USA > Michigan > Gratiot County > Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich. > Part 85
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St. Louis Cornet Band was permanently organized in 1875. The boys are good musicians and are rap- idly improving in execution. The members of the Band are Messrs. W. W. Robertson, Leader; M. Nichols, Ist Cornet ; Dr. C. H. Crandall, Ist Alto ; N. Snyder, 2d Alto; David Allen, Ist Tenor ; Chas. Spencer, 2d Tenor; Frank Harrington, Baritone; Wm. Faulth, Tuba; Albert Earl, Bass Drum; Ar- chie Weller, Snare Drum.
Only three of the above musicians were members of the original organization, Messrs. Nichols, Crandall and Snyder.
The Magnetic Spring .- This wonderful spring has justly attracted the attention of thousands of people both here and elsewhere, being not only the first min- eral spring discovered in Michigan, but wonderfully curative in various diseases to which mankind are
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subject. Many persons of note have tested its vir- tues, among whom might be mentioned Gen. Jo. Hooker, Chief Justice Chase, Gen. Dan. Sickles and other equally prominent persons. The spring was accidentaly discovered in 1869 by Messrs. Holcomb and Evans, of this village, while engaged in boring for salt. The depth of 200 feet had been reached, when the life-giving water gushed out, as did the crystal fluid at " Providence Spring " on the hillside at Andersonville, giving life and strength to the per- ishing soldiers of that pestilential prison.
The boring was suspended and a pipe put in, think- ing to utilize the flow for other purposes, but its strong mineral taste led the proprietors to have it analyzed by one of the most distinguished authorities, who pro- nounced it peculiarly adapted to treatment of certain diseases. Its " magnetic " properties were discovered by immersing a knife blade in the water for a few hours, when bits of steel strongly adhered to the knife. No particular efforts were made to advertise the spring, only briet paragraphs appearing at times in the papers regarding some of the cures resulting from the use of its waters.
St. Louis was then only a small hamlet of a few hundred inhabitants, with inadequate hotel facilities, without rail or wagon roads; yet those who suffered from bodily ailments came flocking in, having to make the trips from St. John's or Saginaw by stage, wagon or other conveyance, a distance of 32 miles.
The benefit received by invalids was remarkable, and every one that went away would send a score to take their place.
Business of every description improved ; additions were made to hotels, boarding houses were erected, livery barns built, stores and barber shops and restau- rants opened up like magic, and before the springs had been a year in existence the population had more than doubled.
Messrs. Holcomb & Evans erected a commodious bath house, containing 50 rooms, in 1870, and a plank road was completed to Saginaw, upon which a daily, and part of the time two daily coaches was run. Dr. Stiles Kennedy was resident physician, and dida large business in diagnosing diseases.
The rush of people continued during the next two years, until it was evident that other means would have to be employed in their conveyance to and from Saginaw. The Saginaw Valley & St. Louis rail-
road was projected and completed, which afforded unlimited access to the place. Meanwhile the growth and development of the village had wonderfully in- creased by the addition of several fine hotels, stores and other buildings, and she was putting on many city airs, all directly traceable to the finding of this valuable spring. With a proper management this might be made a wonderfully fine paying investment as well as being the means of restoring many invalids to perfect health.
Churches.
Baptist Church .- The Baptist Church of this vil- lage was organized in 1856, and is without doubt the "pioneer " denomination which first met for divine worship in Pine River. A meeting was called at the home of Mrs. Anna Woodin, who lived a few miles west of St. Louis, on section 11, in Arcada Township, at which place a society was organized consisting of S. S. Hastings and wife, George Luce and wife, Rev. Lafayette Church and wife, Peter Pruden, Mrs. An- nie Woodin, Francis Way and Mrs. Julia Porter.
Rev. Lafayette Church was the first pastor, and meetings were held in the school-house at this village until their church edifice was completed and dedi- cated, August 18, 1872.
Elder Mather, of Detroit, delivered a powerful dis- course upon this occasion, to an immense audience. The first communion service in the new church edi- fice was held Sept. Ist, that year. Mrs. Mary Grif- fith was the first person to receive baptism in the county, the ceremonies of which were conducted by Elder Fay, a pioneer not only in theological experi- ence but one of the first ministers coming to Gratiot County.
The Church is a very commodious one and the members at present number 90. Rev. L. G. Clark, the pastor, is a popular and talented gentleman, and their affairs both spirtually and in a temporal way are highly developed.
