USA > Michigan > Jackson County > Jackson > Jackson city directory, with a complete portrait of Jackson. Statistical tables, &c., &c., for 1871 > Part 2
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There are now completed to Jackson, seven railroads, and these great arteries of traffic radiate in seven directions on so many different lines, penetrating to the most valued sources of wealth and material in this State, reaching out to the great Iron Ore Deposits of the upper Peninsula, the Salt Wells of Saginaw Valley, the pine and other timber forests of Northern Michigan; and on the south, to sources as valuable, and affording connections with the East, West, and Southern system of railroads, making this a nucleus and a cen- tral competing point for all classes of business, giving us facilities for cheap freight rarely excelled, and of incalculable value to every citi- zen. It is only fair and just in a record like this to give the names of those gentlemen who have been foremost in first projecting these different lines of railroad, and then, with a zeal, devotion, self-sacri- . fice, and liberality, so remarkable and praiseworthy, making these projects actual, living, and productive realities. It would require thousands of pages to detail the difficulties, the obstacles, and labor, which these men had to encounter before success and accomplish- ment crowned their efforts, and their designs and wishes grew from the germ of thought and purpose into the perfected work. We can-
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HISTORY OF JACKSON.
not, for want of space, give the names of all who contributed to these enterprises, though we would gladly give credit to all who have given by their means to aid the projectors. Foremost among those citizens to whom Jackson is indebted for her prosperity in railroads, we would mention Eugene Pringle, Amos Root, M. A. McNaughton, W. D. Thompson, P. B. Loomis, Henry A. Hayden, J. B. Eaton, and H. H. Smith.
These gentlemen are really the originators and builders of these roads, for it was through their energy, liberalities, and financial ability, that the projects conceived by them were so speedily and success- fully carried into execution. In addition to those named above, we would mention E. A. Webster, J. E. Beebe, Dwight Merriman, W. H. Withington, and S. O. Knapp, all of whom have contributed, to some extent, aid in carrying out these enterprises.
MICHIGAN CENTRAL RAILROAD.
The main line of this road is 284 miles long, and traverses one of the most populous and productive sections of Michigan. At Detroit, it connects with the Great Western ; at Grand Trunk Junction, with the Grand Trunk Railway ; at Jackson, with Jackson, Lansing & Sag- inaw, Grand River Valley, Mich. Air Line, and Fort Wayne, Jackson & Saginaw Railroads ; at Nottawa, with Grand Rapids & Indiana Rail- road ; at Three Rivers, with Kalamazoo Division, Lake Shore & Mich- igan Southern Railroad; at Battle Creek, with Peninsular R. R. ; at Kalamazoo, with Grand Rapids & Indiana, and Kalamazoo & South Ha- ven Railroads ; at New Buffalo, with Chicago & Lake Shore R. R. ; at Michigan City, with Louisville, New Albany & Chicago Railway; at Lake, with Branch to Joliet; at Calumet, with Illinois Central ; and at Chicago, with the principle lines north, west, and south. This road has several very important branches, such as the Air Line, the Grand River Valley, the Kalamazoo & South Haven, the Chicago & Lake Shore, the Joliet Branch. These arms reaching out from the main line ramify the best region of country in Michigan and Illinois, in all nearly 1,000 miles of road under control of one management. The equipment and rolling stock of this company is among the very best in use.
The officers of the Michigan Central Railroad are, James F. Joy, Prest., Detroit ; H. E. Sargent, Gen. Supt., Chicago ; Chas. H. Hurd,
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HISTORY OF JACKSON.
Asst. Gen. Supt., Detroit; C. D. Whitcomb, Gen. Ticket Agent, Detroit ; A. S. Swift, Jr., Master Mechanic ; J. B. Sutherland, Mas- ter Car Builder, Detroit; C. E. Noble, Gen. Eastern agent, 349 Broadway, N .Y .; H. C. Wentworth, Gen. Passenger Agt., Chicago; Jas. Newell, Purchasing Agent, Detroit; M. D. Woodford, Tele- graphic Supt., Kalamazoo.
