USA > Michigan > Genesee County > History of Genesee county, Michigan. With illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 42
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The death of Col. William M. Fenton caused profound sorrow throughout the entire community. His public career had been a distinguished one, having twice been chosen to fill the office of lieutenant-governor, and serving with distinction as colonel of the Sth Regiment Michigan Infantry during the war of the Rebellion. In his legal profession he was extensively known throughout the State, and regarded as among the ablest jurists. In private life he was esteemed for his many virtues, and was justly spoken of by one who knew him well as a " perfect exemplar of high-toned Christian morality."
His funeral obsequies were made the occasion of a re- markable public demonstration, in which many eitizens and social organizations of the county united to do houor to his memory.
The Fire Department passed the following resolutions :
". Whereas, The Ilon. William M. Fenton, in the instant discharge of his dulies as Chief Engineer of the Fire Department, has met with an unforeseen accident fatal to his life, which he has thus given for this community : and whereas, by his death, we have lost a chief who was not only a model officer, but the impersonation of all the virtues which belong to the perfect fireman : therefore
" Rexolced, That we mourn his untimely death with keen anguish : that, while acknowledging indeed that a life like his, so full of honor- able living, widespread usefulness, generous deeds, kindly affections, and considerate care for the comfort of all who made his acquaintance, would in any event close too soon, yct in view of all the department hoped from his eounsel, energy, and example, we feel his death could not have been to us more inopportune.
" Resofred, That we testify our respect for his memory by draping onr rooms, engines, and apparatus, and wearing the usual badge of mourning for thirty days, and as a further testimony of our regard, we will take part in his funeral obsequies in full force.
" Resolred. That these resolutions be published in the city papers. and a copy delivered to the family of the deceased with assurances of our sympathy with them in this their sad affliction."
In August of 1856 the extensive steam flouring-mills of Messrs. W. and O. Hamilton, and known as the Gene- see Mills, were burned, all efforts to safe them having proved futile, and the loss having been estimated at $23,000.
Aug. 14, 1858, a very destructive fire occurred on Sagi- naw Street, consuming much property. Another occurred in February of 1861, on the corner of Saginaw and Kears- ley Streets, in the store occupied by James Henderson & Co., resulting in its entire destruction, involving much loss.
In January of 1872 a fire originated in the furniture warerooms of F. B. Hill & Co., at which the firemen dis- tinguished themselves for bravery, two of them passing through mueh danger in their efforts to save property. A conflagration occurred at the stave- and heading-mill of Grant Deeker, which the chief engineer pronounced the " hottest within his recollection," much damage having been done to material. These few instances are mentioned as occasions when the firemen did signal service, and by their strenuous efforts reseued much valuable property from the further ravages of the flames.
The department was reorganized in 1867, the city coun- eil having determined to purebase a steam fire-engine. After thorough examination by Chief Engineer Decker. and mem- bers of the committee of the fire department of the city, a steam fire-engine, manufactured by H. C. Silsby & Co., of Seneca Falls, was purchased and christened the Col. Fenton,
JAMES VAN VLEET.
Among the emigrants who flocked to this country in its early days to assist in developing the wondrous wealth of its resources, and to found the best and greatest government of the age, was a family of Hollanders, bearing the name of Van Vleet, who settled in the State of New Jersey. Among the descendants of this family was Jared Van Vleet, who was born on the second day of March, 1790, and at the age of four years re- moved with his father's family to the then wilderness of Western New York, locating in Seneca County. IIis father bought of the government a farm in the town of Lodi, and settled there, experiencing the hardships usually incidental to a pioneer life. For four months the family lived under a wagon box. This farm he improved, and it furnished him with a comfortable home until, at a ripe old age, he was taken to become one of the innumerable concourse of the dead.
Jared married Dolly Swarthout, and soon after purchased a farm in the town of Romulus, on which he resided until a few years previous to his death, which occurred Nov. 23, 1876. On this farm James was born, July 28, 1819, and grew to manhood, varying his summer's work on the farm with the winter's attendance upon the public schools. Sept. 30, 1841, he was married to Miss Mary Ann Cooley, daughter of Justus and Elizabeth (Archer) Cooley, who was born at Blooming Grove, Orange Co., N. Y , May 1, 1822. For the two years succeeding his marriage he worked land on shares, but be- coming dissatisfied with that mode of life, resolved to com- mence anew in some part of the country where land could be bought at low rates. In pursuance of this resolution he, in the winter of 1843-44, traded what little property he had been able to accumulate for eighty acres of land in the town of Gaines, in this county.
