USA > Michigan > Branch County > History of Branch county, Michigan, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 38
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86
B. S. TIBBITS' CIGAR MANUFACTORY.
This establishment was organized Oct. 20, 1874, by B. S. Tibbits, who was, previous to that time, secretary of the American Cigar Company of Coldwater. It is located on Chicago Street, and occupies a building three stories high and eighty-four feet deep, and employs on an average seventy men and women, who are engaged in the manufac- ture of cigars. The business when first organized em- ployed but four persons in its manufacturing department, but since that time has increased so steadily and rapidly that the above force is required to fill its orders.
In 1878 the number of cigars made was one million nine hundred thousand, and the present year it is expected to reach three millions. It ranks, in capacity, fourth in the State in this branch of industry.
O'SHAUGHNESSY & CO.
This firm are located at 92 Chicago Street, and estab- lished their business in 1876. They employ in the manu- facture of cigars fifteen men, and produce during the year about four hundred and twenty-five thousand. They con- fine themselves exclusively to the manufacture of cigars, and find a market for them in Michigan and Indiana.
F. A. FAIRBANKS.
The establishment of F. A. Fairbanks is located on Monroe Street, and produces eut tobacco and cigars. It was started in 1877, and its present proprietor succeeded the following year. They make annually three hundred thousand cigars, beside finding sale for much cut tobacco.
CIGAR BOX MANUFACTURERS.
II. D. Robinson d' Son .- The extensive manufacture of cigars in Coldwater creates a new branch of industry by the demand for cigar boxes which, of necessity, follows.
Among the largest of these establishments is that of II. D. Robinson & Son, who suceceded to the business of Atkins, Gilbert & Co., which was begun in the year 1870, Mr. Robinson being the company. They manufacture cigar boxes exclusively, and employ in their business six- teen hands.
Their present capacity is about two hundred thousand, the home-trade being the principal consumers.
The building and steam-power used are both owned by he firm.
147
HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Chandler & Wood .- This firm employs twelve men and women in the manufacture of cigar boxes. The firm has been established but a short time, but has already built up a large trade, which is rapidly increasing. They manufae- ture two hundred thousand annually, and find a market in Coldwater and other parts of the State, as well as in In- diana.
FLOURING- AND GRIST-MILLS.
William A. Coombs' Mills .- The history of these mills dates back to the organization of the village, in 1837, in which year they were built by a stock company, consisting of Francis Smith, Thomas Dougherty, and Dr. William B. Sprague, the location beiug at the west end of Pearl Street, in what is now known as the Fourth Ward. In 1838 they were sold to John I. Curtis and O. B. Clark, Jr., who re- mained proprietors until 1841, when they passed into the hands of L. D. & P. B. Crippen. In 1844, P. H. Crip- pen disposed of his interest, and the firm became Crippen & Dougherty, after which L. D. Crippen became sole owner. lle conducted the mills for a period of years, during which time, in 1858, they were destroyed by fire, but were rebuilt . the following year by the owner. James B. Crippen sue- eceded as proprietor and sold to E. R. Clark, who owned them until 1869, when they passed into the hands of the present owner, William A. Coombs. They have at present three run of stone, but the proprietor intends adding another and making other improvements during the following year. They have both water- and steam-power, and produce flour and feed.
Coldwater Star Mills .- These mills are owned by David Harris, and were formerly known as the Oil-Mills, having been built in 1866. They occupy a commodious building, sixty feet square and three stories high with basement, and have three run of stone.
THE COLDWATER LIGHT GUARD.
The Coldwater Light Guard was organized August, 1871, and was mistered into the State service on the 11th day of November following, by Adjt .- Gen. John Robertson, with forty-one members. The commissioned officers were : Captain, George H. Turner; First Lieutenant, Abe E. Stowell ; Second Lieutenant, C. Il. De Clute. Ju January (1872) the company was supplied with the Springfield breech-loading rifles and aeeoutrements by the State, and at once entered upon a course of instruction.
