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THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
PRESENTED BY
PROF. CHARLES A. KOFOID AND MRS. PRUDENCE W. KOFOID
GENERAL HISTORY
OF THE STATE OF
MICHIGAN;
WITH
BIOGKAPEICAL SKETCHES, PORTRAIT ENGRAVINGS,
AND NUMEROUS
ILLUSTRATIONS.
A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE PENINSULAR STATE FROM ITS EARLIEST SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME.
COMPILED BY
CHARLES RICHARD ' TtTTTLE.
DETROIT: R. D. S. TYLER & CO., 66 GRISWOLD STREET.
PRINTED BY THE DETROIT FREE PRESS COMPANY. 1873.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873,
BY CHARLES RICHARD TUTTLE, In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.
fstt
TO
THE MEN OF MICHIGAN,
WHO,
PROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS,
BY TIMELY PERSEVERANCE AND WELL DIRECTED
ENTERPRISE, HAVE WON WEALTH FOR
THEMSELVES OR FAME FOR THE
PENINSULAR STATE,
THIS VOLUME
IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED.
PREFACE.
SOME one has very properly written that the country is already overloaded with histories of itself; and the same writer as properly adds : " Not one of them pretends to constitute a general history of the United States in volumes, embracing a complete history of each State separately — a work that would be of incalculable value to the archives of every Commonwealth of the American Repub lic." It has been offered in reply to this, that " the early history of the United States is so consolidated and intermingled as not to admit of being divided into volumes that would adapt themselves respectively to each State." The last argument holds good only in so far as the task of compiling such a work is a difficult one, involving much labor that can scarcely hope for just compensa tion.
The work presented in this volume is threefold in its character, embracing a general history of Michigan, from its earliest settlement to the present time (unincumbered by the records of a neighboring Commonwealth), including illustrations and brief descriptive sketches of the most prominent features of the Peninsular State, with portraits and short biographical sketches rf its present leading business and professional men.
With regard to the first and most important feature, it is proper to state that the works which the author has consulted freely, and to which the perfection of this book is most indebted, are Lan- man's History of Michigan, Sheldon's Early History of Michigan, Bancroft's History of the United States, Parkman's Conspiracy of Pontiac, Lanman's Red Book of Michigan, Tackabury's New Atlas of the State of Michigan, Way's History of the Boundary Difficulty, and numerous other volumes. The great aim has been to condense from these works, and from more recent records, a plain and truthful history of the State from its, earliest settlement to the present time.
Vlll PREFACE.
In the second and third features, the aim has been to depict, by descriptive sketches and engravings, the more prominent modern features of the State, and to present the portraits with brief bio graphical sketches of some of its leading citizens. In doing the latter, care has been taken to select representative men in all the departments of trade, and in the learned professions, without regard to the accident of political prominence. The latter con sideration has not, of course, been ignored in making the selection, but preference has been given to those who have, by unaided industry and native force of character, placed themselves in prominent and leading positions in their chosen field of labor.
The labor of compiling this volume has been immense, and not always pleasant. The object has been to furnish to the citizens of the State a more complete history of the Commonwealth than has yet been written ; and at the same time to give to the world, in a condensed and popular form, reliable information in regard to the resources of a State now truly imperial in wealth, population and power. How well this task has been performed we leave to the judgment of an indulgent and discriminating public.
It will be observed that the portrait engravings in this volume are inserted without reference to chronological order. This became necessary for the reason that printing was commenced before the engravings were finished. The only order observed is that in which the engravings reached the hands of the printer.
In conclusion, the publishers desire to express their gratitude to the Detroit Free Press Company and its employes, for the faithful ness and painstaking care with which they have carried the mechanical part of the work forward to completion. The intelli gence and skill displayed in this part of the work is patent to every reader, and is in itself an illustration of the enterprise which is characteristic of the men of Michigan, as well as of the magnitude and excellence of the oldest printing house in the Peninsular State.
DETROIT, December, 1873.
ILLUSTRATIONS.
MISCELLANEOUS.
New State Capitol (Frontispiece).
The Indian Council at St. Mary's Falls (1671) 89
La Salle in the Griffin 107
Death of La Salle 107
Old Fort Michilimackinac 191
Unveiling of the Conspiracy of Pontiac 249
Fort Pontchartrain (Detroit) in 1705 273
The First Churches Built in Michigan 355
Hon. T. J. Campau's Residence 373
Pear Trees in the Old Jesuit Garden 399
Residence of Isaac NewtorifeSwain 409
Country Residence of W. W. Backus 445
Burt's Solar Compass 517
Burt's Surveying Company (with Marquette in the distance) 521
Michigan Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument 541
Residence of James Nail, jr 591
University of Miphigan 603
Agricultural College, Lansing, Michigan 611
Map of Straits of Mackinaw 615
Michigan Female Seminary 627
Detroit Homeopathic College 631
Goldsmith's Bryant & Stratton Business College 635
Steamer W. L. Wetmore 651
Saugatuck Union School 669
Residence of M. Jacques Campau 677
The Joseph Campau Residence 687
View of the City of Grand Rapids 691
View of the City of Adrian 699
View of the City of Detroit 705
Second Presbyterian Church, Detroit 707
City Hall, Detroit 709
View of Fort Street, Detroit 711
View of the City of Flint 719
X ILLUSTRATIONS.
PORTRAITS.
Hon. Lewis Cass 21
Lieutenant-Governor Andrew Parsons 41
Governor John J. Bagley 61
Governor H. P. Baldwin 65
Hon. Frederick L. Wells 69
Hon. Elihu L. Clark 73
Henry Fish 77
Colonel Wm. M. Fenton 83
Hon. Martin S. Brackett 91
Hon. Timothy Jerome 95
Thomas P. Sheldon 99
Hon. Jonathan B. Tuttle 103
General Joseph O. Hudnut 113
Hon. J. W. Begole 117
Hon. James Watson 123
Hon. Peter Desnoyers 125
Captain John Clarke 129
Hon. JolmR. Kellogg 135
Hon. Charles W. Grant 141
Professor Duane Doty 145
Hon. J. G. Sutherland 149
Hon. John K Mellen 153
E. B. Ward , 157
Hon. Charles M. Garrison 161 ^
Hon. Lysander Woodward 167
Hon. Peter C. Andre '. 169
Hon. Charles S. May 173
Hon. B. W. Huston 177
Ray Haddock 183
Hon. George H. Durand 185
F. G. Russell 193
Hon. A. F. R. Braley 197
Dr. Edward W. Jenks 201
Hon. Samuel D. Pace 205
Hon. John Moore 209
E. T. Judd 213
Dr. J. B. White 217
Hon. Eleazer Jewett 221
R. W. Jenny 225
General Mark Flanigan 231
J. M. Stanley 235
James Shearer 241
Lorenzo B. Curtis 245
Right Reverend Samuel A. McCoskry 253
Hon. S. M. Green 257
Hon. Moses B. Hess . . .265
ILLUSTRATIONS. XI
Hon. James Birney , 269
M. S. Smith 277
Hon. James Turrill 283
Ezra Rust 285
David Preston 289
Hon. Bela W. Jenks 293
E.G. Haven, D.D., LL.D.. 297
Hon. John F. Driggs 305
Rev. J. M. Arnold 309
Hon. R. P. Eldredge 313
Hon. W. L. Webber 321
Chester B. Jones 325
Hon. James F. Joy 33l
Hon. Albert Miller 337
A. W. Wright 341
Hon. L. B. Parker 345
Hon. G. D. Williams 349
Colonel Wm. L. P. Little 357
Bradford Smith 361
Spencer Barclay 367
Hon. T. J. Campau 369
Hon. Alfred Russell 379
Dr. J. W. Kermott 381
Hon. Zachariah Chandler 385
Charles H. Borgman 389
Hon. A. B. Turner 395
Isaac Newton Swain 403
Aaron Dikeman 413
Major Lowell Hall 417
James Scribner 421
Hon. R. McClelland 425
M. V. Borgman 437
John P. Allison 443
Hon. George V. K Lothrop 449
Hon. R. A. Haire 459
E. H. Turner 461
Hon. K B. Eldredge 465
Captain J. F. Marsac 469
Hon. George W. Swift 473
Sandf ord Howard 481
Hon. D. Horton 485
Hon. George E. Hubbard 489
Rev. Marcus Swift 497
Dr. G. L. Cornell 505
Colin Campbell 509
Hon. Wm. A. Burt 513
Horace R. Gardner . 525
Xll ILLUSTRATIONS.
