USA > Michigan > Montcalm County > History of Montcalm County, Michigan its people, industries and institutions...with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families Volume I > Part 41
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47
Another large industry at Greenville is the Moore Plow and Implement Company, which has just purchased the entire plow repair business of the Toledo Plow Company, of Toledo, Ohio. The latter company has been in business for more than forty years and has been the sole manufacturer of Burch plows. The Moore Plow and Implement Company intends to take up immediately the manufacture of the celebrated Burch plow and when the Toledo stock is exhausted, a Burch plow of the Moore quality will be fur- nished to the trade. The entire stock of the Toledo plant will be brought to Greenville. The Moore Company manufactures Moore's patent self- sharpening plow point and sells it over a guarantee to wear as long as two common points. The company is perhaps the largest manufacturer in the country of repairs for standard plows.
The plant now known as the R. J. Tower Iron Works was first owned by the Tower family in the year 1875, having been purchased in December of that year by Samuel Tower, an old foundryman -- the father of the pres- ent owner. The plant was operated by Samuel Tower two or three years when the late I. I .. Tower, eldest son of Samuel, became interested in the business, the firm then being known as Samuel Tower & Son. This firm continued the business until February 1, 1880, when R. J. Tower, the pres- ent owner, became of age. Thereafter, until October 1, 1882, the two brothers operated the plant under the firm name of Tower Brothers. On October 1, 1882, R. J. Tower, then twenty-three years of age, took over the business which has since been known as the R. J. Tower Iron Works, indi- vidually owned by R. J. Tower. Until 1889, repairing of the then numer- ous saw and shingle mills was the principal business of the plant. In the year last mentioned, E. J. Gordon invented and patented what is now known the world over as the "Gordon Hollow Blast Grate," an apparatus used
445
MONTCALM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
under steam boilers to force the fire and create steam in greater quantity and thus enable the mill or factory to accomplish much more work with- out enlarging its plant. The manufacture of these "Blast Grate Outfits"- as they are called-constituted almost the entire business of the R. J. Tower Iron Works, until 1896 when these shops began the manufacture of the "Tower" line of edgers and trimmers. These machines go to make up a part of the outfit of a large proportion of the saw-mills of the United States, Old Mexico, and many other foreign countries, and are sold exclusively through the agency of the Gordon Hollow Blast Grate Company of Green- ville, Michigan. The R. J. Tower Iron Works began in June, 1915, to build auto trucks, having at this time, December 1, 1915, just finished its first "Tower" truck. While this firm does not expect to do a business so immense as to crush all opposition, it is the intention that the "Tower" truck shall not disgrace its name.
The R. J. Tower Milling Company is an outgrowth of the purchase by R. J. Tower of the Middleton Mills and water power. During the winter of 1907-1908, while the big Middleton mill was being torn down, the smaller mill on the east side of Lafayette street was being built over into a modern flour mill of smaller capacity than that of the big mill. There being no longer wheat enongh to mill profitably in such large quantities as the larger mill required. In the fall of 1908. the smaller mill was completed, and has since been building up a business that is adding its share to the prosperity of Montcalm connty. This plant is individually owned by R. J. Tower, and managed by Ferrie H. Hall, who is always on deck and wide awake to the interest of his patrons and watchful of quick service and quality of output. The mill has a storage elevator of 10,000 bushels capacity and is able to take care of all grain tributary to Greenville. The principal output is the now well-known and unexcelled "Favorite" flour which is sold over Mont- calm, Kent and Ionia counties and in Chicago. The R. J. Tower Milling Company not only sells flour, feed and other milled products in Montcalm county and Greenville, but manufactures these things at home, thus helping to build up the home community.
