USA > Michigan > Allegan County > A twentieth century history of Allegan County, Michigan > Part 55
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Mr. Tien, on account of his natural qualifications and the trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen, has been called upon several times to fill po- sitions of public trust and responsibility. He has been a justice of the peace for several terms and has also twice been elected as township school in- spector. He was appointed as postmaster at Graafschap in September. 1906.
Mr. Tien was married April 12, 1887, in Fillmore township, to Miss Cornelia Slink, and they have six children, as follows: Herman, Gertie. Alle, Henrietta, John and Marie.
Mr. Tien and the members of his family belong to the Christian Re- formed church, in which the head of the family takes an active interest. He is also interested in all movements tending toward the betterment of his township and county, is a firm believer in the value of our public school sys- tem and is a man who commands the high regard of all who know him. He has been successful in farming, as well as in the mercantile line and he is rearing his children carefully and giving them every possible advantage.
PLAINWELL.
The village of Plainwell was born of the once important but now almost forgotten Plank Road. When the Plank Road was superseded by the rail- road, the village was fortunate in becoming a station on two railroad lines, with the result that its growth was uninterrupted. It is easy to believe that. had the railroads passed the village to one side, the railroad era, instead of continuing the prosperity of the village, would have destroyed it, and the seat of considerable industry and business and of a population of a thousand, as was the case when the railroad came, might have dwindled to the in- significance of a hamlet. Many instances of like growth and decline have
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marked the annals of every state. "Transportation is the key to population," and because Plainwell has always been blessed with good transportation facilities its population and material resources have given it third rank among the villages of the county.
The building of the Plank Road from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids, its importance to the county, have been described. On section thirty of Gun Plains township, on the south side of the river, was designated a junction point, whence a branch of the Plank Road should run northwest to Allegan. The advantages of a junction point of railroad lines, and its almost inevit- able selection as a site for a population center, are very obvious to the pres- ent generation. Half a century ago the same was equally true of a meeting point of two important highways such as plank roads were at the time. As soon as the Plank Road was designated and construction work begun on it in 1852, the proposed junction point attracted attention to its future pos- sibilities. Here the streams of travel and traffic would meet. Here un- doubtedly would be located a stage station, with stables for the relay horses and accommodations for lodging and feeding the traveling public. This would be the terminus for the branch line to Allegan. Such a point was not likely to be overlooked by men of enterprise.
So it happened that a Mr. Wellever bought an acre of land at the junc- tion, in the angle between what are now Allegan and Main streets, and in the fall of 1853 began the construction of the historic Plainwell House, an illus- tration of which appears on another page. He did not remain long enough to see his enterprise through, but sold the land and the unfinished house to Orson D. Dunham, who late in the fall of 1853 bought forty acres surround- ing the Wellever tract and shortly after became owner of the hotel site. The Plainwell House was opened to public entertainment in July, 1854. Traffic had already begun. Wagons loaded with merchandise, lumber and farm produce were passing over the road from morning till night, and the Junction-which was the popular designation for this point until the incor- poration of the village-profited in proportion. With the opening of the road a stage line was established, and until the coming of the railroad the rolling four-horse stage was as familiar to the people along the line as the railroad trains of today. It is related that the old Plainwell House often en- tertained at dinner the passengers of seven four-horse stages, from which an idea may be formed of the amount of travel along this route.
Until the Plank Road was laid out, the land on which the village of Plainwell now stands was not to be distinguished from the surrounding country. Indeed, the old plat of Plainfield, laid out by William Forbes on section eighteen, was the only place in the township that resembled a village community. Elsewhere we have noticed some of those who owned land in sections twenty-nine and thirty, covering or surrounding the site of Plain- well. It was farming land only, and had changed owners frequently, among the early residents of the locality being William Still, John Anderson. Will- iam Chart, William Woodhams and George W. Kennicott. When the Plain- well House began building, William Woodhams was the only resident on what became the village site, his house being near the river near Bridge street. An unoccupied log cabin gave shelter to the Dunham family until the completion of the hotel. Mr. Dunham in 1855 sold his hotel to Mills & Merritt, and for a time it was known by the name of the Merritt House.
