USA > Michigan > Isabella County > Portrait and biographical album of Isabella county, Mich., containing portraits and biographical sketches > Part 61
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63
The rules of the Methodist Episcopal Church re- quire that their ministers shall change locations at least once in three years. Below are given the names of those worthies who have served this charge since 1861, together with the dates of their pastorate :
R. P. Sheldon, 1861-3
L. M. Garlic, 1864
D. O. Fox, 1865
J. Webb, 1866-7
T. J. Spencer, 1 868
W. T. Williams, 1 869
Eli Westlake, 1870-2
G. W. Gosling, 1873
E. H. Sparling, 1874-5
A. C. Beach, 1876
W. W. Ware, 1877-8
J. 1I. Bready, 1879
J. W. Hulenbeck, 1880
J. K. Stark,
1881-3
The latter is the present Pastor, whose labors have been fraught with much success. lfe is one of the
most talented divines in Northern Michigan, and his congregation are loth to give him up, although the inexorable law of the Church demands it. Wherever the Rev. Stark is called, will the Church find in him one of the most logical and earnest workers in the theological field.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The Presbyterians of Mt. Pleasant and vicinity were the second society to undertake the difficult but almost imperative task of erecting a place of wor- ship. Having long felt the necessity of a permanent place of meeting, the Ladies' Aid Society undertook to procure, and did procure, the present site for a church building,-Mr. Cornelius Bennett donating one-half the lot. This magnanimous gift of the soci- ety stimulated the Church members and friends to undertake the erection of a church, and after many trials and reverses, by dint of hard work and great per- severance, with the aid of many and liberal subscrip- tions of the citizens, they succeeded in presenting to the society the present imposing and cheerful struc- ture, which was dedicated to Almighty God in Feb. ruary, 1875,-Rev. Mr. Middlemus, of Saginaw, preaching the dedicatory sermon ; Rev. Calvin Clark, Rev. Mr. Willett Knott, Turrill Sparling and others, assisting.
THE UNITARIAN SOCIETY.
In the summer of 1881 the Rev. R. Conner, a Uni- tarian minister, came to Mt. Pleasant and delivered two lectures, to which a large number of the citizens of this place listened. The remarks of Mr. Conner awakened quite an interest in the minds of a number of the thinking people of this village, and a desire to form a society was apparent. Rev. R. W. Savage came in September, 1881, and delivered a course of lectures, and in the following month effected a per- manent organization, with about 20 members.
For one year and a half after its organization the meetings were held in the Opera House. During this time the society increased in strength and numbers, and the necessity of a permanent place of meeting was felt. The subject was discussed, and finally plans, drawn by Donaldson & Meier, of Detroit, were adopted. C. C. Whitney was the contractor. The work was begun on the new church building in February, 1883, and completed in December of the same year, at a cost of $3,000. The frescoing is a
573
ISABELLA COUNTY.
beautiful piece of workmanship. The main body of the chapel has a seating capacity of 250, and with the parlors thrown open 50 more can be accommo- dated. The chapel was formally dedicated in the winter of 1883, at which time the State Conference of the Unitarian society was held here. Rev. R. Conner, of East Saginaw, preached the dedicatory sermon, assisted by Rev. T. B. Forbush, Rev. J. T. Sunderland, of Ann Arbor, Rev. Geo. Stickney, of Grand Haven, Rev. Julius Blass, of Jackson, and Rev. F. E. Kittredge, the State Unitarian Mis- sionary of Michigan. Delegates were present from every society in the State except the one at Kalama- zoo. At this dedication Miss Ida C. Hulton, of Athens, Mich., read a very interesting paper on " Woman and Her Work."
This is the only "liberal " society in the county, and they are rapidly gaining ground and constantly increasing in numbers. Mr. Savage has been to the flock an able leader ever since its organization in 1881, and with his aid and good management they expect to build a beautiful brick structure for holding services, and the present building will be used for a chapel, Sabbath-school, socials, etc.
