Saginaw, vice-
president ; Al. C. Schoenheit, Saginaw, secretary and treasurer.
Saginaw County Order of Michigan Experiment Association has for its
officers George Emerick, Saginaw, president; Alex. Pullar, Saginaw, vice-
president; Fred Cornair, Chesaning, secretary and treasurer. The directors
are: William J. Kirchner, Freeland; Ilenrv Coats, Hemlock; Tohn J Veiten-
gruber, Frankenmuth: llv. Deibel, Saginaw; and Charles Cook, B'irch Run.
The officers of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company are: August C.
Fitting, Hemlock, president; F. C. Moll, Saginaw; vice-president; Frank A.
Short, Hemlock, secretary and treasurer.
The Saginaw County Cow-Testing Association is controlled by Frank
Plumb. Saginaw, president; William B. Hackett, Saginaw, vice-president;
Traugott Trinklein, Vassar, secretary and treasurer.
Saginaw County (Pomona) Grange, No. 57, is officered by George
Emerick. Saginaw, master; Otto I'.owser, Birch Run, secretary; Henry Coats,
Hemlock, treasurer; Mr--. Alex. Pullar, Saginaw, lecturer ;" Henrv' Deibel,
Saginaw, overseer; Mrs. Otto Bowser. Birch Run, chaplain.
The officers of the Saginaw Valley Holstein-Fresian Breeders' Sales
Association are: Thomas 1'hoenix, Saginaw, president; Frank Robbins, Mun-
ger, vice-president ; Al. C. Schoenheit, Saginaw, secretary and treasurer. The
executive committee is composed of Jacob DeGeus, Alicia; George M. Maurer,
Frankenmuth: W. A. Wilder, Ray City; William J. Morgan, Saginaw; John
F. O'Keefe, Saginaw; William Roenicke, Saginaw; D. D. Aitken, Flint."
The officers of the Saginaw County Horse Show Association are:
George II. Sutherland, Saginaw, president; Robert Russell, Saginaw, vice-
president; N. N. Wright, Saginaw, secretary and treasurer.
The Saginaw County Farmers' Institute is officered by Fred Cornair,
Chesaning, president; and J. D. Proper, Chesaning, secretary and treasurer.
The Saginaw Poultry Club has for its officers: J. C. Hohn, Saginaw,
president; Robert Booth, Saginaw, vice-president; Ed. Ohland, Saginaw,
secretary and treasurer: and Al. Iluelmer, Saginaw, assistant secretary.
The Saginaw County Milk Producers' Association is conducted by Char-
les Hodges, Saginaw, president; Thomas Phoenix, Saginaw, vice-president;
Langley S. Foote, Saginaw, secretary; Fred Rohloff, Saginaw, treasurer.
CHAPTER XXIII
TRANSPORTATION
Rough Forest Trails — Experiences in Early Road Making — Difficulties of Travel —
First Plank Road — Early River Navigation— First Vessels on Saginaw River— Coming
of First Steamboat — Building First Steamboat — Shipbuiding — Rise and Decline of
River Commerce- — River and Shore Lines — Rapid Decline — Early Railroad Projects
— Building the F. & P. M. Railroad — Why Saginaw City Was Cut Off — Opening
Excursion — Land Grants and Earnings — Mutuality of Interests — Steamship Line —
Jackson, Lansing & Saginaw — Saginaw Valley & St. Louis Railroad— Saginaw,
Tuscola & Huron — Port Huron & North Western — Cincinnati, Saginaw & Mackinaw
Railroad — Interurban Electric Traction — Street Railways — Beginning of Rapid
Transit — Good Roads Movement — Cost of Road Improvement — Value of State Awards.
WHILE the Saginaw Valley is well provided with facilities for trans-
portation, by railroad, highway and river, within the memory of old
pioneers this situation did not exist. Less than a hundred years
ago, when the whole region of Michigan was a vast wilderness, the only
means of communication with the frontier settlements were by lake and river,
or by Indian trails through the dense forests overrun witli wild beasts.
Navigation of the lake in the small and frail craft of the early days was
f rough t with peril and hardship, and was not a popular means of travel. The
more customary route was by the old Indian trail by way of Pontiac, Grand
Blanc and the traverse of the Flint, to the remote outpost on the Saginaw
River. But improvement of the existing trails, like everything else, at length
had a beginning, and was attended by much difficulty and danger.
The first labor in making a road to the Saginaw Valley was performed
in 1822-3 by United States soldiers who were then stationed at Fort Saginaw.
It became necessary to get supplies through from Detroit, and a road was cut
through the woods following the old Indian trail and crossing the Flint River
at the point where the city of Flint is situated; and John Hamilton, Harvey
Williams and Ephraim S.Williams hauled supplies to Saginaw for the soldiers.
So difficult was travel in those days that on one occasion, it is related, the
garrison was reduced to half-rations and very little provision left when fresh
supplies were finally brought in to the fort. The primitive road was used for
travel on horseback and by sleighs in winter, to and including 1831. Many
trees had fallen across the trail, the small streams were difficult to cross, and
the winter travel to Saginaw Bay, to procure fish caught by the Indians, had
increased to such an extent that it was necessary to improve the road. In the
Fall of 1831 a fund of one hundred dollars was raised by subscription, to be
expended upon the road between the Flint and Cass Rivers.
Experiences in Early Road Making
About November 15, 1831. John Todd and Fhineas Thompson started
from Flint with a tent and two weeks' provisions on their backs, and passed
over the trail a few miles where they were to begin work, when they pitched
their tents for two days' labor, working one day on each side of the trail.
Their experiences were graphically related by Todd many years after, and
published in the Michigan Pioneer Collections, Vol. VII, pp. 252-3, as follows:
"After spending the day at labor on the road we had no lack of music to
beguile the tedious hours of night. Soon after dark, wolves would gather
around so near that we could hear every note of their fierce howls ; and we had
704
HISTI »RY I IF SAGINAW COUNTY
ache our provisions above their reach. At one place, when retiring for the
night, I left nn leather mittens outside the tent, and that night a larger p;
of wolves than usual gathered around the tent and varied their savage growls
with snapping their teeth together as if the) meant to devour us. In the
morning we found a large space trampled about the camp where tin
had fought over the mittens, the strongest one probably securing the prize
his supper. It was not pleasant to spend nights so mar a pack of hungry
wolves with nothing but a frail tent between them and you.
"I in arriving at Cass River our job was completed, but we had no n
we felled an ash tree, cut it into a^ large pieces as we could
handle, and made a raft which would bear the weight of two men bj sinking
in the water nearlj to our knee over, when bj placing
the raft in the current it soon floated back so near the other bank that the
third party caught it and ly over.
SAGINAW THE SHIPPING CENTER OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION
"\\ rted for Green Point, where my -i-ter had taken up her resi-
month before. < »n our arrival at the river we called for
put us ai rhere was no one about the place but my sister, and she
not accustomed to handle a canoe; but hearing my voice she ventured out
and. with the direct gave her. landed safely. We all got aboard and
;e, where we were I to find shel
r two weeks' camping in the wilderness.
"That was my first vis ginaw. I was delighted with the bi
dee]> river, with the beautiful prairie beyond Green fine tim-
d land on the op and 1 afterward purchased from the govern-
the land upon which I stood when 1 first saw the Saginaw River.
"After spending a few d; Point and Saginaw City, the weather
having become cold, we started on our return trip. We made a raft
River, upon which we crossed, and pushed "it hoping to reach Pine Run before
dark. But night set in with a snow storm before we reached there, and we
had great difficulty in kindling a tire, everything being wet with snow and
TRANSPi iR 1 Ml' >\ 705
having nothing but a flint and steel to start a fire with. We finally succeeded
in making a blaze, but were so tired with the days' travel that we did not pitch
our tent, l>nt spread it over us. It v red with four inches v in
the morning, when we completed "tir journey v> Flint.
Difficulties of Travel
ition of the main trail and the difficulties of travel in pioneer
days, Albert Miller, the first white settler on tl side of the river, rela
4.111 Pii 11 Vol. XVIII., pp. 27.
"<Mi November 23, 1836, I started from Detroit on horseback I
smouth, to which place 1 had dispatched a vessel loaded with four
thousand dollars' worth and machinen -■• mill. It had been
very wet and the roads were intollerably muddy, but it turned cold and when
froze up they were so rough as to be almost impassable.
long very slowh but arrived at last at Flint River on my pony,
id, 'You ma;- 1 leave \ here as leave him in the
rls, for it is not possible for a hor; Saj 1 con-
sideration I concluded that it was so. The whole country w red with
r, and 1! n hard enough t" hear a horse, but was just
thick enough i«>r hin h and cut his orn out and
did not feel that I could walk 1 iw, but I was at home in a canoe,
90 I purchased one and started down the river. I got along about thirtv
miles whni I found the ice had blocked ti|> thi impletely. 1 hauled the
canoe ashore, put my paddles under il 1 following the river.
I could see no trail and had to be guided by the river. At length I came t"
and as 1 could the end of it. I waded in and broke the -kim
of ice with in) arm- a- I went along, and final h side.
1 passed along and that nighl a shanty where an old settler live. I. ami
I stayed with him over night an. I partially dried mv clotl .t .lay I
went "ii. luit there w id "ii either side of the river ami 1 took
1 never had followed before. But I knew there ome way of getting
around, and I cro ne creek I could anil finally arrive.)
Ii nearly frozen.
"I was completely used up. and 1 thought if 1 could onlj ur*-t home where
mother was ami lie down I could he content. When I i;..t there the little
owded with men working "ii the saw mill, there !■
boai sides mj brother's family, and it did: like home t" me at
all. 1 was homesick, hut said nothing about it."
In 1834 the United ernment undertook the improvement
the terril i\\ turnpike as it wa rally known, and the
r< .in.- w .1- -in \ .1 ed by « (range Risdi »n, w hi 1 afterward published a map • if this
m. The road had literally been chopped out of tl - and was graded
naw when the work was abandoned. I
the improvement work was resumed and completed in 1841. It was then far
from being a good road, and a a- almosl impassable.
Travel m tl was limited k and foot, but in May. 1834,
les V Lull, with his father and mother, tw and a brother, ami
Spaulding, drove from Hint with an ox cart, which was the first
wheeled vehicle, s. > tar as known, t.> come over the ..Id trail t.. Saginaw.
the road was littli ma- \V. Babcock, an ..Id pioneer
who, though in his eighty-fifth vcar i- in the enjoyment of excellent health,
relate- that when he came t" Saginaw in March. 1852, he walked the entire
. Ii-!. nice fii. m St. Clair County, the p. ads being in such condition that tra
>rse and wagon was impossible.
The "Id Indian trail, which was followed by the earliest settlers, came out
en the east bank of the ri \ site Green Point, but afterward, during
706 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
the various improvements to it. a diversion was made to meet the river
opposite the foot of Mackinaw Street, at which point there was a ferry to the
other side. There was no road or path on the east side of the river, and it was
necessary for the early pioneers of East Saginaw, in going to Detroit, to cross
over the river and bayou at the foot of Plank Road (Genesee Street), wade
through the mud of the Indian trail, which followed closely the present lines
of Michigan Avenue, to Saginaw City and then recross the river to the east
hank where they met the Flint trail. This was a roundabout way of travel,
and the necessity of first passing through Saginaw City in getting to civiliza-
tion was very distasteful to the enterprising promoters and progressive
settlers of East Saginaw. It was evident that if the new settlement was to
grow and prosper, a direct road U> Flint and the outside world would be
necessarv.
The First Plank Road
In order to provide better facilities for travel and put East Saginaw on
the map. Norman Little and his associates undertook the construction of a
plank road all the way to Flint, a distance of about thirty-two miles. This
was a large project involving an enormous expenditure of money for those
times, and was considered by many as a visionary one (see Chapter IX, page
150). Some opposition was aroused to the scheme, but a charter was at
length granted by the Legislature, and the work of building the road was
begun. After overcoming many difficulties the road was put through by the
way of Cass River and Pine Run, and was completed in 1851. It came into
the settlement by Genesee Street, then known as Plank Road, and the first
toll-gate was at the corner of Millard Street beyond which was an almost
unbroken forest. As a result of this enterprise a post office was soon estab-
lished, and a stage line brought in and carried out mail daily. Immigration
was greatly stimulated by extensive advertising in the East and the settlement
of East Saginaw began to show signs of activity.
As the village grew and was at length incorporated as a city, other plank
roads were projected including a road built in the early fifties from Zihvaukee
to a point opposite East Saginaw, by Johnson Brothers, the projectors of the
village of Zihvaukee. According ti> Fox's History of Saginaw Valley, 1868,
there were, in addition to the Saginaw and Genesee plank road, the East
Saginaw and Vassar plank road, nineteen and a half miles long; the East
Saginaw and Watrousville plank road, about twenty miles long, and the
Saginaw and Gratiot plank road, from Saginaw City to St. Louis, with a
length of thirty-six miles.
Early River Navigation
Nature has bestowed upon the Saginaw Valley an abundance of rivers,
there being no less than ten dignified by that name, besides a number of small
streams. The Saginaw River i^ one of the largest streams in Michigan. It is
twenty miles long, and in its primitive state was from three hundred to eight
hundred feet in width, with a depth of ten to fifteen feet. Formed by the
Cass River on the East, the Flint and Shiawassee on the South, and the Titta-
bawassee on the Northwest, it serves as an outlet for a vast expanse of
country, once covered by dense forests of pine and hard woods. The Saginaw
River afforded practically the only means of transportation for heavy mer-
chandise to and from Detroit and the East, and it was a highway of travel
for the early settlers in passing to and from Saginaw Bay.
In the early days the Shiawassee and Bad Rivers were navigable for
small vessels as far as St. Charles, a distance of nearly twenty miles; and the
Tittabawassee River accommodated a navigation as far as Midland City,
about thirty miles above Saginaw City. Public interest in up-river navigation
is shown bv the organization in 1837 of the Owosso and Saginaw Navigation
TRANSPORTATION
707
Company, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. Its purpose was
to improve the Shiawassee River so as to make slack water navigation
between Owosso and its junction with the Flint River, in order that steam-
boats and barges might operate on it to the former point. After expending
a large sum for labor in clearing the driftwood from the river, and using it for
transporting merchandise in small boats, it was found impracticable to con-
tinue this mode of transportation.
Albert Miller in his "Pioneer Sketches," published in the Michigan
Pioneer Collections, Vol. VII, pages 234-5, relates an incident concerning
the "first raft that ever floated on waters tributary In the Saginaw River:"
"While I was at Saginaw preparing timber for my house, Eleazer Jewett
went to Detroit to settle some business in connection with the fur trade that
he had been engaged in. About the time be was expected home, Thomas Simp-
son came through from Flint on horseback and said that Mr. Jewett was
there and about to start for home by way of the river, in a canoe. After a
^HL
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W) \
^jrt-,. ^L
£* « -. •/■*- --^^^
?!£5mh«C- mw
e ' " ■ _J
";"'•■' ':'
•
BARGE TOWING SCHOONER IN THE OLD LUMBERING DAYS
week had passed and no tidings of him came, we became very much alarmed
at his delay, and I determined to go with some Indians and follow up the
river to determine if possible (ewett's fate.
"At night we arrived at the Indian's wigwam, and I was provided with a
place to spread my blanket for rest. It being late in November, the weather
was cold, but there was no lack of warmth in the wigwam. It was small with
a large fire in the center, and a dozen Indians, male and female, were lying
around it. I slept until about two o'clock in the morning when I awoke and,
seeing the moon shining brightly, and being anxious to pursue my journey,
I prevailed upon a young Indian, by giving him a silver coin, to pilot me on
the trail to a point on the river where the trail crossed it. We arrived about
day-break and I ferried myself across the river in a canoe I found at the bank.
I was following the trail, which would soon leave the bank of the river and
pass inland across a bend, when I heard noises on the river near me. I raised
my voice on an Indian whoop (which was a signal in all emergencies), and
was answered. I soon saw Mr. Jewett and two other men floating on a
raft of sawed lumber. Had I been three minutes earlier or later I would
have missed seeing them. The raft was guided to the shore and I joyfully
70S HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
leaped aboard, when Air. Jewett, considering he had a full crew, dismissed
the other men to return to Flint, and we two floated leisurely down the stream.
"After Mr. Simpson had left Flint, Jewett purchased a quantity of lumber
from Rufus Stevens at his mill on the Thread River, and hauled it across t<>
the Flint, where he built a raft to float as far towards Saginaw as it would
run. There was no horseman or footman passing from Flint to Saginaw
whereby he could send word to his family of the cause of his delay.
"Before night on the day I met Jewett, the further progress of the raft
was stopped by driftwood in the river. We went to the wigwam where I
spent the night before, and remained until morning, when we went home
through the hrst snow of the season. .Mr. Jewett's arrival caused great
rejoincing, the alarm having increased at his long absence, and the settlers
were preparing to turn out and search for him.
"I purchased a part of the lumber from Air. Jewett, and decided to build
a frame house instead of a log block-house. The lumber was taken out of
the river and piled on the bank, from which point it was hauled in winter
about eight miles to the place where I intended to build. This was in
December, 1832. a month the weather was very mild and continued like Indian
Summer until the first week in February, and on account of the mud 1 was
unable to remove my effects from Grand Blanc to Saginaw. It was not until
the thirteenth of February that we were able to start with our household
goods on sleds drawn by two yokes of oxen, with our cows and hogs driven
behind the 1< iads."
First Vessels on Saginaw River
The first craft to sail the Saginaw River was a small sloop, named the
Savage, of only forty tons burden, which was used by the American Fur
Company, about 1831 and a few years after, for carrying furs from their posts
on the river to Buffalo. In June, 1832, a vessel of fifty tons burden came into
the river, and after discharging a cargo of supplies for the fur company, sailed
up the Tittabawassee to Duncan McLellan's farm and took on a load of
potatoes. This was the first cargo of farm produce shipped from the Saginaw
Vallev. Five years later Captain George Raby sailed into Saginaw River as
master of the schooner North America. Captain J. D. Smith commanded the
Richmond, formerly the Conneaut Packet, which was wrecked on the Canadian
shore of Lake Huron. There was also a small schooner named the Mary,
Captain Wilson, which sailed between Detroit and Saginaw, but in the Fall
of 1836 was wrecked proving a total losx.
Building of the "Julia Smith"
Nelson Smith, a brother-in-law of Norman and Colonel W. L. I". Little,
who owned the Mary, then decided to build a larger vessel to supply the
demands of the increasing trade of the Saginaw River. He thereupon em-
ployed a Frenchman who devised a neat model of a vessel well adapted to
river and lake navigation, and several shipwrights were brought here for the
construction of the boat. Furnishing the timber for the shipbuilding opera-
tions kept neighboring farmers busy with their teams: and Jewett's Hotel was
well filled with boarders from the' little shipyard. The vessel was of about
seventv tons burden, strongly built of the best oak timber, of which there was
an abundant supply nearby, and when fully loaded had a draft of four and a
half feet. The construction work was directed by Captain Lock, of St. Clair,
and he was the first master of the vessel. When launched the new boat was
named the Julia Smith, after the owner's daughter.
After fitting out and commencing regular trips to Detroit, the Julia Smith
proved a great convenience and benefit to the settlers at Saginaw. Wants
which could not be supplied by the small trailers were looked after by Captain
Lock, who made the purchases in Detroit without charge for commission,
TRANSPORTATION 709
only charging for freight on the goods; and large sums of money passed
through his hands for that purpose. This was before the days of steamboats
on the river, and the settlers, when they could, took passage on the sailing
vessel in going to and from Portsmouth and Lower Saginaw (Bav City).
( >ne evening late in November, 1837. a pioneer settler boarded the Julia
Smith at Lower Saginaw, hound for Saginaw City. Scarcely had they cast off
from the dock when a heavy storm of rain and wind came up, but they passed
Portsmouth, the Lone Tree, Devil's Elbow and Willow Island without much
difficulty, and at dark came to the critical point in the navigation of the river,
tlic Carrollton bar. The willows from which an acute angle to the left was
to be made, were visible, the helm was put down to guide the vessel through
the narrow channel across the bar to deep water above. But the captain
had not made sufficient allowance for the strength of the gale, and they soon
ran hard aground on the south side of the channel. That night the passengers
retired on board the little vessel. The weather became cold and in the
morning the ground was covered with eight inches of snow, through which
the settler waded three miles to his home.
The Julia Smith left the Saginaw River trade about 1850. but as late as
1S71 was still a staunch and sound craft sailing on Lake Michigan. Captain
Lock was swept from the deck of the schooner in a severe storm on Lake St.
Clair, in 1857, ami drowned.
Coming of the First Steamboat
As early as 1836 the waters of the Saginaw River were churned by
steamboats, the first of which to enter the river was the Governor Marcy,
commanded by Captain Gorham. She was a logy old boat of only sixteen
tons net burden, and was chartered by Norman Little for Mackie, Oaklev
and Jennison, who were then engaged in building up Saginaw City. A full
account of the coming of this steamboat is given in Chapter VIII, pp. 125-6.
First Steamboat Built on Saginaw River
In 1847, at a suggestion of Captain Mowry, who had navigated the upper
Ohio River and knew the requirements of navigation in shallow waters, James
Fraser, Daniel II. Fitzhugh, Curtis Emerson and Captain Mowry formed a
company to build a steamboat for use on the Saginaw River. The keel of
the vessel was laid at the mill of Emerson & Eldridge, and that summer
Messrs. Fraser and Fitzhugh went to Pittsburg and contracted for the engines.
The steamboat was completed in 1848 with oak timber and other materials
furnished by Mr. Fitzhugh, and was given the name Buena Vista. It was a
i|ueer looking craft, having a large stern wheel with two engines placed in
the stern, and the boiler at the bow, the steam being conveyed to the engines
by cast iron pipes placed under the upper deck. Although a slow and awkward
vessel the Buena Vista tilled very well the purposes for which she was built,
and did a goodly amount of business, both as a tug and packet, in navigating
the upper streams. The early residents looked upon her as a marvel of
speed and convenience, despite the fact that her movements were somewdiat
asthmatic and noisy; and she was a favorite means of communication between
the settlements on the river. ( For an illustration of this strange craft see
the picture on page 141.)
Before the Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad was built across the State,
the settlers of Shiawassee County, who needed some means of getting their
produce to market, proposed to build a plank road from Owosso to the forks
of the Bad River i now St. Charles), ami secure the steamboat Buena Vista
to take their wheat and other products to Saginaw. In the Summer of 1849,
Andrew Parsons, of Corunna, afterward a governor of this State, and Amos
Gould, of Owosso, and other prominent men explored the route for the plank
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
road, and came to Saginaw to confer with the owners of the steamboat as to
the feasibility of the plan. As the)' were to return on the Buena J'ista, it was
arranged to run an excursion up the river, and on the appointed day an early
start was made in the morning with the expectation of getting back to Sagi-
naw by noon or a little later.
Almost the whole of the adult male population went along, but without
any lunch or drink (except whiskey). The boat passed up the Saginaw and
Shiawassee Rivers without difficulty, though making slow progress, until it
entered the Bad River which was narrow and so crooked that the boat some-
times became wedged between two points, thus filling with mud the pipes
that conveyed water to the boiler, bong before the boat reached the head
of navigation, the water ran low and she was propelled by heated gas, blue
streams issuing from every joint in the boiler and molten lead from the
joints of the steam pipes.
The progress of the steamboat was thus impeded, and the engineer waded
beside the hull in an effort to open the pipes to the boiler, but in this he
tailed and very fortunately for all on hoard, for had a dash of water entered
THE '■SKYLARK" LOADING AT SAGINAW
The Third Man from the Bow was Walter Frazee
the boiler in its overheated condition, an explosion would have scattered all
to the four winds. In this dilemma with fifty hungry men sixteen miles from
their base of supplies, no dwelling house within several miles, and no road
in any direction, a council was held; and Daniel L. C. Eaton and E. F. Bird
volunteered to go to Saginaw in a canoe and bring a supply of provisions.
A little after midnight these sturdy pioneers returned to their friends with a
canoe well filled with cooked food, which the women of Saginaw City had
hastily furnished from their larders. A real banquet was partaken of in the
wilderness to the enjoyment of all, and which was never forgotten by those
present. As the boat had no cabin and only rows of benches for seats, there
was not much sleep that night for any one, and they whiled away the time as
best they could until morning.
What canoes there were were then quickly manned for the return trip
to Saginaw, and the balance of the crowd wended their way through the
woods to the Indian settlement at Swan Creek. From there they tramped
over the country to their homes, and being Sunday some of them were deeply
humiliated at seeing their Indian friends engaged in their devotions. The
Buena J'ista remained at the forks two weeks for repairs, when she returned
to deep water. That experience ended the project for a plank road and river
navigation of the upper rivers to Saginaw.
TRANSPORTATION 711
Shipbuilding on the Saginaw River
Some of the largest and most seaworthy vessels on the lakes in the old
lumbering days were built on the Saginaw River, the general excellence of
the oak timber in these parts being recognized by all vessel men. For flexi-
bility, elasticity, toughness and durability it was pronounced equal to the
old English oak, and superior to most of the ship timber found elsewhere on
the lakes.
The second steamboat built here was the General Walcott, launched in
1850 by Captain Darius Cole, and used in the trade between Saginaw and
Bay City, constituting the first river line. About that time Daniel Johnson
built at Zilwaukee a small steamboat named the Snow ; and Curtis Emerson
launched a barge called the Ethan Allen, at his mill, the occasion being cele-
brated in his usual flamboyance with a banquet at the Webster House. Soon
after, propelling machinery was placed in the Whitney, built by Thomas
Whitney & Company, of Bay City, and commanded by Captain Burns. This
was the first steamboat at the lower end of the river. In 1854 Captain Cole
ran the Columbia between Saginaw and Detroit; and four years later he
established a line between Bay City and Alpena, with the same steamer. The
tug Lathrop came to the river for towing in 1853. and the next year the Fox
appeared, commanded by Captain Wolverton, followed by the Ariel, Ruby,
Magnet and Evening Star.
In the early fifties and for some years after, Jesse Hoyt had a ship yard
on the east bank of the river at a point where the Flint & Pere Marquette
Railroad afterward crossed the river. At this yard a number of barques,
brigs and schooners were built for a fleet formed by Mr. Hoyt, the cost of
which aggregated a considerable sum. In 1858 the Hoyt fleet comprised the
following vessels :
Barque Sunshine 516 tons cost $23,000
Barque Jesse Hoyt 472 tons cost 21,000
Brig Starlight'. 400 tons cost 20,000
Schooner Quickstep 300 tons cost 16.000
Steamer Magnet 600 H. P. cost 30,000
Steamer Alida cost 10.000
Total $120,000
The steamer Magnet was a low pressure tow boat adapted to freight and
passenger business, with an engine of six hundred horse power; and was
commanded by Captain Martin Smith. She was built in 1855 after the mode*
of Maine shipbuilders, who favored vessels rather blunt at the stern; and
when Captain Marsac, the veteran mariner of Saginaw Bay, first saw her he
said: "Be gad! been in this countree good many time, seen great many
steamboat, never saw him built straight up and down behind, before." The
Alida was a smaller boat of the same class.
Other craft in the lake and river trade were the steamers Traffic and
Comet, the propellers Coaster and Odd Fellow, Emerson's steam ferry, one steam
dredge and three scows. For many years these vessels plied the lakes in the
increasing trade of the Saginaw Valley. Lumber, shingles and lath were the
principal products shipped to lower lake ports, and to Chicago and Mil-
waukee, and general merchandise and household goods of emigrants consti-
tuted the return cargoes, together with as many passengers as could be
accommodated.
For several years the schooner Quickstep was commanded by Captain
William Blyben, a well-known lake captain and vessel owner, who came here
in 1854 and lived at Water and Miller (Carlisle) Streets. It was this
712 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
vessel that brought in, on August 8, 1859, the furniture, carpets, china and
glassware and kitchen equipment for the Bancroft House, which was opened
a month later. This merchandise was insured in transit for ten thousand
dollars, which sum was about two-thirds of the actual value of the furnishings.
Captain Blyben, who had been known to Jesse lloyt from his youth, looked
after the rigging and fitting out of the hitter's vessels, and sailed a number
of them in the river and lake trade for more than twenty-five years. He
owned a part interest in several boats he had sailed, and when the schooner
Henry C. Potter was built, having taken particular pride in the way she was
rigged and finished, he told Mr. lloyt he would like an interest in the new
boat and offered to give a mortgage on some Saginaw real estate as security.
Mr. Hoyt willingly consented to such an arrangement, and Captain Blyben
assumed command of the vessel. Another boat of which the Captain was part
owner as well as master was the A. B. Moore, one of the I toyt Fleet.
Years after, when Captain Blyben was very ill and not expected to live,
Mr. Hoyt came to see him and at his bedside said: "1 want to give you
back your mortgage." And he did. Mr. Hoyt was greatly beloved by the
children of the neighborhood, because he was interested in their pleasures
and played games with them in the evening; and one of them. Jessie Blyben.
was named after him. But he would not wear a collar to go to church, and
was chided by the children who told him that "in the city men wear collars in
church."
During the early period of shipbuilding on the Saginaw River, Stephen
R. Kirby and Captain Martin Smith were employed by Air. lloyt in his ship
yard. The former designed the vessels and prepared the plans, while the
latter superintended the construction of them. Afterward Captain Smith
took over the shipyard business, which included the repair of all kinds of
boats. In this connection it was stated by Fox, the pioneer historian, that
"the amount of business done at the shipyard in this place, which is con-
ducted by Captain Martin Smith, will average about fifty thousand dollars
yearly. The grand facilities which the surrounding country affords for ship-
building, renders this one <>f the best points in the State for the shipyard."
Captain Smith was a prominent figure in marine shipping circles of this
section ; and his residence was on \\ ater Street north of Carroll, in the house
for main' years occupied by Wickes Brothers' office. Later he built a palatial
residence in the Grove, the house now occupied by Sanford Keeler. lie
removed from the city about 1869.
Late in the eighteen-sixties shipbuilding on this river began to increase,
and the two shipyards (the other being at Emerson's old mill site, and con-
ducted by the father of Frank W. Wheeler) were busy places. During 1867
the following vessels were built at the different ship yards:
Tonnage Tonnage
Bark I. C. King 512 Tug -lima Moiles 72
Bark W. II. Vandcrbilt 615 Tug Ballentinc 7i
Barge... Wolverine 141 Steamer. Johnny ?2
Barge... A F. R. Braley 391 Barge... Samuel Bolton 330
Barge... G. W. Wesley' 244 Barge... /. L. Ketcham 425
Propeller J. M. K. Hilton 166 Barge... Charlie 109
Propeller /. Stewart 51 Barge. . . Joseph 293
I large . . . T. V. Sheldon 186 Scow .... Pioneer 17
Barge... /. A. Holland 157 Scow.... Dolphin 43
Total Tonnage 3.877
TRANSPORTATION
713
CAPTAIN WILLIAM BLYBEN
CAPTAIN MARTIN SMITH
The extent of shipbuilding on the river between 1868 and 1873, inclusive,
is shown by the following table :
Barks Barges Schooners Sloops Propellers Tugs
1868 1 4 2
1869 5 12 1
1870 8 3 1
1871 1 3
1872 3 6
1873 3 12 4
icrs
Scows
Total
Tonnage
3
3
13
1,608
9
11
1 ,795
9
4
18
2,171
9
9
8
1,493
1
1
11
2,882
2
1
2 ?
