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WHISTORY
CHAS RICHARD TUTTLE
AUTHOR "ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF MICHIGAN."
GRAND RAPIDS:
PUBLISHED BY TUTTLE & COONRY.
HOaUTON B0s. & CO., GzNJRAL AXNTks.
Printed at the Democrat Office, Grand Rapids, Mich,
1874.




ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONCIRF, IN TIME YEAR 18.7J1,:1:
TUTTLE &COONEY, IN THE OFFIC OFFIC  ' THE III:I{TAAN
OF CONGRESS, AT WASIN(GTON, I). C.




PREFACE..My labors in connection with the "History of Michigan" have forcibly suggested the propriety of editing a
series of small volumes, embracing, separately, the histories of the principal cities of the Northwest. There is
very much valuable and interesting narrative connected
with the early settlement of this country which cannot
well be embraced in a general history of the State or
States, and yet this history, or these local traditions
should be preserved.
It will no doubt be a pleasing entertainment for the
readers of Grand Rapids and Kent county to go back to
the early days of Michigan civilization, when the first
footprints of tie white man were made on the valley
of the Grand River, and then to follow the interesting events in the history of the place, in a pleasant
style of narrative, down to the present time.  The
treaties between the Americans and the savages, the
midnight massacres, the bloody deeds of Indian treachery, the romance of pioneer life, the thrilling tales of
adventure and escape, the legends of the savages and
lastly, the great resources and rapid development of




4           HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.
the city,-all these combine to render the narrative
pleasing to the reader and valuable to the family library.
In conclusion, the publishers desire to tender their
thanks to the proprietors of the Grand Rapids Democrat
and especially to the men employed in the book department of their printing house, for the pains-taking care
and mechanical skill displayed in carrying this work
through to completion; and also to the press of Grand
Rapids for their favorable comments.
CHIARLES R. TUTTLE.
Detroit, Jan. 1874.




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.
CHAPTER I.
INDIAN VILLAGES OF THE OWASTENONG —THEIR APPEARANCE AND CONDITION IN 1760-A GRAND WAR
COUNCIL-SPEECH OF PONTIAC-DEPARTURE OF THE
WARRIORS FOR THE SEIGE OF DETROIT.
OWASHTENONG, or the rapids of the Grand River, was,
for many years, the center of savage intercourse in northwestern Michigan. A densly populated village of the
Ottawas was located on the west side of the river, about
a quarter of a mile below the rapids, and is spoken of in
various works on the Indian tribes of the Northwest, as
having reached its greatest strength and influence about
the year 1760. At this period the settlement is said to
have been the home of some three thousands souls, although it is not probable that so large a number resided
there permanently.
JZAS A- COIJ LYTE,
INSURANCE AND LAND AGENT,
Office, Lovett's Block, Opposite Sweet's Hotel,


GRAND RAPIDS,


-   MICHIGAN. A~N




6


IIISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


At a later period there were several Indian villages
in the vicinity of the rapids-one of the Chippewas, one
of the Pottawattamies, and another of a mixed population of various tribes. The Chippewas who came to
settle here were of that portion of this nation who became, at this period, a part of the great Indian confederation organized under the influence of Pontiac, the
Ottawa chief.
It is not our purpose here to enter into a complete
detail of the important events in the history of these Indian villages, but the reader will, no doubt, be entertained with a brief notice of their condition and customs
at that period at which our narrative commences.
The life of the Indians in this vicinity, though utterly
void of those many phases which vary the routine of
civilized existence, was one of considerable excitement.
The chase, the war path, the dance, the festival, the
game of hazard, the race of political ambition, all had
their votaries. When the assembled sachems had resolved on assisting the great Pontiac in the seige of
Detroit, in 1761, and when, from their great councilhouse of bark in the Valley of the Owashtenong,, their
C. G. A- VOIGT,  W. G. HERPOLSHEIMER.  H. HERPOLSHEIMER.
VOIGHT, HERPOLSHEIMER & CO.,
WHOLESAIE AND RETAIL DEALER IN
Staple and Fancy Dry Goods, Notions, Etc,,
MONROE STREET,
G-I:A.:.AD I:PI:DS. - I    C   I(3-.A..




]ITMAo1fY OF GRAXD R~APIDS.


7
I


deputies had gone forth to invite other warriors to arms,
then all along the banks of the Grand River, a thousand
war-like hearts caught up the summons with savage enthusiasm.
With feasting and praying, and consulting dreams and
omens; with invoking the war-god, and dancing the
frantic war dance, the warriors sought to insure the triumph of their arms in the contest to which they had
been summoned.
We will stop here to look in upon the great war council held in the valley of the Grand River, at the village
of the Ottawas, in the spring of 1761, at which Pontiac
himself was present. The great Ottawa chief came with
his squaws and children, and was received by the sachems with tokens of their greatest reverence for this
powerful warrior. Band after band came straggling in
from every side, until the valley for nearly a mile was
dotted with their slender wigwams. Here were idle
warriors, smoking and laughing in groups, or beguiling
the lazy hours with gambling, with feasting, or with
doubtful stories of their own exploits. Here and there
could be seen youthful gallants, brilliant with all the
foppery of beads, feathers and hawks' bills, but held, as
yet, in light esteem, since they had slain no enemy, and
taken no scalp; young damsels; radiant with bear's oil:and vermilion, and accomplished in all the arts of forest
coquetry. The scene was also enlivened by troops of
children, with small, black, mischevous eyes, roaming
along the outskirts of the woods.  '
The council took place early in April. On that morning, several old men, known as the heralds of the camp,
passed to and fro among the lodges calling the warriors,




8         tTISTOjiY OF tRAnD RAPIDS.
in a loud voice. In accordance with this summons they
came forth from their cabins-the Ottawas, wrapped
in their gaudy blankets; the Chippewas, fluttering in
painted shirts, with their heads adorned with feathers.
All were soon seated in a wide circle upon the grass,
row inside of row, a sober, silent assembly. "Each savage countenance," says the historian, "seemed carved in
wood, and none could have detected the deep and fiery
passions hidden beneath that immovable exterior. Pipes,
with ornamented stems, were lighted, and passed from
hand to hand."
Then Pontiac rose and walked to the center of the
ring. After taking a careful survey of his savage auditors, he began to speak. I-e opened his address by setting forth the arrogance, rapacity and injustice of the
English, and contrasted their deeds with those of the
French. He declared that the British commandant at
Detroit had treated him with neglect and contempt;
that the soldiers of that garrison had abused the Indians,
and if left alone, would soon come to drive his peaceful
hearers from their homes around this beautiful Oncashtenonfg.
He fully set forth the danger that would arise to his
people should the English gain supremacy. They had
expelled the French, and would soon turn upon the Indians. He then displayed a broad belt of wampum,
stating that he had received it from their great father,
the King of France, who would soon come to their assistance.
After rousing in his listeners their native thirst for
blood and vengeance, he next addressed himself to their
superstitions. Here he related a curious tale, which had




MtOJ Ityn Ot' nPTAt) O tU t.Aut)<S  t
formed the conclusion of many former speeches delivered
by this wonderful Indian for the purpose of gaining the
friendship and support of savage warriors.
Many other speeches were, doubtless, made in the
same council but no record of them has been preserved.
All present were eager to march to Detroit and attack
the garrison. The assembly now dissolved, and all the
evening the women were busily engaged loading the
canoes, which were drawn up on the back of the river
just below the rapids. At an early hour the following
morning the encampment broke up, and when the sun
arose, more than fifty canoes, filled with warriors, eould
be seen floating slowly down the river toward the lake.
They were following their gallant Ottawa leader to the
seige of Detroit.
CHAPTER II.
ANNUAL GATHERINGS IN THE VALLEY OF THE GRAND
RIvER-A GREAT FEAST IN THE SPRING OF 1674 -PREPARATION-S FOR THE FEAST-COOKING-THE PURIFICATION-THE ASSEMBLY.
EVERY spring, after the hunt was over, a large number of Indians of the Ottawa, Pottawatamie, Chippewa,
and other tribes, were accustomed to return to the
vicinity of the rapids of the Grand River, and here, in
the spring of 1764, one of their most memorable annual
feasts was celebrated. Again the valley of the Grand
Rapids was thickly dotted with curious wigwams, and in
every quarter for more than half a mile a busy scene
was presented. On this particular occasion, it is stated
that more than four thousand Indians-men women and
children-assembled to have their annual pow-wow. 'No




io


HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


sooner had the multitude collected than they began
preparations. A curiously shaped, oblong tent was
erected near the site of what was afterwards known as
the Baptist Mission. It was about thirty feet long and
twenty wide. A large quantity of bark was collected
and placed in huge piles near at hand, to be used as a
covering for the tent in the event of rain. This work
performed, they next made three small excavations near
each other in the middle of the tent, and after filling
them with hard, round stones, fires were built upon them
and kept burning constantly for three days. In the
meantime small tents were being put up in row;, extending up and down the west bank of the river for a considerable distance. These rows of wigwams were about
thirty feet apart, thus affording a splendid thoroughfare
between them. All along on either side of this broad
avenue, fires were built and kettles placed over them
containing a variety of savage delicacies, such as sturgeon, sturgeon eggs, venison, and such game as the
country afforded. In a majority of instances the cooking
was conducted after the rudest manner, and the dishes
served up were of such a nature as would sicken, rather
than feast a civilized person. We shall forbear giving
any details of their style of culinary, and be contented with
saying that it was of such a character as not to admit of
a description here.
At intervals along the valley might have been seen
groups of Indians lounging lazily upon the grass, indulging in a game of hazard, or recounting to each other
singular stories of their own heroic deeds. In every
quarter a free social intercourse prevailed. The meet



HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


11


ing appeared to be one of old friends, and each seemed
anxious to relate his wonderful experience to the other.
Feasting and conviviality prevailed everywhere in the
broad valley; and with the bright sunlight dancing upon the troubled bosom of the rapids; with acres of
curiously formed tents, and long rows of smouldering
fires mingling their curling smokes; with thousands of
strange, brawny Indian forms, painted and adorned,
moving quickly to and fro-the scene was a curious and
interesting blending of nature and savage pastime.
Muskets and war clubs, scalping-knives and tomahawks were laid aside, and each soul seemed, for the
time being, to throw off every care of life, and to indulge
his or her savage nature on the broadest principles of
unrestrained, untrammelled freedom. Here the children
of the forest once more enjoyed the pleasures of their
annual feast, uninterrupted by any barrier of civilization.
Only one white man's presence marred the curious harmony of the occasion. This was in the person of a
French traveler and explorer, who, having skirted the
western border of Lake Michigan, was now exploring
the source of the Grand River. Arriving at this extensive but temporary settlement, he found the savages both
' friendly and hospitable, and accepted an invitation to
mingle with them in some of the amusements of the occasion.
One phase of this broad, living picture was the sign of
approaching danger to the eye of the French traveler.
Not far fromthe tent of the principal chief lay five barrels of whisky, although at this stage of the proceedings
not one had been opened.




12


HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


Returning to the scene of action at the large tent
spoken of at the beginning of this chapter, we find the
heralds of the great chief busily engaged dragging, by
means of rude wooden tongs, the hot. stones from the
embers of the three smouldering fires, and carrying them
to a smaller tent, not more than twenty paces distant.
The latter had been formed by twining together the tops
of small trees, and covering them with blankets from top
to bottom. In the center of this tent the Indians had
dug out the earth, carefully removing it some distance,
and were now filling the excavation with the hot stones,
already mentioned. When this had been completed,
three of the leading chiefs, after removing their scanty
clothing, provided themselvss each with a sort of splint
broom, and entered the small tent. Vessels of water
were passed in and sprinkled upon the hot stones by the
chiefs, who muttered a curious prayer as they waved the
dripping brooms over the steaming mass.
This was called the exercise of purification, and must,
indeed, have been a painful one to the three subjects
within. This was kept up for nearly an hour, until the
blankets which covered the tent were dripping with the
evaporated steam.  After the chiefs had been thoroughly steamed, and thereby purified, they came forth,
their tawny skin presenting a par-boiled appearance,
and passed into the large tent. Taking seats upon a
small platform which had been erected at one end of the
enclosure, and being provided with small red blankets
with which to cover their nakedness, they busied themselves wiping the great drops of sweat from their bodies,
while the principal young men tncl women who had




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


]3


come to the feast came in, in solemn procession, and occupied seats upon the circle of mats that had been carefully arranged for the purpose.
CHAPTER III.
ANNUAL ADDRESS OF THE CHIEFS-THE FEAST-DANCE
-THE CAROUSE-SAVAGE INTOXICATION-THE ENi
OF THE FEAST.
A SOLEMN silence prevailed. At length the oldest
chief rose and began to recite the history of his tribe.
He laid down the principles of their religion and government, and urged upon his young men the great importance of their duties. They should not only become
acquainted with these things, but remember, support
and honor them. They must perpetuate the principles
of their religion, preserve the correct history of their
tribe, and, at proper times; impress it upon the succeeding generation.
The two other purified chiefs followed with a similar
address. When the last of these was concluded the assembled Indians prepared for their feast-dance, which
was conducted in the same tent. This performance
lasted about an hour, and was the most peculiar scene
of the feast. The dance was conducted according to a
system more complex, and, perhaps, more difficult to perform than any of those known to civilization. Yet each
participant entered into it with an ease and grace truly
admirable.
The only music was performed on a bark drum partly
filled with corn, which, when beaten with a short stick,
measured the time, so accurately followed by the performers.




14          HISTORY OP GRAND RAPIDS.
During the dance, some of the women, who took no
part in the exercise, busied themselves in hiding the
guns and other weapons, preparatory to the carouse
which was to follow. At the conclusion of the exercises
in the great tent the Indians repaired to the wigwam of
their chief, where the whisky awaited their further
action. The barrels were tapped and the liquid freely
distributed among the thirsty savages, who soon became
exceedingly happy. They kept up a continual drinking
and shouting, and leaping, and performing all manner of
acrobatic feats, until silenced in the sleep of intoxication.
But during all this hilarity not a squaw tasted the liquor.
They were, for the time being, contented with laughing
at the curious feats of their drunken husbands or lovers.
No sooner, however, had the joyous yells of the'men subsided than the women began their indulgence, and the
scene that followed is beyond all description. A drunken
Indian cuts an amusing figure, but what shall we say of
the intoxicated squaw? She adds to his coarse jollity
vulgar and mello-dramatic situations, from which the
civilized eye turns away in horror and disgust.
But the women had their debauch with all its accompanying scenes of shameful indulgences, and were soon
prostrated among the senseless bodies of the men. Thus
the scene changed. As evening drew near thousands of
Indian forms lay motionless upon the green valley, while
the mischievous children ran about leaping over them as
if to act their part in the curious drama;
When darkness closed in upon the scene the stillness
was broken only by the prattle of the children, with an
occasional shout from some reviving savage, who, be



HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.          15
wildered with the situation, seemed anxious to awaken
his companions.                              s
The night passed in comparative silence, and when the
sun rose on the following morning, nearly all signs of
intoxication had disappeared. The feast was continued
several days, and not until serious differences. began to
arise among the Indians did the) break up their timehonored exercises.
CHAPTE i IV.
THE OTTAWA MISSION-UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT OF MR.
McCoY-SUCCESS OF REV. L. SLATER-THE MISSION SCHOOL-SOME OF ITS CHARACTERISTICS.
FROMi 1764 to 1820 the history of the Indian settlenients in the vicinity of Grand Rapids is necessarily disconnected; yet, during most of this period, there were
two or more permanent settlements on the west bank of
the river-one of the Ottawas, and another of this nation and the Ghippewas. The population of these villages varied with the seasons. In the spring and fall,
the number of Indians collected here would often reach
three or four thousand, but in mid-summer or winter it
would sometimes be decreased to three or four hundred.
Like all other Indian villages the inhabitants were a
transient set, constantly moving away or returning, as
their savage notions or the requirements of the chase demanded.
The village of the Ottawas was the most permanent,
and, in point of population and influence, was the
strongest settlement on the Grand River when the first
rays of civilization broke through the forests from Detroit. Their rude huts were clustered along the western




1i          i1,!8tssT  it o nA.Si) nAi ItU
margin of the rapids to the number of about one huti
dWd when Mr. Isaac McCoy visited the village in 17218
for the purpose of establishing a station in the interests
of the government and civilization.
This gentleman, who resided at Fort Wayne, visited
Gen. Cass, at Detroit, in June, 1822, for the purpose of
securing the privileges of the Chicago treaty. The Governor had already appointed a commissioner to make
definite arrangements with the Indians for the sites of
the missionary stations, and Granld Rapids had been
designated as a suitable place for the Ottawa Mission.
Mr. McCoy made the journey to this place in company
with a Frenchman, named Paget, in the following year.
On their arrival they met with so many difficulties that
they failed to accomplish their purpose. A council was
held with the Ottawa chiefs, and Mr. McCoy addressed
them through an interpreter, at considerable length, setting forth the plans of the government and the advantages which the Indians would derive fiom a cheerful acceptance of them. Kewaykushquom, chief of the Ottawa
village, replied in a brief speech, refusing to accept the
conditions offered.
In 1824, Rev. L. Slater, came to Grand Rapids, accompanied by a blacksmith and several workmen, and succeeded in winning the friendship of the savages. He
established the Baptist Mission, which afterwards performed efficient service in the interests of civilization.
The life of this christian pioneer was fraught with many
hardships; he began his work at Grand Rapids by erecting a log house for his own residence, and a log school
house. These were the first buildings ever erected by
civilized persons at Grand Rapids, although the Ameri



IIISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


17


can Fur Company had built a small store house about
two miles farther up the river, as early as 1780.
Mr. Slater's labors were among the Ottawas, and he
soon became a favorite with Chief Kewaykushquom.
The little block school-house which had been erected
under the auspices of his mission was soon filled with
the children of the forest, where the light of christianity
and civilization found its first admirers among the savages in the Grand River Valley.
At this point in our narrative, a mention of the events
in commercial enterprise would seem necessary, but we
shall follow out the record of the Baptist Mission, and at
the beginning of the succeeding chapter, return to the
scenes of the fur trade.
It is hardly necessary to say that Mr. Slater's efforts
to convert and educate the savages were, like all other
attempts of the kind, without satisfactory results; but
while this end proved to be unattainable, the devoted
missionary saw the fruits of his labors in another direction. If the Indian mind and heart could not appreciate
and fully possess his religious doctrines, the christian
influence which he brought to bear upon them so far
subdued the savage nature as to give the votaries of
DER. C. W'. IHOI=I2TS,
For Special and Chronic,             Confidential Physician
Diseases, Obstetrics.  PhySicial,         FOR
Diseases of Women.                  Ladies and Gentlemen.
Office, 33 Monroe Street, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Safe, Sure and Honest Treatment, Embracing the Grand Reform in Medicine
as based upon the Great Truth of Phrenology, Physiology and Anatomy combined. B:?'OFFICE HOURS: From 7 o'clock, A. M., to 8 o'clock P. M.
C Olq'STAT_:TA.TION'r FB'?_EES.




18


HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


commercial enterprise a welcome among their villages.
In this way Mr. Slater had his reward.
But his endeavors to convert the Ottawas were not
wholly barren; nor were his labors to educate them
without a degree of success. After laboring for some
time in this rude building, a frame school house was
erected, and the old block house converted into a dwelling. This modern mission school house was erected in
1837, by the same mission, and was situated near the
corner of Bridge and Front streets. It was originally
devoted to the Indian children attached to Mr. Slater's
mission, but, owing to the influx of white population,
and to the indisposition of the Indiant, it was soon after
appropriated to the former.
The first white school was opened in the spring of
1837, and Miss Bond, a young lady attached to the mission, installed as its first teacher. She taught one year
beginning her labors with the following list of pupils:
George and Emily Slater; Ezra, Samuel M., Selden E.
and Alfred B. Turner; Mary and Sarah C. Sheldon;
Aaron B., Alzina, Chester B., Clarissa and Thereosa Turner; Reuben E., Almira M,. and James N. Davis; Lucy
Sliter; Cornelia and Henry W. Norton; Sally Willard
CALKINS BROS. ALBERT & RUPP
CASH GROCERSDealr in
GROCERIES, PROVISIONS,
25 MONROE STREET,   CROCKERY, GLASSWARE, FRUIT
GRAND RAPIDS, - MICH,        VEGETABLES, &C.,
r  tn  t        106 Canal St,
Prices Lower than the Lowest.


Terms Striptly Cash.


IGRAND RAPIDS, - MICHIGAN.




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


19


and Nathan Sibley; George M. and Clarissa White, and
Arsnich, daughter of the Indian chief Mec-cis-si-nin-ni.
An old resident, writing of this school house, truthfully remarks: "It was not furnished with furnaces,
wood ready sawed and a man to build fires. The caloric
was generated by a huge sheet-iron box stoye. Each
patron of the school furnished so much wood per scholar,
and as the wood was generally cut in sled lengths, the
male portion of the scholars carried their axes and cut it
into stove-wood at noon-time or recess. The 'Board of
Education' was not pestered at that time for gymnastic
apparatus for the purpose of giving the scholars an opportunity for exercising their muscle in order to give tone
to their minds, for the teachers furnished all the apparatus
necessary for that purpose, and, I may add, applied it
with severity."
The school, in those days commenced at 8 o'clock A.
M. and closed at 5 P. M., and was kept open six days in
the week. Nothing was considered a sufficient excuse
for dismissing school save the celebration of the "Glorious Fourth."
The inside of the house was not furnished with patent
desks and seats, but with benches, some of which were
GRAWFORD BROS.,
Wholesale and Retail Groceries,
AND DEALERS IN
PURE WINES AND LIQUORS,
Pearl St., Foot Monroe, Grand Rapids,




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.
made of planed boards, and others of unplaned slabs, flat
side up, with pegs for legs. There were two desks for
writing, extending the length of the sides of the building. When the hour for writing arrived the scholars
were directed to face the wall. This afforded an excellent chance for the teacher to look over the shoulder of
the pupil, see how the quill pen was held, and when the
marks were too horizontal and perpendicular. If either
were the case, "a reminder" was put in, the position of
the scholar affording too good an opportunity to be
lightly thrown away. The result of this "correction"
would be the making of sundry lines and curves unknown in geometry.
It was the custom in those days to hold evening "spelling school" about twice in every week. There was a
larger attendance at this than at the regular day school.
The exercises usually closed with the scholars standing
up and "spelling down," and the,contest was usually attended with considerable excitement.
D. J. DOORNINK,
DEALER IN
OICGAR.S, TOBA-CCOS, &C.
-  ALSO ---
HOLLAND BOOKS, SCHOOL BOOKS.
AND STATIONERY OF EVERY DESCRIPTION.


59 Monroe-St.,


GRANOB RAPI099 MICH.




HISTORY OF GRA ND RAPII)D.


21


CHAPTER V.
INCIDENTS OF EARLY SETTLEMENT-ARRIVAL OF LOUis
CAMIPAU-HONESTY OF TIIE INDIANS-THE DEXTER
COLONY-THE FIRST POSTMASTER-INCIDENTS OF
LETTER WRITING.
MR. SLATER'S Christian labors having let a ray of light
into the wilderness, commerce, her necessary handmaid,
was not long in following. Louis Campau was the first
white person who came to Grand Rapids to build himself a home. He was born in Detroit in the year 1791.
His ancestors were French, and came to Detroit before
the war of the Revolution. He had not the advantages
of early education, but, being endowed with a clear intellect and great force of character, he became a useful
and valued citizen.
He came to Grand Rapids at the solicitation, and under the patronage of Mr. William Brewster, of Detroit,
who was extensively engaged in the fur business, in rivalry with the American Fur Company, and who fur
nished him with all that was required to successfully
prosecute the business. Mr. Campau afterward opened
trading posts and established his agents at Muskegon,
FOSTER, STEVENS & CO.,
HAARJDVWARE,


10 and 12 Monroe Street.


Grand Rapids, Mich.




22


HISTORY OF (RAND RAPIDS.


Manistee, Kalamazoo, Lowell, Hastings and Eaton Rapids. All the Indians with whom he came in contact were
both friendly and peaceful. They were also honest, and
could be trusted with goods, never even in a single instance failing to pay as soon as they had the ability. Fur
was the principal currency of that day, and the Indians
found a lucrative business in exchanging it for the products of civilization.
For more than seven years Mr. Campau's only white
companions were traders like himself, with an occasional
traveler. IHe made but a faint attempt at improving the
place, having cleared away only about three acres of
timber during the first five years of his residence in this
place. But in 1833 the pioneers of civilization began to
arrive. A land office was opened at White Pigeon and
Mr. Campau and Mr. Luther Lincoln were the first purchasers. Mr. Lincoln's purchase included the site of the
present village of Grandville, and that of Mr. Campau
comprised a tract in which a portion of the city of
Grand Rapids is now located.
In the spring of 1833, Mr. Samuel Dexter came to
Ionia with a colony of sixty-three persons from New
York, cutting a road through the woods from Pontiac,
C. G; A. Voigt.  W. G. Herpolsheimer.  H. Herpolsheimer.
VOIGT, HERPOLSHEIMER & CO.,
Wholesale aud Retail Dealers in
STAPLE AND FANCY DRY GOODS, NOTIONS, &C.
MONROE STREET,


QFM_&1T1) ML&,.:P~j)S




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.          23
which was afterwards known as the Dexter Trail.  Mr.
Dexter afterwards laid out what is known as the Dexter
Fraction of Grand Rapids. Most of the colonists accompanying this gentleman became residents of this city
and succeeded in establishing themselves in the best business interests of the city.
This was the beginning of settlement, and it was continued with increasing numbers. Following Mr. Dexter,
came Mr. Joel Guild, who purchased the lot from Mr.
Campau, on which the City National Bank now stands,
paying the small sum of twenty-five dollars therefor.
On the following summer he erected a small frame house
on his lot which was the second building put up on the
west side of the river. Mr. Guild brought with him his
family consisting of a wife and seven children. He soon
became honorably identified with the early enterprise
of Grand Rapids, and lived to see his sons and daughters comfortably settled. Soon after his arrival he was
appointed Postmaster and held the position for several
years, or until succeeded by Darius Windsor.
While Mr. Guild was Postmaster of Grand Rapids the
mail was brought to the city once a month on the backs
of Indian ponies. The postage on a single letter was two
PRICE & BAYLISS,        J. J. VWOILJFE,
Dealers in                Dealer in
OOA.L & WOO D, Ch 0lace              r0ocerles,
OFFICE, 25 Canal Street; Yard Corner  Flour, Provisions, &c.
Winter and West Fulton Sts.  o. 16. Corner of Bridge & Front Sts
Grand. Rapds  Mich.       r GRAN  BrPidS. MICII.


Grand Rapids,


Mich.


GRAND RAPIDS. MICH.




