Bay County, Michigan - The whole text, 1883 (part 4 of 20)

During the month of December the FHnt & Pere Marquette hauled 11,964,532 feet of logs, of which 5,040,370 feet came direct to the Saginaw Eiver. During the year 1882 this road hauled 95,294,- 620 feet of logs, of which 46,226,419 feet came direct to the Saginaw Eiver, and 29,932,530 feet were distributed between Midland and Averill. Of these 12,595,870 feet were manufactured at Midland and 17,336,660 feet came through the Tittabawassee booms to Saginaw Eiver mills. The balance of those not coming to the points named went to Manistee. The record of this road in loghauling during three years, shows as follows:

During November the Saginaw Bay & Northwestern Eoad hauled 5,305,781 feet, and in December 3,592,165 feet, making a total for the year of 86,030,768 feet. The Tawas & Bay County Eoad hauled during the year 38,436,570 feet and the Mackinaw division of the Michigan Central 60,000,000 feet. The aggregate for 1882 shows as follows :

Boom Companies

The Tittabawassee Boom Company was organized in 1864 and during the first year rafted out 90,000,000 feet of logs. This company has rafted more logs than any other company in the world. The season's work of 1882 was the largest in the history of the operations of the company. The record of the past ten years is as follows:

The present officers are: - Directors - W. E. Burt, E. H. Weideman, John Moore, Ezra Eust, Thomas Merritt, Y. Z. Dorr, James A. Eemick. Officers - president, E. H. Weideman; secretary, John Moore; treasurer, James A. Eemick.

The Au Gres Boom Company was organized in 1867. Its officers are: - H. W. Sage, president; John Emery, secretary; Ferdinand Johnson, treasurer. The office is in West Bay City.

The Eifle Boom Company was organized in 1870. The present officers are: - A. Chesbrough, president; E. T. Carrington, secretary and treasurer.

The Bay View Boom Company was organized in February, 1831. Its officers are: - E. Gr. Carrier, president; B. E. Warren, secretary; John Heath, treasurer.

Fiest Mill

The first saw mill, in what is now Bay County, was built on Pine Eiver, in the year 1835, by the firm of Jones & Chapell. They operated the mill only a short time and then it passed into other hands. It was a water mill, and traces of it may still be seen. This mill does not appear in the preceding history, for the reason that it was located outside of what is known as the Saginaw Eiver District. The coarse lumber of the Center House came from this mill, a fact that should have been stated in connection with the history of that building.

Bay City Mills

owns the mill, formerly owned by the firm of Gates & Fay. The first saw miU built in what was then Lower Saginaw, was erected on this site, by Hopkins, Pomeroy & Eraser, in 1846 - '47, with two uprights. In the Fall of 1851 it was blown up, killing the fireman and wrecking things generally. It was put in running order and sold to Hugh Dunlap, of Chicago, and still later to Burns & Wheeler. In 1859 it became the property of Grant & Fay, and in 1863 was destroyed by fire. Mr. Gates then purchased Mr. Grant's remaining interest - and the firm of Gates & Fay erected a new mill and operated it until the Spring of 1882, when Mr. Fay retired and Mr. Gates continues the business, employing about sixty men and cutting annually about 15,000,000 feet of lumber.

The Mc Ewan Mill

was built by William and Alexander McEwan in 1850, with a capacity of about 2,500,000 feet of lumber a season. It was afterwards operated by John and William McEwan, and still later by John McEwan, Since his death, it has been operated by his sons, William, John and Alexander, under the firm name of McEwan Bros. The same building is still standing that was built over thirty years ago, though the mill has been improved and its capacity increased to 18,000,000 a season. The business employs about seventy-five men. The salt block was built in 1873-'74.

William A. McEwan, son of the late John McEwan, was born in New York City, January 1, 1849. He moved with his parents to Chicago, 111., and in 1851 came to Bay City, where he has since resided. He was interested in the manufacture of lumber with his father, and after the death of the latter, in 1882, he carried on the business in company with his brothers. He was married September 2, 1872, to Miss Maria Cornell, of Bay City.

John McEwan, of the firm of McEwan Bros., was born in Bay City, April 10, 1852. After completing his education he engaged with his father, John McEwan, in the saw mill. He spent most of his time in the office, having the care of the books. Since the death of his father, which occurred January 26, 1882, he has carried on the business in company with his brothers William and Alexander, the name of the firm being McEwan Bros. The firm have been successful in their business operations. He was married January 28, 1880, to Flora Judson, of Cleveland, 0., and has one son.

Alexandee McEwan, son of the late John McEwan, was born in Bay County, Mich., December 2, 1856. Was married June 5, 1880, to Grace Suhr, of East Saginaw. Is living at the old McEwan estate in the First Ward. Mr. McEwan is one of the firm of McEwan Bros., lumber manufacturers and dealers, and conducts an extensive business.

Miller & Lewis

TJae miU of this firm was originally built by the firm of Eussell, Miller & Co., in 1851. In 1863 it was leased by Albert Miller, . and the following year he purchased the property. He operated it alone until the Winter of 1866-'67, when Angus Miller purchased an interest, and the firm became A. & A. Miller. They rebuilt the mill that Winter, and made it the largest one in that vicinity, having a capacity of 12,000,000 a season, and representing an investment of f 50,000. They operated the mill two years, and from that time until 1879, Albert Miller was alone. In 1879, Mr. George Lewis purchased a half interest, since which time the firm has been Miller & Lewis. The season cut of the ipill is about 20,000,- 000 feet of lumber. The firm own a large amount of standing pine.

Albert Miller is an old resident of Bay City, having come here from St. Clair County, in 1855. For a time after coming here he worked in the mills and so laid the foundation of a successful business career. By 1863 he had reached a point when he considered it safe to do something on his own account, and leased a mill which he purchased the following year. Since that time he has ranked as one of the leading lumber manufacturers of this region. He is also interested in other business concerns. Mr. Miller is one of the leading members of the Fremont Avenue Methodist Episcopal Society, and from the first has been one of its liberal supporters.

George C. Myers

In 1851, the firm of Watrous, South worth & Co. built a mill on the site of the present Myers Mill, corner of Thirty-eighth and Water Streets. The old mill was torn down in 1878 and rebuilt by Mr. A. Chesbrough, who sold it to its present proprietor in 1881. The mill employs about twenty men, and cut last year 6,250,000 feet of lumber.

F. E. Bradley & Co

The saw mill of this firm is located at the foot of Tenth Street, and was originally built by Elijah Stanton, in 1852. It was first run with a small engine, but was replaced with a larger one in 1863. In 1857 Beebe & Atwood bought the mill, and two years later Mr. Stanton resumed possession and disposed of it to H. M. Bradley & Co. Its capacity at this time was 2,000,000 feefc of lumber annually. In the Spring of 1860, the mill was thoroughly repaired, and the capacity increased to 3,200,000. Improvements have been made from time to time until the present capacity is about 14,000,000 feet of lumber. In 1877 Mr. F. E. Bradley, a lumber merchant of Chicago, came into possession of the property, and ran it alone until 1880, when he associated with him Mr. Eussell M. Bradley, and since that time the firm has been F. E. Bradley & Co.

Hamilton & Mcgregor

This mill was built in 1852 by the late James J. McCormick. At that time it had an upright and an edger, and cut during the season 1,000,000 feet of lumber. In 1859 it was enlarged and its capacity increased to about 5,000,000 feet. About 1872 the mill passed into the possession of Mr. S. H. Webster and was almost entirely rebuilt by him. In 1880 the present firm purchased it. Its present cut is about 15,000,000 for the season.

William Peter

The history of this mill begins in 1852. In the Spring of that year, its construction was begun by W. P. Doty. After his death it was purchased by the present proprietor, a prominent lumberman, and a resident of Toledo. The business is in charge of William A. Young, a son of Mr. George Young, of Bay City. The cut of the mill last season was 16,500,000 feet of lumber.

Pitts & Cranage

The extensive mill property of this firm, situated at the foot of Washington Street, may be traced back to 1853, when Messrs. Baughman & Partridge built a mill with a siding mill, two uprights and an edger, having a daily capacity of 30,000 feet. In the Spring of 1855 Mr. Partridge withdrew from the firm, and the following Fall Mr. Baughman disposed of the property to Mr. Hubbard, of Detroit, who soon afterward sold to the late Samuel Pitts, of Detroit. In 1857 the capacity of the mill was increased to 4,000,000 a season. In 1865, Samuel Pitts & Co. succeeded Samuel Pitts, and about that time the capacity of the mill was again increased. In April, 1868, Samuel Pitts died, and the firm berrr came Thomas Pitts & Co., which was changed in 1870 to Pitts & Cranage, Mr. Thomas Cranage, Jr., having been a member of the firm since 1865. In February, 1874, the original mill was destroyed by fire and the present mill built immediately after. Tlie old mill when burned had a capacity of 12,000,000 a season, and the new mill has been built for a capacity of 20,000,000, which has been increased to 28,000,000. There are some notable features of both the mill property and the history of its management. The mill site has a river frontage of 1,630 feet, with dock room for piling 9,000,000 feet of lumber. The F. & P. M. Kailroad extends along . one side of the property and the Michigan Central along the other side. There are twenty-six tenement houses upon the property built in 1863 for the convenience of employes. The amount of rent charged for these houses, fixed at a nominal sum in 1863, has never been increased. Many of the men in the employ of the firm have worked for them from their boyhood, several men having been in their employ for nearly twenty years. Mr. Alexander Culbert, their book-keeper, has been in that position since June, 1863, and has rendered twenty years of faithful and valuable service. There are about 150 men employed in the operation of the mill and salt works. The latter were built in 1863. The present firm is composed of Thomas Cranage, Jr., of Bay City, and Thomas Pitts, of Detroit.

