USA > Michigan > Calhoun County > History of Calhoun county, Michigan : a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests, Volume I > Part 48
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GERMAN EVANGELICAL ST. PAUL'S CHURCH
St. Paul's church was organized by the Rev. Reinicke in 1894, with about twenty families.
Soon after the organization, the small congregation went at work to raise funds for a new church, which was erected on Adams street.
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The church has no debts and is in a flourishing condition, since holding also English services besides the German.
The congregation now has a membership of about thirty families, making about one hundred and seventy-five baptized and confirmed members.
The Sunday school has about thirty-five pupils, with three teachers.
The Ladies' Aid society has thirty-five members and is a growing condition.
The congregation supports the missions of the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod, of Missouri, Ohio, and other states.
Rev. Chr. Heidenreich, of Marshall, has been pastor of the church since 1908.
LITERARY AND SECRET SOCIETIES OF BATTLE CREEK
By W. R. Wooden
The city of Battle Creek has been blessed with a few literary so- cieties that have been very effective and an element for much progress and benefit in the community.
The greatest credit must be given to her women's clubs. During the early years of the war of the Rebellion a Ladies' Library Associa- tion was established through the efforts of Mrs. E. H. Hussey, widely known for her culture and originality, and Mrs. Benjamin F. Graves, a woman of clear, strong intellect, sound judgment and resolute pur- pose. A plan of work was developed, a constitution signed, and of- ticers elected, with Mrs. Graves president. Through strenuous effort and untiring interest on the part of the members of this society, a large circulating library was formed and its benefits extended to the town and surrounding country. A town library came into existence a few years later, and from that time the society devoted itself almost entirely to the study of literature, science, history and art.
The Ladies' Library Association was called by various names, such as Ladies' Literary, Ladies' Library and Literary Association, Ladies' Literary and Art Club. Through varying fortunes the Ladies' Library Association continued until 1893, when it was incorporated as the Woman's Club, the name which it now retains. Mrs. Graves was presi- dent until her death in 1894. The purposes of the Woman's Club are intellectual, scientific, aesthetic, liberal culture and inquiry.
In later years there was organized and developed another woman's club called the Woman's League, having for its object similar purposes.
Both of these clubs have grown and progressed until they have de- veloped into great institutions for benefiting the community and have become permanent institutions for good, both enjoying a large member- ship at the present time.
The Conversational Club was founded in 1898 by Charles E. Barnes, Hon. J. D. Bartholf, and George W. Buckley. The name Conversa- tional indicates the procedure of its meetings, which usually take place at some private residence on some evening of each week during the
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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY
cold season. For each meeting a different leader and different topic are selected by a committee appointed by the president, and a general conversation or discussion follows the opening talk. In the earlier years of the club the programs hore considerably more of a literary aspeet than has been the case in the last few years. Its purpose How is not merely to be an agency of self-culture to its members, but to be an agency also of ethical influence upon publie sentiment. A wide variety of practical subjects is considered, and many notables, both men and women, have spoken under its auspices.
The Nature Club, its name indicating its objeet, is probably the first elub of its kind organized in America. Its work has been study along the lines of ornithology, entomology, geology, forestry, astronomy, microscopy, botany and other nature studies. During the spring and early summer months the club as a whole makes a practice of making exenrsions into the country, studying nature in a section that seems to be a veritable treasure trove to nature lovers. During the colder months it holds weekly meetings, each meeting generally addressed by some one individual upon a chosen subject, which is followed by a general discussion of members.
The Women's Christian Temperance Union is a thriving institution working along nsual lines.
The Young Women's Christian Association is also prosperous and has been a potent agent for much good in the community. Unlike most similar institutions in other eities, it has been most wonderfully man- aged from a business standpoint, and has really been more effective and successful than similar organizations in cities approximating the size of Battle Creek.
The Young Men's Christian Association has provided itself with its own building and club rooms. It has been most excellently managed for a number of years, being eared for and supported by all of the good people in the community. Its line of work is of course along lines nsual to the institution in other cities. However, the progress, activity and accomplishments of the Battle Creek Y. M. C. A. are phenomenal,
Battle Creek is also blessed with a large number of thriving secret societies.
