Upon the western banks of Michigan's noblest river, the Muskegon, is
situated the pretty town of Evart, one of the most important
commercial places in Osceola County. It was founded by D.A. Blodgett
and James Kennedy, in the early part of 1871, and named after Frank
Evart, one of the pioneers of Osceola Township. Kennedy afterwards
(1873), sold his interest out to the railroad company.
This village was organized and platted in 1872, and lies in Osceola
and Evart Townships. At first it embraced section 36 in Osceola, and
the northwest part of section 3 in Evart Township. It was afterwards
extended and took in section 35 in Osceola Township. In 1873, it was
incorporated, and reincorporated in 1875. On the 2d of March, 1872,
the first election was held. Wm. A. Lewis was chosen President,
Joseph Sayles Clerk, and E.C. Cannon, Treasurer; Trustees - Wm. A.
Wrightman, George E. Mills, Eugene L. Griggs, E.C. Martin, Warren
Merritt and M.O. Pettibone; Assessor, L.J. Lemert; Marshal, Richard
Holden.
About the middle of September, 1871, the first train of the Flint &
Pere Marquette Railroad steamed into Evart, and since that date it has
had a steady, healthy growth.
The first store opened, and the first saw-mill started, were by James
Kennedy.
The first Fourth-of July celebration was held in 1873. Extensive
preparations were made for this event, and for those pioneer days it
was a grand affair. At this time the stumps had all been taken out of
the street. Main was the only street then. The managers went to the
woods, and they did not have far to go, and brought in a lot of small
pine trees, from which they cut off a portion of the body and then
set them out in rows along each side of the street. It gave a very
pretty appearance to the town, and those who came in and were not
privy to the arrangement, thought they were trees that had been
planted there.
The first death occurred in the winter of 1872. There were no prayers
said over the body, no sermon preached, no funeral rites; no sweet
music to waft the soul across the grim river into the spiritland.
There was no elegant casket to receive the corpse, nor any plumed
hearse to carry it away; nor was there any monumental cemetery with
broad avenues, shaded walks and fragrant flowers, in which to deposit
it. It was placed in a rude box, put on a wagon with a wood-rack, and
in this manner it was silently conveyed to mother earth.
Evart is splendidly located for a large and populous city. The
Muskegon River, which penetrates an almost inexhaustible lumber
region, and down which millions of feet of lumber pass annually,
meanders around its streets, offering the best facilities for
manufactories; and the Flint & Pere Marquette (which has recently
established a division here) connects it with the railway world. A
movement is being made by the citizens to secure to this town the line
of the Toledo, Ann Arbor & Northern Michigan Railroad, which runs
through St. Louis, and is to terminate at Cadillac, or some place in
Northern Michigan. The route has been examined and favorably
reported on by the railroad officials, and in all probability Evart
will secure this important auxiliary to her development. Should this
be accomplished, it is believed that the county seat, which sooner or
later will be moved, will be located here. Evart is very
advantageously located, and is surrounded by a good farming country.
Her citizens are wide-awake and enterprising, and in addition to
their mercantile pursuits they are laying the foundation for an
extensive manufacturing industry. With all these combing in
influences, the future growth of this city is well assured. Its
present population is estimated at 1,500.
BUSINESS INTERESTS
James Trip, lumber manufacturer, operates the oldest mill in the town,
it being the one put up by James Kennedy. Capacity, 10,000 feet per
day.
Gray & Curtis are among the leading manufacturers of Evart. They have
a large saw-mill, planing-mill and shingle mill; also a broom-handle
factory. Established in 1871. Capacity in lumber, 25,000 feet;
broom-handles, 2,000; clapboards, 5,000 feet, and 30,000 shingles.
Charles Waffle has an extensive planing-mill, molding, sash and door
factory.
F.H. Starkey has a shook factory. These ship mostly to Cuba, which
are put up into hogsheads for the sugar trade.
The Novelty Flour Mills are owned by M. Sherk, who is the pioneer
flour manufacturer of the town. The mill has two run of stone, with a
capacity of 300 bushels per day. Mr. Sherk also deals in grain.
L.J. Lemert also has a flouring-mill. It is a water-power, located on
the Muskegon River about a mile from town. Mr. Lemert is going to
adopt the roller system this year.
