USA > Michigan > Bay County > History of Bay County, Michigan, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 27
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George F. Lewis, a pioneer journalist, was born in Harvard, Worcester Co., Mass., June 7. 1828. In 1835 his parents removed to Mount Clemens, Macomb County, where he set the first type in the office of the Macomb Statesman. In 1838 he was folder and carrier for the Mount Clemens Patriot. In 1845 he made a journey to Lake Superior with the late Gen. John Stockton, United States mineral agent. He soon after made a journey East with specimens of ore from the Lake Superior region. In the Spring of 1846 he again visited Lake Superior, where he remained until Fall, when he returned to Mount Clemens and entered the employ of the late Thomas M. Perry, of the Mount Clemens Patriot, as apprentice. He remained there about a year, and then after a short interim, took a position on the Daily Commercial Bulletin, then just started in Detroit. He helped put in type the first news of a presidential election that ever was transmitted by telegraph-that of Gen. Zachary Taylor in 1848. In May, 1849, he entered on the publica- tion of the Macomb County Herald, a weekly newspaper, which he continued two years. In the Spring of 1851 he started the Port Huron Commercial, as a Whig journal, changing it subsequently to a Democratic newspaper, which he continued to publish until the Spring of 1855. In September 1855, he bought the Peninsular Advocate, a Democratic paper, published at Mount Clemens, and continued it until the Summer of 1859. He afterwards became associated with Maj. E. W. Lyon. In 1868, in company with three partners, he started the Daily Courier. Mr. Lewis was postmaster at Mount Clemens from 1856 to 1859. In 1869 he started the Saginawian, a Democratic weekly newspaper, published at Saginaw, which paper he still owns. In 1881 he became interested in the Morning Call, at Bay City, as already stated. In the Spring of 1883 he removed his family to Bay City. Mr. Lewis was mayor of Saginaw from 1877 to 1879. He is a voluminous writer, and some of the best historical sketches ever made of the Saginaw Valley are from his pen. He is truly a veteran journalist, and one who per- formed an active and important part in the sphere in which his . talents and energies have been industriously employed.
Le Courrier was established in 1878 by J. L. Harquell, the present editor and proprietor. Mr. Harquell is a native of New Brunswick, and a lawyer by profession. In 1860 he entered Mason College, Canada, where he graduated. He subsequently graduated at the Military School of Canada, and in 1869 entered the Albany Law University, at Albany, N. Y., where he graduated in 1873. He practiced law two years at Albany, one year at St. Paul, Minn., and in 1877 located in Bay City, where he practiced law about a year. Soon after coming here he bought the Saginaw Greenbacker, which he published a short time, and in 1878 established Le Courrier, which was the first French paper in the Saginaw Valley. In 1879 he established Le Tribune at Detroit, which he sold two years later, when he started the La Messager at Muskegon, which he still continues. Mr. Harquell has been instrumental in organizing five French societies, and is at present president of the Bay City Mutual Aid Society of Bay City.
Le Patriote was established in February, 1880, by H. A. Pacaud, its present editor and proprietor. It is the largest French paper in the state, and has already attained a position of command-
RES. OF GEO. H. SHEARER.
RES. OF JOHN N. MC DONALD.
MILLS
BAY TOT
BAY CITY MILIS
FLOUR, FEED & GRAIN
WARE HOUSE
MCDONALD & SHEARER'S MILL , BAY CITY.
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HISTORY OF BAY COUNTY.
97
ing influence. Mr. Pacand was for some time publisher of a daily paper in Quebec, and is at the present time proprietor of a news- paper called Le Progress, published at Detroit and Windsor.
THE Catholic Chronicle was started in April, 1882, by its pres- ent proprietors, John Hyde and J. W. S. Norris. The paper is ably edited and has a wide circulation. Mr. Hyde is a lawyer by pro- fession, and a native of Cork, Ireland. He emigrated to this country in 1862, and settled in Bay City. He was judge of probate for the county one term, and practiced law until the Spring of 1882, since which time he has devoted himself to editorial labor. Mr. Norris is a native of Canada, and has been a resident of Bay City since 1868.
