MIGenWeb by Gerry Christiansen
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A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE VILLAGE OF STANTON |
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by J.K. Fairchild, Editor of Montcalm County Journal in 1876 (These series of articles appeared in the Stanton Clipper-Herald starting on October 11, 1935). The The original survey and plat of The first election was held on the
11th day of November, 1867, at which time the following persons were duly
elected officers of the village: President-J. P. Beers Trustees-Oscar Fenn, John Morse,
Albert S. French, A. Vinecore, Aaron Lyon, Levi Camburn. Marshal-E. B. Moore. Assessors- Wm. F. Turner, J. N.
Zinkham. Clerks, -Harmon Smith. Treasurer-G. C. Wallace. Street Commissioners-D. S. West, Ira
Horton, F. Hinds. Fire wardens-E. K. Wood, Miles
Dunham, Pound master-Alvin Morse. In February, 1869, the village was
re-incorporated by a special act of the Legislature, with the following
territory bound: The north half and the
south half of the northwest quarter of section 31 in Township eleven north, of
range seven west; the north fractional half and the north half of the southeast
quarter, and the north half of the southwest quarter of section 1, in township
ten north, of range seven west; the northwest fractional quarter of section 6,
in township ten north, of range six west. This boundary is a rather peculiar
one, but nevertheless it must be remembered that it represents four flourishing
township. The first election under this
incorporation was held on the 8th day of March 1869, and the following officers
were chosen: President-Levi Camburn. Trustees for two years-E. K. Wood,
Oscar Fenn, Wm. F. Turner. Trustees for one year-George
Herriman, A. Bradford, Geo. W. Childs., Marshal-Joshua Philo. Clerk-Harmon Smith. Treasurer-G. C. Wallace. Assessor-G. F. Case. The first county election held after
the county seat was located at State Senator-Westbrook Divine. Member of the Legislature-Edwin
Burt. Sheriff-Hiram Armstrong Clerk-Bedford Birch. Treasurer-Levi Camburn. Register of Deeds-Daniel A. Cornell Prosecuting attorney-C. C.
Ellsworth. Surveyor-E. H. Jones. Coroners-Henry Berridge, Richard C.
Miller. The following is a list of the
present county officers, elected Sheriff-Zenas E. Briggs Clerk-S. Perry Youngs. Register of deeds-Oscar Fenn. Circuit court commissioners-M. C. Palmer, N. O. Griswold. Surveyor-A. DeForest Coroners-Geo. Howarth, D. H. Lord. Stanton, since its incorporation as
a village, has been marked by a degree of growth and development characteristic
of but few towns, and we may say it owes its success in a great degree to the
successfully managed municipal government which it has the honor of
possessing. The truth of this statement
is more fully confirmed by a glance at the work of the past year. Hundreds of feet of sidewalk have been
constructed, new crosswalks built, new streets opened and old ones remarkably
improved, and in fact and almost endless amount of improvement made, all of
which conduce to the enlivenment of the enterprising spirit of the citizens,
and the enhancement of the place in various points of view. The erection of many fine dwellings and
improvements of old one-a correct statement of which we shall give further on
in this article creates also another feature in the important progressiveness
of our village. While the citizens of Grammar School, 36; A Intermediate, 28; B Intermediate, 66; A Primary, 49; B Primary,
99. These departments are presided over
by the following lady teachers: Miss Agnes King-Grammar. Miss M. Palmer-B Intermediate Miss E. M. Johnson-B Intermediate Miss F. B. Smith-A Primary. Mrs. E. H. Crowell-B Primary Regarding Prof. Crowell, principal,
and his excellent wife, instructor in the B Primary department, we speak from
long personal acquaintance, and know them to possess rare talented qualities as
tutors. The other instructors-all
ladies-are filling their respective spheres as teachers with commendable
ability and satisfaction, and we would speak from personal acquaintance regarding
them, but our misfortune has placed us in a position that we haven’t been able
to make their acquaintance at all, and consequently they will have to take the
will for the deed, in this instance. The religious interests of Methodist-Rev. A. D. Congregational-Rev. L. P. Spellman Baptist-Rev. J. M. Coe (present
supply). All of the churches maintain
flourishing Sabbath schools, superintended by the following gentlemen: Charles Lee-Methodist E. H. Crowell-Congregational. Asa Morse-Baptist. Taken altogether, the religious
interests form a prominent part in the bulk of The railroad projects of
OUR MERCHANTS Having given a brief, but we think,
comprehensive account of the establishment and progress of our village, we now
“tack ship” and “go for” the noble band of merchants, who have fought, bled and
we may add, almost died for the interests of the “county sent.” We head the list with the name of D.
M. Gardner, one of the pioneer merchants of the town. Mr. Gardner came to Taking our leave of Mr. Gardner for
the present, we proceed to make mention of the important firm of G. C. Wallace
& Bro. who came here in the fall of ‘66 from Birmingham, this State. For three years the business grew and
flourished under this firm name, when Mr. G. C. Wallace purchased his brother’s
interest in the store and conducted the business alone until the fall of
‘74. He then sold out his stock of goods
to Mr. R. T. Dyer, who had just moved to Stanton from the “Buckeye” state, and
went out of the mercantile business entirely.
Mr. Dyer then continued the business alone until last August, when Mr.
Wallace again purchased a half interest in the establishment, and the firm name
has since been known as Wallace & Dyer. Messrs. Wallace & Dyer’s line
of trade comprises groceries, provisions, crockery, glassware, fruit, flour,
feed, est.. They possess the only
exclusive store of this kind in Stanton, and do an immense business. They also handle lumber and shingles quite
extensively. Both are excellent gentlemen
and the right men in the right place. Another of the pioneer merchants is
Harvey W. Rice. Mr. Rice was a former
resident of our neighboring city of Ionia and came to Stanton about eight years
ago the present week. He at first opened
up a small business in the Parker building, corner of Main and Lincoln streets,
which building was destroyed by fire some years since. Being compelled to seek other quarters, he
purchased a lot farther up Main Street and in company with another party,
erected what is now known as Union block, and moved his stock of goods thereto.