Eddy, Avery & Eddy

The mill of this firm is situated at the foot of Eleventh Street, and dates back to 1854, when the firm of Kodgers & Bros, laid the foundation of this large business concern. The mill then had one upright saw, employed ten men, and cut about 7,000 feet of lumber a day. In 1856, Miller & Butterfield became its proprietors, and increased its capacity, by the introduction of a circular saw, to 26,000 feet a day. This firm continued about four years, and was then succeeded by the firm of Miller, Barnard & Co. They put in another circular saw, a new and larger engine, new boilers, and increased the capacity to 36,000 a day. In 1864 the firm of Eddy, Avery & Co. purchased the property and made still further improvements, so that in 1868 it cut about 8,000,000 feet in the season of seven months, and employed forty men. January 1, 1879, this firm was succeeded by the present firm of Eddy, Avery & Eddy. The present cut of the mill is about 26,000,000 feet a season. The salt block was built in 1868, and the annual product is about 75,- 000 barrels. The present firm is composed of Edwin Eddy, of East Saginaw, John F. Eddy, of Bay City, and the heirs of Newell Avery, represented in the business by John H. Avery, a son of the late Newell Avery.

John F. Eddy, who resides in Bay City, is a son of the late Jonathan Eddy, who was a lumberman in the state of Maine, and came West at an early day, and became extensively engaged in lumbering in Michigan, and was one of the firm of Eddy, Avery & Co., at this point. In 1866 Mr. John F. Eddy came here from Maine, and since that time has been actively engaged in lumbering and other interests. In addition to the manufacture of lumber he is interested in a number of mercantile concerns. He is a thorough and enterprising business man.

John H. Avery is a son of the late NeweU Avery, a prominent lumberman who died in 1877. Since his death the heirs have been represented here by John H. Avery, who now resides in Bay City and gives his personal attention to the business. He is also a partner in the hardware firm of Gedney & Avery.

N. B. Bradley & Sons

The mill now owned by this firm was begun and partially built by the firm of Hester, Carrington & Co., in 1854, and completed by Frost & Bradley, in 1855. Its capacity then was 4,000,000 feet for the season. In 1858 Mr. N. B. Bradley took charge of the mill, doing sawing by the thousand. In January, 1861, he in company with F. E. and Charles Bradley purchased the mill, the firm being N. B. Bradley & Co. In 1874, the style of the firm was changed to N. B. Bradley, trustee for the benefit of the partners. In December, 1880, Mr. Charles Bradley died, and Mr. N. B. Bradley purchased the remaining interests. In January, 1881, his two sons, Elmer E., and Fred. W. Bradley, purchased an interest, and the firm became N. B. Bradley & Sons. Various changes and improvements have been made, increasing the cut of the mill from 4,000,000 to about 20,000,000 at present. The firm has a large lumber yard at Toledo, and is heavily interested in pine lands in this and other states. They also manufacture about 75,000 barrels of salt a year.

This mill property dates back to 1854, when the first mill upon the site was built by B. F. Partridge, and operated by him about two years. Then James Eraser came into possession of it, and leased it to H, A. Braddock & Co. for several years. In 1863 it was purchased by Peter & Lewis, and operated by them until it burned, which was about 1888. In 1874 the present firm purchased the site, and rebuilt the mill. Last season the mill was in operation 140 days, and cut 14,000,000 feet of lumber with a force of thirtynine men.

Henry M. Campbell, of the firm of Seth McLean, Son & Co., was born in New York State. At the age of five years he moved with his parents to Genesee County, and remained about six years. They then went to Birch Kiver,and while there his father helped to build a mill for Jesse Hoyt, afterwards working in the mill and keeping the boarding house. They were in the wilderness, their house being the only one in that portion of the country. Here they remained some four years and then moved to Pine Eiver. There Henry M. engaged with Seth McLean, in 1857, and has continued with him ever since as foreman of the mill. In 1874 he came to Bay City and has remained in the same mill until the present time. In 1882 he became a partner, the firm being now Seth McLean, Son & Co. Mr. Campbell is a thorough mill man, his whole life having been spent in the business; is a genial, pleasant gentleman and highly respected. He deserves the success he has attained. He was married March 26, 1865, to Miss Mary Galigan, of Michigan, and has one child.

This mill is situated on Water Street, at the foot of Thirty-fifth Street. The first mill on this site was built in 1856 by the firm of H. D. Braddock & Co. Its capacity then was 1,500,000 per season, and employed ten men; it had two upright saws. That firm run it until 1865, and then sold it to H. C. Young, who continued the business for two seasons, and then sold it to its present owner. In 1868 the capacity of the mill was increased, by putting in a circular saw, to 3,500,000 per season, and employing eighteen men. On the 22d day of August, 1868, this mill cut for A. Stevens & Co. 1,130| feet of lumber out of one log, all perfectly clear, without sap, rot or knot, leaving still a balance. The cut was as follows:

In 1877 the mill burned, and was rebuilt the following season. The present cut of the mill is about 9,000,000 feet of lumber a season, and employs thirty-six men. For the season of 1882 the cut was 4,000,000 feet of hardwood, and 3,500,000 of pine.

of Connecticut. In 1866 he settled in Bay City, and the following year purchased the mill property as above stated. Mr. Hitchcock is one of the substantial lumbermen of Bay City, and has always done a careful but successful business.

A. Rust & Bros

The mill of this firm is located at the foot of Twentieth Street, and was built in 1861 by John F. Bust & Co. In 1865 the firm was changed to A. Bust & Co. The original capacity of the mill was about 4,000,000 feet of lumber a season. Its present capacity is 17,000,000 besides lath and barrels. Seventy-five men are employed about the miU. The present firm succeeded A. Bust & Co. The gentlemen composing this firm are residents of Saginaw.

Oscar B. Smith, superintendent of the mill, came to Bay City from Canada in 1868, and has been in the employ of this firm ever since, and since 1880 has filled the position of superintendent. He is thoroughly competent, and attends to the business intrusted to him with fidehty.

Hay, Butman & Co

The mill now owned by this firm was built by Mr. James Watson in the Fall of 1863, and commenced operations the following season with a circular saw\ Cutting capacity 3,000,000 for the season. In 1866 Mr. Watson was joined by Mr. O'Brien, of Chicago, when the mill was enlarged, and its capacity doubled. In 1871 the property was purchased by Hay, Batman & Co., the present owners. The present capacity of the mill is about 14,000,000 feet of lumler a season, and employment is given to about sixty-five men.

James M. Laing is superintendent of the mill, as there is no resident member of the firm. Mr. Laing is a native of Scotland, and emigrated to Canada in 1850, and from there to the States, in 1854. In 1866 he went into the employ of Hay, Butman & Co., in charge of their^business at Zilwaukee. In 1871, when they purchased the mill at Bay City, Mr. Laing came here, and has been superintendent of the business ever since. Continuous service in the employ of one firm is a testimonial that any man may justly feel proud of.

Dolsen, Chapin & Co

The mill of this firm was built by Messrs. Dolsen & Walker, in 1864, with a capacity of 4,000,000 a season, and employed fifteen hands. That mill was destroyed by fire, but was immediately rebuilt. The present firm dates from 1874, when it succeeded Dolsen, Chapin & Bro. The business employs about 130 hands. Last season the miU cut 22,000,000 feet of lumber. Mr. J. L. Dolsen resides in Bay City, and Arthur B. Chapin at Saginaw.

Folsom & Arnold

purchased their mill site in 1867 of W. L. Fay. The mill was built by the late John Fraser, in 1865-'66, and at his death the following Fall was purchased by Mr. Fay. In 1869-70 the old mill was taken away, and a new one built. Messrs. Folsom & Arnold have been in the lumber business since 1853, and until 1867 were in business at Albany, N. Y. Mr. Arnold is still a resident of that city, but Mr. Folsom has resided here since 1867. The old mill used to cut about 3,000,000 feet of lumber, but the present mill cut last season 19,- 000,000. About ninety men are employed. The mill is situated at the foot of Belinda Street.

Carrier & Company

This mill is located on the east side of the river, about two miles below the Third Street Bridge. It was built by its present owners, in the Fall of 1867, and commenced operations in the Spring of 1868. Its capacity when built was about 8,000,000 feet of lumber a season, but improvements have been made until the present cut of the mill is about double what it was at first.

Jefl:erson County, Pa., February 14, 1839, where he remained until 1877, engaged in lumbering. He then removed to Bay City, where he again engaged in the lumber basiness, having a large miU at Essexville. He is also building a pulp mill in Wisconsin, which will be managed by his eldest son. Mr. Carrier is one of the most enterprising lumbermen of the Valley. He was married May 15, 1861, to Catherine E. Eobinson, of Jefferson County, Pa., and has a family of four sons and three daughters. His residence is corner of Fourth and Farragut Streets, Bay City.

