History of Macomb County, Michigan, Part 61

Author: Leeson, Michael A., [from old catalog] comp
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, M. A. Leeson & co.
Number of Pages: 952

USA > Michigan > Macomb County > History of Macomb County, Michigan > Part 61

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Search for the bodies of the missing men was at once instituted. On Thursday and Friday. 28th and 29th of April, the eastern part of the lake was traversed, with the result of finding a jug, partly filled with cider and identified as one taken by the missing men. On April, the tng Perkins resumed the tour of the lake, and, at 2 o'clock, the explorers saw a boat in the distance. floating low upon the water. Proceeding toward this ominous tell-tale of tragedy, it was soon found that in it was the dead body of Morey Axtell. The body lay athwart the seats in the water, which almost filled the boat. while his head hung over the side. It was surmised that the little craft swamped, that the men one by one. lost hold of it and sunk, Axtell alone remaining to fight death a l'outrance. At length. overcome by cold and weakness, he fell forward into the water-logged boat and was drowned.

Robert Morris Axtell was born in the township of Macomb November 22, 1853. He attended the Saunders Institute at Philadelphia. in 1870 and 1871, thence to Morristown,

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N. Y., to learn the carpenter trade, where he remained until his return to Mount Clemens, in 1876. He was the only son of E. S. and F. M. Axtell. Hle was a cousin of his fellow- excursionist. Postmaster Snook, and a bosom friend of Charles H. Wood, with whom he learned his trade at Morristown and with whom he perished in Lake St. Clair.

The bodies of Wood, Snook and Decker were not found up to May 22, and all hope of finding their remains was almost lost, when the waters themselves yielded up one after another.

Following the example of Rev. Clarence Eddy, in his memorial sermon, we will here give a brief biographical notice of the deceased citizens, Messrs. Decker and Snook.

George H Snook was born in the township of Clinton. April 20, 1852. He attended Sanders' Institute at Philadelphia one year, when he returned to his native county and entered upon the school-teacher's profession. Subsequently, he entered the Cornell Uni- versity. at Ithaca. N. Y. as a student of engineering, but, owing to a disease of the eyes, was forced to give up study and return to the walks of ordinary life. Resolutions of con- dolence and respect were passed by the Rescue Hook and Ladder Company, by the Trastees of the Presbyterian Church, and, in reality, by every family in the county.

Dr. Wilhelmus Decker was born at the village of Ontario, Wayne Co., N. Y .. in July, 1846. His father removed, with his family, to Shelby, in this county, early in the year 1856, and with him the deceased lived until 1864. when he was appointed teacher in one of the township schools. He studied medicine in the State University, winning a grad- uate's certificate to the scientific course so early as 1873, and a diploma in 1878. From 1878 to 1878 he devoted his time to school teaching and study. In September, 1878, he established an office at Mount Clemens and married December 28, 1875.

The body of Mr. Snook was found June 2, 1881, and, a few hours later, on the same day, that of Charles H. Wood was discovered. The remains of Dr. Decker were found May 30, 1881.

INDUSTRIES.

The first and perhaps the most important industry of the city is that which centers round the old salt wells. Here, in the early days of the county, were the old glass works; still later, the oil refinery of Call & Culver, and again, the salt factory. The first well was bored by Charles Steffens, now of Fraser, and a second boring effected by Parke, now re- siding at Saginaw. The well project was undertaken in 1862, with the hope of striking oil: but the attempt proved unsuccessful in that direction, although the salt brine which it was found to yield would undoubtedly. if treated economically, reward the enterprise of the owners.

