History of Kalamazoo county, Michigan, Part 70

Author: Durant, Samuel W. comp
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia. Everts & Abbott
Number of Pages: 761

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Carriage-Builders .- D. Burrell & Son are among the foremost of the manufacturers of Kalamazoo. The busi- ness was established by Warren Burrell in 1837. From 1841 to 1867 the firm was known as Hogeboom & Bur -. rell, and in the latter year the firm of Burrell Brothers was formed, composed of David and George Burrell. This house achieved a wide reputation. In 1877, Edward Bur- rell became a partner in place of George Burrell, retired, and the name is now D. Burrell & Son. Extensive build- ings are in use at the corner of Main and Park Streets, and 17 men are furnished with employment.

F. W. Cornell & Co., successors to J. B. Cornell & Co., do a large business. This factory was established about 1853, and turned out the first top buggy made in the county.

Bevans & Barkenbus became associated in 1872, they having respectively resided here since 1860 and 1854. Business large and work excellent. Shops at the corner of Burdick and Eleanor Streets.

Picture- Frames .- D. M. Richardson, proprietor steam picture-frame factory at 38 South Burdick Street, has had an extensive business in his line. Facilities for doing fine work unsurpassed in Western Michigan.

Windmills .- The Phelps & Bigelow Windmill Company, manufacturers of the " I. X. L." windmill, began business in 1876. A block of three stores is occupied on North Burdick Street as an office and factory. The retail sales of this firm during their second year amounted to 500 mills. The " I. X. L." is a solid-wheel windmill, very strong and

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VILLAGE OF KALAMAZOO.

durable in construction, and each one is warranted by the company. The officers of this company in July, 1878, were J. B. Woodbury, President; Horace Phelps, Mana- ger ; M. J. Bigelow, Secretary and Treasurer. The market for these mills is a general one, extending over much of the country east of the Mississippi River.

Kalamazoo Gas-Light Company .- July 9, 1855, the Board of Trustees of the village granted permission to " George H. Wyman, Lyman C. Thayer, Harvey P. Platt, and their associates, successors, and assigns, as individuals or as body corporate under such name as they may here- after adopt," to use the streets, lanes, and alleys of the vil- lage for the laying of gas-mains, the company to furnish gas for village and private use at a price not exceeding $4 per 1000 cubic feet, and the village to furnish lamp posts, connecting-pipes, meters, etc. The works were completed and gas let on for the first time June 25, 1857. Coal gas was first manufactured, and rosin was afterwards utilized until the beginning of the Rebellion, when the price became so high for that article that its use was unprofitable. The property of the old company was finally purchased by J. P. Woodbury, Allen Potter, and James A. Walton (the latter now deceased). Four hands are employed, and the officers are J. P. Woodbury, President ; A. Potter, Secretary ; and Ira A. Ransom, Treasurer.

The " Kalamazoo Paper Company," whose mills are on the Portage Creek, two miles south of the village, has a very extensive business. This company was organized in October, 1866, with the following persons as directors, viz., J. P. Woodbury, Allen Potter, Benjamin F. Lyon, John F. Gilkey, Jonathan Parsons, H. E. Hascall, and L. H. Trask. J. P. Woodbury was elected President, William A. Wood, Treasurer, and H. E. Hascall, Secretary. The mill, which was at once erected, was burned in September, 1872, and rebuilt in 1872-73, with a first-class 74-inch Fourdrinier machine. Since then the mill has done a very successful business, making printing- and book-paper, Bristol board, colored tints in great variety, etc. During the year 1879 the capacity of the mill was almost doubled by the addition of another Fourdrinier machine, a large engine and boilers, etc., and it has a present capacity for manufac- turing from six to eight tons of paper daily, and furnishes employment to one hundred persons. The present directors are J. P. Woodbury, Silas Hubbard, Edward Woodbury, J. Parsons, S. A. Gibson, William A. Wood, G. E. Bar- dun. J. Parsons is President; S. A. Gibson, Superinten- dent; William A. Wood, Treasurer; and Edward Wood- bury, Secretary.

