History of Jackson County, Michigan, Part 25

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago [Ill.] : Inter-state Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1166

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John B. Carter was at one time, and for several years, a partner of Mr. Brown, and the business was much increased by the former through his intimate knowledge of the wants of the trade, and more still, perhaps, by his ability as a salesman.

Mr. Henry J. Pilcher has for a number of years last past been associated with Mr. Brown, and the firm of Brown & Pilcher have now a well-established reputation which insures to them a large and increasing business. Mr. Pilcher is the son of Rev. Elijah Pilcher, who was the first Methodist minister in Jackson. He or- ganized a class in 1830, from which has sprung the present First Methodist Church of this eity, and his was the first Church organ- ization in Jackson county.

The Rev. Mr. Pilcher has lived many years in Jackson, officiat- ing both as local preacher and as presiding elder. He is still liv- ing, with his usefulness unimpaired. Henry J. Pilcher is a native of Jackson. He has for many years been the superintendent of the Sabbath-school of the First Methodist Church of Jackson, and to him more than to any other is due its efficiency and great suc- cess. Mr. Pilcher is known as one of the most painstaking and estimable of the business men of Jackson.

William M. Bennett came to Jackson in 1847, and entered the store of S. W. Whitwell as a clerk, and from that time to the present Mr. Bennett has been, with little intermission, connected with the dry-goods trade in Jackson. In 1855 he bought out Mr. Whitwell. The amount of goods sold by Mr. Bennett since the business came into his hands has been as large as that of any house in the interior of Michigan. Mr. Bennett was elected mayor of the city in 1869 and re-elected in 1870. He was for four years a member of the Board of Public Works at Jackson.

William Knickerbocker in 1846 came with his family to Jackson. where he is still living in the enjoyment of a competence in his ripe old age, surrounded by his children and his children's children. In 1858 he formed a copartnership with Col. J. B. Eaton in the wholesale grocery business, and for eight years they transacted business as large as any in that line in the State. They then sold out to Hall & Dodge. Mr. Knickerbocker joined with Allen Ben- nett and William D. Thompson in building the "City Mill," one of the largest steam flouring mills in the State, and has since then

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devoted himself to the flouring business. The same firm bought the "Stone Mills" at Albion, and Mr. Knickerbocker has been general manager of the business, which has always been very large, and in which he has shown business ability of the first order. The firm are also largely interested in the patents for " purifiers," by which the flour known as "patent flour" is manufactured. These purifiers are made at Jackson, and have become a necessity in all first-class mills. The capital of the "Purifier Company " is $1,000,000, and their business corresponds in extent to the amount of their capital.

In the year 1837 N. Munroe was dealing in dry goods, groceries, hardware, boots and shoes, drugs, dye-stuffs, window sash, etc. In the spring of 1837 J. N. & D. F. Dwight sold their stock of goods to N. Munroe. In the summer Arza Richardson sold his stock to Derrick W. Owens, who kept a general assortment of goods, as did W. Budington and Wolfley & Rockwell. Spears & Collier were succeeded by Stowell & Collier. They sold ont to S. W. Stowell, who entered into copartnership with A. A. Welling, forming the firm of Stowell & Welling. Welling in the spring had been one of the firm of Clark & Welling. All these were dealers in groceries, liquors, paints, oils, etc. Moses Bean, David Porter and S. W. Stowell were selling lime. The Jackson Furnace and Iron Foundry, on the east side of Grand river, near the Ford Mills, was owned and managed by Samuel P. Clark, Stephen Mun- roe and Joseph Ganson. Paul B. Ring kept the Exchange Hotel and run a line of stages to Tecumseh. M. L. Sutton kept a select school. Phineas Farrand, Leander Chapman, Merrick C. Hongh, Fairchild Farrand and William J. Moody were practicing attorneys. John N. Dwight was justice of the peace.