Hon. Thomas W. Ferry 529
Myron Butman 537
Hon. Thomas H. Bottomley 539
Hon. John Ball 545
Hon. Jay A. Hubbell 549
General J. G. Parkhurst 553
Smith R. Woolley 559
Hon. A. N. Hart 561
Dr. L. Younghusband 565
Hon. E. S. Eggleston 569
Professor David Parsons 573
General A. T. McReynolds 577
D. M. Ferry 583
Hon. Ira Mayhew 585
James Nail, jr 589
James W. Frisbie 593
J. H. Goldsmith ' 597
Hon. C. C. Comstock 601
Hon. Jonathan Shearer 605
Okemos 609
Edgar Conkling 613
Hon. John S. Barry 617
Hon. Moses Wisner 621
Hon. E. Ransom 625
Hon. Win. Woodbridge 629
Hon. O. D. Conger 633
Hon. Israel V. Harris 641
Hon. David H. Jerome 645
Hon. George Willard 649
Hon O. M Barnes 653
Hon. A. C. Baldwin 659
Hon. Charles Rynd, M. D 661
Hon. Henry H. Crapo 665
Hon. Joseph Campau 679
Hon. H. M. Look 693
Hon. J W. Gordon 701
Hon. Wm. L. Greenly 703
Hon. Wm. C. Duncan 713
Hon. Wm. W. Wheaton 716
Hon. Alexander H. Morrison 722
Hon. John S. Homer 725
Hon. Alpheus Felch 737
Hon. Kinsley S. Bingham 729
Hon. Stevens T. Mason . 731
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
France moves to establish a colony in America— Cartier proceeds to Canada— His second voyage — Rpberval^s expedition — Other French expeditions— Champlain's first expedition to the St. Lawrence— He forms a settlement at Quebec 17
CHAPTER II.
Champlain and his infant colony— A pleasant winter in the new fort— Condition of Indian afl'airs -The natives— New France ceded to England in 1629— Champlain returns to France 29
CHAPTER III.
History of New France from the war with the English in 1629 to that of 1689— The French and the Iroquois— Colonial history— The government of Fronte- nac— Defeat of the English 38
CHAPTER IV.
History of New France from the administration of Frontenac to its overthrow by the English, at Quebec, in 1759— The battle of Quebec- The fall of Wolfe and Montcalm— Canada ceded to the English 58
CHAPTER V.
Progress of the French toward Michigan— The struggles and adventures of the missionaries— Life and death of the great and good Marquette— Pioneer life, 81
CHAPTER VI.
Robert de la Salle— First vessel on Lake Erie— Loss of the Griffin— Unfortunate expedition in search of the Mississippi— Mutinous conduct of LaSalle's men— Death of LaSalle— His character— Fate of his companions 102
CHAPTER VII.
The Sault Ste. Marie— Fort St. Joseph— Detroit founded— Its early condition- Attacked by the Ottawas— By the Foxes— Early French travelers through the lake region 112
CHAPTER VIII.
Colonial emigrants— Merchants— The peasantry— French soldiers— Legal admin istration — Policy of the French government— Mode of land distribution 122
CHAPTER IX.
War between the French and English colonies— Braddock's march — His defeat — Acadia, Niagara and Crown Point- Battle of Lake George— Condition of Canada 139
CHAPTER X.
The English take possession of the western outposts of Canada— March of Major Rogers and the Provincial Rangers — Appearance of Pontiac— Surren der of Detroit and Michilimackinac to the English — End of French rule in Michigan 165
CHAPTER XL
Hostility between the northern Indians and the English— Experience of the first English traders who visited Michilimackinac— Their persecutions— The English soldiers take possession of Michilimackinac 172
XIV CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XII.
Hostility between the Indians and the English — Its cause explained — The Indians rising to drive the English from the country — Pontiac's message — The council and speech in which the conspiracy is matured— The war 189
CHAPTER XIII.
Michilunackinac — Description of the place in 1762 — Assembling of hostile Indians around Michilimackinac— Adventures of an English trader— The Indians preparing for the massacre— The game of ball commenced 200
CHAPTER XIV.
The massacre at Fort Michilimackinac— Indians drinking the blood of English men—Sufferings of English prisoners— The Ottawas espouse the cause of the English and take possession of the fort— The Indian council 215
CHAPTER XV.
The English persecuted at Michilimackinac after the massacre— The adventure of Henry— Prisoners divided between the Chippewas and the Ottawas— Lieu tenant Gorell rescues the prisoners from the Ottawas, and the English leave the country — Escape of Henry 229
CHAPTER XVI.
Conspiracy of Pontiac, continued— The plot to destroy the garrison of Detroit discovered— Pontiac commences the siege— Captain Campbell's captivity— Pontiac demands the surrender of the fort 248
CHAPTER XVII.
Conspiracy of Pontiac, continued— A council among the officers of the fort of Detroit— Gladwyn determines to hold put— Difficulty between Pontiac and the French— Fate of Cuyler's expedition — The horrors of Indian warfare thickening around Detroit 264
CHAPTER XVIII.
Conspiracy of Pontiac. continued— Fate of the forest garrison— The massacre at Fort St. Joseph— The fate of Sandusky, Miami, Ouatanon, Presque Isle, Le Boeuf and Venango— The reign of blood and havoc— The bloody work of the great Pontiac and his treacherous followers 276
CHAPTER XIX.
Conspiracy of Pontiac, continued— The siege of Detroit— Adventure of a British schooner on the Detroit river— Mode of Indian warfare— Pontiac inviting the French to join his army— Another council— Exchange of prisoners 282
CHAPTER XX.
Conspiracy of Pontiac, continued— The battle of Bloody Run— Captain Dalzell's detachment slaughtered by the savages— Adventure of the schooner Glad wyn— The Indians sue for peace— Approach of winter 296
CHAPTER XXI.
Conclusion of Pontiac's war— The siege of Detroit raised— Bradstreet in the west— The English at peace— The Revolutionary War— Instigating savages to take American scalps— Captain Byrd's expedition— Hamilton's expedition — His capture — DePeyster commands at Detroit — American liberty trium phant — Peace restored 312
CHAPTER XXII.
The retention of the western posts by Great Britain after the treaty of 1783— Northwestern Territory organized— Indian troubles again— The great war council at Detroit — Campaign of General Harmer — St. Clair's defeat- Wayne's victories— Michigan surrendered to the United States 324
CHAPTER XXIII.
William Hull appointed governor of the Territory of Michigan— Tecumseh's warriors assembling— An army raised in Ohio— It marches to Detroit under General Hull— War declared between England and the United States— Hull advances into Canada 330
CONTENTS. XV
CHAPTER XXIV.
Michilimackinac— Removal of the fort to Mackinaw island — Condition of the fort and settlement in 1812— Captain Roberts' expedition captures the fort— The garrison sent to Detroit— The English once more in possession of Mack inaw 344
CHAPTER XXV.
General Hull's cowardice — He evacuates Canada— Alleged treason — A detach ment sent to meet Colonel Brush— The fort surrendered to the British- Indignation of the army— Colonel Brush escapes— Detroit again under the British flag * 363
CHAPTER XXVI-
The British celebrating their success at Detroit— Account of General Brock's expedition against Detroit— Scenes and circumstances in and about Detroit after the surrender— The massacre at Chicago— Commodore Perry on Lake Erie— Harrison's campaign— Recapture of the western posts, including Detroit, by the United States 365
CHAPTER XXVII.
Mackinaw— Expedition under Commodore Sinclair and Colonel Croghan for its reduction— Colonel Turner captures the Perseverance at St. Mary's and reduces that post— Capture of the Mink— Destruction of goods belonging to the Northwest Company— Landing of the forces at Mackinaw — Fall of Major Holmes— Defeat of the Americans -Full account of the battle, etc 377
CHAPTER XXVIII.
The ordinance of 1787— Erection of the Territory of Michigan— Its boundary- Judicial administration— The Woodward code of laws— Governor Hull— His trial by court-martial 394
CHAPTER XXIX.
General Cass appointed governor— Defenseless condition of the Territory — Indian depredations around Detroit— Bravery and energy of General Cass— His treaty with the Indians— Condition of Michigan at the close of the war — Expedition of General Cass to the Upper Peninsiila — Discoveries— Pros perity of the Territory under Cass' administration— The treaty of Chicago- Execution of Indians 402
CHAPTER XXX.
The administration of Governor Porter— The Black Hawk war— Construction of roads— The lirst railroad company organized— Banks chartered— Common Schools organized— Change in the method of disposing of public lands — Death of Governor Porter 441
CHAPTER. XXXI.
The organization of a State government— The boundary question — The Toledo war— Incidents and accidents— Settlement of the question— Admission of Michigan into the Union 448
CHAPTER XXXII.
Michigan as a State— Resources and population— Administration of Governor Mason — Woodbridge — Gordon — Barry — Felch— Greenly— Ransom— Barry — McClelland -Biugham— Wisner , 480
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Administration of Governor Blair— The war of the rebellion— Patriotic action of Michigan— The troops sent to the field— The draft — Governor Crapo's administration— Close of the war— The troops return home— Financial con dition of the State 494
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Governor Henry P. Baldwin's administration— S.teady growth of the State — Constitutional amendment— Governor Bald'win's re-election— The State Cap itol—The great and destructive fires in Michigan — The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument— Administration of Governor Bagley 536
Xvi CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXXV. Present condition of Michigan railroads 544
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Mineral and forest wealth of Michigan— Iron— Copper— Salt— Gypsum— Coal— Other minerals— Lumber 572
CHAPTER XXXVII.
