History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 98

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 98

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).

Western Brewery. - In 1861 Peter Brehm and John Reier built a brewery on West Fourth, between Liberty and West Madi- son streets, in Ann Arbor, and began the brewing business. For about three years this brewery was run, when, in 1864, it took fire and burned to the ground. These men immediately put up a larger and more extensive building on the same site, and started in busi- ness once more. Mr. Reier soon after sold out his interest to Mr. Brehm, and he in turn rented the property to Fred Kirn, who, after running it for some time gave it up, and Mr. Frank Ruck rented the property of the widow of Mr. Brehm (who had died in 1874) in 1875, and it was operated by him till Oct. 13, 1880, when he sold out to Christian Martin and Matt. Fischer, two enterprising young Germans of Ann Arbor. Messrs. Martin and Fischer have since operated the brewery, and are building up quite an extensive trade. Some 1,500 bushels of malt, 1,700 lbs. of hops, 225 cords of wood and 800 tons of ice are used in the manufacture and storage of the 3,000 barrels of beer turned out annually. The main build- ing is 60x30, two-stories and a basement, while the extensions cover almost an acre of ground. The beer produced by this brewery finds a ready sale in all parts of the county.

Northern Brewery .- In 1872 George Krause built this brew- ery in the lower town of Ann Arbor, on Mill street. He sold out to John and Fred Frey, and in 1873 Fred sold out his inter- est to his brother John, who has operated it since. Mr. Frey makes about 2,400 barrels of beer annually, and consumes about 5,000 bushels of grain and 4,000 lbs. of hops in the manufacture of this beverage. During 1880 he stored up about 1,000 tons of ice.

Furniture Manufactory .- The furniture manufactory of Thomas Rauschenberger & Co. is situated on the west side of Jewett, be- tween Huron and Liberty streets, in Ann Arbor, and was built in 1870 by John Rauschenberger, who operated the factory for about seven years, when he sold out to the present proprietors. Although a small building, only 30x40 feet, one and a half stories high, the

944

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

firm does quite an extensive business and employs seven hands. The furniture manufactured was sold at Detroit for some time, but of late years the firm has sold all their furniture inside the county. The machinery is run by water-power, furnished by a race about one-fourth of a mile long, this race being fed by about a dozen springs.

Knitting Factory .- This institution is situated on Broadway street in the lower town of Ann Arbor, and is owned and operated by a German named Jacob Larmie. It was built in 1876, and has been operated only in the winters of the years following. Mr. Larmie employs three hands and uses up some 300 lbs. of wool annu- ally in the production of knit jackets, scarfs and mittens, which find a ready sale in and around Ann Arbor.

Soap Factories .- One of these, situated on the corner of Main and Madison streets, in Ann Arbor, was established in 1855 by a German named Andrew Birk, who has since operated it. During the first year, Mr. Birk turned out some 1,500 pounds of German mottled soap, in a little building eight feet square and one-story high, but his business increased so rapidly that he was forced to enlarge his narrow quarters, and now occupies a building 93x30, and two-stories in height. He annually manufactures about 40 tons of this soap, requiring 15,000 bushels of ashes, and 100 cords of wood. Mr. Birk has also in connection an establishment for the manufacture of potash, but does not operate this part only at cer- tain times. He has turned out from 80 to 100 barrels per year, which he ships to a large firm in New York city. For his soap he has kettles and furnaces enough to make about two tons at one time. His potash department is furnished with all the modern appliances, -has four large kettles and an immense pan, also a mammoth heater in connection. Mr. Birk has four wagons continually engaged in traveling over this and adjoining counties to secure all the ashes needed in his large and increasing business. His establishment is fed with water from an overflowing spring situated about one quarter of a mile in the rear of his building, and carried through an iron pipe to the manufactory.

Another soap factory was established in 1864, by D. S. Miller, who came to Washtenaw county in 1848. It is situated at the junction of Pontiac and State streets, in the lower town of Ann Arbor. Mr. Miller makes three kinds of soaps,-erasive, fulling, and scouring, the former of which he makes a specialty. He em- ploys three hands in the manufactory of this useful article, and receives orders from all parts of Michigan for his celebrated erasive soap, which is certainly superior to the common soaps now being sold throughout the country.