HISTORY OP GRAND RAPIDS.


shillings, and, during the first two or three years times
were so hard among the settlers that the poorer class
found it a difficult matter to raise funds for a regular
correspondence. Many a true hearted pioneer carried
his carefully folded letter, sealed with red wax, in his
"waist-coat" pocket, waiting and longing for something
to turn up by which he might raise the coveted shilling
for the necessary postage, while, perhaps, his "sweet
heart," anxiously waiting the arrival of the same missive
in some eastern home, her troubled heart filled with unpleasant forebodings of inconstancy. But these early
settlers were not easily discouraged. Many. of them
worked a whole week for one shilling rather than to give
their intended partners cause for doubt, and cheerfully
gave the six days hard earnings, no doubt in the belief
that when the letter reached its owner its true value
would be fully appreciated. I have been told of one instance in which the pioneer's heart became so wrought
up from being unable to pay the postage on a love-letter
which he had carried in his pocket four months, that he
gave a new pair of boots for the required shilling. That
letter, which I was permitted to read, only a few days
ago at the house of one of the oldest residents in Grand
Rapids contains the following paragraph:
R  W. SCHOFIELD,               ESTABLISIHED 1850,
Manufacturer of       R    BTT  TTON,
DENTIST,
Scroll Saws, Panel Raisers, 38 Canal Street, Grand Rapids, 2 Doors
South of Star Clothing House.
EMERY SAW GUMMER8, &c.
Foot of Erie and Mill Ste.  Teeth Extracted by the use of Pure Gas,
with care. Charges Reasonable and
Grand Rapids,       Mioh. Work Warranted.




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


25


" Dear Jane: I reckon you have gone off and married
amother man, and if you havn't already I'm afraid you
will before this reaches you, for, at the present time, I
have no money to pay the postage with, and can see no
way to get it. We are having hard times here this winter. The flour is all gone and we have no money, but I
am still true to my last promise, and trust you will wait
until I can make it good."
This fearful heart was afterwards cheered by the arrival of "Jane," who became his wife at Grand Rapids in
1839.
This case has many parallels in the early history of
the city, but those times have thoroughly passed away,
and now almost any quantity of love may be sent abroad
for three cents.
In 1833 there were only a few acres of cleared land on
either side of the rapids. The Indians had several acres
cleared on the west side just below where the railroad
bridge now crosses the river. Here was located the village of the Ottawas, containing about sixty huts, and,
perhaps, three hundred inhabitants. It was among these
Indians that the Rev. Mr. Slater established the mission
spoken of in the previous chapter. The chief of the village was called Kewaykushquom, who, besides ruling
S. 0. KINGSBURY.                       S. P. BENNETT
KINGSBURY & BENNETT,
DEALERS IN
Anthracite      and   Bituminous       Coal,
WOOD, CHARCOAL AND COKE,
Office and Yard, cor. Calder and Fulton Ste.,


C~~A~YI, ZA,]PICIDS,3


51ICH,




26


HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


these savages, held a limited sway over the village of the
Ottawas and Chippewas, located about half a mile further
up the river, on the same side. The subordinate chief
of the latter village was called Noonday.
It was at this village that the Catholic Mission was
established.
Many of the old settlers of Grand Rapids are unable
to give any account of this village, and some of them dispute the fact of its existence there at this period. This
may be accounted for, as it was a transient settlement,
and at an early day became united with the Ottawas under Kewaykushquom, a few scattering families of the
Chippewas only remaining to perpetuate their government. These soon became unwelcome intruders in the
eyes of the Ottawas, and were either driven away or
forced to join them.
Besides this permanent Indian settlement there was
always a large number of the Ottawas and Chippewas,
who, returning from the chase, would gather upon the
western bank of the rapids every spring and fall. These
semi-annual encampments became larger and of greater
importance after the government adopted its system of
distributing clothing and other necessaries to the Indians in this vicinity.
B. EH E A.                  T,.
Importer and Wholesale Dealer in
WINES AND LIQUORS,
Of the best brands, for Medical and Family use.


94 Canal Street,


GRAND RAPIDS.




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


27


We shall now pass on with the incidents of early settlement, and again return to a more detailed description
of these villages.
CHAPTER VI.
EARLY SETTLERS-T TE CATHOLIC MISSION-DISPUTE
BETWEEN MR. CAMPAU AND FATHER BARRIGAU-THE
DARK DAYS OF KENT-INCREASE OF IMIGRATIONCOURTSIII.S-TIHE FIRST sMARRIAGE-TH E FIRST
TOWN MEETING-BUILDIN8S-THE PIONEER LAWYER AND DOCTOR-RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CATIIOLIC MISSION-SUCCESS OF REV. FATHER VOZOISKY.
THE tide of emigration had now fairly set in, and in
a few years Grand Rapids became quite a village.
Mr. E. Turner and Mr. Ira Jones came in 1833, and
also, during the same year, MIr. Jonathan F. Chubb,
with his family. Mr. Chubb located and cultivated a
farm between Grand Rapids and Grandville, but after
devoting only a few years to this work he sold his farm,
moved into the city and opened an agricultural store on
Canal street. He died several years ago, and his son, A.
L. Chubb, succeeds him in active business life.
It was at this period that the Catholic mission, already
spoken of, was established. The Baptist mission was
then in full operation among the Ottawas under Kewaykushquom, therefore the Rev. Father Barrigau chose
Noonday's village for the site of his mission house.
This priest began his labors in 1833, and in the latter
part of the same year erected a small frame building on
the outskirts of this village. Mr. Louis Campau wanted
the building on the east side of the river and eventually
carried his point, and engaged a man named Barney




28           IISTORt OF ORAND RAPIDS.
Burton to move it across the river on the ice.     Rev.
Father Barrigau did not suit the singular, and to some
extent, impracticable notions of Mr. Campau, and soon
left in consequence. Thus the Catholic mission died out
for the time.
During this period, when Mr. Campau and Mr. Barrigau were disagreeing over certain religious matters,
which resulted in breaking up the Catholic school, the
children on the east side of the river were taken across
to Rev. Mr. Slater's mission school in a birch-bark
canoe, returning by the same means in the evening.
These were dark days in the history of Grand Rapids.
Only a few pioneers, not to exceed thirty, then struggled for an existence here. Most of them had come for
the purpose of trading with the Indians, and took but
little interest in the improvement of the place; whlile,
on the other hand, there were a few enterprising, farsighted Americans among them, who, foreseeing the future greatness of the site, began to clear away the forests with a view to erecting a permanent home.
Thege persons, no doubt, appeared somewhat enthusiastic in the eyes of the French traders, who have never
been able to see anything in the future of Michigan unJAS. cA. COTLER
Represents the following first-class companies:
Merchants Fire Ins. Co., Newark, N. J., Cash Assetts, $700,000.
Amazon Fire Ins. Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, Cash Assetts, $1,000.000.
National Fire Ins. Co., Philadelphia, Pa., Cash Assetts, $600,C00.
Humboldt Fire Ins. Co., Newark, N. J., Cash Assetts, $300,000.
Clay Fire Ins. Co., Newport, Ky., Cash Assetts, $300,000.
U. S. Plate Glass Ins. Co., Philadelphia, Pa., Cash Assetts, $100,000.
Risks Taken upon their Merits at Fair Rates,
Oioe, Lovett's Blqrk, Opp, Sweet's Hotel.




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


29


til it has been fully accomplished; but some of these
persons still live to feel and realize vastly more than
these "enthusiastic pioneers" ever hoped for.
One day, during the winter of 1834-5, an American
who had purchased a small lot remarked to Mr. Campau
that he believed Grand Rapids, then the obscure hamlet
of Kent, would, in less than twenty years, become a
flourishing city. The good old pioneer and father of the
city responded with a sneer, for at this time he could see
nothing in Grand Rapids beyond the fur trade. But
even this patriarch has lived to feel the power and see
the matchless results of American enterprise. HIe has
lived to see his forest trading post converted into a
gleat manufacturing and commercial mart.  lie sought
a home in the forest, but lived to see that home surrounded by a populous city, and died in the midst of
civilization.
In 1834 the tide of emigration rolled along with steady
progress. Among the most notable who came were
Richard Godfroy, Robert Barrs, Louis Morau and Lovell
Moore. This year is notable for one single event-the
first marriage in Grand Rapids. The happy pair were
Harriet Guild and Barney Burton.  The courtship was
conducted here beside the old-fashioned fire-place, in the
little house of Mr. Joel Guild, which i-n:,o  where the
City National Bank now stands. Barney wts a hard
working fellow, steady, honest and genial, and many a
long evening did he entertain Harriet with curious pictares of their future home and happiness. She listened
with increasing interest, perhaps forgetting that the
hour was growing late; for in those days getting married
was almost always prefaced by a hearty courtship-a




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


courtship not of afternoon calls, in which the aspirant
for matrimonial blessings is entertained with piano music,
but a courtship extending into the solemn stillness of the
night, when, by the dim firelight, which revealed the
honest faces of only two at every glare, the vows were
made-vows seldom broken. Such was Barney Burton's
courtship. Returning from the woods, after a hard
(day's work of "saw-logging," he would carefully lay
aside his buck-skin moccasins, and, putting on his "Sunday clothes," he would skip over to Uncle Joel's, where
he always found the true-hearted Iarriet to welcome
him. Such pastimes, I fancy, caused Barney to forget
his weariness, and to think only of happier days to
come.
It was also in 1834 that the first town meeting was
held, and this, too, was held at Mr. Guild's residence,
which was, at this period, the principal frame building
in the settlement of Kent. There were only nine voters.
The township was organized on the 4th of April in this
year..There does not appear to have been any defined
limits to the organization, but it is supposed to have embraced all the settlements within the present county of
Peck's Morning Call!
AT THE DELMONICO.
L ades and Gents' Dining Rooms
Don't Forget our
35 Cent Dinner, Supper and. Breakfast.
l       AAll kinds of Game in Season. All regular
-Meals 35 Cents.
GRAND RAPIDS,           MICH.
J. S. PECK, Supt.




IISTOllY OF GRAXI) RAPIDS.


31


Kent. The division now known as the township of
Grand Rapids, received its name in 1842.
As I have already said, the first township meeting was
held in the house of Joel Guild, and the number of electors was nine. The officers elected were: Rix Robinson,
Supervisor; E. Turner, Clerk; Joel Guild and Barney
Burton, Assessors; Ira Jones, Collector. At the time of
the organization and for several years thereafter, the
taxes were collected by the Collector, and paid over to
the Supervisor, and disbursed by him. The first Treasurer was elected in 1839, aud the first entry upon his
books was as follows: "May 14th, 1839.-Received of E.
W. Davis, Supervisor, eight dollars on the Grand River
Bank; three dollars on the Ypsilanti Bank; one dollar
and twenty-five cents on the Pontiac Bank, and sixtytwo cents in specie."  The amount of taxes that had been
collected the year previous was $174. This includes all
the taxes collected in 1838 in the whole county of Kent.
From this statement the rapid growth of the city and
county is apparent to all.
Among the settlers of 1834 were Ezekiel Davis, Lewis
WM. A. 13ROWN,               WARNER & HOYT,
l)DALER IN
WROUGHT     IRON  PIPE, MILLINEIY AND FjNCY GOODS
Gas Fixtures, Pumps,      I n all the Latest Styles.
Marbelized Iron and Slate Mantels,
Steam Goods, Hot Air Furnaces, Plumbing Goods, Steam and Gas Fittings, &c  No. A2 Mozroe Street,
Also manufacturer of Tin, Copper and2   e ree
Sheet Iron Wares.
124 Canal Street,
GRAND RAPIDS,    MICHIGAN Grand Rapids,      Mich.




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


Reed, Ezra Reed, Porter Reed, David S. Leavitt, and
Robert M. Barr. Among those who followed in 1835 -t-7 were James McGrath, George Young, Robert
Thompson, John   V. Fisk, Matthew  Taylor, Leonard
Covell, John F. Godfroy, James Nelson, and a host of others, who have since made comfortable homes for.themselves in or around the city of Grand Rapids.
The first hotel put up in Kent was erected by M1r.
Fisk, and was afterwards known as the Lake House.
In the fall of 1834 Mr. Louis Campau commenced a
large frame building, which, to this day, exists as the
upper two stories of a part of the Rathbun House, and
in the following year there was a general movement of
settlers from various parts of northwestern Michigan and
from Detroit to Grand Rapids.  Among these were Edward Guild and Darius Winsor, from Ionia; Hon. Lucius Lyon, Jefferson Morrison, Antoine Campau, James
Lyman, A. Hosford Smith, D. Turner, W. C. Godfroy,
Dr. Wilson, Dr. Charles Shepard, and Julius C. Abel.
Dr. Wilson was the first doctor in Kent. He was furnished with a medicine case and a set of instruments by
CHAS. E. BELKNAP,     ia         ESTAI,.HEED S0,
B, BUTTON
CARRAGE AND WAGON SHOP
Ij       DENTIST,
PLATPORN WAGONS A SPIClALTY,
38 Canal Street, Grand Rapids, 2 Doors
South of Star Clothing House.
Cor. let and Front Sts.,
Teeth Extracted by the use of Pure Gas,
with care. Charges Reasonable and
GRAND RAFIDS,       MIOH. Work Warranted.






HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


33


Louis   Campau, and       commenced      practicing   in Grand
Rapids in the fall of 1835, when the total white population of the village was not more than fifty.
Julius C. Abel was the pioneer lawyer, and soon became rich out of the misunderstandings and legal conflicts
of the inhabitants. James Lyman and Jefferson Morrison put up stores and commenced trading.             These improvements or additions to the little town were valuable
aids, for, at this period, commerce seems to have got a
legitimate foothold in the place.
In the same year Mr. N. 0. Sargeant, purchased an
interest with Lucius Lyon       in the Kent Plat, and came
on with a large number of workmen for the purpose of
digging a mill-race.     Judge Almy      and wife came at the
same time.
The entrance of Mr. Sargeant's expedition was indeed
an exciting event in the little town of Kent. The workmen came into the place with their shovels and picks on
their shoulders, marching in double file, to the inspiriting notes of a bugle in the hands of one of their number.   The chief of the Ottawa village beheld the demonIOTTANIC           P;IYSICIAN]. 38 CANITAL                  rET.
Who has for the past twelve years been located in Opera Block, has now,
since being burned out, removed his stock to 38 Canal St., where he continues to CURE every description of ACUTE, CHRONIC and PRIVATE DISEASE, on
the most reasonable terms. He manufactures all of his remedies from the raw
material, hence, known to be PURELY VEGETABLE. He uses no MINERALS or
POISONS. Having prescribed for over eighteen thousand patients within the
past ten years WITHOUT LOSING ONE OF THEM, where he was the only doctor
called, he guarantees reasonable satisfaction in the treatment of every disease
which afflicts humanity.
He keeps constantly on hand over 200 kinds of the most choice Roots, Barks
and Herbs, and over 100 kinds of his own manufacture of medicines. He is to
be found at his office at all hours-day or night.
Among the leading articles of medicine manufactured by him are his LIvsBI
SYRUPS, COUGH SYRUPS and FEMALE RESTORATIVES, all of which give universal
satisfaction. Call and counsel with a doctor, who will promise you nothing but
uhat he will faithfully perform, and will correctly locate your disease and give
you a correct diagnosis of your cases without asking you scarcely a question.
Liver complaints treated for fifty cents per week, and other diseases in proportion. Council at the office FREE.




34


HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


stration with amazement and immediately despatched
one of his deputies to Mr. Campau, with offers of assistance to help me drive the invaders, as he regarded
them, from the town. The chief was so far excited by
this entry of pioneers that he assembled his warriors in.
council so as to be ready for action as soon as the deputy returned from Mr. Campau. The reader will scarcely
be able to imagine the chargrin of these disappointed
indians when the deputy returned and announced Mr.
Campau's reply in the following words: "These are our
friends and brethern who have come to labor with us,
let us welcome them I"
Among the prominent arrivals in 1835 was the Rev.
Father Vizoisky, who was for seventeen years, pastor of
the Catholic flock in Grand Rapids. This good man
was a native of Hungary, and received his education at
the Catholic institutions of learning in Austria under
the patronage of tile Hungarian Chancery. IHe came
to the United States in 1831. By the appointment of
the Bishop of Detroit he officiated three years in St.
Clair county, and in 183-5, he removed to the Grand
River Mission which had been broken up in the manner
already described. Among the other settlers of 1835,
I will also mention Lyman and Horace Gray, Andrew
Robbins, Martin Ryerson.
The Rev. Father Vizoisky's ministry in Grand Rapids
was marked by unsurpassed devotion, and the most
gratifying success. No road was rough enough and no
weather inclement enough to keep him from the post of
duty. To the poor he brought relief; to the sick consolation; and to the dying the absalvatory promises of his




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


35


office. He died January 2d, 1852, at the age of Bixty
years; having lived to see a handsome stone chuch ediflee erected on Monroe St. two years previous to his
death, and filled with a numerous and: prosperous congregation.
CHAPTER VII.
TiLE MAINIA O)F SPECULATIO-N-NEW SETTLERs-FICTITIOUS VALUES-WILD-CAT MONEY-HARD TIM-.EsRUIN OF THlE BANKS-A BLEAK AND DREARY WINTER
-TILE HARD) FLOUR-Ak WELCOME SPRINTG-MOIRE
IN 1836 the mania of speculation, which pervaded all
Michigan, found many enthusiastic votaries in the town
of Kent. Lots were held at almost as high prices as
they will bring to-day. If a man bought a piece of Jand
for $100, he at Once set his price at $1,000, and confidently awaited a purchaser. The currency was inflated
and "wild-cat mnoney" in superabundance supported
these fictitious values. Everybody got largely in debt,
atnd for the time being, became intoxicated with a fiction,
-D E?.               F         S CO.
Offce and Parlors, 11 Canal St., Grand Rapids. First Stairs north of Sweet's
Hotel.
Practical, Operating and Consulting
E'8-T28101AX1~LT           A_1NJD     S-UTIG&:FO        T_
Trea~ts all Acute and Chronic or Blood Disea,,es. Mild remedies and pOFitive cures. Catarrh, Bronchitis, Incilpient CJonsumnption. Heart Disease,
Scrofula, Cancers, Fever Sores, Rheumatism, Eye and Ear, Neuralgia DiseasesN,
Etc., Cured.
All medicines, etc., supplied, Satisfaction guaranteed. Friendly advice:
skillful treatment for all invalids. flours, 9 A Ml. to 8 P. M. Call or write.
Ladies, married or single, cured of suppression, irregularities, weakncefs, psain,
or any rn-health. Young, Middle-aged and Old Alen, whatever rea~d or doctored,
permanently cured of Debility or Disease wyeurin$ on body 4nt1 mind. No
)mercury, qbackery or deception.
01oilcuars for young mien sent free,




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


but all lived to repent their extravagance, long and bitterly.
We have no space here to give a list of the emigrants
of 1836, but among the most important were Hon. John
Ball, William A. Richmond, John W. Pierce, P. Tracy,
E. W. Barnes, Isaac Turner, A. B. Turner, George C.
Nelson, James M. Nelson, Warren P. Mills, George
Young, Robert Hilton, B. Stocking, Abram Randall, T.
H. Lyon, William Haldane, L. M. Page, C. H. Taylor,
Jacob Barnes, William Morman, David Burnett, K. S.
Pettibone, E. Davis, Samuel Howland, J. M. Smith, H.
Green, Geo. Coggeshall, J. J. Watson, Geo. Martin, Myron Hinsdill, Stephen Hinsdill, Hiram Hinsdill, and Harry Eaton. Mr. Eaton, in 1840, was elected Sheriff of
the county.
The parts acted by these several gentlemen in building up the city may be briefly summed up as follows:
Hon. John Ball came here to speculate in lands, and,
although having been educated as a lawyer, has since
devoted more of his time to real estate business than to
the practice of law.  He took A. D. Rathbun into partJOfN    QB4DY,          MRS, E. ANTRIM,
FASHIONABLE
ARCHITECT                    ILLINER
-AND-                    AND
Superintendent of Buildings, HAIR  DRESSER,
ARMORv BL,    No. 67 Monroe St., up Stairs, opposite
the Catholic Church.


GRAND RAPIDS, - MICHIQANiGrand Papids,  Mich.




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.      3.3 7


nership in 1840, who continued in the same rflation for
about one year. In 1844, S. L. Withey became his
partner, and the firm was then known as Ball & WVithey.
Afterwards George Martin became a partner, and the
firm was Ball, Martin & Withey. Again, it.was Ball,
Withey & Sargeant, and it is now Ball & McKee. Mr.
Ball has taken an active part 'in the affairs of the town
and city snce his first residence here. In 1838 he represented this district in the State Legislature, and was an,able member of that body. I-e has also been honorably
identified with the public schools of Grand Rapids, and
has, in every instance, ac ted for the best interests of the
growing city.
Myron llinsdiil erected the National Hotel in 1~686
which soon after went into the hands of Canton Smith,
and was successfully conducted by him. for several years.
John W. Pierce, the pioneer dry goods man of Kent,
caine to Grand Rapids with Judge Alimy, and assisted
that gentleman 'in surveying a portion of the city. le
erected a dwelling on Ottawa street in 18421, and resided
in it until 1870, when he removed to his new and elegant
MRS. S. J. SARSFIELD,     W. WYKES,9
MILLINERY & D1'ESS MAKINGf~ftOT04flA jf'4f      tI
And Imitation flair Goods.  ODIOEWO  STREET,
STAMPING NEATLY DONE.       o4p..~ wnHouse,
52 Canal St., Up Stairs.  GSANTD RAPIUS GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.,JOLN  IKL~iLEAN,    Mr's. fC. SCHOLZ.,
Dealer in       FSINBEMLIE
Choice Family Groceries, &c., FSINBEMLIE
Cash paid for alkinds of Country   AdDesMk~
Cor. Zont aud BrdeSe  GRAN~D sAPIDS iNa. 2 Gunn's block, over 39 Monroe St.
Opp. Bridge St. Rouse.  GRAND RAPIDS, MICITIGAW.




X)          HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.
residence on the corner of Bronson and Kent streets,
having occupied his old mansion for nearly twentyseven years. Mr. Pierce was among -that number
who, in the darkest days, had an abiding faith in the
future growth of Kent, ancd by his great perseverence,
energy and integrity, he has accumulated considerable
wealth for himself, and added not a little to the growth
and-development of the city. On his arrival il Grand
Rapids there were only thirteen framle buildings in the
town, and his book store was the first one established in
Michigan outside of Detroit.
John J. Watson came frolm  Detroit, and in 1836,
erected a very large store-house.  It was afterwards
moved up the river, and became a part of HIon. W. D.
Foster's old wooden store.
George Martin, previously mentioned among  1836
settlers, was a graduate of Middlebury College, Vt. He
was, for a number of yea.rs, County and Circuit Judge of
this county, and at the tilme of his death, was Chief
Justice of the Suprelme Court of Michigan.
In 1836 Richard Godfroy built the first steamboat on
Grland River, and called it the "Gov. Mason." The first
boat, however, other than the batteaux of the traders,
was a pole boat called the "Young Napoleon," con
structed for Mr. Campau by Lyman (;ray. The "Gov.
AMason" was commanded by Captain Stoddard. It was
wrecked off the mouth of the Muskegon River in 1838.
In our list of th(T pioneers of 1836 we have mentioned
Judge Almy. Ile was a civil engineer and practical surveyor of considerable eminence, and was in charge, in
1837-.q, of the Grand and Kalamazoo rivers; was a member of the State Legislature, Fnd one of the County




HISTORY OF GRAND)!APIDS.
Judges. H1-c was a lawyer by profession, but did not,
for some reason, practice any after coming to Michigan. -
George Coggeshall caine from Wilmington, N. C., with
his family and invested his means in Kent property. H.e
erected a frame house on tlhe corner of Bridge and Kent
streets, and proved a valuable citizen of this town.
Among the pioneers of 18:'37 were1 I. V. Harris, Rtev.
James Ballard, Leonard Covell, G. M. MeGray, Williamo
A. Lyon, La. P.. Atwater, William I. Blakely, A. Dikemnan, 1-1. K. Rose, John F. Godfroy, Gains S. Deane,
Hlenry Deane, C. P. Calkins and Col. S. F. Butler.
The first bank established in the town was the Grand
Biver Bank, established in 18837. Judge Almy was its
first President, and lIon. Lucius Lyon cashier. It existed two years, and finally went down under the weight
of hard times and left its notes a complete loss in tho
hands of the unfortunate holders.
The People's Bank was started in the same year under
the maniagemient of George Coggeshall, with Louis Campau as President and Slinelon Johnson as cashier.  This
institution failed to comply with the State laws and was
1I.. it. WILSON.  JOHN H4ARVEY.1  EANTON, LYON & Co.,
CITY DRUG STORE.
WILSON & HARVEY,
-AN DDruggists and Pharmaceutists,l
DIALERS IN            Stationers#~
Fancy Goods, Toilbt Articles, Choice'
Perfumery, Etc., Etc.     Car. of Cinul A Lynu Ct:.Cor. Monroe and Justice Ste.,
Grand Rapids,       Michi1 Grand Rapids, Mich.




40           HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.
soon wound up, Hon. John Ball being appointed receiver.
For two or three years succeeding this the town of
Kent was one of the "bluest" places in all Michigan.
Times were hard beyond all description. Lots of real
estate that had been sold for $1,000 a year or six months
previous would not bring $100 now. Indeed, they were
hardly worth fhe taxes, and in some instances lots were
sacrificed to accomplish this and this only. Nearly all
the mechanics who had been attracted here by the rapid
growth of the place were thrown out of employment and
left in disgust. Everybody became disheartened, alnd
during the winther of 1837-8 nearly all would have left
could they have sold their property for a quarter of its
value.
It was during this winter that the supplies became
short. A schooner, loaded with flour and bound for the
Grand River, was caught in a storm at the head of Lake
Michigan, and leaked so badly that all her cargo became
wet. However, after a long and dangerous voyage she
arrived at the mouth of Grand River and her cargo of
CALKINS BROS.                     STABLISHED 1
B. BUTTON
CASH GROCERS
DENTIST,
25 MONROE STREET,
A  D A       I    8 Canal Street, Grand Rapids, 2 Doors
GRAND RAPDS,       MICHu.   South of Star Clothing House.
Prices Lower than the Lowest. Teeth Extracted by the use of Pure Gas,
with care. Charges Reasonable and
Terms Strictly Cash.  Work Warranted.




HISTORY OF GRAND -RAPIDS.


