USA > Michigan > Jackson County > Jackson > Jackson city directory and business advertiser. With a history from the first settlement of the city, and a general portrait of its business at the present time, for 1867-1868 > Part 8
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New Methodist Church dedicated on June 12, 1850. Services by Bishop Hamlin, Dr. Segar and Prof. Hamlin.
Sept. 14, 1850. Man killed in attempting to get off a freight train. He was at work on the new depot.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON.
Sept. 20. Main building of State Prison nearly completed- workmen engaged on inside lathing and plastering.
Oct. 7, 1850. C. V. De Land became sole proprietor of the CITIZEN, Mr. Dorrance retiring.
In 1850 there were estimated to be between 500 and 600 build- ings; and probably 3,000 inhabitants in Jackson. There were :
Dry Good Stores, 18 Carpenter Shops, 6
Provision 66
16 Saddle & Harness Shops, 3
Clothing
16 3 Cooper 3
Hardware
1
Turning
66
6
Stoves
3
Cabinet 16
4
Drugs, etc.
5
Wagon
7
Book
16
2
Gun
1
Jewelry
3
Paint
1
Hat
2
Baker's
16
1
Flouring Mills,
2
Printing Offices,
2
Saw Mills,
1 Insurance office,
1
Woollen Manufactories,
2
Daguerreian,
1
Lard Oil
16
2
Iron Foundries,
3
Sash
1
Exchange Broker,
1
Cigar
1 Schools,
10
Window Blind
1
Physicians,
12
Glove & Mitten
1 Lawyers,
22
Marble
1
Churches,
8
Chair
5
Livery Stables,
3
Soap & Candle 16
2
Auction and Commission,
1
Confectionery
1 Meat Markets,
2
Steam Engine
1 Hotels,
4
Agricultural Implements,
1 Billiard Saloons,
1
Tailor Shops,
8 Breweries,
1
Boot & Shoe Shops,
5 Distillery,
1
Blacksmith
8
Race Course,
1
Tin
3
These were in addition to the manufacturies carried on at the Prison.
The population of the County had increased in 1850 to 19,500.
June, 1851. Commencement in Detroit of the Railroad Con-
Carlton & Van Antwerp, Printers, Jackson.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON.
spiracy trial-People vs. Fitch, Filly, Molton, Tyrrell, etc., all of Jackson County.
July, 1851. Railroad Exchange opened for the public.
Aug. 25. Abel S. Fitch, one of the railroad conspirators, died in Detroit at the Sisters of Charity Hospital, whither he was re- moved from the jail on Friday afternoon. His remains were brought to his home in Michigan Centre, and buried on the 26th.
In the fall of 1850 Jackson had 642 houses, standing the 4th of Michigan towns on the list.
March 30, 1852. The "old Brewery," in west part of town, destroyed by fire Thursday night.
April 14. Small pox prevailing.
Sunday, April 18, 1852. Residence of Mr. Nichols was destoy- ed by fire.
The new Episcopal Church was consecrated on Tuesday, 11th of January, 1852.
Town Clock put up in summer of 1852, on the Brick Church.
July, 1852. The contract was let at this time for building the Jackson Branch of the Southern Railroad to this place.
The wool clip of this year (1852), for Jackson county, was esti- mated at 335,000 lbs. Sold in Jackson, 153,000 lbs .; in other towns in the county, about 125,000 lbs .; kept for domestic pur- poses, 57,000 lbs. Thus it will be seen that even at this early day Jackson took great interest in wool growing, and has become one of the leading counties in the State in the production of this staple.
A State Republican mass convention was held in Jackson in July, 1854. There were 5,000 people present. A preliminary meeting was called to order at 1 o'clock at Bronson Hall by Dr. M. A. McNaughton. Judge Levi Baxter was appointed chairman pro tem. A committee of two from each Congressional District was chosen to report permanent officers for the convention. Ad- journed to Morgan's Grove. David S. Walbridge was chosen President at this convention. Kinsley S. Bingham was nominat- ed for Governor ; George A. Cole, for Lieutenant Governor ; John Mckinney, Secretary of State; Whitney Jones, of Lansing, Aud- itor General ; Silas M. Holmes, Treasurer ; Seymour B. Treadwell, of Jackson, Commissioner of State Land Office ; Jacob M. Howard,
.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON.