8,663
Total
1
U
5
10
13
83
18,611
In 1873 the following vessels were built
extensive lumber and salt trade of the Valley
T mnage
Propeller David Ballentine ... 972
Schooner ./ I'>. Moure
Schooner C. H . Burton ....
Schooner Journeyman . ...
Schooner R. T. Lambert . . .
Propeller J. C. Liken
Tug Wesley Hazvkins
Propeller . Ircnac
Scow. . .. Iosco
Barge. . . Joseph Sparrozv 264
Barge... F. A. McDougal .... 41o
built, chiefly to accommodate the
1,069
535
235
54
79
4',
63
231
Barge. . . W. L. Peck
Schooner Buckeye Slate
Propeller II'. R. Quimby ....
Schi mner Queen City
Scln inner Chester B. Jones...
Schooner ll~. S. Crosszvaite.
Schooner L. C. Butts
Schooner Benjamin F. Bruce
Schooner Grace A. Channcn.
Schooner B. B. Buckhout . . .
Tu«' Fannie Tnthill ....
Tonnage
.... 366
526
.... 39
.... 700
4'4
672
504
72"
2?7
352
30
Total Tonnage 8,663
During the seventies the activity in the Saginaw shipyards continued
and with the improvement of the river channels larger vessels were built.
The government engineering work on the river in the period from 1870 to
1885 was extensive. The bar at the mouth of the river had been removed in
1867, and the Carrollton bar dredged to an average depth of twelve feet and
the channel protected by revetments. But before the decline in lumbering
set in, shipbuilding fell off, and the old shipyard on Emerson's bayou was
closed and dismantled. In 1889 operations at this place were resumed by
714 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
the building of a steam barge and one tow barge — the last wooden craft
built at this end of the river. The keels were laid on the site of the steam
power plant of the Saginaw Power Company, on South Washington Avenue,
and, as the vessels neared completion they attracted much attention. The
steam barge, of six hundred and eighty-three gross tons, was named the S. S.
Wilhelm, and the barge, of eight hundred tons, was named the Twin Sisters.
They were of such dimensions that in order to launch them safely into the
bayou it was necessary to dredge a channel through the middle ground
directly opposite to where they lay. Many of our citizens will recall the
scene at their launching.
The Rise and Decline of River Commerce
Before 1855 no record was kept of vessel arrivals at Saginaw, as the
number of boats then coming to the river could not. have exceeded twenty-five
in a year, and did not justify the keeping of a single tug boat. Some idea of
the traffic at that period may be formed by a glance at the accompanying
table:
Barks Brigs Sch >oners Steamboats Total
1S55
31
176
50
69
277
375
340
109
57
107
593
1856. .
... 11
493
1857
14
540
66 295 992 273 1,626
In 1867 the whole number of vessels passing the Genesee Avenue Bridge
was reported as exceeding a thousand in one month, and this did not include
all boats that came to the river, as many stopped at Bay City and other points
below. Besides the general shipping there were several regular lines of
steamboats to Detroit, Cleveland. Toledo, Goderich and all points on the bay
and lake shores, which carried both freight and passengers. The following
statement shows the volume of river and lake shipments in 1867:
Lumber — feet, board Walnut lumber — feet 12.000
measure 358.001 .930 Staves 5.206,472
lath — pieces 44,175,591 Shooks — bundles 10,468
Shingles 44,350.000 Hoops 1,330.000
Salt— barrels 403,393 Pickets 595,205
Oak Timber— feet 708,720 Pail Bolts— cords 50
Oak Timber — pieces .... 7.340
With the natural increase in lumber production in the prosperous years
of that industry, came a greater demand for vessel tonnage, and before and
after the height of the lumber business in Saginaw Valley, the river was
literally jammed with shipping. There were long rafts of logs being towed
from the upper "sorting gaps" to the mill booms, and many vessels of all
classes passing to and from the lumber docks for loads of lumber and other
products. In"l882 the steam barge Ontonagon and barges William Lewis and
R. J. Carney were the first regular lumber traders to leave the river for
Buffalo, while the barge B. B. Buckhout, under tow of the steam barge
George L. Colwell, was the last to leave for that port.
In 1883 the vessels in the river and lake commerce were: the Dove,
Dunlap, Metropolis, E. T. Carrington, Luther Westover, Emerald. Sea Cull: the
propellers Arundel! and C. A. Forbes; the steam barges George King, Baldwin,
J. I'. Donaldson, D. F. Rose, Nelson Mills. Fred McBrier, Sanilac and Benton;
the barges Brightie, Bascobel, Marine City, Racine. Jupiter. Leader. Yautic, Bah
uma. Tailor, Gchhart, Florence M. Dickinson, Lilly May, Colorado. Tannic Veil
Levi Rawson, C. L. Young, Galatea. Ajax. Oconto. E. A. Mayes. Nelson. Favorite,
Roscins, Iceman, Grace Whitney, Melbourne, G. W. Bissell. J. S. Austin. Amaranth,
William Treat. T. G. Lester. J. L. Ketcham and /.. B. Crocker.
TRANSPORTATK >N
il5
Among the numerous tug boats on the river were: the Music, Ella Smith.
Peter Smith, S. S. Rumage, A. F. Bartlett, William Park, Charles Lee, C. M.
Farrar, Marian Teller, E. I'. Mundy, Witch of the West, IV. E. Quimby, W. A.
Avery. Annie Moiles, Buffalo, Cora B., E. M. Peck, C. C. McDonald. T. M.
Mo, 're. George B. Dickson, E. Haight, Maud S.. Harley. Challenge. Laketon,
Toledo, Robert Boyd, R. H. Weidemann. There were also the steam yachts
Handy Boy. J. Gordon. Camp, C. B. Hall, J. S. Hubbard and Cora K. D.
In 1886, a year which fell below the average of lake traffic, four hun-
dred and fourteen steamers and one thousand and eighty-eight other vessels,
with an aggregate tonnage of four hundred sixty-three thousand eight hun-
dred and ninety-five tons, arrived at the river; and four hundred and
twenty-one steamers and thirteen hundred and seventy-one other vessels,
with an aggregate tonnage of four hundred ninety-three thousand and ninety-
one tons, cleared from the river ports in the same year.
STEAMBARGE "MAINE" AND TOW BARGES
River and Shore Lines
A small vessel, named the Reindeer, came out in 1856 and was employed
on the river for some time, and later sent to Detroit. At about this time a
small propeller, named the Odd Fellow, appeared in the river and was pur-
chased by Michael Jeffers. She was good for about three miles an hour, but
was afterward seized for violation of an ordinance in not being provided with
a spark catcher, and sold. The Little Nell came in 1857 and soon after her
boiler exploded, killing Andy Fraser, her captain, and two or three of her crew.
About 1860 the steamer Ariel came to the river and was employed in the
local trade. Later the Ajax, built by Captain Hubbell and commanded by
Captain O. K. Downs, was a familiar vessel to most of our pioneer citizens.
The Belle Seymour was another of the early river boats and ran up the Titta-
bawassee River. The Little Eastern appeared in 1860 and the following year
collided with the Fox near Saginaw City, and was sunk.
716 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
From an early day of steamboat navigation there was a regular river
line of steamers running- between East Saginaw and Bay City. In the early
sixties the sidewheel steamer L. G. Mason was brought to the river by Captain
J. E. English, and placed in command of Captain Meany. Soon after the
steamboat Evening Slur, Captain '1". M. Hubbell, appeared on the same run in
opposition, and the competition between them was so keen that steamboat
riding on the river was very cheap. For a time the regular fare between the
two cities was ten cents, and in frequent races the excitement ran high. As
an inducement to ride on the Evening Star the passengers were furnished with
a copy of the Daily Enterprise or, if they preferred, a drink of whiskey. The
steamers made three round trips each, daily, the Mason landing at the old
steamboat dock at the foot of Tuscola Street, while the Star docked just above
where the "free bridge" was afterward built. To the Mason Captain English
added the Eva English and Minnie Sutton, small steam craft, both of which
plied upon the river between the two cities.
The steamer Daniel Ball was brought to the river from Muskegon in 1871,
and was considered the crack boat on the route between Saginaw and Bay
City. She was commanded by Captain Robert Aledler. In 1873 this boat
was purchased by Root & Midler, of East Saginaw, who also secured control
of the L. G. Mason and the Cora Locke. The latter vessel was a sidewheel
steamer used as an extra boat on Sundays and holidays, when the river traffic
was heavy. This firm then controlled the passenger business by water be-
tween the cities, which it succeeded in maintaining for about fifteen years.
The steamer Mason was entirely rebuilt in the Winter of 1875-6, and came out
in the Spring of the Centennial Year as fresh as a daisy. Site measured one
hundred and thirty-nine tons, and was one of the favorite river craft for
many years, probably making more river trips than any other boat that ever
plied in these waters. The steamer was commanded by Captain John Rogers,
but in 1881 was succeeded by Captain William Monroe.
In ( Ictober, 1876, the Daniel Ball took lire while on her way down the
river, and just above Stone Island was run ashore. The passengers escaped
to the shore, but the staunch old steamer burned to the water's edge and sunk,
thus ending the career of a favorite steamboat.
A New Steamer Replaces the "Daniel Ball"
In the Winter of 1870-7 the keel of a new steamer was laid at Gould's
shipyard in Carrollton, and in the following Spring the boat was completed
and launched into the river. No expense was spared in the construction to
make her a safe anil serviceable craft, and resulted in the trim and handsome
steamboat which was named Wellington R. Bail, in honor of a wealthy lumber-
man and prominent citizen of East Saginaw. The Burt was a sidewheel
steamer of two hundred and fifty-two tons measurement, modern in build and
equipment, was licensed to carry five hundred people, and was commanded
by Captain "Bob" Medler, formerly of the Daniel Ball. She was a low-
pressure steamer, and was a well patronized and popular boat on the run
for almost fifteen years. At that time there was heavy travel on the river,
not only by lumber and river men in going to and from the saw mills and
salt works scattered along the river, but also by visitors and all classes of
people, win i were fascinated by the strange scenes of activity and river
ci immerce.
The Saginaw River with its humming industries was one of the wonders
of Michigan, and was a resort and show place for all strangers to the city.
The round trip fare to Bay City lit one remained on board the boat at that
place) was only twenty-five cents; and no more interesting or delightful
trip in this section of Michigan could be indulged in than by an afternoon
trip on the Burt. Excursions were run frequently to Point Lookout, a pop-
TRANSPORTATION
717
ular summer resort on the Bay shore, and were enjoyed by a large number
of people. Later the screw steamer Lucille replaced the Mason, and ran on
the river for several years.
About 1889, several years after the decline in lumber production had
set in. these popular steamers were withdrawn, and left the river service
to Armstrong's fleet of faster boats. These were the converted yacht Handy
Boy. which had been built in 1874, the Plow Buy. which came out in 1887,
the Post Boy. in 1888, and the News Boy a year after. These boats were
equipped with powerful fire pumps and plenty of hose, and in their regular
scheduled trips on the river afforded a valuable and efficient fire protection
service to the many mill owners, who were only too willing to avail them-
selves of it. But these steamers also had their day of usefulness in this
service, and in a few years were withdrawn and sold to Lake Michigan
vessel men. One or two of the "Boy" boats are still in use in those waters.
THE POPULAR STEAMER ■'WELLINGTON R. BURT'' ENROUTE FROM SAGINAW TO
BAY CITY ABOUT 1887
Captain "Bob" Medler in Front of Wheel House
The Lake Huron shore line of steamers operated between Saginaw,
Bay City and Alpena, stopping at ad intermediate points. Before the
Detroit and Mackinaw Railroad was built, the shore line formed the only
means of rapid communication between those points and the Saginaw Valley,
and considerable traffic was accommodated by the side-wheel steamers Dove
and Metropolis, and later by the Arundell ami other propellers. About l'-'OO
the coast shipments having fallen off, the line was abandoned.
There was also a popular line of steamers running to Cleveland, Detroit
and shore points, consisting of the propellers Sanilac and Don M. Dickinson,
and later by the steam barge John If. Paiily. Years after, several business
men of Saginaw formed a company which purchased ami operated the old
side-wdieel steamer Flora. After two seasons of unprofitable operation be-
tween Saginaw, Detroit and Cleveland, this boat was taken off and later
resold to Chicago men, who soon after took her there where she burned a
few months later. At about the same time the Detroit & Cleveland Navi-
gation Company operated their iron steamer State of New York on this
718
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
'[€^m^Wf^P
■
i a
.. ;i .
THE "WENONA." WHICH PLIED BETWEEN SAGINAW AND ALPENA
route, l>ut after three years of failure to enlist the consistent support of the
valley cities in the lake line, the steamer was placed "ii its former run
between Toledo and Put-in-Bay.
Rapid Decline in River Commerce
Aside from the loss of lumber and salt shipments following the natural
exhaustion of the pine timber in Michigan, the decline in river commerce
and the ill success of all efforts made in recent years to revive it, are due
to economic causes and underlying conditions of water transportation. As
lake navigation is now conducted, with a large proportion of the vessel ton-
nage comprising huge freighters of eight to fourteen thousand tons, the
smaller vessels of the type that could come into the river with full loads,
meet a destructive competition. These vessels can only operate on routes,
either as line boats or "tramps," that aftVinl them cargoes at both ends or,
at least, at ports not distant from the point of discharge of their cargoes.
To have cargoes only one way. thus returning in ballast, is utterly de-
structive of profits to these small craft.
The chief obstacle to Saginaw river commerce is our inability to sup-
ply return cargoes for the steamers which might come to the river with a
great tonnage of general merchandise, and iron, coal and stone. The rail-
roads serving the Saginaw Valley are naturally opposed to a revival of
river and lake commerce, and have placed every obstacle in the path of
vessel men. The chief disadvantage water transportation struggles against
is the fact that fully ninety per cent of all commodities originate on rail-
road tracks, and must be delivered on team or factory sidings. Lake navi-
gation for this great bulk of general merchandise is thus only a connecting
link, and often the costs of handling and warehouse charges offset the lower
rates of water transportation. This does not apply, of course, to iron ore,
coal and grain shipments between the head of the lakes and Chicago ami
Buffalo, but it does apply with deadly effect to Saginaw River commerce.
It is extremely doubtful if any considerable commerce on the Saginaw is
created until conditions of water navigation change or are overcome.
Early Railroad Projects
Long before Saginaw City was more than a frontier settlement, the
pioneers looked forward to the building of a railroad to connect them with
the outside world. They seemed to realize that it was the one thing need-
ful to develop the material resources of this region, and to firing in emigrants
for the consummation of this object. In 1835 a company was organized to
TRANSPORTATION
719
build a railroad from Saginaw City to Mt. Clemens, by the way of Lapeer,
a distance of about ninety miles. All the stock in the company was taken,
but the projectors were about twenty years in advance of their time. A
period of business depression throughout the country set in soon after their
plans were made, immigration fell off at that time, and nothing was done
on the actual construction of the road. The Saginaw and Genesee Railroad
was incorporated in 1837 "to commence at Saginaw City and intersect with
the Northern Railroad at some point in Genesee County, length about forty
miles, to be finished in six years from commencement." Like the other rail-
road project nothing resulted but visions and plans on paper.
Building the Flint & Pere Marquette
It was not until 1857 that any definite action was taken toward building
a railroad from the Saginaw Valley to southern and western points in the
State. On January 21 of that year the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad
Company was organized, and on February 24 following the company ac-
cepted the provisions of the law donating lands to it. Preliminary surveys
were made, first from Midland west to the Muskegon River ami to Pere
Marquette (Ludington), which point was reached on June 20, 1857. This
work was put through under the direction of William 1'.. Sears, now dean
of Michigan civil engineers. The map of location of the line was filed in
the office of the Secretary of State on August 7, and in the General Land
Office, Washington, on August 18, 1857.
Meanwhile a line had been surveyed from Flint crossing the plank road
six ami a half miles from that place, through Birch Run toward Saginaw.
But in the Pall of 1857 the original promoters of the road met with financial
reverses, due to many bank failures which occurred at that time. The sur-
veying partv was laid off and, as there was no money to pay the wages
ZZsaa
A COMMON TYPE OF STEAMBARGE, CALLED ••RABBITS"
720 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
due, Mr. Sears, who had four hundred dollars in a belt, loaned it to the
president of the road to help stem the tide of discontent which threatened
to break into a riot. Work was not resumed until the following May, the
location line being completed to Saginaw by Mr. Sears in lulv, 1858.
Air. Sears remained with the road until 1860, when he went to Missouri,
but in the Spring of 1862 he returned to Saginaw and made miscellaneous
surveys in the city for Addison 1'. Brewer and others. In the following
winter he was called upon to lay nut the line of the railroad between Mt.
Morris and Flint, and later that section between Midland and Averill. In
1866 Henry C. Potter, who was then in charge of the operation of the Flint
& Pere Marquette, recognizing the good work of Mr. Sears, appointed him
chief engineer, a position which he retained until 1900, when he was made
consulting engineer of the road. In 186" he revised the location work as
far as Midland, and in 1874 had charge of the track laying between Reed
City and Ludington. Later he changed the location line of the Holly,
Wayne and Monroe Railroad, which had become a part of the Flint & Pere
Marquette.
"Just as the accuracy of the survey of the Mason & Dixon line by
George Washington has challenged the attention of engineers of the present
day for the decision of the landmarks, so did Mr. Sears' work of location
of the Flint & Pere Marquette evoke the admiration of Dean M. E. Cooley,
who made the appraisal of the Pere Marquette Railroad. Looking over the
location of the line after a space of fifty years he pronounced it faultless, and
in recognition of this the I'niversity of Michigan conferred the degree of
Master of Engineering upon Mr. Sears, lie also holds the distinction of
having planned the first steel bridge across the Saginaw River.
Mr. Sears, who was born on the Sundley Farm in Fairfax County, Vir-
ginia, on November 26, 1831. at present (1917) is in his eighty-sixth year.
He was married to Miss Caroline Parish, of Flint, on January 5, 1865. and
the fiftieth anniversary of that event was celebrated in 1915 with ceremonies
befitting the occasion — a commemoration of a half century of happy home
and social life.
Why Saginaw City Was Cut Off
Tradition, as handed down by pioneer citizens whose memory is still
keen, explains how it happened that Saginaw City was entirely cut off from
the first railroad built from this valley. It was originally planned to enter
East Saginaw from the southeast near Brady Hill, and cross the river in
the vicinity of Bristol Street. ( In the east side of the river there was to be
a depot and freight house about where the City Hall stands, and on the
other side of the river another depot near the present residence of Clark L.
Ring. At this central point was eventuallv to be built the main shipping
yards to serve both cities, and shops and supply station for the entire road.
This plan, though a very feasible one, met with decided opposition of
the citizens of Saginaw City who fought every improvement promoted by
outsiders. Led by George W. Bullock, Peter C. Andre and other obstruc-
tionists, they exerted every influence to defeat the project, believing that
since theirs was the older town it only was entitled to the road. In order,
therefore, to cut off East Saginaw from any connection with the new road
they insisted that it should come in further south and cross the river near
Mackinaw Street. This plan provided for a depot, yards and shops near
Gratiot ami Mackinaw Streets.
But their folly defeated their own object. Enst Saginaw, promoted by
more enterprising anil progressive men. was forging rapidly ahead ami it
was apparent to all was destined to be the railroad center of Eastern Mich-
igan. Thoroughly disgusted by the tactics of the narrow men of Saginaw
TRANSPORTATION
721
PETER C. ANDRE
A real estate owner who. it is said, opposed public improvements generally of Saginaw City
City, as Jesse Hoyt had been ten years before, the railroad projectors de-
cided to shut them off entirely. They accordingly located the line to enter
East Saginaw to the north instead of the south oE the business section, and
purchased a large tract of land near the river for a depot and terminals.
The work of grading the road was commenced in the Fall of 1858, at
several points in Saginaw County, by F. \Y. I 'an! who had entered into a
contract to build the mad. This contract covered the line from Flint
through Saginaw to Pere Marcpiette, on Lake Michigan, a distance of one
hundred and seventy miles. By March, 1859, about ten thousand dollars
had been expended in grading, when Samuel Farwell and Henry C. Potter,
his son-in-law, of Utica, Xew York, and T. D. Estabrook, of Great Bend,
Pennsylvania, became associated in the contract. During 1859 twenty miles
of line were graded from the Saginaw River southeasterly, and eight miles
of rail were laid. The first rail was laid at the edge of the river on August
19, 1859, and a large company of citizens participated in the driving of the
first spike. Among them were Colonel W. L. 1'. Little, Curtis Emerson,
Henry Hobbs, proprietor of the new Bancroft House, and Reverend W. C.
Smith.
The arrival of the first engine for use on the road, named the "Pollywog,"
was another event in the history of the city and of the road. It was a small
second-hand affair, bought at Schenectady, New York, for two thousand
dollars, and arrived on the schooner Quickstep. Captain Muir, on August 31.
The unloading of this antiquated machine, showing long service and an
honorable age, on September 2, was eagerly watched by a crowd of people,
when Colonel Little gave expression to the general disgust, by the remark:
"That is no Pollywog, but a d — d old frog." The same engine, however,
was thoroughly repaired by Sanford Keeler, a young engineer employed by
Mr. Potter, and the name changed to "Pioneer."
During the Fall of 1859 Mr. Keeler ran this engine in hauling ties, rails
and supplies from the dock to points on the line where they were needed
in track laying, and in carrying workmen to and from their work. The
following year operations were resumed and early in September track laying
was extended to a point twenty miles from the river. During that Summer
the East Saginaw Salt Manufacturing Company needed a large quantity
722 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
of wood in salt making at their plant in the north end of the city, and train
loads were hauled from points along the line to the salt works, a track
having been laid out there by Mr. Keeler and put in by the road gang.
Two or three other engines (all second-hand) were purchased by the road,
overhauled by Mr. Keeler and put in service as traffic demanded. One of
these, named the "Pontiac," No. 4, formerly used by the Detroit & Milwaukee
Railroad, had a single pair of driving wheels, with cylinders six and three-
quarters by eighteen inches, and could haul only three loaded cars. It had
inclined cylinders, outside connected, which was quite a curiosity as all
others we're inside connected. The "Buena Vista," No. 2, with cylinders
only thirteen by twenty inches, could haul only a few cars, but since the
entire equipment of the road in the early days consisted of only ten flat
cars and two or three box cars, this limited capacity of the engines did not
matter much. Afterward, as the repair work increased, difficulties arose
and Mr. Keeler, who had done much of the mechanical work himself, aided
by the mechanics and facilities of Wickes Brothers, induced Mr. Farweil,
who was then in charge of the mad, to erect a machine shop suitable for
their needs. This was done and two lathes, a planer, drill press and wheel
lathe were bought and set up in a wooden building, directly opposite Union
Station, which for many years has been used as the paint shop.
At the annual election held July 6, 1860, Captain E. B. Ward was chosen
president, M. L. Drake, of Pontiac,' secretary, and A. T. Crossman, of Flint,
treasurer; and the other directors were: Charles A. Trowbridge, of Detroit,
B. Pierson, A. J. Boss. William Hamilton and G. M. Dewey, of Flint, and
II. D. Faulker, of New York.
Although the track was completed in 1860 to a point twenty miles from
East Saginaw, the road was not opened to regular traffic at that time, but
all efforts were concentrated on extending the line. Much work had yet to
be done, and as the sales of land which the road had received by grant, on
September 5, 1860. for the first twenty miles of track laid, were slow, it was
late in the Fall of 1861 when the iron was laid as far as the crossing of
the Plank Road, now Mt. Morris, twenty-six and one-half miles from the
Saginaw River.
The Opening Excursion
The formal opening of the road took place on January 20, 1862, when
an excursion was run from the end of the line near Washington Street to
Mt. Morris. This was an auspicious event and about one hundred citizens
accepted the invitation of the railroad officials to inspect the road and travel
on the first passenger train to depart from Saginaw. The train consistedof
one wheezv engine, a baggage car and one coach, the entire passenger equip-
ment of the road, and the trip was slow and halting. A heavy fall of snow
covered the tracks and, although scrapers had been put on the pilot of the
engine, progress was impeded and it was not until one o'clock that the
primitive railroad train reached the other end of the line. After a brief
stop the return trip was commenced and the train arrived at East Saginaw
without mishap, all passengers agreeing that they had had a "good time."
The mad was at once opened for business, but the traffic was very light
at first, only one hundred and two dollars being received from ticket sales
during the first week of operation, and only five hundred and seventy-two
dollars in the month of February, 1862. The gross earnings to December
31 of that year were, on passengers, nineteen thousand two hundred and
fifty-four dollars, and on freight, twelve thousand five hundred and ten
dollars, a total of thirty-one thousand seven hundred and sixty-four dollars.
In December. 1862, the track was extended to the first ward in Flint, and
on January 5 following Governor Blair certified the road as completed thir-
TRANSPORTATION "23
teen and seven-tenths miles for further land giants. The Flint & Holly
Railroad, seventeen miles in length, projected by Henry H. Crapo, William
W. Crapo, his son. and others, was built in 1864 and opened for traffic in
November of that year. This opened railroad communication with Detroit
and the East, South and West, and was a great stimulus to immigration.
The first schedule of trains between Saginaw and Detroit was:
Going South
East Saginaw, leave 7 :00 A. M. 12 :1S P. M.
Flint 8:45 A.M. 2:00 P.M.
Holly 10:00 A. M. 3 :00 P. M.
Detroit 12 :30 P. M. 5 :25 P. M.
Going North
Detroit, leave .10:30 A. M. 5 :30 P. M.
Holly 1 :00 P. M. 8 :00 P. M.
Flint 2 :00 P. M. 9 :15 P. M.
East Saginaw, arrive 4:00 P. M. 11 :00 P. M.
In the following Spring, through a contract with this road and the Detroit &
Milwaukee Railroad, the Flint & Pere Marquette secured an entrance into
Detroit, an important event in its history. On December 3, 1868, through the
efforts of President Eber Ward, the Flint & Holly Railroad was absorbed
by the Flint & Pere Marquette, and while the former lust its identity as an
integral railroad property, the new interests thus introduced into the direct-
orate of the latter road became the dominant ones in its councils. The two
new members were William W. Crapo, of New I'.edford, Massachusetts, and
Jesse Hoyt. of New York, both of whom were to play important and dis-
tinctive roles in the expansion of this transportation system.
In 1865 Tared Lapham, of Northville, and a group of business men under-
took to build a railroad from Holly to Wayne, but they experienced inability
to finance their project, and after the line had been extended in a state of
partial construction it had to be abandoned. The Flint & Pere Marquette
Railroad acquired this road in 1872, and the line was soon completed to
Wayne, and two years later to Monroe. This extension gave the Flint &
Pere Marquette direct connection, by the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern,
with Toledo and the South. At this time a twenty-year contract was made
with the Michigan Central Railroad giving the Flint & Pere Marquette an
entrance of its "trains into Detroit by the way of Wayne. This route was
used until 1893 when the railroad entered Detroit over its own lines and the
tracks of the Wabash Railroad.
Meanwhile the road had been extended westward through Midland,
which was reached December 1, 1867, to Clare, in November, 1870, and Reed
City, in December, 1871. The remaining link, from Reed City to Ludington,
was completed in 1874, thus opening through railroad communication be-
tween Lake Michigan and the East. The East Saginaw & Bay City line was
built in 1867, and the Flint River Railroad, from a point three miles north of
Flint to Fostoria. a distance of fourteen and one-half miles, was completed
September 1, 1872. Two years later the total mileage of the Flint & Pere
Marquette was two hundred and fifty-five.
Land Grants and Earnings
The extensive land grants conferred upon the Flint & Pere Marquette
Railroad, under an act of Congress approved June 3, 1856, for the construc-
tion of its original line, amounted to five hundred and eleven thousand four
hundred and ninety-two acres, but one hundred and thirty-one thousand acres
of these grants were held jointly by it and other railroads which crossed its
line. For many years the disposal of these lands to settlers in the counties
through which the road passed, was in charge of William L. Webber; and
i24
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
A PIONEER ENGINE, "WILLIAM L. WEBBER." F. & P. M. R. R.
the revenues thus derived were used in extending the line to Lake Michigan.
The vast timber resources of this section of Michigan furnished a large pro-
portion of the heavy tonnage of the road fur nearly thirty years; and the
clearing of the land and the consequent increase in agriculture added appre-
ciably to the business of the road.
In 1873 the earnings of the road were one million one hundred twenty-
six thousand one hundred and ninety-seven dollars; and the development of
traffic may be seen by a comparison of the lumber and forest products moved
in 1863 and in 1873: ,_,„ ,_„,,
1863 18/3
Lumber-— feet, board measure 7,442,262 96,049.000
Staves 1,017,200 2,850,200
Shingles 6,312,750 171,600,000
Salt— Barrels 6,100 261,679
But at length this traffic began to wane and it became necessary to
acquire renewed strength by controlling more territory. This is the reason
for the acquisition in 1889 of the Port Huron & North Western Railroad,
a narrow-gauge line to Port Huron and into the "Thumb," the Saginaw,
Tuscola & Huron Railroad, which had been built by Jessie Hoyt and William
L. Webber, and the later consolidations which eventually brought eighteen
hundred miles of Michigan railroads under one management — the Pere Mar-
quette system.
In 1S74 the Board of Directors was composed of Captain E. B. Ward,
president; Samuel Farwell, vice-president; Henry C. Potter, general man-
ager, secretary and treasurer; William 1.. Webber, land commissioner and
solicitor; Gilbert W. Ledlie, auditor; and Jesse Hoyt of New York, John II.
Prentiss. Chicago, James K. Hitchcock, Cornwall, New York, ami William
W. Crapo, of New Bedford. Massachusetts.
A Mutuality of Interests
There has always been a peculiar inter-dependence, a mutuality of inter-
ests, existing in the relations of the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad with
the Saginaw Valley. Neither could have done without the other. From the
day that direct communication by railroad was opened with Detroit and the
East, the Valley began to forge ahead with East Saginaw as its industrial
TRANSPORTATION 725
center. This railroad was essentially an East Saginaw road, having been
promoted and built by the enterprising men of this hustling city; and it is
an unquestioned fact that no institution in the last fifty years has done so
much for the material advancement of the Saginaw Valley as the Flint &
Pere Marquette Railroad.
