Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich., Part 86

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, Chapman brothers
Number of Pages: 856

USA > Michigan > Gratiot County > Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich. > Part 86

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).

Going down to see about getting possession of his property, he learned that the coat was pawned for every cent it was worth, and declined to redeem it. Returning to St. Louis, Mr. Holcomb asked him " why he had not replevined the coat, it being his own

property." "Who then would have paid the liquor bill ? " said Uncle Dick. " Rather than to see the sa- loon man lose his money, I would prefer letting my overcoat go; ' which he did.

At another time, while he was in charge of Mr. Holcomb's mill, a lank, hungry-looking fellow came in and wanted a sack of flour on credit. It being one of Mr. Holcomb's rules not to sell except for cash, Mr. Hillyer so informed the man ; but he plead- ed earnestly for the flour, and told such a pitiful story of want and destitution that Uncle Dick's generous heart could not resist his pleadings. " Will you prom- ise to pay me during the summer? " said Uncle Dick. "Of course I will, and with good interest, too," quoth the rustic. "Take it then, but don't tell any of your neighbors that it was purchased on credit," was the parting salutation of Mr. Hillyer. One day during the summer, Mr. Holcomb was in charge of the mill, Mr. Hillyer being absent, when a man with a large yellow dog by his side walked into the mill and in- quired for Uncle Dick. "He has gone out," said Mr. Holcomb; but I may perhaps attend to your bus- iness," said he; " what is the nature of it?"

" I bought a sack of flour a few weeks ago," said the stranger, " but find myself unable to pay for it as agreed, and have brought Mr. Hillyer my dog for security."

Mr. Holcomb, looking over his books, could find no account of the sale, but told him to return in an hour, when Mr. Hillyer would probably be in.

When Uncle Dick arrived, Mr. Holcomb told him that "a man had just brought him a fine dog, and would soon return.'

Mr. Hiltyer wondered who intended making him a present, as he was not a hunter, neither was he fond of pets. The stranger came in soon, and, espying Mr. Hillyer conversing with Mr. Holcomb, walked up to Mr. Hillyer, made him a profound bow, and tendered the dog as payment for the sack of flour, as times were so hard that a cash payment was impos- sible.

The smile which came to Mr. Holcomb's face as Hillyer surveyed the trio, was too much for even a saint to stand, and Uncle Dick's anger rapidly rose. "Get out of here with your d-d dog; clear out of the town with the miserable whelp," shouted he, as with rapid strides he made for the stranger and would no doubt have given him a chastisement had not the

:04

GRATIOT COUNTY.

fellow been fleet of foot. To sell flour on credit and then be asked to take pay in yellow dogs, was more than Mr. Hillyer could stand, especially as he had to foot the bill. His large fortune melted away like frost before the autumn sun, being dispensed here and there with a lavish hand. Surely the many re- cipients of " Uncle Diek " Hillyer's bounty in Gra- tiot County should revere his name.

The finest private residence in Gratiot County was completed in 1884, by Col. John A. Elwell, of this village. It fronts on Washington Avenue and Dela- ware Street, and the beautiful site upon which it stand gives from the balcony a splendid view of the entire town. It is a frame building, three stories in height with a basement, the whole being complete as

skill and wealth can make it. The entire finish in- side is of native hard woods elegantly carved and highly finished. The carving alone is estimated to have cost between seven and eight thousand dollars. The house, barn and site are considered worth $45,000.

St. Louis has an agricultural society and grounds of her own, which were enclosed in 1883, with a new fence; and a commodious amphitheatre, floral hall, and many new stalls for the better accommodation of stock, were erected.

The grounds are conveniently located near the city limits on the west, and the society is reported in quite a flourishing condition.

LMA

EMARKABLE, indeed, is the growth and development of many of Michigan's beautiful villages ; few, however, in this respect excel the one of which we now write. Even those who have lived as residents from the time this village was platted can scarcely realize that this was a part of a wild and unbroken forest only a few years ago. The history of its growth seems more like a fairy tale than absolute reality, yet the splendid business blocks, hotels, banks and churches, with all other indications of civilization, tell us plainly that the ab- origines have gone, never to return, and peace and prosperity smile upon our land. Ralph Ely came to Alma in 1853, and permanently located April 26,

1854. Ile was the first man settling north of Pine River, and being possessed of much enterprise he de- termined to build a town on the banks of the beauti- ful river, of which he would be proprietor. Mr. S. S. Hastings surveyed the land Feb. 9, 10 and 11, 1856.