John McManus is the enterprising citizen who has established the
Osceola Iron Works. He makes engines, plows, lumber and shingle
machinery, brass goods, pipe fittings, etc.
Evart has added to its number the enterprising banker, Allen Campbell,
who is cashier and manager of the Evart Bank.
C.L. Gray & Co., dealers in general merchandise and lumber, handle
about $100,000 in goods annually.
The Evart Land Company deals in pine and farming lands, and village
property. Members - Allen Campbell, F.S. Postal, C.L. Gray and J.C.
Creith.
Real Estate and insurance business is conducted by S.F. Dexter.
The Evart Hardware Company carry a general line of hardware, harness,
saddles, sleighs, etc. R.A. Allured, manager.
J.J. Reik is a lumber dealer, and also has a livery stable.
G.H. Cannon & Co., O.M. Bush, J.M. Allen, Robert Ponsford and E.C.
Thompson are general dealers in groceries and provisions.
A very important and creditable industry to Evart is the establishment
of T.R. Johns, who manufactures a very elegant style of cutters,
sleighs, wagons and carriages, and does a general business in
blacksmithing.
M. Bellanger & Son are manufacturers of canthooks and lumbermen's
implements.
Mark Ardis is a dealer in dry goods, groceries, crockery and hardware.
A. Root is a general dealer in hardware, agricultural implements and
flour.
Dwight Foston manufactures wagons, buggies, sleighs, etc.
James H. Valler and F. Hibbard & Co. keep drugs, medicines and a
general line of fancy articles.
Evart is well supplied with an elegant stock of jewelry and other
articles in line, by Frank A. True.
E.F. Shaw keeps a supply of boots and shoes, and lumbermen's outfits.
Howard & Davy carry a general line of clothing and lumberman's goods.
Furniture, parlor sets, pictures, sewing-machines and organs are sold
by W.M. Davies.
Wolf & Bros. carry a line of dry goods and clothing.
Miss Maggie McFarlaine, Mrs. O.H. Carus and Mrs. Carrie Benson are the
JOy of the fair ladies of Evart who are supplied by them with
millinery decorations and fancy goods.
George F. Andrews keeps a boot and shoe store; also Warren Clark.
Thomas Snyder and Luther Russell are manufacturers of boots and shoes.
Gustave Steinborn and J. Englund are merchant tailors.
Mitchell & Son, James Deacy and Cressey & Lincoln keep the people well
supplied with markets.
B.F. Griffith carries on blacksmithing business.
Jesse Williams keeps a restaurant, and F.A. Heck a bakery and
confectionery.
F.E. Woodin is a printer and caricaturist.
J.W. Turner and Mark Ardis have livery and sale stables.
E.C. Martin and Frank Trumbull attend to surveying.
Evart is well supplied with hotels. The Evart House, Frank S. Postal
& Bro., proprietors, was established in 1871, and since then the north
wing and basement have been added. It has 36 rooms and 50 beds.
Attached to the hotel is a bar, cigar store and fine billiard hall;
also a barber shop. This hotel is well appointed, the rooms are
large and airy, and the table is supplied with the best that can be
had from the markets. The Postal Brothers are very popular among the
traveling public.
The Commercial House, J.G. McDonald, proprietor, is another good
hotel, and has a good share of patronage.
The National Hotel, kept by Thomas Ruby, is a temperance house. The
traveler will always receive good attention at this house, and have a
table supplied from a good larder.
The St. John Candidacy does not seem to have closed up the saloons in
this town, for it is well supplied.
Evart has a skating rink for the amusement of the old as well as the
young. A town would not be thought much of in these days that did not
furnish a place to whiz the roller skate.
The legal profession, so essential to the business man, and to
governments, is ably represented by W.A. Lewis, Sayles & Trumbull,
R.A. Bennett and Charles A. Rose.
The medical profession is represented by Drs. D.L. Dinmore, J.M.
Wilkinson, R.C. Hepburn and F. S. Sovereen.
The postoffice was established in Decemebr, 1871, L.J. Lemert being
the first Postmaster. He was followed by Ira R. Ennis and Joseph
Taylor, the present Postmaster, who succeeded Mr. Ennis in 1880. It
is a salaried office, with daily mails by rail, and weekly mails by
stage from Millburn and Marion, and semi-weekly from Avondale.
EDUCATIONAL.
