History of Ingham and Eaton counties, Michigan, Part 33

Author: Durant, Samuel W. cn
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia : D.W. Ensign & Co.
Number of Pages: 772

USA > Michigan > Eaton County > History of Ingham and Eaton counties, Michigan > Part 33
USA > Michigan > Ingham County > History of Ingham and Eaton counties, Michigan > Part 33

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Agricultural Works of E. Bement & Sons .- The orig- inal business out of which the present extensive establish- ment has grown was started at Fostoria, Ohio, in 1844, in the

form of a small foundry, by E. Bement & Brother. This continued with some changes in the firm, though always in the family, until 1869. A tin-shop was also in operation in connection with the foundry for a number of years. In the last-named year the firm, which consisted of E. Bewent and his oldest son, A. O. Bement, sold out in Fostoria and removed to Lansing, Mich., where, under the firm-name of E. Bement & Son, they commeneed the carriage and foundry business in a building on River Street known as the Old Houghton Foundry. They carried on the foundry business and manufactured the Bement plow, which was the inven- tion of one of the firm. In that building, which they rented, business was conducted until 1870, when they re- moved to their present location, corner of Grand and Ionia Streets, where they had purchased ground and erected buildings.

Their works have been added to as the necessities of their growing trade rendered necessary from time to time, until they have grown to extensive proportions, ranking among the most important in the State. In 1871 another son, G. W. Bement, was admitted as a partner, and in 1878 a third, C. E. Bement, became a member of the firm. Mr. E. Bement, the father and senior partner, died in March, 1880, since which the firm has been composed of the three brothers, though the old name, E. Bement & Sons, is re- tained.

The business consists in the manufacture of agricultural implements, principally as follows : Plows of all kinds, chilled iron, steel, and common cast-iron, with wooden and iron beams, all of new and improved patterns; corn tools, one-, two-, three-, and five-tooth cultivators ; shovel plows of various patterns ; harrows of all kinds, including Garver's celebrated spring-tooth harrows, of which the firm control the patent for the States of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, and the Territory of Dakota ; cast-iron and steel road scrapers ; caldron kettles ; round heating stoves ; cultivators ; sceders, and bob-sleds. Their trade is extensive, and extends from New York to Dakota. The buildings now or soon to be occupied consist of a foundry 40 by SO feet, with additions 40 by 30 and 40 by 20 fect ; the main (old) building, 28 by 90 feet, with additions 20 by 40 feet (grinding-room), 20 by 25 (buffing- and polishing-room), 28 by 30 (wood- shop), and 20 by 25 (supply-room) ; blacksmith-shop, 22 by 40; storage- and shipping-room, 40 by 60 (old Episco- pal church building); warchouse and stable combined, 40 by 84 fect ; and the office building, 16 by 24 feet. During the present season (1880) a new main building is being erceted of white Lansing brick, partly three and partly two stories in height ; the three-story part, 50 by 110 fect, and the two-story part, 30 by 110 fcet ; extreme dimensions, 80 by 110 fect. This will, when completed, take the place of the old main building, which will be used for other purposes.

The new structure is solidly built of the best materials, and conveniently and systematically arranged for a large and rapidly increasing business.

The firm is an enterprising and capable one, which has built up its business from small beginnings and by its own experience. The facilities of the institution and every-

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CITY OF LANSING.

thing connected are first-class, and the new building is in- tended to be fire-proof, in the ordinary acceptation of the term, with a strictly fire-proof engine- and boiler-room.

In 1870 the products of the business amounted to about $4000; in 1875 this had been increased to $30,000, and the present year (1880) will show a total approximating $125,000. The demand for their goods is practically un- limited, and the limits of production depend upon amount of capital and facilities employed. The number of hands at work since January, 1880, has averaged 100.

These works take precedence in Lansing as the most in- portant and profitable manufacturing works in the city, and the prospect for future increase and development is excellent.

Lansing Iron- Works .- The buildings at present occu- pied by Jarvis, Barnes & Co. were erected in 1872 by the Lansing Iron Company, of which W. S. George was Presi- dent ; B. F. Simons, Vice-President; M. L. Coleman, Treasurer ; and W. W. Hildreth, Secretary. A foundry and machine business was commenced by the company in the fall of 1872, and continued until March, 1876, when it was closed. The property was turned over to W. S. George and O. M. Barnes, who settled up the business. George sold to Barnes in 1879, and from April, 1879, to April, 1880, the works were rented and operated by Cady, Glassbrook & Co. At the last-mentioned date Joseph Lugen and Samuel E. Jarvis purchased a half interest of Mr. Barnes, since which the firm has been Jarvis, Barnes & Co.

