History of Ashton 1884 Portrait & Bio Album

Ashton village is situated on the line of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad, in Limcoln Township, on the north branch of the Hersey, and about six miles from Reed City. Its location is pleasant and healthy, surrounded by a very good farming country; but it is principally sustained by the business. It was started by Joseph W. Ash in 1870, after the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad route had been determined. This road was completed here in the latter part of 1871. Mr. Ash was the first Postmaster of the town, receiving his commission in the spring of 1870. He held this appointment seven years, when he was succeeded by Frayer Halladay, who had held the confidence of Uncle Sam to the present time. The first store opened in the town was by Lou & Balch. They were soon followed by E.G. Raymond, who also opened a store. It is quite a mart for lumber, shingles, telegraph poles and tan-bark.The population is now estimated at 180, and is on the increase. BUSINESS INTERESTS. Frayer Halladay, who was one of the first to open a store here, carries a large stock of general merchandise, together with agricultural implements. He opened his store (then Halladay & Son) in 1870. His trade has increased from small beginnings until now he handles about $20,000 worth of goods annually. A.C. Adams has a general line of merchandise, with a good assortment of drugs and medicines. He cast his fortunes with this people in 1875; was burned out once and rebuilt, putting up a very recherhe establishment, one of the best appointed in the county. Arthur Mulholland keeps a general store, with drugs and medicines. James Verguson does the blacksmithing for the community. There are two saw-mills near the village, which are operated by Purchase & son, and Brett & Brothers. The medical profession is represented by Drs. J. W. House and Herman R. Palmer. The Exchange Hotel, T. A. Thorn, proprietor, is a good house for the traveler, and the landlord is painstaking in looking after his wants. The Ashton House, Purchase & Son, proprietors, is the oldest hotel in town, and is well kept. The guests are well attended to, and everything done to make them comfortable, and to feel at home. SCHOOL. Ashton has a good school building for the accommodation of its scholastic population, which number about one hundred. Henry Swem is the present teacher of this school. CHURCHES. Methodist Episcopal Church - The society was first organized in Ashton in 1870, by Rev. Mr. Deal, who preached the first sermon here or in the township. The first presiding elder was Rev. H.P. Peck, who was succeeded by Rev. H.P. Henderson. Rev. Mr. Russell followed, and after him came Rev. J.A. Sprague, who is the fourth and present Presiding Elder. They have a neat little church edifice, which was erected in 1882, at a cost of $1,800, and 25 members who worship in it, with a flourishing Sabbath-school. Rev. James Anderson is the present Pastor. The Baptist Church was organized several years ago, but the society became disintegrated, and for years had no meetins. It was re-organized about the first of January, 1884, by 'rev. Wm. P. Squires, with a membership of 16. Services are held in the school-house every two weeks, and are presided over by Rev. Wm. P. Squires, of Reed City.