Various → Toledo Ann Arbor & Northern (1882-1895) → Ann Arbor Railroad
Bought: 1883 - Owosso & North Western
Operated for about 12 years.
Opened: 1884 - Owosso to St. Louis
Operated: 1888 - Toledo, Saginaw & Mackinaw Railroad Company - until 1889.
Completed: 1889 - Toledo to Beecher.
Bought: 1890 - Toledo, Ann Arbor & Lake Michigan.
Bought: 1892 - Frankfort & South Eastern
Receivership: 1893 - Wellington R. Burt, Receiver
Conveyed: 1895 - to Ann Arbor Railroad.
Reference: [MRRC]
Image info: Top, the Toledo, Ann Arbor & North Michigan Railway logo. 2nd image, a new TAA&NM Ry. Hay Car, recently built by the the Peninsular Car Company in 1887.
This was the third reorganization of what eventually became the Ann Arbor railroad. This corporation bought and consolidated several lines, and diverted the main line north of Ann Arbor towards Whitmore Lake and Howell (instead of South Lyon).
Time Line1883. October. Construction has been commenced on the TAA&N at Owosso. J.M. Ashly, Jr., the General Manager, has advertised for 30,000 ties. He says the road will be built as fast as the weather will permit between Owosso and St. Louis; He also says the road is an independent line, having no (corporate) connection whatever with any other road. When practical an engine house capable of holding eight engines will be erected, and repair shops will be built in Owosso. [DFP-1883-1019]
1886. January. Superintendent J.M. Ashley of the TAA&N railroad, appeared before Commissioner Graves in Detroit and waived examination on the charge of obstructing mail trains during the war with the Detroit, Lansing & Northern at Howell (AnnPere) a few days ago. His trial was set for March before Judge Brown. [WEX-1886-0121]
1891. It will be a clash of the giants when Millionaire James Ashley and Millionaire David Ward meet on the domains of the latter in Crawford and Kalkaska county and try to argue about railroad rights of way. Mr. Ward does not want the Ann Arbor people upon his 35 mile territory at all. Any efforts made on the part of the Ann Arbor road to forcibly push its extension through Mr. Ward's land, the builders will be met by a defensive force, headed by George L. Davis, the daring leader of the former victorious Ashley forces.
There is now a degree of enmity between Mr. David and the Ashleys which will give zest and purpose to Mr. Davis' defense of David Ward's land. [CCA-1891-0604]
1893. April 28. The Toledo, Ann Arbor & North Michigan enters receivership. They are unable to pay the Craig Ship Building Co. for boats Ann Arbor No. 1 and No. 2. Saginaw lumberman Wellington R. Burt is appointed receiver. He is also the father-in-law of H. W. Ashley, the railroad general manager and son of the road's founder. [PHTH-1893-0428] The action of the Craigs was brought to secure the balance due on two great boats, the Ann Arbor No. 1 and No. 2, built by them for the road and which carry four full trains across Lake Michigan. These two vessels cost $283,000, and of this about half remains unpaid, secured by notes. There is $20,000 now due and unpaid. The railroad notified the Craigs that they would be unable to meet this obligation. John Craig, the head of the company, has a further claim of $29,000. Mr. Burt will take possession immediately. [SAG-1893-0428]
1893. April 28. The remarkable slump in the stock of the Ann Arbor road on the New York stock exchange has caused great excitement in this city. The stock fell from 39 to 13, and it is believed that the Ashley's, the principal stockholders, are in great financial distress. The fall was the result of the strike of the engineers six weeks ago and the many complications growing out of it. [SJHP-1893-0428]
The following sources are utilized in this website. [SOURCE-YEAR-MMDD-PG]:
