USA > Michigan > Lapeer County > History of Lapeer County, Michigan : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 10
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TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT.
The first temperance society in the county was organized in Almont February 4, 1842, with Henry Rix as president, and Elijah Johnson, M. D., secretary. The pledge was signed by 148 persons. Mr. Joseph Bristol has yet in his possession a copy of the pledge and some of the original records of the society. Mr. Benjamin Sleeper, who was one of the first settlers of the town, undertook to have a temperance raising when he built his log house, but could get only three men to come. He then went to Romeo after whisky which took him two days. He invited hands to his raising, and everybody came-came early in the morning. He said that at that time whisky was scarce in Almont, but was as thick as mosquitoes in Romeo.
The year 1847 saw a great "tidal wave" of Sons of Temperance sweep over the State. A lodge was organized here. That was a bad time to start a brewery, as Mr. Lyons found to his cost. He commenced such an enterprise, but it lasted only about three months. One alleged cause of its fall was that a temperance lect- urer named Moody launched the thunderbolts of his eloquence against it; another, perhaps more potent cause, was that the work- men drank the beer about as fast as they could make it. Tradition ยท says that on one occasion, when Mr. Lyons returned from a brief
absence, he found the words, "Rat Soup Factory," painted in large characters on various parts of the building, and in a fit of disgust wound up the concern at once.
FIRST FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION.
In 1845 the Fourth of July was celebrated here for the first time in regular form. The writer, then but a lad, has a most vivid recollection of the scene. Seth Dewey was president; Isaac Mc- Keen, orator; Dr. Bailey, reader; Henry Rix and William Myers, marshals. A small cannon, cast in Price & Hendershot's foundry, and bored out in James Goetchius' blacksmith shop, furnished the thunder. The music was produced from a clarionet, played by a Mr. Whittaker, who wore a long calico gown, and from a big drum beaten with herculean strokes by William Nichols. The grandeur of the marshals with their cocked hats, cockades and glittering swords, as they galloped about in all the "pomp and circumstance of glorious war," the roar of the artillery, the brilliant array of banner ladies, were well calculated to impress the imagination and memory of the average backwoods boy. The procession marched one-half mile north to the woods where the Spaulding House now stands, and after the exercises marched back to the common near Ed. Lee's blacksmith shop where a splended free dinner was provided. The writer distinctly remembers the sensation of being crammed to suffocation that followed that feast of fat things. We have seen many celebrations since that time, but none equal in grandeur and solid satisfaction.
CHANGE OF NAME.
Up till 1846 the name of Bristol had adhered to the township, and Newburg to the village. This duplicity of names, and also their extreme commonness, caused great inconvenience in postal matters. To remedy this a movement was now made to adopt one name for both, that would be convenient, euphonious and distinctive. A meeting was called by James H. Andrus, then postmaster, and the name "Almont" adopted. It is a modification of the name of the well-known Mexican general, Almonte. James Thompson claims the honor of presenting the name.
INCORPORATION.
The most important event was the incorporation of the village of Almont under a charter in 1865. The population of the village at that time, as ascertained by census, was 818, and the principal business men and firms, in the mercantile line, were Henry Stephens, Farquharson, Townsend & Taylor, Williams & Moss, John S. Jenness, John N. Harris, Thomas Cherryman, C. R. McEntee; John Wright (hardware), D. W. Richardson (drugs), McEntee Brothers (fanning-mill factory), B. F. Johnston (furniture), and Payne Brothers, who, commencing in 1862, carried on an extensive industry in the old starch factory building, viz: steam saw and grist-mill, planing-mill, and sash, blind and door factory. R. K. Farnum, the present proprietor, succeeded them in 1870. The first bank was started in 1866 by Williams & Moss.