April 9, 1872, it was ordered to Detroit, to take part in the ceremonies of the unveiling of the soldiers' and sailors' monument in that eity. This was the company's first ap- pearance in public, notwithstanding which faet they won much credit for their soldierly bearing and gentlemanly de- portment. Ou the 4th of July of the same year, the Light Guard, on behalf of the citizens of Coldwater, ex- tended an invitation to the various companies of the State to be present and take part in a grand military tournament to be held in Coldwater on that day. Several companies were present, and among them the Adrian Light Guard, who were awarded a beautiful silk banner, offered by the citizens to the best drilled visiting company.
During the following year the company made rapid pro- gress in drill, especially in the manual of arms.
In June, 1873, First Lient. Stowell and Second Lieut. De Clute resigned their commissions, and Clarence 1. IFunter was elected as first and Edward R. Root as second lieutenants, to fill the vacancies.
The 4th of July, 1873, was spent by the company in Union City, as the guests of the citizens of that place.
In the carly summer of 1873, the State Agricultural Society offered a premium of two hundred dollars to the best-drilled military company in the State, to be competed for at the State fair to be held in Grand Rapids the follow- ing September. The Coldwater Light Guard was accord- ingly entered for the contest, and set to work in earnest preparation for the event. On the 15th day of September they started for the scene of action, but with little real hope of success. They were hooted at as they passed through the streets in their cheap uniforms beside the elegantly-dressed companies from Adrian, Kalamazoo, and other places. But fiue uniforms did not win, as was very soon ascertained when the Coldwater company commenced to drill, and the first premium was awarded them at the close of the contest, to the utter astonishment of every one. On the 3d day of October, 1873, the company was present and took part in the ceremonies of laying the corner- stone of the new State capitol at Lansing.
In the spring of 1874, the companies in the State ser- vice having increased from seven (at the time the Coldwater Light Guard was mustered in) to twenty, the military authorities determined to organize them into regiments, which was accordingly done, and the Coldwater Light Guard was assigned to the 2d Regiment, " Michigan State Troops," and designated as " Company A" of that regi- ment. In the regimental formation, Capt. George II. Turner was selected for the majorship of the 2d Regiment, whereupon First Lieut. Ilunter was promoted to the office of captain, Second Lieut. Root to the first lieutenantey, and Ord. Sergt. Franklin Eaton to be second lieutenant. Under these officers the company made rapid progress in military tactics, attaining great proficiency in the manual of arms, and was acknowledged to be the best-drilled com- pany in the State of Michigan. Wherever it went it was always the recipients of the highest praise for their excel- lent drilling and soldierly discipline. At this time the company was ahont seventy strong, rank and file.
During the summer of this year (1874) the Light Guard received the new uniforms which had been adopted by the State Military Board for the State troops, and which added greatly to their appearanec.
The Light Guard decided to again compete for the pre- mium of two hundred dollars offered by the State Agricul- tural Society to military companies at the State fair, in East Saginaw, in September, and during the summer were in active training, in which they were greatly encouraged by the lively interest manifested by the citizens of Cold- water, who seemed as anxious for their success as were the soldiers themselves, generously contributing the entire fund for the payment of their expenses to and from East Saginaw.
The day of their departure, September 15, was one that will ever be remembered by each member of the com- mand as one of the most agreeable in its history. Shortly before the hour for departure the company was marched to
148
HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
the elegant residence of Mr. F. V. Smith, where a splendid collation was spread upon his spacious grounds by Cold- water's fairest daughters, who were present in full force to administer to the wants of the "inner man." The day was beautiful in the extreme, and with the bright faces and gay attire of the ladies, the glittering arms and uniforms of the soldiers, enlivened by the excellent music of the celebrated Constantine Band, which accompanied the guard upon their trip, a scene of brightness and gayety was pre- sented that is rarely equaled. As soon as the refresh- ments had been partaken of, Mrs. Josephine Hunter, wife of Capt. Hunter, stepped forward, and in behalf the wives, sisters, and sweethearts of the Coldwater Light Guard, presented to the company a magnificent stand of colors, wrought by their own hand. The beautiful gift was ac- cepted by Capt. Ilunter, in behalf of the company, in a very appropriate speech. The colors and the fair donors were saluted by the guard with three rousing cheers, the band playing " The Star-Spangled Banner." The company then marched to the depot, where a large concourse of peu- ple had assembled to witness their departure, and took the train for East Saginaw, where they arrived late that night.
