History of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Part 87

Author: Chapman, Chas. C., & co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & co.
Number of Pages: 986

USA > Indiana > St Joseph County > History of St. Joseph County, Indiana > Part 87

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

But years rolled on, and the plow business increased, and during the whole of this time Mr. Oliver had never ceased thinking and studying over the one great object of his life-the production of a complete chilled plow, an implement to produce which fortunes had been unsuccessfully spent during the twenty-five years previous. In alluding to this period of his life, the inventor said: "Nothing daunted, I determined to solve the mystery. When I announced my determination people held up their hands in admonitory horror

878

HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

and regarded me with feelings of astonish.ment not unmixed with contempt, which latter they were free to express. Plowmen who had spent years in experimenting and abandoned the project of a complete chilled plow as impossible, advised me not to under- take it. Those who had aided me with money and influence forsook me, and I was classed with the fools who pursue the fallacy of perpetual motion. Although feeling keenly the cuts of former friends, I determined to succeed. Day and night, for years, I thought of nothing else, and made everything bend to this one great object of my life. My first success was attained when I adopted the plan of using hot water in the chills which dried the moisture in the flasks and prevented " blow holes." My next was a method of ventilating the " chills " by grooves along the face of the mold, which allowed the escape of the gases that form within the flasks when melted iron is ponred in, and thus permitted the liquid metal to come in direct contact with the face of the chill and all its surface, thus removing all the soft spots in the mold- boards and leaving the surface smooth and perfect. But my crowning success was the discovery of the annealing process, which deprived the metal of its brittleness. When I made that I conld justly claim that for the first time a full, perfect and complete 'chilled plow ' had been made."

EXTENT OF THE GREAT FACTORY.

The foundry as used at present is 500 feet in length by 160 feet in width. The new addition to the foundry, upon which the brick work was proceeding when we were there ten days ago, and which will be completed and occupied within 30 days, is 500 feet long by 60 feet wide. This will make the foundry 500 by 220 feet in size. They are now running daily three cupolas, with a melting capacity of 50 tons of iron. In 30 days another 20-ton enpola will be added, making a melting capacity of 70 tons daily. The help employed in the foundry is 150 molders, and 50 helpers and laborers. The total capacity for production daily is 500 plows completed, and 4,000 points.

The grinding room is 300 feet in length by 60 feet wide. Help employed here, 100 men. Grindstones running, 89. Capacity of this department is 500 plows and 4,000 points daily. The machine and forge shops are 200 by 60 feet, and employ 75 men. The dry grinding room is 200 by 60 feet, with 25 men. The polishing room is 200 by 50 feet, and employs 25 men. The wood shop is 200 by 50 feet, and here 50 men are employed. The daily capacity of the wood-working shops are 500 plows. Bending room, 200 by 50 feet, and same capacity daily. Paint room 300 by 60 feet, divided by brick fire walls into three sections of 100 feet each. Men employed here, 25.

The warehouse and shipping depot is 1,200 feet long by 40 feet wide. Along these warehouses on either side are side tracks of the

879

HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

Lake Shore & Michigan Southern railroad, and that of the North- western and Grand Trunk railroad, making splendid shipping facilities. The storage capacity here is 50,000 plows and half a million points. Here 20 men are constantly employed. The four beam sheds are each 480 by 30 feet, and each capable of holding 125,000 plow beams. The engine room is 24 by 56 feet, and sup- plied with a Corliss engine, the finest in the West, of 700-horse power. Boiler room, 50 by 75 feet, furnished with the latest improved sectional boilers.

The great factory has 1,794 feet of line shafting. There is one continuons section of shafting 467 feet in length, which is probably the longest in the West. There are 60 counter shafts, and 671 bearings to be oiled daily. The immense establishment occupies 5,314,600 square feet of gronnd. There are 520 operatives on the pay rolls, besides clerks, salesmen and other employees,-a total of 600 men.

BIRDSELL MANUFACTURING COMPANY.

