USA > Michigan > Kalamazoo County > History of Kalamazoo county, Michigan > Part 135
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At the first annual meeting of the Library Association the following officers were elected : Mrs. C. S. Kent, President, who soon resigned in favor of Mrs. M. Hulett; Mrs. E. D. Town, Vice-President; Miss M. Warmington, Secretary ; Mrs. C. E. Ives, Treasurer ; Miss L. H. Kendall, Librarian ; Board of Directors, Mrs. M. Gregory, Mrs. C. S. Kent, Mrs. H. D. Pool, Mrs. Mygatt, Mrs. A. F. Tyndall.
The present officers are Mrs. M. Hulett, President ; Mrs. E. D. Town, Vice-President; Mrs. Dr. Fisher, Secretary ;
Anson hoveling
Anson Wooding was born in the town of Candor, Tioga Co., N. Y., June 7, 1820. His father, Edward A. Wooding, was a farmer in the earlier part of his life, but turned his attention to manufacturing, in which he attained a prominent position. He was possessed of great strength of character, with marked mental and physical abilities. He occupied many positions of trust, and was a member of the Connecticut Legislature. He was born in the town of Woodbridge, New Haven Co., Conn. When a young man he removed to the town of Torrington, Litchfield Co., where he resided (except about five years spent in Tioga Co., N. Y.) until his death, which occurred at the age of seventy-four years. He was closely identified with local in- terests, and was prominent in religious matters. He married Betsey Green, a descendant of Capt. James Green, of Revolu- tionary fame, and a descendant of Governor Winslow, of Massachusetts. She was a woman of innate refinement, and possessed of many ennobling qualities of mind and heart. She died when Anson was five years of age, at which time he went to live with his paternal grandmother, who resided in Connec- ticut, with whom he remained nine years. He then went to Litchfield County, where he spent a year at school. At this time he had attained his fifteenth year ; and feeling that he was wholly dependent upon his own exertions, and that he was to be the architect of his own fortune, he resolved to do something for himself; and to test the untried metal of bis character he hired to a farmer for the summer months, and during the winter attended the village academy. In this way he obtained a liberal education. At the age of eighteen he engaged to travel for a manufacturing company in the introduction of brass goods, and in this vocation he fully demonstrated his business ability, and remained in their employ until 1840, in which time he traveled over thirteen States. Feeling that he was now competent to
MRS ANSON WOODING.
manage business for himself, he went to New York, and with his savings embarked in the retail trade, in which he was suc- cessful.
In 1850 he sold, and invested in two hundred and forty acres of land in the town of Ross, which is a portion of his present farm. His intention at the time of purchase was to make an immediate settlement, but the ill health of his family caused a change in his plans, and he engaged in the business of importing and jobbing glass, paints, oils, etc. This enterprise he con- ducted successfully until 1857, when he resolved to settle upon his farm. This resolution was made in direct opposition to the advice of his business associates, by whom he was fully appre- ciated for his discretion and business sagacity.
His record in New York as a business man was an enviable one, and he received many flattering propositions from some of the best houses, but his answer was that he preferred a competency to the chances of becoming a millionaire or a bankrupt.
In 1857 he commenced the improvement of his estate, and since that time has devoted himself strictly to agricultural pur- suits, and with the same success that attended him in other enterprises. Since his settlement in Ross he has identified himself with every enterprise devoted to the best interests of the town, and has taken a deep interest in social and religious mat- ters. In his religious and political affiliations he is a Methodist and a Democrat.
In 1842 Mr. Wooding married Miss Martha, daughter of Henry Hemstead, a gentleman well and favorably known in New York.
Mr. Wooding is emphatically a self-made man, and one of whom the Latin phrase faber suse fortuns is eminently applic- able.
499
TOWNSHIP OF ROSS.