The following day the five companies present to compete for the premiums were marched to the Fair Grounds, and the contest began at two o'clock P.M., the drilling being confined to company movements and the manual of arms. All the companies exhibited exceptionally good drilling, and were heartily cheered. When the Coldwater Light Guard took the field they were greeted with rounds of ap- plause by the thousands of spectators.
Throughout their entire drill they exhibited their thor- ough training by the promptness and precision with which every movement was executed, their splendid manual of arms calling forth especial praise. At the close of the con- test the companies were marched to the front of the judge's stand, and it was soon announced that the first premium had been awarded to the Coldwater Light Guard. The good news was immediately telegraphed to Coldwater, and the next morning (17th) the victors were en route for home, where they arrived at two o'clock P.M., and were greeted by a salute from one section of the famous Loomis Battery, and met by the mayor and common council, and a vast concourse of citizens, and escorted to their armory, where they were welcomed home in a very congratulatory speech by Mayor Champion. The following December the company headquarters were removed from Noyes' Hall, which they had occupied from the time of their muster, to Seely's Hall, which was the company's armory until De- cember, 1877.
At the annual election of officers in January, 1875, the commissioned officers were all re-elected. Little of interest occurred during the year 1875. The regular weekly drills were maintained throughout the year, and target practice instituted, in which the company were regularly exercised, and acquired considerable skill. The only trip made by the company this year was to Quincy and Hillsdale, the 3d and 5th of July, receiving at each place a purse of fifty dollars.
In January, 1876, the Guard again re-elected their able commissioned officers. It was the desire of the members
and their friends that the company should visit the Centen- nial during the summer, but the great expense attending such a trip precluded their going.
The 4th of July, 1876, the Light Guard visited Detroit, and took part in the grand celebration in that city, being the guests of the Detroit Light Guard.
The forepart of August the company was ordered into camp, with the rest of the 2d Regiment. at Reed's Lake, near the city of Grand Rapids, where they were six days undergoing the most rigid military training under that tborough soldier, Col. I. C. Smith. This was the com- pany's first experience in camp life, but notwithstanding the hard work, the long battalion drills in the hot sun, and the severe discipline, they returned the better for it, and there is not a member of Company A who does not recall many pleasant remembrances of Camp Custer in '76.
The 6th of September the Guard gave a grand centennial excursion to Put-in-Bay, Lake Erie, which was very suc- cessful, netting them nearly four hundred dollars.
In January, 1877, the faithful and efficient officers, Capt. Hunter and Licuts. Root and Eaton, relinquished their respective positions to other hands, after filling them with honor and credit to the State, to the company, and. to them- selves for nearly four years, and were succeeded by Charles N. Legg, as captain ; Frank J. Dart, as first, and Lilburn P. Palmer, as second lieutenants. This election was pro- bably the most exciting one in the whole history of the company. The ballotting continued until after midnight, and resulted in the election of the above-uamed commuis- sioned officers. R. M. Amidon, who had served one term in the volunteer service during the war, and had been for five years a non-commissioned officer in the regular army, was elected orderly sergeant. Drills continued regularly during the spring and early summer, and a lively interest was maintained among the members of the company.
In July came the Pittsburgh riot and the general strike of railroad men throughout the country. The expectation of being ordered into encampment had been abandoned, but on the night of July 24, Capt. Legg received the following telegram :
" DETROIT, July 24, 1877, 6.30 P.M.
" Your company will start to-morrow morning for the annual en- campment." The quartermaster-general will give you authority to make contract for transportation. Bring blankets. Acknowledge receipt of this at once.
" By order of the commander-in-chief. " JOHN ROBERTSON, "Adjutant-Gea." Capt. Legg telegraphed the following reply :
" Order just received. Will start early. " C. N. LEGG, "Captain Co. A, 2d Regiment."
