USA > Michigan > Saginaw County > History of Saginaw County, Michigan; historical, commercial, biographical, Volume II > Part 25
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The hardware trade was represented by George Schram, whose shop was on Water Street, between Genesee and German Streets; C. M. Curtis, who was on Water Street near the ferry; and B. B. Buckhout, who announced that he was a "wholesale and retail dealer in iron, steel, nails, stoves and all kinds of hardware, farming utensils, cutlery, tin and sheet iron ware," and was located in the "brick block" on Water Street.
In drugs and medicines we find Hess Brothers and Dr. J. K. Penney, who, in addition to attending to physicians prescriptions "with care and despatch," carried a line of fancy articles, perfumery, paints and oils. The Hess Brothers were in their own block on Genesee Street, while Dr. Penney was located on Water Street between Tuscola and Genesee.
Books, stationery and jewelry stocks were those of Alexander Fergu- son, who added fancy articles, on Genesee Street between Water and Wash- ington : Sol Lathrop, on Genesee Street, and Fred N. Bridgman, who was located "at the Postoffice, Hess Block, corner of Genesee and Washington Streets."
The professions were represented, in the law by William J. Loveland, an "attorney and counsellor at law, and solicitor in chancery," whose office was in the Hess Block, up stairs; James L. T. Fox, who announced "collections attended to in any portion of the State or United States," with an office in the Jeffers Block, on Water Street: Webber & Wheeler, whose office was in the brick block on Genesee Street; and D. W. C. Gage, with an office in Gage's Block, up stairs, on Genesee Street. In the practice of medicine were Doctors G. A. Lathrop, J. K. Penney. A. Bryce, Curtis and C. T. Disbrow.
In the way of hotels the village was well provided, there being the Kirby House, kept by John Godley, at the corner of Washington and Genesee Streets; the Farmer's Exchange, W. Wister, landlord, corner of Washing-
THE BANCROFT HOUSE IN 1865
THE CROUSE BLOCK ON SITE OF EDDY BUILDING
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LINE OF STEAMBOATS
BAY CITY S
ROOT &MIDLER.
WATER STREET AT FOOT OF TUSCOLA
18 8 BUCKHOUT HARD. WARE
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EAST SIDE OF WATER STREET AT TUSCOLA, 1860
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AN ERA OF PROSPERITY
ton and Genesee, "opposite the Kirby House:" the Forest City House, corner of Water and Genesee ; the Franklin House, kept by John Leidlein, at the corner of Franklin and Genesee Streets; and the Buena Vista House, with John Jeffers as landlord, on Water Street near the steam ferry.
W. L. P. Little & Company were bankers and dealers in foreign ex- change, the banking office being in Hoyt's Block, up stairs, corner of Gen- esee and Water Streets. The United States Land Office, of which Colonel W. L. P. Little was the receiver, and Moses B. Hess the register, was located in the same block.
The Saginaw Enterprise, the first newspaper established in East Sagi- naw, with Perry Joslin as editor and proprietor, was located on Water Street between Genesee and Tuscola.
The Tax agency and surveying office was conducted by G. G. Hess and D. A. Pettibone in the Hless Block, on Washington Street.
A millinery shop, "with all the latest styles in bonnets," was kept by Mrs. Morrison at the corner of Genesee and Water Streets, North.
In manufacturing the village made a good showing, with Hoyt's Steam Flouring Mill in the lead. According to its announcement, it "grinds annually over fifty thousand bushels of wheat, fourteen thousand bushels of corn, its products amounting, in flour to nearly seventy thousand dollars, and corn meal to eleven thousand. This mill has four run of stone, and a powerful and magnificent engine. Corner of Water and Carroll Streets, on the dock." Wilcox's Steam Flouring Mill was on Water Street, "near the steam ferry," and "a large portion of the business of this mill is custom work, the total amount is probably fifteen to twenty thousand bushels of grain ground annually." There was also the City Mill on Genesee Street, "in the bayou," on the site of the building long occupied by D. B. Freeman and M. C. Murray.
The foundry and machine shop business was represented by Warner. Eastman & Company, who were "repairers of steam engines, mill gearing. poney gangs, and other work in that line," with a shop on Water Street : George W. Merrill, who was a "manufacturer of steam engines, threshing machines, plows, steamboat and mill gearing, all orders pertaining to this business being promptly attended to. Water Street on the dock;" Fred Koehler, blacksmith and repairer of machinery for steamboats, vessels, etc., with a shop on Tuscola Street, between Washington and Water : Birdsall & Brother, blacksmithing and horseshoeing done to order, with shop on Gen- esee Street, over the bayou ; and I. F. Godley, manufacturer of horse shoes, and blacksmithing done to order, on Washington Street.