For a long while the place was know as Elyton, or Ely's Mills, Mr. Ely having erected a saw-mill the same year. James Gargett, Esq., platted and named the village of Alma in 1858; this was really an addi- tion to Elyton, although that name has been absorbed by the growth of Alma.

Among the first enterprises of Elyton, may be men- tioned the stock of general merchandise kept by Ralph Ely. The goods were of such quality as the needs of a new country demanded, and they were given in exchange for any kind of products the woodman or hunter could procure. Furs, pelts, venison, coon, or anything which could be disposed of by Mr. Ely, were legal tender at their market value for goods. He fur-

GRATIOT COUNTY.

So5

nished a large amount of provisions and other sup- plies to the suffering poor during the starvation period at his own expense, and it is a standing aphorism among the residents of Alma, that the man who will say aught against the liberality of Mr Ely owes him yet for goods furnished at that time.

Jan. 1, 1858, at 4 P. M., James Gargett, Esq., ar- rived at Elyton. He made a purchase of Mr. Ely's entire stock, the goods were invoiced that night and the next morning Mr. Gargett was selling goods over his own counter. He has, from that until the present day, been actively engaged in business and has a name which for integrity and honor cannot be ex- celled. His losses by fire reach far into the thousands and would have discouraged most men ; yet he strug- gled on, never disheartened, and now has the pleas- ure of looking over the result of his energy. His wife opened the first millinery store and had a nice trade for a new community. Mr. Gargett also owned the first boot and shoe store, of which Wm. E. Moyer was foreman.

Wm. C. Rodgers was the first blacksmith, and lives near Alına at this time. The first ball ever given in the village was in the hall over his shop. This Mrs. Kress says was a "grand affair," and was patronized by all the leading persons in the county. A magnifi- cent supper was given and the neighborhood scoured to obtain dishes. Everything was served that the country afforded, wild meats and fish being plentiful.

Rev. Todd, a Universalist minister, did the first preaching at this place. Services were held at the old school-house west of town. During the stay of Mr. Kress and family in the country, Rev. - Slappee, a United Brethren minister, held services regularly at their house.

Miss Martha Woodin, now the widow of Elias Smith, taught the first school in Alma, and tells of the bill of fare that she enjoyed for weeks as she "boarded 'round" with the scholars. It was corn bread, venison, gar- nished with leeks, "sorrel " or "vinegar " pie, and corn coffee.

Miss Martha Cole taught the first school in the township west of Alma. She was the daughter of L. C. Cole, who drew up the famous bill of separation, mentioned elsewhere.

The first hotel in Alma was known as the "Pine River House." It was quite a popular hostelry, and was kept by a man named - Mosier. The build-

ing is still standing, and is the property of James Gat- gett, Esq.

In 1855 a literary society known as the "Little Pine" was commenced, and the exercises furnished the chief entertainment during the year. Recita- tions, compositions, etc., of merit drew large audien- ces. When its first anniversary was reached, a dinner was given, and the public were invited. Baked fish and maple sugar in every style were the chief articles of Giet upon that occasion. This was the first literary society in the county.

The honors of having the first Fourth of-July cele- bration are divided between Ithaca and Alma, Mr. and Mrs. Kress, Mrs. Elias Smith and others insist- ing that Alma celebrated in 1856, and that Rev. -- Todd delivered the oration. Both Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Kress say that they made a flag for the occasion, for which part of the material was taken from the lining of Mrs. Smith's dress. A number of guns were used in firing a salute.

While the county-seat question was being agitated the inhabitants of each village were clamoring for it. The first court being held at Alma made her citizens hopeful, but some miscreant entered Mr. Ely's house and purloined the books at or near the close of the session. Every one was speculating as to who the party could be that would do such a thing. Groups of men discussed it in the woods, at the stores and elsewhere, until the women caught the infection. One lady, well-known in Alma, was so anxious to hear the particulars that she donned male attire and went into the store one evening to hear the gossip. It was not long until some of the party noticed the disguise, and she fled, pursued by a number of the younger men, all intent upon ascertaining who she was; but her fleetness proved more than a match for them. Crossing the route she had taken was quite a wide and rapid brook, which she cleared at a bound, none of the boys daring to make the attempt. Upon measuring the place next day it was found to be 15 feet across.