Messengers were immediately dispatched to order out the men, and instruct them to report at the armory at eight o'clock the following day. Early on the morning of July 25, the company was duly assembled, when it was found that every member of the command then in the county was present and ready for duty. Two members only were ne- cessarily cxensed ; one of them had been wounded in the hand a few days before by the accidental discharge of a pistol, the other was suffering from a severe attack of rheu-
149
ITISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
matism. Both, however, urged to be allowed to accompany the command in any capacity in which they could be of service.
It had become generally known that the company had been ordered to Grand Rapids, and soon rumors of riots and bloodshed along the route and at the point of destina- tion filled the city. When the command reached the depot, escorted by the City Band, a large concourse of citizens and friends had gathered to witness their departure. When the time for leaving arrived, there were many lingering good- byes to anxious mothers and friends, whose fears had been raised by these floating rumors. Soon the train sped away and proceeded on its journey without let or hinderance. The mobs disappeared as by magic in advance of the flying train. White Pigeon, which rumor had filled with blood- thirsty strikers, and through which it was prophesied the company would have to fight its way, was found almost as quiet as upon a Sabbath morning, and the train took up its northward journey calmly and peacefully. Nothing opposed its onward course, and about half-past seven P.M., the com- pany reached Grand Rapids, and marched to Sweet's Hotel for supper. After supper the command took up its march for the camp in column of fours, with flag flying and drums beating. A crowd of workmen from the factories, and boys from the streets, and loungers from the saloons, soon filled the sidewalks and street, and commenced an infernal hoot- ing. Cries of " You don't dare shoot !" and much threaten- ing and abuse were indulged in, but onward moved the company with regular step and quiet mien. They reached the cars prepared to carry them to the camp-ground. Arrived there, they found six companies of the 2d Regiment already in camp, and by the following morning all the companies had reported. The following four days were passed peace- fully in company and regimental drill, parades, and the usual duties of camp-life, and on the 30th the company returned to its armory with a feeling of satisfaction in having per- formed its mission honorably.
In November of this year a eivil organization known as the Coldwater Light Guard Company was duly incorporated with the following officers : President, Frank D. Newbury ; Vice-President, Chas. N. Legg; Secretary, Alonzo Thomp- son. They at once purchased the vestry of the Episcopal Church their property on Hanchett Street, and fitted it up for an armory. Fifteen hundred dollars was the price paid for the property, and it was soon decided to make an addi- tion for a stage at the rear of the building, and fit it up with scenery and properties for a publie hall. The com- pany issued its bonds, which were readily negotiated, for the sum of five hundred dollars, and went forward with its improvements. In February, 1878, Armory Hall was opened to the public, and since that time has been the popular hall of the city for theatrical entertainments, con- certs, lectures, etc. It has a seating capacity of about five hundred, and is fairly supplied with sceuery and stage properties. Other improvements are contemplated, and the company is justly proud of its success in securing an armory of its own and at the same time affording a good hall for the accommodation of citizens.
In January, Frank D. Newbury was elected captain, and Charles N. Legg and Alonzo Thompson lieutenants. The year was ouly fairly prosperous. Quite a number of the
older members were lost by expiration of term of enlistment, and the incentive to work afforded by the prospect of the annual encampment disappeared, as it was known that the military fund had been exhausted the previous year, and that the company would not be called out as usual. Mis- fortune also attended the annual excursion, which had here- tofore been highly successful and brought considerable funds into the hands of the company. The day preceding was rainy and forbidding, and when the train moved away in the morning it was still pouring in torrents. The com- pany lost about forty dollars in the undertaking. In November the company again rallied. New members were enlisted,-among them one or two veterans of the organiza- tion,-and the spirit and enthusiasm once more revived. The squad and company drills were well attended. The prospect of annual encampment, and a feeling that their work in the past and usefulness to the State were beginning to be better appreciated by the people and the Legislature, led the members to take new interest in their duties and labors. In September Sharp's rifles were substituted for the Springfield army rifle, and gave general satisfaction to the company. At the annual election, Jan. 13, 1879, Frank D. Newbury was re-elected captain by the unani- mous voice of the company, and Frank J. Dart and Wm. M. Mix were elected first and second lieutenants, respectively.
