USA > Michigan > St Joseph County > History of St. Joseph county, Michigan, with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, palatial residences, public buildings, fine blocks, and important manufactories > Part 49
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In 1866 the Three Rivers Manufacturing Company built their furnace and machine shops, L. B. Swarthout, general manager, and William Swarth- out, treasurer. The works are still in operation. The soap-factory of Arnold & Smith was built in 1876. In the fall of 1865 E. P. Smith began the manufacture of pumps in a small way, and was subsequently joined by Orrin Gifford, and the business increased, Gifford retiring January, 1867, and J. E. & J. P. Prutzman, sons of Hon. A. C. Prutzman, came into the bus- iness and manufactured for the jobbing-trade entirely; their sales amounting to twenty-six thousand dollars the first year. The Prutzmans were with Smith two years and then retired, and Munson came in a short time and gave way to Lafferty, and the year following the firm was merged into the North- western Pump Company and continued in business till removed to Toledo. This company own the brick manufactory in the second ward before men- tioned. J. E. & J. P. Prutzman built their present works on the Portage, near the bridge, and soon after adopted the name of the "Michigan Pump Company," and manufactured the so-called Michigan pump, adding in 1876 the manufacture of plows, under the name of the "Three Rivers Plow Company," being Prutzman Brothers & McIntyre. Their sales here steadily increased, reaching, in 1874, the sum of forty-three thousand dollars. They employed thirty-five men in 1876.
The extensive manufactory of Roberts, Throp & Co. has arisen from a single small furnace built by J. B. Millard and George Troy, the same pass- ing into the hands of Roberts & Cox, in 1855-Mr. John A. Throp suc- ceeding Cox soon afterward. The company was incorporated in 1875, as Roberts, Throp & Co., Cyrus Roberts, president; John A. Throp, vice- president ; George A. Roberts, treasurer, and S. J. Throp, secretary. The capital stock is two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, eighty thousand dollars of which is paid in. They manufacture threshing-machines, the " Invincible Vibrating Thresher," the original vibrating machine, and cul- tivators. The president built his first vibrator in 1848, and patented the present style of his machines in 1860. The company employ fifty persons on an average during the year. The main shop is fifty by one hundred and eighty feet on the ground, two stories; the blacksmith-shop thirty by sixty five feet, same height, and both of brick ; the wood-work shop is forty-four
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
by sixty-five feet, and the warehouse forty by sixty-nine feet. A fine flow- ing well, covered by a neat, tasteful summer-house, furnishes an abundance of pure, cold water for the operatives.
The first blacksmith-shop was built by Ellis Troy, in " Canada," in 1833. He came with Philip H. Hoffman in September of that year. J. H. Bowman built one also in 1834 near his residence, and another was put up the same year on the corner, diagonally opposite from the Three Rivers House.
J. L. Spellman began the manufacture of cigars, July 16, 1874, and em- ploys eleven men. His sales amounted in 1876 to forty thousand cigars per month. The Bellman Cigar Company was incorporated January 1, 1876; President, G. H. Bellman ; Secretary, Frederick A. Bellman ; Treasurer, W. H. Lothrop. Capital, twenty thousand dollars. George H. Bellman began the business of cigar-making in 1868, with a single man. In 1876 the company employed thirty men, and sold nine hundred thousand cigars, doing a jobbing trade only.
M. H. Flynn has been in the carriage-making line fourteen years-he employs eight men. M. Seydle manufactured hats in 1834, in Lockport, and advertised in the Michigan Statesman to give patrons fits in style or finish. In 1837 G. H. & T. H. Prindle were blacksmiths in Lockport.
The census of 1874 returns three flour-mills with fourteen run of stones, one saw-mill, one planing-mill, two foundries, two agricultural-implement works and two pump factories, employing one hundred and fifty-eight per- sons, and three hundred and eleven thousand dollars capital; the value of whose product was placed at five hundred and eighty thousand dollars.
TRADE.
The first stock of goods brought to Three Rivers for retailing was opened by Smith & Bowman in a little building, sixteen by thirty-two feet, on the present site of the Three Rivers House. Smith was his own clerk when present, and in his absence J. B. Millard officiated and weighed out the gro- ceries, or measured the tape and calico for the farmers' wives and girls.