The people of Evart have taken great interest in educational matters,
and the result is that they have the best school and the finest school
building in the county. The building is an elegant one, with all the
modern improvements, and cost $6,000. It is heated by steam, with
water conductors to the different rooms, and has a fire escape. A
corps of able teachers are employed to instruct the pupils, who number
about 300. In addition to this they have a well selected library.
J.A. Smith is Principal, Jennie M. Johnston has charge of the
intermediate, Anna Gibney, the grammar, Josephine Roche, the second
primary, and Lizzie McFarlane, the first primary department. All the
English branches are taught there.
CEMETERY.
The people of Evart look after the dead as well as the living. A
Cemetery has ben established, the grounds improved, walks laid out and
trees planted. Already there are some fine monuments to be seen upon
the grounds.
CHURCHES.
The First Presbyterian Church was organized Oct. 25, 1872, with Wm. M.
Briggs and wife, Elias C. Martin, Mrs. Mary Bellows, Mrs. Eliza
Feshpool, W. Bostwick and wife and Wm. A. Lewis and wife as first
members. First service was held over Mr. Cannon's store, and
afterwards in what has since been known as Presbyterian Hall.
As the society increased, the necessity for a good church building was
felt. Accordingly, energetic efforts were made to bring about this
result. Ground was secured and the building finally begun, which was
completed in 1881 and dedicated in April, 1882, at a cost of $5,000.
It is a very pleasing edifice and meets all the wants of this
society.
Rev. L.M. Berge, of Grand Rapids, organized the Church. Rev. A.S.
Badger was called in 1873, who came and took charge of the Church for
one year. He was followed by Rev. Edward Dickinson, who served the
society until the fall of 1875. For over two years the church was
without a minister. In 1878, they were served for a few months by
James Reid, a theological student. In 1879, another student served
them for awhile. In June 1880, the society was able to secure the
Rev. J.N. Crittenden, who remained with it three years. He was
followed by Rev. Wm. H. Hoffman, who is the present minister, and
through those labors new interest has been awakened and the membership
increased. It has now 50 members, with a large Sabbath-school.
Methodist Episcopal Church - On the first Sunday in November, 1871,
the followers of this faith assembled together and organized their
society. Rev. C. Fleming presided, and preached the first sermon.
Thomas Jeffs, Barlow Davis and wife, Charles Davis, B.F. Hardy and
wife, and Holland Underwood were the first members, and the nucleus
around which was to gather a large and flourishing society. Services
were first held in a hall. Rev. N. Bray was sent to take charge of
the society in 1872. He was succeeded by Rev. W.H. Spaulding, who
served this charge during the year 1873-4. Next came Rev. N.
Saunders, in 1875. In 1876, Rev. C.H. Howe took charge. Under his
administration it was determined by the society to commence the
erection of a church building.
Rev. Wright Barrett succeeded Mr. Howe in 1877, and remained until
1879. It was under his administration that the edifice was completed,
and was dedicated Feb. 23, 1879, by Rev. J.S. Smart, of Bay City.
Considerable enthusiasm was awakened at this dedication. Mr. Smart
is a very eloquent preacher, or successful pleader. He acquired the
reputation for the latter, at least, for at this meeting $1,186.79 was
raised with which to pay off the society's indebtedness. This amount
left only a balance due of $750. During the following summer the
edifice was completed at a cost of $2,500.
Rev. J.C. Floyed was the next Pastor to serve this Church, who, on
account of ill health, was relieved in 1880 by Rev. J. Berry. In
1881, Rev. C.G. Thomas took charge, and remained until 1883, when he
was succeeded by Rev. G. Donnaldson, the present popular minister, who
presides over a congregation of 150 members. A large and interesting
Sunday-school is one of the attractive features of this Church. A
good and comfortable parsonage has been added by this society, which
is now comparitively out of debt.
Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart - Has had mission service here for
about ten years. In 1880 a good substantial church building was
erected, at a cost of $3,000. Membership consists of about 20
families. Services every two weeks, by Rev. M.T. Nysson, of Reed
City.
Evangelical Association has a small membership in this township.
Services every two weeks, by Rev. E. Weiss, of Hersey.
THE PRESS.
The Evart Review - The people of Evart have been wise in contributing
liberally to the support of newspapers. Through this medium the
advantages of their locaility have been made known, and to them they
are largely indebted for their present prosperity and the growth of
their city.
