USA > Michigan > Midland County > Portrait and biographical album of Midland County, Mich. containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 42
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Daniel F. Straker; Trustees for 1 year, James S. Allen and Charles P. Turner; Village Attorney, D. W. Hitchcock. George P. Mickley held over from 1883.
A great deal of enterprise has been manifested by the officials of Midland City, the streets being nicely graded, Main street paved its entire length, which, with the introduction of the Holly system of water works, give the village quite a "city-fied" air. It is largely in debt, however, the total, including water- works bonds and street paving, amounting to $37,- 795.31. The city valuation is about $500,000, which makes the rate of taxation quite heavy.
The village has suffered some heavy losses by fire, the heaviest one occurring May 27, 1876, when 52 houses were burned ! The fire was originated by sparks from a passing locomotive, and the devouring flame carried everything before it from where Rear- don's Block stands entirely through the village, in a northerly direction.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
is now well equipped, and another outbreak could be efficiently checked. In 1864, a "Button" hand en- gine was purchased, at a cost of $2,200. This in- cluded 500 feet of hose and the cart. It is still owned by the city, and is in good working order, although reckoned among the things that were.
The first fire company regularly organized was formed in March, 1872. It consisted of 30 volun- teer firemen, with B. F. Wilcox, Foreman. Their outfit consisted of five ladders and 20 buckets. The following summer, a Babcock extinguisher was purchased, at a cost of $2,400. This was a poor in- vestment, it never proving of much service. It was sold in 1880 for $75. The department now consists of two hose carts and 2,500 feet of hose. True Hart is Fire Marshal, and Edward Lyon Assistant. Forty-four men and four torch boys are enrolled on the Company's books. The present system of Holly water-works have thus far proved very satisfactory, the pressure being strong enough to throw water over any house in the village. The men are divided into two companies : Hose company No. 1, under the care of Wm. Reardon ; and No 2, under the care of George Selley. The village owns the engine which furnishes the power. It is located on the opposite bank of the Tittabawassee, near the junction of the Chippewa with that stream.
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Business.
HE Mineral Well has been for several years a great attraction for pleasure-seekers from abroad. It was bored in 1867, soon after the discovery of the mineral well at St. Louis. This was done by a joint stock company com- posed of the following persons: Lewis East- man, J. S. Eastman, Alex. Findlater, Wm. Harris, Roderick Russell, Benj. Dean, and - Barker. There were three other persons interested whose names cannot now be ascertained. The shares were rated at Sz00 each, which amount completed the well and erected a commodious bath-house. The same was under the supervision of Lewis East- man, who managed it quite successfully. The ladies' department was superintended by Mrs. Maggie Cun- ningham, a well known lady of this village, whose courteous manner added largely to the patronage be- stowed. The property has been transferred to Wm. L. Stearns, who has erected a comfortable boarding- house. This bath-house is kept in operation only during the summer months, but it adds largely to the attractions of Midland as a summer resort.
An analysis of the water made by Prof. Duffield, of the State Agricultural College, shows the number of grains of solid matter to one imperial gallon, as follows .
Grain -.
Sulphate of Lime 4.45
Sulphate Potassa. . 32.19
Sulphate Soda. 32 06
Phosphate Alumina 1.72
Chloride Calcium. 6.21
Chloride Magnesium 2.19
Chloride Sodium . 32.70
Silica. . 2.96
Organic Matter. 2.76
Loss.
3.2 0
Total .
110.30
The benefits which must naturally follow the use of this water are readily recognized by every physi- cian. As an alterative and deobstruent, they are unexcelled by any waters in the State, and in many diseases of the stomach, bowels, kidneys and blood they act almost specifically.
The manufacturing interests of Midland City are second to no village of its size in the State.
The most extensive industry is the large lumber
and shingle mills and the mammoth salt works of Larkin & Patrick. The mill manufactures annually 6,000,000 feet of lumber, 25,000,000 shingles, 33,126 salt barrels, 1,283,425 staves, 102,675 headings and 51,337 flour barrels.