Masons .- The first Masonie lodge was instituted in 1846. The lodge grew and thrived nntil in 1897 it swarmed, forming the A. T. Metcalf . lodge, which has also become active and prosperous until at the present time there are over seven hundred masons in the jurisdiction, prepara- tions being under way to construct for Masonic uses a suitable temple, which will undoubtedly be commenced ere this history is published. A chapter of Royal Arch Masons was instituted in 1857, and a eom- mandery of Knights Templar organized in August, 1882.
Knights of Pythias .- This is one of the largest and most thriving secret soeieties in the city. It was organized in 1879, and since the organization of the lodge they have taken in an additional membership of over seven hundred members. In 1883 a Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias, was organized, which in later year became somewhat of a
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IHISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY
military body. This organization contemplates the immediate building of a temple for its uses.
The Elks .- This purely social order has become one of the great institutions of the city. It has a membership of nearly one thousand, and has a beautiful temple representing an investment of about $65,- 000.00 and devoted entirely to its use.
THE WOMAN'S LEAGUE
which was organized in 1895, federated 1896 and was incorporated in 1901.
The object of this league is to create an organized center of action among women for the establishment of co-operation in educational, civic, literary and philanthropie interest in science, art, literature and music.
For convenience in carrying on this work, the league is divided into four departments : education and literature ; art and music ; home; sun- shine.
The league has a membership of three hundred and fifty women, holding its meetings in the Willard library on Wednesday afternoon of each week from October first to May first.
There are two large and thriving lodges of Odd Fellows, besides in- numerable mutual insurance societies, among which are the Maccabees, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the National Union, the Royal Areanum, the Modern Woodmen of America, and innumerable others.
YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
By William S. Potter
The Y. M. C. A. of Battle Creek, Michigan, was organized January 14, 1891, and was incorporated by the state on January 29, of the same year. The organization grew out of a resolution offered by the Rev. William S. Potter in the Battle Creek ministerial association. The resolution was followed by the appointment of the mover as chairman of a committee on organization. A mass meeting was held at the Bap- tist church, with the state Y. M. C. A. secretary present. This meeting approved the action of the ministerial association and decided to organize a Y. M. C. A. The association was incorporated for thirty years. The association had no building at the time, but had rooms on the second floor at 15 and 17 South Jefferson street. The following men were directors that signed the articles of incorporation.
W. D. Farley; M. Rorabacher, M. D .; Harlan K. Whitney; F. R. Poole; I. Bleasdale; T. W. Case; A. Raymond; William J. Dowsett; Peter Hoffmaster; W. W. Bridgen; Fred D. Stebbins; H. W. Landreth and H. W. Fillebrown.
The following men were the officers elected :
W. D. Farley, president ; M. Rorabacher, M. D., vice-president ; H. K. Whitney, secretary ; Floyd R. Poole, treasurer. H. W. Fillebrown was the first general secretary of the association. He labored earnestly with Mr. Farley, the first president; and the dircetors, to establish the work in a substantial manner.
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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY
Mr. W. W. Bridgen is the only director still with the board. He has served over twenty-one years, since the organization.
The following men have been presidents of the association: W. D. Farley, Rev. W. S. Potter, L. W. Robinson, Dr. C. C. Landon, W. J. Mul- ford, L. E. Stewart, I. N. Moore, C. F. Dick and I. K. Stone.
The following men have served as general secretaries: II. W. Fille- brown, Mr. White, Samuel Ackley, E. C. Cotton, W. J. Mulford, F. A. Messler, Claude Lockwood and C. A. Richmire.
In the year 1900, Chas. Willard left a legacy of $40,000.00 for the purchase of a site and a new Y. M. C. A. building. Of this amount, the court set aside $3,245.00 to go to Geo. Willard, brother of the deceased.
E SILCO
SUITS - O
Y. M. C. A. BUILDING, BATTLE CREEK
On March 25, 1901, Ephraim W. Moore and Chas. E. Thomas, acting as trustees, purchased for $7,500.00 village lot number 54, on East Main street, from Mary Sherman. $468.00 was realized from the sale of the buildings on this lot, leaving a balance of nearly $30,000.00 that was put into the building proper. About $4,000.00 in addition was raised by general subscription toward the furnishings. The officers at the time of the opening of the new building were: Dr. C. C. Landon, president ; Henry McCoy, vice-president ; E. C. Fisher, recording secretary ; L. W. Robinson, secretary. At that time E. C. Cotton was the general secretary, who labored long and zealously for the securing of the new building. Perry J. Stephens was the first physical director elected to handle the physical department activities in the new plant.