In the following spring he came on to view his new posses- sions, and was not very favorably impressed with the appear- anee of things. The land was wild and covered with dense timber, through which no roads had yet been cut ; but his reso- lution was not changed, and in June he, with his wife and one child, left his former home, and traveling by way of the canal and lake, landed in Detroit on the second day of July, 1844. From Detroit to their new home the journey was made by team, and as soon as possible a log house was built, into which they moved while it was yet unfurnished with either floor, door, or windows. The lack of a door was supplied by hanging a blanket across the doorway.
At this time they found themselves withont either stock, provisions, team, farming utensils of any kind, and with but twenty-five cents in money. But it being harvest time there was plenty of work, and the lack of provisions was speedily supplied. To add to the hardships of their situation, in Oc- tober Mrs. Van Vleet was taken sick, and, on account of a scarcity of female help, her husband was obliged to cut a road through the woods and remove her in a sleigh to the house of
LITTLE
MRS. JAMES VAN VLEET.
a neighbor, a mile and a half away, in order that she might have the care and attention of one of her own sex during her illness, which lasted until the following February.
For five years Mr. Van Vleet worked for others before he was able to get land enough cleared to enable him to depend upon his own farm for his living. During that time life was anything but a holiday, and they were called upon to endure many privations and face many dangers. Mrs. Van Vleet sold a gold ring she had for one dollar and fifty cents, and with the money thus procured bought a hat and two pairs of pants for her husband. She says they were perfectly happy, having no plate, jewelry, fine clothes, or money to worry about. Three years after coming here, Mr. Van Vleet had succeeded in getting three cows and an ox-team, and thought himself on the highway to success, but one ox and all of the cows died, and their loss was seriously felt. Still he persevered, and in 1850 began to see signs of progress, and felt the cur- rent of the incoming tide of prosperity which has placed him in independent circumstances. The farm of eighty acres had, at the time of his removing from it, increased to three hundred and twenty acres, mostly improved, and beautified by one of the finest farm residenees in the county.
. Formerly a member of the Democratic party, James Van Vleet left it at the time of the Kansas troubles, and upon the organization of the Republican party joined and has since belonged to that political organization. He held many town offices; among them school inspector twelve years, justice of the peace sixteen years, and supervisor eighteen years. Elected to the latter office first in 1847, he left it in 1868 to ac- cept the office of county treasurer, the duties of which office he discharged for seven years, the last three as deputy treas- urer. In 1864 and again in 1866 he was chosen by his fellow- citizens to represent the first district of the county in the State Legislature.
Jan. 1, 1869, he left the farm, and has since resided in the city of Flint, where he has been called upon to serve as super- visor of the Third Ward for four years. lle is now (in company with his son Jared) engaged in the real-estate and insurance business.
His children are as follows: Albert B., born Oct. 9, 1842, married Edna Brainard, and is now living upon the farm ; Ann E., born Oct. 31, 1844, married William II. Fairchild ; Jared, born Oct. 2, 1848, married Agnes J. Gibson ; and John C., born Feb. 25, 1852.
Mr. Van Vleet is one of the substantial citizens of the county ; he bears an unblemished reputation and a character of unim- peachable integrity. In all positions he has been called to fill he has acquitted himself with honor, and to the perfect satis- faetion of his constituents. Ilis life is alike honorable to him- self and an example to the young, who should strive to emulate the sterling virtues it has exemplified.
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FLINT CITY.
in compliment to that gentleman's untiring zeal in the inter- ests of the department.
The naming of this engine was during its manufacture kept a profound secret, and was not only a surprise to the colonel but a matter of gratification to his friends.
Later, another steamer, manufactured by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, of Manchester, N. II., was pur- chased and named The City of Flint.
In April, 1876, another change was effected which re- sulted in a paid fire department, under which condition it now exists.
The present force is organized as follows: James Wil- liams, Chief Engineer ; James C. Decker, Assistant Engi- neer; George West, Engineer of Steamers ; James Smith, Driver of Steamers; Charles Rose, Driver of Hose-Cart ; Charles Hovey, Foreman of Hose; George Miller, Edward Hennes, Clarence Brown, Edward Skinner, John Rose, Charles Beckwith, Thomas Murphy, Fra Aplin, Daniel Car- roll, Judson Matthews, Daniel Chapman, pipemen.
