Saginaw County

Willis T. Knowlton

Biography of Willis T. Knowlton

Saginaw County

Willis T. Knowlton, born July 30, 1848 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, played a pivotal role in logging and lumber operations in Michigan and Minnesota alongside Ammi W. Wright for nearly four decades. From a family of shipbuilders, Knowlton’s business acumen flourished after moving to Chicago in 1864. His career took a significant turn after the great Chicago fire of 1871, eventually leading to his partnership with Wright. The successful merger of several business entities into the A. W. Wright Lumber Company saw annual production reach thirty million feet of logs. The business concluded in 1902 when the timber reserves were depleted. Knowlton also ventured into Minnesota’s logging and railway business, concluding those activities in 1897. He married Grace B. Ketcham in 1879, had two daughters, and spent winter seasons in California. Esteemed in Saginaw, Knowlton was a dedicated member of St. John’s Episcopal Church and highly respected in the community.

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Farnam Chickering Stone

Biography of Farnam Chickering Stone

Saginaw County

Farnam Chickering Stone, born into a Puritan lineage on November 17, 1836, in Vermont, demonstrated inherent business acumen from a young age, venturing from selling root beer to clerking in a drug store. Relocating to Saginaw City in 1867, Stone quickly became significant in regional commerce, partnering with Ammi W. Wright and co-founding several enterprises, notably Wells, Stone & Company, which diversified from grocery to lumber trading. Involved in numerous companies and directorships, Stone’s ventures notably contributed to Northern Michigan’s commercial history. Despite eschewing political office, Stone was civically engaged, supporting education and infrastructure in Saginaw. He donated generously to charity, advocating for Saginaw’s prosperity without seeking publicity. Stone was a steadfast Presbyterian and his death on December 5, 1893, led to a city-wide cessation of activities in his honor.

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Charles William Wells

Biography of Charles William Wells

Saginaw County

Charles William Wells, a prominent lumberman born in Upper Jay, New York in 1841, was a key figure in the industrial expansion led by Ammi W. Wright. Son to Benjamin, a farmer and iron manufacturer, and Jane Ann Wadhams, he gained his education through experience and at Rutland Academy. He worked as a store clerk before enlisting as a private in the Union Army during the Civil War, proving his merit to rise to brevet Major. Post-war, he moved to Michigan, partook in lumbering operations, and co-founded numerous successful enterprises including Wells, Stone & Company. His business acumen supported Saginaw Valley’s development significantly. He married Mary Eliza Bingham, fathered two daughters who reached adulthood, and was widely respected for his generosity and business insight. Sadly, his life ended abruptly in 1893 due to heart failure after a canoe accident during a hunting trip.

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Charles Henry Davis

Biography of Charles Henry Davis

Saginaw County

Charles Henry Davis, born in 1848 in North Andover, Massachusetts to a family of nine, worked hard on his family farm before taking business courses and eventually moved West to seek his fortune. He arrived in Saginaw City in 1869, entered the lumber business, and gained employment with Ammi W. Wright, a prominent lumberman. Starting as a lumber piler, Davis quickly rose through the ranks, displaying notable business acumen. He became integral in Wright’s expansive lumber and later mining operations, contributing to ventures in Michigan, Minnesota, and even timber purchases on the Pacific Coast. After an illustrious career in business, he also co-founded the Wright-Blodgett Company in Louisiana. Married with two children, Davis epitomized the self-made man, attaining success through diligence and integrity. His later years were spent enjoying a mix of domestic bliss and travel, exemplifying a gentleman of the old school.

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Ammi Willard Wright

Biography of Ammi Willard Wright

Saginaw County

Ammi Willard Wright, from a New England farming background, became a pivotal figure in Michigan’s lumbar industry and Saginaw Valley’s development. Born in Vermont in 1822, Wright ventured into the carrying trade and hotel management before marrying Harriet Barton in 1848. Drawn to the West, he settled in Saginaw, Michigan, in 1851 and thrived in the lumber business. Wright’s enterprises included large-scale lumber operations, the formation of several companies, an extensive involvement in banking, the founding of Alma’s notable institutions, and the development of railroad and mining interests. His commitment to community, employees, and philanthropy was notable. Passing away in 1912, Wright’s legacy endures in Michigan’s industry and infrastructure.

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Stagecoach

Richland : its sons and daughters

Saginaw County /

“Richland: Its Sons and Daughters” by Lorenz H. Loesel offers a comprehensive review of the first century of Richland Township, located in Saginaw County, Michigan. Authored in the aftermath of the township’s centennial celebrations in 1962, the book emerges from a deep-seated interest in local heritage among the community’s residents—an interest that prompted the Richland Township Board to commission and fund this work, with hopes of recouping the investment through book sales. The book covers a broad spectrum of topics, from the early pioneers like Lemuel and Martin Cone to the development of local infrastructure such as roads, railroads, and schools, including the history of the Hemlock School District. It delves into the civic, religious, and educational growth of the township, spotlighting key figures and events that have shaped its trajectory. The narrative also touches on challenges faced by the community, including pandemics and disasters like the 1906 fire of Hemlock, Michigan, showcasing the resilience and solidarity of its people.

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Centennial Museum draws hundreds. Ladies who were in charge of the Centennial Museum. They are (standing left to right) Mrs. Ed Townsend, Mrs. Cameron Glenn and Miss Anna Hase, (sitting left to right) Mrs. Erdman Wardin, Miss Mary Raucholz, and Mrs. Oscar Bauer.

Richland Township Centennial celebration

Saginaw County /

The Richland Township Centennial celebration, a vibrant and joyous occasion, marked a significant milestone, commemorating a hundred years of community history with an unmatched spirit of camaraderie and pride. The three-day event was filled with memorable activities, from a talent show kickoff to a grand parade attracting thousands, showcasing the unity and collective effort of the community. Amidst the festivities, the event also offered a moment to reflect on the township’s journey from its pioneering days to its present development, highlighting the enduring spirit of its residents. The centennial not only celebrated the past but also set a hopeful tone for the future, leaving a lasting impression on all who participated.

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An old familiar scene, the R. J. Kade's Meat Market. Ye old-timers, do you recall the sawdust covered floor?

Turn of the Century in Richland Township

Saginaw County /

This article delves into the transformative first decade of the 20th century in Hemlock, emphasizing the significant changes that reshaped the town’s economy and daily life. With the expansion of railroads and the decline of lumbering, farming emerged as the community’s economic backbone, supported by improved transportation and a burgeoning variety of goods. The narrative highlights the hardworking yet nearly self-sufficient lifestyle of the average farmer, contrasted with the modernization of farming practices over time. Additionally, it reminisces about the era’s simple pleasures, like the anticipation of the merchandise peddler’s visits, and the advent of electricity, showcasing the community’s adaptation to new technologies and the pioneering spirit that fueled Hemlock’s growth and prosperity.

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fire

1906 Fire of Hemlock Michigan

Saginaw County /

This article recounts the fervor and anticipation surrounding the Fourth of July celebrations in 1906 in Hemlock, where the community eagerly prepared for a day of festivity, marked by parades and decorations. However, the excitement was abruptly overshadowed by a devastating fire in the early hours of July 4th, causing significant damage to the business section of the village and resulting in losses estimated at $15,000. The fire, which started under mysterious circumstances, highlighted the vulnerability of a town without adequate fire protection, relying instead on a volunteer bucket brigade and fortuitous assistance from passing train workers. The incident not only led to the destruction of key community landmarks but also underscored the need for better emergency preparedness.

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