41


flour was brought up. the river to the town of Kent.
When the barrels were opened the flour was found to
have been wet, and in consequence it was caked so hard
as to require an axe or hatchet to break it. This was
the only flour that could be obtained during the long
winter, and even this was sold as high as twenty-two
dollars a barrel. Before it could he made into bread it
was pounded up like so much plaster, and after being
powdered fine, was quite novel in appearance, having
adopted the color of lake water, instead of that of pure
flour. The bread produced from it was eaten because
there was no choice in the matter, except to eat it or
none.
The winter was, indeed, a hard one. Sickness prevailed largely, and hunger and distress was shockingly
abundant. The Indians, who had been accustomed to
receive food and clothing from the whites, were now left
to their own limited resources, and many of them perished during the long cold winter. It was not much better among the white population. The winter was endured, not enjoyed; and when the genial spring of '38
ILM. S. SM1VITW                    & CO.,
IMPORTERS AND MANUFACTURERS OF
WATCHES AND JEWELRY,
Sterling Silverware, Bronzes etc.
Corner of Jefferson and Woodward Avenues,:IDJ'IROIT,    MTC10T2




42         HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.
drew near, its warmth was greeted with peculiar gratitude by the half-perishing settlers of Grand Rapids.
But as soon as navigation opened the supplies increased
and times were slightly improved.
Among the settlers of this year I will mention W. D.
Roberts, John T. Holmes, Amos Roberts, C. W. Taylor,
Erastus Clark, J. T. Finney and Solomon Withey and
his sons.
I should have mentioned that the Bridge Street House
was erected in 1837, and opened by John Thompson;
subsequently it was kept by Solomon Withey, who was
succeeded by W. A. Tryon and T. H. Lyon.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE FIRST NEWSPAPER IN GRAND RAPIDS-SOME DIFFICULTIES IN PROCURING A PRESS-A REVIEW OF
GRAND RAPIDS IN 1837-EDITORIAL PREDICTIONS.
IN 1837, we have to notice several important events.
The first newspaper ever printed in Grand Rapids was
established in this year. It was called the Grand Rapids Times, and was started by George N. Pattison, the
first number being issued on the 18th of April.
Several copies of the first number are still extant,
having been printed on cloth with a view to their preservation.
Mr. Pattison was assisted in the editorial work by
Mr. Noble H. Finney.
The press on which this paper was printed was drawn
up the river from Grand Haven, on the ice by a team of
dogs. It was purchased the winter previous at Buffalo,
by Judge Almy. At Detroit it was shipped for Grand
Haven on the steamer Don Quixote which was wrecked




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.          43
off Thunder Bay, and the press taken around the lakes
on another boat.
The first number of the Times contained the following
article on Grand Rapids: Though young in its improvements, the site of this village has long been known, and
esteemed for its natural advantages. It was here that
the Indian traders long since made their grand depot.
It was at this point that the missionary herald established his institution of learning-taught the forest child
the beauties of civilization and inestimable benefits of
the christian religion. This has been the choicest, dearest
spot to the unfortunate Indians and won the pride of the
white man. Like other villages of the west, its transition from the savage to a civilized state has been as sudden as its prospects are now flattering.
Who would have believed to have visited this place
two years since, (1835) when it was inhabited only by a
few families, most of whom were of French origin, a
people so eminent for exploring the wilds and meandering rivers of the west that this place would now contain
its twelve hundred inhabitants. Who would have imagCHAS. A. BI8SONETTE.            DANIEL J. LYNCH.
BISSONETTE & LYNCH,
MANUFACTURERS OF
BUGGIES, WAGONS & TRUCKS,
Platform Wagons Manufactured in Superior Styles,
CARTS, BOBS, SLEIGHS AND CUTTERS,
Custom Blacksmithing of all kinds and Repairing done neatly.
56 & 60 Bridge St., West Side,
GRA.N D   RA.PIDSiS,                     MICI.
*




44


HISTORY OF GRANI) RAPIDS.


ined that thus rapid would have been the improvement
of this romantic place. The rapidity of its settlement is
beyond the most visionary anticipation; but its location,
its advantage and its clime, were sufficient to satisfy the
observing mind that nothing but the frown of Proidence
could blast its prospects.
The river upon which this town is situated is one of
the most important and delightful to be found in the
county-not important and beautiful alone for its clear,
silver-like water, winding its way through a romantic
valley of some hundred miles, but for its width and
depth, its susceptibility for steam navigation, and the
immense hydraulic power afforded at this point.
We feel deeply indebted to our Milwaukee friends for
their lucid description of the advantages to be derived
from a connection of the waters of this river with those
of Detroit, by canal or railroad. A canal is nearly completed around the rapids at this place, sufficiently large
to admit boats to pass up and down, with but litttle detention. Several steamboats are now preparing to commence regular trips from Lyons, at the mouth of the
GEO. W. GRANGER.  GEO. S. WABD.  W. P. BARKER,
AL. O. DICKERMAN.
GEO. W. GRANGER & Co.,IDES       T'IST
LIVERY, BOARDIMG AND SALE STABLES,  59       T,
Nos. 42 & 44 Louis Sts.
GRAND RAPIDS,  -  MICH. lGrand Rapids,     Mich.
HART & AMBERC,          E. SPENCER & Co.,
WINES & LIQUORSISTAPLE & FANCY DRY GOODS,
46 CANAL ST.,           No. 33 Bridge St. West Side,


GRAND RAEIDS,


MICH,. GRAND RAPIDS,


MICH.




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS..


45


Maple River to this place, a distance of sixty miles; and
from this to Grand Haven, a distance of thirty-five miles,
thence to Milwaukee and Chicago.
Thus the village of Grand Rapids, with a  xnavigable
stream, a water-power of twenty-five feet fall, an abundance of crude building material, stone of excellent quality, pine, oak and other timber in immense quanut'tics
within its vicinity, can but flourish-can but be the
Rochester of Michigan! The basement story of an ex-.
tensive mill, one hundred and sixty by forty feet, is now
completed; a part of the extensive machinery is soon to
be put in operation. There are now several dry goods
and grocery stores, some three or four public houses,
one large church, erected, and soon to be finished in
good style, upon the expense of a single individual, who
commenced business a few years ago by a small traffic
with the Indians. Such is the encouragement to western pioneers! The village plat is upon the bold bank of
a river, extending back upon an irregular plain some
eighty to a hundred rods to rising bluffs, from the base
and sides of which some of the most pure, crystal-like


CITY LOAN OFFICE.               45     J. P. CREQUE,           45
C. F. IDEMA           &   BRO.,           Wholle an   etail Dealer in
Money advanced on Diamonds. Gold     'U   -N~ IT       t          E
Money Sadvanced onDiaod      ld     Manufacturor of Iounges, Mattresses
and Silver Watches, ewelry,    and Upholetered:ouds. Old No. 45
tc., Ec.,  *          Canal Street, new No. 59.
No. 56, Cor. Lyon & Sent Sta., Opp. P. 0. GRAND RAPIDS,  -  MICHIGAN.


STANLY & SOHROEDEF,           DAVID ARNOTT.     GEORGE ARNOTT.
Merchant Tailors,                   D. & C. ARNOTT,
CLOTHIERS,                         Dealers in
And dealers in Cloths, Cassimeres, GROCERIES & PROVISIONS
Suitings, Vestings and Gents'
Furnishing Goods.           No. 24 Bridge-St. West Side,
37 Monroe St.,     GRAND RAPIDS. GRAND RBPIDS,    -  MICHIGAN.




46


II STORY OF (GRAND RAPIDS.


fountains of water burst out in boiling springs, pouring
forth streams that murmur over their pebbly bottoms, at
once a delight to the eye and an invaluable luxury to the.
thirsty palate.
New England may surpass this place with her lofty
mountains, but not with her greatest boast, purity and
clearness of water. Our soil is sandy and mostly dry.
The town is delightful, whether you view it from the
plains upon the banks of the river, or from the bluffs
that overlook the whole surrounding country. To ascend
these bluffs you take a gradual rise to the height of a
hundred feet, when the horizon only limits the extent of
vision. The scenery, to an admirer of beautiful landscape, is truly picturesque and romantic. Back, east of
the town, is seen a widespread plain of burr oak, at once
easy to cultivate and inviting to the agriculturist. Turning westward, especially at the setting of the sun, you
behold the most enchanting prospect; the din of the
ville below, the broad sheet of water murmuring over
the rapids, the sunbeams dancing upon its swift gliding
ripples, the glassy river at last losing itself in its distant
meandering, presents a scenery that awakens the most
lively emotions. But the opposite shore, upon which
you behold a rich, fertile plain, still claims no small
amount of admiration. Near the bank of the river is
seen the little rude village of the more civilized Indians
-their uncouth frame dwellings, the little churches and
mound like burrying places. The number and size of
the mounds, which mark the place where lies the remains
of the proud warrior and the more humble of his untamed tribe, too plainly tell the endearments of that
lovely plain to the native aborigines. And how quick




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


the mind would follow the train of association to by-gone
days and contrast these reflections with present appearances. Thus we see the scenes of savage life quickly
spread upon the broad canvass of imagination. The
proud chieftain seated and his tribe surrounding the.council fires, the merry war dance, the wild amusements
of the red man of the forest, and as soon think of their
present unhappy condition. The bright flame of their
lighted piles has been extinguished, and with it has
faded the keen, expressive brilliancy of the wild man's
eye. Their lovely Owashtenong, upon which their light
canoes have so long glided, is now almost deserted.
It is from this point, too, that you can see in the distance the ever green tops of the lofty pines waving in
majesty above the sturdy oak, the beech and maple, presenting to the eye the wild, undulating plainx with its
thousand charms. Such is the location, the beauty and
the advantages of this youthful town. The citizens are
of the most intelligent, enterprising and industrious
character. Their buildings are large, tasty and handsomrely furnished. The clatter of mallet and chisel, the
V    I'NQ-'G S        AI          ESTABLISHED 18560
PHO T ORAPHG              RA PE
GA     DY,              DENTIST,
By the aid of our Patent Duplicating
Camera, the best work is done at lowest 38 Canal Street, Grand Rapids, 2 Doors
prices.
Everything in stock to supply the  South of Star Clothing House.
trade. Remember the number,
62 CANAL STR EET,       Teeth Extracted by the use of Pure Gas,
10 doors south of the corner. S. WING,with care. Charges Reasonable and
Proprietor.                 Work Warranted.




48


H-ISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


clink of the hammer, the many newly raised and recently
covered frames, and the few skeleton boats upon the
wharves of the river, speak loudly for the enterprise of
the place. Mechanics of all kinds find abundance of employment, and reap a rich reward for their labor. Village property increases in value, and the prospect of
wealth is alike flattering to all. What the sequel of
such advantages and prospects will be, time alone must
determine.
But a view of this place and its vicinity, where we
find a rich and fertile soil, watered with the best of
springs, and enjoying, as we do, a solubrious climate, a
healthy atmosphere and the choicest gifts of a benign
Benefactor, would satisfy almost anyone that this will
soon be a bright star in the constellation of western villages.
We are now able to realize to what extent the predictions or anticipations of this article were well founded.
Grand Rapids has not only become a bright star in the
constellation of western villages, but in the constellation of western cities, and is the second city in population and importance in the prosperous State of Michigan.
CHAPTER IX.
THE FIRST WHITE PIONEER-HER OPERATIONS WITH
TT-E SAVAGES-TITE INDIAN VILLAGES-FATE OF
KEWAYKUSnIIQUOM-TII E TREATY-INDIAN DISSATISFACTION.
I WILL now go back and notice' the Grand Rapids Indians in the last days of their settlements.
As early as 1780 we find two flourishing Indian villages




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.           49
located on the western bank of the Grand Rivel, about
midway of the rapids. They were about a quarter of a
mile apart, and were under the government of two separate chiefs and councils; although the one was, to a small
degree, subordinate to the other.
The larger of these contained about seven hundred inhabitants of the Ottawa and Chippewa natives, and was
governed by the far-sighted and cunning Kewaykushquom, a chief of considerable renown; while the smaller
did not contain more than five hundred souls, mostly
Ottawas, and recognized Noonday as their chief.
At this time, all the land east Pf the Grand River, or
the Owoshtenong, was owned by the Ottawas; and that
west of the river was the joint property of that nation
and the Chippewas.
The habits and customs of these savages differed in no
essential point from those in other sections. They were
industrious, honest and peaceful tribes, enjoying the advantages of the fur trade, and indulging all the curious
customs characteristic of their race. The American Fur
Company had, at this time, established a trading post
S. R. SCRIBNER.   C. H. SCRIBNER.    N. B. SCRIBNER.
SCl RIBNtER Bt ROS.
- )DEALERS INHARDWARE, STOVES, NAILS, GLASS, SASH, DOORS, &C.
Manufacturers of Tin, Copper and Sheet Iron Work,
CORNER OF BRIDGE & FRONT Sts.
GcEA.:3TD:BA     I'T DS, MTICI:.




50


tIISTORY Of GRAND RAPIDS.


about tvo miles below the present town of Lowell, on
the Grand River, where their agent, Mrs. La Framboie,
exchanged the products of civilization for peltries.
It will surprise the reader to learn that a woman was
the first pioneer of civilization who ever set foot upon
the pleasant valley of Grand River; but such, indeed, is
the truth. She was a French lady of more than ordinary force of character, a shrewd trader and a bold adventurer. Her life at this outpost is filled with thrilling
incidents, many of which are enlivened by a vein of romance.
Although the American Fur Company constantly kept
a supply of goods at this point, the Indians would often
go to Detroit to trade, not so much, however, with a
view to securing larger prices for their peltries, or to
purchasing necessaries at a smaller cost, as to obtain a
supply offire-wzater, which could not be had at a iearer
point. As the time for the "annual pow-wow" approached, a journey to Detroit was considered necessary,
for the purpose of laying in a supply of rum for the occasion.
Mrs. La Framboie remained at this post until superceded by Rix Robinson, in 1821. She had been a successful agent for the company, but her advanced age
and the growing interests of the fur trade demanded
her removal. Remnants of the old store-house in whichi
she transacted business with the savages still remain.
There is a part of the chimney yet standing, and marks
of the excavations in which the canoes were hid may be
seen near by. These are the oldest relics of pioneer life
in Kent county.
Kewaykushquom, the great Chief of the Grand Rap



HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


51


ids Indians, was prevailed upon in 1835 to enter into a
treaty with the United States Government ceding all the
lands west of Grand river.
To accomplish this treaty he made a journey to Washington in company with Rix Robinson and others, where
he was entertained by the President, who made him
many presents and won his warmest friendship.
By the stipulations of this treaty all the Indians in
the vicinity of Owashtenong were to remove to a reservation west of the Mississippi.
When Kewaykushquom returned and laid the plan of
the treaty before a council of the chiefs of the villages
it was received with great disapproval. Mlany of the
savage councilmen delivered long and eloquent speeches
setting forth the disadvantage of leaving their homes
which had become dear to Indian hearts by many fond
recollections. "Here we have buried our dead," said one
of the chiefs, "and here we should remain to protect
their graves. This is our home-the home of our youth.
Here we were reared on the banks of the beloved Owashtenong whose beauty has become our pride and boast.
JAS. A. COOYER,
HAS DESIRABLE
HOUSES AND LOTS and VACANT LOTS
IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE CITY,
For Sale at Bargains and on Easy Terms,


OGRAN3D UIA>PIDIS,                            I


MIICH.




52


HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


Here our fathers died and were laid to rest. Here we
have held our councils, prosecuted our trade, and preserved peace and friendship with all nations. Why go
to a strange land to mingle with strange people, why
forsake the graves of our ancestors? Have we become
unpleasant to our brothers the whites that we must hide
ourselves from their presence. What evil have we committed? Why thus sacrifice that which is most dear to
the heart of every Chief and warrior. Has our Chief
tasted the fire water of the pale faces and been blinded
to the welfare of his people? Let him answer!"
Kewaykusquom replied in an eloquent speech, representing the advantages of the treaty and urging his subjects to extend a cheerful acquiescence, but to all his
pleadings he received a prompt and indignant rebuke.
They claimed that he had sold their homes and their
liberties and had therefore become their enemy.
This council was held in 1835, at the village of the
Ottawas and Chippewas, on the west side of the river,
and resulted in the ruin of Kewaykushquom.
From that day he was pursued by his enemies until he
Soda Water and Ice Cream Room  E  HOLCOMB,
CHAS. HOFFMAN,                   Dealer in
CONFECTIONER AND BkKER, MISCELLANEOUS BOOKS,
DEALBR IN
Canned Fruits and Nuts, Soda Water,  FINE STATIONERY,
Ice Cream and Choice Cigars. Also
Parties supplied on short  Newspapers
notice.       'Newspapers & Magazines
94 Monroe Street,         NO. 15 MONROE ST.,
GRAND RAPIDS, - MICHIGAN, oRAND RAPIs, XICH




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPII)S.


53


was cruelly murdered in his miserable tent, at the bend
of the river, in 1846. He had been deprived of the
honors and power of his official station; and after waldering in distress for many years, and becoming burdened with the weight of old age, he committed himself
to the care of two of his grandchildren. His lodge was
located only a short distance from Grand Rapids, and
many a white man and woman visited his tent to admiti
ister relief to the sick and suffering Chief.
One Sabbath morning when Kewaykuslhquoin lay
helpless and suffering upon his rude couch attended by
his devoted grandchildren, he was called upon by one
of the principal residents of Grand Rapids, who brought
with him some refreshments. The Chief was too sick
to partake of tjiem. The man remarked to him that his
journey was nearly ended, and his reply was, "I am going
to leave this country for a land where the pursuit of my
enemies cal torment me no more."
The next day an Indian entered his tent and requested the squaw who was attending Kewaykushquom to go
out and get a pail of water. She complied, leaving him
FOSTER, STEVENS & CO.,
HARDWARE AND STOVES
10 and 12 Monroe Street,


GRA4ND RAPIDS,


MIOH,




54


HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


alone with the Chief. He then drew a knife from his
bosom and thrust it into the heart of the helpless Indian.
Having thus satisfied his savage heart with the vengeance that had haunted Kewaykushquom for nearly
t,3n years, he made his escape. When the squaw returned with the water, she found her patient struggling
in the agonies of death.
Meccissininni succeeded Kewayklushquom as a Chief
of the Ottawa village. IIe also entered into a treaty
for the sale of the lands on which the village was located,
but was more successful than his predecessor in securing
the hearty cooperation of his subjects.
IHe was an eloquent orator, a very proud, haughty Indian, and manifested a strong desire to secure an education. He always dressed like a white man. I-Ie was one
of the chiefs who accompanied Louis Campau, Rix Rob.
inson and Rev. Mr. Slater to Washington to make a
treaty relative to selling their lands, in 1335. This was
the same treaty which caused the ruin, and, finally, the
murder of Kewaykushquomn.    While in Washington,
President Jackson wished to lmake Meccissininni a present of a new suit of clothes, and asked him what kind he
would prefer. He said, as General Jackson was chief of
his people, and he was chief of the red men, he thought
it would be appropriate if he had a suit like his. The
President ordered the suit. It was a black frock coat,
black satin vest, black pantaloons, silk stockings, and
pumps; but the best of the affair was, Gen. Jackson wore,
at that time, a white bell-crowned hat, with a weed on
it, being in mourning for his wife. The unsuspecting
Indian, not knowing that the weed was a badge of
mourning, had one on his hat, also, which pleased the




HISTORY OF (4RAND RAPIDS.      5


r, r,
a 0


President and his Cabinet not a little. The, chief was
mu-Lch delighted with the warm reception he received iii
the different cities on his return hoiie.
After he returned a council met to hear the nature of
the treatvy when Meccissininiii distinguished himself a's
an orator in his portrayal of the, treaty. Ile sold their
lands, and the treaty provided for their removal west of
the Mississippi in a certain number of years.
The chiefs and councilmen were opposed to the treaty
and spoke violently against it, but this canning Indian
won them over to a reluctant acceptance of it. He said
that for himself he would rather remain here, anrd be,
buried where his forefathers were; but on his people's
account hie had rather go west of the Mississippi, as his
p~eople would become debased by their association -with
the pale-faces,,.
Meccissininni distingruished himself among, the Grand
R~apids Indians as well as among, the white inhabitants,
for his generosity, gentflemanly bearing, great foresight
and capacious intellect. Ile was, as far as possible, a
civilized red man, and appeared to appreciate civilization to a, very high degree.
EDWARD MOH1L.  liuno3 SCHNEIDER.  EAGLE HOTEL,
MOHL & SCH4NEIDER,3..JONT,-Prpit,
Manufacturerg of.X.:1NTN       -Prpit,
Cor. Waterloo & Louis Sts.
C    I      A.        S.  Grand Rapids, Mich.
Aud Dealers in       James M. Kennedy,
PrcprIhtor of Founta1n Street
TOBACCO, SNUFF and SI1OKEE' ARTICLES LIVERY AND SALE STABLES
PEARL St., FOOT OF MONROE,  Cor. Fountain and louis Ste.
OLRAND RAPIDS,  -  MICHIGAN. Grand ]Rapids,   MV ich.




56


HTISTORY OF GTRAkN      RAPIDS.


In 1841 he was invited to a Fourth of July celebration. The dinner was served up near the site of Ball's
foundry, cwhere, after the oration and refreshments, the
cloth was removed and regular toasts drank. Meccissininni was called upon for a toast, and responded as follows: "The pale faces and the red men-the former a
great nation, and the latter a remnant of a great people;
may they ever meet in unity together, and celebrate this
great day as a band of brothers."
At one time this chief wanted to get trusted for some
provisions and said he would pay at the next Indian
payment. When he returned fiom the annual payment
he was asked to settle his bill. He told the dealer to
put it on paper and send it to his house and he would
pay it, and remarked further, that he wished to do business like white people.  So the dealer made out his bill,
repaired to the chief's house, and was ushered in with
all the politeness imaginable. He promptly paid the
bill, and signified his wish to have it receipted.
About the year 1843, he was attacked with a disease
which, after a short illness, terminated his existence, at
The Valley City                     ESTABLISH.ED 18o,
R. BUTTON
ENTERPRISE,
DENTIST,
Cor. Bridge & Scribnar St,. Wost Side,
38 Canal Street, Grand Rapids, 2 Doors
South of Star Clothing House.
Is the Cheapest Paper in the State.
$1.60 per year by mail.  Teeth Extracted by the use of Pure Gas,
with care. Charges lReasonable and
2.00 per year by Carrier.  Work Warrantcd.




I11STORY OF GRAND) ILPI)S.                     57
the age of fifty years.     He lived and died a professor of
the Catholic faith, under the spiritual guidance of the
Rev. Father Vizoisky.        He was followed to the grave by
a large number of the most respectable citizens of Grand
Rapids, and by nearly all the Indians of his tribe.
Notwithstanding      the treaty    already   mentioned, tilhe
Indians never moved to the proposed reservation west
of the Mississippi, but were, after considerable persuasion, induced to move to a reservation within this State,
where they still reside, though reduced in numbers.
CHAPTER X.
EARLY     SETTLEMENT       ()o   ADA-Rix      ROBINSON-HIS
L FE  AMONG(    THE INDIANS-HIS           ATTACHMENT       TO
TH1EMa-SCEN-E OF A TOWN         IMEETING-THE VILLAGE
OF ADA.
WJ WI llNrl now leave Grand Rapids and           observe the
events that were transpiring         in  other parts of Kent
county during that period through whioh the reader ha
been conducted in the preceding chapters.
IXR. EVVZ               ) WOODIEJUTriJE,
0()ITANIC I'HYFYSICIAN. 3S CANAL                             Tr*.
W   ho has for the past twelve years been located in Opera Block, has now,
since being burned out, removed his stock to 38 Canal St., where he continues to CUBE every description of ACUTE, CHRONIC and PRIVATE DISEASE, on
the most reasonable terms. He manufactures all of his remedies from the raw
material, hence, known to be PURELY VEGETABLE. He uses no MINERALS or
'PoIsNs. Having prescribed for over eighteen thousand patients within the
past ten years WITHOUT LOSING ONE OF THEM, where he was the only doctor
called, he guarantees reasonable satisfaction in the treatment of every disease
which afflicts humanity.
He keeps constantly on hand over 200 kinds of the most choice Roots, Barks
and Herbs, and over 100 kinds of his own manufacture of medicines. He is to
be found at his office at all hours -day or night.
Among the leading articles of medicine manufactured by him are his LIVER
SYRUPS, COUGH SYRUPS and FEMALE RESTORATIVES, all of which give universal
satisfaction. Call and counsel with a doctor, who will promise you nothing but
what he will faithfully perform, and will correctly locate your disease and give
you a correct diagnosis of your cases without asking you scarcely a question.
Liver complaints treated for fifty cents per week, and other diseases in proportion. Council at the office RIE,.




58


HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


The township of Ada originally embraced a large tract
of country, including several of what are now the adjacent towns. It was of Ada as it then existed that Rix
Robinson was elected the first Supervisor. The first
entry upon the records is under date of 1835, to the effect that Norman Smith was elected Supervisor by one
majoiity, he receiving in all thirty-two votes. The whole
number of votes cast was only sixty-one. The sight of
a town meeting in those days was an interesting one.
Here they come, one by one, from the different points of
the compass, hard-working, honest men. It is a gala
(lay with them. They meet, perhaps, for the first time
in months. They go early in the morning and stay late
at night. They urge their brief political campaign in
their homely way. They enjoy as well as perform their
duty, and then part for the scenes of stern labor.
One of the most prominent of the early settlers was
Rix Robinson, the first white mlan who settled in the
township. Fct a' long time he was engaged in the fur
trade with the Indians on the Grand River. Alone, he
traversed the forests in the interests of the American Fur
Company, surrounded with savages by nature, and sometimes by deed, but was unmolested by them. The spirit
of the natives had already been somewhat subdued by
the influence of christianity, and devoted missionaries
were then laboring among them. A tribe of these Indians remained near the town of Ada until 1860, when
they sold their lands and removed to Pentwater. During the latter years of their residence on these lands,
they cultivated the soil, and built respectable residences,. ad well organized sclools and comfortable churches.
They were of the Roman Catholic faith.




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


59


Mr. Robinson, during his sojourn and life among the
Indians, became remarkably attached to them; so much
so that he chose one of their daughters as his partner
for life, with whom he still lives. They have but one
son, and he is well known throughout Grand River Valley as an energetic business man, and more recently as a
local preacher of the gospel.
Mr. Robinson's life is fraught with toil and peril, and
actual suffering. " It is pleasant," said an old resident,
"to sit and listen while 'Uncle Rix' tells of the dark days
in the history of his experience. I have often heard him
repeat the story of the nights he spent in the woods
alone, far from any house; of fording streams in winter;
of encounters with wolves and other animals; of the
poor log house with its chimney; of sickness and death l
in the family, with no attending physician, and so on
through the long list. But I was not the only delighted
one. What a change came over the countenance of the
aged man as lie recounted those scenes!"
The experience of the pioneers of Ada was similar to
that of other townships; they worked hard, endured
ROBINSON, SOLOMON & CO.
-— MANUFACTUREIRS OF- -
LUMBER, DOORS, SASH, BLINDS,
And all kinds of Material for Joiners use.
Sam Mill on Canal St., adjoining D. & M.)
R. R. Bridge. Planing Mill and Factory
Cor. of Canal and Trowbridge Sts.  ) Grand Rapids, Mich.