Paper Manufacturers .- B. F. Lyon was one of the original directors of the Kalamazoo Paper Company. After the mills were completed he superintended the manufacture of paper there for two years, and severed his connection with the company in 1872. He then, in company with H. W. Paige, built the Commonwealth Mills at Plainwell, and the manufacture of paper was commenced at that place. It is still continued by the above firm, the members of which are B. F. and Frank M. Lyon. Their office and warehouse is at 89 Main Street, Kalamazoo, where they deal in paper, paper bags, and flour sacks. Their annual business amounts to about $100,000. They manufacture

an excellent quality of printing-paper, which is mostly dis- posed of to Chicago wholesale dealers.

Masonic Regalia .- Frank Henderson, who came to Kal- amazoo in 1860, and engaged as book-keeper with S. W. Walker, hardware dealer, was afterwards for nine years en- gaged with Charles H. Brown, in the saddlery hardware business. During that time he manufactured regalia to some extent, and since opening an establishment of his own has conducted an excellent business in the line of manufac- turing society regalia, and military, firemen's, and band equipments. A number of hands are employed (seven in 1878), and goods of the finest quality turned out.

Undertakers .- J. C. Goodale, undertaker and show-case manufacturer, located in the village in 1853, and learned the trade of cabinet-maker with his brother, Charles Goodale. Since then he has been a member of the firms of Rice & Allen, furniture dealers, and Goodale & Henicka, cabinet-makers. The latter firm employed the first steam- whistle used in Kalamazoo to call workmen together. In 1864 Mr. Goodale established his show-case factory, and in 1875 purchased McKee's undertaking stock, and now car- ries on both branches. He is also the owner of a very fine hearse.

J. Birge began business as an undertaker in Kalamazoo in 1869, and was a member of the firm of Birge & Drake and Birge & Loveland, buying out the latter in 1877.

Furniture .- The largest furniture establishment in the village is that of John McKee, who came here in 1855 from Mount Morris, Livingston Co., N. Y., and established himself in business in 1860. His store is located at 45 North Burdick Street, and occupies three large floors.

Messrs. E. A. Carder & Sons and Starkey & Gilbert are also extensive dealers.

Lumber Dealers .- The firm of C. Sweetland & Co. was formed in 1868, and a very extensive business has been worked up. Caleb Sweetland, the senior member, has been a resident of the county since 1831, when he settled in the township of Portage; he removed to Kalamazoo in 1844.

Tyler & Turner, lumber dealers and proprietors of the planing-mill at the corner of Church and Water Streets, began business as a firm in 1870. They manufacture Seeley's patent two-shoe fanning-mill, Upjohn's feed-cut- ters, and general building material, and transact a large business.

Bush & Paterson, at 56 North Burdick Street, manu- facture .doors, sash, blinds, and building material, wind- mills, fanning-mills, and billiard-table legs, and are also en- gaged very extensively in contracting and building,-at present largely for railway companies. From 50 to 80 hands are employed, and an annual business is transacted amounting from $150,000 to $200,000. This firm is the oldest, without a change, in Kalamazoo County, having been established in 1856. A frame building was first occupied on the corner north of their present buildings, and in the same block. Their present shops are built of brick, and are commodious and convenient. The firm has built four- fifths of the brick edifices in Kalamazoo, includ- ing the Ladies' Library Building, Corporation Hall, and the county jail. Frederick Bush first came to Kalamazoo

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HISTORY OF KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

in 1844, from the city of New York. Five years of the time between then and 1856 he was away from the village. Thomas Paterson, also from New York City, arrived in 1856, the same year the partnership was established here. This is one of the most enterprising firms in Kalamazoo, and the patronage it receives is evidence of its popularity .*