The R. J. Tower Electric Company is the outgrowth of the purchase by R. J. Tower, in September, 1907, of the E. Middleton & Sons Water Power and Flouring Mills. During the winter of 1907-1908, the big six- story flour mill so long operated by E. Middleton & Sons, was torn down, the foundation being used for the present power house. In February, 1908, a contract was made with the city of Greenville for the lighting of the city, and a franchise was secured and the R. J. Tower Electric Company was
446
MONTCALM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
ready to do business by the fall of 1908. During the spring and summer of 1914, the power house was enlarged, additional water wheels installed, new penstock and flume built, and an entire new dam constructed. Dam, penstock and flume are of the best concrete and steel construction and as solid as the pyramids. Until November 17, 1914, R. J. Tower had been sole owner of this plant. On that date an interest was sold to his nephew, Samuel L. Tower, who had been manager of the business since the beginning, and to whom much of the credit for the development of this business is due. For continuous and reliable service this plant has an enviable record. In connection with the water power there is a steam plant to tide the current demand over the "peak" as it is called, or point of greatest current con- sumption. It is a foregone conclusion that the R. J. Tower Electric Com- pany will keep up to date, incorporating in its business and plant the wonderful inventions and improvements as fast as they are proven worth while.
The Greenville Floral Company was incorporated on July 17, 1903, with a capital of $4,500, by John 11. Serviss, William W. Mulick, Edward G. Mulick and Rufus F. Sprague. The Mulicks were residents of Grand Rapids. This company is still in existence.
The Z. C. Bohrer Company, of Greenville, organized for the purpose of carrying on a general mercantile business was incorporated on June 20, 1912, with a capital of $15,000, by Zene C. Bohrer, Edith E. Bohrer and Hugh B. Strecks. It now enjoys a good business.
The Greenville Lumber Company was incorporated on February 3, 1912, with a capital of $10.000, by Carroll F. Sweet. John W. Ferdon and Carl A. Strand. On February 28, 1913, this company increased its capital stock to $15,000. This company enjoys a large patronage.
The Greenville Fixture Company, incorporated on February 14. 1914, with a capital of $6,000, for the manufacture of store fixtures, was organ- ized by Fred E. Ranney, Charles H. Wells, Duncan K. Black and George E. Bower. It is a part of the operations of the Ranney Refrigerator Com- pany.
Jacobson Brothers, wholesale and retail dealers in clothing and mer- chandise, of Greenville, was incorporated on August 3, 1909, with a capital of $100,000. The original stockholders were Henry S., Joseph and Celia Jacobson, trustees. This is one of the largest department stores in this part of Michigan.
The Gordon Hollow Blast Company was incorporated on March 14, 1890, for the purpose of manufacturing and selling hollow blast grates.
447
MONTCALM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
for which the organizers held patents. The capital stock of the company was $24,000, and the principal place of business at Greenville. The sole organizers and stockholders were Elonzo J. Gordon, Charles L. Hecox and Rufus S. Sprague. The charter of this company was amended June 26. 1895, to permit the manufacture of mill appliances, agricultural machinery. etc. It is now the selling agency for the R. J. Tower Iron Works.
The Greenville Implement Company manufactures a superior line of agricultural implements and is one of the old and established enterprises of the city. The business has been established nearly thirty-five years and the annual output has grown rapidly in recent years. The company owns the patents of the Three Rivers Plow Company, and these patents cover a line of agricultural implements that have few equals and no superiors in this part of the country.
The present Greenville Board of Trade was incorporated on February 18, 1007, and had for its purpose the advancement of the commercial inter- ests of the city of Greenville. Its directors for the first year were Fred E. Ranney, Delmar H. Moore, Earl B. Slawson, W. J. Kingsbury, Henry Jacobson, Paul Van Deinse, H. M. Grosvenor, T. E. Johnson, George C. Bower, Percy D. Edsall, Ray S. Cowin, Paul Smith, J. B. Smith, Harry H. Fowler and W. H. Browne.
The Bradley Cigar Company, of Greenville, was incorporated on May 1. 1894. with a capital of $5.000, for the purpose of manufacturing and selling cigars, cigarettes, cheroots and tobacco, and was organized by Will- iam H. Bradley, Lincoln W. Hyde and Absalom Magee. It went out of business many years ago. Mr. Bradley now operates a wholesale grocery at Greenville.
