History of Berrien and Van Buren counties, Michigan. With biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 50

Author: D.W. Ensign & Co. pub; Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Johnson, Crisfield
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia, D. W. Ensign & Co.
Number of Pages: 821

USA > Michigan > Van Buren County > History of Berrien and Van Buren counties, Michigan. With biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 50
USA > Michigan > Berrien County > History of Berrien and Van Buren counties, Michigan. With biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 50

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).

GENERAL BUSINESS INTERESTS.

A. M. Collins opened the first store, in 1861, in the building at present occupied by M. G. Lamport, who soon

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HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

after engaged in trade and yet continues. The same season Hatch & Durry opened a store in the Robbins building. Charles J. Smith had a general store, and H. L. Harris had a grocery-store. Other early and principal merchants were N. Robbins, B. C. Lewis, Stephen Boyle, Foster I. Parks, A. Burridge, and Gordon Brothers.

The different branches of trade are at present represented by Pitcher, Jones & Sonner, R. J. David & Co., Ferry & Co., and S. B. Van Horn, dry goods ; Clark & Hoag, O. S. Willey, M. J. Vincent, P. M. Kinney, C. S. Boyle, Schaus & Burridge, F. G. Rice, S. M. Austin & Co., and W. H. Edwards, groceries ; M. G. Lamport and Platt & Bro., hardware ; John Thomas and W. L. George, boots and shoes ; John C. Gates, A. J. Kidd, J. R. Price, drugs and medicines; Kolman Brothers, notions ; Judson Russell, pro- duce dealer; J. H. Darche, fruit dealer; and eight or ten others. Many of these stores are large, and transact a heavy trade.

The first hotel was the present " American House," which was built in 1861, by E. B. Whiting, and for some time kept by him. The house has repeatedly been enlarged and improved, and is at present well kept by Alonzo Vin- cent. Other landlords have been John Brown, A. M. Col- lins, Martin Dodge, and E. Nichols.

The " Gartley House" was originally used by the " Ex- celsior Packing Company," in 1870, but was reconstructed for hotel purposes by Samuel McGuigan, who yet owns it, and has been kept by Samuel Stewart. This is also well patronized. The third hotel, the " Colfax House," has been kept several years by Martin Dodge.

The village was first supplied with mail matter from the St. Joseph office, which was distributed by M. G. Lamport, Charles Hulbard, and others.

In 1865 a government office was established with the name of the village, and Henry C. Morton postmaster. While he held that position the duties of the office were discharged by deputies Jacob Van Horn, John C. Gates, J. S. Morton. In 1873, J. P. Thresher received the ap- pointment of postmaster, and served until 1877, when the present incumbent, A. B. Riford, succeeded to the position. The office has three mails per day by rail, a tri-weekly mail to Eastern points, and a daily mail by stage from Berrien. On the 1st of August, 1870, it became a postal money-order office.

A private bank was established in the village, in 1875, by W. E. Higman, James Baley, and S. F. Heath, which is at present continued by the two first-named members of the firm. A neat office is occupied, and a flourishing business done.

The first newspaper was the Benton Harbor Palladium, issued Oct. 9, 1868, by L. G. Merchant, and which is now edited by Charles E. Reeves. The Times was founded July 17, 1875, by William and Thomas Hurley, and is yet continued by them. The Lake Shore Daily News, also yet here issued, was established May 1, 1876. A full his- tory of the press appears in the general history of the county.

Dr. John Bell was the first physician in the village, and is yet an active practitioner. The other physicians are Drs. George W. Bell, Richard Winans, I. R. Dunning, E. A.

Clark, and J. S. Mortlock, the latter two being homoopa- thists. A few other physicians have practiced in the place, but removed to other points.

R. A. Kneeland was the first dentist, and was followed by Dr. C. J. Hall.

The first attorney was A. B. Riford, who located here in August, 1866, and yet follows his profession. Alonzo Plummer has practiced law since 1874, and since that pe- riod F. D. Orcutt, George M. Valentine, John A. Eastman, and A. H. Potter have established themselves here in prac- tice. Among the lawyers who have removed have been E. F. Hyde, L. C. Fyfe, and A. C. Kingman.

