History of Kent County, Michigan, together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 88

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.); Chapman, Charles C., & Co. (Chicago)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & Co.
Number of Pages: 1434

USA > Michigan > Kent County > History of Kent County, Michigan, together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 88

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THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.

There was occasional preaching of Universalism for two or three years previous to April, 1858, when regular services were first held in Luce's Hall, Rev. H. L. Hayward, pastor, and under his minis- try, which continued but one year, an organization was effected. From 1859 to 1862 the society was without a pastor. In the spring of 1862, the services of Rev. A. W. Mason were secured; and during his ministrations a Sunday-school was organized. He resigned in 1864, from which time until 1868 only occasional preaching was had, although the regular sessions of the Sunday-school were main- tained. Meanwhile the people were not inactive, for through their zeal the present church edifice on Pearl street was erected. It was ready for dedication in November, 1868, at which time Rev. L. J.

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

Fletcher became the pastor. Under his successful ministry it soon became necessary to enlarge the building to its present seating capacity of 700. The society was reorganized, and a Church now numbering about 100 members was instituted, the following being adopted as the " Confession of Faith : "

I .- We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments con- tain a revelation of the character of God, and of the duty, interest and final destiny of mankind.

II .- We believe there is one God, whose nature is Love, revealed in one Lord Jesus Christ, by one Holy Spirit of Grace, who will finally restore the whole fam- ily of mankind to holiness and happiness.

III .- We believe that holiness and true happiness are inseparably connected, and that believers ought to be careful to maintain order and practice good works, for these things are good and profitable unto men.

Mr. Fletcher, removing to Buffalo, N. Y., in June, 1870, was succeeded in the following December by Rev. W. C. Brooks, whose pastorate continued to January, 1872. In February of that year, Rev. Richmond Fisk, D. D., commenced a pastorate, which termi- nated in November, 1874. In October, 1875, Rev. Charles Fluh- rer, the present pastor, entered upon his labors. The society, composed of many influential citizens, owns a church property val- ued at $20,000, and is in a flourishing condition. The membership of the Sunday-school at present is 200, with Charles G. Garfield, Superintendent.

CONGREGATIONAL EMANU EL, OR JEWISH SYNAGOGUE.

A few Jewish residents of the city organized as a benevolent society in 1857, and purchased a burial ground, at present the southwest corner part of Oak-Hill Cemetery. In 1872, the Con- gregational Emanu El was organized, chartered, and the first ser- vices held in Pierce's Hall, on Canal street, holding there for two years. The first officers were : Julius Houseman, President; D. M. Amberg, Secretary, and W. Weinstein, the first Rabbi. He re- mained two years; then E. Gerechter followed as minister, remain- ing six years, and the place of service was changed to Armory block, where services are at present held. A contract has been let for a stone synagogue to be built on the southwest corner of Ransom and Fountain streets, and to be completed in June, 1881, at a cost of about $15,000. Aug. 1, 1881, Mr. Marx Moses took charge as minister. The present membership is 40, one member standing for a whole family. The present officers are : President, Sidney A. Hart; Secretary, Aaron Zunder; Trustees, Joseph Houseman, A. Heyman, and Michael Rosenfield.

CEMETERIES OF THE CITY.

The first regular cemetery was that in the 8th ward, on the west side. It was fenced in by order of Rev. Andrew Vizoiski in 1836, and continued to be a Catholic Indian burial place until 1853. In

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GRAND RAPIDS CITY.

1861 the ancient mound and graves were subjected to the plow- share and soon disappeared.

The first cemetery in Grand Rapids (for white people) was on lands near what is now the southwest corner of Cherry street and Madison avenue, on Jefferson Morrison's lot. Several burials were made there, among them that of the first wife of Jonathan F. Chubb. Afterward the site of the present Fulton street cemetery was selected, and the remains removed to that location. Robert M. Barr and an Irishman named James Archibald assisted at the removal.

