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 91

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 91

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

them two or three years, until succeeded by J. H. Rice & Co., who operated them until June 1, 1881, when the concern, with the lots adjoining. were purchased by E. S. & George E. Corey. The main building is 100x80 feet in size, one-story high. The lumber sheds are 150x40. with platform all around each, under cover. This industry is on the line of the G. R. & I. R. R., and has over 600 feet of side track for special business. The company manufacture and deal in dressed lumber, sash, doors, blinds, moldings and bat- tens ; packing boxes are made a specialty. The firm handle from 3,000,000 to 5,000,000 feet of lumber per year, and expect to use over 3,000,000 feet of lumber in boxes next year (1882). The lumber is brought from Northern Michigan, by G. R. & I. R. R. The company give employment to 16 men. The total invest- ment is about $13,000, while the annual sales amount to at least $60,000. They ship by car-load to all points South and East- mostly to Ohio and New Orleans. On Oct. 1, 1881, Radley Owen bought an interest in the firm business.

The Grand Rapids Chair Co., of which C. C. Comstock is President and principal stockholder, was incorporated in 1870, with Henry Fralick as President, and C. C. Comstock as Vice- President. The factory is a four-story brick building. 304x50 feet, and was erected in 1873. Since that time there has been an en- gine and boiler room added, 56x56 feet. The company has also erected a saw-mill adjoining, which prepares the timber for use. The steam for driving the machinery is generated in six large boilers, and is applied through a 200-horse power engine. In this immense manufactory, and connected with it, are employed 400 men, who manufacture about 1,500 chairs daily. The caning of these chairs is done mostly by the boys at the Reform School, at Lansing, about 400 in number.

The Grand Rapids Stave Company. - This business was estab- lished some years ago by J. W. Converse, and after various changes in its management, passed into the hands of the present company in 1878. The capital stock of the company is $10,500, and the officers are as follows: Geo. W. Hewes, President; John Whit- comb, Vice-President; and James Hunt, Secretary and Treasurer. The factory is located on South Front street, where the company occupy a main building, 40x100, three stories high, with shed at- tached, 500 feet in length The company have their ccoper-shops in operation, where 40 men find constant employment. They man- ufacture staves, headings, hoops and barrels, making a specialty of flour-barrel stock. Sales are made mostly in the Western States, with exception of 1,000 barrels per day to home trade. Annual sales, $100,000; valuation of property, $15,000.

The Michigan Barrel Co .- Among the many institutions which have served to extend the fame of Grand Rapids as a manufactur- ing city, specially deserving of mention, is the Michigan Barrel Company. The company was organized in 1869, with a capital of $300,000, and is the largest institution of its character in the United

GRAND RAPIDS CITY. 921

States, consuming annually in the production of its wares from six to eight million feet of logs, and giving constant employment to 300 men. This company's large and increasing trade extends to all the principal cities of the United States, as well as Canada. The factory is 100x300 feet in size, three working floors, finely lo- cated on the banks of Grand river. The site embraces 15- acres, which is entirely occupied by the company's factory, brick office, warehouses, dry-kilns and yards. The factory is supplied with a large amount of machinery, the running of which requires a 300- horse-power engine. This business was established in 1869. Col. Geo. G. Briggs, of whom we shall make further mention elsewhere in this work, is Secretary and Treasurer, and General Superintend- ent of the works. They manufacture measures, sieves, riddle- rims, tobacco-drums, grease, bail and salt-boxes, and all kinds of rim and bent work, and make a specialty of Waters' improved barrel.

CARRIAGES AND WAGONS.

Arthur Wood's Carriage Factory was established in 1867. In May, 1878, he patented the "Wood Buggy." The factory em- ploys 14 men.

The Harrison Wagon Works in Walker township, adjoining the city on the north, were established in 1852, at Schoolcraft, Mich., by William Harrison. There he remained only a few years, then removed to Kalamazoo, where he was engaged in busi- ness about seven years. In 1856 he came to Grand Rapids, and first started in business on South Front street, near Bridge street. He erected a large stone building 40 x 80, three-stories high, with a foundation four feet thick. This was the largest building of the kind then in Michigan. There he manufactured the "Harrison Wagon," and also some carriages, employing only about 10 men. He remained there, engaged in this business, until the spring of 1880, purchased his present ground containing 30 acres, where the factory is located, together with eight acres within the city limits, acquired in November, 1878. He commenced erecting buildings in Angust, 1879. The main buildings are of brick, veneered, 250 x 40, two-stories high, and one 450 x 40, two-stories high. Another building, 200 x 48, is used in the manufacture and storage of the wagons. In addition to these is a brick office; three frame buildings 185 x 16, one-story high, used for storage and warerooms. One hundred and fifty men are employed in the business. Manu- facture only the Harrison: use about 1,000,000 feet per year. About 3,000 wagons were manufactured in 1881, which found a ready market throughout the States. Mr. Harrison thinks his wagon "is the lightest-running wagon made." Diplomas have been taken at differ nt county, district and State fairs, including the San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Fair, of California.