A manufacturing association was formed at Mount Clemens January 31. 1865, for the purpose of carrying on andi conducting the manufacture of salt under the style, " The Mount Clemens Salt Company." The charter of the association pointed out the extension of its term to March 1. 1890, and the amount of capital stock $10.000 in 400 shares of $25 each. The stockholders were Thomas W. Snook. Thomas L. Saekett, Joshua B. Dicken- son, Charles Moser, Bruno Van Landingham. Orsin W. De Lano, twenty shares each; Manuel Hymen, P. H. Stuart, Angust Czizik. ten shares each; Henry Connor and Jacob Roskopp, eight shares each; Theodore Traver, Geo. B. Van Eps, seven shares; John E. Van Eps, six shares: Jas. B. Eldredge, S. S. Gale, five shares each : Dennis McCafferty, Anthony Beyne. William Jones, Andrew Greiner, Henry Taylor, Ang. Dahm, T. M. Crocker, Varnum Lufkin, Joseph Hubbard, Joseph Knall, George Murdock, George Weitz, Benjamin Robinson, Chas. Winegar. Charles Ulrich, William Fhummer, William Miller, Thomas Puicher, Auglot Tuscaney, Adam Godice, Anthony Dahm, F. Miller, Justus R. Crandall, Clement Borden, Joseph Lusk. John Otto. Henry Fries, E. C. Gallop. William Jenny, Judson S. Farrar. Sam Wood, four shares each; Mrs. James Williams, C. W. Robinson, three shares each;

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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.

John Egloff. E. B. Drake. Edgar Weeks, John Tucker. William J. Canfield, James F. Brennan. Elwin R. Bentley, Wesley Lewis, James A. Canfield, Harlehigh Carter, Darius C. Williams, Catherine Stephens, William Hart, Elijah Robinson, Francis X. Phenenf, G. G. Albant, Lewis Arnill, Richard Johnson, Thomas Oliver, Elisha West, T. Gilbert, M. Peltier, A. Heuguenett, Jr., Sam Donaldson, A. Wise, Julius Mandell, two shares each; I. O. Ferris, S. White, H. C. White, F. Lufkin, W. C. Tanner, L. N. Phelps, one share each.

The manufacture of salt was carried on for about five years, though at a disadvan- tage. The large proportion of foreign minerals existing in the water, as well as the ques- tion of fuel, presented serious obstacles to a successful competition with other manufactur- ing points. The method pursued seems to have been very wasteful. as a large quantity of salt was thrown away with the mother liquor, here termed bitter water, for want of the proper knowledge to aid in its recovery. The discovery of the medicinal properties of the water was brought about under the following circumstances:

A Frenchman living on East street foundered his horse so badly that he turned him ont. The horse took shelter from the sun under the north site of the tank. Here his daily stamping soon resulted in the formation of a foot bath. as the water drippings from the tank filled the hole thus forme.l. The horse was soon cured, which proved the first discovery of the medicinal properties of the water. At this time, Dorr Kellogg was man- ager and stockholder of the flouring-mill on the river bank, corner of Market and Front streets. He was afflicted with salt rheum and skin eruptions. It occurred to him from his experience with the effects of salt air and water on ocean voyages that the water would be beneficial in his case. He used the water, October, 1870, in a pail; afterward, in the vat itself, and, obtaining inch relief, finally had a bath-tub constructed on the grounds and continued the treatment until entirely eured. Mr. Kellogg is still living at Mount

Clemens. Another gentleman, a Mr. Tremble, also a resident, obtained like results. About two years afterward, a bath-house was erected, various citizens contributing money toward the enterprise-in all about $1, 600 or $1,800. Dr. H. Taylor & Son commenced it with a few tubs.

The bath-honse passed through various hands, among whom were Messrs. Thurber & Carl and North & Johnson, continually growing in favor and importance. The present owners of the well are Seth D. North, of Hancock, Mich., and Charles B. Johnson, of Brooklyn, N. Y. The lessees are the Mount Clemens Mineral Spring Company, Limited, who leased the concern for a term of thirty years, from July 1, 1880. The managers are Morris Richter. Charles Avery, James F. Avery and William L. Avery, with the chemist, Prof. Henry F. Meir.

