History of Mason County, Michigan, Part 9

Author: H. R. Page & Co.
Publication date: 1882
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 373

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drants will be in working order as soon as the Fourth Ward branch is completed. The entire system, according to contract, was to be com- pleted by August 1, but good management on the part of Mr. Walker, Supt. Gaylord and others, has given the city a large portion of the works July 1, just one month earlier. The pumping engines have a capacity of 2,000,000 gallons of water per day, and are first-class in every respect. The works were quite thoroughly tested Tuesday, the Fourth, and gave general satisfaction. Displays were given in the morning and again in the evening, with only one pump connected, four streams of water being thrown from various hydrants at one time. Two of the streams were from 1} inch nozzles, one from an inch nozzle and one from a 3-inch nozzle. At the time of this ex- hibition with four streams there was a pressure on the pipes of 130 pounds, and on the boilers of 65 pounds. Through the 1}-inch nozzles water was thrown in a solid horizontal stream, 170 feet; a spray over all, 226 feet. A perpendicular stream was thrown (solid) 90 feet in the air; with spray, 110 feet. This first test gave the best of satisfactory results, and the works are surely a success.

Residences and business houses will be connected with the street mains at once, and in a short time a large amount of water will be used for other than fire purposes. A very large well is to be sunk near the lake, and a suction laid from it to the pumps, so that pure water-for all purposes-may be furnished. We here give a partial list of the rates:

DWELLING HOUSES.

For families consisting of three persons in not more than five rooms. $6.00 For each additional person. 75

For each additional room. 75

In making assessments for families, all persons appertaining to and living with them are to be counted, all rooms in each dwell- ing, with the exception of cellars, clothes-presses, halls or pantries, are to be counted. All tenement houses containing more than one family using water from the same hydrant, shall be charged as fol- lows: The second family one dollar less than the foregoing rates; the third family one and a half dollar less than the foregoing rates; the fourth family two dollars less than the foregoing rates; and the same for each family over four. In making assessments in such cases, the family occupying the first front floor shall be designated as the first family; the family next, the second, and so forth, and one assessment only shall be made on such house, and the rate for the whole year be paid together.

THE TAX PAYERS' IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION of the city of Lud- ington, is the outgrowth of a spirit of enterprise that prevails among the people of this growing city to a very commendable degree.

Realizing the power and value of organized effort toward the promotion of all interests affecting the city, this association was formed. Its object is to consider all subjects affecting the rights and interests of the city, and especially to induce manufacturing institu- tions to locate her", and thus aid the growth and prosperity of the city. The association was organized in March, 1882, and has already a large membership. The officers are: M. G. Smith, presi- dent; E. G. Allen, first vice president; B. J. Goodsell, second vice president; E. W. Marsh, secretary; George W. Clayton, treasurer.

CHURCHES AND SABBATH-SCHOOLS.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The Methodist society was the first church organization within the limits of Mason County. excepting an Indian church. The first church built is the one still used by the Methodist Episcopal society. Much of its earliest history is contained in the following record,

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HISTORY OF MASON COUNTY.

made by Rev. L. M. Garlock, the first pastor in charge of the work. His record is as follows:

"Pere Marquette circuit was organized in the Fall of 1865, and Rev. L. M. Garlock was appointed its first pastor. Part of the ter- ritory was formerly embraced in the Pentwater charge, which was set off to this new work, and the society received by transfer, nine members, with which it started on its mission. Having no parson- age to live in, and not being able to hire, the attention of the pastor was first drawn to the necessity of building a parsonage. A sub- scription was started October 15, 1865, and a house sixteen by twenty-four feet was begun. This was completed all but lathing and plastering, so that I moved into it December 25, 1865. Dur- ing its construction, I worked with the carpenters during the week, and on Sunday I would ride on an Indian pony from twenty to thirty miles, preach three times and come back home again, and to work on Monday morning. After moving into the house, I dug a small cellar and banked the house, working at this through the day and lathing in the evening.

"The work was first organized with six appointments, viz. : Riverton, Clay Banks and Pere Marquette one Sunday, and Pere Marquette settlements, Bird settlement and Lincoln the next; each place having preaching every other Sunday.