In 1838 the merchants of Jackson were W. Bndington & Co., S. Blackwell & Co .. Wolfley & Rockwell, succeeded by B. W. Rock- well, Dyer & Derby and H. H. & J. M. Gilbert. Grocery and provision stores were kept by Stowell & Welling, succeeded by A. A. Welling, Myron Collamer, P. C. Vreeland & Co., S. W. Stowell and Norman Allen. C. E. Silsbee kept a furniture establishment. John Phelps had an ashery. N. M. & J. M. Gilbert were saddle and harness makers. Wright Chittock and L. Graves, tailors. Ring & Hibbard kept livery stable and run a line of stages to Adrian. In the fall D. B. Hibbard kept a livery stable. Ganson & Munroe were running the furnace and iron foundry and selling blocks. A. P. Maybee kept the Grand River Honse, and Munroe & Carpenter the Exchange. Johnson & Higby, Moody & Johnson, L. Chapman, D. Parkhurst, M. C. Hough, Edward Iligby, Phineas Farrand and Fairchild Farrand were practicing attorneys. Dr. John McLean kept a drug store and-practiced his profession. Dr. Ira C. Backus and Dr. Oliver Russ were also practicing physicians. J. W. Glidden repaired clocks and watches. Cobb & Smith were painters and glaziers. G. W. Logan & Co. made and sold boots and shoes.

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

VARIOUS DATES.

In 1839 S. Blackwell & Co. kept the New York store, and W. Baker the Boston store. Burnell & Fish. A. Bennett, Dibble & Turnbull, and Green & Jessup were merchants, keeping a general assortment of goods. Grocery stores were kept by Anderson & Rogers and Munson & Giles. Horace Duryea, J. HI. Rogers and Thomas Miller were makers and dealers in boots and shoes. Lo- renzo Griswold, Wright Chittock, L. Graves, C. L. Mitchell and Gregg & Eggleston were tailors. J. D. Cowden made and sold furniture. He sold to C. E. Silsbee, and he to W. Collamer. H. A. Rider sold plastering hair. The Jackson Academy was kept by Mr. Dudley. Joel HI. Rice kept livery stable. Terry & Mc- Lean kept a drug store. Dr. E. D. Merriman was a practicing physician. The Exchange Hotel was kept by William A. Munroc. The firm of Farrand, Johnson & Higby was practicing law.

Norman Allen came to Michigan in 1833. He owned and kept the tavern three miles east of the city, afterward known as the McArthur tavern stand. In 1835 he bought the stock in trade of Amos Temple, consisting of books and clothing. For many years Mr. Allen was actively engaged in business. Ile is now, and for some time has been, acting as agent for fire insurance companies.

George Byrne settled in Jackson in 1838. He was elected reg- ister of deeds in 1840, and served two years. He also served very acceptably as justice of the peace for several years. His son, Gilbert R. Byrne, has been in the banking-house of Cooper, Thompson & Co., and with the Jackson City Bank for many years. He is now assistant cashier of the last-named institution.

Wright Chittock came to Jackson in 1836. He immediately commenced work at his trade as a tailor. He followed that occu- pation until he went to California in 1852. Mr. Chittock died in 1853, while returning from the Pacific coast. Dr. Gordon Chittock, son of Wright Chittock, came with his father to Jackson. He studied medicine, and at an early age commenced to practice as a physician. Dr. Chittoek was soon recognized as one of the most successful of the practitioners of the city, and took his stand among the leading members of his profession. Dr. Chittock is now active in his profession, in which he has a large practice.

Latham Kassiek came to Jackson in the spring of 1838. In 1839 William P. Kassick made Jackson his home, and under the name of W. P. & L. Kassick they for many years transacted a general mereantile business. After the dissolution of the firm the business was continued by L. Kassick until 1867, when he retired from the trade. Mr. Kassick is a member of the First Congrega- tional Church, of which he has for a long time been one of the deacons.

Albert Howe settled in Tecumseh, Lenawee Co., Mich., in 1837. He removed to Adrian in 1840, and to Jackson in 1842. Mr. Howe kept a saddle and harness establishment during his business life in Jackson, and until within a few years. He has now retired

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

from active business, but his familiar face may be seen almost daily on our streets. Although not one of the earliest pioneers, yet Mr. Howe is more fortunate than most of them, as he is represented in Jackson by the fourth generation.

Douglass Gibson came to Jackson in his early boyhood with his father, A. B. Gibson, Esq., and has been for many years one of the prominent business men of the city. Mr. Gibson was for sev- eral years one of the largest dealers in iron, nails, stoves, tin-ware and hardware in general in the interior of the State, as a member of the firms of Rice, Pratt & Co. and Pratt & Gibson. In 1869 Mr. Gibson and Mr. Thomas Westren established the Interest and Deposit Bank, of which Mr. Gibson was president, which office. with an active participation in the management of the affairs of the bank, he has continued to hold to the present time.