A. B. Upton is President of the society ; Hon. S. WV. Hopkins, Vice President; Free Estee, Secretary, and Hon. J. W. Hance, Treasurer. The Executive Committee is composed of Wm. T. Whitney, John Fraser and V. K. Conlogue.
As an auxiliary to the Unitarian Society, there was organized, January 16, 1882, a society known as the Ladies' Union. The object of this Union is the promotion of social life and general good in the community, by working in harmony with the First Unitarian Society of Mt. Pleasant. The funds of the Union are wholly under the control of its mem- bership. Gentlemen are admitted as honorary mem- bers.
The first officers were: President, Mrs. A. B. Upton ; Vice President, Mrs. J. J. Stoner ; Secretary, L. J. King; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. C. C. Whitney ; Treasurer, Mrs. W. Woodbury; Collectors, C. M. Brooks and Miss Denison ;. Reception Committee, M. Brown and Mrs. Whitney.
The funds placed at the disposal of the Union during the first two years of its existence amounted to nearly $600. The society rendered very material assistance in the furnishing of the new chapel, and
has paid the incidental expenses of the Unitarian Society, excepting the salary of the pastor, since the date of its organization.
The present officers are: President, Mrs. Geo. C. Faulkner; Vice President, Mrs. Ralph ; Secretary, Mrs. A. B. Upton ; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. W. Woodbury; Treasurer, Mrs. C. C. Whitney; Collec- tors, Mrs. M. Brown and Mrs. E. Potter.
The Sunday-school connected with this society is in a flourishing condition, and is under the able superintendency of Rev. R. W. Savage. Several valuable contributions of choice books have been received for the Sabbath-school library ; among these is a collection of 150 volumes donated by James Freeman Clark's Church, of Boston. The society of which Mr. Barbar, editor of the Unitarian Review, is leader, has also donated a nice addition to this library.
Rev. R. W. Savage is rapidly building up the so- ciety by his eloquence and logical teachings.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.
The Catholics had for a long time talked of build- ing a permanent place for public worship. Some time prior to 1876, Hon. I. A. Fancher donated to the society three acres of ground. The location is in a beautiful part of the village, and a neat and capacious church edifice that may well be the pride and glory of their best endeavors has been erected. The number of adherents to the faith has increased steadily, and under the present teachings of Rev. Father McCarthy the constant promotion and growth of the society is assured.
ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
One of the most handsome churches in Northern Michigan is the one bearing the above name, which was erected in 1883, and consecrated Jan. 10, 1884, by Rt. Rev. Bishop George D. Gillespie, assisted by Revs. W. A. Masters, of Detroit, B. F. Matrau, of Saginaw, Stearns, of St. Louis, Pritchard, of Luding- ton, and Rhames, of Midland. After the ceremonies of consecration, the sacrament of the Lord's supper was administered, a large number of those present taking part in the solemn rite.
After the services, which lasted nearly three hours, the invited guests from abroad, and many of the prominent ladies and gentlemen of this village, were taken in carriages to the Bennett House, where they
ISABELLA COUNTY.
574
dined as the guests of Hon. Wm. N. Brown, through whose princely liberality this church was erected, he having built it, at a cost of $4,300; which, with the entire furniture, etc., was upon that day presented to the diocese. The lots upon which the church stands were donated by Gen. Dwight May (father of Mrs. Brown) for church purposes.
Too much praise cannot be given Hon. Wm. N. Brown, for his liberality, who, with his wife, unas- sisted by any one, caused the erection, and donation to the Episcopal society, of this, one of the finest churches in the land. All the brick were made on Mr. Brown's own yard, the lumber sawed and care- fully selected at his own mill : the teaming, excavat- ing, etc., were done by his men. He states that the building could not be contracted to-day for less than $7,500.