Attorney General ; Ira Mayhew, Superintendent of Public Instruc- tion. At this meeting they took the name of Republican, and though it had been talked of in other States, this was the first to adopt it. In the evening the convention adjourned to Bronson Hall; speeches were made by distinguished gentlemen, it called together the leading men of the State. Able and eloquent ad- dresses were made by Messrs. Z. Chandler, W. T. Howell, Rev. G. L. Foster, Philotus Hayden, J. McBride, C. C. Foote, and Geo. Harris, a mulatto. During the Session at Bronson Hall, addresses were made by Messrs. Blair, Christiancy, Steel, H. K. Clark and others. After the adoption of the report of the nominating com- mittee, Hon. K. S. Bingham was called, and delivered a very able and eloquent address.
In 1856 the Coal mines of Jackson first excited the practical attention of our enterprising capitalists. The existence of coal underlying the surface of Jackson and vicinity was known as early as 1835, but it might as well have remained undiscovered so far as any material good came of it until this year. The following . article, giving an account of the opening of the mines and other valuable imformation, is from the pen of A. W. Shrigley, who is well posted on the subject.
These Coal mines of Jackson city and vicinity form the most important interest although in its infancy ; are destined to be the foundation for the growth of the manufacturing interests of the city, and be a permanent means of prosperity to the State at large, in view of the fact that all that tract of country along the Michi- gan Central, Michigan Southern & Northern Indiana Railroads are dependant to a great extent for fuel for manufacturing purposes on Jackson Coal.
Indications of coal were discovered before 1856, but the extent, quality, or practical method of mining the coal was not known until the beginning of 1857.
William Walker, a practical coal operator, who was, for his practical knowledge of the geological formation of the Southern and Western States, employed by the Detroit and Jackson Coal Company, to make a careful survey of the mineral resources of this vicinity, and after spending some months, opened this Com- J
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HISTORY OF JACKSON.
pany's mines at Woodville, about five miles west of the city, and put down the shaft and located the present works in 1857.
He afterwards opened the Sand Stone Mines, situated in the town of Sand Stone, also the Jackson Coal Company's mines in Spring Arbor.
The mines at Woodville have been in successful operation, and have mined from 10 to 100 tons per day; they have employed from 10 to 50 men, according to the demand. Their trade extends principally from Detroit to Michigan City. The shaft is about 100 feet deep and the coal from two to five feet thick, of a good bitu- minous quality, and extending over about 600 acres.
The Jackson Coal mines are not carried on so extensively as formerly, and the trade is confined to Jackson and vicinity ; this coal is of a good quality.
The Sand Stone mines are considered of but little importance, as it is mostly surface coal.
During the year 1861, William Walker discovered and opened the mines known as the Walker Mines. W. N. Choate afterwards became associated with W. Walker, and the business was con- ducted by them until 1865, when Amphlett and Shrigley pur- chased W. N. Choate's interest and a part of Mr. Walker's inter- est, and commenced under the style of Walker, Amphlett & Co .. They had leased about 400 acres, and the coal had been sufficiently developed to warrant extending the business; they opened a shaft and at another point a tunnel to ascertain the extent of the coal basin, and proper place to open permanent works.
During the spring of 1866, they put down the present shaft and erected the necessary buildings ; put in engines, pumps, side tracks, scales, &c., for a permanent business. Their shaft is 56 feet deep and they raise the water only 32 feet; the works are all complete, and their labors have been crowned with success. They employ from 20 to 60 men, and produce from 40 to 130 tons per day.
They organized themselves into a Stock Company, known as the Central City Mining & M. Company, under which name the mines are still conducted.