In the spring of 1837, J. & B. Eddy opened a store, and Moseley came in June of the same year.
In the Constantine Republican of February 3, 1837, it is stated that there were then in Three Rivers three stores in operation and another one building.
In July, J. Gregory advertised his business as a tailor, and Dr. E. A. Eagery was announced as the physician of the place, having his office in Smith & Bowman's building, opposite Moore's hotel.
The keel-boat, Three Rivers, was announced in the marine list as having arrived at Constantine with merchandise for Moseley's stores at that place and Three Rivers.
Moore & Prutzman opened a branch store at Three Rivers, in October, 1836, and came themselves personally, in the year 1838, at which time they began shipping flour down the river on the arks. Their first stock of goods was hauled to Prairie Ronde from the mouth of the St. Joseph, in the spring of 1835, at a cost of seven shillings per hundred weight.
These gentlemen came to Three Rivers in the fall of 1834, expecting their stock of goods to arrive at the mouth of the river soon after their own arrival, but the winter set in early and the mouth of the river froze over and the vessel on which the goods were shipped could not make the landing and had to return to Grand Haven, where she lay all winter, the owners of the goods passing the time meanwhile on the east end of Prairie Ronde, whither they took their goods for sale. Moseley opened his store in "Canada."
HOTELS.
The first hotel was built by Burroughs Moore in the fall of 1833. It was a little one, fourteen by fourteen feet, one and a half story, but he kept guests when they came. He added to it in 1834, and from time to time afterwards until it had the appearance of a little village of itself, and was yelept "Shanty Row." But it was a home for many a weary traveler in its day, and had a long lease of usefulness. It was situated on the present site of the brick block opposite the First National Bank. The building itself was moved back from the street and is now owned by Mr. Hutchinson, and occupied as a tenant house.
Luther Carlton built, in 1838, a frame hotel, which is now the front part of the Three Rivers House.
The present hotels are the Three Rivers House, kept by Leonard Fisher & Sons, to the old frame of which, enlarged and refitted, a large and com- modious brick building has been added, affording a comfortable home for its patrons; the Hatch House, a fine brick building, just north of the Reporter building, kept by A. S. Bradt; and the Central House, also a commodious brick building, near the bridge over the St. Joseph, kept by D. S. Hale.
BANKS.
Since the attempt to start the "wild-cat " bank in Lockport, in 1837, which only got so far as a subscription of the capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars and an election of directors, (the projectors being saved the sin of issuing its promises to pay), no attempts for a bank of issue were made in Three Rivers until the national banking law was passed.
In December, 1864, the First National Bank was organized with Hon. Edward S. Moore, president ; C. C. Warren, cashier. Mr. Moore has con- tinued to fill the position of president to the present time. Mr. C. L. Blood is the present cashier, and the present board of directors are as follows: E. S. Moore, D. Francisco, N. Pierson, J. W. Hoffman, A. C. Prutzman, S. A. Walton, Stephen Kelsey, E. L. Brown, W. M. Thomas, C. L. Blood, J. P. McKey.
Mr. Moore was largely instrumental in founding the bank, and Charles Macomber, now deceased, was also prominent in its organization. Its last quar- terly statement, published January 22, 1877, shows its loans and discounts amounted at that date to one hundred thousand one hundred and ninety-six dollars and ninety-eight cents; United States bonds to secure its circulation, fifty thousand dollars; other bonds and mortgages, twenty-three thousand seven hundred dollars; due from other national banks, approved reserve agents and redemption fund, fourteen thousand and ninety-seven dollars and seventy-nine cents; real-estate, furniture and fixtures, twenty thousand four hundred and thirty-eight dollars and fifty-eight cents; cash on hand, fifteen thousand one hundred and thirty-three dollars and eighty-two cents. Its capital stock, surplus and undivided profits amounted to one hundred and thirty thousand nine hundred and seventeen dollars and forty-five cents ; its circulation to forty-five thousand dollars, and its deposits, subject to check or on certificates, were forty-seven thousand six hundred and forty-nine dollars and seventy-two cents.