In 1856, in the small town of West Henrietta, New York, J. C. Birdsell began the manufacture of a clover separator and thresher. Remaining at West Henrietta until 1864, the works were removed to South Bend, the cheaper freights and abundance of timber being the considerations, and in 1866 J. B., V. O. and B. A. Birdsell became co-partners under the style of J. J. C. Birdsell & Sons. In 1870 the co-partnership was merged into a joint-stock concern, under the name of the Birdsell Mannfacturing Company, with a capital of $50,000. In 1871 the capital was increased to $100,000, and in 1872 to $150,000. George V. Glover became connected with the company in 1873. The works are located at the corner of Divis- ion and Columbia streets, and were erected in 1872 at a cost of $118,000. , The main building is 165 x 65 feet, five floors; the foundry is 40 x 60 feet, and blacksmith shop the same size, besides which there are offices, sheds, etc.

SOUTH BEND GAS-LIGHT COMPANY.

In January, 1868, a company was organized with a capital of $50,000, for the purpose of supplying the city with gas. The works were located on lots 105 and 106, at the foot of Jefferson street, near the river. John A. Henricks, Thomas S. Stanfield, Clem Stude- baker, H. Baker and O. S. Witherell composed the first Board of Directors. T. G. Turner was elected Secretary and Treasurer. On the first day of December, 1868, the works were completed and the city was lit up with gas. The company started in with four miles of main, 84 consumers and 30 public lamps. This has been increased until now there are seven miles of inain, with 371 con- sumers and 119 public lamps. The gas furnished is 16-candle power and made from the second pool Youghiogheny coal. An

880

HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

average of 28,000 feet of gas is consumed per day. The officers in 1880 are C. Studebaker, President; J. M. Studebaker, Secretary and Treasurer; John Drew, Superintendent.

OTHER MANUFACTORIES.

Since the completion of the dam across the St. Joseph river, as well as the east and west race, various manufactories have been established, some of which have lived and flourished, while others, from some cause, have existed but a short time; but where one failed another has quickly taken its place, and notwithstanding the depression of the times from 1873 to 1879, the number and value of their products constantly increased. Furniture factories, iron foundries, bracket works, woolen mills, flouring mills, croquet works, paper mills, file works, and other manufacturing interests have sprung up until nearly every branch of industry is now repre- sented and 2,500 men find constant employment at remunerative wages. In 1865, when all manufactured articles were valued at double what they now bring, the sales of the manufacturers of the city reached $565,000. The products now annually made will reach $5,000,000.

FIRE DEPARTMENT.

The first organized effort at protection from fire was in 1853. A small hand-engine was purchased and a company was organized as "St. Joseph, No. 1," with E. P. Taylor, Foreman; John Caldwell, Assistant. This company had a very large membership; many who are now staid and dignified men were then proud to "run with the machine." Very soon after the organization of this company another was formed with Lot Day, Jr., as Foreman. In 1857 another engine was purchased and " Union Hose Company, No. 3" was organized. These engines did duty until 1865 when a steam engine was purchased, which was given the name of " Young Hoo- sier." In 1873 the City Council organized a regular fire depart- ment and appointed Edward Nicar as Chief Engineer. Captain Nicar occupied the position of Chief for three years, when Joseph Turnock received the appointment from the council, and served one year. O. H. Brusie was his successor, and served three years, and was succeeded by A. B. Culver. The department at present is composed of the following companies: Delta Hose Company, No. 1, Eagle, No. 2, Union, No. 3, Young Hoosier, No. 4, Mazeppa, No. 5, Stand-Pipe, No. 6, and Relief Hook and Ladder Company.

The different hose companies have taken part in several tourna- ments, invariably being successful in taking and carrying off prizes.

RELIGIOUS.

When in January, 1831, Rev. N. B. Griffith came to South Bend there was not a church edifice here, nor even in the entire county.

881

HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

A few Catholic priests had previously been here and a mission started in the neighborhood of Notre Dame, but no effort had been made to unfurl the banner of the cross in the town of South Bend. A class of earnest and devoted Methodist brethren was formed in April, 1831, and a few Protestants of other denominations united with them, and thus began an effort for the salvation of men in this community. As the county became settled, and the town increased in population, other religious bodies were formed, until to-day there are seventeen organizations represented in the city, nearly all of whom have commodious houses in which to meet for worship.

FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The first religious exercises held by the Methodist Episcopal denomination was on the evening of January 30, 1831. Early in April Rev. N. B. Griffith organized a class, consisting of Samuel Martin and wife, Benjamin Potter and wife, Benjamin Ross and wife, Rebecca Stull, and Simeon Mason, of which class Martin and Ross were appointed leaders. In June, 1831, William Stanfield and wife came to South Bend and were added to the class by certifi- cate and Stanfield was soon afterward appointed leader. About the same time Samuel Newman and wife were also added by letter. In August, 1831, Dr. Jacob Hardman, and a few months later Samuel Good were also added. The first report of this mission made to the Conference was in 1832, when it was reported as having 180 members, few of whom resided in South Bend, the district being a large one. South Bend still remained as part of a circuit until 1844, and had as pastors during that time Revs. N. B. Griffith, R. S. Robin- son, George M. Beswick, Boyd Phelps, T. P. McCool, S. R. Ball, J. Wolf, James S. Harrison, David Stiver, William M. Foley, W. Griffith, Zachariah Gaines, William T. Huffman, E. Holstrick and S. B. F. Crane. In 1844 it was made a station, since which time there have served as pastor, Revs. John H. Bruce, John B. DeMott, Milton Mahon, John P. Jones, T. C. Hackney, Henry C. Benson, E. S. Preston, James Johnson, James C. Read, A. A. Gee, C. S. Burgner, William Wilson, Joseph C. Reed, G. Morgan, S. T. Cooper, Clark Skinner, C. A. Brooke, John Thrush, J. H. Swope, G. M. Boyd, H. A. Gobin, J. C. Stevens and S. P. Town.

In 1835 a honse of worship was erected, but being badly con- structed, was not accepted from the contractors. Previous to this time meetings were held in the old log school-house and in private houses. The second story of a house on the corner of Pearl and St. Joseph streets was now fitted up as a school room, and there the the Methodists held their meetings. On the 5th of March the trustees met and resolved to erect a frame church 35x45 feet, and 14 feet ceiling. In June a lot was purchased, and on the 6th of July a contract for building and plastering was let. In February following it was discovered that the church was built on the wrong

882

HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

lot, which caused considerable trouble, but finally an exchange was effected and the building permitted to stand, and early in the fall of 1836 it was finished and occupied.

In 1850-'51 a brick church, 48x72 feet, was built on the corner of Main and Jefferson streets, and was dedicated by Dr. Berry and John L. Smith on the 17th of August, 1851, the basement having previously been occupied for several months. In 1869-'70 the church edifice was enlarged, remodeled and modernized. The basement was finished and occupied Dec. 25, 1869, and the main audience room some months afterward.

CHRISTIAN.

The Christian Church, of South Bend, was first organized in the summer of 1844, four miles north of the city, with a member- ship of twelve. W. McIlvaine was appointed elder, and meetings were held every Lord's Day, the Church enjoying occasionally preacli- ing by John Martindale, Reuben Wilson and others. In the spring of 1851, through the efforts of Elder McIlvaine, the old South Bend Seminary was obtained, and worship commenced with weekly meet- ings. Gidcon Drapier was chosen elder, and E. A. Drapier and R. Wilson, deacons. The total membership now numbered 15. These few members, though meeting with many trials and difficulties, con- tinned to struggle for an existence, and by their untiring, industry and zeal succeeded in procuring the necessary means with which to purchase a lot on Main street, where they built a brick church edi- fice, which was formally opened in the spring of 1852, Elder John O'Kane, of Indianapolis, officiating. The Church now began to prosper, receiving frequent accessions to its membership. About the year 1854 several brethren from New Jersey united, among them Frederick J. Thomas, who was chosen elder, and labored during the fall and winter of 1855-'56. The church also enjoyed the min- istrations of W. J. Homer, under whose supervision a successful protracted meeting was held. Elders Thomas and McIlvaine offi- ciated during the succeeding two years. J. Belton was called to the pastorate in 1865, serving about three years. He was succeeded for a short period by H. N. Lord and W. B. Hendrix. In 1870, William P. Ailsworth was called and officiated one year, followed by J. Belton, who again assumed charge. J. Hurd next became the pastor. In the winter of 1877-'78 Rev. George W. Sweeney and Rev. J. H. Stover held a protracted meeting with this Church, resulting in 125 additions to its membership. Mr. Stover was at once called to the pastorate and assumed charge in April, and has since continued to serve in an acceptable manner. Before the re- vival meeting was held the Church numbered but about 70. Its present membership is 340. The old church building was torn down and a new edifice erected at a cost of $3,500. The eldership is composed of A. N. Thomas, Nathaniel Frame, Robert Myler,