This firm are the present proprietors of the McGraw Mill, one of the most noted miUs in all the lumbering regions. The late John McGraw, who was so widely kno 5\ai in connection with Cornell University, and as one of the most extensive lumbermen of his time, was first engaged in the manufacture of lumber with Mr. H. W. Sage, at Wenona, where in 1863-'64 they built a mill of monster proportions. In 1868 Mr. McGraw sold his interest in that mill, and built one at Portsmouth, which was destroyed by fire in 1872. The mill was immediately rebuilt on a much larger scale. It was said to be the largest mill in the world. It cut one season 55,260,000 feet of lumber. The mill site covered about one hundred acres, which has been thickly dotted with buildings of various kinds, until quite a village is gathered there. The cut of the mill last season was about 40,000,000 feet of lumber. The product of the two saltblocks is about 125,000 barrels. After the death of John McGraw, Mr. Thomas McGraw, a nephew living at Poughkeepsie, New York, was interested in the settlement of the estate, and in 1878 the firm of T. H. McGraw & Co. succeeded that of John McGraw & Co., and continued until the Summer of 1882, when the firm of Birdsall & Barker became proprietors. Mr. T. H. McGraw is still concerned in the property, and does an extensive business in pine lands, logs and lumber. His residence is at Poughkeepsie, and a portion of his time is spent in Bay City, as his interests demand. The firm of Birdsall & Barker is composed of Benjamin Birdsall and C. C. Barker, both of whom had been connected with the mill for several years. Mr. Barker has been connected with the mill since the first one was built in 1869.

The Detroit Mill

was built in 1878 by the firm of John Campbell & Co., and operated by them until 1879, when it was purchased by Edmund Hall, of Detroit, and E. J. Briscoe. The mill has been greatly enlarged and improved since it came into thej)Ossession of the present proprietors. Its capacity is about 25,000,000 feet of lumber, 5,000,000 lath and 2,000,000 shingles a season. About 150 men are employed by the firm. The salt block was built in 1880, and its capacity is 50,000 barrels a year.

E. J. Briscoe resides in Bay City, and carries on the business of the firm. He came here in 1877 from Flint, where he had been lumbering for eight years. Upon coming here he rebuilt the Stone Island Mill, and operated it until 1879, when the purchase of the Detroit Mill was made. He is also one of the firm of B. H. Briscoe & Co., proprietors of the Bay City Planing Mill, which he removed from Flint in 1877. The Saginaw Eiver Boom Company, of which he is president, was organized through his efforts, and is one of the most iniportant organizations on the river. During last season it picked up logs at the mouth of the river and on the bay amounting in value to over f 40,000. Mr. Briscoe is one of the most enterprising and energetic lumbermen of tiie valley.

Eddy Bros. & Co

This mill was built by S. H. Webster, and was purchased by the present firm in the Spring of 1881, of Chapin & Barber. The salt block was rebuilt in the Winter of 1882. The cut of the mill is about 18,000,000 of lumber a season, and the business employs about ninety men. The members of the firm are S. Eddy and John F., C. A. and C. F. Eddy.

S. Eddy, the principal manager of the business, was a lumber inspector for several years, and for five years was located at Alpena. He first came to Saginaw in 1864, and to Bay City in 1869. Since the Spring of 1881 he has given his entire attention to the mp.nufacture of lumber and the business interests of the firm.

Gbeen & Stevens

The mill of this firm is located on Stone Island, and was built in 1865 lly John Appold. In 1880 it was purchased by the present proprietors. The miU employs about forty-five hands, and cut last year 13,000,000 feet of lumber.

James A. Green, of the firm of Green & Stevens, was born in Washington County, N. Y., January 4, 1836. Went with his parents to Chenango County, N. Y. Was there ten years in the lumber trade. In 1859 he moved to Minnesota, where he remained until 1861. He then joined the engineer corps and was employed in the manufacture of lumber for the army, in which he continued until the close of the war. He then went to Cattaraugus County, N. Y., and was three years in the lumber trade; then moved to Bay City and remained three years. From Bay City he went to Kansas and remained one year. In 1871 he returned to Bay City and engaged in the lumber trade. In 1881, in company with A. J. Stevens, son of the late Appleton Stevens, he purchased the Stone Island Mill property under the firm name of Green & Stevens. Their miU has a capacity of 15,000,000 feet of lumber yearly. Mr. Green was married May 31, 1857, to Miss Mary E. Kelly, of Connecticut, and has three children. His residence is on South Centre Street.

A. J. Stevens, son of the late Appleton Stevens, was born at Deep River, state of Connecticut. He came with his parents to Bay City, and after receiving his education he was employed by Chauncey Gibson in the First National Bank, (the first in the city,) as errand boy. He was gradually promoted to the position of bookkeeper in the same institution. He was afterwards employed in the same capacity by A. Stevens & Co., where he remained until the death of his father, the senior partner of that concern. He then engaged in the lumber business, and in 1879 purchased a half -interest in the Stone Island Mill, since known as the Green & Stevens Mill, which he still owns and operates. The capacity of the concern is about 11,000,000 feet per annum. Mr. Stevens was married to Flora Hamilton, of Onio, in 1875, and has two children.

This firm is composed of three brothers, Albert, James and Andrew Miller, the first named being of the firm of Miller & Lewis. Miller & Brothers' miU is situated on the Middle Ground, and was built in the Winter of 1880 -'81. The mill employs about sixty hands, and cuts about 14,000,000 feet of lumber a season.

Murphy & Dorr

This mill is located on the Middle Ground, and was built in 1873 by Whipple, Palmer & Co. In the Spring of 1877 it was purchased by the present proprietors. About forty-five men are employed, and the mill cut last year nearly 20,000,000 feet of lumber.

E. J. Hargrave & Son

This mill is located on the Middle Ground, and was built in 1866 by the firm of Miller Bros. In the Winter of 1879 the mill property was purchased by the present firm. About fifty men are employed, and the cut of the mill last year was 14,000,000.

E. J. Hargrave, of the firm of E. J. Hargrave & Son, is a native of England. He came to Bay City in 1866, and engaged with N. B. Bradley as foreman of the mill; which position he held seven years. He then engaged with John McGraw & Co., as foreman of their mill, remaining with them two years. In 1875 he entered into partnership with H. M. Bradley in the planing mill business ; carried on that business two years' and sold out. Leased their present mill for one year, then leased the Tawas MillCo's mill for one year. December, 1, 1878, they purchased of Eichards, Miller & Co., their present mill property, which has since been operated under the firm name of E. J. Hargrave & Son. The capacity of the mill is 16,000,- 000 feet of lumber and 2,000,000 of lath. The firm have been successful in their business. The son, Edward, is an enterprising young man, a "chip of the old block." They are both pleasant gentlemen. Their stock of draft horses is as fine as there is in the Valley. We wish them success.

West Bay City Mills H. W. Sage & Co

The history of this mill is so intimately connected with that of the beginning of West Bay City, that most of the facts appear in that connection. The mill was built by the firm of Sage & McGraw in 1864, and commenced running in May, 1865. It was considered at that time to be at least one of the largest saw mills in the world, and was described as being a monster of the woods - the very head of the mill family. The main building was 80x120 feet in size, two stories high, having a wing upon one side and a boiler room upon the other. Five large engines furnished the power. In 1868 Mr. H. W. Sage purchased the interest of Mr. John McGraw, and the firm was changed to H. W. Sage & Co., two sons of Mr. Sage being partners in the business. The mill property at the present time represents an investment of $500,000.

"The sawing capacity of the steam saw mill of Sage,' McGraw & Co., at Wenona, opposite this city, was tested on Saturday last, the 9th instant. The amount of lumber sawed that day was greater, we have no doubt, than was ever cut in any saw miU of not larger capacity in the same number of hours. There are in the mill four gangs, one circular and one muley saw. The stock and slabber gangs, run by James Corbett and George Winter, cut 151,840 feet; the gangs run by Adolph Trombley and John Eheim, cut 134,160 feet; the circular, which was run by Cormic CuUen, cut 59,284 feet; and the muley, run by Abbott Plummer, 25,513 feet, making 370,- 797 feet, most of which was one and a half and two inch stuff. The total number of logs cut was 713. Time of cutting, twelve hours.

"The mill is under the charge of Mr. John G. Emery, who is one of the most thorough-going and energetic mill men in the United States. The following is a list of the leading men employed in the mill : - M. Haggarty, foreman ; A. Daly, assistant foreman ; C. CuUen, A. Plummer, James Corbett, A. Trombley, George Winter and John Eheim, head sawyers; P. Sova and P. Mannix, head edgers; L. Eoundsville, chief engineer; F. Beane, head fireman. The fitting and hanging of the saws was attended to by W. 0. Craft and M. Page. Messrs. J. B. Ostrander and Nicholas Emery also were on hand and made themselves very useful. The whole number of men employed was 135.

"At the conclusion of the day's work Mr. H. W. Sage delivered a short speech to the men, in which he cordially thanked them, and expressed his appreciation of the energy, muscle and skill they had displayed. The men then dispersed to their homes, after giving six

James Corhett is still sawyer in the same mill ; Abbott Plummer is lumbering, and lives in West Bay City; John G. Emery is now of the firm of Emery & Garland, dealers in mill machinery and supplies; M. Haggarty is now foreman of H. J. &C. J. Smith's mill, West Bay City; L. Roundsville is still chief engineer at the same mill; W. 0. Craft is keeping saloon in West Bay City, and N. Emery is present foreman of the same mill.

C. E. Lewis

This mill was built by Whitney, Coite & Co., in 1852. In 1862 it was purchased by the firm of Taylor, Moulthrop & Co., and in 1881 by Mr. Charles. E Lewis, the present proprietor. The mill employs about sixty men and cut last year 12,500,000 feet of lumber.