60


HIISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


much, and enjoyed much. They lived a noble life, although it was a life, perhaps, few of us would choose.
Among the other early settlers in Ada, I will mention
Edward Robinson, who settled in 1830; Torrey Smith,
A. H. Riggs and Edward Pettis, in 1836; Peter McLean,
R. G. Chaffee, H-ezekiah Howell, E. McCormick, P. Fingleton, Gurden Chapel, John Findlay and J. S. Schenck
in 1840 to 1845.
The principal rivers in the township are the Grand
and Thornapple. Grand River crosses the township
from the northwest to the southwest, and is navigable
for small crafts. Before the completion of the Detroit
and Milwaukee Railroad steamboats passed up the river
as far as Ionia. Chase's Lake is the only one worthy of
* mention. It is located on sections two and eleven, and
contains about one hundred and sixty acres. The timber is mostly oak, the land being what is usually termed
"oak openings." The soil is rather sandy, being well
adapted to fruit culture. It is well suited, also, to the
production of the different kinds of grain.
Ada village was laid out into lots when the Detroit and
rT. C. BIRO'XWrT,
Insurance and Real Estate Agent,
OFFICE —6E     MONROE STREET,


t~EtArGJIC;EiilB,


1NCIc,




HISTORY OF GR1AN-D RAPILDS.        6 1
Milwaukee Railroad was built-about the year 18,58 -afnd although one or more additional Jplats have, been
mnade, its growth seems to be quite slow. It is located1
on sections thirty-three and thirty-four, near the coufin
ence of the Thornapple in Grand lRiver, ten miles, byI
railroad, fromn Grand Rapids. It possesses a very good
water power, which is only now beginning to be uin1)roved. There are already several extensiVe Mills on1
the Thornapple River, niost of which are doing af profitable business.
The school houses arid educational facilities of the,
village ar~e as good as any place of equal p~opulation in
the State. The business interests of the place are growing rapidly, and will, no doubt, continue to increase.
CHAPTER XI.
AINEIsEAJRLY STLM          T-NI)ETSOF Pi1oNERLIFE -TIlE FIRST SETTLER s-Tow~x MEETING(S
-THE MILLS-SOIL,2 ETC.
ALPINFE is one of the west tier of townships, land is
bounded on the north by Sparta, on them east by I11hainRATI-BUN HOUSE,
A. R. ANTISI)EL, Proprietor.. GRAND RA.4VIDSI


c+T~ANDRAJIDS     MICHIGAN,




62


HISTORY OF (RAND RAPTIDS.


field, on the south by Walker, and on the west by the
township of Wright, Ottawa county.  The first settlers
were Solomon Wright and family, who came from
Wayne county, N. Y., in the year 1837, and located on
the south line, near Indian Creek. The family consisted
of the old gentleman and lady and live sons, Benjamin,
Solomon, Noodiah, Andrew and Jeremiah, only one of
whom remains in the township, and that is Solomon.
The old people are both dead, one son lost his life in the
late war, one is living at Lowell, and two are in
Walker.
In the year.184U) John Coffee and Richmlond.Gooding
came from Ohio, penetrated the forests nearly five miles
beyond Wright, and settled ncear the west line of the
township. For many years this was considered "the
jumping-off place," as they termed it, there being no settlements north of them, and, in fact, no house in any direction nearer than three or four miles. About the
same time Jacob Snyder, a (Gerllan, settled on section
thirty-five, and another German, named John Plattee, on
section thirty-six, in the southeast coriler of the township. A short time previous, Turner Hills and family
came from Vermont and located in the east part of the
township on section thirteen, where, for several years,
they were the northernmost settlers. Mr. Hills died
several years ago, but the widow and two sons -survived
him in active and profitable industry.
Among other pioneers who settled in various parts of
the township at an early day, I will mention Noel Hopkins, Baltas Schaffer, Peter Schlick, James Snowden,
Sherman Pearsall, John B. Colton, A. B. Tones, Thompsom Kasson, Joseph Hipler, John Ellis, Edward Wheeler,




ItISTOLRY OF GRAND RAPIDS.        631
Hervey Wilder, Joseph Bullen, Moses Ramsdell, John J.
Downer, Hiram Stevenson, Artemus Hilton, Henry S.
Church, Charles Anderson, Francis Greenley and the
Boyvds, Denisons, Meads, Bremers, Davenports and Cordes.
Many anid varied were the privations endured by these
early settlers. AVe, who have never been pioneers, cannot filly appreciate the sufferings, the trials and hardships which were their lot. Contemplate a journey to
Grand Rapids with an ox team, over rough roads, with
a grist for the mill; of a return in the night with its
many perplexities, now and then losing the indistinct
road, with a consequent delay of half an hour; of findintg trees blown across the way, preventing further progri-ess until they have been removed by the use of the axe,
and so on through the list.
Again imagine, if you can, the loneliness of a family
(oming fi'om a thickly settled part of the country, and
making a hlolme in the wilderness, with no actual neightors; with no schools; with no churches; and, in fact,
with no associations except those of their own fireside.
CRAWVFORD BROS.,
Wholesale and Retail Groceries,
AND) DEALERS IEN
PURE \VINES ANI) Ll(JUOES,                    1


Pearl St., Foot Moniroe, Grand Rapids.




64


G4           ~IISfTORY    OIF G R.ANI   RAPIDIS.


Little time can bie spared for social intercourse, even at
home. The round of duties consumes each day but the
Sabbath, which is, indeed, to them a day of holy rest.
I do not wish to be understood as stating that there
are no enjoyments connected with such a life. Situated
as the pioneer of this place was, in an unbroken forest,
with every stroke of the axe, and with every effort made
toward improvement, hie seemed to be hewing out a little
-world of his own. Every acre added to the cleared
space added more than its proportional amount of pleas -
nre to the soul of the laborer. He looked forward to
the time when his broad acres should be seen clothed
with the rich yellow grain of a plente ous harvest, and hie
looked not in vain.
Alpine was united with the township. of Walker in
1847. Its first independent township meeting was held
at the school house in the southeast corner of the township on the 5th dlay of April, 18471, which resulted in the
election of the following named persons as officers: Supervisor, Edward Wheeler; Clerk, C. 1). Shenich;
Treasurer, Casper Cordes; Justices, Win. II. Withey,
EDW)ARlD MOHL.  it, no SCHNEIDER.I11 iIiI)l:
MOHL & SCHNEIDER,                  R. B~UTTON
Manufacturers of
0-                   DENTIST,
And Dealers in       Canal Street, Grand Rapids, 2 D~oors
South of IStar Clothing House.
TOBACCO, SNUFF and SMOKSRS' ARTICLE',
rZARL St., FOOT OF XomTROE,  reeth Extracted1 by the use of Piire Oam,
i with care. Charges Reasonable and
G2RAND RAPIDS,  -  MICHIGAN. IWork Warrantsd.




itSt'OIRY OF (4RAN1:) 1XPt)SA.    65
John Coffkee, John Colton and John Tuxbury. The next
annual meeting was held at the house of Edward
Wheeler, near the centre of the township. Soon after a
snmall log school house was erected on the corner of Mr.
Wheeler's farm, one-half mile east of the centre, and
was used as a place of holding township meetings until
about the year 1860, when a fine Town HIall building
was erected on the northeast corner of section twentyone.
Alpine, which is said to have derived its name fpom
Ilhe supposition of many of the early settlers that it was
chiefly timbered with pine, is not what its name indicates. There was originally considerable pine along the
larger streams. At one time several saw mills were located on Mill Creek, anld were doing a brisk business,
but nowv there is hardly enough pine left to sustain
txvo.
The soil of the beech and maple timbered portions of
Alpine, which comprise about two-thirds of the township, is generally clay or loam. Indeed, this is a township of good land, well adapted to the productions of
SW"'EST'S HI-OT3EI,
Cor. Canal and Pearl Sts.
LYON & NASH,                     Proprietors.


-EtAlFD:t.AEPIDS, M&ICZI.




P(6        HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.
both grain and fruit. The good looking orchards and
the loads of apples, peaches, plums, pears, etc., as well
as the excellent yields of wheat and other grain, speak
for themselves.  The soil of the pine timbered portions
is sandy, but it grows fair crops when well cultivated
and improved.
CHAPTER XII.
EARLY HISTORY OF BOWNE-TIHE FIRST SETTLERS-A
* WOMAN'S COURAGE-INTERESTING INCIDENTS OF PIONEER LIFE-WOLVES, BEARS AND INDIANS.
IN 1837 Mr. Jonathan Thomas, of Ovid, New York,
came and settled in the northwestern portion of Bowne,
bringing with him his family and a friend named Frederick Thompson. Mr. Israel Graves and family, and Mr.
WVm. Wooley and family came about the same time.
They came by water to Toledo, and thence to this township with ox teams, making the trip from Toledo in
about two weeks. They proceeded to build houses and
clear up farms. The first house they built, and the first
within the town, is still standing and is preserved as a
relic of the past, and as a contrast with the present. It
is built of logs, about twelve by fourteen feet square,
without any chambers and with only one door and one
window and a "Shake" roof. Near this Mr. Thomas
built two other houses and a small log building for an
office for himself.
Mr. Thomas was taken sick soon after his arrival, and
continued so until the next winter, when he was visited
by his son-in-law, Mr. John Harris, who determined to
remove him to his home in New York. He fixed a bed
in a sleigh and started in December, 1837. They made




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


67


the whole distance with a sleigh, dragging through
Northern Ohio in the slush and mud, and occupying
over four weeks in making the journey.
During the summer of 1837, when they got out of provisions, Mr. Thomas, although quite ill at the time, had
his bed fixed in a wagon, and, taking his whip, started
his ox team for Kalamazoo. He found it necessary to go
a few miles beyond there and buy wheat, bring it back
to Kalamazoo and have it ground.
When these families first moved into the township
there were a great many Indians there. They found
them good neighbors when they were sober, but when
they could get liquor they were quarrelsome, and occasioned considerable trouble. One came to Mr. Thompson's house one day when there was no one in but his
wife. He sat down in a rocking chair before the fire
and rocked himself over into the fire-place. Mrs. Thompson pulled him out of the fire, and he became enraged
and attempted to stab her; but when she picked up an
axe and threatened to take his life if he did not leave,
he made a quick retreat.
S. FOX     & CO       'The only Commercial Paper of Western
Wholesale & Retail        Michigan, is the
FAMILY      GROCERS, VALLEY CITY ENTERPRISE,
Produce Bought and Sold,
No. 15 South Division St.  I Published by J. R. SANFORD & Co.,
GRAND RAPIDS,  -  MICH. Cor. Bridge and Scribner Sts. west side.
o- w. -:iRTONr,              T O Y S,
PRACTICAL PHOTOGRAPHER, FANCY         GOODS,
And Worsteds at low Prices,
15 MONROE ST.     F. LOETTGRT,  -  18 Canal Street.
Grand Rapids,      Mich. Grand Rapids, Mich.




68


II'ISTORY OF GRANI) RAP IDS.


At another time a lot of Indians caine up on their
ponies,. when the men were gone, and ordered Mrs.
Wooley to get them something to eat.  She ran to her
door and called for Mrs. Thompson, who came to her relief, affecting to be brave and fearless; but the old chief
ordered her to go back to her wigwam and get him
something to ett.  The poor woman obeyed, trembling
with fear, and got the best dinner she could under the
circumstances, setting her table with her nicest spread
and best dishes she had. The chief ate his meal alone
at her house and declared himself much pleased.  lIe
told her that she was a "brave squaw," and that they
would not harm any of them then; but after a certain
number of moons they were going to kill all the whites
in the country.
A number of the families I have mentioned soon became discouraged and went back, while those who remained were seven miles from any white neighbors.
At one time when Mr. Thompson went to Kalamazoo
to mill, owing to his oxen straying away while at the
mill, he was detained from his home eight days.  Iis
JAS. A.. COOIYEIR,
INSURANCE AND LAND AGENT,
Notary Public and Adjuster of Fire Losses,


OPPOSITE SWEET'S HOTEL,


ORAND RAPIDS, MICH.




IIISTORY OtF GTIAND RA1'IID)$.


i69


wife remained at the house alone until rnoon of th,
eighth clay, when her suspense became so great that she
coull not bear it any longer, and( she started on foot forthe nearest neighbor's, seven miles distant. After coinpleting half the journey, she was met by a 'white inan.
She enquired after her hlusband, was told of the circulnstances which caused his delay, and that he was on the
road and would be honle before night. I-Ie advised her
to return home, but her reply was, "I will never stop
until I see my husband."
These were dark and romantic (lays in the history of
Bowne. Packs of wolves were often seen prowling in
the outskirts of the woods, and bears frequently c-anle
within a few yards of the houses. For several years
they used to go to "Scale's Prairie" to meeting, b)ut after
a time the population increased and the little town coult
boast its own Minister.
In the spring of 18'88 quite a large number of settlers
(alwile in, and soon the desolating forests began to disalppear. Civilization had procured a strong foothold, and
1,rosperity -followed in abundance. Excellent schools
BURR & STANTON.
Edition Book Work, Fine Job Binding, Paper
Ruling, Blank Books wvvith Special Ruling,
RAILROAD, INSURANCE AND BANK WORK A SPECIALTY,
21 C.2bTJ.AL     ST   MIE:ET,


GRAND RAPIDS,


MICIH.




70


HIISTORY OF (RAND RAPTI)S.


soon followed the churches, and the increase of population, industry and wealth have ever since marked the
progress of the place.
The first township election was held in 1838, resulting
in the election of the following staff of officers: Supervisor, Abner D. Thomas; Clerk, Abel Ford; Treasurer,
Jamnes M. Nashl; Justices. Steven Johnston, Benjamin J.
Lee, Levi Stone, Henry D. Francisco; Commissioners of
Highways, Loren B. Tyler, Henry D. Francisco, W. IH.
Stone; Constable, Oliver A. Stone.
CHAPTER XIIi.
BYRON-PIONEER LIF-1; "RATSING(" '1:E FLIRST LOG
HOUtSE-ROAST POTATOES THlE ONLY FOOD-FI(HTING THiE WOI VES -TI[E FIRST TOWX MEETING.
IN 'THE summler of 1836 Byron was an unbroken wilderness. The ruthless arm of the white man, armed
with that terribly destructive weapon, the axe, had never
been lifted midst the beautiful forests that crowned the
sloping hills and shaded the broad green vales. The
trackless forests stood in the beauty in which the God of
Nature created it. But the day for the pioneer's axe
had come, and very soon it was heard in its depths.
During the summer of this year Mr. Nathan Boynton
located a farm on section five, and selected a place to
build a house, on a little hill near the forks of Rush
Creek. Mr. Boynton returned to Grandville, where he
was taken sick, but, in August or September, sent his
brothers, William and Jerry, to build a house for him.
The only guide they had was the section line. This
they followed until they came to the line between the
present townships of Byron and Wyoming, where they,




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


71


not knowing that there was a variation in the section
lines of the different ranges of townships, lost the line,
and were a considerable tim3 finding the place Nathan
had selected for his residence. After finding it they
proceeded to erect a house. It was built of small logs,
such as they could carry and put up. The roof was of
small basswood, split in two parts, and gutters cut with
an axe on the flat side. One tier of these was laid with
the flat side up and the other with the flat side down, so
that the outside edge of the upper tier fitted into the.
gutter of the lower. The floor and door of the house
were made of plank, or, as woodsmen usually call them,
"puncheons," split from basswood trees. The fire- place
was built of clay, which Mr. Boynton mixed by treading
with his bare feet, and was built up with small twigs.
The chimney was built of split sticks, laid up in the
same kind of mortar. This fire-place and chimney were
used for several years and did good service. Such was
the first house erected in the township of Byron.
Jerry and William Boynton soon after located farms
on sections eight and nine, respectively, and commenced
C. M. SCHIEDING,            LYMAN E. PATTEN'S
Manufacturer of and Dealer in all Kinds of
C I a        A' R, FINE ART STATONERY
Wholesale and Retail,         EMPORIUM AND
COR. OF BRIDGE & SCRIBNER STS.
Grand Rapids,     Mieh. i PICTURE FRAME MANEFACTORY,
THE ENTERPRISE          Frames of all kinds on hand and made
Tr  a iT to order, Stationery all kinds. School
JOB PRINTING  Books, Blank Books and Picture Framncs
Fall kinds. Curtains.
Is the place for west side printing.
All work is first-class. Our  NO. 49 MONROE STREET,
prices are reasonable.
J. R. SANFORD& Co. Prop'rs.iGRAND RAPIDS, - MICHIGAN,




li,-,TOfY OF QI'A NN)I RA, I')S.
improving them, which, by their skill and energy, they
have rendered very productive, In 183 7 Mr. John I-armon located on section nine, an  drng h   aeya
Mrfl. H-. Kelloggo located on section three and Mr. James
B. Jewell on section nine. Mr. Ella Judson followed in
18838. 'The latter gentleman says that when hie, built his
log house, hie had to go a distaneq of four miles to get
inen to help "1raise," and could get only eighlt men at
that.
The settlers that followed were M\r. Larkin Ball, Peter
Goldin, Eli Crossett, Amelek Taylor, Alden Coburn,
lBenj. Robinson, William Olnmstead, S-amiuel Ilubbel, and
Hlenry A. Vannest. When Mrfi. ilubbel's house was
"1raised," the job could not be completed in one day, and
it was so far for the hands to g-o home,9 that they stayed
and camped out one night, and finished "raising" the -next
day. All tihe hard working men had for supper dind
breakfast was roast potatoes.
Among, the settlers who came to this township ini
1848')-4 were Mr. Fox, Mr. Ezekiel Cook, Mr. Tuft, E. R.
Ide and James K. MeKenney.
EDWARD MoTi,  H  o,(o ScIuM "IDEI..   'SI lI  811  %
MOHL &SCHNEIDER, IR. ]BUTTON?
Manufacturers of
O IaOrA.EJS,                      DENTIST,
And nealers hi   38 Canal Street, Grand Rapids, 2 Doors
TOBACO,8\UF? ad SMKK  ARICE  South of Star Clothing House.
F~A~LOt.,FOOTOF ~ Teeth Extracted by the use of Pure Gas,
iwith care. Charges Reasonable and
GRAND RAPIDS,.  MICHIGAN. Work Warranted.




rHISTORY Or (4RANI) RAPIDS.


7.2


When Mr. Cook moved into the woods they had no
neighbors nearer than four miles, and their nearest postoffice was at Grand Rapids, a distance of fourteen miles,
through an unbroken wilderness. When Mr. Kennedy
moved on his place there was no road from there to
Grandville except as he followed the trails that wound
around through the woods.   When Mr. McKenney
moved into his house there were neither windows, doors
or floor in the house. The next day after moving in
Mr. McKenney was taken sick and was confined to his
bed for two weeks, and before he was able to build a fireplace and chimney, there was two feet of snow. During
all this time Mrs. McKenney had to do all her cooling
out of doors by a log fire. Those were hard days. There
was hardly a ray of happiness let into this desolate
household. The storm and wind beat through the open
windows,, and sang mournfully through their forest
homo.
When Mr. Tuft moved on to his place the only signs
of a house lie had was a small sled-load of lumber. He
began to build in December, and his family shivered
around until the rude hut was completed.
C.    L  E          S       JOHN H. POISSON,
C. L E"WV IS,I
MAanufacturer and Wholesalean T Tailor Francais,
Retail Dealer in  Tailor      rancais,
C   IJ c-. A    E     S   Clothes Cleaned and Repaired in
the best French Manner.
-AND —
TOBACCOS,         CHARGE S MODERATE,
OF SUPERIOR BRANDS,!         4 M   o S    E,
NO. 9 FRONT STREET,
GRAND  RAPIDS, - MICH. GRND     APIDS, - MICHIGAN.




74


HISTORY Of GRAND RAPIDS.


During the year 1845 Messrs. Corkins, Barney, Clark
S. Wilson and Willian Davidson settled within the limits of the township. Among other early settlers I will
mention Josiah R. Holden, Bradly Weaver, David Prindle, Carlos Weaver and Prentice Weaver, Eli Young,
and James M. Barney. The latter gentleman came during the famous "wolf year." Mr. Young says he killed
one of these ferocious animals within one rod of his own
door with his dog and corn-cutter.
Mr. William Boynton would often, before this period,
when he was obliged to work at Grandville to get provisions for the support of his family, work all day, get
the proceeds of his labor in provisions, and at dark start
for home, a distance of about five miles through the
woods, while the wolves were howling on every side, and
sometimes coming within reach of the good, stout cudgel
which he carried.
The first year Mr. James Barney lived in his house he
had to keep his cow and calf in a high log pen near by
at nights to save them from the wolves. He says that
one night, after being kept awake until near morning, he
took his gun just at daylight and sallied forth, determined on vengeance. When he went out the wolves retreated for a short distance, but when he came into a
thicket of bushes they surrounded him; he backed up
against a tree and they kept him there for about two
hours. He shot at them several times, but the bushes
were so thick he did not kill any, although they would
come so near that he could hear their teeth snapping
together. After this year the wolves became, happily,
scarce.
The first township meeting was held at the house of




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPII)S.


75


Mr. Charles H. Oakes, in Grandville, on Monday, the
second day of May, 1836. The following list of officers
were there chosen: Supervisor, Sideon H. Gordon;
Clerk, Isaac A. Allen; Assessors, Eli Yeomans, Ephraim
P. Walker and Justin Brooks; Justices, G. H. Gordon,
Robert Howlett and E. P. Walker; Collector, L. French;
Commissioners of Highways, G. H. Gordon, Eli Yeomans and H. Pitts; School Commissioners, Joseph B.
Copeland, Sanford Buskirk and James Lockwood;
School Inspectors, G. H. Gordon, Isaac A. Allen and Eli
Yeomans; Overseers of the Poor, E P. Walker and Justin Brooks; Constables, L. French and Sanford Buskirk.
During the first year the settlement of Byron progressed very slowly. It required a brave heart and a
strong arm to encounter the dangers and hardships consequent upon opening up a new and heavily timbered
country. But gradually the forests yielded to the pioneer's axe, and beautiful fields and thrifty orchards,
comfortable dwellings and well filled barns have taken
its place. Byron has already become one of the foremost
agricultural townships in Kent county.
2DEt. E        W. WV00DETR.UFP,
BOTANIC PHYSICIAN,
OFFICE AT HIS ROOT, BARK AND HERB STORE,
38 CANAL STREET UP STAIRS GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.
Where for 13 years every Description of Acute, Chronic and
Private Diseases have been Successfully Treated.
Strictly on Botanic Principles. 'No Poison Used.


P. 0. DRAWER, 2391.


COUNSEL AT OFFICE FREE,




76


611STI'()RY  OF (GRA ) H'API.


With varied soil, adapted to nearly all the diffterent
branches of husbandry, and especially to fiuit growing,
and the very best facilities for marketing its produce, its
farmers must soon stand among the best and most wealthy
in the State.
Byron is traversed by two railroads, the northern
branch of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad, and the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad. The
Lake Shore and Michigan Southern runs north and
south through the town, and has two stations on its line
in Byron, called Byron Center and North Byron. The
Grand Rapids and Indiana runs north and south through
the eastern part of the township, and has one station
near the south part of the town.
This township is composed of what is known as "timbered lands," comprising within its limits nearly every
variety of trees known in this climate. It is quite well
watered by Birch and Rush Creeks, and the springs and
numerous small streams that form these creeks.
Almost all signs of pioneer life have passed away, and
the greater part of the township is being rapidly im
CRAWFORD BROS.,
Wholesale and Retail Groceries,
AND DEALERS IN
PURE WINES AND LIQUORS,
Pearl St., Foot lMouroe, Granjd Rapids.




1 ISTO'I tY  ()F o( I N.V l  N   It  I7)ll.
lproved. The oll pioneer farmers are nearly all wealthy,
and take pleasure in telling- the,,tories of earlier and
darker days.
CHAPTER XIV.
CA EDONIA.-ITS RElSOURCES AN]) Al)\ ANTA' (ES-(SO1 I;
INTERESTING INCIDENTS OF EARl   Y TR\E I\ L-Tn I, [
PrIONEER 'TtVEPNSKENT'S TAVE lN-IN'EN        OF
EAIRLY SETTrLELENTEX.
C(ALIDOXNIA is one of the southern tier of townsllilps
of Kent county. It is traversed fron south to north 1,b
the Thornapple river, which divides it into two nearly
e(qual parts. The banks of the river are liglh, and tlhe
country on both sides of the river is high and rolling.
(n the east side of the river you have tlhe <" openingls,'
the soil being sandy and gravelly, with a slight mixture
of clay, and is timbered principally with oak and hlikory. The soil on this side of the river is especially
adapted to wheat and fruit, but produces good crops of
all kinds of grain and most grasses.
There are several lakes on this side of the river. Them
FOSTER, STEVENS &. 0C.,
IE- A:Rt  D 'W       A _E?, E,
-— AND ---
LUMBERMENS' SUPPLIES
10 and 12 Monroe Street,


GEUAND REAPIDS,


- MICHIGAN.




78


I-lSTORY OF (GRAND RAPIIS.


shore on the southeast side is sandy, and on the northwest mucky and marshy. The Coldwar, or Little
Thornapple enters Caledonia on section thirty-six, and
empties into the Thornapple on section twenty-five. The
west side of the river is all "timbered lands," producing
all of the kinds of timber that usually grow in this climate on such lands. All kinds of fruit grow almost to
perfection on this soil. There are a great many fine
farms in this township, and its agricultural resources are
being developed very fast.
Nestled among the hills on the banks of the Thornapple, in the northern part of the township, is the thriving
little village of Alaska, formerly known as North Browhville. It has a very pleasant location, and is an active,
enterprising place.
Mr. Asahel Kent was the first settler in the township,
settling on section thirty-five in 1838. Mr. Kent, and
after his death Mrs. Kent, kept a public house, which
became quite famous in the pioneer settlement. It was
called "Kent's Tavern," and the route leading to it from
the outside world was call "Gull Trail." Mrs. Kent afterwards married Mr. Peter McNaughton, and the place
became equally well known to travelers on the Battle
Creek and Grand Rapids stage route as "McNaughton's."
I will give a few reminiscenses of this stage route
here, in order to contrast the present mode of travel
with that patronized in Caledonia in 1839.  One person
says that in this year, he then a boy of only fourteen,
made the journey with three or four others from Grand
Rapids to Detroit, and that they stopped at "Kent's"
over night, and he, with others of the travelers, had to




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.           79
sleep out in a sort of shed, as the house was so small it
would not accommodate them.
At this time this was the only house from Ada to
"Leonard's," a distance of seventeen miles. About two
years after this gentleman commenced to drive stage on
this route, and drove for several years.  The road
at this time wound round through the woods, and it was
no uncommon thing to get "stuck" in the mud, or
to overset. At one time, a very dark stormy night, they
broke an axeltree about six miles south of Ada, and the
passengers, five or six in number, had to walk through
mud and snow to that place, as it was the nearest settlement.
At another time, Hon. John Ball, Mrs. Thomas B.
Church and others were in the stage; they overset in a
mud hole and the passengers were all precipitated into
the water. It was very dark, and Mr. Fred Church,
then an infant, was nearly suffocated before they found
him. At another time Hon. Wm. A. Richmond and
IIon. Harvey P. Yale were his only passengers; the
roads were muddy and badly rutted out and the night
F. lE^      YrTOLDs^,
FIRST PREMIUM BOOT MAKER,
Five First and Three Second Premiums
Awarded me for Fine Work at Union
Fair 1871 and 1872, and State Fair
of 1873. Also a Splendid
SILVER MEDAL IN 4873,
Corner of Canal and f-luron tts.
GR-EjANID RA-:PIDS,                   MElIC 1




80            hITSTORY OV f.R.ANI) 31APIIIS.
fearfully dark1. Mr. Yale fell asleep, and the wheels
striking- into a deep rut pitched, him out into the, mud.
After at hearty laugh lie resumed his p~lace ftfld the
st-age moved along.
But let us go back to the early settlemlen~t Of Caledo0 -nia. Among, the first comers were James Minsey, Eber
Moffitt, Hiram McNeil, Peter MeNaughtoni, Levi Tobey,
John Sinclair, 0. B. Barber, John Pattison, Henry JackSonl, Win. H1. Broxvn arid Warren S. Hale. Afr. Lyman
Hale was the first settler on thie west side of the river.
M1r. William  1-i. Brown erecte(l the first. sa,)w  mill at.
Alaska.
Am-ongr the incidenits connected with the early settlemnent of the township, showingIC some of the hardships
the pioneers had to endure, I will give the followino'
Mr. Win. II. Brown, previous to his settlement at
Brownsville, but after lie had located his land, lived at
"Scale's Prairie," or Middleville. Having occasion to go
there one winter, lie started fromt home in the mnorningon horse back, in tending to return the saine day. After
nalking his observations and examining his land, about
ED )WAT11 MOHL.  1IT(nSonIL.11li 801            )1  I
MOHL & SCHNEIDER,                   R. BUTTON43
Mrannlfactllrer's of
CT  G A~S,                  DENTIST,
And eair8 11  138 Canal Street, C rand Rapids, 2 Doora
IOBA(OS~UF ad SMhE ' ATP2 F~ Souith of "-'tar Clothing Housie.
rzABL ct., roo" T or umo~lO W.  Teeth Extracted by I he,R(eof Pure (Aao,
with care. Chiargoia Roamonablo arid
GRAND RAPIDS~, - M(ICHIGAN. lWork Warrauted.