885

HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

Charles Hartman. The deacons are Henry F. Clipfell, William D. Bulla, Abram Huston, David A. Ireland, James Savidge, Joseph F. Pearson and W. J. Masters.

REFORMED.

The Reformed Church of South Bend, connected with the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America, and organized in 1849 by Rev. David McNiesh, and the brick church on the S. W. corner of Lafayette and Market streets, was erected that year. The Church continued under the ministry of Revs. F. Beidler, C. A. Evans, W. T. Van Doren and G. H. Treke until 1861, when it ceased an active existence.

It was re-organized March 31, 1870, by Rev. W. J. Skillman. A commodious frame chapel was built on the N. W. corner of Lafay -. ette and Sample streets, in 1873, in which a mission Sunday-school is held each Sabbath at 3 P. M. In the church building which has been remodeled and a lecture room added in 1880, preaching ser- vices are lield each Sabbath morning and evening, and Sunday- school at 9 A. M., besides a week evening prayer service and a young people's meeting. The present pastor, Rev. N. D. Williamson, took charge of the Church July, 1872.

EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION.

The first church edifice erected by this denomiuation in South Bend was in 1854, and the second, in 1871. Those who have labored here since the organization of the body are Rev. G. C. Platz, W. Kolb, C. Glaus, W. Ficht, A. B. Shaeffer, George Messner, H. Welty, C. Augenstein, S. Dickover, B. Uphans, J. J. Esher, S. Wolf, F. Weithanp, Mr. Ragatz, J. Fisher, B. Ruh, J. Keiper, W. W. Steffey, H. Strickler, P. Goetz, G. Eckhart, J. Fuchs, A. Nicolai, E. L. Kiplinger, C. Kohlmeyer, R. Reigel, M. Hoeher, M. Speck, W. Bockman, C. Ude, J. M. Gomer, E. Evans, P. Roth, C. Ade, J. Kaufman, G. A. Hartel, M. Krueger, C. Heim, B. Hoffman, J. Berger, S. Kiplinger, J. K. Troyer, D. S. Oakes. In September, 1876, the Church decided to tear the old building down and erect a larger church edifice. A building was accordingly erected 42x68 feet, with two towers in front. This was dedicated Dec. 10, 1876.

MICHIGAN STREET METHODIST EPISCOPAL.

This charge was organized in 1869, with 137 members and 16 probationers, resulting from the missionary labors of Rev. T. C. Hackney. Rev. William R. Nickels was appointed pastor Sept. 13, 1869, and served two years. During his ministration the church edifice and parsonage were built. Rev. Clark Skinner was the next appointed and served one year. Rev. John H. Cissell was appointed September, 1872, and served three years. Rev. J. L. Boyd was appointed to succeed Mr. Cissell.

886

HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN.

This religious body is well represented and has a neat and com- modious house of worship on the corner of Washington and Lafay- ette streets, erected in 1866, and dedicated April 3, of that year, Rev. T. H. Nixon preaching the sermon on that occasion. The audience room is 80x45 feet, and the entire length of the building 95 feet. The height of the tower and spire is 145 feet. Rev. George T. Keller is the present pastor.

OTHER RELIGIOUS BODIES.