A man named Digby Baker, popularly known as "Big Baker," of powerful build, a giant almost, while at work for Alvin Wansey, splitting rails, was suddenly taken sick and died. He was buried in that first cemetery a short time before the removal was de- termined upon. When his grave was opened, "Jim" Archibald remarked that they would "have a lift for a stame injin," and get- ting down at the end of the coffin postured himself for a tremen- dous effort, when lo ! it came up like a feather, with such ease as to nearly throw "Jim" against the opposite bank. The coffin was opened and found to contain-nothing ! There were but two or three physicians in town at that time, and the general opinion was that one of them had an unusually large skeleton somewhere in his outfit.

Zenas Winsor's first wife, Darius Winsor's mother, and Doctor Platt's daughter were among the number interred there.

Fulton Street Cemetery .- An indenture made July 9, 1838, between James Ballard and Emeline Ballard and the President and Trustees of the village of Grand Rapids, provided that the following described property should become the property of the village in consideration of the payment of $300: A part of the northwest quarter of section 29, town 7 north, of range 11 west, beginning at the southwest corner of said quarter section, and run- ning north on the line between sections 29 and 30, 40 rods from the place of beginning, then east at right angles with this line 40 rods, west 24 rods, to the place of beginning, making in all six acres of land, the same to be used and reserved expressly as a cemetery for the village of Grand Rapids, and one-third of which cemetery is to be devoted to the exclusive use of the people called Roman Catholics, and the said cemetery is to be fenced immedi- ately, and forever kept in repair at the sole expense of the village.

This deed was executed before C. I. Walker, Notary Public, July 9, 1838, in the presence of Stephen Hinsdill and W. B. Starky, and a record of the same made by Register Luther Beebe, Aug. 1, 1838. This property was conveyed by deed of warranty, dated March 23, 1836, from Geo. M. Mills to Chester Walbridge, and he in turn made a conveyance to James Ballard, Feb. 2, 1838. On June 16, of that year, Geo. M. Mills sold his interest in the equal one-half part of the northwest quarter of section 29, to Ballard. In a report made by John T. Holmes, Solicitor for the city, in August,

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1852, he states, "That the city's title to the cemetery is sound, that the ground was used as a burial ground from about the time of the making of the ' Kent Plat;' and although some of the bodies were removed, there yet remain many of the early interments."

Additions have been made to the original plat, and improve- ment after improvement effected. Among the additions are blocks 7, 8 and 9, platted for Thomas D. and F. B. Gilbert, in September, 1862, west of the old burial ground, and blocks 10, 11, 12 and 13, of the same cemetery, July, 1863.

The Catholic Cemetery, on Madison avenue, near the southern limits of the city, is another large burial ground. A monument is erected there to the Rev. Andreas Vizoiski, bearing Latin, French, German and English inscriptions. £ This cemetery, like the others, is well located. The first Catholic cemetery on the east side, was within the gore formed by Cherry street and Lake avenue.

The Valley City Cemetery grounds were purchased by the city of Grand Rapids of G. B. Rathbun and Emily Rathbun, in February, 1859. The cemetery was dedicated to the purpose of a city burial ground, Dec. 17, 1860, by Mayor Martin L. Sweet, Clerk E. M. Doubleday and Comptroller Nelson Robinson. The cemetery contains 40 acres The first interment was made in 1859, but the grounds have been in city charge for 12 or 15 years. Only half of the grounds have been platted, and improvements are now being pushed rapidly forward. R. C. Luce is Cemetery Commis- sioner. No soldiers are buried here. Oak, Central, Crescent and Cedar avenues are the principal drives. A drive called the " Tour " will encircle the cemetery when completed.

Among the finest monuments are those inscribed with the names of Richardson, Carpenter, Phelps, Nason, Kendall, Mangold and Smalley. The brick vault, near the Richardson monument, is the property of Melville, of California. The city vault is capable of holding 24 caskets. It is located near the northwest corner and surrounded by many very fine burying sites.