Messrs. Dewing & Sons, manufacturers of sash, doors and blinds, and lumber, occupy extensive buildings in the rear of North Burdick Street and Kalamazoo Avenue. The business was established as early as 1856, by Dewing & Scudder The firm of Dewing & Son was subsequently formed, and finally that of Dewing & Sons, the latter about 1875. The members of this firm are W. G. Dewing, W. S. Dewing, Charles A. Dewing, and James H. Dewing. About 100 hands are employed, and an annual business is transacted averaging $100,000. The senior member of the firm, William G. Dewing, came to Kalamazoo in June, 1836, from the county of Norfolk, England, and has been interested in the manufactures of the place, beside having aided in sustaining the " Children's Home," which institu- tion owes its establishment to himself and wife. The buildings occupied by Dewing & Sons are constructed of brick.

A clothes-pin factory was established here a few years since by parties from Rockford, Ill., others in Chicago being also interested. A large brick building was erected, and numerous persons were employed by the firm. Mr. - Stockton was the resident manager or superintendent. The factory was closed about 1876-77. In the fall of 1879 it was purchased by D. Den Blyker, proprietor of the Kalamazoo Bending-Works, and formerly owner of a saw-mill in the south part of the corporation, which was destroyed by fire. Mr. Den Blyker is now manufacturing wood-work for agricultural implements, and other parties who apply for material in his line.

Harrow Spring Company .- In the rear of Bush & Paterson's establishment a large frame building has been erected, and is now (January, 1880) being fitted with ma- chinery for the manufacture of the Reed (or Garver) spring harrow-tooth. The above company was formed in the fall of 1879, and its officers are Joseph B. Wyckoff, President; H. C. Reed, Vice-President ; J. K. Wagner, Secretary and General Manager. It is expected that about 30 persons will be employed in the factory when the business has be- come fairly established.

Bookbinders. - Ihling Brothers, publishers of the Michigan Freemason and manufacturers of blank-books, have a large and well-fitted establishment,-one of the best in the West. They started in 1869, and now employ 18 or 20 hands, and furnish many of the blank-books used in the various county offices of the State. Their reputation for fine work is excellent.

Paints and Oils .- R. W. Southworth, on North Bur- dick Street, became established in business in Kalamazoo in 1860, and has built up a large and profitable trade, at-

tending to all kinds of painting, and dealing in the various materials used by painters, artists, manufacturers of wax flowers, etc. He employs from 10 to 15 hands.

Harness .- The pioneer harness-maker of Kalamazoo is James Green, who came in 1835, and established himself in business in 1845, continuing to the present.

William Wagner located in Kalamazoo in 1855, and established his present business in 1872. He now carries a fine stock at No. 40 North Burdick Street.

Crockery and Glassware .- The substantial firm of T. S. Cobb & Son was established in 1853, and their present elegant marble building on Main Street was erected in 1866. This firm carries a very large stock of china, glass, plated ware, crockery, Bohemian ware, etc., and has an extensive business.} Hon. Thomas S. Cobb is one of the most prominent citizens of the place, having held seats in both houses of the State Legislature, and many other honorable positions.

Clothiers and Merchant Tailors .- H. M. Seligman & Co., clothiers, established a store at 109 Main Street in 1867, but afterwards removed to 119. Morris Seligman, the elder, carried on the business of manufacturer and wholesale dealer in clothing for twenty-four years in Rochester, N. Y., beginning in 1839.

M. Cramer, clothier, located in this village in 1853, `coming from New York City, at which place he had recently arrived from Germany. About four years later he opened a clothing-store, and is now located at 113 Main Street.

H. F. Weimer, merchant tailor, has been identified with the business interests of Kalamazoo since 1858. In 1868 the firm of Weimer & Rumbler was established, and con- tinued for nine years. Mr. Weimer is now conducting a fine business in a new location on the south side of Main Street.

George E. Sabin, established in 1872, occupies a fine store in the elegant marble block owned by Henry Breese ; carries a large and excellent stock.