For many years the most important local industry has been the I 'ere
Marquette shops and railroad center thus created, giving employment the
year round to from fifteen hundred to two thousand mechanics, train men
and laborers. In 1874 the shops consisted of a car shop, under the charge
of John Lundger, eighty by two hundred feet in dimensions; a blacksmith
shop, under the charge of John West, eighty by two hundred and fifty feet;
a machine shop in charge of Sanford Keeler, sixty by one hundred and
twenty feet in size; two brick engine houses and a supply store. The
capacity of the car shops, which had six tracks, was four box cars per clay
and six passenger coaches in a year employing two hundred men. The
blacksmith shop had a capacity for forty forges, besides machinery for mak-
ing and cutting bolts, tapping nuts and drilling iron work for the car shop:
and had two steam hammers, bending rolls, shears and punches, and a com-
plete brass foundry. The machine shop, in which locomotives were over-
hauled and rebuilt, was completely equipped with giant lathes, planers, drills
and presses, some of which were said to be "human machines" in the excel-
lence of their performance. Mr. Keeler, who had charge of this shop since
April, 1860, was made assistant superintendent of the road January 1, 1874.
Peter McNoah was foreman of the bolt works and brass foundry; Thomas
M. Hays of the locomotive shop and engine houses; bred Scheover of the
pattern and cabinet shop, and I). Herbage of the paint shop.
The Steamship Line
The steamer line on Lake Michigan, operating between Ludington, Man-
istee and Milwaukee and Chicago, was started in 1876; and for many years
was managed by Captain Duddelson, commodore of the fleet. During the
navigation season one steamer left Milwaukee and Ludington every night
(except Saturday), affording direct connection between the Northwest and
the Eastern seaboard. In 1NN7 the line consisted of the steamers F. & P. M.
Nos. 1. -. 3 and 4, and did an extensive business principally in the salt trade.
Later, when car ferries were introduced thus obviating breaking bulk, several
large ferries were built and operated between Ludington, Milwauke and
Manitowoc. At length the smaller steamers were entirely displaced in the
lake service, and were either leased or sold.
The Jackson, Lansing & Saginaw Railroad
The construction of the Jackson, Lansing & Saginaw Railroad, the first
railroad to open Saginaw City to the outside world, was first projected in
1856 the year the State of Michigan was empowered by Congress to grant
public lands in aid of construction of railroads. The act of Congress pro-
vided for a road from Amboy, in Hillsdale County, near the south line of
the State, by the way of Lansing, to some point on Traverse Bay; and the
Amboy, Lansing and Traverse Hay Railroad Company was organized Jan-
uary 23, 1857, with a capital of five million dollars. The grant of land was
conferred by the Legislature and formally accepted by the company on
March 5, 1857. Among the directors named in the articles of incorporation
were Hiram L. Miller, of Saginaw City, and Morgan L. Gage, of East Sagi-
naw; and at the first meeting of the stockholders George \Y. Bullock ami
Colonel \Y. L. P. Little were added to the directorate.
The financial crash of 1857 followed soon alter and nothing was done
on the construction of the road until 1859, when the line between Albion ami
Owosso was laid out to connect the Michigan Central and Detroit &• Mil-
726 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
waukee Railroads at those points. The first iron was laid from Owosso south
and twenty miles were completed and accepted by the governor on December
28, 1860. The -work progressed very slowly and it was not until September
17, 1863, that the road was completed to Lansing, nine miles further. Grad-
ing had been done for thirty miles south of Lansing, but the company was
unable to procure the iron and never performed any further work on this
line.
Shortly after, the Lansing & Jackson Railroad Company was organized
with a capital of three hundred thousand dollars, to build a railroad between
those points, a distance of thirty-nine miles. In order to secure to the new
corporation the lands which it was apparent would be lost to the State
through the inability of the original road to construct more of its line, its
articles of incorporation were amended by changing the name to Jackson,
Lansing & Saginaw Railroad, by increasing its capital to one million five
hundred thousand dollars, and by designating Saginaw as its northern
terminus. An extension to seven years for completing the road was granted
by an act of Congress, and the grant of land was disposed of by the Legis-
lature at its session in 1867, upon the Jackson, Lansing & Saginaw Railroad
Company. This company then proceeded with the work of completing the
road with such energy that it was extended to Saginaw in November, 1867,
and to W'enona on January 7, following. In 1871 the railroad was absorbed
by the Michigan Central Railroad, and became known as the Saginaw
Division.
From W'enona northward the route of the road lay through an un-
broken forest far beyond the rudest settlement, and the work of construction
was suspended for two years. In March. 1871, the route north of W'enona
was relocated, construction work commenced and completed to Wells, forty
miles north of W'enona, in December of the same year. At the end of
another year the road was extended to Otsego Lake, a distance of one hun-
dred and nineteen miles through a dense forest. But the rapid growth of
towns and villages along the road, and the extensive lumbering operations
soon begun fully justified the sagacity and foresight of the projectors of the
road. Sixty-eight miles more completed the road to the Straits of Mack-
inaw*, its northern terminus.
The number of acres patented to this company was three hundred forty-
eight thousand four hundred and thirty-three, and the sales of land com-
menced in 1868. James Turner was the first land commission, but Augustine
S. Gavlord, of Saginaw City, assumed the duties of this office on August
15, 1872.
Early in the seventies the Detroit ec Lay City Railroad had been built
from Detroit by the way of Rochester, Lapeer and Yassar to Bay City, a
distance of one hundred and nine miles; and in 1879, after the road had been
acquired by the Michigan Central Railroad, this road built a branch from
Denmark to East Saginaw. This branch line was fifteen miles long and
opened another route from the Saginaws to the East and South. A substan-
tial bridge was built across the river at Emerson Street to connect with the
Jackson, Lansing & Saginaw line; and passenger trains were run from a
depot at Hayden and Franklin Streets to Vassar. where connections were
made with the main line trains between Detroit and Bay City.
But the Michigan Central, with all its resources and connections, was not
getting anywdiere near its share of Saginaw business, the bulk of which went
to the Flint & Pere Marquette. The latter road was first and last a Sagi-
naw institution, and its policy was so shaped that this city reaped great
benefits. It was the one popular road of the Saginaw Valley. The big
shippers and merchants here were induced to ship and route all their goods
TRANSPORTATION
727
over this road by the granting of rebates and gratuities in the form of
annual passes over the line, for themselves and families. Thousands of
passes were distributed yearly to our business men, most of whom could
well afford to pay their fares. This practice became so extensive as to
seriously affect the passenger revenue of the road, and a curtailment of the
privilege was absolutely necessary.
About 1884 the officials of the Michigan Central awoke to the situation,
and at once adopted measures to combat these conditions and gain a larger
share of the traffic. Their first move was to send Spencer Goseline to this
city as freight agent, lie was a man of vital force, experience and tact, and
possessed a genial nature which quickly made for him many friends. By
the exercise of rare sagacity and thoughtful attention to the needs of shippers,
he soon had a firm grasp of the whole situation. He rearranged and im-
proved the old freight schedules, speeded up freight deliveries, extended
track connections, and thus gradually gained a rightful share of the freight
business. During the twenty odd years of his life in this city he rendered
valuable service to the city as well as to the railroad, and he was highly
regarded by our substantial citizens. Upon his death, which occurred Octo-
ber 12, 1905. S. S. Armstrong succeeded to the position of freight agent, which
he still holds. He has been connected with the local office of the Mich-
igan Central since 1887, and has seen the traffic increase from a small volume
to the heavy tonnage moved by the road in recent years.
The passenger train service of the Central, rendered by its branch line to
Vassar, was never adequate to the needs of Saginaw whose citizens were
accustomed to travel by through trains to and from Detroit, and by through
sleeping cars to Chicago, daily. It was therefore deemed expedient to place
Saginaw on the map of the Michigan Central, and to this end the branch line
to Denmark [unction became a part of the main line between Detroit and
Mackinaw. About 1890 through service was inaugurated with three trains
daily to Detroit and the East, and two to Mackinaw and the Northwest,
stopping at the new brick station on West Genesee Avenue, the old station
at llayden Street having been abandoned. In recent years a small station
was built at Emerson and Washington Streets, for the better accommoda-
tion of the East Side business. The passenger service to the East was
A WAY STATION IN THE FOREST WILDERNESS
728 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
further improved about eight years ago by operating a daily Pullman
sleeper through to New York, leaving here at noon and arriving in New York
the following morning. Meanwhile the service to Lansing, Jackson and
Chicago was increased by a sleeper train, running as a limited to Chicago.
All main lines of this road are now operated with modern equipment and
powerful and fast locomotives. In 1910 a new brick station at Court and
Niagara Streets replaced the old depot which had been in use for more than
thirty years.
The Saginaw Valley & St. Louis Railroad
A railroad promoted, financed and built entirely by enterprising men of
Saginaw City was the Saginaw Valley & St. Louis, which was organized
April 28, 1871. The officers of the company were: David H. Jerome, pres-
ident; George F. Williams, vice-president; Ezra Rust, secretary, and Ammi
\Y. Wright, treasurer. These officers and Newell Barnard, Amasa Rust,
George Jerome. L. II. Eastman, Timothy Jerome, John L. Evans, James
1 1 ay. Benton Hanchett and J. E. Shaw comprised the board of directors.
The line of this road was surveyed in June. 1871, by Frank Eastman;
and in September of the same year the clearing and grading was commenced
by Alexander McDonald. On September 15. 1872, the first spike was driven
and only three months after the first train passed over the line to St. Louis,
a distance of thirty-four miles. The formal opening of the road to business
occurred on December 31, 1872, uniting the city with the already rich agri-
cultural district of Gratiot and adjoining counties, and rendering available
an extensive belt of pine, hemlock and other limber.
Although one of the shortest railroads in the State, its roadbed was first-
class, and its lulling stock consisted of four engines, tun passenger coaches,
twelve box and forty flat cars. Its total earnings in 1873, the first year of
its operation, amounted In one hundred and thirty-five thousand dollars, and
the operating expenses were forty-two thousand dollars, which was con-
sidered a very good showing for a new road. In addition to paying its
annual interest charges, a considerable number of bonds were retired. At
that time the shipments consisted very largely of forest products, including
staves, shingles and bark, while general merchandise, agricultural implements
and household goods comprised its outbound freight.
This railroad was afterward extended to Ithaca, Alma, Edmore and
Howard City, and late in the eighties passed to the control of the Detroit,
Lansing & Northern Railroad. Thereafter its trains were run through to
Grand Rapids over the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad from I loward City.
In 1900 this railroad and the Chicago & West Michigan were consolidated
with the Flint ec Pere Marquette, becoming an integral part of the Pere
Marquette System. The line is now known as the Grand Rapids Division,
and is a very important route to Chicago and the West.
The Saginaw, Tuscola & Huron Railroad
One of the many projects of a thoroughly practical and beneficial nature
to this city and county, which were put through by Jesse Hoyt, was the
building of the Saginaw, Tuscola & Huron Railroad. This road was com-
pleted as far as Sebewaing in 1882, and proved of great value by connecting
r lie Saginaw-' Valley with a territory directly tributary to it. Before the road
could be extended further into the "Thumb" country. Mr. Hoyt died, but the
work was pushed forward by William L. Webber and tracks were laid as
far as Bay Port, a village on Wild Fowl Pay. A delightful summer resort
was here created by prominent citizens of Saginaw, and a hotel with one
hundred rooms was built for pleasure seekers during the heated term. A
club house and a number of cottages were subsequently built on Heistermann
Island, at the outlet of the bay. which for several years was a popular place
TRANSPORTATION 72!)
of resort. This enterprise was afterward abandoned and many of the cot-
tages removed on the ice to Point aux Barques.
From Bay Port the road was then extended to the valuable stone quaries
owned by Saginaw interests, and later to Bad Axe, the county seat of Huron
County, where it connected with the Port Huron & North Western Rail-
road. Although a narrow-gauge railroad it served the country, through
which it passed, in a satisfactory manner, and its aggregate movement of
stone, hay, grain, staves, tan bark and coal amounted to a considerable
volume of business. The excursions to Bay Port on Sunday during the
Summer were a feature of the amusements and recreations of the people,
and were largely attended. About 1890 this railroad was absorbed by the
Flint & Pere Marquette, and soon after was made a standard gauge road.
The Port Huron & North Western
Coincident with the extension of railroads from Saginaw was the entry
into this city of the Port Huron & North Western Railroad, a narrow-gauge
line promoted and built by capitalists of Port Huron. For several years
this road had been building toward Saginaw Valley, and on February 22,
1882, the first regular trains entered the Union Station over the Pere Mar-
quette, from the eastern limits of the city. A great extent of territory was
opened up to the trade of the valley by this road, but so discriminatory were
the traffic arrangements in favor of the city on St. Clair River, that the
results to Saginaw merchants and business men were rather disappointing.
This railroad, however, was a valuable link in the transportation systems
of Saginaw Valley, and it opened a direct route for passenger travel from
Lake Michigan and the Northwest to Canadian points, Buffalo and the East,
through its connections with the Grand Trunk Railroad at Port Huron. It
was a popular route for all classes of the people, and during the winter
season carried thousands of lumber-jacks to and from Canada to this city,
which was then the center of lumbering operations of a vast territory to the
West and North. Its trains were equal to those run by competing lines,
those between Saginaw and I'ort Huron hauling drawing room cars; and the
time was fast for that period, being a little more than three hours for the
run of ninety-one miles, including stops.
In 1888 the entire railroad, including the lines from I'ort Huron to Sand
Beach, Bad Axe .and I'ort Austin, and the branch to Almont, a total of two
hundred and eighteen miles, with thirteen miles of sidings, passed into the
control of the Flint ec Pere Marquette. The importance of this acquisition
was such that the latter road at once prepared to change the gauge to
standard, and the line from Saginaw to Port Huron was thus modernized
the following year. It gave to the Pere Marquette, in connection with its
lake lines, a direct route across Michigan from the Northwest to Port Huron,
where the connection with the Grand Trunk afforded the most direct route
to the eastern seaboard, shortening the distance from Minneapolis to the
East by sixty-five miles over any other route. The value of this connection
was further enhanced by the completion of the tunnel under the St. Clair
River at Port Huron. In recent years the acquisition of the Detroit River (S.-
Lake Erie Railroad, in the Province of Ontario, by the Pere Marquette, added
considerably to the importance of this Michigan railroad system.
Cincinnati, Saginaw & Mackinaw Railroad
The third railroad promoted and built entirely by Saginaw capitalists
was the Toledo, Saginaw & Mackinaw, afterward "known as the Cincinnati,
Saginaw & Mackinaw. For several years the need of a new road to con-
nect the Saginaw Valley with the East, West and South was apparent, and
in 1886 a company was incorporated to carry out this project. The charter
730
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
authorized the company to build a railroad to Mackinaw, hut Wenona, on
Saginaw Ray, was the immediate objective point at the north, while Durand,
the junction of the Detroit & Milwaukee, the Chicago <& Grand Trunk, and
the Toledo, Ann Arbor and North Michigan Railroads, became the southern
terminus.
The officers of the Toledo, Saginaw & Mackinaw Railroad were: Animi
W. Wright, president; Philip H. Ketcham, vice-president; Wellington K.
Burt, treasurer; William C. McClure, secretary, and these men with Charles
W. Wells, Thomas Merrill and |. M. Ashley, Junior, comprised the hoard of
directors. John A. Edget was solicitor for the road.
UNION STATION, AND DEPOT CAR USED IN THE EIGHTIES
This railroad was laid out and the first section was built in 1887. It
was constructed with solid roadbed laid with steel rails of standard size,
and was regarded as a model road. The line, which passed directly north
through Flushing and Montrose, entered the city near Sheridan Avenue,
crossed the Belt Line east of Jefferson, and swinging to the west came down
South Franklin Street to Thompson, where the depot and freight house were
situated. This section of the road was opened to traffic in 1888. and proved
another important outlet for the products of Saginaw Valley.
The road then crossed the river at Thompson Street and followed the
river through Carrollton, Zilwaukee and Melbourne to Salsburg and West
i'.a\ City, where at Midland Street a station handled the business of the
Bay Cities. An extension of four miles to Wenona completed the road.
This point soon became a popular resort for summer outings, and excur-
sions were run almost daily during the heated term from Saginaw and West
Bay City to the bay shore, at a minimum rate of fare which attracted thou-
sands to the cool, refreshing: breezes from off the lake.
TRANSPORTATION 731
About 1893 the road was leased to the Chicago & Grand Trunk, and has
since been operated as the C. S. & M. Division. As a feeder for this great
railroad system it is of greater value than ever, and serves the Saginaw
Valley very acceptably. In recent years the freight traffic has increased
very rapidly, necessitating the relaying of the track with heavier steel, and
otherwise improving the road. In 1913 a project long contemplated, namely,
to enter Bay City and secure a share of the business of that place, was
brought to a focus. A substantial steel bridge was built across the river at
Twelfth Street, and a modern terminal, for both freight and passenger
business, was built within a few squares of the business center of Bay City.
Interurban Electric Traction
The beginning of interurban travel by electric traction was in 1S''4, the
year Isaac Bearinger became interested in improving the transportation facil-
ities of the valley cities. Entirely through his efforts and largely with his
capital, the first electric line was built from Saginaw to Bay City, with a
length of fifteen miles, and at a cost of more than a half million dollars.
This road entered the city by the way of North Michigan and Genesee Ave-
nues, and its terminus was at Washington and ( lenesee. It follows a devious
course through Carrollton and Zilwaukee, crosses the river at a point below
the mouth of Cheboyganing ('reek, and enters Bay City at Bullock Road.
The line was well equipped with the best type of cars then in use, which
were operated at half-hour and forty minute intervals. After creating a
steady and growing patronage the road was sold in 1898 to the Saginaw
Valley Traction Company.
< )ther interests a few years later built and equipped an electric road from
Saginaw to Bridgeport and Frankenmuth, which, after a troublous career
involved in litigation, passed into the hands of a receiver and was sold to
A. J. Groesbeck, of Detroit, Soon after this road was purchased by the
Saginaw Valley Traction Company, rebuilt and extended from Frankenmuth
Junction through Birch Run, Clio and Alt. Morris to Flint, where it con-
nected with the Detroit & Flint Railroad to Detroit. In 1('12-13 a new rapid
traction line was built from Saginaw to Bay City, on the east side of the
river.
Street Railways
Since 1863 the citizens of the Saginaws have had street car service,
though it must be admitted that in those times there were lacking the con-
veniences of rapid transit in warm, comfortable cars, now enjoyed. The
first action taken to connect Saginaw City with East Saginaw by street
railway was taken in the former city, by the organization of the Saginaw
City Street Railway Company, with a capital of thirty thousand dollars.
David II. Jerome was president, George L. Burrows, secretary and treas-
urer, and S. S. Perkins, superintendent. The line was two and three-eighths
miles in length, running from Hamilton and Mackinaw Streets down Ham-
ilton to Madison, to Washington i Michigan), and thence to Genesee Street.
At that time Genesee was merely a slab and saw dust road crossing the
marsh, and during spring freshets was covered with water to a depth of
four to six feet. The track of the street railway, which connected the busi-
ness sections of the two cities, crossed the marsh ami bayou on a trestle
of piling, and thence by the bridge to the Bancroft House. A picture show-
ing this terminal with one of the old horse cars then used will be found
on page two hundred and forty-seven.
The street railway was opened to travel on December 8, 1863, with
loud acclaim of the residents of Saginaw City who prided themselves on
the enterprise which the railway displayed. It was, indeed, a step in ad-
vance in the slow march of progress made by the older city, and gave the
residents a closer connection with the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad,
732 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
which they had lost through their own folly. The railway gave employ-
ment to sixteen men and used thirty horses and five cars. The track was
built with strap rails laid on wood stringers, the mode then followed, and
the equipment was light enabling the trip from the Bancroft House to the
Taylor House to be made in less than twenty minutes. The road proved a
great accommodation to both cities and was well patronized.
The business men of "East Town," not to be outdone by their worthy
neighbors, soon after organized the East Saginaw City Street Railway, and
built a road from the Flint & Pere Marquette depot, at Potter and Wash-
ington Streets, up Washington to South Saginaw, a distance of three miles,
with a short branch line on Brewster Street to Jefferson. The company was
organized November 10, 18(4, with a capital of sixty thousand dollars.
William I. Bartow was president and superintendent, Moses B. Hess was
treasurer." and T. E. Morris was secretary, and they and Jesse Hoyt and
James F. Brown comprised the board of directors.
This railway was completed and made ready for travel on April 4.
1865, thus identifying South Saginaw with its prosperous neighbor, and
bringing a considerable trade from the thriving village of twenty-five hun-
dred people, to the city. The company owned seven cars, three of which
ran regularly every twenty minutes the entire length of the line, using
twenty-six horses and giving employment to eleven men.
Twenty years after, the twin cities having grown rapidly and together
acquired a population of more than forty thousand, an expansion of the
street railways seemed both desirable and expedient. "Little Jake" Selig-
man, who at that period was a most active spirit, secured control of the
old East Saginaw City Street Railway, and gave the new corporation then
formed the name of Union Street Railway. In order to reach the business
and residence sections of Saginaw City, which hitherto had had only the
limited service of the old horse car line, he organized the Central Bridge
Company which purchased the Bristol Street I '.ridge, rebuilt tin .super-
structure, and made it ready for use by the Union Street Railway-
He then extended the line from Washington and Bristol Streets across
the bridge, and by the way of Fayette and Washington (Michigan) Streets,
to and up Court Street, and by Mackinaw Street to South Saginaw where
the track joined the end of the old line. A loop was thus formed around
which the dinky horse cars, with the words "Court House" painted in large
script on their 'sides, and not much larger than the present enclosed motor
"jitneys," with door and step at the rear end, ran on a regular schedule.
The cars painted a bright blue ran west over the Bristol Bridge, through
the business section of Saginaw City, across the Mackinaw Street Bridge
to South Saginaw, and thence down Washington Street to the end of
Potter Street, while the yellow cars reversed the route. The red cars_ ran
from Potter Street oxer the same route as the blue cars, but at the Court
I louse ran up and down Court Street for a distance of about one mile, and
back to East Saginaw over the same route. This arrangement of schedules
was quite an innovation in the transportation facilities of the Saginaws. and
the citizens generally prided themselves in the excellent car service afforded.
The prospective opening of a competing street car line to Saginaw City
had an instant effect on car fares, 'flu old company, which had strenuously-
opposed the granting of another franchise, anticipated a complication of
rates and. before the new road was completed, reduced its fare from seven
to five cents and afforded six tickets for twenty-five cents. Of course no
transfers were granted, but as the newer company reached a much larger
territory at both sides of the business centers than the old road, it gained
a o-ood share of the travel between the two cities. Within a year after the
I \< VXSI'i iRT \TI< >N
733
better service had been inaugurated the old street railway reduced its fares
to three cents, or ten tickets for twenty-five cents, at which rates it was
said to have made a profit. For the short run between the business centers
it was decidedly the popular line, and enjoyed its full share of the city
travel.
Beginning of Rapid Transit
The use of electricity as a motive power for street cars was vet in the
experimental stage, when it was decided by the Union Street Railway Com-
pany to abandon the old slow horse cars and adopt rapid transit. "Little
Jake" Seligman, who had extended the line to Saginaw City and given the
people an idea of what street car service should be, had disposed of his
interests in the mad; and in 1889 those in control of the property applied
for a license to change the system to electric power, and to operate its cars
by that medium. An ordinance was duly prepared and passed by the coun-
cil, and the electrification of the street railway proceeded. The tracks were
AN ALL-STEEL ELECTRIC TRAIN ON THE MICHIGAN RAILWAY
not changed beyond bonding the rails, but the overhead work and the
equipping of the cars with motors took some time, and it was not until the
Fall of 1890 that electric power, which was furnished by the Bartlett Illum-
inating Company under contract, was turned on.
The operation of the first electric cars in the streets of Saginaw was
one of the important events in the- history of this city, and was proclaimed a
d'stinct step forward in the march of progress. The equipment then used
would look very crude today beside the cars now in use. as the first electric
cars were merely the old bob-tail horse cars mounted on light motor-driven
trucks. But when it is recalled that this street railway was the second or
third street car line in the State to be electrified, and electric science as
applied to traction purposes was still very much of an experiment, compari-
sons are hardly in order. It was all so new and wonderful that no one
thought of criticizing the system in any way. Some persons, however, were
quite timorous of the electric cars, and when they observed the sparks some-
times thrown off by the wheels or trolley, declared that nothing would ever
induce them to ride on the "fire spitting devil" cars. A large portion of the
inhabitants had no such fears or prejudices, as was evident by the patronage
accorded the electric line.
734 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The success attending the operation of the first electric cars on Wash-
ington Avenue to South Saginaw, led to the equipping of the West Side
lines and that running out < ienesee Avenue for electric traction, and in a
short time all cars of this railway were being operated by that power. As
the running time was materially shortened, fewer cars were required to
maintain the old schedules, and in some instances the service was con-
siderably improved. Meanwhile, the old Saginaw City Street Railway still
operated its cars with horses, at the greatly reduced rate of fare, but in
1895, when it seemed imperative that the line should be changed to elec-
tricity, the entire property and franchises were sold at a good price to the
other and more progressive company. As the old Saginaw City line afforded
the shorter route between the business centers of the two cities, and the
exigencies of the service demanded it, this line was electrified during the Sum-
mer, and early in December. 1895, the first electric cars were run across the
Genesee Avenue Bridge and on (Ienesee and Michigan Avenues to the Court
Mouse. Afterward, the short stretch of railway out West (ienesee to Union
Park was also equipped for electric traction, and an extension built on
Gratiot Street to near the city limits. New cars built especially for electric-
traction replaced the old converted cars, and the horse cars of a previous
decade became only a memory.
The Good Roads Movement
The prosperity of both city and rural districts is so dependent upon
good roads, and the whole subject looms so large in the public eye, that it
is highly important that an account of the progress made should be recorded
here. The subject, however, like some others treated of in this work, is so
big that not much more than a brief outline of the action that put the good
roads movement into being, can be given. To treat it in an exhaustive man-
ner would fill an entire volume, ami would be beyond our purpose and
intent.
The actual start for g 1 roads, which for semie time had been debated
in this city, was made on July 12, 1898. At a meeting of the Retail Mer-
chants' Association on that day Archibald Robertson, who had long espoused
the cause of road improvement in this county, argued in favor of abolishing
toll roads and bridges, within one year or eighteen months, and this object
was finally accomplished. The association at the same meeting appointed
a committee to present the matter in proper form to the Board of Super-
visors, which was composed of A. Robertson, chairman, Charles II. Peters,
Senior, and James II. Davitt.
At that time the old plank road out Genesee Avenue was still main-
tained in fair condition for about eight miles by an old plank road company,
which claimed perpetual rights under an ancient charter; and there were
several bridges still exacting toll from the people, including the Gratiot
Road Bridge, and the Bristol Street Bridge in the City of Saginaw. All
other roads, including the State Road to Bay City and those south and west
beyond the Gratiot Street Bridge, and the Sheridan and Bridgeport Roads
from the south limits of the city, were in wretched condition; and the
roads through Buena Vista and Blumfield Townships were not much better.
About the only good roads in the count)' were those built and maintained
by Frankenmuth Township, which was the pioneer in road improvement in
this county.
At the January session of 1899 of the Board of Supervisors, a com-
mittee was appointed by the chairman to act in conjunction with the com-
mittee of the Retail Merchants' Association; and the committee was com-
posed of the following members: Reuben Beeman, of Swan Creek Town-
TRANSPORTATK >X
735
. if*
; i i±S
CONSTRUCTING STONE ROAD THROUGH SAND RIDGE
ship; John Gerber, of Kochville Township; Andred Stacey, of Bridgeport
Township; and William Rebec, of the Second Ward, and Mr. Gage, of the
Twelfth Ward, of the City of Saginaw. Upon the meeting of these com-
mittees in joint session the matter began to take definite form, and a proper
course of action was taken.
From this preliminary action resulted the original County Road Bill,
or Enabling Act, under which the subsequent road improvement was put
through. The bill was drawn by James H. Davitt, with the aid and coun-
sel of William L. Webber, John Moore, Henry M. Youmans and the mem-
bers of the aforementioned committees. Upon completion of this work it
was discovered that the bill was unconstitutional, and an amendment to
the constitution was then in order, in April, 1899, the Legislature sub-
mitted a proper amendment to a vote of the people, which was carried by a
majority of one hundred and forty-two thousand two hundred and forty-
four. This enabled the counties as well as the townships of the entire State
to build and improve their own highways.
The county road law. or Enabling Act, as passed by the Senate, was
known as Act No. 419 of the Local Acts of 1899, and was approved by the
governor on May 17, 1899. Saginaw County, however, operates under a
specific act with reference to stone roads subject to State awards, the same
as if it were operating under the State law. Senator H. S. Earle originated
the bill in the Legislature creating a good roads commission.
After considerable delay in effecting organization, testing materials and
arriving at the best methods of stone road construction, actual work was
commenced in I'.uena Vista Township on June 14, 1902. This event was
made the occasion for a celebration, which was planned and carried out in
a highly satisfactory manner by Herman 11. Eymer, then county road com-
missioner and the moving spirit of the celebration. At one o'clock in the
afternoon of that day a long procession composed of county officials,
speakers of the day, Companies C. and F., M. N. G., and representative
citizens and farmers, moved from the Court House through the city to the
Watrousville road where, just beyond the Pere Marquette tracks, the cere-
736
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
^H&^h AW BOfl
SAGINAW, MICHIGAN
UNITED STATES CENSUS FOR 1910 POPULATION 50510
CITV DIRECTORY ESTIMATE FOR 1916 POPULATION 76080 -
100 MILES OF FINELY PAVED STREETS
TO MAfjMNAW VIA
MIDLAND IHLAXD
LARES AND STATE
■ "HI AL i
0RAN0 TRAVERSE
ROUTE
SAGINAW HAS\ANX
AREA OF SIXTEEN
SQUARE MILES\
300 ACRES t)F PARKS
WITHIN CITy LIMITS.
CITY AUDITORIUM
IS THE LARGEST IN
MICHIGAN WITH A
MAGNIFICENT PIPE
ORGAN THEREIN
ROUTE MAP OF SAGINAW. MICHIGAN
monies were held. After short speeches by Mayor William B. Baum, Gov-
ernor Aaron T. Bliss and others, the chief act of the day took place. Gov-
ernor Bliss, surrounded by hundreds of enthusiastic citizens, grasped the
handles of the plow and, with cheers of the assembled throng, vollies fired
by the militia companies, and shrieks of whistles, turned the first furrow for
about sixty feet in good roads making. This act was followed by speeches
hy C. K. Dodge, director of road inquiries, Department of Agriculture,
Washington. D. C, and Judge Emmett L. Beach, thus concluding the inter-
esting ceremonies.
In the active operations which followed this auspicious beginning, Will-
iam L. Webber and William II. Wallace were deeply interested. The
former, through his large interests in the Bay Port quarries, was instru-
mental in providing sufficient stone properly prepared for road making;
and the latter, by reason of his intimate relations with beet growers under
contract with the Sebewaing sugar factory, who were greatly benefited by
improvement of the roads, and his connection with the quarries, rendered
valuable personal services in the cause of good roads. Archibald Robert-
son for many years has persistently advocated the building of stone roads
throughout the county, and deserves great credit for his efforts in crystaliz-
ing public attention and interest on this subject.