THE OLD PLAINWELL HOUSE
BUILT BEFORE THE WAR : TORN DOWN IN 1891 ; REPLACED BY UNION BLOCK
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Business enterprises were quickly centered at the Junction. A descrip- tion of the place in 1855 mentions the following residents and business con- cerns : William Woodhams, Alfred S. and Albert Pierson, proprietors of a grocery store on Main and Bridge streets, these merchants having succeeded George H. Anderson who was the first to open a stock of goods. The Piersons were succeeded by Orson D. Dunham in the same year. Dunham kept the postoffice in the Plainwell House. A schoolhouse had also been built. There was a blacksmith shop and John H. Lasher, the first shoe- maker. opened a shop the same year. Other residents were Hart Dunham, Abel Dunham, Hiram W. Anderson. Nathaniel Seeley. and the Lovelocks. and across the river were the old residents, William Still, John Anderson and Calvin Dunham.
The building of the Plank Road, the establishment of the Plainwell House, the stage coach line were the foundation of Plainwell. Then in 1856 the Plainwell Water Power Company was formed by George C. Mills, Orson D. Dunham. Gilves Sherwood, William H. Woodhams, John K. Bingham and a Mr. Fairchilds. Previous to this time little thought had been given to the development of water power at this point. By the con- struction of a long race across the bend in the river, and the building of a sawmill, the first step was taken toward making this a manufacturing center. A grist mill was built in 1858, also a rake factory, and in 1860 a planing mill.
In consequence of these various interests, a population of 200 had gath- ered at this locality. The next step was the platting of a village. The sur- vey of the original plat, which was situated on section 29 west of the river. was made by Ira Chichester in April. 1863, the proprietors of the plat being William H. Woodhams, George H. Anderson, John C. Bannister, M. E. Cushman, Peter Hatfield and M. E. Gifford. Shortly afterward O. D. Dunham and the Corbyns built a flouring mill, and when this burned two years later. Bartley & Company erected another.
In 1868 the original Kalamazoo and Allegan Railroad completed its line to Plainwell, being the first railroad in the county, and soon super- seding the Plank Road as a through route, which from that time gradually lost its character and importance. The population had increased to nearly a thousand, and there was much diversity of business interests. The next step in village growth was then taken. A petition for incorporation was sent to the legislature, and by an act approved March 26. 1869, the corporate limits of the village of Plainwell were constituted with its present area. The charter election followed on March 29th, being held in the Plainwell House. Two hundred and fifteen votes were polled, and the first set of officials to di- rect the affairs of the village were: Joseph W. Hicks, president : Henry W. Church, clerk: Augustus H. Hill, treasurer : William Still, James T. Hyde, Giles Sherwood. William L. Ripley. D. C. Kenvon, Abel S. Dunham, trus- tees ; C. B. Randall. marshal. The principal village officials to the present time are given in the official lists.
In October, 1870, trains began running through Plainwell over the G. R. & I. Railroad. In that year the census estimate of the population was 1,035. and in some respects Plainwell was the most enterprising and pro- gressive village of the county. Public improvements were keeping pace with business. A fire department was established by the village council on Feb- ruary 3, 1870, and this was followed in the next month by the report of a
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committee recommending the installation of the Holly system of water works as "the best and most secure protection against fire for the least money." In June, 1870, it was resolved to appropriate $3,400 to instal the water works, which were completed in the spring of 1872. Dewitt C. Ken- yon was the first superintendent of the water works. The water supply from the race was at first obtained from the owners of the race, O. D. Dun- ham and R. P. Corbyn, but on the reorganization and incorporation of the Plainwell Water Power Company in 1873 the village became part owner and obtained first right in the use of the water. In the same year the race was enlarged and the power for manufacturing and other purposes greatly increased. Suitable fire-fighting equipment was installed in connection with the water works. Halcyon Hose Company was formed in December, 1872, and Hook and Ladder Company No. I was formed in October, 1877. In January, 1878, a fire hall was completed at a cost of $700.
