History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 124

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : Chas. C. Chapman & Co.
Number of Pages: 1457

USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan > Part 124

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).

The City Mill .- This industrial concern is situated on the east bank of the Huron, near Cross street bridge. Like the Huron Mill, this building, or rather a portion of it, has been handed down from the pioneer period. After passing through a series of vicis- situdes, it was purchased by T. C. Owen and E. B. Ward, the building being hitherto improved, and new machinery introduced by Quirk, Daw & Co. Its capacity is stated to be 100,000 barrels of flour per annum, together with a local grist trade of 30,000

1131

YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP.

bushels of grain. The building and machinery is valued at about $50,000, exclusive of the value of the M. C. R. R. side track, which has been carried to the loading platform. It is now owned by the Deubel Brothers.

Ypsilanti Distillery .- Captain Norton, Cephas Hawks, Wm. Jarvis and A. H. Ballard erected a distillery on the ground where is now the Ypsilanti ashery, in 1826. In 1845 Ballard & Edmunds became sole proprietors, and converted the building into a dis- tillery and flouring mill. In 1849 Ballard sold to James N. and Newton Edmunds, who, retiring from such a business, left it to be turned into the less profitable but more useful ashery.

Cornwell & Co.'s Paper-Mill .- The paper-mill of this company is noticed in dealing with the pioneer enterprises. To Cornwell is the honor due of being the first to introduce this great industry into Ypsilanti. Through his influence and energy the mill of 1856 was inaugurated, and from that period to the present time he has continued to advance the paper manufacturing interest, until now the products of the mills are welcome in the markets of the United States. The pioneer paper-mill was partially destroyed by fire in 1871. Another house was soon erected, which h ared the same fate; yet enterprise pushed onward, and raised the present pile of brick buildings, known as "Cornwell's Paper-Mills." The main building, 66x130 feet, is occupied as the machine room; an- other room, 50x107, is the store or freight house; and the third, 36x 120, forms 'the engine room. Both water and steam power are used. The quality of paper manufactured is " news-print."

Ypsilanti Paper Company's Mills .- In 1874 this company erected a paper-mill one half mile above the Peninsular Mills. The structure is brick, with stone foundations, similar to the Corn- well Mills. It is operated by Messrs. Cornwell, Son & Brothers. This has been justly named the most extensive paper-mill in the State of Michigan. The water-power is considered the best on the Huron river, with a head of 17 feet.

The Cornwells own the mills, formerly noticed, in the south part of the city; the above mills; the Geddes Pulp-Mill, with an 11- foot water-power; a large paper-mill situated on the Huron, on the western limits of Ann Arbor township, together with still another mill in course of erection at Ann Arbor. This company own 53 feet of water-power on the Huron river, between Ypsilanti and Dexter.

Cornelius Cornwell, senior partner in the Ypsilanti Paper Com- pany, first entered a woolen factory, to learn the trade; when 21 years of age he bought out his partner at "Foster's," this county, and at 25 he erected a grist-mill there; and at that place, too, he built and operated his first paper-mill, since which time the broth- ers have erected one mill at Ann Arbor and one at Ypsilanti, a pulp-mill at Geddesburg, and another at Jackson, also a woolen factory at Newport, or Foster's, and they have a wholesale paper

1132

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

store at Chicago, Ill. The Ypsilanti Paper Company employs probably about 500 hands. We give Mr. Cornwell's portrait.

Peninsular Paper Company, Ypsilanti .- Under the general law of the State of Michigan for the incorporation of stock com- panies in the State, the stock company known as the Peninsular Paper Company was organized and papers filed in 1867.

The capital stock of the company was $50,000, which was divided into 2,000 shares of $25 each. The first officers were: L. A. Barnes, President; I. N. Conklin, Vice-President; J. W. Van Cleve, Secretary and Treasurer.