Greenwood Cemetery, a tract of 20 acres, was deeded to the city of Grand Rapids Feb. 8, 1859, by Daniel and Sophronia Bush, of Allegan county. It was dedicated as a city cemetery by Mayor Sweet, Clerk E. M. Doubleday and Comptroller Robinson, Dec. 17, 1860. It is located in Walker township, northwest of the city limits. Only a portion of it is under improvement. What is now devoted to cemetery purposes is laid out tastefully, and well cared for. A small, neat vault, located in the hollow near the center, is the property of the Stephenson family. Numerous monuments of granite and marble adorn many of the lots. The drives are 24 feet wide, bordered by strips of lawn eight feet in width. The "tour " is 1,575 feet long on each side, aggregating 6,300 round. Three miles of beautiful driveways will form one of the features of this burial place when completed. Fred Spath, a victim of the Alpena.

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GRAND RAPIDS CITY.

disaster, lies in this cemetery; above his remains is a neat monu- ment.

Oak Hill Cemetery .- This new burial ground comprises 40 acres of land near the southeastern limits of the city. The survey was made by Wright L. Coffinberry, from plans by his assistant, A. C. Mckenzie. The plat shows 1,350 lots, averaging 16x32 feet. The central avenue is 40 feet wide, the circular driveways 24 feet in width, and the road round the entire property 20 feet wide. It is estimated that each lot will give space to 16 graves, giving an aggregate capacity for the interment of 21,600 persons .. Extensive improvements are contemplated.

The Hebrew or Jewish Cemetery is located in the southern portion of Oak Hill. It is surrounded with a neat picket fence.

THE KENT SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTE,

noticed on page 464, holds its meetings twice every month, when papers are read, scientific matters discussed, and demonstrations of a scientific character made. The institute issues the following publications: "List of the Collections of A. O. Currier;" " List of Plants of Kent County, with notes;" "Geology of Kent County;" " Shell-bearing Mollusca of Michigan;" while ready for publica- tion is " Archaeology of Michigan." Publications of the society are exchanged with all such works of each scientific society in the United States and Europe. The field work in summer has been the exploration of Indian mounds, three of which are on the west side of the city, near the "old warehouse," 14 mounds three miles below city, on Grand river, and a number in Cascade and Plainfield townships. The researches of the institute have. proven of great value to science, and given the institute an honored name in scientific circles.

The present membership is 50. The officers are: Dr. J. C. Par- ker, President; Prof. Mitchell, Secretary. Among the prominent members are: John Ball, A. O. Currier (deceased), W. H. De Camp, J. C. Parker, A. J. Daniels, Prof. Mitchell, E. A. Stone, E. S. Holmes, S. L. Fuller and Wright L. Coffinberry.

The collection at the disposal of the institute is large and val- uable. The society itself is the senior of such organizations in this State. In 1881 the institute organized two auxiliary sections-the Microscopical and Ichthyological.

UNION BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION.

This association may be said to have been organized in 1847. At that early period in the history of Grand Rapids, a number of ladies banded themselves together for the purpose of relieving the unfortunate and educating the children of the poor. Notwith- standing the difficulties which oppose such enterprises, the mem- bers of the first benevolent society of Grand Rapids made the

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

charitable work a success, overcome every obstacle, and gradually raised their first humble institution to a " home " which holds a very important place among the charitable establishments of the State. In the following summary of a sketch prepared by one of the members of the society, its history is given.

In the fall of 1847 a few ladies of the village assembled within the school-house which then stood on a portion of the ground where is now the Ledyard block. The object of this meeting was to establish a benevolent society which would provide for the poor and sick members of the community. Mrs. Charlotte Cumming presided at the formal meeting, and when organization was per- fected she was elected President, with Mrs. Lucinda Shepard, Secretary. The plan was essentially that pursued by the U. B. A. of the present time,-a union of the ladies of the different Churches to assist the ailing and necessitous, to relieve and clothe the children of poor parents, to encourage among the indigent poor a taste for industry and cleanliness. In carrying out this program the village was laid off in districts, and two visitors ap- pointed for each division. These visitors reported cases needing aid to the society, with the general result of having such aid tendered.