Cigar Manufactories .- One establishment, at No. 8 Main street, Ann Arbor, was started by Louis Roland, on Dec. 22, 1880, and has been in active operation since. Mr. Roland has been in the county since 1868, and learned his trade with some of the

945

ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP.

best artists in that line, in this State; he annually turns out about 50,000 cigars, and finds a good market for them in this county.

On the east side of Main, between Huron and Washing- ton streets, Ann Arbor, is an establishment of this kind, owned and operated by C. F. Kayser, assisted by a number of experienced workmen. Mr. Kayser started in business on the cor- ner of Main and Jefferson streets, but since May, 1880, has been located at this place. Mr. Kayser annually turns out 150,000 cigars, and has no difficulty in disposing of them within the limits of Washtenaw county. He has lately enlarged his establishment, and in 1881 will probably manufacture about 175,000.

In 1868 Joshua Buell started an establishment of this kind in Ann Arbor, and employed five men in manufacturing the 150,000 cigars he turned out annually. For the past few years, Mr. Buell has left the business part of the city, and now makes only 75,000 per year, at his residence at 69 North Main street. He finds a sale for these all over the State of Michigan.

Organ Works .- In the year 1867 G. F. Gartner & Son estab- lished the Organ Works for the manufacture of pipe and reed organs. He employed several hands, and being from Germany and a first-class workman, he manufactured all his work by hand. He found, after some five years, that this style of work did not suit the people any better than that manufactured by machinery, and also was not as profitable a business as was first supposed. He closed up his business in 1872. In these organ works there was a young man named D. F. Allmendinger, who had entered the works when first started, and mastered the business, and when Mr. Gart- ner closed his business he opened the Ann Arbor Organ Works. At first the business was but small and carried on in one part of his dwelling house, but in 1880 he built a frame factory 24x40 feet, and two-stories high. He has in his employ three workmen, and turns out 25 to 30 organs per year. His annual sales foot up $2,500. Mr. Allmendinger furnished three churches in Ann Arbor with pipe organs, and they gave general satisfaction. Although only doing a small business at present, yet he turns out pipe and reed organs of a good quality. The manufactory is situated on the northwest corner of First and Washington streets.

Keck Furniture Company .- In 1879 Mr. John Keck, of Ann Arbor, conceived the idea of forming a stock company to engage in the manufacture of furniture of the latest and most improved style and quality. He immediately went to work and in the same year the stock company was formed, consisting of 15 members, with W. D. Harriman, President; Charles Hiscock, Treasurer; John Keck, General Superintendent; Paul Snauble, Assistant Superintendent, with a capital stock of $25,000. Everything now being in readiness, a plot of ground 126x198 feet on the corner of 3d and

946

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

-streets, was purchased, and the buildings necessary for the enterprise were immediately erected. They consist of a factory 40x 75 feet, and three-stories high. In the basement of this building is located the planing-mill and heavy machinery; in the second story the carving and turning machinery is found; in the third story the furniture is finished and put together. From the factory the furniture is taken to the packing, painting and varnishing room, where it is put into shape for shipment to the different parts of the United States. This last building is 40x20 feet in size and two- stories high, while the storage room, only a few feet distant, is also the same size. The company uses about 250,000 feet of lumber annually, consisting of walnut, ash, butternut, sycamore, cotton- wood, bass and whitewood, no pine lumber being used for any purpose. The drying kiln has a capacity of 20,000 feet and is always crowded to the utmost. The machinery is run by steam, the engine used being of 35-horse power. The factory gives employment to 75 men, and the only kind of furniture turned out is bedstead and bedroom sets. The company has increased from 15 to 21 stockholders, and the business has increased so as to make necessary the erection of more buildings, which will be accom- plished this year ( 1881). The furniture manufactured is of the latest, best and most improved styles, and find a ready sale in all parts of the Union-as far east as New York, as far south as St. Louis and Cincinnati, and as far west as Iowa.