Charles E. Lewis was born in Cuyahoga County, in the "Western Reserve" part of Ohio. In 1851 he, in company with his half-brother, the late J. W. Wliittaker, came to this part of Michigan, and was engaged in working at his trade, that of a millwright. He helped to build what was known as the "Drake" Mill in Bangor, the mill now run by Miller & Lewis at South Bay; also a mill at Carrollton, which was burned down shortly after it started up. In 1860 and 1861 was in the employ of Henry Doty, at what is now known as the **Peter" Mill. Some time afterwards was with the late John McDowell in his foundry and machine shop. StiU later was a member of the firm of Smalley Bros. & Lewis, founders and machinists. In 1876 he bought John S. Taylor's share in the saw mill owned by Taylor & Moulthrop. In 1880, WeUington R. Burt, of East Saginaw, bought Mr. Moulthrop's interest, and the business was carried on under the firm name of Burt & Lewis. In 1881 Mr. Lewis bought out Mr. Burt, and is now sole proprietor of the saw mill and salt works connected therewith. He was married in 1857 to Miss Lucina Topping, of Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, and they have one child, a girl.

John Welch

This is the mill known for many years as the **Drake Mill." It was built in the Winter of 1851-'52, by Drake'Bros., and in 1853 sold to Kibbee, Whittemore & Co. After that it had various owners, and was finally purchased by Mr. Welch in 1880. In 1881 the mill burned, and was rebuilt the following Winter. It employs about forty men, and cut last year 12,000,000 feet of lumber.

built by Mr. George Lord in 1854. Its capacity then was about 25,000 feet of lumber a day, and gave employment to thirty-five men. In 1866, the present company became its proprietors. The present cut of the miU is about 20,000,000 feet of lumber a season, and number of men employed about 130. The officers of the company are D. Noble, president, Philadelphia; C. S. Kiley, vice-president, Philadelphia; F. Johnson, superintendent. West Bay City.

F. Johnson, superintendent of the Keystone Mill, was born in Salem Co., N. Y., in 1831. In 1847 removed to Maryland with his father, where they engaged in farming and had also a saw mill. The father dying in 1853, the mill became the property of the son, who retained it till 1866, when he sold out and came to West Bay Cit}^ taking the position which he now holds with the Keystone Lumber & Salt Manufacturing Co.

H. J. & C. J. Smith

This mill was built in 1854 by the firm of Moore, Vose & Co., and at that time had two uprights, a circular and lath mill, with a season capacity of 1,000,000. In 1858 the property was purchased by the firm of Moore, Smith & Co., and in 1862 they enlarged its capacity to 10,000,000 feet a season, giving employment to thirtyfive men. In 1878 the milFpassed into possession of the firm of Peter Smith & Sons. In November, 1880, Poter Smith died, and his two sons, Henry J. and Charles J. Smith succeeded to the business. The average cut of their mill is now 20,000,000 a season, and about eighty men are employed. The firm also manufactures about 35,000 barrels of salt a year.

Laderach Bros.' Saw Mill And Salt Works

The firm of Laderach Bros, is composed of five brothers, Jacob, Rudolff, Charles, Samuel and John. In 1861 they built a stave mill and cooper shop at Salzburgh, and engaged in the manufacture of barrels; the salt business, then in its infancy, creating a demand for that kind of package. After running their stave mill for a number of years, they went into the shingle trade, doing a large and successful business as manufacturers. In 1873 they added a saw mill to their already large establishment. The mill has a capacity to cut from 6,000,000 to 7,000,000 per season. In 1873 they purchased from William S. Talman the salt works erected by him in 1863, and now manufacture from 16,000 to 18,000 barrels per annum. They were originally what was known as a "kettle block," but the present mode of manufacture is by the "steam process."

Laderach Brothers are five in number, and are all natives of Switzerland. The whole family, consisting of father, mother, seven brothers and four sisters, emigrated to the United States in 1851, and settled on a farm in St. Clair Co., Mich. The father, mother and the two younger brothers have since gone over to the "silent majority." The five who compose the firm of Laderach Bros., manufacturers of lumber and salt, came to the Saginaw Valley in 1857, living in Bay City for four years. In 1861 they all removed to that part of the township of Bangor which was afterward known as Salzburgh.

Jacob Laderach married Miss Elizabeth Ehrson, of Sandusky, Ohio, and they have five children, four daughters and a son. He was the first school director of District No. 3, Bangor.

EuDOLFF Laderach married Miss Catherine C. Laderach, a native of Bavaria, Germany, in 1861, and they have five children, three girls and two boys. He was elected an alderman for the Third Ward of West Bay City in 1881 and re-elected in 1882.

Charles Laderach has been married twice ; his first wife was a daughter of the late John Miller. After her death he married Miss Katrine Laderach, a native of Switzerland. His family consists of one boy and two girls.

The mill of this firm is situated a mile south of what was formerly known as Balzburgh. It was built in the year 1869 by the firm of Brooks & Adams, who operated it until 1872, when it came mfco the possession of the present proprietors. The whole mill property includes about thirty-six acres. They cut an average of 22,- 000,000 feet of lumber a season, and employ about 110 men. They have three salt weUs, and produce about 55,000 barrels of salt annually.

L. L. HoTCHKiss is a native of Connecticut. He came to West Bay City in 1863 and entered the employ of Brooks & Adams. On the death of Mr. Brooks, which occurred in 1872, Mr. Hotchkiss became a member of the firm, the style of which was changed to L. L. Hotchkiss & Co., which it still retains.

The mill belonging to this firm was built in 1873 by the firm of Malone & Gardner, which firm was succeeded by W. H. Malone & Co. in 1873. The mill employs fifty men and cut last season nearly 20,000,000 feet of lumber.

Smalley Bbos. & Co

This mill was built in 1831, by the firm of Slater & Woodworth, and in the Fall of 1882 sold to the present proprietors. About thirty men are employed. The mill cat last year 8,000,000 feet of lumber.

The Rouse Mill, Essexville

was built by J. M. Bouse, in the Winter of 1870-71. He carried on the business until January, 1878. It then passed into the hands of his two sons, E. F. and W. B., who have made great improvements, changing it from a circular to a gang mill, doing custom work. They also added the salt block. They give employment to about forty men, and turn out about 12,000,000 feet of lumber yearly, and ninety barrels of salt per day.

Inland Mills

There are the inland mills of Norn & Kent at Sterling; Cross & Dyer, Deep River; John Lentz and J. P. PhiUips, Pine River; John Hulburt and J. W. Culver, Moffat; Gorie & Carscallan, Omer; the Pinconning Mill and the Whitney Mill at Whitney.

The Salt Industry

When the act providing for the admission of Michigan into the Union was passed by Congress in 1836, it was among other things provided that all salt springs in the state, not exceeding twelve in number, with six sections of land adjoining each, might be selected by the state, and in pursuance of this act, the Legislature of Michigan, in July, 1836, authorized the Governor to make the selection. Most of the lands were located in the Grand River Valley, but one tract was selected on the Tittabawassee River, at the mouth of Salt River. The state geologist. Dr. Houghton, was authorized and directed by the Legislature to commence boring for salt at one or more of the state salt springs as soon as practicable. He selected one point in the southwest corner of Section Twenty -four, in Township Fifteen, on the west side of the Tittabawassee, and commenced operations about the middle of June, 1838. Many difficulties were encountered, and when the appropriations were exhausted the work was abandoned.

the basin was along the Saginaw River, and the people of Saginaw having great confidence in Dr. Houghton, became impressed with the same belief.

In January, 1859, a pubhc meeting was held at Saginaw, and a committee appointed to petition the Legislature for aid and encouragement in the enterprise of salt manufacture. Judge Bimey was in the Legislature at that time, and was active in securing the passage of a biU giving a bounty for the manufacture of salt. The original bill proposed a payment of five cents a bushel, but he succeeded in getting ten cents granted. It was this encouragement that stimulated the first efforts fco manufacture salt at Saginaw and Bay City. In April, of that year, the East Saginaw Salt Manufacturing Company was organized with a capital of |50,000. The boiling of salt was commenced the latter part of June, 1860, and the first salt packed was in July, 1860.

Opekations At Bay City

As soon as the existence of salt at Saginaw was demonstrated. Bay City "came down" with the fever, and two companies were formed in March, 1860. The Portsmouth Salt Company was organized March 13, 1860, and its articles of association filed with the county clerk, March 20th. The Bay City Salt Manufacturing Company was organized March 23,- and its articles of association filed May 18, 1860. The principal stockholders of the first named company were James J. McCormick, Appleton Stevens, A. D. Braddock & Co., B. F. Beckwith, Judge Miller, WilHam Daghsh, Martin Watrous, C. E. Jennison and W. R. McCormick. Their well was sunk to a depth of about 600 feet, and the first salt made in Bay County was made by them in the Summer of 1861. The well was on the present site of the McGraw Mills, and W. R. McCormick was the first superintendent and secretary. Various changes occurred in the company, and its property was finally sold to John McGraw, about the year 1868.

The Bay City Company stock was mostly owned by James Eraser, D. H. Fitzhugh, H. M. Fitzhugh and Messrs. Munger. Mr. H. M. Fitzhugh afterwards became the principal proprietor of the stock. Their works were on the present site of the Michigan Pipe Company's works. Their well was sunk to a greater depth than the Portsmouth well, and they made their first salt in the early Autumn of 1861. These works were continued for several years, and were changed from the kettle to the pan block, and the prop' erty finally sold to the Pipe Works.

Other works followed in rapid succession. Messrs. Harkness & Sohne sunk a well to a depth of 900 feet, and erected works with one block of kettles and one of pans, with a capacity of 100 barrels of salt in twenty-four hours.

Messrs. Hayden & Co. sank a well to a depth of 1,000 feet, and estabHshed works at Portsmouth, afterwards purchased by Appleton Stevens & Co. This was a kettle block.