In 1857 the charitable members of the old society organized the Grand Rapids Orphan Asylum, still continued the system of ont- side relief, and operated both systems, under separate names and one board of management. A small house was rented in 1857, furnished, and called the " Grand Rapids Asylum." This institu- tion was located on Prospect street. and placed in charge of Mrs. Lucia Johnson as matron. Within a short time the society pur- chased.a.house on La Grave street, where its beneficent work was ably carried on for the six years following. During the war for the Union, the number of soldiers who became ill here claimed the attention of the society, and in consequence the regular order of work was partially suspended. In 1863 Mrs. Johnson, the matron of the asylum, died from the effects of pneumonia. Subsequently the few children under the guardianship of the society were pro . vided for in another way; the house on LaGrave street was rented. with the exception of one room therein, in which the general work was continued.

A revival of interest in the work of the society marked the years immediately following 1865. In 1869 the ground at the corner of College avenue and Fountain street was purchased, and the house on LaGrave street sold. Pending the erection of a house of refuge, a small tenement, on Fountain street, was rented, and from Sep- tember, 1870, to May, 1871, the work of benevolence was carried on there. It appears that during the two succeeding years various circumstances conspired to limit the usefulness of this organiza- tion. In 1873, however, the State Legislature anthorized the re- organization of the society on a broader basis, and the same year the Gage property on Bostwick street was purchased, fitted up as a

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GRAND RAPIDS CITY.

" home," and inaugurated Dec. 1,. 1875. This institution is sup- plied with a city map, a directory, a list of visiting committees and districts, a record book of applicants for employment, a record of application for domestics or laborers, record cards, newspapers, to- gether with all the articles which go to render the working of such an institution perfect in detail.

In 1875-'6 the association sent a delegate to the convention of the State Board of Charities and Poor Superintendents. A dis- pensary was inaugurated in 1877, which contributes greatly to the efficiency of the home. The building and grounds of the associa- tion are paid for, partly by public contribution, but principally by a generous citizen of Grand Rapids.

The roll of the society comprises the names of 45 active mem- bers. The Board of Trustees for 1880-'S1-'82 is as follows:

Dr. Charles Shepard, President; T. D. Gilbert, Treasurer; Mrs. S. L. Withey, Vice-President; William Hovey, Gaius Dean, N. L. Avery, Mrs. Wealthy Morrison, Mrs. S. L. Fuller, Mrs. William Berkey, Mrs. C. Potter and Mrs. L. R. Atwater. This board controls the finances of the association. The Board of Di- rectors, composed of 30 ladies, manage the affairs of the home. Mrs. Ellen Wilson is the able Secretary of the association, and Miss Josephine Tolford, Deputy-Treasurer. At the annual meeting, held Sept. 6, 1881, Mrs. J. M. Dudley was elected Secretary.

THE LADIES' HEBREW BENEVOLENT SOCIETY

was organized in 1872, with 15 members. The first officers were Mrs. J. Wolf, President, and Mrs. B. Geis, Secretary. The ladies meet in the vestry of the synagogue. Charity to all in the city is the object of the society. The present membership-35. Present officers : Mrs. Joseph Houseman, President, and Mrs. B. Geis, Secretary.

THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION

was organized June 25, 1866. Rev. J. Morgan Smith was the first signer of the constitution. 'The first officers included : M. S. Crosby, President ; John T. Miller and Edwin Hoyt, jr., Vice- Presidents ; J. Morgan Smith, R. S. ; H. W. Slocum, Treasurer. The present officers are : Julius Berkey, President ; E. F. Sweet and Rev. P. Moredike, Vice-Presidents ; F. P. Rowland, Gen. Secretary ; C. H. Gleason, Treasurer. Directors : Harvey J. Hol- lister, John G. Shields, J. H. Huggart, Edwin Hoyt, jr., L. Lowers, M. S. Crosby, J. W. Jones, N. W. Smith, F. E. Tuttle and James Gallup.

