USA > Michigan > Macomb County > History of Macomb County, Michigan > Part 60
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527
HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
Donaldson, John W. Porter, Ferdinand Miller, Julius Koehler, Aldermen; Judson S. Far- rar, James A. Canfield, Arthur E. Van Eps, Superviors: William L. Rutter, William Longstaff, Mitchel Peltier, Constables.
The members of the old Council present were Charles Groesbeck, President; H. W. Babcock, Clerk; William S. Donaldson, John Otto, John E. Van Eps, Joseph Lonsby, Jacob Roessell, Ed W. Lewis and Henry Fries, Trustees.
The city officers for ISSO were: George M. Crocker, Mayor: James G. Tucker, Clerk; George H. Pelton, Treasurer; Moses Savage, Marshal; A. C. Brandy, Street Com- missioner; S. B. Russell, Justice of the Peace; Charles Ulrich, Alderman at Large; James B. Eldredge, School Inspector. The representatives on the city board were Philip H. Shook, Martin C. Kelly, William Heine, Aldermen. The representatives on the county board were Judson S. Farrar, H. W. Babcock, Arthur E. Van Eps, Supervisors; William L. Rutter, William Longstaff and John B. Heath, were elected Constables.
The officers elected for 1551-52 were: Spencer B. Russell, Mayor; Augustus C. Dahm, Clerk; J. W. Shook, Treasurer; Ferdinand Miller, Marshal; George H. Pelton, Collector; R. Widrig, Street Commissioner; F. C. Kettler, Justice of the Peace; John Dankers, Al. derman at Large; J. B. Eldredge, School Inspector. The representatives to Council are: Martin Crocker, John Kubue, J. E. Brehler, Aldermen. The members of Supervisors' Board were William E. Hall. Henry W. Babcock and Arthur E. Van Eps. The Constables elected in 1881 were George Bulzter, William Longstaff and J. B. Heath.
MIT. CLEMENS ELECTION-1882.
CANDIDATES.
1ST WARD.
2D WARD.
3D WARD.
TOTAL
MAJORITY.
MAYOR,
Russell, D.
154
143
386
167
Gale, R.
66
106
219
MARSHAL,
Miller. D
98
163
153
414
207
Skillman, R.
63
102
TREASURER.
Shook, D.
91
154
136
381
168
Broom, R.
67
107
39
213
('LERK,
Rutter, D
106
164
143
413
209
Dahm, R.
55
101
15
204
COLLECTOR,
98
180
146
424
233
Shackleton, R.
62
86
43
191
STREET COMMISSIONER. Guiette, D
63
139
126
328
40
Widrig, R.
93
116
59
268
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
Tucker, D ..
94
160
140
394
164
Saulsbury, R
107
53
230
ALDERMAN AT LARGE.
Barr, D ..
138
123
343
90
White, R.
SCHOOL INSPECTOR,
94
160
139
393
186
Spier, R.
96
46
207
Kettler, D
91
158
140
389
FIRST WARD.
Supervisor.
Hall. R.
100- 38
Montford, D
62
.
Pelton, D.
Eldredge, D
115
117
207
528
HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
Alderman.
Shefferly. D.
86- 13
Lewis. R. 3
Constable.
Butzeler, R.
79
Rutter, D.
79
SECOND WARD.
Supervisor,
Groesbeck. D. 150- 37
Canfield, R. 113
Alderman,
Roessell, D. 171-82
Mathews, R 89
Constable,
Longstaff, D
168- 78
Simms, R. . .
90
THIRD WARD.
Supervisor.
VanEps, D
163-120
Robinson, R 43
Alderman,
Dahm. D
140- 83
Koehler. R.