The coal basin from which they are mining and pumping is about 100 acres in extent, and the most regular formation of any mine in the State, and is from two to five feet thick.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON.
The Detroit & Jackson Mining Company at Woodville, on the Michigan Central Railroad, and the Central City Mining M. & M. Coal Co., whose mines situate north of the Michigan State Prison, on the Lansing Railroad ; are conducted in such a manner and are of such extent, that the southern and central part of Michigan will be safe in relying upon coal as fuel for manufacturing pur- poses for hundreds of years.
They each have succeeded in building up a large local trade, extending from Detroit to Michigan City, from Jackson to Adrian, and from thence to La Porte, Indiana.
This coal is used for fuel by the Michigan Central R. R. Co's Locomotives, and is pronounced superior for such purpose, as it burns freely and makes a large blaze.
Timber being scarce in central and southern Michigan, coal must necessarily be the dependance for manufacturing purposes, and affording cheap fuel, Jackson is destined to make a first class railroad center and manufacturing city.
It would require about 20,000 cords of wood to supply the place of coal in Jackson city alone, and wood is teamed now from ten to fifteen miles to supply what they now use for domestic purposes; but with coal at from $2 to $6 per ton, there can be no more safer investment for fuel as a matter of economy, for one ton of coal for steam purposes is equal to three cords of wood. The sales of coal has increased every year, and will continue to do so for years to come.
There is also iron ore found in the vicinity of Jackson, which with cheap fuel and lake Superior iron to use with this iron, should lead to the erection of extensive iron works and Rolling Mills, as coke could be made from this coal to use for smelting purposes.
There is also a deposit of glass sand, near Jackson, suitable for good lime glass, which will doubtless lead to the establishment of glass factories.
But next to coal in importance is Fire Clay and Fire Sand, which was discovered and has been in use for the past four years, which is a sufficient test. Amphlett & Shrigley lined a stone-ware kiln in 1863, which has been used ever since and is still in good repair. Stone-ware is made from Jackson fire clay, equal to any found in the United States, and some of the fire brick manufac-
Carlton & Van Antwerp, Printers, Jackson.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON.
tured from this clay have been used in Ohio where Ohio clay failed to answer the purpose, and was considered, for the use they re- quired, as good as New Jersey Brick.
One of the Fire Clay deposits is found at the Jackson Coal Com- pany's mines at Spring Arbor, the other at the Central City M. & M. Coal Co's mines near the State Prison. The latter being situate on the railroad where teaming can be dispensed with, and being of a superior quality and having good fire sand at the same mines, is destined to lead to the erection of large fire clay works. One has already been erected, and many Stone-ware factories, Fire Brick, Glass Retort and such factories will soon spring up.
The Coal, Clay, Sand and Iron will combine, together with the demands of the State, to make the mineral interests of Jackson a source of wealth to the enterprising and to the city a means of rapid growth.
In 1857 the Jackson branch of the Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana Railroad was finished to Jackson and opened for business. The event was commemorated by an excursion over the road to Toledo and return. Messrs. P. B. Loomis and Amos Root, as the Invitation Committee, issued cards of invitation to citizens, and on the 14th of Jan., 1858, the excursion train started from this city at 9} o'clock, A. M., consisting of twenty-two passenger cars, loaded with rejoicing and happy people. All along the route, the train was greeted with the cheers of hundreds of wait- ing spectators, and at every station the number of passengers was increased by citizens and invited guests in waiting. At the Junc- tion the train was met by a special train from Adrian, bearing the guests from that thriving city.
The train arrived at Toledo at one o'clock, P. M., where a formidable array of citizens, headed by the Mayor and Council, were in waiting to welcome the Jacksonians.