A number of other newspapers have been published at different times, but were finally suspended or merged into their contempora- ries. William T. Kennedy published a Democratic paper from 1864 to 1870. The Saginaw Valley Growler was published by D. R. Currey for several years after 1869. The Michigan Odd Fellow was published by Dr. Joseph Hooper, Edward Newkirk and Charles C. Gustin in 1874, and continued for three or four years. It was a very creditable publication.
Bay City is a good field for journalism, and at the present time, the field is well occupied. The number and character of the news- papers of the city are such as to reflect credit upon the enterprise and intelligence of the population.
BANKS AND BANKING.
The year 1863 opened withi flattering prospects for business. The two great industries of lumber and salt were being developed, and the village of Bay City had a population of from 2,000 to 2,500. This was, in many respects, an eventful year. Hitherto the busi- ness of the place had been done without the aid and convenience of banking facilities, but in March of this year, Mr. C. W. Gibson came to Bay City from Grand Blanc and opened a private bank, in a small room, in the Union House building, which was a frame structure and stood where the Campbell House now stands on Water Street. This institution was known as the
BAY BANK,
and the business transacted under the firm name of C. W. Gibson & Co. The capital of the bank was a matter of conjecture. The firm continued to do business until May, 1864, when the
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BAY CITY
was organized, with a capital of $50,000. The office of the bank was removed to a building erected for it by the late James Fraser, on Water Street, and still later was removed to the Shearer Block, at the corner of Center and Water Streets. The first officers of the bank were as follows :- C. W. Gibson, president; Harvey J. Clark, cashier. The directors were C. W. Gibson, C. D. W. Gibson, Henry Benson, Harvey J. Clark and R. L. Warren. The capital stock was owned by the five persons named as directors. In August, 1865, the capital was increased to $100,000.
In the Fall of 1866, Mr. Byron E. Warren came to Bay City and opened a private bank under the firm name of B. E. Warren & Co., which continued until the reorganization of the First National Bank.
In July, 1867, the firm of William C. Green & Co., of which Mr. E. B. Denison was a member, purchased a controlling amount of the stock, and a new set of officers were elected as follows :- Hon. S. M. Green, president; E. B. Denison, vice-president; Harvey J. Clark, cashier; William C. Green, assistant cashier.
In February, 1868, the stock again changed hands, the capital increased to $200,000, and the following were the officers :- James
Shearer, president; B. E. Warren, cashier. The directors were N. B. bradley, C. E. Jennison, A. S. Munger, A. Stevens. In Janu- ary, 1872, the capital was increased to $250,000, in July to $300,000, and in January, 1873, to $400,000. The office remained in the Shearer Block until January, 1873, when it was removed to the elegant building built by the bank, where it still remains. The building is located on the corner of Center and Washington Streets, and cost about $40,000.
The charter of the First National Bank would have expired February 24, 1883, and it was deemed wise to effect a reorganiza- tion, which was done in time to wind up its affairs on the 16th of January, 1883, and the following day the business was continued under the new name of the
BAY NATIONAL BANK,
with a capital of $200,000. The change was merely one of form, in no way affecting the business of the bank.
Of the original stockholders of the First National Bank there now remain N. B. Bradley, C. E. Jennison, C. Moulthrop, H. C. Moore, William McEwan, James Shearer and B. E. Warren. While
A FAG.CO.
BANK BLOCK, BAY CITY.
the stockholders have materially changed within the past fifteen years, the management of the bank has practically remained in the same hands, James Shearer having been its president until within a short time, when he was forced to resign because of ill health and necessary absence from the city. B. E. Warren, who was the first cashier of the bank, continued in that position until the date of Mr. Shearer's resignation, when he was elected president of the bank, and was succeeded by F. P. Browne, who now holds the po- sition of cashier.
