By KAREN KASPER

Ishpeming Historical Society

ISHPEMING — Articles of association were filed on March 13, 1853 to form the Lake Superior Iron Company. Twelve thousand shares of stock with a par value of $25 were sold.

The incorporators included Herman B. Ely and Anson Gorton of Marquette, Samuel P. and George H. Ely of Rochester, N.Y. and Alvah Strong, also of Rochester, N.Y. “The lands originally embraced in the company’s possessions were located in Sections 9 and 10, Town 47, Range 27 West.”

Although not the first mining company to commence operations in Ishpeming, the Lake Superior Iron Company would grow and prosper before being purchased by the Oliver Mining Company in the later part of the 19th century.

Before mining could start, the surface had to be cleared and in 1856 a party of men, led by Herman Ely, travelled to the area to cut down trees. The party made a small clearing, built a smithy and the following year, 1857, mining operations began.

In July 1857, the first mining superintendent, Gilbert D. Johnson arrived with a small party of men. “During the time the necessary shelter was being prepared Mr. Johnson and a few others were kindly housed at the Cleveland location.” Sleeping outside could only be done by a smudge fire as the mosquitos were bloodthirsty and abundant in the cedar swamp.

Along with building housing, the men also managed to ship, by rail, eight cars of ore on October 10, 1857. “The first ore mined at the Lake Superior was in the shape of boulders lying in the outcropping jaspers and other rocks of the iron-bearing formation.” “These iron ore boulders were block-holed and reduced to the required size for transportation to local furnaces and lake ports.”

The boulders provided the iron ore output for several seasons until they were gone. “Afterward, at both these Ishpeming properties (Lake Superior Iron Company and Cleveland Iron Mining Company), which were the first to engage in mining here, the ore was found in the hollows instead of in the hills.” “The big open pit at No. 1 was known as Cavanaugh Pit, in honor of the mine’s first foreman.”

“At the outset oxen were used to pull the ore from the pit and they were an important motive power for many years, being employed until a depth in the pits of 100 feet had been attained. Capt. Johnson’s instructions were to work the animals until their feet were too sore for further service when they should be killed and eaten. These instructions were religiously observed.” Mules and horses were also used, and the stables were known as the finest to be found anywhere.

“From 1857 to the close of 1860 the wages of miners were 75 cents per day. From 1860 to 1863 they ran from 90 cents to $1.50. In July of 1864 there was a decided increase due to the scarcity of labor, men having enlisted in the war of the rebellion.” While the wages were low, the cost of goods was not. “Sugar was 13 cents per pound, syrup $1.25 per gallon; illuminating oil $1.00 per gallon; pork $30.00 per barrel; flour $8.50 per barrel and candles 19 cents per pound.”

“The day’s work consisted of eleven hours until the strike of 1863, when Peter White, of Marquette, in the company’s interest, came to the mine and made a speech to the men from the top of a flat car. After this, the hours were reduced by one and there was a slight increase in the wages.”

In those early days life was not easy. “There was no pay day from October until the following June, the company issuing no money during the season when navigation was closed.” “There were no stores, no saloons, not a drop of liquor being obtainable in the location. The men purchased their clothing from Edward Breitung, Negaunee or from Samuel Kaufman, Marquette, where there were a few business places.” “There were no churches, but there was a boarding house and for this there were many fervent thanks offered.” The boarding house was run by C.C. Eddy and his wife, who was reported to be a fine cook.

The Civil War affected the mines. “For a time during the Civil War there was little done at the mine, men being scarce and supplies very high.”

In 1867, soft hematite ore was mined along with the hard ore. “At the outset some of this ore (soft hematite) was used for roadmaking and was a great success, it packing firmly, although its red color was not pleasant in times when dust flew freely. When the metallic contents of the material became known, it was mined and trial lots sent to local furnaces. Joe Harris, manager of the Morgan furnace, located midway between Ishpeming and Marquette, pronounced it ‘yellow mud’ and would have none of it. A cargo consigned to the Munising furnace, which was erected in 1868 had the misfortune to meet with cold weather immediately following delivery, froze up and was condemned in language that would not sound well if read from print.”

“The company in 1867 constructed a tramway across the swamp where Ishpeming’s principal business houses now stand to connect with a line from Deer Lake furnace, which went into blast in 1868. “ “Much of the filling in the swamp to the north of the mine came from the stripping of the iron ore deposits and from rock raised from the pits, contractors selling to the people who were erecting buildings in the low ground and who could at that time secure no other site, and which was the reason for placing the town in such and undesirable location. This has ever since resulted in constant expense due to the unfavorable foundation. “

“The introduction of high explosives to take the place of the black powder was made in 1869-1870, and was a great aid to the miners, but proved the cause of many fatal accidents while its proper handling was being learned.” “The oil was generally placed in a bottle into which the fuse with exploder was inserted, the bottle then being corked, place being left in the stopper for the fuse. This plan was adopted after numerous sad accidents from pouring the oil loosely into the holes.” “Later absorbents were added, paper wrapped cartridges made to fit the drill holes, it being then known as ‘giant powder’ or ‘dynamite.'” In this form it was much safer to handle.”

To be continued.

Editor’s note: All quotes used in this article come from a Commemorative issue of the Iron Ore published on June 24, 1903.)