The present bank-building of this bank is one of the finest and most convenient offices in the State. The bank has divided among the stock- holders five per cent. semi-annually from its organization in 1864. It divided its surplus earnings in 1876, being forty per cent. of its capital.
THE MANUFACTURERS' NATIONAL BANK,
of Three Rivers, was organized in 1872, with Joseph B. Millard, president, and William E. Wheeler, cashier. Mr. Millard has remained the president to the present time, but E. H. Lothrop succeeded Mr. Wheeler as cashier, and held the position till his death, which occurred September 10, 1874. The vacancy was filled nominally for a short time by W. H. Lothrop, who was succeeded by William E. Wheeler, until January 1, 1876, when the present cashier, O. F. Millard, came to the desk. The present board of directors are J. B. Millard, J. W. French (vice president), O. F. Millard, Henry Hall, W. H. Lothrop, Cyrus Roberts, W. S. Millard, L. T. Wilcox, E. F. Thomas.
The stockholders never withdrew any dividend until January 1, 1877, when a dividend of ten per cent. was declared and drawn.
The statement of the bank, published January 22, 1877, shows its condi- tion financially. Its loans and discounts amounted to one hundred and seventeen thousand five hundred and fifty-seven dollars and ninety-seven cents ; United States bonds to secure circulation fifty thousand dollars ; due from other national banks and approved reserve agents and redemp- tion fund fifty-five thousand seven hundred and fifty-one dollars and ninety-eight cents ; furniture and fixtures, expense and taxes, six thousand five hundred and twenty-eight dollars and ninety-one cents ; cash on hand nine thousand eight hundred and fifteen dollars and thirty-eight cents. Its liabilities were : capital stock, surplus and undivided profits, one hundred and nine thousand one hundred and two dollars and twenty-one cents ; cir- culation outstanding, forty-four thousand nine hundred dollars ; deposits eighty-five thousand seven hundred and fifty-two dollars and three cents.
POST-OFFICE.
The first post-office established for the accommodation of the people of Lockport and vicinity was in 1830-1, and was kept by George Buck as postmaster, at his tavern, the "Half-way House." He was succeeded by Burroughs Moore, who kept the office in his tavern in Three Rivers. Moore was succeeded by John McKee in 1839. H. H. Cole was postmaster in 1846, and the mail was brought daily by stage from Kalamazoo and White Pigeon, and could be kept in " a quart cup." Isaac Crossette succeeded Cole, and was in turn succeeded by J. E. Kelsey. S. Allen Smith came behind the boxes after Kelsey, and held the position until his death, when Kelsey came in again for the balance of Smith's term, and generously gave the proceeds of the office to the widow of his predecessor. Isaac Crossette came in again
RESIDENCE OF D . D. TENNYSON, THREE RIVERS, MICH.
LIVERY
RESIDENCE OF H. BURCH, THREE RIVERS, MICH .
BANK
CH? ERY
FIRST
NATIONAL
BANK
PRESIDENT. E. S ., MOORE.
CASHIER . C.L. BLOOD.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK.
THREE RIVERS , MICHIGAN.
CAPITAL
DIRECTORS
STEPHEN KELSEY,
D. FRANCISCO, J. W. HOFFMAN,
J. P. Mc KEY,
E. L. BROWN
N. M. THOMAS. C. L. BLOOD.
$100,000.
E. S. MOORE, N. PIERSON,
A. C.PRUTZMAN, S. A. WALTON.
143
HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
after 1852 to 1860 ; then A. B. Ranny was in for a time,-W. H. Clute coming in from 1861 to 1865; Charles Fonda, 1865-8, and Clute again 1869-72 ; John B. Handy, the present very efficient incumbent and courte- ous gentleman receiving the appointment in 1872.