JACKSON, LANSING AND SAGINAW RAILROAD.
This is one of the most important roads leading into Jackson. It is now fully equipped and doing business as far north as Wenona, 116 miles from Jackson, and thence north to Kawkawlin. It is to be extended to Mackinaw as soon as possible ; indeed considera- ble work has already been done. This will give this road one of the best districts in Michigan for lumber traffic. The amount of busi- ness already done by the road is immense, and is doubling every year. It connects with the Mich. Central, Lake Shore & Mich. Southern, Fort Wayne, Jackson & Saginaw, Grand River Valley, Ionia & Lan- sing, Detroit & Milwaukee, and Flint & Pere Marquette Railroads.
The officers of this successful route are H. A. Hayden, Prest .; O. M. Barnes, Secretary ; W. D. Thompson, Treasurer ; A. Watson, Gen. Superintendent.
FORT WAYNE, JACKSON AND SAGINAW RAILROAD.
This is to be the great Southern Route from Jackson for passen- ger and freight business, opening for Jackson a region to supply, heretofore inaccessible. It is finished to Fort Wayne, a distance of 100 miles ; connects with the Mich. Central, Grand River Valley, Jack- son, Lansing & Saginaw, Mich. Air Line; Lake Shore & Mich. Southern; Air Line Mich. Southern Railway, Toledo, Wabash & Western, Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago, and Fort Wayne, Muncie & Cincinnati Railroads. Four trains each way every day.
The officers are P. B. Loomis, Prest., Jackson ; William A. Ernst, Gen. Superintendent ; E. Pringle, Secretary ; B. S. Chapin, Jack- son, Treasurer.
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GRAND RIVER VALLEY RAILROAD.
(Leased and operated by the Mich. Central Railroad company.) This road connects Jackson with Grand Rapids, and traverses a splen-
.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON.
did farming country, making at each end of the road the best connec- tions. It is 149 miles long, adding the northern extension to Muskegon and Whitehall. This road reaches to the base of supplies in the pine lumber region of Michigan.
The following are the officers of this road : H. E. Sargent, Gen. Supt., Chicago, Ill .; Chas. B. Bush, Assist. Supt., Jackson. Four trains daily each way. This road makes connections with all the principal roads centering here and at Grand Rapids.
MICHIGAN AIR LINE RAILWAY.
This road is essentially a Jackson road, though, in reality, a branch of the Michigan Central. It traverses a very rich and fertile farming region, and at present has its eastern terminus here. Its headquar- ters are here, and will remain. This road materially shortens the dis- tance between Detroit and Chicago, and will be used for all fast pas- senger and through freight trains. It unites Jackson with Niles, and this division is 102 miles in length. There are some twenty-two miles completed, and fifteen miles of this road in operation east of Jackson J. B. Eaton is President; M. A. McNaughton, Managing Director, and A. A. Bedell, of Ridgeway, Asst. Supt.
LAKE SHORE AND MICHIGAN SOUTHERN RAILWAY (JACKSON BRANCH).
This is the oldest road leading to Jackson after the Central was completed. A great amount of business is done on this route ; and it is the most powerful competitor of the Central for eastern business. It was completed in 1857. It unites Jackson with Adrian, Toledo and the East. It has always been a favorite route with Jackson shippers and business men, and is, like the principal line of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern, admirably managed. It connects at Toledo with the main line, with the Cincinnati, Hamilton and Day- ton for Cincinnati, Louisville, and the south ; at Monroe Junction with the line to Chicago ; at Detroit with the Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad, and with the Grand Trunk Railway of Canada. The agent at Jackson is Alonzo E. Billings. At Jackson connections can be made with the Northern and Southern routes centering here.
A new project is now engaging the attention of our railroad men. This is the Hudson and Jackson railroad. Everything now indicates that this road will be pushed forward to an early completion.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON.
COAL.