Mrs. C. E. Ives, Treasurer ; Miss L. H. Kendall, Librarian ; Board of Directors, Mrs. L. J. Brown, Mrs. S. J. Pool, Mrs. A. F. Tyndall, Mrs. J. Scudder, Mrs. H. M. Mygatt, and Miss Mary Warmington. Mrs. H. D. Pool was elected an honorary member of the board of directors.
MASONIC.
Augusta Lodge, No. 225, F. and A. M .- This lodge was organized March 20, 1867, under a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of the State of Michigan. Its charter was granted Jan. 8, 1868, the charter officers being D. R. Smith, W. M .; H. V. Hobart, S. W .; James L. Wheeler, J. W .; R. Douglas, Treas. ; E. Coddington, Sec. ; C. Pal- miter, S. D .; R. N. Wilson, J. D. The present officers are Charles Palmiter, W. M .; Z. C. Church, S. W .; John Scudder, J. W .; G. H. McElhany, Sec. ; L. J. Brown, Treas. ; H. F. Johnson, S. D .; C. C. Loomis, J. D.
INDUSTRIES.
Early Mills .- The date of the building of the first mill is identical with the projection of the village, and forms an important link in the chain of its early history.
After the Augusta Company had made a plat of their purchase, they turned their attention to the erection of a saw-mill, expecting that the sale of lots would be accompa- nied by a demand for lumber, which the mill would supply. The contract for the building of the mill was given to Gilbert Higgins, who devoted the winter of 1836-37 to getting out the timber and effecting the preliminary arrange- ments for its construction, George Rigby, the agent for the company, having the contract to excavate the canal which supplied the water-power. The location of the mill was to be at the foot of the race. With such expedition did Mr. Higgins proceed in his work that in May of 1837 the frame was erected, and in June the mill was in working order. The machinery and all the iron necessary to its construction were purchased in Detroit and drawn with horses to its destination. The property was transferred to the company two months earlier than the time specified in the contract for building, and Lyman Ford was employed to manage the mill under the direction of Rigby, who had exclusive charge of the interests of the Augusta Company, and employed help as occasion required. A man named Barr was also for some time in his employ.
From the following lease, found among papers relating to the Augusta Company's interests, it appears that George Rigby leased the mill in July, 1837, for a period of about fourteen months :
" Articles of agreement made between Isaac E. Crary, Esq., of the last will and testament of Ezra Convis, late of Calhoun County, deceased, Sands McCamly, Tolman W. Hall, and Moses Hall, all of the same county aforesaid, and Epaphroditus Ransom, of Kalamazoo County, of the first part, and George Rigby, of the same county, last afore- said, of the second part :
"The parties of the first part covenant and agree to and with the said Rigby to rent, lease, and let to the said Rigby the said mill in the village of Augusta, in Kalamazoo County, owned by the said parties of the first part, the said Rigby to have, use, occupy, and en- joy the said saw-mill, with all the privileges thereof, from the eleventh day of July, A.D. 1837, to the first day of September, 1838.
"Said Rigby to draw sufficient water from the mill-race to work said mill, and to have the occupancy of so much land adjoining said mill as may be necessary for a mill-yard.
"The said Rigby on his part covenants and agrees to and with said parties of the first part, that he will occupy and carry on the said saw-mill during all the said time in a faithful and workmanlike man- ner ; that he will in all things keep the tools, machinery, boom, log- ways, race, and dam guard-lock, and waste floom in good and ample repair during all the said time at the expense of said Rigby ; that said Rigby will at the end of said time surrender up the said premises, with all the said tools, machinery, and appurtenances thereof, to the said parties of the first part, in as good repair as the same were in on the said eleventh day of July, A.D. 1837, except the natural wear and decay thereof and that said Rigby will pay to the said parties of the first part, for the rent of said premises, the sum of fifteen hundred dollars, to be paid in the promissory notes of responsible men, so much as shall have fallen due on the first day of June, 1838, to be then paid, and the balance to be paid on said first day of September, A.D. 1838. It is understood and agreed that the said Rigby is to make only the ordinary repairs to the dam and race, unless a break therein shall have happened through his neglect; in that case he shall repair the same at his expense.