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

Harry T. Ledyard's Carriage Works were founded in 1880_ The annual product is about 150 vehicles, the manufacture of which gives employment to six men.

Henry Fiebig's Wagon and Buggy Factory was established in 1858 by Henry Fiebig in company with Robert Rasch. The firm was Ra-ch & Fiebig. For four years this company continued in busines-, when the partnership was dissolved. Soon afterward Mr. Fiebig started into business, and remained there for six years, when the building was burned. In 1865 he formed a partnership with Julius Rathman, which continued until 1877. Since that time he has conducted the manufacture of wagons and carriages and a. general repair-shop; put up a brick building in connection with J. Rathman, and employs about seven men.

Julius Rathman's Wagon and Carri ige Factory was established in 1865, when he, in company with Henry Fiebig, commenced the manufacture of wagon; and buggies; remained in business together 12 years, and in 1877 dissolved partnership. The shops were erected in 1872, and form a brick building, 47 by 80 feet, three- stories high. The cost of building is estimated at $14,000. The works employ two blacksmiths and six wood-workers. Wagons, carriages, platform-buggies, and general wood-work, painting and blacksmithing form the business of the concern.

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.

Grand Rapids Manufacturing Company was organized in 1878, with a capital stock of $30,000. The officers are: N. L. Avery, President; W. D. Stevens, Vice-President; Harvey J. Hollister, Treasurer; Milo B. Stewart, Secretary; N. L. Avery, W. D. Stevens, J. W. Converse, John R. Stewart and E. H. Foote, Directors. The main building is 40x60 feet, three stories iu height, with foundry, 40x100 feet, attached. The blacksmith shop is 40x60 feet; wareroom, 60x80 feet, with office attached. This industry employs 30 men in all departments. It turns out agri- cultural implements only, which are sold principally in Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio. Ox yokes form an important feature of the manufacture. The works extend 350 feet on Front street, reach- ing back to the river, and an entire block opposite, on the west side of Front street. The assessed valuation is $50,000; amount of annual sales, $150,000. The machinery is driven by steam only. G. S. Dean & Son, manufacturers of agricultural implements. This concern was established in 1842 by Stone, Dean & Co. In 1846 G. S. Dean purchased a third interest, remaining in that con- nection until 1852, then bought another third, and two years after bought Mr. Smith's interest (the other partner), in 1854. Then it was G. S. Dean, until 1856, and has since been G. S. Dean & Co. The company manufacture principally plows, harrows, horse-rakes, road-scrapers and castings. In 1848 the present building was erected. This is 100x62 in size, three stories and basement. The foundry is 30x50, one story. They employ 15 men on an average.

923

GRAND RAPIDS CITY. .

Henry S. Smith & Co.'s manufactory was established in 1860 by Henry S. Smith. He commenced to manufacture saleratus at first and soon after commenced on wooden ware, then added agricultural implements to stock, on commission for a New York house. Sub- sequently he entered that line of trade for himself. Cradles, snaths, hand-rakes, forks, hoes, garden-rakes, cultivators and har- rows form the specialties of this concern. In 1873 Ladd J. Lewis was admitted to the firm, when it became known as H. S. Smith & Co. In addition to the articles enumerated over 3,000 dozen of axes are manufactured per year, together with clothes-wringers, window and door screens. This company operate two factories: one on Ottawa and Trowbridge streets, and one on Kent and New- berry. Sixty men are employed, and a capital of $130,000 in- vested. A market is found from Maine to California, and a trade of $250,000 per year done. Mr. Lewis conducts the office depart- ment.

Luther & Sumner, manufacturers of agricultural implements, S. Front street, established their business in 1874, on Canal street, in retail trade. In 1878 they commenced the manufacture of ag- ricultural implements in a small building adjoining their present quarters, occupying 6,000 feet of floor. They first manufactured small cultivators, double-shovels, and employed five men. Sales increased very rapidly until June, 1880, when a fire destroyed all their property, including 1,000 cultivators. Soon afterward they erected two large frame buildings, giving 30,000 feet of floor for the business.