This church is located on the corner of Washing- ton and Maple Streets, some distance from the bus- iness portion of this enterprising village. The exterior presents a very handsome appearance. It has a substantial stone foundation, is brick veneered, finished in an Elizabethan- Gothic style, the roof being relieved from an ordinary appearance by four gable windows of stained glass. The building stands back from the street some feet, and a number of steps lead into it. The inside is patterned after a church design on the Duke of Devonshire's estate in England, and is very elaborate. At the same time there is nothing gaudy in the arrangements or finish, the whole work showing good taste on the part of those who selected the designs. It is finished in ash and oiled, the decorations being Venetian frescoing and no painting of any sort. The pews are comfort- able and of a modern design, and have a seating capacity of 200. The aisles, altar and choir plat- form are neatly carpeted; the building is heated by a furnace in the basement, and lighted by two hand- some prism chandeliers. To the left of the altar are the vestry rooms, finished in the same manner as the other portions of the church, while on the right of the chancel is located the choir loft. The chan- cel is furnished with both a reading desk and fal- stool, while to the rear is the communion table and chancel rail. The communion service is of solid silver, while the altar furniture is of the finest de- scription.
A resident pastor will be engaged during the year
(1884), services being held at convenient times by ministers from abroad. They have a live member- ship to begin with, of 30 persons, who are determined to employ none but the best talent to represent their cause.
THE BAPTIST SOCIETY.
Although having no church this society still main- tains its organization. It was formed in 1883, with a membership of six persons. Having no regular min- ister, of course the growth must necessarily be slow, yet the intention is to erect a substantial church, employ a minister of talent and build up the society. Rev. Monroe, of Salt River, is entitled to the credit of forming the Baptist society in this village.
THE SUNDAY-SCHOOLS.
As a moral and religious educator, the Sunday- school forms a most important factor. The day is past when any man can successfully maintain that Christianity does not exert a beneficial influence in every community in which it has a representation. Sunday-schools, that necessary auxiliary of the Church, have been well established all over the county, and are very well sustained. Too much cannot be said or done in that direction ; it has many bearings on the youthful mind ; it molds and fashions thought ; establishes moral and religious habits, as well as Christian associations; it draws the mind from baser thoughts, and causes it to dwell upon that which is elevating and refining. If all would use their best endeavors to promote the establish- ment and growth of the Sunday-school, the results would be plainly apparent in the increased moral and intellectual growth of the youth in our land. The Sunday-schools under the supervision of the Churches in this village and county are notable ex- amples of what can be accomplished in this direction.
MUSICIANS.
Among the many pleasant features of this beanti- ful town, music forms an important factor. Very few villages have so many accomplished musicians, and none can boast of better ones. Major J. W. Long has had a large number of elegant pieces published, the copyright of which has been sold in every in- stance, and some of his finest productions are yet in manuscript. Ilis wife is also a teacher of music, and is one of the most accomplished musicians.
575
ISABELLA COUNTY.
Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Woodworth furnish all the music for balls, theaters, etc.
Mrs. Cora Stebbins has few equals upon the piano, and surely none in affability.
A number might be mentioned who are excellent performers, but these are the most prominent musi- cians of the village, and they deserve special men- tion.
WABON LODGE NO. 305, A. F. & A. M.
This lodge was instituted in 1871. The early records were destroyed by fire, which makes it im- possible to give but a passing notice of its early history. The first officers were: Albert Fox, W. M .; W. W. H. Gavitt, S. W .; W. H. Harris, J. W .; I. A. Fancher, Treas .; John Manners, Sec .; L. J. Worden, S. D .; Charles Worden, J. D .; and A. B. Balcom, Tyler. The charter members were the fol- lowing named gentlemen: A. Fox, William N. Harris, William H. Gavitt, John Maxwell, Isaac A. Fancher, Seth T. Worden, Charles E. Worden, James Fockler, De Los Bramon, A. B. Balcom, Charles O. Curtis, and H. M. Gilman.