"Witness our hands and seals this 15th day of March, 1838. " EPAPHRO. RANSOM. [SEAL]
" MOSES HALL. [SEAL]
" TOLMAN W. HALL. [SEAL]
"SANDS MCCAMLY.
[SEAL]
" GEORGE RIGBY." [SEAL]
In 1839 an undivided half of the property was pur- chased by Aaron P. Beebe and Oriel Wilcox, who soon after transferred their interest to Joseph Torry, of Salem, Mass. Mr. Torry in turn sold to Charles M. Nichols, the terms of sale being embodied in the following:
" Articles of agreement made by and between Joseph Torry, of Salem, in the State of Massachusetts, and Charles M. Nichols, of Kalamazoo Co., Mich., on the 4th day of December, 1839 :
"The said Torry has bargained and sold, and this day conveyed to the said Nichols, a certain tract or parcel of land lying in said Kala- mazoo County, to wit : One equal and undivided half of about two acres of land, with a saw-mill thereon standing, in the village of Au- gusta, in said Kalamazoo County, with the water-privileges to said saw-mill belonging. The property an equal and undivided half whereof has been so sold and conveyed is the same that said Torry heretofore purchased of Aaron P. Beebe and Oriel Wilcox ; for which property said Nichols agrees to convey to said Torry, by a good and sufficient deed, the south half of the northwest quarter of section number two (2), in township number two (2) south, of range number nine (9) west, in said Kalamazoo County. Said Nichols agrees to assume the payment of one half of a mortgage, made by Aaron P. Beebe and Oriel Wilcox, for the sum of fourteen hundred dollars, to said Ransom and others. The said Torry agrees to clear off all the other incumbrances on said premises, and to pay one-half of the said fourteen hundred dollars.
" Witness our hand and seals this 4th day of December, 1839. " C. M. NICHOLS. [SEAL]
" JOSEPH TORRY. [SEAL]
" By his attorney, "GEORGE TORRY."
Subsequently the mill came into the possession of David Ford, who deputized I. C. White to manage his interests in Augusta. In 1842, E. W. Hewitt became manager and proprietor of a three-quarter interest, Governor Ran- som refusing to part with his share in the property. With this change began an era of signal prosperity for the Augusta saw-mill. A contract was obtained for supplying timber for the construction of the Michigan Central Rail- road, which was surveyed and graded in 1843 and com- pleted in 1845. In 1844, H. A. Stone purchased the in- terest of Hewitt and Ransom, and in connection with John Moore, who owned one-quarter, ran the mill for two years.
Previous to this the structure had been enlarged and a grist-mill added. Under Mr. Stone's management the ma-
500
HISTORY OF KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
chinery of the latter was removed and another upright saw added. This enabled the firm to fill the contract they obtained for supplying rails for the new railroad. The road was early built with strap rails, the main portion of which was wood, straps of iron three-fourths of an inch in thickness covering the top of the wooden rail. Willis & Kirby became the owners in 1846. With their ownership terminated the career of the old saw-mill, which was torn down, and a smaller one erected west of the old site.
The Augusta Mills .- These mills-at one time the most considerable manufacturing industry in the village-had their origin in the year 1847. Kirby & Willis, a young and enterprising firm, desiring to embark in milling inter- ests, employed Chauncey Mckay to construct the building, the original dimensions of which were 40 by 40 feet, 40 feet having since been added to the length. A millwright named Cushman was employed to superintend its construction. The mill at this early day had three runs of stone, and manu- factured flour for shipping, very little being sold in the home market.
The original owners finally disposed of the property to Cock & Thomas, who made many improvements. Under their management the mill was enlarged, and most of the new machinery added. They were succeeded by E. M. Carpenter & Co., who increased its capacity by another run of stone, and otherwise improved it.
The mill is three stories high, and is filled with every modern appliance for the manufacture of flour of a superior quality. Its average capacity is 150 barrels of flour per day. The mill is not at present running, which is a source of universal regret to the residents of Augusta, to whom it gives extensive employment.
