website watertownhistory.org
ebook History of Watertown, Wisconsin
Stephen March (Elizabeth Calph)
WATERTOWN
Chair and Cabinet Manufactory
Corner of Main and Third Streets
[The NW corner, now 216 E Main]
Three doors east of the Dutch Store
1847 Narrow
Escape
Watertown Chronicle, 08 25 1847
On the afternoon of Thursday last, one of the beams of Mr. Stephen March’s cabinet factory gave way, precipitating to the floor some two or three tons of chair and bedstead stuff.
Fortunately, the only person in the room at the time, was Mr. Frederick Roush, a German, whose escape was almost miraculous. He was struck upon the head by a scantling which fell a moment before the beam, and knocked under a stiff board he was sawing, which rested upon two "buck," and was thus protected from the falling mass. He received two or three wounds upon his head and face, none of which were very severe. Had not the accident happened when the other workmen were at tea, the consequences would doubtless have been fatal.
If basswood is to be used for beams upon which it is designed to store any great amount of furniture or freight, braces should at least be added.
1847 Advertisement
Rock
River Pilot, 10 13 1847
CHAIRS
Of every description constantly on hand and made to order on the shortest notice (warranted oil colors or no pay) such as Boston rocking chairs, common Windsor bent backs, slat backs, scroll tops, settees, settee cradles, fancy flag bottom settees, etc, at wholesale and retail.
CABINET FURNITURE
Also, on hand and made to order, such as bureaus, secretaries, book cases, cupboards, dining and breakfast tables, light and wash stands, sofas, lounges, etc.
BEDSTEADS
Of every description constantly on hand and made to order from the best style of French to the bachelors creek(?).
TURNING
The subscriber having in connexion (sic) with the above business a good waterpower, where all orders in the line of turning will be promptly responded to and done up “brown.”
The subscriber flatters himself that from the long experience which he has had in the above business and by the faithful and personal superintendence of this establishment to meet at least a share of the patronage of the public
LUMBER WANTED
In exchange for furniture.
50,000 ft. bass plank, 2 by 16
50,000 ft. hard and soft scantling, 4 by 4
50,000 ft. hard scantling, 3 by 4
50,000 ft. cherry and walnut lumber
50,000 ft 1/2 inch basswood
50,000 ft. 5/8 inch basswood
and
as a fair exchange is no robbery,
bring along your lumber and bargain for
furniture.
Cash will not be refused in exchange for work.
In conclusion he would say to the hearty badgers of Wisconsin [N.B. 1847 mention of Wisconsin Badgers], throw away your benches and stools and come to the Watertown Chair Factory and buy yourselves rich.
No pains will be spared in packing furniture to be transported to a distance.
N.B. All ordinary business suspended to attend to orders for COFFINS
STEPHEN MARCH.
Cross References:
March, Stephen (Elizabeth Calph), 1847, Territorial marriage, D/JCGS 929.3-Jeff-W75m
From Carol Trotman
Date Sun, Sep 4, 2011 at 2:55 PM
Subject Stephen March
In the 1837 Toronto and Home District Directory there is a March and
Church, Chairmakers, on Yonge St. in Toronto.
My Stephen and Peter March had a brother Charles who also had a business
in Toronto at that time.
On the 1850 census of Watertown Wisconsin, Elizabeth Calph's husband Stephen March is listed as a Chairmaker.
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I believe this Stephen March may have been my 4th great uncle. I would like to hear from anyone researching the family of Stephen March and Elizabeth Calph from Watertown Wisconsin, and also Stephen's brother Peter.
History of Watertown, Wisconsin