TRANSPORTATION 737
The Cost of Road Improvement
During the last fifteen years nearly two million dollars have been ex-
pended (including the expenditures to be made in 1917) for building and
maintaining good roads in Saginaw County, which now has two hundred
and fifty miles of improved highways. The funds for these improvements
was raised by the City of Saginaw and the several townships, and at Feb-
ruary 1, 1915, were summarized as follows:
City of Saginaw, raised by tax $ 524,160.00
Townships, raised by tax 371.840.00
Townships, raised by bonds 361,000.00
State Award- 134,370.00
Total $1,391,370.00
At the above date the improved roads built and maintained by this expen-
diture consisted of one hundred and fifty-eight miles of Macadam, twenty-
one miles of gravel, twenty mile- of -hale, and fourteen and one-half miles
of field stone, a total of two hundred and thirteen and one-half miles.
In 1916 the expenditures for improvement of highways amounted to
one hundred and eighty-seven thousand six hundred and seventy-seven
dollars, of which seventy-two thousand five hundred and sixteen dollars
were for repairs of roads and bridges. Twenty-two and three-fourths miles
of road were graded, fifteen miles were made into stone highways, or given
stone bottoms and gravel dressing and otherwise improved. The Merrill
Bridge span was reconstructed, a new forty-four foot steel and concrete
bridge was built on Fast Street, and a sixty-foot steel and concrete bridge
was put up <>n the Spaulding and Bridgeport Townline road. Twenty-six
concrete culverts from four to sixteen feet in width were put in to replace
plank bridges. In addition to this work more than forty miles of Macadam
road were treated with oil automatically fed from tank wagons, the labor
cost of applying it being thus reduced to an almost insignificant figure.
The results of this treatment of stone roads is very satisfactory.
The Value of State Awards
In aid of this work the money received from State awards for new con-
struction amounted to twenty-eight thousand and sixty-three dollars, for
repairs two thousand and eighty-five dollars, and from the automobile tax,
for repairs, nineteen thousand three hundred and twenty-six dollars, a total
of forty-nine thousand four hundred and seventy-four dollars. The total
amount received from this source is nearly a quarter of a million dollars.
County Road Commissioner John W. Ederer, in his last annual report
(1916), says: "All of the roads constructed by myself and my predecessors
were good' for what they were intended, namely, wagon roads. The traffic
in the last five years lias multiplied many times and the main travelled
wagon roads today have become speedways and no material, no matter what
kind it may be, will take care of the traffic unless some bituminous binder
or concrete surface takes its place. The extensive repair of existing roads
was made possible by the automobile tax of approximately twenty thou-
sand dollars, which enabled us during the early part of the season to make
the repairs which were made absolutely necessary by the unfavorable winter
and spring of 1915-16. The City of Saginaw portion of this tax was used
for repairs on roads commencing at the city limits and continuing away
from the city. This tax has been the means of saving the roads of the
county the past year, while it was not sufficient to do all that was necessary,
it enabled us to come a little nearer it. I regard the repair and mainten-
ance of roads as the most important of the many problems that will always
confront the road commissioner."
CHAPTER XXIV
BANKS AND BANKING
Lax Banking Laws — Advent of Territorial Banks — A Period of Speculation —
Organization of "Wild Cat" Banks — Saginaw City Bank — Workings of the Law —
How a Bank Created Specie — Financial Ruin — Currency of the Bank of Zilwaukee —
Recovery Was Slow — Beginning of Sound Banking — Merchants National Bank —
Home National — The First National Bank — Second National — Savings Bank of
East Saginaw — East Saginaw National Bank — American Commercial and Savings
Bank— George L. Burrows & Company — First National Bank of Saginaw— A Run
on the Bank — Citizens National Rank — Saginaw County Savings Bank— I he
Strength of Saginaw Banks — A Comparative Statement— Banks and Financial Institu-
tions in 1918.
FROM time immemorial the laws of all countries, concerning banks and
paper currency, have been notorious in attempting to create value
where none existed. Paper currency, which only promised to pay
money, has often been confounded with money itself and been largely
treated as possessing real value. Hut whenever the issue of this currency
exceeded the money it promised to pay, its value depreciated to the amount
of actual money in the country, or even lower, and often became worthless.
Early legislation in the United States showed little wisdom in regard to
banking, and until our National banking system was established, authorized
excessive issues of paper currency and with no reliable security for bill-
holders. Absolute security of the circulation and government inspection of
banks are safeguards established scarcely more than fifty years ago.
The first bank in what is now the commonwealth of Michigan was the
Bank of Detroit, organized under an act passed by the governor and judges
cf Michigan Territory September 19, 1806. This act was not approved by
Congress and the bank was forced to suspend business and wind up its
affairs. But it mattered little to the scant population which needed only a
small amount of money to carry on its business. Detroit was a mere trad-
ing post on the outskirts of civilization, and the surrounding country, which
was as Nature made it, was uninhabited by white men. The Indian brought
in his furs and skins to be exchanged for beads, brass buttons, blankets,
guns, and fire-water. No agricultural products sought a market there. Trade
was done by "dicker," or barter of one kind of goods for another, and using
only gold and silver as a circulating medium. There was little use for that
commodity which is requisite to the successful conduct of a bank.
Advent of Territorial Banks
While Michigan was still a territory there was no general banking law,
and what banks there were were incorporated by special charters which were
substantially the same. The capital of each bank was nominally one hun-
dred thousand dollars; and the circulation of paper currency could be three
times the amount of the capital paid in. no security such as bonds, stocks,
mortgages or anything else, being required. The excessive issue apparently
was based, not on the ability to redeem on presentation, but the ability to pay
when the notes which had been taken for the bank bills issued were collected.
The territorial banks, eight in number, were: Bank of Michigan, chartered
in 1817; Bank of Monroe, in 1827; Bank of River Raisin, in 1832; and the
740 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Bank of Pontiac, Bank of Washtenaw, Bank of Wisconsin, Bank of Erie and
Kalamazoo, and the Bank of Merchants and Mechanics, chartered in 1835.
All these hanks failed mainly for want of a proper capital as compared with
their circulation.
When the United States Bank of national fame was liquidated, its stock
sold and paid into the public treasury, the hanks in the several States were
designated as banks of deposit, and were used fur collecting, transferring and
disbursing the public revenues. There was then a surplus in the United
States Treasury, and after a long ami exciting debate in Congress, in the
session of 1835-6, it was determined ti> distribute this surplus among the
several States in proportion to their representation in Congress, to be de-
posited in the several banks for safe-keeping.
A Period of Speculation
This disposition of the public funds was followed by one of the wildest
eras of speculation the country has ever seen. Money was abundant, the
coffers of the government were overflowing, the country was prosperous and
cvervbud\ seemed bent i>n making a fortune as quickly as possible. The
banks of this State had abundant means on hand, and they, too, shared in the
spirit of speculation. Why should not they make the most of the means at
their command? They therefore loaned out the money which hail been de-
posited with them to the red-lmt speculators who were buying government
land, were laying out and building cities in the wilderness, and were con-
necting them by roads and canals. These loans were given on what was
supposed to be good security, such as real estate taken at its speculative
value, or city lots in cities where scarcely a tree had been hewn down or a
spade had turned the soil.
At the height of this period of speculation, in January, 1837, Michigan
was admitted into the Union as a State. The exploitation of lands, wild and
partly cultivated, continued unabated and lots in prospective villages and
towns, which now are little or nothing but the recorded plats in the office
of the register of deeds, to indicate their location, changed hands at exces-
sive prices. This speculation was no doubt largely owing to the great
amount of paper money afloat in the State. It took a great deal of the
inflated currency to buy property, so real estate was called high, when it
really was the money that had depreciated in value.
The reaction from this inflation came only too soon. Hard times op-
pressed the country. The government had use for the public money, and
called upon the banks with which it hail been deposited to return it in coin.
But the banks, which had loaned it out to speculators, had it not; and the
speculators were unable to realize even their investments at the fancy prices
at which they had been made. The security for such loans proved of so
little value that the banks were sore distressed to meet their obligations to
the government. In this cramped position the banks, in order to save them-
selves, were compelled to proceed with the utmost caution and specie pay-
ments were suspended. They redeemed their paper currency as rapidly as
they could, and refused to put it out again, resulting in a scarcity of money.
From a superfluity of currency a little while before, there now was not enough
to supply the necessary demands of business.
From this financial condition the people were clamorous for relief; and
there was an outcry against the chartered banks. They were declared to be
monopolies hostile to the spirit of our free institutions. Everything else in
this country was free, therefore banking should be free, the} argued. The
situation was critical and something had to be done. On March 15. 1837.
a general banking law was enacted, making the business free to all. By its
BANKS AND BANKING 741
provisions ten or more persons could organize themselves into a corporation
for the transaction of the banking business, and were subject only to the
law. The general provisions of this law were fairly drawn, except that in
the two important features which must concerned the public — security to
its bill-holders, and a bona fide capital to secure the depositors — there were
none adequate. The capital of each bank must be not less than fifty thou-
sand dollars, and not more than three hundred thousand, divided into shares
of fifty dollars each; and the issue of paper currency could be two and one-
half times the capital paid in. The interest on discounts could not exceed
seven per cent; and the security for payment of the hank's obligations were
tn he bonds and mortgages on real estate, to be held by the bank commis-
sioner— a State officer, and the specie in the vaults of the bank. Few
hanks had this specie, though the law required thirty per cent, of the
capita] to be paid in in "legal money of the United States."
Organization of the "Wild Cat" Banks
Under the banking law forty-nine banks were organized and went into
operation up to April 3, 1838, when the Legislature suspended the provisions
of the law as to the creation of new associations. The nominal aggregate
capital was about four million dollars, which added to that of the fifteen
chartered hanks, namely seven millions, made the nominal aggregate capital
in the State, in the Spring of 1838, about eleven million dollars. The cir-
culation of paper currency must have reached at that time ten million dollars
or more — a very large amount considering the small need of money for com-
mercial and manufacturing enterprises.
The population of the entire State was only about one hundred thou-
sand, and was of essentially an agricultural character, while the whole of
the vast territory north of the old territorial road was almost an unbroken
wilderness. Pioneers were hewing down its forests, breaking up its oak
openings, and shaking their teeth loose with ague chills over its miasmatic
marshes. They were doing well if by hard toil in Summer they raised
enough produce and fodder on their lands to keep their families and their
cattle comfortably through the Winter. They had little to sell and but
little use for money. The amount of bank bills in circulation was at least
one hundred dollars for every man, woman and child in the State, which
illustrates the extremity to which the banking mania carried the people.
The Saginaw City Bank
Among the hanks organized in the Summer of 1837 was the Saginaw
City Bank, which was promoted by some of the leading men of the place.
Its president was Norman Little, the projector of the promising settlement,
and the cashier was Nelson Smith, a prominent settler who in the same year
built the first sailing vessel on the Saginaw River. Though this institution
was classed with those banks termed "wild cats." it was undoubtedly organ-
ized in good faith, with the hest intentions — to further the material inter-
ests and advancement of this valley, and in all probability was honestly con-
ducted. It had a brief existence, however, going down in the financial crash
of 1838, an echo of its affairs being heard in the legal proceedings to require
from the county the payment of a bond, in the sum of ten thousand dollars,
which had been negotiated by the hank, hut not all of the proceeds paid
over to the county treasury. I See Chapter VII. pages 109-10.)
It is unfortunate that so little record of this primitive hank, after a lapse
of eighty years, is now to be found. A careful search of the county records
reveals nothing of tangible evidence concerning its career. About all the
direct evidence of its existence is some of its original paper currency, bear-
ing date of December 26, 1837, which apparently was circulated at that time.
742 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Whether it was ever redeemed by the hank, or was in the hands of un-
fortunate holders at the time of its collapse, is not known. At any rate a
large package of the paper money, which shows nunc or less handling, was
laid away by somebody, and only came to light about twenty years ago.
In clearing out the storage vaults of the old Home National Bank, on
fanuary 1, 1896, when the Second National Bank of Saginaw moved into
the banking office which years before had been occupied by the Merchants'
National Bank, the "Id currency was found and was justly regarded as a
real curiosity. The "Id Saginaw City Bank was capitalized at fifty thousand
dollars, but how large an amount of bank bills was circulated is not known
It may l>v the old law have been one hundred and twenty-five thousand
dollars, and whatever the am. mm outstanding, the collapse of the banking
svstem brought a heavy loss and distress upon the people. The greatly in-
line.] circulation, so inadequately secured by their genuine or pretended
capital of specie in vaults, stores, grocery stocks, log houses or pretentious
frame houses, was in the hands of people who had sold their wheat, corn
and in >rk fur it, or who had performed manual labor for it, and was all
swept away by the great financial storm, newer to appear again.
Working of the Law
While some of the hanks organized in 1837-8 were bona fide institutions,
tin- law was taken advantage of by dishonest men to practice the grossest
frauds and swindles. The law practically permitted these frauds, and the
State officials, though striving honestly to do their duty, were powerless to
prevent them. The State was large, the swindlers were many, and the bank
commissioners could not be everywhere and have their hands on all of them
at the same time. As a consequence of the physical conditions of the
country and the lax provisions of the banking law. hanks were established
in the smallest villages and hamlets, and even in the most inaccessible
places, which it was not likely the holders of the hank bills could ever find,
and hence the hanks would not he asked to redeem the hills.
A traveller once coming through the forests of Shiawassee County, on
his way to Saginaw, when the country was very new. with only here and
there a log cabin in a little clearing, found a trail which had newer been
worked and was principally indicated by "blazed" trees. Toward night he
came upon a fork in the path, and was uncertain which branch to take. He
had not gone far upon the one which he finally chose, before he became
satisfied that it was only a path used for hauling out wood or timber. But
as the day was late he had no time to retrace his steps, and pushed on in
hope of reaching a human habitation in which to spend the night. He had
not proceeded far when in a small clearing before him there loomed a large
frame structure, across the front of which was a conspicuous sign "Bank of
Shiawassee." It was one of- the "wild cats" quartered in the native haunts of
that animal, the depths of the forest.
The Bank of Sandstone, in Jackson County, had an extended circulation
which was put out by an ingenious plan. It loaned a large sum of money —
its own paper currency — on lots of some imaginary city, to a man wdio went
through the State buying everything he could convert. He bought horses,
cattle, sheep, swine, produce of all kinds and everything which could be
turned into real money, at the seller's price, paying for it with the hills of the
Bank of Sandstone. Very few persons knew- where Barry, the seat of the
hank, was, or any good reason why the bills of its hank were not as good
as any other, so he had little trouble in passing them. Thus the paper cur-
rency of the Bank of Sandstone had a wide circulation, hut the holders
might as well have had so much brown wrapping paper instead.
SdiJ&iiir/r rrtc/'Ttemk
/// A////
T f.Iii.H.£ 'M D.LXAJi£3 < // s/>///f/////
. ^i;Oju;^
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A
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OLD CURRENCY OF THE SAGINAW CITY BANK, CIRCULATED IN 1837
744 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The hanking law required a certain amount of specie to be kept in the
vaults of the bank, but this provision was evaded by some banks in the most
flagrant manner. The same specie served for exhibition for a dozen banks,
at various intervals; and the bonds and mortgages which were deposited
were upon "city" lots in the woods, or on real estate at fictitious values.
The notes of one "wild cat" bank were often held as capital for another wild
cat, and they fraudulently put out a much larger circulation than the law
allowed. In man}- other ways they practiced outrageous swindles upon the
public.
It was told of Alpheus Felch, afterward governor of this State, that
while he was a State bank examiner, as he was going from one bank to
another he noticed a familiar look in the l».xes containing the silver held by
various banks. Though finding all the banks properly supplied with coin,
lie suddenly turned back on his course, re-examined the banks and found
them without coin. The banks had by preconcerted arrangement kept the
specie in boxes ahead of the commissioner, a man named Isaac Alden driv-
ing the team which carried the coin from bank to bank for the commissioner
to examine.
How a Bank Created Specie
Among the nefarious practices of this unstable period was the "creating"
of specie by a banker named Lewis Goddard. He had a unique theory in
regard to new bank bills fresh and crisp from the printers, well adapted to
the times when the banks were required to redeem their bills at their own
counters in specie. As the banks had little, if any, coin, he believed there
must be some way of obtaining it. He said it was not necessary for a bank
to have specie of its own; a bank should create specie. The pioneer stock-
holders and directors were bewildered and unduly influenced by his reasoning
on creating specie, and permitted him to carry out his theory.
"What," said he, "is a bank good for unless it is well enough conducted
to create its own specie? In order to create specie of your own you must
exchange your circulation for it, and take your bills away from home so
they will be slow in returning for redemption — taking away the specie you
have created. The way to obtain this specie by exchange is: first get the
hills of other banks with your bills, take these bill's of the other banks to their
counters, get the gold on them, bring it home and put it in your own vaults.
By this means you have created specie and provided your bank with the
material money for redeeming your bills."
This was a remarkable plan, peculiar of the times and worthy of the
projector. The bank suspended, and in court proceedings which followed
an employee declared, "they broke the bank the first night."
A Legislative Report, dated January 18, 1839, stated that "no species of
fraud and evasion of law, which the ingenuity of dishonest corporations has
ever devised, have not been practiced under the banking act. The loan of
specie from established corporations became an ordinary traffic, and the
same money set in motion a number of institutions. Specie certificates,
verified by oath, were everywhere exhibited, although these very certificates
had been cancelled at the moment of their creation by a draft "for a similar
amount; and yet such subterfuges were pertinaciously insisted upon as
fair business transactions, sanctioned by custom and precedent. Stock notes
were given for subscriptions to stock and counted as specie, and thus not a
cent of real capital existed, beyond the small sums paid in by the upright
and unsuspecting farmer and mechanic, whose little savings and honest name
were necessary "to give confidence and credit. Quantities of paper were
BANKS AND BANKING 745
checked out of the banks by individuals who had not a cent in bank, with
no security beyond the verbal understanding that notes of other banks
should be returned at some future time."
Financial Ruin
As a natural result of the speculative mania, inflation of the currency
and the fraud and trickery of the banks, a violent reaction set in in the
Summer of 1838. and all the wild cat banks were at once in dire distress.
It was either a case of redeeming their currency in specie, or suspend, and
eventually all were forced to the latter alternative. When all the banks
had been swept out of existence there were bills afloat representing millions
of dollars. Many of these were in the hands of bona Me holders who lost
heavily thereby, wdiile some had never been in circulation, and were then
given away promiscuously. Children used to play with them, and in the
rural districts, where paper hangings were scarce, people papered their
rooms with them making the walls of a log cabin look rather grotesque, and
they were thrown into old garrets, closets and bookcases, to be at last
forgotten by their once prosperous holders.
Currency of the Bank of Zilwaukee
In this connection Ezra Rust related an amusing incident relating to
the bank bills of a proposed banking institution, styled the Bank of Zilwau-
kee. In 1849 Johnson Brothers came to Saginaw Valley, and at a point on
the river which marked the head of deep water navigation, laid out and
started a village which they confidently expected would become the
metropolis of the valley. Having not the slightest idea that the Carrollton
bar would ever be dredged to admit a large class of lake vessels above to
Saginaw City, they proceeded to build a dock, warehouse, saw mill, several
houses, and opened a store stocked with general merchandise. From clear
cork pine from the forests of the Cass River, they cut heavy planks and built
a road to Saginaw, thereby connecting their embryo city with civilization.
To further their aims they planned to open a bank of their own, to be
named the Bank of Zilwaukee, and had a quantity of very fetchin.!,;- currency
printed for its circulation. But their hopes of building up a prosperous
community were not realized, for East Saginaw, although occupying a no
more favorable location, was forging rapidly ahead, and about 1858 they
failed.
At this juncture their saw mill property was purchased by James EI.
Hill, and Mr. Rust, who had recently come to Saginaw, was placed in charge
of the lumbering operations. At intervals during the following years, one or
other of the Johnsons would come into the mill office and look longingly at
an old iron safe in the corner, of the ancient kind which opened with a large
brass key. Several times they remarked that there might be some their
personal papers in the safe that the}' were looking for, but as the key had
been lost Mr. Rust refused to break open the safe, merely to satisfy the
curiosity of its former owners.
About 1863, when the operations of Mr. Hill at Zilwaukee were con-
cluded, the affairs there were wound up and the office records and furniture
were moved to Saginaw. The last thing to meet the eye of Ezra was the
old iron safe within which he had never looked. The mystery surrounding
Johnsons' actions in relation to it, came back to him in a flash, and he
resolved to open it. Securing sledges and chisels the door was soon forced
open, revealing to their astonished gaze package upon package of clean and
crisp bills of the Bank of Zilwaukee, which apparently had never been
circulated. The Bank, indeed, had never opened owing to the failure of its
projectors. Hastily filling his pockets with the bogus yet interesting cur-
rency, Mr. Rust replaced the safe door and returned to Saginaw.
74i ;
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
vi
■>, y/Lf'-~//r
ts'i HL-EJST=-\or»V«j«w
SPECIMEN OF THE UNCIRCULATED CURRENCY OF THE BANK OF ZILWAUKIE
For some time he displayed the paper money of the bank that never
existed, to the great amusement of his friends; and in writing to some others
m the Union Army he slipped in a bill or two as a curiosity. The effect of
this action was surprisingly manifested. In an incredibly short time letters
by the score began to pour in on Mr. Rust thanking him for the "good"
currency, and having one common appeal. "Send us more of that pretty
money," the}' said, "the people down here like it better than their own shin-
plasters."
The Recovery Was Slow
The financial highway travelled by our Michigan pioneers illustrates the
weakness and dangers of a system which strives to create something from
nothing, and brings out in strong contrast the strength and security of the
National Banking and Federal Reserve Systems. To reach our present
national financial soundness, with its stable yet elastic currency, the country
passed along a road stewn with the ruins of corporations, business firms and
individuals. Looking backward it is hard to understand how men of
ordinary wisdom and prudence could have been led into such a wild and
reckless system of banking as existed eighty to fifty years ago. Individual
and State credit were ruined, and all suffered severely for it. Michigan,
which was being rapidly settled by a sturdy New England population,
received a check in her immigration and commercial prosperity, from which
she did not recover for many years. Saginaw Valley severely felt the
depression, and not until the coming of enterprising men with capital to
develop the timber resources of the Michigan forests, did the county awaken
to industrial and commercial activity.
Beginning of Sound Banking
The first banking institution in Saginaw Valley conducted on sound and
enduring principles of finance was the bank of W. L. P. Little *X: Company.
This private banking office was organized at Fast Saginaw in November,
1855, with a capital of ten thousand dollars. Jesse Hoyt being the silent
partner. The bank occupied rooms up stairs in the Exchange Block, at
Water and Genesee Streets, and for several years was the only financial
institution in this section of the State, extending north as far as Upena and
Cheboygan. In August, 1859, the banking office was removed to a ground
floor room in the new Bancroft Mouse Block on Genesee Street.
BANKS AND BANKING 747
In October, 1856, James F. Brown, who had come to East Saginaw in
1853 and found employment in the mercantile house of Mr. Little, became
connected with the hank in the capacity of general utility man. He built
fires, swept out the office, collected checks and drafts, attended to the cor-
respondence, received and paid out money, and did about every thing else in
connection with the financial relations of the people. About 1860 the capital
of the hank was increased to twenty thousand dollars, which was ample for
the business needs of the times. Through all financial storms of this forma-
tive period, this private hank survived with the full confidence of the
community.
Meanwhile, the city had grown and prospered to a surprising degree and
in August, 1865, the organization of a hank under the new national hanking
law, was first discussed. In ( )ctober of that year a charter was granted, and
on January 1, 1866, the hanking office of W. L. P. Little & Company was
merged with the new hank, having a capital of two hundred thousand
dollars, which was named the .Merchants' National Bank of East Saginaw.
William L. I'. Little was president, James I". Brown was cashier, ami
Douglas Hoyt was assistant cashier, of the new hank. Upon the death of
Mr. Little, on December 9, 1867, James F. Brown was elected president of
the hank, Douglas Hoyt, cashier, and L. C. Storrs, assistant cashier. Later.
when Mr. Storrs became assistant treasurer of the Flint & Pere Marquette
Railroad, the office of assistant cashier of the hank was abolished.
The old hanking office on Genesee Street, though centrally and con-
veniently located, was far from being adequate to the business transacted,
and in 1X72, when the capital and surplus of the bank amounted to three
hundred and seventy thousand dollars, an elegant stone-front hank building
was erected on North Washington Street, at a cost of fifty thousand dollars.
This modern fire-proof structure with large vaults extending through the
third floor, and with massive walnut furniture and fixtures, was one of the
show places of the city, and the office was well arranged for the transaction
of a large business. For the last twenty-two years this building has been
occupied by the Second National Bank.
The growth of the Merchants' National Bank is shown by its increase
in deposits, from 1866 to 1874 :
April. 1866 $102,000 March, 1871 $334,000
April. 1867 241,000 \pril, 1872 445,000
April. 1868 221,000 Sept., 1873 (bef. .re panic ) . 373,000
April. 18i,0 256,000 May, 1874 | after panic | . . 236,000
March. 1870 305.000
An exhibit of the condition of this hank is shown in the statement of
May 6, 1881 :
Resources Liabilities
Loans and discounts $557,464.88 Capita! stock $200,000.00
U.S. Bonds 125.000.00 Surplus 100.000.00
Stocks, mortgages, etc.. . 31,500.00 Undivided profit- 69,848.74
Due from hanks 115,141.56 National hank notes... 112.500.00
Real estate 54,525.00 Individual deposits 522,790.10
Current expenses, taxes. 4,613.28 Other deposits 7Hj<'<3.?7
Specie and currency .... 186,964.69
Redemption fund. etc.... 8,625.00
$ 1 .085 .852.4 1 $ 1 .0X5 .852.4 1
74S HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The Home National Bank
Early in 1882 the Home National Bank was chartered under the National
Banking Association, and took over the business of the Merchants' National.
The new hank was organized by Wellington R. Burt, Temple E. Dorr,
William C. McClure, James H. Booth and others, and began business in
the banking office formerly occupied by its predecessor, W. R. Burt was
president, James II. Booth was cashier, and A. 11. Comstock held the office
of assistant cashier. It was the largest banking institution in Saginaw
Valley, having a capital of three hundred thousand dollars and a surplus of
fifty-four thousand, and because of its strong financial backing and con-
servative management enjoyed the patronage of the largest lumber operators.
In April. 1882. Asa W. Field was engaged as teller of this hank, and from
that time until its liquidation in 1896, with the exception of a few months,
he continued in this position and that of assistant cashier. No banking
official in this city was better and more favorably known. He was a close
student of finance and was very well informed on the best hanking systems
and forms. He died in the Fall of 1914.
Every institution serving the public must run its course, and in the case
of the Home National this was accomplished on December 31, 1895, the date
the business and banking" property was sold to the Second National Bank.
Some time before, Mr. Hurt, in the belief that Saginaw was on a downward
course and would never recover from the depression following the decline
of lumbering anil salt manufacture, had determined to close out all his
business interests here. Enlisting the co-operation of his friend, Temple E.
Dorr i in whose combined interests the control of the stock was vested) he
forced the liquidation of a very successful bank much against the wishes of
the other stockholders. In some respects his hasty and arbitrary action
touched violation of the national banking act, but as no formal protest was
made nothing came of it. Much feeling as to the injustice of the action, in
respect to the interests of other stockholders, was aroused, which called to
mind his similar procedure in closing up the tool work-,, the saw and file
works, and his efforts to that end in the case of the Saginaw & Bay Salt
Company, several years before. Whatever credit is due Mr. Burt for his
benefactions in behalf of education and civic progress for the benefit of the
people, and of which full account has been gi\en in the preceding pages, little
may be said of him in a complimentary way concerning his disposition and
policy toward industrial or commercial projects.
Other private banks in the early period of banking in East Saginaw
were: the Saginaw Valley Bank, established b\ l'diss. Fay & Company in
1863, which did an extensive business for a time: Thurber & Hollon, opened
in 1868, and John Gallagher & Company, in 1870. The business of these
banks was well conducted for several years, but owing to the increase of
national and savings banks here, the capital employed by the smaller institu-
tions was withdrawn and otherwise invested.
The First National Bank
Shortly after the National Banking Association became an actuality
Erastus T. Judd, Samuel II. Webster, William II. Warner. DeWitt C. Gage
and others organized the First National Hank of East Saginaw, which was
the first institution to be established in this valley under federal supervision.
Its capital was fifty thousand dollars, but was later increased to one hundred
thousand; and its banking office was in the Bancroft Mouse I'dock, on
Washington Street. A number of years after the bank built a three-story
structure at Genesee and Cass (Baum) Streets, in which it transacted con-
BANKS AND BANKING 749
siderable business for an extended period. The first officers were E. T.
Judd, president, C. K. Robinson, cashier, and L. A. Clark, teller. Afterward
.Mr. Clark was elected cashier, which position he held until Clarence L. Judd
assumed the responsibilities of the office. In the Fall of 1896 this bank-
became deeply involved by reason of some very questionable lumbering
investments, and was forced to suspend to the considerable loss of its stock-
holders. This was the only bank in Saginaw that ever closed its doors
because of unlawful and reckless action of its executive officer-.
Savings Bank of East Saginaw
Until 1872 there was no savings bank or special facilities to encourage
the saving of money by thrifty people, but in March of that year Henry C.
Potter. Edwin Eddy. Augustus Schupp and others organized the Savings
Bank of East Saginaw. The bank was incorporated April 1 under State
charter, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. Its banking office
was in the basement of the Merchants" National Bank building, on Washing-
ton Street. 11. C. Potter was president, Edwin Eddy, vice-president, and
A. Schupp was treasurer of the bank.
As shown by the statement made July 4, 1887, this bank had a surplus
of thirty-eight thousand five hundred and seventy-eight dollars; and its
deposits amounted to six hundred seventy thousand eight hundred and forty-
six dollars. Its loans on real estate and other securities totaled five hundred
and sixty-eight thousand two hundred and three dollars, and bonds of East
Saginaw and school district- of the county amounted to thirty-one thousand
nine hundred dollars. In 1887 the directors were: H. C. Potter, William
L. Webber, Edwin Eddy. W. J. Bartow, George C. Warner, Emil Moores,
H. C. Potter, Junior. James I'.. Peter, Charles Lee and Henry Melchers.
In 1890, having outgrown its office facilities in the bank building on
Washington Street, the Savings Hank purchased the property at 310-12
Genesee Avenue, and erected thereon an imposing four-story brown stone
office and store building with a frontage of forty feet. The west half of the
ground floor was occupied by the banking office, and the remainder of the
building was leased to Henry Feige for his large furniture business. From
that time the business of the Savings Bank increased very rapidly and at
length reached such a volume that it was necessary to make use of the entire
building. The structure was entirely remodeled and the floor space arranged
to meet the needs of the future as well as those of the present. The banking
office was refitted with modern furniture in marble and mahogany, and the
private offices and ante-rooms were sumptuously furnished. In May. 1907,
the business and valuable property of the Savings Bank was absorbed by the
Bank of Saginaw, which has since occupied the banking office for its East
Side bank.