The Roman Catholics are represented by three churches-St. Joseph's, fourth ward, Rev. Father Venniard, pastor; St. Patrick's, Division street, near Chapin, Rev. P. Lauth, pastor; St. Joseph's (Polish), Monroe street, near Chapin, Rev. V. Czyzewski, pastor. The African Methodist Episcopal, Monroe street, near Lafayette, Rev. J. W. Harper, pastor. Baptist, southeast corner Jefferson and Main streets, Rev. T. E. Egbert, pastor. Episcopal, Lafayette, near Jefferson, Rev. Walter Scott, Rector. German Methodist Episco- pal, Division street, near Lafayette, Rev. William Keller, pastor. Second Presbyterian, corner Market and St. Peter streets. Reformed Mission, corner Lafayette and Sample streets. St. Peter's Evan- gelical, corner Water and Michigan avenue, Rev. Philip Wagner, pastor. St. Paul's Lutheran, corner William and Jefferson streets, Rev. Henry Stock, pastor.

MASONIC. .

The Masonic order is well represented here with three lodges, one chapter, and one commandery, together with an Eastern Star Lodge for ladies.

St. Joseph Lodge, No. 45, was instituted by charter in 1842, having worked two years previous under dispensation. The lodge has always been in a flourishing condition, and meets the first Mon- day in each month, at its hall in Lincoln Block, 118 Michigan street. The present officers are John E. Kelley, W. M .; John W. Harbou, S. W .; John McBain, J. W .; Jasper E. Lewis, Sec .; Ed. Nicar, Treas .; John M. Smith, S. D .; Frank Stimson, J. D .; Geo. H. Alward, Tyler.

South Bend Lodge, No. 294, was instituted in 1863. It has regular meetings the first Friday in each month. Its present offi- cers are Herbert S. Fassett, W. M .; Henry C. Knill, S. W .; Lewis T. Van Nest, J. W .; C. Sanders, Sec .; J. A. Barnhart, Treas .; O. H. Palmer, S. D .; Charles J. Smith, J. D .; George Macomber, Tyler.

Germania Lodge, No. 301, was instituted in 1862, and conducts the services in the German language. It has its regular meetings the first Thursday in each month. The present officers are John Klingel, W. M .; C. Iverson, S. W .; John Steffens, J. W .; William Stacker, Sec .; John Kleindinst, Treasurer.

887

HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

South Bend Chapter, No. 29, was instituted in 1855, and holds regular meetings the second Monday in each month. Its present officers are Elmer Crockett, H. P .; Chauncey N. Lawton, K .; James E. Mills, S .; George H. Alward, Treas .; C. Sanders, Sec .; Herbert S. Fassett, C. of H .; W. H. Saunders, P. S.

South Bend Commandery, No. 13, was instituted in 1866. It has regular meetings in their Asylum, at Masonic Hall, the first Tuesday in each month. Its officers are W. A. Foote, E. C .; Edwin Nicar, Gen .; C. G. Conn, Capt. Gen .; J. H. Nevius, Prelate; Sam- uel T. Applegate, Treas .; James E. Mills, Recorder; William S. Saunders, S. W .; Henry Speth, J. W .: John Graveson, Sd. B .; F. M. Jackson, Sw. B .; A. N. Knapp, W .; George Macomber, Senti- nel.

Eastern Star Lodge, No. 2, was instituted in 1871, and has reg- ular meetings on the fourth Wednesday in each month. Its present officers are J. H. Nevins, W. P .; Mrs. C. N. Lawton, W. M .; Mrs. C. H. Underwood, A. M .; Mrs. Helen Macomber, Sec.

ODD FELLOWS.

Two lodges and one encampment are represented by this order in South Bend.

South Bend Lodge, No. 29, was the first lodge of the order instituted here, its charter dating back to 1846. It now holds regular meetings in Odd Fellows Hall, every Wednesday evening. Its officers for the present term are George Ford, N. G .; Jesse W. Jennings, Jr., V. G .; Elias W. Hoover, Treas .; F. G. Brown, Rec. Sec .; D. A. Newton, P. S.

Robert Blum Lodge, No. 278, was instituted in 1867, and has regular meetings every Thursday evening at 112 Michigan street. Its present officers are John Rupp, N. G .; Gustav Ronaski, V. G .; Godfrey Poehlman, Treas .; Chris Neidman, R. S .; John Haslen- ger, P. S.