HISTORY OF GRANI) RADPIDS.


sl


where the village of Alaska now stands, he started for
home; night soon came on, and after endeavoring to follow his track for a while, he found out that he was lost.
Hie dismounted, and as he had nothing to kindle a fire
with, cleared the snow out of the path with his feet and
covered it with some bark from a (ry tree, and walked
to and fro over it all night. When morning came he
mounted his horse, anid, after riding for some time, came
out at the Green Lake House.  His friends had started
after him in the morning, expecting to find him frozen
to death, and followed his tracks until they found him at
Green Lake.
But in Caledonia, as in all other settlements in Michigan, pioneering has mostly passed into history.  It
is now a flourishing township, the inhabitants rejoicing
in the ample rewards of labor.
CHAPTER XV.
(CANNON AN) CASCADEI-EAILY SETTLEMENT OF THESE
PLACES-IN(IDENTS OF TITEF PIONEERS -TIHE FIRST
FARMS-NAMAIES OF T'IfEi EARLY SrETTLERS.
CANNON, originally a part of Plainfield, lies northwest
of Grand Rapids, having Courtland on the north, Grattan on the east, Ada on the south, and Plainfield on the
west. In the year 18137 the first farm was entered within its territory by Andrew Watson, who came with his
family, accompanied by A. D. W. Stout and family, and
settled on section thirty, where Mr. Watson and his
aged wife resided for many years after. In the following
year came Isaac Tomlinson, locating upon section twentyseven, in a beautiful situation commanding an extensive
and enchanting view of the Grand River and its beauti



82


HISTORY OFt GRAND RAPIDS.


ful valley. In 1839 Wm. M. Miller settled upon section
nineteen.
The date of emigration had now fairly set in, and the
waving forests rolled back before a hundred pioneer
axes. Among the new-comers in 1840 were James
Thomas, Oliver Lovejoy, Mr. Rood and Rev. Mr. Frieze.
Among those who distinguished themselves in developing the town, I will mention M. A. Patrick and E. B.
Smith. In 1845 the separation from Plainfield was effected, and the township was created into a separate
town, under the name, by mistake of the Legislature, of
Churchtown, assuming its present name, however, in
honor of its principal village at its first town meeting.
held to complete its organization, on the first Monday of
April, 1846, at the house of C. Slaght, in Cannonsburg.
Cannon presents a great variety of surface, soil and
productions. Its main staples raised for the market are
wheat, wool, corn and apples. Of the former, large
quantities are exported, and its rolling lands and dry,
healthful climate make its wool-growing a success. Lying within the great Western fruit belt, and being
blessed with a deep, pliable soil, it is eminently adapted to horticultural pursuits.  Of this its people are
fully aware, and we find in many flourishing orchards,
apples, pears, peaches, cherries and currants abound,
while grapes and the small fruits are fast becoming
specialties.
While its business centers have not reached to any
great importance, its rural districts are marked with
thrift and enterprise.  Comfort smiles from its tasteful
dwellings nestled amid shade and bloom, while an
abounding plenty is stored in its spacious barns. This




HISTORY OF eRAND RAPIDS.


83


township is remarkable for the industry and the wealth
of its inhabitants..Cannonsburg, the only business center of any note
within the town, was founded in 1842, an Indian war
trail its only thoroughfare, and the settler's axe the only
key that would open the forest gates that guarded its
entrance. In 1844 and 1845 its mills were erected by
E. B. Bostwick and H. T. Judson, and a store opened.
As an inducement to permanent settlement the village
was platted in 1845, and Mr. Bostwick, the enterprising
business agent of LeGrand Cannon, its proprietor, (an
eastern capitalist and large land-holder in the town), was
instructed to give a village lot to each resident not otherwise provided for; thus twenty-five lots were given
away.
The town received the name it now bears in honor of
its founder, who testified his appreciation of the distinction conferred by presenting the village with a small
ordinance, bearing his name and date. This is treasured
by the authorities as a memento of early times, and used
MISS ANGIE M. BROOKS,
FASHIONABLE DRESS MAKER
AND MILLINER,:FA2NCY       0 GOODS, TOTIOINTS, &C.,
Store on Division Street, i Doors South of Monroe St.
DGRIANsTD PRiM:PIDS,                    V1IC03-i
Dress Cutting, Pinking & Stamping done on Short Notice.




84


lIISTORY OF CGRAND InPIDS.


on the 4th of July and other holiday occasions, wakening
the echoes of memory in many a heart as its thunders
reverberate among the hills that completely           surround
the little village.
Cannonsburg is situated on both sides of Bear Creek,
and is a flourishing and well-to-do settlement.
Cascade lies lies in the second tier of townships from
the south and east line of the county, and is bounded on
the north by Ada, on the east by Lowell, on the south by
Caledonia, and on the west by Paris.        At first it was a
part of the township of Ada.         Louis Cook, a native of
New    Jersey, is said to have been the first settler within
the township of Cascade.       He   came   in  1836, and was
soon   followed   by  Hiram    Laraway, Ed. Linen, James
May, David Petted, John        Farrell, James and William
Annis, Michael Matthews, Patrick, Christopher and Michael Eardley.
In 1838, Frederick A. Marsh, of New York, united in
marriage with Olive Guild, a daughter of Joel Guild, one
of the pioneer settlers of Grand Rapids, and began doDE5:1E WVQ0ODIR=UCIJ,
lO'IANIC         'IIY4ICIAN. V          Is C3ANAL          t'l-.
1ho has for the past twelve years been located in Opera Block, has now,
Vsince being burned out, removed his stock to 38 Canal St., where he continues to CURE every description of ACUTE, CHRONIC and PRIVATE DISEASE, on
the most reasonable terms. He manufactures all of his remedies from the raw
material, hence, known to be PURELY VEGETABLE. He uses no MINERALS or
POIsoNs. Having prescribed for over eighteen thousand patients within the
past ten years WITHOUT LOSING ONE OF THEM, where he was the only doctor
called, he guarantees reasonable satisfaction in the treatment of every disease
which afflicts humanity.
He keeps constantly on hand over 200 kinds of the most choice Roots, Barks
and Herbs, and over 100 kinds of his own manufacture of medicines. lie is to
1be found at his office at all hours-day or night.
Among the leading arti-les of medicine manufactured by him are his LIVER
SYRUPS, COUGH SYRUPS and FEMALE RESTORATIVES, all of which give universal
satisfaction. Call and counsel with a doctor, who will promise you nothing but
what he will faithfully perform, and will correctly locate your disease and give
you a correct diagnosis of your cases without asking you scarcely a question.
Liver oomplaints treated for fifty cents po p', dP otheWr j spaoeR eu propor,
tiOd! Cp0cntll at the olce FR.?




1115TO'tY OF GRIAND   rAPlD).             S


Is5


mestic life in the unbroken wilderness, one mile north
and west of where Cascade village now stands. Mr.
Marsh lived to see the forest yield its place to cultivated
fields and comfortable dwellings, and to have a school
house erected on his own land. He was killed by a fall
from his wagon, in 1856. In the winter of 1841, Mr.
Laraway was frozen to death while making the journey
between Ada and his own lonely residence.   His widow
braved the hardships of pioneer life and trained up
three sons and a daughter to lives of usefulness.
Peter and George Teeple came to Cascade during those
years, joining the settlers on the west side of the Thorn.
apple, while the eastern side was yet unmarked by civi —
lization, but inhabited by about three hundred and fifty
Ottawa Indians.
In 1841, Peter Whitney, of Ohio, moved his family into
that part of Cascade known as Whitneyville, and E. D.
Gore, of Massachusetts, selected a site for his future
home near the center of the township, in the summer of
1842. Next came Horace Sears, fromn    New York, and
Zerah and Ezra Whitney, and settled in Whitneyville.
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS COLLEGE
-ANDTELECRAPHIC INSTITUTE.
ESTABLISHED JAN'Y 24, 1866.
Not surpassed for thoroughness in the United States. Able assistance employed
in all the Departments. Demands for OUR Graduates greater than the
supply. Over two hundred of our Students are now employed in
this city as book-keepers and business men in various departments, and we are equally well represented
throughout the country, where we are
best known.
FIRST PREMIUMS AND DIPLOMAS
It we b-en awarded this College at the Great Union State and other Agricultural
Falir, wherever exhibited. Your influence and patronage is respectfully soli.
cited. For particul^ra please call and see us, or send for COLLEGE JOUENAL,
P. 0, SWENSBERC, Proprietor,




86


TISTORY OF (GRAND' RAPIDS.


In the spring of 1845, Asa W. Denison and family, from
Massachusetts, and George H. Denison came and joined
the settlers on the west side of the Thornapple. Coming
in on the State Road fiom Battle Creek to Grand Rapids, the teams, women and children of the company were
obliged to wait at Ezra Whitney's public house for the
road to be "chopped out," between that point and the
river, theirs being the first teams that passed over the
road. At Cascade they forded the Thornapple with
their houselold goods, and found timber on the ground
for the erection of the old Ferry House (now Cascade
Hotel), which was at that time owned by D. S. T. Weller.
During that year the house was so far completed as to
admit of occupancy, and the first ferry boat commenced
its trips just above where the bridge now spans the
stream. D. S. T. W\eller then owned the plat of land
now occupied by Cascade village, although first purchased by Joel Guild; and it was at that time staked out
into lots of one acre eacl. This was done as the fine fal
on the river gave hopes for the speedy erection of mills
at that place, some of the most sanguine settlers prophTHE VALLEY.CITY ENTERPRISE     Terms Strigtly Cash.
-I TH-             CALKINS BROS.
MOST ORIGINAL WEEKLY       ASH    GROCERS
WEST OF DETUOI r.
It Contains Original Stories,  23 MONROE STREET,
Poems, Essays, Etc.,
GRAND RAPIDS, - MICH.
J, R. SANFORD& Co. Prop'rs.
(WEST SIDE.)       Prices Lower than the Lowest.,




iliSToi1tY OV GR.AIND PIA chS.      8


8 07,


esyinlg that (.Cascade would oultstrip) Grand Rapids in the
st'~fe for precedence.
IDuring the year 184.5, a disease, which our old settlers
denominate the "1black tongue," broke out among the
Indians near Whitneyville, reducing their number to
two hundred in about two weeks.,; The band now became wasted by (lisease and removal, until less than fifty
remained at the timie of their removal to the Indian reservation, in 18t5fl.
In 1846 another family was added to the few settlers
on the east side of the river-Jared Strong, the first
settler in the forest between this place and the town of
Ada. 'rue following year a school was opened in a little
lo(, house, on the river bank for the children in that viThe first township meeting was held at Whitneyville,
April 3dj 18~48, anid the following township officers were
elected:
Supervis-or, Peter Teeple; Clerk, JolA   RI. Stewart;
'Treasurer, Asa W. Denison; School Inspectors, James
IT. Woodworth, Thomas I. Seeley; Commissioners of
EDWARD MOJIL.  HTTGO SCHNHIDER.I         NSTR;IASHE II 185)
MOHL & SCHNEIDER'#                  B. BUTTON
Manufaeturers of
OTG-R~S,                    DENTIST,
And Dealers in    '35 ('anal Street, Grand Rapids, 2 Doors
South of Star Clothing House.
TOBACCO, SNUFF and SMOKERS' ARTICLW
PZARL Mt., FOOT OF MO1RROE,  iTeeth Extraoted by the use of Pure Gas,!with care. Charges Reauonable andt
ORAND RAPIDS,   -  MICHIGAN. Work Warranted.




88        1ILST0IRY OF GRAND) RAPIDS.
Highways, Elzra Whitney, Fred A. Marsh, William Degolia; Justices of the Peace, Leonard Stewart, Zerah
Whitney; Assessors, Thosmas I. Seeley, Harry Clark;
Constables, Morris Denison, D). P. Corson, Win. Cook,
Peter J. Whitney.
From this day Cascade marched forward to success
m ith even progress. Commerce followed the pioneer's
axe and stores were soon opened, and it is, to-day, on e
of the most thrifty places of its size in the State. The
town can boast several school buildings of decidedly fine
appearance. It has several churches, and enjoys all the
blessings of wealth and prosperity.
CHAPTER XVJ.
TowNsmhP oiv GAIINES-I-NCIIENTS OFEA-RLY SE-,TTLFJlM ENT-INTERESTING INCIDENTS-CAPTURING TH Fl-'
"GULL PRAIRIE WoLF"-TurIE Rr~n Sciiooi, Housi,,
-FIRST Towx NMEETING.
GAI-NES is si~ated in the southern tier of townshipsof Kent county. The first settler in this township was
Alexander Clark, who located on section eight in the
*       FOSTER, STEVENS &            CO.,
IDWjA:              XEVFJ,
Bole Agents in Western Michigan for
Hoyt's Oak 'Tanned Leather Belting!I'
10 and 12 Monroe S.-treet,.


GRAND RAPIDS. I


GRANDRAPIS,  - MICHIGAN,




JUtSTORV o OF AAVI) R.tU'IPSO
spring of 1837. H-e was joined in the following autumn by Alex. L. Bonck. Gaines at this period had little to recommend her to the eyes of civilization, being
nothing more or less than thirty-six square miles of
wilderness. Yet, to the hardy, enterprishig pioneers her
heervy forests of beech and maple, and, in some localities,
pine and oak, an abundant supply of fresh water, with
an average share of bears, wolves, deer and wild turkeys,
possessed a charmn that cap~tivated the enterprising settlers.
At this time then only thoroughfare within the limits of
the' territory of Gaines was a road known as the "101(1
Gull Road, r'unning a zig-zag, course from north to
South. The line of settlement followed the course of
this road, and to-day we find some of the richest farms
on th~is line. It was afterwards straightened as the
township became settled to correspond with the section
lines, and became -a s tage route from  G'1rand Rapids
to Kalamnazoo until the completion of the plank road in
185 4.
Gaines, aside from her agricultural prospects, offered
ID:E"v. 2J. WOOID _U lVF,
BOTANIC PH-YSICIAN,
OFFICE AT HIS ROOT, BARK AND HERB STORE,
38 CANAL STREET UP STAIRS GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.
Where for 13 years every Description of Acute, Chronic ana
Private Diseases have been Successfully, Treated.
Strictly on Botanic Principles. No Poison Used.


P. 0. DRAWER, 2391,


P. 0 DRAER, 391.    COUNSEL Al OFFICE FREE.




90.        HISTORY OF GRAND jlRAPIDS.
but little inducement to business men. Plaster and
Buck creeks both rise near the centre of the township,
but are too small during most of the year for profitable
mill sites.  There was, however, a small water mill
erected on the latter stream about the year 1852, by
Esech Burlingame, which is still running, and which out
the lumber for some of the first frame buildings in the
township.
Most of the settlers of Gaines, as is usual, were poor,
having barely means enough to enable them to purchase
their lands of the Government for $1.25 an acre, get
their families and household goods transported through
the wilderness, and gain a foothold on their farms. But
with persistent energy they set to work and the heavy
forests began to disappear. It was soon found to be one
of the richest tracts in the vicinity for agricultural
purposes, and at the present date is one of the best in
the country.
The first attempt at organization was as a part of
Paris in 1839, but in the year 1848 it was organized under the name of Gaines, and the first township meeting
was held at the old red school house. The following law
was passed at the first meeting: "On motion of Orson
Cook, it was voted that a tax of two dollars and fifty
cents be raised for every wolf killed in the township."
3Volves were rather troublesome neighbors in those
days, and the author of the mption probably owed them
a grudge for their former depredations.    Wolves
made frequent visits to the early settlers, and would
make the very earth tremble with their howlings
and complaints to the intruders of their time-honored
homes.




ITISTORY OF tRAND RAPIDS.


91


One occupation of the boys and larger girls of that
day used to be to fire the old stumps about the place in
the evening to scare away the wolves.  About the year
1846 there was a wolf who had her beat from this vicinity to Gull Prairie, in Barry County, and was known
as the "Gull Prairie Wolf," who usually made the round
trip once a week.  The dogs would not molest her, and
she seemed to care for neither man nor beast. She had
been caught once in a steel trap, and all efforts to entrap
her again were for a long time unsuccessful.  Even the
children, in time, seemed to distinguish her voice from
other wolves, and were in the habit of listening for her
on certain nights. She seldom disappointed them, and
made night hideous with her howls. She finally killed
four sheep in one night on the premises of Mr. Mesnard.
Mr. Jones, who lived near, requested the owner to leave
one of the carsses, which the wolf had partially
devoured, and hlMid so. Messrs. Jones and Cook then
held a council o far, at which they concluded to make
one more effort to entrap her. Accordingly, two traps
were set near the carcass. But on her next'visit she
BURR & STANTON,
QENERAL BOOK MA14UACTUTEItS
Edition BooK W\ork, Fine Job Binding, Paper
* Ruling, Blank Books with Special Ruling,
RAILROAD,' INSURANCE AND BANK WORK A SPECIALTy
21.CA2,.A.A  L STRqEET,


GRAND RAPIDS,


MICH.




42


HIISTORY OF GRANI) RAPTDS.


contrived to remove the carcass several rods, taking care
to avoid the traps. Another consultation resulted in
more traps, Four were set, placing in the intermediate
spaces small pieces of iron, which were left in sight,
while the traps were carefully concealed. This time
they outwitted her and she was caught in one of
the traps. Early on the following morning Messrs.
Jones and Cook took the trail in pursuit. They overtook her near Duncan Lake, caught her and attempted
to bring her home alive, but the wolf acted so badly
that they were compelled to abandon the project. They
brought home the pelt for which they received one dollar, and ten and a half dollars in county and State bounties.
But the wolves and their allies, the bears and wildcats, have disappeared, and the township has become;argely settled and improved. At the first township
meeting only thirty-five votes were leled, but to-day
her population is nearly two thousax  Thrifty farms
greet you at every turn; comfortable fiamle cottages
take the'place of the log huts of the pioneer; good roads
Terms Strictly Cash.  CAPITAL REPRBESITED over $50,000.00
CALKINS BROS.            J. s. CROSBY & SON,
CASH GROCERSi GENERAL INSURANCE
AND
*25 MONROE STREET,
Real Estate Agents
GRAND RAPIDS, - MICH.       13 Canal St., (Old No.)


Prices Lower than the Lowest. IGRAND RA         DIDS,


MIOH,




1lIXTORY OF GRAi.ND RAPIDS.


93


on section lines traverse all parts of the township; and
from thirty-six square miles of wilderness she has grown
in thirty-six years to an enterprising, thrifty agricultural town.
The first school was taught in a log house, erected by
Mr. Clark about the year 1842.      This, in a short time,
was removed to give place to a frame building painted
red, and known throughout the county as the red school
house, which was succeeded, in 1863, by the present elegant structure on the same sight.    There are ten school
houses in the township, all comfortable frame buildings.
The society of United Brethren built a churchl on sction twenty-eight in 1867, which, although plain and
modest, is neat and tasty-an honor to the association
and an ornament to the eommunity.       It i; situated (o!
one of the most elevated points of the township, and cd: n
be seen for miles around.
The Grand River Valley Railroad ruins through the
territory of Gaines, and is now being a valuqble aid to
its progress.
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS COLLEGE
-ANDTELEGRAPHIC INSTITUTE.
ESTABLISHED JAN'Y 24, 1 3.3.
Not surpassed for thoroughness in the United States. Able ass'it ilne employed
in all the Departments. Demands for OUR Graduates greater than the
supply. Over two hundred of our Students are now employed in
this city as book-keepers and business men in various departments, and we are equally well represented
throughout the country, where we are
best known.
FIRST PREMIUMS AND DIPLOMAS
-fvw. been awarded this College at the Great Union State and other Agricultural
F'ales, wherever exhibited. Your'influence and patronage is respectfully solicited. For particulars please call and see us, or send for COLLEGE JOUBXAI,.
Address,
CC.. SWENSBERC, Proprietor.




94


IT ISTO0LT O~f ("RANI) RAIDr~.


The first township officers were: Peter Van Lee, Supervisor; Jamnes MN. Pelton, Clerk; Charles Kelley,
Treasurer; Joseph Blain, Josiahl i)rake and Robert RI ones, Justices of the Peace; Foster Kelley and Abram
'P. Andrews, Assessors; Daniel Rice, Levi M. Dewey and
Williamn Kelley, Commissioners of Highways; R. Mesnard and A. T. Andrews, School Inspectors; 0. Cook
and Levi Cheney, Poor- Directors; L. W. Sanford, J. E.
Guild, T. Kelley and Daniel WVilliams-, Constables.
(TI-APTER XVII.
GRATTA N A I   uWL-NCi NSOF EARLY S ETTLEM1IE N T-Pi1 E FiiRST MA RRIAG~E i - GRATTA N,7-EARLjY
SE'TTLERS ONrTilE FLATr RIVERz-TIiE FiR1ST Loo4 HUTS.
G ]?ATTAN`~ is one of the easterii tier of townships. It
was originally a part of Verglennes, and was created into a separ-ate town in 1 84(. It was largely settled in its
south.Irn portion by emigrants directly from Ireland.
In 1843 the first settlement was made within the limits
of the town', by Dennis and John McCarthy and Richard
Giles. In 184], Luther B. Cook: built the first house
north of Seeley's Creek. Among the early settlers who
followed were C. Close, J1. Watkins, Henry Green, Anthony King, V. W. Caukin, M. Kennedy, and W. McCarthy.
Prominent among the settlers,, who came 'in 18455 were
John P. Weeks, Orson Nichoson, William Byrnes, and
A. Green. Of these 01ld settlers most reside where they
first located.
There are many interesting personal experiences incident to the early settlement of this town. Out of many
of these I will mention one. A widely known and high



iiiSToiiRY 0  GClAXi).1API)S.     95
ly respectable couple, still residents of the town, wished
to get married, but there was no functionary in that part
of Kent county vested with authority to perform the
ceremony.  A   well-known Justice of Ionia county
chanced to be visiting at the house where the parties
were, and their dilemma wis made known to him. Of
course he had no jurisdiction in Kent, I'ut the county
line was only half a mile away, and a walk through the
forest was proposed and agreed to. The Justice took
his stand in Ionia county, and the bride and bridegroom,
protesting, would not leave the county to be married,
joined hands just over the line, and in the presence of a
few friends, gatherel beneath the grand old oaks, on
the pleasant afternoon of July 28th, 1844, the twain were
made one, to their own gratification as well as that of
the spectators.
In those early days the settler, with his axe, cut the
way for his future home, and in the absence of stores, grist
and saw-mlills, supplied, by his own ingenuity, the actual
necessities of himself and family. To-day, all the conveniences of civilized life are at hand, and well cultivated
farms, and the more than ordinary wealth displayed in
dwellings are highly significant of the great enterprise
and consequent prosperity of the people.
Grattan has not only maintained an honorable position in the county, but has also made its record among
the dignitaries of tke State. Among those who have
represented that section in the State Legislature are
Hon. Volney W. Caukin and Hon. M. C. Watkins.
Lowell lies north of Bowne and south of Vergennes.
It is one of the eastern tier of townships in Kent county.
Its soil, timber and productions are greatly diversified,




10()r))


Iir1~tOni~ OF 6thAN'b fAPID6S.


The soil of the southern portion is mostly clay or loanhi,
lies very high, and is generally level and well adapted to
farming purposes.     The north half is considerably
broken by the Grand and Flat rivers, and Lakes MeEwing, Pratt, Morse, Stoughton, and several swamips. This
township is well supplied with stone for building purposes, and in some parts they are used to some extent
for fencing, especially in the northwest corner of the
township.
In the year 1.829, Daniel M~arsac came fromn Detroit
and went among the Indians in the vicinity of the present villag-e of Lowell as a trader, although a regular
trading post was not established there until 1831, when
Mr. Marsac built a log hut on the south side of the
Grand Rliver, near the present site of.J. Koff' & C-'o'.s
extensive chair works.
When Mr. Miarsac first pitched his tent within the borde.,rs of Kent county, then an almost unbroken wilderness, the only roads were the Indian trails, and the Only
means of navigation was the canoe, or the "dug-out, as
it is sometimes called; or for more ex tensive transportaEi-w kRD) b101L.  BUGr~o  SCHNEIDER.  mFTAi  LIJSHEn  IS84)
MOHL & SCHNEIDER,                    R, B3UTTON
Mmumfactuirerg of
OTG-Alz                S,          DENTIST,
And Dealers ii    i38 Canal Street, Grand Rapids, 2 Dom t
TOBA CO,  ~ UF   and SMOK RS' ARTI LES South  of  Star  Clotbing  H ouse.
P1ZARL St., FOOT OF MON~ROE,  Teeth Extracted by the use of Pure Gtas,
1with care. Charges Reasonable and
ORAND RAPIDS,   -  MICHIGAN. Work Warranted.