In the brain of W.H. Hess the Review was conceived. Its printed
sheets were cast into the reading world Oct. 17, 1872. In May, 1873,
I. Chase came in as a partner. In October, 1874, the firm changed to
I. Chase & Co., Hess going out and W.G. Cameron coming in as editor,
in which capacity he remained until 1875, when Asahel Chase (father
of I. Chase) took editorial charge. In the fall of 1880, Minchin &
Bros. became proprietors, and continued the publication of the paper
until Jan. 1, 1885, when G.W. Minchin purchased his brother's interest
and became sole proprietor and editor.
The Review is a six-column quarto weekly paper, with a circulation of
about 700. It is ably edited, bright and newsy, and Republican in
politics.
The Osceola County Democrat - Is published by J. & L.J. Patterson.
Its first issue was made Sept. 26, 1884, and has done remarkably well
for the time it has been published, having at least a circulation of
500 copies. It is a four-colum quarto paper, and well conducted. In
politics, as its name indicates, it is Democratic, and is fortunate in
having the same political views, and in being in sympathy, with the
party that is soon to have control of the Government.
BUSINESS MEN'S ASSOCIATION OF EVART.
Was organized Dec. 13, 1883. President, E.C. Cannon; Vice=President,
Allen Campbell; Secretary, Jesse T. Minchin; Treasurer, Walter M.
Davis. Executive Committee - F.S. Postal, David Wolf, M.E. Parkinson,
C.L. Gray, E.C. Thompson and D.L. Dumon. Present officers - Allen
Campbell, President; W.A. Lewis, Vice-President; C.L. Gray, Second
Vice-President; G.W. Minchin, Secretary; W.W. Davis, Treasurer.
Executive Committee - Benj. Wolf, F.S. Postal, W.J. McIlwain and C.L.
Gray.
The object of this association is to promote the business interest of
Evart.
OSCEOLA DRIVING PARK ASSOCIATION.
Was organized Nov. 15, 1882. It is a stock company, with a capital
stock of $2,000, representing 200 shares, par value $10 each.
President, W.R. Mapes; Secretary, F.A. True; Treasurer, Mark Ardis.
It was organized with 40 members, and has now 86 members, and is in
a prosperous condition. Its present officers are - President, L.T.
Southwort; Secretary, F.A. True; Treasurer, W.R. Mapes. It has a
good half-mile track, which is located on the Osceola County Fair
Grounds, and several very interesting meetings have been held. The
association has a good work before it.
EVART FIRE DEPARTMENT.
In this department Evart has secured the Holly system, with the Walker
improvement, which were constructed here in 1879, at a cost of
$16,000, as now completed. It is located on Main Street near the
river. The building is well constructed, with dwelling-house
attachments for the engineer and his family. There are three engines,
with three pumps. The engines can make 355 revolutions a minute, and
throw three gallons of water to each revolution. One-half of a cord
of wood is all that is required for ever 24 hours. Wood pipes are
laid through the town, which form connections with 15 hydrants. The
mains are 8,6,4, and 2-inch. Two wells, which are sunk to a depth of
12 feet, supply the water for the use of the town. When a fire breaks
out the water is taken from a creek which runs near by. An alarm is
placed in the engine house with wires connecting with alarm stations
about the town. Edward Sith is the engineer in charge of this
department.
This is a very superior system for extinguishing fires, as it is
always ready and can be used at a moment's warning, and the power is
sufficient to throw the water to any height desired.
Evart Hose Company, No.I - was organized in 1884. Officers: Foreman,
Wm. Phillips; Assistant Foreman, W.L. Stoddard; Second Assistant, G.W.
Griffith; Secretary, W.L. Stoddard; Members - Thomas Snyder, Frank
Duning, J.T. Minchin, Frank Chase, Erwin Chase, Mark Bentley, Haben
Stewart, Wm. Davis and Fred Bowley.
Independent Hose Company, No. I - Organized in 1884. Officers: Thomas
Sith, Foreman; Fred Mills, Assistant Foreman; Czar Dexter, Second
Assistant Foreman, who is also Secretary; Members - True Andrews, H.
BUsh, Nelson Toby, John Carpenter, Fred Smith, Olem Smith, Sane Ford,
Thomas Ford, James Low, Fred Postal, Blank Quigley, Alden Shetler,
Walter Gaunt and Joseph Gaunt.
