Allegan County, Michigan - Soldieks of Othek Eegimeitts, 1880 (part 2 of 2)

German Methodist Episcopal Church

A mission in connection with the German Methodist Episcopal Church was established in Allegan County as early as 1856. In that year Rev. G. Berthrams, of Lansing, visited the German population of the county and expounded the Scriptures to them in their native tongue. He was succeeded by Rev. H. Krill, and he by Rev. Jacob Krebill, who, however, confined their labors principally to Salem and Monterey, where societies connected with this church were organized.

In the year 1864, Rev. V. Jahrens was installed as pastor of the little flock in Allegan, and organized a church with only five members, namely: Daniel Ellinger and wife, Frederick Ruute and wife, and Maria Ellinger. These labored earnestly, however, among their friends, and they soon enjoyed the satisfaction of witnessing a slow but healthy growth. The same year ground was purchased for a church edifice, which was built the next year, being dedicated on the 1st of December, 1865. A parsonage was also secured for the pastor. The congregation was ere long placed in charge of Rev. Henry Maertz, who also had the superintendence of the societies at Salem, Monterey, and Hopkins. The membership of the German Methodist Church in Allegan County now numbers 160, over whom Rev. C. A. Militzer is the pastor, with his residence in Allegan. The various societies are in a very flourishing condition, and subscribe liberally for benevolent purposes. There is also a successful Sabbath-school, with 145 scholars.

Congregational Church

The Congregational Church had its inception during the year 1858, when a little band of ten persons of that creed, anxious for the establishment of a church of their own was gathered on the 10th of June of that year at the house of H. H. Booth, in the village of Allegan. On Sunday, the 20th of the same month, their first service was held in Pine Grove Seminary, Rev. Mr. Wolcott officiating on the occasion. Mr. Andrew Oliver was chosen clerk of the society. Preaching after this was irregular, though the customary weekly service was maintained without intermission.

In 1858, Rev. D. Wirt was called to the pastorate, preaching his inaugural sermon on the 6th of November of that year. He was succeeded by Rev. L. H. Jones, and he by Rev. L. F. Waldo. Rev. E. Andrus was next installed as pastor, who was followed by Rev. R. Apthorp. After him Rev. L. F. Bickford filled the pulpit, being succeeded by Rev. D. E. Hathaway. The congregation erected a house of worship after they had become fully established, which was dedicated Jan. 7, 1865. Ten years afterwards a comfortable parsonage was added to the church property. The present membership is 158, the pastor being Rev. John Sailor.

The Seventh-Day Adventist Church of Allegan was duly organized on the 7th of December, 1861. In 1863 it completed the plain but neat house of worship which is located on Cutler Street. This building is capable of seating about 300 persons. When the church was organized it numbered but nine souls. As this embraced individuals in moderate circumstances, it was only by dint of much sacrifice and strenuous efiFort that they were enabled to complete and pay for their house of worship, which was dedicated in the summer of 1864. Elder J. N. Andrews (now missionary to Switzerland) conducted the services. At a meeting held Dec. 7, 1861, Horatio S. Lay was elected elder, and James M. Foster clerk. About one year later, or on Nov. 12, 1862, the elder elect was duly ordained by the laying on of hands and prayer. Elder James White, of Battle Creek, Mich., and Elder Moses Hull, of the same place, officiating.

Dr. H. S Lay having removed to Battle Creek, Mich., the church was left without an elder for several years, the regular services being conducted by leaders who were chosen from time to time. In the mean time Henry H. Pierce, formerly deacon of the church at Monterey, having re moved to Allegan, was chosen to fill that office in the latter place.