The following temperate review of the last city election is taken from the Mount Clemens Monitor : "The election in Mount Clemens was painfully Democratic. It was also an eye-opener to those who have been singing for . law and order.' Mr. Russell for Mayor, Miller for Marshal and Tucker for Justice of the Peace-three men especially ob- noxious to the self-styled . law and order' element, were re-elected by largely increased majorities, and they took the remainder of the Democratic ticket with them. It is, we hope, now clear to all, as it has been from the start to reasoning men, that the 'law and order ' issue was ill-judged. It failed because there was no aroused sentiment at its back. And why should there be? Saloons are open in Mount Clemens, as in 99 ont of 100 other towns in Michigan during proscribed hours. Despite this Mount Clemens is a very quiet, law-abiding city. It is incontestably true that there have been many violations of the liquor law during the past year, but they have been no more flagrant than those of other years. While his was the case and the peace of our streets remained secure, an agitation for a more stringent enforcement of law was doomed to fail. Public temper is patient and long suffering, and, as a general thing, must be grossly and extraordinarily abused before it is thoroughly aroused. Furthermore, the . law and order' people did nothing while they had a chance. The Republican candidates for Mayor, Marshal and Justice were acceptable to them. but they received very little, if any, assistance from the very men whom they were nominated to please. On the other hand, the whole lignor in- terest, unnecessarily alarmed, as it seems, turned in for the Democratic ticket, which, it may be observed, was on other grounds generally acceptable to the party."
The Greenbackers' ticket polled forty-three votes for Mayor, and from ten to seven- teen votes for their ward candidates.
The death of Mayor Joshua B. Dickenson, in May, 1879, occasioned a special meeting of the Council. Ald. Otto moved a resolution of condolence, from the preamble of which the following historical paragraph is taken: "Mr. Dickenson came to Mount Clemens at an early day, and from the first has been prominently connected with the interests of this community. The growth of our town has been his pride; the individual success of her citizens to him has been an apparent source of gratification. It was fitting that the suf- frages of our people should make him our first Mayor." The election of George M. Crocker as Mayor of the city took place in June, 1879, and his re-election in April, 1880.
529
HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
During Mayor Crocker's administration, the building of the county court house was begun. The dismissal of Mayor Russell, in ISS1, and his subsequent re-election, referred to in other pages, mark the history of the present time.
AMERICAN SETTLERS IN [821-22.
The following is a list of the American settlers of Mount Clemens in 1821-22, as re- membered by H. H. Cady, who arrived in 1821: Christian Clemens, tanner, farmer and hotel-keeper: John Stockton, county officer; Thomas Ashley, farmer; Ezekiel Allen, tan- ner. currier and shoemaker, had a shop on the bank of the river, where the Butler and Ulrich Blocks are now located: Ellis Doty operated a store where the Sherman House Low stands; Henry Halsey, pottery manufacturer, having his shop where is now the opera house: Silas Halsey worked in the potter shop; James Connor resided two miles west, on the William Campbell farm; Harvey Cook was located on the present H. H. Cady home- stead; Richard Butler lived on the Gratiot road, a block south of the public square; Chauncey G. Cady, step-son of Thomas Ashley, lived in the Ashley House, at the corner of Shelby and Front streets, opposite the new jail: Capt. Russ was engaged building the Harriet of Mount Clemens at the time; Israel Nobles and his wife, Miss Halsey, dwelt a short distance east of Flummer's grist-mill. In 1821, Rev. Mr. Morey, a Method- ist preacher, visited Mount Clemens, was entertained by Nobles and died at the Russ homestead a week or so after his arrival; Nun Moe was the village cooper; he had his shop where the Hall lumber yard is now located.
FIRST FLOURING MILL.
The first mill at Mount Clemens was neither a water nor steam mill. It was simply a primitive something run by horse-power. It contained one run of stone about two feet in diameter. Its capacity was about eighteen bushels per twenty-four hours. After the building of the Cady or Haskins Mill, on the North Branch, the Clemens concern fell into disuse, and the little millstones were appropriated by the new flour manufacturers.
FIRST ORCHARDS.