East Saginaw National Bank
The national banks of Saginaw were augmented in 1884 by the organi-
zation of the East Saginaw National Bank, whose office was at 108 South
Washington Avenue. John G. Owen, who was largely instrumental in
organizing the bank, was president ; Edwin Eddy was vice-president, and
S. S. Wilhelm was cashier. Its capital stuck was one hundred thousand
dollars. As shown by a statement of its condition on August 1. 1887. its
surplus and undivided profits amounted to twenty-two thousand two hundred
and fifty-three dollars. At that time the directors were: Max Heavenrich,
D. B. Freeman, Louis Quinnin, Edwin Eddy. William B. Baum, and S. S.
Wilhelm, president. William T. Wickware was cashier. The bank outgrew
750
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
its cramped quarters and removed to the office in the I Miss Block, vacated
by the Michigan Central Railroad ticket office, now the store of I. Will
( frant. A few years later the bank liquidated its affairs.
The American Commercial & Savings Bank
In the Fall of 1891, believing that the business interests of the city
would appreciate the services of a bank extending liberal facilities to the
people, a number of enterprising men organized the American Commercial
and Savings Hank, with a paid-in capital of one hundred thousand dollars.
Isaac Bearinger, who was one of the prime movers in this project, was
elected president: William L. Webber, vice-president; and George W.
Emerick, cashier. The hank was located in a two-story office building
adjoining the Bearinger Building on the south, where it remained until 1898,
when the bank purchased the bank building of the old First National and
moved into it. William Barie meanwhile became president of the bank,
and Hugo G. Wesener, who had been assistant cashier, was advanced to the
cashiership. ( )n January 1, 1899, the business and property of the bank was
turned over to the Bank of Saginaw, which at once moved its East Side
office to the banking office of the former at Genesee Avenue and Batim
Street. The affairs of the American Commercial and Savings Bank were
then closed and its stock liquidated.
George L. Burrows & Company
The first solid financial institution at Saginaw City was the private bank
of George L. Burrows & Company, which was formed in 1862. It was at a
time when banking facilities of the lumber town were greatly needed, and
to provide a suitable counting room for his bank Air. Burrows in the follow-
ing year, built the first brick block on Court Street. In 1869 Fred II. Potter,
for years well known as the veteran banker of the West Side, became
associated with the Burrows Bank. With the rapid development of the
lumber and salt business of the Saginaw Valley, the bank extended its scope
of usefulness, and came to be regarded as one of the solid institutions of its
kind in Michigan.
The enormous transactions and business of the Bust Brothers and other
lumbermen interested in large timber land deals, were largely made through
the Burrows I '.auk. and it acquired a reputation for conservative management.
In the financial panics of 1873 and subsequent years this bank was justly
. la
A/. } zfjjm U^R'
FIVE CENTS
. Ifcmdty&fcx. y' GEOBGE L.BTJRROWS
r-.iM,l„ \ V
Nov. IM"' 18 (52.-*
SCRIPT OF THE CITY OF SAGINAW. CIRCULATED IN THE E I GH TE E N -SI XTI ES
BANKS AND BANKING 751
held to be one of the strongest banks in the State, having, it was said, more
specie in its vaults than many large city banks of two or three times the
liability. After a successful career of fifty-three years, nearly all of which
was spent in the one banking office, its business was taken over in 1915 by
the Bank of Saginaw.
The First National Bank of Saginaw
This bank of long and honorable career, like some others of this city, had
its origin in a private banking institution. In 1866 the banking house of
.Miller. Braley & Company was funned by Marry Miller and Alfred F. R.
Braley, which soon acquired a profitable business. So successful and solid
was this bank that, as the city grew and greater banking facilities were needed,
it was merged into the First National Bank of Saginaw. This bank was
organized in 1870 with J. E. Shaw as president and Smith 1 'aimer as cashier.
Air. Smith was succeeded by Alfred F. K. Braley who continued in the office
of cashier until his death in August, 1880. In 1881 the officers were: Ammi
\Y. Wright, president; Charles \Y. Wells, vice-president; William Powell,
cashier, and Smith 1 'aimer, assistant cashier. These officers and Reuben
Kimball and Gordon Corning composed the board of directors.
The condition of this bank on May 9, 1X81. is shown by the following
statement :
Resources Liabilities
Loans and discounts $753,860.14 Capital $200,000.00
U. S. bonds 50.000.00 Surplus and profits .... 71,827.53
Due from banks 7JH7.70 Bank notes outstanding. 45,000.00
Furniture and fixtures.. 3,000.00 Deposits 560,273.49
Current expenses 5.226.14 .Votes rediscounted 3X.?'J2.22
Specie and other cash. . . 93,569.26
Redemption fund 2.250.00
$915,693.24 $915,693.24
Afterward Thomas W. Stalker assumed the office of cashier, which
position he held until the bank was absorbed by the Bank of Saginaw, in
1898. For several years after, its office was used by the Saginaw County
Savings Hank, which had been organized by Richard Khuen, A. P. Bliss,
[saac 1 'arsons and others, but it in turn was consolidated with the Bank of
Saginaw which, by previous acquirement of banks in this city, has become
the largest bank in this section of Michigan.
A Run on the Bank
Many years ago, when confidence in our banks was less firm and univer-
sal than now, there was a miniature run on the national bank at Saginaw
City. It started from so ridiculous a cause as to he a matter of amusement
to all who knew about it. Dark- whispers passed from ear to ear that "some-
thing was rotten in Denmark." or. in other words, that a heavy depositor
had called for his money to the great inconvenience of the bank, and the
shaking of its financial base. It was a very nonsensical piece of business,
and according to A. F. R. Braley, cashier of the bank, publicity was simply
mixing the sublime with the ludicrous.
"On Wednesday last." said Mr. Braley, "a German by the name of
Schick, who keeps a saloon in the city, came to me and asked me to sign
a petition for him to obtain a renewal of his license. This I refused to do,
stating that I had signed one already and that the law did not contemplate
a man signing more than one petition for the same purpose. At this reply
Air. Schick became very much incensed and said:
752 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
' 'Mr. Burrows, he sign four petitions, why you no sign mine, eh?'
''Mr. Burrows may sign a hundred if he pleases, that is none of my
business,' J replied.
" '\\ ell, I got money in this bank and I take him out.'
''Do so, sir, you know the method to pursue in the matter."
" 'Well, I draw my check and I demand my money.'
' 'All right,' 1 said, turning away. 'Mr. teller pay Air. Schick the balance
of his account.'
"This was done and Air. Schick's check for thirty-three dollars and fifty
cents was immediately cashed, to his great astonishment, and he departed.
Yesterday we were surprised and somewhat annoyed by a constant influx of
depositors with their several checks calling for sums of from five to twenty
dollars, to the number of home thirty or forty. This constituted the run on
the bank in which the footings of money paid out did not anywhere near
approximate other busy days within the month.
"Alter standing on the corner for several hours talking about the
grievances of their friend Schick, and noting the usual heavy deposits being
made in the bank by the merchants and regular customers, the money in their
pockets began to grow heavy, and one by one they slipped back inside and
redeposited it. Xo person with knowledge of the strength of this bank
could for a moment have thought of its failure. It never yet had to sue for
the payment of a note. It has not one dollar charged to profit and loss
account, and can pay one dollar and fifteen cents on the dollar tomorrow, if
demanded. This is stated to show the ludicrous character of the whole
business."
Citizens' National Bank
The second national bank to be organized at Saginaw City was the
Citizens' National, which was chartered in October, 1880. Daniel Hardin
was president, Lewis Penoyer, vice-president, and D. W. Briggs was cashier.
The officers and C. II. Green and Benton Hanchett composed the board of
directors. Its capital was . itie hundred thousand dollars; and it did a general
banking business including the "issuing of exchange upon the leading cities
of this and other countries." ( In < tctober 5. 1887, its surplus and undivided
profits amounted to fifty-nine thousand two hundred and ninety-two dollars;
and its total resources were six hundred fifty-five thousand six hundred and
seventy dollars. Not long after, because of differences among the directors,
this bank was liquidated, the Bank of Saginaw and the Commercial National
Hank resulting from the dissolution.
Saginaw County Savings Bank
The organization of this bank, which was the first of its class at Saginaw
City, was effected on December 1, 1886, but it was not until February 1,
1887. that it began business with a capital of fifty thousand dollars. The
banking office was located in the Parsons Block, at Hamilton and Ames
Streets. In 1905 it removed its office to the old First National Bank building,
at Hamilton and Court Streets, the national bank having dissolved several
years preceding. Until January 1. 1907, the Savings Hank was purely a
savings institution, but on that date the articles of association were changed
to permit the transaction of a general commercial business. Like other local
banks, it was absorbed by the Hank of Saginaw. Charles A. Khuen, its presi-
dent and former treasurer, becoming vice-president and assistant cashier of
the larger institution.
BANKS AND HANKING
753
NOTE SCRIPT OF THE TITTABA WASSE E BOOM COMPANY
This scrip! circulated as currency In the Eighteen-seventies and drew interest at the rate
of ten per cent, per annum. At that time this was the prevailing rate of interest on loans,
and savings deposits and certificates drew six per cent, interest.
The Strength of Saginaw Banks
It has been truly said that the banks of a city may be regarded as the
guardian of the people's exchequer, and as a barometer of the growth and
prosperity of any community. A wise, conservative banking system, tinc-
tured with a progressive spirit, is one of the corner stones of financial pros-
perity, and in this respect Saginaw is in the front rank of cities of its class.
In times of panic and business depression our banks have ever stood the
stress and strain without serious disturbance, and there has been a notable
growth in the business transacted, that could come only from wise and
conservative management. aided by steady progress of the community.
In 1907 the capital, surplus and deposits of the live national and State
banks were as follows :
Capital Surplus Deposits
Second National $200,000.00 $563,478.00 $3,955,502.49
People's Savings 50,000.00 65,243.91 894,036.81
Commercial National 100,000.00 128,198.82 1,005,889.83
Bank of Saginaw 400,000.00 425,382.57 5,587,088.60
Saginaw County Savings 50,000.00 94,976.51 S73.O15.02
$800,000.00 $1,275,279.81 $12,315,532.75
George L. Burrows & Company (private bank, no report.)
A Comparative Statement
A condensed comparative statement of the Saginaw banks for 1897, 1907
and 1917, shows a remarkable growth of banking business in twenty years,
and reflects the development of manufactures and mercantile trade of the
city in that period :
Resources
May 14, 1897 May 20, 1907 March 5, 1917
Loans and discounts $4,230,141.53 $7,352,428.19 $12,336,739.64
Bonds and stocks 1.407,380.42 4,549,062.99 6,712,863.50
Banking houses and other
real estate 198,800.25 159,572.94 349,035.00
Cash and due from other
banks 1,074,700.83 2.626,243.44 4,844,259.95
$6,911,023.03 $14,687,307.56 $24,242,898.09
754
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Liabilities
Capital stock $ '00,000.00
Surplus and undivided profits 724,328.46
Circulation 267.815.00
Premium and reserve for int.
Deposits 5,018,879.57
800.000.00
1.275.274.S1
296,500.00
12,315,532.75
$1,300,000.00
1,973,778.52
250.000.00
95,736.07
20,623,383.50
S« ,,911 ,1 )23.i i3 $14.i i87,3l >7.?< i S24.242.898.09
The very satisfactory showing of the banks on March 5, 1('17. the date
of an official statement, is clearly evident from a casual study of the following
figures presented in condensed form:
Lank of Saginaw
Second National
( ierman-American
People's Savings.
Commercial Nat'I
Bank of Saginaw
Second National
< ierman-American
People's Savings.
( < immercial Nat'I
Resources
Loans and
1 liscounts
Bonds and
Stocks
Banking
Houses
Restrve
. . $5,217,675.23
. . 4,499,862.41
.. 1,080,371.56
756,969 . i
781,861.00
$3,572,087.78
1,611,680.52
74(..041.54
517.370.86
265,682.80
SI- '7.500
45,000
31.800
i — -» -
.ii >., 5b
38.000
$2,435,412.78
1,394,048.04
454,762.33
420,931.78
139,105.02
12,336,739.64
$6,712,863.50
$349,035
$4,844,259.95
Liabilities
Capital
. . $500,000 J
. . 500.1 ' ' I
. . 100,000
Surplus, etc. Pre
5896,136.30
696,745.09
62,975.93
120. 5 23.7D
197,397.50
tniuni, Cir. . etc.
$85,736.07
260,000.1 0
Deposits
$9,940,803.42
6,093,845.88
2, 149,999.50
. . 100,000
1.511,483.38
100,000
927,251.32
$1,300,000 $1,973,778.52 $345,736.07 $20,623,383.50
< hi January 1. 1918, the capital and surplus, cash and reserve, and de-
posits of the five Saginaw hanks and one trust company were:
Capital and Surplus Cash and Reserve Deposits
Bank of Saginaw $ 1.434.529.30 s 2,812,374.32 $10,614,850.55
Second National 1.228.375.38 1,048,807.94 h.209.888.12
American State Bank 161,299.58 535.SS3.12 2,298,298.16
People's Savings Bank.... 218.121.43 288,829.77 1.334,106.30
Commercial Nat'I Hank... 200,996.21 246,089.54 986,240.53
Saginaw Valley Trust Co... 250.000.00 46,791.38 100,109.05
$ 3,4' »3.321. 'i0 $ 4,978,776.07 $21,543,492.71
Probably few cities of the size of Saginaw can show a more substantial
growth in the business of its banks. In twenty years the capital, surplus
and undivided profits of our banks have doubled, and the deposits have
quadrupled now exceeding twenty million dollars. In the same period the
loans and discounts have trebled, investments in bonds and stocks more than
quadrupled, and the cash resources increased from one million and seventy-
four thousand ti > four million eight hundred and forty-four thousand dollars.
These figures certainly reflect the thrift and prosperity of the people, and
encourage the hope that a still brighter era is opening for this city.
BANKS AND BANKING 755
Bank of Saginaw
The standing of every community is to a certain degree based upon the
soundness of its banking institutions, and the progress made upon the broad
yet conservative management of its bankers. The Bank of Saginaw has
been a tower of strength in the upbuilding of Saginaw, and is one of the
pillars upon which the commercial rating of the city depends. It was organ-
ized in 1888, succeeding to the business of the Citizens National Bank which
was one of the leading banks of Saginaw City.
The Citizens National Bank was organized in 1880 by the later Daniel
Hardin. Washington S. Green, L. Penoyer and others, and conducted an
active and prosperous business, its safe and conservative methods commend-
ing it to the confidence and approval of the citizens of Saginaw and vicinity.
Transacting a general banking business, loaning money mi approved security,
discounting acceptable commercial paper, issuing exchange upon the leading
cities of this and foreign countries, and paying careful attention to collections,
the bank built up a large business. The officers were: 1). Hardin, presi-
dent; L. Penoyer, vice-president; and I'. \\ . Briggs, cashier; and the bank-
ing office was located at 400 Court Street.
The Hoard of Directors was composed of the officers and \Y. S. Green,
of Green, Ring & Company, Green & Noble. Green. Hardin & Company and
the Tobacco River Lumber Company; P. Bauer, the well known clothier:
and ( i. K. Grout, an attorney of twenty years experience. The condition of
the bank on ( Ictober 5, 1887, as shown in a published report, had a paid-in
capital of one hundred thousand dollars, a surplus fund of twenty-five thou-
sand dollars, and undivided profits of thirty-four thousand three hundred
dollars, while its resources amounted to six hundred fifty-five thousand, six
hundred and seventy dollars.
Upon acquiring this valuable banking business the Bank of Saginaw,
with a capital and surplus of two hundred thousand dollars, was in a position
to extend its field of legitimate banking, and accommodate the large lumber-
ing interests in extensive timber land deals and in huge lumbering operations.
The directors were: Aaron T. Bliss, Myron Butman, Peter Bauer, Arthur
Barnard, W. S. Green, Benton Hanchett, Thomas Merrill. Clark L. Ring and
James E. Vincent. The increasing business of the bank was in charge of
Myron Butman. president ; Benton Hanchett. vice-president; I). V . Briggs,
cashier; and A. 1). F. < lardner, assistant cashier.
In its equipment and facilities for doing an extensive business the Bank
of Saginaw is unexcelled; and its history shows a constant growth. Not
only has it gained a high place in the confidence of the people and extended
its business along progressive and safe and conservative lines, but it has added
greatly to its prestige and the volume of its transactions by the acquisition
of other and smaller banks in Saginaw, by absorption and consolidation. Its
advancement in this regard is very marked, no less than live prosperous insti-
tutions having been brought under its management. This expansion has
resulted in a general broadening of its operations, and it reaches out to every
section of the city for increasing business, and at the same time affording
banking facilities to business men and others never before directly served by
any bank.
The first bank to be consolidated with the Bank of Saginaw was the First
National Bank of Saginaw, whose president was Ammi W. Wright, of Alma.
This amalgamation took place early in 1898, and added a considerable busi-
ness to that of the former bank. At this time Thomas \Y. Stalker, cashier of
the First National, joined the official force of the Bank of Saginaw. For about
eight years he held the position of first assistant cashier, but ill health com-
pelled him to resign.
756
HISTORY UF SAGINAW COUNTY
EAST SIDE OFFICE OF THE
BANK OF SAGINAW
On January 1, 1899, the American Commercial & Savings Bank, of which
William Barie was president, sold its business, good will and banking prop-
erty to the Bank of Saginaw. The East Side office of the latter bank, which
had been established December 1.?, 1897, was thereupon removed into the
banking office of the American Hank, and Hugo 1 1. Wesener, former cashier,
assumed the office of assistant cashier. The business of the older bank was
thus greatly increased, and from this time began to be regarded as a large
factor in financial affairs of the East Side.
The policy of encouraging consolidation of the banking interests was
continued, and in May, 1907, the extensive business and valuable banking
office of the Savings Bank of East Saginaw, on Genesee Avenue, was taken
over by the progressive Bank of Saginaw. This was a master stroke, as the
amalgamation added a large savings bank business to the latter bank, and at
once made it the largest and most powerful banking institution in Saginaw
Valley and, indeed, in the whole eastern and northern sections of the State,
and it is now the largest bank in Michigan outside of Detroit. The deposits
of the Bank of Saginaw at that time exceeded five and a half million dollars,
and its total resources exceeded six and a half millions.
Still not content with the magnificent business thus attained by these
consolidations and by the natural increase in business due to careful and
BANKS AND BANKING
757
conservative conduct of its business, the bank absorbed the savings bank
business and property of the Saginaw County Savings Bank, a solid and suc-
cessful institution which had been founded by the late Richard Khuen, Aaron
T. Bliss, Isaac Parsons and others, nearly thirty years before. This consoli-
dation resulted in Charles A. Khuen, former treasurer of the savings bank,
being elected vice-president and first assistant cashier of the Bank of Sagi-
naw, a position he has since held. In 1915 the business of the private bank of
George L. Burrows & Company, the oldest banking institution in the valley,
was taken over by the big bank, further reducing the number of banks in
this city.
To keep pace with the expanding business and offer superior facilities for
the accommodation of the people, the bank purchased the property at the
corner of Court and Hamilton Streets, and in 1911 and 1912 erected a line
modern banking office, splendidly equipped with every appliance and con-
venience for the rapid and successful conduct of its large business on the West
Side. Meanwhile, the business of the East Side office, which had become
extensive, had been moved into the fine banking office of the old Savings
Bank of East Saginaw, which offered superior facilities for conducting an
increasing business.
The expansion, so far as office equipment and conveniences, did not
cease here, and in 1912 the bank purchased the private bank of Lockwood &
Barnard, at South Saginaw, which had been established several years before.
Soon after a new and complete banking office was erected at the corner of
Fordney and Center Streets, the center of the business section. Not long
SPACIOUS AND CONVENIENTLY ARRANGED BANKING OFFICE
AT 310-12 GENESEE AVENUE
758
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
after another branch office was established at North Saginaw, in a modern
business block which had been built some time before by the late Aaron T.
Bliss, once governor of Michigan. The total assets of the Bank of Saginaw
are now i 1918) in excess of thirteen million dollars.
The officers of the Bank of Saginaw, in 1918, were: Benton Hanchett.
president; Otto Schupp, vice-president and cashier; C. A. EChuen, vice-presi-
dent and assistant cashier; S. S. Roby, F. J. Schmidt. A. B. Williams, R. T.
Wallace, assistant cashiers; and J. Hollandmoritz, auditor. The directors
were: Benton Hanchett, II. I'.. Allen, William Baric, Arnold Boutell, Charles
F. Brenner, Edgar D. Church. William C. Cornwell, Fred J. Fox, Theodore
Jluss, C. A. Khuen, J. < i. Macpherson, E. A. Robertson, ( )tto Schupp, G. M.
Stark. William J. Wickes and George W. Weadock.
Statement of Condition
At the Close of Business, December 31, 1917.
Resources Liabilities
Loans and Discounts. .$ 5,991,813.01 Capital Stock $ 500,000.00
Bonds and Mortgages.. 3,470,708.66 Surplus 700,000.00
Banking Houses, etc.. . 202,242.93 Undivided Profits 234,529.30
Cash anil in Banks 2,812,374.32 Bills Payable & I'rem. 427,759.07
Deposits 10,614,850.55
$12,477,138.92 $12,477,138.92
THE WEST SIDE OFFICE OF THE BANK OF SAGINAW
BANKS AND BANKING 759
The Saginaw Valley Trust Company, Saginaw, Michigan.
This strong and well managed trust company, the youngest of Saginaw's
financial institutions, received its charter from the banking department of the
State of Michigan, and opened its doers for business on January 3, 1917. The
capital stock as originally subscribed was two hundred thousand dollars, and
the surplus fund was fifty thousand, a financial backing of ample strength ti>
enable the company to handle any and all business that may be entrusted to it.
If this of itself were not sufficient to create for it a permanent feeling of
security and stability among the people, its list of more than one hundred
stockholders, who comprise the most substantial and successful business men
of Saginaw and Eastern Michigan, would certainly place the institution in
the forerank of Michigan trust companies.
Its first board of directors consisted of George A. Alderton, William J.
Orr, Samuel E. Symons, W. I. Rachow, Benjamin G. Appleby, William B.
Baum. W. I . Cooper, Peter Drummond, Otto Dittmar, Joseph W. Fordney,
Julius R. Liebermann, Charles E. Lown, August C. Melze. Harry E Oppen-
heimer, John II. Qualman and William C. Wiechmann, of Saginaw; and
William C. Fitzpatrick, Frank W. Blair and John P. Hemmeter, of Detroit;
C. F. Bach, of Sebewaing; H. A. Chamberlain, of Standish, and George M.
Nason, of Chesaning, Michigan.
Its first officers were: George A. Alderton, president; W. J. < >rr, S. E.
Symons and W\ J. Rachow, vice-presidents; W. J. Rachow, secretary:
William Meissner, assistant secretarv ; William B. Baum, treasurer: and
Charles F. Peckover, manager of the abstract department.
The banking house of the Saginaw Valley Trust Company, conveniently
located at 109 South Jefferson Avenue, is well appointed and properly ar-
ranged for the transaction of business which comes to its several departments.
At the front is the conference room and office of the secretary, adjoining
which is the savings department with its burglar proof vaults. In the large
space at the rear of the office is the Abstract Department, in which is filed
the only complete set of abstract books of Saginaw County. The department
is in charge of competent and experienced clerks, who make abstracts of title,
check up and extend old abstracts, and attend to business of this nature.
The company does a general trust business and acts as executor under
wills, administrator of estates, trustee for bond issues or for minor children;
receiver or assignee, registrar and transfer agents for corporations, and in
all other recognized trust capacities. There is a large field in this section of
the State for the exercise of these functions, and this company is perfectly
equipped to care for all the business offered.
A feature of the Savings Department is the liberal form of its Certifi-
cates of Deposit, which yield interest at the rate of four per cent, per annum.
Certificates are issued in any amount from one hundred dollars and upward,
and may be sent through the mails without risk of loss or theft. Interest is
computed from date money is received; and if funds are not withdrawn the
certificates automatically renew each year, the holder receiving the interest
semi-annually by mail as long as the deposit continues. All the necessarv
records of certificates are kept by the company, thus relieving the holder of
watching interest dates. The certificates are the direct obligation of this
company, secured by the capital stock, surplus, and an additional stock-
holders liability of two hundred thousand dollars.
At the annual meeting of the stockholders, on December 11. I'M/, the
number of directors for the second year was reduced to seven; and the
officers were re-elected, with the exception of treasurer whose office was
combined with that of the secretary.
760
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
THE SECOND NATIONAL BANK BUILDING
The Second National Bank.
The Second National Bank of Saginaw was organized and incorporated
in December, 1871, and has successfully passed through the financial vicissi-
tudes of the past forty-eight years, with an unbroken record of conservatism,
fair-dealing and absolute safety to its depositors.
The history of this old and sound bank rightly begins with a reference to
the banking house of C. K. Robinson & Company, which was established in
January, 1866. Its office was originally in a building erected on the ground
where the old Exchange Hotel stood "before the tire." The capital of this
private bank was twenty thousand dollars, composed of equal shares paid
in by C. K. Robinson, Doctor George W. Fish. W. W. Woodhull and N. C.
Richardson. C. K. Robinson was manager, and W. E. McKnight was teller
and bookkeeper. In the Fall of 1867 Mr. W Ihull withdrew his interest,
which was followed by the same action of some other partners, so that in
December. 1870, Mr. Robinson was the sole representative of the original
concern. In the following January Alice L. Coats, a daughter of Colonel W.
L. P. Little, having invested five thousand dollars in the capital of the bank,
became an equal partner with him.
BANKS AND BANKING 761
On March 12, 1872, the banking house of C. K. Robinson & Company
was taken over by the Second National Bank of Saginaw. The capital stock
was two hundred thousand dollars, and the first officers of the latter insti-
tution were: C. K. Robinson, president; Roswell G. Horr, cashier; and Y\ .
H. Coats, assistant cashier. The directors were C. K. Robinson, R. G. Horr,
A. B. Wood, George W. Morley and F. P. Sears. The banking office was
conveniently arranged in a central location, adjoining the Bliss Block (Mason
Building) on Genesee Street, which it occupied for nearly twenty-four years.
Its success in the banking world was based on a due regard for the safety of
its patrons and strict adherence to a narrow road of caution and integrity.
On January 1, 1896, the Second National Bank took over and absorbed
the Home National Bank of Saginaw, which went into liquidation. This was
an important move for the former bank, as it gained a large and profitable
business, and its prestige was correspondingly increased. The bank thus
fell heir to the oldest banking institution in Saginaw Valley, which traced its
origin, through the old Merchant's National Bank, to the private bank of
\\ . L. P. Little & Company which was established in November, 1855. It
is a historical fact of some interest that The Second National Bank of Sagi-
naw, and the banks to which it succeeded, have been in continuous business
in this city for a period of sixty-three years.
The Second National Bank at once removed its banking office to the
Home Bank Building, which is advantageously situated on North Washing-
ton Avenue, near Genesee Avenue, close to the center of the city's business
section. The banking office was remodled, enlarged and refitted throughout
much to the improvement and convenience of the bank: and alterations have
since been made which have rendered the office well appointed and fully
equipped for the transaction of a large business.
All branches of commercial banking, including foreign exchange, are
conducted; and a savings department and safety deposit vaults are main-
tained. Each department is managed by a competent head, with capable and
courteous employees. The commercial department is located on the main
floor, where the largest part of the bank's business is transacted. Here are
also the offices of the president and cashier; also a director's room. On the
ground floor are the savings department and safety deposit vaults.
Interest on savings deposits is paid at the rate of four per cent, per
annum, and savings accounts may be opened with a deposit of one dollar or
more. A savings account will provide for emergencies which are likely to
arise in the best regulated families. The husband and wife saving for less
prosperous days, the child forming the habit of saving, the professional man
laying away the fruits of an exceptional year, or the business man putting
safely away his private income and surplus profits, should all open a savings
account. For this purpose The Second National Bank offers every facility.
The bank gives particular attention to its Safety Deposit Vault Depart-
ment, which offers absolute security against fire or burglary at a moderate
rental. The boxes are of various sizes to meet every need; and the vaults are
in charge of a special custodian and afford the utmost privacy and protection.
The continued growth and influence of this bank, as indicated by its
statements and the good will of its patrons, are very tangible evidences of
the high regard in which the institution is held by the business interests in
this section of the State. With ample capital, a wide banking experience
and conservative management, this bank offers every reasonable inducement
and facility which a commercial and savings bank can offer. It offers to its
patrons the service of trained minds for advice in business matters, and
many a Saginawian has received counsel as to the business that has been in-
valuable and brought success to his efforts.
762 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
This branch of its activities has brought The Second National Bank of
Saginaw into close touch with commercial affairs, and has bound many-
patrons by ties of gratitude and obligation that are as real an asset as actual
cash in making for strength and solidity. This bank stands for the best
principles in banking, and not in the slightest degree does it deviate from
this standard, public confidence and trust being exemplified in every way by
those who come into touch with the institution.
In 1918 the officers of The Second National Bank of Saginaw were:
George B. Morley. president; Walter S. Eddy, vice-president; Albert H.
Morley, vice-president; Edward W. Glynn, cashier: and Alfred 11. Perrin,
assistant cashier. The directors were George B. Morley, Walter S. Eddy,
Stanford T. Crapo, Frank D. Ewen, Arthur D. Eddy, James B. Peter,
William H. Wallace, Frederick Carlisle, Peter Corcoran, Charles A. Bigelow,
and Elmer J. Cornwell.
George W. Morley was one of the organizers of this bank in 1871, be-
came a director at that time and remained a director for forty-three years.
For twenty-four years, from 1877 to 1901. he was president of the bank.
The years of his service covered an eventful period in the country's his-
tory. They were years of the opening and settlement of a vast new domain,
of the building of railroads, of the re-establishment of specie payments fol-
lowing the paper money of Civil War days, of the rapid growth of cities and
of great private fortunes ; of change from individualistic to corporate
methods. His mind comprehended the great movements of his times, and
his good sense and sound judgment made his voice, in counsel, always
weighty, and his unimpeachable integrity (the dominant characteristic of the
man) made him a tower of strength to the bank and in the community.
The entry of George B. Morley into the institution was in the early days
of its existence. He began as a teller in the bank in February, 1876, and rose
through various positions to that of cashier in 1882. an office which he held
for many years. This, however, was not the zenith of his banking career,
for in 1901 he was elected president of the bank, which he still holds. Mr.
Morley is justly regarded as one of the big bankers of the Middle West. He
is a diligent student of finance, ami has held the office of president of the
Michigan Bankers' Association.
Walter S. Eddy, long connected with the bank on the board of directors,
was elected vice-president in 1901. In this advisory relation to the inner
affairs and policy of the bank, he has given willingly of his time and counsel,
much to the aid of the other officials. Mr. Eddy's large commercial interests
in Saginaw, as well as his active interest in the welfare of the city, entitle
him to the high regard in which he is held by business men and citizens
generally.
Albert H. Morley, vice-president, who formerly was treasurer of Morley
Brothers large hardware establishment, came to the bank in January, 1901.
lie lias since acted in a fiduciary capacity with ability and entire confidence
and satisfaction of the bank's customers.