The woodworking industry had Hosea Pratt, whose steam sash. door and blind factory was on Franklin Street, in the bayou: Ernest Feige, a manufacturer and dealer in all kinds of cabinet ware, upholstering, etc., on Water Street : and J. A. Large, with a furniture wareroom and manufactory of cabinet ware of all kinds, including "coffins made to order," on Genesee Street. James Lewis was also a manufacturer of sash, doors and blinds at his steam factory on Water Street, on the dock ; and A. H. Mershan & Com- pany operated a planing mill on Water Street, near the ship yard.
Chester B. Jones was a leading dealer in lumber, shingles and lath, with an office in Gage's Block, up stairs, Genesee Street. John S. Estabrook was also a dealer in and inspector of lumber and shingles. his office being on "Water Street opposite the printing office." E. J. Mershon followed the occupation of inspecting lumber and shingles, and his office was in Hoyt's Block, up stairs.
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FHISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
In the stave and heading business. D. Shaw was a dealer and exporter of hogshead and butt staves, having an office on Water Street between Thompson and Hayden : Henry Woodruff was a dealer in staves for export. on Genesee Street : and Robert Pierson dealt in staves on Water Street.
The diversified industries of the village included the business of M. L. Gage, manufacturer of harnesses, saddles, trunks, etc .. on Genesee Street ; 11. Marks, manufacturer of hats, caps, furs, and furnishing goods; A. Eaton, maker of boots and shoes, on Genesee Street; and 11. Schwartz and Casper Braden, makers of chairs and cabinet ware. O. L. Glover and Hall & Loomis were the house, sign and ornamental painters, both having shops on Water Street, north.
An extended list of the lumber manufacturers and their production at this period will be found in the chapter on The Lumber Industry.
Solomon Bond Bliss
Another of our old and esteemed citizens was S. Bond Bliss, who came to East Saginaw in the Spring of 1854. He was born at Brimfield, Mass- achusetts, April 17, 1828, and was the oldest of a family of five, four sons and one daughter. Without enjoying the full educational advantages of the time, he went to work at the age of twelve years, finding employment at Springfield and Boston. After his seventeenth birthday he went to Ohio, and located at Elyria where he was married in 1850 to a daughter of Dr. 0. 1 .. Mason. They resided in Cleveland four years, when he came to this valley to transact some lumber business, and thereafter made this city his home.
For a time he engaged in the grocery business with Curtis Brothers, but later purchased their interest and extended the business to that of a general mercantile character. He was also for some years interested in the lumber business: and he organized the Saginaw Valley Bank, in partnership with his brother, W. K. Bliss and B. M. Fay, under the firm name of Bliss, Fay & Company. This firm built the brick block at the southeast corner of Gen- esee and Washington Streets, which was long known as the Bliss Block, now the Mason Building.
In 1862 he was elected to the State Legislature, and was postmaster of East Saginaw for a short term under President Johnson. For many years he was a leader of the temperance movement here, being president of the Reform Club. He was a member of the Saginaw Valley Pioneer Society. of St. Bernard Commandery No. 16, K. T., and was one of the charter mem- bers of the Unitarian Society. Kindness and generosity were prominent traits of his character, and he was wont to lend a helping hand to those in need, particularly worthy young men, those who were in his employ speak- ing in high terms of praise of his aid and personal interest in their welfare.
Mr. Bliss was a genial gentleman with a smile and kind word for all acquaintances, and was held in high esteem by all classes. His death on November 12, 1884, was deeply felt by all citizens, particularly his older friends with whom he had shared the struggles, trials and final triumphs of pioneer life. Surviving him were Mrs. Bliss and one son, Walter B. Bliss, who continued to reside at the family homestead, at 320 North Water Street. The former died July 23, 1892, and the son, Walter, died in Chicago, April 26, 1905, leaving a widow and a son and daughter.
Incorporation of Saginaw City
From the official records of long ago it appears that Saginaw City was never incorporated as a village, and to the year 1857 it was a part of the township of Saginaw. A city charter was granted which went into operation
WILLIAM J. BARTOW
One of our pioneer citizens whose enterprise aided in moulding the destinies of the city. He was mayor of East Saginaw in 1860, and later succeeded Charles B. Mott as representa- tive of the Hoyt interests. For a number of years he was vice-president of the Savings Bank of East Saginaw.