Under the charter a new era of improvement was inaugurated, vastly improving the general appearance of the village. Streets were neatly graded and graveled, sewers dug, sidewalks repaired and im- proved and greatly extended, while many of the old style inferior buildings on the main streets gave place to fine brick blocks, and a number of large and elegant residences appeared on the outskirts, with beautiful lawns and gardens, giving the whole place an air of wealth, culture and refinement. The appearance of substantial comfort and general prosperity is aided not a little by the fine churches and other public buildings.
Presidents of the village: Oliver P. Strobridge, 1865; D. R. Shaw, 1866; J. S. Jenness, 1866-'67; O. P. Strobridge, 1868; D.
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HISTORY OF LAPEER COUNTY.
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E. Hazen, 1869-'70; I. T. Beach, 1871-'72-'73; P. H. McEntee, 1874; I. T. Beach, 1875-'76; M. T. Moore, 1877-'78-'79-'80; Charles R. Ferguson, 1881; I. T. Beach, 1882-'83.
The officers in 1883 are as follows: President, I. T. Beach; clerk, Frank P. Andrus; treasurer, William H. Taylor; assessor, F. P. Currier; street commissioner, Stephen Taylor; constable, S. Hartsell; trustees, John Sullivan, James O. Thurston, Benjamin F. Johnston.
In the spring of 1883 the electors of the village decided by vote to raise the sum of $2,800 for the purpose of purchasing a fire engine and equipments.
CHURCH HISTORY.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL SOCIETY.
In 1834 the Almont Methodist Episcopal Society was organ- ized, consisting of five members, and was included in Mt. Clemens circuit for that year and the next. The preacher was L. D. Whit ney. In 1836 Romeo circuit was organized, and this class was included in it, and remained so until 1844, when it was separated under the name of Newburg circuit. In 1868 the society built a commodious brick edifice, which was dedicated by Dr. Jocelyn in 1869.
Rev. L. D. Whitney, so prominent in the early religious history of Almont, was soon obliged from a disease of the throat to renounce his sacred calling. He then studied medicine, and settled as phy- sician at Hadley about 1849 or 1850. Here he had a lucrative practice, and had the respect of all who knew him, at one time representing the county in the State legislature. His son, Lieu- tenant George D. Whitney, was a brave officer in the army during the late war, and gave his life to his country in one of those terrible battles during the winter of 1864-'65. The loss of his only son was a terrible blow to the father, and one from which he never fully recovered. In 1875 he was compelled to relinquish his profes- sion from age and infirmity. He then sold his property at Hadley, and bought a small farm near Grand Blanc, where he removed with his family. In September, 1876, he died, and his remains were brought to Hadley and buried by his son.
Among the pastors of the church have been the Revs. Hagga- done, John Armstrong, Hankinson, S. Warren, F. E. York, Gage, Daniels, Samuel Bird, David McFawn, and George W. Jennings, the present pastor. The membership of the church is now about sixty. It has a flourishing Sunday-school with an average attend- ance of about fifty-five.
THE CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY.
On December 6, 1838, nine individuals formed the body now known as the Almont Congregational Society and, six weeks after, fourteen more were added to their number. The first pastor was Rev. Hiram Smith, and meetings were held in a school-house one mile west. Mr. Smith's ministry continued three years, and an im- portant revival occurred in the second year.
In the fall of 1847 the first Congregational Church edifice was built on Main Street north. This was the second year of the pastor- ate of Rev. Charles Kellogg. The society numbered about ninety, but was now increased by affiliation with the church at Belle Arbor to 110. This church had been formed in 1836 in the "Shaw Settlement" on Belle River, at the north line of the township, under the leadership of Rev. Luther Shaw, who preached there for several years. The new house of worship was dedicated January 27, 1848. It was of wood, 40x50 feet, and cost $1,800.
In 1854 Rev. Charles Kellogg was tried for heresy and ac- quitted. His resignation followed the year after, and the place was
supplied by E. L. Bowing, who remained one year. In April, 1857, Rev. Henry Bates became pastor, and remained nearly four years; a remarkable revival added thirty members to the church during his first year. Next year the church edifice was much enlarged, and furnished with a vestry. Soon after Mr. Kellogg's resignation, he became teacher in an academic school, an edifice having been built by subscription for that purpose. This house subsequently became the property of the village district, and was used as the district school till 1866.