Here Mr. R. Continued business on a somewhat larger scale, when last summer,
owing to an increase of same, he was compelled to enlarge his quarters and,
moving his store room back, he extended his half of the Union block some 40 odd
feet, so now he has a building with proportions of about 22/104 feet. This gives him a commodious sales and
storeroom, fully adequate to the demands of his stock of goods. One of the most important features of Mr.
Rice’s portion of the Union block is its convenience, which he has spared no
pains to make complete. Under the
building there is a fine commodious cellar, fitted up in a manner commendably
accessible and convenient, which is principally used for storing farm produce,
syrups, molasses, etc. A mammoth cistern
with a capacity for holding 150 barrels of water, has been constructed adjacent
to the building, and with an excellent force pump, together with 150 feet of rubber
hose, a first-class available means of fire protection to the property
furnished, ready for operation at any moment.
Mr. Rice’s business comprises almost everything in the trade line, with
the exception of hardware. Dry goods,
clothing, boots, shoes, groceries, provisions and lumbermen’s supplies, are
sold in abundance. Lumber shingles and
Studebaker wagons are also handled on an extensive scale. Mr. Rice is one of our most honored and
respected citizens, and takes a prominent part in every honorable enterprise of
the village. The firm of J. M. Zinkhan & Co.
was established in 1872. The business
was formerly owned and conducted by J. M. Zinkhan alone, who commenced the same
in 1869, continuing until 1872, when Mr. N. Shepard purchased an interest in
the establishment. Since then the business
has been carried on under the firm name of J. M. Zinkhan & Co. Messrs. Zinkhan & Shepard are extensive
dealers in clocks, watches, jewelry, etc.
During the past year they have added very materially to their stock of
fine gold and silver watches, jewelry, etc., added several very beautiful new
show cases to their store, and we may truthfully say they have one of the
finest establishments of the kind in Montcalm county. Mr. Zinkhan came to Stanton from Hillsdale in
the year 1864, and first gave his attention to the gun smithing business, which
he continued five years, when he embarked in the jewelry business as
aforesaid. He is a man that takes
considerable pride in his business, and also an active part in every valuable
enterprise of the village, and withal is a gentleman of excellent business and
social qualities. We shall speak
personally of Mr. Shepard in connection with the extensive firm of Moore &
Shepard, real estate dealers, further on in this article. The firm of Jas. Richards & Son
was formerly owned and carried on by Wm. Betts, Esq., who sold out to the above
parties in the year of ‘73. The firm is
composed of Mr. James Richards of Cleveland, Ohio, and his son, J. W. Richards,
of this village. The business is the
largest of the kind north of Ionia. It
comprised the general line of shelf and heavy hardware mill supplies, rubber
and leather belting, rubber hose, brass goods, sash, doors, putty, glass,
etc. Immediately after the business came
into the hands of the Messrs. Richards, the store was enlarged by and addition
of fifty feet in the rear and the stock of goods was increased more than
double. From the time of their purchase
of the business the sales began to increase rapidly and finally to assume
proportions astonishingly large. During
the past year nearly $51,000 worth of goods were sold by this firm, which is
counted a pretty fair business in this section of the state. Messrs. Richards & Son know the value of
printers’ ink, and their success is largely attributed to a generous use of the
same. Both are men of rare business
qualities, and a valuable aid in the furtherance of every good project. The firm of Reynolds & Hawley is
among the most important of this village.
Established scarcely three years ago, with but small capital, by two
plucky, energetic young men, it has grown and flourished in a manner wholly
surprising, and the small capital invested has been doubled and redoubled. The senior member of this firm, Mr. M. A.
Reynolds, came to Stanton about five years ago, where he plied his vocation as
clerk in the store of H. H. Hinds for
several years, or until the year 1875.
Mr. E. D. Hawley, the junior member of the firm, became a resident of the
village about the year 1871, and for several years was clerk and bookkeeper in
the store of Giles Gilbert, and more recently the Stanton agent of the D. L.
& L. M. R. R. at this place, which capacity he filled for the space of
about one year. Messrs. Reynolds &
Hawley are extensive dealers in drugs, medicines, groceries, lumbermen’s
supplies, books, stationery, periodicals, tobaccos, cigars, etc. They run a free delivery in connection with
their store, and are doing a large and flourishing business. Both are young enterprising men of fair
business ability and persons whom the village of Stanton could not well do
without. The firm of D. L. Case comprises a
business establishment wholly among the leading mercantile institutions of this
village. The proprietor of this
establishment, D. L. Case, Esq., resides in the city of Lansing, and first
opened a business here in the mercantile line one year ago. A vast lumbering
business is also done in connection with this establishment, and the interests
and control of the whole are under the supervision of Mr. J. M. Case (son of
the proprietor), a young man of excellent ability and an enterprising and much
respected citizen. In the line of
mercantile trade this firm deals largely in dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes,
groceries, lumbermen’s supplies, etc.
Buys and ships lumber and shingles, all kinds. The business, though but one year old, is one
of the largest in town, and we are happy to add, is on an increase commendably
surprising. R. Hudson & Son constitute a
business firm of no little importance to our flourishing village. The business of this firm is managed by Mr.
M. E. Fanning, a young man of excellent business qualities, and withal one of
the most promising young men of our town.