The Continental Starch Company, incorporated on December 28, 1900, for the manufacture of starch at Greenville and with a capital of $15,000, was organized by Charles W. Gale, Henry Hamper. Charles M. Hamper, Willoughby Matlock, J. C. Van Camp and Robert Gemmell. Now extinct.
The Greenville Cheese Company, organized by a large number of Green- ville citizens with a capital of $1.500. was incorporated on April 17. 1906. It failed in business after a few years.
The Greenville Manufacturers Company. Ltd., organized by Charles O. Skinner, Frank S. Gibson, William D. Johnson, Charles II. Gibson and William H. Browne for the purpose of manufacturing furniture products, and with a capital of $10.000, was incorporated April 17, 1906. It failed in business shortly afterward.
The Canada Mills Company, of Greenville, organized for the purpose
448
MONTCALM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
of manufacturing clothing, was incorporated on August 10, 1914, with a capital of $600,000, by Francis O. Linquist, George C. Linquist and Naboth E. Linquist. This company has became a very large mail-order house, but is now about to move the business to Grand Rapids. A previous incorpora- tion of the company, dated January 18, 1912, gives the original capital as $50,000. Francis O. Linquist represented the eleventh Congressional dis- trict in Congress for one term, having been elected in 1912.
The Greenville Machinery and Manufacturing Company, organized with a capital of $10,000, was incorporated on October 24, 1907, by Sam- uel I .. Tower, Paul Van Deinse and Byron C. Tower.
The Greenville Wholesale Baking Company was incorporated on May 2, 1913, with a capital of $1,000, by Maggie F. Carlin, James Asher and David C. Carlin, but the company later failed.
The Skinner & Steenman Company, of Greenville, organized for the purpose of manufacturing sideboards, buffets, etc., was incorporated on January 23, 1904, with a capital of $75,000, by Charles H. Gibson, Ray J. Tower, Ray S. Cowin, W. Clair Johnson, William H. Browne, Rufus F. Sprague, F. E. Ranney, D. K. Black, Frank S. Gibson, W. B. Johnson, Cass T. Wright, T. I. Phelps, David Jacobson, John J. Foster, S. L. Tower, F. Rutan, Paul Van Deinse, Ernest A. Kemp, Julius A. Henkel, Henry Steenman, Charles O. Skinner and Charles T. Ranney. The Skinner & Steenman Company failed in business.
The Stanwood Manufacturing Company was incorporated on July 8, 1892, for the purpose of manufacturing mantles, furniture, etc. Its capital was $25,000 and its place of business. Greenville. The organizers were LeRoy C. Moore. Alfred C. Phelps and John D. Grow. It is now extinct.
The Inter-State Watch Company, of Greenville, was incorporated on May 14. 1907. for dealing in watches and other merchandise. Its incor- porators were William H. Browne, George C. Bower and J. B. Smith. The capital was $3.000.
The Trade Service Company. of Greenville, organized on October 7, 1911. for the purpose of conducting a general advertising business, was incorporated with a capital of $5,000 by Robert E. Fowler, Joseph J. Jacob- son and Henry S. Jacobson.
One of the earliest commercial organizations in Greenville was the Greenville Business Men's Association, incorporated on December 29, 1887, with an executive committee consisting of L. W. Sprague, E. J. Clark. J. Netzorg, J. L. Van Wormer and A. C. Satterlee, of whom L. W. Sprague was president, and E. J. Clark the first secretary.
449
MONTCALM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
The Greenville Potato Starch Company was incorporated on February 27, 1890, with a capital of $25,000, for the purpose of manufacturing and selling potato starch and its products and the buying and selling of potatoes. The incorporators of this company, comprising a long list of men, lived principally at Greenville. This company failed in business after a few years. Until it burned, the building was occupied by the Rainey Refrigera- tor Company.