The firm has about $25,000 invested, and the works are fitted up for a large business, with new and improved ma- chinery. The buildings consist of a machine-shop forty by sixty, two stories, and a foundry forty by eighty, one story in height, all constructed of brick. Steam power is employed, which is furnished by an engine of twenty horse- power. Every variety of work in the line of business is done, and a specialty is made of portable farm steam- engines. Adjoining the works Mr. A. Van Ceulabroeck has fitted up a shop for the manufacture of steam-boilers, and the two establishments reciprocate in their respective classes of work.

CARRIAGE-WORKS.

A. Clark & Co .-- The original of the present important business of this firm was a shop opened by A. Clark and P. G. Sprang on the same ground at the foot of Washtenaw Street, in 1866, who commenced the manufacture of car- riages and business-wagons, with an invested capital of some $4000, and a force of about six hands. This firm continued business four years. In 1870, Sprang sold to Warren Gunnison, and the firm-name became A. Clark & Co., as at present. In 1871 the firm sold to Dart & Davis, the pres- ent firm, who retain the old name. The amount of capital at the present time employed in the business is about $40,000. About twenty-five hands are employed, and the annual products approximate a value of $35,000. The work is confined exclusively to light carriages, and the fact that the goods are marketed in all parts of the Northern States, from New York to Colorado, speaks well for the quality of work.

A fine new brick building, forty by sixty-six feet and two stories in height, was erected in 1878.

The materials used are purchased in Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Toledo, Kentucky,- wherever they can be most advantageously procured. The firm has a salesroom on the southeast corner of Washington Avenue and Allegan Street. The individual members are Albert Clark, Eli H. Davis, and Eben W. Dart.

John McKinley & Co .- The carriage- and wagon-busi- ness now carried on by Messrs. Mckinley & Co. was begun about 1876 by P. G. Sprang, on the southwest corner of Washington Avenue and Shiawassee Street, the site occu- pied by the present firm. Mr. Sprang continued the busi- ness until March 1, 1880, when he sold his stock to Messrs. Mckinley & Co., and the building to Professor Beals, of the Agricultural College.

The firm are doing a good business in the manufacture of all varieties of carriage-work, including buggies, wagons, sleighs, and cutters. The establishment is fitted up with a wagon- and carriage-shop, a blacksmith-shop, and paint- and trimming-shop. About $2500 capital is invested, and eight hands are at present employed.

PLANING-MILLS .- SASHI, DOORS, AND BLINDS.

A planing-mill was erected on the ground now occupied by Allen, Hall & Co., about 1865, by D. C. Buckland and William H. and Nelson Chapman. In 1867 the Chapmans sold two-thirds of their interest to Abram Allen and Alfred Wise. Mr. Buckland died in 1870, when the firm changed to Allen & Wise, and so continued until January, 1875, when Mr. Wise sold his interest, and the firm became A. Allen & Co.

On the night of June 18, 1876, the entire establishment was destroyed by fire, involving a loss of some $15,000. The buildings were partially rebuilt by Allen & Co., and in April, 1877, Mr. B. F. Ilall became a partner in the firm and the works were completely restored.

In January, 1879, P. R. Howe was admitted as a mem- ber of the firm, and the name was changed to Allen, Hall & Co. Mr. Ilowe owns a saw-mill near Stanton, Montcalm Co., and the firm are stocking it for 1880-81.

The business carried on is general planing, and the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, etc. The capital in- vested is about $30,000; number of hands employed at the Lansing works about twenty-five, and the annual product about $60,000. In the most prosperous times a still larger business was transacted. The building on Michigan Avenue east of the bridge is abont fifty by one hundred and four feet, partly two and partly three stories. The power is furnished by a fifty horse-power engine. A wholesale business is done, and the products are marketed principally in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. The establishment is fitted up with complete machinery for first-class work. The firm are making a specialty of Allen's interlocking blind- slat, an ingenious and popular invention of Mr. Allen, the senior partner. This firm prepared the exhibit of Michi- gan woods shown by the State Agricultural College at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876.