Jackson has become famous for its extensive coal mines ; all the more so, for the reason that thus far it has been the only place in Michigan where coal has been mined to any considerable extent. There are three mines now being worked, two within the city limits and one at Woodville, a few miles west of the city. To carry on and operate two of these mines, requires the labor of one hundred and twenty-three men. One of the mines, the Porter Coal Company, has just commenced operations. About twenty-eight thousand tons were mined by the two companies in full operation during the past year. There is an immense supply of coal underlying the city and surround- ing country-a source of great wealth to Jackson.
MANUFACTURING.
Jackson is rapidly taking the lead of all interior towns of Michi- gan in the number and extent of its manufactories. Below we give the number and name of a few of the leading industrial institutions of the city, and the aggregate of their sales :
Business.
No. of Firms.
Annual Sales.
Agricultural Implements,
2
$ 232,000
Brewers,
5
36,000
Carriages & Wagons,
8
547,700
Cigar Manufactures,
2
73,800
Flouring Mills,
4
1,081,462
Founders & Machinists,
2
128,000
Furniture,
3
207,500
Harness Makers,
5
47,000
Marble Dealers & Stone Cutters,
3
79,500
Plaster & Lime,
2
55,622
Potters,
2
55,000
Brick Manufacturers,
2
26,500
Planing Mills,
4
250,347
Sash, Doors & Blinds, .
4
164,000
$2,984,431
There are a number of leading branches of manufacturing inter- ests, where only one firm are engaged. We give the names of those, and to avoid giving the business of each firm we record only the ag- gregate annual sales :
Boiler Maker, Brooms, Soap, Candles & Potash, Spice Mill, Smelt-
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HISTORY OF JACKSON.
ing Works, Spring Beds, Whips & Gloves, Hoop Skirts, Roofer. Aggregate sales, or business, $274,400
There are, besides the above, other establishments that manufac- ture different articles, too numerous to mention, the aggregate sales of which amount to $2,676,541
The total sales of Jackson manufactures in 1870 amounted to
1
$5,935,372 .
1
JACKSON MERCHANTS.
To give the reader an idea of the mercantile business of Jackson, we give below the number of firms engaged in some of the principal departments of trade, and their aggregate annual sales :
Business.
No. of Firms.
Annual Sales.
Boots & Shoes,
10
488,500
Dry Goods,
10
887,000
Groceries,
37
1,300,000
Clothing,
7
229,000
Crockery & Glass Ware,
3
155,000
Drugs,
8
171,000
STATISTICS.
NUMBER OF NAMES.
The whole number of names contained in this directory is 4,640. This is an increase of 801 names over the number contained in the Directory of 1869 and 1,740 over the number contained in the Di- rectory of 1867.
NUMBER OF HOUSES.
The present numbor of dwelling houses in the city, as counted by the Directory canvassers, is 2,357, in 1869 there were 1,762, in 1867 1,346 ; showing an increase in four years, of ten hundred and elev- en houses, and in two years, from 1867 to 1869, of four hundred and twenty-six, and from 1869 to 1871, five hundred and ninety-five ; and the indications now are that the number of buildings to be erected this year will exceed that of any two years in our history.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON.
POPULATION.
The population of Jackson at present is 13,920.
The population of Jackson according to the United States
census of 1870 was 11,448.
In 1869, according to census taken by the directory corps, 10,023.
it was
In 1867, according to census taken by the Directory corps,
it was 8,076.
In 1864, according to State census, it was 5,544.
This table is interesting as showing the remarkable increase in the population of this city. In seven years the number of inhabitants has almost trebled, and it will be seen that each year enlarges the rates of increase.
PROFESSIONS, AGENCIES, TRADES, &C., OF JACKSON.