Education in Michigan— The common school system— The University— Agricul tural College— State Normal School— Albion College— Adrian College— Kala- mazoo College- Hillsdale College— Olivet College— State Reform School- State Public School— Asylum for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind— Michigan Female Seminary — Detroit Medical College— Detroit Homeopathic College- Goldsmith's Bryant & Stratton Business University— Mayhew's Business College 596
CHAPTER XXXVIII. Agriculture— Manufactures— Commerce 640
CHAPTER XXXIX.
Mineral Springs of Michigan — Their discovery — Analyses of the waters— The location of each— The St. Louis Spring— Alpena— Midland— Eaton Rapids- Spring Lake— Lansing — Fruitport— Butterworth's — Owosso — Hubbardston — Leslie— Mount Clemens 658
Governors and officers of Michigan 671
Population of Michigan 674
Sketch of Grand Rapids 689
Sketch of Adrian 698
Sketch of Detroit 706
Sketch of Flint 718
THE HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
CHAPTER I.
FRANCE MOVES TO ESTABLISH A COLONY IN AMERICA — CARTIER PRO CEEDS TO CANADA — His SECOND VOYAGE — ROBERVAL'S EXPEDITION —OTHER FRENCH EXPEDITIONS — CHAMPLAIN'S FIRST EXPEDITION TO THE ST. LAWRENCE— HE FORMS A SETTLEMENT AT QUEBEC.
OTHER VOLUMES of this work, treating of other States, give a complete narrative of the efforts of England and Spain to colonize the New World. Hence, in this place, it is sufficient to trace only the movements of France, in her unfortunate struggle to plant a permanent branch of empire in America. This is the more expe dient since only the name of the latter is associated with the first settlement of Michigan.
At the beginning of the sixteenth century the discoveries of Christopher Columbus and Sebastian Cabot were creating consid erable excitement in France, and Francis I granted a commission to Jacques Cartier, of St. Malo, authorizing him to prosecute dis coveries in the far West. Carder's outfit for this expedition con sisted of two ships, of sixty tons burden each, and a crew of sixty- one efficient men. He set sail for America from St. Malo on the 20th of April, 1534.
This was by no means the first western movement of civilization. The Spaniards already occupied Florida; the English had taken possession of the middle portion of the continent, and the north ern regions alone remained for the French. To the latter point the brave commander directed his little fleet. He> made a safe voyage, and after exploring the northern coast of Newfoundland, he returned to France, reaching St. Malo on the loth of Septem ber, 1534.
18 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
He gave a very favorable account of the new country to the French court, which was well received ; but subsequent develop ments proved that he had done little more than land on the north western banks of Newfoundland. Fearing the consequences of the autumnal storms upon his ships, he remained but a few weeks. Nevertheless he had seen enough to persuade the belief that a fruitful country lay beyond, in the direction of Michigan and the surrounding States.
Immediately after Cartier's return to France preparations began for a second expedition. Three vessels were fitted out with a view to a more extended voyage. They were the Great Herminia, of about one hundred and twenty tons ; the Little Herminia, of sixty tons, and the Hermirillou, of forty tons. The first named was the flag' ship.
The fleet set sail on the 15th of May, 1535. This was a very important day at St. Malo. Every adventurer about to sail for the New World was an object of much interest to the inhabitants, and not a little pains were taken to celebrate their departure. In the hour of separation from kindred and country, the priests of their religion had sought to propagate their future comfort and support by preparing a gorgeous pageant. The officers and crews of the whole squadron confessed, and received the sacrament. Afterwards they presented themselves before the altar in the great cathedral at St. Malo, where the bishop, arrayed in sacerdotal robes of rare magnificence, bestowed on them his benediction.
An account of the voyage, which was many years after pub lished in a French journal, states that it was very tempestuous. Many of the crew suffered unnumbered hardships, but after many days of toil and discontent, the eastern banks of Newfoundland again appeared to the eye of the adventurous commander. After five or six hours' sail, the squadron being in a higher latitude than Cartier had supposed, they passed the coast of the island, and still continuing their course, they entered, on St. Lawrence day, a broad gulf. In commemoration of this event, they gave the name of St. Lawrence to the gulf, and to the great river that flows into it, which they bear to this day.
Proceeding up the river's course, they found themselves, in a
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 19
few days, opposite the Indian village of Stadacona, then occupy ing a portion of the ground on which the city of Quebec now stands. As the vessels came to an anchor, the terrified natives fled to the forest, where they gazed with mingled feelings of awe and wonder on the "winged canoes" which had borne the pale- faced strangers to their shores.
The Indians at once resolved on a wary intercourse with the strangers. Their chief, Donacona, approached the vessels with a fleet of twelve canoes, filled with armed warriors. Ten of these canoes he directed to remain a short distance, while he proceeded with the other two to ascertain the purport of the visit — whether it was for peace or war. With this object in view, he commenced an oration. Cartier heard the chief patiently, and with the aid of a Gaspe Indian interpreter, he was enabled to open a conver sation, and to quiet his apprehensions. An amicable understand ing having thus been established, Cartier moored his vessels safely in the River St. Charles, where, short! y afterwards, he received a second visit from Donacona, who, this time, came accompanied by five hundred warriors of his tribe.
Having thoroughly rested and refreshed himself and his men, Cartier determined to explore the river to Hochelaga, another Indian town, which he learned was situated further up its course. With the view of impressing the Indians with the superiority of the white man, he caused, prior to his departure, several cannon shots to be discharged, which produced the desired result. Like their countrymen of the South on the arrival of Columbus, the red men of the St. Lawrence were alarmed by the firing of artil lery; and, as its thunders reverberated among the surrounding hills, a feeling of terror took complete possession of their minds.
Leaving his other ships safely at anchor, Cartier, on the 19th of September, proceeded up the river with the Hermirillon and two boats. He was compelled, however, owing to the shallowness of the water, to leave the vessel at Lake St. Peter. Bold, and loving adventure for its own sake, and at the same time strongly imbued with religious enthu^asm, Cartier watched the shifting landscape, hour after hour, as he ascended the river, with feelings of the deepest gratification, which were heightened by the reflection that
20 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
he was the pioneer of civilization and of Christianity in that unknown clime. "Nature," says MacMullen, "presented itself in all its primitive grandeur to his view. The noble river, on whose broad bosom he floated onward, day after day, disturbing vast flocks of water fowl ; the primitive forests of the North, which here and there presented, amid the luxuriance of their foliage, the parasitical vine, loaded with clusters of luscious grapes, and from whence the strange notes of the whippowil, and other birds of varied tone and plumage, such as he had never before seen, were heard at intervals; the bright sunshine of a Canadian autumn; the unclouded moonlight of its calm and pleasant nights, with the other novel accessories of the occasion, made a sublime and profound impression upon the mind of the adventurer."
Cartier arrived, on the 2d of October, opposite the Huron vil lage of Hochelaga, the inhabitants of which lined the shore on his approach, and made the most friendly signs to him to land. Supplies of fish and corn were freely tendered by the Indians, in return for which they received knives and beads. Despite this friendly conduct, however, Cartier and his companions deemed it most prudent to pass the night on board their boats.
On the following day, headed by their leader, dressed in the most imposing costume at his command, the exploring party went in procession to the village. At a short distance from its environs they were met by a sachem, who received them with that solemn courtesy peculiar to the aborigines of America. Cartier made him several presents. Among these was a cross, which he hung round his neck and directed him to kiss. Patches of ripe
HON. LEWIS CASS.
THE late Hon. Lewis Cass was born in Exeter, New Hampshire, Octo ber 9, 1782. Having received a limited education in his native place, at the early age of seventeen he crossed the Alleghany Mountains on foot, to seek a home in the " Great West," then an almost unexplored wilder ness. Settled at Marietta, Ohio; he studied law and was successful. Elected at twenty -five to the Legislature of Ohio, he originated the bill which arrested the proceedings of Aaron Burr, which, as stated by Mr. Jefferson, was the first blow given to what is known as Burr's conspiracy. In 1807 he was appointed by Mr. Jefferson Marshal of the State, and held
HON. LEWIS CASS.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 23
corn encircled the village, which consisted of fifty well built huts, secured from attack by three lines of stout palisades. It is recorded that Cartier did all that he could to soothe the minds of the savages, and that he even prayed with these idolaters, and dis tributed crosses and other symbols of the Catholic faith among them.
After the usual ceremonies with the Indians, Cartier ascended the mountain behind the native village. Here he erected a cross and a shield, emblazoned with the Fleur-de-lis, emblem of church and State, and named the region of his discoveries " New France."