Notions und Fancy Goods .- The principal dealers in these articles in the village are M. Miller & Co., at 109 Main Street, and J. R. Jones, at 103 Main Street, both carrying large stocks and doing a heavy business.

Trunks and Traveling-Bags .- Theron F. Giddings has been engaged in the manufacture of these articles since 1870, and has won a wide reputation. His well-stocked store is located at 138 Main Street. Mr. Giddings, who is the present efficient county clerk, has been honored by many other offices in the gift of his townsmen and citizens of the county.

Hardware .- The firm of Parsons, Wood & Phelps, lo- cated at 125 Main Street, is the oldest of its class in Kal- amazoo, its beginning dating back to 1845. Hon. Jonathan Parsons located here in 1844, Henry Wood in 1851, and Charles M. Phelps in 1864.

J. J. Perrin & Co., at 5, 7, and 9 North Burdick Street, carry one of the largest retail stocks in the West.

John De Visser & Co., now located at 36 South Burdick Street, originally started in 1873 at 103 South Burdick. They carry a large stock and do an extensive business.

# Messrs. Bush & Paterson began the erection, in January, 1880, next south of their office, of a two-story brick block, 80 by 55 feet in dimensions, to be used as stores and offices.

t In the same building with Ihling Brothers is the large job- print- ing establishment of H. II. Everard & Co.

į It is claimed that this is the finest store of the kind in the State.

VILLAGE OF KALAMAZOO.

261

Druggists .- The oldest drug house in Kalamazoo is that of Clapham & McDonald, at 106 Main Street. In 1843, James Clapham bought out George Browning, the only druggist then in the place, the establishment being located at 85 Main Street.

David A. McNair set up in the same business eight months later. George McDonald arrived in the place in 1856, and David in 1863, and both were employed as clerks for several years by Mr. Clapham. In 1873 they purchased an inter- est in the establishment, and the above firm-name was adopted.

George McDonald is now doing business at the corner of Main and Burdick Streets.

Francis Colman located here in 1866, and in 1869 opened a large stock of drugs at 141 Main Street. In 1875 he took into partnership his son, Howard Colman, and the firm of F. Colman & Son is now doing a large business.

C. S. d'Arcambal commenced trade in 1850, in the Cos- mopolitan Hotel block, now the Burdick House, and still continues.

Roberts & Hillhouse began business under that firm- name in 1857, in which year both members came to the place.

Books, Stationery, etc .- Roberts & Hillhouse, in ad- dition to their line of drugs, carry a large stock of books, stationery, and fancy articles.

Mullin & Young, successors to W. H. Reddington, are located on East Main Street, near the corner of Burdick, and though but a short time in the business, are enjoying a gratifying trade. Their stock is large and complete.

C. L. Rounds, in the same building with F. Colman, carries an extensive line of blank-books and stationery, and has in stock many excellent volumes upon history, travel, etc, aside from the usual variety of works found in such establishments.

Photographers .- The art of photography in Kalamazoo has reached a high state of perfection. The principal per- sons engaged in the business are Wallace S. White, at 150 Main Street, who came to the place in 1868 ; C. C. Packard, at 103 Main Street, established in 1865, and doing a very fine business ; M. H. Porter, at 118 Main Street; and A. Van Sickle, on the east side of Burdick Street, south of Main. Mr. Van Sickle is a recent arrival, but has already won an excellent reputation for his work.

Grocers .- The prominent grocers of Kalamazoo are F. S. Stone & Son, at 150 Main Street, established in 1868; Trowbridge & Crosby, 104 Main Street; H. Shear & Sons, successors to Ashby & Shear, at 14 South Burdick Street ; Marenus Amperse, a native of Holland, at corner of Kala- mazoo Avenue and Harrison Street; H. W. King, "the West-End Grocer," at 164 Main Street ; J. H. Roennau, 77 Main Street ; Nathansan & Shuster, proprietors of the American Tea House, corner of Main and Burdick Streets ; and James J. Van Kersen, also a native of Holland, doing business at 40 Main Street.