Clothing, boots, shoes, hats and caps comprise the general line of trade
of this establishment and to say that a large business is done would scarcely
be making just mention of the fact. The
loads of goods that are constantly carried away from this store by customers is
an evidence of prosperity, and in the selection of Mr. Fanning to preside over
the business, R. Hudson & Son made the proper and successful move. The business is but a little over one year
old, but nevertheless has a place in the front rank of the most important and
enterprise of the place. Wood & Thayer This establishment opened first
about ten years ago, under the firm name of Wood & Gilbert, and is among
the largest and oldest in Stanton. The
parties who founded the establishment, Messrs. E. K. Wood and Giles Gilbert,
two of the liveliest and most enterprising men of our village came here in the
“infant days” of the town. They carried
on the business together until 1872, when Mr. Gilbert purchased M. Wood’s
interest in the same and continued alone for two years. In 1874 Mr. Wood, purchasing the stock and
goods, and forming a co-partnership with Mr. C. A. Thayer, the business has
since been carried on under the firm name of Wood & Thayer. A bit of Mr. Wood’s first experience in this
section was driving an ox team in the lumber woods, and this is where he first
attained a success that gave him the proper start in the world. During all of the years of co-partnership of
Messrs Wood & Gilbert, the lumbering business was quite extensively
conducted by them, and in fact now the firm of Wood & Thayer is doing a
large business in that line. Messrs.
Wood and Thayer are both formerly from Wyoming county, New York. They are gentlemen of business ability and
esteemed citizens of our town. Their
trade is very extensive, and comprises the general line of lumbermen’s
supplies, drugs, medicines, groceries, provisions, flour, feed, hardware, boots
and shoes, and in fact almost everything needed by the domestic and lumbering
communities. We shall speak of Mr.
Gilbert further on in this article, as connected with the lumbering interests
of the place. J. N. Voorhees J. N. Voorhees, dealer in all kinds
of kitchen, parlor and office furniture.
This business was first established in Stanton by our present county
treasurer, Henry Kent, Esq., formerly a resident of Fairplains, this county, in
the year 1873, and was continued by him until the 14th of the present month,
when Mr. J. N. Voorhees purchased the same.
It is the only furniture store in the place, and hence does a
commendably large business. Mr. Voorhees
was also a former resident of Fairplains, but henceforward we expect him to be
numbered among the enterprising citizens of Stanton. Lunn Bros., bakers and
confectioners, and dealers in groceries, is a firm of much importance to
Stanton. The business of this firm was
established by Ira Carter and G. N. Lunn in the spring of ‘72, under the firm
name of Carter & Lunn. The business
was carried on under this management until the following December, when Mr.
Carter went out of the firm. In April,
‘73 Mr. J. W. Lunn, a brother to J. N. purchased an interest in the business,
and during that time the firm has been known by the name of Lunn Bros. Messrs. Lunn Bros. keep in their
employ a first-class baker, and manufacture their own bread, cakes, pies,
confectionery, etc. They have just made
a change of base and moved to more commodious and central quarters, in the
building formerly owned by James C. Gilson. Peter Dayo Peter Deyo came to Stanton about
seven years ago and, purchasing the building now occupied by him, embarked in
the general hardware and tinnery business.
Mr. Deyo has experienced many of the hardships of the true pioneer, and
has brought his business from a low basis up to a lucrative condition, now
enjoying an extensive trade in his line of merchandise. Mr. Deyo is a skilled workman and does a very
large business in the repairing of defective tinware and stoves. He is enterprising, and withal an honest and
pleasant man to deal with. Ward & Wallace This important firm was established
about the middle of September last. Previous
to the establishment of the same, Mr. Ward (the senior member of the firm) was
employed by Messrs. Richards & Son in the hardware business, and also for
some continued length of time superintended the business of said store, when
the same was in the hands of Wm. Betts, Esq. The junior member of the firm, Mr.
G. C. Wallace, is of the extensive firm of Wallace & Dyer, grocers, of this
village, and is well known by all.
Messrs. Ward & Wallace are dealers in general mill supplies, their
stock comprising belting, packing, saws, files, gas pipe and fittings, bolts,
lubricating oils, brass goods, etc.
Their store is highly appreciated by our millmen and lumbermen, and is
certainly a valuable acquisition to our thriving village and, we are happy to
learn, is doing a lucrative business. M.
A. Bradford M. A. Bradford opened up business in
Stanton about the middle of last June, occupying a portion of the building in,
which is stored, the goods of Messrs. Ward & Wallace. Commencing with but a small stock, he
gradually increased the same until now he has a fine assortment of goods and
does a creditable business. Mr. Bradford
is a young man of irreproachable character, and we do not know of any man in
town whom we would rather see succeed than he.
His business comprises the general line of small, fancy furniture,
picture frames, brackets, parlor croquet sets, stereoscopes, chromos,
engravings, etc. He also does all kinds
of furniture repairing neatly and cheaply.
We highly commend him and his business to the public as worthy of
liberal patronage Webber & Chapin The Banking House of Webber &
Chapin was established in the month of April, ‘73. The parties comprising the firm of Oscar
Webber of the firm of Webber & Hall, Ionia, and C. W. Chapin, of this
village. Business was first commenced
and continued for six months in a “corner” portion of G. C. Wallace’s building,
corner of Main and Camburn streets, when the building next west of the
Turner-Vine core block was erected and in the same this banking house was
formally established. The growing
increase of the banking business during a single year is immense. The business comprises that usually carried
on by all first-class banking houses, and it is a business institution in which
our citizens take a great pride. Nye & Lowing Nye & Lowing are the proprietors
of the “Old Reliable” Meat Market, which was established in this village about
seven years ago, by Mr. I .Carter. From
the date of establishment the business was continued by Mr. Carter until the
year 1870, when C. B. Nye, an employee of Mr. Carter, purchased an interest in
the business, and the firm was then known as Carter & Nye. September last Mr. Nye purchased his
partner’s interest and became sole proprietor of the market, and shortly after
disposed of one-half interest to J. E. Lowing, since which time the firm has
been known and conducted under the name of Nye & Lowing. Messrs. Nye & Lowing are very extensive
dealers in all kinds of fresh and salted meats, and also handle country produce
and oysters in their season. They are
both excellent citizens, and we may add invaluable to the business interests of
Stanton. Houser & Morrison Houser & Morrison established
their present business Sept. 30th, 1875.