The following summary of the different occupations that divide the energies of the people of this city will be of interest :-
Agents-insurance, 13; agents-loan, 3; agents-real estate, 8; agricultural implements, 6; artists, 2; auction & commission, 4 ; bak- ers, 3; banks, 6; barbers, 10; blacksmiths, 11; boarding houses, 41; boiler makers, 1; book binders, 1; book sellers & stationers, 2; boots & shoes, 12; brewers & maltsters, 4; brick manufacturers, 3; broom makers, 1; builders, 18; carbon oil, 2; carpets, 3; car- pet weavers, 2; carriage trimmers, 2; carriage & wagon manufac- turers, 12; civil engineers, 2; claim agents, 1; clothing, 9; cloth- ing renovaters, 2; coffee & spice mills, 1; coopers, 3; crockery & glassware, 3; dentists, 9; doors, sash & blinds, 4; dress & cloak makers, 22; druggists, 8 ; dry goods, 9; dyers & scourers, 2; fancy goods & notions, 3; fish & oyster market, 1; florists, 2; flour & . feed, 4; flouring mills, 4 ; furniture, 3; gas machines & fixtures, 1; grocers, 37; gunsmith, 1; hardware, 8; harness, 5; hats, caps & furs, 3; hides & pelts, 3; hoop skirt manufacturers, 1; hotels, 8; iron founders & machinists, 2; job printers, 1 ; justices of the peace, 4; knitting machines, 1; ladies hair dressers, 4; lawyers, 21 ; light- ning-rods, 3; liquors, 4; livery & boarding stables, 5; lumber deal- ers, 5; marble dealers, 2; masons, 8; meat markets, 12; milinery & fancy goods, 12; music teachers, 16; musical merchandise, 4;
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HISTORY OF JACKSON.
news dealers, 1); news papers, 3; nurserymen, 1; ornamental plas- terers, 2; painters, 8; paper & junk, 1; photographers, 6; physi- cians, 21 ; plaster & lime, 2; plumbers, 2; pork packers, 1; pump makers, 1; sewer pipe & fire brick, 1; sewing machine agents, 6; shirt manufacturers, 1; smelters, 1; soap, candles & potash, 1; spring beds, 1; stone cutters, 2; tobacco & cigars, 11; trunks & traveling bags, 1; undertaker, 1; washerwomen, 17; watch makers & jewelers, 7; potters, 2; whips & gloves, 1.
In addition to the enumeration of business men, etc., the following list will give the reader an idea of how well the city is supplied with strong arms, skilled labor, and industrial resources. The mechanics of Jackson are among the very best in the country; molders, 11; carpenters, 229; laborers, 403 ; masons, 130; engineers, 70; book- keepers, 28; machinists, 53; clerks, 165 ; painters, 58; printers, 30; coopers, 58; shoemakers, 88; tailors, 33; blacksmiths, 67. This list might be largely increased with other branches of trade, etc.
Below we have given a number of personal notices of a number of liberal and enterprising business men. See index to advertisements.
Birdsall, Baker & Co., wholesale grocers, No. 231 Main Street. This is a new firm, but it has already secured an immense trade. Their house is one of the very largest in Michigan, and success has met their efforts at the outset. They began trade on the first of January of the present year. Their store is not only stocked full from cellar to garret, but it is the largest, neatest, and most attractive one on Main Street. These gentlemen bring almost unlimited capital, thorough acquaintance, liberal views, and a knowledge of the wants of the pub- lic, to their business. They have had years of experience in this branch of trade in New York. In private life, their standing is un- exceptionable, being genial, liberal-hearted gentlemen, young, devoted to business, and determined to make their house the first and most ex- tensive grocery establishment in the west. We take pleasure in re- commending Messrs. Birdsall, Baker & Co., to the public, as they are men that will win their way to the confidence and good wishes of the people of Central Michigan.