Coopers .- In 1865, a firm bearing the name of Dodsley & Spafford started a cooper shop on Detroit street, for the manufacture of apple, flour and tight barrels. For 14 years this firm did business in the old house on Detroit street, but in 1879 Mr. Spafford sold out his interest to his partner, Mr. H. B. Dodsley, and in the spring of 1880 Mr. Dodsley moved his shop into a building belonging to David IIenning, of Chicago, and situated on Pontiac street, near Michigan Central depot. Here Mr. Dodsley has since run his busi- ness and now employs some seven men, and turns out about 20,000 barrels per year, which require some 200,000 staves. His flour and apple barrels are mostly marketed in Ann Arbor, while his tight barrels find a good market in Chicago and Detroit.

MEDICAL SPRINGS.

The Ann Arbor Medical Springs were purchased by Dr. Calvert and Prof. Chas. Gatchell, in the year 1878, and refitted up in good shape. The interior of the house was handsomely frescoed and tinted, and the bathing rooms all newly painted and furnished. A large swimming bath was added-a tank some 20 feet wide, 30 feet long and six feet deep, where a person could get warm and invigorating exercise in winter time. A new spring was also opened which flowed a constant stream of water, at the rate of 3,000 barrels a day. This was inclosed in a large brick reservoir, and all the water used about the establishment was supplied from this

947

ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP.

well. The establishment was under the charge of Prof. H. P. Gatchell, M. D., during the summer of 1878, while his son was in Europe. The house was burned in 1880.

FIRE DEPARTMENT.

At a meeting of the village council, held Dec. 3, 1836, an ordi- nance was passed organizing a department for protection against fire. The village was divided into two wards, and a fire warden appointed in each ward. There were also to be appointed by the council a chief engineer, an assistant engineer and an assistant fire warden in each ward; a captain and lieutenant for each fire or hook and ladder company. These officers were to be ap- pointed annually. A number of changes have been made in the department since that time; new companies have been organized and the efficiency of the department been increased. At present there are three engines, two hand and one steam engine, the latter being introduced in 1879, principally through the exertions of Dr. W. B. Smith. As a slight testimonial to the doctor, the steamer was named the " W. B. Smith."

While the department has not been at all times as efficient as de- sired by many, yet it has accomplished great good, and on more than one occasion saved the city from a destructive conflagration.

The department now consists of Defiance Hook and Ladder Company, Protection No. 1, Engine and Hose Company, Vigilant No. 2, Engine Company, Vigilant No. 2, Hose Company, Huron, No. 3, Engine and Hose Company. The Vigilant Engine Company have charge of the steamer.

At the annual election in April, 1880, the following officers were elected: Dr. Willard B. Smith, Chief Engineer; Daniel B. Fletcher, First Assistant Engineer; Albert A. Sorg, Second Assis- tant Engineer; L. F. Wade, Secretary; Charles H. Worden, Treas- urer.

The department is composed of 165 members.

BAND.

The first band organized in Ann Arbor was in 1827, and was composed of the Mills brothers, seven in number-Elihu, Simeon, Augustus, Timothy, Lorin, Willard and Sylvester-Townsend Branch and Mr. Mallett. Their instruments were the clarionet, haut- boy, bassoon, flute and drum. The music would sound strange to the ears of the present generation. The first time the band played in public was on the 4th of July, 1827. As long as the brothers remained together, the organization was maintained. Old settlers remember with pleasure the happy hours spent in listening to the sweet melodies as discoursed by the Mills Brothers' Band.

948

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

MILITARY.

Notwithstanding the influence of its schools and the peaceable character generally of its citizens, a military company has nearly always been maintained in the city.