BENTON HARBOR MANUFACTORIES.

In 1854, H. W. Williams put up a steam saw-mill on the northwest quarter of section 18, on the Paw Paw River, which had a capacity of 14,000 feet of lumber per day. It was destroyed by fire in 1875.

In the village, J. H. Darche formerly carried on a foundry and plow-factory, which has been discontinued. A grist-mill, which was put up by James and W. H. Kirby, has also passed away.

The Benton Harbor Custom- and Flouring-Mills, in the eastern part of the village, were partly built in 1871. Since that time they have been enlarged, and are at present operated by W. E. Bradley. The power is furnished by a 25 horse-power engine, and two runs of stone are in use.

J. H. Graham & Co.'s Lumber-Mills were built some ten or twelve years ago, by Green, Allen & Co., in the west- ern part of the village. They are supplied with large double engines and good machinery, giving them a capacity of 3,500,000 feet per year. Sixteen men are employed, and the mills are operated, chiefly on the hard woods, in the production of bill-stuff.

The Benton Harbor Building and Manufacturing Es- tablishment was commenced in 1874, by the erection by the citizens of the village of a large factory building, north of the depot, supplied with an engine of 25 horse-power, which was given to George R. Wright & Brother as a bonus, conditioned upon the establishment of a " Washboard and Bung Factory," to give employment to 50 men. After a short period of work, on a small scale, the firm retired from business, and the factory was idle until May, 1879, when S. S. Ware occupied it as the proprietor of the above estab- lishment. A large amount of general work is done, and the lumber-dressing business in all its forms is carried on for builders and contractors. Twelve men are given em- ployment, under the foremanship of J. B. Winchell. The agent of the establishment is George R. Wright.

The Excelsior Factory, on the west side of the canal, was established at St. Joseph in 1875, by H. W. Miller, and located at the present site in 1877 by a company formed for that purpose, and of which H. W. Miller is the presi- dent. A building 32 by 40 feet, two stories high, is occu- pied by machinery for the manufacture of " Excelsior," a thin, spiral shaving of wood for packing purposes, and for the filling of mattresses. About 3} cords of basswood logs are consumed daily, and 7 men are employed to carry on the factory.

John Thomas' Tannery was built in the spring of 1879,

FOREST HOME, PORTER TP, VAN BUREN CO.

LUTHER KINNEY.

MRS. LUTHER KINNEY.

RESIDENCE OF LUTHER KINNEY, BENTON TP., BERRIEN CO., MICH

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TOWNSHIP OF BENTON.

and has been in operation a few months. It contains six- teen vats, which are employed in tanning upper-leather with hemlock bark. Steam-power is used, and this tannery is said to be the only one in operation in the county.

The Benton Harbor Furniture- Factory, A. Volsteck, proprietor, was established in the fall of 1865. The present factory has been occupied since 1873. It is a two-story building, 75 by 80 feet, and is supplied with power from a good engine of twenty-five horse-power capacity. The fac- tory is operated on general household furniture, and employs five or six hands. In the same building is a part of C. Colby & Co.'s Fruit-Package and Basket-Factory, which properly dates from the year 1866, when C. Colby began the manu- facture of fruit-packages in the village, using 100,000 feet of veneers that year. The consumption of that article has steadily increased, about 300,000 feet per year being used at the present time. The factory has been located at various points, and at the present place since 1873. The firm manufactures all kinds of fruit-packages, baskets, and veneer work, employing about 50 hands. Among the products are veneer plates, for the use of retail grocers. As many as half a million peach-baskets a year have been made at this fac- tory, and other work in proportion.

L. Carpenter & Co.'s Fruit- Basket and Package- Manu- factory was established about the same time as the above, by L. & N. Hall, and has been operated since 1870 by the present firm. The appointments of the factory are com- plete, excellent machinery is used, and the power is sup- plied by a twenty horse-power engine. The Carpenter factory produces some work of peculiar construction, which is used with great favor by fruit-growers and dealers, and their wares have attained a wide reputation. Employment is given to 25 men.