The Greenville Barrel Company was incorporated on May 13, 1884, with a capital of $25,000. for the manufacture of barrels, tubs and pails. The incorporators were Northrup & Suteer, Charles C. Ellsworth, E. H. Leaning, George C. Smith, Francis M. Hicox, Stephen R. Steven, George WV. Crosby, James W. Belknap and John E. Oliver. This company has long been extinct.
The John J. Foster Lumber Company was incorporated on December 18, 1896, for the manufacture of lumber, lath and shingles at Greenville. Its original capital was $75,000. and its incorporators were M. B. Conover, M. H. Foster. James Towle and John J. Foster. This corporation no longer does business in Montcalm county.
The John J. Foster Gas Works, of Greenville, at a meeting of its stockholders held on October 4. 1902, increased its capital stock to $50,000, held at the time by John J. Foster, Minerva II. Foster, Mrs. Katherine M. Crawford, J. A. Foster and John H. Passage.
One of the oldest enterprises of Stanton is the Stanton Hardware Com- pany which was established on November 21, 1876, as the John W. S. Pier- son Company. This company was incorporated on February 1, 1891, with a capital of $10,000 for the purpose of carrying on a general mercan- tile business. On March 7, 1911, the name of the firm was changed to the Stebbins-Gaffield Company and on January 8, 1913, to the Stanton Hard- ware Company. On November 21, 1876, John W. S. Pierson and his brother, Philip T. II. Pierson, opened a small hardware store in the Morrison building at lower East Main street. In 1877, the business was moved to 108 West Main street. Here the business was carried on until the great fire of October 12, 1880, when the store and nearly all its contents were reduced to ashes. The firm occupied temporary quarters until the Paine building was erected on the old site and occupied on March 1, 1881. The fires of 1884 and 1885 caused various changes in locations, and in 1885 plans were made and the present building occupied by the Stanton Hardware Company erected. On Friday, January 22, the rebuilding of Stanton was
(29)
450
MONTCALM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
celebrated by a reception given by the John W. S. Pierson Company in the new Pierson building. On Saturday, March 13, 1886, the new store was opened for business purposes. In 1894, the Ironclad building was erected at the corner of Main and Lincoln streets. The silver anniversary of the firm was celebrated on November 21, 1901, and on November 21, 1916, the firm will celebrate its fortieth anniversary. In 1908, John W. S. Pierson retired from the active management of the firm, selling a controlling interest in the business to Elmer S. Stebbins and Charles L. Meach, the former of whom had been connected with the establishment since 1887. When the name of the firm was changed to the Stebbins-Gaffield Company, on March 7, 1911, Mr. Pierson formed the John W. S. Pierson Company, a co-part- nership with John W. S. Pierson, president; Philip T. H. Pierson, vice- president, and Levi W. Hunsicker, secretary. This company was organ- ized to deal in investment securities and has its office np-stairs in the Pierson building. Mr. Pierson is now the vice-president of the Stanton Hardware Company, the successor of the Stebbins-Gaffield Company.
The Stanton Lumber and Fuel Company was incorporated on April 6, 1909, with a capital of $5,000, by William M. Thomas, Wyllys R. Thomas and Ormand A. Thomas. A little later the organizers sold out to Dr. R. L. Bentley, who in turn disposed of the property, in March, 1916, to the West- field & Fall River Lumber Company, which now operates it.
The Stanton Hotel Company, organized with a capital of $10,000, July 13, 1909, for the purpose of owning and operating a hotel in Stanton, was incorporated by Morris W. Stevenson (now president), Charles L. Meach, E. D. Straight, William H. Lamphierd, Mortimer H. Bachman, George C. Prevette, F. M. Strouse, Dr. Roy L. Bentley, Norman T. Kirk, Norman E. Bachman. George Edward Dakin, Lucian C. Palmer, Charles H. Carothers, O). E. Buchanning. L. C. Halstead, Addison D. Newman, George Holland. Charles W. French (now treasurer), Alphonsus E. Ward, Thomas D. Dow, Thomas S. Earle, Benson L. Gaffield, Oscar B. Filkins, Newton W. Newhouse, Byron L. Finch, F. A. Strouse and Thomas Fitz- simmons. This company is the present owner of the Montcalm Hotel at Stanton, operated under lease by John W. Campbell.