Edward W. Glynn, the cashier, joined the bank's forces on January 22,
1883, and has risen to the position of executive officer through practically all
the various positions in bank work. He started as messenger in the old
Merchant's National Bank in 1872, and by sheer force of character and native
ability rose to the position of paying teller. In 188" he was elected assistant
cashier of the Second National Bank, and in 1901 was advanced to the cash-
iership, which has has since held. He has a large capacity for handling
details of large enterprises and responsibilities, and no one has a broader or
firmer grasp of the bank's affairs than lie.
BANKS AND BANKING
763
Alfred W. Perrin, assistant cashier, began in the service of the bank on
February 1, 1884, filling the position of individual bookkeeper. He was
advanced to general bookkeeper, succeeding John S. Goldie, and later was
teller, following the service of Albert J. Morley, now a resident of the State
of Washington. After serving as teller for many years Mr. Perrin was pro-
moted to the position of assistant cashier, which he still holds.
Eugene Dietz, auditor, is next to the oldest employee of the bank, and its
predecessors. His service in the one banking office covers a period of more
than forty-four years. He joined the force of the old Merchant's National
Bank on December 18. 1873, was transferred to the service of the Home
National Bank, when its business was taken over by the latter institution in
1882, and his services were once more sought by The Second National Bank,
when it purchased the Home National Bank, on January 1, 1896. This is a
record of long and faithful service, in practically similar capacities, seldom
equalled.
Statement of Condition
At the Close of Business, December 31, 1917
Resources
Loans and Discounts
United States Bonds.
Other Bonds Owned.
Federal Reserve Bank-
Banking House ...
Due from U. S. Treas'r
$5,090,277.06
667,615.00
1,553,957.31
30,000.00
45,000.00
15,500.00
Cash and Banks 1,048,807.94
Liabilities
Capital Stock $ 500,000.00
Surplus Fund 500,000.00
Undivided Profits ....
Quarterly Dividend 3%
Special Bond Deposit.
National Bank Notes.
Mills Redisc< lunted . . .
Deposits
228.375.38
15,000.00
240,000.00
250,000.00
507,893.81
6,209,888.12
$8,451,157.31
$8,451,157.31
MAIN BANKING OFFI
OND NATIONAL BANK
764
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
People's Savings Bank.
For more than a quarter of a century the People's Savings Bank of
Saginaw has been one of the strung hanking houses of this city, as well as of
the State. It was organized under State charier on November 17, 1886, very
largely through the efforts of former Judge John A. Edget ; and opened for
business in February, 1887, in a temporary banking office in the Bliss Block,
at Genesee and Washington Streets. Shortly after the bank removed to a
well appointed office in the Weaver Block at the southwest corner of Genesee
and Franklin Streets.
THE PERFECTLY APPOINTED OFFICE OF THE PEOPLE'S SAVINGS BANK
The capital stock was fifty thousand dollar-, and the original list of
stockholder-, was composed of such substantial business men as John J.
Rupp, Philip II. Ketcham, William C. McClure, John W. Howry. Gurdon
Corning, George B. Wiggins, Henry A. Batchelor, Edwin N. Wickes, Jacob
Schwartz, Lorenz Hubinger. William B. Baum, Charles H. Eames, Benjamin
F. Webster, John A. Fdget and John F. Boynton. The first officers of the
lank were: John A. Edget, president; John J. Rupp, vice-president; and
fohn F. Boynton, secretary and treasurer. Fred C. Zimmerman was the first
teller, succeeded in ISSN by Herman A. Wolpert.
The People's Savings Bank is known, and has always been regarded, as
a reliable and conservative institution, a bank that is pre-eminently what its
name implies. Every branch of legitimate banking is conducted, and its
departments offer ever}- courtesy and facility consistent with sound banking.
Its commercial department carries the accounts of some of Saginaw's large
business institutions; and makes loans on securities and discounts approved
BANKS AND BANKING 765
commercial paper. The savings department is especially strong, paying in-
terest at the rate of four per cent, per annum on savings accounts and certifi-
cates of deposit. It makes mortgage loans on real estate, including good farm
property, and affords every advantage for the prompt transaction of business
accorded it by the People.
There are also safety deposit vaults for rent, which are ample and well
equipped for the convenience of users, as well as the perfect safety of their
valuables from theft and tire. They insure absolute protection for deeds,
mortgages, stocks, notes, wills, insurance policies, abstracts, leases, and
jewels and valuables of all kinds. A valued feature of this service is the
security offered for the keeping of costly family plate and heirlooms, especi-
ally to persons closing and leaving their homes for a time.
The business of the People's Savings Bank, covering a period of thirty
years, has shown a steady and permanent growth. This was very manifest
shortly after 1905 or 1906, and in the latter year the bank acquired the valu-
able property formerly occupied by the Second National Bank, at 204 Genesee
Avenue. The building was constructed for banking purposes, but it was en-
tirely rebuilt providing a new front; and was wholly refurnished with marble
and mahogany fixtures. On February 22, 1907, the bank removed its office
to the new quarters, which were regarded as the most sumptuous and the
best arranged of any bank in the city. In the new offices the business of the
bank has shown increased growth, and the institution has become more
popular than ever witli the people. In 1915 the capital stock was increased
to one hundred thousand dollars.
John F. Boynton. secretary and treasurer from the incorporation of the
bank, came to the organization from the Second National Bank, in which
institution he had held the position of cashier. For thirty-one years he has
served the People's Savings Bank with rare fidelity and steadfastness of
purpose, holding a firm grasp of the bank's affairs and administering them
with ability and conservatism.
Bernard F. Griffin, the assistant treasurer, joined the bank's forces as a
clerk in September, 1891. Through the intervening years to the present he
has filled every position in the routine work of the bank, and a large share of
the responsibility of management now devolves upon him. He has the com-
plete trust of the bank directorate and the confidence of the public, which in
no small degree enhances the success of the bank, designed ami operated for
the People.
In 1918 the officers of the People's Savings Bank were: John J. Rupp,
president; William B. Baum, vice-president; John F. Boynton, secretary and
treasurer; and Bernard F. Griffin, assistant treasurer. The directors were
John J. Rupp, Harry T. Wickes, Samuel I'".. Symons, William B. Baum, L. P.
Mason, Charles W. McClure, John F. Boynton, Peter Drummond and Harry
E. Oppenheimer.
Statement of Condition
At the Close of Business, December 31, 1917
Resources Liabilities
Loans, Discounts, etc... $1,064,500 74 Capital Stock $ 100,000.00
Stocks and Bonds 225,586.66 Surplus 100.000.00
Bank and Fixtures 35,000.00 Undivided Profits 18,121.43
Premium and Overdraft 1,592.22 Dividend Unpaid 6,000.00
Real Estate 7,718.34 Bills Payable 65,000.00
Cash and Deposit sub-
ject to Check 2XX,X2'>77 Dep< .sits 1,334,106.30
s 1 ,( >23,227.73 $1,623,227.73
766
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
MODERN BANKING HOUSE, ERECTED IN 1909
The Commercial National Bank
Thirty years ago a group of prominent business men of Saginaw City,
believing that the commercial interests of the city required another National
bank, organized The Commercial National Bank of Saginaw, with a capital
stock of one hundred thousand dollars. Its charter bore date of July 9, 1888:
and the bank began business in the Andre Block. 115 North Hamilton Street.
The first board of directors w:as composed of Daniel Hardin, Henry
Bernhard, Anton W. Achard, George \Y. Alderton, John F. Brand, Chester
Brown, Edward R. McCarty, Lyman W. Bliss and Robert Ure. Daniel
Hardin \\a> elected president, and M. O. Robinson chosen cashier of the bank.
Mr. Hardin held the responsible position of president until his death,
and in 1903 John F. Brand was elected to fill the vacancy thus caused. George
A. Alderton was then elected vice-president, and M. O. Robinson was re-
elected cashier.
On November 24. 1902, the bank extended its scope by opening a savings
department, which in due course added considerably to its deposits and
brought it in close touch with many small depositors. Accounts are opened
by the deposit of .me dollar or more, upon which interest at the rate of four
per cent per annum is paid.
Mr. Robinson resigned the office of cashier on March Jo. 1908, and was
succeeded by Asa W. Field, an experienced banker, whose appointment to
the cashiership was effective May 1. 1908. The original charter of the bank
expired on July 9, 1908, and was extended by the Comptroller of the Currency
on that date for a period of twenty years.
The Commercial National Bank stands as a financial institution based
on conservatism and utmost care in the transaction of its business. It is
hardly surpassed in safety and solidity, and is a bulwark of strength in the
development of Saginaw's growing enterprises.
To further increase its prestige and afford better facilities for conducting
business, the bank in 1509, through the instrumentality of John F. Brand,
purchased property adjacent to its banking office, and erected thereon a
modern stone structure of beautiful and ornate design. To the construction
BANKS AND BANKING
767
and equipment of this bank building Mr. Field gave personal supervision, and
10 his lung experience and good judgment are due in no small measure the
convenient arrangement and perfect appointments of the banking office. It is
sumptuously furnished with marble and mahogany counters, with bronze
trimmings, a mosaic floor, and the decorations in light and pleasing tones
are in harmony with the general scheme conceived and executed by Mr. Brand.
The perfect lighting of the banking office, by means of large windows on the
front and a high vaulted light in the ceiling, is one of its distinguishingfeatures.
Besides the commercial and savings departments conducted, this bank
has a complete safety deposit vault, with boxes of various sizes, which rent
from two dollars to ten dollars a year, a feature which is growing in favor.
Upon the death of Mr. Field in the Fall of 1914, \Y. L. Paxson, who had
been with the bank since its organization and had held the office of assistant
cashier for several years, was elected cashier; and Edward N. Burke was
elected assistant cashier. < )n January 30, 1916, George A. Alderton was
elected president, Joseph W. Fordney and R. T. Maynard vice-presidents.
Mr. Maynard, a banker of eighteen years experience, assumed an active offi-
cial position.
Mr. Paxson retired from the cashiership on April 6, 1917, whereupon Air.
Maynard took over the duties of this official position. In 1918 the officers
were: George A. Alderton, president ; J. W. Fordney and J. F. Brand, vice-
presidents; R. T. Maynard, cashier, and E. N. Burke, ass't cashier. The first
four officers and A. A. Alderton, A. C. Melze comprised the board of directors.
Statement of Condition
Resources
Loans, Discounts, etc.. .$
Federal Reserve Bank..
Banking House
Due from U.S. Treasurer
Cash & Reserve in banks
At the Close of Business, December 31, 1917.
990,944.70
o.OOO.OO
38,000.00
5,000.00
24i»,0S0.54
.286.034724
Liabilities
Capital Stock
Surplus
Undivided Profits
National Bank Notes..
100,000.00
100,000.00
996.21
98,797.50
Deposits 986,240.53
$1,286,034.24
THE CONVENIENTLY ARRANGED OFFICE OF THE
COMMERCIAL NATIONAL BANK
768
HISTORY OK SAGINAW COUNTY
INTERIOR EAST SIDE OFFICE OF AMERICAN STATE BANK
The American State Bank
The American State Bank, formerly the German-American State Bank,
of Saginaw, was organized by Emmet L. Beach in 1911, and opened its doors
for business mi Tuesday, January 2, 1912. This was an event of no little in-
terest in the financial history of this city, as the bank commenced business
in two offices, perfectly appointed, one at 41S Genesee Avenue, in the heart
of the business section of the East Side, and the other at North Hamilton and
Hancock Streets, equally well located on the West Side.
Starting with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars and a surplus,
paid in, of fifty thousand dollars, the bank occupied an enviable position. Its
stock was distributed in comparatively small amounts among a large number
of stockholders, comprising prominent business and professional men; and
their standing in the community and the influence exerted by the directors
resulted in this bank making a phenomenal growth, and its business is of the
most substantial character.
The first officers of the bank were: Emmet L. Beach, president; Edwin
Kersten, Ernest V. Parsons and John C. Davies, vice-presidents; Henry T.
Robinson, cashier, ami Sidney <i. Arnold, assistant cashier in charge of the
West Side office. Upon opening for business the bank's resources were eighty-
seven thousand dollars, and on its last report to the Commissioner of Banking
on December 31, 1917, its resources had grown to over two million five hun-
dred thousand dollars, a truly remarkable gain and one reflecting credit on
the management of the bank. It featured certificates of deposits, which
drew interest at the rate of four per cent per annum, and found this liberal
policv regarding interest payments to its depositors made it many friends.
BANKS AND BANKING
769
The bank has always endeavored to be helpful to all legitimate enterprises
and has constantly worked for a better business and farming community.
From the beginning of business this bank has conducted a general com-
mercial and savings business, savings accounts being opened with the deposit
of one dollar or more. Every facility consistent with sound banking principles
is extended to depositors, who meet with every courtesy by obliging em-
ployees. The bank loans money on approved commercial paper, city and
farm property, and on bonds of unquestioned value. In this department, as
in cithers, the greatest care and caution is exercised, conservatism marking
all dealings.
The business that the directors created for it. as well as that which came
through the influence and standing of the stockholders, was considerable, and
the bank became recognized as one of the solid and substantial financial in-
stitutions of the city. Through the six years of its existence the bank has
helped by its financial aid and counsel many concerns which today rank
among the solid institutions of Saginaw. By a judicious and liberal policy
this bank aids materially in promoting sound business enterprises, and is an
active factor in the growing prosperity of the city and county.
In 1918 the board of directors was composed of B. G. Appleby, Charles
Bauer, Emmet L. Beach, E. T. Danby. John C. Davies, < ). L. Dittmar, \V. H.
Filbert, W. F. Hemmeter, Edwin Kersten, A. P. Krause, O. R. Krause, |. R.
Liebermann, C. E. Lown, Henry Meier, Henry C. Remer. F. A. Richter, H. T.
Robinson, G. L. Schulz, W. C. Wiechmann and Henry Witters. The officers
were: Emmett L. Beach, president; Edwin Kersten, John C. Davies and \\ .
F. Hemmeter, vice-presidents; H. T. Robinson, cashier; S. G. Arnold and
G. A. Laesch, assistant cashiers.
WEST SIDE BANKING OFFICE OF AMERICAN STATE BANK
770
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
THE HILL BUILDING
The Hill-Carman Companies
These corporations, which are actively engaged in the real estate, loans
and insurance business, were organized December 1. 1915, and occupy
spacious and well appointed offices in the Hill Building, at 116-18 South
Jefferson Avenue. '1 he incorporators, the same for all three companies, were
Roger R. Hill, Burt A. Carman and Peter Drummond ; and the capital stock
was $50,000 for the Hill-Carman Company, and $25,000 for the Hill-Carman
.Mortgage Company. Roger R. Hill is president, and Burt A. Carman tills the
dual positions of secretary-treasurer and general manager of the corporations.
The business thus established by these enterprising business men, with
offices centrally located and conveniently arranged for the transaction of a
large business, is a very successful one. Its operations cover not only Saginaw
and adjoining counties, but reach out to more distant parts of the State, and
wherever they go a solid foundation is laid for future business. These com-
panies of wide scope and field, conservative, yet liberal and progressive, are
semi-financial institutions deserving of the large business thev enjoy.
"l"he Hill-Carman Company, the principal corporation, transacts a general
real estate business, comprising the purchase and sale of city and farm prop-
erty and the handling of realty for others, ddiis includes conveyancing, the
collecting of rentals and revenues, the paying of taxes, insurance and other
expenses, the making of necessary repairs to buildings, and keeping the prop-
erty in good condition. The examining of titles and the discovery and correc-
tion of defects or clouds to clear and perfect titles, is given particular attention
by Mr. Carman, who is one of the most experienced real estate men in this
part of the State.
BANKS AND BANKING
771
Another important feature of this business is the Home Building Depart-
ment which aims to encourage and promote the owning of permanent homes
by the people. It not only builds houses on vacant property for owners of
the lots, who repay the loans by installments adjusted to their incomes, but
also erects houses in desirable locations for sale on its own account. This
part of the business promises to grow steadily with the rapid increase of the
industrial and commercial prosperity of the city.
A recent development of the company was the purchase of thirty-two
hundred acres of cut-over lands in Clare County, Michigan, situated nine
miles north of Farwell. This land is especially adapted to sheep raising, and is
being rapidly cleared and made read)' for stocking with large flocks. Suitable
buildings are in course of erection to house a number of stockmen and
farmers; and every indication points to the establishment of a large industry.
The Hill-Carman Mortgage Company's principal business is loaning
money for themselves and others on approved city and farm property. More
than three hundred thousand dollars is now outstanding on loans for clients,
all guaranteed by the company, the property upon which the loans have been
made being valued at more than twice that amount. The company attends
to the collection of principal and interest on loans, sees that taxes, insurance
and other matters are paid and attended to, and protects the owners in every
.way. A feature of this service is the privilege granted all clients to withdraw
their money on such investments on short notice. The facilities of the com-
pany for placing loans enables it to quickly find a purchaser, or to purchase
the loan on its own account.
The Hill-Carman Insurance Agency does a general fire and liability
insurance business, with fifteen large and reliable all-American companies.
This includes fire, plate glass, automobile and all forms of liability insurance.
A large business is being developed in this line, as the companies represented
are the oldest and most substantial in the field, having large assets and paying
.
MAIN OFFICE OF THE HILL-CARMAN COMPANIES
772 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
all losses promptly. Bonding and compensation are branches of this business
that receive particular attention by the officials of the company.
In all the activities of these allied companies, Burt A. Carman is the
executive head. He is a real estate man of more than thirty years experience,
his knowledge of realty values, both in the city and in the townships of Sagi-
naw and adjoining counties, rendering his judgment of such value in making
careful loans that the supply of gilt-edge security loans never equals the con-
stant demand. Investors arc fortunate in securing loans which he has ap-
proved and which in addition are guaranteed, both as to principal and interest
by the Hill-Carman Mortgage Co., before offerings are made to clients for the
investment of funds.
WILLIAM W. WARNER
President of the Association, a chartei member, one of the first directors, who
has served on tin- Board for more than thirty years,
The People's Building & Loan Association.
On a rather chilly evening in the late Fall of 1886, in an unheated, inhos-
pitable room on North Washington Avenue, a group of young men, interested
in the idea of mutual savings and investments, first met to discuss the steps
necessary for the organization of a building and loan association in Saginaw.
George j. Little was the moving spirit that brought the group together; and
from that meeting of less than a dozen enthusiasts the germs of mutual say-
ings and home building were inoculated in the community, and the People's
Building & Loan Association came into being.
The building and loan idea had its origin in England. Although associ-
ations of this nature had existed for more than fifty years in this country, and
had prospered, particularly in Philadelphia, at the time of the meeting in
Saginaw there was no law on the statute books of Michigan authorizing the
formation of such associations. The first step was to secure needed legis-
lation. The Legislature was then in session, and William S. Linton, just
starting on his useful public career, was enlisted to present the necessary
measure: and the law desired was placed upon the statutes of the State.
Under this law the local association came into legal existence in March,
1887. The incorporators were: George J. Little, William W. Warner
BANKS AND BANKING
773
William S. Linton, Theodore Huss. Delbert E. Frail, William Seyffardt, L. C.
Holden, John C. Davies, David Swinton, John Gerhart and J. J. W'insor.
These men, with the exception of Mr. Winsor, and J. W. Billing, A. L.
Button, John J. Granville and V. E. Widenmann, comprised the first hoard of
directors.
Upon its organization the board of directors elected William S. Linton,
president, David Swinton, vice-president, George J. Little, secretary, and
William Seyffardt, treasurer. The secretary was the only officer to receive
any salarv, and that was two hundred dollars a year fi ir such time as he could
spare from his regular work. On May 4. 1887, L. C. Holden was appointed
attorney for the association. After fifteen months of precarious existence,
in which business was done "on the most reasonable terms possible," the
association had assets amounting to only seven thousand seven hundred and
ninetv-three dollars.
I
THE WELL APPOINTED OFFICE BUILDING
The first office of the association was on the second floor of the Heaven-
rich Block, but in February, 1888. it was moved to the Avery Block at
Genesee and Jefferson Avenues, where it remained for seven years. Larger
offices in the Courier-Herald Building were then secured and occupied until
dim
>f its own, at 209 South
1915, when the association purchased a
Jefferson Avenue.
In 1889 the association had grown to such an extent that it was deemed
expedient for its secretary, George J. Little, to devote his entire time to its
affairs. For the first time an air of permanency and stability began to per-
vade the organization, and four prosperous years followed. After surviving
the financial storm of 1893, which wrecked realty values in Saginaw to a
greater extent than elsewhere, because its industrial life was changing, the
conditions improved, and there was fresh confidence in the soundness of the
building and loan idea.
It was in 1S98 that the association changed from the "serial plan," upon
which it was organized, to the "permanent plan," giving greater equality and
justice to all members. The change in the By-laws, in January, 1909, per-
mitted an interest rate to borrowing members of six and twenty-four hun-
dredths per cent., instead of seven per cent., was much fairer all around and
proved an important step forward.
774
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
OFFICES OF THE PEOPLE'S BUILDING & LOAN ASSOCIATION
The People's Building & Loan Association of Saginaw is a mutual, co-
operative, financial institution, whose object is to afford its members a safe
and profitable investment for their savings, which are loaned to members
only, and to facilitate their acquiring homes. It is one of the soundest in-
stitutions of its kind todav ; and its aim through co-operation by its members,
is t.> help each other and thereby help themselves. The money saved by the
investing member is accumulated and loaned to aid the borrowing member to
secure a home.
In 1918 the board of directors consisted of the following well known
citizens: William W. Warner, president; Ludwig Schwemer, vice-president;
F. H. lerome. secretary and treasurer; Walter J. Lamson. attorney; John
Parth, Donald Henderson, Alfred H. Perrin, F. J. Zahner, John Popp, W. L.
Miles, Mathias Reinert, Stephen Winkler, W. H. Miller, S. S. Armstrong and
H. D.' Richter.
CHAPTER XXV
THE BENCH AND BAR
The Act of 1859 — Judge Sutherland Was a Pioneer Lawyer — Amusing Mistake
of Juryman — John Moore Comes Upon the Bench — DeWitt C. Gage Was a Diligent
Student — Peculiar Experience With a Jury — Chauncey H. Gage Followed — Creation
of Second Judgship — Eugene Wilber Was a Capable Judge — Early Contemporary
Lawyers — William M. Miller Was a Notable Figure — How a Lawyer's Joke Won a
Case — Augustine S. Gaylord a School Teacher — John J. Wheeler Was Quiet and
Absorbed — Prominent Lawyers Who Came Later — Wisner and Draper Won a High
Place — A Lawyer of the "(Did School" — Why the Saginaw Bar Was Strong — Other
Prominent Lawyers — Prominent Lawyers of Today — A Humorous Incident — In
Conclusi' 'ii.
ALTHOL'GH some of the ablest members of the Saginaw Bar were here
long before 1859, the history of the Bench and Bar properly commences
with the act of that year. Prior to that date Saginaw County, now
alone comprising the Tenth Judicial Circuit, was attached for judicial
purposes first to the Fourth and later to the Seventh District; and the
Court was held by the grave and conscientious Judge Josiah Turner, of
Owosso, and the scholarly pioneer Judge Sanford M. Green, whose legal,
literary and judicial work commenced away back in the early forties.
Soon after the act of 1859 became a law James Birney became Judge
of the Tenth Circuit, then composed of the counties of Saginaw, Gratiot,
Isabella, Midland, Iosco, Bay and Alpena, and continued to discharge the
duties of the office until January, 1864, when he was succeeded by Jabez G.
Sutherland. Whoever speaks of Sutherland must speak favorably, or be
contradicted by the record of his life. As a lawyer, scholar, judge, repre-
sentative in Congress, and legal author of more than ordinary fame, he was
one of the members of our Bar to whom every citizen of Saginaw should
turn with pride.
Judge Sutherland Was a Pioneer Lawyer.
Judge Sutherland was one of the first lawyers to establish a practice in
the county, and was an active member of the convention that framed the
State Constitution of 1850. His practical knowledge of the law was acquired
in sharp competition with John Moore and William L. Webber, who came
to Saginaw shortly after Sutherland located here, and whose legal abilities
and reputations were a constant growth. These pioneers of our Bar, pos-
sessed of the respect and confidence of the people, lived to see the straggling
village around the stockade, to which the settlers had once looked for protec-
tion from the prowling Indian, changed to the prosperous, growing and
wealthy City of Saginaw, and the dark, damp, unbroken wilderness between
Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, and extending to the Straits of Mackinaw,
developed into an agricultural territory of vast extent and fertility. To
these results they contributed their full share, not simply as lawyers, but
as business men and leaders in the great march of improvement.
Before going on the bench Sutherland was universally recognized as
a ready and able lawyer, extremely zealous in the service of his clients.
He seemed to feel honored by the position of Judge, and took pride in dis-
776 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
(barging its duties with judicial fairness. Patient, serene in disposition,
honest in purpose, courteous in demeanor, and just and sound in judgment,
he gained the respect of all and stored up the learning that found expression
in his learned work, "Sutherland on Damages."
Amusing Mistake of Juryman.
The "uncertainties" of the law, as administered in the early days by
juries of curious cosmopolitan character was often commented upon by
the public, and not always to their credit. An amusing incident illustrating
this situation was once related by the late Dan P. Foote, one of the leading
lawyers of the Saginaw Bar, to whom the historian is indebted for much
of the material for this chapter.
"In 1860, a farmer named Stolze lost a two-year black bull, that was
soon found in the field of another farmer across the line in Midland County.
On the trial of a replevin suit before a Midland County farmer justice, the
proof showed that the animal had a dark red stripe on his back and a few-
white hairs at the end of his tail. The justice, after consulting with his
neighbors, decided that the bull had been misdescribed and rendered a
verdict against Stolze. Too poor to appeal the case to the Circuit, Stolze
appealed to a justice in Saginaw County and had the farmer arrested for
stealing the bull. The case had become important to the defendant, and he
employed Sutherland, then in full practice at the Bar. A jury was demanded
and drawn, and the court was held in the village hall, closely packed with
Stolze neighbors and the people about.
"A certain man whom we will call Mr. B. appeared on the panel. The
defendant's lawyer. Sutherland, thought it proper to examine the jury as to
their bias and commenced with Mr. 1!. by asking him if he had formed or
expressed any opinion upon the case.
" 'No,' said B. his face as innocent as a pumpkin.
"'But I mean. Mr. I'..' continued Sutherland, 'have you formed or ex-
pressed to any one an opinion upon the merits of the case f
" 'No,' said B., his face blanker than ever.
"Sutherland knew him; leaning forward and speaking in his quick,
pleasant, persuasive manner, said: 'Fred, whose bull is it."'
"The answer came quickly. 'He Stolze bull, by dam. Jabe; I know
him dis tree year.'
"After all Fred's real mistake was in supposing that he was there as
a witness, and not as a juror."
John Moore Comes Upon the Bench
John Moore followed Sutherland upon the Bench, and it is impossible to
determine from public opinion of the time, which was the better judge. John
Moore was of English birth, but is American in education and sentiment,
this country being the land and home of his achievements. To the sturdy
characteristics of his fatherland he added the genius and thrift and tact of
the born Yankee, and he was a lawyer with a knowledge of the principles
of law, and a skill and judgment in their application equalled by few. He
always had a clear idea where the right lay, and the jury rarely differed
from him in conclusion; yet it was not easy to point out any error in his
charges, and wdiatever influence he exercised over the jury was wholesome.
Sutherland and Moore placed the judicial standard in this county so high
as to make it somewhat embarrassing for their immediate successors.
This situation, however, on the resignation of Judge Moore, did not
deter William S. Tennant from taking his seat upon the Bench, in April.
1874. He was a young man of good general and more than ordinary legal
THE BENCH AND BAR
771
JUDGE JABEZ G. SUTHERLAND
education, of an honest purpose on the Bench, good understanding, and a
ready faculty of making the most of any good idea that came to him. During
the six years he was upon the Bench much important business came before
the Court, and he held the scales of justice with an even hand, and enjoyed
the full confidence and respect of the Bar. In March, 1880, he resigned,
and was succeeded by Colonel DeWitt C. Gage, who for a long time before
his appointment had enjoyed a large and profitable practice.
Judge DeWitt C. Gage Was a Diligent Student
Colonel Gage was a practical, painstaking lawyer, and a most diligent
student who relied upon his books, and felt the greatest confidence when
backed by adjudicated cases. When unable to find a precedent he was little
inclined to make one, being in every respect a conservative. He was an
upright, conscientious judge, and did not disregard the well-known and estab-
lished landmarks of the law. II is habits of thrift forcibly brought to his
attention methods by which the business of the court could be more readily
dispatched, thus materially reducing the expense of it, and, although inno-
vations tending to accomplish such an object were not introduced during
his short term, the effects of his ideas have lived beyond him and time has
justified his course and seen his views put in practice. The marked traits
of his character were a sterling honesty that brooked no compromise with
wrong, strong convictions fearlessly expressed and defended with ardor,
thorough attention to work undertaken, genial hospitality, and a kindly
interest in the rise and advancement of struggling young practitioners. He
died on Sunday, July 31, 1887.
778 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Peculiar Experience With a Jury.
Judges of those days were men of strong convictions of right, yet no
important case is recalled by Mr. Foote where they unduly sought to
influence the jury. Jurors did sometimes discover the bias of the Judge,
however discreet he may have been. One of the well known judges of the
Court, a man of unquestionable fairness and integrity, but of rather strong
notions of right, charged the jury in an unimportant case in the manner he
judged proper and sent them out at six o'clock in the evening to consider
of their verdict, and directed them, when they agreed, to sign and seal their
verdict and deliver it to the clerk, supposing, of course, that they would
agree in a short time.
On coming into Court the next morning the Judge was surprised and
displeased to find that the jury had not agreed, and directed the officer to
bring them before the Court. The Judge had received some intimation as
to how they stood, that did not tend to please him, and in the course of
his remarks to them he said in effect :
"I am surprised that you have not agreed, gentlemen; the amount in-
volved in the case is small, its trial has taken an unusual time, and the
evidence is such there ought to lie little difficulty in agreeing upon a verdict.
It has been intimated to me that you stand eleven to one, if I knew the
name of. the man. I think I would excuse him from further attendance upon
the Court."
Thereupon a little old man from the country, wedged in on the back
seat between two city men of aldermanic proportions, hastily squeezed
himself out, and stepped forward a bit, said :
"No, no, shudge, don't do that, I'm the only man on your side."
Chauncey H. Gage Followed.
The next judge was Chauncey H. Gage, who assumed the office January
1, 1882. He had been prosecuting attorney, and recorder of East Saginaw,
and had enjoyed a good practice. Although quite a young man he was
regarded as a good lawyer, an opinion fully justified by his course upon the
Bench. Always polite and agreeable to all having business before the
Court, he became a very popular judge. Completely independent and honest
upon the Bench, no one ever questioned the motives of his rulings. He pos-
sessed a strong sense of equity and lively sympathy for misfortune, so that
if he sometimes erred in judgment, it was upon the side of charity. Judge
Gage was one of the most companionable of men, open, honest, easy of
approach, affable, free of speech, and possessing a sterling character above
reproach, he commanded the respect and esteem of the community in which
he had lived from early childhood.