Ingham, Leslie & Co.'s Fruit-Package Factory, near the railroad depot, was established about 1870, by Colby, Ing- ham & Co., in the southern part of the village. The present firm took the factory in 1875, and in February, 1876, the old factory was burned. The present factory has been occupied since March of the same year, and embraces several large shops, the main building being 75 by 125 feet. It is supplied with good machinery, and the lathes were constructed after patterns prepared by J. W. Leslie. In addition to the ordinary fruit-packages, the firm also manufactures cigar-box lumber, head-lining for barrels, and veneers for various purposes. The factory employs from 25 to 75 men, and is operated the entire year. The present members of the firm are J. C. Ingham, J. W. Leslie, and E. L. McNitt.

Samuel Genthe's Cooperage was established in 1872, for the manufacture of all kinds of barrels and casks. Ten men find steady employment in this factory. The village is also well supplied with the ordinary mechanic shops and smaller manufacturing interests.

Benton Harbor Fruit-Packing and Canning Establish- ments .- In 1870 the " Excelsior Packing Company" began putting up fruit and vegetables in the building which is at present used as the Gartley House, putting up 35,000 cans that year, and increasing the product to 125,000 cans the second year. The company then retired from business, and two other companies were formed to pack vegetables and

fruit : the " Phoenix Packing Company" and the " Benton Harbor Packing Company." The latter was composed of Albert James, O. E. Mead, W. C. Hunter, and A. Plum- mer. They put up 800,000 cans that year. The following year the company dissolved. The " Phoenix Company" had as its members E. Nickerson, N. Robbins, and C. H. Tarbell; but in 1873 the first two members of the firm disposed of their interests to A. B. Riford and N. B. Hall, and the " Victor Packing Company" was formed. This firm put up the large packing establishment in the eastern part of the village, which is at present the place of busi- ness of the establishment next named.

The Alden Evaporating and Canning Company was formed in 1877. The present officers are Alfred Russell, President ; W. E. Higman, Secretary ; C. M. Edick, Treas- urer ; and N. B. Hall, Superintendent. The establishment embraces a number of buildings,-the principal ones being 38 by 120 feet, 26 by 150 feet, 30 by 80 feet, and 80 by 100 feet, which are devoted to the various purposes of the company, including the manufacture of tin cans. This department gives employment to 15 men nine months per year. In the canning department 200 persons, chiefly women, are employed, working about fifteen hours per day during the canning season.

The principal articles canned are the " Victor" and " Benton" tomatoes, about 500,000 3-pound cans per year; string-beans, about 25,000 2-pound cans; and apples, 4000 dozen 1-gallon cans. These goods are sold to the trade by C. E. Roe & Co., of Chicago, and large quantities are furnished to the government. Most of the vegetables con- sumed are grown on contract by parties living in the vicin- ity of the village, about 300 acres of tomatoes and 25 acres of beans being subject to the demands of the company.

The present firm also controls the dry-houses and prop- erty of the old " Alden Evaporating Company." The buildings stand on several acres of ground, and embrace a large four-story structure, with an L wing containing two' dryers, arranged after the Alden method, whose capacity is 600 bushels of apples per day. They were erected in 1874, by O. E. Moore and Ralph Grove, and subsequently used by A. R. Nowlen and John Thomas & Co., and when in operation gave employment to 75 persons. Since 1877 they have not been in use, the energies of the company being directed more to the canning than the evaporating process.