The first organization was that of the Frontier Guards, in 1829. Martin Davis was chosen captain; James Kingsley, 1st lieutenant; Edward Clark, 2d lieutenant. The company was afterward com- manded by Edward Clark and Charles Thayer. It had an existence of about five years, and was succeeded in 1838 by the Washte- naw Guards, the first officers of which were: Ebenezer S. Cobb, Captain; Dan W. Kellogg, 1st Lieutenant; Linas Parker, 2d Lieutenant. The company was composed of the best citizens then living in Ann Arbor, and was splendidly drilled. On one occasion it drilled in a school of company in Detroit, for a handsome prize, which it succeeded in capturing. Again at Monroe it drilled in school of company and also school of battalion, receiving first prize for both drills. The company was largely indebted for supe- rior drill to Col. John M. Berrien, a graduate of West Point. John C. Mundy and Charles H. Cavvel also commanded the company at different times. It had an organized existence for seven or eight years.

The Steuben Guards were next organized in 1859, under the com- mand of Capt. William Roath. On the first call for troops in the war of the Rebellion, Capt. Roath and a portion of his men enlisted, and were in the first Bull Run battle. The City Guards were also organized in 1859, under command of John S. Mills. It was a short-lived company.

The "Porter Zouaves " were organized on the 21st day of Sep- tember, 1868, with Byron R. Porter, Captain; Warren E. Walker, 1st Lieut .; Henry J. Vohn, 2d Lieut. In 1872 Captain Porter re- signed and Warren E. Walker was promoted to fill vacancy. Sam- uel B. Revenaugh, Benjamin F. Knowlton and Thomas D. Bailey also, at different times, held commissions as Lieutenants. In 1874, under the law of the State requiring all militia to be uniformed alike, the Zouave organization was abandoned or merged into Com- pany B,-Regiment, Michigan Militia. A new election for officers was held, and the following named elected :-- Samuel B. Revenaugh, Captain; J. William Hangsterfer, 1st Lieut .; William Kay, 2d Lieut. The company retained its letter until 1877, when the militia of the State was re-organized. Being then the oldest organized company in the State it was made Co. A. January 1, 1879, Captain Revenaugh resigned, and Frank Emerick was elected to fill vacancy. In July, 1879, Captain Emerick resigned, and Charles H. Manley was elected to fill vacancy. Captain Manley was elected July, 1880, for the full term of two years. J. F. Schuh, 1st Lieut .; Charles E. Hiscock, 2d Lieut.

6. hcm,

951

ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP.

MASONIC.

Masonry was first introduced into Ann Arbor in 1826. On the institution of the lodge, several of the eminent men of the Terri- tory honored the occasion with their presence. A ball was given in the evening at which were present Gen. Cass, Judge Dexter and others. The disappearance of Morgan shortly after was the occa- sion of many denouncing the order and using their influence against it. The Emigrant, established in 1829, was a strong Anti-Masonic paper. The excitement became so strong in this country it was deemed best to surrender their charter and await developments, the friends of the order believing that when the passions of men subsided the order would stand out in clear relief and above reproach. In the winter of 1845-'6 Oriental Lodge, No. 15, was organized. This was abandoned, and its place taken by Ann Arbor Lodge, No. 85, which flourished until 1871.

Golden Rule Lodge was chartered in 1856. Its first Master was the Hon. Chas. H. Richmond, who has been succeeded by Robert J. Price, A. T. Breugle, William A. Lovejoy, J. Roath, C. M. Jones, I. C. Handy. The present officials are: W. M., J. Roath; S. W., E. D. Lewis; J. W., John A. Gates; Treasurer, B. F. Watts; Secretary, N. D. Gates; S. D., Charles S. Fall; J. D., S. B. Reven- augh. Present membership about 116.

Washtenaw Chapter, No. 6, was organized October 15, 1849. The following is a list of its officers :- Ezra Platt, H. P .; Gilbert C. Bedell, King; David Tyler, Scribe; Martin Davis, C. H .; Wm. G. Tuttle, P. S .; Erastus Root, R. A. C .; Gilbert Shattuck, M. 3d V .; Hiram Becker, M. 2d V .; Robert S. Wilson, M. 1st V. Present officers are: B. F. Watts, H. P .; C. M. Jones, King; I. C. Handy, Scribe; W. G. Doty, C. H .; C. G. Wilson, R. A. C .; J. Hamilton, P. S .; E. Eberbach, M. 3d V .; Sed. James, M. 2d V .; S. B. Revenaugh, M. 1st V .; T. Taylor, Tyler; F. Sorg, Treas .; A. S., Sec.