SOLOMON BOND BLISS
Moved to Saginaw in 1854, and was a banker, merchant and lumberman. Was postmaster in 1866-67. city treasurer, and representative in State Legislature in 1863-64. Organized Sagi- naw Valley Bank, and built the Bliss Block at Genesee and Washington Avenues.
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IHISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
in the spring of 1857. the first meeting of the common council being held April 11. Gardner D. Williams was the first mayor; Coe Garrett, recorder ; E. H. Shiminond, treasurer; and the first aldermen were. John Moore, George W. Bullock, Jay Smith and David Hughes; John E. Gibson was marshal, and E. C. Newell, city attorney. Mayor Williams was elected the following year for a second term. but his death occurred on December 11. 1858, and Hiram L. Miller, then recorder of the city, acted as mayor until the election of George W. Bullock to the mayoralty, in the spring of 1859.
In the early days of the incorporated city the most desirable residence section was on North Hamilton Street, and here were the homes of William Binder, Myron Butman, William H. Sweet, Newell Barnard, Doctor I. N. Smith and others whose names will be recalled by the older residents acquainted with our early history.
William Binder
For many years the home of William Binder was on the east side of the street, between Franklin ( Hancock ) and Ames Streets. It stood just north of the site of the three-story brick building, which was erected many years after by Barnard & Binder at the corner of Franklin. Mr. Binder was a resi- dent of Saginaw for more than forty years, and during the era of prosperity was a prominent lumberman and salt manufacturer. For years he held the office of secretary of the Saginaw Barrel Factory; and was actively indenti- fied in the promotion of industrial enterprises for the upbuilding of the city. When he removed to a new and pretentious house, which he had built at the northwest corner of Washington ( Michigan) and Bristol Streets, his old home was converted into a place of business, and occupied for a long time by A. Siebel.
During the panic of 1873 Mr. Binder met with severe reverses of fortune which was never regained. He was a public spirited citizen, and was the last controller of Saginaw City, relinquishing the office upon the consolidation of the Saginaws, which occurred in the spring of 1890. Shortly after, he re- turned with his family to the scenes of his boyhood at Hersau, Wurtemberg. Germany, where he passed his declining years, and died February 7, 1915.
Myron Butman
Among the oldest, best known, and highly esteemed lumbermen of Saginaw was Myron Butman, who was born at Milan, Erie County, Ohio, October 5. 1825. His father was John S. Butman, one of the early pioneers of Northern Ohio. He received his early education in the public schools of his native place, and afterward attended the Huron Institute, in a neighbor- ing town, where he completed his schooling. Quite early in life he embarked in the retail lumber business in connection with a mercantile venture in Milan, and continued in this trade for about ten years.
In 1854 he sought wider fields for his enterprise and went first to Chicago and thence, a year later, to Saginaw when blanket Indians were as yet no uncommon sight in the streets. Lumbering in this section was then beginning to assume large proportions, and he engaged in the general lumber business, which he conducted on a broad scale throughout his active career. In 1800 he entered into partnership with Samuel H. Webster, and the firm built a saw mill and salt works at Zilwaukee. They were pioneers in the salt industry of the State, as this salt block was the third erected after the manufacture of salt became an assured commercial venture in the valley. From a small beginning, they witnessed the remarkable expansion of the industry, in 1900 reaching a total production in Michigan of more than five and a quarter million barrels ; and the initial price of three dollars a barrel reduced to fifty cents a barrel on the dock.
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AN ERA OF PROSPERITY
This partnership continued for three years, when Mr. Webster withdrew ; and Mr. Butman then formed a co-partnership with Amasa Rust, under the firm name of Butman & Rust, which continued until the death of Mr. Rust in 1893. Meanwhile he dealt extensively in timber lands, the beginning of this business having been made with about four thousand acres of fine timber in this valley, which he had located just previous to his coming here.
In 1871 the firm of Butman & Rust, in connection with Rust & Hay. pur- chased the old Watson mill at Bay City, which they remodled and operated under the name of Hay, Butman & Company until 1885, when Butman & Rust bought out the other interests. During the last few years of its opera- tion this mill was one of the best on the river. its capacity running to ninety thousand feet per day, its timber supplies being drawn from the Tittaba- wassee River and tributaries. The firm acquired an enviable reputation as manufacturers of high-grade lumber, due in no small degree to the excellent judgment of Mr. Butman in the selection of timber; and special care was taken in manufacture, the element of character of the product being of greater consideration than that of quantity. Running largely to the better grades, it was eagerly sought by the trade, and commanded the highest prices in the market.