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


97


tion a raft made of poles or small logs fastened together.
In the spring of 1835, a family by the name of Robinson, numbering in all forty-four persons, set out from
the State of New York, and, arriving at Detroit, embarked on a small vessel for Grand Haven, via Mackinaw. On the 7th day of June of that year they reached
the mouth of Grand River, and, putting their household
goods on rafts, poled their way up the river and settled
in Ottawa and Kent counties. These were only a part
of the Robinsons; Rix Robinson had been trading with
the Indians at Ada for several years previous.  A year
later another brother, named Lewis, came with his family and settled on the west bank of Flat River, in the
south part of what is now the village of Lowell. He
was soon followed by Rodney, his brother. The timber
for their first log hut was cut two or three miles up Flat
River and floated down by the help of Indians, who
were always friendly to those who used them well.
A tract of land lying on the east side of Flat River
was set apart as university lands.  In 1836 Luther Lincoln, from Grand Rapids, came and settled on a small lot
of the university lands, and built a log house, which
was afterwards occupied by Don A. Marvin as a tavern.
In 1837, Charles Newton, Matthew Patrich, Samuel P.
Rolf, Ira A. Dawes, William Vandeusen and Mr. Francisco settled along the north side of Grand River, on the
old Grand River Road, from two to five miles west of
Flat River. In 1839, William B. Lyon and Ransom
Rolf settled on the same road, near those previously
mentioned.




98


HISTORY Of GRAND RAPIDS.


At the time of the sale of lands in this tract, the Indians
attempted to enter and hold the lands they had been tilling under the pre-emption laws; but, as the agent knew
nothing about whether the red man could hold land by
these laws, the matter was referred to the general land office, and, while waiting the decisions, Philander Tracy attempted to gain possession by erecting a small hut thereon and sowing the field with oats, which were destroyed
by the Indians. His papers, which had been granted,
were afterwards revoked, and, although the decision was
unfavorable to the Indians, they loaned money to a
Frenchman, who entered it for them.
John B. Shear and some others came in the year 1844,
and settled in or near the present village of Lowell. In
December, 1847, C. S. Hooker, formerly of Connecticut,
came from Saranac. He erected the first frame house in
the township, which was also the first in Lowell.  In
1847, Mr. Hooker erected the grist mill on the east side
of Flat River. It was run by an over-shot water-wheel,
water being brought by means of a race, a distance of
about forty rods fiom the island in Flat River. In 1849,
Mr. Hooker constructed the darn across the river just
below Bridge street.
The Lowell Postoffice was established about the year
1848, and took its name from the township, which was
organized about the same time.  The new village was
called Lowell because of its prospects in a manufacturing point. The first village officers were; C. S. Hooker,
President; C. A. Blake, Recorder; J. Chapman, Marshal; C. Hunt, Assessor; Wm. W. Hatch, J. B. Shear
and A. Peck, Trustees.
Within the last few years Lowell has become a large




FYISTORY OF SAAND RAP'IDS..9.99


manufacturing and commercial mart.  Its citizens are
very enterprising, and many of its factories and business houses will compare favorably with those of Detroit.
CHAPTER XVIII.
EARLY SL"TILE-NENT OF NELSON-, OAKFIELD), PLAINFIELDitSOLON AN'D SPARTA.
NELSO.NT township is one of the northern tier. Twenty
years ago this township was an unbroken wilderness,
where wild animals made their homes,
In 1851, Win. H. Bailey came and settled in N~elson.
Mr. John S. Jones moved into the township during the
same year, and is said to have been the second settler, and
among those who followed were John M. Towns, Josiah
Towns, N. R. H-ill, 1). B. Stout, HI. M. Staunton, George
Stout, Andrew Stout, Rialeigh Smith, Samuel Punches,
Joseph N. Clark, A. S. Tindell, J. N. Tindell, John Dean,
Elisha Dean, II. D. Streter, Thomas Almy, Mr. Ream,
and his two sons, Bradford Baily, and Joseph Wood.
Nelson was organized as a township on the 13th day
SOUTHWICK & WRICHTIF
-DEALERS INCROCKERY, 'CHINA & GLASSWARE
T A.13 LE   C   T1-jER1-tY,
FEATHER DUSTERS AND LAMP GOODS OF ALL DESCRIPTIONS.
-CRAND    RAPID%,                    MICHICAN.




100


HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


of October, 1854, and the first township election was held
at the house of Chas. H. Leake, on the first Monday of
April, 1855.
Oakfield was first settled in 1838, Win. R. Davis being
the pioneer of civilization. There seems to have been
no one save himself and family to break the solitude of
the wilderness till June, 1839, when Mr. Isaac Tower,
Stephen S. Tower and William Thornton came with their
families and settled near Mr. Davis. These were the
only settlers till 1842, when Thomas Crinion and David
J. Gilbert located on sections eighteen and nineteen,
respectively. Then followed S. Ashley, Henry McArthur, Giles McArthur, Errie McArthur, Maurice Hart,
M. W. Mack, John Davis, Levi White, James Eletley,
Wm. Peterson and Benjamin Potter.
The first town meeting in Oakfield was held in April,
1849, at a little school house on section twenty-nine.
This was the first school house in the town. The log
cabin was replaced in 1852 by a frame structure of respectable size and appearance, and is still known as the
White Swan School.
In Oakfield, pioneer life has passed alnost entirely
away, first-class schools are located in every settlement,
and a goodly number of churches are handsomely supported. There are several mills on Wabassis Creejk, all '
doing a profitable business. The first saw-mill in the
township was built by John Davis, in 1846. It was located on Beaver Dam Creek. Three times it was swept
into ruins by the freshets, and as often repaired or rebuilt by its persevering owner.
Paris is next to the oldest township in the county.
As early as 1833, Barney Ilurton, Edward Guild, Joel
4k




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


101


Guild, Danield Guild and James Vanderpool located
within its present limits. Among the early settlers who
followed were Jacob and Minor Patterson, James Patterson,.O. Spaulding, P. Brown, N. Carleton, Hiram II. Allen,
DeWitt Shoemaker, Clinton Shoemaker, Robert Shoemaker, Alom H. Wansey, J. Wansey, James Bollard,
Stephen Hinsdill, A. Laraway, and Robert Barr.
The trials and hardships endured by the pioneers of
those days seems to have been unusual. Nearly all of
the settlers were poor, and the lot of some was peculiarly distressing. During 1837, or the "wild cat" times,
many of the settlers endured untold hardships. Only a
few of them had any considerable part of their farms
cleared, and a still smaller part cultivated, and consequently were obliged to buy their provisions. Those
who had been in the county longer and had larger ilnprovements, raised a few bushels of wheat more than was
required for their own use, but they conld sell it neither
for money nor for groceries.
While wheat was selling for only fifty cents a bushel,
flour was selling for $15 and $20 a barrel, pork, $36 a
BURR & STANTON,
QENW1AL BOOK MVANUfrACTU1TS,
Edition Book Work, Fine Job Binding, Paper
Ruling, Blank Books with Special Ruling,
RAILROAD, INSURANCE AND BANK WORK A. SPECIALTY,
23 CA.A-:Lj      STiREET,


GRAND RAPIDS,


MICH.




102


HISTORY OF GRAND RAHIDS.


barrel, potatoes $2 per bushel, and butter fifty cents per
pound.
Mr. Burton built the first log house in Paris, and
erected the first barn in the county. He also erected
the first frame house In the township.  When Mr. Burton was on his way from Gull Prairie, one night in pioneer times, he and his few companions halted as usual,
spancled their horses and took their rest.  In the morning the horses belonging to Mr. Burton were not to be
found, so he started in search of them.    I-e wandered
about in the thick woods for several hours without success, and finally turned about with the intention of re
turning to the camp.   He traveled until the sun was low
in the west, and no camp could be found.     Night came
on, and he rested himself, a lost man in a dense forest.
He spent the second day the same as the first, but on
third he came out to the settlement of Ada.    Thence he
proceeded to Grand Rapids, where he found the settlers
considerably excited over his disappearance.    Mr. Campau had already dispatched several Indians in the direction he supposed he would be, to search for him.
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS COLLEGE
ANDTELECRAPHIC INSTITUTE.
ESTABLISHED JAN'Y 24, 1866.
Not surpassed for thoroughness in the United States. Able assistance employed
in all the Departments. Demands for OUR Graduates greater than the
supply. Over two hundred of our Students are now employed in
this city as book-keepers and business men in various departments, and we are equally well represented
throughout the country, where we are
best known.
FIRST PREMIUMS AND DIPLOMAS
Have been awarded this College at the Great Union State and other Agricultural
Fairs, wherever exhibited. Your influence and patronage is respectfully solicited. For particulars please call and see us, or send for COLLEGE JOURNAL.
Address,
C. C. SWENSBERC, Proprietor.




iHiS'TOiY OF GRAND RBAPIiS.


103


At one time in the winter of 1835, the cries of what
was supposed to be a man were heard in the vicinity of
Mr. Burton's residence. He was answered, horns were
blown, and other noises made to attract his attention,
with no result. About the same time a grey horse came
to tre residence of A. Laraway, not many miles away,
which none of the settlers claimed. Early in the spring
a skeleton was found on what is now called the Penny
Property, in Paris. Its appearance indicated that death
had taken place some months previous. A few dollars
in money, a watch and some papers were found on his
person, the latter indicating that his name was Moore.
Nothing further was ever ascertained in regard to the
matter. Ile probably lost his way in the pathless woods,
wandered about for several days, perhaps lost his horse,
and starved to death; or, overcome with weariness, sank
down to rest and perished by the excessive cold.
I might go on with incidents such as this in the history of Paris, but the want of space forbids.
Plainfield was first settled in 1837. It was nallmed for
the many plains within its borders.
Terms Strictly Cash.    Tr     -y- S
C*ALKINS BROS.
FANCY GOODS,
CASH GROCERS
And Worsteds at low Prices.
25 MONROE STREET,
E  LOETTGZRT,   l aS Canal Street.
GRAND RAPIDS, - MICH.
Prices Lower than the Lowest.  Grand Rapids, Mich.




104


104HISTORY OF GRAND~l RAPIDS.


Its first township meeting to complete its organization
was held in April, 1838, at a rude log school house
on section 23.
The township is well watered by the Grand and
Rouge rivers and Mill Creek. The first mill was erected
in 1840 by G. H. Gordon. It had a grist mill attached,
and there the Indians and settlers carried their corn to
be ground.
Among the early settlers of Plainfield I will mention
Geo. Miller, Jas. Clark, Thos. Friant, W. Dexter, C. Eniant, Z. Whitney, G. H. Gordon, Daniel North, Samuel
Post, Jacob Post, Samuel Gross and Chester Wilson.
The first family on the ground was that of Mr. Geo.
Miller, and the deprivations which fell to their share was
the common lot of all who caine to make a home in the
wilds of Michigan at that- day. Grand River was the
only thoroughfare and means of communication with the
outside world, hence the settlers depended mainly on
what they raised, and their own ingenuity to prepare it
for food. Pork, if imported, was $60 a barrel. The
nearest flouring mill was sixty miles away, and the bread
E"DWARD MOHM.  HlUGO SCHNEHD)MR        ISTABLiSIIED) IS5
MOHL & SCHNEIDER,                 3R B3UTTONT
Manufacturers of
o  IG~I   J S3.DENTIST,
And Dealers Ini  8;8 Caual Street, Grand Rdpids, 2 Doors
TOBACCO, SNUFF and SIOKBRS' ARTICLESS ot fSa ltigHue
r1ARL St., FOOT OF MONROE,  ITeethi Extracted by the use of Pure Gasi
1with care, Charges Reasonable and
GRAND RAPIDS,  -MICH1GAIN.1 Work Warranted.




itISTORY OrF GRAND RAPIDS.         105
eaten in the family of Mr. Miller, for eighteen months,
was ground in a coffee mill.
In 18,38 the lands, although being surveyed and rapidly located, were not in the market, and it was no uncommon thing to see white men and Indians tilling corn
in the same fields together. But in the fall of 1839 the
great land sale came off, when the settlers secured their
claims and the red man vanished from the scene.
Solon township lies in the north part of the county.
It was first settled in 1854. J. M. Rounds and M1r.
Beals were the first settlers, but were soon followed by.John and Martin Hicks, Robbins IIicks and many others. The township was attached to Algoma until 1857,
when it was organized into a separate town under
the name of Solon.  The first annual meeting was held
at the house of Walker Rose, and the following officers
were elected: Edward Jewell, Supervisor; John E.
Roys, Clerk; John 1). Watkins, Treasurer; Andrew
Fluent, M. Robinson and Obidah Smith, Justices of the
Peace.
This township is well watered, is being rapidly filled
PA. PREUSSER,
WATCHMAKER AND JEWELER,
NO. 21 MONROE STREET,
GRAND RAPIDS,               -      MICHIGAN.
Fine Gold and Silver Watches, Carter Hawkins' Celebrated Gold Chains, Pure Silver Ware and Steinway Pianos.
MJLHERR WAGNER is acknowledged the Best Watchmake
in the Northwest.




106


ItMTORY OF GRAND RAPIbs.


up with enterprising settlers, and is fast increasing in
wealth and importance.
Sparta is one of the northern tier of townships, and
was first settled in 1844 by Lyman Smith, Norman and
Edwin Cummings, who erected small shanties and began
pioneer life with its usual hardships.
Soon after Lewis W. Pardy came, bring'ng his family,
and erected a log house, and in 1845 Joseph English followed with his family. Thus the settlement began and
continued, until the wilderness disappeared to give place
to civilization and industry. Sparta is now aflourishing
township, containing several villages and many enterprising citizens.
CHAPTER XIX.
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF SPENCER, WYOMING,- WALKER,
VERGENNES AN-I) TYRONE.
SPENCER township is situated in the northeast corner of the county, and was first invaded by an old trapper by the name of Lincoln.  He had a shanty on the
bank of the lake of that name, and there he lived alone
for a number of years.
The first regular settler was Cyrus B. Thomas, who
located in the summer of 1846. The second settler was
Henry Stroup, who located in January, 1848. M. B.
Hatch came in 1853. and E. B. Cowles, B. G. Parks, Jacob Van Zandt, Win. H. Hewitt, Wim. T. Parshall and
Daniel Hastings followed. In a short time the township
became well settled and soon began to show signs of
rapid improvement.
The first township election was held in 1861.
Tyrone is the northwest corner township of Kent




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


county. It was first settled in 1849 by Mrs. Louisa
Scott and family, who went in to board workmen on the
State Road then being made on the west line of this
township. In 1850 Lot Ferguson settled about one mile
further on the road, where the Casnovia House afterwards stood.
In 1852 Jacob Smith and Harlon Jackson settled one
mile east of the State Road, on the present road from
Cedar Springs to Muskegon.  In the following year
John Thompson came into the same neighborhood, with
Jos. Kies.
In 1855 other settlers came in, and soon the township
became quite well settled by enterprising citizens, who
have succeeded in improving the town and enriching
themselves.
The township was, for some time, attached to Sparta,
but in 1855 it was organized as a separate town under
the name of Tyrone, the first annual meeting having
been held at the only school house in the place, which
stood near Mrs. Scott's residence.
Tyrone has now become a prosperous and thickly set-.             ELON G. EATON,
No.  7 OANAL ST.,


GRAND RAPIDS, -  MICH.




108


'HISTORY OF GRAND RAPII)S.


tied town. Within the township are several thrifty villages. Excellent school houses have been erected and
every improvement made necessary to make the homes
of the residents comfortable.
Vergennes lies east of Ada. and was first settled by S.
Hodges in 1836. It was organized under a separate
town government in 1838, when there were only nineteen families in the township. For several years the
farmers had to carry their grists to Ionia, to Grandville
or to Kalamazoo to be ground.  At this time the township was comparatively an unbroken wilderness. Grand
Rapids could boast of but half a score of poorly furnished houses and only two stores, those of Louis Campau
and Mr. Watson.
Following is a list of the early settlers of Vergennes:
S. S. Fallass, J. W. Fallass, L. Robinson, T. I. Daniels,
James Wells, A. R. Hoag, S. Hodges, J. G. Fox, W. P.
Perrin, A. Rogers, A. K. Shaw, E. Foster, N. Godfroy,
A. Hodges, E. Walker, C. Misner, M. Lyon, B. Fairchild, J. Branagan and A. Vandeusen.
The record of this township is similar to that of the
others. Its settlers had all the hardships of pioneer
life, but in due time these difficulties gave way under
the pressing progress of civilization and commerce. The
wilderness was soon converted into fine farms, and mills
~were erected on the several streams; school houses were
erected, villages incorporated and commerce encouraged. Vergennes is now one of the most prosperous
townships in Michigan.
Walker, one of the western tier of townships, was first
settled by Samuel White in 1836. Mr. White built the
first frame barn west of Grand River, and soon after




11ISTORtY oF ("TRA-ND RAII)IDS.


1 09


erected a saw mill on Indian Creek. Later in the samne
yea-r Mr. White was joined by Jesse Smith and a Frenchmnan named John J1. Nardin, who came and settled in the,
township. The following' peisons followed to eomiplete,
the early settlement: Henry Helmnka, Wm'. W. Anderson, Joseph Denton, John Hogradone,, H1arvey Monroe,
John Harrington, Patrick O'Brien, Stephen O'Brien, Jas.
Murray and the Edison family. MLany others.- followed
a-t an early day.
The first township meeting was held in April, 183S, ait
the Mission School House.  The records indicate that
{h's wfs the only school house then in the township.
In lIM8 emigration had fairly set in, and in a few
years the place was thickly settled. All the- settlers
were enterprising, hard working men, and their energies
were not exerted in vain. Walker has now become one
of the best improved townships in Kent county, anid
lpromises a prosperous future. School houses have been
erected in every school district in the town, and milLs
atnt ma-nUfacturing establishments have been put upj
with,satisfactory results.
Termis Strictly Caesh:,  T' 0  -y  S
CALKINS BROS.,AC                   GOS
CASH GROCERS.
I And Worsteds at low Prices.
23 MONROE STREET,
GRAD RPIS,   MIHF. LOETTGEBT,     IS~ Canal streot.


jPrices Lower than t e Lowest. I Gran4   aidMih




1()


1IlSTORY OF (GRANI) IRAPI)S.


Wyoming is one of the western tier of townships of
Kent county. It was first settled by Mr. David Tucker,
(. H. Gordon, Luther Lincoln, Jos. B. Copeland, Hiram
Jenison, William R. Godwin, J. T. Chubb, M. Roys,
Henry West, R. Britton, J. C. Abel, E. P. Walker, A.
Bryant, Joseph McCarthy and others.
In 1834 G. H. Gordon built a saw mill on section seventeen, and soon after other mills were erected.  This
was the beginning of enterprise in Wyoming, and it has
been steadily kept up to the present day.
The existence of plaster in this township is probably
one reason for its rapid settlement and great enterprise.
The first mill for grinding plaster was built in the
winter of 1840 by Mr. Daniel Ball, of Grand Rapids.
CHAPTER XX.
GRAND RAPIDS IN 1846 AND IN 1874-TluE GROWTfH OF
THE VALLEY CITY.
HAVING briefly traced some of the incidents in the
early settlement of the several townships in Kent county,
we will now return to the city of Grand Rapids. In our
mention of the several towns, however, we must be excused for not giving the growth of each in detail, since
the limits of this little work will not admit of anything
more than a partial history of the county.
To say that Grand Rapids city has had a rapid growth
in all her industries, and that everything in her present
condition combines to demonstrate her future greatness,
is truly within reason. That the city will, in time, con
tain a population almost equal to Detroit there can be
but little doubt, and that it will always maintain a second




HISTORY o0Y (RAI1) nAPI't)DIS4


Hil


position among the cities of Michigan, no person acquainted with the advantages of the location and the
great enterprise of the citizens of the Grand River Valley, will dispute.
If we desire to see what the growth of the city has
been, let us take a view of it in 1846, only twenty-seven
years ago. Then, forty acres was about the extent of
the place. Division street might be said to bound civilization on the east, Monroe street on the south, Bridge
street on the north, and the river on the west. There
were scattered buildings only outside of those limits. A
wing dam ran half way across the river, and furnished
water power for three saw mills, two grist mills, and
some minor works. Irving Hall, Faneul Hall, Commercial Block, Backus Block, and Pierce's Franklin Block
were the principal stores, the last two mentioned being
nearly " out of town."  St. Claire's store, where Luce's
Hall now is. was the business stand farthest up Monroe
street. Canal street was a mud hole from one end to the
other, and a two-foot side walk, supported by posts, kept
the pedestrians out of the mud. This street has since
EDWARD MOHL.  iHUGO SCHNEIDER.         ESTABLISHED 1850)
MOHL & SCHNEIDER,              s,. BUTTON
Manufacturers of
OC I      AL          S,           DENTIST,
And Dealers in, 38 Canal Street, Grand Rapids, 2 Doors
TOBCCO, SUFF and SOKERS' ARTICE  Soth of Star Cthi  House.
PEARL St., FOOT OF MONBOE,  Teeth Extracted by the use of Pure Gas,
with care. Charges Reasonable and
GRAND RAPIDS,  -  MICHIGAN. Work Warranted.




112


ITIsTORY: OF GRANI) RAPIDS.


been filled in from five to ten feet. Where Fitch & Ravmond's carriage shop was afterwards built, and around
there, was a fine, musical frog-pond. The stumps were
in the street and the houses were all one story. The
only communication with the outside world, besides the
river and lakes, was by the Battle Creek stage. People
came to church with ox teams. There were no fashionables, people dressed plain and nearly all had the ague.
Every cow could boast a bell, and thus the little town
was amply supplied with music. Wood was one dollar
a cord, wheat fifty cents a bushel, corn twenty-five cents,
venison one-half cent a pound, pork and beef three cents.
At this time Mr. Ballard was preaching in the Congregational Church, and got his living by farming. The
Catholics used a dwelling house for a chapel. Such was
Grand Rapids in 1846.
But to-day Grand Rapids is a large and prosperous
city, with a population of nearly twenty-five thousand,
among whom are some of the most enterprising men in
the Northwest.
To avoid writing in a general way I will take up the
several institutions of the city separately.  By this
means the reader may bccomne acquainted with the
growth and history of the city more definitely. In this
I shall make no distinction as to the merits of the several institutions noticed. Churches, manufacturing est iblishments, schools and banks, commercial houses and
libraries, or whatever have contributed to the growth of
the city, or by their own growth and development have,)ecome important interests in the city, will be taken up
without regard 't; any particular order.




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


113


CHAPTER XXI.
GRAND RAPIDS CO'MMERCIAL COLLEGE-ENTERPRISE OF
PROF. S\ENSBERG-TFHE INPORTANCE ANI) EXCELILENCE OF TTIE COLLEGE.
IrF Wr except the public schools, there. is, perhaps, no
other institution in Grand Rapids of so much value to
the city and its citizens, at this particular period, as the
Grand Rapids Commercial College and Telegraphic Institute. If we speak in reference to other colleges of a
similar course of study, we should say that, for thoroughness and appointments, it is the best in America.
The author of this little work has had an extensive acquaintance with business colleges, both in the Eastern
and Northwestern States, and is now able to say, with
truthfulness, to the citizens of Grand Rapids, that they
can justly boast of having the most advanced, the most
elevated and best conducted Commercial College in the
United States. In short, Prof. C. (G. Swensberg, the
principal of the institution, has raised it so far above the
ordinary business colleges of the country as to convince
all who become acquainted with the course of study pursued at his college that the science of business is equal,
in point of importance and accomplishment, to any art
or science generally classed among the "higher studies."
Many have an idea that persons attend a commercial college merely to study book-keeping.  This is a mistake.
It is not so, at least, with those who attend the Grand
Rapids College.  The discipline and course of study
through which they have to pass, under the constant and
thorough conduct of Prof. Swensberg, in point of mathemiatical and commercial science and moral training, is




114


HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


equal to a course of study in many of the regular colleges.
Only a few days ago it was my pleasure to listen to
the second lecture of the law course, delivered before
the students of this college by Hon. H. M. Look.  The
discourse was alike instructive and interesting, and was
scarcely less an exercise in eloquence than commercial
law.
The reputation of this college has become almost national, and its many students have gathered from nearly
half the States of the Union, leaving the business colleges in their own neighborhood, and passing others on
the way, to obtain the superior advantages offered in the
Commercial College of Grand Rapids. This is alike
flattering to Prof. Swensberg and to the citizens of
Grand Rapids.
Mr. Henry S. Chubb, Secretary of the Northern
Michigan Agricultural and Mechanical Society, in writing a sketch of the principal institutions of Grand Rapids, makes the following appropriate remarks concerning
this college and its principal:
"Prof. Swensberg, Principal of this College, has
long held a high place in the esteem of the people, especially the young people, of Grand Rapids, from the fact
that his influence has been exerted for their especial
good. He has shown a genuine interest in their welfare,
not merely in insisting on their perfection in the arts of
penmanship and book-keeping, to which he is especially
devoted, but in their general character and conduct.
Many a now prosperous business man looks back with
gratitude to the period when, under Prof. Swensberg's
instruction, he imbibed those honorable principles which




HISTORY OF 6tRAND RAPID8.


115


are recognized among all men as the foundation of good
citizenship and commercial prosperity. How much the
enterprise, the spirit and integrity of the city, is owing
to the influence and power of the Commercial College,
enforced by the example of its ever zealous Principal,
can never be told or realized. Suffice it to say, the influence is exerted just at the period when young people are
most sensitive; and being exerted for a continuous period, has the best possible effect. The students, finding
immediate and profitable employment after graduating,
the effect on the business functions of the city soon become apparent.
The business course consists of book-keeping, commercial law, commercial arithmetic, business correspondence, composition, orthography and penmanship.
Book-keeping is taught in a thorough and scientific
manner, in all its various forms, commencing first with
the most simple transactions from which to make up and
arrange sets of books, and gradually increasing to the
most difficult that can occur in any department of trade
or commerce.
Terms Strictly Cash.    T  O  Y   S
CALKINS BROS.
FANCY GOODS,
CASH GROCERS!
And Worsteds at low Prices.
25 MONROE STREET,
F  LOETTGEBT,    18 Caaal strest.
GRAND RAPIDS, - MICH." '         '      """
Prices Lower than the Lowest. j Grand Rapids, Mich.




116


HISTORY OF CGRAND RAPII)S.


Each student is required to open, write up and cl (ose
over forty different sets of books, with particular forms
and illustrations, adapted to every kind of business; and
in connection with these sets, the student is also required
to write up for rigid inspection all drafts, notes, bills of
exchange, receipts, orders, checks, bills, accounts current, account sales, bills of lading, bonds, contracts,
leases, general averages, statements, letters-in short,
all papers in any way connected with the business.
The methods of partnership, settlements, business correspondence and information concerning all the methods of varied business transactions and the fundamental
principles on which business is or should be transacted,
are taught in the most thorough manner, so that the pupil graduates with a practical knowledge which fits him
to enter the actual duties of life without the embarrassment usually incident to beginners.
German, French, Phonography and Telegraphing are
all taught, if desired, and students are fitted for any particular line of business."
Prof. C. G. Swensberg, while devoting his time and
attention to his duties as Principal of the Commercial
College, does not fail to lend his influence and means to
encourage other enterprises. He is a stock-holder in
several manufacturing enterprises, and was for many
years closely and honorably identified with almost every
movement of importance in the city. lie has contributed
not a little to the success of the Young Men's Christian
Association, of Grand Rapids, having served in the cacapacity of Secretary and Vice-President of the Association for several years, and on different committees.




HISITORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


117


CHAPTER XXII.
1MAN U FACTURING _ESTABLIS I[MENTS-ENTERPRI'SE  OF
JAMES M. AN D EZRA T. NELSON-SOME INCIDENTS
OF T1[EIR PIONEER LIFE-S!UCCESS OF MR. E. MATTERt-THi:, ESTAl.JrIS9ILIMXNT OF NELSON, MATTER
& Co.
ON( of the oldest, largest and best appointed furniture manufactories in the Northwestern States is that
owned and conducted by Messrs. Nelson, Matter & Co,
at Grand Rapids. It was established in 1855 by Hon.
C. C. Comstock, who conducted it alone until 1863, when
he was joined by the Messrs. Nelson Brothers, who have
been honorably identified with the early settlement of
the Grand River Valley.
It is not too much to say that this extensive factory
was the pioneer institution of the kind at the Rapids,
and that all those Wvhich have sprung up after it owe
their great success not a little to the efforts of this firlm.
It is always easier to follow in the tracks of another
through a pathless forest than to work out one's own
course by the aid of our own unaided ingenuity. So it
is also easier to establish and succeed in a new enterprise
when guided by the land marks of another. When this
factory was first started it was completely an experiment,
and it required an   abiding faith in the  future
growth of Grand Rapids to induce one to embark in it.
Such was the faith of Mr. Comstock and the Nelson
Brothers, and time alone has developed how keen and
penetrating was their foresight. No other person's
means had been invested to demonstrate the feasibility
of the plan; no end had been accomplished that in any.




118


HISTORY OF GRAND RArIDS.


way demonstrated its propriety, and few were the signs
and faint the hopes for the future greatness of the Valley City. Grand Rapids was comparatively a mud hole;
its inhabitants were mostly French-in short, there was
nothing in the place which gave the sound of American
enterprise. A miserable and declining traffic with a few
tribes of wretched Indians inadequately supported the
French population, whose wonder and disapproval were
not a little excited at the conduct of the few " Yankee"
pioneers, who, with keen axes upon their shoulders,
marched bravely into the depths of the forest, building
their hopes upon a sound faith in the future development of the whole Northwest.
This is a grand view, and needs only to be painted in
dim colors to please those old pioneers who still live to
enjoy what they then dilligently hoped for. Look at the
enterprising man of 1836, who leaves his eastern home
and penetrates the wilds of the western forests.  When
he can no longer travel by the jolting stage, and when
there is no longer any road or trail by which to complete
his journey, he completes the distance by cutting his
way, until, steadily progressing day after day and week
after week, he finds himself shut out from civilization,
encompassed by a desolating forest, and, perhaps, a family depending upon him for support. He toils on with
his only weapon, by which the majestic trees were made
to bow their lofty tops to the ground. Soon his little
hut begins to assume shapely proportions, and now the
shivering wife and children, who have all this time
warmed themselves by a log fire, gladly retreat within
the log enclosure, which, after all, is but a poor excuse
for a shelter. The December storms beat through the




TttSTORY OF GRAND) RAPIDS.


119


open windows or the large openings between the logs,
but still the warm heart of the pioneer beats on, and the
lonely family forget their sorrows as they listen to his
hopeful words.
Such was the picture of life in the valley of the Grand
River when James M. and Ezra T. Nelson came to
Kent, the principal town for miles and miles around. It
contained about half a dozen houses, five or six hundred
Indians, a few Indian traders, a mission house, a blacksmith shop, one or two stores, no streets except in
an imaginary point-in fact nothing but a few miserable
huts in a lonely wilderness.
But they were not discouraged.  Believing that in a
near future a large and prosperous city would grow up
at the head of navigation on the Grand River, they invested their means in Kent property and began to
share the common lot of the pioneer.
Being of a mercantile turn of mind, they bought out
Mr. James Lyman, or Messrs. Lyman & Dwight, in order
to get a store, and commenced business. Soon after
Mr. James M. Nelson purchased a lot in the Kent plat
and began preparation for building a house. He supplied Mr. Barney Burton with means to erect a saw mill
on Mill Creek, and sent men into the lumber woods.
The first raft of logs ever brought down the Grand
River belonged to Mr. Nelson.  The mill was put into
operation and the lumber for the proposed house was
soon provided and the building erected.
Mr. Jas. M. Nelson lumbered on the river for nearly
twelve years with his brother, Ezra T. Nelson, built several mills, and prosecuted a large and profitable buiness.
He soon became honorably identified with the business




120


HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


and political interests of the town. He was Postmaster
of the town four years, and Supervisor and Overseer of
the Poor until the city was organized, when he retired
from public life in order to give his time more unreservedly to business.  He was also active in promoting
the educational interests of the city, having built the old
Union School House and purchased the property on
which it stood. His influence was also exerted for the
promotion and welfare of the city churches, especially
those of the Episcopal denomination. Upon the organization of the city government he was unanimously nominated for the first Mayor of Grand Rapids, and would
have been elected without any considerable opposition
had he not declined the honors and responsibilities
of the office.
As I have already mentioned, Mr. James M. and Ezra
T. Nelson purchased a half interest in the furniture factory of Hon. C. C. Comstock, in 1863. The firm was
then called Comstock, Nelson & Co. In 1865, T. A.
Comstock, M. G. Colson and James A. Pugh purchased
Mr. C. C. Comstock's interest, and the firm name was
FY.STABLISIHEI) 18o  T3rlns Strictly Cash
RBi, iUTTON CALKINS BROS.,
DENTIST,         CASH GROCERS
88 Canal Street, Grand Rapids, 2 Doors!  25 MONROE STREET,
South of Star Clothing House.  i
TeethExtracted bythe ule oulnreGa. GRAND RAPIDS, - MICH.
with dAre. Charges Reasonable and
Work Warranted.          i Prices lower than the Lowest.




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


121


changed to Nelson, Comstock & Co. The business was
successfully continued by this firm until 1870, when Mr.
E. Matter purchased Mr. T. A. Comstock's interest,
changing the firm name to Nelson, Matter & Co., which
style it still retains. In February, 1872, Mr. Stephen S.
Gay purchased Mr. Colson's interest, the firm continuing
under the same name. In 1871 the firm purchased the
interest of James A. Pugh.
Mr. E. Matter, who became a member of this firm in
1870, came to Grand Rapids in 1855. After clerking a
short time in a boot and shoe house, he engaged as
foreman of C. C. Comstock's factory-the same concern
in which he afterwards became a leading partner. He
afterwards joined Julius Berkey in the manufacture of
furniture, and as we have seen, became a partner with
the Nelsons, under the firm name of Nelson, Matter
& Co.
Mr. Matter has thus come up from small beginning to
a position of leading importance. Beginning in Grand
Rapids in 1855, without any capital, he has persevered
skillfully, until he has accumulated an independent fortune-the result of his great energy and faultless integrity.
The firm of Nelson, Matter & Co. is, perhaps, one of
the wealthiest, qr, to use a business phrase, "soundest"
concern in Grand Rapids. It is not improbable that the
recent financial panic has considerably interfered with
their business, but it has in no way shaken the solid
foundation on which they stand. They represent an
invested capital of over $300,000, and sell annually over
$200,000 worth of furniture. These immense sales extend into nearly all the States, and into the whole Northwest.




122         HISTORY OF GItAN  RAPIDS;
Their factory, which is located on the corner of Lyon
and Lock streets, in the very heart of the city, is supplied with ample steam power, and is the most complete
and best appointed establishment in Grand Rapids. It
is a five-story brick, including a basement, 70x160 feet,
and has a capacity for over two hundred workmen.
The visitor's eye is first captivated by the steam engine, boilers, pumps, and extensive steam works. These
are located in the rear of the factory, where, beneath
them, exists a large reservoir, carried in from the canal,
for the purpose of supplying the boilers with water.
The immense boilers are heated by furnaces which are
supplied with fuel in a peculiar manner. The shavings
are carried from the planing and molding machines by
means of suction pipes to the doors of the furnaces,' so
that when the factory is running to its fullest capacity,
it is almost self-sustaining in point of fuel.
The engine is an immense one, of 200 horse power,
which supplies its own strength by pumping the water
from the reservoir below into a large tank, where it is
met and heated by the exhaust steam, and from there
pumped into the boiler. This is a great improvement
over pumping cold water into steam boilers, is a great
saving of fuel, and is a valuable prevention against accidents. It would require half a volume to give anything
like a detailed account of how the steam is conducted
through the building for heating purposes, and I shall
be contented with saying that it is the most perfect, and
withal, the most interesting contrivance in the country.
There are three entrances to the main floor of the factory-one from Lyon street, one from Lock street, and
one from the river. In each of these entrances an iron




HISTORY OF "RAND RAPIDS.


123


track is laid, upon which trucks are run in and out,
loaded with lumber or stock, by steam power. There is
a turn-table in the center of the building, so that the
trucks can be removed from one track to another, as
convenience may require.
On this floor the lumber is subjected to the cross-cutters and rippers, and is cut into drawer fronts, sides, table tops, pieces for dressing cases, etc. It is also planed
on this floor, and is then sent to the second floor, where
are located the band and jig saws, the molders, borers,
joiners, turning lathes, etc. Here they "machine" the
stock, and the performance is indeed an interesting one.
There is no better amusement than to stand by one of
the molders when in operation, or to watch the intricate
circles of the band and jig saws. This floor presents a
busy scene. Every machine is running with full velocity, and the rough, unshapely stock is converted into
beautiful ornaments as if by the power of magic.
The work is next carried, by the elevator, to the third
and fourth floors, where it goes into the hands of the
workmen at the benches and is put together. Here it
begins to take the shape of furniture. The carving and
designing department is located here, and is under the
efficient supervision of James F. Donnelly.
On the opposite side of Lock street are located the
warehouses, which are always filled with excellent furniture af all kinds, ready for shipment. One of these
warehouses has a frontage on Lyon street and the other
on Huron street. They are connected with each other
and to the factory by means of bridges.
A very important part of this establishment is the
lumber yard, which is located on Kent street. Here is
to be found over 1,000,000 feet of lumber. The drying




124


1 -ItSTORY OF GRANID RAPIDS.


kiln is always full, and thus the stock is well seasoned
before going into the factory.
The exposition rooms, Nos. 33,35 and 37 Canal street, is
a building 54x80 feet, three stories above the basement.
In this building are located the offices, show-rooms, parlor, finding and trimming departments.
Nelson, Matter & Co. make the largest variety of furniture of any house in Grand Rapids-chamber, parlor,
dining room and office furniture, are, however, specialties. Their chamber suites are among the best manufactured, ranging from the plainest to the most elegant
and costly.
They find a ready market for their goods, both east;
south and west, and their immense trade is annually increasing.
CHAPTER XXIII.
TIHE GROWTH OF GRAND RAPIDS-ITS RAILROADS,
CIIURCES, SCHOOLS, BUILDINGS, AND VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS.
SINCE the close of the war of the rebellion in 1865,
perhaps no city of its size in the United States has had
Terms Strictly Cash.
CALKINS BROS. F
FANCY GOODS,
CASH GROCERS
And Worsteds at low Prices.
25 MONROE STREET,
GRAND RAPIDS, - MICH. F. LOTTGT,       " 18 C  tret
Prices Lower thon the Lowest.  Grand Rapids, Mich.




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.          125
a more rapid and substantial growth than Grand Rapids.
The "Illustrated History of Michigan," recently compiled
by the author of this work, closes its review of Grand
Rapids with these paragraphs:
"There are now three daily newspapers, the Democrat,
Eagle and Times, representing the Democratic and Republican parties, and the latter Independent. There are
also several weekly papers, one of which is printed exclusively in the Holland language. There are twentythree organized churches, and some of the edifices are
of a superior kind in point of architectural design.' The
First Congregational is a gothic building, elegant in finish, costing $65,000. St. Marks, Episcopal, one of the
oldest church edifices in the city, has lately been enlarged and improved at a cost of $30,000, and is one of
the largest gothic edifices west of Detroit in Michigan,
worth $60,000.  The First Methodist has a fine structure in the Roman style, elaborately finished and furnished, costing $45,000.  The Baptist Society have
erected a very costly gothic church which is a superb
contribution to the many beautiful houses of worship in
the city, its estimated cost being $80,000. The First
Presbyterians have a very fine house on the west side,
which cost $30,000. The Methodists have also, in this
locality, a really handsome gothic church, containing in
its tower the largest bell in the city and a fine clock;
cost, $40,000. The Roman Catholics have a handsome
gothic church built and are occupying it, which cost
$43,000, and have another building, for a German
congregation, at an expense of $60,000. The Episcopalians have in addition to the parent church-St. Mark's
-three chapels, while the two Holland churches have




126


HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


large and finely appointed edifices completed, one costing $35,000. The Westminster Presbyterian Society has
a very nice church edifice on the east side, while the
Dutch Reformed congregation is taking steps to build a
$25,000 house. The old Catholic church of St. Andrew
has been disposed of, and plans for a $100,000 cathedral
are now being perfected. The Universalists have a very
pretty and well finished and furnished church.
"The manufacturing interests of Grand Rapids are
large and rapidly increasing. Generally, they may be
summed up in three flouring, one woolen, fifteen saw,
four plaster and other mills, three furnaces, two boiler
factories, four tanneries, six large furniture manufactories and a dozen smaller ones, three extensive chair factories, ten large cooper shops, six extensive carriage
manufactories, ten wagon shops, one chemical works,
three pail and bucket factories, one clothes pin factory
one gypsum ornament manufactory, several sash, door
and blind shops, two saw manufactories, three marble
and stone yards, one brush factory, Waters' patent barrel factory, two hub factories, two manufactories of
farming implements, one faucet manufactory; in fact,
almost everything that can be made from wood has a
manufactory in this city. Fanning mills, milk safes and
such like useful articles are extensively fabricated, and
all these varied industries-large numbers of which we
have not attempted to enumerate-furnish employment
for an army of mechanics, artisans and laborers, who are
paid weekly for their skill and efforts in developing
the city's resources.
" Upon either side of Grand River is a canal, which
furnishes a vast amount of power for propelling the ma



HISTORY OP GRAND RAPIDS.


i27


chinery incident to the manufacturing enterprises of the
place, the descent in the river over the rapids producing
a head and fall of sixteen feet; yet it is safe to say that
fully one-half of the whole power used in the various
departments of mechanical effort in the city is made from
steam.
"At this time of writing six railroads are in operation,
under control of some of the most extensive corporations
in the country, sending out and receiving daily the passengers upon thirty trains of cars, while the immense
freighting business incident to the lumber, plaster and
manufacturing interests are indeed great. A street railway from the Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad has long
been in operation, running through Leonard, Canal,
Monroe and Fulton streets, and when continued to the
Fair Grounds, will be a great source of great convenience.
This year (1873) upwards of three hundred buildings
of all kinds, including forty stores, are in process of
erection, and it is one of the strong points of the resources of Grand Rapids that all the stone for paving or
building, and fine yellow brick, as good as those made in
Milwaukee, with lime, Plaster of Paris, stucco and sand,
are found within the corporation, while the country immediately north abounds with the best of pine, cedar,
beech, maple, and other merchantable woods out of which
lumber is made. With the exception of paint, nails,
and gas piping, the materials for an entire ordinary
dwelling are to be found in the city, the product of the
county.
" The public schools of the city are as good as the best
in the State, and comprise one Union or High school and




128


HISTORY Of GRAND RAPID~.


eight ward schools, all under control of a Board of Education, consisting of two members from each ward, with
the Mayor, who are elected by the people. The buildings occupied for school purposes are mostly of brick,
and of attractive design, with good play grounds. There
is a City Library of upwards of 6,000 volumes, supported
by fines, the result of violated ordinances; also, a "Kent
Scientific Institute," which has one of the most valuable
collections of specimens, minerals, fossils, etc., to be
found in the State, and one which has attracted considerable attention from scientists.
"The Young Men's Christian Association is in a very
flourishing state, and its organization has not only been
efficient but exceedingly useful in the line of its christian duty and quiet charities. 'St. Mark's Home' is a
hospital under the immediate control of some ladies of
St. Mark's church, and has proved itself of great benefit
to many, as its doors are open to all, without distinction
of creed. The charges for board and care are just sufficient to cover actual cost, for such as can pay, and to
such as cannot and are worthy, no charge is made.
E ESTABLISHED 1850         EDWA, D MOHL.  HUGO SCINEIDEV
B3, 3BUTTON         MOHL & SCHNEIDER,
Manufacturers of
pENTIST.
38 Canal Street, Grand Rapids, 2 Doors  And dealers in
South of Star Clothing House.
Tobacco, Snuff & Smokers' Articles
Teeth Extracted by the use of Pure Gas, Pearl St. Foot of Monro',
with care. Charges Reasonable and
Work Warranted.            GRAND RAPIDS,  -   MICHIGAN,.




HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


129


"'The Union Benevolent Society' is another charitable hospital, of a more enlarged character, which has
been in existence for upwards of fifteen years. It is
managed by ladies and gentlemen selected from the various Protestant organizations, and is incorporated.
Having an eligible and and admirably located lot, steps
are now being taken towards the erection of a suitable
building to accommodate their rapidly increasing wants.
" This city is the acknowledged metropolis of western
and northwestern Michigan.  Its location is one of admitted beauty, having a rare variety of hill and dale for
landscape, while it is noted for its elegant residences,
suburban villas, fine business blocks, and the air of ac
tivity and thrift which characterizes so many of our
western towns. The United States have decided to erect
a suitable public building here for its District Courts,
Pension Office, U. S. Marshal's Office, Collector, Postoffice, etc., etc., and has ordered a free postal delivery
system, in accordance with a law of Congress passed at
its last session. It should be added that during the season of navigation boats ply regularly on the Grand River to Grand Haven, and a large amount of business is
transacted along the shores, which are dotted with
thriving villages.
"The traveling public are well cared for in several
hotels, which are well kept, though the rapid increase of
population and the influx of strangers, attracted by the
wide-spread notoriety of the place for business, demand
increased facilities in this line, and steps are being taken
towards the erection of more hotel room.  There are
two free bridges and one toll bridge spanning the riverwhich is 900 feet wide-also two railroad bridges.  The




iso


3IMST6RY OV GR1iANl) RAPIDS.


wholesale business of Grand Rapids in groceries, boots
and shoes, dry goods, hardware and manufactured articles
from wood, is large and rapidly increasing.  Several of
its streets are' paved with stone, while wooden pavements
are now coming into general use.  Owing to the hilly
nature of a large part of the city plat and the necessity
of much filling near the river, on the east side, the grading and leveling of streets has been a costly undertaking, but it has been accomplished during the ten years
past at an outlay of nearly a hundred thousand dollars
per annum. The ground forming the plat on the west
side is very level, and calculated for a large city, backed
and skirted as it is by very bold and delightful bluffs.
Situated as Grand Rapids is, in the vicinity of a splendid
farming, fruit, wool raising and well wooded country, it
must continue to increase in wealth, population and intelligence, and remain in the future, as it is now, the second city of Michigan, and through its various institutions and enterprise of a business, religious and social
nature, must do no small share in moulding the thought
and giving tone and direction to the population which is
rapidly filling up the great country north as far as Mackinaw, and west to the shore of Lake Michigan."
CHAPTER XXIV.
TIHE BUILDINGS AND BUSINESS HOUSES OF GRAND)
RAPIDS-DRY GOODS HOUSE OF SPRING & AVERY.
ONIE of the largest and most successful dry goods
houses in northwestern Michigan is that owned and conducted by Messrs. Spring & Avery, at Grand Rapids.
This extensive establishment, which is now located in
the new and beautiful Crawfor d Block, at the foot of




HISTORY OF ftRAND RAPIDS.


131


Monroe street, was first started in 1861, twelve years
ago, on Canal street. During the first year the firm did
a business of about $40,000, which has increased, year
after year, until in 1873 their sales exceeded $300,000.
This great increase of business is grandly significant of
the rapid growth of the city, and, perpaps, has had not
a little to do in promoting it. The firm continued their
business on Canal street for one winter, and then removed to No. 48 Monroe street, where they remained,
doing a successful business until the winter of 1873-4,
when they removed to their new and elegant store at the
foot of Monroe street. This is one of the finest interiors,
being the best lighted and most completely appointed of
any house in northwestern Michigan. It is four stories
and a basement, each 44x100 feet, all of which are occupied by the business of Messrs. Spring & Avery. The
basement is devoted to the wholesale trade, in which this
firm are now doing a large and rapidly increasing business.
The main floor is devoted to the retailing of staple and
fancy dry goods, cloths, shawls, etc. The second floor is
EDWARD MOHL.  HUGO SCHNEIDER.  Terms Strictly Ctsh
MOHL & SCHNEIDER,        CALKINS        BROS.,
Manufacturers of
C I - A IG S. CASH GROCERS
And Dealers in        25 MONROE STREET,
TOBACCO, SMUFF and SMOKERS' ARTICLES,              GRAND RAPIDS, - MICH.
RANRAL St., FOOT OF    PrIOeROE
GRAND RAPIDS,  -  MICHIGAN. Prices Lower thanrt the Lowest.




132


HIISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDIS.


occupied by the high-priced carpets, such as Moquettes,
Body Brussels, Axminsters, etc. This is, in itself, the
largest carpet house in Grand River Valley, and for variety and fullness of stock, is quite equal to older eastern
houses. The third floor is devoted to a cheaper grade
of carpets, oil cloths, straw carpets, etc. This floor alone
constitutes a very extensive carpet establishment, containing a very large and choice stock of all the cheaper
carpets. The fourth floor is devoted to the manufacture
of carpets for the retail trade.
Thus it will be seen that this extensive house is fourfold, or that it embraces four extensive floors, on each of
which an active and profitable business is conducted.
That such an immense establishment should grow up
in the short period of twelve years is not a little flattering to the prospects of this section. It bespeaks a
healthy industry and a fast growing commerce for the
Valley City.
Messrs. Henry Spring and Edward Avery, the members of this firm, are both residents of Grand Rapids of
high reputation.  In matters of business they have established an unshaken confidence in every person, thus
enabling them to place the products of every market,
both eastern and European, before their numerous patrons of Northwestern Michigan.
Their retail dry goods department, which is on the
main floor, contains all the appointments known to the
modern exposition room. The fixtures are of the most
elegant kind, and the very large plate glass windows admit a volume of light that seems to enliven the whole aspect. The floor is divided into regular departments. On
the right of the front entrance we have the domestic




IISTORY OF GRANI) RAPII)S.         1;
goods. Next come the flannels, linens, and lastly the
cloths and casimeres. On the left we have the dress
goods, extending in various grades a distance of nearly
one hundred feet. First we find the cheaper grades,
then they become higher and finer until we come to the
silks, which include a splendid line of black and colored.
Beyond this, still further on, are the cloaks and shawls,
where, by the aid of large mirrors, the customer may
test the effect and appearance of the many styles. In
the centre of this floor we have first, as we enter, the
fancy and staple notions, which embrace a complete variety. In the rear of this is the cashier's desk, and still
beyond is the broad walnut staircase leading to the carpet department on the next floor. On the right of this
is the private office of the firm.
I have no space here to enter into a description of the
carpet department, but it will suffice to say that it is in
itself a complete and extensive carpet house, containing
the largest and most desirable stock of carpets in this
section of the country.
In prosecuting this extensive business Messrs. Spring
& Avery employ some thirty persons, clerks, book keepers, salesmen etc. Among their salesmen will be found
not only the expert talker, but gentlemen-residents of
Grand Rapids-who have established themselves in the
confidence of their employers and in the favor and esteem of their patrons.




BERKEY & CAY FURNITURE CO.
NOT ALWAYS DOES SUCCESS crown the labors
of the industrious, or prosperity attend the struggles of
sobriety and integrity.  In dangerous emulation of the
rapid career of certain individuals who have risen to a
sudden and spurious eminence, the passion to be rich in
haste has driven many impatient business men through
the intricate paths of tortuous and crooked speculation.
ATTRACTIVE AS ARE THE DAZZLING, though
temporary, results of all such unstable and abortive
schemes, a safer road to affluence and honor lies through
the more tedious and toilsome walks of patient industry
and economy.
THE VEGETABLE AND MINERAL RESOURCES
of Michigan, as of other States, are presented freely to
every man who chooses to avail himself of these treasures; and every aspirant for the honor and wealth
resulting from well directed manufacture may reap a rich
reward.
BUT DURING MANY YEARS sober:application to
business, within the limits of available capital, has been
too frequently supplanted by crude and ill-considered
projects, based wholly on chance and the uncertainties
of the future.
ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE has been this condition of affairs when new regions have been first occupied, and when the almost boundless profusion of na



HISTORY (O& GRANf It)APi'DS,


1.35


tural wealth spread a most tempting attraction before
the eyes of the incautious.
NOT UNIVERSALLY, however, was this spirit of
unhealthy speculation exhibited; and not without gratification, and perhaps surprise, can Mr. Julius Berkey
recall the retired and unobtrusive character of his earliest efforts as a manufacturer, or the limited range of
his operations. The narrow accommodation then at his
command is now only a recollection; but some models
of his earliest work are still employed, and well maintain
their place, even among the most improved manufactures of to-day. Limiting his efforts to the means actually at his command, yet slowly and surely reaching forward, as resources and opportunities accumulated, Jlr.
Berkey, in co-operation with his partners, laid the foundation of the extended and prosperous enterprise with
which he is associated still.
A FEW    CHANGES IN PARTNERSHIP have not
impeded the steady advance of the firm in enterprise or
energy, and so greatly (lid the business flourish and
widen that the remaining- proprietors, Mr. Julius Berkey and Mr. Geo. W. Gay, who joined the firm as early
as 1866, merged their interests in a corporation during
the year just closed.
THE NEW FIRM have commenced their corporate
career with the advantage of many years of successful
experience, and with a wide-spread reputation; and their
capital is authorized by law to be extended to half a
million of dollars.
AT THE OUTSET OF THESE OPERATIONS the
prospects of an extensive furniture trade were not
wholly bright; but experience has demonstrated that




136


HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


young and vigorous enterprises can in time rival or Surpass even much older institutions; and the furniture
manufactured in Grand Rapids is now in successful
competition with the productions of the longest established manufactories of the country, and the Berkey &
Gay Furniture Company stand second to none in solid
reputation.
THUS FROM A SLENDER COMMENCEMENT
has this eminent firm progressed to the high position it
now occupies; and at the present time a large factory
replete with the most approved machinery, some of it
constructed after Mr. Berkey's own designs; warehouses
loaded with specimens of the highest style of modern
furniture, and lumber yards filled with an immense supply of walnut and other valuable wood, are the substantial and enduring evidence that under divine Providence the prosperity of the firm has been created by
well directed economy.
THE SAME PRUDENT MANAGEMENT, which,
at the outset, resisted all temptations towards insecure
expansion, pervades the conduct of the business now,
and is a guarantee to all the patrons of the firm that the
prices of all articles offered for sale have not been inflated by careless purchases of material, or insufficient
attention to the details of construction.
PROSPERITY IN THE COURSE OF TRADE has
not obstructed the improvement of processes, or the
adoption of increased elegance of style and design; and
the firm which did not curtail its expenses one hour during the recent exhausting and alarming panic, has afforded sufficient demonstration of the possession of high
business qualifications.




itTSTORY Of GRANT) RAPID'S.