Their salt well was the first one sunk in the village, and was dug in 1878. It is 1,300 feet in depth, and the flow of brine surpasses in gravity that of any well in the salt region except the others now in op- eration at this place. The average salt production of this firm amounts to 54,000 barrels annually.
They also operate a bromine factory and manu- facture 4,500 pounds of this product yearly ; 140 hands are employed, the amounts paid them aver- aging $49,010.01. In 1883 this firm shipped 526 cars of lumber, 325 cars of shingles, 371 cars ol salt and 28 cars of other products. They expended $20,862.25. The benefits derived by the village of Midland from this firm is incalculable. The wages paid are almost entirely left in the hands of her mer- chants.
The firm of J. Herrick & Co. manufacture 2,200 barrels of salt annually, John Maloney 1,656, and Samuel Foster 1,241. This makes the annual salt production of Midland City 59,097 barrels, to which may be added 4,500 pounds of bromine. In addition, the Merchant Flouring Mills of James Herrick & Co. and the Star Mills of Reardon Bros. & Co. do a large business. The other manufacturing establishments, wagon, buggy, furniture, etc., add largely to the list and are well represented.
Peters Bros. have located just outside of the cor- poration an extensive building for the manufacture of hoops and headings. The firm is composed of R. G. and J. H. Peters, both men of wealth and energy. This factory was recently put into opera- tion, and at present employs 35 hands. When all the machinery is set in motion they will employ 140 hands, and with 12 planers will turn out 1,540,000 finished hoops per week.
The hardware and agricultural implement trade is well represented by Geo. A. Janes, C. F. Russell and Reardon Brothers. Very few houses in much larger cities carry a larger stock of goods than these gentlemen.
The largest line of clothing and gents' furnishing goods is carried by Starker & Co. Reardon Brothers have the most extensive mercantile establishment in
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the village, carrying a line of hardware, groceries and dry goods in three separate apartments, the whole being connected by entrances leading from one to the other.
All the merchants carry a stock of boots and shoes, there being no store in the village devoted en- tirely to this branch of trade.
Three splendid millinery stores, replete with every- thing in that line, are kept by Mesdames A. M. A. Mahana, J. S. Allen and J. Hays. The ladies of Midland are unexceptionally well dressed, due no doubt to the prosperity that is manifest in all branches of trade.
George W. Abbey has an elegant stock of watches, clocks, diamonds, jewelry, etc. He also deals in music and musicians' supplies. His competitor in this business is E. A. Clark, who reports trade satis- factory in every respect.
There is only one bank in the village, the "First National of Midland." The company was organized Sept. 1, 1883, and commenced business on the 8th of that month. The bank is a great convenience to the business men of Midland, besides being a good investment for its stockholders. Connected with the office is a fire-proof vault, in which is the fire and burglar proof safe, fitted with double time lock. The officers of this bank are: President, M. P. Anderson ; Vice President, Maxon Anderson ; Cashier, W. D. Marsh.
The drug trade of Midland is well represented by four firms, who carry a large and well selected stock of goods. Rockwell & Harris, Anderson Bros., Hinds Bros. and John W. Day have on an average $4,000 each invested in the business.
The physicians are all doing nicely, and the most of them are making money. Drs. W. G. Harris, W. E. Burtless, A. Magill, W. W. Fountaine and Dr. Day are members of the " allopathic," and Dr. E. B. Bockes, of the Eclectic school.
The members of the Midland County Bar all re- side in this city, except Floyd L. Post, who lives in Coleman. The active members are Hemingway & Ricketts, Stanford & Van Kleeck, D. W. Hitchcock, Gordon & Fales, H. L. Fairchild, Byron Burch and Myron Gue. Those who are not engaged in active practice are F. S, Burton, Ed. J. Carey, J. W. Coch- rane and E. P. Rice. The first three attorneys in this village were Henry C. Ashman, Judge Wilbur F. Woodworth and G. F. Hemingway.
