Railroad Man: Peter B. Loomis

Jackson, Michigan. December 30. Peter B. Loomis, leading merchant, miller, banker, railroad builder and citizen of Jackson for nearly sixty-three years, died at his home in this city this morning from the effects of paralysis. He was in his 86th year.

Mr. Loomis was born at Amsterdam, New York on April 14, 1820. His first entry into a business career, which has been especially noteworthy and which brought him a fortune, was made at Rochester, New York when, as a young man of 16, he opened a dry goods store. The long credits of the times caused him to close out this venture and, with a party of surveyors, he went to Texas, then a part of Mexico. 

After a few years he came to Jackson, and in 1843, and has been actively engaged in business here until his retirement a few years ago. He first founded the dry goods business of Loomis & Whitwell, and later operated one of the first flour mills of the section. In 1856, with Mr. Whitwell, he started the banking house which has borne his name up to its consolidation with the Jackson City Bank several years ago.

As a railroad promoter, Mr. Loomis has had as much as any man to do with the building of the system of lines which enter at this city. In 1867 with the late H. H. Smith, he promoted the Fort Wayne Road (Fort Wayne, Jackson & Saginaw), now a branch of the Michigan Southern system, and became its president and general manager. He was also a director of the Jackson, Lansing & Saginaw road, now a branch of the Michigan Central; was prominently connected with the Grand River Valley road also now consolidated with the Michigan Central, and was active in promoting the Jackson Branch of the Lake Shore road.

It is said of him that his influence at a conference of railroad managers at New York in 1877 was responsible for the first conference between organized railroad labor and managers. P. M. Arthur at this time asked for a consultation, which was not granted until after Mr. Loomis spoke. His roads were never tied up as a result of labor struggles while he was at the head.

Mr. Loomis's name will be perpetuated in this city by his gift to the people of a ten-acre tract known as Loomis Park, where the "under the oaks" celebration in 1904 was held.

He leaves four sons, George, Peter B. Jr., Gilbert and Allan, and one daughter, Edna, besides a widow.

[DFP-1905-1231]