In 1867, Elder J. N. Loughborough, now a missionary to England, spent some weeks in Allegan, during which time he delivered a course of lectures on the prophecies. As the result of his labors some 10 or 15 members were added to the church. About the same time, also, several persons in the vicinity of Douglas (Saugatuck township), having embraced the faith, were also admitted into membership with the church at Allegan. Subsequently, however, a Seventh-Day Adventist Church was raised up at Douglas, and letters were granted to all the members of the Allegan Church residing in that vicinity to enable them to become members. The membership of the Allegan Church was thus reduced to about its present number, 33. Like most Seventh-Day Adventists' Churches, this one has been compelled to sustain itself without the aid of a local pastor, their ministers being largely employed in spreading the faith of the church throughout all lands.

Elder W. H. Littlejohn, who is a resident minister of the place when not laboring in other parts of the State, frequently addresses the members of this church on the Sabbath, and they are occasionally visited by other ministers of the denomination. They have a thriving Sabbathschool, numbering 30 members, of which J. M. Baker is superintendent. Besides a weekly prayer-meeting, they have organized a tract and missionary society for the dis- tribution of publications which set forth the reasons of their faith, and a branch club of the American Health and Temperance Association, for the advancement of the health and temperance of the community The latter institution is both unique in its character and radical in its work. All members of the association are expected to sign one of three pledges. The first obligates them to abstain from the use of alcohol in all its forms ; the second, from that of alcohol and tobacco ; and the third, from alcohol, morphine, opium, tobacco, tea, and coffee. None but the signers of the third pledge are eligible to oflSce. This club was organized Aug. 20, 1879. It is not denominational in its character, the rights and privileges of its membership being extended to all who are in sympathy with its objects.

The regular weekly services of the church are held on Saturday, or the seventh day of the week, in obedience to what its members regard as the only Sabbath law which God has ever promulgated. The Seventh-Day Adventists are firm believers in the near coming of Christ ; but, unlike those known as First-day Adventists, they do not now, and never have, indicated the exact time at which Christ will come.

German Lutheran Church

The German Lutheran Society was organized in the year 1869 under the direction of Rev. John Bowman, the first board of trustees being composed of Michel Eckert, Gustav Meske, and Fred Sohuman. The pastor was Rev. Christian Metzger, under whom the society increased in number and became so prosperous as to warrant the erection of a church edifice, the previous services having been held in the courthouse. To this end a building committee was appointed, consisting of Samuel Ellinger, Gustav Meske, and Michel Eckert. The work progressed rapidly, and in 1874 the edifice was completed at a cost of $1600, many willing hands aiding in the work. Rev. Mr. Metzger was succeeded by Rev. Frederick Frankenstein, and he by the present pastor, Rev. Albert Schernberg. The trustees are Francis Meyer, Michel Eckert, and Julius Schermer.

Secret Societies

The dispensation for Eureka Chapter bears date Jlay 23, 1867, and the charter January 8th of the following year, the charter members being A. J. Kellogg, George D. Smith, George Geppert, Zara Clifford, H. S. Butler, R. S. Updyke, A. B. Case, W. J. Pollard, F. B. Schprno. Its first stated communication under the dispensation was held at Masonic Hall, Aug. 16, 1867. The first convocation was held at the same place, Jan. 23, 1868, for the purpose of electing officers, the result being as follows : A. J. Kel- Idgg, M. E. H. P.; R. S. Updyke, King; G. D. Smith, Scribe; B. B. Sutphen, Treas. ; F. J. Higgins, Sec. Its present officers, elected Dec. 2, 1879, are W. H. Pollard, M. E. H. P. ; B. B. Sutphen, King; J. P. Barclay, Scribe ; G. R. Stone, Treas. ; J. M. Killian, Sec. The regular convocations are held on the first Tuesday of each month, and the organization is in an exceedingly flourishing condition.