137


AT THE PRESENT TIME the operations of this
firm extend throughout the largest portion of the United
States; and even the comparatively unsettled regions of
Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Dacotah and Montana, as
well as the older States, and the prosperous cities of
San Francisco and Sacramento in California, are indebted to the enterprise of this firm for the possession
of many of those elegancies of domestic decoration
which add so largely to the comforts and refinements of
life.
TIHE WAREROOMS of the Berkey & Gay Furniture
Co., although spacious and occupying the larger portion
of five extensive buildings, do not supply sufficient accommodation; but we may expect that ample provision
in this behalf will be made as soon as possible, under
the superintendence of the present Board of Directors.
TJLI-S BERKEiY, President.
(4EO. W. GAY, Treasurer.
ARTlrUR J. IIOLT, Secretary.
TYLE'R,E (TRAIHAM & CO.
This firm began the jobbing and wholesaleing of staple notions in Grand Rapids about five years ago, and
meeting with great success they established, two years
later, a branch of their house in Detroit at Nos. 145 and
147 Jefferson avenue. The Grand Rapids house is located on Pearl street, opposite Sweet's Hotel, and is one
of the finest appointed business houses in the city.
This firm is now doing a very large wholesale business
in the State of Michigan and in the northern parts of
the States ef Ohio and Indiana, with every prospect of
a continuanc&e of their rapidly expanding trade.  The




138         HISTORY OF G1fAND RAPIDS.
affairs of the two houses are conducted on a systematic
basis well calculated to insure prosperity. The partners
are Messrs. S. M. Tyler, W. L. Graham, A. E. Worden
and A. B. Miner.  Mr. S. M. Tyler attends to the buying for the Detroit house, and Mr. A. E. Worden for the
Grand Rapids house, while the two other partners,
Messrs. Graham and Miner, attend to the finances of the
respective establishments.
They purchase their goods principally among eastern
manufacturers, and are enabled to place them in the
western market at very low figures. Messrs. Tyler and
Worden arl both experienced buyers, having had long
connection with the manufacturers of their line of goods;
and it is largely due to their energy and foresight that
the wholesale market in Grand Rapids for staple notions, trimmings etc., affords all the advantages of the
older eastern houses. Indeed, the growth and prosperity of this house is no small item in the commerce of the
Valley City.
JAMES S. (ROSBYS & SON.
This is one of the most extensive insurance and real
estate firms in Grand Rapids.  Their record of successful business life in this city extends over a period of sixteen years, and with the progress and growth of the
city their business has increased, step by step, until today they represent a long list of the best insurance
companies in the world, and extend their real estate transactions over a large territory.
The business of the firm was first opened in Grand
Rapids in 1858 by Mr. James S. Crosby. Ile conducted
it successfully for five years, when, in 1863, he associated
his son, Mr. Marian S. Crosby, with him as a partner,




HISTORY OF ttRAND RAPIDS.


139


and from that period the firm has been known under the
present style. In their insurance department they now
represent the following companies: The Liverpool and
London and Globe, with a cash capital and assets of over
$20,000,000; the North British and Mercantile, with
assets of the United States branch exceeding $1,700,000;
the Royal, of Liverpool, with assets reaching a trifle
over $12,000,(00; the Phoenix, of N. Y., with $2,000,000
assets; also,the Manhattan, the Irving, the Hoffman, the
Orient, the Commerce and the Faneul Hall companies.
To this list should be added the Traveler's and the Railway Passenger Insurance Companies, of Hartford.
Messrs. Crosby & Son, it will be seen by the above
list, represent several of the most reliable insurance
companies doing business in the United States. All are
faniliar with the great advantages of the Liverpool and
London and Globe. The unlimited liability of its stockholders and its great promptness in discharging all
claimls recommend it in preference to many others. In
short, persons wishing to transact any business either in
real estate or insurance will do well to patronize this
firm.
('IAW FORD) Bt11OS.
Messrs. Frank and Alfred Crawford, two young and
enterprising men, citizens of Grand Rapids, are entitled
to a mention in this work. They came to Grand Rapids
about the time of the war, without means, but through
great industry and, I should say, hard work, they have
accumulated considerable wealth and won a reputation
worth vastly more. They began the grocery business
about five years ago in Grand Rapids, with a capital of
only one thousand dollars, but in that short period they




140


IfISTORY OF GOANI) RAPrI)S.


haave accomplished a great business feat. Their first
store was located at the foot of Monroe street where
their new block now stands, but they subsequently removed to their present location, No. 13 Pearl street.
They began the erection of the " Crawford Block " in
May, 1873, and in December of the same year the building was completed and occupied by Messrs. Spring &
Avery, the popular dry goods firm. This elegant building is composed of brick and stone, is 44x10() feet, with
four stories and a basement, and is one of the handsomest and most serviceable buildings in the city. The
building and lot is worth not less than $75,00(, but it is
not probable that it could be purchased for $80,000.
The growing business of Messrs. Crawford Bros. is
larger to-day than ever before. They are doing a large
wholesale trade, sending their goods into all parts of
Northwestern Michigan, and in the retail trade they do
as much business as any house in the city. Their store
is always crowded, presenting a scene of busy activity,
and the Messrs. Crawford are always there giving personal attention to their customers.
These gentlemen rank among the Inost industrious
citizens of Grand Rapids, and their exertions in the past
have been largely instrumental in promoting the growth
and prosperity of the city. The new Crawford Block is
a very good monument to their industry, and it speaks
grandly to their praise.
Although they have already accumulated a competency, these gentlemen do not relax their energies.
They are pushing forward, enlarging their business and
keeping pace with the rapid growth of Grand Rapids.
The new Crawford Block is located in the very heart




IISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


141


of the city at the foot of Monroe street, and is a very
valuable addition to the architectural beauty of the city.
The entire building is admirably appointed. Broad
staircases lead fiom  one floor to the other, making
the ascent easy and agreeable.  In short, it is admirably adapted to the advanced interests of the city.
FOSTER, STEVE]NS & CO'S NEW ES'ABLIS HMENT.
The new establishment which Messrs. Foster, Stevens
& Co. are now moving into is perhaps the finest, ai.d, with
one or two exceptions in Detroit, the most extensive in
the State.  The stores have a frontage of 50 feet and a
depth of 150 feet. They are connected together by two
large arches on each floor.  The light is abundant, and
the different departments of the new establishment present a very fine appearance. The stores are both four
stories, besides a spacious and well lighted basement,
which is divided into two parts by the alley, over which
the building is arched.
There are two front entrances, Nos. 10 and 12 Monroe street. The first leads to the hardware department
on the main floor, where the heavier goods are kept.
'he second leads to the stove department, the whole
floor of this store being used for the exposition of these
goods. In the rear of the main floors are located thl,
general offices of the establishment, anl a!s(, the )private
office. In connection with these is a very large burglar
and fire proof vault. These offices are divided from the
salesrooms by a glass partition, thus giving a view of
both stores from the offices.
The ascent to the second floor is made by an easy
staircase. Here will be found the glass department, the
sample room for the wholesale trade, the shelf goods, etc.




142


TIISTORY OF (IRANI) RAPII)S.


C)n tlhe third floor are the agrricultural implements, the
tinware departlnent arnd the work-shops.  The fourth
Iloor is to be used for a general warehouse, and the basenent for the storage of heavy goods. A steam elevator
will make the ascent from floor to floor of this immense
establishment, easy and agreeable.
The growth of this house is a imatter of astonishmlent.
The're are hundreds of pioneers in this city who can remlember Mr. A. 1). Fostelr's little tin-shop which was
then all that eolnsiituted the establishment. It is now
one of the leading hardware houses in the Northwestern
States. It is not our purpose here to follow the success
of this house step by step. Thle people are familiar with
its ieputation, and its accomplishmnents. It will suffice
to s'ay that it is now, in all respects, in keep)ing writh, anrd,
erhllaps, in advance of the growth of the city of Grand
Rapids.
In the next edition of this work, which is to be published next molnth, contailing a more complete history
of the county and city, I,shall givse a detailed history of
the Foster estate.
ALI)LRIC,1'I BAN K.
Although Mr. Aldrich cannot be (:clled one of the
pioneers of Grand Rapids, (havinj calne to this city in
18155) still, the enterprise and energy which has marked
his career since coming here closely identified him witl
the rapid growth and ilmprovelment of the city.
When Mr. Aldrich fir:st calne to Grand Rapids, he
engaged in the manufacture of fanning mills, pumps, etc.,
the sales of tlhe business amounting to over $70,000
yearlyl.
In 18(il le le comlmenced the banking busilless, in corn,




ItSTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.


[ 4;-)


pany with Mr. Ledyard, under the firm name of Ledyard & Aldricl. in 1862 he sold his interest in the bank
to Henry Fralick. After that the bank of Ledyard &a
Fralick was changed to the City National, in which Mr.
Aldrich became one of the principal stock-holders, also,
one of the Directors.
In 1867 Mr. Aldrich was elected Mayor, and was x'eelected twice, serving the city three years in all.
In 1871, Mr. Aldrich opened his bank, where he still
continues to do business, and is well and favorably
known by all classes.
D]I.:. WOODRTUFF.
This gentleman, who is now a botanic physician in
this city, came to this State in May, 1836. He is a native of Courtland county, N. Y. After he came to
Michigan he remained one year in the village of Barneyville, Calhoun county, (now known as Homer); at that
time the village contained one store and one tavern.
A description of the many scenes and incidents of
pioneer life in which he took part would fill a large
volume. The Indian feast, the dance, the hunt, games,
etc., all of which, when told in his happy style, holds the
listener's attention closely bound to his recital.
We have given descriptions of Indian and pioneer life
in other parts of this book of which he was an eye witness, and we are indebted to him for much information
on many of these subjects.
We find him now, after many years of hardships, quietly enjoying the fruits of his labors. The profession
which he has chosen is alike beneficial to his fellow man,
and remunerative to himself.




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,.J UI)GE1 WITHEY.
li-on. Solomon L. Withey was born in St. Albans, Vermnont. He came to Grand Rapids in 1.888, and -after
studying law for some time, he was admitted to the bar.
1-le soon built up a large and profitable practice. In
1848 he was chosen Judge of Probate for Kent county,
and held that office for four years. In 1860 lie was
elected State Senator. Upon the organization of the
the Western District of Michigan, in 1863, lie was appointed its first United States District Judge, which office he still holds. Ile is President of the First National
Bank of Grand Rapids, and enjoys the respect and confidence of the public.
NV. I). FOSTER.
W. ID. Foster came to Grand Rapids fromt Rochester,
C. G4. A. Volgt.  NY. G. Herp~olsbeimer.  H. Herpolsheim-er.
\voi(l-, IhERPOLSHEINELMER &7C.
Wholesale aud Retail Dealers in
STAPLE AND FANCY DRY GOODS, NOTIONS, &C.
MON ROE STREETr.




hTISTORY OF GRARND RAPIDS.


145


N. Y., in the year 1838. He started a small store at the
foot of Monroe street in 1845, keeping a general assortinent of tin ware, manufactured by himself. His business soon increased, and after several years of great industry he became the leading hardware dealer in western Michigan. Hie died in the summer of 1873, and his
loss was mourned by the whole people. I-e was a useful, worthy citizen.
1HiN. P,. R. L. PE111(CE.
I-Ion. P. R. L. Peirce, a native of Genesee, N. Y., camne
to (Grand Rapids in 1840. lie studied law in the office
of Judge Martin, acting as Deputy County Clerk in
1842-3. In 1853 and 1854 he was City Clerk, and in
1854 he was elected Clerk of Kent county, which office
lie held during a period of fourteen years. In 1868 he
was elected State Senator, in which capacity he proved
one of the most influential men from this part of the
State. He is now serving the people of Grand Rapids
in tile high office of Mayor.
R EV. JAMIES BALLAItI).
This gentleman came to Grand Rapids il 18.37. He
is a native of Charlemont, Massachusetts, and a graduate of William's College of that State. He was pastor of
tlie Congregational church of Grand Rapids for ten years,
and the untiring zeal and enterprise displayeq by him
(luring that time will always associate his memory with
tlat society.  Iis faithful and untiring efforts in behalf
of his flock are clearly proved by the fact that he undertook and performed a journey of over seventeen hundred miles, on foot and alone, through the Eastern
States to raise funds to purchase a building for a church.




146        IHISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS.
His noble efforts were rewarded with complete success.
Mr. Ballard has, at different times, held the office of
Principal in the Union Schools of Grand Rapids, and at
the present time is State agent for the Freedmen's Aid
Society, in which office he still continues to labor for the
benefit of his fellow men.
A. DIK EMA N.
A. Dikeman came to Grand Rapids in     1837 and
commenced the watch and jewelry business, when there
were not more than thirteen houses in the place. IL
1855 he was joined in partnership by Mr. Bolza, and in
1857 Mr. Bolza left and Mr. Dikeman continued the business tell 1864, when Mr. Parks joined him in a partnership which lasted about four years. In 1866 Mr. Ed. 13.
Dikeman, his son, purchased a third interest, and in
1867 Mr. A. Dikeman retired.  In 1869 Mr. Ed. B.
Dikeman purchased the entire interest, which he has
carried on since, being now at No. 38 Canal street.
DT). IT. (X. SAUL)NDERS.
Dr. Saunders came to Michigan in the fall of 1854, and
traveled along the shore of the lake as far north as Pentwater, and located 1,500 acres of land. At that time
there were two small mills and boarding houses at Pentwater. The Doctor came to Grand Rapids in 1858 and
has practiced here since; also in the government claim
and insurance business, in which he has been quite successful. Dr. Saunders has long been interested in real
estate and fruit growing, and was the first President of
the State Pomological Society, organized in 1870.
lION. LUCIUS LYON.
Among the number of those who contributed not a




HISTORY OF 6-RAND RAPIDS.


147


little to the "opening up" of the future of this city was
thle lIon. Lucius Lyon, one of the proprietors, with the
late Hion. Charles II. Carroll, of that part of the city
called Kent Plat. Believing that salt coul(d be made
here, and knowing that this section indicated, geologically, saline springs, he, in 1841, commenced sinking a
well on the west bank of the canal, ahove the big mill,
which, after Imany difficulties and embarrassments, becaine a supposed success, and the manufacture of salt
was, in I 843-4 and 5, prosecuted with considerable spirit,
l)y Ineanl of boilinog and evaporating. But it failed of
being profitable, owing to the difficulties in keeping out
fresh water which diluted the brine. We believe Mr.
Lyon expended upwards of 2tO,00() in this experiment,
anmd his profits were nothing:. Subsequently, in 1858 to
1864, AMessrs. Ball  & McKee, J. W. Winsol, W. T.
Powers, C. WV. Taylor, and the late Jatnes Scribner, with
others, renewed tile effort to nmake salt, and several
wells were sunk, and several thousand barrels made, but
East Saginaw had, in the meantime, found the "Seat (f
Empire," and, from superior and purer brine, sion denlonstrated that sllhe was "lmaster of the situation," and
our people could not compete with her, and the works
in this city gr:ad'ally went the way of all unprofitable
eltetrprisel.,
lIORTo l'N BROS. It (O.
'his is a new filirm, which commenced the subscription
book business in G1rand Rapids in October, 1873. They
have been eminently successful in establishing a large
business, and have now engaged uilder their supervision
a large number of agents.  Their present office is at 69
t$ronson street, but we understand they contemplate




148         uDISTORT OF ORANI) RAPIDS.
opening an office "down town" at an early (lay.  Mr.
Fred. L. Horton, the leading partner of the firm, is an
acetive, energetic mnan, who can scarcely fail of success.
Under his supervision over two thousand copies of the
"History of Michigan" were sold in Grand Rapids.
C. G. A. Vloigt.  W. G. Herpolsheimner.  H1. lHerpolsheimier.
VOJ(IT, IIERPOLSHEJHMER I& CO.,
Wholesvae stud Retail Dealers in
STAPLE AND FANCY DRY GOODS, NOTIONS, &C.
AMONROE STREET,
&Rj?,AMTFD   MI?-A-PI:DS,        MIOTC=IG-AJMT



CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.                      P AGEM.
Indian Vill1ages of the Owashtenong-Their Appearance and
Condition in 1760-Pontiac's War Council-Depar'ture of the
Warriors for the Seige of Detroit.............            5
CHAPTER II.
Annual Gathering in the Valley of the Grand River-A Groat
Feast in the Spring of 1764-Description of the Feast,...
CHAPTER III.
Annual Address of the Chiefs-The Feast done-The CairotuseSavage Intoxication —The End of the Feast,_.             18
CHAPTER IV.
The Ottawa Mlission-Unsuocess~fuI attempt of M1r. McCoy —
Success of Rev. L. Slater —The Mission Suhool.......
CHAPTER V1.
Incidents of Early Settlement —Arrival of LEmtis Campau —
Honesty of the Indians —The Colony —The First Postmaster,
— Incidents of Letter Writing,.21.............
CHAPTER Vt.
Ear-ly Settlers-The Catholic Mission-Dispute between Mr.
Campau and Father Barrigan-The Dark Days of Kent-Inicrease of emigration-The First M4arriage-The- First Townmeeting-Re-establishment of the Catholic MNission-Rlav.
Father Yozoisky,.-...                                    1
CHAPTER VII.
The Mania of Speculation-Fictitious Values-Wild-cat Mloney
-Hard Times-Ruin of the Banks-A Bleak and Dreaiy
Winter-The Hard Flour-A Welcome Spring-More Emigrants........................            0
CHAPTER VIII.
The First Newspaper in Grand Rapids —Some Difficulties in
Procuring a Press - -A Review of Grand Rapids in' 18807,.. 42




1.50


150        hI4STORY OF GRAND) RAPIJ)S.


CHAPTER IX.                      PAGE.
The White Pioneer.-Her Operations with the Savages__The
IndAian Villages- - Fate of Kewaykushqunor  -Tbe Treitty,..  48
CHAPTER X.
E irly Settlement of Ada- Rix Robinson — His Life among the
Indians.. His Attachment to them —Scene of a Town meeting.-The Village of Ada..................57
CIHAPTE1II XI.
Alpine- -It E trly Settlement.. - fnciclents of Pioneer Life- - The
First Settlers__Town-meeting__The Mlills,..               61
CHAPTER XII.
Early H1istory of Bowne —The First Settlers — A Woman's Couraqe__Anteresting Theidents of Pioneer Life..........66
CHAPTER XLII.
Byron —Pioneer Life-Aiaising the First Log House —Roast
Potatoes the Only F~ood —Fightiniz the Wolves,......     7 0
CHAPTER XIV.
Caledouia - Its Resources and Advanatages —Some Interesting
Inoidenits of Early Travel- -Tbe Pioneer Taver~ns —Incidents
of Early Settlement....................77
CHAPTER XV.
Cannon and Cascade__-Early Settlement of these Places — The
First Farm — Names of the Early Settlers_.                81
CI-APTER XVI.
Township of Gaines — Incidents of Early Settletnent — Capturing
the Gull Prairie Wolf -The Red School Hotuse......... 88
4           CHAPTER XVII.
Grattan &ted Lowell -Incidents of Eirly Settlement —The First
Marriage..Early Settlers on the Flat River —The First Log
Huts..........................94
CHAPrER XVIII.
Early Settlement of Nelson, Oakfield, Ptainfield, Solon andl
CHAPTER XIX.
JFarly Settlement of Spencer, Wyoming, Walker, Vergennes and
Ty r~e,.1 P.1'.  Wt?-VW-ofP".V,.   T F.?p -




PISTORY OY GRAND ItAPIDS.              151I
CHAPTER XX.                    PAGE.
Gratid Bapids in 1840 and in 1874- ~The Growth of the Valley
elity, --- —---------------              -----— 110
CHAPTER XXI.
Grand Rapids Cominervial College- Ent~erprise of Prof. Swen'sberg —The Importance and Excellence of the College.....11,3
CHIAPTER XXII.
Manufacturing Establishments- -Enterprise of James M. and
Ezra T. Nelson — Some Incidents of their Pioneer Life - Stic
coos of Mr. E. Matter- -The Establishinent of Nelson, MNatter
&Co, --- —-------------------— 117
CHAPTER XXIII.
Th. Growth of Grand Rapids- Ats Railroads, Churchjes, Schools,,
Buiildings adarosIsiuon,121
CHAPTER XXIV.
The Buildinius and Business Hlouses of Grand Rapids — Dry
Goods House of Srn&Avy,130
CHAPTER XXV.
The Berkey & Gay Furniture Company,                   1:34




INDEX TO ADVERTISERS.
PAG E.
A tiisdlel, A. R., Rathbun House.... -......................
Albert & Krupp, grocerie s_.... ---........ —.....-.... 18
Antrim  E, milliner..........
Button R., Dentist24, 32, 40, 47, 56, 64, 72, 80, 87, 96, 104, 111,...................................  120, 128
Button.R...........   -.... — - - 111, 120, 128
Burr & Stanton -................- -...............- 69, 91, 101.
Brooks Miss A. MI., millinery-.... ---      --- ---      83
Bissonette & Lynch, buggies, wagons, etc...................    4'
Belknap Chas. ]., carriages etc ---............            32
Barker W. P., dentist, --- —.... —....     -.... --....    41
Brown W. A., wrought iron pipe etc ----,........    -
Brown N. C., inrsurance-_   _........ —......  60
Calkins Bros, grocers etc.            4.l-18, 40, 86, 92, 103, 120, 124, 131
Calkins Bros........................ 109, 115, 120, 124
Colyer Jas. A., insurance-       5......-............, 28, 51, 68
Crawford Bros., grocers-..... -..... --— 19, 63, 76
Cr9sby & Son, J. S., insurance.... --- —------------   92
Creque J. P., furniture....          4-.................. —....  45
Dr. E. Woodruff, botanic physician.... 33, 57, 75, 84, 89
Dr. J. W. Hopkins, physioian —..................    17
D!. Pasco, plrysician and snrgeon........               35
Doornink D. J., cigars etc....... -............-.... —         20
Eaton, Lyon & Co., books etc.... --- 3........         3
Eagle Hotel, J. K. Johnqton-   5-5.. —........ —     55
Eaton Elon G., jeweler........-...........-....... 107
Foster, Stevens & Co., hardware.                    21, 53, 77,  88
Fox & Co., S., grocers ----    -   -..... —.. ---               67
Granger &t Co., Geo. W., livery ---....    4..... --—.  44
Grady John, architect.... --- —-----—... --- —--     --.  36
Heart B., wines and liquors.-.................... ----  26




IND)EX TO AI)VERTISERIS.                  153
Hart & Ainberg, wines and liquors...............  44
HIolcomb  E., books etc-,............................ ---  52
Ilorton 0. W., photographer.......................        67
Hoffman Chas., confectionery                                  52
Idemk C. F., loan office --—. ----             -.. 45.
Kennedy Jas. M., livery —                                     55
Killean John, grocer ---      -                                57
Kingsbury & Bennett, coal etc- ---................  251
Loettgert F., fancy goods etc..............67, 103
Loettgert.......... —.. —......-.........109, 115, 124
Lewis C., cigars..... ---.......................... 71.
Mohl & Schneider, cigars an(t tobaccos,-55, 64, 72, 80, 104, 128, 131
Mohl & Schneider. —     -  —.-.   ---.      128, 13 2
Rice & Bayliss, coal and wood-............-..........        2S
Peck J. S., Delmonico.... -.................... 30
Patten L. E., fine art, stationery eto. --- —-------.... ----  71
Paisson John H,, tailor etc...... — —....... --- —-.........  73
Reynolds P., bootmaker.............,-     79
Robinson, Solomon & Co., lumber etc-............ 59
Smith M. S. & Co., jewelers --- —----—... —         ----      41
Swensberz C. G., Business Cellege....................85, 93, 192
Scribner Bros., hardware, stoves etc.... ----.........-......  49
Schofield R. W., scroll saws etc.....-................... 24
Southwick & Wright, crockeryware etc..................... 99
Stanley & Schroeder, tailors-....... ---.................... 45
Sweet's Hotel, Lyon & Nash................... —.......  65.
Sarsfield S. J., milliner................................... 37
Spencer & Co., }E, fancy goods................-..- 44
Scholz Mrs. S., milliner.... —........-........... 37
Sanford & Co., J. R, Valley City Enterprise.... 56, 67, 71, 86;
Voigt, Herpolsbeimer & Co., dry  goods -.............6, 22
Wykes W., photographer —....       --................. 37
Wilson & Harvey, druggists...............-.............     39
Wing S., photographer.................................... 47
Warner & Hoyt, milliners....................         31
Wolf J. J., grocer etc...... -..................    23




T HE -E


FIRST NATIONAL BANK,
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.


CAPITAL,


4o.00o000


SURPLUS,


- 100,000


O:F -F   CI  T, E  S:
S. L. WITIIEY,


President.


J. M. BARNETT, -
HARVEY J. HOLLISTER,


Vice President.
- -      Cashier.:D ZI 1B, F C T O:El S:


S. L. WITHEY.
JOHN CLANCY.
J. M. BARNETT.


W. D. ROBERTS.
M. L. SWEET.
J. W. CONVERSE.


WM. A. HOWARD.
T. H. LYON.
JAMES BLAIR.




GRAND IRAPIDs DAILY DEMOCRAT.
J~SrAILISLEDIN X  3
REGULARLY CONNECTED WITH THE
A S SOC IA TED PRESS
And only Grand Rapidla daily p)ubli3Iihing eve,'y morning the
MIDNIGHT DISPATCHES.
News —Telegraphic & Local- -A Specialty
FULL MARKET REPORTS.
An Excellent Corps of Assistants furnish Original Matter for the Sunday Edition.
TERMS.-Byv Mail, per Year, $8.00; Six Months,
'$4.00; Three Months, $2.00. Address,
M. H. CILAR1.K & C"O.,
CRAND RAPIDS, MICH.
FINE JOB WORK A SPECIALTY.




T H E


YALLEY,ITY pUBLISHING F0.
M..1ASNUFA CTUREI S 01F
STANDARD SUBSCRIPTION BOOKS,
OFFICE AND FACTORY,


NO. 21 CANAL ST.,


GRAND RAPIDS.


0 ZF - I C FR


MJERRILS IH. CLARTK
JA. MES N. DAVIS,   -
CORXNELIUS A. WA LI,,
CI.ARLEIS R. TUTTLI:,


-  Presidenlt.
-  Vice President.
Sec'y and Treas.
- -       Supt.


D I t E C TO R S


C. A. WALL.
JAMES N. DAVIS.


M. H. CLARK.
CHARLES R. TIJTTLE.


L. B. STANTON.


BOOK ACENTS WANTED.
For all parts of the Northwestern States, for the best selling book in North
America. Apply for Territory and particulars to the
VALLEY CITY PUBLISHING CO.,


No. 21 Canal St...


GRAND~ R~APIIDS.




I. A
















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