The Creation of a Second Judgship.
Under the amendment to the State Constitution, approved by the people
in November, 1888, the Legislature provided another Judge for Saginaw
County, and John A. Edget" was appointed to the newly created judgship.
He was of English, French and Dutch extraction, born in Saginaw Town-
ship August 8," 1849, and inherited integrity, manliness, ambition for better
things and a will to acquire them. As a lad he was earnest, studious and
persevering, and had ambition to excell in his studies and to make thorough
preparation in the school room for the duties of life. He posseessed a
strong character and intense nature, which enabled him to pursue, without
flagging, any end at which he aimed. In preparation for a career in the
law he" entered with zeal, and soon found in the study all that his taste
THE BENCH AND BAR 779
required and his ambition craved, lie read law in the office and under
the instruction of Chauncey I!. Gage, and thus fortified he went to the law
school of the University of Michigan, from which he graduated in April,
1872.
After a year of practice alone, he formed a partnership with D. W.
Perkins, which continued for several years. In 1879 he became associated
with John M. Brooks, and their practice embraced every class of civil
business. For three successive terms he held the office of city attorney of
East Saginaw, and served the city with ability and unswerving fidelity. He
was deeply interested in the discussions leading to the consolidation of the
Saginaws, and was one of the most influential citizens in consummating the
union.
As Circuit Judge Mr. Edget rendered admirable service, and was dis-
tinguished for ability, industry, and thoroughness, and by the promptness
and honesty of his decisions. He ranked high as an orator, and his charges
to the jury were models of perspicuity, precision and accuracy. Later, failing
health alone prevented his nomination for Judge of the Supreme Court.
His mind was clear, his habits methodical, his capacity for work immense.
Always courteous, always kind and polite to everyone, his life seemed to
be beyond criticism.
The Winter Club, of which Judge Edget was an honored member, thus
spoke of him, "Genial and true as a friend, he developed a purity of character,
and integrity of purpose that no act of his life ever sullied. Modest and
unassuming always, we yet instinctively looked to him as an instructor,
adviser and friend."
From 1889 until December 31, 1893, Judge Gage and Judge Edget, hold-
ing separate Courts, continued as judges, and were succeeded by Eugene
Wilber and the late Robert B. McKnight. The latter, after a brief service
on the Bench, was compelled by ill health to resign, and he died in 1895,
on the homeward voyage from Europe, whither he had gone in search of
health. Judge McKnight was a jurist of pleasing address, affable and
kindly in manner, tolerant of misconduct in every form, and patient and
helpful with ignorance and inexperience ; but any attempt at sharp practice
brought upon the offender his prompt condemnation. Much important
business came before him during the short term he was upon the Bench,
which was promptly disposed of to the satisfaction of the Bar. Very few
of his decisions were reversed by the Supreme Court.
In September, 1895, William R. Kendrick, a prominent member of the
Bar, was appointed Circuit Judge by Governor Rich, to fill the vacancy
occasioned by the resignation of Judge Robert B. McKnight. The appoint-
ment came without solicitation on his part, but was due to an unanimous
request by petition of members of the Bar, without distinction of party.
Although active in politics he was free from partisan bias on the Bench :
and all his court decisions, without exception, were sustained by the Supreme
Court.
Eugene Wilber Was a Capable Judge
Judge Wilber, who entered upon the discharge of his judicial duties
January 1, 1894, served for a term of six years, being chosen to the position
(in account of his recognized fitness and superior qualifications. i\s a lawyer
he was especially strong before a jury, and as a judge was very methodical
in conducting the business of his Court. He went straight to the core of a
question or matter presented, and was not disturbed by the plausible argu-
ment of counsel in support of a fallacy. I Ie had the happy faculty of deciding
against a man without offending him, his manner being kindly but firm
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THE BENCH AND BAR 781
when satisfied he was right. There never was a doubt of his integrity of
purpose in reaching' a decision or publishing it. He was strongly inclined
to give a young person a chance to reform if such a desire and life of
honesty was sincerely expressed, but on the utterly depraved and degenerate
who preferred a life of crime, he wasted no sympathy. As a citizen, a soldier,
a lawyer and a jurist. Judge Wilber acquitted himself well.
Early Contemporary Lawyers.
Among the earlier lawyers who were in active practice here with
Sutherland, Moore and Webber, and who finished their practice in the decade
from 1890 to 1900, the names of William M. Miller, Augustine S. Gaylord,
Irving P. Smith and John J. Wheeler, are recalled with satisfaction and
pleasure. For men of sterling character who left their stamp of honor and
probity upon their careers, they deserve and are accorded brief mention here.
William M. Miller Was a Notable Figure.
William M. Miller was a law partner of Jabez G. Sutherland from the
time he came to Saginaw- until the latter went on the Bench. He was a
lawyer by inheritance, his father and grandfather having been leading lawyers
in the Green Mountain State. The firm of Sutherland & Miller was a
strong one and their business large and profitable. Both were able lawyers
and skilled advocates, each in his own peculiar way. No two men ever
worked better together in the practice of the law — each possessed in a
marked degree what the other lacked.
Mr. Miller, always urbane, courteous, and mildly earnest, was a master
of statement and when he stated his client's case or position before the
jury or the Court, in his frank, confidential manner, his case was half won.
Cool, self-possessed, he won by candor where his opponent lost by zeal. He
was well educated, cultivated, polite and refined in manner, and with all
the advantages of learning and wealth there was nothing in his nature of
arrogance or self-assumption. He once said: "After all it is astonishing
how little the best of us know of the law." Honesty was no merit in Mr.
Miller, it was a part of his nature; he could no mure help it than the color
of his hair.
He had a peculiar faculty of identifying himself with the jury so that
they half mistook him for one of the panel, where his arguments took the
form of a confidential discussion, having no objection but a correct deter-
mination of the question they were considering, which, somehow, was
generally found to be on the side of his client. He and the jury generally
"stuck together." An active sense of the ridiculous and a quite way
nf rebuking it, even on serious occasion, without seeming to intend it, was
one of his marked characteristics. This was notably illustrated by an
incident in the Court of an adjoining county.
How a Lawyer's Joke Won.
"Mr. Miller and another lawyer from Saginaw were associated as counsel
for the defense in an important criminal case tried at Midland, soon after
Sutherland became Judge. The charge was an aggravated one. the testi-
mony of the people direct, and the circumstances complicated, while the
defendant was a man of considerable importance in the community. The
testimony for the defendant — some relevant and some not so relevant-
occupied four days in its presentation to the Court.
"A certain lawyer from Saginaw, whom we will designate as A., then
in the height of his popularity at the Bar, had been employed by the county
to assist the prosecuting attorney. On Saturday he closed the argument
782 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
for the people at the noon hour. The excitement was great, and the
Court House literally packed from the time the door was opened in the
morning. A. was a stump speaker as well as lawyer, and. intending to be
fair to "the people who, as he fancied, had come out expressly to hear him,
divided his time impartially between the jury and the audience. Address-
ing the jury in a corner of the room for a few minutes, A. would suddenly
swin-;' around on his heels towards the audience, and with his arms spread
out as if intending to scoop them all in, continue his argument until some
stray idea impelled him to wheel back upon the jury and resume his speech
for a few minutes, thus alternating for two weary hours, until noon.
"The Judge, the lawyers attending the Court, and most of the jury
stopped at Ball's Hotel, and all were soon seated at the long table. A. sat
across the board from Miller, and as soon as all were seated and before
the dinner was brought on, Miller looked up and speaking so as to be
heard by all at the table, said:
"'A., who is that good-looking man on the jury who wears a black coat?
(there were five men on the jury wearing black coats, and all at the table).
"T don't know.' said A. 'Why?'
'•'Oh!' said Miller, '1 met him at the door of the Court House, and he
asked me if Mr. A. was running for Congress.'
"The point of the joke was recognized and appreciated by long con-
tinued laughter.
"After" dinner the Judge charged the jury in his usual clear, concise
and impartial manner, "and they soon returned into Court with a verdict
'not guilty.' A. was afterwards heard to affirm that Miller's little joke
knocked the bottom out of his argument."
Augustine S. Gaylord Began as School Teacher.
Another popular and successful lawyer of the early days was Augustine
S. Gaylord, who was a partner of Tudge Moore, and later of the well-known
firm of Gaylord & Hanchett. He was essentially a Saginaw man who "grew
up with the country." His first employment here was as teacher in the
village school long "before Saginaw aspired to the dignity of a city. In
November, 1851, he was appointed deputy county clerk, and then, his am-
bition arising to become a lawyer, he became a student in the office of John
Moore, and later his partner.
Mr. Gaylord was a large man in every respect, intellectually and
physically, and of a social turn that secured him friends whose good will
was manifested in ways more substantial than mere words. He was dis-
tinguished as a lawyer possessing in a considerable degree those qualities
that gave William M. Miller his influence with the jury. It was said of
him by a friend who knew him well. "While his off-hand opinions were
sometimes subject to revision, I would have more confidence in his con-
clusions after he had examined a question than in the judgment of any other
lawyer in the State." At the time of his death he was Solicitor for the
Department of the Interior.
In personal appearance and deportment Irving P. Smith much resem-
bled Mr. Miller, and his character and mental capacity were of a high order.
He was a law partner of William L. Webber, and during all their association
they enjoyed an extensive, important and profitable practice. As with most
Saginaw lawyers, business thrift closely followed professional success, and
the one has generally been the measure of the other.
John J. Wheeler Was Quiet and Absorbed.
John 1. Wheeler, a lawyer of retiring nature and modest demeanor,
was nevertheless a worthy opponent of his colleagues at the Bar. He was
not conspicuous as an advocate, possessing in no great degree those qualities
THE BENCH AND BAR 183
that excite sympathy or captivate the unthoughtful. Relying alone, and
with a fair degree of success, upon the cold logic of his argument, appreci-
ated in proportion to the intelligence of those he sought to convince, he
presented his case in the same tone and manner with which he would advise
a client in his office. He was kind and generous, but not demonstrative,
and usually quite absorbed in his own reflections.
It is said by a friend of Mr. Wheeler, of a jovial, bluff nature, met
him one morning on the way to Court. Wheeler appeared to be lost in
thought, and as they approached each other the friend said, "Why, John,
what are you mad about?" Wheeler simply glanced at him in an inquiring
way, and without further recognition passed on.
About a year afterward the two met again near the same place, and as
it was one of Wheeler's off days of mental absorption he heartily extended
his hand saying, "Don't you remember we met near here one morning
awhile ago, and you asked me 'what I was mad about?' Well, I was not
mad, I was just thinking about a little matter up in Court." Few members
of the Saginaw Bar commanded more real respect and esteem than John I.
Wheeler.
Prominent Lawyers Who Came Later.
Other prominent lawyers who later came to the Saginaw Bar were :
William A. Clark, Colonel George A. Flanders, Oscar F. Wisner and C.
Stuart Draper, all of whom have appeared before the tribunal from whose
decrees there is no appeal.
William A. Clark, who soon took a prominent position at the Bar here,
was a lawyer of considerable reputation before coming to Saginaw. He
had a certain genius and facility of resources equalled by few, as appears
from an examination of our State reports during his practice here. An
expert upon questions of evidence and its tendency and effect, it was said
he never made a mistake that tended to his client's injury.
He once defended a man charged with stealing wheat from a neighbor's
barn, when a witness of creditable character testified to seeing the defendant
leaving the barn with a bag filled with something upon his back. The
witness also testified that the ground was covered with snow, the moon
full, nearly overhead and shining brightly, and that he fully recognized the
defendant. Mr. Clark, producing an almanac, completely confounded the
witness and established the innocence of his client by showing from it that
the moon was in its last stage and not visible on the night in question. It
was subsequently found that the almanac was a last-year's almanac, picked
up by mistake ( ?).
Colonel George A. Flanders was a graduate of an eastern college, and
had a good record as a soldier. Although possessing a cultivated mind he
was not a diligent law student, but he discharged the duties of prosecuting
attorney in an able and efficient manner. To descend from the military rank
of Colonel and the pomp and circumstance of war, to the petty legal business
that came to newcomers at the Bar of the rough border town, was a rude
shock to his proud and sensitive mind. He had little tact in securing
clients, but as a jury advocate he ranked high, and as a political speaker
was excelled by few. Of fine appearance, agreeable manner, and ready,
unlabored eloquence, he was a popular man on the stump.
Wisner and Draper Won a High Place.
Oscar F. Wisner and C. Stuart Draper came to Saginaw together and
were associated in the practice of law until death closed the partnership. To
speak of Wisner is to think of Draper, though few partners resembled
each other less, or were more attached to one another. Mr. Wisner was
784 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
an eminently fair and just man, who despised fraud and humbug in every
form — in law, business, politics and religion. He was a natural lawyer as
well as a diligent student of law, and was not wanting in the qualities that
make the mere advocate. He was most confident in discussing legal ques-
tions before the Court.
Personally Mr. Wisner was a modest man never seeking office or
public notice, and yet self-assertive and aggressive when the rights of his
client called for action. He was not much inclined to idle civilities, but
proved a generous and faithful friend, and an agreeable companion with
those who knew and appreciated his real character. His pleasures were
few and simple. A sail boat stocked with provisions, a single companion,
and a trip around the shore of Lake Huron, camping at night in some
sheltered cove where the water invited a long swim in the morning, was
his ideal of a summer outing. As he navigated his frail craft around the
rocky reefs of Point Aux Barques, he felt a pleasure unknown to the
habitues of the crowded resorts of fashion.
No man was more thoroughly appreciated in Saginaw Valley than C.
Stuart Draper, who came here a young man and a stranger. His affable
manners, self-possessed demeanor, his talents neither paraded nor concealed,
and his plain directness of speech promptly secured him friends and clients.
His natural eloquence, great store of knowledge, retentive memory, and
logical reasoning placed him as a jury lawyer among the best in the State.
Nor was he a mere advocate, but was a most diligent student, and his active
legal mind enabled him to quickly grasp and apply legal propositions. He
never sought to mislead the Court by advancing an unsound principle or
misapplying a sound one. and therefore always commanded the respect and
confidence of both the Court and his opponents. When professional zeal
sometimes led him to uphold a doubtful principle, no one thought of im-
puting it to a questionable motive.
A Lawyer of the "Old School."
William J. Loveland, a capable lawyer of the "old school." was a
native of Vermont and received his education at Dartmouth College, from
which he graduated in 1848. He was admitted to the bar three years later,
and after some active practice in Michigan he settled at East Saginaw, in
1856. For a time he was deputy Assistant Assessor and Collector of United
States Internal Revenue, of the Saginaw District. Easy going, slow of
speech, plodding in his professional duties, Mr. Loveland nevertheless
enjoyed a fair measure of success in practice, as his ability and studious
application to fine points of law were generally recognized.
It is related of him that while acting as attorney for Curtis Emerson,
in some real estate tangles in the East, he was called one night to the
bed-side of his client in what proved to be his final illness. After going
over some legal matters of importance, his mind as clear and lucid as ever,
Emerson turned to him and in vehement and picturesque language, char-
acteristic of the pioneer lumberman, said: "Now none of your d
procrastination in these things, you old slow poke. Get right at them
tomorrow." At dawn Emerson was dead; and it is not recalled with
what alacrity the attorney attended to the legal business.
Frederic Lloyd Eaton, Sr.
Frederic L. Eaton, Sr., a well known attorney who resided in Saginaw
from 1865 until his death on March 5. 1901, was a native of New Hampshire
where his ancestors had lived for upwards of two centuries. He was born
at West Swanzy, received his education at Mt. Ceasar's Seminary and at
Tuft's College, and was elected to the Legislature of New Hampshire at the
age of twenty-one years.
THE BENCH AND BAR
785
CHAUNCEY H. GAGE
1882-93
Robert b. Mcknight
EUGENE WILBER
1 394-1900
WELL KNOWN JUDGES OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
In 1860 he came to Michigan and settled in Lenawee County where he
taught school and was admitted to the bar. Coming to Saginaw County he
located at Saginaw City, and for more than forty years was identified with
the affairs and business of the community- He served as a member of the
board of health, as justice of the peace, as city attorney and recorder of Sagi-
naw City. Of a studious and reflective disposition, with a liberal education,
he was recognized as a sound lawyer and advisor, cue who was well qualified
to conduct the most intricate cases in court.
Mr. Eatnn was a member of the Masonic order, and in politics was a
Democrat of the old school. He was survived by his widow, Helen Mead
Stone Eaton, who is now (1918) in her ninety-first year, and by a daughter,
Mrs. Fred Buck, and a son, Fred L. Eatnn. an attorney, both of this city.
Another sun, Joel D. Eaton, was drowned in his sixteenth year, while skating
near the Genesee Avenue bridge, in the Winter of 1880-1.
Why the Saginaw Bar Was Strong.
That Saginaw Count}' had, and still has, an able Bar was due in a
great measure to natural causes. Though this county, now one of the finest
agricultural sections of the State, never had a great quantity erf pine, its
geographical position made it the lumber producing center of a vast terri-
tory. Four large rivers with numerous tributary streams, spreading out
like a huge fan, penetrated the great pineries of Central Michigan to their
source, and uniting only a few miles above this city form the Saginaw
River, a broad and navigable stream. The upper streams, many of which,
with the improvement of the county, have shrunk to a small farm ditch or
wholly disappeared, floated logs at certain seasons of the year, while the
786 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
rivers into which they flowed afforded a natural and easy means of trans-
porting the logs to Saginaw. The logs were banked upon the nearest
stream that would float them, even in single file and by means of dams,
and with the spring freshets were brought down in big "drives."
The great lumbering operations invited settlement and, as the land was
cleared, the shores of the principal streams became farms of more or less
value. Securing the timber, however, was the principal business and
involved the making and breaking of many contracts, and a conflict of
interests, as well among lumbermen as between them and the farmers
located on the streams; and much litigation resulted raising new and im-
portant questions.
The old rules of law defining navigable streams had no application to
the new situation, and many of the rules regulating riparian rights needed
to be applied with qualifications, adopting them to conditions not existing
elsewhere. The importance of the interests involved demanded the most
careful consideration, and the most diligent study of the authorities to
support a new application of conceded principles. Trials involving many
thousands of dollars, and principles more important still to those interested,
and occupying many days, were of frequent occurrence. The large logging
and lumbering business, and the energetic way in which it was pushed,
necessarily furnished much legal business, and that gave valuable legal
experience.
The reports of the Supreme Court show the diligence and ability of
the Saginaw Bar in the settlement of these questions, and many incidental
ones growing out of them, and in the settlement of which the leading mem-
bers took an important part. That the more active and ambitious members
of the Saginaw Bar should have become successful and influential lawyers
was inevitable.
Other Prominent Lawyers.
So far, with one or two exceptions, we have spoken truly of the departed
members of the Saginaw Bar, who have left their stamp of success upon the
profession; and may not properly conclude the narrative of human progress
without referring to William II. Sweet, Charles H. Camp, George B. Brooks,
Dan E. Foote. James L. T. Fox. Chauncey W. Wisner and Timothy E.
Tarsney. They formed the connecting link between the earlier and present
Bar, but eventually retired in favor of younger members, who, by a sort
of professional descent, inherited in no small degree the qualities that dis-
tinguished the earlier members.
Air. Sweet came to Saginaw about the same time that Sutherland,
Moore and Webber became recognized leaders of the Bar; and was univer-
sally regarded as an able lawyer and very skillful in cross-examination.
A short sketch of his life appears in Chapter XI, pp 201-3, and a portrait on
page 202.
Charles II. Camp's qualifications and reputation as a lawyer may lie
inferred from the fact in 1887 he was nominated for Justice of the Supreme
Court of Michigan, but went down to defeat with his part)'. For a long
term of years he was a law partner of the late George B. Brooks; and was
pre-eminently an office lawyer, devoting most of his time to the preparation
of cases for trial, in which work he excelled. Careful and methodical in
his work, possessed of superior capacity for details, a fine perception of
the law and its applicability, he was well qualified for the preparation of
pleadings of every form and variety. In later years the firm of Camp &
THE BENCH AND BAR 787
Brooks was much engaged in real estate matters, and was the first, in associa-
tion with Harlan P. Smith, to experiment in reclamation of marsh land for
agricultural purposes.
A brief mention of George H. Brooks is to add another leaf to the
crown of laurel that distinguishes the Saginaw Bar. Coming here in 1866,
he at once formed a law partnership with his early friend and classmate,
Charles H. Camp, an association which continued for more than thirty
years. He was full of vigorous energy, and worked for the rewards of
his profession, in 1873 being elected Judge of the Recorder's Court, serving
six years. Later he held the office of receiver of the United States Land
Office at East Saginaw.
Mr. Brooks was a man of high character and purpose .and was univer-
sally regarded as a good citizen. His social qualities were estimated on
the same high plane as his legal abilities, and his literary attainments were
ci msiderable. He was the oldest member of the Winter Club at the time
of his death, in 1916, in his eighty-second year.
Dan P. Foote, father of Langlev S. Foote, entered the practice and study
of law at the age of thirty-one years, after graduating as a sailor, miner,
traveller, school teacher and farmer. He read law with Judge Sutherland,
and was admitted to the Bar September 19, 1863. Three years later he
established himself as an attorney at Saginaw City, and by diligent study
and close application gained a reputation for successful conduct of legal
business. He served for a long time on the board of supervisors, especially
when Saginaw City was involved in contests with its neighbors across the
river. For many years he served as city attorney and one term as prose-
cuting attorney. His strongly marked individuality, shrewd judgment and
thorough knowledge of men, accounted for the confidence reposed in him
by his friends and clients.
James L. T. Fox was one of the oldest members of the Bar. coming
here at the time when the village was exulting in its first weekly newspaper.
In this publication his professional card announced that he would give
"particular attention to the defence of innocent persons wrongfully accused
of crime. None others need apply." For a time his practice proved that
most of those brought into Court were "wrongfully accused," but ill health
sadly interferred with his professional labors.
In Chauncey W. Wisner the Bar had a notable member, for a time
being active and conspicuous in local practice, lie possessed all the natural
elements of a lawyer, being well read, with an active imagination, bright
fancy, keen wit and a ready speech, but the dull routine of court and its
small unimpressible audiences was less attractive to him than the surging,
applauding crowd gathered at the street corner to hear political truths, as
he expounded them from the top of a dry goods box.
This trait, however, did not prevent his becoming a successful business
man. and he gradually drifted from the law to business speculations and
politics, and the Bar, some years before his death, lost one who might have
become a great lawyer. As State Senator he was long remembered by the
people of Saginaw. Personally, he was a kind and agreeable man, and
took pride in being called the "Bridgeport farmer," while living at his large
and valuable farm about three miles southeast of the citv.
Timothy E. Tarsney, a native of Michigan, was the architect of a unique
and interesting personal career. Born in 1849 he was at the most impres-
sible age when the Civil War broke out, and with four brothers joined the
Union army. He was first employed in coupling cars at Nashville, then
served as fireman on a locomotive in the government service. During the
siege of Nashville he heard the rumbling of guns at Franklin, and imagined
T sr*H
Jhp
*
Timothy 10. Tarsney
Chauncej Wisner
C. Stuart Draper
William M. Miller
Augustine S. Gaylord
r
^ -w-
Daniel P. Foote John J. Wheeler Frederic L. Eaton, Sr.
SOME SUCCESSFUL LAWYERS OF THE FORMATIVE PERIOD
THE BENCH AND BAR 789
he could see a million Confederate cavalrymen engaged in battle, when a
sober roll-call would have revealed scarcely a thousand engaged in a hand-
to-hand conflict. He was fireman on an engine which carried relief am-
munition to the beleagured troops, and the train "zipped" through the midst
of the combatants, bound for Franklin. The engine was lost, but young
Tarsnev escaped, bought a mule for a dollar, rode back to Nashville,
eighteen miles distant, and remained in the government service until the
close of the war.
In 1866 he came to East Saginaw and took charge of a steam engine
in a saw mill. Later, he secured a marine engineer's license and for seven
years sailed the lakes on steam barges that made this port. During the
winter months he pursued some academic studies, and attended the law
school of the University of Michigan, from which he graduated with the
class of 1S72. He commenced the practice of law in East Saginaw; and in
1875 was appointed city attorney, an office which he held for three years.
In 1879 he became the senior partner of the firm of Tarsney & Weadock
(George \\ . Weadock), which continued twelve years with great success.
though defeated on the Democratic ticket in 1880 for Representative in
Congress, he defeated his old rival for the office, Roswell G. Horr, in 1889,
and was re-elected two years later. After this public service he resumed
his legal practice, and in 1893 removed t«> Detroit.
As an advocate his intuitions were strong, his perspicacity remarkable,
his sensibility impressionable, his sympathies easily touched and his imagina-
tion lively. The keenness of his perception enabled him to quickly reach
a conclusion from a premise, and yet his judgment was not formed without
deliberation. When a conclusion was reached, whether intuitively or
logically, he moved with alacrity, and supported his position with forcible
arguments impulsively expressed.
Prominent Lawyers of Today.
Other leading lawyers of the intermediate period, souk- of whom are
still in active practice, were: Benton Ilanchett, Gilbert M. Stark, Gardner K.
Grout. Lorenzo T. Durand, Frank E. Emerick, William E. Crane, Riley L.
Crane, William Glover Gage, Walts S. Humphrey, George Grant, Hugo P.
Geisler, Emory Townsend, William R. Kendrick, George W. Weadock.
John F. O'Keefe, Walter I. Lamson, Emmet L. Reach. George W. Davis,
James II. Davitt, John E, Nolan, John A. Combs and Eugene A. Snow.
Among the more prominent attorneys of the younger generation are:
Harvey -V. Penney, Henry E. Naegely, Ernest A. Snow, fenner E. Morse,
Herbert A. Otto, Robert T. Holland, Robert II. Cook, Fred L. Travers,
Frank A. Rockwith, Floyd A. Wilson, Frank A. Picard, A. Elwood Snow,
Frederick L. Eaton. Earl J. Davis, Raymond R. Kendrick, Bird J. Vincent,
Frank Q. Quinn, Miles J. Purcell, Julius R. Kirhy, and Vincent and Jerome
Weadi >ck.
Biographical sketches of most of these progressive law vers, with their
portraits, will be found in Volume II. the pages being indicated by the index.
A Humorous Incident.
Humorous incidents in the early history of the Saginaw Bar were
numerous, as has been shown in the preceding pages, and sometimes led to
unpleasant situations for the lawyers involved. One in particular, showing
the uncertain modes of travel in those days, as well as the dangers and
difficulties thereof, is well worth telling.
About 1860, when Judge Birney was the Circuit Judge of the Tenth
District, all the country north of Saginaw as far as Upena was included
within his jurisdiction. The only roads were mere trails through the dense
790 HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
w Is, and the only vessels plying along the shore of the lake and hay were
small schooners or sloops. The usual means of reaching Tawas, the seat
of justice of Iosco County, was by old Captain Marsack's fishboat, which
was not a had craft fur those days.
The court was to he held at Tawas. and the Judge, with a proper com-
pany of lawyers from Saginaw, left Lower Saginaw (Bay City) for the upper
shore point' in Marsack's boat. When well down Saginaw Bay where it
expands into the lake, and the northeast wind comes roaring and whistling
around Point Aux Barques, the hay suddenly became stirred with the heavy
cross-seas so characteristic of those unreliable waters. It was near night;
the sea was running high — terrifying to landsmen, and Tawas a long dis-
tance to windward.
[udge Birney, who was a conscientious, dignified gentleman as well
as a' sedate judge, feeling that the situation called for a reconciliation of
ill friends, said to a certain lawyer, whom we will call A. in his gravest
manner. "Mr. A., there have been some passages between us I much regret;
and now, seemingly upon the verge of eternity, I hope we may as Christian
gentlemen shake hands and forget and forgive."
Here a huge wave nearly capsized the boat, and as soon as it was found
that it had not gone over. A., bracing himself against the weather gunwale,
extended his hand, and in his usual hearty tone, said:
"By the eternal, judge, I'll do it— I'll do it. Judge, with this under-
standing, that if we ever do get ashore this shall all he held foi naught."
The Judge's answer to the proposition thus modified was newer given,
for at that moment, Marsack suddenly determined to work under the lee of
Gravelly Point, known in later years as Point Lookout. The captain usually
navigated his craft in French, hut, in times of peril like a true sailor, dropped
into "English, and he now sang out. "Ho dare. I'ete. you black nigger, haul
down the ank, and trow overboard dat man-sal."
The captain's order, though a little confused, was correctly understood
h\ I'ete. who comprised the crew, so he let go the main halliards and quickly
cast the anchor over the weather how. As the fore-sail had been left stand-
in- her how fell off as the anchor caught, and I'ete. skillfully paying out the
line, the boat drifted along the edge of the reef and -rounded i in the sandy
beach, just under the lee of the Ion-, narrow, low point. At the time the
point was submerged b) the waxes that broke on its weather side, and
washed across the low -round a foot or more deep. The Judge and his
friends jumped overboard and safely waded ashore where they found shelter
further inland under one of the great sand drifts that the northeasters have
piled up on that romantic point.
The supperless night on the beach was far better than a berth at the
bottom of the bay, and the sea and weather in the morning, as calm ami
serene as A's conscience, enabled them to take an eight o'clock breakfast
al Tawas, and put an end to all peace negotiations.
In Conclusion
The bin- trials, civil ami criminal, involving thousands and thousands
of dollars, or rights and interests still more important, the sharp contentions,
the diligent and able labors of counsel, the eloquent appeals of the advocates,
have received no mention in this work, as the histories of many of them
would fill a volume. The purely personal side, which, after all is said, is
far more interesting to the public than dry. legal facts of weary trials, has
had almost exclusive attention, although an account of the first criminal
trial in Saginaw County is given in Volume 1. pages 111-13. and the first
probate case in the same volume, page 114.
THE BENCH AND BAR 791
The failures of the Saginaw Bar have not been man}', and few lawyers
who came here have failed to remain. Strangers have always been warmly
welcomed and received prompt and generous recognition, hew enmities
and jealousies have existed, ami the members of the Bar have almost univer-
sally been courteous and obliging to each other in and out of Court. This
has been particularly true as to the treatment accorded the younger and
;s experienced members. All have not succeeded alike any more than
men in other occupations attain equal success, but all may safely congratu-
late themselves that their fortunate situation in the great and prosperous
Saginaw Valley has left little reason to em \ those of other localities. If
history shall fail to record each one's name, those who follow will not let
the memory of the deserving grow dim and be forgotten.