Favorably as Cartier had been received, the lateness of the season compelled his return to Stadacona. The adventurers win tered in the St. Charles river, and continued to be treated with apparent kindness and hospitality by the Indians in that vicinity, who had fortunately laid up abundant stores of provisions. Unaccustomed, however, to the rigor of a Canadian winter, and scantily supplied with warm clothing, Cartier and his companions suffered severely from the cold.
The long and tedious winter at length drew to a close ; the ice broke up, and, although the voyage had led to no gold dis coveries or profitable returns in a mercantile point of view, the expedition prepared to return home. They compelled Donacona, and two other chiefs and eight warriors, to bear them company to France, where a greater part of these unfortunate men died soon after their arrival. On reaching home Cartier reported to the French Court that the country he had discovered was destitute of gold and silver, and that its coast was bleak and stormy.
the office till the latter part of 1811, when he volunteered to repel Indian aggressions on the frontier. He was elected Colonel of the Third Regi ment of Ohio volunteers, and entered the military service of the United States at the commencement of the war of 1812. Having by a difficult march reached Detroit, he urged the immediate invasion of Canada, and was the author of the proclamation of that event. He was the first to land in arms on the enemy's shore, and, with a small detachment of troops, fought and won the first battle, that of the Tarontoe. At the subsequent capitulation of Detroit he was absent on important service,
24 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
This sad account had a most disastrous effect upon the energies already awakened in France, and not until four years after Car- tier's return was there a single movement in the whole empire looking toward a third expedition. Early in the year 1540 Fran cis I granted patents covering all the territory north of British occupancy to Francoix de la Roque, Seigneur de Roberval. The commission also invested him with supreme power within its bounds.
In the summer of the same year a squadron of five vessels was fitted out for New France. Cartier, who had already twice suc cessfully reached the western hemisphere, was appointed to the command, and accordingly the fleet set sail to convey the French flag once more to America. After a very successful voyage, they reached the lake and river that had received its name from Car- tier four years previously, and, proceeding in a westerly course, they subsequently arrived at Stadacona.
He was at first received with every appearance of kindness by the Indians, who expected that he had brought back their chief Donacona, as well as the other chiefs and warriors who had been taken to France. On learning that some of these were dead, and that none of them would return, they offered considerable resist ance to the formation of a settlement in their neighborhood.
By these and other difficulties Cartier was induced to move higher up the river to Cape Rouge, where he laid up three of his vessels and sent the other two back to France with letters to the king. His next proceeding was to erect a fort, which he called Charlesbourg. Here, after an unsuccessful attempt to navigate
and regretted that his command and himself had been included in that capitulation. Liberated on parole, he repaired to the seat of government to report the causes of the disaster and the failure of the campaign. He was immediately appointed a Colonel in the regular army, and soon after promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General, having in the meantime been elected Major-General of the Ohio volunteers. On being exchanged and released from parole, he again repaired to the frontier, and joined the army for the recovery of Michigan. Being at that time without a com mand, he served and distinguished himself as a volunteer aide-de-camp to General Harrison at the battle of the Thames. He was appointed by
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 25
the rapids above Hochelaga, he passed a most uncomfortable winter.
The promised supplies 'not having arrived, another severe winter completely disheartened Cartier, and he accordingly resolved to return home. Putting into the harbor of St. John, Newfound land, he encountered Roberval, who was now on his way to Canada, with a new company of adventurers, and an abundance of stores and provisions. Cartier refused to return, and, to avoid forcible detention,; he weighed anchor in the night. On the following morning the viceroy arose and observed that his wearied servant had departed. Roberval sailed up the river to Charlesbourg, which he strengthened by additional fortifications, and where he passed the ensuing winter. Leaving a garrison of thirty men behind, he returned the following spring to France, where he was detained by his sovereign to assist in the war against Charles V.
After the Peace of Cressy, Roberval, in company with his brother Achille and a numerous train of adventurers, again set out for this country. The fleet was never heard of after it put to sea, and was supposed to have foundered, to the regret of the people of France, who greatly admired the brothers for the gal lant manner in which they had borne themselves in the war.
This loss completely discouraged Henry II, then (1543) King of France, and he made no further efforts to effect a settlement in Canada. It was not, therefore, till 1598 that any noticeable movement was made by the French Government in projects of trans-Atlantic colonization. In this year the Marquis de la Roche, a nobleman of Brittany, encouraged by Henry, fitted out
President Madison, in October, 1813, Governor of Michigan. His posi tion combined with the ordinary duties of chief magistrate of a civilized community the immediate management and control, as Superintendent, of the relations with the numerous and powerful Indian tribes in this region of country. He conducted with success the affairs of the Terri tory under embarrassing circumstances. Under his sway peace was preserved between the whites and the treacherous and disaffected Indians, law and order established, and the Territory rapidly advanced in population, resources and prosperity. He held this position till July, 1831, when he was by President Jackson made Secretary of War. In the
26 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
a large expedition, which convicts were permitted to join, as it was then difficult to find voluntary adventurers owing to former disas ters. Armed with the most ample governmental powers, the Mar quis departed to the new world, under the guidance of Chedotel, a pilot of Normandy. But he lacked the qualities necessary to insure success, and little is recorded of his voyage, with the excep tion that he left forty convicts on Sable Island, a barren spot off the coast of Nova Scotia. Owing to the failure of this adven ture, and his attempts to equip another being thwarted at Court, the Marquis fell sick shortly after his return home, and literally died of chagrin. The unfortunate convicts whom he left behind were entirely forgotten for several years, and suffered the most intense hardships. Their clothes were soon worn out, their provi sions exhausted. Clad in the skin of the sea-wolf, subsisting upon the precarious supplies afforded by fishing, and living in rude huts formed from the planks of a wrecked vessel, famine and cold gradually reduced their number to twelve. After a residence on the island of twelve years, these wretched men were found in the most deplorable condition by a vessel sent out by the Parlia ment of Rouen to ascertain their fate. On their return to France they were brought before Henry, who pardoned their crimes in consideration of the great hardships they had undergone, and gave them a liberal donation in money.
In 1599 another expedition was resolved on by Chauvin, of Rouen, a naval officer of reputation, and Poutgrave, a sailor mer chant of St. Malo, who, in consideration of a monopoly of the fur trade granted them by Henry, undertook to establish a colony of five hundred persons in Canada. In the spring of 1600 two vessels were equipped, and Chauvin, taking a party of settlers
latter part of 1836 President Jackson appointed him Minister to France, where he remained until 1843, when he requested his recall and returned to this country. In January, 1845, he was elected by the Legislature of Michigan to the Senate of the United States, which place he resigned on his nomination, in May, 1848, as a candidate for the Presidency by the political party to which he belonged. After the election of his opponent (General Taylor) to that office, the Legislature of Michigan, In 1849, re-elected him to the Senate for the unexpired portion of his original
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 27
with him, arrived safely at Tadoussac. He erected a fort at this place, aiid during the summer he obtained a considerable stock of very valuable furs for the most trifling consideration. Being anxious to dispose of these to advantage, he returned to France on the approach o'f winter, leaving sixteen settlers behind. These were slenderly provided with provisions and clothing, and in the cold weather were reduced to such distress that they had to throw themselves completely on the hospitality of the natives. From these they experienced much kindness, yet so great were the hard ships they endured that several of them died before succor arrived from France. Chauvin's death, in 1603, left Canada without a permanent white settlement, yet the spirit of enterprise that had taken firm hold of the more adventurous did not become weak ened.
After two more unsuccessful expeditions, one under the direc tion of De Chaste, and the other under De Mots, the latter obtained in 1607 a commission from King Henry for one year, and, owing to the representations of Samuel Champlain, who had conducted the expedition under De Chaste, he now resolved to establish a French settlement on the St. Lawrence. Fitting out two vessels, he placed them under the command of Champlain, a bold and experienced navigator. The expedition set sail from Harfleur on the 13th of April, 1608, and arrived at Tadoussac on the 3d of June. Here Pontgrave remained to trade with the Indians while Champlain proceeded up the river to examine its banks, and determine upon a suitable site for the settlement he was to found. After a careful scrutiny, he fixed upon a promon tory distinguished by a luxuriant growth of vines, and shaded by some noble walnut trees, called by the natives " Qubio " or " Que-
terai of six jrears. When Mr. Buchanan became President, he invited General Cass to the head of the Department of State, which position he resigned in December, 1860. He devoted some attention to literary pur suits, and his writings, speeches and State papers would make several volumes, among which is one entitled, "France, its King, Court and Government," published in 1840.
He died in Detroit, June 17, 1866, and will long be remembered as the most eminent and successful statesman of Michigan.