Fraternity Lodge, No. 262, F. & A. M., was organized in March, 1869. The first officers elected were Zina P. King, W. M .; W. D. Harriman, S. W .; E. J. Johnson, J. W .; R. M. Price, Sec .; W. B. Smith, Treas .; F. Sorg, S. D .; Aaron Long, J. D. The society has been prosperous during its dozen years of existence. Its present membership numbers 85. Its lodge room is the same as used by others of the order in Ann Arbor, over 41 and 43 South Main street. The present officers are: W. D. Harriman, W. M .; E. D. Kinne, S. W .; E. J. Johnson, J. W .; J. William Hang- sterfer, Sec .; W. B. Smith, Treas .; J. W. Hamilton, S D .; Sed. James, J. D .; Thomas Taylor, Tyler.

Ann Arbor Commandery, No. 13, Knight Templars, was crgar- ized April 3, 1865, with the following charter members: C. H. Richmond, George Taylor, S. M. Webster, James R. Webster, D. S. Twitchell, A. McElcheran, Louis C. Risdon, R. J. Barry and C. M. Haze. C. H. Richmond was chosen E. C .; L. C. Risdon, C. G .;

952

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

S. M. Webster, P .; D. Monroe, S. W .; J. R. Webster, J. W. and A. McElcheran, W. The present officers are: Z. P. King, E. C .; John N. Gott, G .; M. Fleming, C. G .; W. B. Smith, P .; R. S. Armstrong, S. W .; M. S. Cook, J. W .; F. Sorg, Treas .; J. Kapp, Recorder; H. Morton, S. B .; Wm. Doty, W. and A. J. Johnson, Sentinel. The present membership is about 60.

ODD FELLOWS.

This benevolent order, which has so rapidly spread over this country, was first established in this city in 1845, since which time it has had a prosperous career.

Washtenaw Lodge, No. 9, I. O. O. F., was organized March 27, 1845, with James E. Platt, James M. Welch, N. H. Eggleston, M. D. Howard and William J. Wells as charter members. No lodge in the country, in the same length of time, can show a more faith- ful record, it having but seldom ever missed a session on its regular lodge nights. The lodge has also numbered some representative men, having been represented by officers in the Grand Lodge of the State, and some of its number representing the State in the Grand Lodge of the United States. Norton R. Ramsdell and Jonathan Sprague, members of this lodge, have both been members of the Grand Lodge of the United States. Mr. Sprague has also been Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State two terms, and Grand Patriarch of the Encampment one term; Conrad Krapf was also Grand Patriarch one term. Washtenaw Lodge is the parent lodge of several, among which are Wyandotte, No. 10; Huron, No. 30, at Dexter; Tonquish, at Plymouth; Wolverine, No. 197, at Milan; Saline, No. 272; Otseningo, No. 295, at Ann Arbor. The lodge has always paid sick benefits and exercised a watchful care over the families of deceased members. Its present officers are James H. Rogers, N. G .; A. W. Chase, V. G .; H. F. Morton, R. Sec .; J. Sprague, Per. Sec .; D. Cramer, Treas.

Otseningo Lodge, No. 295, was organized in 1876, and has had a prosperous existence.

ANCIENT ORDER UNITED WORKMEN.