South Bend Encampment, No. 9, was instituted in 1867. It holds its regular meetings the first and third Friday evenings of each month, at its hall, 74 Washington street. Its present officers are D. A. Newton, C. P .; Daniel Dayton, H. P .; Alfred Hall, Scribe; C. W. Martin, Treas .; Charles Kimball, S. W .; G. W. Snmption, J. W.

The order owns a large and fine hall, underneath which are two store rooms and a number of offices, which yield a good revenue.

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.

Crusade Lodge, No. 14, is the only representative of this order, and holds its regular meeting every Tuesday evening in Homer Block. Its present officers are L. A. Hull, P. C .; John Steele, C. C .; James L. Mack, V. C .; J. C. Neville, P .; J. N. Carver, M. at

888

HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

A .; R. Freund, K of R. and S .; W. H. Longley, M. of E .; E. B. Morey, M. of F .; Martin Ranbuhler, I. G .; John Pool, O. G.

GOOD TEMPLARS.

The Independent Order of Good Templars is represented by Guiding Star Lodge, No. 371, which was chartered in 1866. Its officers are H. A. Weston, W. C. T .; Mrs. Eliza Hain, W. V. T .; A. N. Weston. W. R. S .; Fred White, W. F. S .; George Frink, Treas .; Eddie Spencer, W. M .; Mrs. Emma Quick, W. I. G .; Lewis Webster, W. O. G.

GERMAN SOCIETIES.

South Bend Turn- Verein meets at Turner Hall the first and third Tuesdays in each month. George Rockstroh, Pres .; George K. Meyer, Vice-Pres .; Jacob P. Futter, Sec.

South Bend Maennerchor meet in their hall near the corner of Water and Sycamore streets, east side, the first Monday in each month. Henry Schaal, Pres .; William Schermann, Vice-Pres .; Robert Seifert, Sec.

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.

This body meet at hall corner Washington and Michigan streets. Its present officers are Edwin Nicar, Post Com .; John Worley, Sr., V. C .; William Dodd, V. C .; Herman Culver, Chap .; George W. Loughmau, W. E. Gorsuch, Q. M .; Dr. Daniel Dayton, Surgeon; A. T. Putnam, Officer of the Day; Jolin Steele, Officer of the Guard; John J. Mayer, St. Major; Joseph Turnock, Q. M. Sergeant.

PLEIADES CLUB.

This club was organized in 1867 with seven members: hence its name. The membership was afterward largely increased, some of the most talented young gentlemen and ladies in the city becom- ing identified with it. The society was social in its nature, meeting at the private residences of one of their number and passing the time in social conversation, reading essays, and in music, both vocal and instrumental, declamations, recitations and orations. Sometime during the holidays of each year an entertainment was given. to which special invitations were extended to those they were desirous of having present. As an illustration the following programme of their annual entertainment is given:

Opening Chorus. .Club

Address .. . .

.J. R. Foster

Tableau,-" Statuary.".

.Club

Duet,-(Flute and Piano,) " Potpourri " from Norma ... . T. M. Hill, Flo. Turner Song,-" Sweet Molly Matilda Jane," May Turner Tableau,-" King James' Submission to Richard I," .Club

Duett,-(Vocal,) "Larboard Watch," .T. M. Hill, H. G. Van Tuyl

Duett,-(Instrumental,) " Warblings at Eve,". . Minnie Dayton, Addie Hartman

Club Paper,-"Constellation,". .. H. G. Van Tuyl Duett,-(Flute and Piano,) "Sounds from Home," T. M. Hill, Flo. Turner

Song,-" We'll have to Mortgage the Farm,". .Club

889

HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

ACTING CHARADE,-" STAGE STRUCK."

Fred Maywood E. Blodgett Mr. Maywood. W. A. Bugbee

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Part 87

Author: Chapman, Chas. C., & co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & co. Number of Pages: 986

Author: Chapman, Chas. C., & co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & co.
Number of Pages: 986