During the career of the First National Bank it has filled a very important place in the financial affairs of the city, and has contributed its full share to the prosperity of the same. While doing this it has, at the same time, made very fair and satisfactory returns to its shareholders, paying them in dividends, during the fifteen years of its existence, over $500,000. Since the organiza- tion of the bank, the community with which it has done business has increased rapidly in size and wealth, because of which it was deemed advisable in the organization of a new bank that its stock- holders should be residents of this and West Bay City, and with that object in view, subscription lists were opened and the stock promptly taken.
The new board of directors consists of Simcoe Chapman, Alex- ander Folsom, John F. Eddy, Herschel H. Hatch, B. E. Warren, Thomas Cranage, Jr., L. L. Hotchkiss, W. H. Miller, E. Y. Wil- liams, and Edgar Cooley. At a meeting of the directors the fol-
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HISTORY OF BAY COUNTY.
lowing officers were elected :- B. E. Warren, president; Frank Eddy, vice-president, and Frederick P. Browne, cashier. The stockholders of the new organization are :- C. M. Averell, John H. Avery, N. B. Bradley, F. A. Bancroft, A. E. Bousfield, F. P. Browne, Thomas Cranage, Jr., Charles B. Curtis, S. Chapman, L. S. Coman, C. I. Christman, W. O. Clift, E. A. Cooley, Michael Daily, F. W. Dunham, Dolsen, Chapin & Co., John F. Eddy, Charles F. Eddy, N. A. Eddy, Selwyn Eddy, Charles A. Eddy, Alexander Folsom, Frank Fitzhugh, Eugene Fifield, S. O. Fisher, R. P. Gustin, Harry Griswold, Louis Goeschel, B. E. Warren, F. L. Gilbert, H. H. Hatch, L. L. Hotchkiss, Gustave Hine. John Heatlı, G. K. Jackson, C. E. Jennison, E. Kroencke, C. A. Davis, Walter Leavens, C. Moulthrop, William McEwan, John Mulhol- land, H. C. Moore, A. McDonell, W. H. Miller, N. Nellis, Robert S. Pratt, Frank S. Pratt, Charles G. Rogers, J. F. Romer, James Shearer, John Shaw, Charles J. Smith, Henry B. Smith, Dr. W. E. Vauglin, Capt. J. O. Woolson, E. Y. Williams, J. H. Yawkey.
The name of the new bank was changed to the title adopted, for the reason that in the organization of the bank under its old title the stock would have, under existing law, been allotted to the non-resident shareholders in the same proportion that they held stock in the old bank. It was believed that the credit of the bank would be very materially increased by having its shareholders lo- cated where the bank is doing business and the stockholders are better known to the customers of the bank; hence the change.
The following is the published report of the First National Bank at the close of business, December 30, 1882: .
RESOURCES.
Loans and discounts. $724,703 75
Overdrafts .
506 02
United States bonds to secure circulation 50,000 00
Other stocks, bonds and mortgages
8,856 64
Due from approved reserve agents.
185,075 53
Due from other national banks
17,918 84
Due from state banks and bankers
18,791 71
Real estate, furniture and fixtures.
25,000 00
Current expenses and taxes paid
13,048 42
Checks and other cash items.
3,540 13
Bills of other banks.
16,120 00
Fractional paper currency, nickels and pennies.
100 04
Specie
26,382 00
Legal tender notes.
38,865 00
Redemption fund with United States treasurer (five per cent of circulation)
2,250 00
Total .$1,131,158 08
LIABILITIES.
Capital stock paid in $250,000 00
Surplus fund.
50,000 00
Undivided profits.
50,496 88
National bank notes outstanding.
45,000 00
Dividends unpaid. 268 32
Individual deposits subject to check . $429,569 87
Demand certificates of deposit. 193,462 95
Cashier's checks outstanding 2,480 58 625,513 40
Due to other national banks 101,437 30
Due to state banks and bankers 8,442 18 109,879 48
Total .$1,131,158 08
It may be interesting to compare the foregoing with the fol- lowing report of the condition of the same bank, July 16, 1868.