Mr. Butman was married in 1848 to Miss Mary P. Adams, who was born and reared in Milan, Ohio. Mrs. Butman was a woman of quiet, refined tastes, and closely attached to home ties. She was a devout member of St. John's Episcopal Church, and was deeply interested in the work of the parish and of charitable organizations, in all of which Mr. Butman was thoroughly in sympathy. They had one daughter, Mary P., who inherited many of her father's sterling qualities and her mother's refinement and tenderness of heart, to which was united a benevolent disposition. Possessed of fine feel- ings, generous impulses, and sensitive to the misfortunes of others, it was but natural that her acts of kindness and helpful interest, always unosten- tatiously bestowed, should have been widespread. Unfortunately wedded to a man whose character, temperament and trend of thought were entirely antipodal to her noble qualities, her married life was marred by unhappiness and sorrow. She died May 7. 1912, preceded to the beyond by her mother who died April 24, 1907.
In his active business life Mr. Butman did not confine his interests to lumbering, but associated himself with other industrial enterprises. He was one of the organizers of the Bank of Saginaw, which he served as president for many years; and he was interested in the Allington & Curtis Manufac- turing Company and other concerns designed to supplant the lumber in- dustry, which about 1890 had reached a period of decline. He was a man of deep sympathies, was broad minded and generous, and lived a life of use- fulness in the community, marked by the highest integrity. He died Jan- uary 10, 1901. in the city which for almost fifty years had known him as an honored citizen.
William H. Sweet
William 11. Sweet, for many years one of the leading attorneys of Sag- inaw County, was born in New York City, October 13, 1819. At the age of two years his parents moved on a farm, where his boyhood was spent. But at eighteen years of age, his health being precarious, he shipped on a whaling voyage which continued for three years, during which time he visited nearly every port in the world. Returning to New York, he entered into a mer- cantile life, but after three years closed out his business, purchased a stock of general merchandise and in 1850 brought his goods to the western fron- tier on the Saginaw.
WILLIAM H. SWEET
MYRON BUTMAN
--
NEWELL BARNARD
DANIEL L. C. EATON
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AN ERA OF PROSPERITY
This business he conducted successfully for some time, but later sold out to engage in lumbering. While still a young man he studied law, in due time was admitted to the bar, and became associated with J. G. Suther- land, one of the pioneers of his profession in this valley. Mr. Sweet was mayor of Saginaw City for two terms, was prosecuting attorney of this county from 1861 to 1863, and was a member of the Board of the Union School District in 1891.
By his first wife, who died in 1872, Mr. Sweet was the father of six children - three daughters, who upon marrying were Mrs. Martin, Mrs. Penover and Mrs. Pendleton, and Fred B. Sweet, une time county clerk, and William and Sumner Sweet. After a long illness Mr. Sweet died at his home in Saginaw. February 16, 1898.
For many years the family home was on the northwest corner of Throop and Hamilton Streets, on or very near the site of the old council house used by General Cass in negotiating the treaty of 1819 with the Chippewa Indians.
The Commercial Interests of Saginaw City
In 1858, according to Fox's "History of Saginaw," the city boasted of "many beautiful buildings, several extensive warehouses, docks, etc. Noth- ing can exceed the beauty of the locality, especially in Spring and Summer. The streets are regularly laid out, are, in many parts, well shaded with locust and maple trees, and residences of many citizens evince great taste and refinement." At that time the city had a population of about twenty- five hundred.
The business and professional interests were represented by citizens of sterling character, who left the stamp of their individuality upon the future city. In the dry goods line were D. H. Jerome & Company, who also dealt in clothing, groceries and provisions, in the Jerome Block on Water Street : George W. Bullock, with fancy dry goods, staple groceries and provisions. at the corner of Ames and Hamilton: G. T. Zschoerner, in the Woodruff Block, Water Street on the dock ; and P. C. Andre in the same general line. on Water Street on the dock.
In groceries and provisions were J. Dowling, A. Andre, on Water Street : Myron Butman, George Streeb and William Binder, in the Woodruff Block, on Water Street: Jacob Vogt, on the dock : and M. Redman kept a restau- rant at the corner of Hamilton and Jefferson Streets.
The hardware trade was supplied by D. H. Jerome & Company, who also carried a stock of "iron, steel, nails, stoves, and hollow ware," at the corner of Water and Van Buren: and N. Gibson, who dealt in mill saws, chains, cutlery, etc., in Gibson's Block on Water Street.
The merchant tailors were F. A. Leasia. "dealer in all kinds of garments. hats. caps, etc.," in the Mitchell Block, on Water Street ; M. Rathkie, manu- facturer and dealer in ready-made clothing. etc., on Water Street ; and M. Mulcahay, in clothing on Water Street. The milliners were Mrs. Rice, who also carried fancy goods, on Water Street, and Miss Hamilton, mantua maker, at the corner of Ames and Hamilton Streets.