Mr. Handy very kindly furnished the following abstract of business of the office for 1876 : amount of money-orders issued, nineteen thousand five hun- dred and ninety-four dollars and seven cents ; amount of money orders paid, sixteen thousand two hundred and ninety dollars and seven cents ; number of stamps, stamped envelopes and postal cards sold, four thousand and eighty-seven dollars and fifty-five cents ; letters dispatched and received daily one thousand ; papers distributed weekly, about two thousand two hun- dred.
EARLY METHODS OF TRANSPORTATION.
The transportation of merchandize in the ante-railroad days, was all effec- ted, or nearly so, by the river communication afforded by the St. Joseph. A ship-yard was once established in Lockport, near the present foundry. Washington Gascon built keel-boats and ran them on the river as early as 1836-7 ; and Burroughs Moore originated the idea of the arks which were built largely at Three Rivers, by Elisha Millard and others ; Captain Mil- lard being the most experienced and successful pilot and captain on the river. The first ark ran down from Three Rivers in 1834, as fully described in the general history of the county, as is also the manner of building the arks and navigating the river with them.
The first keel-boat, built by Washington Gascon, ran down the river from Three Rivers in the spring of 1837. Its first cargo was the first flour made in the Smith & Bowman mill ; J. B. Miller had one hundred barrels on the boat-the Kitty Kiddungo-and went down himself as super-cargo; he took it to Chicago, receiving nine hundred dollars for his venture in that city, the freight being two dollars per barrel.
In June flour was thirteen dollars per barrel at home. He invested three hundred dollars in wheat, at ten shillings per bushel as the first move.
Moore and Prutzman shipped flour first in the spring of 1838, and exten- sively after 1840,-building their own arks. They shipped in this way to the mouth of the river until the railroad reached Niles in 1849, then intercep- ted the road at that point, until 1853, when the Michigan Southern reached Constantine ; then the arks disappeared, and flat-boats were used between Three Rivers and Constantine,-teams on the road hauling the flour to the latter place and sometimes towing the boats back.
The steamer Ruby, a small boat, made several trips to Three Rivers.
Calvin Brittain manufactured keel-boats in Three Rivers in 1839, and Gascon before and after.
Out of the first arks sent to Constantine in 1852, wharves were made on which to unload the future cargoes of the keel-boats, the depot being a mile distant from the landing.
Five hundred barrels was the usual load of an ordinary sized ark, forty by sixteen, of two sections or cribs, but as high as six hundred barrels have been carried. The transportation cost from one hundred and twenty dollars to one hundred and seventy-five dollars per trip. The lumber for the keel- boats was whip-sawed.
RAILROADS.
In 1853, Hon. Edward S. Moore, as president of the St. Joseph Valley railroad company ; S. H. Wheeden, secretary ; made an arrangement with the Michigan Southern railroad company to build a railroad to Three Rivers under the charter of the former company, which charter was then owned by that company, and the stock subscribed.
The St. Joseph Valley charter allowed a railroad to be built to the State line of Indiana; whereas the charter of the Michigan Southern, denied that company the right to lay their track nearer than three miles from the State line. By this arrangement Three Rivers got a railroad, and the Michigan Southern a connection with the Northern Indiana, and thus formed a con- tinuous line to Chicago,-avoiding a law-suit brought for violation of charter.
This railroad to Three Rivers was first laid with strap-rail, and when the superstructure was worn out the road ceased to be operated for a time, there- by causing another effort to re-construct the same and lay it with T rail. The effort was made successful by extending the road north to Schoolcraft, Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, by the combined enterprise and assistance of the people along the line, and which they paid heavily for. It is now one of the best and safest roads in the State. The township of Lockport aided . the re-construction of the road in 1864 by a donation of thirty-five thousand dollars besides the most liberal donations by individuals. In the first build- ing of the road, Moore & Prutzman contributed heavily to get it through to Three Rivers, giving the extensive depot-grounds and grading the same.
There was no lack among the public-spirited citizens in supplying the needed inducements to make the road a success, but Moore & Prutzman were nota- bly zealous and liberal in the work. When the road was extended north, the bridge was built mostly by extra subscriptions of the people. The . right of way, half-way to Constantine, was given by citizens.