Presbyterian Church .- The meeting at which this society was organized, was held at Alma, Jan. 17, 1866. The Revs. Calvin Clark and Jonas Denton were in attendance. Rev. Clark acted as " Moderator," G. W. McHenry, Clerk. The following persons pre- sented letters of dismission and recommendation from other Churches :
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Ira Smith, his wife Zada Smith, John R. Cheesman, Samuel Gordon, Mrs. M. J. Gordon, Charles M. Fleming, Jesse Fleming, Luther Fleming, Mrs. Elvira J. Fleming, Daniel C. Fleming, Robert F. Fleming, Mrs. Eliza Fleming, Alexander Chisholm, Collin Chisholm (by examination), Andrew Mitchell (by examination), John Mitchell (by examination), G. W. McHenry, Mrs. McHenry.
The society was then named the First Presbyte- rian Church of Pine River. Dr. J. R. Cheesman, Ira Smith, C. Fleming and Samuel Gordon were elected elders. They were ordained, and first communion service administered Jan. 21st of the same month at St. Louis. Rev. J. T. Willett was the first minister engaged by the society, and the result of his labors were numerous accessions to that body. The meet- ings were held for some time in the school-house, but the growth of the society and prosperity of its mem- bers were incentives to have a more commodious place of worship. Their present church was completed, and dedicated Jan. 27, 1870, by Rev. J. A. Wright, of Bay City, assisted by Revs. J. T. Willett, acting Pastor, D. D. Hamilton, Henry Belknap, Francis Nelson, of the Baptist, and T. J. Hill, of the Metho- dist Church.
From this society have been dismissed members enough to form three other societies of like denomi- nation, and yet their numbers are sufficient to main- tain with ease a pastor, Rev. R. J. L. Matthews, who is considered one of the finest speakers and most logical reasoners in the city.
Methodist Church .- This Church dates back to the early settlement of the county, the first class being ministered unto by Rev. Theodore J. Hill, a Method- ist missionary, who became the regular pastor after the completion of the organization now known as the Methodist Church of St. Louis. The society was formally organized at Woodin's school-house, near Alma, in November, 1857, the members composing it being, Lewis M. Clark and wife, Isaac and Mrs. Clymer, Simeon and Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Dr. Sherwood, Mrs. Sybil Groom and Mrs. Susan A. Weller. The society thus formed was transferred from that place to St. Louis, and the Methodist Conference sent Rev. Calvin Holbrook to this circuit, which embraced sev- eral appointments at different places in the neighbor- hood.
Until the completion of the Baptist church, the
Methodist society held their meetings in Drury's Hall. The growth of St. Louis and the rapid in- crease of their membership were inducements strong enough to warrant them in building a new church, which was completed in 1872. Rev. F. B. Bangs and President Perrine of Albion College officiated at the dedicatory services in June of that year. The first Presiding Elder for this charge was Rev. Hiram Law.
The membership at this time is about roo, and the society is in good condition financially. Rev. M. W. F. Smith is the Pastor in charge.
First Congregational Church .- One of the most prosperous Church organizations in St. Louis is the Congregational Society. The same was instituted in this village Aug. 9, 1882, under the direction of Rev. Leroy Warren, State Superintendent of the A. H. M. S. The first members were 34 in number. Rev. W. C. Calland, the present pastor, has officiated from the date of organization. Services were held in Good Templars' Hall until the completion of the basement of the new church edifice, Oct. 18, 1883. The same was completed and dedicated Dec. 16, of that year, Rev. Leroy Warren, of Lansing, preaching the dedicatory sermon. The handsome pulpit chairs were donated by Mr. Wm. Palmer, of New York ; the silver communion service, of rare and unique de- sign, by Mrs. H. M. Tyler, of New Hampshire ; the chandeliers in the audience room were presented by the members of the Congregational Sabbath-school ; the splendid Bible which graces the minister's desk, was the gift of the Oberlin, Ohio, Congregational Sabbath-school, through Mrs. Georgia Franks. Messrs. Cook & Arnold presen ted the society with a neat communion table, and the ladies of the society donated the handsome carpet in the audience room. The church is one of the most convenient and attractive buildings in the village, and is admirably arranged for comfort, being heated by furnaces, and well supplied with cold-air chambers, which insure complete ventilation. The plans and specifications were drawn and completed by the pastor, Rev. W. C. Calland, who superintended all the work in per- son. The furniture is native oak, trimmed with cherry. The basement is used for Sunday-school and other purposes, and is not only a pleasant, but extremely useful room, having attached a kitchen, with ranges and other culinary arrangements, which
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make it very convenient in case festivals are given. The church, site, etc., cost the society $4.575, and the same is almost paid, the balance being already provided for. The Deacons first elected were : Dr. John R. Cheesman, Samuel Gordon, R. D. Perrine. Clerk. W. C. Garbutt.