Allegan Lodge, No. 105, was instituted Nov. 8, 1866, by William Oaks, Grand Master of the State, its charter members being Allen Wood, Sherman P. Stanley, A. F. Howe, S. H. Priest, James Caskey, Sr., and James Caskey, Jr. Its first officers were James Caskey, N. G. ; Sherman P. Stanley, V. G. ; A. F. Howe, Sec. ; Allen Wood, Treas., the charter bearing date Jan. 14, 1867. Its present officers arc Richard Baker, N. G. ; Richard D. Thompson, V. G. ; Allen Wood, Rec. Sec. ; H. D. Hunt, Per. Sec. ; Joseph W. Ely, Treas. It has upon its list 81 active members, and enjoys much prosperity.

This was organized Sept. 2, 1875, by George W. Griggs, G. M., its first officers being William J. Frost, N. G. ; Mrs. Eliza Baker, V. G. ; Mrs. Netty Ely, Sec. ; Mrs. Jennie Frost, Treas. ; Mrs. C. E. Hopkins, Per. Sec. Its present officers are Henry Osborn, N. G. ; Mrs. George Davis, V. G. ; George Davis, Sec; Mrs. Ida Osborn, Treas. ; Mrs. B. B. Cronk, Per. Sec. The lodge holds its meetings in Odd-Fellows' Hall, on Locust Street, the second Friday of each month, and enjoys much prosperity. It numbers on its roll 42 members.

HEART AND HAND ENCAMPMENT, No. 32, I. 0. 0. F. The encampment was instituted Sept. 17, 18G8, by John N. Ingersoll, Grand Patriarch of the State Encampment, and obtained its charter Jan. 20, 1869. Its charter members were Henry Vosburgh, Eugene E. Bacon, Fayette S. Day, Nelson F. Strong, John C. Gorman, George Hall, Titus Doane, William W. Ward. Its first officers were Henry Vosburgh, C. P. ; Fayette S. Day, H. P. ; John C. Gorman, S. W. ; Eugene E. Bacon, Scribe; William W. Ward, Treas. ; George Hall, J. W. Its present officers are Richard Baker, C. P. ; Fayette S. Day, H. P. ; James E. Fuller, Scribe ; George M. Hodges, S. W. ; Allen Wood, Treas. ; Thomas Powers, J. W. Its present membership is 51.

ALLEGAN LODGE, No. 938, I. 0. a. T. In December, 1875, the " Women's Crusade Band" was the only temperance organization in the village, and the temperance-workers concluded to form a society which, while offering ample facilities for aggressive work, should include both men and women, and also present social advantages to reformed men. Accordingly, early in January, 1876, J. W. Scott, of Pontiac, held two meetings, the main points discussed having been the relative merits of different plans of organization for work. The majority seeming to favor the organization of a lodge of Good Templars, a meeting was held at the Presbyterian church, January 24rth, and a lodge was organized known as Allegan Lodge, No. 938. The following officers were chosen : Worthy Chief Templar, R. C. Crawford ; Worthy Vice Templar, Mrs. H. A. Pope ; Sec, D. P. Simmons ; Assistant Sec, Grace B. Sailor ; Treas., H. B. Hudson ; Financial Sec, Charlotte Askins; Marshal, S. N. Pike; Deputy Marshal, Ruth Burgess; Inside Guard, Charles G. Agrell; Outside Guard, H. Van Kammen; Chaplain, John Sailor; Past Worthy Chief Templar, J. J. McConkie ; Right Hand Supporter, Mrs. E. Amsden ; Left Hand Supporter, Annis Pullen ; Lodge Deputy, Luther Fowler.

Papers were circulated the same evening, and 60 persons who wished to engage in the work signed their names to the roll. The lodge now began steadily to increase in numbers and influence. Proposals for membership followed in regular order, the largest number initiated at a single meeting having been 20. At the end of three months the number had increased to 178, and at the end of six months to 216, this being the maximum number during the existence of the lodge. At this time, and until the meeting of the Grand Lodge, in October, 1878, Allegan Lodge was the banner lodge of the State. At the end of the first yearthe books showed 181 names in good standing, which decreased slowly to 116 at the end of the second year. This -number became 103 at the next report, and suddenly fell, Nov. 1, 1878, to 5], when the minimum number was reached. Since that time the list has slowly increased until the present, when 65 working members are enrolled upon the books of the lodge. The present officers are William H. Bierce, W. C. T. ; Rev. John Sailor, W. C. ; Henry Marsh, P. W. C. T.