On alighting from the cars, Mayor Wood was introduced to the Mayor and Council of Toledo. As is usual in such cases, Wood returned the compliment by introducing the dignitaries of Jack- son to his new Buckeye acquaintances. Wood put on his " happi- est expression" and went through the role of Aldermen present with much grace and dignity. It was Alderman Bascom, Alder- man Beebe, &c., to the end of the Council; but the Mayor did
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HISTORY OF JACKSON.
not stop there, he proceeded right on taking each Jacksonion near and "putting him right through" something in this form : "Gentle- men, Alderman Thurbur, Alderman Livermore, Alderman Tun- nicliff," but about this time sundry exhibitions of uproarous mirthfulness among the Jackson boys called to the Mayor's mind that he was in great danger of overflowing the Council, and the party immediately adjourned to the platform where speeches were made by Mayor Wood and Mr. Blair of Jackson. These gentle- men won golden opinions from all who heard their remarks. They were followed by Mr. Baker, Judge Myers and others of Toledo, with well-timed and appropriated addresses. The hospitalities of that city were freely extended, and a most delightful visit was enjoyed. At the Collins House, Frank Eggleston made some re- marks which " brought down the house," and the toasts and din- ner went smoothly down together.
After the return of the excursion train from Toledo, at 9 o'clock, P. M., the guests and citizens repaired to Bronson Hall, where a sumptuous supper had been prepared by D. B. Hibbard. Over five hundred persons were seated at the table, and the merits of the supper was hearty and satisfactorily discussed. After the cloth was cleared, the Mayor announced the Regular Toasts, which were read by E. Pringle, Esq., as follows :
" The Jackson Branch"-The joyful sound "it is completed" has at last been heard-the long desired event has transpired, and it is a reality-it brings us into communication with our Southern neighbors-makes another outlet to the great commercial centers of our country. May it be a source of gain to us and not a use- less or unprofitable appendage to the main " trunk."
Responded to by Hon. A. Blair, who traced the history of the Railroad conflict which we of Jackson had waged for twenty years, until at last the victory was ours, and the Branch was here.
" The Mich. S. & N. Ind. Railroad"-A gigantic enterprise for any country or people-it stretches its iron band from the shores of Lake Erie to the Garden City of the West-while all along the way it has feeders imparting strength and life to the great central artery-it pours the immense productions of the West into the lap of the East-may it flourish indefinitely, and not a single "Branch" of it wither or die.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON.
Responded to by P. B. Loomis, (in the absence of Dept. Supt. Campbell, who was "taken off " early in the evening by a pressure of family affairs.) Mr. Loomis paid the road a high compliment, ranking it among the most extensive and important public works of the country, and when well managed, with its main line, air line, and extensive branches it must ultimately be not only one of the most magnificent but one of the most profitable enterprises of the north west.
" The Directors and Officers of the M. S. & N. I. R.R."-Worthy of the high trust reposed in them-their prudent and economical management of its affairs, give assurance that they will relieve it from all embarrassments-although the "bears" and " bulls" have done their utmost to destroy it, yet they shall not be allowed to overcome the Herculean efforts of its Honorable Board of Direc- tors to sustain its credit and make it once more the pride of its Stockholders.
" Ransom Gardner"-To his great perseverance and untiring energies we are mainly indebted for the accomplishment of a work of such importance to us. Amid the financial disasters that have swept over the commercial world, and the great decline in the value of that which constitutes much of his fortune he has pressed on successfully to the final result. We shall hold him in grateful remembrance, and trust that he may yet realize the reward to which he is properly entitled.
Responded to by F. Livermore, Esq., in a very appropriate manner. He thought that if there was such a thing as a Railroad King, Gardner was one.
" The Excursion"-By the kind consideration of the Railroad company we have been favored with a delightful trip over the well built " Branch" to our now neighboring city of Toledo-we shall cherish a kind regard for this manifestation of good feeling, and hope that it may subserve the interests of those who have furnished us so much enjoyment ..
O. M. Barnes, Esq., of Mason, responded.
" The Mayor, Common Council and Citizens of Toledo"-Such high-souled, hospitable fellows, that though as good " Jackson men" we stand by the " Monroe doctrine," we shall be as happy
.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON.
to establish relations with our Buckeye friends as though they were, as they ought to be, genuine Wolverines.