The apparatus at the present time comprises two steam fire engines, two hose-carts, one hand-engine, one hook-and- ladder truck, and 2700 feet of hose. All of which, except the hand-engine, are kept in the engine-house, corner of Saginaw and Third Streets. This is a three-story brick building, erected in 1863. It is 70 by 80 feet in size ; the first and third floors are used by the fire department, and the second by the city council. A small engine-house is situated on Saginaw Street, between First and Second, on the north side of the river, where is stationed the hand- engine.
WATER-SUPPLY.
The water supply of the eity is chiefly derived from two artesian wells, and from large reservoirs located in various parts of the city, which are filled from the river, or other- wise, as convenience dictates. Three artesian wells have been sunk in Flint. The first, or " Crapo well," was un- dertaken by a regularly chartered company, organized under the name of the " Flint Salt-Manufacturing Company." This well was located near Crapo's mill, in the First Ward, and, with the hope of obtaining brine for salt-making, it was carried to a depth of 1350 feet. The loss of the drill then led to its abandonment without any satisfactory result. Strong brine was obtained, but the indications were that the supply was inadequate. The following is a brief sketch of the strata encountered : drift, 68 feet ; white sandstone (Woodville), 67 fect ; coal measures, 27 feet ; sandstone (Parma), 108 feet, near the bottom of which, at two hundred and fifty-seven feet from the surface, a copious flow of fresh water was reached. The remainder of the boring was in shale, blue in the upper portion, sometimes quite dark, and occasionally interspersed with micaceous sandstone, ending in red shale. Brine was reached at five hundred and fifty-eight feet, becoming very strong at nine hundred and sixty feet. The lower entting indicated that the salt rock had been passed through.
The second artesian well was sunk by order of the city authorities, in the hope of obtaining a supply of water for extinguishing fires. The geological record of this is as follows: drift, 87 feet ; sandstone (Woodville), 13 feet ; coal-measures, 76 fect ; sandstone ( Parma), 110 feet, ter-
minating in shale at two hundred and fifty-six feet. At one hundred and thirty-five feet a vein of coal two feet in thickness was passed through. An overflow of fresh water was reached at one hundred and seventy-six feet, rising six feet above the surface. The only result of boring farther was to render the water saline, resulting in the mineral spring at the corner of Saginaw and First Streets.
No accurate analysis of the water has been made, though it is thought not to vary greatly from the mineral springs throughout the State, some of which have been noted for their medicinal virtues. The water is constantly imbibed by pedestrians in passing, more than 2000 people being daily refreshed by its cooling draughts.
The third well, at the corner of Garland and Fifth Streets, in the First Ward, being on higher ground, the flow failed to reach the surface, but is raised by wind-power and util- ized in filling several reservoirs.
FLINT UNION BLUES.
In June, 1872, Messrs. Ira II. Wilder, W. J. Seymour, George E. Childs, and O. F. Lochhead met for consulta- tion, and discussed the question of organizing a military company in the city of Flint. They finally decided to publish a circular in the city papers inviting all interested in military matters to meet at Awanaga Hall, Thursday evening, June 27, 1872. At the meeting, which was pre- sided over by C. S. Brown as chairman and O. F. Loch- head as secretary, 33 young men signed the roll and pledged themselves to assist in organizing and maintaining a military company in Flint.
The first election for eivil officers was held on the even- ing of July 9th of the same year, and resulted as follows : President, Charles S. Brown ; Vice-President, Fra H. Wilder; Secretary, O. F. Lochhead; Treasurer, S. N. Andrus.
At this meeting, after the appointment of various com- mittees, it was resolved to adopt a uniform of dark blue, with white trimmings, and to assume the title of the " Flint Union Blues." As the State only furnished muskets, equipments, and rent for armories, the question of paying for uniforms was an important one, which was solved by a subscription circulated among the citizens, who contributed liberally, Messrs. Alexander McFarlan, J. W. Begole, and William B. MeCreery heading the list with handsome amounts.