The first meeting of the lodge was held in Odd-Fellows' Hall. After some changes in location the present hall, in the Union Block, was secured, and dedicated March 12,

1877, F. S. Day, District Deputy, having officiated. In this spacious and comfortable hall its meetings are now held. It is the only surviving temperance organization in the village of Allegan, and, though not so flourishing as formerly, is still accomplishing a good work in the cause of temperance and morality.

This order was introduced into Allegan in 1878, in March of which year the above lodge was organized, with 22 charter members. Its first officers were Fayette S. Day, M. W. ; Joseph W. Ely, S. W. ; H. Leroy Peck, 0. ; A. M. Shepard, Recorder; E. Leavenworth, Receiver; A. D. Nelson, Financier; H. S. Lay, M.D , Medical Examiner. The present officers are W. V. Hoyt, M. W. ; E. S. Doty, S. W. ; George Turner, 0. ; G. M. Smith, Recorder ; F. S. Day, Receiver ; 0. T. Booth, Financier ; J. W. Ely, Past blaster- Workman. The present membership is 40, and the meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, at the hall in Union Block, on Locust Street.

Other Societies The Allegan Literary And Library Association

This association was organized in June, 1871, a meeting having been called at the office of A. H. Fenu the previous March for the purpose. Dr. E. Amsden was appointed chairman, and J. B. Humphrey secretary. A. S. Butler, who was foremost in the enterprise, stated the object of the gathering. After a free discussion and interchange of views, a committee was selected to draft a plan for a permanent organization. It consisted of A. S. Butler, John W. Stone, William J. Pollard, H. C. Weeks, and J. B. Humphrey. The meeting then adjourned subject to call.

On the 23d of May a meeting was held in Empire Hall, at which a constitution and by-laws were adopted, 50 members and 2 life members (A. S. Butler and C. W. Hall) having joined the association. Annual members were to pay $1 each per year, while life-members paid $25 once for all. J. B. Humphrey was made chairman of this meeting, and held office until the regular annual gathering in June.

In 1871 occurred the first regular annual meeting for the election of officers. The following gentlemen were chosen: President, A. S. Butler; Treasurer, B. D. Pritcliard ; Corresponding Secretary, J. B. Humphrey ; Recording Secretary, M. T. Ryan ; Librarian and Collector, H. C. Weeks ; Executive Committee, J. W. Stone, E. Amsden, C. W. Hall. In July there were on the books 129 annual members and 4 life-members, Joseph Fisk and William B. Williams having been added to the latter class. The association gave a course of lectures in the fall and winter which netted neariy $400 profit. The lecturers were Will M. Carlton, E. B. Fairfield, B. F. Taylor, Rev. Mr. Milburn, the blind preacher, Fred. Douglass, Mrs. Mary A. Livermore, U. D. Wilber, Josh Billings, W. E. McLaren, and Theodore Tilton.

At the annual meeting in June, 1872, the following officers were elected: President, Dr. E. Amsden; Vice- President, Mrs. Constance A. B. Jewett ; Treasurer, Geo.