"Some time in January, having heard of a settlement on the Big Sauble River, which had no preaching, I visited the place and arranged for meetings once in four weeks, though it was twenty-two miles from Pere Marquette. During the year a class of eight was formed at the Big Sauble settlement, and William Free- man was appointed its first leader and steward. Classes were also formed at Clay Banks, Riverton, Pere Marquette and Bird settle- ments. Although a year of hard labor and close fare, yet God has graciously favored us with an increase in Zion, for which we would return unto him our grateful thanks, praying that the little one may become a thousand, and the small one a strong nation.

"L. M. GARLOCK, Pastor."

Rev. Mr. Garlock was followed by Rev. G. A. Phillips, in the Fall of 1867, and the Pere Marquette circuit was divided so that Bird settlement (now Victory Corners) and Big Sauble settlement (now Free Soil) formed one circuit, and Clay Banks, Riverton, Flory's and Ludington another. The latter circuit had a membership of twenty-three.

At the annual conference for the year 1869, Rev. H. H. Hall, afterward missionary to Japan, was appointed pastor of the Pere Marquette circuit, and Riverton and Clay Banks were made into a separate circuit. Pere Marquette circuit was made to consist of Ludington, Lincoln (then the county seat) Flory's settlement and Pere Marquette settlement (now Rice schoolhouse).

Rev. H. H. Hall was succeeded by Rev. A. H. Gillett, and he by Rev. Wm. Heysett, who came in the Fall of 1870. When he came, the Pere Marquette (now Ludington) society, consisted of only seven members. Mr. Heysett established the first Sunday- school, increased the membership in Ludington to fifteen, and raised $2,000 toward building the first church. This was done during his one year's pastorate.

Rev. Mr. Heysett was succeeded in the Fall of 1871 by Rev. G. L. Mount, who erected the present church edifice and added $200 to the amount previously raised. The membership increased to thirty-two during the year. The church edifice was completed the following year, at a cost of $4,756.

Rev. G. L. Mount was followed by Rev. Burton S. Mills, in the Fall of 1872, who, during his pastorate of two years, increased the membership to seventy-one, and appears to have been a very energetic and successful preacher.

Rev. Mr. Mills was succeeded by Rev. M. V. Rork, in the Fall

of 1874. He remained one year and was followed by Rev. W. H. Sparling, who resigned before the close of the year, and was suc- ceeded in the Fall of 1876 by Rev. John J. Christ.

Up to 1876 the society had never been incorporated, and there was virtually no organization. During this year the society was incorporated. The first trustees were: Dr. A. P. McConnell, M. A. Kniffin, T. H. Wright, J. H. Conrad, C. T. Sawyer, Thomas Ash.

Rev. Mr. Christ was succeeded by Rev. A. E. Ketchum, who remained one year, and was followed by Rev. J. M. Aiken, who remained two years. He was succeeded by Rev. Warren Mooney, who remained two years and was succeeded by Rev. O. B. Whit- more, the present pastor. The present membership of the church numbers eighty-six.

The parsonage has been twice burned, the last time in the great fire of 1881, and has not yet been rebuilt.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF CHRIST.

The Congregational Church of Christ, of Ludington, was or- ganized July 9, 1870.

The churches present at the council by delegates were the Congregational Churches of Pentwater and Frankfort. The public exercises connected with the organization of the church were held in the hall of the Pere Marquette Lumber Company. The first sacra- ment was administered to the church July 10, 1870, by Rev. E. Andrus, of Pentwater. At its organization the church was com -. posed of nine members, viz: S. F. White, Luther H. Foster, Joshua A. Allen, Magnus Wetterling, Levi Shackelton, Mrs. Lucy Foster, Mrs. Laura H. Foster, Mrs. Hattie R. White, Mrs. Maria F. Hutchins. The first pastor of the church was Rev. S. P. Barker, who served from September, 1871, to 1872. He was succeeded in October by Rev. J. A. Van Antwerp, who remained until October, 1873, who was succeeded by Rev. H. B. Dean, who remained until November, 1875.

During the year 1874, a number withdrew from the church for the purpose of joining the Presbyterian society, which was organized that year. In November, 1875, Rev. Richard Lewis, of Hubbards- ton, Mich., was invited to the pastorate of the church. He accepted the call and began his labors December 1, 1875.

Previous to the Fall of 1876, church services were held in the hall over the Pere Marquette Lumber Company's store, but at that time a vigorous and successful effort was made to erect a church edifice, which was completed and dedicated January 1, 1877. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. Leroy Warren. At the dedicatory service the sum of $400 was raised, which, with the grant of $500 from the Congregational Union, left the church free from debt. The total cost of the church edifice, including furnish- ing, was $3,000; all raised in the city of Ludington, excepting the grant of $500. The site upon which the building was erected, consisting of two building lots, on the corner of Court and Harrison Streets, was the gift of the Pere Marquette Lumber Company, by their president, the late Delos L. Filer, Esq.