28 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
bee," and which was situated a short distance from the spot where Cartier had erected a fort, and passed a winter sixty-seven years before. Here, on the 3d of July, 1608, he laid the foundation of the present city of Quebec. Rude buildings of wood were first erected on the high grounds, to afford a shelter to his men. When these were completed an embankment was formed above the reach of the tide, where Mountain street now lies, on which the house and battery were built. With the exception of Jamestown, in Virginia, this was the first permanent settlement established in North America.
Having followed the French in their repeated journeys across the ocean, and left them in their first successful settlement, we will next trace their footsteps in those western voyages of dis covery and adventure that secured the early settlement of the peninsular State.
CHAPTER II.
CHAMPLAIN AND His INFANT COLONY — A PLEASANT WINTER IN THE NEW FOKT— CONDITION OF INDIAN AFFAIRS— THE NATIVES— NEW FRANCE CEDED TO ENGLAND EN 1629 — CHAMPLAIN RETURNS TO FRANCE.
SAMUEL CHAMPLAIN, as already observed, founded the settle ment of Quebec in 1608. This was the first permanent foothold of civilization in Canada. The little garrison passed the winter of 1608 without suffering any of those extreme hardships which, during the same period of the year, had distinguished the resi dence of former adventurers in Canada. Their dwellings being better protected from the cold, their persons more warmly clothed, more abundantly supplied with provisions, and with a greater amount of experience than their predecessors possessed, they dis covered that a winter existence among the snows of the North was not only possible, but even had its pleasures.
Winter gradually merged towards spring without producing any incident of very great importance to the infant colony. Meanwhile everything had been done to preserve a good under standing with Indians who visited the fort. Champlain wisely perceived that the success of the settlement of the country depended upon their friendship. Nor were the Indians them selves, who belonged to the Algonquin nation, averse to the culti vation of a friendly understanding with the French.
The spring of 1609 seems to have been an early one with the colony, and no sooner had the weather become sufficiently warm to make traveling agreeable, than Champlain prepared to ascend the river, and explore it above Mount Royal. He spent the sum mer in the vicinity of the St. Lawrence, and made many valuable discoveries. In the autumn a disarrangement in affairs in France caused his return home. In the spring of 1610 he again visited
30 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
his little colony, and again returned to France in the autumn of that year.
In 1611 Champlain returned to America, and determined to establish a settlement further up the river than Quebec. After a careful survey he fixed upon a site near Mount Royal. His choice has been amply justified by the great prosperity to which this place, under the name of Montreal, has subsequently risen. Having cleared a considerable space of ground, he fenced it in by an earthen ditch, and planted grain in the enclosure.
Champlain again returned to France with a view of* making arrangements for more extensive operations. After meeting with some difficulties, he sailed for Canada from Harfleur in the begin ning of March, 1613, and arrived at Quebec on the 7th of May following. He at once commenced the prosecution of discoveries. On the 21st of May he arrived at Lachine Rapids, and proceeded with his crew up the Ottawa. In the latter undertaking he expe rienced severe hardships, and encountered numerous difficulties. After traversing large tracts of country, and visiting several Indian villages, Champlain, observing* the approach of winter, and the need of supplies, returned to France on the 26th of August, 1614.
In the following May, Champlain arrived at Quebec with a new expedition. On board of this fleet came out four fathers of the order of the Recollects, whose benevolence induced them to desire the conversion of the Indians to Christianity. These were the first priests who settled in Canada.
After adjusting matters in the little colony, Champlain set out for the Indian headquarters at Lachine Rapids. He spent the summer and the following winter among the natives, aiding them in their wars with the Iroquois, and joining them in the hunt. No sooner had the spring of 1616 set in, however, than he returned to Quebec, and shortly afterward sailed for France. Here he remained over two years, endeavoring to secure another expedition. This was delayed by a difficulty between the Prot estants and Roman Catholics, and not until July, 1620, did the father of New France return to his charge.
Champlain's judicious management soon led to the arrival of
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 31
additional settlers, and in 1623 the settlement of Quebec alone had fifty inhabitants.
Without attempting the details in the early history of Canada, we will push forward in the channel of events, toward the settler ment of Michigan. The reader must remember, however, that the early history of this State cannot be made authentic and com plete without including much from the records of that country to which our earliest settlements owe their existence.
On the first settlement of the French in Canada, three great nations divided the territory — the Algonquins, the Hurons, and the Iroquois or Five Nations. The dominion of the Algonquins extended along the banks of the St. Lawrence about a hundred leagues, and they were once considered as masters of this part of America. They are said to have had a milder aspect and more polished manners than any other tribe. They subsisted entirely by hunting, and looked with disdain on their neighbors who con descended to cultivate the ground. A small remnant of this race is still to be found at the Lake of the Two Mountains, and in the neighborhood -of Three Rivers.
The Hurons, or Wyandots, were a numerous people, whose very extensive territory reached from the Algonquin frontier to the borders of the great lake bearing their name. They were more industrious, and derived an abundant subsistence from the fine country they possessed, but they were more effeminate, and had less of the proud independence of savage life. When first known they were engaged in a deadly war with their kindred, the Five Nations, by whom they were finally driven from their country. A remnant of this tribe is still to be found in La Jeune Lorrette, near Quebec.
The Iroquois, or Five Nations, destined to act the most conspic uous part among all the native tribes, occupied a long range of territory on the southern border of the St. Lawrence, extending from Lake Champlain to the western extremity of Lake Ontario. They were thus beyond the limits of what is now termed Canada, but were so connected with the interests of this country that we must consider them as belonging to it. The Five Nations, found on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, embraced the Mohawks,
32 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
Oneidas, Onondagas, Senecas and Cayugas. They were the most powerful of all the tribes east of the Mississippi, and were further advanced in the few arts of Indian life than their Algonquin neighbors. They uniformly adhered to the British during the whole of the contest that took place subsequently between the French and English. In 1714 they were joined by the Tusca- roras, since which time the confederacy has been called the Six Nations.
After the return of Champlain to France in 1616, the interests of the colony were in great danger from the Prince of Conde, Viceroy of Canada, being not only in disgrace, but in confinement for the share taken by him in the disturbances during the minor ity of Louis XIII. After a great deal of quarreling amongst the merchants, the Due de Montmorency made an arrangement with Cond£ for the purchase of his office of Viceroy, which he obtained upon the payment of 11,000 crowns. Champlain con sidered this arrangement as every way favorable, as the Due was better qualified for such functions, and from his situation of High Admiral possessed the best means of forwarding the objects of the colonists.
Disputes between Rochelle and the other commercial cities, and between the Catholics and Protestants, prevented the departure of any expedition for several years. During this time attempts were made to degrade Champlain from the high situation in which he had been placed, but by virtue of commissions, both from Montmorency and the king, he succeeded in crushing this oppo sition; and in May, 1620, set sail with his family and a new expe dition, and after a very tedious voyage arrived at Tadoussac. The first child bom of French parents at Quebec, was the son of Abraham Martin and Margaret L'Anglois; it was christened "Eustache" on the 24th of May, 1621.
The office of Viceroy had been hitherto little more than a, name, but at this period it came into the hands of a man of energy and activity. The Due de Ventadour having entered into holy orders, took charge as Viceroy of the affairs of New France solely with . the view of converting the natives. For this purpose he sent three Jesuits and two lay brothers, who were, fortunately, men of
HISTORY OP MICHIGAN. 33
exemplary character, to join the four Recollects at Quebec. These nine were the only priests then in Canada.
The mercantile company, which had now been intrusted with the affairs of the colony for some time, was by no means active, and was in consequence deprived of its charter, which was given to the Sieurs De Caen, uncle and nephew. On the arrival of the younger De Caen at Tadoussac, Champlain set out to meet him, and was received with the greatest courtesy. The appointment of a superintendent could not have been very agreeable to Cham- plain, who was certainly the person best fitted for the manage ment of the local affairs of the colony. His amiable disposition and love of peace, however, induced him to use conciliatory measures. The new superintendent, on the contrary, acted in a most violent manner, claimed the right of seizing on the vessels belonging to the associated merchants, and actually took that of De Pont, their favorite agent. Champlain remonstrated with him, but without effect, as he possessed no power that could effectually check the violence of this new dictator. Fortunately he thought proper to return to France, and left with the settlers a good sup ply of provisions, arms and ammunition. His conduct,~however, induced the greater part of the European traders to leave the colony ; so that, eventually, instead of its being increased by him, it was considerably lessened, a spirit of discontent diffused, and the settlers were reduced to forty-eight.
Having got rid of the troublesome superintendent, Champlain set himself earnestly to terminate the long and desolating war which now raged between the Hurons and the Iroquois. He accompanied some of the chiefs to the headquarters of the Iro quois, where they met with a very kind reception. The treaty between the nations was about to be concluded when it was nearly broken off by the relentless conduct of a savage Huron, who had accompanied the party in the hope of making mischief and pre venting peace. This barbarian, meeting one of the detested Iro quois in a lonely place, murdered him. Such a deed in a member of any civilized mission would have terminated all negotiations; but, the deputies having satisfied the Iroquois that it was an indi-
3
34 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES
vidual act, lamented by the Huron nation, it was overlooked, and the treaty was concluded.