In 1884-1885 the pumphouse was rebuilt, new pumps installed and the iron pipe taken up and replaced with wooden. For the next ten years the work of extending the pipe lines was pushed until every resident within the corporation was given fire protection. In order to furnish better fire protection to the property on the cast side of the river the Scott Hose Com- pany was organized and incorporated in 1888. A change in the water sup- ply from the river to wells was effected in the spring of 1905, so now the best of well water is supplied. At the present time there are three and one- half miles of water pipe laid, about 2,000 feet of hose, a hook and ladder company and two hose companies that are second to none.
The water rights are divided among the different companies as their several interests appear, the Esley Light and Power Company owning the largest share. This company, which was organized and incorporated in August, 1904, has installed a modern plant from which street, commercial and residence lighting is furnished, besides power for operation of several mills and minor plants.
ALBERT L. NICHOLS, engaged in the insurance business at Plainwell, has been a member of the board of supervisors of the county for nine vears, and is serving for the second year as chairman. His residence in Plainwell covers about fifteen years, at which time he removed from Barry county to Allegan county. His birth occurred in Barry county, Michigan, January 23. 1860, his parents being Squire M. and Alma G. ( Ellis) Nichols, who came to Michigan from the province of Quebec, Canada, the grandfather, John Nichols, removing to this state when his son Squire was a young lad. The latter became a farmer and resided in Barry county until his death. In 1864 he enlisted in response to the further call for Union soldiers, becoming a member of Company B, Thirteenth Michigan Infantry, with which command he continued with Sherman on the cele- brated march to the sea. In the last engagement of the army at Benton- ville, North Carolina, he was shot through the arm and the member was afterward amputated, so that he was thus called upon to make a great sacrifice for his country. He died in Barry county, in October, 1889, at the age of sixty-seven years, having been born on the 10th of March, 1822. Following his death his widow lived with her son, Albert L., until her demise in December, 1903.
CLOTHIN
PLAINWELL IN 1869 BUILDING THE EUREKA HALL
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HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY
Albert L. Nichols, reared under the parental roof, pursued his pre- liminary education in the district schools and received his more advanced training in the Michigan Agricultural College, at Lansing, from which he was graduated in the class of 1886. Returning to the farm, he devoted his attention through two succeeding years to agricultural pursuits and also taught school, having to some extent followed that profession before he entered upon his college course. He afterward taught for two years at Hickory Corners. Leaving the farm on account of ill health, he removed to Plainwell and continued teaching through two winter seasons. At the same time he began the culture of small fruit on his present place within the corporate limits of the town, having three acres of land. He devoted three years to that business, after which he became bookkeeper for the Plainwell Church Furniture Company, remaining with that corporation until the factory was burned in March, 1896. He was afterward township treasurer for two years, and in the meantime he took up the insurance business and is now representative of six old line fire insurance companies. together with the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. Again he was called to public office in 1898, being elected supervisor from his township, and at each succeeding year he was re-elected. Although a Democrat, he was chosen chairman by a Republican board-an election which was certainly very complimentary and a tribute of his personal worth as well as an indication of the confidence reposed in him. In 1905 he served as mayor of the village of Plainwell, and for four years he was a member of the village council.
On the HIth of March, 1888. Mr. Nichols was married to Miss Carrie L. Jessup, a native of Barry county, Michigan, and a daughter of Samuel E. and Sophia E. Jessup, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols both hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and he affiliates with Plainwell Lodge, No. 185. K. of P., and with Plainwell Lodge. No. 235. F. & A. M., in which he served as master for five years, being one of the valued and exemplary representatives of the craft. He is a most progressive and enterprising citizen, an efficient and trustworthy officer, occupying an enviable place in the public regard and continually demonstrating his right to the good will and confidence in which he is held.