For several years previous to this date, the senior member of the firm
M. Houser, was engaged in the lumber inspection business, being in the employ
of several different parties. During
this time he also became a member of the mercantile firm of Well, Patchin &
Houser, and more recently was a partner of A. S. Brool, in the purchase and
shipment of lumber and shingles. Mr.
Morrison was formerly a teamster in the village, which occupation he followed
for some time, and through which he made fair pecuniary attainments. The business of Messrs. Houser & Morrison
comprises the general trade in fresh and salt meats, which they handle quite
extensively. They pay cash for hides and
pelts, and do all business in a business-like manner. Both are among the leading enterprising
citizens of our village, and are reliable men. Moore & Shepard Moore & Shepard is the heaviest
real estate firm in the town. The
parties comprising the firm are E. B. Moore and Norman Shepard. They formed a copartnership and opened up business
in the real estate line in 1868, and from that time until the present have
continued to do an extensive business.
Recently they made a single sale of pine lands from D. P. Shaw of
Pontiac to Long, Blanchard & Co., Pennsylvania, amounting to $200,000, and
previous and since that time have made sales averaging from $25,000 to $50,000,
which clearly gives the reader an idea of the extent of their business. Messrs. Moore & Shepard came to Stanton
about eleven years ago, and for the first few years were engaged in driving
stage and teaming from Ionia. This they
followed until the organization of the above firm. Commencing with but small means, they have
gained ground until now they both have the honor of possessing considerable
property. They are both live men and
among the most esteemed and enterprising citizens of the village. John W. S. Pierson & Company On November 21, 1876, John W. S.
Pierson, assisted by his brother, Philip T. H. Pierson, opened a hardware and
stove store in the Morrison building on east Main Street. With increasing trade, early in 1877 the
stock was removed to the Paine building, 108 West Main Street, where a lease
was taken for a term of years. The great
fire of October 12, 1880 completely destroyed the building and stock of
goods. The business was soon re-established
in temporary quarters in the Palace block.
Meanwhile, the implement building at 114 East Main Street was fitted up
with a store front and counters and the business was removed to this point
until the Paine building could be rebuilt. In March 1881, the business was
reopened in the new Paine building, 108 West Main Street. On February 23, 1885, the implement building
at 112 East Main Street was completely destroyed by fire. An adjoining lot on the west was purchased of
Mr. E. K. Wood and plans were made for the Pierson building, size 44 by 100
feet. Meanwhile, Mr. Pierson, together
with D.L. McFadden, erected the Phoenix block, on Camburn avenue, as a
permanent building for the implement department. That year the business that had been as founded
by John W.S. Pierson was changed to John W. S. Pierson & Company, and
Philip T. H. Pierson became a partner.
On January 22, 1886, the dedication of the present building was
celebrated by a reception which marked the rebuilding of Stanton, and the exercises
were attended by a large number of people from the cities and the rural
districts. On March 13, 1886, the new
building was opened for business purposes.
On February 1, 1891, the business was incorporated under the name
of John W.S. Pierson & Company, the
officers being John W.S. Pierson, president; Philip T.H. Pierson,
vice-president, and Elmer S. Stebbins, secretary and treasurer. At this time Levi W. Hunsicker and George W.
Markee became stockholders in the corporation with the officers. On November 21, 1901, the silver anniversary,
marking twenty-five years of continued business, was celebrated. (Mr. John W.S. Pierson is the only pioneer
merchant among all those named here who has retained his interests in Stanton.
He has built a fine home on Lincoln Street and still resides there.) MANUFACTURING Wm. Bock’s Mill Wm. Bock’s lumber and shingle mill
was erected in 1873. A portion of the
machinery in this mill was formerly operated in the mill known as the Morse
Mill, situated on the State road a little south of this village. This mill we believe was sold on contract to
Hastings & Co. a year or two ago, but owing to non-fulfillment of said
contract the mill again fell pack into the hands of Mr. Bock. The mill cuts a large quantity of lumber and
shingles during a single year, the greater portion of which is shipped from
this village. F. H. Hurdman & Co. The mill of F. H. Hurdman & Co.
was erected in 1873. It is, we believe,
an exclusive lumber mill, and as such has a very large capacity. The proprietors of this mill reside at
Zanesville, O., and their lumber operations here are managed by competent men. Galloway, Blackman & Co. The extensive lumber and shingle
mill of Galloway, Blackman & Co. is situated about one and a half miles
east of the village. It was erected in
1872. The mill contains the most
improved machinery for cutting lumber and together with two first-class shingle
mills works up many million feet per annum.
The sawing is under the supervision of Albright Bros., who are practical
lumbermen, while J. B. Sherw9od has control and management of all the lumbering
operations of the company. Mr. Sherwood
is a thorough-going man and serves his employers faithfully and satisfactorily. Turner & Payne Turner & Payne’s mill was
erected in 1871. This mill is of quite
large capacity and manufactures large amounts of lumber annually. The proprietors of this mill are among the
early settlers and businessmen of the village, and do an immense business in
the lumber and shingle shipping line.
Both gentlemen are esteemed citizens of our village, who contribute
largely to the laudable enterprising spirit of the place. Thomas Tew Thomas Tew is the proprietor of two
first-class shingle mills, one being erected in 1873 and the other in
1875. His mills are kept in operation
the greater part of the time, and turn out millions of shingles annually. Mr. Tew is a thorough-going lumberman,
practical in all the details of the business. Oscar Fenn Oscar Fenn’s shingle mill, which is
supplied with two of the latest improved shingle machines, was erected in
1875. This mill has a capacity for
cutting from fifty to sixty thousand shingles per day. The mill is kept in operation a greater part
of the time, and most all shingles manufactured by it are shipped away. Mr. Fenn is another of the practical
fishermen and invaluable citizens of our village. D. D. Kidder The mill of D. D. Kidder, northeast
of this place, was erected in 1874. It
is an exclusive shingle mill, with one machine, and kept in operation most of
the time. Most all of the shingles
manufactured are shipped from this station. A. B. Nevins A. B. Nevins’ large lumber and
shingle mill was erected in 1872, and has been idle but short intervals since
the day the machinery was set in motion.