The Cadwell Shingle Company was incorporated on January 3. 1893. for the purpose of manufacturing shingles. Its capital stock was $5,000, its place of business, Stanton, and its incorporators Ben E. Cadwell, Fred E. Moffatt and Gideon A. Hendrick. This company disbanded after abont two years.
The Pease-Robinson & Jackson Company, incorporated on December
451
MONTCALM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
30, 1881, was organized for the purpose of buying and selling lumber, lath and shingles, with a capital of $30,000, by Theodore J. Pease, William W. Robinson and Thomas Jackson, the first named of Thompsonville, Con- necticut, the second of Stanton and the third of McBride. It is long since extinct.
The Eureka Sharpener Company was incorporated on April 10, 1895, with its principal office at Stanton, and with a capital of $25,000, for the purpose of manufacturing lawn mower sharpeners. Its incorporators were H. IT. Howe, R. T .. Bentley, M. D. and N. W. Percival. This company was active for only a year or two.
The Stanton Lumber Company was incorporated on January 18, 1879, with a capital of $30.000, by Julius Housman, of Grand Rapids; Humphrey R. Wagar, of Muir, and Laman B. Townsend, of lonia. The principal office of the company was at Colby Station. The Stanton Lumber Com- pany was active for only two or three years.
The Stanton Tron and Engine Company, with a capital of $21,000, was incorporated on October 31, 1883, for the purpose of operating a foundry and machine shop. The incorporators were William Miner, Frederick J. Miner and Isaac N. Conrad. It failed after six or eight years.
The Stanton Milling Company was incorporated by William F. Turner, Clarence W. Chapin, for the firm of Webber & Chapin ; George F. Beards- ley, William F. Keyes, Edwin K. Wood and M. A. Reynolds, for the pur- pose of operating a flour and feed mill and with a capital of $35,000. The incorporation papers were dated June 20, 1887. This company has been extinct for many years. Edwin K. Wood is now a resident of California and is extensively interested in lumber and in a boat line. M. A. Reynolds is engaged in the insurance business in Chicago. William F. Turner died about ten years ago.
From papers filed on July 21, 1886, it appears that the name of the Torrent & Armes Lumber Company was changed to that of the Cohasset Lumber Company.
The Stanton Cement Stone Company was incorporated on April 16, 1904. for making cement blocks. Its original capital was $2,500, and its incorporators were John W. S. Pierson, J. F. Gage, E. S. Stebbins, S. Perry Youngs, George C. Prevette. T. S. Earle, Delos A. Towle, D. E. Finch and Frank A. Miller. This company was dissolved on July 20, 1910.
The E. D. Hawley Company, of Stanton, was incorporated on April 6, 1900, to do a general mercantile and harness business. Its capital stock was $20,000, and its incorporators were Elvis D. Hawley, Clara P. Hawley,
452
MONTCALM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Frank E. Joy, Otto Swanton, Frank Hansen, Henry B. Hawley, S. Ada Hawley and Frederick Neff. This venture was continued until after the death of its president and organizer, E. D. Hawley, when it was finally abandoned and the stock, after many reductions, was sold to the present owners, Smith Brothers.
The Rockafellow Grain Company, of Carson City, is the successor of the Carson City Elevator Company which was incorporated on May 2, 1887. for the purpose of dealing in grain, fruits, vegetables, wool, lime, coal and salt. The original capital of $5,000 was subscribed by F. Middleton, Charles H. Morse, George A. Thayer, M. J. Miner, C. W. Middleton, L. L. Trask, J. C. West, S. W. Webber, C. J. Rumsey, Patrick M. Fox and A. W. Middleton. C. M. Carran of Detroit is now president; F. T. Caughey is vice-president and I. W. Murray is secretary-treasurer and manager of the Rockafellow Grain Company. The company also owns elevators at Middleton, Vickeryville and Ashley which are managed from the home office. It has grown with the requirements of the trade and has the latest equip- ment for handling all products tributary to its markets. The company has installed a modern drier for handling wet grain and beans, which is a neces- sity in order to meet weather conditions of different years. Besides grain, the company deals in lumber, hay, wool, lime, building material and coal.