The site of the works of this company is just outside of the northwestern limits of the city of Ypsilanti. In the spring of 1867 the construction of the company's mill number one was begun and the first paper was made in 1868. Mill number one is located on the south side of the Huron river and consists of a main building with dimensions 40x100 feet, three-stories high, a wing 30x120 feet, one-story high, and an annex for office use 16x24 feet in size. The main building is used for the preparation of stock; the wing is used for making and finishing paper.

On the same side of the River Huron and located on a side track of the M. C. R. R. is a three-story warehouse, 40x100 feet in size. The demands for their manufactured paper increasing, the com- pany in 1872 began the construction of a mill on the north side of the river, directly opposite their first mill, to be known as mill number two. This was completed and manufacturing therein commenced in 1873. The product of this mill is exclusively of the quality known as super-calendered book paper. The dimensions of this mill are as follows: The main building, 40x116 feet, two stories and basement, and wing, 40x132 feet, one story and base- ment, the main building being used for preparing stock and the wing for making and finishing paper. The motive-power of these mills is supplied by three turbine water-wheels in each mill, one 66, one 42 and one 30 inch, under 13 feet head. Attached to each mill is a fire-proof boiler room containing 150-horsepower boilers. The company manufacture print and fine book paper exclusively. The production of the first year's work was about 150 tons of paper, which was sold for about 16 cents per pound. The business has in- creased to such an extent that in 1880 these mills produced 1,500 tons of paper. The machinery required to do this work consists of eight paper-mill engines, four in each mill, one rag cutter and duster in each mill, one large rotary boiler in each mill for boiling stock, besides one open tub, and two Foudrinier paper-machines, one 72-inch and one 66-inch. To do the work required, 110 per- sons are employed, about one-half of whom are women and girls.

The productions of the mills find market in this State and the city of Chicago. Since its organization this company has enjoyed general prosperity. In 1876 the capital stock was increased to $100,000. The officers of the company now are L. A. Barnes,

of G morton DOS Neuer 21. 1841. 10. 194

Almira Morton Corton

1137

YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP.

Pres. and Treas .; Samuel Barnard, Vice-Pres .; J. W. Van Cleve, Secretary.

The actual amount of money invested is $50,000, the market value of which is 350 per cent. This fact alone is the highest tes- timony to the character of the management.

The foundry and machine shops of Ferrier & Son, located on River street, near the M. C. R. R. depot, form one of the great in- dustrial establishments of the city. The foundry is principally devoted to the construction of mill machinery and corn-shellers. The buildings of the firm are extensive and substantial; the main building is 60x130 feet, two-stories high, with return house con- taining foundry and machine shop. A 10-horse power engine is the motive power used. The firm employs a large number [of skilled workmen.

Mccullough's Plow-Factory .- The firm of J. & W. L. McCul- lough, manufacturers of plows, cultivators, and large kettles, operate the foundry on Congress street, just east of the bridge. For many years these iron founders have carried on an extensive business.

Follmor & Scovill's Mill .- The saw-mill of this company is devoted to the manufacture of hard-wood lumber and dressed lum- ber. The mill comprises three large buildings, modern machinery, and a water-power capable of supplying all demands:

Mckinstry & Van Cleve's Factory .- The planing-mill estab- lished by Edwards & Cooper is now operated by the men whose names are given in the heading. The mill and factory stands at the northeast corner of Congress and Adams, just west of the opera house. It is a two-story brick building, 56x64 feet, with engine room, etc., etc. Together with the building, planing, sash and door departments of this concern, it is said that they ship over 40,000 base-ball bats annually. This factory gives direct employment to 15 men, transacts business in a business-like way, and takes an im- portant part among the industries of the town.

Whitmore & Co.'s sash, door, and blind factory is located on Cross street. The machinery of their factory is worked by steam power.