The first election for company officers occurred Aug. 14, 1872, with the following result: Captain, William R. Morse ; First Lieutenant, O. F. Lochhead ; Second Lieu- tenant, George E. Newall; First Sergeant, Ira H. Wilder ; Second Sergeant, W. Rosenthal; Third Sergeant, Peter Lennon ; Fourth Sergeant, Charles II. Wood; Fifth Ser- geant, J. D. Lavin ; Corporals : First, Charles A. Fox ; Second, W. J. Seymour ; Third, Alexander MeFarlan, Jr .; Fourth, Andrew Bailey ; Fifth, Thomas J. Post ; Sixth, A. E. Foote ; Seventh, Il. N. Gay ; Eighth, W. H. Pier.
The company was mustered into the State service by Adj .- Gen. John Robertson, Oct. 18, 1872, and made its first street parade the same day. During the evening fol- lowing this event they gave a military ball and reception, by which they realized $180. The " Blues" soon after -
158
HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
were the guests of the Detroit Light Guard, and received the most cordial hospitality, and won many encomiums for the excellence of their drill and gentlemanly deportment. During the same year the ladies of the First Ward pre- sented the company a beautiful silk flag ; thereupon George E. Childs was appointed color-sergeant, and A. E. Foote and John King color-guards.
In 1873 the company was ordered to Lansing, to par- ticipate in the ceremonies connected with the laying of the corner-stone of the new State capitol. During 1874 the Detroit Light Guard were its guests, and the occasion of their visit is a memorable one in the annals of the com- pany. The company was ordered to the scene of the railroad riots in 1877, and promptly responded, as they did also on a subsequent similar occasion when required by the sheriff.
The principal officers of the company since 1872 have been as follows :
1873 .- Captain, O. F. Lochhead ; First Lieutenant, Gco. E. Newall ; Second Lieutenant, Ira HI. Wilder; First Ser- geant, John King.
1874 .- Captain, O. F. Lochhead ; First Lieutenant, Gco. E. Newall; Second Lieutenant, Ira HI. Wilder ; First Ser- geant, John King.
1875 .- Captain, George E. Newall; First Lieutenant, John King; Second Lieutenant, George E. Childs; First Sergeant, Charles A. Fox.
1876 .-- Captain, George E. Newall; First Lieutenant, John King; Second Lieutenant, George E. Childs; First Sergeant, Charles A. Fox.
1877 .- Captain, George E. Newall; First Lieutenant, Ira II. Wilder ; Second Lieutenant, Geo. E. Chills; First Sergeant, II. M. Sperry.
1878 .- Captain, Ira H. Wilder ; First Lieutenant, Geo. E. Childs ; Second Lieutenant, II. M. Sperry ; First Ser- geant, W. Il. Pier.
The Blues are members of the 3d Regiment of Michi- gan State troops, and are designated as "C" company in regimental formation. Flint is the headquarters of the regi- ment, and the following-named regimental officers have emanated from the company : Colonel O. F. Lochhead, Adjutant C. S. Brown, Sergeant-Major John King, Color- Sergeant C. II. Wood, Commissary S. V. Ilaker.
THE OLD FLINT BAND.
Among the institutions connected with the early history of' Flint may be mentioned the "Old Band." This was organized in the summer of 1848, and was composed of the following gentlemen : E. F. Frary, leader, E-flat sax-horn ; Leonard Wesson, B-flat clarionet ; Wm. Hamilton, Franz Barnhart, cornopean ; Ira F. Payson, G. H. Hazelton, slide trombone; Homer Ilazelton, French horn; Charles D. Little, ophicleide ; Geo. W. Hill, trumpet ; Willard Pettee, drum.
The instruments were purchased of Adam Couse, then the sole music-dealer in Detroit. The first instructor of the band was T. D. Nutting. An old member says, "I took my place in the band very soon after its organization, having succeeded Willard Pettee (bass-drum). I held my position for fifteen years, during which time forty-four per- sous had belonged, and not one of the original members
remained at the expiration of that time, and yet, to use a solecism, it was the same old band. Practicing in those old times was pleasant enough to the members, but there were persons living within one or two blocks of the band-room who never greeted us with smiles, but on the contrary, some maternal members of households gave strong evi- dences of nervous derangement. The old residents that yet remain will remember that those discordant sounds were not confined to the band-room alone ; night was made hideous as we wandered up and down the streets playing the music that had charms for us.