Lapham & Longstreet .- A planing-mill was built and put in operation by Messrs. Burgess & Wolcott, on the

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HISTORY OF INGHAM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

ground now occupied by this firm, about 1870. At the end of about one year Burgess sold his interest, and the firm became Jackson & Wolcott, which continued another year, when they sold to I. Foltz, who carried on the busi- ness until 1872, when the present firm of Lapham & Long- street purchased the property. They enlarged the works and put them in operation with a capital of about $12,000, and are now employing fifteen hands as an average. The business consists in the manufacture of sash, doors, and blinds, which are mostly disposed of at the mill, though a wholesale business is carried on to some extent at different points.

A lumber-yard was put in operation on the ground oc- cupied by the present firm, about 1872, by Barnes & Hitch- cock, who sold to Foltz in 1873, and the latter sold to Otis & Son, from Otisville, Lapeer Co., which firm put in a large stock of lumber and continued the business until the death of the senior partner in the fall of 1875. B. A. Otis, the son, continued until his death, which occurred in April, 1876, when the stock, then amounting to about $10,000 in value, was sold at administrator's sale. Messrs. Lapham & Long- street opened a lumber-yard in connection with their mill in 1877, which branch of the business has been since con- tinued. The amount of their total annual sales is about $20,000. The mill is a frame about fifty-six by one hun- dred feet in dimensions, and is driven by an engine of forty- horse power. Works on Michigan Avenue east of the iron bridge.

About 1863 the old, former foundry and machine-shops of Turner & Crosman fell into the hands of Chester Moseley, and soon after (the other machinery having been removed) the works were converted into a planing-mill and operated by various firms, -Verity & Dart, who rented of Moseley, Walker & lToward, and since by the present owners, Messrs. Gilman Walker and William R. Huston. Mr. Walker leases or rents his interest to Huston & Park, who carry on the planing and manufacturing business to- gether, doing job work and turning out doors, sash, blinds, ete. The capital invested is about $8000, and three or four hands employed. The upper part of the building is rented to A. A. Wilber, who mannfactures a variety of furniture. The mill is situated near the east end of the iron bridge in North Lansing, and is operated by water-power.

Daniel L. Case owns a planing-mill located on the rail- road at North Lansing. It is not now in operation. The mill was erected by a stock company for the manufacture of furniture and other material from hard-wood.

The planing-mill on Wall Street, North Lansing, was put in operation by Graham & Son about 1874, and busi- bess continued by them until the spring of 1878, when they sold to P. B. Narmore, who has continued it since. Mr. E. N. Wood rents a half-interest, and the two operate it together. The capital is about $6000, and five hands are employed. It is the intention to refit and enlarge the mill the present season (1880). They are making a spe- cialty of fanning-mills, which are being manufactured for Henry Cortrite. They also make bee-hives and section boxes to a considerable extent. The boxes are an improved invention of Mr. Wood.

A. Wise .- Mr. Alfred Wise, who had formerly been in

partnership in the same business with Abram Allen, com- meneed business in his own name on the ground now occu- pied by him, in 1876. Ile erected a model of a mill sixty by one hundred and twenty feet, and fitted it up in the most complete order for a large business, with new and im- proved machinery for the manufacture of doors, sash, blinds, ete., and for general planing-mill purposes. Ile has about $40,000 invested, and gives employment to twenty- five hands. Ilis business is extensive, and he has probably the most complete establishment of the kind in the county. A specialty is the manufacture of the patent Capitol inter- locking blinds, which are in use in the new State Capitol and many other public and private buildings. The blind is the invention of Mr. B. F. Wilson, foreman of the mill.

These works are eligibly situated alongside the tracks of the Jackson, Lansing and Saginaw and Detroit, Lansing and Northern Railways. The motive power is steam, and the products are principally marketed in Michigan and in Northern Ohio and Indiana. The aggregate business is large.

Lansing Gas-Light Company .- This company was or- ganized June 19, 1872. The incorporators were James Clements and Hon. Thomas M. Cooley, of Ann Arbor, and E. F. Cooley, a son of Judge Cooley, of Lansing. The works were erected, and operations commeneed in the same year. The capital stock is $40,000. The company has laid about five miles of gas mains. The number of public street-lamps is sixty-one, and of private consumers about 200. The coal now used is the celebrated Youghiogheny coal of Pennsylvania, noted as an excellent gas coal. At- tempts have been made to utilize the Michigan coal, but it does not afford a good quality of gas.

The company expended, in 1880, $10,000 in a new tank, and the capacity of the works is from time to time being increased as necessity demands. Thomas M. Cooley served as president of the company from 1872 to 1879, sinee which O. M. Barnes has filled the position.

The price of gas per 1000 feet is uniform to all consum- ers at two dollars and eighty cents.