RESOURCES.
Loans and discounts. .$119,783 34
United States bonds deposited to secure
circulation . .
$100,600 00
United States bonds on hand.
6,000 00
106,600 00
Premium account.
6,000 00
Local bonds.
3,402 88
Over-drafts.
2,947 34
Due from national banks . $43,571 52
Due from banks and bankers 1,078 65
44,650 17
Cash on hand, viz. :
Legal tender notes. $23,243 00
Three per cent certificates.
5,000 00
National bank notes.
3,683 00
Specie and premium funds. 372 20
Fractional currency and coin 1,407 75
Cash items.
1,058 00
34,763 95
Revenue stamps.
663 34
Furniture and fixtures
2,775 00
. Total. $321,586 02
LIABILITIES.
Capital stock. $100,000 00
Surplus fund. 8,000 00
Circulating notes
89,500 00
Individual deposits. 121,135 27
Due banks and bankers 2,203 85
Profit and loss 746 90
Total. $321,586 02
BYRON E. WARREN, president of the Bay National Bank, was born February 23, 1836, in Southfield, Oakland Co., Mich. His father was a native of Vermont, and his mother of New York State. His early years were passed upon a farm in Shiawassee County, but when he was six years of age his father removed to Fenton, Genesee County, and engaged in the mercantile busi- ness. Mr. Warren acted as his father's assistant, and as early as 1855 became the purchasing agent of an extensive business which his father carried on at Flint. During the war he was ap- pointed deputy revenue collector for the Sixth District of Michigan. The business and executive ability displayed by him during his oc- cupancy of that office, attracted attention, and he was urged to locate in Bay City in the banking business. He leased an office here and in the Fall of 1866 began business as a private banker. He soon became associated with Hon. N. B. Bradley, of this city, and upon the reorganization of the First National Bank became its cashier, and finally succeeded Mr. Shearer as president. His sound judgment has contributed in a large degree to the prosperity of that institution. He was one of the prime movers in the or- ganization of the public library, and has helped to establish other local enterprises. He is a man of broad views and belongs to that class of men to whom every community is indebted for its growth and prosperity. He is a Republican in politics. He was married June 18, 1861, to Miss Jennie Elsa Ives, of Flint, Mich.
FREDERICK P. BROWNE, cashier of the First National Bank, is a native of Joliet, Ill. For some time he was connected with the Ninth National Bank in New York City, where he rendered very efficient service. In 1875 lie came to Bay City and took a position in the First National Bank, and the following year was made as- sistant cashier, and when Mr. Warren succeeded Mr. Shearer as president lie succeeded to the responsible position of cashier, but one which he is well qualified to fill. Mr. Browne is a gentleman of thorough business habits, and applies himself industriously to the interests of the institution with which he is connected.
SECOND NATIONAL BANK.
This bank began business in May, 1874, with a capital of $100,- 000; William Westover, president, and W. L. Plum, cashier. In November, 1867, the Exchange Bank was started by William and Luther Westover, Charles F. Gibson, James J. McCormick, and H. J. Clark. In 1869 Orrin Bump effected the organization of the State Bank, with W. S. Patrick president, and Orrin Bump cashier. Soon afterwards Alonzo Chesbrough bought Mr. Patrick's interest,
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HISTORY OF BAY COUNTY.
99
and became president, and the capital was increased from $100,- 000 to $150,000. Upon the organization of the State Bank the Exchange Bank went out of existence. Upon the death of Mr. Plum, Mr. M. M. Andrews succeeded to the position of cashier.
In May, 1878, the State Bank consolidated with the Second National, and the business continued under the charter of the latter, with William Westover president, Orrin Bump, cashier, and M. M. Andrews assistant cashier. The capital was increased to $200,000, and again, in January of the present year, increased to $250,000. This bank does the largest business of any bank in the Saginaw Valley, as the published reports show. Its officers are gentlemen of large business capacity, liberal spirit, and it is made an important factor in the business enterprise and prosperity of the city. The office is located in the Westover Block, on the corner of Center and Washington Streets.