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IHISTORY OF CALIIOUN COUNTY
The building contains gymnasium with running track, bowling alleys, swimming pool, shower baths, locker rooms, in the basement. The first floor front contains two stores that are rented. The second floor con- tains the main offices of the association, reception lobby, game rooms, library, parlor, and educational class rooms. On the third floor are located seven dormitory rooms, kitchen, dining room, dark room, linen closet, besides wash and bath rooms.
The building was opened December 15, 1902. With the opening of the new building, the association immediately took on a new lease of life and the membership increased very rapidly. After the first year the growth of the work has been gradual but steady. The following facts taken from the year book will give some idea of the growth of the last six years.
1906
1912
Membership
288
448
Situations secured
1
34
In educational classes
0
37
Average daily attendance at building
45
200
Members on committees
20
194
Number of Bible classes
1
18
In Gymnasium classes
249
346
Enrollment Bible classes
12
144
Number of shop meetings (held in 9 different shops)
0
55
Attendance, shop meetings
0
3,567
Budget $5,000.00 $9,600.00
The present directors of the Y. M. C. A. are H. R. Atkinson, W. W. Brigden, F. L. Christian, C. F. Dick, O. C. Edwards, O. H. Fox, L. R. Halsey, W. H. Hamilton, W. W. Hastings, W. C. Kellogg, A. F. Kings- ley, M. D., I. N. Moore, F. E. McNary, W. H. North, E. A. Richmond, W. P. Sellers, L. E. Stewart, I. K. Stone, C. R. Sylvester. Last January, Irving K. Stone, of the Duplex Printing Press Company, was elected president of the association ; W. C. Kellogg, manager of the Good Health Publishing Company, was elected vice-president; F. E. McNary, ex- county clerk, was elected as recording secretary; and E. A. Richmond, assistant superintendent of Postum, is the new treasurer.
C. A. Richmire has been general secretary for the past three years. Mr. Richmire is a graduate of Allegheny College, class of 1900, and has served ten years as a secretary. . He was assistant secretary at 23d street Y. M. C. A., New York City, for two years, and five years general sec- retary at Ithaca, New York, before coming to Battle Creek. While at Ithaca, a new building, costing $78,000.00, was erected.
R. C. Sidenins, the associate secretary, is a graduate of the Chicago Training School, class of 1904. Mr. Sidenius has served as assistant at Elgin, Illinois, and Bristol, Tennessee; county secretary in Kentucky : and general secretary at Owosso, and has held his present position for the past two years.
E. C. Cunningham, physical director, is a graduate of the Spring- field Training School, class of 1909. Mr. Cunningham served as di-
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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY
rector in play ground work several summers while a student. He was for two years physical director at Ithaca, New York, and has held his present position for the past year.
C. H. Babcock, office secretary, is a graduate of the Michigan Bnsi- ness & Normal College, and has been with the local association for nearly two years.
WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION
By Mrs. W. S. Kcet Calhoun, County President
In April, 1874, the women of Battle Creek, seeing and feeling the necessity of something being done to save the men and boys, yea, even the women and girls, from the dread demon drink, issued a eall for all who were interested, to meet at one of the churches for prayer, and a general discussion of the subject. Pursuant to this call a large number gathered together, and after many meetings, mueh earnest prayer, and deep discussion, it was decided to organize a temperance society, so as to do effective work, for we well knew that in union there was strength, and that a well organized society of women could accomplish more than each individual working in her own way and according to her own methods.