Midland City is well provided with hotel accom- modations, having three large and commodious build- ings. The "Exchange Hotel " was destroyed by fire in April, 1884. The "Oscar House " is a neat two- story brick, comfortably furnished throughout, and contains 40 rooms. The proprietor, Charles Oscar, is one of the most courteous landlords to be found anywhere. Marshall Smith is clerk of this popular hotel. The only fault which can be found with the "Oscar House" is the lack of room, many being turned away who are thus forced to seek quarters elsewhere. This house is a favorite stopping-place for traveling salesmen, there being a sample room ad- jacent for the display of their goods. A billiard and dram room is attached to the office. The hotel is well managed, and is an excellent paying investment.
The "Sherwood House " is a handsome three-story brick structure fronting on Main Street. F. J. Barry is the accommodating landlord, and guests of the "Sherwood " find not only pleasant and ample ac- commodations, but also all the comforts of a home. There are rooms enough in this building to accom- modate 60 transient guests, and the table is well supplied with the best the market affords. A free carriage attends every train, and those who make the " Sherwood " headquarters are loud in their praise of its management.
The "Findlater House " is centrally located in a pleasant portion of the village, convenient to business and easily accessible. The present proprietor, Mr. Frank B. Wilkins, assumed control in May, 1884. He is quite popular with the traveling public, and the excellent reputation this hotel has always borne will be enhanced by his connection with it. The building is a two-story frame, with airy rooms, well furnished and well patronized.
Messrs. Clason & Haley lead in the livery business, and their stock of buggies and carriages equal those kept by city liveries. They have selected their driv- ing horses with great care, and the roadsters owned by this firm are noted for speed and endurance. In addition to their livery, Messrs. Clason & Haley are engaged in the business of undertaking.
Charles Anderson has a very fine livery and a good patronage. In fact, Midland supports enterprises of this character quite well.
George Covert is not eclipsed in his efforts to please the public, and his barn contains some speedy roadsters. The aim of all these gentlemen is to fur-
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nish the finest turn-outs to be found in Central Mich- igan at reasonable rates.
Midland City has one of the finest postoffice build- ings, and the neatest furniture and equipments, to be found in Northern Michigan. E. J. Brewster, the present Postmaster, is a gentleman as courteous as he is popular, and the affairs of the Midland post- office under his management cannot be improved. The transformation from the first postoffice, which was kept by John Larkin in the bar-room of his hotel, to the elegant quarters it now occupies, is com- plete, and adds largely to the attractive business houses of this beautiful village.
Church History,
FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
7
CIRCUIT was organized bearing the name of " Midland " at the session of the Detroit Annual Conference held at Port Huron in September, 1857. It was the first religious organization in Midland. The circuit consist- ed of the following places : Midland City, Bluffs, King's, now in Freeland Circuit, Higgins', Swan Creek, Shields and Crook's. The first quarterly con- ference was held in the fall of 1857, by S. Clements, then Presiding Elder of the Flint District. The first class-book was dated Feb. 5, 1858, and contained the names of 13 persons, four members and nine proba- tioners.
A board of trustees was appointed in June, 1863, and a donation of lots for a church site received from John Moore, of Saginaw city. In May, 1864, the site of the church building was located on lot 4, block 15. In 1866 a building committee was appointed and the erection of the present church edifice commenced, a frame, 40 x 70 feet. The building was completed in 1869 and dedicated on October 4th of that year, by Rev. J. M. Reid, D. D., of Chicago, John Hamilton being Pastor. The completion of the church build- ing was largely due to the efforts of Pastor Nelson Green, who was Mr. Hamilton's immediate predeces- sor. In the fall and winter of 1883-4, during the Pastorate of C. M. Thompson, the church edifice was moved from its original site to the corner of Fitzhugh
and Main Streets. A brick basement was placed under it, at a cost of $1,400, which amount is fully provided for. In the exchange of lots Thos. J. Car- penter, Esq., canceled a claim of $1,600 which he held against the property, and now it is entirely free from debt. The new basement is nicely furnished and very commodious, and the new site on Main street preferable to the old one.