Lansing Woolen- Mills .- A frame woolen-mill was ereeted in 1866, by E. Parmelee & Co., on the site of the present flouring-mill of Messrs. Carmer, Parmelee & Co. It was what was known as a one-set mill, and manufactured yarns, flannels, cassimere, and hosiery. A capital of about $15,000 was invested, and employment was given to about thirty hands. Wool was purchased in the immediate vi- einity, and the goods were marketed mostly in Michigan, sold by agents to regular dealers. The business was quite successfully conducted until the summer of 1877, when the entire establishment was destroyed in the great fire of that year and has not been rebuilt. The favorable location of Lansing, and the facilities for procuring the raw material and for marketing the manufactured goods, would seem to indicate a good point for this class of business.

MARBLE-WORKS.

John W. Butler was the first to engage in the marble business in Lansing. He opened a shop about 1852, on the ground where the present Lansing Ilouse stands, and continued it until his death, May 12, 1854. Ilis brother,

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Charles W. Butler, in company with William Woodhouse, continued the business at the same place for a time, and later removed to the opposite side of Washington Avenue, where they carried on an extensive business until about 1870, when they closed it out. Their sales of manufactured work extended over a large region. They were succeeded probably by E. L. Ilopkins, who afterwards sold to J. L. Stewart.

About the year 1872, Messrs. C. S. Torrey and O. Wil- liams commenced the manufacture of marble monuments in a shop on Washington Avenue, and afterwards carried on the business at the corner of Ionia and Grand Streets, in all about four years. Mr. Williams had formerly been in the business at Albion, Calhoun Co., where he commenced in 1852. From there he removed to Battle Creek, and from thence to Bellefontaine, Ohio. Came to Lansing in 1866. About 1876, Williams purchased Torrey's interest, and continued the business about two years, when he sold to Mr. J. L. Stewart, by whom he is at present employed.

L. O. Beard .- Oliver Williams first started the marble business at the building now occupied by Mr. Beard, nearly opposite the Lansing House. Frank Howe succeeded him about 1876, and a year later Howe sold to Samuel Beard, who sold to his son, the present proprietor.

Mr. Beard is doing every variety of work in his line. Deals in American and Italian marbles, granite, etc. His annual sales are about $8000, and he gives employment to five hands. He keeps one team on the road delivering, and one man canvassing. His work is marketed over a radius of sixty miles around Lansing.

J. L. Stewart .- This gentleman carried on the marble business at Ingersoll and Guelph, Dominion of Canada, from . about 1869 to 1873. Ile removed to Lansing, and com- menced business, in the fall of 1874, on Washington Avenue, between Ionia and Shiawassee Streets. In 1876 he removed to his present location, in the block opposite the Lansing House. Mr. E. L. Hopkins was a partner for about a year after the removal to the present site. Mr. Stewart handles all varieties of American and foreign marble, granite, ete., and also manufactures and deals in Ohio sandstone materials. He employs about six men, and his annual sales reach from $5000 to $6000. Business extends over a radius of 100 miles.

Peter L. Baumgrus & Co. opened a shop corner of Franklin Street and Washington Avenue, in North Lan- sing, May 7, 1879, and are doing their share of work in the line of marble and granite monuments, and all descrip- tions of cemetery work. A_considerable capital and several hands are employed, and the work ranks with the best in the city.

The three firms above enumerated comprise all at present engaged in the business in Lansing, and there would seem to be an ample field for each.

ARTIFICIAL STONE.

The business now conducted in Lansing by Messrs. Ste- vens & Lucas was originally commenced at Jackson, Mich., by C. W. Stevens, who learned the trade at the Frear Stone-Works in that city. He transferred his busi- ness to Lansing, and began the manufacture of artificial 18

stone near the depot of the Jackson, Lansing and Saginaw Railroad in the spring of 1877. A partner was also admitted, and the firm was styled Stevens & Jenkins. This arrange- ment continued about one year, when Joseph Harding pur- chased Jenkins' interest ; this also continued for about one year, when the firm became Stevens & Taylor. In the spring of ISSO Taylor sold to Stevens, and Thomas H. Lucas purchased an interest, and the firm is now Stevens & Lucas.

The working capital is stated at $1500. The business began small, and has been gradually working into a healthy condition. A great variety of stone is turned out, and the intention is to add the manufacture of sewer and well pipe. The materials used in the composition are English Portland cement, sand, and gravel,-the first imported, the others obtained in the vicinity. Four hands are at present employed. The establishment is called the Lansing Arti- ficial Stone-Works.