It has a very large capacity and turns out its lumber and shingles in
good shape. Windsor & Fawcett The new shingle mill of Windsor
& Fawcett was erected last summer and fall, and has but recently been put
into operation. However, with one
machine, the mill is cutting from 25,000 to 30,000 shingles per day and does
its work well. As is the case with most
all other mills of the village, all shingles manufactured are shipped away. Wm. H. The mill of Wm. H. D. Curtis & Co. The shingle mill of D. Curtis &
Co. is perhaps the most important adjacent to the corporate limits of our
village. The machinery of this mill is
of the latest improved pattern. Its on
shingle machine has capacity for cutting from 50,00 to 60,000 per day with
ease. We have as yet not had the
pleasure of forming the acquaintance of but one of the proprietors of this mill
-Mr. C. S. Wells-but so far as we have seen, can speak with respect and
commendability. Mr. Wells is one our
young, enterprising citizens, whom any intelligent lad will do well to follow
in example. There are other mills hereabouts of
which we might speak, but they are, many of them, situated too far out of the
corporation to be noted in an article of this character. Most of the mills mentioned are operated by
the residents of this village and all do their shopping from this point. Among the prominent buyers and
shippers of lumber and shingles who own pine lands but not mills, and lumber
during the winter season, are H. H. Hinds, Gilbert & Eaglebeck, Israel Lucas,
E. K. Wood, C. H. Houser, and others whose names we have been unable to learn. HOTELS The Bailey House This hotel, or a portion of it, was
erected by A. Vinecore in the year ‘67.
The site on which the building stands is a portion of ground that was
formerly reserved for the county jail; but the board of supervisors at one
session came to the conclusion that a good hotel was much more needed than a
first-class jail, and consequently offered to donate the ground to any person
or persons who would erect a good hotel on the same. Mr. Vinecore accepted the proposition of the
board, and built the hotel as aforesaid, calling the same the “Vinecore
House”. In 1872, Mr. L. H. Bailey of
Ionia purchased the hotel and changed the name to Bailey House, and also
materially enlarged the same. He
conducted the house until about two years ago, when the same was purchased by
his son, Herbert Bailey, who still retains the proprietorship and conductorship
of the same. During the past summer the
house has been thoroughly refitted and enlarged and a fine basement and cellar
added thereto. The cellar is one of the
finest, and most accessible in the county, while the basement contains one of
the finest sample rooms west of Detroit.
Mr. Bailey, the proprietor, is a landlord of worldwide fame, being known
as one of the best and most practical hotel keepers in the State. He is highly esteemed as a citizen and takes
an active part in every laudable enterprise. The Stanton House The Stanton House came into the
possession of J. J. Newcomb & Son in 1865.
At that time it was nothing but a small log hut which had been erected a
few years previous. It was at once
enlarged and the name of hotel given it.
In 1872 J. J. Newcomb died, since which time the hotel has been
conducted by C. M. Newcomb, his son. A
large addition was made to the Stanton House last summer, and now the hotel
presents an imposing appearance. There
are eleven fine sleeping rooms in the new part, together with sitting and other
rooms. A still farther enlargement of
the hotel is contemplated newt spring, as the accommodations are inadequate for
the demand. The proprietor is a live
young man,
public-spirited and enterprising, and conducts his hotel in good shape. Exchange Hotel This hotel is situated near the D.
L. & L. M. R. R. depot and was erected in the fall of ‘74, by Noah
Mishler. It has changed hands several
times, and now is in the possession of Geo. W. Baker, we believe, who is
conducting the same in first-class style.
The house is well fitted throughout, and affords good accommodations to
the traveler. NEWSPAPERS The Herald The history of this village so far
as newspapers are concerned, is one of vital importance. The first edition of the Herald was printed
on the 11th day of September, 1867. The
hero who founded the Herald was E. O. Shaw, Esq., now publisher of the Newaygo
Republican, and regarding the career of that paper says: “We remember very well that it was at the
time considered one of the most important events in the history of the village,
and for days before the boyish publisher was almost bored to death by inquiries
of, ‘When will the first paper be printed? I want to be there to see it’”. We believe that Hon. G. F. Chase claimed and
was awarded the very first copy. The
office was crowded with men fro hours before the forms were ready, and a
breathless interest was manifest until the first sheet was printed, and it was
eagerly scanned by all. The first issue
was a six column sheet printed on the 11th day of September 1867. But the
patronage was much greater than was anticipated, and the citizens manifested so
much more liberality in their patronage than could be expected in a new town
where all were pioneers and many of them struggling with the vicissitudes
incident to the pioneer life that it was decided to enlarge the Herald at
once. Consequently, the next issue
contained seven columns to the page, which size it still retains. We write this as a historical fact and one
which we think properly belongs in any history of Stanton which may be
written.” E. R. Powell purchased the
Herald in December 1868, the proprietorship of which he still retains. Mr. P. is one of the pioneer editors and
publishers of this State, a fair writer, and withal a man of some considerable
means. Montcalm County Journal The Montcalm County Journal is young
but vigorous, and put in a first appearance on the 24th day of September,
1875. It is just conceited enough to
believe it is quite able to “hoe its own row.”