Flour and Feed .- The largest retail business in this line in Kalamazoo is done by A. E. Sherwood, at the corner of Main and Church Streets. Mr. Sherwood has been a resi- dent of the place since 1855, and was long in the employ of Messrs. Merrill & McCourtie.

Dry-Goods .- The leading dry-goods houses are those of L. L. Clark & Co., established in 1839; William B. Clark & Son, originally established by the senior partner in 1845; Bruen & Skinner, 1863; A. L. Bigelow ; H. Bishop & Son,-Mr. Bishop, Sr., having been engaged in business here since 1839, and formerly of Schoolcraft.

Farm Implements .- The dealers in farming utensils are Rowley Brothers, 12 Portage Street, established by Crooks, Sykes & Co. in 1870 ; J. C. Davis, 58 and 60 North Bur- dick Street, established in 1875 ; O. T. Blood, 39 North Burdick Street, established in 1864.

Boots and Shoes .- A. P. Sprague opened an establish- ment at 97 Main Street in 1869. H. Isbell commenced trade here in 1861, and in 1872 located at 85 Main Street. S. O. Bennett came to Kalamazoo in 1859, and in the fall of that year began business in the place. In January, 1866, his sons, James and John, were admitted to partnership, and in 1875 the senior member retired from business and settled in Grand Rapids, leaving his son, J. C. Bennett, sole proprietor. A. A. Hazard began business in 1870. Jacob Decow, a Canadian, opened a small shop in 1862, and removed to 98 Main Street when his increasing business demanded a change of location. Leopold Hoffer started in trade here in 1859, and is now situated at 84 Main Street. William Ballantine began the boot and shoe trade in Kala- mazoo in 1874, and has a large custom. F. R. Kingman, near the post-office, is a more recent arrival, but does a large business, and deals in first-quality goods.

Millinery. - The leading millinery establishments are those of W. Morse, Jr., founded in 1857, at present located at 139 Main Street ; and C. C. Capen, at 107 Main Street.

Hats and Cups .- James Denton, at 126 Main Street, has an excellent establishment ; and H. S. Parker, at 137 Main Street, has been in business since 1858. The fine double store, of which he occupies one-half, was built by him in partnership with E. H. Davis.

Jewelers .- One of the finest jewelry establishments in the West is that of A. C. Wortley, located at 139 Main Street. Mr. Wortley removed here from Detroit in 1859, and engaged in the jewelry trade, and has built up a wonderful business. He purchased and remodeled the store he now occupies in 1878, and moved into it in the fall of that year. The stock carried by Mr. Wortley ranges from $15,000 to $40,000 .*

William H. Snow arrived here from New York City in 1850, and established a jewelry-store, and has won a repu- tation as an excellent mechanic in his line. Many thousand watches have been repaired by him, and he has at present the charge of the town-clock, in the Baptist church tower.

Myron H. Evits, at 75 Main Street, came to Kalamazoo with his father, Rennselaer Evits, in 1834, the latter open- ing the first jewelry-store in the county.

Musical Instruments .- In 1854 the manufacture of reed- organs was commenced in Kalamazoo by W. P. Blakeman and Mr. - Simmons, at the corner of Rose and Water

# Mr. Wortley enlisted in 1861 in the 6th Michigan Infantry, and was afterwards transferred to the 8th New York Cavalry, in Pleas- onton's command. Served three years, and returned in 1864 and con- tinued his business at Kalamazoo. During his term of service he was advanced to the rank of brevet major of cavalry.

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HISTORY OF KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

Streets. Mr. Simmons subsequently established an organ manufactory in Detroit, and was associated with Mr. Clough in making the Simmons & Clough organ, now the " Clough & Warren." In 1866, Col. Delos Phillips purchased a half-interest in the establishment at Kalamazoo, and in 1869 became sole proprietor, and manufactures the cele- brated "Star" organ, an instrument which has won a deserved reputation. About 15 men are employed in the work ; and although this is not one of the most extensive institutions in the county, it is one that causes as much gratification as any. Repairing musical instruments is a specialty of the colonel's business, and none but skilled mechanics are employed, thereby insuring as good work as can be done in New York or Boston. During the time Col. Phillips has had charge of the factory between 2000 and 3000 organs have been manufactured ; these are dis- tributed mainly throughout Kalamazoo and adjoining counties.

" Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast, To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak."

Although the people of this region are far from being savages, the colonel claims that his work among them has done more good than that of any other man, in that at least 10,000 people are constantly made happy by the tones of his instruments. Aside from the manufacture of organs, a general stock of pianos, organs, and musical merchandise is kept on hand, and the business has been continually prosperous, and a public want has been satisfied.

Nurseries .- The " Union Nurseries," owned by L. G. Bragg & Co., are the largest in Michigan, and were first established in 1857, at Paw Paw, Van Buren Co. They were removed to Kalamazoo in 1867, after the purchase by L. G. Bragg of a tract of land containing 160 acres, imme- diately west of the Michigan Insane Asylum. The business of this nursery has grown to mammoth proportions, and the sales extend in all directions throughout the country. Mr. Bragg came West when but a boy, and without means. His partner is J. N. Stearns, and the firm is known as a reliable and honorable one. About 30 hands are constantly employed.

The " Kalamazoo Nursery" was established in 1859 by George Taylor, its present proprietor, and from a small be- ginning the business has increased to very respectable pro- portions. The nursery contains 18 acres (in 1878). Mr. Taylor is assisted by his three sons, George, James, and John.

The "Asylum Hill Nurseries" of E. M. Potter were established in 1866, and contain 50 acres, which are planted to various fruits, berries, evergreens, etc.

The Eagle Portland Cement Company was established in 1876, and began the manufacture of a cement equal to English, German, or French cement. Extensive works were built north of the corporation, near the line of the Michigan Southern Railway, and employment given to 50 or 60 hands. A tram-railway was constructed, leading across the river to a small lake above the site of the old blast-furnace, where the marl is procured from which the cement is made. Mr. Henry Bush is the able superintend- ent of the works. Since October, 1879, the institution has not been in operation.

Real- Estate Dealers .- Nicholas Baumann, from among the Allegheny Mountains, came to Kalamazoo in 1855, possessed of $65. He began keeping a boarding-house, and, having saved a small sum, in 1856 built the Portage Brewery. Was afterwards engaged in the butchering busi- ness, and speculated some in real estate, being always for-' tunate. In 1865 he built the steam brewery ; in 1870 Baumann's block, on Burdick Street ; in 1872, the double stores at 60 and 62 Water Street ; and in 1875, the fine edifice at 114 Main Street, occupied by Frank Baumann as a saloon. Has accumulated a handsome property, con- sisting mainly of stores and residences, and receives from their rental a good income.

William Green, collector, house-renter, and real-estate dealer, came to Kalamazoo from Elmira, N. Y., in 1849, and for many years carried on the business of a harness- maker. The first top-buggy made in Kalamazoo (by Joseph Cornell) was trimmed by Mr. Green. Mr. Green is one of the successful business men and prominent citizens of the " Big Village," as Kalamazoo is familiarly called.

Banks and Bankers .- In March, 1834, the Legislative Council provided for the establishment at Bronson of a branch of the State Bank of Michigan, and it was opened in April following in the Huston building, which had been purchased for the purpose, Huston's goods having been re- moved to a barn nearly in the rear of McIntosh's store, where he continued to sell until his new store was ready .* This bank was continued until about 1844-45, when the mother-bank at Detroit failed. Theodore P. Sheldon was appointed cashier of the branch at Kalamazoo, to close up its affairs.

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History of Kalamazoo county, Michigan, Part 70

Author: Durant, Samuel W. comp Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Philadelphia. Everts & Abbott Number of Pages: 761

Author: Durant, Samuel W. comp
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia. Everts & Abbott
Number of Pages: 761