The first pastor was Rufus H. Crane, who received as a year's salary $114.02. The following is a list of the pastors : Rufus H. Crane, Robert Johnson, Alan- son Herrick, M. S. Leet, L. S. Tedman, Samuel Kits- miller, Nelson Green, John Hamilton, L. L. Hough- ton, F. W. May, Duke Whitely, James H. Curnalia, W. H. Osborne, C. H. Talmadge, John O. Bancroft, J. B. Atchison, H. W. Hicks and the present Pastor, C. M. Thompson.
The Board of Trustees consists of Theo. J. Car- penter, Milton P. Anderson, James B. Burtless, Chas. S. Barber and Aaron T. Gillick. Thos. Pick and John B. Smith are the Class-Leaders. There are 68 full members and 24 probationers, making a total of 92. The congregation and Sabbath-school are in a healthy condition and steadily increasing in numbers and in- terest, and the outlook for the Church is very hope- ful and cheering.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
This Church was organized Sept. 4, 1867, by Rev. M. Gelston, T. L.Waldo and Wm. Ure. The orig- inal members were Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McCartney and Miss Esther Doyle, who were received on confes- sion of their faith, Mrs. Ellen Cressy and Mrs. E. Per- kins, who presented letters of dismission from other Churches. The Confession and Covenant of the Presbytery of Saginaw were adopted, and the election of Elders was deferred for two years, until July 2, 1869, when John Hoynes and Sherman Olmstead were elected and installed as Elders of the Church.
A church building was erected on the corner of Larkin and Townsend Streets, but soon afterwards it was struck by lightning and received much damage. It was soon put in good repair, however, but in 1876 it was entirely consumed by fire. From that time till 1880 the Church had neither house nor pastor. In October of that year the present Pastor, Rev. P. S. Davies, was installed and took charge of the scat- tered flock. The new minister set about to devise means by which a church could be built. His
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MIDLAND COUNTY.
faithfulness and energy were soon apparent in the lively and substantial interest which the members, as well as outsiders, took in the matter, and in 1882 the church which they now occupy was completed, at a cost, including furniture, of $6,000. This new church was dedicated Sept. 25, 1882; Rev. Chapman, of Bay City delivered the dedicatory sermon, assisted by the resident minister, Rev. P. S. Davies. The succession of ministers from the first is T. L. Waldo, E. Swift, E. W. Borden and P. S. Davies. The Church now consists of 99 members, and is organized for work in the several departments indicated, as follows :
Church Session-Rev. P. S. Davies, Pastor : Sher- man Olmstead, James Peters, E. Anderson and E. P. Rice, Elders. D. P. Waldo, E. P. Rice, G. W. Abbey, Wm. Reardon, M. Anderson and E. Anderson, Trus- tees.
Ladies' Foreign Missionary Society-Mrs. Rev. P. S. Davies, President; Mrs. G. W. Abbey, Vice Presi- dent; Mrs. D. A. Huyck, Recording Secretary ; Mrs. Dr. W. E. Burtless, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. Jno. Mckay, Treasurer. Ladies' Aid Society- Mrs. Rev. P. S. Davies, President ; Mrs. S. Olmstead, Vice President; Mrs. Dr. J. S. Herries, Secretary ; Mrs. Wm. Reardon, Treasurer. Sunday-school-J. G. Culver, Superintendent ; D. P. Waldo, Assistant Superintend- ent; T. W. Crissey, Clerk; Stewart Gordon, Libra- rian; Mrs. Elizabeth McKizie, Treasurer Band of Hope-J. G. Culver, Superintendent; Harry Starker, Treasurer; Carrie Huyck, Librarian; Chas. Burt, Secretary.
BAPTIST SOCIETY.