The directors of the bank are William Westover, A. Ches- brough, H. W. Sage, Luther Westover, Orrin Bump, W. L. Smith, A. J. Cooke, A. Walton, D. C. Smalley, W. H. Tousey, and S. T. Holmes. The officers are William Westover, president; A. Ches- brough, vice-president; Orrin Bump, cashier; and M. M. Andrews, assistant cashier.
A correct idea of the large business done by this bank may be obtained from the following published report of its condition at the close of business December 30, 1882:
RESOURCES.
Loans and discounts $ 801,205 53
Overdrafts
211 64
United States bonds to secure circulation 175,000 00
Other stocks, bonds and mortgages 3,606 49
Due from approved reserve agents 74,483 15
Due from other national banks 6,564 11
Real estate, furniture and fixtures
2,995 00
Current expenses and taxes paid .
1,573 60
Premiums paid.
4,000 00
Checks and other cash items
428 15
Bills of other banks.
7,536 00
. Fractional paper currency, nickels and pennies.
223 64
Specie.
22,772 81
Legal tender notes.
25,000 00
Redemption fund with United States treasurer (5 per cent of circulation
7,875 00
Total. $1,133,474 62
LIABILITIES.
Capital stock paid in. $ 200,000 00
Surplus fund. 50,000 00
Undivided profits 16,992 35
National bank notes outstanding 157,500 00
Dividends unpaid . 495 00
Individual deposits subject to check 699,209 26
Demand certificates of deposit.
Certified checks. . 500 00
Due to other national banks. 8,778 01
Total $1,133,474 62
The capital stock of the bank has since been increased to $250,- 000.
WILLIAM WESTOVER, president of the Second National Bank, is one of the representative men of Bay County. He is a native of Massachusetts. In 1852 he went to Canada, where he engaged in lumbering. Subsequently he removed to Tonawanda, N. Y., still continuing his lumbering business. In 1865 he removed to Bay City, and engaged in lumbering operations here. In 1868-'69 he built the Westover Block, in which the opera house is located. This block is a structure of imposing appearance, and, at the time it was
built, was a long stride of enterprise in advance of anything before attempted, but has since evidenced Mr. Westover's far-sightedness as a business man, and the liberality of his enterprise. The opera house has been of great public advantage to the place. Mr. West- over's connection with the banking interests of Bay City have already been given. He continued in the lumber business only & few years after coming here, and has since given his attention to banking business and the management of his private interests. In 1873 he began to improve 330 acres of land in Hampton Township for a farm, and which has been brought to a high state of cultiva . tion, and is an excellent illustration of the agricultural resources of Bay County. This farm is now finely stocked with Holstein cattle. One of Mr. Westover's sons lives upon the farm, and has the man- agement of it. Mr. Westover's family consists of his wife and three children, two sons and one daughter. No man in Bay City is more ready to contribute to the welfare of the place than Mr. Westover.
ORRIN BUMP, cashier of the Second National Bank, is well known in the financial circles of the Saginaw Valley. He is a native of Michigan, and served with distinction in the army from 1861 to the Fall of 1864. He was in a large number of battles, and was wounded three times. After leaving the army he went into a bank in Flint, remaining there until 1865, when he came to Bay City, and went into the First National Bank as book-keeper and teller. In 1869 he was instrumental in organizing the State Bank, as before stated, and has held the position of cashier since that time. He is now the oldest banker in Bay City in rank of con- tinuous service, and is recognized as a leading financier. He is an active, thorough going business man, genial and accommodating in all his business relations, and his vigor and judgment have had much to do with building up the immense business the bank has ac- quired. His family consists of a wife and one daughter.