From March, 1861, to December, 1863, employed Rev. E. W. Borden as pastor, and in 1864 called Rev. H. R. Williams. In the spring of 1870 about forty members were added to this church, and as many more to the other churches, the fruits of a general revival enjoyed during the previous winter. On November 30, 1871, their church edifice was burned. In the winter of 1872-'73 subscriptions were made, and the corner stone of a new edifice was laid June 18, 1873. An address was delivered on the occasion by Rev. John S. C. Abbott. The completed building passed into the hands of the trustees in November, 1874. It is a very elegant structure of brick in the Gothic style, costing upwards of $23,000. The dedicatory discourse was preached by Rev. Dr. Eddy, of Detroit, January 19, 1875.
In May, 1880, Rev. F. W. Dickinson became pastor, succeeded February 11, 1882, by the present pastor, Rev. Edward D. Kelsey.
The present membership of the church is about ninety-five. The Sunday-school has a membership of 126.
THE BAPTIST SOCIETY.
In 1837 the Baptist Society was organized with sixteen mem- bers under Rev. C. Churchill, who remained their pastor till 1844, when he was succeeded by Elder William Tuttle.
In the spring of 1847 the society finished their house of wor- ship on East St. Clair street, which had been raised the previous fall, and dedicated it in July. A marked revival occurred the fol- lowing winter under the preaching of Elder Taft, which added largely to their numbers.
In 1850 Stephen Goodman, in 1851 C. Churchill, in 1852 E. Steele, were successively chosen pastors of the Baptist Church. In 1858 they had an important revival under W. G. Wisner, who remained pastor till 1860. Then followed A. D. Williams, 1861; B. F. Bowin, 1866; B. H. Shepherd, 1869; and J. H. Paton, 1870, (tried and convicted of heresy and dismissed in 1872); A. H. Gower called 1876.
Following Elder Gower came Needham, and in January, 1879, Rev. E. Steele, who has continued in the pastorate of the church to the present time.
The membership of the church is about forty-six. The Sunday-school has an average attendance of from forty-five to fifty.
ADVENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
In 1872 Rev. J. H. Paton, who had separated from the Baptist Church, formed an independent society of fifteen members, under the style of the Advent Christian Church, with the brief creed, "The word of God the only rule of faith and practice, and Christian character the only test of fellowship." This society erected a small frame chapel in the fall of the same year. Mr. Paton still con- tinues the pastor of this church.
UNITED PRESBYTERIANS.
This society was organized December 22, 1846, in the town of Bruce, a portion of its original members being residents of Almont. Of these John Hopkins is the only one now living. Previous to the organization of the society services were held in a building erected by Neil Gray on his farm in the town of Bruce, missionaries having
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HISTORY OF LAPEER COUNTY.
been sent from time to time to this field of labor. In 1852 a church building was erected in the southeast part of the town of Almont.
The first pastor, Rev. Andrew Irons, was settled in 1854, and remained till 1858. He was succeeded by Rev. John McClellan, who remained till 1871. Rev. John B. Wilson succeeded him. He was followed by Rev. W. W. Curry, now pastor of the church.
THE PRESS.
In 1852 the Almont Palladium was established, W. W. May- nard, editor. He conducted the paper for about two years, when it passed into the hands of Henry Ulrich and Peter Ferguson, and died a natural death in 1855.
In January, 1875, the Almont Herald was started by A. H. Patterson, who continued its publication until January 15, 1881, when he was succeeded by J. M. Johnson & Son. June 16, 1881, the office passed into the hands of Patterson & Johnson. March 2, 1882, Frank M. Johnson became sole proprietor, and remains such at the present time.
HOTELS.
