History of Saginaw County, Michigan; historical, commercial, biographical, Volume I, Part 59

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & Co.
Number of Pages: 962

USA > Michigan > Saginaw County > History of Saginaw County, Michigan; historical, commercial, biographical, Volume I > Part 59

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. David W. Rust was born March 24, 1821, in the town of Wells, Rutland Co., Vt. His advantages for education were those

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HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.

of the common schools of that date, and in thiem he mastered the rudiments of an education. His father was a farmer in moderate circumstances. In 1837 the family removed to this State, and settled at Newport (now Marine City), on the St. Clair river, where Mr. Rust remained on a farm, with his parents, until of age. Im- mediately after he obtained his majority he learned the ship-car- penter's trade, which was of vast benefit to him in after life. In 1843 Mr. Rnst, in company with his brother, Aloney Rust, built a vessel which was known as the schooner " Vermont." This ves- sel they sailed for several years and did a profitable business, Alo- ney acting as Captain, and David " before the mast." After a few years they sold the vessel, and commenced lumber operations, by building a steam saw-mill at Newport in 1846, and they operated the mill until 1859, when Mr. David W. Rust removed to East Saginaw, where he remained until his death, Oct. 4, 1880. In 1851 Mr. Rust, with his brothers, commenced purchasing pine land on the tributaries of the Saginaw and other rivers in this State, and in 1857 they built a steam saw-mill at the upper end of Saginaw river, now within the corporate limits of East Saginaw; a few years later they built a steam saw-mill at Bay City, and when salt was discovered in the Saginaw Valley they added extensive salt works to their mills. He was the managing partner in very exten- sive lumber operations and salt manufactories in the Saginaw Valley. He was the managing partner, and superintended the con- struction of a large number of steam vessels, sailing vessels and barges on the lakes, which proved profitable and satisfactory to all interested. He was part owner in a large lumber yard at Cleve- land, Ohio, held large tracts of pine land in this State and Wiscon- sin; also iron and farming lands. Mr. Rust amassed a large fortune through his attention to business, solid, practical sense, and sturdy integrity. He was from his boyhood until his death the guiding spirit in business matters of his father's family, and his brothers and others attribute very much of their well-known busi- ness success to hiis good judgment and advice. He helped others to help themselves. He was a good son, husband, father and brother. He left a wife, 3 sons and 1 daughter.

Col. Thomas Suyler, Postmaster of East Saginaw, was born at Philadelphia, Pa., in 1831. When 21 years of age he proceeded to New York city, and embarked in what is usually termed the " saw trade." In 1858 he located at East Saginaw, engaging in the same business until the beginning of the war, when he raised a company of the 3d Mich. Cav., and was chosen Captain. Pro ceeding to the front, the 3d entered the Army of the Cumberland, and Capt. Sayler was soon promoted to Major. Shortly after the battle of Corinth, he was commissioned as Colonel. After the war he returned to East Saginaw, and in connection with C. W. Grant, engaged in the lumber trade. In 1868 he was appointed to Ins present position by President Grant, and has faithfully dis- charged the duties of that office to the present time.

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CITY OF EAST SAGINAW.

Henry Schmidt .- This enterprising meat merchant is located on Fifth, between Fitzhugh and Jolinson streets, East Saginaw. He keeps constantly on hand a full supply of all kinds of meats, both salt and fresh. His facilities for preserving fresh meat in warm weather are excellent. The refrigerator is eight by eight feet, and seven feet high. The walls arc double, with double strata of thick paper on the inside of each wall, and over the top he keeps tliree tons of ice, which makes the box very cold, and at the same time it is kept perfectly dry. Mr. Schmidt is a native of Germany, and came to New York city in 1852. In 1855 he came to East Saginaw, and worked at the butcher's trade and other labor for some time. He first began business in 1871, on Lapeer strect, and in 1874 hc removed his shop to the present location on Fifth street. Mr. Schmidt was married in September, 1857, to Miss Anna Leinberg.

