Alma A Pioneer Town History and Wright Legacy
Alma’s growth is traced from its founding era with Ralph Ely in 1854 to its incorporation in 1872. The article highlights key figures and early enterprises, notably James Gargett, the first hotels, mills, churches, schools, and the rise of A W Wright as a central driver of lumber, banking, and town development. It details Wright’s New England roots, western migration, and expansive ventures that shaped Alma’s economy, infrastructure, and prosperity.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Saginaw
Grand Rapids
Alma
Tihmes
Alia
Don
Pine River
Jas. Garnett
Holly
Wrights influence spans banks farms and institutions in Alma
A lengthy biographical sketch portrays Wright as president of several banks in Minnesota and New York, with commercial interests in Detroit Duluth Louisville and Minneapolis. He owns farms and stock facilities, built the Wright block and Wright House, funded a Normal College building, and donated land for a Michigan college. His Sanitarium cost 100000, plus a park for guests, and he erected a grand northern Michigan residence valued at 650000. The piece lauds his philanthropy and character, noting his broad impact on Alma and surrounding communities.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Michigan
Wright
Grafton
Windham County
Vermont
Newgland
Lux
Rockingham, VI
Boston
Butland
Semiah Barton
Bartonsville
Mise
Harriet Barton Jnists
Motercon Brattle Square
Mr. Wright
Detroit
Ety
Cass
Caro
Wayne & Millee
Cimt Af Acw
Wright Co
Hak Deamon
Ofiemge
Holy Range
Pearsin
Wright Wells
Saginaw
Roseoumou
Ghatwin
Clare
A.W. Wright
Chad W. Wells
Stone
WT. Knowlton
W. T. Wright
Wells, Stone & Co
Uvett
A. W. Wright & Co
Wright & Knowlian Compriany Saw Mill
Salt Vouk
Weight
Getivssee
Texas
Dakota
Montana
Alma
Busnlorkieu
Jfot
Owen Mill
St. Lavuis
el Danis
Wrighe
Saginaw Valley
Saui Naw
Wright Haa
Merchat: National Bank of
Duluth
Minnesota
Frst
National Bank of
Saratoga
New York
National Bank of Commerce
Minneapolis
Louisville
Oswego
Advance Threshing Machine Company
Battle Creek Michigan
Saginaw Manufacturing Company
Sagi- U
Asia
Maine
California
Clay
Alina
Nichols & Shepard's Vibrator Thresher Revolutionizes Grain Machines
The Endless Apron era yielded to Nichols & Shepard of Battle Creek Michigan with a new Vibrator threshing and separating machine. From five units in 1838 to 1090 yearly, the Vibrator displaced rivals and set a standard. They persist in innovation, introducing a further improved grain and seed thresher surpassing all prior designs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Nichols & Shepard
Battle Creek
Mich
Also Mentioned on This Page
Alma Business Directory
Turck & OF
Dufinor
Anil Deweatie Exchange
Ven Lo
Tonk
A. W. Warn
Seaver
C.K
P. Suydam
Miller de Co
Dre
L. Downie
M.D
Webb
D. Eangton
Pravit
Siirus
A. Eagle
Kancis Palmer
iReal Kstate
Life and Fine Teurance
Gratiot County
John D. Spinney
Seltor
Chinoury
Lint Real Katte
Midh
Resbytektan
Gro
F. Hestine
Episcopal
Rvice
Mm. Sabeyer
G. D. Kaupman
Bish Oatrch
LMA Lodge
Web
J Senawea
Wet
Anna Messinger
W. Matron Mire
Auiona Adams
R—William Mowor
Tet
Department of
Pythias
Woos Monday
My ‘Aubibak x
LMA Business Men's Assoctat
C.F Bllows
LMA Clerks Association
Smith
Frtank Mevlak
Carpenters and
AY Alverson Carpenter
A. Pbbing
John Dunham
Andeath
Alma, Mich
W. Kelly
Sying State
T. J. Duff
Ootarin Veterinary College
Toronto
Canaan
Havine
St. Louis
Commercial House
Wright House
Westin Watternoga
Balcksmiti
Neil & Morrison
Superior St
Ralph Ely
Hastings
Ely
Gargett Orchasd
Geo. Chandler
Mosier
Jus. Kress
J. P. Gillman
Moyer
Inworth Ave
A.W. Aharness
Isaac Maraden
Wra
G. G. Holliday
Mas. T. Trill
Samuel Brewbaker
Marshall
T. A. Ely
Daniel Leach
M.J. Mart
Jade
A. D. Petiit
Gratiot County Record
Tod
C.F. Brown
A. W. Wright
Tus
Superior T
Union Schocl
Ammi Willard Wright
Ronk & Baughman
Post Office
Provideoure
Puck
Tonely Wien
Nichols & Shepard, Uartik Ver Sei
Alma Insurance Agency
HOMNE
Mnoruwritem
Hartford
Fine Association
Pana
American
Agiuicultural
Watertown
Plice & Marine
NEW York Life
Wee Accident Ln3. CO
North America
Chon Va
Justice of the Peace
B. W. Ellison
A. Yerington
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!