The colony was at that time in a very unsatisfactory state, the settlements at Quebec consisting only of fifty-five persons. Indeed the whole of the available possessions in New France included only the fort at Quebec, surrounded by some inconsider able houses, a few huts on the island of Montreal, as many at Tadoussac, and at other places on the St. Lawrence, and a settle ment just commenced at Three Rivers.
The Indian affairs were also in disorder. The Iroquois had killed a party of five on their way to attack a nation called the Wolves, and a hostile spirit was kindled amongst these fierce tribes. Cham plain did all in his power to check the spirit, but he found it impossible to prevent a body of hot-headed young Indians from making an inroad into the Iroquois territory.
This band, having reached Lake Champlain, surprised a canoe with three persons in it, two of whom they brought home in tri umph. The preparations for torturing them were already going on when intelligence was conveyed to Champlain, who immediately repaired to the spot. The sight of the captives quickened his ardor in the cause of humanity, and he entreated that they might be sent home unhurt, with presents to compensate for this wanton attack.
This advice was so far adopted that one of them was sent back, accompanied by a chief and one Mangan, a Frenchman. This expedition had, however, a most tragical end. An Algonquin, who wished for war, contrived to persuade the Iroquois that the mission was devised with the most treacherous intentions. The Iroquois, misled by this wicked man, determined to take cool and deliberate revenge. When the poor prisoner, the chief and the Frenchman arrived, they found the fire kindled and the cauldron boiling, and, being courteously received, were invited to sit down. The Iroquois then asked the Algonquin chief if he did not feel hungry. On his replying that he did, they rushed upon him and cut slices from different parts of his body, which soon after they presented to him half cooked ; and thus continued to torture him till he died in lingering agonies. Their countryman, who had
HISTORY OP MICHIGAN. 35
returned to them so gladly, attempted to escape, and was shot dead on the spot; and the Frenchman was tormented to death in the usual manner.
When the news of this dreadful tragedy reached the allies of the French, the war-cry was immediately sounded, and Champlain, though deeply afflicted, saw no longer any possibility of averting hostilities. He felt that, as one of his countrymen had been deprived of life, the power of the French would be held in con tempt if no resentment were shown. Indeed he experienced no little trouble amongst the friendly tribes who surrounded him, and in several cases Europeans were murdered in an atrocious and mysterious manner.
In the meantime the De Caens, though not resident in the col ony, took an active interest in the fur trade. Being Huguenots, however, and not likely to forward the Due's measures, Cardinal Richelieu, prime minister to Louis XIII, revoked the privileges which had been granted to them, and encouraged the formation of a company, to be composed of a great number of men of property and credit. A charter was granted to this company in 1637, under the title of " The Company of One Hundred Associates."
This company engaged, first, to supply those that they settled with lodging, food, clothing and implements for three years, after which time they would allow them sufficient land to support them selves, cleared to a certain extent, with the grain necessary for sowing it; secondly, that the emigrants should be native French men and Roman Catholics, and that no stranger or heretic should be introduced into the country; and, thirdly, they engaged to settle three priests in each settlement, whom they were bound to provide with every article necessary for their personal comfort, as well as the expenses of their ministerial labors, for fifteen years. After which clear lands were to be granted by the company to the clergy, for maintaining the Roman Catholic Church in New France.
In return for these services the King made over to the company the fort and settlement at Quebec, and all the territory of New France, including Florida, with power to appoint judges, build fortresses, cast cannon, confer titles, and take what steps they
36 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
might think proper for the protection of the colony and the fos tering of commerce. He granted to them at the same time a complete monopoly of the far trade, reserving to himself and heirs only supremacy in matters of faith, fealty and homage as sovereign of New France, and the presentation of a crown of gold at every new succession to the throne. He also secured for the benefit of all his subjects, the cod and whale fisheries of the gulf and coast of St. Lawrence.
The company were allowed to import and export all kinds of merchandise duty free. Gentlemen, both clergy and laity, were invited to a share in the concern, which they readily accepted till the number of partners was completed. This was a favorite scheme of Richelieu's; and the French writers of the day speak of it with great applause, as calculated, had it been strictly adhered to and wisely regulated, to render New France the most powerful colony in America.
This plan of improvement met with a temporary interruption by the breaking out of the war between England and France in 1628. Charles I, of England, immediately gave to Sir David Kirkt, a French refugee, a commission authorizing him to conquer Canada. In consequence of this, after some offensive operations at Tadoussac, he appeared with his squadron before Quebec, and summoned it to surrender ; but he was answered in so spirited a manner that he judged it prudent to retire.
In 1629, however, when Champlain was reduced to the utmost extremity, by the want of every article of food, clothing, imple ments and ammunition, and exposed to the attacks of the Iro- quois, Sir David Kirkt, and his brothers Louis and Thomas, appeared again with a squadron before Quebec. The deplorable situation of the colony, and the very honorable terms proposed to him by Kirkt, induced Champlain to surrender Quebec, with all Canada, to the crown of England. The English standard was thus for the first time raised on the walls of Quebec, just one hun dred and thirty-five years before the battle of the Plains of Abraham.
No blame can be attached to Champlain for this act, as famine pressed so closely on the colonists, that they were reduced to an
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 37
allowance of five ounces of bread per day for each person. Kirkt's generosity to the settlers, who were his own countrymen, induced most of them to remain. Those who wished to go were allowed to depart with their arms, clothes and baggage, and, though the request to convey them home to France could not be complied with, they were provided with a commodious passage by the way of England.
Champlain, with two little native girls, whom he had carefully educated, arrived at Dover, in England, on the 27th of October. He proceeded thence to London, for the purpose of conferring with the French ambassador. He soon afterward returned to France, where, his counsels prevailing at the court of Louis XIII, he was, upon the return of peace, again invested with the govern ment of Canada.
CHAPTER III.
HISTORY OP NEW FRANCE, FROM THE WAR WITH THE ENGLISH IN 1629, TO THAT OF 1689 — THE FRENCH AND THE IROQUOIS — COLONIAL HISTORY — THE GOVERNMENT OF FRONTENAC — DEFEAT OF THE ENGLISH.
THE English held possession of Canada for three years, but, attaching little or no value to the territory, they readily restored it to France at the Peace of St. Germain en Lage, which was con cluded on the 19th of March, 1632. The great and good pioneer, Samuel Champlain, had the pleasure of reentering his beloved country once more with a squadron, containing all necessary sup plies. He resumed the government of the colony which he had so long fostered, and continued to administer all its affairs with singular prudence, resolution and courage.
Champlain continued to prosper the colony till 1635, when, full of honors and rich in public esteem and respect, he died, after an occasional residence in Quebec of nearly thirty years. His obse quies were performed with all the pomp the little colony could command, and his remains were followed to the grave with real sorrow by the clergy, the civil and military authorities, and the inhabitants of every class, each feeling deeply the loss of a tried friend.
The death of Champlaiu was the most grievous misfortune with which Canada had yet been visited. During the greater part of his active life the chief object of his heart was to become the founder of the colony which he felt confident would attain to a summit of extraordinary power and importance, and to civilize and convert its native inhabitants. So great was his zeal for reli gion that it was a common saying with him, " The salvation of one soul was of more value than the conquest of an empire."
It was just about the period of his death that the religious establishments, now so numerous, were commenced in Canada.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 39
Though they did little for the immediate improvement of the colony, yet they formed the foundation on which arose those morals and habits which still characterize the French Canadians, and which in some instances merit admiration. The first mover in this work of benevolence was the Marquis de Gamche, whose fervor had led him to join the order of Jesuits. He conceived the design of forming a college at Quebec, and was enabled by his friends to offer six thousand gold crowns for this purpose. His proposal was readily accepted and carried into effect. An institution for instructing the Indians was also established at Sillery, a few miles from Quebec. The Hotel Dieu, or House of God, was founded two years afterwards by a party of Ursuliiie nuns, who came out under the auspices of the Duchesse d'Aiguil- lon. Madame de Peltrie, also, a young widow of rank, engaged several sisters of the Ursulines at Tours, in France, whom she brought out, at her own expense, to Quebec, where they founded the Convent of St. Ursula.
The state of the Indian nations rendered the situation of M. de Montmagny, the governor, who succeeded Champlain in 1635, peculiarly critical. Owing to the weakness of the French, the Iroquois had advanced by rapid steps to great importance. They had completely humbled the power of the Algonquins, and closely pressed the Hurons, scarcely allowing their canoes to pass up and down the St. Lawrence. The governor was obliged to carry on a defensive warfare, and erected a fort at the Richelieu, by which river the Iroquois chiefly made their descents.