THE FRUIT INTERESTS OF BENTON

may be appropriately noted in this connection. Fruit-trees were set out, soon after the settlement of the township, by the pioneers to supply their own wants, but fruit was not much cultivated for market until after 1850. In 1848, George Parmelee set out an orchard of two acres of budded peach-trees, of which the fruitage was so satisfactory that attention was directed to this business as the probable future industry of the people of the township. Larger orchards were planted with equally satisfactory results, the trees not only growing with remarkable thrift, but their products being a source of much revenue to their owners. The favorableness of the soil, climate, and other essential con- ditions being established, the population of the township was augmented with wonderful rapidity by those anxious

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HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

to engage in fruit culture. The price of land appreciated from a nominal price to fabulous figures, as much as $1000 per acre being paid ; and the larger lots were subdivided into gardens of from three to ten acres, on many of which cottages were built, until many parts of the western half of the township bear the appearance of a vast straggling vil- lage. Others engaged in the business on a scale of greater magnitude. In 1857, Smith & Howell planted 60 acres of peach-trees, which was known as the Cincinnati orchard, and was for several years the largest in the State. The Parmelee orchard was increased until it comprised 90 acres. In 1873, when fruit-growing was at its best, there were 2677 orchards in the township. Of the lands devoted to this purpose, 214 acres were set to strawberries; 109, to raspberries ; 134, to blackberries ; and there were 32,110 grape-vines, 5427 cherry-trees, 204,721 peach-trees, 10,935 pear-trees, 67,092 apple-trees, 1223 plum-trees, and 1453 quince-trees. In most respects Benton headed the list of the fruit townships of the county, the excess of peach-trees especially being very large. In a few years after this list was prepared the peach-trees were attacked by a disease popularly known as " the Yellows," which caused most of the orchards to die out, and this fruit at present forms a comparatively small amount of the products of the general interest, apples and the small fruits being the staples. In 1873 those who cultivated 15 acres or more of fruit in Benton were the following: George W. Antisdale, D. Boynton, M. E. Burridge, J. N. Burridge, Jacob Burridge, L. Canfield, George Carley, N. Castle, F. A. Chapman, H. C. Collins, E. G. Curtis, William Gates, H. H. Garland, Gates & Bell, O. Harmon, S. F. Heath, J. F. Higbee, U. Higbee, H. Hilton, G. K. Hopkins, W. C. Hunter, J. C. Ingham, Samuel Jackson, A. James, J. L. Johnson, H. H. Kidd, A. B. Leeds, O. Lozier, S. E. Martin, J. McAllister, E. A. Clave, George Meech, F. Morley, L. G. Moulton, E. Nickerson, A. R. Nowlen, A. J. Nowlen, Alfred Os- borne, P. O. Osborne, C. J. Owen, George Perkins, C. K. Pierce, George Powell, R. C. Reed, F. J. Ripley, W. D. Sherwood, Ezra Smith, C. C. Sutton, James Vanderveer, George Wright, J. W. Rose, S. Perkins, Mary Robinson, James Silvers, S. Snyder, T. N. Terry, L. M. Ward, R. Winans, P. Yore, W. Rose, W. S. Rowe, George Smith, J. M. Sortor, J. P. Thresher, H. F. White, J. Withey, I. J. Hoag, B. Fish.

Since 1873 a number of changes in the ownership of the orchards have taken place, which cannot be here given. The general fruit products of the township can be seen from the shipments as given in the article on the com- merce of Benton Harbor. Fruit-growing yet constitutes the chief industry of the people of Benton.

MILLBURG.

This is the oldest village in the township. It was platted in 1835, by Jehial Enos, of Benton, and Amos S. Amsden, of St. Joseph, and received its name on account of the water-power at this place, which was improved about that time for milling purposes. It is located on the north bank of Blue Creek, in the eastern part of section 13, on the Bainbridge line, a part of the village being in that township. Originally, about twenty acres were platted for a village,

and years ago the place promised to become a point of greater importance than it is at present. The canal and railroad have diverted whatever trade it had to Benton Harbor, and it is now simply a hamlet, having a post-office, mill, a few shops, about twenty houses, and a Disciples' Church.

The Bainbridge post-office was established here about 1836, and had as the first postmaster James H. Enos. John T. Tabor was the next appointee, keeping it some distance from the village. The present post-office, which bears the name of the village, was established about 1852, with Enos Fenton as postmaster. His successors were Mrs. Fenton and the present Mrs. Hill. The office has a tri-weekly mail from Benton Harbor.