Of course it is just as liable to take wood on subscription as any other
sheet. LAWYERS, JUSTICES AND
DOCTORS Go where you will, you always find
the inevitable lawyer, and Stanton in this regard is fully up with the times so
far as plurality is concerned. If we were to give the history in full
individually of the legal fraternity of Stanton, in would undoubtedly make a
book equal in size and pages to Webster’s Unabridged,’ and for that reason an
attack upon our law expounders is not a desirable one, in as much as it
requires the whole history to “show them up” in the proper light. Consequently, what we shall have to say, pro
or con, relative to them must be brief and to the point-excusing detail for the
present. If Daniel Webster didn’t say
“brevity is the soul of wit,” so here goes: M. Clement Palmer was admitted to
the Cook County Bar Association in 1868, and practiced law in the city of
Chicago until 1872, when he went to Ann Arbor and attended a course of lectures
in the Law Department of the University, graduating at that school in
1873. He was admitted to the Bar
Association of the Supreme Court of this State in the month of March, 1873;
went to Big Rapids, practiced law in that city a short life, and came to Stanton
in November, ‘73. Mr. Palmer is a young
man of considerable talent, well versed in the laws and statutes of this, and
we may add, foreign countries. He takes
great interest in the welfare of his clients and defends them with a
commendable degree of ability and success. H. Irving Garbutt was formerly a
resident of Lakeview, this county, and came to Stanton January 1, 1870. For two terms he acted in the capacity of
clerk of Montcalm County, which office he filled with ability and satisfaction. He was admitted to the bar in this county in
July, ‘74, and the same year was elected Prosecuting attorney of this county,
which office he has filled since then, and continues to fill with much
satisfaction. He is among the ablest of
our county and takes much interest in the prosperity of our village. Harmon Smith was, we believe, with
the exception of J. P. Beers, the first lawyer in the place. He was the first to open a regular law office
in the village. Faithfully serving his
country through the late war till its close, he came to Stanton it 1866 and
commenced the practice of his profession and has been one of the most active
and successful lawyers in this county ever since. He has experienced many of
the ups and downs of the early pioneer life of the village, and by economy and
strict attention to business has won for himself a good name and attained a
creditable portion of this world’s goods.
Mr. Smith is among the talented lawyers of Montcalm County, and has held
several important county offices during his residence here. He takes great interest in village matters,
and contributes largely to the enterprising spirit of the place. John C. Mattison came to Stanton
about seven years ago, and during the first year of his residence here was
employed as the principal of the Union school.
He then left Stanton, being absent one year, when he returned. He was elected justice of the peace in 1871,
and has filled that office ever since with a degree of ability. He opened the first justice’s office in the
place. Mr. M. was admitted to the Bar
Association of this county in ‘71, and from that time until now has practiced
law a portion of the time in connection with the justice business. He is a “gentleman and a scholar,” and is
doing quite an extensive business in the legal line. Dr. H. B. Ranney took up his
residence in Stanton in October 1870, and for the first six months practiced
dentistry alone. He then associated the
practice of medicine with his dentistry business, since which time he has made
the practice of both professions his exclusive business. He informs us that his business averages
$4,000 annually, which certainly is very large for a new county like this. Dr. Ranney removed from St. Johns to this
place, and during his residence here has kept pace with the enterprise and
general movements of the village. Dr. D. A. McLean came from northern
Ohio and took up his residence in Stanton about four years ago and has
practiced medicine in the village and surrounding country ever since. He graduated in medicine and surgery at the
Michigan University in November 1868.
The doctor thoroughly understands his business and has a very wide
practice in this community. He is a
respected citizen and enterprising in every sense of that term. Dr. T. D. Powers commenced the
practice of medicine in Stanton on the 19th day of June last. He is a graduate of both the Geneva Alopathy
and the Dundee Homeopathy Schools of New York State. He came from Holland City to this place,
where he formerly practiced medicine for about seven years. His practice now is entirely after the
Homeopathy method of “administration,” which is proving quite successful in
this com- .......has practiced since 1854, and has been quite successful with
all his cases in this section. In
addition to the medical learning, the doctor is considerable of a literary man,
and perhaps reads more books and periodicals than the average of one man out of
every ten. George Stoneburner removed from the
township of Bloomer to Stanton and commenced the practice of law in 1869. He was admitted to the Bar Association of
this county in ‘67, and to practice in the U. S. Court in ‘71. He is a man of good legal training and never
goes around a forty-acre lot to fake a point. Ira H. Sheldon is one of the pioneer
residents of the village. He came from
Hastings to this place in 1865, and in 1872 opened a real estate and insurance
office in the village. His life and fire
insurance business is quite large. At
one time he represented twelve different companies, and did a fair business for
them all. He is a young man full of life
and energy and is bound to succeed. P. S. Dodge was admitted to the Bar
in Elkhart, Ind., about seven years ago.
In 1873 he graduated in the Law School of the University of Michigan,
and the same year took up his residence in Stanton. He is an able attorney, and ranks among the
most enterprising of our citizens. Lyman C. Moore graduated in the Law
Department of the University of Michigan in the spring of ‘69, and took up his
residence in Stanton the same year. He is one of the prominent members of our
county Bar Association, and has made the practice of law his exclusive business
during his residence here. He takes an
active part in the leading enterprises of the village. Dr. A. L. Corey, formerly a
practicing physician and surgeon in Ionia, removed to Stanton about two years
ago. He graduated in medicine and
surgery at Ann Arbor University in the spring of ‘68 and from there went to
Ionia, where he practiced his profession until the time of his removal
here. He is one of the most successful
physicians and surgeons, and a tip-top “feller” anyhow. Robert Bamber was elected justice of
the peace for Day township two years ago last spring, and has since acted in
that capacity, having his office with Lyman C. Moore. He is a man of sound judgment and well-versed
in legal matters George A. Smith, lawyer, came to
Stanton on the 7th day of July 1865, from the army. He is an old pioneer and has had considerable
experience as a newspaperman. He
established the Barry County Pioneer in the year 1850, having his headquarters
at Hastings, the county seat, and continued the publication of that paper until
1860, when he sold out and went into the drug and medicine business at
Hastings. He was captain of and raised
the first company of volunteers in Barry County and went to the army and did
his country good service. He was
postmaster in this village in 1867, under the administration of President
Johnson. For the first few years of his
residence here he practiced medicine, and being admitted to the Bar of Montcalm
County in 1869, he has since practiced law, being quite successful as an
attorney. Mr. Smith has made
considerable money in Stanton and, like all other lawyers in this village, is
working his way to glory and fame. Asa Morse, or Judge Morse as is more
frequently the term used, came to this village from Almira, N. Y., in 1867, and
engaged in the lumbering business, which occupation he followed up to about
three years ago. Judge Morse is a lawyer
by profession, and we may add, one of the very best in Montcalm County. He graduated in the Albany, N. Y., law school
in 1862, after which he served a term of ten months in the late Rebellion. Receiving his discharge from the Army, he
practiced law a short time in Almira, N.Y., when he came to the village and
engaged in business as aforesaid. He
was elected justice of the peace for Day Township last spring. He is a man of honorable principles and excellent
morals and has but few, if any, enemies in the county. F. H. French opened a real estate
office in this village about five years ago. Mr. French is a young man of good
business ability, and is among the ablest and most enterprising settllers of
the place. He does a large business in
the real estate line and, being a notary public, is always prepared to do
swearing in the best scientific manner.