The first attempt at gardening within the city was made by Christian Clemens, who set out apple and pear trees shortly after settlement. The principal orchards extended from the present William Tucker homestead to the Morass House, near the mouth of the river. The first large orchard set out was that by Jim Allen, a step-son of Judge Clemens, between the years 1837 and IS40. This orchard still exists on the south bank of the river, opposite the Avery House. The property belongs to George Roberston, a member of the firm of Snook & Robertson, stave manufacturers. The Clemens orchard referred to previously was located close to the house on Front street, a little southwest of the Flu- mer mill. The Tucker orchard of ten acres was the first set out in the county by native Americans. Charles Tucker was the owner and to him customers came from Oakland and St. Clair to obtain supplies of fruit.
FIRST CEMETERY.
Henry Halsey was the first person buried in the old cemetery on the Gratiot Turnpike. Jim Allen, H. H. Cady, C. G. Cady were the first grave-diggers. Judge Clemens accom- panied the funeral and pointed out the spot where the grave was to be made.
SENIOR SETTLER.
The oldest living American settler in Macomb County is Chauncey G. Cady, Presi- dent of the Macomb Pioneer Society, who settled in Mount Clemens in 1820. Richard Butler, of Mount Clemens, and Elder Davis, of Macomb, are the senior oldl residents. Hiram Squires, born outside the United States, is the oldest settler.
G
530
HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
THE GLASS FACTORY
A glass factory was established here by Hall & Grover early in the fourth decade of this century. The factory was located where the mineral works are now situated. H. H. Cady remembers the works up to 1837, when he moved into the town of Macomb. He states that the works were in full blast then, and continued in operation for some five or six years later.
THE FIRST SAW MILLS.
The first saw-mill was that known as the Plank Road Mill, erected about 1849. It is operated by the Plank Road Company. The road was laid out by the State: the company received a charter subsequently, erected this saw-mill and from it turned out the plank necessary for building the road. The charge over this highway is 1 cent per mile. for one horse, and 2 cents for two horses. So recently as 1882, it was a common practice among the new settlers of Macomb to attach two loaded wagons and have them drawn over this road by the same team. This was done to effect a saving of 40 cents. the charge for the second team. C. G. Cady seems to think that a saw-mill stood a little north of the present min- eral springs long before the plank road concern was built. However. it proved a failure.
INAUGURATING THE CANAL.
The opening of work on the Clinton & Kalamazoo Canal was celebrated at Mount Clemens with Col. Stockton presiding. Gov. Mason, Conrad Ten Eyck and others were guests of the villagers. Every one in the county-men, women and children-was sup- posed to visit Mount Clemens on that day. The supposition was very near correct, as large numbers of the people were present on the occasion.
The first sod was dug by Gov. Mason, a few speeches were made, after which the visit- ors to the village were banqueted by the people. The banquet table was spread where now is Shelby street, opposite the present court house. It is estimated that at least 200 people participated in the dinner. About the dinner-hour, there were a few spiritful souls in the village who appeared on the table and under it about the same time. There are a few old settlers still here who may realize the description. The present residence of Thomas Foster, built by Dr. Hall in the summer of 1837. is considered to be one of the first brick dwellings erected in the city.
Miss Hall, daughter of Dr. Hall, states that the salt wells were not begun until 1865. Then a well was bored nearer the river than the present one; but, on account of the flow of surface water, the directors changed the machinery about twenty feet farther from the river bank.
MT. CLEMENS IN 1868.
The large number of dwelling-houses which were erected in the year 1868 is a pleasing evidence that the village was in a prosperous condition and rapidly increasing in population and wealth. The worst thing that can be said of a town is that the rents are low and there are plenty of houses to let-a thing that certainly could not be said of Mount Clemens then. To procure anything in the shape of a dwelling-house here a person had to pay an exorbitant price, while respectable residences could not be had for love or money. Dwellings were con- tinually going up on all hands, and yet the demand for houses to rent remained undimin- ished. In glancing over the list of the many new buildings which have been erected here in 1867-8, the following are noted: On Gratiot street south. Mr. Schutt built himself a two-story residence (wood), while nearly opposite a two-story brick dwelling, owned by W. B. Hubbard. stands nearly completed. A short distance from this on the same side of the street, Potter and Henry Cook bave both erected cottages of a story and a half. The former gentleman intended next season to build a more com-
G
HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
531
modious dwelling in front of the one he then ocenpied. On the same street. William Jen- ney greatly improved his residence by completely repairing the same at a cost of some $3,000, making it, in point of style and beauty, attractive. On Gratiot street, north, a num- ber of new houses have been put up and extensive repairs made in old ones. John Guy- ette and W. J. Canfield have each built good substantial dwellings, while E. J. Tucker, Henry Connor and others fitted up their respective residences so that they now present as fine an appearance as if bran new throughout.