The church was self-sustaining from its organization until the erection of the church edifice, when it obtained temporary aid from the American Home Missionary Society. This aid was continued for two years and five months, when the church became again self- sustaining.

On the 1st of March, 1879, Rev. R. Lewis resigned the pastor- ate of the church, the resignation taking effect May 1, 1879. He was succeeded by Rev. Theodore B. Williams, a graduate of Yale College, who was ordained July 24, 1879. Rev. E. W. Miller, of Big Rapids, preached the sermon. The charge to the pastor was given by Rev. W. B. Williams, of Charlotte, and the right hand of fellow-

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HISTORY OF MASON COUNTY.

ship by Rev. E. G. Chaddock, of Manistee. The charge to the church was given by Rev. W. E. Caldwell, of Pentwater. Rev. Mr. Williams continued his labors with the church until May, 1881, Rev. Russell M. Keyes, of Conneaut, Ohio, was invited to visit the church, with a view to settlement as pastor. In response to that invitation, Mr. Keyes arrived in the city June 11, 1881, expecting to preach the following Sunday. But before Saturday closed, a large portion of the city was in ashes, including the Congregational church edifice. The use of the Presbyterian chapel was tendered the homeless congregation, and the courtesy thankfully accepted. In due time a call was extended to Mr. Keyes, which he accepted, and October 1, 1881, he began his labors here.

ered, and it was decided to begin the erection of a new edifice at once. The new building, a very tasty brick structure, was com- pleted and dedicated March 5, 1882. The cost of the new edifice, $5,850; furniture saved from the former church, $400; making a total cost and value of the present building, $6,750. Of this amount only $675 remained unpaid at its dedication.

Only twelve years have passed since the organization of the church, and yet many changes have occurred. Fire has once swept away its house, and death has visited its ranks. Some have gone and others come. Of those who were members prior to 1874, only six remain, viz .: S. F. White, Geo. N. Stray, John Woodruff, Mrs. Hattie L. Stray, Mrs. Hattie R. White and Mrs. Helen F. Woodruff. The society is at present in a flourishing condition, comfortable in its new and tasty home, and fortunate in being under the guidance of a pastor beloved by the people. The present membership of the church numbers eighty-one.

REV. RUSSELL M. KEYES, the present pastor of the church, was born at Conneaut, Ohio, December 22, 1837. While a boy, he attended district school and the academy, and later attended the academy at Austinburg, Ohio. He entered college at Beloit, Wis., September, 1857, and graduated in 1861. After a year of intermission, he went to the Union Theologi- cal Seminary, at New York, and graduated in 1865. Soon after graduation he received a call from the Congregational Church of his native place, which he accepted, and was ordained and preached there for thirteen years. He then accepted a call to the Congrega- tional Church at Chardon, Ohio, where he remained three years, when he came to Ludington as pastor of the Congregational Church in this city. Mr. Keyes is a man truly fitted for a successful preacher and pastor. As a preacher he is scholarly and interesting, while his superior social qualities endear him to all with whom he comes in contact. His wife is admirably adapted to the duties of her station, and they occupy a large place in the esteem and affections of the people, not only in their own church, but of the community at large.

CATHOLIC SOCIETY OF LUDINGTON.

Many of the first settlers of Ludington and Mason County were Catholics, mostly of French descent. Between the years 1860 and 1870, when the manufacturing of lumber began, Catholics of all nationalities, yet mostly American born, flocked into the place to make homes for themselves and help along its industries. Dur- ing these years missionary priests visited Ludington to administer to the spiritual wants of their people. These visits were necessarily few, owing to the scarcity of clergymen. Among the first clergy to visit the place were Fathers Rivers and Takken, of Muskegon.

Finally, Rev. H. H. Meuffles, being stationed in Manistee, took in charge the Catholic interests of Ludington, and pushed the work of building a church. The lot on which the church stands was donated by the Pere Marquette Lumber Company, in 1872.