Wheeler & Green, manufacturers of the "Premium " fanning- mill, and State agents for the "Boss " feed-cutter, Grand Rapids, were established Jan. 1, 1869, at 44 Mill street. Their present quarters are at Taylor's tannery, corner Coldbrook and Canal streets. The size of the building is 40x150, three stories in height. Ten men are employed in the shop and on the road. Sales of manufactured and other goods amount to about $25,000 annually. The capital invested in business is $25,000.

LUMBER.

A. B. Long & Son, lumber manufacturers, head of Front street. This business was established in 1868. This firm purchased the Powers & Ball old mill and eight acres of land, and erected the present large manufactory in 1872, the main building of which is 50x112 feet, besides the boiler and engine rooms. In this mill two circular and one gang of 30 saws are kept constantly going. There are also four cross-cut or butting saws, as well as a lath-mill con- nected with this establishment. They employ 100 men, and cut an average of 10,000,000 feet of lumber annually. The boilers are six in number, three feet in diameter, and 36 feet long. The mud- drum is three feet in diameter and 24 feet long; the steam drum is two feet in diameter and 20 feet long; the engine 24 inches

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

in diameter, with a 34-inch stroke. The log-carriage is propelled by a Prescott steam feed, and the machinery is of the latest improved pattern. This firm is doing a large and rapidly increasing business. Their shipments are mostly east and south. The senior member, Mr. A. B. Long, established in 1858 an extensive lumber business at Osceola, Clearfield Co.,Pa., under the firm nameof A. B. Long & Sons This business was discontinued in 1868, in which year the firm of A. B. Long & Sons established their present business in Grand Rapids. Business was continued in that name until 1874, when the old firm was dissolved, and the present firm of A. B. Long & Son was formed.

L. H. Withey & Company, No. 771 Canal street, manufact- urers of lumber. This business was established in 1867, by L. H. Withey and Mr. Robert B. Woodcock. The mill is supplied with two circular saws, two gang edgers, and a lath-mill. The engine is of 200-horse power, which is supplied with steam from four large boilers. The capacity of the mill is 12,000, 000 feet an- nually. One hundred men are employed in this mill and in the lumber yards adjoining. They use the late steam cylinder feed in propelling the log carriages. They are supplied with every con- venience to extinguish a fire, having hydrants and hose in all parts of the establishment. Mr. Woodcock is the General Super- intendent of the factory, and has everything in systematic and thorough working order.

L. M. Cutcheon's Sash, Door and Blind Factory .- L. M. Cutcheon established this business and erected a factory in 187S. He is enjoying a good trade, shipping a large portion of his prod- nct to the East. The machinery is of the latest improved pat- tern, and the work is first-class in every particular. Mr. Cutcheon also owns a lumber yard, at 139 West Bridge street, where he car- ries a stock of $8,000 in all kinds of fine lumber, and has a good trade.

The Putman & Barnhart Lumber Company, manufacturers and dealers in lumber and shingles, office in Cody & Olney block, Pearl street, was established withits present membership in 1875, as Putman, Barnhart & Company, and in 1850 was incorporated as a stock company with a paid-up capital of $172.000. The pres- ent officers are as follows: Willard Barnhart, President; D. D. Cody, Vice-President ; Enos Putman, Treasurer, and Will- iam Scott, Secretary. The firm own mills at Long Lake, near Manton, Wexford Co., and Whitefish Lake, Montcalm Co., and about 6,500 acres of uncut pine timber. They buy lumber and shingles in lots, whenever a favorable opportunity is presented, on the D., L. & N., G. R. & I., and C. & W. M. railroads. At their different mills, the firm employ 240 men, and their shipments of lumber during 1881 will reach 30,000,000 feet, and of shingles, 25,000,000. The trade of this company extends throughout In- diana, Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and at present, large ship- ments to Kansas.

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GRAND RAPIDS CITY.

MACHINE SHOPS AND FOUNDRIES.

Ax and Edge-Tool Works, Chase, Hawley & Munson, propri- etors. This business was established in 1875, by Chase & Haw- ley. In 1878, Mr. Munson was admitted as a partner. The size of the building is 60x100 feet, and three stories high. They man- ufacture axes, knives, agricultural and edged tools. Sales are made mostly in Michigan; but some have been shipped to Europe. The works employ about 25 men. The machinery is run by both water and steam power. Amount manufactured will average $30,- 000 annually.