On Shelby street, Dr. H. R. Babcock had in an advanced state of completion a resi- dence which, when finished, will be the most beautiful of the many that now adorn our village. It is of brick, built in the Gothic style, highly ornamental in all its appoint- ments, and reflects not only credit upon the architect who designed the model, but is a monument to the good taste and liberality of the Doctor. A short distance from this. Mrs. Joseph Goetz built a handsome two-story frame dwelling. Dwelling houses have also been put up on Shelby street. Many improvements have been made in the way of new fences, painting, ornamenting, etc .. which. though small in themselves, taken as a whole add much to the general good appearance of the place. Altogether the past season has been one of unusual activity in building improvements, and citizens could review the same with feelings of just pride and satisfaction.
Among the principal business men of the village were D. C. Williams, dealer in dry goods; Joseph Hubbard, successor of High & Hubbard; Phelps & Shook, produce mer- chants; John Otto, flour dealer; F. H. Bentley, jeweler: J. H. Snook, stationer and Post- master: Mrs. J. Mintonye, milliner; Charles Winegar, boots and shoes: John Rosskop, butcher: J. Batty, photographer: S. Dixon, grocer; R. Waterson, furniture dealer: the Sherman House, together with a number of minor business houses.
PROGRESS IN ISSO.
The first symptoms of the boom were noticeable in the summer of 1879. when return- ing confidence and prosperity in the country generally, the fine business done here by merchants and manufacturers, and the continued development of the springs, made every one good-natured and speculative. Money began to be loosed in men's pockets, and the first indication of a general disposition to invest in new enterprises became evident. There has been an immense amount of talk from that time to this, and even now, after much of the talk has crystallized into tangible and substantial results, there is about as much as ever.
The building operations in Mount Clemens during the year ISSO surpassed. almost beyond comparison, those of any year in her history. The building business is always spasmodic. There was a big run of it a few years previous: then came a lull and again came great activity. Everybody who can wants to build. Nothing contributes more to the advantage of a place than building. A town is beautified and substantially enriched by it. Money is set loose, lahor employed and a new impulse given to trade in all direc- tions. The following is a list of the principal buildings, with the estimated cost of each:
Court House
$25,000
New hotel.
30,000
German church. about.
10,000
Butler Block.
4,000
M. E. Church.
2,500
Bath house.
1,500
Hagen, residence.
3,000
Sherman House addition, residences, repairs, etc.
14.000
Total
$90.000
532
HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
THE ERA OF ADVANCEMENT.
Early in ISS1, the full tide of prosperity returned to Mount Clemens. The outlook was never brighter. The extraordinary activity and growth which made 1880 memorable in her annals will be fully equaled in the season which the cheerful weather of the spring of 1881 fairly opened. The boom continued and was marked by the same solidity that characterized it from the start; it was a normal and necessary growth. The most substantial token of prosperity in a place is the building operations. They are the sign of increase in wealth and population. Every stick of timber and every stone and brick formed and put in place are so much clear gain. They represent money paid into the hands of laborers, mechanics and merchants, that before sought other channels. They give an impetus to trade and result in permanent benefit to the entire community. It is a matter for congratulation that the building operations in Mount Clemens this year will be unprecedented by those of any year in her history, with the probable exception of ISSO, when they footed up in the vicinity of 890.000.