The business of this road in 1876 is shown by the following exhibit kindly furnished by H. L. Chadwick, station and ticket agent of the Michigan Southern railroad company, as the road is now called : There were seventeen millions four hundred and fifty-two thousand two hundred and ninety-eight pounds of freight received during the year at the station in Three Rivers, and seventeen millions one hundred and fifty-eight thousand eight hundred and forty-two pounds forwarded; the latter including seven millions one hun- dred and sixty-three thousand six hundred and forty-two pounds of flour, and six millions seven hundred and thirty-seven thousand five hundred and eighty-five pounds of grain, representing thirty-five thousand eight hundred and eighteen barrels of the former and one hundred and twelve thousand two hundred and ninety-three bushels of the latter article. The ticket-sales amounted to nineteen thousand two hundred and eighty-one dollars. Wil- liam A. Davis is the operator of the Western Union Telegraph company, whose lines run along the company's right of way.
The township also voted to aid the contemplated road from Port Huron to Chicago, an outlet for the Grand Trunk of Canada to get to Chicago, to the amount of sixty-thousand dollars, November 6, 1866, but the road was never built. On May 3, 1869, a donation of forty thousand dollars was made by the township to aid the Michigan Air-Line railroad, which was sub- sequently built and is now in operation, being " gathered in" after the dona- tions of the township were secure, by the Michigan Central, and by which name it is now known. Mr. J. N. Beeson, the station agent, has courteously furnished the following exhibit of the business of the road transacted at the Three Rivers station during 1876: Freight forwarded, twelve millions four hundred and eighty-six thousand four hundred and sixty-two pounds, which includes twenty-nine thousand four hundred barrels of flour, and twenty- eight thousand bushels of wheat. The freight received amounted to twelve million four hundred and forty thousand two hundred and fifty-three pounds. The ticket sales were fourteen thousand seven hundred and sixty-five dollars and fifty-five cents. The Western Union Telegraph lines also run over the Central's right of way, and O. P. Slote is the operator at its station.
THE AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
have done during the year 1876, according to the statement kindly furnished by D. M. Bateman, their agent in the city, an amount of transportation and collection business which earned the company four thousand eight hun- dred and ninety-seven dollars and fifty-two cents, very nearly equally divided between shipments and receipts.
THE FIRST PHYSICIAN
was Dr. Eagery, before named. Dr. Hurd came about the same time, in 1836-37. Dr. Pickering and Dr. Choate were also early physicians. The
present medical staff of the city are: Dr. C. W. Backus, Dr. L. S. Stevens, . Dr. Ion Vernon, Dr. Ikeler, Dr. Adams, Dr. Corbin, Dr. Macomber, Dr. Luke and Dr. Hatch. Dentists-Messrs. S. B. Sill & Son and C. M. Wheeler.
THE FIRST LAWYER
in the village was a Mr. Hewitt, and next J. H. Lyon, who is still a resident attorney of the place; H. F. Severns, Samuel Chadwick, Seth Bean, R. Grosvenor, W. H. H. Wilcox and Clarence E. Wilbur were located in the village in times past, but left to practice elsewhere. The present legal lights of the community will be found enumerated in the general history of the bar of the county.
THE BUSINESS OF THE PRESENT
in the city is distributed and conducted as follows :
Trade.
Dry Goods and General Merchandise-S. M. Ashby, Johnson Bennett, A. B. Clark, J. L. Shively, S. Kelsey & Son.
Groceries-Edward Armitage, W. W. Burrows, J. J. Dikeman, Dunham & Thoms, Frederick Frey, Hale & McMurtrie, Hummell & Co., E. F. Peirce, James Odell, J. A. Ranney, Jr., J. A. Morton, Tucker & Bickel, Frank Fetzner.
Hardware-H. Penfield, N. Pierson, Griffiths & Dunham.
Boots and Shoes-F. B. Greene, C. Shaad, J. F. Slenker. Clothing and Furnishing Goods-George C. Brissette, M. Eisig.
18
144
HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Drugs-H. D. Cushman, Henry Hall, Snyder & Lindsley, Leidey & Corbin.
Flour and Feed-G. W. Gillespie, J. J. Kline.