In June, 1875, the association organized under the statute as a stock company, all life-members being entitled to a share upon completing their payment of $25. Any person over sixteen years of age residing in Allegan County is entitled to a share of stock upon payment of $25. The following is a list of the shareholders ; Mrs. 0. T. Booth,

Tue Woman'S Lyceum

TUE WOMAN'S LYCEUM. The Woman's History Class of Allegan was organized on the 1st of February, 1875, with twenty ladies present. A leader, assistant leader, and secretary were chosen, a compact by which every member was pledged to discharge all duties imposed by the vote of the class was signed, and appointments were made for weekly meetings at the homes of the members. Study began with the earliest known history of the world ; the mythology of different nations followed. This was succeeded by histories of Egypt, Phoenicia, the Jews, Ethiopia, Carthage, the Punic wars, Persia, Assyria, Lydia, Damascus, and Palmyra. Next followed the history of Greece, the battles of Thermopylae, Salamis, Platea, and Mycale, the Peloponnesian wars, histories of Macedonia, Sicily, Pontus, Armenia, Cappadocia, Rhodes, Bactria, Parthia, and other lesser countries, interspersed with essays on various subjects, reading from the poets, etc.

In September, 1878, the name of the organization was changed to the Woman's Lyceum, and the meetings were conducted in a more parliamentary manner. The study of Gibbon's History of Rome to the Fall of the Western Empire has been completed, also Bayard Taylor's History of Germany, and the ladies of the lyceum are now engaged upon the History of France.

Early in February, 1880, the fifth anniversary of the organization was celebrated. The Woman's Lyceum of Allegan may now be considered a permanent institution, having about 30 working members who are still full of zeal in the cause.

Allegan Valley Band

In the summer of 1879 the musical portion of the community gave encouragement to the efforts of a number of young men, and as a result the Allegan Valley Band was formed in September, 1879, its leader being J. D. Woodbeck.

The citizens, by liberal subscriptions, provided the band at the time of its organization with uniforms, and instruments were procured as means were acquired to purchase them. Meetings for rehearsal are held every Monday and Thursday evening. The officers are Abner H. Fenn, President; Thomas McClelland, Secretary; Jacob Kirshman, Treasurer.

The Banks The Old Allegan Bank

The Allegan Bank was one of the celebrated wildcat institutions of over forty years ago. It was organized in the fall of 1837, and issued its first paper promises to pay near the close of that year, Alexander L. Ely being the president and Hovey K. Clarke the cashier. Its capital stock consisted of real-estate mortgages. The banking-house was an upper room over a store on Brady Street. The bills issued by the establishment not only pas.sed readily in the home market, but soon extended through a large part of the State. The ready confidence of the credulous public was secured by a couple of incidents of otherwise trivial importance.

Soon after the bills were issued a citizen had occasion to use a small sum at the East. His Allegan money would not answer, and the emergency admitted of no delay. He applied to the president of the bank as a friend. The latter had a small sum in Eastern funds, which he exchanged with him for Allegan bills. Rumor seized on the occurrence and magnified the amount a hundredfold. Within a few days it was currently reported and believed at Kalamazoo that the Allegan Bank redeemed its bills in Eastern funds on demand at the counter. The news was soon prevalent in all the settled parts of the State, and, as few or none of the Michigan banks redeemed their bills, those of the Allegan Bank were eagerly sought after.

sioner early in 1838. Just before the day appointed for that event, the president of the Allegan Bank, knowing that two of his neighbors had a considerable sum in gold coin, designed for the entry of lands, eflfected a temporary loan of the gold and placed it among the bank assets. It was counted by the commissioner with great complacency the succeeding night, and the same gold preceded him to the bank of Singapore, at the mouth of the Kalamazoo, where the ofificial also counted it as a part of the assets of that bank. Yet the credit thus obtained was of very short duration, for, notwithstanding the favorable report of the commissioner, both of these banks collapsed within a few months without any available assets whatever.

Allegan City Bank

This bank was established in 1860, by Augustus S. Butler, with whom H. B. Peck was subsequently associated, the firm being Butler & Peck. In 1873 this firm was 'succeeded by that of U. M. & H. B. Peck, who are the present owners, the former being the president and the latter the cashier. It is a bank of deposit and exchange, and possesses, by its capital and extensive connections, excellent facilities for the transaction of a large banking business. Its president is also vice-president of the Kalamazoo City Bank.