The first store was kept by James H. Enos, about 1851. He sold to Ansel Winslow, who in turn was succeeded by Dix & Wakefield and D. D. Hurd, the latter being the last in trade in that building. Another store was opened in 1852, by Enos Fenton, who was in trade until about . 1871, when William Randall & Brother engaged here as merchants, and continued until a few years ago. Only a small grocery-store is carried on at present.

The first regular tavern was kept by the Winslows, in the former store building, which had been remodeled for this purpose. Subsequently, William Piersoll, Samuel Buchanan, and others entertained the public, but at present there is no tavern.

Dr. Ansel Winslow was the first physician to locate at Millburg to practice his profession, about 1851, and had a contemporary soon after in Dr. Enos Fenton. Other prac- titioners for short periods were Drs. Cook, Fowler, Ross, King, etc. The present in practice is Dr. Bowman.

At the village, James H. Enos put in operation the first saw-mill, about 1836, and eighteen years after, sold the prop- erty to Ansel Winslow. In a few years the latter erected a grist-mill, which is yet operated by Wm. Randall & Brother. The Hall Brothers were intermediate owners, and here also had a factory for making staves and bent work. The water- power was supplemented by steam, but the engine was soon after removed to Benton Harbor.

Farther down Blue Creek, Jehial Enos and James Suth- erland erected a saw-mill, which afterwards became the property of James F. Higbee, who operated it until it was discontinued.

On section 21, Samuel McGuigan had a steam saw-mill, which was successfully operated many years, and about twenty years ago W. H. Pearl erected a similar mill on section 26, which is yet worked to a limited extent.

A small basket-factory was operated on section 36, by James S. Moore, a few years, but has been discontinued.

SOCIETIES AND ORDERS.

Repeated application for information concerning " Ben- ton Lodge, No. 132, I. O. O. F.," has failed to elicit the de- sired data. Its meetings are held in a hall over Ferry & Co.'s store, and F. G. Rice was reported as Noble Grand, and J. E. Wright, Secretary.

Lake Shore Lodge, No. 298, F. and A. M., was in- stituted Jan. 10, 1872, with A. B. Leeds, P. D. Mont- gomery, C. S. Boyle, John Bell, J. P. Thresher, John Fin- i

PROP. OF L. KELLEY.

CAPT. E. NICKERSON

MRS.E.NICKERSON.

RES. OF CAPT. E. NICKERSON, BENTON TR, BERRIEN CO., MICH.

195

TOWNSHIP OF BENTON.

ney, and Edwin D. Cooke as original members. In 1879 the lodge reported 41 members, and had as principal offi- cers John Bell, W. M. ; B. Fonger, S. W. ; C. J. Hall, J. W .; and F. Morley, Sec. The meetings are held in a com- fortable hall at Benton Harbor, and the lodge is in a flourish- ing condition.

Benton Lodge, No. 844, I. O. G. T., was instituted April 15, 1875, with 60 charter members, and O. S. Willey, Worthy Chief Templar. The lodge has prospered, having at present 9.5 members and the following principal officers : C. E. Reeves, W. C. T .; Mrs. J. H. Darche, W. V. T .; A. Bonine, R. S .; W. W. Watson, W. F. S .; Mrs. E. M. Hipp, W. T .; and S. G. Antisdale, Lodge Deputy.

Lily of Benton Temple, Juvenile Templars, was organ- ized in April, 1879, with 33 members and Harry Hopkins, C. T .; Ed. Heath, R. S. ; Carrie Bryant, F. S. Although of recent organization, the Temple has become very flour- ishing, and promises to accomplish much good among the young people of the township.

Benton Harbor Library Association was formed Dec. 17, 1877, and has at present (August, 1879) the following officers : R. M. Jones, President ; Mrs. O. S. Willey, Vice- President ; S. R. Hughes, Secretary ; James Bailey, Treas- urer ; Ed. Kolman, Librarian ; and A. B. Riford, Mrs. R. Winans, R. J. David, C. E. Reeves, J. W. Leslie, and S. H. Antisdale, Directors.

The association maintains a library of several hundred well-selected standard and popular books, and is a useful agent in promoting the general culture of the village.