At length these fierce people made proposals for a solid peace, which were received with great cordialty. The governor met their deputies at Three Rivers, where the Iroquois produced seven teen belts, which they had arranged along a cord fastened between two stakes. Their orator then came along and addressed Mont magny by the title of Oninthio, which signifies Groat Mountain ; and, though it was in reference to his name, they continued ever after to apply this term to the French governors, sometimes add ing the respectful appellation of Father.
The orator declared their wish " to forget their songs of war, and to resume the voice of cheerfulness." He then proceeded to
40 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
explain the meaning of the belts. They expressed the calming of the spirit of war, the opening of the paths, the mutual visits to be paid, the feasts to be given, the restitution of the captives, and other friendly proceedings. In conformity to Indian etiquette, the governor delayed his answer for two days, and then bestowed as many presents as he had received belts, and through an inter preter expressed the most pacific sentiments. Piscaret, a great chief, then said, " Behold a stone which I place on the sepulchre of those who were killed in the war, that no one may attempt to move their bones, and that every desire of avenging their death may be laid aside." Three discharges of cannon were considered as sealing the treaty. This engagement was for some time faith fully observed, and the Iroquois, the Algonquins and the Hurons forgot their deadly feuds, and mingled in the chase as if they had been one nation. M. de Montmagny appears to have commanded the general respect of the natives, but, owing to a change in the policy of the court, he was unexpectedly removed.
Montmagny was succeeded by M. d'Aillebout, who brought with him a reinforcement of one hundred men. The benevolent Margaret Bourgeois, too, at this time founded the institution of the Daughters of the Congregation at Montreal, which is at pres ent one of the first female seminaries in the colony.
While the French settlements were thus in Canada, those of England on the eastern shore of America were making an equally rapid progress. A union among them seemed so desirable to the new governor that he proposed to the New England colonies a close alliance between them and the French ; one object of which
LIEUT.-GOV. ANDREW PARSONS.
ANDREW PARSONS was born in the town of Hoosick, county of Rens- selaer and State of New York, on the 22d day of July, 1817, and died June 6, 1855, at the early age of thirty-eight years. He was the son of John Parsons, born at Newburyport, Mass., October 2, 1782, who was the son of Andrew Parsons, a revolutionary soldier, who was the son of Phineas Parsons, the son of Samuel Parsons, a descendant of Walter Parsons, born in Ireland in 1290. The name is still extant, and some one hundred and thirty years ago Bishop Gibson remarked, in his edition of Camden's Britannia, " The honorable family of Parsons have been
LIEUT.-GOV. ANDREW PARSONS.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 43
was an engagement to assist each other, when necessary, in mak ing war "with the Five Nations. However desirous the English colonies might have been on other accounts to form such an alli ance, the condition with respect to the Indians was not acceptable to them, and the negotiation was broken off. Of what effects this union, if it had taken place, would have been productive, it is impossible now to conjecture. There is no doubt but that the failure of the proposition must have had an important bearing upon the events which followed ; first, in the continued rivalry of the two nations, and afterwards in the wars between them, which did not end until the whole of Canada was subjected to Great Britain.
At this period the missionaries began to combine with their religious efforts political objects, and employed all their influence in furthering the French power. Amongst other movements they induced a number of Iroquois to leave their own country and settle within the boundaries of the colony, but they do not appear to have succeeded in civilizing them. They found'' the Hurons, however, far more tractable and docile. It is said that nearly three thousand of them were baptized at one time. A consider able change soon appeared in this wild region, and the christian ized Indians were united in the villages of Sillery, St. Joseph and St. Mary.
During the administration of M. d'Aillebout, the Iroquois renewed the war in all its fury, and these peaceable settlers found that their enemies could advance like foxes and attack like lions. While the missionary was celebrating the most solemn rites of his
advanced to the dignity of viscounts, and more lately Earls of Ross." The following are descendants of these families :
Sir John Parsons, born 1481, was mayor of Hereford.
Robert Parsons, born in 1540, lived near Bridgewater, England. He was educated at Ballial College, Oxford, and was a noted writer and defender of the Romish faith. He established an English college at Rome and another at Valladolid.
Francis Parsons, born in 1556, was Vicar of Roth well, in Nottingham.
Bartholomew Parsons, born in 1618, was author of various noted sermons.
44 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
church iii the village of Sillery, the war cry was suddenly raised, and an indiscriminate massacre took place amongst the four hun dred families residing there. Soon after, a band of the same people, amounting to a thousand, made an attack upon the mission of St. Ignace, and carried off or killed all the inhabitants except three. St. Louis was next attacked, and made a brave resistance, which enabled many of the women and children to escape. The mission aries could have saved themselves, but, attaching a high import ance to the administration of the last sacrament to the dying, they sacrificed their lives to the performance of this sacred rite.
Deep and universal dismay now spread over the whole Huron tribe. Their land, lately so peaceable, was become a land of hor ror and blood, and a sepulchre for the dead. At length the Iro- quois began to make overtures of peace, to which it was found the missionaries had powerfully contributed. At first these excellent men had been regarded with extreme antipathy, but many of them, after suffering protracted torture and partial mutilation, had been spared and adopted into the Indian families. Their meek deportment, their solemn ceremonies, and the fervor with which they raised to God " hands without fingers," made a strong impression on the savage breast. Hence deputies appeared asking for peace. In their figurative language they said that " they came to wipe away the blood which reddened the mountains, the lakes and the rivers," and " to bring back the sun, which had hidden its face during the late dreadful seasons of warfare." They also solicited "Black Robes," as they called the mission aries, to teach them the Christian doctrine, and to keep them in the practice of peace and virtue.
In 1634 Thomas Parsons was knighted by Charles I.
Joseph and Benjamin, brothers, were born in Great Torrington, Eng land, and accompanied their father and others to New England about 1630.
Samuel Parsons, born at Saulsbury, Mass., 1707; graduated H. C., 1730; ordained at Rye, N. H., November 3, 1736; married Mary Jones, only daughter of Samuel Jones, Esq., of Boston, October 9, 1739; died Janu ary 4, 1789, at the age of eighty-two, in the fifty-third year of his ministry. The grandfather of Mary Jones was Captain John Adams, of Boston, grandson of Henry of Braintree, who was among the first settlers of
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 45
The Viscount d'Argenson, the next Governor, considered it necessary to accept these terms. The most amicable professions, however, hardly procured a respite from hostility, for whilst one party treated another attacked. In the following summer Abbe" Montigny, titular bishop of Petre, landed at Quebec with a brief from the Pope, constituting him apostolic vicar. Curacies were at the same time established in Canada.
The Viscount d'Argenson, having requested his recall on account of ill health, was relieved by the Baron d'Avangour, an officer of great integrity and resolution. His decisive measures seemed to have saved Canada. He represented the defenseless state of the country, and its natural beauty and importance, to the King in warm and forcible language, and excited a deep interest for these distant possessions in the mind of his Majesty, who had been hitherto ignorant of their value.
It was at length announced that a grand deputation was coming from all the cantons with the intention of " uniting the whole earth," and of " burying the hatchet so deep that it might never again be dug up," and they brought with them a hundred belts of wampum, each of which signified some condition of the proposed peace. Unfortunately a party of Algonquins formed an ambus cade and killed the greater part of them. Owing to this deplor able event all prospects of peace were blasted, and war raged with greater fury than ever.
The Iroquois, having seen the powerful effect of firearms in their wars with the French, had procured them from the Dutch at Manhattan (now New York), and thus acquired an additional
Massachusetts, and from whom a numerous race of the name are descended, including two Presidents of the United States. The Par- sonses have become very numerous, and are found throughout New England, and many of the descendants are scattered in all parts of the United States, and especially in the Middle and Western States.
Gov. Andrew Parsons came to Michigan in 1835, at the age of seven teen years, and spent the first summer at lower Ann Arbor, where he for a few months taught school, which he was compelled to abandon from ill health.
In the fall of that year he explored the Grand Hiver valley in a frail
46 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
superiority over the wild tribes of the west. They attacked the Ottawas, who did not even make an attempt at resistance, but sought refuge in the islands of Lake Huron. They commenced a desperate war with the Eriez, a name in their language signifying cats, and after a hard struggle completely succeeded. It is remarkable that this powerful nation has left no memorial of its existence except the great lake which bears its name.
In 1663 the colony was visited by a most remarkable succession of earthquakes, which commenced on the 6th of February and continued for half a year with little intermission. They returned two or three times a day, visiting both land and water, and spreading universal alarm, yet without inflicting any permanent injury or causing the loss of a single life.
This remarkable event was preceded by a great rushing noise, heard throughout the whole extent of the country, which caused the people to fly out of their houses as if they had been on fire. Instead of fire they were surprised to see the walls reeling back ward and forward, and the stones moving as if detached from each other ; the bells sounded, the roofs of the buildings bent down, the timbers cracked and the earth trembled violently. Animals were to be seen flying about in every direction, children were crying and screaming in the streets, and men and women, horror-stricken and ignorant whither to fly for refuge, stood still, unable to move. Some threw themselves on their knees in the snow, calling on the saints for aid, while others passed this dreadful night in prayer.