The experience gained in the use of the water during the past ten years has been sufficient to indicate the precise classes of diseases to which it is adapted and to bring thousands of invalids yearly to be cured. The well from which the water is obtained has a depth of 1,380 feet, with a capacity of 1,000 barrels per day, the water rising to a level of fifteen feet below the surface. From the well the water is pumped into large covered wooden tanks, elevated seventeen feet above the ground, from which tanks it is conveyed to the bath-house in pipes laid on the ground. No precautions are needed to protect it in winter, as the water requires a lower temperature than is met with here to cause freezing. Before describing its nses as a curative agent, it may be well to consider its physical and chemical properties and composition.

When issning from the pump, a sample of the water appears slightly colored, which is principally due to sulphuret of iron in fine suspension or quasi solution. After a time, this subsides, leaving the water colorless. Its taste is brackish and bitter, with a liberal flavor of sulphureted hydrogen. Its temperature averages about 59' F., being at present

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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.

writing, March 3. 1552, 563' F. It has a specific gravity of 1.116, which indicates the presence of about 16 per cent of mineral ingredients. When exposed at ordinary temperatures, the greater portion refuses to dry, only a small part crystallizing out. Its boiling point is 216 F. A decided smell of sulphureted hydrogen pervades the at- mosphere in the vicinity of the well and tanks. which varies in intensity with the weather. It has also been noted that atmospheric conditions influence the amount of suspended mat- ter (black iron sulphide) contained in the water, to such an extent that observers claim the ability to foretell a storm by the appearance of the water. The atmosphere in the vicinity of the well does not appear to be deleterious to healthy persons, as the gas exists in a much diluted condition, though sulphureted hydrogen, when inhaled in large quantities. produces fatal results. One such case occurred here during the cleaning of the tanks. Two workmen had entered, and, neglecting proper ventilation, one was brought out a corpse and his companion almost inanimate. The composition of the water, as ascertainod by Prof. Duffield, is given in the geological chapter of the general history.

Recent investigations have also shown the presence of iodine (in combination) and traces of ammonium and potassium salts. An examination of the blackish sediment ob- tained from the water showed it to consist of sulphurets of iron and copper, the latter in small quantity. A new analysis is promised shortly, which may discover traces of still other elements present. A confirmation of the presence of iodine is the fact that sensi- tive patients are able, after a bath, to recognize the peculiar metallic taste produced by iodides, showing that a definite number of the ingredients are absorbed. This water eor- rodes most of the metals and blackens silver, copper and iron, forming on them a sulphu reted surface. Silver coins and watches carried in the pockets of patients bathing in or drinking the water are discolored. The hair and nails are sensibly darkened after bathing or washing in the water, while the skin and hair of patients retains for a time a slight but perceptible smell of the water. A property of the water which deserves mention is that it renders wood uninflammable. White lead paint is discolored by the atmosphere of the well and bath rooms. At the latter place, where the atmosphere is saturated with steam. a disagreeable effect of the gases is experienced by the attendants, who are frequently afflieted with soreness of the eyes. This effect is probably due, not so much from the sulphureted hydrogen as to a product of its oxidation (sulphurous acid gas), which has irritating properties. In fact, the odor at the bath rooms differs perceptibly from that at the well, and a practiced nose can readily detect the presence of the latter gas.

The water has still other properties which render it valuable for special purposes. such as a disinfectant. It exercises a most beneficial influence upon various diseases, effecting a permanent eure in many instances where all other known remedies failed.

The bath-house is connected with the Avery House by a heated hallway, and is equipped with all needed arrangements for the comfort of patients.

At present. fifty-four tubs are in use, with the business increasing at such a rate that further enlargements are contemplated. Recently, a company has been formed for the manufacture of medicinal products from the water, under the style of " The Mount Clem- ens Sulpho-Mineral Salt Company Limited," which is already doing an extensive business. The members of the company are Henry F. Meier. Charles Avery. Lyman B. Avery and Lizzie A. Avery. Their mannfactures consist of Sulpho-mineral soap for the treatment of skin diseases; bath salts, for reproducing the water for bathing purposes: an effervescing water, termed Sprudel water, and a catarrh cure, for the treatment of which affection the water has long been held in esteem.