These companies have together 1,200 feet of hose, and were organized
to operate with the Fire Water Works.
F.B. Griffith is the Chief of the Fire Department.
SOCIETIES.
Masonic Lodge, No. 320. - Dispensation was granted this lodge, giving
it power to organize and work, June 28, 1873, and the organization was
completed DEc. 27, of the same year. Charter members - Barlow Davis,
W.H. Luncanshire, Charles F. Loasie, Joseph Sayles, E.C. Cannon,
Thomas Hall, J.B. Sleezer, Frank S. Postal, John T. Peter, G.J.
Hamilton, Henry Church, L.E. Cone and Warren Merrit. Officers -
Barlow Davis, W.M.; W.H. Luncanshire, S.W.; Charles F. Loasie, J.W.;
Joseph Sayles, Secretary; E.C. Cannon, Treasurer; Thomas Hall, J.D.;
F.S. Postal, Tyler. Officers at Present: D.L. Dumon, W.M.; C.O.
Trumbell, S.W.; C.H. Rose, J.W.; B.G. Colton, Secretary; E.C. Cannon,
Treasurer; G.F. Andrews, S.D.; C.L. Gray, J.D.; H.A. Tibbets, Tyler.
This lodge is in a good working condition, with a commodious hall, and
is on the increase in membership, strength and influence.
Evart Chapter, No. 97, was instituted Jan. 19, 1876. Officers:
Robert Laughlin, H.P.; John T. Peters, K.; Charles T. Loasie, Scribe;
John W. Hyde, C.H.; F.S. Postal, R.A.C.; John M. Wilkinson, P.G.;
Henry A. Davis, F.V.; Thomas Hull, S.V.; N.R. Taylor, T.V.; E.C.
Cannon, Treasurer; Joseph Sayles, Secretary; and R.F. Dunning, Guard.
Many of the members of the chapter have moved away, and only 28 are
now working with it.
I.O.O.F. Lodge, No. 230, was instituted Jan. 9, 1874. Charter members
and officers - W.S. Williams, N.G.; W. Nelson, V.G.; W.R. Livingston,
Secretary; H. Bassingtwaight, Treasurer; Andrew Miller, Warden;
Charles M.M. Green, OUtside Guard; I.W. Leggett, Inside Guard; E.O.
Taylor, Conductor; Edward J. Cox, R.S.N.G.; R.R. Rapp, L.S.N.G.;
Franklin POrter, R.S.V.G. Present membership, 29. Hall 20 by 50 feet
and well equipped. The lodge is out of debt and in a good working
condition.
Grand Army of the Republic, Sedgwick Post, No. 16, was established
Aug. 19, 1880. Charter members: W.A. Lewis, Charles D. Hudson,
Orville M. Bush, C.E. Demont, James A. Ross, Ira R. Ennis, C.C. Mills,
Wm. Philips, Andrew J. Rose, John H. Chase, W.J. Griffith, Henry S.
Briggs, Leonard Simmons and J.N. Mapes. Officers: John Hughes, P.C.;
Moses Jerome, S.V.C.; Sanford Skath, J.V.C.; Andrew J. Rose, Q.M.;
R.C. Dunn, Surgeon; W,. A. Lewis, Chaplain; Wm. Phillips, Officer of
the Day; Orro D. MOrton, Officer of the Guard. Present membership,
19. Meetings are held the second and fourth Monday in each month.
The lodge has a good hall and is prospering.
Evart W.C.T.U. was organized in March, 1877. Officers: Mrs. Howe,
President; Mrs. Ada Sluzer, Secretary; Mrs. Brandow, Treasurer.
Members - Mesdames P.S. McFarlane, O.M. Brownson, R.A. Allured, Wm.
Sealey, Wm. Briggs, O. Spencer, A.D. Torry, Lucy Mills, M.E.
Parkinson, Frank Trumbull, W. Bennett, J.E. Hudson, S.L. Gates, Frank
McDougall, L.H.T. Dexter, A. Horton, J. McPhee, John H. Chase, W.J.
Griffith and Thomas Jeffs. This society was instituted by the ladies
of Evart for the purpose of promoting the cause of temperance, or
perhaps more properly speaking, to establish prohibition. They meet
every two weeks, and hold their sociables every three weeks. with
Union service every month in the different churches.