Mr. Albert Howe Gibson, son of Douglass Gibson, succeeded the firm of Pratt & Gibson in the hardware business, in which he is still engaged, and is one of the most active and enterprising of the business men of Jackson of the third generation.

Dr. Reuben C. Gibson came to Jackson county in 1835, and commenced the practice of medicine at the then flourishing village of Sandstone, afterward removing to Gidley's Station, near the present village of Parma. Dr. Gibson was very successful as a physician, and was held in high esteem as a citizen. He closed a life of usefulness among those with whom he had for many years been active in the discharge of every duty.

William K. Gibson, son of Dr. Gibson, is now, as he has been tor over 20 years, one of the most active members of the legal fraternity of Jackson. Mr. Gibson is one of the leaders of the Bar in the county, a position which he has attained by industry and strict attention to business, and to which he is entitled by his legal attainments. He has held many offices of trust, those of city attor- ney and prosecuting attorney for the county among others. He is now the attorney for the Michigan Central Railroad in Jackson. Mr. Gibson has for several years taken great interest in pomology and horticulture, and has come to be an authority on all questions connected with those interesting subjects. He is an active mem- ber of the State Pomological Society, and has devoted much time to the advancement of its interests.

Jerome B. Eaton immigrated to Michigan in 1834, settled in Adrian, where he remained until 1842, when he removed to Jack- son, and at once engaged in active business as a merchant. In 1858 Col. Eaton formed a copartnership with Charles K. Knicker- bocker, and established the wholesale grocery house of Eaton & Knickerbocker. For eight years this firm was one of the largest dealers in their line of business in the State. Col. Eaton was president of the village in 1846, was supervisor for several years, member of the Legislature in 1851, for four years member of the Board of Public Works, and is now president of the Michigan Air Line Railroad Company, which office he has held since the organ- ization of the company.

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

W. W. Langdon settled in Jackson in 1835, and has been a resi- dent of the place to the present time, except one year that he lived in Napoleon.

Henry II. Bingham settled in Michigan in 1836. He came to Jackson county in 1838, and was for many years engaged in trade. In 1851 he made Jackson his home, and has sinee continued to re- side in the city. Ile was for many years connected with the State prison, first as clerk, then as agent or warden.

Simon Holland settled in the township of Napoleon, Jackson Co., in 1837. He removed to Jackson in 1856, and was for many years engaged in business as a member, first of the firm of Hol- land & Lattimer, then of that of Holland & Son, dealing largely in drugs, paints, oils, medicines, etc. The business is still con- tinued by his son, James M. Holland. Deacon Holland was al- ways a leading and zealous member of the Baptist Church, of which he was a deacon at the early age of 21 years.

J. B. Tomlinson came to Jackson in 1842, and established him- self in business as a dealer in jewelry and repairer of clocks and watches, in which he is still engaged. Mr. Tomlinson has been, and still is, a very active member of the Masonic fraternity, and has frequently been the presiding officer in the lodge and chapter. He has always been noted for his active benevolence, particularly for his attention to the care of the sick, and for paying the last sad tribute to the dead.

Moses A. McNaughton settled in Jackson in 1841, and entered at once upon the practice of his profession as a physician, which he followed successfully for several years. Dr. McNaughton at an early day became a large holder and dealer in real estate. IIe has always taken an active part in all questions of public improve- ment. He was one of the principal promoters of the organization which secured the building of Grand River Valley railroad. Dr. McNaughton was one of the first directors of the Michigan Air Line Railroad Company, and as a member of the business com- mittee was continually engaged in forwarding the construction of the road until it was completed from Jackson to Niles. He is one of the officers of the company at the present time. Ile was elected to the State Senate in 1852, and mayor of the city in 1866.

Morris Knapp came to Michigan in 1840. In the winter of 1843-'4 Mr. Knapp settled in Jackson. He soon after became in- terested in mail routes and stage lines, in connection with D. B. Hibbard. The firm of Knapp and Hibbard was for a long time the largest stage proprietors in the State, and running more miles of mail route than any other contractors. Mr. Knapp has for many years been proprietor of an extensive livery, sale and board- ing stable. His pleasant address and accommodating disposition have made for him a host of friends. Ilis son, Charles A. Knapp, is associated with A. G. Sutton in the hack and omnibus line of the city.