In 1862 Mr. A. C. Braddock came here and superintended the construction of works for the New York Salt Works. The depth of the well was 1,016 feet, and the site occupied seven and a half acres with a river frontage of 200 feet. The process of manufacture was by kettles and solar covers.

The Lower Saginaw Salt Company, Dolsen & Walker and the Altantic Salt Company followed in 1862-'63, and Leng & Bradfield also sunk a well at Bangor. By the close of 1864 there were twenty-six salt concerns in Bay County. The manufacturers, capital invested, and product were as follows :

Salt Statistics For The Year 1864

The first process of manufacture was by the kettle block, but it was not long before they had to be abandoned. Then came the pan block, and they too, in time, were found to require too much fuel, and gave way for the present system. Between 1864 and 1868 various changes occurred. Some suspended operations and new works were constructed. The manufacturers and products of 1867-'68 were as follows:

Product Of 1867-'68 Review Of The Business

In 1871 Mr. H. M. Fitzhugh, president of the Saginaw & Bay City Salt Company, prepared an article which was published for the information of members of Congress, from which we quote as follows:

"The salt manufacture of the Saginaw Valley has had an existence of about ten years. Brine was discovered in 1860, but no considerable development occurred till 1861. In that year large investments were made in the new enterprise, and the growth of the business, stimulated by a war demand and war prices, was very rapid.

"At the start all the conditions seemed to favor the production of salt as an exclusive business. There were - for distribution - a fine navigable river, emptying about midway in the chain of the great lakes ; for saline material, an inexhaustible supply of the very strongest brine, underlying many thousand square miles of territory ; and for fuel, the dense original forest of Northern Michigan. Accordingly, the business was entered upon in the fullest confidence that if salt would not be made at a profit here, it could not be made anywhere in the United States.

"It must be admitted that the investments were not all judicious, and that in the inception of this, as of most new enterprises, some losses were incurred from want of experience ; but this was less the case in this instance than usually happens, as the model on which the orignal Saginaw Salt Works were built existed at Syracuse, N. Y., which also supplied all the peculiar machinery and such skill as Avas required at a comparatively moderate expense.

"It should be said that the salt produced at Saginaw, in the earlier period of the manufacture, though not as good as it is now, was a fair article. It had to be sold everywhere alongside the product of the New York works, which had had the benefit of more than a half century's experience; it must, therefore, have compared not very disadvantageously with Onondaga salt, in order to command nearly the same price, which it always did.

"However bright the prospects which induced early investments in the manufacture of salt at Saginaw, it was very soon discovered that they were delusive. The expense account of the manufacturers soon swelled to largely more than double its original proportions by the advance in labor as well as in fuel and other materials of manufacture.

"The great difficulty in making salt, the tendency to overproduction, began to appear at an early period, and within four years of the commencement of the manufacture it had become a losing business to such an extent that the production largely declined, and salt property had hardly a quotable value. I can not recall a single instance in which an original, independent investment in the salt manufacture in the Saginaw Valley, has offered a reasonable profit as a result of the manufacture itself. This may seem a bold assertion in the face of the fact that the production of salt on the whole has increased, and that it has without doubt added largely to the value of real estate. The annual distribution of large sums in this manufacture has undoubtedly had a favorable influence on the general prosperity, but the business itself has been anything but a profitable one.

"After the vast profits of the independent salt business were seen to be imaginary, it was discovered that it might be more profitably conducted as an adjunct of the saw mills. These lumber manufactories make a vast amount of refuse which must be disposed of in some way, or the mills would soon be buried in their own waste. Hence it was found highly economical to employ their slabs, edgings, sawdust and exhaust steam in the production of salt. A manufacture of this kind has now grown up which is more or less profitable in proportion to the skill with which the several manufacturers avail themselves of their advantage in this respect; indeed, the entire manufacture of the Saginaw Valley, at the present time, may be said to depend on the saw mills, because even in the cases where they have no salt works directly connected with them, and under the same management, their refuse is sold at a small figure or given away to the nearest salt works, which are thus enabled to run at a reduced expense ; in fact, little or no cordwood is now used for fuel at any of the salt works of the Saginaw Valley."

Manufactureks And Product For The Salt Districts

District No. 1, Saginaw County. - Employs four deputy salt inspectors, has fifty-six salt companies, with forty-three steam, eighteen pan blocks, and 4,000 solar salt covers, having a manufacturing capacity of 1,400,000 barrels of salt.

District No. 2, Bay County. - Employs three deputy salt inspectors, with thirty-eight steam blocks, thirty-one salt companies and 500 solar salt covers, with a manufactuiing capacity 1,300,000 barrels of salt.

District No. 3, Huron County. - Employs four deputy salt inspectors, has ten salt companies, with five steam and eight pan blocks, with a manufacturing capacity of 400,000 barrels of salt.

District No. 4, Iosco County. - Employs two deputy salt inspectors, has eight salt companies, with eight steam blocks, having a manufacturing capacity of 300,000 barrels of salt.

District No. 5, Midland County. - Employs one deputy salt inspector, has four salt companies, with one steam and three pan blocks, having a manufacturing capacity of 100,000 barrels of salt.

District No. 6, Manistee County. - Employs one deputy salt inspector, has one salt company, with one steam block now in operation, with a manufacturing capacity of 50,000 barrels of salt.

District No. 7, Gratiot County. - Employs one deputy salt inspector, has one salt company, with one pan block having a manufacturing capacity of 40,000 barrels of salt.

The following table is taken from the state salt inspector's report, and shows the amount of salt inspected during the year. This does not show the full amount manf actured :

Shipments By Water For 1882

Most of the production now is by the grainer system. Steam blocks are used and evaporation is procured by the use of exhaust steam from the engines which drive the saw mills. The expense of fuel is thus reduced to the minimum, as were the steam not used in the salt manufacture, it would be suffered to escape without further service. This mode of manufacture has practically superseded all others, because of the economy of fuel.

In 1882 there were thirty-four salt making establishments, and the amount inspected was 1,193,479 barrels. The total product for the year was considerably more than that.

In the early days of salt manufacture here, the prices reached as high as $3.50 a barrel. The past year the average price has been about seventy cents.

Salt Associations

The association of salt manufacturers of the salt producing counties of Michigan, organized in 1876, under the title of "Michigan Salt Association," and reorganized in 1881, under the name of '*Salt Association of Michigan," has, during its few years of existence, met with flattering success on all sides, the consumer of salt as well as the producer being profited thereby.

Early in the history of the great industry, associations from time to time were organized and operated, one of these being the t ay County Salt Company, in 1865. This concern lasted two or three years, when the Saginaw & Bay Salt Company took its place. This corporation was organized about the year 1868, the most prominent salt manufacturers along Saginaw River being members. The capital stock was |200,000, with 8,000 at |25 each. The amount actually paid in was |19.25 per share. The officers of the company were as follows :

This association was discontinued in 1871, and from that time until 1875 there was no regular organization to take hold of and handle the saline article. The salt producer during that time saw the real necessity for an organization. A number of salt manufacturers in the Saginaw Valley hiid a meeting, and on the 8th of July, in that year, organized an association, known as the Saginaw Salt Company. Its purpose was the marketmg of all salt its stockholders manufactured, and such as was delivered to it for that purpose by others, and in connection therewith, the estabhshing of agencies for the sale of salt in principal markets, and the buying, selling and manufacture of salt. The capital stock was |500,000, of 20,000 shares of $25 each. The amount of capital stock paid in was $18,000. This company was of a few months' existence. On March 31st, in 1876, the Michigan Salt Association was formed, to exist as an organization for five years. At its first annual election following officers and committees were chosen :

The capital stock was $200,000, of 8,000 $25 shares. The amount actually paid in was $2 per share. This organization was probably the most sutjcessful one in the history of the Saginaw Valley. Its stock-holders numbered forty-eight, twelve of whom resided in East Saginaw, fifteen in Bay City, two in West Bay City, fourteen in Saginaw City, and one each in Port Austin, Caseville, New River, White Rock, and Port Hope. It appointed a committee consisting of Thomas Cranage, Jr., N. Barnard, and one other member, who drafted an amendment to the salt law, which was passed by the Legislature, and it is now considered the best that could be drawn, it covering all the points desired.

In 1881, on March 31st, the organization expired byhmitation. At that time a new combination was organized under the name of the Salt Association of Michigan. This company is in existence at the present day, and is doing effective work. Its officers are about the same as of the old association. The purpose for which this organization was formed is the manufacture of and dealing in salt, and to engage in the transportation of its products to market. The capital stock is $200,000, divided into 8,000 shares of $25 each. The amount actually paid in is $2 per share. The affairs of the association are managed by the Board of Directors, who are all manufacturers of salt. The places for the transaction of the association's business are Bay City and East Saginaw.

Any manufacturer of salt in this state is entitled to become a stockholder of the association by signing articles of association, and designating the number of shares taken, which shall not exceed one share of the capital stock for every barrel of the daily average of his manufactory on a fair estimate. From the proceeds of the salt sold, there is paid an annual dividend of 8 per cent to each stockholder on the amount paid in, payable on the 80th days of March and September, which together with all losses sustained and all expenses incurred in handhng and selling, together with the inspection fees, are charged up as expenses before a division of the proceeds of sales are made. Annual meetings of the stockholders are held on the third Thursday in January, in each year. Special meetings are held at times when the president or directors shall appoint.

Every manufacturer, in becoming a member of the association, is obliged to execute and deliver to it a contract for all salt manufactured by him, or a lease of his salt manufacturing property. Each stockholder makes salt solely on the association's account. The board of directors has power to determine the rate of advance in the price of salt, and it also has power to appoint traveling or resident agents for the sale of salt.