The Astor House, formerly called the Exchange, was the first hotel in the village of Almont. It was built in 1836 by Hubbard Hall, and soon after was purchased and kept by Henry Wing. It has had a number of proprietors, among whom were Messrs. Miles, Beach and Race. In 1880 it was purchased by John S. Ash, the present proprietor, and the name changed to the Astor House.
The Harrington House was built in 1852 by Garry Goodrich. It was first called the National Hotel, afterward the Goodrich House, and still later the name was changed to the Harrington House. Mr. H. F. Hilliker, the present proprietor, purchased the property in May, 1883. The hotel has been enlarged and improved since it was built.
PROFESSIONAL.
In 1854 Dr. A. B. Stone began practice in the village. He was followed by Dr. Traver (homoeopathic) in 1865, Dr. M. T. Moore in 1866, Dr. Wm. B. Hamilton in 1875. Physicians in 1883 are Drs. Stone, Moore and Randall.
The attorneys have been as follows since the McKeens: E. W. Corey in 1860, William Andrus in 1866, R. L. Taylor in 1868, T. C. Taylor in 1872, commenced business as attorneys; Corey and T. C. Taylor still remaining. The lawyers in 1883 are E. W. Corey, T. C. Taylor and F. P. Andrus.
ALMONT SOCIETIES.
THE YOUNG MEN'S SOCIETY.
The Almont Young Men's Society, a body devoted to literary culture in general, and the forensic art in particular, came into being in 1848. It originated among a company of seven young men, viz .: James S. Johnson, Walter Kellogg, O. P. Strobridge, Hiram Smith, C. D. Smith, John Colwell, Hiram Wells, who, while absent on a hunting excursion for some weeks together, formed themselves into a debating club that they might spend their even- ings with more pleasure and profit. They were so well pleased with the experiment that they resolved to perpetuate the organiza- tion upon their return home. It was at first a secret society, with a solemn and awful initiation rite, and Virgil Parmlee was the first victim. But this part was soon abolished. Dr. Strobridge obtained a charter for them in 1850. This society still lives, a useful and successful institution. The officers in 1883 are as follows: President, J. S. Johnson; vice-president, B. F. Johnston; secretary, F. P. Andrus; treasurer, E. W. Corey; auditor, T. C. Taylor; librarian, George Grant. The first officers after the char- ter was obtained were as follows: President, Virgil S. Parmlee;
vice-president, N. H. Redmond; secretary, G. E. Caulkin; treasurer, H. C. Wells; librarian, G. W. Culver; auditor, James Taggart.
MASONIC.
Almont Lodge No. 51, F. & A. M., received their dispensation in 1852 and their charter the following year. The date of the charter is January 14, 1853. The principal officers were W. M., Hiram D. Fitch; S. W., William Colerick; J. W., S. S. Spafford. The officers in 1883 are as follows: B. F. Johnston, W. M .; Gilbert Bostick, S. W .; Joshua Smith, J. W .; John Green, treasurer; Albert Springett, secretary; G. A. Bostick, S. D .; O. T. Sanborn, J. D .; Rev. E. Steele, chaplain; Henry Marshall and George Brown, stewards; John Murdock, tyler.
Almont Chapter No. 76, R. A. M., was chartered January 10, 1871, Charles H. Brown being Grand High Priest. Officers, H. P., John Robinson; K., John Armstrong; scribe, P. H. McEntee. Officers in 1883 are as follows: B. F. Johnston, H. P .; R. A. Bol- ton, K .; John Green, S .; James Ovens, C. H .; Gilbert Bostick, P. S .; O. T. Sanborn, R. A. C .; I. T. Beach, secretary ; C. P. Leete, treasurer; G. A. Bostick, M. 3 V .; J. N. Mills, M. 2 V .; N. Has- kins, M. 1 V .; Rev. E. Steele, chaplain; A. L. Spencer, sentinel.
ODD FELLOWS.