Trustees-A. B. Darragh, Don Cameron, J. W. Barnard, J. C. Richards, M. H. Tuttle, Alex. John- son, G. G. Clark.
Treasurer-W. C. Garbutt.
The Sunday-school is the most largely attended of all in the village, the average attendance being III. It is presided over by llon. C. J. Willett, one of the most popular instructors and experienced Sabbath- school superintendents of the county ..
Rev. W. C. Calland is justly esteemed for his ardent labors in the work of building such a mag- nificent church, and his brilliancy of thought and rhetorical ability fill the audience room at each ser- vice with an appreciative congregation.
Episcopal Church .- Emanuel Church was organ- ized in this village, April 27, 1872, having as its first members : Thomas Holcomb, Bessie H. Holcomb, Samuel Garrigues, Adelia Garrigues, R. G. Hillyer and W. H. Craw. At the same date the parish was admitted to the convention of the Diocese.
The first church building was commenced in 1872, but was not completed until 1877. The edifice cost about $2,500, including furniture. Services were held in the church, although incomplete, in 1876, the consecration of the same being Aug. 13, 1878, by Rt. Rev. Geo. D. Gillespie, assisted by Rev. L. S. Stevens, Pastor in charge. Rev. H. J Brown was the first pastor. Rev. R. D. Stearns, one of the most fluent speakers in the village, is now officiating. The church first erected was sold to the Catholic people July 12, 1883, and a splendid brick edifice will be completed this year at a cost of $9,000. The lot (11, block 29) upon which the church is built was donated by Col. John A. Elwell. The cornerstone was laid Sept. 27, 1883, with appropriate ceremonies by Rev. R. D. Stearns.
Catholic Church .- This organization will be com- pleted during 1884. There being no resident priest at present, Rev. Father Mccarthy, of Mount Pleasant, has officiated thus far, and there are now 40 members. The First Episcopal Church building was purchased by them, May 12, 1883, for $1,500, which will make
a very commodious place of worship for several years. The Trustees are : Theodore Hagers. Nathan- iel White, R. A. Gillis, George Hofstetter.
Advent Church .- The membership of this Church is mostly confined to country residents. The Class was formed in i880, the only names obtainable being : Samuel Wilson, Harriet L. Flaherty, Mrs. Olive Farleman, Mrs. Mary Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Holliday, Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Harris, Mr. and Mrs. -- Bartlett, Mrs. Mary Clymer and John Turner. There were a number of others, but having no Church record makes it impossible to give names. Their church is a plain frame building, situated in the northwestern part of the village, and is estimated to have cost $Soo. It was erected in 18Si, and the same is clear of all debt. Their services are held on the seventh day of the week, and their membership is not larger than when first organized.
Fire Department.
HE St. Louis fire department is composed of a hand engine and hose, and hook and ladder company. It is now under the ef- ficient management of J. V. Johnson, Chief of Fire Department ; A. F. Wright, First Assist- ant; Eugene King, Second Assistant. The latter gentleman is also Superintendent of the water works. The first company was organized in August, 1873; re-organized in 1882. The Holly system of water works were completed in 1881, and mains are laid in the principal streets, as well as being connected with several large reservoirs at convenient places in the village.
The water supply is obtained from Pine River, near which is a stationary engine owned by the village, that puts adequate pressure upon the mains in case of a protracted fire. A water wheel owned by the village keeps the mains supplied with water.
The St. Louis firemen _now carry the "State Banner," which was awarded them at the last State tournament. This proves them an efficient organi- zation, having competed upon that occasion with several companies for the same. J. V. Johnson, the Fire Marshal, was instrumental in having a " fire
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ordinance " passed by the village board in which the duties of firemen are clearly defined. The officials of the Executive Board are. J. O. Hilton, President ; Albert Earl, Secretary ; A. K. Smith, Treasurer.
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St. Louis Public Schools.