Hatch, Claflin & Pettengill, No. 221 Main Street, manufacturers of men and boys' kip, calf and stoga boots, women and men's pegged and sewed calf shoes and fine goods. This firm is consolidated of Hatch, Claflin & Co., and W. & S. G. Pettengill, now under the name
27
HISTORY OF JACKSON.
and style as above. They are prison manufacturers, and employ fifty men. They personally superintend their work, and all materials used are of carefully selected stock. It is their purpose to put upon the market the most valuable goods in their line of trade, working more for a permanent and desirable reputation than for mere temporary profit at the expense of others. Messrs. H. C. & P. intend that their trade mark shall be a sufficient guaranty that their boots and shoes are reliable for all they are recommended. These gentlemen compose a manufacturing firm that is foremost in enterprise, integ- rity, standing, and ability, among those who are doing so much for the credit of this city.
Prof. J. C. Lowell, Real Estate, Insurance, and Loan Agent, No. 259 Main Street. One of the most reliable and prominent of our busi- ness men. Prof. Lowell came to Jackson in 1861, and for three years served the city acceptably, as associate principal of Union School. Soon after, he became the principal superintendent, and held that posi- tion for about three years. After this six years of service in educating the youth of Jackson, Prof. Lowell engaged in the Real Estate and In- surance business on the first of May, 1868. Bringing to this depart- ment of business, an active, cultivated mind, and energetic habits, he rapidly increased his business, until it became one of our most exten- sive real estate and loan agencies. Prof. Lowell makes a specialty of loaning money. He may be safely relied upon as a gentleman of honor and integrity ; is prompt, energetic, capable.
Weeks & Rogers, successors to Weeks & Van Dyne. Mr. Weeks, the senior member of this firm, although a young man, has grown up with this city, having been in Jackson twenty-three years, and not only is a first-class printer, but is admirably qualified for the business he is the head of, by long experience. Mr. Rogers was for several years local editor of the Daily Citizen, and is a gentleman of learning and excellent character. He was elected this spring one of the al- dermen of the city. The Republican is a first-class weekly paper, growing steadily into favor, and is already a necessity to a great num- ber of people. This is a firm that in their business unite qualities that assure success.
Jackson Daily & Weekly Citizen. Not to know and be familiar with the Citizen, is to argue yourself unknown. It is one of the most prominent, able, and influential Republican journals in Michi-
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HISTORY OF JACKSON.
gan, a local champion of the central city that has done probably as much as any other cause to make the present prosperity of Jackson. It is the herald's trumpet that has blown upon every breeze the ad- vantages and the resources of Jackson, and has manfully and elo- quently advocated and defended its interests. James O'Donnell is the present publisher and editor-in-chief. A successful, spicy, enterpris- ing, interesting journal.
Hobart & Bolton, retail grocers, No. 83 Jackson. An extensive establishment, and one that for years has held a first-class place among our business houses. Messrs. H. & B. keep always on hand a most complete and excellent assortment of family groceries and articles per- taining to their trade. Customers are sure to always obtain what they call for, their selections being carefully made of the best goods which the largest markets can afford. Years of experience in buying and a perfect acquaintance with the wants of the public, enable them to buy at the most advantageous rates, the benefit of which is secured to their patrons. They are gentlemen that can be relied upon in all business transactions,and in all trusts reposed in them in the highest affairs of life.
In saddlery hardware, harness goods, and trunks, there is no better firm in Jackson than D. A. Tinker & Co, No. 251 Main Street. The name of this firm was recently changed from that formerly known for years, A. M. Tinker & Co., the change occurring on the first of January last. A. B. Tinker, the senior member of the firm, is thor- oughly acquainted with the practical part of the business, having spent a great many years in making and selling harnesses. His son, D. A. Tinker, is an active young man of strict integrity and excellent business habits. The firm has many friends, and is daily add- ing to the number, and a stock of goods admirable and complete.
D. B. Freeman, dealer in boots and shoes, No. 236 Main Street. Mr. Freeman began business at his present location in July, 1870, and has succeeded in fixing an excellent impression upon the minds of the people of Jackson as a reliable dealer in articles which he keeps. And few men are more deserving of a large trade than he. Long experience, taste in the selection of goods, has made assurance of suc- cess thereby ; and also by doing business " on the square " with all who deal with him. It is safe to buy goods of such men.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON.