O. J. Showers, proprietor of the Reed House. This house was built in the winter of 1874 by George Reed, who conducted it three years, and then it was bought by O. J. Showers in 1876, who is the proprietor at the present time. It is a large frame building, located at the East Saginaw depot, on the Penoyer farm. Mr. Showers was born in Rochester, N. Y., June 13, 1836. He lived with his parents until he was 20 years of age, and then went to Jackson county, where he remained five years. He came to Saginaw in 1861; is a carpenter and joiner by trade, and has worked at it here eight years. He owned and ran a shingle and Inmber mill at Hemlock City for over six years, and then bought the hotel which he now manages. He was married at Dexter, Mich., Aug. 1, 1859, to Miss Jennie E. Jefferies, a niece of Dr. C. A. Jefferies, of Ann Arbor. They have 3 children, of whom 2 girls are married, the youngest one living at home. He also has a restaurant and saloon opposite the hotel, which he has run for the past six years.

Arnold P. Sikes (deceased). This worthy man was born near White Hall, New York, March 27, 1831. He was brought up on his father's farm, and his educational advantages were none save those furnished by the common schools. From 1850 to 1853, he was employed on the U. S. ship, "Congress." In 1854 he came to Romeo, Mich., where he remained until 1864, and then re- moved to East Saginaw. He was a prominent builder and con- tractor, having erected some fine buildings in this place; among them are the Lloyd House, the First Baptist church, the brick building formerly used for the jail in South Saginaw, and a large brick block for himself in that part of the city. He also erected the county jail at Midland, Mich. Mr. Sikes saw life in its worst phases, as well as in its best. He was an earnest and honest worker in whatever he undertook. He was married in 1860 to Miss Sarepta, daughter of Abram Axford, a native of Warren county, New Jersey, and an early settler of Oakland Co., Mich. It would be in keeping here to remark that this same Abram Ax- ford and his lady celebrated their golden wedding in 1876, and are

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HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.

both still living, and well and hearty, Mr. and Mrs. Sikes had 3 children, of whom but 1 is living-Jessie, a bright girl of 12 or 13 snınmers. Two grown daughters, and accomplished ladies, died in 1880. Mr. Sikes died Dec. 14, 1877, loved and respected by all. He had been a member of the Baptist Church since 1856, and a faitlı- ful, earnest worker in the Master's canse. For nine years he su- perintended the South Saginaw Sabbath-school, and was also a Deacon in the Baptist Church in that part of the city before remov- ing to East town proper. He was a kind husband and father, and a valnable member of society. The city lost a usefni man in the death of Mr. Sikes.

Miss M. Smedley jnstly ranks among the leading dress-makers of East Saginaw. She became established in business at 110 Gell- esee street, and through her own designs in the dress-making art, and unusual talents as a business lady, soon placed herself far in the lead among those who cater to the fashionable wants of the elite of East Saginaw. Miss Smedley employs some fifteen artistes in her extensive establishment, who are selected for the superior ability and unrivaled dexterity so necessary in the construction of the ele- gant and lovely raiments of the present day. Miss Smedley also operates a branch establishment at Bay City.