Augusta Steam-Mills .- These mills, which are located on the east side of the race and east of the Augusta Mills, were owned by C. W. Cock, who built, in 1869, a large grain warehouse, and subsequently added machinery for a mill, Chauncey McKay receiving the contract for the erec- tion of the building. They were provided with steam- power, and for a while were one of the leading business enterprises of the place. The milling business was finally closed out, and the property is now used as a warehouse.
The Poultry Business .- The leading business enterprise of Augusta, and that which, by the amount of employ- ment it gives and the capital it distributes throughout the country, may be considered almost in the light of a public benefaction, is the poultry interest of H. M. Mygatt. It was established in 1869. During that year the proprietor began the purchase of poultry through the surrounding country ; and, although these purchases included all that it was possible to obtain, but $4000 was the amount paid out during the first year. To such an extent has the business increased that the sum paid the present year will reach $50,000. During the active season the estab- lishment ships a car-load a day, and so eager are the railroad companies to obtain Mr. Mygatt's patronage that he is constantly visited by agents, who offer him favorable terms for shipping.
All varieties of poultry are purchased that can be obtained within a radius of fifty miles, the gatherers receiving for them the highest market price on delivery. Their wagons
are unloaded at all hours of the day and night, the small hours of the morning being often occupied in this depart- ment of labor. The establishment employs 38 pickers, 2 killers, 2 taking in, 2 teamsters, 2 packers, and fifty are engaged in gathering, besides several coopers and men de- tailed for extra service.
The market for this class of merchandise is found in New York City, and Mr. Mygatt enjoys the reputation of being the largest shipper in the United States. He is also extensively engaged in fruit-culture, having nearly 100 acres devoted to trees, embracing the apple, plum, pear, and peach. For the products of these orchards he finds a ready market.
VILLAGE OFFICERS.
The first charter election for the village of Augusta was held in the school-house, at Augusta, on the 13th day of April, 1869, George Everts and Martin Mason having been chosen judges of election, and J. L. McCord, clerk. The following are the village officers from that date to the present :
PRESIDENTS.
1869-75, John L. Cock ; 1876-79, Elias W. Griffin.
CLERK.
1869-75, Alanson Webster.
RECORDER.
1876-79, John L. Cock.
TRUSTEES.
1869, L. D. Bath, L. F. Brown, Lewis Crane, T. C. Wood, Jay Phette- place, Marvin Mead ; 1870, N. F. Pool, John Brooks, L. D. Bath, Jay Phetteplace, Isaac Tolles, Marvin Mead; 1871, Marvin Mead, Eugene Mason, Jay Phetteplace; 1872, R. N. Williams, E. C. Hemeka, L. F. Brown; 1873, Marvin Mead, E. B. Mason, R. D. Gregory ; 1874, John H. Fisher, James L. Lynch, Franklin B. Hall; 1875, H. D. Pool, Marvin Mead, Eugene B. Mason, E. M. Rosencrans, F. B. Hall, N. Foster Pool; 1876, Wm. D. Warming- ton, Edwin Coddington, H. D. Pool; 1877, T. C. Wood, John H. Dickie, George Rorabeck ; 1878, C. W. Andrews, E. B. Mason, W. F. Becraft ; 1879, F. B. Hall, E. C. Heneka, W. J. Bristol.
TREASURERS.
1869-75, J. V. W. Young ; 1876-77, C. W. Andrews; 1878-79, George Weeks.
ASSESSORS.
1869-70, G. M. Everts, Charles Andrews ; 1871, Charles Andrews, J. B. Bowne; 1872, H. D. Pool, Harry Walldorff; 1873, Charles Andrews, C. W. Andrews ; 1874, J. V. W. Young, E. M. Rosen- crans ; 1875-79, John L. Cock.
STREET COMMISSIONERS.