Wabon Lodge is now one of the best working lodges in Central Michigan, and the present Master, D. Scott Partridge, is peculiarly well fitted for the place he occupies. For several years he has served the brethren in the capacity of Master, and their feelings toward him is well understood by the presen- tation speech delivered by Dr. S. C. Brown, Dec. 12, 1883, and given on page 445 of this volume.
The officers elect for the ensning Masonic year are : D. Scott Partridge, W. M .; Wm. A. Stark- weather, S. D .; Daniel M. Witt, J. D .; Myron A. Nott, Treas .; William I. Cutler, Sec .; Thomas Samp- son, S. D) .; Moses Brown, J. D., and John Maxwell, Chaplain.
The prosperity of Wabon Lodge is only equalled by the harmony and good feeling which prevail among the brethren.
MT. PLEASANT CHAPTER, NO. III, K. A. M., . was organized Feb. 4, 1884. The dispensation was
granted authorizing them to work April 9, 1883. The charter members of this order were: Messrs. Rob- ert Laughlin, Mark F. Fasquelle, John R. Robinson, Silenus A. Simons, D. Scott Partridge, C. O. Curtis, P. F. Doods, E. F. MeQueen, Wm. A. Osborn, Cicero Kimball, I. N. Shepherd, John Maxwell, Samuel Kennedy, Richard Hoy, James B. Kennedy and Henry Struble.
The first officers elect were: Robert Laughlin, H. P .; M. F. Fasquelle, K .; J. R. Robinson, S; S. A. Simons, Treas .; D. Scott Partridge, Sec .; Chas. O. Curtis, C. H .; P. F. Doods, P. S .; E. F. McQueen, R. A. C .; Wm. A. Osborn, G. M. 3d V .; C. Kimball, G. M. 2d V .; Jno. Maxwell, G. M. Ist V., and I. N. Shepherd, Sentinel.
Wm. T. Whitney was the first one to receive the degree of the Holy Royal Arch.
The present officials are : Robert Laughlin, H. P .; M. F. Fasquelle, K .; I. N. Shepherd, S .; D. Scott Partridge, C. H .; E. F. McQueen, P. S .; W. J. Cor- bus, Treas .; Wm. T. Whitney, Sec .; John Maxwell, 3d G. M .; Cicero Kimball, 2d G. M .; John Rich- mond, Ist G. M .; Chas. C. Whitney, Sentinel, and John R. Robinson, Chaplain.
The chapter is in a flourishing condition. They are pleasantly located in the lodge rooms of No. 305, A. F. & A. M.
KNIGHTS OF THE MACCABEES.
The lodge was instituted March 17, 1884, with a membership of 22 persons. The order is calculated to promote friendship and brotherly love, besides being a mutual relief association. The officers are : F. H. Tyler, Past Commander; Charles T. Russell, Commander; V. F. Conlogue, Lieut .; Fred Russell, R. K .; F. W. Ralph, F. K .; W. C. Dusenbury, P .; F. H. Tyler, Physician; J. J. Kitchen, Sergeant; J. B. VanFossen, M. A. A .; O. W. Stebbins, Ist M. of G; F. C. Prince, 2nd M. of G .; I. L. Swan, Sentinel; and W. R. Sturgis, Picket.
ISABELLA COUNTY.
576
THE PRESS.
-
The Isabella County Enterprise.
N an early day in the history of the county, O. B. Church started a weekly paper called the Northern Pioneer. The material used and the print- ing press, which was the first press in the county, were hauled from Ithaca to Mt. Pleasant in the year 1863, by order of Judge Estee. It may be stated here that this same press is still in use at the Enterprise office; and, although it passed through the fire of 1875, it is still in good work- ing order.