Their first work was to send out women to the saloons, who would ask the privilege of coming in and talking with them, and having a few songs and praying with them. In some instances this was a sueeessful way of reaching them, but the women felt that it was not merely for a short time they would be engaged in this warfare, so sought to strengthen their methods," and formed a permanent organization called the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. The first officers were elected April 13, 1874, at a meeting held in the Baptist church. The meeting was called to order by Mrs. D. J. Downs, and Mrs. L. B. Clapp was called to the chair, Mrs. J. M. Wardell being appointed secretary. The ladies then proceeded to the election of officers. President, Mrs. S. H. Morley, vice- presidents, Miss Dr. Lampson, Mrs. P. H. Green, Mrs. James, Mrs. Rich- ard Merritt, Mrs. Dr. Bartlett and Mrs. B. F. Hinman ; secretary, Mrs. C. C. Peary, with Mrs. J. M. Wardell and Mrs. J. F. Warren as assistants ; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Lyman Pittu; treasurer, Mrs. L. C. Kel- logg. Of all this list but one remains, Mrs. Pittu, and today she is an active worker in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, in fact, she is the one to whom we go for advice and help. It would make this article too long to follow the work through the succeeding years, when sneeess would come and then disappointment, but through it all, the women have been faithful and loyal, giving freely of their time and money to bring about the overthrow of this dreadful evil, which is at least the beginning of most of the sorrow and misery in this world. Much has been aeeom- plished under the guidance and direction of our state Woman's Christian Temperanee Union, as there are forty departments of work, and all for the betterment of society in general. In 1897, the local Woman's Chris- tian Temperance Union received a legacy of real estate which was heavily ineumbered, but by economy and persistent work on the part of the
.
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IHISTORY OF CALIIOUN COUNTY
members, was, in less than ten years, freed from the indebtedness and today we are looking forward to a building of our own. During the local option campaigns the Union has stood nobly by the men, and by their work and gifts have helped to bring about the one-two years- when the saloon was banished from our city, and then when we lost and the city was thrown open to the saloon element. We do not feel we are defeated, as we are sure of state-wide prohibition and also the enfranchise- ment of women. Today we have a membership in the Central Woman's Christian Temperance Union of over one hundred, while at the Sanita- rium there is one of over fifty. We are still working and expect to work until we can see our eity, our state and, yes, the whole round world free from the contaminating influence of the saloon.
The officers of the Union at present are: President, Mrs. W. S. Keet; secretary, Mrs. M. E. Gray ; corresponding secretary, Mrs. G. A. Wood- ard; treasurer, Mrs. Janette Perring; vice-presidents: Mesdames, C. V. Pittu, A. G. Mitchell, M. N. Austin, L. W. Hunt, Mary Woodhead, W. H. Russ, A. P. Holm, A. C. White, H. L. Hunt : superintendents of de- partments, Sunday-school work, vice-presidents; press, Mrs. M. V. Angell; Temple, Mrs. L. K. Phelps; Mothers' meeting, Mrs. J. H. Kel- logg; temperance literature, Mrs. Jennie Garriott; flower mission, Mrs. Pittu ; medical temperance, Dr. Dana Cook; school savings banks, Mrs. F. C. Root; assistants : Mrs. Hattie Wheeler, Mrs. J. M. Powers, Mrs. Viola Smith, Mrs. Minnie Rolfe, Mrs. H. L. Hunt; franchise, Mrs. C. V. Pittie; medieal temperanee, Dr. Dana Cook; school savings banks, Mrs. W. S. Keet.
As we are an incorporated body we have a board of trustees con- sisting of twelve ladies: Mesdames Phelps, Angell, Westerman, Keet, Roberts, Root, Stephens, Church, Pittu, Perring, Kezartu and Austin.
CHAPTER XXIII
ALBION
COMING OF THE PEABODYS-THE FINCHES-JESSE CROWELL AND WHAT HE DID FOR ALBION-THE ESLOWS-WILLIAM HI. BROCKWAY-JAMES MONROE-COMING OF THE GALES-ALBION MALLEABLE IRON PLANT, ETC .- ALBION COLLEGE-FLOOD OF 1908-ALBION NATIONAL BANK.
The appearance of the country in this section of Michigan when the pioneers first gazed upon it, in its primitive state, was charming to the lover of nature and of solitude. To him who saw in it the rewards of industry and enterprise, it was inviting and stimulating. A wide expanse of "oak openings," with occasional considerable spaces entirely cleared, stretched away in every direction. Here and there a copse with occasional densely timbered tracts furnished shelter, from storms and biting winds, to the deer and lairs for the bear, the wild cat and the wolf, as well as the lesser animals that roamed the forests. Beautiful streams through whose well-defined courses the clear waters, abounding in fish, flowed un- hampered by dam, or mill or flume to the lakes and from the lakes to the sea. Numerous inland bodies of crystal waters fringed with giant forest trees and alive with fish, disturbed only by the occasional passage of the Indian canoe, lay basking in the sunshine. Springs of pure cold water. refreshing to man and beast, issued from the hillsides and in the valleys. A soil, fertile and easy of cultivation, awaited the coming of the husbandman. A climate of neither extreme of heat or cold welcomed the home builder.