GEORGE T. IVES, successfully engaged in farming and stockraising in Gun Plains township. Allegan county, represents one of the old and promi- nent pioneer families of this section of the state. His paternal grand- parents, Friend and Harriet ( Warner) Ives, were among the earliest settlers of Allegan county. The former was born in Plymouth. Con- necticut. December 22, 1790, and in early life traveled extensively through Maryland and Virginia in the sale of Yankee clocks. Later he removed with his family to Lebanon. Columbia county. New York, the family home being established among the religious sect known as Shakers. In 1818 he removed to Medina county, Ohio, settling near Cleveland. He here entered a farm, which was partially cleared, and he further developed and improved the property, built a log house, in which the family lived in true pioneer style, and there engaged in general agricultural pursuits until 1833. in which year he made his way to Allegan county. His farm was located near the village of Plainwell, in what is now Gun Plains township. There had
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been few settlements made when he arrived in this state, so that Mr. Ives had a wide territory from which to select a location. He entered his land from the government, the original patent being now in possession of the grandson, George T. Ives. The land lay on sections 20, 21, 22 and 15, and this was greatly improved by Mr. Ives, who cleared and developed the fields, set out a good orchard and erected the house which is now occupied by H. D. Kreighbaum but which was used at that time as a hotel. He was a man of good business ability, and his worth was recog- nized by his fellow citizens, so that he was frequently called upon to fill public offices of honor and trust. In 1835 he was elected as assessor of the town of Allegan and was likewise one of the first assessors of Plain- field, which is now known as Gun Plains. He was also for many years associate judge of the county and served his district in the state legis- laturc.
It was during the residence of the family in Ohio that the son, James Ives, father of our subject, was born. He was a little lad of seven years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Allegan county, assisting his father in the work of clearing and developing new land, being assigned to the various tasks in connection therewith as his age and strength permitted. Through a long period he carried forward the work of agricultural development which had been instituted by his father, and he built the brick house which is now occupied by U. G. Brown, this dwell- ing being constructed in the year 1869-70. He was married to Miss Octavia Chambers, who was born in the Empire state, a daughter of John and Adeline Chambers, who were among the early settlers of Gun Plains township. Mrs. Ives is still living at the very advanced age of ninety-three vears.
George T. Ives, the only child born of his father's marriage, is a native of Allegan county, his natal day being October 22, and the year 1852. He was reared to the occupation of farming and acquired his educa- tion in the district schools of Gun Plains township. He remained under the parental roof until after he had attained his majority, when he estab- lished a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Hattie Lyndsley, who was born in Otsego township, Allegan county, a daughter of Jeremiah and Betsey Lyndsley, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Ives has always followed the occupation to which he was reared and he is today owning and operat- ing an excellent farm in Gun Plains township, and in addition to his farming interests he is engaged to some extent in the raising of live stock, keeping only the best grades of animals.
Unto our subject and his wife have been born three children, of whom two are living-Fred, who makes his home in Texas; Roy, who died at the age of nine years, and Bessie, who is a public-school student at Plain- well. Mr. Ives is independent in his political views, voting for the men whom he decms best qualified for office, regardless of party affiliation. He has served as district school officer, but aside from this has never been active as an office seeker, preferring to give his undivided time and atten- ion to his private business affairs, which are being successfully con- ducted. Both he and his wife hold membership with the Methodist Episco- pal church, while he affiliates with the Maccabees, the Patricians and the Grange.
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Mr. Ives is everywhere known as a reliable and straightforward business man, who has fully sustained the reputation borne by his grand- father and father, and he is today classed among the leading and influen- tial agriculturists of Allegan county.
REV. JOHN FLETCHER has the distinction of being the oldest minister in years of continuous service in Michigan. He is the loved pastor of the First Baptist church of Plainwell, where he has remained since the Ist of October, 1864, and the years have brought him into close connec- tion with the life of the community through his labors as pastor and preacher.