Allegan Water-Power Association

In 1834 the erection of a dam and the excavations for a race were begun at Allegan by the proprietors of the village, under the superintendence of Martin Barber. Soon after, a saw-mill was erected and put in operation, which was speedily followed by other saw-mills and a grist-mill, which were managed by Mr. Ely, or changed hands as the varying fortunes of the Allegan Company made transfers necessary.

The dam not proving in all respects equal to the demands upon it, P. J. Littlejohn was authorized to reconstruct it, which he did by digging 20 feet or more for a more solid foundation and filling in with timber, stone, and other material, at an expense of about $1000. It was again repaired by the owners in 1847, under the immediate direction of Elias Streeter, at a considerable expense, and subsequently by Ira ChaflFee, who devoted much time and labor to the improvement of the dam and the increase of the water-power. During the summer and fall of 1879, under the immediate supervision of J. B. Streeter, a new crib of timber 60 feet square and from 12 to 16 feet deep, filled with gravel, has been put into the north side of the dam. This substantial work, with a bridge 120 feet long and 10 feet wide, the necessary coffer-dam, and a pier of slabs 25 rods long, and a solid pier in the dam centre 12 by 12 and 16 feet deep, are the later improvements that secure an average head of 11 feet, with a waste fully equal to the water used. The work was done at a cost of a trifle less than $1400.

The power is estimated by run of stone, the recent improvements having made a single run of stone equivalent to 20 horse-power. The following list embraces the order in which the power was utilized by various proprietors, together with the owners' names and the amount of power owned by each of them, the whole power being equal to 40 run of stone:

2d. The furniture-manufactory of Oliver & Co., formerly a grist-mill, built at an early day by the Allegan Company, representing 4 run of stone.

9th. John Littlejohn's grist-mill, built in 1840, afterwards known as the Kellogg Mill, and now the property of Wetmore Bros. ; 4 run of stone.

14th. Allegan Water- Works, 2 run of stone. 15th. J. M. Heath's wood-works, 1 run of stone. The original race, built by the Allegan Company, extended over a length of 36 rods, an extension of the same number of rods having been added very early by the Boston Company to enable them to furnish a water-supply to the Schoolcraft mill. The owners of these establishments have organized themselves into an association, and obtained a charter under the title of the Allegan Water- Power Association, with the following oflScers : N. B. West, President; George Oliver, Secretary; J. B. Streeter, Treas-

N. B. West'S Manufactory Of Sash, Dooks, And

This business was first established in 1842 by West, Davis & Higgins, who were succeeded by A. & N. B. West. The senior member having died in 1852, the enterprise has since been conducted by N. B. West, the present proprietor. A water-power representing 60 horse-power, or 3 run of stone, is employed in running the mill. Sash, doors, and blinds are principally manufactured, and a planing-mill is kept in constant operation. A portion of the stock is shipped to Ohio, though a market is principally found in adjacent portions of the State. When first established, there was no enterprise of a similar character in Western Michigan. During the active season 20 hands are employed in various departments of labor, but there is no present demand for so large a force. The building has been three times burned and rebuilt.

Furniture-Factoet Of Oliver & Co

The business of manufacturing furniture was first established by Wilkes & Richards, who were succeeded in 1855 by the present firm. They produce furniture of all descriptions, together with a variety of coffins and caskets. The manufactory is located on the banks of the Kalamazoo River, from which they derive their water-privilege. This is equal to 80 horse- power, or 4 run of stone, which they own. Sixteen men are employed in the workshops and saw-mill, and the business at one time reached $20,000 a year in sales, but is not at present so active. Chicago was then the point of destination, and the trade was exclusively wholesale. The sales are now principally efiected through agencies established at Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Plainwell, Vicksburg, and other convenient points. A considerable wholesale trade in extension-tables is enjoyed by the firm.