Charles H. Smith, of Smith & Goodale, proprietors Central Mills, East Saginaw, was born in Union tp., Tolland Co., Coun., Feb. 16, 1839, and is a son of Judson and Cynthia (Hammond) Smith, of English and Scotch descent. When 18 years of age Mr. Smith was in the boot and shoe mannfactory of Judson Smith & Son. Bing- hamton, N. Y., where he remained seven years. In July, 1865, he came to East Saginaw, and for many years was the senior mnem- ber of the firm of Chas. H. Smith & Co., at one time having branch stores in Saginaw and Bay Cities. In 1876 he sold out his interest to his brother, and in 1877-'S had charge of the wholesale Western trade of Anderson, Gregg & Co., shoe mannfacturers of Bingham- ton, N. Y. He then bonght property on the corner of Franklin and Fitzhugh streets, and started the Central Mills, soon after ad- mitting Marion Goodale, of Delhi Mills, Washtenaw Co., Mich., as a partner. Mr. Smith was married at Binghamton, N. Y., June 16, 1863, to Frances L., daughter of Hallam E. and Elizabeth L. (Lathrop) Pratt, who was born in New York, Dec. 3, 1841. They have 4 children -- Annie, born Feb. 22, 1869; Charles J., born Oct. 11, 1871; Hallam P., born Jan. 28, 1875, and Lonisa, born Jan 26, 1880. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Congregational Church. When Mr. Smith was 14 years of age lie suffered a most peculiar and distressing accident. He had visited his uncle's spoke and hub factory at Dexter, Jefferson Co., N. Y., and while there accidentally stepped on a round piece of wood, which, turning suddenly, threw him against a 30-inch circular saw. Before he could be extricated from his perilous position his left arm was severed to the elbow joint, his stomach ent open, three ribs broken, and his liver cut into two pieces. He was attended by Dr. Grafton, of Watertown,

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CITY OF EAST SAGINAW.

and Dr. Trowbridge, both excellent surgeons, and, strange to relate, he recovered rapidly, and is now perfectly well. This remarkable case was duly recorded at the time, by the medical journals of the Empire State.

Harlan Page Smith, attorney at law, was born in Hartland, Liv- ingston Co., Mich., April 3, 1843, and is a son of Beriah G. and Betsey (Gale) Smith, natives of New York. Mr. Smith assisted his father on the farm until 20 years of age, attending the district schools of Hartland and the High school at Fenton. He then entered the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, graduating from the law department in the class of '67. He was admitted to the bar the same year, and soon after opened a law office at East Saginaw. In January, 1870, he formed a partnership with his brother, Irving M. Smith, which relationship continued until the death of the latter in 1876. In connection with his law practice Mr. Smith does an ex- tensive business in real estate, and in making abstracts of titles. He is a member of the Republican party, and in 1881 was elected a member of the School Board. Mr. Smith was united in marriage in October, 1870, to Alice E., daughter of Marvin and Ellen I. (Fisher) Ingersoll, early pioneers of Saginaw county. Mrs. Smith is a mem- ber of the Baptist Church. One child has been sent to bless this nnion -- Harlan Ingersoll, born Feb. 17, 1872.

Hiram V. Smith, head sawyer at Rust's mill, Sonth Saginaw, was born in Orleans Co., N. Y., Feb. 8, 1846. He came to Bay City in 1868, and sawed for his present employers in that place for six years. He has sawed for them in the present mill for six years also. He was married July 13, 1870, to Miss Emma Slade, by whom he has had 4 children, 3 living-Lonis P., Wilford and Ella M.

Thomas Steele, proprietor of the Pioneer Boiler Works of East Saginaw, was born at Glasgow, Scotland, where he learned his trade, serving as apprentice under Sir Robert Naples, the Queen's engi- neer. In 1844 he removed to Canada, where he remained two years. During this period lie assisted in the building of iron vessels for Hon. John Hamilton and Captain Sutherland. From Canada he went to Buffalo, N. Y., where he was engaged in business with John Newman. At the expiration of two years he settled at De- troit, Mich., and for seven years served as an invaluable foreman for the firm of Kendrick & DeGraff. In 1856 he established his present business at East Saginaw, in a building 20x30 feet in size. During the years '57 and '58 he controlled almost the entire trade of the Valley. Business increased so rapidly that he was forced to erect more commodious quarters, and the same reason in 1868 compelled him to erect the present boiler shops. Mr. Steele turns ont a sn- perior class of work, and is well patronized by the citizens of Sag- inaw county and elsewhere.