The association first opened on Canal street June 25, 1866, with meeting and reading-rooms and gymnasium. There were enrolled about 200 members the first year. The second place of meeting was on Monroe street, from which it moved into the Ledyard build-

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ing when it was erected. The membership has increased to about 300. This association stands in better relation to the community than the majority of Y. M. C. associations in other cities. It has always been well supported by the Christian and other classes of this city, and also by the pastors of many of the Churches, with whom the members work unanimously. The order of entertainments comprises religious meetings, literary and musical reunions, socials and classes. Sometimes 15 religious meetings are held each week for months by this association. A musical society is now being organized for the purpose of musical instruction. Trades recep- tions have formed an important feature of the work, special atten- tion being exercised in behalf of railroad men. A reading-room for their benefit is always open near the Union depot. The associa- tion has employed four general secretaries during its existence. It is now fortunate in possessing S. P. Rowland, formerly Secretary of the Boston Y. M. C. Association 15 years, and of the Philadel- phia for five years. He is the senior Secretary in the work in the United States. The details of the work are managed by different committees. Men are found employment by the employment committee, and so with the railroad, inusical, financial, religious and social committees : each controls a special department. J. G. Read, Librarian, has been in the employ of the association for sev- eral years. The reading-room is supplied with 125 newspapers and magazines, showing a list equal in number to that of the Boston society. There is a collection of shells displayed in the rooms of the association, valuable for its variety and extent.

B'NAI B'RITH.

Grand Rapids Lodge, No. 238, I. O. B. B .- This lodge was in- stituted June 6, 1875, with 20 members. Julius Houseman was elected President. The organization is under the jurisdiction of District No. 6, with headquarters at Chicago. The object of the order is to elevate the standing of Judaism, to alleviate the needy and the sick, to watch with and bury the dead, and protect our or- phans and widows. The officers of the lodge are elected in Jan- uary and July annually, consisting of president, vice-president, treasurer, vice-treasurer, recording secretary, financial secretary, warden, outside guardian and three trustees. The financial secretary and trustees are elected annually. The present officers include: G. A. Wolf, President; T. C. Levi, Vice-President; M. Tyroler, Recording Secretary; M. A. Heyman, Financial Secretary ; M. May, Treasurer; L. Vossen, Warden; L. Mainszer, Outside Guardian; Joseph Houseman, J. Barth and T. C. Levi, Trustees.

CENTRAL W. C. T. U.

was organized April 23, 1874. The first officers of the Union were: Mrs. Spencer, President; Mrs. Henry Spring, Secretary; Mrs. E. L. Briggs, Treasurer, with an advisory committee of 15

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members. In 1877-'78 five branches were established, viz .: Bridge street, 6th Ward, East street and 5th Ward. The last named has ceased to exist. The Central Union is now in a flourishing condi- tion, as are all the branches. The present officers of the Central are: Mrs. Leonard, President; Mrs. J. Wheeler, Secretary; Mrs. Julius Berkey, Cor. Sec., and Mrs. M. P. Sapp, Treasurer. There are 42 members enrolled.

The officers of Bridge Street Union are Mrs. Canfield, President; Mrs. Taylor, Secretary, and Mrs. Cordiss, Treasurer. The number of members is 20.

The Sixth Ward Union is presided over by Mrs. P. J. Howard, with Mrs. Freeman, Secretary. There are 35 members belonging to this branch.

The East Street Union claims a membership of 27, and is pre- sided over by Mrs. O. Kellogg, with Mrs. Orsor, Secretary.

I. O. G. T.

Valley City Lodge, No. 52, was organized Jan. 12, 1878. Its present officers are: Martin Gilbertson, W. C. T .; Carrie Plank, W. V. T .; Elmer Willey, W. S .; Jennie Dale, W. T .; Hattie Es- cott, W. I. G .; Fred Willey, W. O. G .; C. H. Bacon, W. M .; An- nie Dale, W. F. S.