Agricultural Implements-Griffiths & Dunham, N. S. Johnson.
Lumber-Arnold & Caldwell, S. Pugh, C. E. Dexter.
Jewelry-T. L. Arnold, T. B. Snyder, A. B. Ranney.
Books and Stationery-J. H. Pitzel, A. B. Ranney.
Harness-John George Ott, W. W. Rea.
Furniture-Geoge Neidhardt, W. F. Bartlett.
Markets and Butchers-H. Maxfield, A. R. Close, Creighton Brothers. Butter and Eggs, "Creamery"-McMurtrie & Gibbs.
Photographs-A. Udell, a first-class studio, appointed in the best style of the art.
General Commission-E. M. George.
Marble Works-Robert Hill.
Essential Oils-S. Johnson & Co.
Livery-Hosea Burch.
Merchant-Tailoring-George C. Brissette, M. A. Gamby.
Michigan Southern Railroad-H. L. Chadwick, agent.
Michigan Central Air Line Railroad-J. N. Beeson, agent.
American Express Company-D. M. Bateman, agent.
Western Union Telegraph Company-W. A. Davis and O. P. Slote, operators.
Real-Estate and Insurance-Tennyson & Booth, E. L. Brown, R. E. Case. Millinery and Ladies' Furnishing Goods-Mrs. L. J. Ayres, Mrs. W. Daniels, Mrs. A. E. Harris, Mrs. N. D. Hunt, Mrs. J. L. Spellman.
Sewing Machines-D. W. Johnson, A. J. Hiles, Mowrey Brothers, J. M. Gilchrist.
Confectionery-Francis Apted.
Restaurant-J. N. Richards.
Musical Instruments-George N. Wright.
Hotels-Leonard Fisher, A. S. Bradt, D. S. Hale.
Newspapers and Job Offices-W. H. Clute, Reporter ; Arnold & Son, Herald.
Magnetic Springs Cure-Thomas Silliman.
Manufacturers.
Threshing Machines and Cultivators-Roberts, Throp & Co.
Millers-Griffiths & Dunham, Three Rivers mill; J. W. Hoffman, Hoff- man mill.
Paper, Handles and Spokes-J. W. French Manufacturing Company, (Rosette paper-mill.)
Foundry and Machine Shop-Three Rivers Manufacturing Company.
Plows and Pumps-Three Rivers Plow Company; Michigan Pump Com- pany ; Prutzman Brothers & McIntyre.
Pulp-Three Rivers Pulp Company.
Carriages and Wagons-Brigham & Warren, Z. B. Ruggles, M. H. Flynn.
Mill-Hoppers and Corn-Shellers-John Hutchinson.
Saw-Mill-George Jackson & Co.
Pumps-Jonathan Willetts & Sons.
Soap Manufacturers-Arnold & Smith.
Cigars-Bellman Cigar Company, J. L. Spellman & Co.
Picture-Frames and Mouldings-J. R. Bowen.
Sash, Doors and Blinds-C. E. Dexter, Arnold and Caldwell. Blacksmiths-John J. Foster, Arthur Silliman, Peter Everett.
Coopers-Fease & Stillman, - Hill.
Gunsmith-F. E. Brown.
Painters-Kline & Ellison, G. W. Seeley, D. S. Shoemaker.
Shoemakers-P. Bingham, A. Vanderheyden, F. Pulver, Jacob A. Reed.
The capital employed in business in Three Rivers, according to the esti- mate of competent and impartial men, aggregates seven hundred and ninety- one thousand seven hundred and nineteen dollars in trade, manufactures and banking.
THE FIRST SCHOOL-HOUSE
built in Three Rivers was a plank building, twenty-four by thirty feet on the ground, situated just south, and opposite the present dwelling of John W. Hoffman, in the eastern part of the city. It was then in district number one, of Bucks ; but now in Lockport, and was built in the fall of 1837; being completed December 1. The posts were ten feet high.
The district was organized July 1, 1837, by electing Philip H. Hoffman, moderator : Joseph Sterling, director, and Thomas Millard, assessor. There were eight persons present at the meeting. They voted also to raise one
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