Parsons Brothers .- Messrs. S. W. and G. W. Parsons first organized as lumber, lath, and shingle dealers in 1867. They con- tinued in this business exclusively until 1869, when they pur- chased the " Ypsilanti Spoke Factory " and machinery, to which was added machinery for the manufacture of sash, doors, and blinds. The size of their factory is 30x64, with wing 30x30 feet; engine and boiler room, 20x20; paint-shop, 15x26 with a return 12x26; the warehouse is 20x44, and two-stories high; office, 20x36; and dry kiln. These are substantial buildings of brick and stone. In 1868 the " Monitor Washing-Machine " was patented, and its manufact- ure was undertaken by the firm subsequent to its improvement in 1872. The Messrs. Parsons are also manufacturers of Crich's Hinged Frame, and of Folding Spring Bed Bottoms; and also of the O. K. and Peerless Coffee Roasters. The "Storm-King" wind-

1138

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

mill is one of their latest enterprises. The business of the firm appears to be conducted on principles which must necessarily insure its continued increase and success.

Climax Threshing-Machine Works .- Edward D. McPherson, proprietor of these works, purchased the " Novelty Works " from John Gilbert, October, 1880, and commenced the manufacture of machines that month. This factory occupies two acres, fronting on Grove street. The buildings are laid off into machine, foundry, finishing shops, and dry kilns. The former is 55x60 feet, three- stories high; the foundry 45x60, and the finishing shop 105x22. The engine is 50-horse power, the engine room 20x60, and the boiler house 10x30. In the construction of these buildings by the original owner, Mr. Gilbert, no expense was spared. For many years he carried on a most extensive business, including the manu- facture of the Eureka Safe and Settees. The material for railroad fences was also prepared here.

In the possession of such buildings, Mr. McPherson is enabled to turn out 500 threshing-machines annually. He has been, for a number of years, with the old experienced firin of McPherson, Glasgow & Co., of Fingal and Clinton, Ont., Canada, who have been engaged in the manufacture of threshing-machines there more than thirty years, and do by far the most extensive trade in this line of any firm in Canada. The 35 per cent. protective tariff and the large number of Canadians now residing in Michigan, to whom the high character of the "Climax Thresher " is well known, sug- gested the propriety of establishing a factory here. Mr. McPher- son possesses all the elements which should belong to a business man. The success of his enterprise here is already insured, so that the citizens may congratulate themselves on the establishment of an industrial concern, equal in importance to that of the " Novelty Works."

Sweet Brothers' Factory .- The sash, door and blind factory es- tablished by Sweet & Henderson in 1869 is now operated by Sweet Brothers, one of whom purchased Mr. Henderson's interest early in 1880. Their factory is situated at the corner of Congress and Hamilton streets. The main building is 66x75 feet in size, five- stories in height, with extensions for dry-kiln and storage purposes. The machinery consists of a new combined four-side surface planer and matcher, band saws, mortising machine, lathes and all attach- ments necessary to the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds and mold- ings, all propelled by a 40-horse power stationary engine. The firm also carries a stock of seasoned pine and hard wood for retail trade.

The Curtis Carriage Factory stands on the southwest corner of Congress and Adams streets. It is a large two-story brick building designed for a first-class factory and warehouse. Since its estab- lishment in 1868, the product of the concern has been annually in- creased; the workmanship has gained a higher place in popular

1139

YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP.

esteem, still continues to advance, and gives promise of being, in the near future, one of the principal industries of the State.

Ypsilanti Carriage Co .- This stock company was organized in October, 1879, with a capital of $25,000 and is now under the di- rection of H. Batchelder. The buildings of the company have a frontage of 100 feet on Washington street, are 60 feet deep, with a building in rear 40 feet deep. Employment is given to 20 skilled mechanics, who build sleigh and buggy bodies for the Western markets. The annual value of such manufactured goods may be set down at $30,000. This company is the successor to the "Beach Carriage Manufacturing Company," of which S. M. Cutcheon was President, and S. W. Beach, Superintendent. The present company comprises R. W. Hemphill, Hiram Batchelder, J. C. Batchelder and J. S. Cutcheon.