Responded to by three cheers.
"Lansing-The Seat of Government-A beautiful and thriving town, yet still without Railroad communications"-Although that magnificent enterprise the " Amboy, Lansing and Grand Traverse Bay" Railroad, via Saginaw and the rest of the world, may pos- sibly fail of success, we trust that the " Branch" may double its length so that we may yet reach the political centre of the State by " riding on a rail."
D. L. Case, Esq., of Lansing said when he first visited Jackson there was but one log shanty in the county and this beautiful city entirely " in prospect." But it had grown and prospered and he rejoiced in its prosperity.
" The Ladies"-
" The earth was vacant, Eden was a wild,
And man, a hermit, sighed till woman smiled."
Music by the Band.
" Our Invited Guests"-We thank them for the compliment of their presence.
Hon. William B. Arms, of Oakland Co., responded briefly and happily to this sentiment.
VOLUNTEER TOASTS.
" Our energetic and public spirited citizen-Amos Root." [Three cheers.]
Mr. Root responded in a few modest and appropriate remarks, thanking the audience for their remembrance and partiality.
By Mr. Pringle : " The Press"-Grateful for its past efforts in our behalf, we bespeak a continuance of its favors.
By Mr. Root: " Division Superintendent Campbell and Deputy Superintendent Webster"-To them we are indebted for the ample facilities, orderly arrangements and good management of the ex- cursion- May their whole lives be as pleasant and all their under- takings crowned with equal success.
By Hon. A. Blair : "Mr. Henry O. Bronson"-By his liberality in always giving the free use of his commodious Hall for Railroad meetings and this Celebration, he is entitled to our thanks and kindly remembrance from his fellow citizens.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON.
By C. V. DeLand : "Our Conductor"-Attentive, prompt and gentlemanly in the discharge of his duties-we "Wood-bury" the remembrance of his exertions in our behalf to-day deep in our hearts, wish him a safe passage and a " straight track" for the journey of life ; and may he arrive at its "last station," "all right," and " on time."
By Mayor Wood : " The Jackson Band and all its Friends."
The Band gave " Hail Columbia."
By Mr. Blair : "Our friend D. B. Hibbard"-Always ready to do the clean thing-and no questions asked.
By H. H. Smith, of Lansing: " The Jackson and Lansing Rail- road"-Push it along-we have all learned to-day how much more pleasant it is to ride lengthways then "cross-ways" of the rails.
By Hon. J. Mckinney : " The Cities of Toledo and Jackson" -- Fraternally connected by bonds of iron-may these last while the promise endures of seed time and harvest, and while locomotion may be necessary to man.
By the Mayor : " The Committee of Arrangements, Amos Root and P. B. Loomis"-By happily arranging the weather, and well ordering the excursion, this day has been full of enjoyment and satisfaction.
At.twelve o'clock the company dispersed, and so ended one of the most pleasant, orderly and well arranged Railroad Jubilees that was ever held. It is the commencement of a new era in our history as a city, and will be long remembered as one of those pleasant and profitable occasions the mind delights to recur to and the memory shall cherish, at least so long as those iron bands shall last, or man shall fellowship his brother in the grand march of improvement and social progress. The importance and value of this new artery of travel and communication has more than justi- fied the sanguine expectations of its warmest friends and sup- porters.
In the same year the first Gas-light Company of Jackson was formed, Mr. P. B. Loomis being elected President ; S. Whitwell, Treasurer ; Eugene Pringle, Secretary. The city was lighted with Gas in the fall of 1857. The amount of Gas now yearly consumed by the city amounts to 4,984,600 feet, and is steadily increasing.
A very great public improvement was made in 1858. The
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HISTORY OF JACKSON.
pavement was laid down on Main Street. It was laid down by French, of Syracuse, N. Y., under the charge of A. V. Berry, civil engineer. The cost per square yard was 43 cents ; total ex- pense of the whole work, seven thousand dollars.