The first issue of the paper was dated Nov. 30, 1864. It was Republican in principles, and has always been an ex- ponent, and is still a supporter, of the Republican party. The name has been changed to the Isabella Enterprise, and John R. Doughty is now editor and proprietor. The original proprietor sold, in an early day, one-half interest to James P. Welper, and after- ward the remainder to Myron McLaren, who subse- quently bought out Mr. Welper. Mr. McLaren then sold to I. A. Fancher, and the latter in turn sold to Albert Fox, who owned and controlled it until his death, in February, 1873, when it was sold to its present proprietor. It is now entering upon its 20th year, with a reputation exceeding that of any former year, in circulation, etc. The editor, Mr. Doughty, has proven himself, during all these years, an able expounder of Republican principles, and its columns
have done much to forward not only the growth of Republicanism, but also to advance the prosperity and moral tone of the good people of this county.
The Northwestern Tribune.
T Salt River, in September, 1879, this enter- terprising journal was established, the pro- prietors being then, as now, Dr. S. C. Brown & Sons. It was removed to Mt. Pleasant in March, 1881, where it takes equal rank with the other able journals published in this village. Dr. Brown is one of the jolliest fellows that ever drew a pen in support of his country, and nothing but thor- ough Republican doctrines has ever been seen on the editorial page of the Tribune. It has a fine circula- tion, and, as the Doctor states, " grows in grace day by day."
Mt. Pleasant Times.
HE Mt. Pleasant Times was established in 1877, by Henry H. Graves, who was its pro- prietor, with James W. Long as editor. It was first run as a Democratic and afterwards as a Greenback paper, until Nov. 19, 1879, when Major James W. Long, the present owner and publisher, took possession. Major Long con-
577
ISABELLA COUNTY.
verted it into an independent paper, and has run it as such ever since. The Times is the official county paper of Isabella County, and also the official city paper of Mt. Pleasant. From the first it has enjoyed a large run of patronage, its influence being sought for in times of election, and has been the favorite office of the county for job and legal work. Its cir- culation is a solid one, its subscribers all being pay- ing ones. It is conducted as a family newspaper, giving especial attention to live locals, general news, and, in the intervals between elections, publishing a continued story written by the editor. Already four
have been published, viz: "Archibald Graham," " Little Gertie," "Tuck Meredith " and " Born 10 the People ;" and at present a fifth one, entitled " Oriola," is running. These stories have been received with avor, as an increasing subscription list testifies.
The Times is a large eight-page, seven-column paper, making 56 columns weekly, and has a larger amount of reading matter than any other paper in its vicinity.
Being independent in politics, it supports the men whom it deems best fitted for office, regardless of their political affiliations.
RAILROADS.
HE county of Isabella has not until recently enjoyed the advantages which railroad facilities bring, but it has already two lines established and in active operation, with two other lines in contem- plation, one of which is assured. Over these the produce of the country will be carried ere the ter- mination of the year 1884.
In the present age, it seems that railroads constitute the most po- tential agency in the advancement of human interests; and the days of waiting for them in this county must have seemed long and tedi-
Saginaw & Mt. Pleasant Railroad.
AGINAW & Mt. Pleasant Railroad was constructed in 1879 from Coleman, on the line of the Flint & Pere Marquette, to the village of Mt. Pleasant, the county seat of Isa- bella. The company for the construction of this line was organized under the general rail- road law in March, 1879, and the following gentle- men elected officers : President, Jesse Hoyt, of New York; Vice-President, I. A. Fancher, of Mt. Pleasant; Secretary and Treasurer, W. L. Webber, of East Saginaw.
The work of clearing and grading was commenced in the latter part of July, 1879, and track-laying September 24, of same year. This work was com- pleted on Tuesday, December 8, and regular trains put on December 15. The road, with equipment
ous to all the early residents.
-
ISABELLA COUNTY.