Eivee Navigation

The history of Saginaw Eiver navigation extends over a period of about fifty-two years, and the exhibits of its traffic at the present time indicate to what extent the industries of this region have attained. The first craft to dispute the right of way upon the highway of this river, was a vessel or sloop called the "Savage," probably so called from its appearance rather than anything it was likely to accomplish. This craft was of about forty tons burden, and owned by the American Fur Company. It made occasional trips to the company's station at Saginaw from about 1881 to 1837 or 1838.

In June, 1832, a vessel that could carry fifty tons came into the river, and after discharging some freight for the Fur Company, sailed up the Tittabawassee and took a load of potatoes from Duncan McLellan's farm, and carried them to Detroit. This was the first export of farm produce from the Saginaw Valley.

In August, 1837, Capt. George Raby sailed into the Saginaw River as master of the schooner "North America." He settled his family at Portsmouth. He died about the year 1860.

Capt. J. Davis Smith, brother of Dr. George E. Smith, of Bay City, commanded the "Richmond," formerly the "Conneaut Packet" for a year or two, until she was wrecked on the Canada shore of Lake Huron. Dr. George E. Smith was sailing with his brother on the boat at the time. About this time Capt. Wilson commanded a little schooner called the "Mary," which sailed between Saginaw and Detroit. She was also wrecked on the Canada shore.

About 1850, the steamer '^Columbia" ran weekly between Detroit and Saginaw. She was commanded at one time by George H. Cottrell, and his brother C. B. Cottrell, now of Bay City, was clerk. The "Columbia" was afterwards purchased by Capt. Cole. Then came the "Charter" and "Snow."

In 1858 the Bay City & Alpena Line was started by Capt. Cole with the "Columbia." This line is stiU operated by the firm of Cole & Holt. There are three boats on the hne doing a good business.

About 1866 the "L. G. Mason" came here and is still running. The bar at the mouth of the river was for a long time a serious obstruction to navigation, but nothing definite about its removal was reached until 1867, when the work of dredging was commenced, and completed the following year. This work elevated the port of Bay City to rank with any on the lakes.

The Season Of 1882

The Bay City Irihune reviewed the season of 1882, as follows: **This season of navigation on the Saginaw River has closed, and most of the crafts have gone into Winter quarters. The river is covered with ice except in a few spots, and it is doubtful if another boat can enter this port this year after to-day. The propeller * Saginaw Valley' left Alpena yesterday for Bay City, and she is the last boat to start for this port. She was at Tawas last evening and will endeavor to feel her way in to-day. She is well ironed off, and being broad and of light draught can travel through the ice without

"The season opened in April with lumber freights at f 2 per thousand to Buffalo and $1.75 to Ohio ports. The large lumber fleet rushed into port, and by May freights had taken a drop of 25 cents per 1,000 feet. As the season advanced a further reduction of 25 cents took place, making it f 1.50 to Buffalo and f 1.25 to Ohio. Loads became very scarce with wages and expenses high, and the worst season on record was looked for. The lowest charter reported was a barge from Crow Island to Buffalo at f 1.25, which rate was accepted in order to fill out the tow of the propeller ^Passaic' Freights remained steady and quiet at the figures named until September 1st, when a reaction took place, an advance of 25 cents being made upon the demand of owners of lumber carriers. Another 25 cent advance speedily followed and then another, making the rate f 2 to Buffalo and $1.75 to Ohio. A brisk demand for Buffalo boats sent the rate up another quarter, only on Buffalo and Tonawanda boats, however. As soon as the chilling Fall winds set, freights again increased a quarter, fixing them at $2.50 and $2, and from then until the close of the season they remained firm at those figures. Better freights were obtained, in some instances, but as a rule, those were the going rates. The steam-barge * Ontonagon' and barges *Wm. Lewis' and 'R. J. Carney,' were the last regular lumber traders to leave for Buffalo. The tug 'Albert J. Wright' and barges 'Mills' and ' W. A. Sherman' came here and loaded, and they were in reality the last craft for Buffalo, where they reached safely on Monday morning last. The barge *B. B. Buckhout' was the last craft to load for Ohio. She was towed out to Tawas by the tug 'Cheney' and from there was towed to Cleveland by the steam-barge 'Geo. L. Colwell.'

"The season, on the whole, has been a very fair one for lumber carriers. All that were properly managed, made money. The season, as favorable as it was, is a surprise, when the fact that there was nearly 25 per cent increase in tonnage is taken into consideration. The past season some of the best and largest crafts have been added to the lumber marine, each carrying from 400,000 to 800,000 feet. The largest shipments of any season in Bay City's history were made the past season."

Summary The First Vessel Built On The Saginaw River

was built by Nelson Smith in 1846-'47. She was built at Saginaw and named the "Julia Smith," that being the name of the proprietor's only daughter. At that time the Garrollton bai: was an obstruc - tion to the navigation of the river, and this vessel was modeled to adapt itself to that difficulty. It was of about seventy tons burden and when loaded drew four and a half feet of water. In 1848, when Judge Miller removed his family from Saginaw to Portsmouth, they made the trip on this vessel in about two days. The "Julia Smith" left the Saginaw trade about 1850, and as kte as 1871 was sailing on Lake Michigan, and was staunch and sound.

The first vessels of any importance built near the mouth of the river were built by the Braddocks, at Portsmouth, in 1857-'e58, and were the "Essex" and "Bay City." The latter is still afloat. The "Java," a small fishing vessel was built at Lower Saginaw, in 1854.

First Steamboat On The River

"In July, 1830, the writer of this article, accompanied by Eleazer Jewett, the county surveyor, and one or two other parties who were to assist in making a prehminary survey of the site of Portsmouth, preparatory to making a plat of the village, came from Saginaw in a canoe (accompanied by the late James Eraser, who expected to meet a vessel in the river with some articles on board which he would have need of before the wind would permit the vessel to sail to Saginaw,) to the point where the village of Portsmouth is now located, and after completing a survey of the outlines for a village plat, proceeded down the river to the residence of Leon Trombley, Sr., which was then located at a point near the present corner of Eourtli and Water Streets. While there partaking of some refreshments, Louis Trombley (who was then a lad ten or twelve years old,) came into the house crying, *A steamboat! a steamboat!' We all rushed out of the house to see what had deceived the boy into the idea of a steamboat, when, to our great delight, we saw a steamboat proudly making headway against a south wind and the current of the Saginaw Eiver; these obstacles had been a great detriment to the navigation of the river by sailing vessels, and seriously retarded the arrival of supplies for the citizens of Saginaw. We hailed the boat, which proved to be the * Governor Marcy,' commanded by Capt. Gorham, piloted by Capt. Ehodes, and chartered by the late Norman Little, who was acting in behalf of himself, and Mackie, Oakley and Jennison, who then owned Saginaw City, and had just commenced active operations in building up the town. Mr. Jennison, who was interested in the charter of the first steamboat that entered the Saginaw Eiver, was the father of our respected fellow-citizen, Charles E. Jennison. With much ado, after losing some of our things in endeavoring to transfer them from the canoe to the boat, we all got on board, and had the satisfaction of riding on the first steamboat that ever floated on the waters of the Saginaw. The * Governor Marcy' made regular trips to Saginaw once in two weeks during the balance of that season. Some of the early settlers may remember Capt. Gorham who commanded her. He was a complete dandy; I have known him to change his dress three or four times after entering the river before landing at Saginaw. He would sometimes appear on the pilot house of the boat dressed entirely in white, with a broad brimmed Leghorn hat on, motioning as if piloting the boat, when the wheelsman, Capt. Ehodes, who knew every foot of the ground, paid no attention to him. He was superseded in the command before the season was out.