The principal building erected this year was the new jail, the cost of which was $10,- 000. The Supervisors met in special session to take steps in the direction of its erection. Different sites for the structure were discussed, among them William Moser's lot, on the southeast corner of Front and Shelby streets, and the Phelps property on South Gratiot. These are but two of many sites that were in the market.
On the corner of Front and Macomb streets, John W. Porter and Charles Ullrich built, although not in conjunction, a large three-story block. Each building is 20x70, strong and handsome.
On the lot on Macomb street, between Hemmen's and John Roskopp's, covered by a low wooden structure, Anthony Dahm erected a fine two-story block.
A large force of men was engaged in moving off the old building adjacent to the Avery House, where the new corner is now built up. This corner cost about $4,000, and is in harmony with the remainder of the structure, after plans made by Mr. Gibbs, under whose direction the building was constructed.
A large number of new residences were under contract in Mount Clemens and imme- diate vicinity. Hall & Shook alone furnished lumber for the following:
Charles Wood, two houses on Grand Trunk avenue; Oliver Roberts, Lewis Roberts and Charles Moore's houses on Moross avenue; William Marquardt's house on South Gra- tiot: Minard Barr's house, corner Front and Ferry streets; Jacob Hubbard's house on Clin- ton street : Chris Hempke's house and part on Grand Trunk avenue: John Barry's house just west of city limits: Patrick Quinn's brick house on Gratiot road: Jacob W. Miller's on Canal road; Fred Gossmire's house on Macomb and Clinton town line; Fred Cline. smith's house at Cady; Lemuel Shattnek's house in Macomb.
The same firm supply lumber for a considerable number of smaller buildings in town, and for houses at Fraser, Utiea and other contiguous points.
Lonsby Bros. sold material for a number of buildings; among them John Duby's house on Front street, a large house on Shelby street, the name of whose builder could not be learned.
S. S. Gale has decided upon the erection of a large house in place of his present residence on ('linton street.
These were the building projeets so far as definitely settled. Other and important ones are almost certainties. In addition to the new buildings, a large amount of repair- ing was done. Property owners all over the city made great improvements. The opera- tions as above set forth foot up nearly $40,000. The total probably exceeded $50,000.
A prominent indication of the growth of Mount Clemens is the addition which Don M. Dickenson is laying out across the river. It is being regularly platted in streets and
JOSHUA B. DICKINSON.
.
G
HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
535
blocks. and the erection of half a dozen houses entered upon. The addition promises in time to be one of the finest residence parts of the city.
THE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE.
The Telephone Exchange is steadily spreading out in Mount Clemens and now em- braces the following places: Babcock's drug store, central office: bath-house; G. T. R. R. Depot; Dr. M. C. Kelly, residence: Law & Shook, groceries; Avery & Sackett, boots and shoes; Donaldson Bros., manufactory; lohn Rosskopp, meat-market; James Brennan, livery; William Flummer, grist-mill; H. Lodewyck, livery; E. J. Olde & Co., dry goods; Dr. W. D. Wilson: Calkins & Dahm, druggists: Sherman House; Avery House: William Moser. meat-market: William Campbell. Belvidere. The Avery alone is in direct communica- tion with Detroit. These additions to the ways of progress date back only to 1881.
TAXATION.
Among the principal taxpayers of the city. in 1882. the following may be named: Mrs. Catharine Crocker, $338.01, Hemy Connor, 8219.96; O. Chapaton, 8295: Mrs. Julia Dehate, 8111.26: R. P. Eldredge. $139.05: Mrs. E. Moser. $118.76; John W. Miller, $128,75: Don M. Dickenson, $112.50: Mrs. Mary Sackett, $146.25; Eugene Shook, $100. - 02: Mrs. Charlotte Trufant, $252.50: Charles Ullrich, $434.45; Paul Ulrich, $121.98; S. S. Gale. $120.21; Grover Bros., $133.54; Mrs. Giles Hubbard, $103.19; F. G. Ken- drick, $152. 12: Mount Clemens Savings Bank, $133.54; John Roskopp, $160.99; T. W. Snook, $105.01: B. Van Landegliem. $176.66; Van Eps & Co., $149.09; C. Winegar, $104.43: John E. Brehler, $158.80; J. B. Dickinson estate, $102.97; Avery House, $192. - 48; William Fhummer. $103.40: P. P. Greiner, $114.03: E. J. Olde, 896.24; T. M. Crocker. $111.58; James A Canfield. $91.05.