578
complete to commence business, cost $130,000. The enterprising citizens of Mt. Pleasant subscribed $15,- ooo of that amount, and the entire right of way, together with a plenty of ground for stations and other purposes. The investment has brought thou- sands of dollars to Isabella County, and her lands, which now blossom as the rose, owe nearly all their enhanced value to the impetus given business by the advent of this railroad.
The people of Mt. Pleasant hailed the completion of the new railroad with great joy. A grand street parade was made, in which all the citizens partici- pated. The business houses were closed at 10 A. M., and a committee repaired to the depot to meet the party of officials who arrived on the 11 A. M. train. The address of welcome was made by Mr. J. C. Lea- ton, President of the village, which was attentively listened to by a large concourse of people. Hon. 1. A. Fancher, to whom much credit is due for his activity in helping forward the work, did much to- ward making this demonstration a success. Major James W. Long acted as Marshal, and the afternoon parade comprised :
1 .- Mt. Pleasant Cornet Band.
2 .- President, Village Council and Distinguished Guests.
3 .- Steam Fire Engine.
4 .- Hose Company.
5 .- Hook and Ladder Company.
6 .- Citizens on foot.
7 .- Citizens in carriages.
The procession formed at the depot, marched to the court-house, where William N. Brown delivered a pleasant address, followed by D. Nelson and Dr. H. C. Potter, one of the railroad officials, who in turn was followed by Hon. I. A. Fancher, the only one of the Board of Directors representing Mt. Pleasant.
In the evening the court-house and nearly all the residences in the village were illuminated, and hilar- ity reigned supreme. Wm. N Brown's elegant resi- dence was thrown open, and a reception held from 7 to 11 o'clock. There was a very general attend- ance and a most enjoyable evening was passed. The guests were received in a charming manner by the host and hostess, the latter having to aid her Mes- dames 1. A. Fancher, Cornelius Bennett, Major J. W. Long, J. C. Leaton, W. S. Hunt and J. R. Doughty. Delicate and tempting refreshments were served dur-
ing the evening, the supper room presenting an ani- mated picture, as the guests, full of glee, discoursed cheerily of the bright future in store for the town.
With the coming of the railroad, a boom began for Mt. Pleasant, and the rapid increase in business en- terprise and population became marked. With out- lets on the south and a road to tap the Lake Superior region, her people may be content, as it will thus give them communication with the world in all points of the compass.
The Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad.
HIS road was built across Wise Township in 1870, being the first road completed in 6 Isabella County. Loomis is the only station on that line in Isabella. The road was first completed from Flint to Saginaw in 1862, and it has since been extended over a great part of this peninsula.
Lansing, Alma, Mt. Pleasant & Northern.
ORK on this road is being rapidly pushed, and much of the grading is already com- pleted. This route was surveyed during the winter of 1883-4, and it was deemed by com- petent persons one of the best routes in pros- pective that traverses the State of Michigan. The country through which it passes is remarkably rich in soil, with large lumber interests yet undeveloped. As an investment alone, it is now considered one of the most profitable, and the stockholders expect large returns from their new enterprise.
The company was organized in January, 1884, with A. W. Wright, President; Wm. N. Brown, Vice- President; Wm. S. Turck, Treasurer, and Marcus Pollasky, Secretary. The following well known gen- tlemen, whose wealth is ample security that the road will be completed within the year, constitute the Board of Directors: A. W. Wright, Wm. N. Brown,
17
579
ISABELLA COUNTY.
Wm. S. Turck, James Gargett, I. N. Shepherd, John A. Harris and George D. Barton.
The road will have Lansing for its southern ter- minus, and will pass through an exceedingly fertile and beautiful country as it touches the enterprising villages of DeWitt, St. John's, Maple Rapids, Alma and Mt. Pleasant, on its way northward, to some point on Lake Michigan, which is not yet definitely settled. Mt. Pleasant will be the northern terminus, temporarily, but this outlet will be of vast importance to her business interests. It is quite certain that cars will be running on this new line before January, 1885, and real estate is rapidly advancing in value.
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.