Allegan Wagon- And Carriage-Factory

ALLEGAN WAGON- AND CARRIAGE-FACTORY. This establishment is owned and managed by E. B. Born, who first engaged in business in October, 1854. He at first rented a building, but, as his patronage increased, erected in 1 857 a shop on Water Street, which embraces a wood-, blacksmith-, and paint-shop, together with a salesroom adjoining. Connected with this are also a salesroom in Ganges and another at Plainwell, where a large assortment of the wares of his establishment may be found. The work done by him has a deservedly high reputation for excellence and finish, and is executed under the' personal supervision of the proprietor, who is assisted by his three sons, one bein" in each department of the business.

J. Tomlinson'S Foundry

J. TOMLINSON'S FOUNDRY. This foundry was first established by Rossman & Hoxie in 1836, and after the death of the latter gentleman the Smith Bros, became partners. They were succeeded by Winslow Feek, under the firm-name of Rossman & Feek, which firm continued until 1865, when Mr. Rossman disposed of his interest to John M. Heath, and the firm became Feek & Heath. In 1870 the share of Mr. Feek was purchased by J. Tomlinson, the present proprietor, who became associated with Mr. Heath, who still retains an interest in the business. The establishment manufactures machinery of all kinds used in milling, agricultural implements, and engines, besides doing much job-work. A market for these products is found in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. When run to its fullest capacity 25 men are constantly employed, though the present demands upon the foundry will not furnish labor to that number. The owners also do a considerable business in the manufacture of pumps, for which there is an extensive sale in the northern portion of the State as well as in the immediate vicinity. Grain-separators are among their wares, for which they have established an enviable reputation.

Kirshman & Rosa'S Wagon-Factory

The business of manufacturing wagons and sleighs which is carried on by this firm was first established by Kirshman & Parker in 1865. T. J. Parker succeeded, but after he had cond&cted it a brief time the present firm became proprietors. They make their wares principally to order, keeping comparatively little stock on hand. The demand for the goods is found principally at home.

There is also a tannery, owned by the heirs of T. C. Jenner, and leased by John Kugler, which is run by horsepower, and is actively engaged in the manufacture of leather. Philander Chaffee is extensively engaged in the manufacture of pumps, for which there is a considerable local demand, and J. M. Heath in the production of fruitdryers, emery-wheels, etc. Messrs. Peck & Streeter's extensive saw-mill and broom-handle and heading-factory, one of the most important enterprises of the kind in the place, was consumed by fire during the preparation of this work.

This business was established in 1873, and managed by the Allegan Manufacturing Company until October, 1877, when Dickenson & Fcnn became proprietors. Two years later the former gentleman disposed of his interest to Mr. Perkins, of the present firm. Besides doing a general jobbing business in the shops they manufacture fanning-mills, milk-safes, feed-cuttera, etc. The fanning-mill made by them is modeled after the Messenger pattern, and possesses so many excellences as to make it deservedly popular among the farming community. A market for these articles is found principally in adjacent portions of the State. In addition, the firm do much in the way of dressing and finishing lumber for other parties.

Allegan Agricultural Works

ALLEGAN AGRICULTURAL WORKS. This enterprise was established in 1874 by a stock company for the purpose of manufacturing railway-cars, contracts for which were promised by certain companies on the completion of the works. A panic having occurred in financial circles which affected the railroad interests, it was then converted by the company and a few additional stockholders into an establishment for the manufacture of agricultural implements, in which cultivators of an improved pattern, as well as other utensils used in farming pursuits, are produced. A portion of the building, which is a spa-

Spring-Bed Manufactories

SPRING-BED MANUFACTORIES. Among the manufactures of Allegan, the spring-bed industry holds a prominent place. An inferior grade of this necessary article has for several years been made, but with the invention of the celebrated " 140-spring" or " Peerless" bed an article was produced which has proved excellent in quality and correspondingly popular. Allegan, having shipping facilities and an abundance of basswood timber, has proved a favorable point for this industry. About 10,000 of these beds were made and readily sold during the last year, the South and West affording a market for them. Amsden Brothers and C. E. Smith & Co. are the leading manufacturers in Allegan.