Laing & Martin Shops .- This firm was organized in 1868, when the present quarters were rented, and opened a blacksmith's shop for general jobbing and repairing work. Through close atten- tion to business and industry the firm has been enabled to add other branches to its business, until now it is extensively engaged in making wagons, carriages, sleighs, cultivators, harrows, etc. The Defiance windmill, one of the most perfect machines of its kind in the market, and one which finds a ready sale throughout the State, is also constructed in their shops. The shops are equipped with all modern machinery needed, which is driven by a 12-horse power steam-engine.

The Gas Governor Manufacturing Co. was organized in May, 1874, for the purpose of manufacturing " Horne's Patent Automatic Gas Governor." The business of the company has steadily in- creased, until now it occupies a high position among the individual industries of the town. Among its projectors and present officers are men whose connection with it is full evidence of its pros- perity, past and present.

The shops of O. E. Thompson comprise a paint shop, " clover and grass seed-sower " manufacturing shop, and the agricultural imple- ment show room. Mr. Thompson is a son of Benjamin Thompson, one of the early settlers of Ypsilanti,-a man of enterprise, and the patentee of the "Clover and Grass Seed-Sower." This useful agricultural implement is manufactured by him. It is now be- coming popular and its manufacture promises to add another im- portant industry to the city.

The Manufacture of Cabinets was introduced here by Mr. Vanderbilt, continued by D. Coon, H. Vinkle, McAndrew & Wallace, and is at present represented by McAndrew & Wallace and Clark. Each of the two establishments does a fair trade.

Corey & Grant's Factory .- E. W. Grant & A. L. Corey's factory is bounded by Adams, Michigan and Hamilton streets. One build- ing is 30x80 feet, with a wing 25x100 feet, with engine house, engine of 30-horse power, etc. It was erected in 1874, and opened the same year by E. W. Grant. In April, 1875, Mr. Corey entered

1140

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

on the manufacture of the Elastic Rubber Bucket, and since that time continued the business, extending it throughout the United States as well as the Canadas and Prince Edward Island.

The woolen-mill, of the Ypsilanti Woolen-Mill Co., situated below Mill street bridge, is among the great industrial concerns of the city. The mill proper is a five-story brick building 33x108 feet, with a return three stories high, 40x50 feet. The building and machinery cost over $100,000. In addition to the main build- ing may be named the wood house, a two-story brick structure with basement, each floor or loft giving an area of 2,000 square feet.

The Gas Works, situated on the Huron at Forest avenue, were established in 1858, and put in operation on the day the second Union school building was dedicated. They have continued to enlighten night, even as the school enlightens man, down to the present. The corporation does not patronize the works at present, believing gasoline to be more economical.

The Whip-Socket Factory of Worden Brothers was established in 1868. During that year Mr. Curtis, of the Curtis Carriage Factory, invented a whip socket and patented it the same year. This patent he sold to Worden Brothers, who entered immediately on its manufacture. During the last 12 years, this firm of manufact- urers has achieved a success, which to many appears wonderful. The buildings and machinery are so many evidences of progress, and the extensiveness of the present trade a record of business tact and enterprise.

Monument and Marble Works .- The firm of Batchelder & Co., manufacturers of monuments, in American and Italian marble, was established here as early as 1850. In 1878 G. W. Lough- ridge entered partnership with him, and subsequently J. H. Wil- cox. The reputation of this company of marble-workers renders the market for the product of their factory, extensive. From De- troit to Jackson, each cemetery holds a testimonial to the excellent quality and style of the monuments sent from their shops. In Wayne, Pontiac. Jackson, Lenawee and many other counties the monuments of this shop are well known.

The Grove Brewery was established in 1869 by Taufkirth & Trockembrod, who placed some machinery therein. The trade of the brewery was limited until Foerester Bros. took possession of the concern; during the last decade, the product has increased from 50 to 200 barrels.