HOTELS.

Early in the winter of 1879-80, there came to this place from New York a retired legal gentleman by the name of Judge Avery. He came here to take baths for rheuma-

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tism. and was immensely benefited. Necessarily, he was deeply impressed with the great medicinal qualities of the water. He took a comprehensive view of the business, saw that an almost unlimited development was possible here, and came to the conclusion that a big hotel, beautiful grounds and a large bath-house would be paying things to invest in. Senator North, from Hancock, and C. B. Johnson, from New York. members of the spring company, came to attend the annual meeting a short time later, and the matter came up between the parties. Negotiations were begun looking to the objects above named. Judge Avery and his partners secured the whole block on East street, where the Mineral Springs Hotel now is, and the corresponding block on the river. This large lot of land was im- proved and devoted wholly to bath-house and hotel purposes.

The hotel structure is of magnificent proportions, and without doubt by far the larg- est of its kind in Michigan. It fronts on each side of the large block, three stories high, with a mansard roof, equivalent to a fourth story; length. 286 feet; width, 128 feet. There are 385 rooms, and accommodations for fully 500 guests. A spacious double veranda surrounds the building. It is substantially and carefully built, and every care is taken as to architectural beauty.

The hotel was built in sections, and the first of these, containing 100 rooms, was . ready for opening June 1, 1880. The south wing of the building was opened in Febru- ary. 1881.

The late proprietor of the Avery House was Morris Richter. Seymour Smith, favorably known in connection with the hotel circles of the State, was manager. The hotel is tele- phonically connected with Detroit. The Avery House passed into the control of Mr. P. B. Bradt April 1, 1882. For many years this gentleman was a well-known landlord in Syra- cuse, N. Y., having kept the Exchange, Globe and other hotels in that vicinity. Although a Syracusan, Mr. Bradt is well known at Detroit, where he lived for several years. He is a quiet, genial gentleman, a thorough hotel man, and the Avery House already begins to feel the effect of new management. Mr. Bradt has taken the precaution to surround him- self with able assistants, and the management of the office is entirely in the hands of Mr. Jerome Haight, late of the Vanderbilt, House, Syracuse. Mr Haight seems to have been born to his calling, and has the happy faculty of making guests understand that it is a pleasure to attend to their wants. He is, moreover, a thorough disciplinarian. a great requisite in the manager of a large hotel like the Avery. The steward under the new management is Mr. H. R. Johnson, late proprietor of the Crawford House, in Windsor. Mr. Johnson has been a practical hotel man nearly a quarter of a century.

Central Park Hotel .- This house was erected in 1879 by Louis Shoman, who leased it to the present proprietor, August Rosenburg. in 1881. It is located on the old William Canfield lot, contains twenty-eight well-furnished rooms, together with the accommoda- tion which two large residences adjacent, belonging to the hotel, can offer. The Central is near the mineral springs and steamboat landing. is said to be a most comfortable house, well conducted, and a favorite with all who have made a stay there. Mr. Rosen- burg, the proprietor, was born in Germany, came to Detroit in 1870. visited Texas in 1878. and located at Mount Clemens in 1881.

Clifton House. The Clifton House was erected in 1875 by John E. Brehler, who oc- enpied it as a residence until 1878. Additions were made in that year, when it was con- verted into a hotel by North & Elliott. John E. Brehler operated the house from the fall of 1879 to May, ISSO, when J. C. Elliott became lessee. In May, 1881, B. R. Jackson assumed control, and operated the hotel until the advent of the present proprie- tor. J. J. Strong, March 1. 1882. The house is centrally located, standing on ornamental ground, solid brick structure and one of the best managed hostelries in the State. The proprietor, Mr. Strong, is a native of Canton, Ill. ; was a resident of Chicago for seven

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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.

years and fully conversant with the management of a first-class hotel. Under him the Clifton was re-opened, March 7, 1882.