1869, John Hulce, O. R. Smith, A. Millspaugh ; 1870, T. C. Wood, Henry Johnson; 1871, Luther J. Brown, E. C. Bracey, C. W. Cock; 1872, L. J. Brown, C. W. Cock, E. Coddington ; 1873, L. J. Brown, N. F. Pool, C. W. Cock; 1874, C. Mckay, Harry Wall- dorff, N. F. Pool .*
MARSHALS.
1869-70, H. B. Hobart; 1871-72, W. P. Stringham; 1873-74, Edwin Coddington ; 1875, L. J. Brown ; 1876, R. M. Wilson; 1877-78, L. J. Brown ; 1879, H. A. Walldorff.
FIRE-WARDENS.
1869-71, C. W. Cock, J. W. Bowne; 1872, L. J. Brown, C. W. Cock ; 1873-74, H. D. Pool, John Brooks; 1875, T. C. Wood, L. J. Brown ; 1876, John H. Dickie, C. W. Andrews; 1877, George W. Pierson, Lorenzo Brown; 1878, H. D. Pool, L. J. Brown; 1879, W. J. Bristol, H. D. Pool.
* None elected after this date.
501
TOWNSHIP OF ROSS.
YORKVILLE.
The hamlet of Yorkville may justly be regarded as the home of the early pioneers of the township of Ross. To this spot they first directed their steps, and the log houses of its inhabitants offered hospitality to the traveler when the remainder of the township was an uncleared wilderness. It is located on the western side of the township, at the out- let of Gull Lake, and was first settled by Tillotson Barnes, who came from Oneida Co., N. Y., in November, 1832, and purchased 80 acres that had been previously entered by a party from Ohio.
The first desire of Mr. Barnes was to erect for his family a comfortable though temporary habitation, which he lo- cated upon the shore of Gull Lake. During the winter he devoted his energies to the erection of a saw-mill on the outlet of the lake, which was completed and in working order the following summer. It being the first saw-mill within the limits of the township, a large draft was made upon it for timber. The rapid increase of settlers created a demand for the products of the mill which kept it in con- stant operation. The enterprise of the first settler was soon after shown in the erection of a grist-mill, which was begun in the summer of 1833 and completed during the summer of 1834. He also erected a tannery, and had entered into a business arrangement with a tanner from the East who was to manage it, but circumstances interposed to prevent the arrangement being consummated. and the tan- nery was never used. It was usual at that early day to make such provision as was possible for the comfort of newly-arrived settlers. A family came after the mill was completed, and Mr. Barnes allowed them to occupy a por- tion of the building, making such changes as were necessary to promote their comfort.
In the year 1834, Capt. Daniel S. Wilson, a relative of Mrs. Barnes, came on a visit to the family, and while there died, after a brief illness. Mr. Barnes set apart a tract of land, in which his remains were interred. This was the first death in the township. In 1834, Mr. Barnes built a frame house, and another (in which he died) in 1835. The country at this time was in a very unhealthy condition from the up- turning of the soil, and much sickness was the result. The sick were cared for by Drs. Winslow and Porter, of Gull Prairie, and Dr. Upjohn, of Ross.
In the year 1834, Yorkville was the scene of the earliest wedding festivities in the township, on which occasion Miss Celestia, daughter of Tillotson Barnes, was united to Mr. Amasa S. Parker. The newly-wedded pair departed soon after for Richland, where they established themselves in a home of their own.
The custom of bleeding was then in general use among the early physicians. Mr. Barnes was in feeble health, and while employed in the mill one afternoon availed himself of an opportunity to be bled. He experienced no benefit from the operation, and on retiring to his home immediately re- paired to his bed, from which he never arose. He died in 1836, after a brief career of labor and enterprise, much respected by all who had social or business relations with him.