George W. Stevens, of Remington & Stevens, wholesale grocers, East Saginaw, was born at Newboro, Province of Ontario, Canada, July 3, 1845. IIe is a son of James B. and Elizabeth (Hartwell) Stevens, natives of Vermont. George was reared to manhood in

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HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.

his native land, receiving only limited educational advantages. When yonng he entered tlie employ of John Chaffey, dealer in lumberman's supplies, at Bedford Mills, Ontario, as a clerk, and was finally placed in charge of the entire business, remaining in such position for 14 years. In 1868 he came to East Saginaw, and was engaged in locating land for a short period. He subsequently became a member of the firm of Stevens Bros., salt manufacturers, South Saginaw, remaining there four years. In 1878, in connection with Herman Blankerts, he purchased Wm. McBain's stock of groceries, and has since been engaged in that business. Mr. Stevens was married March 1, 1866, to Sarah E. Whitmarsh, a native of New York. They have 3 children -- George F., aged 14 years, Elizabeth, aged seven years, and Hattie, an infant. Mr. Stevens and wife are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. S., in politics, is, to' use his own expression, " a straight Republican." He is connected with the A. O. U. W., and once served as G. G. F. of the Grand Lodge of Michigan.

Sames Stewart, of the firm of James Stewart & Co., wholesale grocers and dealers in shingles, salt and lumbermen's supplies, East Saginaw, was born at Stratford, Canada, in 1845, and the same year was taken by his parents to Detroit, Mich., where he grew to man- hood and received a liberal education. In 1867 he became general manager of J. L. Hurd & Co.'s line of steamers, continning as such for several years. Mr. Stewart's father, Duncan Stewart, is a well-known steamboat and grain man of this State, having re- sided in Detroit for 57 years. In 1872 James Stewart became estab- lished in his present business at East Saginaw, and that year the annual sales of the firm amounted to $200,000. At present they exceed four times that sum. In 1881 the present firm commenced operations, and at present control about 90 per cent. of the salt trade outside of combinations. They also are probably the largest dealers in shingles in the Valley.

William H. Sweet, of Sweet & McArthur, attorneys at law, was born at New York city, in 1809. His parents were Benjamin and Jerusha (Halstead) Sweet, natives of Dutcliess Co., N. Y. William remained at New York city until 11 years of age, when his parents removed to Orange Co., N. Y. Here he remained seven years, assist- ing his father on the farm, and attending the district school when opportunity afforded. He then attended the academy at Mont- gomery, N. Y., three years, and was subsequently employed as a sales- man in a grocery house at New York city. He finally purchased an interest in the business, where he remained four years. In 1850 he canglit the " Western fever," and that year located in Saginaw City. IIe was engaged in the mercantile trade, and in connection with Franklin Millard erected a saw-mill, which the firm operated for three and a half years. In 1853 Mr. Sweet entered the law office of Judge Jabez G. Sutherland, remaining as his partner four years. In 1857 he was admitted to the bar, and continued his practice at that city until 1880, when he removed to East Saginaw.

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CITY OF EAST SAGINAW.

Iu January, 1881. the present partnership was formed. While a resident of Saginaw City Mr. Sweet was Supervisor, and chairman of the Board in 1853 and 1857; Prosecuting Attorney from 1860 to 1863; Mayor two terms; and a member of the School Board for seven years; located the present site of the Central school building, and was largely instrumental in the erection of that magnificent structure. He was married, in 1846, to Arminda Tooker, a native of Orange Co., N. Y. Of the 8 children born to them,7 are living-Fred B., Clerk of Saginaw county; Emma, wife of Jira S. Martin, of Saginaw City; Lawrence P .; Wil- liam, clerk of the Taylor House, Saginaw City; Sumner, a resi- dent of New York city; Bessie and Minnie. Harry is deceased. Mrs. Sweet died in 1874, and in 1876 Mr. W. was united in mar- riage toAnna Rogers, a native of Chemung Co., N. Y.