His office is with H. I. Garbutt, prosecuting attorney, in the Turner
block. The real estate firm of E. D. Finch,
which was established by Fenn & Finch about three years ago, is among the
most important of the village. The
business was conducted under the firm name of Fenn & Finch from the date of
establishment until about one year ago, when Mr. Fenn went out of the firm. Mr. Finch is a gentleman of noted respect,
and invaluable to our village. His real
estate sales are large and increasing, and comprise almost everything from a
common village lot to a section of pine land. Dr. E. Culver came to this village
from Shiawassee County about five months ago, and from that time has had a very
extensive practice in the community. He
is a graduate of the Michigan University School of medicine and surgery, and
withal is one of the best physicians in the village.........(The rest of this
article was missing) MILLINERY Mrs.
M. Barnes Mrs. M. Barnes, millinery and dry
goods. This establishment was first
opened in E.R. Powell’s building, first east of Wallace & Dryer’s store,
was secured, and the stock of goods removed thereto. Mrs. Barnes’ line of business comprises an
extensive trade in millinery and fancy goods.
She also does dressmaking on a large scale, and in that line, as well as
millinery, seems to give general satisfaction.
She has been in the business in Stanton about two years, and has
conducted the same in such a manner as to receive a large patronage. Mrs.
W.S. Flemming The
millinery and dress-making establishment of Mrs. W.S. Flemming is one of the
important institutions of our village.
It was established in April, 1870, by Mrs. E.C. Mann, who continued the
business until August last, when the same was purchased by Mrs. M. Sutton. Two weeks ago the business changed hands
again and was purchased by Mrs. W.S. Fleming.
It is a large establishment of the kind, and ladies’ hats, bonnets,
dresses, etc., are manufactured quite extensively. A fine stock of fancy goods is always kept on
hand. MANUFACTURING Clark
& Riensmith Lumber Co. We head this somewhat lengthy list
with the planning mill establishment of the Clark & Rinesmith Lumber Co. This mill is, with the exception of
E. Colby & Co.’s, one of the largest of the kind in this county. It was erected in 1874, and in its extent
comprises a very large building, containing two first-class planning machines,
siding saws, rip-saws, box-saws, etc.
The company buys most of their lumber, manufacture it into flooring,
ceilings, siding, box machines, etc., and ship the same east. The persons comprising the firm are residents
of Fort Wayne, Ind. They also operate
several saw and shingle mills on the main line of the D.L. & N.R.R. A.J. Sterling The large planning mill of A.J.
Sterling was erected in 1872 by the Stanton Planing Company, and continued
operations under that name until last March, when A.J. Sterling became the solo
proprietor of the same. This mill
comprises an excellent planer, siding saws, etc., and also has in connection
with it machinery for the manufacture of shingles, conducted by C.R. Williams. All kinds of flooring, ceiling, siding,
batts, etc., are manufactured in this mill.
Mr. Sterling, the proprietor, is formerly of Bridgeport, Connecticut. He is a man of unusual zeal and energy,
enterprising, and is bound to succeed in any legitimate business. Miner
& Ackles The
iron and machine shop of Miner & Ackles was erected and put in operation in
the year 1874. By way of explanation, we
should have said that the machine shop alone was in operation in 1874, and that
the foundry was not put into operation until about the first of October
last. The gentleman composing this firm,
were formerly proprietors of a machine shop at Muir, from which place they
moved their machinery to Stanton. They
manufacture boilers, engines, mill machinery, agricultural implements, etc.,
and do a large and lucrative business. E. Colby & Co. The lumber manufacturing interests
of E. Colby & Co. have no equal in extent anywhere in this section of the
state. They have in operation several
large planning machines, siding saws, etc., which are situated in a building
and run by steam. Their lumber and
shingle mill is very large, having a capacity for working up nearly 100,000
feet of logs per day. These mills are
owned by E. Colby & Co., of Ionia, and are kept in operation the greater
part of the time. They will manufacture
about 30,000,000 feet of logs into lumber and shingles the coming summer. Smith & Sweeney This business firm was first
established by Robert Smith, six years ago.
The only branch of business which was represented at the outset was that
of general blacksmithing. This branch of
business was continued by Mr. Smith nearly a year, when a large building was
erected on Main street, and a copartnership was formed by himself and F.