Almont Lodge No. 181, I. O. O. F., was instituted March 6, 1872. William H. McEntee was N. G .; E. W. Corey, secretary; Cook Wells, V. G. In 1883 there are thirty-six members. Officers, N. G., George Tyler; V. G., Adam Harrington; secretary, Cook Wells; treasurer, J. Simon. Regular meetings are held on Wednes- day evening of each week.
ROYAL ARCANUM.
A lodge of this order was instituted at Almont in July, 1878, with twenty members. First officers: Regent, J. S. Johnson; vice-regent, Uriel Townsend; past regent, H. A. Currier; orator, S. K. Farnum; secretary, A. M. Roberts; collector, D. M. Washer; treasurer, C. Ferguson; chaplain, William Colerick; guide, D. B. Bancroft; warden, J. Jarvis; sentry, F. E. McGeorge. The lodge is designated as Almont Council No. 142, There were seventeen charter members. In 1883 there are ninety-eight members. Offi- cers: Regent, M. T. Moore; V. R. I., Howard Taylor; orator, T. C. Taylor; secretary, A. M. Roberts; collector, I. T. Beach; treasurer, David Cochrane. This society contains in its membership many of the leading citizens of the town.
ALMONT CENTENNIAL STANDBYS.
A society bearing the above unique title was organized January 1, 1876. The society is made up of the older settlers of the town, and the object is mutual aid and Christian burial. The society has thirty members.
OLD MEN'S SOCIETY.
The Almont Old Men's Society is a sort of companion piece to the Young Men's Society. It is made up of young men and was organized in 1875. It was the outgrowth of a debating society formed by the young men of the school as a debating society. It is still conducted as a literary society, and the proposition to merge this society in that of the young men is now under advise- ment.
KNIGHTS OF THE MACCABEES.
In May, 1880, a tent of the order of the Knights of the Maccabees was organized by the district commander. The follow- ing officers were elected: Ex. Sir Kt. Gen. Com., L. M. Rether- ford; Sir Kt. Com., Joseph Simon; Sir Kt. Lieut. Com., Stephen White; Sir Kt. Prelate, George Retherford; Sir Kt. Record Keeper, William Green; Sir Kt. Finance Keeper, A. R. Stone; Sir Kt. Ser- geant, John Sullivan; Sir Kt. Master at Arms, Arthur B. Witt;
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HISTORY OF LAPEER COUNTY.
Sir Kt. 1st Master of Guard, Thomas Weatherill; Sir Kt. 2nd Master of Guard, Thomas E. Mitchell; Sir Kt. Sentinel, P. S. Miller.
There were eleven charter members. The membership in 1883 is thirteen. Principal officers: Sir K. C., Hervey Lippincott; Sir Lt. C., George W. Retherford; record keeper, George Tyler; finance keeper, J. Simon. Regular meetings are held on the first Monday evening of every month.
The village of Almont in 1883 contains a population of about 1,000, and is an exceedingly attractive inland village. The coun- try about it is delightful and very productive. The new town hall and public school building when completed will be ornaments to the place. The completion of the railroad gave it long needed connec- tion with outside points.
BANKING.
The firm of C. FERGUSON & SON, bankers, consists of Charles Ferguson and his son Charles R. Ferguson. They succeeded De- cember 2, 1872, the firm of Currier & Townsend who established the bank in March, 1870. The confidence reposed in the bank by its patrons and the community generally, is evidence that its business has been conducted with shrewdness, honesty and faithfulness to trust. A successful business has been the necessary result.
The senior member of the firm, CHARLES FERGUSON, was born in Scotland, February 22, 1822. Came to New York in 1842; was engaged there in farming. In the fall of 1848 he came to Almont and was employed in farming until 1862, when he went into gen- eral merchandising in which he continued until 1872 since which time he has been engaged in banking. He was married in 1846 at Rust, N. Y., to Charlotte McHardy, a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, and has three sons and one daughter.