A meeting was held in the Presbyterian church June 2, 1869, for the purpose of considering the propriety of organizing a Baptist society, there being 20 or 30 persons in the village who were Baptists in sentiment. Mr. - Myers was appointed Moderator and Mr. - Hough Secretary. The society was or- ganized under the name of the " First Baptist Church of Midland City." At the first covenant meeting, held at Mr. Hough's, July 10, 1869, Mr. and Mrs. - Green, Mr. Hough, Minnie Hough, Mr. and Mrs. Pratt and Mr. - Smith were received into the soei- ety by confession and baptism.
On the 7th of August, 1869, a meeting was held at the house of Mr. Joseph Townsend, for the pur- pose of deciding upon some means by which they might obtain aid in building a house of worship. Mr.
Myers and William Harris were appointed to pro- cure a deed of land suitable for a church site and parsonage. They commenced work at once, and Jan. 15, 1870, they held their first meeting in the new church. The first communion service, was held March 6, of the same year. The society since that time has steadily progressed and rapidly increased in numbers and influence, and the outlook for its future is a very promising one. The Rev. Mr. Leonard is the present pastor of the flock, and it is thought that when his work is well under headway he will, by the interest and energy which he takes in the welfare of the Church, attract many more to the already large congregations which assemble there every Sabbath. A collection is taken up on the last Sunday of each alternate month for the aid of for- eign missions, home missions, Publication Society, State missions and Christian education.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The first Episcopal services held in the village of Midland were conducted by the Rev. John Leech, Rector of the St. John's Parish, Saginaw City, in October of the year 1867. Mr. J. W. Cochrane was mainly instrumental in procuring this minister to preside over and conduct the services, which were held in Cochrane's Hall. The Rt. Rev. S. A. McCoskry, D. D., Bishop of the Diocese, held con- firmation in November following, at which time four persons were confirmed. Services were continued with more or less regularity through the following winter, by Revs. Leech, G. B. Eastman, of St. Paul's Parish, East Saginaw, Fayette Royce, Rector of Trin- ity Church, Bay City, and John W. Birchmore, Rector of St. Paul's Parish, Flint, together with lay reading by a member of St. Paul's Church, East Saginaw.
In March, 1868, the Rev. W. R. Tillinghast was put in charge of St. John's Mission, of Midland City, by the Bishop of this Diocese. Rev. Tilling- hast was a resident of East Saginaw, and visited the mission two Sundays in each month. The society continued under this arrangement until its organiza- tion. In the meantime the Church proper fitted up a pleasant chapel in Eastman's Hall, and services were held in this place after the organization of the Parish. The first Church family was that of Geo. A. Janes, a former member of St. John's Parish, Detroit.
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MIDLAND COUNTY.
Among the first confirmed were Jas. G. Farwell, Mrs. Gertrude W. Farwell and Mr. John McGregor. These faithful Church people labored constantly and earnestly for the building up of the Parish, the organ- ization of which was effected in March, 1870, under the direction of Rev. Tillinghast. The corporators were Geo. A. Janes, John W. Cochrane, Jas. Hayes, Edward Corcelins, Cooley E. Ball, J. W. Anderson and Robert C. Richmond. The first Vestry consisted of the following gentlemen: G. A. Janes and Jas. Hayes, Wardens ; C. E. Ball, R. C. Richmond, E. Cor- celins and J. W. Cochrane. The Parish was admit- ted to union with the Diocese at the Annual Council held at Jackson June 11, 1870.