HE rapid progress in the arts and sciences are met with wherever we go, and the educa- tional facilities afforded the children of St. Louis are of the best. The first frame school- house in the county occupied the site, or a part of it, where the handsome brick school building is located. This is an imposing structure, handsomely trimmed with stone, two stories in height, with a large basement.
Two large furnaces supply heat to the entire build- ing, which cost, together with the site, $22,000. It was erected in 1879, and the same was occupied in January of the next year.
The furniture is of the best and most improved kind, and a very good library forms an important feature of the advantages to be derived by pupils of this school. There are six class-rooms with cloak- rooms to each. a recitation room and Superintendent's office. The seating capacity accommodates 400 pu- pils with ease. W. R. Ransom was the first Super- intendent having charge of the new building; the present Superintendent being N. A. Richards, a cap- able instructor and pleasant gentleman.
Banks.
3 R. A. B. DARRAGH opened the first bank or broker's office in the village of St. Louis. For some time he occupied the office now the headquarters of Col. Elwell, but his business increased until he was obliged to seek more commodious quarters. Darragh & Co .- The Gratiot County Bank was organized in the year 1870, the stockholders at that time being, Messrs. A. B. Darragh, Charles Kipp, Robert M. Steele, Samuel S. Walker, Josiah Upton, John Hicks, Henry Mayhew. The style of
this corporation was changed in 1875 to the firm name of Darragh & Co. There had also been a change in stockholders, the new firm consisting at this time of Messrs. John Hicks, Josiah Upton, Robert M. Steele and A. B. Darragh.
This firm do a general banking business, and have commodious quarters in the Opera-House Block, a splendid safety vault with fire and burglar proof safe, time lock, etc. Mr. A. B. Darragh is cashier.
Harrington, Saviers & Co. are nicely located in the Harrington Hotel Block, with a well arranged vault, fire and burglar proof safe, and time lock. This was formerly known as the Merchants & Farm- ers' Bank, but was changed in 1875 to the above name. The gentlemen composing this firm are all well known and trusted business men of this city, Mr. H. Harrington being the owner of the building, and Messrs. F. G. Kneeland and L. Saviers men of ample capital and large experience.
Miscellaneous.
HE medical fraternity of St. Louis is repre- sented by Dr. Cheesman, who, although not engaged in actual practice, is the leading physician, having lived here from the birth of St Louis, and, during this time has been closely associated with its business interests. Other physicians enjoying a live and active practice are, Drs. Stiles Kennedy, James R. Baldwin, Heman Branch, C. A. and G. S. Case, L. A. Proper, Aaron Wheeler and Dis. France, Combs & Andrews, besides Dr. Kate Harrington and Mother Gartie.
Richards & Althouse .- The largest manufacturing interests in the stave and heading business, is con- ducted by Messrs. Richards & Althouse. The junior member of the firm purchased an interest Jan. 1, 1884, Mr. Richards being an old citizen of the county and for several years engaged in the same line of trade.
Their mill is located near the depot, and has a capacity of 30,000 staves and 3,000 sets of heads per diem. The firm employ 50 men and six teams, and have in stock over 3,000 cords of bolts. Their facilities for manufacturing are first-class, and the money expended for material averages $5,000 per month, exclusive of wages paid to employes.
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Coopers' Supplies .- E. W. Traver & Co. are doing an extensive business in the manufacture of the above merchandise, and employ when running on full time So men. The capacity of their mills is 20,000 coiled hoops and 8,000 staves per day. They purchased the mill and fixtures in 1883, and are largely increasing the business. There is now Soo,000 feet of logs in their yards, which will be sawed and manufactured into the above products during the summer.
In addition to the other business industries of the village, we note the extensive saw-mill of Mr. Glasby and the saw-mill of H. L. Holcomb, both of which do quite a large amount of work, and, were they run to their full capacity, would turn out several millions of feet per annum.
Both the elevators belong to Hilton & Gordon, who do an exclusive grain business, and purchase most of the products raised by farmers in this vicinity. There are numerous blacksmith and wagon shops, contractors and builders, meat-markets and other business enterprises which are found in every enter- prising village. Dr. Crandall is a resident dentist, and apparently has a monopoly in that department of science. To illustrate the transformation from lethargy to the briskness which is now so largely seen in St. Louis, nothing better can be used than the relation of Mr. A. B. Darragh's first visit to the place. He started overland from St. John's in the spring of 1869 for a look at the young villages of Ithaca, Alma and St. Louis, having been informed by friends of the fine country and excellent prospects in a business way, which might be secured by a location at either of these villages.