Oct. 6th, 1852. On Tuesday last, about 6 o'clock, the State Prison was discovered to be on fire. Davis & Austin's loss $8,000, insurance on same $5,000.
May 25, 1853. It is now what might be called a sickly time.
June 1st, 1853. Building is all the rage here now. There never was a time when there were so many new houses being erected. Our merchants are busy, busy, busy. Lumber and all kinds of material is scarce, and commands high prices. Of our knowledge we can count up twenty new dwellings in process of erection. What town can equal this ?
June 22d, 1853. Grand River Valley Railroad .- The stock- holders of this company held their first annual meeting on Satur- day, the 18th inst., when the following persons were chosen Di- rectors: J. E. Beebe, Amos Root, Guy Foote and Moses A. Mc- Naughton, Jackson; A. A. Bliss, Columbus, Ohio; H. G. Root, Mohawk, N. Y .; George H. Lathrop, New York City. The Board was then organized, and Joseph E. Beebe elected President, Amos Root, Treasurer ; M. A. McNaughton, Secretary. An assessment of 5 per cent. was called in on the capital stock, and a full and thorough survey of the entire route from this place to Grand Rapids ordered.
July 13th, 1853. The old " Porter Block" has been purchased by the Corporation, for $2,500, and it is to be fitted up for a Market, Engine House, &c.
Aug. 24th, 1853. There is now great excitement about Rail- roads. The call for a Mass Meeting to remonstrate against the aggressions of the Central R. R. Co., and to devise means for the speedy construction of the Railroad from the City of Adrian to the City of Grand Rapids, was most nobly responded to by the people. The convention was held at the Court House. Gentle- men were present from Ingham, Eaton, Jackson, Lenawee and other counties, Hon. T. E. Gidley of Jackson, was appointed President. A number of Vice-Presidents and three Secretaries, C. V. De Land among the number, were chosen. Resolutions were K
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HISTORY OF JACKSON.
passed favoring the construction of a road to Adrian and one to Grand Rapids, and gave new impetus to those projects.
Aug. 1853. We have the pleasure of announcing that the work on this end of the Jackson branch of the Southern road was com- menced last Monday morning. About 100 hands entered the " disputed Territory" and are digging their way through it with a vengeance. The road will soon be graded the five miles. The Central Co. to the contrary notwithstanding. After the grading is done the road will probably be pushed forward until its com- pletion.
Rice & McConnel's store was erected by Alonzo Bennett, in 1853.
The store now occupied by Reasner & Excell, was built by Daniel Hodgkins in 1853.
The store occupied by Penny & King was built by Mr. Penny in 1853.
H. S. Ismon erected his store in 1853.
March 15th, 1854. Mr. McGrath is laying the foundation for a brick block near the " Tremont" on Main Street.
Jan. 3d, 1855. Two wood stores being erected next west of the Tremont House on Main street, notwithstanding the hard times.
Aug. 29th, 1855. Novelty Mills just completed and going into operation. Messrs. W. H. & T. E. Hayes, propr's.
The building in which P. B. Loomis conducts his banking busi- ness was erected by S. W. Whitwell in the summer of 1856.
In July, 1856, the Fire Department was re-organized, and two engines were purchased by the city. These were " Protection, No. 1." J. B. Tomlinson, foreman, and " Neptune, No. 2," L. A. Pen- noyer, foreman. Both these machines were made by Wright, of Rochester, N. Y. Previous to this time the only defense against fire was the old goose-neck engine of Protection, No. 1. The first Fire Company of Jackson organized in 1843, Peter E. De Mill being the first foreman. After the new engine was bought, the old one was sold to the State, and is now at the State Prison. " Liberty 76" was purchased in 1858, C. T. Beebe, was first fore- man. This engine (Jeffers' make) was sold to the city of Marshall in 1865. In the spring of 1866, the name of Neptune Company was changed to " Germania, No. 2," first and present foreman John Reimers. First and present foreman of Germania Hose
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