Grob's Brewery was established in 1861 by Jacob Grob, who \ built the first brewery in this city during that year. The brewings are generally successful, and the beer is said to be much appre- ciated by those who use it.

Grob's Ice- House, in connection with the brewery, was rebuilt in 1864. During the winter of 1880-'1 over 600 cords of ice were "harvested." The original house was built in 1839 or '40 by

1141

YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP.

Arden H. Ballard, as a barrel house. It was established as an ice house by Geo. Wanless in 1856-'7.

Swayne's Malt-House, situated on Forest avenue and River street, is at present a three-story brick building, 50x94 feet. The original house was built for school purposes, but was converted in- to a small malt-house by L. C. Wallington. In 1872 F. G. Swayne purchased Wallington's interest in the concern and enlarged the building to its present size. The machinery is all modern. The annual product of the malt-house has increased from 11,000 bushels in 1874 to 40.000 in 1880.

The Eagle Brewery was situated on East Congress street. This was built about 1861. The building was operated, previous to its close in 1876, by Andrew J. Leech.

Tannery .- Crane's tannery was one of the important industries of the city. As many as 1,200 calf and 500 kip skins, with 1,500 hides were prepared every year. The leather produced, found a market throughout the Eastern and Western States. The works were erected in 1861, and in 1879 were leased to Irion & Dutton, who furnish an excellent quality of leather and enjoy an extensive trade.

John Howland established a tannery at Manchester in 1838, where he continued the business until 1844, when he moved to Ypsilanti. From that period forward the business progressed. In 1873 Mr. Howland changed the firm name to that of J. N. How- land & Co. and added the manufacture of mittens to the tanning business. The company carry on a wholesale and retail trade.

Cigar Manufacturers .- The factory of Schemmeld & Cook was established in 1873. The company employs from seven to ten men, and the product of the factory ranges from 200,000 to 300,000 ci- gars annually. Their manufactured goods find a ready sale through- out Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.

The factory of W. J. Randolph was established in 1881. Already there is a liberal patronage extended to this new industry.

Guild & Son were among the first manufacturers of cigars in this city. As early as 1874 their annual trade equaled 360,000 ci- gars, the various brands being favorably known throughout this and the adjoining States.

Denis Doyle manufactured cigars here from 1876 to 1879.

The Ypsilanti Ashery was established in 1855. In 1878 the works passed into the hands of its present proprietors. The annual product is 60 casks of potash, which finds a ready sale in the New York city market.

The Ypsilanti Lime Kiln was built by Zachariah Shaw in 1862. The stone burned is supplied from the Trenton quarries. The prod- uct of the kilns in 1880 was 27,000 bushels of lime, the greater portion of which was used in the paper factories of Ypsilanti.

The Brick Yards of C. McCormick and M. P. Holmes & Co. are classed among the great brick yards of the State.

1142

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

Rogers' Pump Factory, located on East Congress street, near the bridge, is another industry worthy of notice. Its trade in well and cistern pumps is extensive and gives employment to a number of mechanics.

The Broom Factories of E. R. Forsyth and of A. Gilmore & Co. turn out brooms for the million, employ a large number of men and form important factors in the economy of the city.

The great part which a system of hydraulics plays in the prog- ress of a city cannot be doubted. Notwithstanding the fact that many citizens of Ypsilanti have acted well their part, much remains to be done. There is a water-power capable of turning the mill wheels of a nation, waiting for further utilization. To realize the high hopes for the city, which its position and natural resources would lead one to build up, factories must be erected, manufactur- ers encouraged, and the 10,000-horse power of the Huron utilized. The immense possibilities which open up to the citizens cannot be overlooked. The greater the number of well-managed factories at a common center, the greater the prosperity of each; and when one takes a survey of the field, which Ypsilanti opens to the manufact- urer, of that wild water-power, which may be trained at a com- paratively small cost, one stands astonished to think of all that could be done and is not.

BANKERS OF THE PAST AND PRESENT.