Rev. Richard Sweeney was born in Johnstown, County Kil- kenny, Ireland. May, 1848; attended grammar school in his native village until 15 years of age, when his father sent him to the College of Roulers, West Flanders, Belgium. He spent the first year in acquiring a knowledge of the French tongue, to enable him to prosecute his other studies, French being the language spoken in all institutions in that country. He remained in the college four years, going through a regular course of classical studies. When these studies were completed, he entered the theo- logical department in the University of Louvain, remaining there three years, graduated, and was ordained priest in 1870. Then he returned to Ireland, visited his parents and set out for the Uni- ted States to report for duty to Bishop Borgess, of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Detroit, and was assigned to the county mis- sion of Silver Creek, Cass Co. He labored in this congregation for three years, when he was transferred by his bishop to take charge of the St. Joseph's congregation, where he is at present.

Timothy E. Tarsney, attorney at law, was born in Hillsdale Co., Mich., Feb. 4, 1849, and is a son of Timothy and Mary A. ( Mur- ray ) Tarsney, natives of Ireland, the former of whom died when the subject of this sketch was six years of age. He resided on the farm until 13 years old, receiving only the limited education afforded by the district schools. At the latter age, his mother re- moved to Hudson, Mich., and a year later, Mr. T. went to the State of Tennessee. During the war he was employed by the Government as switchman on the military railroads leading out of Nashville. In May, 1865, he came to Michigan, and was employed in a machine shop at Hudson, and a year later located at Sagi- naw City, where he was employed as engineer in the old Shattuck saw-mill. He subsequently came to East Saginaw, and obtained a commission as U. S. Inspector of steam and sailing vessels, which position he occupied until 1872, sailing on the Lakes dur. ing each summer season, and going to school in the winters. In the fall of 1870, he entered the law department of the University of Michigan, from which he graduated in 1872. The following

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HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.

spring he opened a law office at East Saginaw, where he has suc- ceeded in obtaining a large and remunerative practice. In the spring of 1863, he was elected Justice of the Peace, but resigned a year later; was City Attorney in 1875-'6-'7, and member of School Board for four years; was Democratic nominee for Congress in 1880, but was defeated by R. G. Horr, the present incumbent. Mr. Tarsney was married, Oct. 1, 1873, to Kittie O'Brien, a native of Ann Arbor, Mich. Of their 3 children, 1 survives-Isabel, born April 17, 1879. Paul and Katie are deceased. Mr. T. and wife are members of the Roman Catholic Church.

Sanford B. Teed, Alderman of the Eighth ward, East Saginaw, was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., Jan. 11, 1839, and is a son of Truman B. Teed. At the age of 16 he learned the painter's trade, and has become very efficient. He does all kinds of work, from house painting to sign, and fine buggy striping. In September, 1861, he enlisted in the U. S. army, in Co. F., 75th N. Y. Inf. Serving his time there he enlisted in Co. E. of the same regiment, and remained until after the close of the war. He participated in the engagements of Port Hudson, Labadieville, Cane River, Win- chester, Cedar Creek, Fisher's Hill, and others. He was taken prisoner at Cedar Creek, and was in Libby prison five months. He came to Bay City in 1867, and to South Saginaw in 1869. He was married March 4, 1870, to Miss Ella Davenport, by whom he has 1 son, George J.

