It would appear from numerous articles in The Fowlerville Review, Samuel Gillam was a highly-respected businessman in this village in the late 1800s. Following are many items I found that showcase his work as well as some of the trials and tribulations of having a blacksmith shop:
1877~~The blacksmith and carriage shops of Mr. S. Gillam had a narrow escape from fire on Sunday evening last. At about eight o'clock, Mr. Gillam went to his shop (a very unusual thing for him to do on that day) and found it filled with smoke and, upon investigation, discovered it to issue from beneath the floor and sidewalk at the west end of the blacksmith shop where a lot of rubbish was just ready for a blaze and had already ignited some of the timbers. A few pails of water soon extinguished it. The cause assigned is a cast-away cigar stub.
1877~~The handsome phaeton, manufactured by S. Gillam and exhibited at the county fair, mention of which was made in these columns last week, bore off the first premium, and before the close of the fair, Mr. Gillam had received orders for two or three more. This speaks well for the enterprise of our townsman and we hope will be the means of securing to him a large amount of work, in which we are confident he is able to give the best satisfaction.
1878~~Mr. S. Gillam has erected one of the S.L. Bignall & Co.'s wind mills near his shop. He intends putting up a tank with which to supply a watering trough.
1878~~A new dray is to be put on the streets by Mr. H. Handy & Son. Mr. Samuel Gillam is building it.
1878~~The new dray establishment of Homer Handy & Son made its appearance on the streets on Wednesday. It shines like a new dollar and attracted some considerable attention. The dray was manufactured by S. Gillam, is of the platform-spring style, and is well gotten up. The horses wear a new set of heavy draft harness built by A.N. McIntosh and are a credit to the builder.
1878~~On Wednesday afternoon, we were privileged with examining the new fire apparatuses recently purchased by the village. Mr. S. Gillam has just completed the trucks, which are made to carry five dozen large buckets, eight large ladders, two thirty feet and the rest twenty-five feet in length, besides a large quantity of rope, chain, and hooks. Mr. Gillam has done an excellent job and one worthy of much commendation. The painting was done by Jerry Peek & Son, and of course is No. 1. Each bucket, one hundred and two in number, are also all painted and lettered 'H&L.' We suppose that we may now bid defiance to the destroying element.
1879~~Quite an interesting game of base ball was played on Friday afternoon last at the Driving Park between a nine from Turner & Archer's carriage factory and a nine from Gillam & Hamilton's factory. Nine innings were played; time, three hours; score, 18 to 64 in favor of the Gillam & Hamilton nine. The contest was for bat, ball and supper. The supper was served at the Central House and, of course, was 'bang up' good.
1879~~The roof of S. Gillam's wood shop was discovered to be on fire on Friday afternoon last and extinguished after burning a whole about the size of a barrel. The fire is supposed to have originated from one of the chimneys of the blacksmith shop.
1879~~Messrs. Samuel Gillam, Geo. Hamilton and C.W. Peek have just completed the construction of a light one-horse wagon for us that really 'removes the dilapidated linen from the shrubbery' and is worthy of being placed beside the best work. It gives us confidence in the ability of the above-named gentlemen to turn out the very best work. Try them when you want something in their line.
1879~~S. Gillam is building two new chimneys in his blacksmith shop. A rush of custom work is the cause.
1880~~S. Gillam tells you in another column what he intends to do this summer. Mr. Gillam proposes to try printer's ink for a season, and we have not the least doubt that with this and his wide business reputation for fair dealing he will accomplish what he desires.
1880~~S. Gillam turned out of his manufacturing establishment on Thursday one of the finest 3-spring phaetons that has ever been made in this county. It is a credit to the manfuacturer and the village that such work can be made here as well as by eastern parties. The carriage was made to order for Geo. Baker at a cost of $250.
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