Buss Machine Co., manufacturers of wood-working machinery. This old and well established business was founded in 1862, by Charles Buss & Sons, at Marlboro, N. H., and the business was con- tinued under that name until 1878, when the machinery and trade was removed to Grand Rapids. The firm rented a building on Mill, north of Bridge street, where they have since carried on busi- ness. The building was formerly 42x48 feet in size, but as business increased, more room was necessary and a large addition was made, one 55x48 feet, three stories high, also a block adjoining it on the south was brought into requisition as a foundry, the size of it being 100x35 feet. The company employed 10 men at first. In the course of a few months the force was increased to 20, and at present 50 machinists find constant employment. This company are en- gaged in the manufacture of wood-working machinery, and make a specialty of manufacturing machinery for turning out fine furniture. Their pail and tub machinery is regarded as the latest and best improved of the day, being built from new patterns, and extra heavy. The Buss & Sons' Improved Buzz Planer, Endless Bed Planing Machine and Shaping Machine, are among the principal machines turned out by this firm. Their sales are made through- out the West and South, and average $40,000 annually.

Charles A. Whittemore's Machine Works, corner of Pearl and South Front streets, were established early in 1881. He began this business alone; but soon after increasing trade necessitated the employment of more men. Now four hands find steady employ- ment. The works produce models of invention for the Patent Office, fans, saw benches, wood lathes, emery grinding machines, and drafts for machinist work. The capital invested is $2,000. Mr. Whittemore has started in trade on a business plan, and will surely succeed.

Grand Rapids Iron Works, Butterworth & Lowe, proprietors. This business was commenced by Richard E. Butterworth, who purchased the shops and trade of Daniel Ball, and operated the business alone until 1869, when James Lowe purchased a half in- terest, and the firm has since remained Butterworth & Lowe. The buildings were small at first, but have been gradually enlarged. They now occupy a store-room 207x70 feet, and a foundry 130x44 feet in size. The firm manufactures castings, machinery and steam

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

engines. For several years they have been extensively engaged in the manufacture of logging-cars, which find a good market in the timbered regions of the Union; 45 men are employed in the works, and the valuation of the machinery is about $50,000. Per- haps the largest piece of work turned out by this firm are the engines and boilers for the Grand Rapids Water Works. The construction of this machinery was under the personal supervision of Demetrius Turner, the designer, and the chief engineer of the water works. The engines are large, strong and well fitted for their duties, and reflect great credit on this firm.

Hartmann &. Dietz, machinists and founders, established their present business in 1878. In 1872 Mr. Hartmann bought the foundry from Doran & Co., and operated it until 1878, when the present partnership was formed. June 9, 1880, the foundry and machine works were burned, nothing being saved but the machin- ery, which was partly damaged. The present foundry is 56x45, and one story high. The machine shop is a room on the first floor of Mr. Hartmann's building. The company manufacture castings and Barnes' patent lift pumps, and do general machine and repair work. Sales are made mostly in Grand Rapids and the Western States. Fourteen men are employed, together with the proprie- tors, the former having charge of the foundry, and the latter of the machine department.

The Michigan Iron Works were established eight or ten years ago, and were purchased by H. D. Wallen, jr,, March 1, 1876. In 1878 he erected a large addition of brick, 44x100, three stories high, and in the fall of 1881 erected one 60x130, one story high; the main building is 50x150, and two stories high. Manufacture steam engine, saw-mnill and shingle machinery, engines, boilers, log- ging cars and general machine work. Seventy hands are employed, at an average of two dollars per day to each man; sales average $100,000 annually. A market is found in Northern Michigan and Minnesota, but mostly in this State. Assessed valuation of works, $60,000. William C. Voorhees is book-keeper.

The Novelty Iron Works, H. B. Milmine & Co., proprietors, was established in 1875, and erected a building 100x60, at 44 Front street. The company make a specialty of a gang plow, which finds a ready sale in all parts of the West, even as far as California They also manufacture general machine and foundry work, and give employment to 20 men in all departments. The assessed valu- ation of property is $6,000; annual sales amount to $10,000. The works were burned Feb. 1, 1881, and soon afterward the present building was erected.