Charles Ten Eyck (deceased), the founder of the firm of C. & E. Ten Eyck, manufacturers of salt, shingles and staves, East Saginaw, was born in Rensselaer Co., N. Y., May 22, 1839. His parents were Jacob and Sarah (Van Alsten) Ten Eyck, the former of whom was a merchant of that county. Charles attained manhood's years in his native State, and obtained his earlier education in the schools of Stockbridge. His ambition was to become a· proficient civil engi- neer and architect, and to further that end he took a course of study in the Polytechnical Institute, of Troy, N. Y. Having mastered the details of his profession, in 1858, he visited Detroit, Mich., and entered the office of a well-known architect of that city. In 1860 he came to East Saginaw, and soon after erected a saw-mill. The manufacture of staves was made a part of the business, and in 1861 his consin, Egbert Ten Eyck, became a member of the firm. By strict attention to business, the two brothers soon established a lucrative trade, and in 1875 bored several salt wells, commencing tlie manufacture of that staple article. In 1864 Mr. Ten Eyck was united in marriage to Isabella, daughter of William and Caroline (Smith ) Dollbeer, a native of Wyoming Co., N. Y. Two children were born to this union-Alfred and Charles D. Mr. Ten Eyck officiated as a member of the School Board and Common Council of East Saginaw, and was recognized as a man of undeniable integrity and spotless character. He departed this life at Denver, Col., aged 37 years.

Bradley M. Thompson, attorney at law, was born at Milford, Oakland Co., Mich., April 16, 1835, and is a son of Robert M. and

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CITY OF EAST SAGINAW.

Maria (Short) Thompson, father a native of Vermont, mother of New York. Mr. Thompson entered the literary department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, from which he graduated in 1858, and from the law department in the class of 1860. He subsequently came to East Saginaw and opened a law office. In the fall of 1862 he enlisted in Co. G., 7th Mich. Cav., as Captain. and at the close of the war was discharged as Brevet Lieut .- Col. He then went to Milford, Mich., where he remained during 1866-'7, and since then has been a resident of this city. He was City Attorney in 1874-'6, and in the spring of 1877 was elected Mayor of East Saginaw, serving two terms. He was nominated by the Democratic party for Congressman from the Sth district in 1878 but was defeated by the present incumbent, R. G. Horr. Mr Thompson was married in 1860 to Marianne Lind, of Ann Arbor a native of London, Eng. They have 2 children-Isadore and Guv. B. , Mr. T. and wife are members of the Episcopal Church.

James Tolbert, manufacturer and dealer in lumber, lath, shingles and hard woods, East Saginaw, was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., and from his youth has been more or less identified with the · lum- ber traffic. In 1863 he began business at East Saginaw with rather limited means, and his success has been both remarkable and agreeably surprising. He first purchased a small tract of timbered land in Tuscola county, the logs from which gave him his first start in life. As his means accumulated he invested in farming lands, and the first year cut 962,000 feet of lumber, which sold for $7, $14 and $34 per thousand feet. Mr. Tolbert owns over 13,000 acres of pine and farming lands, and deals extensively in all kinds of Inmber.

George Van Vliet, proprietor livery stable on Tuscola, between Cass and Jefferson streets, East Saginaw, was born in Seneca county, N. Y., June 12, 1853. He was reared on a farm, and attended the district schools until 16 years of age. In the fall of 1873 he came to tlris city and entered the employment of Harvey & Coleman, with whom he remained two years. He was engaged with Root & Medley, liqnor dealers, four years, and with C. Mer- rill & Co. two and a half years. He began business for himself on June 18, 1SS1, and has succeeded in obtaining a large share of the public patronage.

William Lewis Webber, Land Commissioner and General Solicitor of the F. & P. M. R. R., residence East Saginaw, was born in Ogden tp., Monroe Co., N. Y., July 19, 1825. His parents were James S. and Phœbe (Smith) Webber; father a native of Maine. mother of the State of New York. In 1836 James S. Webber removed with his family to Hartland tp., Livingston Co., Mich .. locating on a farin which he had previously entered at the Gov- ernment land office at Detroit. Here William L. Webber remained, assisting his father in clearing and working the farm, attending schools in winter and pursuing his studies at home, with the assist- ance of an elder brother, as opportunity offered. his principal

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History of Saginaw County, Michigan; historical, commercial, biographical, Volume I, Part 59

Author: Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & Co. Number of Pages: 962

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & Co.
Number of Pages: 962