John Westren at an early day entered a large quantity of land in Jackson county. Ile made Jackson his home in 1841, and re-

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sided in the city until his death. He was always a large holder and dealer in real estate. He took great interest in the develop- ment of the iron mines of Lake Superior, and was a large stock- holder in the Jackson Iron Company from the date of its organiza- tion. Mr. Westren was a man of sterling integrity and great force of character. He was universally respected and esteemed. His son. Thomas Westren, is a native of Jackson, and has always made it his home. He joined Mr. Douglass Gibson in the estab- lishment of the "Jackson Interest and Deposit Bank." of which he is now, and always has been, the cashier.

Joseph Hanaw became a resident of Jackson in 1857. He was for many years engaged in trade, and has always been, as he is now, one of the most active business men of Jackson. Mr. Hanaw has accumulated a handsome property, and has a family of 11 children to share with him his days of prosperity. His time is now occupied in looking after the rental of his stores and houses, in the care of his numerous family, and as agent of a line of ocean steamers.

E. J. Connable joined A. H. Pinney in 1858 in a contract at the prison for the manufacture of farming tools Mr. Connable re- moved from Ohio to Jackson and took charge of the business, which under his management was very successful. He withdrew from the business at the expiration of his contract in 1854, and has for several years been largely engaged in the manufacture of drain tile, sewer pipe, fire and paving brick, and other articles of stone- ware. Mr. Connable is one of the most active and enterprising business men of the city. He opened and worked one of the coal mines. To him belongs the tredit of establishing and building up the extensive works of the Jackson Fire Clay Company, of which he is president.

Silas Heyser came to Jackson in 1855, and engaged in business as a carpenter and joiner. He has for several years been largely engaged in the manufacture of sash, blinds and doors, and has now, in connection with his sons, Winfield C. and Walter J. Hey- ser, one of the largest manufacturing establishments in the city, in connection with an extensive lumber yard.

Abram V. Berry came to Jackson in 1841, and as a member of the firm of Berry & Medbury, was one of the leading merchants of Jackson. He was at one time one of the proprietors of the " Ford Mills," and largely engaged in the purchase of wheat and manufacture of four. Col. Berry has filled many offices of public trust, and always with credit to himself. He was president of the village in 1843-'5, and city marshal in 1858-'60. He has also been supervisor, alderman, and held other offices of appoint- ment. Col. Berry is of an ingenious turn of mind, and is the author of several inventions of merit.

James L. Holmes came to Michigan with the family of his father in 1837. In 1838 he removed to Jackson, and has since resided in this city. Mr. Hohes has always been an active business man, and is one of the best known in the town. He is now engaged in

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the wholesale and retail wine and liquor trade. He is a most en- thusiastie disciple of Izaak Walton, and has made his rod familiar with most of the waters in and around the State. To the lakes of Jackson county it is no unusual practice for him to go day after day. without regard to the weather, especially if it is such as is favorable to piseatory sport. Mr. Holmes is a most efficient men- ber of the Board of Public Works of the city of Jackson, which position he has held for three years.

A LITTLE STORY.

A good story is told at the expense of one of the early pioneers of Jackson county, Judge Wooley who in early times was a shoemaker of Sandstone. One cold winter's day as the judge was warming up his wax. preparatory to the day's work of cobbling, a never-do-well sort of farmer walked in. He wanted a pair of boots, but had no money to pay for them. The judge not liking to trust him proposed that if he would draw a load of wood the next day as he was entirely ont of that commodity (wood was a legal tender in those days), he would let him have the boots. In this the honest granger acquiesced. Well, the judge opened up his shop the next day by borrowing some wood of his neighbors; he waited all that day, but no wood came; also the next day. The third morning he went to the livery and hired a horse and cutter to drive out to the farmer's, some three or four miles to find out why he did not deliver as per agreement. He drove up to the house, and upon enquiring found that the farmer was at the extreme end of the farm chopping wood. The judge started out to find him. He wallowed through the snow knee deep. about half a mile or more. and found him on top of a beech log, whistling and making the chips fly. The judge accosted him, and said: " Why in the old cat don't you draw me that wood as yon agreed to." Farmer John says: " Wood ! what wood !" " Why the wood you promised to draw for those boots that you have got on your feet; I told you I was entirely ont."

Farmer says: " Well, the shoemakers in Sandstone lie so that a man can't tell whether they are out of wood or not." The judge dropped his head for a moment, and upon looking up, says. " By Kate ! the boots are yours." He turned about and wades back to his horse and cutter, leaving the farmer whistling some pastoral air known to the pioneer.