The next settler in Yorkville was a man named Stant- clift, who followed the calling of a cabinet-maker. Thomp-
son T. Lake came in 1834, and followed his trade as a car- penter. He assisted in building the mill, and later found demands upon his skill in various parts of the township. Samuel Griffin and Willard Caryl located soon after in the hamlet. Hiram Blashfield became a resident in 1836, and occupied his time as a trader. He and T. T. Lake are still living in Yorkville. F. D. Pierce was the earliest landlord, having built the tavern in which he presided as host. He was succeeded in 1844 by Elias M. Dibble. John C. Stonehouse, a miller, had charge of the mills after the death of Mr. Barnes, but subsequently removed to Grand Rapids.
Yorkville boasts, besides the mills, a church, a school- house, one grocery-store, and a blacksmith-shop. It has also a post-office, where a mail is received semi-weekly. William Hampton is the obliging postmaster. The oldest living resident is Augustus E. Barnes, who came with his father, Tillotson Barnes, in 1832, and still resides on the original Barnes property.
Mills .- The flouring-mills at Yorkville were built by Til- lotson Barnes in the years 1833 and 1834, having been com- pleted and put in running order in the summer of the latter year. They were originally designed for three run of stone, but for a period of years one only was used. The nearest mill at this early day was in Comstock, and the pioneers for miles distant hailed with joy an event which should afford them subsistence without the necessity of a day's journey. The mill was no sooner completed than it was filled with grists of wheat, and so eager were its patrons to avail them- selves of its advantages that it was early run by hand- power, the machinery with which the water was to be utilized not having yet been adjusted. Mr. Barnes had three sons, all of whom were employed in the mill. One would catch the flour below in a bucket and carry it to the floor above, another would feed it in at the head of the bolt, while a third would turn the bolt. In this primitive fash- ion were the pioneers of Yorkville and vicinity supplied with flour. After the death of Mr. Barnes the mills were run by the estate for a brief time, and then sold to Foster Gilkey for $8700, who employed John C. Stonehouse as miller. He transferred them to Mumford Eldred, who dis- posed of them to Loyal Kellogg. A. C. Bruen purchased of Kellogg, and afterwards sold to Abram Hoag, who dis- posed of a half interest to D. L. Johnson, who subsequently purchased the remaining interest and is the present propri- etor. Under his direction many improvements have been made. The capacity has been increased to three runs of stone, and the most approved modern machinery for the manufacture of a superior quality of flour has been added. One hundred barrels of flour per day can be readily ground, and the capacity, if necessary, considerably augmented.
Baptist Church .- The Baptist church at Yorkville was built in 1854, there being no place of worship previous to that time other than was offered by the school-house or the residences of the inhabitants, in which early services were held. The society was first organized under the aus- pices of Rev. Mr. Johnson, who became the pastor, and through whose energy the edifice was erected. The first deacons were Chauncey Calkins, William Fairbanks, and Thomas Kenyon. Rev. Mr. Fisk succeeded Rev. Mr.
1
502
HISTORY OF KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Johnson as pastor, and after his departure the society be- came disorganized. The church is now used for occasional service, and is open to all denominations, irrespective of creed. The present trustees are Augustus E. Barnes, Chauncey Calkins, and Russell Kenyon.
HOWLANDSBURG.
The founder of this hamlet, located on section 31, in the extreme southwestern portion of the township, was Edward K. Howland, who emigrated to Ross from Sara- toga Co., N. Y., in 1834, and entered the east half of section 31 and portions of sections 29, 32, and 33, after which he returned to the East. In 1836 he determined to make Michigan his home, and, arriving at the point where he had located his lands, with the aid of his son Simpson, he built a frame house on section 31, which was one of the earliest in the township. He immediately after broke up and improved fifteen acres of land. In the fall of the same year he returned to the East, and brought his family to their home in the Far West, as Michigan was then regarded. With him came his brother, who was a millwright. He at once saw and appreciated the fine water-power at the disposal of his brother, and urged the erection of a saw- mill, which was begun soon after and completed in 1837. Gull Creek furnished an inexhaustible supply of water for milling purposes, and Mr. Howland began the erection of a grist- and flouring-mill, which was completed some time after, the work having progressed slowly.
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