CHARLES R. FERGUSON, the junior member of the firm of C. Ferguson & Son, was born in Rust, N. Y., 1847. Came to Al- mont with his parents in 1848. Was educated at the seminary at Ypsilanti, Mich. He was engaged with his father in general mer- chandising from 1867 to 1872 and since then in the banking busi- ness. He was married in 1871 to Jennie M. Fatin of Hackensack, N. Y., and has two children.
INDUSTRIES.
There are a number of prosperous manufacturing industries in the village, all doing a thriving business and contributing to the general thrift of the place. These industries are diversified, there being an agricultural works, grist-mill, sash, door and blind factory, stave-mill, and wool carling, etc. There are also carriage shops, and the usual other shops to be found in such villages.
The firm of Merritt & Balch, manufacturers of heading, staves and shingles, consists of W. E. Merritt and F. V. Balch. Their manufactory is located in the southeast part of the village of Al- mont, and was erected in 1883. The firm is enterprising and their business promises to be eminently successful. They now employ fifteen men, are adding to their machinery and increasing the capac- ity of their mill. The abundance of material within easy haul of their mill, and the ready demand for a good product such as they will turn out, insure their success.
F. V. BALCH, of the firm of Merritt & Balch, manufacturers of staves, heading and shingles, was born in Dryden, Lapeer County, Mich., February 22, 1859, and has resided in that town until two years ago. The last two years prior to coming to Almont he spent in the apple business. Came to Almont in 1883 and took charge of the construction of the factory and management of the business of the above mentioned firm.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
HIRAM C. MILLER was born in Bruce, Macomb County, Mich., October 2, 1846. He was brought up on the farm opposite his
present residence. In 1871 he moved upon the farm where he now lives in the southwest quarter of section 33-146 acres. He mar- ried in December, 1869, Martha King, daughter of Harrison King, one of the earliest settlers of Almont. They have three children.
WILLIAM W. HEWITT was born in Canada April 9, 1833. Was brought up on a farm. In 1850 he moved to St. Clair, Mich., and was there engaged principally in farming, following also other em- ployments. From there he came to Almont village in 1858 and was for fourteen years engaged in selling fanning-mills, also carrying on a meat market a portion of the time. Eleven years ago he bought the farm on which he now lives, southeast quarter of north- east quarter of section 20 and ten acres adjoining. He was mar- ried in 1855 to Mary Thompson, a native of Canada, and has five children.
JOHN S. ASH, proprietor of the Astor House, Almont, Mich., was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., June 1, 1837. At the age of twelve he removed with his parents to Cooperstown, N. Y., where he commenced working for himself on a farm. Thence after a year's residence he went to Pennsylvania and remained two years and returned to New York, residing in Orleans County, and in Charlestown. He bought a farm in Cayuga County, on which he lived five years. In 1870 he came to Michigan and bought a farm at Fenton. In 1877 he went to Toledo and ran the bar of the Bur- nett House, still retaining his farm at Fenton. In 1880 he sold his farm, moved to Almont and bought the Almont Exchange, which he re-christened the Astor House, he being connected by marriages with the Astors of New York, and having also been at one time em- ployed in the Astor House of that city. Here he is doing a success- ful and profitable business. He was married September 19, 1855, to Miss Hannah Maria Dynehart. His second wife was Miss Mary Alice Myers, of Dutchess County, N. Y., to whom he was married in 1877. He has six children living.
THOMAS C. TAYLOR, attorney at law, was born in Almont in 1843. Was educated in the schools of Almont and graduated at Ann Arbor University. Afterward had charge of schools at Leslie and Hastings. Studied law and was admitted to the bar at Hastings in 1871, and practiced there until December, 1872, since which time he has been in the practice of the law at Almont. In April, 1872, he married Miss Hannah Fowler, who was his first assistant teacher at Leslie, and has six children. He has a farm of 160 acres just outside the village limits which he purchased in the spring of 1883, and is now residing upon and cultivating. This is the farm located by his father, James Taylor, in 1834.
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