Rev. W. Richmond Tillinghast was the first Rector elected to this Parish. He accepted the call and entered upon his duties May 15, 1870, and after ministering to the people of this Church for the space of one year he resigned, in May, 1871. The second pastor was Henry McClory, who re- mained five months. Meanwhile the newly erected chapel stood unfinished for nearly one and a half years. No Sabbath-school had been held, and only occasional Church services. At this time Henry J. Brown, a candidate for holy orders, was appointed by the Bishop to take charge of the Parish as Lay Read- er. He resigned his charge July 13, 1873. Then Rev. Arthur M. Backus, a missionary, was sent here and entered upon his duties July 1, 1875, and con- tinued in the pulpit one year, resigning July 1, 1876. For two and a half years the society was without a pastor; interest flagged, the members became dis- heartened, and the lack of some one to lead them proved almost fatal to the society. While affairs were in this condition, Gen. Runkle took hold of the Church as Lay Reader, July 11, 1881. The com- municants were few in number; they were scattered and discouraged, but they quickly rallied and made a noble and successful effort to re-establish the Church. The building was sadly out of repair and rapidly going to ruin. A subscription of several hundred dollars was raised and the Church again made com- fortable and attractive; the social life of the congre- gation was revived and kept up with spirit and good feeling. The Bishop confirmed a class of 25 per- sons on Wednesday evening, Feb. 8, 1882. At this time there were 41 baptisms, of which 11 were adults.
In April following this confirmation Gen. Runkle
resigned, and for some months they were again with- out a rector. Rev. R. W. Rhames was then called and remained with them for more than a year. His successor, Rev. Samuel F. Myers, took charge of the Parish in February, 1884. Under his management the congregation is gaining renewed strength and life. A Ladies' Aid Society has been recently organized. Its object is the promotion of the charitable and spir- itual work of the Church. The President is Mrs. S. F. Myers; Vice-President, Mrs. Dora Henry; Secre- tary, Mrs. Mary A. Maxwell; Treasurer, Mrs. Wm. Patrick. The members are divided into committees for caring for the sick and poor, for looking after strangers who come to the village, extending the hos- pitalities of the Church, and for seeing that the gen- eral Church work is not neglected.
CATHOLIC CHURCH.
WVm. B. Kelly came to this county from Canada in 1866, bringing his family with him. They were earnest and devoted believers in the Catholic faith, and, finding no society of this denomination in the new village, he, together with John Haley, Edward Haley, D. Chism, - Hogan, - Glasco and a few others, met at his house for worship. In October, 1870, Father Scutchin, of Bay City, said the first mass in the county, at Mr. Kelly's residence.
The society, having gained in numbers, began to think of building a church as a more convenient place of worship. Accordingly, Mr. Kelly went to John Lar- kin and asked him if they could buy a lot of him on which to erect a church. Mr. L. replied, "Go and select any part of my land that you wish and take it free of any charges." This generous offer was ac- cepted, and two lots were chosen in the east part of town. Mr. Larkin afterwards donated $100, besides lumber, etc. This act of generosity was followed by liberal subscriptions from many of the citizens of Midland. The church building was begun in 1870, and was ready for occupancy in one year.
Father Vanderhaven, of Saginaw City, was the first pastor, his visits to the new mission occurring only at intervals. Two years afterward Father Sweeney, of East Saginaw, held services, and his successor was Father McCarthy, now of Mt. Pleasant. The first resident pastor was Father Burns, followed by Father McNamara, the present pastor. The first class pre- sented for confirmation was in 1880, at which time
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403
Bishop Burgess, of the Grand Rapids Diocese, pre- sided. About 40 applicants were confirmed.
The church, which was built at a cost of $1,800, is paid for, and the society entirely free from debt of any kind. A lot adjoining the church premises has just been purchased, at a cost of $420, and a modern and convenient house will be erected for the residence of the pastor. John Haley, James O'Neill and Michael Ryan are the present Trustees of the Church. Mrs. Wm. B. Kelly, her daughter, Mrs. John Haley and Miss Mahana have been zealous and untiring work- ers for the cause which they espouse, and it is mainly due to their efforts that the society enjoys its present prosperity. Under the leadership of their Pastor, Father McNamara, they will undoubtedly continue in progress and advancement. A choir of ten little girls has been organized by him. Miss Lizzie Haley, a miss of 13 years, presides at the organ. The Par- ish over which the control of Father McNamara ex- tends includes Williamstown, Mt. Haley, Hope, Ingersoll and Freeland Townships. On the 22d of May, 1884, confirmation was held at the church and conducted by Bishop Richter. A class of 30 was re- ceived into the Church.
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