Grand Rapids Lodge, No. 814, is the pioneer lodge of the I. O. G. T. in this city. The present official list is as follows: W. D. Norton, W. C. T .; Miss Jennie Knight, W. V. T .; W. T. Hawk, W. R. C .; T. W. Dwight, W. F. S .; J. Mack, W. T .; C. F. Mitchel, W. M .; Miss Nettie Knight, W. D. M .; Miss Louisa Lowe, W. I. G .; Miss Laura Bailey, L. H. S .; Miss Lina A. Jahn- son, R. H. S .; Miss Lizzie Scruby, W. S. S .; A. F. Burch, W.C .; W. E. Grove, P. W. C. T.

I. O. O. F.

Walhala Lodge, No. 249, was organized Jan. 12, 1875, with 30 members. The first election of officers resulted in the choice of the following: Henry Hammel, N. G .; Joseph Rupprecht, V. G .; Edward Fleischer, R. S .; Fred Loettgert, Treasurer. The present officers are: John Fox, N. G .; Ferdinand Richel, V. G .; C. F. Mertz, R. S .; August Schmidt, Treasurer; Joseph Rupprecht, D. D. G. M.

Grand Rapids Lodge, No. 11, was organized in 1858, with a membership of seven. The first officers included: Jacob Barnes, N. G .; A. X. Carey, V. G .; S. O. Kingsbury, J. W .; George W. Griggs, Sentinel; Elias Matter, R. S., and Ebenezer Anderson, Treasurer. The present officers are: Thomas Remington, N. G .; R. A. Farrell, V. G .; - Smith, J. W .; William E. Grove, Rec. Scribe; Peter O. Voorhis, P. S .; Ebenezer Anderson, Treasurer. These, together with 94 members, form the lodge.

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

Grand Rapids Encampment, No. 43, was organized in 1871. Its present officers are : C. N. Armstrong, C. P .; Rev. Charles Fluhrer, Chaplain; Dorr Skeels, H. P .; James H. Partridge, Scribe; Frank Mattison, Treas .; R. A. Farrell, S. W. The pres- ent membership is 36.

Enterprise, No. 212, was organized in 1874. The present offi- cers are: C. N. Armstrong, N. G .; J. C. Fogg, V. G .; F. I'. Guibert, R. S .; James Melville, P. S .; Hiram Madden, Treasurer. This lodge numbers 46 members.

Together with the lodges named, are Purity Lodge, No. 58, D. of R .; West-Side Lodge, No. 250, organized in 1875; and the Odd- Fellows' Mutual Benefit Association of Western Michigan. The organization of this order here is perfect in detail, and its prosper- ity unquestioned.

The first lodge of Odd Fellows established here was known as Irving Lodge No. 11, chartered in 1846. In 1858 it was reorgan- ized, under the name Grand Rapids Lodge, No. 11.

MASONIC.

Grand Rapids Chapter, No. 7, Royal Arch Masons was organ- ized by a special dispensation issued by the M. E. Grand High Priest of the State of Michigan, March 19 1850. The following are the names of the officers at its organization : Samuel L. Big- alow, H. P .; Joshua Boyer, K .; Amos Roberts, S .; Truman H. Lyon, Treas .; F. D. A. Foster, Sec'y; Jas. P. Scott. C. of H .; H. Dean, P. S.

The following are the names of the several H. P's since its or- ganization, and the years of their office: Truman H. Lyon, 1851; John Almy, 1852; John Clancy, 1853, John Almy, 1854; John Clancy, 1855; D. S. Leavitt, 1856; Wm. P. Innes, 1857; Geo. Gray, 1860; L. A. Rogers, 1861-'4; L. Moore, 1865-'7; J. W. Champ- lin, 1868; L. H. Randall, 1869; C. H. Johnson, 1870 ; L. H. Randall, 1872; C. J. Kruger, 1873-5; W. K. Wheeler, 1876; J. W. Champlin, 1877; Geo. W. LaBour, 1878-81.

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History of Kent County, Michigan, together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 88

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.); Chapman, Charles C., & Co. (Chicago) Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & Co. Number of Pages: 1434

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.); Chapman, Charles C., & Co. (Chicago)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & Co.
Number of Pages: 1434