L. Lindemer, gunsmith, No. 117 Mechanic Street, has always on hand a good supply of guns, fishing tackle, and sporting outfits. A capital workman, a mechanic who knows as much about the way a gun should be kept, and as well qualified to put it into the best of condi- tion, as any man in the State. His shop is a favorite resort for all who want a good " shooting iron " or fowling piece, and those who desire repairs upon the same. A happy, generous son of Gambrinus, and a gentleman by nature, Lindemer is a name for good work and good fellowship.
P. H. Vandyne has recently established a new printing office on the ground floor at No. 209 Main Street, opposite the post-office, easy of access to all, and fully supplied with new and most popular styles of printer's material, for jobbing, &c. This is the only exclusive book and job printing house in Jackson. Turn to the Business Directory and see his beautiful colored leaf and then you will not wonder that his name is heralded throughout this entire section of the country. He is a neat, tasty and reliable job printer. He is prepared to do all kinds of work from a poster to a wedding card. Everybody who knows Van will give evidence that he is an excellent, tasteful prin- ter, and clever fellow, and entirely reliable in all his dealings. He will do well.
Calvin Case, dentist, may always be found, during business hours, at his pleasant rooms, No. 10, Marion House Block, No. 266 Main Street. Mr. Case was for some time associated with Mr. Robinson in this business, but has recently become his own partner. He isa young man peculiarly fitted for the profession he has adopted, both by study and experience, having graduated with distinction at the Ohio College . of Dental Surgery, one of the best institutions of the kind in the coun- try. His office is a model of neatness, and his working-rooms supplied with the best instruments used by this useful profession. His success is certain.
Warren N. Buck & Co., Real Estate and Insurance Agency, No. 249 Main Street. This firm possesses an advantage to begin with, in a name that is known (and known favorably, too), not only in Jackson, but throughout the State: Mr. Buck, the senior member, was among the earliest pioneers of this city, coming here in 1838. He has served the city honorably in many ways, twice as its chief executive. He is a gentleman with whom business intercourse is an enjoyment
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HISTORY OF JACKSON.
which one does not soon forget. Mr. Ford, his partner, is a young man well known, much respected, energetic and correct in habits and in his life. This firm are doing an excellent business.
Warner & Dodge, dealers in hardware, No. 242 Main Street. This firm have adopted the strictly cash system of trade, and are deter- mined to work by that rule, giving their patrons the best of prices and the most generous treatment. Although they are young men, they have had years of practical experience, and continue the busi- ness established here at an early day by B. J. Billings.
H. E. Southworth, dealer in Crockery, China and Glassware, No. 244 Main Street. Mr. S. has been engaged in this business here only a year, but his former experience in this line of trade has been ex- tensive, and under most favorable circumstances. His store is 22 feet wide by 120 feet deep, two stories, and a basement ; besides this, he has a very large warehouse, well filled with goods. These are continually supplied with new goods to enable him to fill orders in his jobbing trade. Mr. S. is a young man of excellent business habits, plenty of capital, and ambitious to do as large business as any man with capital and energy can. His store is a model of neatness, and admirably designed for his business.
Gilbert, Ransom & Knapp, Manufacturers of Furniture, State Prison Works. It is needless to speak in detail of this well-known firm. Their names are familiar to everybody throughout the west, as they rank among the largest and most reliable manufacturers of furniture of all descriptions. Their goods are sold all through the west, and are always chosen in preference to other makers, for the reason that nothing leaves their extensive manufactory that is "un- sound." The quantities of household furniture produced by this firm are almost incredible, embracing some of the most elegant and costly work. Their stores, Nos. 243 & 258 Main Street, are splendid buildings, and contain a varied stock , containing all that is desirable in the line of furniture and house furnishing goods. They give employment to a number of men, in addition to the large gang of convicts, and no firm in this country that manufactures furniture, can afford to undersell them. Their sales are continually increasing, and the business they do is colossal.
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