James Kress drove an express from Alma to St. John's twice each week for three years after he came to the village. This was the only means of commu- nication with the outside world, and the condition of the roads part of the time is graphically portrayed by Mr. James Gargett, who told the writer that him- self and wife started with Mr. Kress for St. John's,

GRATIOT COUNTY.

and was three days in reaching it. The first night was spent at Ithaca, the second at MeMasters', and St. John's was made the evening of the third day. Mr. Gargett, then being en route to attend a meeting of the State Legislature, decided that Gratiot County needed roads more than anything else. He drafted and presented a bill or petition to open up public highways, which provided that commissioners be ap- pointed to buy and distribute provisions (it being in 1859, a part of the starvation period), and let the work be done by the inhabitants, who were to take their pay as earned, in provisions. Although'the bill was not passed, an appropriation was made of $50,- ooo to relieve their wants. Out of this petition grew the "Swamp Land Act," which was the first effort made toward opening up the country by means of public highways. Mr. Gargett has been to Alma what Gen. Church has been to the village of Ithaca. Too much cannot be said in their praise.

The ponies driven by Mr. Kress in 1861-2-3 are still in his possession and are as sleek, and drive as well, as ever, although they are 32 years old. This is a remarkable circumstance, when their yearly drive was estimated at 8,880 miles.

The first physician in the town was Dr. J. W. Barnes. Judge Isaac Marston, of Detroit, was the first attorney, and boarded with Mr. and Mrs. Gar- gett. They charged him only SI per week, thus helping start in life a man who has made a mark in the world. His meager library was destroyed when the new store erected by Mr. Gargett was burned.

Alma was incorporated under the general law Jan. 6, 1872, by a committee of the Board of Supervisors, consisting of James T. Hall, Barney Swope and E. W. Kellogg. The arrangement was only temporary, ₹ . the officers first elected holding their positions until March 5, 1872, when the village was re-incorporated by a special act of the Legislature. The temporary officials were :

President-Ralph Ely.

Trustees-Derwin Ely, Wm. Hannah, O. Ellison, John Montigel, George Bahlke and Wm. Carpenter. Clerk-George G. Holliday.

Assessors-James T. Hall, Samuel Brewbaker.

The regular election was held March 5, 1872, and resulted in a change of some of the officers:

President-Ralph Ely.

Trustees-Isaac Pierce, M. Pollasky, G. W. Tann,

George W. Helt, Dr. Frank Webb, Ralph Ely.

Clerk-George G. Holliday.

Treasurer-Daniel Leach.

Assessors -- James T. Hall, Charles Narcong.

Marshall -- Townsend A. Ely.

The Board of 1883 were composed of the follow- ing gentlemen :

President-W. S. Turck.

Trustees-M. Pollasky, Charles L. Delevan, John F. Schwartz, A. C. Barrow, K. M. Ely, J. F. Sarter. Clerk, A. Yerington. Treasurer-G. S. Ward. As- sessor-James Gargett. Marshal-Chas. H. Coates. Street Commissioner-M. C. Dallas. Pound Mas- ter-A. C. Rodgers. Board of Special Assessors -- Messrs. George W. Jennings, B. W. Ellison, George Pumphry.

There are many pretty residences in Alma, some of which were quite expensive for a village of its age and population. Among those we mention, that of Mr. W. S. Turck, on Woodworth Avenue, cost $4,000; H. A. Delevan, a handsome brick on State Street, cost $3,500; M. Pollasky, frame cottage, cost $3,500; H. F. P. Schneider, frame cottage, $3,500; J. F. Schwartz, $3,500. A large number of destructive fires have visited Alma, which have destroyed some fine residences and mills. Among them might be mentioned the costly residence of Mr. James Gar- gett, which was the finest villa in the place.

The Holly system of water-works is well operated in this village, there being a number of mains laid in the place, affording at all times an ample supply of water.

Some fine flowing wells are located in Alma. The flow is governed very much by location here, as else- where. One of the best is that of Mr. M. Pollasky, which flows 15 feet from the surface. One of the grandest things to boast of is a never-failing water supply.

Pine River also runs through the corporation and furnishes all the power necessary for the manufactur- ers who wish to locate. The streets are wide and nicely graded, and large numbers of beautiful shade trees have been planted.

Wright House .- This elegant and extensive hotel, erected in 1883, was formally opened to the public October 17th of the same year. As the Wright House is the best equipped hotel in the State of Michigan, it is but just to give it more than a mere mention. In

GRATIOT COUNTY.

807

point of convenience and elegance in finish, it has no peer in the West. An addition of 40 rooms will be made this year, and magnetic, Russian and Turkish baths added to its already large list of attractions. The mineral springs of Alma are fully equal to those of Mt. Clemens or Eaton Rapids, and there is no question of its becoming a popular summer resort. The furnishings are elaborate in every particular, and of the best material.