L. M. Curry & Co .- Mr. Curry learned the trade of stone-making of Charles Yelland and Thomas H. Chrimes, and began the manufacture of artificial stone at his present location, on Michigan Avenue, in September, 1879. The firm furnished all kinds of stone-work, both plain and orna- mental. Since the business was put in operation, Mr. Curry has furnished trimmings for about twenty buildings, mostly in the city of Lansing. A very durable and beautiful side- walk material is also furnished to order.

Mr. Curry was formerly a mason and builder by trade, and had established a considerable business in Lansing previous to embarking in the manufacture of artificial stone. Traffic in the new material is increasing, and, as it is claimed to be equal in durability to many varieties of natural stone, and furnished at a much smaller cost, it is becoming quite popular, especially among those who cannot afford the nat- ural stone. All kinds of ornamental work are manufac- tured.

STAVES, HEADING, AND BARRELS.

Schultz & Sattler .- The original of this business was put in operation about 1868, under the firm-name of Hen- ning & Schultz. The capital invested amounted to some $25,000, and the business was at first confined to the man- ufacture and sale of staves and heading. The firm was changed to Schultz & Sattler in 1875. The business at the present time embraces the manufacture of staves and heading for both tight and slack work, and a variety of barrels. A specialty is made of pork-barrels and lard- tierces, and the firm claim to manufacture a greater num- ber of the former than any other house in the Union. The annual cash transactions of the Lansing branch of the busi- ness approximate $200,000.

The establishment is driven by a seventy-five horse-power steam-engine. The firm are doing business at Coral and Sheridan, Montcalm Co., and at Morrice, Shiawassee Co. A branch of the business is also carried on at Jackson, Mich., where the labor of 100 convicts is utilized. They are employed within the prison walls, and manufacture exclusively pork-barrels and lard-tierces. The branch at Morrice, in Shiawassee County, is also a very extensive one. The aggregate number of hands employed at all points is about 300, aud the total value of production over $500,000.

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IIISTORY OF INGHAM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

Each factory keeps separate accounts and has its own foreman. The business is transacted under three firm- names, but Jacob F. Schultz is a partner in each, and the principal mauager of the whole. He is under fifty years of age, and has been in active business for many years.

At Lansing the firm own ten acres of land along the tracks of the Jackson, Lansing and Saginaw and the De- troit, Lansing and Northern Railways, which are largely covered with the buildings and stock of the firm. Products are marketed principally in Chicago and Detroit. The firm eut and saw their own staves and heading, and manufac- ture all stock for tight work. They deal wholesale in flour- barrel and other slaek stock.

Fred. Alton & Son .- One of the oldest residents and most prominent mechanics of Lansing is Frederick Alton, a native of Germany: Mr. Alton came to America in 1843, and after stopping in the city of New York about four months emigrated to Michigan and settled at Marshall, where he remained for about two years. IIe also passed a few months each in Dexter and Ann Arbor, and thirteen months ju Albion, Calhoun Co. He came to Lansing in February, 1848, and has since resided here .* Previous to removing his family to the new State capital he had, in October, 1847, purchased lots in the place. He opened a shop on River Street and worked alone at his trade for about a year. In 1849 he built a frame shop and enlarged his business, employing several hands, and doing all kinds of work in his line; among other jobs turning out a great many cisterns. He remained on River Street about eight years, when he sold his property and purchased lots on the corner of Washington Avenue and Lapeer Street, on the north side of the latter. About 1870 he removed his shops to the south side of Lapeer Street, where he has since ear- ried on his trade. His business was mostly custom work, and he manufactured a considerable amount of flour barrels for B. E. Hart, of North Lansing. His working force for many years was from six to fifteen hands. Since the ad- vent of railways he has manufactured and shipped to vari- ous points, principally Chicago, a large number of packing barrels and tierces. Previous to railroad days he shipped considerable quantities of work by wagons to Jackson and other points.

Mr. Alton has now associated with him his son, A. F. Alton, under the firm-name of Fred. Alton & Son. They have a considerable capital invested and keep constantly on hand a large amount of stock, including raw material and finished work. The firm turns out annually about 4000 packing-barrels and a large number of potash and other barrels. The yearly sales average from $3000 to $5000.

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History of Ingham and Eaton counties, Michigan, Part 33

Author: Durant, Samuel W. cn Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Philadelphia : D.W. Ensign & Co. Number of Pages: 772

Author: Durant, Samuel W. cn
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia : D.W. Ensign & Co.
Number of Pages: 772