"In 1847 the business of the Saginaw Valley had begun to revive somewhat; the lumber business was carried on in a small way, and at that time a great want was felt for a better means of communication between different points on the Saginaw Eiver, and for some mode of navigating the streams that form the said river. It must be remembered that at the time above mentioned every man had to paddle his own canoe; there was no road between the upper and lower towns on the river that any one but the late James Eraser dared to ride over. At this time Capt. Addison Mowry, a native of Pittsburgh, who was well acquainted wi.h the navigation of the shoal waters of the upper portion of the Ohio Eiver, conceived the idea that a steamboat modeled after those running on the Ohio, would not only serve for the wants of the Saginaw Eiver, but could be made useful in navigating the streams above. At the suggestion of Capt. Mowry, the late James Eraser, Dr. Daniel H. Fitzhugh, Daniel H. Eitzhugh, Jr., Emerson and Eldridge, and some other parties entered into the project of building such a boat as has been mentioned; and in the Summer of 1847, Mr. Eraser and Daniel H. Eitzhugh, Jr., went to Pittsburgh and contracted for the engines for a boat, procured a model from which to build one, and commenced in earnest the great undertaking that it then was tobuild a steamboat on the Saginaw Eiver. The work of construction was carried on near Emerson's mill, at Saginaw, on the east side of the river, for the convenience of getting sawed lumber at the mill. The work on the hull had progressed considerably during the season of 1847, but the boat was not launched till 1848, when she was consigned to the element for which she was intended, and named the *Buena Vista,' upon which occasion there were great festivities at the *Hall of Montezuma.' I think the responsibility of providing the materials and superintending the building of the boat was assigned to Daniel H. Eitzhugh, Jr., and notwithstanding the many difficulties attending that duty, they were all overcome, and in due time the *Buena Vista' was constantly employed in carrying passengers and towing vessels on the Saginaw Eiver. Addison Mowry was her first captain, and Orrin Kinney, now of Portsmouth, was engineer. The *Buena Vista,' notwithstanding her awkward appearance, with her stern wheel, answered the purpose for which she was constructed, with the exception of making money for her owners, and the successful navigation of the upper streams. As an illustration of her failure in the last named point, 1 will give a little sketch of her first trip to ^jie forks of Bad Eiver. This was before the Detroit & Milwaukee Eailroad was built, and the peeple of Shiawassee County were looking for a means of conveying their surplus produce to market, by constructing a plank road to the forks of Bad Eiver, and from that point the pro- duce was to be carried by the *Buena Vista,' or some other Hght draught boat, to a shipping point on the Saginaw Kiver. To further the project above referred to, a delegation from that county, consisting of Gov. Parsons, of Corunna, and Mr. Gould, of Owosso, came to Saginaw in the Summer of 1849, and when they got ready to return home, it was determined, in order to show the feasibility of the project, to take the delegation on their way, as far as the forks, on board the ^Buena Visfca,' and at the same time give ah excursion to the citizens of Saginaw. The writer was notified of the intended excursion and was on hand to start with the boat, upon which had congregated for the excursion, a large portion of the male population of Saginaw City, (East Saginaw then was not.) The boat started out in the morning under favorable auspices, expecting to be back at Saginaw by a little past noon, so no provisions for the comfort of the inner man were made except by those who took their rations of fire-water. The boat proceeded on her trip without encountering any difficulties, till we left the Shiawassee and entered the Bad River. That river was so narrow and crooked in places that it was with difficulty that we made any progress ; in a short turn in the river the length of the boat was so great that it would rub both banks at the same time, and she had to exercise all the power of her engines to squeeze through. It was near night when we reached a point in the river where the navigation was attended with less difficulty, when a strange whisthng sound proceeded from the engines, and the engineer was walking in the water by the side of the boat endeavoring to accomplish something by punching at its side. It was soon ascertained that the pipe which supplied the boilers with water had been filled with mud in dragging over the shoals, and that the boat was being propelled by heated gas. Had the engineer sue ceeded in letting water into the boilers when thus heated,there would inevitably have been an explosion which would have caused great loss of life. Before reaching our destination all the metal joints in the steam pipes were melted, and so far as the propelling capacity was concerned, the boat was a complete wreck. It was then near night, and we had all fasted since morning, and the prospect for the night was not very pleasant; when Daniel L. 0. Eaton and E. F. Bird volunteered to take a canoe and paddle to Saginaw, sixteen miles, and return with provisions for ihe famishing crowd. They performed their duty faithfully, for which service they wiU always be held in grateful remembrance by all who partook of the bountiful supply of provisions, which they brought to the crowd about one o'clock in the morning, and which the good ladies of Saginaw City had suppHed them with, by emptying their larders of cooked provisions. The next day the excursionists exercised their muscles in performing a pedestrian tour through the wilderness, by way of Swan Creek and the Tittabawassee to Saginaw. The *Buena Vista' remained at the forks a few days till her steam pipes and boilers were repaired, when she returned to her duties on the Saginaw, which she performed till other boats came to take her place.

"The machinery of the *Buena Vista' was afterwards transferred to the 'Whitney,' which was the first steamboat built at the lower end of the river. She was built at Bangor by Thomas Whitney & Co., and was commanded by Daniel Burns, of local notoriety.

"The next steamboat after the 'Buena Vista,' to ply these waters, was the *Gen. Wolcott,' brought here in 1850 by Capt. Darius Cole, to run between Lower Saginaw and Saginaw, thus forming the first river line ever operated here.

"One of the incidents of the early days was a race between the *Buena Vista' and the 'Wolcott.' Daniel Burns commanded the first named boat, and getting in too great a hurry at the outset,

"Capt. Darius Cole is one of the pioneer vessel men of Michigan, and particularly of the Saginaw Valley. He was born in Wales, Erie Co., N. Y., October 11, 1818. As early as 1835, before Michigan became a state, he came West to Detroit, and afterwards helped to survey the territory of Iowa. Most of his life has been spent in the management of boating interests, and at an early day he sailed on the lakes. As early as 1848 he came to Lower Saginaw, now Bay City, with a vessel, bringing supplies and taking back a load of furs. In 1850 he came here with the steamer "Gen. Wolcott" and ran it between this point and Saginaw, thus forming the first river line ever operated here. Before that the business had been done with canoes and skiffs. In 1854 he bought the steamer "Columbia" and run. her between this point and Detroit. He operated the river line until a few years ago, when he sold out. In company with Capt. Holt he now has three boats and operates a line between Bay City and Alpena. Captain Cole is a genial gentleman and is a well stocked encyclopaedia of early reminiscence and events. He has had a successful business career and amassed a handsome property. He owns considerable real estate in Bay City, but his family residence has always been in Detroit. His business office is in Bay City, and most of his time is spent here, especially during the season of navigation.

BRIDGES. Previous to 1865 the only means of transit across the Saginaw River was by row-boats or ferry. In 1863 a steam flat-boat superseded the rope ferry. In 1864 a stock company was formed and a wooden bridge built between the foot of Third Street, Bay City, and Midland Street, Wenona. This bridge was 1,900 feet in length and cost 135,000. It was opened for travel in 1865. In 1876 the wooden structure was replaced by the present magnificent iron bridge. The bridge company continued to the Winter of 1883, and up to that time it was a toll bridge. At that time Bay County purchased the bridge and the toll system was abolished. In 1876 another bridge was constructed from the foot of Twenty-Third Street to Salzburgh. The bridge of the Detroit and Bay City Railroad was built in 1873.

The Courts And Bar

One of the first institutions established in a community of pioneers has invariably been some sort of a court of justice, where law could be expounded, justice administered, and other kinds of business, too numerous to mention, transacted. The justice of the peace who presided over the principal court of the early days, was necessarily a being of varied attainments, at least in theory if not in fact. It was his business to unite in holy bonds of matrimony such-^s desired to be pronounced, and to separate by solemn decree of divorce such as could show just and sufficient cause. He must also apply the principles of law and justice to the whole range of offenses, from murder to neighborhood quarrels.

Present System Of Judiciary

The present system of judiciary of Michigan is most excellent, but it has been developed through a tortuous way. From the date of the settlement of Detroit by the French in 1701, the people of the region now included in the state of Michigan have lived to the present time under various forms of governments - edicts of kings, orders of military commanders, decrees of imperial parliaments and provincial governors, ordinances of national congresses, enactments of territorial governors and councils, provisions of state constitutions, and the laws of the state Legislature. From the coutume de Paris to the last state constitution and enactments of the last state Legislature, the changes of 182 years have left their impress along the devious ways.

The Couets

The Circuit Court of Saginaw County was estahhshed under an act of the Territorial Legislature Assembly, approved February 12, 1835, which provided that a term of court should be held for the county of Saginaw on Tuesday next after the fourth Monday in June, and on the second Tuesday next after the fourth Monday in January in each year.

Among the first acts of the State Legislature was one deahng with the Circuit Court. It decreed that "the Fourth Circuit shall be composed of the counties of Oakland, Lapeer, Shiawassee, Genesee, Saginaw, Ionia and Kent, and the counties attached thereto, for judicial purposes." The sessions of the Fourth Circuit were ordered to be held at Saginaw on the third Tuesdays of February and July in each year. Subsequently the term was changed to May. In after years, a desire to have the Spring term of the court held in April was expressed.

Among the bills passed by the Legislature during the Winter session of 1858-'59 was one changing the terms of the Supreme Court and reorganizing circuit districts. The Spring term of the Supreme Court was authorized to be held on the first Monday of April instead of May. Saginaw County was detached from the Seventh Circuit and added to the Tenth, which henceforth comprised Saginaw, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, Iosco, Bay and Alpena.

June 25, 1857, John Eobertson vs. Harvey Williams was the first suit in the Bay County Circuit Court, W. L. Sherman, attorney for plaintiff; May 31, 1858, George Lord vs. Joseph P. Whittemore, W. L. Sherman attorney for plaintiff; June 2, 1858, Andrew C. Maxwell vs. James J. McCormick, Maxwell & Wisner for plaintiff, and James Birney for defendant. . No court, however, was held in which to try cases until April, 1859, when Judge Wilber F. Woodworth presided. The Grand Jury empaneled for this session consisted of J. S. Barclay, Henry M. Bradley, John Burdon, Daniel Burns, Jonathan Burtch, Calvin C. C. Chilson, W. L. Fay, Lyman Garrison, B. B. Hart, Christian Heinzmann, Fred Ifeislei:, Nathan Knight, Alexander McKay, Gunder Miller, John W.. Putnam, Henry Eaymond, Harvey Stewart, Edward Vosburg, Albert Wedthoff and Michael Winterhalter. Henry Eaymond was chosen foreman.

The first man convicted of murder in the county was Peter Van Gestle, for the murder of Peter Van Wert. The murder was committed in Bay County, January 31, 1859. The following April Van Gestle was tried, convicted and sentenced to solitary confinement for life.

In 1861, Judge Woodworth resigned, and Hon. James Birney was appointed by the Governor to fill the unexpired term. He was succeeded by J. G. Sutherland, who resigned in 1870 upon his election to Congress. Then came John Moore and T. C. Grier. The latter died in 1872, and was succeeded by Hon. Sanford M. Green, who is still upon the bench.

Bay County is now a part of the eighteenth judicial district. The terms of court are the first Tuesday of March, September and December, and the third Tuesday in June.