The hotel proper is located at the corner of State and Superior Streets, the two principal thoroughfares in the village, having a frontage of 63 feet and a depth of 85 feet, with a wing on the west side 24 by 40 feet. The building is three-stories high, built of brick from Mr. Wright's own yard, and the foundation is Kelly Island limestone. The brick work has been painted a dark red, which with the stone trimmings makes a very attractive exterior. At the front entrance there is a vestibule of five feet, from which plate glass doors open into the office.

The basement is thoroughly finished throughout, great care having been taken to avoid dampness. In the basement there are located the barber shop and bath room, two sample rooms, a wine and a billiard room. Adjoining the billiard room is a small and well appointed bar and fixtures, gents' closets, etc. The basement is finished in black ash, with maple floors, oiled. In rear of the apartments referred to are the store-rooms, refrigerator, bakery, gas pump, which fur- nishes gas for lighting the entire building, and a low- pressure water pump, capable, with six pounds of steam, of elevating water 60 feet, into the reservoirs in the attic. The basement is reached by an entrance from the street on the east side, and by stairs from the office. Under the wing portion there is located the boiler room, containing two boilers, each 1.4 feet long and 4-feet shell, and of So horse indicated pow- er. These boilers are worked either singly or in bat- tery, and not only furnish the heat for the hotel but for the barn, a furniture store in rear, and the large Wright's Opera-House Block across the street.

The first floor is finished throughout in black ash, with oiled maple floors and Italian marble mantels and grates in each of the principal rooms, in addition to the steam-heating and gas appointments. The windows are plate glass, with unique cathedral top- lights. In the southeast corner is the reading room, a handsome apartment, neatly furnished, with mantel,

grate, gas, etc., and connecting with the office through an open arch. The office is furnished with mantel and grate fixtures, a fine safe, an elegant black ash counter and desk, and coat room in connection.

The ladies' hall opens from the east side, and di- vides the office and reading room from the dining hall. It also furnishes a passage to the stairs leading to the upper floors, to the gents' wash room and into the basement. The gents' wash room is elegantly fitted up with marble fixtures, and finished as are the apartments, in black ash.

The dining hall is a gem in its way,-spacious, well lighted and cheerful. It is finished in black ash, maple floors, sideboards and furniture to match the finish, gas and steam heat, marble mantel and grate.

West of the dining hall, entrances lead into the carving room, fitted up with steam, carving table, tea and coffee urns, etc., and a china closet complete in its appointments and arrangement.

The kitchen is supplied with Bramhall, Dean & Co.'s ranges. In the wing portion on this floor are located the dish room, pastry, help hall, laundry, dry room and kitchen help room. All of the appoint- ments in these apartments are admirable and the best that money and a discriminating taste could supply.

The second floor is also finished in black ash, with maple floors. It is reached by elaborately carved black ash stairs, newel posts and landings, the work having been done by hand, by experienced artists in Eastlake design, and alone representing an outlay of over $1,000.

In the southeast corner is the ladies' parlor, sup- plied with maroon plush furniture, Brussels carpet, Italian marble mantel and grate, and an elegant piano. There are also spacious and airy corridors, from which entrances lead into fifteen sleeping apartments, all supplied with gas and steam heat, marble mantels and grate, marble-top dressers and commodes and black -. walnut furniture, with Brussels carpets. On this floor are also ladies' toilet and bath rooms. In the wing there are eight chambers and linen room, furnished in the same style, the furniture being of ash.

There is a neat balcony on the second-floor front. All of the rooms are supplied with transoms, and the apartments omit nothing that the most fastidious taste could suggest.

Upon the third floor there are 19 sleeping apart- ments, furnished in the same style as those described.

So8

GRATIOT COUNTY.

Above the third floor is the attic, eight feet in the clear, in which are the reservoirs, which furnish city water and soft water for the hotel and bath purposes, and water from two flowing wells on the premises. The finishing of the third floor is white pine, and the furniture is of ash.

Two other hotels besides the Wright House furnish ample accommodations for the traveling and board- ing fraternity.

Business Interests.

HE largest mercantile establishment in the village, and, in fact, in the county, is that X of Wright, Schneider & Stuttz, wholesale and retail dealers in general merchandise, oc- cupying four brick stores in Wright's Opera- House Block, a building 113 feet front and 86 feet deep, and three stories, the opera house being located over the two corner stores, and over the bal- ance the stores of the firm and offices. The firm also handle large quantities of wheat, and the past season 40,000 pounds of wool.

The village is supplied with a fine grist-mill three stories high, with roller process, and having a capac- ity for manufacturing 100 barrels of flour daily. It is owned and operated by Wright & Turck.