" This band was originated and sustained by the members, for their enjoyment and recreation, rather than for any profit connected therewith. Most of the members were from the ranks of prominent citizens,-merchants for the most part. This gave character to the organization, and it in time helped Flint, rendering it pleasant for our neighbors of the sur- rounding townships and villages to come in on the 'day we celebrate,' and others. We played at political gatherings,- for all parties alike,-for church festivals, on 'St. Pat- rick's Day in the Morning,' for steamboat excursions to Saginaw River and Bay, and for nearly all publie gather- ings in the city. Strangers visiting Flint were very sure to hear from us in the way of serenades. The band mem- bers were elected honorary members of the old ' Harmonic Society,' etc., and came to be one of the ' institutions.'
" Whenever we went abroad, we were taken by Will Pet- tee's four-horse team, which was considered something pre- tentious in those days of ox-teams,-10 railways with us until long years after.
" For the purchase of instruments, and other expenses, the members were assessed, each member on entering the band paying $30. After this, assessments followed at the rate of from $3 to $8 per capita. I notice the initiation fees of the 44 members before referred to aggregate $1320, and with assessments added would leave little less than $2500 paid by these band members out of their own pockets."
This band has had a continuous existence to the present time,-a period of thirty-one years.
It is now known as
GARDNER'S FLINT CITY BAND.
The citizens of Flint feel a commendable pride in this excellent musical organization, and the liberal support ac- corded is but one of the many ways in which their regard for it is manifested.
The band has won a well-deserved celebrity throughout the West and the Canadas, and during the Centennial year, extended its fame to the East. This is the more gratifying, from the fact that it is almost entirely composed of ama- . teurs.
Its success is mainly due to the untiring efforts of its leader, Mr. J. Henry Gardner, who makes music his pro- fession, and devotes his time principally to the interests of the band.
This band, in 1860, was known as " Clay's Cornet Band," of Flint. It numbered at that time the following gentle- men as members: S. G. Clay, Leader; C. J. Dewstoe, A. P. Conant, Win. Stewart, Allen S. Stewart, George W. Hill, D. E. Smith, Thomas Symons, Wm. Charles, W. C. Cum-
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FLINT CITY.
ings, and George Andrews. After its organization l'or a series of years many changes occurred, old members having resigned and their places having been filled by new. In 1865 it was reorganized and called the " Armstrong Cornet Band," of Flint City. It remained thus until the following year, when Mr. Gardner's presence infused new spirit into its members, and it was christened by its present name, with the following officers : C. J. Dewstoe, President; O. W. Seymour, Secretary ; John Stephens, Treasurer.
In the fall of 1869, Mr. Gardner joined the Berger Family and made an extensive tour with them ; after which he resumed his connection with the " Flint City Band," and has since been its leader. Gardner's band, during the later years of its existence, has not only maintained, but greatly enhanced, the reputation it previously enjoyed, and the numerous invitations it constantly receives from abroad is evidence of the quality of the music it affords. Its various tours through the State, and the excursions in which it has participated, are but a record of its triumphs.
No better history of its achievements could be given than is embodied in the numerous press notices at command and the various testimonials of which its members have been the recipients. On the occasion of a visit to Detroit, in connection with the Commandery of Knights Templar, the city press thus speaks of the band :
" The hundreds that were present soon swelled to thou- sands, so that it is safe to say that fully three thousand persons listened to thew. As they came up the street, marching with that wonderful precision for which they are famed, they were greeted by a ringing cheer by the crowd which made way for their approach. Instead of their plumes, each man had a neat torch in his helmet, thus presenting a novel and unique appearance, and fur- nished light enough for their music. Their programme embraced a fine collection of music,-overtures, selections, medleys, and some of Gardner's exquisite solo E-flat and Mait Corliss' solo alto work judiciously thrown in. There is one thing in favor of the band which should be borne in mind: the members of it are gentlemen. They are not a beer-drinking, junketing crowd in any sense, but are re- cruited from the ranks of the business men and the profes- sions in the beautiful city of Flint, and constitute a stand- ing advertisement for that city which is worth ten times what it costs the citizens."
In 1874 the leader of the band was the recipient from the ladies of Flint of a very elegant testimonial in the shape of a superb gold E-flat cornet, imported from Eng- land at a cost of $300. Mayor Geo. II. Durand presented the instrument on behalf of the ladies in a most happy speech, which was responded to in fitting terms by Mr. Gardner.
During the Centennial year the band accompanied the Detroit Commandery as their musical escort to Philadel- phia, and their presence in that city was the occasion of additional complimentary notices from the local press.
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