That the monetary interests of Ypsilanti have not been left un- guarded, is proven in the subscribed sketches of its financial houses. The old banking system of the "wild-cat" days worked its own downfall, and above its ruins was erected that sound system of fi- nance now conferring benefits throughout the land. No doubt whatever may exist in regard to the highly beneficial part enacted by these institutions in that serio-comic play which raised this sec- tion of the county from its wild condition; nor can it be questioned for a moment, that to their timely organization, and subsequent good management, the people owe much of their present prosperity. In dealing with this subject, the historical sketch prepared by Mr. F. P. Bogardus, may be taken as a most satisfactory account of banks here, in the past as well as in the present. In its compilation, that gentleman consulted such men as Chauncey Joslin, R. W. Van Fossen and N. K. Towner. Again the paper was submitted, a few corrections suggested, and is now presented as a most valuable ad- dition to this history.

The Bank of Ypsilanti .- The first attempt in this city at banking was the organization of the Bank of Ypsilanti, chartered by a special act of the Legislature, approved March 28, 1836. The corporators were Henry Compton, Arden H. Ballard, Marcus Lane, Mark Norris, Silas French and Grove Spencer, with Tim- othy Treadwell, President, and David Balantine, Cashier,-the last named being succeeded in May, 1837, by Benj. Follett. The cap-

1143

YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP.

ital stock of the bank was $100,000, in shares of $50 each, of which 10 per cent. was payable in specie at once, and the balance when the directors might so ordain. Its organization was completed and the office opened for business about two months after the act of incorporation. For three years this bank carried on a large business, sustaining such credit that its notes circulated freely as far west as Chicago, and retained the confidence of the public some time after the " wild-cat" subsequently issued here had gone where the woodbine twineth. During these three years, it was undoubtedly a great help to the few business men then flourishing in our young village; but at this time the stock changed hands, being controlled by Lewis Godard and his associates, and the institution, after their year's administration, was in such a condition that the Attorney General of the State was obliged to throw it into bankruptey, and wind up its business.

The Huron River Bank .- The next domestic addition to our banking capital was organized in 1838 under the "wild-cat" gen- eral banking law, having as stockholders: A. H. Ballard, Henry Compton, James M. Edmunds, Gilbert Shattuck, Richard E. Morse, Leonard Osgood, and some others,-a list of names suffi- ciently like that of the corporators of its elder sister, the Bank of Ypsilanti. The Huron River concern began the flood of its prom- ises to pay in 1838, issuing freely, with Arden H. Ballard as Pres- ident and Myron V. Hall, Cashier. The redemption of these notes was secured by mortgages on real estate property at one half its value. As a specimen of the conscientious care exercised to make a safe valuation, may be mentioned that of the French claim 681, comprising about 630 acres ( of which George Mooreman's present farm constitutes a part ), cautiously estimated at $65,000, or slightly over $100 per acre; unquestionably well worth it at that early day, covered as it was with a fine growth of timber, only 30 miles from Detroit by the new corduroy road. The institution con - tinued its beneficent career about 18 months, when, failing to re- deem its circulation with its standing timber of beech, oak, maple and softer woods, it was incontinently thrown into bankruptcy. Geo. M. Skinner was appointed receiver, and about the same time the Supreme Court of the State declared the law under which it was created unconstitutional. Its creditors, though sharp of scent, lost all track of its assets. In connection with the mortgage re- ferred to above, Ballard had no title whatever to the lands which he assigned. It was the property of the original patentee, Peppin, and fell into possession of his son in 1841-'2. Chauncey Joslin purchased the southeast quarter of this claim in 1849, for $8 per acre, and Benj. Woodruff, two years later, bought the northeast quarter for $10 per acre, from Mr. Backus, of Detroit.

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.

History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 124

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago : Chas. C. Chapman & Co. Number of Pages: 1457

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : Chas. C. Chapman & Co.
Number of Pages: 1457