M. M. ANDREWS, assistant cashier of the Second National Bank, is a native of Genesee County, and came to Bay City in 1865. He first went into this bank as book-keeper, and upon the death of Mr. Plum was made cashier, which position he held until the con- solidation of the two banks, when he took the position of assistant cashier, which place he still holds.
CHARLES M. BUMP, teller of the Second National Bank, is another of its attaches who has been in continuous service for a long period of time. He is a brother of Mr. Orrin Bump, and came to Bay City in 1870. He was book-keeper in the State Bank until its consolidation with the Second National, since which time he has held the position of teller.
BAY CITY BANK.
In 1868 the firm of George Lewis & Co. opened a private bank- ing office, which they continued until 1871, when they organized under the state laws as the Bay City Bank, with a capital stock of $50,000. The officers were George Lewis, president; and George H. Young, cashier. In July, 1873, the capital stock was increased to $100,000.
The present directors are William Peter, Isaac Marston, George Young, George H. Young, George Lewis.
Officers :- George Lewis, president; George Young, vice-presi- dent; George H. Young, cashier.
There is a savings department connected with the bank, which is a great convenience and benefit to a large number of the com- munity who desire to lay aside small amounts in a safe place where interest may be realized. The bank is under safe and efficient management, and has always done a prosperous business. Following is a published report of the condition of the bank at the close of business, December 30, 1882:
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HISTORY OF BAY COUNTY.
RESOURCES.
Loans and discounts
$551,324 35
Over drafts.
1,726 07
Real estate
6,824 64
Furniture and fixtures. . .
3,300 00
Revenue stamps
137 26
Cash items. .
$ 1,677 86
Due from banks
95,414 98
Coin .
11,052 17
Legal tender and bank notes.
44,449 00
152,594 01
Total
$715,906 33
LIABILITIES.
Capital.
$100,000 00
Surplus.
20,000 00
Interest account. Dividends unpaid.
4,849 37
100 00
6,612 59
Due other banks Due depositors
584,344 37
Total $715,906 33
. GEORGE LEWIS, president of the Bay City Bank, and also an ex- tensive lumberman and mill owner, was born in Orange County, N. Y., in 1827. He was brought up on a farm and had the ordinary district school advantages afforded to boys in those days. In 1849, having determined to try the West, he came to the Saginaw Valley on account of the attractions which its forests of pine offered. He tried lumbering some, but finding that his expectations were not realized, he went to making fish barrels at Zilwaukee, and continued in that business about six years, and also had a store there. He was supervisor to the Saginaw County Board of Supervisors before Bay County was organized. In 1858, he settled in Bay City, then Lower Saginaw, and had charge of the Henry Doty mill for several years. In 1863, he formed a partnership with William Peter, and they pur- chased the Partridge mill. They operated this mill successfully for several years, until it burned, and they went into the banking busi- ness, the firm being George Lewis & Co. His attention was largely devoted to this business until 1879, when he purchased a half in- terest in the saw mill of Albert Miller, and the firm became Miller & Lewis. He has represented the county in the Legislature one term and his ward on the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Lewis is one of the Bay County pioneers whose capital to start with consisted of energy, good judgment and sagacity, and by their proper exercise have achieved fortune and honorable rank. Mr. Lewis is one of the leading men of the valley and has reason to be satisfied with what he has accomplished during his business career of thirty-four years. He has a wife and five children.
GEORGE H. YOUNG, cashier of the Bay City Bank, is a native of Albany, N. Y., and son of Mr. George Young, a prominent capital- ist, formerly of Albany but now of Bay City. Mr. George H. Young came to Bay City in 1870, from Albany, for the purpose of going into business with Mr. George Lewis. He had been connected with the Union National Bank of Albany for six years, where he had made an enviable record. He had been disciplined in one of the best of schools, and possessed a natural talent for the banking busi- ness. Upon the organization of the Bay City Bank, he took the position of cashier, and has successfully managed the affairs of the bank to the present time. He has a wife and two children.
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