The Valley City Iron Works, Adolph Leitelt, proprietor, were established in 1863 by A. Leitelt, on the south side of Erie street, renting a building, in which business was done until 1871, when the works were destroyed by fire. Mr. Leitelt lost almost his en- tire property. He rebuilt immediately on the north side of the street, which building is of brick, 74x126, three stories and a base-

927

GRAND RAPIDS CITY.

ment. An office was established on the south side of the street in 1877, and in 1879 a large building was erected on the same spot. The boiler shop in connection was built in 1878, and a blacksmith shop erected about the same time, adjoining the main building. The capacity of the shop was small at first, 10 men being em- ployed; but sales were made with such rapidity as to necessitate the employment of a larger force, so that at present 130 mechanics find steady work. Machine engines, gang mills, all kinds of mill machinery, boiler castings and brass works are manufactured. Sales are made mostly in Michigan, but frequently in all parts of the Union. Einlaw's direct-attachment gang-saw mill is being manufactured by this firm only, A. J. Einlaw, of Grand Haven, being the patentee. These works are the largest in the Grand River Valley.

The West-Side Iron Works, with Joseph Jackoboice proprietor, were established in 1860, by William A. Berkey, on Canal street. The works were carried on there some eight years, until in 1870, when they were moved into William T. Powers' shop. In 1880, purchased the Grand Rapids Savings Bank building, the present shop, at a cost of $10,000. The building is 40x92 feet, two stories high, all of which is occupied by the works. All kinds of steam engines, mill work, and general wood-working machinery are manu- factured. A specialty is made of "Jackoboice's band saw." Sales average about $24,000 annually. Product is sold mostly in Michi- gan. Six men are employed in the business.

F. J. Sokup & Co., Galvanized Iron Cornice Makers. This firm commenced business in 1873, on Canal street, but on Ang. 24, 1874, were burned out. They then rented a building near the G. R. & I. R. R. track, where they have since carried on their trade. They do tin, slate and composition roofing, and all from architect- ural designs. The firm employ 12 men in the business, and turn out as good work as can be found in the State of Michigan, and point to the following buildings as testimony to excellent work: Marshall jail, Kalamazoo school-house, George M. Webber's resi- dence, Ionia, and the Post-Office block, Kalamazoo. Both members of the firm are foreigners, and deserve great credit for building ap such an excellent reputation in the short time they have been in the business.

CRACKER FACTORIES.

Eaton & Christenson, manufacturers of all kinds of crackers, and wholesale dealers in cigars, tobacco, confectionery and canned goods, embarked upon this enterprise in 1867, with little in point of capital to depend upon, but indomitable pluck and energy. On Nov. 25, 1867, the firm opened a bakery business in Squire's block, 91 Canal street, and commenced the manufacture of crackers on a small scale. The increase of business from year to year necessitated more space, and Oct. 1, 1880, they erected a new and spacious fac- tory at 252 and 254 Canal street. The building is of brick, two

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

stories and basement, 40x40 feet in size. The building is equipped with the latest improved machinery (at a cost of $9,000), and 100 barrels of flour are weekly made into crackers; 21 men are em- ployed, and two traveling salesmen are constantly on the road. The crackers manufactured are sold principally in Michigan. The firm carry a stock of $13,000, and sales are in proportion.

William Sears & Co.'s Cracker Manufactory, Kent street .- This business was established in 1860 by two brothers, William and Samual Sears, natives of Massachusetts. They commenced business in a basement on Monroe street, with only one oven, and making only bread and confectionery. The following spring they started a cracker factory on Waterloo street, where business was carried on till 1869, when they purchased a piece of ground 40x100 feet on Kent street, and erected thereon a brick factory, three stories and basement, where business has since been transacted. The firm manufacture all kinds of sweet and cracker goods, and use 60 barrels of flour per day. The factory is supplied with two large ovens, ten fans each, capable of baking a pan in from nine to eleven minutes. One self-fanning and spraying machine is used in the making of sweet goods, and also a B. F. Sturtevant exhaust fan, for the proper disposal of steam and heat. The mix- ing troughs are placed on the second floor, while the packing-room is located on the third floor. The firm employ 20 men in the factory, and have three traveling salesmen on the road. There are more crackers manufactured in Grand Rapids than in any other city of its size in the United States, and a finer quality of goods than any in the Northwest. This firm has taken premiums at different county, district and State fairs. They have a sales- room at 55 and 57 Lyon street, where they also handle 8,000 boxes of cheese annually, and a large stock of canned goods. William Sears is married, and has three daughters; Samuel Sears is also married, and has one son-Edward A .- who is a graduate of Bishop Whipple's Academy, at Fairview, Minn.

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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 91

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