Wetmore Bros.' Flouring-Mill

WETMORE BROS.' FLOURING-MILL. This mill was built in the year 1840 by Col. John Littlejohn, and in 1850 sold to John R. Kellogg, who, three years later, rebuilt and enlarged it, adding much that was modern in the way of machinery and increasing its capacity by another run of stone. In 1858 Mr. Kellogg sold to A. and H. G. Case, who managed the mill successfully for a period of years and then disposed of the property to Amos Smith Brown, of Breedsville. The latter gentleman continued its owner until his death, in 1873, when it was purchased by Wetmore Bros., the present owners, under whose management it has been greatly improved. It has a water-privilege equal to 80 horse-power and the latest improved water-wheels. There are 5 run of stone, which give it a capacity of 100 barrels of flour and 300 bushels custom-work daily. The market for the flour produced is found principally in the Eastern States.

J. M. Mendel &, Company'S Mill

This mill was built by S. N. Pike as early as 1849, and after a brief ownership by the builder was sold to Henry Dumont, who in turn sold to Pollard & Abbott. They disposed of it to Julius Tomlinson. Feek & Wetmore became their successors, from whom the property was purchased by the present proprietors in 1870. The mill is three stories high, and is run by a water-supply equal to 3 run of stone, which is owned by the firm. The capacity of the mill is 100 barrels per day, though not run at present to its fullest limit. Both flour and feed are ground, the market for the former being found principally in Vermont. In the machinery are embraced most of the modern improvements for making a superior quality of flour.

S. N. Pike'S Flouring-Mill

This mill is located adjacent to the saw-mill of Ira ChaSee, and was built by the present proprietor in 1855. It is run by water, and has a power equal in capacity to 3 run of stone, or 60 horse-power, which is owned by Mr. Pike. The mill has been twice destroyed by fire, and each time rebuilt. Both custom- and merchant-work are done, and it is possible to produce 400 barrels of flour a week exclusive of custom-work. The market for products of the mill was formerly found in Chicago, but a demand has more recently been made from the Eastern market, and much of the flour is shipped to Pittsburgh, New York, and other Eastern points. Much modern machinery is employed in the manufacture of flour, which is of a superior quality. The mill is at present leased by William A. Knerr.

Kalamazoo Valley Flouring-Mill

This mill, which was built in 1878 by A. E. Calkins, is located on the west side of the race, and manufactures flour principally for shipment, though a limited amount of custom-work is done. The mill, like most other enterprises of a similar character in Allegan, is run by water furnished by the Kalamazoo River, the supply of which is equal to 3 run of stone, or 60 horse-power, this share of the water-privilege being owned by Mr. Calkins. The capacity of the mill is 300 barrels per week, in addition to much feied and grain, which is shipped to the northern portion of the State. Machinery has been placed in the mill for the manufacture of flour by the new process, the demand for it being found principally in Portland, Me., whither it is shipped.

Ira Chaffee Saw-Mill

This mill is without question the oldest on the banks of the Kalamazoo River, the original structure having been built by the Boston Company as early as 1835. It was later owned by South worth & Streeter. In 1841 the present proprietor purchased the interest of Mr. Streeter, and the firm became Southworth & Chafiee. With their milling enterprise they combined a mercantile business until 1850, when the senior member of the firm disposed of his interest and embarked for the Golden State. The business was then conducted by Mr. Chafi'ee, who has managed it since. It has a water-privilege equal to 4 run of stone, together with one of the best sites upon the river. The mill is principally employed in sawing logs, and has an almost unlimited capacity. It has frequently produced 300,000 feet per week, and can accomplish even more when run to its utmost limit.