Ionia-Clinton-Kent County MI Archives News.....Portland's Blacksmith Is Still on the Job February 5, 1939
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Marilynn Johnson texas26@gmail.com September 29, 2016, 3:15 am

Lansing State Journal February 5, 1939
Special to The Lansing State Journal, Feb 4 - Anthony Russman, Portland's 
pioneer blacksmith who has just observed his 79th birthday, has spent more 
than 60 years in this village.
In the days when Indian trails led through the forest, he was blazing his 
own trail toward a proper business. He made his own stock of horse shoes, 
nails and iron parts for buggies and wagons.
In Germany, land of his birth, where, in his days, young men were 
apprenticed to learn trades he learned the blacksmith trade from an 
experienced workman. When he came to America he settled first in Westphalia 
operating a shop. He later went to Grand Rapids and since 1887 has been in 
Portland. A skilled workman he was able to use his tools to good advantage 
when the automobile made blacksmithing less profitable, and although retired 
from active work he may be seen there every day with his son, Fred Russman, 
now in charge. 

Additional Comments:
Anthony F. Russman (1860-1943).

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