Pearl Grange, No. 81, Patrons of Husbandry .- This society was organized in the Pearl neighborhood, Sept. 29, 1873. In the summer of 1874 a small but neat hall, for the use of the grange, was built on the east line of section 26, where the meetings have since been held. The grange has prospered, and has a large and active membership. The present principal officers are C. A. Spencer, W. M., and E. Spencer, Sec.

The grange has sustained a supply store for a number of years, which has been very beneficial to the members. The purchasing agents have been R. Morrill, C. A. Spencer, and L. Sutherland.

Benton Harbor Grange, No. 122, P. of H., was insti- tuted Nov. 7, 1873, with 30 charter members, and C. C. Sutton for the first Master, and H. A. Rackliff, Sec. At present the grange meets in a hall over Clark's grocery, and has 52 members, with J. K. Bishop, Master, and Wm. J. Holt, Sec. Both granges have promoted the interests of the agricultural portion of the township, and are useful bodies.

SCHOOLS.

The first school-house in the township of Benton was erected at Millburg, and it was some years before school buildings were provided in the western part of the town- ship. In 1867 a large two-story frame house was erected in Fractional District No. 5, in the Heath neighborhood, on half an acre of ground, in which excellent schools have since been taught ; and in most of the other districts good houses have since been provided, and a commendable in- terest taken in education. At Benton Harbor the original school building-the old white house-has been adapted

as a place of worship for a Universalist society. In 1868 the people of that district voted $20,000 to erect a new school edifice, and on the 28th of September, 1868, Joseph Riford, S. E. Martin, and W. H. Kirby were appointed a building committee. The house is 60 by 80 feet, 3 stories and basement, of brick trimmed with sandstone, and pre- sents a very attractive appearance. The upper story forms a large hall, and the other floors have been divided into seven rooms which are large and well furnished.

On the 6th of September, 1869, the district was organ- ized as a union school, with C. K. Parce, Wm. J. Hess, Joseph Riford, M. G. Lamport, A. B. Riford, and J. P. Thresher as a board of education. As a union school it has since been ably conducted, at a yearly expense of about $3000. In 1879, R. M. Jones was moderator of the board ; M. G. Lamport, director ; C. S. Boyle, J. C. Ingham, Allen Bronson, and W. L. George, associate members. The dis- trict had 452 children between the ages of five and twenty years, from which were enrolled in the high school, 62 pupils ; in the grammar school, 28; in the intermediate, 56 ; and in the three primary schools, 144 pupils. There were, besides, in the township 13 districts whose bounds were irregular, and all of them, except Nos. 2, 3, 8, 12, and 14, joint districts. The children of school age in each district were as follows: No. 1, 135 ; No. 2, 59; No. 3, 97; No. 4, 36; No. 5, 123; No. 6, 42; No. 7, 61; No. 8, 60; No. 11, 35; No. 12, 44; No. 14, 75.

The entire number of children of school age in the township, including Benton Harbor, was 1217.

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.

The Church of Christ of Millburg .- Many years ago a Methodist class was formed at Millburg, which prospered for a time, then suffered a declining interest, and finally became altogether extinct. At a later period the Disciples effected a temporary organization here, and held meetings with good effect, but as there was no suitable place of wor- ship they were soon discontinued, and the interest died out. But in the fall of 1868, under the preaching of the Rev. William R. Roe, a permanent organization of 55 persons was made, and this afterwards became known as the Church of Christ of Millburg. James Adams and J. W. Rose were elected the first elders, and J. K. Bishop and C. C. Potes deacons. Mr. Rose has served as deacon contin- uously since, and J. K. Bishop was elected to fill the va- cancy caused by the removal of Mr. Adams. A. L. Scho- field and J. Hess have been elected as additional deacons.

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History of Berrien and Van Buren counties, Michigan. With biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 50

Author: D.W. Ensign & Co. pub; Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Johnson, Crisfield Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Philadelphia, D. W. Ensign & Co. Number of Pages: 821

Author: D.W. Ensign & Co. pub; Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Johnson, Crisfield
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia, D. W. Ensign & Co.
Number of Pages: 821