Sweeney, of Jackson, and general carriage and wagon making was added to the
business, Mr. Sweeney being a practical wagon-maker, and conducting that branch
of business. Ever since the firm has
been known by the name of Smith & Sweeney, and the business has grown and
flourished under the same. Both are
young men, practical in all branches of their business, which includes
everything from a common horse, nail and a “go-cart” to the finer, fancy and
copious articles, instruments and vehicles. Bush
& Whiteman Bush & Whiteman (formerly
Henning & Bush, and more recently Z. Bush) are proprietors of a carriage,
wagon and blacksmith shop situated on Main street. The business was first started by John
Henning, after which a copartnership known as Kenning & Bush was formed and
continued until last June, when Mr. Bush became sole manager of the
business. About five weeks ago the
copartnership of Bush & Whitman was formed and the business is now
dispatched under that firm name. Messrs.
Bush & Whitman manufacture all kinds of wagons and carriages and do all
kinds of blacksmithing and repairing.
They are doing quite an extensive business. J.C.
Gilson J.C. Gilson opened business at
Stanton, in the boot and shoe manufacturing business line, in December, ’67, in
what was then known as the Bennett building, which he purchased of a gentleman
named Mallet. Since that time Mr. Gibson
(?) has continued the business at the old stand until about the middle of last
month, when he made an exchange of business sites with Lunn Bros. and moved his
tools and stock to the building formerly occupied by them for a bakery. Here he is now located and continues, as
ever, to do business on the square. He
is the oldest shoemaker in town, we believe, and during his sojourn in Stanton
has made considerable of an amount of money. Samuel Harman Samuel Harman, boot and shoe
manufacturer, first opened business in Stanton, about four years ago in J.M.
Zinkhan’s building. Last summer he
erected a fine, large building of his own on Main street and moved his tools
and leather stock there, and has since been “grinding out” work in a lively
manner. He generally keeps in his employ
several first-class workmen and manufactures boots and shoes exclusively for
his own trade. He is an excellent
workman, and his business is beginning to assume quite large proportions. All kinds of repairing is neatly done. Exclusive Lumber and Shingle Mills Giles Gilbert Mr. Giles Gilbert is one of the
oldest as well as most extensive lumbermen in the village. He came to Stanton in 1865, and in connection
with Mr. E.K. Wood, conducted the lumbering and mercantile business for many
years, when he sold out his mercantile interests to Mr. Wood and has since
given his whole attention to lumbering.
He has a large mill at Derby Lake and manufactures lumber, lath and
shingles on quite an extensive scale.
His lumber yard is situated near the D.L. & M. R.R. depot and, to
make the loading of cars more easy, he has caused the construction of a
sidetrack through the center of his yard.
He ships annually immense quantities of lumber, lath and shingles to
almost all parts of the United States, and in fact receives all the orders he
can possibly supply. Mr. Gilbert is
among the most energetic and enterprising of our citizens, and takes rank among
the leading business men of the village. G.F. Case Hon. G.F. Case erected his present
shingle mill about two years ago. His
mill comprises one first-class shingle machine, jointing saws, packers, etc.,
and does an average daily cutting of about 26,000 shingles. As previously stated in this article, Mr.
Case was the second person to build a home in Stanton, after the location of
the county seat. He started the first
shingle machine ever brought to the village, which he operated for several
years, and has since been the proprietor of several very important lumber and
shingle mills. He is a man that takes
great pride in seeing the village progress, and always has a good word for almost
every person he meets. A. Emerson A. Emerson, Esq., formerly a resident of Fairplains,
this county erected a shingle mill in Stanton about two years ago. His business consists principally in jobbing
for other parties, and his mill is kept in constant operation. From 25,000 to 30,000 shingles are
manufactured per day, which is considered pretty good work for one first-class
shingle machine. Mr. E. is a practical
shingle manufacturer, and runs his mill in tiptop shape. Wales & Son Wales & Son’s lumber mill, formerly owned by
Turner Bros. & Co. was erected in 1866.
This mill has been on the quietus during the past year. The proprietors are residents of Bridgeport,
Conn., we believe. R. Whiteman The lumber mill of R. Whiteman was erected in 1872
and has since been in almost constant operation. The proprietor of this mill resides in
Dansville, N.Y., and his lumber operations here, which are very extensive, are
under the management of D.L. Densmore, formerly of Owosso. The mill is very large in capacity and all
lumber manufactured by it is principally shipped east and south. (Missing are the articles from the November 8th
and November 15th papers) Miscellaneous G. Dingman came to Stanton about nine years ago and
purchased 40 acres of land, what is now known as the northeast quarter portion
of this village. During the first few
years of his residence here he sold lots, manufactured lumber, etc. In 1873 he embarked in the general
blacksmithing business, opened a shop on land at the corner of Pine and Mill
streets, which business he has continued to follow ever since. Mr. Dingman is a practical workman and a live
and energetic citizen. S.D. Hurd, contractor and builder came to Stanton
about three years ago, and opened a shop in the building in Main street near
the railroad. Mr. Hurd’s line of
business embraces almost everything in the building and wood manufacturing
line, such as cabinet and joiner work, scroll sawing, etc. During his residence here he has succeeded
well and has earned a good name as a citizen as well as a business man. O. Lane’s restaurant and dining room was opened
about four or five weeks ago. Though one
of the newest small business stands of our town, it is, however, important. Oysters, warm meals, etc., are “served up” in
a good style. Crippen & Buckleys Livery and Sales Stable is
among the “pioneer elements.” The stable
was built and the livery business established in 1868 by Sprague & Horton,
and continued by them until last March, when Messrs. Crippen & Bucklow, the
present proprietors, purchased the safe.
The barn is well equipped with first-class rigs. They keep on hand an average of 19 to 25
horses, and withal do a large and flourishing business. The proprietors are men of good repute,
honest in all their dealings and successful in their business. Noah Mishler established his livery stable about six
months ago, and from that date has made the livery business pay exceedingly
well. He keeps nine good horses, and his
turnouts are first-class. Conveys
passengers to all parts of the county. H.O. Watrous opened a carpenter shop in Stanton about the middle of December last. He came to this village about two years ago, and up to the time he opened a shop of his own was in the employ of Samuel Hurd. |