Ithaca was reached at noon, where dinner was taken. ITe then drove to Alma, which presented quite a business air, a number of farmers being in town, and several good stores all seemingly doing a fair trade. Michael Pollasky showed him through his store, having at that time the largest one in the village. Feeling quite well pleased at the hospitality shown him while at Alma, he drove to St. Louis, ex- pecting to find it a bustling business town from former stories regarding it; but such was not his experience. Passing entirely through the village, he drove around the principal streets until he came to the hotel now known as the "Commercial " To use his own ex- pression, " The only evidence I had of life in driving
through the town, was one hungry-looking dog wan- dering on the street. Not a team, not a man or woman was to be seen. Getting out of the buggy and entering the hotel, I looked about but saw no one. Finally a boy came sauntering into the bar- room, and I asked him if the landlord was in." " Don't know," was the answer. "Can I get some water here for my horse? " "Don't know," said the urchin.
Espying a store across the street with the door partly ajar, he inquired whose store that was. "Don't know," was the reply. Mr. Darragh concluded that there must have been a funeral somewhere in the neighborhood, and every one except the youth was in attendance, but thought it best not to question him further. Leading his horse across the street, he hitched it in front of the store and walked in. The clerk was stretched at full length on the counter, with his head on a pile of cottonade, fast asleep. Shaking him by the shoulder, the fellow roused up and asked what was wanted. Mr. Darragh begged the loan of a bucket, which was granted, and the tired horse given a draught of fresh water. After conversing a few moments about the village and its prospects, he inquired the way to Salt River, as he was intending to drive over that evening, the outlook for business being, as Mr. D. expressed it, " some- what discouraging."
With the finding of the Magnetic Spring, however, came thrift and enterprise. Mr. Darragh returned, opened up a broker's office, and has succeeded in establishing one of the best banks in the county. Through the varying fortunes of this village he has been one of the foremost in promoting her welfare and advancing her business and commercial inter- ests ; the outlook to-day, and the first time he viewed the scene, forming quite a different picture : thrift and energy prevail. Prosperity is the rule and not the exception. Everything moves, and residents of St. Louis feel a just pride in her rapid advancement.
A history of St. Louis, without more than a mere mention of " Uncle Dick " Hillyer, would scarcely be tolerated. He was one of the most generous men that ever lived and this trait in his character proved his financial ruin.
During the hard times which prevailed in 1857, Mr. Hillyer went to New York, and made purchases of goods to the amount of six thousand dollars, agree-
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ing to pay for them in flour. He also made a pur- chase of material for building a grist-mill, expecting to manufacture the flour previously guaranteed to New York parties.
The goods came and were sold on credit to all who wished to buy. The mill was built, although there was not at the time fifty bushels of wheat in the county ; neither was any raised for two years. Cred- itors came on and " Uncle Dick " mortgaged all his property to satisfy the parties, but times were so hard that the mortgages were foreclosed and he lost every- thing but his reputation for generosity. Mr. H. L. Holcomb assumed most of the liabilities, and deeds were made to him for all the real estate, consisting of 1,600 acres, formerly owned by Mr. Hillyer.
To illustrate his generosity, two anecdotes are re- lated: Frank Miller, so well remembered as the first Prosecuting Attorney of Gratiot County, was noted for his bibulous habits, and left no means untried whereby his love for the " ardent " might be satisfied. Coming to St. Louis in hopes of raising money enough in some way to have a little spree, he walked into Mr. Hillyer's store and engaged in conversation. Some one mentioned the recent purchase of an over- coat by Mr. Hillyer, and Miller at once made up his mind to borrow the coat, as Mr. Hillyer never refused to grant a favor to anyone who asked it.
When he came in, Miller said that he had a law- suit in progress at Alma and would like to borrow the garment until evening, when it should be returned. Uncle Dick started for his boarding house to get it, and upon his return met Mr. Holcomb, who asked where he was going. "Nowhere," replied he. " Frank Miller wants my coat to wear to Alma." " Don't let him have it," said Mr. Holcomb; "for it will be pawned for drink and you will never see it again." Uncle Dick thought such a thing impossible, and carried the coat to Miller, who soon left for Alma. That day passed, the next, and the next, yet neither overcoat nor Miller was heard from. Two weeks later, word was sent Mr. Hillyer that his coat had been pawned for whisky at one of the saloons in Alma.
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