Such were the scenes and such the conditions that met the venture- some sons and daughters of the older states, who came into this part of Michigan seventy and eighty years ago, Sidney Ketchum, the recognized pioneer of Calhoun county, was the first white man to note the advan- tages of a location that lay at the junction of Rice creek and the Kala- mazoo river, where Marshall is now situated, and another at the confluence of the southwestern and eastern branches of the Kalamazoo, where Albion has been built.
The entry of land covering the water power at the "Forks," as the place subsequently called Albion was first known, was made at the United States land office in Monroe, by Ephraim Harrison on the 16th day of October, 1830. Harrison's entry embraced the south half of the north- east quarter, section 2, 73 south, range 4 west. This with the location
415
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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY
made by Noble Mckinstry, covering the water power at Marshall, were the only lands entered in Calhoun county in 1830. Early in 1831 some fifty parcels were taken, among these was the northwest quarter of sec- tion 2, on which is now situated the main part of Albion. Sidney Ket- chum entered section 35 in Sheridan township, bordering on Albion.
At this time there was no road, not even a trail, leading to or from the present site of Albion. From Detroit there was one main territorial road westward through Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor and Dexter to Jackson. From Jackson, two territorial roads diverged to the westward; one lead- ing through Sandstone, Parma, Marengo and Marshall; the other going through Spring Arbor, Concord and Homer on to Niles. The future
TENNEY PEABODY
Albion lay between these two. Eastward the nearest point to the terri- torial road was about three miles, and to the westward about four miles at Waterburg, located on the farm now owned by Reuben Emery.
THE COMING OF THE PEABODYS
To the "Forks of the Kalamazoo," now Albion, on the 4th day of March, 1833, came Tenney Peabody and his family, consisting of wife and seven children, four sons and three daughters. With him also came Charles Blanchard, a nephew. Mr. Peabody was in the forty-first year of his age. He had been a jeweler in the East. Gathering up what little worldly effects he had, he purchased two wagons and three yoke of oxen, loaded up his household goods and with his family and young nephew,
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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY
after a long and wearisome journey from New York state through Canada and Detroit westward, ended his journey, unyoked his oxen and estab- lished his family very near where the Presbyterian church now stands. He first put up a rude shack on East Erie street, about where the resi- dence of Dr. Marsh is now located. The roof was of thatched grass cut from the marsh by the river. Soon a substantial and commodions log house was built just across the road from the site of the Presbyterian church. This home was long the centre of the social and intellectual life and the birthplace of many of the activities of the new and growing settlement.
Indeed, the history of Albion cannot be written and leave the Peabody family ont. The husband and father was one of the men who helped to lay wisely and well the foundations of our city. The wife and mother exercised a most wholesome social, intellectual and religious influence in the formative period of the community. The sons all became more or less prominent in the business affairs of the town. The oldest daughter became the wife of the first president of the Wesleyan Female Seminary and her daughter, after having graduated from the seminary in Albion, was the first woman to take a degree in Cursu from the university at Ann Arbor. The second daughter married Marens H. Crane, for many years one of the leading men in this part of the county. The third dangliter married James W. Sheldon, who was a banker and business man of state reputation. Ile was long a trustee and treasurer of the college. He was for many years a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. At the time of his death, he was possessed of more material wealth than any man who, up to this time, has amassed in Albion or immediate vicinity. Mrs. Sheldon, who survived her husband, caused to be erected the commodious building occupied by the Leisure Ilour Club and the "Ladies' Library." As a contribution to the city, it is greatly appreciated by many of our citizens.
The second family to settle in what is now Albion was of French extraction, named DeVoe. They lived on Ionia street, just north of Michigan avenue. The first school in Albion was conducted in De Voe's barn, which stood just south of the freight house of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad.
THE FINCHES
At this time there are living in Albion, Robert Y. and James Finch ; the former in his 86th and the latter in his 85th year. As a child of seven, Robert remembers when in the spring of 1834 his father set out on foot and alone and walked all the way from his home in Monroe county, New York, through Canada and as far west in Michigan as the "Forks of the Kalamazoo" in search of a home. Having determined to locate here, he sent for his family, which arrived in the fall of the same year, and built, at what is now the junction of Clinton and Center streets, the first house west of the river. The Finch family was the third to settle in Albion.
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