In the grist-mill, which is operated by water power, there is a Holly pump, with pipes extending through the village, furnishing an ample supply of water for fire and village purposes. South of the village Mr. Wright owns an So-acre farm, on which is located a brick-yard, having a capacity of 1,000,000 during the season, and from which the brick used in the village is procured.

One of the finest improvements is the park, the property of Mr. A. W. Wright. It is located just north of the business portion of the village, contains eleven acres, with native trees, and was laid out into walks and drives by an artist from Saratoga. It con- tains a neat fish pond, and will prove a source of pleasure and pride to the generous proprietor as well as to the people of the village.

G. D. Barton & Co. operate a saw-mill and lumber yard. The mill contains a circular saw, and has a capacity for 40,000 feet of pine daily. It also cuts a

large quantity of ash and other hard woods annually; a planer and molder being attached, the lumber is dressed and is ready for market. There is a ready sale for all the lumber this mill can manufacture.

Mr. W. B. Hulbert is also operating a woolen mill having 360 spindles, a fine industry, and manufac- turing the product raised in Gratiot County. There is also a stock company operating a knitting-works establishment, employing about 20 hands and turning out about roo dozen hosiery per week.

H. A. Delevan & Co. are also general dealers in merchandise and grain, and Pollasky Bros., clothing and dry goods.

WV. H. Hill & Co. are large dealers in furniture and manufacture any kind of goods to order. Theirs is a complete store.

G. B. Porter is a representative man in the jewelry business. Everything which delights the eye or pleases the æsthetic tastes of woman or mankind can be purchased there.

Of the medical profession we may mention Drs. L. C. Downey, Frank Suydam, Mrs. Wesley Nelson and Stephen Yerington, all talented and highly re- spected practitioners.

The foundry of J. M. Montigel & Co. gives em- ployment to twenty skilled workmen The Alma Knitting Works has a capacity for making 350 dozen pairs of socks per week. This factory is owned by a stock company, in which $25,000, is represented. The president of the company is James Gargett, W. S. Turck, Treasurer, and C. H. Coates, Secretary.

John Y. Chapman operates a hoop factory, in which sixteen men are given employment. This has a ca -. pacity of 300,000 patent hoops per year.

A handsome new brick block is now (March, 1884) in process of erection, fronting on Superior Street, which will be three stories in height, 60 x 110 feet, the lower story to be fitted for store rooms, the upper for a grand opera house. This building is being erected by a stock company consisting of six capital- ists of Gratiot County, who see in Alma a bright future.

The new planing-mill of Messrs. Bradley & Ste- vens, now completed, will employ fifteen men ; the hoop factory of F. H. Hamlin & Co. employ twenty more. This factory has a capacity of 20,000 hoops per diem.

GRATIOT COUNTY.

809

G. C. Beebe leads in the drug line, carrying a very large stock, as well as notions, etc.

The Salisbury Co. also have a fine trade in the same goods. Both of these are representative firms and splendid gentlemen.

In millinery, Mrs. J. L Miller and Mrs. H. B. Hulbert keep a fine line of goods. It is a real pleas- ure to note the taste displayed in these model stores.

Mr. E. Linis deals exclusively in clothing and gents' furnishing goods, and has recently added a merchant tailoring department to his business inter- ests, and has an immense trade.

J. L. Miller deals exclusively in dry goods and fancy articles.

J. D. Mandeville and Kelso Bros. represent the hardware interests of Alma.

There are two good livery barns, of which the one belonging to the Wright House is one of the best ar- ranged barns in the State. It is finished with maple, lighted by gas and heated by steam.

In addition to the business above mentioned there are numerous blacksmith and wagon shops, harness and shoe making establishments, restaurants and news depots sufficient to supply the demand.

W. S. Turck & Co .- The room in the southwest corner of the Wright House was fitted up especially for banking purposes. Like all else connected with Wright's enterprise, it is complete in every detail. The handsome and impenetrable steel safe is encased in a fire and burglar proof vault, upon which are two time locks. The bank is largely patronized and is reckoned a secure institution. The style of the firm is W. S. Turck & Co., of whom W. S. Turck, G. S. Ward, of Alma; C. E. Webster, Pompei; J. H. Seaver, Ithaca; A. W. Wright, of Saratoga, N. Y., are stockholders. Mr. G. S. Ward is Cashier.

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.

Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich., Part 86

Author: Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago, Chapman brothers Number of Pages: 856

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, Chapman brothers
Number of Pages: 856