Thus far, in 1879, the company drills have been better attended than at any former period in the company's his- tory, and the outlook for the future of the Coldwater Light Guard is extremely promising.
SKETCHI OF THE TURF AND FIELD.
A traveler through Branch County, even if his mind is fully occupied with mercantile pursuits, cannot fail to ob- serve that the breeding, development, and sale of fine horses is a very prominent interest, and that the most successful farmers, such as Hon. Geo. W. Van Aken, John Allen, Esq., and many others of that class, have, for the past quarter of a century, followed the good advice contained in the old couplet :
" Let this be still the farmer's creed, Of stock seek out the choicest breed."
The profitable results of their experience stimulated and encouraged smaller farmers to follow their example, hence the business grew rapidly in extent and importance until the present day, when we find it has become a leading in- dustry, which materially adds to the resources of this pros- perous county.
In some communities there is a class of persons who are disposed to underrate the value and character of horse-rais- ing; but no such class exists in Branch, nor could a stranger, representing the views of those persons, receive a patient hearing within its precincts. Daily transactions of stock changing hands at remunerative priees-generally from two hundred to two thousand dollars per head-have thoroughly convinced rich and poor here that this in- terest exerts a highly beneficial influence on the trade and manufactures of the city of Coldwater and county at large. Everybody appears to take a deep interest and feel a just pride in the superior class of horses of which this county ean boast, The farming class alone are not permitted to
150
HISTORY OF BRANCHI COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
monopolize the business; "all ranks and conditions of men," from the wealthy banker down to the humble artisan, engage, more or less extensively, in the enterprise, each one vieing with the other in raising a high-priced ani- mal, and nearly all report a profitable experience. It is true, that it takes many generations in the equine, as well as the human family, to breed high qualities; but the hereditary principle in this, as in other things, can safely be relied upon. The production of a superior horse for speed, pleasure-driving, or business, is no longer a hap- hazard undertaking, but can be brought about with a rea - sonable degree of certainty, by the judicious mingling of the blood of the best families of horses, most of which have valuable representatives in Branch County.
This county is to Michigau what Orange County is to New York State,-a grand nursery for the finest strains of blue blood in horse heraldry. Scattered all over the Union, aud even in the neighboring dominion of Canada, may be found, for stock improvement, for road and racing purposes, horses of great excellence claiming Branch County as their birthplace.
Coldwater and other towns of Branch are widely known as horse-marts for enterprising purchasers from the large cities, East and West, and the names of its representative horsemen, A. C. Fisk, E. C. Walker, F. L. Skeels, and others, are familiar at home and abroad. This county also contributes, directly and indirectly, more fast trotting horses to the regular racing-meetings than any other county that we know of, in Michigan or the adjoining States. The re- sult of the enviable position occupied by the county in re- gard to stock-raising is to bring in a large amount of money from other places, and all classes reap a benefit from this in- dustry, which adds so largely to the county's wealth. To give an idea, we may mention that one breed of horses alone has produced stoek which has yielded one hundred thousand dollars and upwards.
The foregoing truths are self-evident to those who have looked into the matter, but may require confirmation by those who have not. We will therefore take a cursory view of the progress of the industry.
A thorough history would demand an amount of space and research requiring a special work to do it justice. It is not within the scope of this article to trace the business " from pillar to foundation-stone," or enter into a discussion of the breeding problem. We leave that duty to the special writers and inquirers after knowledge bearing on the subject. We must content ourselves with a brief outline of the rise and progress of the horse interest in the county through the principal importations, and record some of the more important events. Our field of choice will have to be limited to brief mention of stock horses whose names are " as familiar as household words." In art it is said the best things are necessarily few, but on investigating the horse question in Branch County we find that this rule will not apply. This county has a galaxy of great horses, most of them of national fame, and each having had some special merit to commend him, so that public opinion gives no particular animal an unequaled altitude in the mountain chain of greatness. There may be mountain peaks loom- ing up whose names are Vermont Hero, Magna Charta,
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.