END OF VOLUME I
INDEX
of
PIONEER BIOGRAPHIES AND INDUSTRIAL
AND COMMERCIAL HISTORY
A Page
Academy of Music 670-1
Achard, A. W. & Son 619
Andre, Peter C 720
American Commercial and Savings
Bank 750
Au-saw-wa-mic 81-3
Alderton, George A. iS; Co 634-0
American Cash Register Co 521-3
American State Bank 768-9
Arnold, The H. B. Co 677
B
Barie, Wm. Dry Goods Co 621
Barnard, Arthur, coal mine 451
Beach, Horace S 136
Beach & Moores 619
Beese, J. H. & Co 628
Binder, William 200
Bliss, Aaron T., gifts of 252, 355
Bliss, Solomon Bond 198
Incident of 421-2
Blyben. Captain Wm 191, 712
Boyd, Robert 631
Braley, Phineas D 122
Brooks, George B 786-7
Brown, James F 17'.)-xl
Bunnell," Willard Ill
Burrows, George L. & Co 750
Burt, W. R„ gifts of 264-6, 293-4
Mill of 410, 421-2
Busby, Joseph 120
Butman, Myron 200-1, 300-1
Bancroft House 609-17
Bank of Saginaw 755-58
Bartlett, A. F. & Co 532-5
Blind Institution 597-600
Bliss Coal Co 464-5
C
Callam, Wm. narrative of 404-6
Camp, Charles H 786
Campau, Louis 49
Cater, Abram and Charles 114
Central Agricultural Society 701
Cincinnati, Saginaw & Mackinaw
R. R 729-30
Citizens National Bank 752
Clay, Sam G 671-2
Cooper, Rev. David M 314-5
( rane, William A 165-7
Cronk, James W. (Uncle Jimmy)... 139
Pas,'*.'
Curtis, Bliss & Co 630
Cushway, Benjamin 122
Caledonia Coal Co 452-4
Commercial National Bank 766-67
Consolidated Coal Co 461-63
Cornwell Company 641-2
D
Davenport, Elijah N 100
Davis, George Washington 169
De Tocqueville, narrative of 66-78
Dorr, Albert H., stock raising expe-
riment 691
Doughty. T. E 625
Draper, C. Stuart 783
East Saginaw National Bank 749
Eaton, Frederic L., Sr ', *4
Edget. John A.. Judge 778
Edwards, William H 420-1
Ellsworth, Stewart S 216
Elsmore, O. E.. narrative of 424-5
Emerson, Curtis 143-7, 396, 709-10
Estabrook, John S 416
Erd Motor Co 509-10
Fraser, James 103, 125, 689
Freeman, D. B 621
First National Bank of East Sagi-
naw 748
First National Bank of Saginaw... 751
Flint & Pere Marquette R. R 719-25
Foote, Dan P 787
Fair, S. & Son, Inc 558-60
Fordney Hotel 608
Franklin, Benjamin, Hotel 617
Franklin Theater 673
Gage, Chauncey H 778
Gage, DeWitt C 777
Gaylord, Augustine S., teacher 275
Lawyer 782
Goff, Gilbert B., incident of 496-7
Good Roads Movement 734-7
Grant, Charles W 147, 156-7
Green, Washington S 418-19
Germain Manufacturing Co 578-80
H Page Page
Harvey & Coleman 628 Michigan Employment
Hill, Arthur, gifts of 2S1 Institution 597-600
Narrative of 497-8 Michigan Salt Association 439
Home National Bank 74s Michigan Sugar Co., trip through
Houghton, Dr. Douglas 426-28 Carrollton plant 479-87
Hovt, Jesse, gifts of 251,304 Mitts & .Merrill 542-4
Herzog Art Furniture Co 568-73 Morley Brothers 644-7
Hill-Carman Companies 770-1 N
I Naegely, Captain, and lumber jacks 407-S
Ide, Mary Hubbard 169 Naegely House 61S
Ippel, J. W. Co 622 Nau-qua-chic-a-ming 31
x Xay-o-kee-man 30
Jackson. Lansing and Saginaw R. R. 725-7 Neh-wa.y-go . 93-6
Jerome. D. H. & Co 619 Natl<lllal Engineering Co .,47-9
Tewett, Eleazer 84, 125, 137, 164-5 O
Jochen, Emil .. 619 O-ge-maw-ke-ke-to 32
Jackson & ( hurch Co. . . . ..536-38 s h of at treat negotiations. . 53
Jackson-Church-Wilcox Co 53S-41 O-ke-mos 31
K O-saw-wah-bon 32
Kain, Patrick 233-5 Owosso Sugar Co., proprietors
Keeler. Sanford 431-2. 721-5 Prairie Farm 694-9
Kendrick. Win. R 779
P
Kerngood Sloman & Rosenthal... 624 ParsonSi Isaac 419
Ketcham eV 1 uthill 628 pau-pem-iS-kobe 30
Kirby, Stephen R 430-31
Kis-kau-kou 62
Pere Marquette 39-40
Port Huron & Northwestern R. R... 729
Koehler Brothers 88-89 Prairie |,arnl development of. ...694-9
L Parker Dairy Co 587-8
Lamorandiere, Thadeas de 169 People's Building & Loan Associa-
Lefevre, Father 326 „ tlon ,' ■••■•. • • • •, 772'4
Little, Dr. Charles.... .... 84 People s Savings Bank 764-5
Little, Charles David 155 Poison, Wm. and Co. 566-7
Little. Norman 132,148-53, 706 Prairie harm, stock raising 698-9
Little, Wm. L. P 153 R
Little & Co, Bank of.. 746-7 Richardson, |,,hn W 171-2
Love and, Ralph A. 419-20 Richman Mr"s. A. M„ diary of 126
Loveland, \\ illiam J. 784 Richlll,,n, charles H m
Lull, Charles A 684
Riggs, John 98
x p r- 1 c 1 1 .... ,VIss3, miiiii yo
Lee & Cady, Saginaw branch.. ..636-38 kt.„ Rev ;,„,,,,, 343_4
Mc Remer Brothers 628
McCarty, Thomas and Edward R... 688 Rudd Anson 182-3
McCormick, William R 117-19 Rl!st' Ezra, park 256
McDonald, Wm., fur trader 82, 111 Reminiscences 500-3
McKnight, Robert B. Judge 779 S
M Saginaw Citj Bank 741
Maiden, Captain 1 in Saginaw County Savings Bank... 752
M.i-say-nos 32 Saginaw Courier 650-2
Matrau. Rev. B. F 319 Saginaw Enterprise 650
Maus, Rev. H. P 326 Saginaw Evening Journal 650
Merchants National Bank 747 Saginaw Journal 648
Merrill, Charles 415-6 Saginaw North Star 648
Mershon, A. It., account of 413 Saginaw Republican 648
Moores, Emil A. L., reminiscences Saginaw Valley Herald 648
of 181-2 Saginaw Street Railways 731-4
Mosely, Major, incident of 139 Saginaw Valley Agricultural
Mower, T. Dailey 231 Society . 700-1
Melze, Alderton Shoe Co 638-40 Saginaw Valley & St. Louis R. R. . . 728
Mershon, W. B, & Co .">74-7 Savings Bank of East Saginaw 749
Miller, Albert 101, 125, 137 Schmitz, Anton 363
Narratives of 685, 691-3, 705-6-7 Schupp & Baric 621
Miller. Hiram L 123, 313-5 Seely & Spencer 622
Miller, Norman L., reminiscences Secmanii, Joseph, sugar develop-
of 161-4 nient 471-3
Miz-co-be-na-sa 32 Seemann & Peters 594-6
Montanus, Rev. Emil ... 320 Seligman, Joseph (Little Jake) ... .623-4
Moore, John, reminiscences 174-8 Seyffardt & Walz 620
Judge 776 Shaw-we-nos-se-ga 32
Page
Shaw, Bullard & Co 630
Sherman House 618
Shop-en-a-gons 28
Simpson, Thomas (Elixir Boga) 98
Smith, facob (Wa-be-sins) 55
Smith. Captain Martin 711-2
Stewart, James 6 '•[
Stinson, James ''-'■'
Streeb, George 174-630
Sutherland, Jabez G., Judge 77a
Swarthout, Anthony R 135-6
Sweeney. Father :;4:-'
Sweet, William H 201-3
Lawyer ' s(l
Saginaw Courier-Herald 652-6
Saginaw Creamery Co .~!l''~\
Saginaw Daily News 657-62
Saginaw Hardware Co 643
Saginaw Ladder Co 514-5
Saginaw Manufacturing Co 510-12
Saginaw Mirror Works 583
Saginaw Plate Glass Co 561-3, 140-5
Saginaw Press-Publishing Co ....662-3
Saginaw Sheet Metal Works 512-3
Saginaw Show Case Co 582
Saginaw Sugar Co 47<i -87
Saginaw Valley Development Co. 503-6
Saginaw Valley Trust Co 759
Schwahn-Khuen Agency 678
Second National Bank 760-63
Seemann & Peters 594-7
Sommers Brothers Match Co 508
Symons Brothers Co 632-4
T
Tarbell, Professor, action of 291
Tarsney, Timothy E 787-9
Tewell, Rev. Joseph Riley 341
Tracey, Joseph P., fiasco of 499
U
United States Graphite Co 564-6
Valley Sugar Co 479
Vanderbom, Father 341
Vanderhayden, Father 325
Vinton, Grosvenor 98
Valley Grey iron Foundry Co 545-7
Valley Printing Co 592-3
Vincent Hotel 618
W
Wah-be-sins (Jacob Smith) 55
Wallis, George W 217-8
Webber, lames S., diary of 189-93
Webber, William L., coal mining.. 41s
Webster. Samuel H 417
Webster. Benjamin F 418
Wells-Stone Mercantile Co 631
Wentz, E. L., narrative of 128-9
Wheeler. John J 782-3
Whittier, Joseph A., reminiscences. 178-9
Wilber, Eugene. Judge 779
Williams, Ephraim S 89-93
Narrative of 204-5
Williams, Gardner D 89-93, 394-5
Williams, Harvey (Uncle) ....87-8, 394
Williams, William A., reminiscences 787
Wisner, Chauncey W 787
Wisner Oscar F 783
Wright, Ammi W., characteristics. 414-5
Werner & Pf leiderer Co 550-57
Wickes Brothers 524-30
Wickes Boiler Co 530-32
Wolfarth Bakery 510-20
Wolverine Glove Co 590-1
Y
Youmans, Henry M., sugar bounty
law +73"4
Z
Bank of Zilwaukee 745
INDEX
of
SUBJECT TITLES
(Chapter Sub-Headings)
A Page Pase
Aboriginal Stone Weapons IS Boiling Down Rich Syrup 483
Aboriginal Tribes in Michigan 21 Soos,t.ers Become Active 490
Academy, School, first public 285 guiding Council House 52
Academy of Music 670-1 Bui ding first Court House 109
Vdvent of Ottawas 21 Building of Bancroft House 609
Advent of Fur Traders 4s Building Cement Sidewalks 248-9
Advent of Enterprising Men 185 Bui ding Deep \\ells .. 249
Advent of Steam Fire Engine 213-5 Bui ding Plank Road to Flint 150-2
Advent of Territorial Banks 739 Budding of the "Julia Smith 70s
\dvent of the Automobile 673 Building of Flint & I ere
Amusement. 670 D Marquette . .... 719-20
Amusing Mistake of Juryman 776 Building of Jackson, Lansing cV
Ancient Fortifications Found 7 Saginaw . .... ,2a-<
Ancient Pipes 19 Building ot Saginaw \ alley &
Anecdote of Major Mosely 139 Tl St. Louis 728
Anecdote of G. D. Williams 394-5 Building of Saginaw, Tuscola &
Antiquities in .Michigan
Huron 728
\rheiter Vereins ........ . 366 Building of Port Huron & North-
Arbeiter Verein of Saginaw City... 367 western . ■••■-. .■•■•■-. .' ' 9
\rrival at Saginaw River 75 Building of Cincinnati, Saginaw &
\rt Club 312 Mackinaw 729-30
Arthur H ill' Trade School'. '.'.".'.'.'.'. '.28 1-2 Building Up of Sugar Bowl 470-1
Assimilation with Chippewas 21 Burt W. R & Co s Saw Mill 410
Auditorium 264-6 Burt Manual Training School 293-6
Business or Hamilton Street 205
g Butman-Fish Memorial Library ...300-1
Bancroft House, Opening of 609-10
Bancroft House, Banquet and Caches and Corn Pits 16
Toasts 610-12 Caledonia Mine Wins Out 454
Bancroft House, Grand Ball 612 Character of Au-saw-wa-mic 81-3
Bancroft House, Proprietors of.... 612 Characteristics of Saginaw Coal.... 455
Baptist Church, First 338 Characteristics of A. W. Wright. .414-5
Barnard, Arthur, begins mining coal 451 Chippewas Wage Warfare 24
Battle of Skull Island 25 Church of the Sacred Heart 343-4
Beginning of Park System 251 City's Cemeteries 260
Beginning of Rapid Transit 733 City Officials in 1868 207
Beginning of Sound Banking 746-7 City Officials in 1915 271
Benefit to Farmer 486 City Exacts a Motor License 676
Benjamin Franklin Hotel 6Vt City Government by Commission. .266-9
Big Fire Losses 223 City Sewer System 246-8
Big Fire of May, 1893 224 Clothing and Furnishing Trade. .. .622-4
Bit of Holland in Michigan 697 Close Association of Pioneers 682
Blind Learn to Read and Write 601 Coal Operators Regain Advantage.. 455
Bliss Park is Ideal Playground 252-4 Coal Production 461
Booi and Shoe Trade 624 Coal. Lime and Cement 628
Bubble Bursts 135 Coal Operators Oppose Socialists.. 452
Page
Coming of First Steamboat 709
Commercial Interests, East Sagi-
naw, 1858 195-7
Commercial Interests, Saginaw City,
1858 203
Coming of Jesuits ti> Michigan 35
Conclusion, In 790
Congregationalists 336-8
Convivial Habits of Pioneers 137
Consolidation of Water System 230
Consolidation of Coal Companies... 4(3 1
Consolidation the Only Remedy.... 241
Controlling "Red Sash" Erigade... 233
Converting Syrup into Sugar 484
Copper Mining on Isle Royal 5-6
Cork Pine of the Cass River 400-1
Costs of Coal Mining 456
Cost of Road Improvements 737
Council in 1915 270
Court Street Bridge 243
Currency of Bank of Zilwaukee . . . . 745
Creation of Park and Cemetery
Commission 255
Curtis Emerson Comes 143
Eccentricities 144-6
Lays Out Village of Buena Vista 147
Customs and Habits of Indians.... 81
D
Dark Days for Sugar Industry 476-7
Decline of River Commerce 718
Decline of Salt Production 440
Deep Wells, City 249
Derivation of "Saginaw" 23
Development of Salt Industry 435-6
Development of Beet-Sugar
Industry 468
Development of Coal Mines 455
Development of Prairie Farm 0'.i4
Deviltry of Kis-kau-kou 62
Diary of Mrs. A. M. Richman 127
Diary of James S. Webber 189-94
Did Jesuits Visit Saginaw? 42-3
Difficulties and Privations of Early
Pioneer Life 121
Difficulties of Travel 705
Difficulties of Salt Manufacturers.. 436
Discovery of Coal in Saginaw
County 447-8
Discovery of Great Lakes 35
Disruption of Board of Trade
Threatened 499
Dry Goods and Notions 621-2
Drugs and Medicines 626
E
Early Conflagrations 188
Early Contemporary Lawyers 781
Early Discoveries of Salt 426
Early Experiments in Beet Culture 467
Early French Explorations 34
Early Fruit Growing 688-9
Early Newspapers 648
Early Judges of Saginaw County:
John Moore 776
DeWitt C. Gage 777
Chauncey H. Gage 778
John A. Edget 778
Eugene Wilber 779
Early Methods of Salt Manufac-
ture 433-4
I 'a Sf
Early Mining at Sebewaing 448-9
Early Missionaries 313
Early Pioneers 49
Early References to Saginaw 46
Early River Navigation 706-7
Early Railroad Projects 7ls
Early Growth of Postal Business.. 667
Earliest Saw Mills 394
Earliest Schools 274
Earthworks in Ohio Valley 2
East Saginaw Club 378-9
East Saginaw in 1854, A. Rudd. ... 182-3
East Saginaw Starts Improvement-- 238
Economics of Modern Salt Manu-
facture 440-1
Edelweiss Club 312
Elks Club, Lodge No. 47 384-5
Emerson Shipped First Cargo of
Lumber from Saginaw River. .. .396-7
Employment Suited to Blind
W. unen 599-601
Enter a New Element, Police 233
Encounter with Indian 70
Enterprise of Norman Little 132-4
Erection of First Salt Block 431-2
Evolution of Sawing Machinery.... 397
Expansion of Coal Industry 449-50
Expansion of Schools 277
Experiences in North Woods 404-6
Experiences in Early Road Mak-
ing 703-4
Extension of School System 289-90
Extermination of the Sauks 27
Extracting Sweet Matter 4sl
F
Failure of State Salt Experiment.. 429
Federal Building 667-8
Features of Olden Times 97
Financial Ruin 745
Finding Human Remains 3
Finis of Bancroft House 612
Fire Department 208
Fire Fighters of Saginaw City 220-2
First Auto Garage 676
First Bank Cashier, J. F. Brown... 179
First Baptists " 322-4
First Baptist Church 338
First Church in East Saginaw 327-8
First County Bond 109
First Christian Mission 36
First Criminal Trial 111-3
First Plank Road 705
First Probate Case 114
First Presbyterian Church of Sagi-
naw City 3 14-7
First Mill at East Saginaw 396
First Mine in Saginaw County 449
First Gas Propelled Carriage 675
hirst Popular Gasoline Cars 675
First Steamboat on Saginaw River 125
First Steamboat, Coming of 709
First Schools at East Saginaw ... .282-5
First Settler, Louis Campau 49
First Taverns 607
First Wheat Raised 684
First Vessels on Saginaw River.... 708
First Volunteer Fire Fighters 208
Fish Trade 204
Forest Lawn Cemetery 263
Page
Franklin, Benjamin, Hotel 617
Franklin Theater 673
Fraternal Orders 389-91
Furniture and House Furnishing
Business 625
G
Gaylord, Augustine S., takes charge
of schools 275
Germania Society 3r>:_'-:>
German Lutheran Church 32 1
German Papers 663
Ghost of the Sauks 28
Good Roads Movement 734-6
Grains and Vegetables 690
Grand Ball at Bancroft House.. .. 612
Granulation of Sugar 4xt-i'>
Grocery and Provision Trade 630-1
Growth of Factories 491 3
Growth of Postal Business 667
H
llahits and Customs of Indians 22
Hardships of Pioneer Life 60
Hardships of Travel 74
Hardware Trade 619-20
Hardy Pioneer Life 1 65-6
High Place Won by Wisner &
Draper 783-4
Hill "Puts One Over" on Wright. .497 8
Hill Trade School 281-2
Holly Water Works 225-9
Home for Friendless 349
Hotel Bancroft (514-7
I Intel Fordney 608
Hotel Vincent 618
Hotels of Saginaw City 607-8
How a Bank treated Specie 744
How Beets are Scoured 4xu
How Farmers Fared 685-6
How a Lawyer's Joke Won a Law
Suit ;sl
Hoyt Library 304-7
Humorous Incident 789
I
Idea of Civic Beauty 251
Indian Payment Days 80
Incorporation of Salina I'.M
Incorporation of Saginaw City 198
Incorporation of First Salt Co 430-1
Index to Portrait Galery of Pioneers
of Saginaw 332
Industry Among Blind Folk 597
Influence of Wah-be-sins 55
Intense Rivalry between Cities on
the Saginaw 237
Interest in Sugar Beets 167
luterurban Electric Traction 731
I terns of I [istory 604-7
Items of Interest 186
J
Jewelry, etc 0r2.-.-f,
L
Labor Difficulties in Coal Mining.. 451
Land ( irants and Earnings,
F. & P. M 723-4
Lawyer of i >ld School, W. I. Love-
land ;*'
Lax Banking Laws 739
l 'age
Legend of Lone Tree 29
Liberal Christians 322
Literary Clubs 307-8
Little, Norman, Founds East Sagi-
naw 148-50
Locating Seat of Justice 108
Lost at Night in Forest 71
Logs and Booms 399
Lumber Production, 1858 :;'.>7
Lumber Production, 1851 to 1897... 103
Lumber Production, 1802 411
Lumbermen Gain Unexpected
Riches 496-7
M
Marshes \ttract Buyers 690
Masonic Orders ;;x7-s
Ma3'ors of Saginaw 272
Mershon-Whittier Natatorium 259
Methods of Mining Coal 458
Methodists of Saginaw City 320
M ichigan Appetite 686
Michigan Salt Association 439-40
Military Occupation 59
Military Companies of Early Days. 372-5
Miners Become Operators 452
Mining Machines Introduced 458
Mode of Indian Life 22
Model Saw Mill 410
Modern School Buildings 278-80
Mounds and Ancient Relics 12
Mosquito Road to Prairie Farm ... 695-6
Mutuality of Interests. Saginaw and
old F. & P. M. R. R 724-5
N '
N'aegely, i aptain and Lumberjacks.407-8
New Steamer Replaces "Daniel
Ball" 716-7
Northern Canal Project 130-3
Notable Figure, Wm. M. Miller 7S1
O
( lakwood Cemetery 260
( Iccupation for Blind Men 598-9
< (fficial Proceedings 11.")
Oil Development 503- 1
< >il Well Spouted High 504
oil Speculators Foiled 500
Old Business Houses 1<>4
Old-Time Saw Mills 408-9
Opening of Treaty Council 52
Opening Celebration of Bancroft
House . .. ... 609-10
Opening Excursion of F. & P. M.
R. R 722 3
Operations of Centrifugals 4S4
Opposition of Eastern Sugar
Magnates 477-8
I itemization of Township 106
Organization of Saginaw * ounty... 106
Organization of Board of Education 288
Organization of First Church 313-6
Organization of Saginaw and Bay
Salt Company 137
Organization of "Wild Cat" Banks 7 1!
Organization of Home National
Bank 748
Organization of First National
Bank 748
Page
Organization of Savings Bank of
East Saginaw 749
Organization of East Saginaw
National Bank 749
Organization of American Com-
mercial and Savings Bank 760
Organization of G. L. Burrows &
Co 750
( Organization of First National
Bank, Saginaw 751
Organization of Citizens National
Bank 752
Organization of Saginaw County
Savings 752
Original Plat of East Saginaw 142
Ornaments and Charms 20
Other City Bridges 243-5
Output of the Tittabawassee 400
P
Packing and Meat Trade 64u
Packing Sugar for Market 486
Parks, Smaller 258
Parochial Schools 29li-7
Penetrating Virgin Forest 73
Period of Depression 494
Period of Speculation 740
Pere Marquette Founds First Settle-
ment in Michigan 39-40
Picture of Early Saginaw 76
Pioneer Lawyer, J. B. Sutherland.. 775
Pioneer Life in Wilderness 67
Pioneer Farming 681
Pioneers Were Migratory, Some... 083
Pioneer Newspapers, East Saginaw.650-2
Pioneer Teachers. "Academy" 286
Plague of Blackbirds 140
Platting the Town 107
Police Department 231
Pottery Exhumed 15
Practical Experience in Beet Cul-
ture . 472-3
Predictions of Early Settler 393
Preparing the Ground 681
Primitive Coal Mining 447
Primitive (Urn Planting 682
Primitive Trading Posts 603
Primitive Maps 45
Primitive Settlement of East Sagi-
naw 140
Primitive Hand Fire Engines 211
Prominent Lawyers Who Came
Later 783-86-7
Prominent Lawyers of Today (1918) 789
Provisions for New City Hall 241
Public Library 300-302-3
Purifying Diffusion Juice ( Sugar ). 482-3
Purity of Saginaw Salt 133
Q
Quiet and Absorbed was John J.
Wheeler 782
R
Raising Blooded Stock, at Prairie
harm 697-9
Rapid Increase in Agriculture 690
Rapid Decline of River Commerce ;is
Reach Flint River 72
Reading Club 311
Page
Real Estate and Insurance 627-8
Reclaiming Marsh Lands 693
Recollections of N. L. Miller 160
Shoots First Bear 163
Reconstruction of Industrial Sagi-
naw 495-6
Recovery Was Slow in "Wild Cat"
Times 746
Reporter's Reminiscences 648-50
Retail Grocers of Olden Times.... 630
Reorganization of Fire Department 216
Retarded Settlement and Causes... 79
Retributive Justice of Savages 30
Research Club 311
Rescue Missions 358
Revival of Industries 49S
Rise and Decline of River Com-
merce 714-5
River and Shore Lines 715-6
Rough Forest Trails 703
Run mi] ,i Bank 751-2
Rivalry of Fire Companies 211
Rust Park Improvements 256
S
Sacred Heart Church 3 13)
Saginaw City Bank 741
Saginaw City in 1837 128
Saginaw in 1851, John Moore 174-7
Saginaw an Orderly City 23t-,">
Saginaw General Hospital 348
Saginaw Club 37s-9
Saginaw Country Club 380-3
Saginaw Canoe Club 383-4
Saginaw Lodge, No. 47 B. P. O. E.. 384-5
Saginaw Post Offices 664-5
Saginaw Postal Business. 1915-6... 670
Saginaw Is — Saginaw Has 679
Saginaw County Farmers' Organ.. 702
Saginaw Saw Mills in 'so'-- 411
Saginaw Naval Reserves 375-8
Saginaw Reading Club 311
Saginaw Woman's Club 311
Saginaw Becomes a Distributing
Lumber Market 413-4
Saginaw Sugar Company formed... 476
Salt and Lumber Industries United 43.::
Salt Production 445
Salvation Army 357
Sauks and Onottawas 23
School Teacher-Lawyer was Augus-
tine S. Gaylord 782
Semi-Centennial Celebration of
Board of Trade, 1913, 500-3
Shipbuilding on Saginaw River .... 71 1-4
Shooting Wild Ducks, 1831 77
Side Lights on Pioneer Lumber-
men 421-.".
Single Germ Beet Balls 4S7
Sluing Beets 4xi
Sources of Sugar 466
Speculators < ( HI i Foiled 506
Spirit i if Revenge 23
Shop-ena-gons Account 28
Starting New Industries 489
State Bores for Salt 437 8
State Reaps Benefits (Salt) 133
State Salt Inspection 437-s
Steamboat "Wellington R Burt"... 717
Steamer Lines 725
Page
Strength of Saginaw Banks 753-4
Street Railways 731
St. John's Episcopal Church 317-20
St. Andrews Catholic Church 325-6
St. Paul's Episcopal Church 334-5
SS. Peter and Paul Church 326
St. Mary's Catholic Church 341-2
St. Joseph's Catholic Church 342
St. John's. G. E. Lutheran Church . .344-5
St. "Mary's Hospital 345-6
St. Vincent's Orphans Home 346
Summary of Factories and Labor.. 493-4
Summary of Saginaw Industries.
1914 506-8
Sugar Making an Ancient Science... 466
Sugar Bowl of Michigan 468-9
T
Test of Firemens' Mettle 213
Teutonia Society 370
Theology in Camp 407
Timber Supplies Fail 489
To Whom Honor Is Due 98
Transcript of Saginaw Treaty 56-8
Trade Development Slow 604
Trail to Pontiac 67
Trail to the North 70
Treaties. Other 64-5
Treaty of Detroit 51
Treaty Reservations to Rileys 80
Tribute to Jesse Hoyt 17s
Trip Through Carrollton Sugar
Factory 479-80
Trust Control of Beet Sugar 478
Two Postoffices are Detrimental... 670
U
Um-zoo-ee Cub 380
Union School, New 275
Union School District 278
Unique Character — Sam G. Clay... 671-2
Unique Garden Beds Found S
United States Land Office 700
Page
Utilizing of Waste Exhaust Steam
in Salt Manufacture 442
Utilization of Beet Pulp 477
V
Value of Coal Lands 457
Value of Beet Sugar Industry to
Saginaw County 47S
Value of Bottom Lands 086-7
Value of State Awards 737
Veto of Electric Lighting Project
at Saginaw City 240
Village Sites in Saginaw County.... 10
Voyage Across Lake Erie 06
W
Wah-wah-sums 371
Warren Avenue Presbyterian
Church 339-41
Webster House (old) 134
Well Known Hotels 018
West Side Churches 327
West Side Water System 229
When Changes Were Rapid 234
Why Saginaw Was Slow in Starting
Beet Sugar Industry 474-5
Why Saginaw Has Two Postoffices. 608-9
Why Saginaw Was Cut Off 720-2
Why Saginaw Bar Was Strong 785
Wild Fruits and Berries 088
Williams Saw Mill, First in Saginaw
Valley 394-5
Willcox Automatic Rakes 442-3
Winter Club 308
Wintering Stock on Rushes 691-2
Woman's Hospital 349
Work of Mound Builders 1
Working Up By- Products 444
Working of the Banking Law 742
Workshops 18
Y
Young Men's Christian Association 354-7
Young Women's Christian
Association 350-2
BIBLIOGRAPHY
History of Saginaw County, Truman B. Fox. Saginaw Enterprise Press.. 1858
History of Saginaw Valley, Truman B. Fox, Daily Courier Tress 1868
Indian and Pioneer History, Thomas Galatin, in Saginaw Directory 1866
City of Saginaw Directory, Robert F. Dudley 1870
State Gazeteer 1863-4
History of the Saginaws, W. R. Hates ; E. W. Lyon, printer 1874
History of the United States, Vol. Ill, pp. 118-162, George Bancroft
Michigan Pioneer Collections, 44 vol., Michigan Historical Commission
Proceedings of the Saginaw Valley Pioneer Society 1873
History of Saginaw County, Michigan, Chapman Brothers 1881
Portrait and Biographical Album, Chapman Brothers 1883
Industries of the Saginaw, 1. W. Elstner & Co 1887
Statistics of Lumber and Salt Business of Saginaw Valley,
Truman B. Fox 1866
Annual Statement of the Business of Saginaw Valley and "The Shore"
( rei irge F. Lewis and C. B. Headley 1867 to 1872
Saginaw and Bay Counties Biographical Pub. Co 1892
Lumber and Forest History of the Northwest,
( reorge VV. I lotchkiss, Chicago 1898
Bench and Bar of Michigan
Cyclopedia of Michigan, John Bersey ; Western Publ'y and Engraving
Company 1890
Cyclopedia of Michigan, John Bersey; Western Publ'y and Engraving
( i impany l'JOO
Saginaw in 1893, Annual Report of Board of Trade. S. G. Higgins 1X92
Annual Reports of Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad 1868 and 1870
Constitution of Saginaw County Agriculture Society, First Fair 1866
List of Premiums, Eighth Annual Fair 1874
Proceedings of Board of Supervisors 1869 and 1870
Annual Report of Controller of East Saginaw 1869 and 1870
Report of Saginaw and Bay Salt Company 1870
Reports of Board of Public Works 1906 to 1.915
Reports of Board of Park and Cemetery Commissioners 1908 to 1915
Reports of Board of Education 1873 and 1906 to 1916
Rules and Regulations of Board of Water Commissioners 1874
Saginaw, Michigan, in 1905, Industrial and Commercial. Illustrated
Semi-Centennial Souvenir, Saginaw, Michigan, Frank S. Spencer 1907
Greater Saginaw, II. W. Gardner: Saginaw Daily News 1912
,ViAR 2 4 1955
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