.A. Fisher was the leading cabinet and chair manufacturer, with a shop on Water Street, then the principal business street.
The tannery was owned and operated by C. Wyder, "tanner and currier, Stevens and Water Street, towards Green Point." J. W. Richardson was a manufacturer and dealer in harnesses. saddles, martingals, trunks, etc., on Water Street; and the shoe shops were those of C. Kull, C. Shultz. C. T. Brenner, G. Sanders, P. M. Ilale. C. Fuche and G. Winkler, all on Water Street.
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HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
In drugs and medicines were Jay Smith, M. D., at the corner of Van Buren and Water; A. O. T. Eaton & Brother, at the corner of Court and Water; and D. F. Mitchell, in the Mitchell Block on Water Street. The physicians were J. B. White, whose office was at the corner of Lyon and Water Streets; N. D. Lee, on Jefferson Street; D. F. Mitchell; M. C. T. Plessner, on Water Street: Dion Birney, at Court and Water; and S. Franke, at the corner of Franklin and Hamilton Streets.
The legal profession was well represented by Moore & Gaylord, "attor- neys and counsellors of law, and solicitors in chancery," office in the court house : E. C. Newell, the city attorney, at Water and Jefferson Streets ; C. D. Little, at the corner of Washington and Madison; Hiram S. Penover, with an office in the court house: Sutherland & Benedict, at Court and Water; and William H. Sweet, on Water Street.
AA livery was conducted by A. H. Paine, who "always keeps on hand all sorts of good vehicles, with first-class horses;" and the ship yard of M. Dougherty on Water Street, completes the list of tradesmen of that period.
The Fish Trade
For many years fisheries was a business of some importance in the valley ; and in 1858 the value of this trade was about forty thousand dollars. Large quantities of fish were used in the town, and much was shipped to the East. The weight of fish then caught in the lakes, bays and rivers was: for Sturgeon, seventy to one hundred and twenty pounds: Trout, twenty to sixty pounds ; Muskellunge, fifteen to forty pounds; Pickerel, six to fifteen pounds ; Mullet, five to ten pounds; White Fish, two to five pounds; Perch, about one pound ; Black Bass, one to three pounds; Bill Fish, one to three pounds; and Cat Fish, ten to twenty pounds. In those days the flesh of the sturgeon was called "Saginaw beef."
"There was a time every spring." relates E. S. Williams, "when the Indians from Saginaw and the interior would congregate in large parties, for the purpose of putting up dried sturgeon, which made a very delicate dish when properly cooked, and was much used in those days by the first families of Detroit. We used to purchase considerable of it for our use. The Indians would select the best, Hay the pieces, hang them across poles in rows, about four feet from the ground and two feet apart, then a gentle smoke was kept under them until they were perfectly dry, then packed up in bales of perhaps fifty pounds each. Where they accomplished this was on the Point Au Gres.
"At a certain time every spring the sturgeon would come upon this point, which was very shallow a long distance ont, and in the warm sun would work themselves to the shore until they would lie and roll like cord wood, perfectly helpless, and here the Indians would go among them and select the best. I have been on the point at these times and seen the sport. A little Indian will wade in to about a foot of water, find a big sturgeon (some are very large ), strike a small tomahawk in his nose, and straddle him. The sturgeon will carry him through the water at quite a speed, the little fellow steering by the handle of his tomahawk, not letting him go to deep water, and when he tires of the sport he runs his fancy nag ashore."
"In the spring of the year," continued Mr. Williams, "in high water. the ice being gone, the wall-eyed pike would run up the Saginaw in great numbers, running on the Shiawassee meadows which were overflowed for miles, from three to six feet deep. One beautiful warm spring morning. Major William Mosely and myself proposed to go up the Shiawassee about four miles and have a little sport, spearing in the evening by torch light. I took a large canoe, one man, a lunch basket, blankets, etc., expecting to stay over night.
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AN ERA OF PROSPERITY
"Arriving at the Indian camps the water for miles was like a mirror in the hot sun. We went out a short distance and found the water alive with fish. We speared a good many, with much sport. The Indians proposed if I would buy the fish they would go out and spear enough to fill our canoes. I agreed to do so. and in an hour or two they came in alongside my canoe. I would count the fish, taking each Indian's name and number of his fish in my pass book. We loaded the fish in our canoe, and I engaged two others, loaded them, and got home before dark, when we set men to work cleaning and packing for market.
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