From the following statement of finances of the city of Mount Clemens, from April 8. 1880, to and including April 7. 1881. an idea of what the people have to pay for city government may be gleaned:
TREASI'RER'S ACCOUNT, DR.
Balance on hand. April 8. 1880.
8 2,007 37
Cash for bonds sold ..
20,560 00
Liquor Tax of County Treasurer.
2,222 90
Fines from Justice of the Peace.
50 00
Licenses and impounding.
82 60
Sidewalk tax. . .
90 48
Order issued not redeemed.
10 00
Cash for stove sold.
6 00
Cash from City Collector.
9,412 36
Total
$35.049 82
CR.
Orders drawn on several funds.
$20,347 30
Interest on bonds paid .. .
800 00
Balance to be accounted for
13,902 52
Total.
$35,049 82
THE CLINTON RIVER.
The volume of the commerce of Clinton River is vastly greater than many people . suppose, and. with the river properly improved, it would steadily and largely increase from year to year. As it is one of the chief contributors to the prosperity, growth and business importance of Mount Clemens, every effort to increase its usefulness should be made. To this end little is necessary but some comparatively slight and inexpensive im- 33
536
HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
provements in the channel. The need of these has, each season, for the past decade, been more and more pressing. The north channel of Lake St. Clair,sweeping in, strikes at right angles the channel extending out from the month of Clinton River. and since this was dredged some years ago. the lake current has unintermittingly been piling sand into it. The channel has now a depth of little over five feet, and, unless improved, the day is not far distant when the river will be practically closed to the entrance of all ves. sels but those of the lightest draft. Two barges. the Monitor and Louis Gilbert. were sold recently for the simple reason that they could not conveniently enter the river.
The river boats best known since the time of the Harriet. of Mount Clemens, were the steamers Ida, Florence, Mayflower, Ida Burton. Monitor. Rouge. Mackinaw and Noyles; steam yachts Euna and Marietta; scows Matilda. Snowball, Hero. Garibaldi, Enreight. Forster, Home, Aunt Ruth and Curlew.
The boats now on the river, together with others on the stocks. for the lake and river trade, swell this list considerably.
The shipments from this port form a considerable item. Last year, thousands of bar- rels of headings, millions of staves and thousands of cords of wood were shipped hence. The recent appropriation of $25,000 for the improvement of the river, the construction of a new draw-bridge at Mount Clemens and the removal of the pontoon bridge all point to the fact that a determination exists to draw forth all the advantages which the river offers to the city and to the county.
THE DEATH OF FOUR CITIZENS.
The last boundary of human affairs is death, or. as the beautiful language, which, through some mystery, is allowed to lie almost dead. would have it. mors ultima linea rerum est. April 27. 1881, will be remembered in the history of Mount Clemens as a day which witnessed the death of four of her citizens, cach well known and deservedly popu- lar. It appears from the Monilor's report of the calamity that George H. Snook, Dr. W. D. Decker, Charles Wood and Morey Axtell went forth on a fishing expedition. Proceed- ing to the month of the river, they borrowed a small boat from William Tucker, in which they ventured out on the waters of the lake. About 3:06 in the afternoon, they reached Strawberry Island, three miles east of the month of the Clinton, where they purchased a few fish from the fishermen. Re-entering their dangerous craft, they pulled for the mouth of the river. The ice was running fast, which alone rendered the trip a very hazardous undertaking. To add to the misfortune, one of those terrific squalls, well known by the lake fishermen, swept across the icy waters, capsized the little boat, engulfed four human beings, created a little world of sorrow among widows and children, among fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters, a season of mourning and gloom in their county and a thrill of sympathy throughout the State.
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