John Fletcher was born in Worcestershire. England. July 9. 1832, and was seventeen years of age when he came to Michigan, settling in Detroit. His father. William Fletcher, also a native of England, followed farming on a small scale after going to Detroit, his farm adjoining the city limits. At a later date, however, he sold his land for city lots. He married Elizabeth Miles, and unto them were born nine children. five of whom are yet living-William, who is a practicing attorney at Washing- ton, D. C .; John, of this review : Mrs. Marie Shuffle, a widow, residing at Washington, D. C .; Mrs. Miriam Beadle, a resident of Detroit, and Mrs. Sarah Deland, also of Washington, D. C.
John Fletcher attended a school conducted at Birmingham, England, whose head master was the well-known Professor Pitman, the originator of the Pitman system of phonography and stenography. After going to Detroit he took up the study of the classics and theology under men of scholarly attainments, including the Rev. Estabrook, who was head of educational matters in Ypsilanti. Continuing his study he also engaged in preaching in the vicinity of Detroit until about 1864, when he became chaplain of the Ninth Michigan Cavalry, which went with Sherman on the march to the sea. It was the first regiment to reach the coast and opened up communication with the fleet off Savannah. The army later moved northward toward Richmond, where they received news of Lee's surrender. Rev. Fletcher was then honorably discharged in August, 1865. The regiment covered probably three times the distance of the infantry and wagons on the march to the sea and the cavalry forces clashed with Wheeler's cavalry in many skirmishes.
On his retirement from military service Rev. Fletcher came to Plain- well and accepted the pastorate of the First Baptist church, where he has remained continuously since. Hon. J. M. Gregory, a minister and edu- cator, and the president of Kalamazoo College, who had been on the ground and knew the field, mentioned Mr. Fletcher as a good man to take charge of the new church, and in September. 1865, he was installed as pastor of the Plainwell Baptist church. There was then a small con- gregation who had been attempting to build a little church. Mr. Fletcher at once took up the work and assisted in finishing the house of worship. Since that time the church has been quadrupled in size. Mr. Fletcher has not only each Sunday filled his place in the pulpit and promoted the church work in its various activities, but has also come into close contact with the life of the community in his work as pastor and counselor and through the burial and marriage ceremonies he has performed, together
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with his participation in public events. He has delivered on an average of about fifty funeral sermons annually and has averaged one marriage a month during the forty-one years here passed. He has married couples, and later their children, and has been called upon to perform marriage ceremonies and burial services of other denominations. His sermons have been published quite extensively and thus the seeds of truth he has sown have been scattered broadcast over the land as well as of the con- munity where he dwells, bringing forth rich fruit in many lives, and his influence is immeasurable.
Rev. Fletcher has taken a most active and helpful interest in all departments of the church work and is now chairman of the Michigan branch of the Baptist Ministers' Aid Society at Fenton, Michigan. He prepares the program for Thanksgiving for the benefit of the home in all Baptist churches of the five states, which compose the field of this society, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. In 1876 he went to Washington, D. C., where for three months he supplied the pulpit in the old E Street church, one of the oldest of the city. The people of Plain- well, desirous of retaining his services, sent him a petition signed by all the prominent residents of the town, and thus urged, he felt that he could not break the home ties formed here, and he returned to Plainwell, where he has labored for more than four decades. In 1890 was celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of his coming to Plainwell, on which occasion appropriate services were held, but on the first of October, 1905, still greater honors were conferred upon him in the celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the beginning of his pastorate, on which occasion a large number of people came from a distance, while many letters and telegrams were received, among them a congratulatory letter from President Roose- velt. The other ministers of the village joined in the services, together with ministers of prominence from different parts of the state. Dr. H. L. Stetson, a professor i in Kalamazoo College, speaking on "Literary Demands of a Forty-Year Pastorate," estimated that it required thirteen thousand discourses, which would make five hundred volumes of three hundred pages with two hundred and fifty words to a page. Rev. J. S. Boyden, the only pastor now living in Michigan, who was in the service when Rev. Fletcher was ordained, referred to the latter as being with him- self (Boyden) the "David and Jonathan of the Baptist denomination."
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