Sherman House. - This important hotel was erected in the summer of 1865 by Henry Connor, and opened to the public in August, 1866. The house is 100x54 feet, three-story brick structure, containing forty-three rooms, together with parlors, etc. : is specially ar- ranged for the purposes of a first-class hotel, is well conducted and unquestionably the only important commercial house between Detroit and Romeo. Mr. Connor, the proprie- tor, has been in the hotel business for the last thirty five years; is an old resident of Mount Clemens and one of her most enterprising citizens.

Shackleton House .- This hotel was built in the summer of 1991, one block east of bath-house. by Thomas Shackleton. It is the only "temperance hotel " in the city, and gives promise of being conducted on the temperance plan so long as its builder lives. The hotel is now operated by John W. Cleveland, proprietor.

RELIGIOUS HISTORY.

The Catholic Church. - Reference has been hitherto made to the first Catholic mis- sionaries who visited Michigan previous to 1776. The bull of Pope Clement, dated Jan- uary 21, 1776, suppressed the order of St. Ignatius of Loyola, and deprived Michigan of the services of its faithful, wise and intrepid members. Subsequently, the whole territory was placed in charge of one priest the Transigrant Pere Recollet, who acted as a priest of the Bishopric of Quebec, founded in 1660. The teachings of Christianity within the distriet now known as Macomb County may be said to be introduced by this remarkable and pious man in 1776, although many missionary priests visited the Hurons here pre- viously. Father Recollet was a regular visitant to the county up to 1793. Revs. Marin. Louis Lefranc and Pierre du Jaunay were known to the whites and Indians of the Upper Huron in 1764; but their stay in the district was of very short duration, as they left for Mackinaw in 1765.

In 1799, Rev. Gabriel Richard, referred to in one of the first chapters of the county history. came to the Territory, and among the first missions which he established was one within the present limits of Macomb, at L'Anse Creuse. A small wood chapel was erected there. five miles from Monnt Clemens. There that venerable pioneer was accustomed to meet his congregation. On one occasion, struck with the negligence and spiritual cold. ness of his people. he warned them to reform, or otherwise the very church in which they worshiped would be swept away by the waters, and the very land on which it stood hid- den from their sight. This prophecy of Michigan's old Congressional Delegate as lit- erally fulfilled. After Pere Richard came the Rev. Vincent Baden, and, succeeding him, came Father Boheim. Some time about the period of the organization of the county, a chapel was built on the Clinton, three miles east of Mount Clemens, which was attended regularly by Rev. Dejean. Subsequently, Christian Clemens granted a lot to every re- ligions denomination for the purpose of erecting a church thereon. and thither the little church of the Clinton was moved. At this time, there were about fifty Catholic families in the neighborhood. Rev. Father Kenny, the first resident priest of this city. came in 1843. The Abbe Maret came in 1845. During his administration, the front part of the church was built, and the old chapel converted into a pastoral residence. Revs. Lawrence Kilroy and Father Kendekins attended the mission until 1846, when Rev. H. Van Renther- ghem was appointed resident priest. He was a Belgian, ordained March 15, 1845. by Bishop Lefevre He officiated one year at Mackinaw, after which he came to Mount Clemens and was pastor of the churches of L'Anse Creuse, Utica, Erin, New Baltimore and Mount Clemens for some years. Under him an addition to the church building was com- pleted and a small schoolhouse built. This priest died in November. 1869. During the

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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.