The Catholic society immediately began the erection of a church. The work progressed slowly, as the society was not as strong financially as at the present time. From 1872 to 1876, the society was attended once each month by the priest from Manistee. In October, 1876, the first resident priest, Rev. Charles L. DeCeninek, arrived in Ludington from Cheboygan, Mich. He was a native of Belgium, came to this country when young, and remained in Lud- ington from October, 1876, to December, 1879. During his admin- istration much improvement was made in the church and property. He placed the church on a solid stone foundation, put in pews, completed the steeple, purchased a bell and put up an addition in the rear of the church. He was succeeded in December, 1879, by

Immediately after the fire, the question of rebuilding was consid- . Rev. Morgan J. P. Dempsey, a native of Madison, Wis. He received part of his education at the State University, Madison, Wis. His philosophical and theological courses were made at St. Francis' Seminary, Milwaukee, Wis. Was ordained by Bishop Borgess, in Detroit, Mich., on the 29th of June, 1878. His first charge was to fill a vacancy for six months in St. Patrick's, Athlone, Monroe Co., Mich., after which he became assistant pastor for one year in Ionia, Mich .; thence transferred to Ludington. During his administration of two years, he has collected and expended about six thousand dollars in fixing and embellishing the church, pur- chasing a lot and building a pastoral residence.

Within the last two years the society has grown rapidly, both in numbers and prominence. Not less than three hundred families constitute its membership, and many of her adherents are among the wealthiest and most prominent citizens of Ludington. Father Dempsey is the youngest priest in the state, but possessed of supe- rior culture and a thorough knowledge of men and affairs, he has endeared himself to his people, and is very popular with all classes, and if life and health are spared to him, is destined to become dis- tinguished in his sacred calling.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND SOCIETY OF LUDINGTON. BY REV. S. N. HILL.

This church originated in the prayerful and intelligent convic- tions of a few prominent Christians, who believed that a Presbyte- rian organization was honestly needed for the Christian culture of this new field. The city was growing rapidly; there seemed to be room for the several denominations to do work in their peculiar methods. Efforts seemed to be divinely favored. Rev. S. N. Hill, of Vassar, being just at liberty, was invited to visit this field. After a careful and prayerful canvass of these opportunities, it was de- cided to proceed with the project. Upon Sabbath, the 20th of December, 1874, in Andrews Hall, with a most impressive service, this church was organized by Rev. S. N. Hill, with twenty members, and a session upon the "limited term system." M. D. Seeley, William Campbell and H. M. Newcombe were the first elders. Upon the following Sabbath, the Sabbath-school was organized, with thirty scholars. Mr. H. M. Newcombe was superintendent, and F. W. Andrews was secretary. The school soon enrolled one hundred members. The "Westminster Lesson Leaves" were used. Soon a donation of 170 volumes of second-hand library books were received as a donation from a friend in New Jersey. They soon had a good library. Upon the 11th of January, 1875, the corporate society was formed, and the articles of incorporation were recorded. Andrew's Hall was rented for all church and society purposes. The weekly prayer-meeting immediately became deeply interesting. A ladies' social was organized, and met at the several residences of persons offering their rooms. Thus, within a few weeks, the whole organic forces of this new church were enlisted and operating. At the annual meeting of the Presbytery of Grand Rapids, held at Spring Lake, April 19, 1875, this church was, upon a regular appli-

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RES. OF E. A. FOSTER, LUDINGTON, MASON CO. MICH.

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HISTORY OF MASON COUNTY.

cation, duly received into that body, with a memership of twenty- nine.

Among the early and active members of the church and society. were Messrs. L. H. Foster, J. Allen, E. Allen, M. D. Seeley, William Campbell, H. M. Newcombe, I. H. McCollum, Byron Ham- mond, Carl Hammond, C. H. Fralick, T. Slater, C. G. Wing as church members; also as members of the society: Messrs. E. A. Foster, Duncan Dewar, H. B. Ely, H. A. Sutherland, together with their families and other ladies as earnest workers. Mr. L. H. Foster enlisted a church-choir of cultured singers, which has con- tinued to perform a noble part in the church services.

Ludington, as a city, had a rapid growth of about six years, and a population of 3,000. The leading business has been lumber- ing, conducted by young and enterprising parties. About one half of the population are of foreign nationality, with their own churches and habits. The P. M. Lumber Company has very liberally donated a lot to any church organization applying for it, and proceeding to build a house of worship. At the present time ten church organ- izations have their church buildings and services, and are free from debt. Some are small, but prosperous; five of these are of foreign origin and habits, and five are American.