The Carson City electric light plant is owned and operated by the Rockafellow Grain Company. This business was organized as the Carson City Electric Light and Power Company and was incorporated on July 6, 1892, with a capital of $10,000. The following gentlemen were directors of the parent company: Edward C. Walker, John W. Hallett, Francis A. Rockafellow, William A. Palmer and E. C. Cummings.
The Carson City cheese factory which was established about twenty- five years ago by Henry Fitzpatrick was sold eight years ago to Frank H. Miner who now operates it. The product consists of from 100,000 to 120,000 pounds annually of soft Michigan cheese. Five men are employed every day in the week for eight months in the year and four days in the week for four months in the year. The industry was first established as a butter factory and operated as such for seven years after which butter mak- ing was abandoned. The plant is valued at about $3,500.
The Carson City Business Men's Association was incorporated on December 3, 1887. with an executive committee consisting of F. A. Rocka- fellow, C. O. Trask, C. A. Culver, A. Y. Sessions and Dr. J. P. Taylor, for the purpose of securing "the co-operation of merchants and other classes of business men and promoting the social, moral and business interests of its
453
MONTCALM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
members." Dr. J. P. Taylor is believed to be the only one of the incor- porators now living in Montcalm county. Messrs. Rockafellow and Sessions are deceased. Ever since 1887, however, Carson City has maintained an organization similar to the Business Men's Association.
The F. A. Rockafellow Mercantile Company, of Carson City, was incorporated on May 1. 1888, for the purpose of carrying on a general mercantile business. The incorporators were F. A. Rockafellow, Charles R. Culver, Joseph E. Davis, E. C. Cummings and Sheldon II. Caswell. The capital stock was $40,000. This company was later reorganized but disbanded six or eight years ago when the business was taken over by Chester Culver, son of Charles R. Culver.
The Collapsible Steel Form Company. of Carson City, organized for the purpose of manufacturing collapsible steel forms, was incorporated on February 1. 1910, with a capital of $30,000, by William C. Fife, Stanley R. Coleman, William W. Kenyon and Kirke G. Bumpers. This company failed to accomplish anything of consequence and is now extinct.
The firm of Meach & White, Inc., doing a general mercantile business at Lakeview, was incorporated on March 12, 1915, with a capital of $20,000, by Charles L. Meach, Claude E. White, Frank E. Moore, Ella S. Meach, Mary E. White and William Meach. This firm does a thriving business.
The Sol and Louis Gittleman Company was incorporated on February 26, 1914, for the purpose of engaging in the general mercantile business at Lakeview and with a capital of $15,000. The incorporators were Sol, Flora and Louis Gittleman. This corporation is now one of the largest mercantile establishments of the county. The same men also operate a store at Carson City.
The Kirtland Mercantile Company, of Lakeview, was incorporated on July 30, 1907, with a capital of $10,000, by Horace L., W. Dean and Addi- son T .. Kirtland. This business was later sold to and is now being operated by V. T. Dickerson.
The Stebbins Manufacturing Company, of Lakeview, formed for the purpose of manufacturing furniture and woodenware, was incorporated on March 24, 1900, with a capital of $50,000, by Ensign B. Stebbins, James Edgar, John J. Bale, Lars P. Sorenson, Chester H. Stebbins, Leroy Steb- bins, George C. Youngman, F. R. Blanchard, Harley Cogswell, Charles E. Butler. Charles M. Northrup, Lewis L. Bissell, Leonard Rossman, Harry HI. Sorenson, Earl French, Ida French. Chester Straight, Eleanor Bush, James Fontaine, Earl Currier and Glenn Rossman. The property was
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.