CHAPTER V.

JACKSON PIONEER SOCIETY.

It has ever been considered a day of rejoicing when pioneers should meet, when old comrades should come together to renew their memories and cheer up their souls. In the dim past, when, after Babel, the migrations of the people took an extensive form, the idea of periodical reunion was made practicable. On the land where Athens now stands such another meeting is said to have taken place as that which did honor to the pioneers of Jackson in 1874. Over two thousand years ago the spot on which is now built the city of Paris, the beautiful Lentetia of Inliam, the early settlers united in their strength and sacrificed to their gods in honor of their meeting and in thanksgiving for the beautiful land they possessed. Three thousand years ago the Partholanians met at Howth and lighted the pagan fires of joy for giving them a home in Ireland, so far away from the assaults of their brother Greeks; and still later the warlike Milesians assembled on the same shore to celebrate the anniversary of their conquest of the island, and to meet this merry circle before separating for their homes. Revert to the olden times, to the history of every country, and the accounts of those happy reunions remind us of their utility. If then our barbarous ancestors of dim antiquity observed the customs, how much more becoming is it for the people ot to-day, who may be said to have reached the highest pinnacle of civilization to be attained by the race at present inhabiting this globe ! The fact is accepted and acknowledged. Throughout the length and breadth of this great land, the large-souled pioneers who have made this country great, have assembled periodically to celebrate their advent and their stay, and to give thanks to their God for His merey in leading them to peaceful and happy homes. The pleasure of such meetings is only known to pioneers. Their children can scarce conceive the feeling which such an assembly creates, or the happy memories which it awakens. For them alone it has an undying interest; and though the young may possibly share a little in the joy of the old, they never can summon up the same endearing memories as pertain to the latter, or entertain for the soil they tread that beautiful veneration which pertains to the heart of the old settler. He alone saw the virgin soil and married her. His industry tamed the beautiful wild land until it yielded returns a hundred fold; his hands decorated the farm with a modest and comfortable cottage, and now in his declining years he has that homestead to take pride in, and these happy meetings to yield him pleasure. Happy settlers ! Good old set-

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tlers ! Well deserved are the honors you have won, well merited the peace and joy that waits upon your age.

At an early period in the history of the county efforts were made to organize an association in which all the pioneers would be embraced. For many reasons the progress made was very slow, so that so late as seven years ago no regularly constituted organ- ization had existence. Then the people, having emerged from the period of labor and careful guard, turned their attention to the good work, and without delay banded themselves together and the union of venerable citizens was completed.

ORGANIZATION OF PIONEER ASSOCIATION.

For a number of years prior to 1874 many of the pioneers looked forward to the time when the organization of their numbers would encircle them with the magnetic chain of close fellowship, and en- able all to commune with one another at stated seasons, relate the reminiscences ot the past, and thus aid in making subject for the history of the greatest Union the world ever saw-a history which will only be entered upon when other peoples may read, to wonder of the rise and fall of their monarchies and empires.

FIRST MEETING.

The organization of the Pioneer Society of Jackson County took place March 14. 1874, within Bronson Hall, in the city of Jackson. The meeting was large and influential, and on being called to or- der by Hon. Fidus Livermore, proceeded to the choice of chair- man and secretary. The duties of these offices were accorded to ex-Judge David Johnson and H. H. Bingham, respectively. Judge Johnson introduced the subjects which would have to be considered by the meeting, and then called on those who intended to bring forward resolutions to do so. The first proposal was that constituting Messrs. Higby, Livermore and De Lamater a com- mittee on constitution and by-laws. A brief adjournment followed, during which time these gentlemen compiled a series of 10 articles for the government of the society, the preamble setting forth that the object of the Jackson Pioneer Society is and shall be to collect and preserve a historical record of the county of Jackson.

It is unnecessary to review at any length the 10 articles of as- sociation. They are broad and liberal. In June, 1877, an amendment was accepted, granting to persons who have resided in the State 30 years, or in the county 20 years, the privilege of becoming members, together with making the admission of mem- bers' wives free. Prior to the debate on these articles of constitu- tion no less than 144 pioneers enrolled themselves. Subsequently each article met with unanimous approval.

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History of Jackson County, Michigan, Part 25

Author: Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago [Ill.] : Inter-state Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1166

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago [Ill.] : Inter-state Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1166