Upon the morning of June 29, 1876, the whole place was shocked and afflicted by the assassination of Mr. L. H. Foster, by a burglar. Mr. Foster was a leading man in business and Christian enterprises, and an active force in this new church. In the Autumn of 1876, this society received a church lot from the P. M. Lumber Company, and in September erected a chapel, fifty by thirty, at a cost of $2,000, when furnished. The Congregation il Society erected their first church building at the same time. After these churches were dedicated, a very successful and profitable revival meeting was held of undenominational character, conducted by Rev. J. D. Pot- ter, who remained eight days. About the middle of February, 1877, each of the churches received several additions of new converts, and all the Christian services were revived. The Baptist Church, just organized, held a series of meetings in March of the same Spring, conducted by Rev. Mr. Beal, the Baptist State Missionary. Their growth began at that time. In February 1878, Mr. L. P. Rowland, the state secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association, held a series of meetings here in the new Temperance Hall, which for two weeks was fully attended. Much interest was awakened among the young and children. The members of the Young Men's Christian Association became very active, and for two years did a good Christian work. Quite a number of young persons joined the several churches.

This church is now in the eighth year of its history. The whole enrollment has been 172; its present resident membership is 180. Some of these reside outside of the city: The Sabbath congrega- tions are intelligent, active, and of respectable size. The Sabbath- school has uniformly enrolled 150, with an average yearly attendance of 100. The weekly prayer-meetings have been well attended, and uniformly of a deeply devotional character. The Ladies' Home Mission Society is under the supervision of the Presbytery, and has been active in benevolent work. Their contributions to families of home missionaries are about $100 yearly. The young ladies have a foreign mission band, that cultures them in the interests of the mission cause. The temperance cause has received its due atten- tion and support from nearly all of this church and congregation. They have co-operated with such agencies as seem to be timely and effective. Several of the ladies are active members of the W. C. T. U. The regular social gatherings have contributed to several valuable and pleasant interests of the congegation. The Sabbath-school officers and teachers have been uniformly punctual and earnest in their duties, which has secured the success of the

school. The Sabbath services during this whole period have been especially favored with cultured music and singing, by the voluntary efforts of Mr. E. Allen and wife; Miss Fannie Allen and Miss Carrie Sutherland, associated with others from time to time. These efforts and services have contributed much to the interest of religious and sanctuary services, and have been happily appreciated by the con- gregation. The church has been bereaved of six of its members by death. Mr. L. H. Foster and his sister, Mrs. Maria Hutchins, were of the organizing members. For the first three years the society received financial aid from the Ferry Mission Fund; since then it has been self-supporting and without debt. The present members of the session are Messrs. J. Allen, T. Slater, P. Ewing and L. Shackelton.

In a city of over 5,000 population, and a rapidly improving country, this church, and the same pastor, find a field for the con- stant exercise of their faith, prayers, benevolence, and Christian efforts, which will not fail of rich reward.

AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. SAMUEL N. HILL.

"I am happy to record my Puritanical descent. My parents were natives of Massachusetts, and from agricultural pursuits. I was born in 1815, at Lawsville, Penn., where my father, Rev. Oliver Hill, was laboring as a missionary, under the appointment of the American Board of Domestic Missions. That field, seventy years ago, was in a pioneer condition. Settlements were far apart; travel- ing was mostly on horseback; business was in home productions; spinning, weaving, tailoring and shoemaking were done at home, the workmen going from house to house. Buildings and furniture were simple and cheap; clothing was very economical, and schools were limited in opportunities. The schoolhouse was furnished with a stone fire-place, pine table, and slab seats, with a long desk against the wall. But few scholars advanced beyond the common branches of study. But the earnest missionary, upon a salary of $400, did a good work, and gathered valuable harvests into the church. My father was at the front in his new mission work. He labored in the north part of Pennsylvania for about ten years. From 1825 to 1835, my father did home mission work in Broome County, state of New York, Binghampton being then but a small village. At Nanticoke, Broome County, my three brothers and myself, in the Summer of 1832, were converted, and joined the Presbyterian Church, under the pastor Rev. Nahum Gould. I commenced im- mediately, at the age of seventeen, to participate in Christian efforts for the conversion of sinners, and the culture of my own Christian experience. Several young people formed a working band for gathering the young into meetings, and into the kingdom of Jesus Christ. These early activities trained several youth for active service in the church, and two of us started for the ministry, and one died while in college.

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History of Mason County, Michigan, Part 9

Author: H. R. Page & Co. Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Number of Pages: 373

Author: H. R. Page & Co.
Publication date: 1882
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 373