closing years of Father Van Rentherghem's life, he was assisted by Rev. C. Maes, a student of the American College at Louvain. The latter was appointed pastor in 1869. and under him St. Mary's schoolhouse was built, which is now in charge of three sisters of the Monroe Convent. Rev. C. Ryckaert. ordained at Ghent. Belgium, in 1847, was ap- pointed pastor in 1871, vice Rev. Maes, removed to Monroe. Mich. Father Ryckaert erected a parochial residence in 1875. Early in 1582. he entered upon the work of pre- paring to build a new church at an estimated cost of $20,000. Among the principal con- tributors to the building fund are Bruno Van Landegham, Oliver Chapaton, Antoine De Hate, John Roskopp, Andrew Greiner. Mrs. C. Letourneau, Michael Benbennock, Louis Charbonneau, John Irwin. Patrick Quinn and Andrew Quinn. Rev. Father Ryckaert gives 84,000 on condition that the people subscribe the remaining $16,000. The plans for the building are not yet perfected, but. from what can be learned of them, the building will be Gothic with central tower and spire, flanking turrets, chapel and vestries. The architect in charge is Mr. Wood, of Detroit. It will be the finest edifice of its size and cost in the State. and will be the first architectural ornament of Mount Clemens. The plans, prepared by Scott & Co., Detroit, show a beautiful structure of brick and stone, highly ornamented, and built in a most substantial fashion. The extreme measure- ments of the building are 60x158, affording a seating capacity for between 800 and 900 people. The auditorium is fifty-six feet wide and ninety-six feet long from vestibule to sanctuary, sacristies, etc. The gallery is above the vestibule, which has dimensions of 8x56. Back of the main building is a chapel 16x44. A beautiful tower rises from the front center of the church to the lofty height of 184 feet. It is built of brick and stone half its height, the remainder wood. The building will be heated by furnaces in the basement. It will be lighted with stained glass windows and the interior will be marked by rich and elaborate adornment.

Methodist Episcopal Church. -- This church may be said to have been organized at Mount Clemens in 1820, when Rev. John P. Kent preached to the Methodists in a house at Frederick, two miles west of the present Methodist Episcopal Church building. Platt B. Morey came in 1822. but, dying within nine days after his arrival, his place was sup- plited by Samuel Barker and Alfred Brunson. Since that time, the following-named gentle- men have served the Methodist Episcopal Church at Mount Clemens: Elias Pettit, and B. O. Plymton, in 1823; Pettit and J. C. Hunter, in 1824; John A. Bangh- man and Solomon Manier, 1825; John Jones, 1826; Jones and William Reynokls, 1827; W. T. Snow, 1828; Arzo Brown, 1829; Brown and William Sprague, 1830. From 1830 to 1835, the pulpit was supplied by a number of visiting preachers. In 1836, William Herr was Presiding Elder, and Hiram Gearing, preacher: A. B. Elliott, in 1837; Richard Lawrence in 1838; Jonathan Hudson and D. MeGregor. 1839; Josiah Drakeman, IS40; J. Blanchard and George F. Hemingbay, 1841: Elijah Pilcher, William C. Comfort and H. Hall. 1842; John Gray and Joseph Jennings, IS43; F. B. Bangs and F. W. Warren, 1844; S. D. Price and H. N. Brown, 1845; Hudson and E. W. Borden, 1846; John Rus- sell. 1847-48: Seth Reed, 1849; W. Worthington, 1850; D. C. Jacokes, IS5I-52: H. Morgan, 1853; E. House and J. C. Wortley. 1854; Wortley and R. Ward, 1855; J. A. Baughman, 1856: Adam Minnis, 1857-58; D. B. Tracey, IS59; A. Allen. 18 10: Wm. Taylor, 1861 : Win. Havener, 1862-64; F. M. May, 1865-67; Isaac Crawford, 1868: B. S. Taylor, 1869 72: J. T. Hankinson, 1872-73; Charles Simpson, 1873-76; Calvin Gibbs, 1876-77; B. S. Taylor, 1877-79; I. F. Berry. 1879-80; J. M. Gordon, ISS] 82. The number of com- inunicants belonging to this church is 129. The true organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church society was perfected October 27, 1836, with J. F. Seaman, J. Tuex- bury, J. E. Hall. D. T. Bishop and H. Pratt, first officers. A church building was erected in I841, which is to give way to the new house of worship now being built. The Sabbath

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History of Macomb County, Michigan, Part 61

Author: Leeson, Michael A., [from old catalog] comp Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago, M. A. Leeson & co. Number of Pages: 952

Author: Leeson, Michael A., [from old catalog] comp
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, M. A. Leeson & co.
Number of Pages: 952