Sanford M. Geeen, circuit judge Bay City, was born May 30, 1807, at Grafton, Eensselaer Co., N. Y. He is a descendant of the Greens of Ehode Island. His father was a farmer of limited estate and uneducated. He permitted his son to purchase his time at the age of sixteen years, and at that early age he left t)ie parental roof. During the next three years he labored on a farm for wages, and applied himself to study, in the intervals of labor, under a private instructor. Up to this time he had never had any instructor in, or given any attention to, geography or English grammar. At the age of nineteen he had qualified himself to teach, though he had only attended school, and that a common school, for three months. For two years he taught school in Winter, and continued to labor on a farm through the remainder of the year. In 1828 he commenced the study of law, and in the same year, cast his first vote for President Jackson. He read law for a time with George C. Sherman, and afterwards w^ith Judge Ford, eminent lawyer of New York; still later he pursued his reading in the office of Stirling & Bronson, of Watertown. Having pursued his studies for ^\e years, he was admitted to the bar as an attorney at law and solicitor in chancery. He went into practice at Brown ville, N. Y., and pursued it there until 1835, when he lemoved to the city of Eochester, where he became partner of the late Hon. H. L. Stevens On Mr. Stevens removing to Michigan a year afterwards, he formed a partnership with I. A. Eastman, Esq., with whom he continued until 1837. In the Spring of that year he became interested in the land on which the city of Owosso, Mich., has since been built, and went there to reside. He assisted in laying the foundation of the thriving town and continued to live there for six years. During this period he held the offices of justice of the peace, supervisor, assessor of a school district and prosecuting attorney of Shiawassee County. At the election of 1842 he was elected state senator, and served for two years. At the close of his term as senator, in 1844 he was appointed by the chancellor and judges of the Supreme Court to revise the statutes of the state, and was required to report his revision at the commencement of the legislative session of 1846. He served during this term in the Senate as chairman of the judiciary committee. As such he reported the bill providing for that revision, and for the appointment, by the governor, of the commissioner to prepare it. The bill was passed by the Senate in this form. After it went to the House the question was started who should be appointed commissioner. Senator Green was the general choice, but under the bill which he reported, and as it passed the Senate, he was ineligible, as the then constitution prohibited the appointment by the governor of any person to an office, created by the Legislature of which he was a member. To obviate this objection, the House amended the biU so as to transfer the appointing power to the judiciary, and the amendment was concurred in by the Senate. His appointment was recommended by the entire Senate, with one or two exceptions, and by all the professional men in the House. In 1843 he removed to Pontiac, and there he prepared his revision. It was reported at the time prescribed, was adopted by the Legislature, with some amendments, and went into effect March 1, 1847. He was re-elected to the Senate immediately before making his report. On the resignation of Judge Eansom, in 1848, after his election as governor and the transfer of Judge Whipple to the third circuit to fill the vacancy. Judge Green was appointed to fill the vacancy in the fourth circuit as Judge Whipple's successor.

In this position of circuit judge, and ex-officio judge of the Supreme Court, of which he was presiding judge for two years, he served until the re -organization of the latter court in 1858. After this change in the judiciary, he continued to hold the office of circuit judge of the Sixth Circuit until 1867, when he resigned. He immediately removed to Bay City, and thenceforth devoted himself to the practice of law until he was appointed, in June, 1872, circuit judge of the Eighteenth Circuit, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Judge Grier. In this position he is still acting. In 1860 he prepared and published a work on the practice of circuit courts. An edition of 1,200 copies was issued, and so eagerly was it sought for by the profession that nearly every copy has been sold. The important and conspicuous part performed by Judge Green, o'fficially and otherwise, in giving judicious form and system to the statutes and the practice of the courts of this state, and in improving its general jurisprudence is worthy of a more extended notice than is admissible in this brief memoir. The revised statutes of 1846 have remained now for a quarter of a century, and no effort has been made to supersede it by another. Two compilations have been made to bring together, in convenient form, the numerous changes made necessary by national events by the expanding enterprise of the time and the rapid development of our local resources, but the general features of that revision remain. His judicial record for over twenty years as a nisi prius judge, and for ten years in the Court of Last Kesort is creditable alike to the state and to him. The opinions of the court prepared and read by him, published in the first four volumes of the Michigan Eeports, are clear and forcible in style; they show a thorough acquaintance with the subjects involved, a modest deference to the current of decision by other courts, a clear perception of the ethical philosophy of the law, a constant appreciation of its great purpose and a bold adherence to recognized principles. These contain the results of his mature judgment after deliberate consideration. But he has exhibited in his long service at the circuit a wider range of judicial qualities than can be called into exercise in a purely Appellate Court. He possesses rare qualifications for the nisi prius bench, for trial of questions of fact. His analytical mind enables him at once to put aside what is foreign to the subject of inquiry, and to so classify the material evidentiary facts, as to disentangle the most intricate case, and bring order out of apparent chaos. His knowledge of the law is profound ; he has mastered and digested it as a great moral science. In the administration of it, he is ready without being precipitate, dignified without austerity, patient and attentive to arguments, and independent and uniformly impartial in his decision. He is ever serene and selfpossessed, however the bustle and excitement of important trials may affect parties, council or public. He is popular with the profession and enjoys the fullest confidence of the public. On his retirement from the bench in 1867 he was tendered a public dinner at Pontiac, and the festive occasion was emphasized by the presentation of a beautiful silver service, with toasts and speeches abounding in comphments well merited, and which had the ring of "well done, good and faithful servant." Nor is Judge Green a mere judge or justice; his reading has been extensive. He is, in short, a man of refinement and general culture, with broad and liberal views.

Pkobate Couet

At the first election held in Bay County on the first Monday in June, 1857, Sydney S. Campbell was elected judge of probate. The first business transacted in his court was an application for the appointment of Michael Winterhalter as administrator of the estate of Frederick Wintermur, deceased. Mr. Campbell held the office until January 1, 1869, and was succeeded by Hon. H. H. Hatch, who served one term. Then followed J. W. McMath, John Hyde and Thomas E. Webster, the latter being the present incumbent.

W. L. Sherman was born in Eutland, Jefferson Co., N. Y., March 20, 1819; was admitted to the bar in 1837, and began the practice of law at Adams, N. Y. In 1854 he settled in Lower Saginaw and was engaged in the practice of his profession until his death, which occurred June 30, 1865. He left a wife and two children, who still reside in Bay City.

Chester H. Freeman is the pioneer member of the Bay County bar, having begun practice in Lower Saginaw as early as 1855, before Bay County was organized. Mr. Freeman was born in Wilhamstown, Oswego Co., N. Y., February 28, 1822. His father was an extensive farmer, and a practicing physician. The subject of this sketch spent his early years assisting upon the farm and attending school. There is a tradition of his school days that he was a studious youth, and peaceably inclined, but when a weaker party was abused he made it a rule to interfere, and some one whose name was not Freeman experienced disastrous consequences. Sometimes the chastisement was visited upon another pupil and sometimes upon a teacher. In 1837 he entered Cazenovia Seminary, where he remained one year. He then taught for a time and afterwards attended school at Mexico, N. Y., about three years. He then returned to the farm, where he remained ten years. April 3, 1844, he married Ellen 0. Davis, of Wilhamstown, N. Y. While at school he began the study of law, which he afterwards resumed, and was admitted to the bar at Syracuse, N. Y., in 1854. After practicing about a year he came West and settled in Lower Saginaw in July, 1855. He opened an office on Water Street at the foot of Center Street. In the Fall his family arrived, and they were estabhshed in rooms in the Watson Block. In the Fall of 1856, Mr. Freeman went into the woods and purchased a lot where his present residence stands, on the corner of Third and Madison Streets, where he built a frame house which the family immediately occupied. All that area was low ground and most of the time covered with water. Mr. Freeman built a sidewalk leading to his house, which was known as "Freeman's temperance sidewalk." It consisted of planks laid on blocks, making a sidewalk about one foot wide, and elevated nearly two feet from terra firma. During a wet time this would be submerged in places. The house stood upon a little mound, which was the only redeeming feature of the locality. This was pioneer life. Mr. Freeman was a young man of more than average mental and physical vigor, and soon took a commanding position in the new country. In 1857, Bay County was organized and he was elected prosecuting attorney. Then came the fight to maintain the separate county organization. The history of this peculiar and severe struggle is faithfully portrayed elsewhere in this work. Mr. Freeman drew the bill passed by the Legislature, and when the validity of the organization was assailed, he stoutly defended it. Although he stood almost alone, he never wavered in his belief or determination to fight for it to the end. It was a most critical situation. He was a young man and of recent advent into the country. If he failed the result must inevitably piove fatal to his future prospects. He did not fail, but followed the contest to a successful issue and achieved a great triumph, not alone for himself, but for the county. His courage and ability in that struggle can never be questioned. In 1860 he was stricken with sciatica, from which he suffered intensely most of the time for nearly ten years. He has never fully recovered from the effects of it, but for the past thirteen years has been able to attend to his business. In 1872 he built the brick residence and office, which he now occupies, upon the lot before described. At the present time no trace of the swamp, or rough surroundings, remain, but broad, handsome streets, and beautiful homes, are there instead. Mr. Freeman has accumulated a large amount of property notwithstanding the severe struggle with disease, which for nearly ten years rendered him helpless. He has built a number of dwelling houses and stores, some of which he still owns. He was for some time Circuit Court commissioner, and as highway commissioner laid out some of the most important roads in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Freeman are the leading members and supporters of the Emanuel Eeformed Episcopal Church at South Bay City. Mr. Freeman's name must always remain associated with the early history of Bay County, in the interest of which he has rendered great service.