Athens Lodge, No. 49, A. O. U. W., was organized June 24, with the following named charter members: M. Fleming, C. M. Jones, B. F. Watts, N. R. Waterman, Wm. Clute, John P. Little, Fletcher Jewell, John F. Lawrence, W. J. IIerdman, D. M. Caldwell, Jo- siah S. Case, Nelson S. Garlinghouse, A. U. Robison, Lewis Moore, Henry B. Maston, Wm. G. Doty, Christian J. Ruel, DeWitt C. Fall, C. H. Manly, Robert Cathbert, Ed. A. Davison, Wm. R. Mc- Pherson, Byron J. Corbin, C. B. Davison. At the first meeting of the lodge the following named officers were elected :- W. J. Hard- man, P. M. W .; C. S. Manly, G. F .; C. B. Davison, Recorder; W. G. Doty, F .; DeWitt C. Fall, I. W; C. M. Jones, M. W .; N. Wa-

953

ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP.

terman, Receiver; B. J. Corbin, Guide; J. P. Little, O. W. The order is in a flourishing condition, and has been fortunate in losing none of its members by death to the present time. Its present membership is 35, with B. F. Watts, M. W .; H. B. Dodsley Re- corder; E. B. Lewis, F .; C. H. Manly, Receiver. The P. M. W's are W. J. Herdman, C. M. Jones, William G. Doty and C. B. Davison.

ANN ARBOR LODGE NO. 27, A. O. U. W.,

is a German lodge of this order which is in good condition, and is composed of some of the leading men of that nationality in the city. John Muelig is the present W. M .; A. Gwinnes, F .; J. Fisher, Treas .; C. Lucas, Overseer; John Kuebler, Guide.

ANN ARBOR LODGE, NO. 215, KNIGHTS OF HONOR,

was organized Dec. 29, 1875, with 15 charter members. James Boyd was elected D. ; Charles M. Jones, V. D .; Charles J. Kint- ner, Ass't D .; C. S. Millen, Rep .; Fred Sorg, F. Rep. The lodge has had a steady growth, and has been extremely fortunate in los- ing none of their members by death. About 50 persons have been members of the order, 42 now being in good standing. The pres- ent officers are: Fred Sorg, D .; I. C. Handy, V. D .; George W. Cook, Ass't D. ; J. Q. A. Sessions, Rep .; William Arnold, F. Rep., L. C. Risdon, Treas.

ANN ARBOR GERMAN AID ASSOCIATION.

This association was incorporated under the general law of the State, Nov. 2, 1865, and was organized for the purpose of aiding its members when suffering from disease, infirmity or necessity. Males not less than 21 years of age and not over 45 living within the city of Ann Arbor can become members on the conditions re- quired. Since its organization it has had 241 names on its roll of membership, the number July 1, 1880, being 116. The associ- ation has received $11,020 from various sources, and expended $8,701.29 in supporting the sick and needy and in burial of the dead. Four dollars per week is allowed in case of sickness. Chris- tian Hoffstetter is President; August De Fries, Recording Secre- tary; John G. Grossman, Corresponding Secretary.

MÆNNERCHOR.

This society was organized in 1868, its object being the im- provement of the members in vocal music. Among those compris- ing the original membership were: Gottlieb Kutz, C. Schmid, John Eisele, Anton Eisele, August Grauff, Frank Nebel. Gottlieb Kutz was chosen Director and yet holds the position. The society at first met in a room of the Directors', and later in a room which

954

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

they hired and fitted up for their own use. They now occupy nicely furnished rooms on the corner of Main and Liberty streets. The membership is about 70. Conrad Krapf, President; George Groesman, Vice-President; Christ. Lutz, Secretary; George Koch, Treasurer.

BEETHOVEN GESANG-VEREIN.

This society was organized April 27, 1880, for the purpose of the improvement of its members in artistic music. It has 14 active and 40 honorary members. Charles Miller, President; George Haller, Secretary; Prof. Reuben Kenepf, Director.

ANN ARBOR TURN-VEREIN.

This society was organized with the object of promulgating fel- low feeling, and the encouragement of athletic exercise. The so- ciety prospered, and in 1873 purchased a tract of land comprising several acres, and located one-half mile southwest of the city. The price paid was $1,400. This park was fitted up for the purposes of the society, and a bowling alley, 65 feet in length, a gymnasium, swings, etc., were dispersed throughout the grounds.

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 98

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