The movement of the ground resembled the waves of the ocean, and the forest appeared as if there was a battle raging between
canoe, the whole length of the river from Jackson to Lake Michigan, and spent the following winter as clerk in a store at Prairie Creek, in Ionia county, and in the spring went to Marshall, where he resided with his brother, Hon. Luke H. Parsons, also now deceased, until fall, when he went to Shiawassee county, then, with Clinton county, an almost unbro ken wilderness, and constituting one organized township. In 1837 this territory was organized into a county, and at the age of only nineteen years he (Andrew) was elected County Clerk. In 1840 he was elected Register of Deeds, re-elected in 1842, and also in 1844. In 1846 he was elected to the State Senate, was appointed Prosecuting Attorney in 1848,
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 47
the trees, so that the Indians declared in their figurative language, " that all the trees were drunk." The ice, which was upward of six feet thick, was rent and thrown up in large pieces, and from the openings came thick clouds of smoke or fountains of dirt and sand. The springs were impregnated with sulphur, many rivers were totally lost, some became yellow, others red, and the St. Law rence appeared entirely white down as far as the Tadoussac.
The extent of this earthquake was so great that one hundred and eighty thousand square miles were convulsed on the same day. Ther$ is nothing, however, in the whole visitation so worthy of remark as the care and kindness which God showed to the people in preserving them, so that not one was lost or had a hair of his head injured.
Louis XIV resolved at this time to raise Canada to her due importance, and no longer to overlook one of the finest countries in the world, or expose the French power to contempt by allowing it to be trampled on by a handful of savages. For this purpose he sent out four hundred troops, accompanied by M. de Mesy as Governor, to examine into and regulate the different branches of administration.
Hitherto the Governor had exercised in person, and without control, all the functions of government; but Louis resolved immediately to erect Canada into a royal government with a Council and Intendant, to whom should be intrusted the weighty affairs of justice, police, finance and marine. In this determina tion he was warmly seconded by his chief minister, the great Col bert, who was animated by the example of Great Britain to
elected Regent of the University in 1851, and Lieutenant-Governor and became acting Governor in 1853, elected again to the Legislature in 1854, and, overcome by debilitated health, hard labor and the responsibilities of his office and cares of his business, retired upon his farm, where he died soon after.
He was a fluent and persuasive speaker, and well calculated to make friends of his acquaintances. He was always true to his trusts, and the whole world could not persuade nor drive him to do what he conceived to be wrong. When Governor a most powerful railroad influence was brought to bear upon him to induce him to call an extra session of the
48 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
improve the navigation and commerce of his country by colonial establishments.
The company of the " One Hundred Partners " hitherto exer cised the chief power in Canada. They were very attentive to their own interests in rigidly guarding their monopoly of the fur trade, but had been all along utterly regardless of the general welfare of the colony. They were now, however, very unwillingly obliged to relinquish their privileges into the hands of the crown.
M. de Mesy was succeeded by the Marquis de Tracy, who arrived in Canada in 1665. He brought with him the whole regiment of De Carignan Salieres, consisting of more than one thousand men, the officers of which soon became the chief seigneurs of the colony. The regiment had been employed for some time in Hungary, and had acquired a high reputation. This, with a considerable number of settlers, including agriculturists and artisans, with horses and cattle, formed an accession to the colony which far exceeded its former numbers.
The enlightened policy of Colbert, in thus raising Canada into notice and consideration, was followed by the success it deserved. To well regulated civil government was added increased military protection against the Iroquois. Security being thus obtained, the migration of French settlers increased rapidly, and, being pro moted in every possible way by the government, New France rose rapidly into consideration and importance. Owing to the pres ence of so many soldiers, a martial spirit was imparted to the population, and they began to prepare to defend properly the country of their adoption.
Legislature. Meetings were held in all parts of the State for that pur pose. In some sections the resolutions were of a laudatory nature, intended to make him do their bidding by resort to friendly and nattering words; in other places the resolutions were of a demanding nature, while in others they were threatening beyond measure. Fearing that all these influences might fail to induce him to call the extra session, a large sum of money was sent him, and liberal offers tendered if he would gratify the railroad interest of the State and call the extra session. But he returned the money, and refused to receive any. favors whatever from any party who would attempt to corrupt him by laudations, liberal offers, or by
HISTOKY OF MICHIGAN. 49
The new Viceroy lost no time in preparing to check the inso lence of the Iroquois, and to establish a supremacy over them he erected three forts on the river Richelieu, th« first at Sorel, the second at Chambly, and the third further up the river. Over awed by these movements, and by the report of a large force inarching against them, three of the cantons sent deputies with ample professions of friendship, proposing an exchange of all the prisoners taken on both sides since the last treaty, to which the Viceroy agreed.
The Marquis de Tracy continued in authority only a year and a half, and on his return to France carried with him the affection of the people. He maintained a state which had never been seen before in Canada. Besides the regiment of Carignan, he was allowed to maintain a body-guard, wearing the same uniform as the Garde Royale of France. He always appeared on state occa sions with these guards, twenty-four in number, who preceded him, while four pages immediately accompanied him, followed by five valets. It was thought at that time that this style gave favorable impressions of royal authority.
Before this officer returned home he placed the country in a state of defense, and established the Company of the West Indies, as this new company was called from having been united to the other French possessions in America, which we have not yet men tioned. This very able Governor left M: de Courcelles to act as Governor-General, with several officers of great ability under his command.
As already stated, M. de Courcelles succeeded M. de Tracy in the government of New France.
threats; 'and in a short letter to the people, after giving overwhelming reasons, that no sensible man could dispute, showing that the circum stances were not " extraordinary^ he refused to call the extra session. This brought down the wrath of various parties upon his head, but they were forced soon to acknowledge the wisdom and the justice of his course.
One of his greatest enemies said, after long acquaintance: "Though not always coinciding with his views, I never doubted his honesty of purpose. He at all times sought to perform his duties in strict accord ance with the dictates of his conscience and the behests of his oath." 4
50 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
During his administration little doubt was entertained as to the permanency of the colony. The inhabitants began to extend their settlements, and to cultivate their lands. The officers and soldiers had liberal grants made to them, and a free trade was granted to the country generally.
As the number of men greatly exceeded that of the women, several hundreds were sent from France to Canada. As soon as they arrived, an advertisement was published to let the people know "that a supply had been sent over, and that such as had the means of supporting a wife should have their choice." It is said the collection consisted of tall, short, fair, brown, fat and lean. So great was the demand that in about a fortnight the whole cargo was disposed of.
In 1670 the church of Quebec was constituted a bishopric; some important measures were also adopted for the better govern ing of the country, and for maintaining peace with the savages. The trade and agriculture of the country prospered; and the clerical orders became more enthusiastic than ever in their efforts to make proselytes of the Indians.
A fatal calamity, however, which had been hitherto unknown in the New World, made its appearance among the tribes north of the St. Lawrence, namely, the small-pox. This scourge, more terrible to the savages than all the fire-arms in Europe, carried off more than half their number, and spread a universal panic over the land.
Courcelles had requested his recall, and in 1672, on his return from a journey to Cataraqui, where he had fixed upon a spot for
His amiable widow is a sister of J. S. and Dr. D. O. Farrand, of this city, and we understand she is now a member of the Doctor's family.
The following eiilogium from a political opponent is just in its concep tion and creditable to its author : ' ' Governor Parsons was a politician of the Democratic school, a man of pure moral character, fixed and exem plary habits, and entirely blameless in every public and private relation of life. As a politician he was candid, frank and free from bitterness; as an executive officer, firm, constant and reliable."
The highest commendation we can pay the deceased is to give his just meed — that of being an honest man.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 51
building a fort near the present site of Kingston, he found his place supplied. His successor was Louis Count de Frontenac, who was destined to act an important part in Canada.
Frontenac was able, active, enterprising and ambitious; but proud, overbearing and subject to capricious jealousies. Entering, however, cordially into his predecessor's views in regard to the fort at Cataraqui, he caused it to be built immediately, and actively promoted vast projects for exploring the interior regions of this continent.
The brilliant talents of M. de Frontenac were sometimes obscured by prejudices, but his plans for the aggrandizement of Canada were splendid and just. He possessed, however, a spirit which would not brook contradiction. For having neglected some orders given by him, he imprisoned the Intendant-General, M. de Chesnau; the Procurator-General he exiled; the Governor of Montreal he put under arrest; and the Abbe de Salignac, Fenelon, then superintending the seminary of the St. Sulpicians, at Mon treal, he imprisoned under pretence of having preached against him. His principal opponent was the Bishop, who, very properly, disapproved of the sale of spirits to the Indians, which was found to produce the most pernicious effects. The Count, however, considered it as at once extremely profitable, and as a means of attaching them to the French interest.
In 1682 Fronteuac was recalled, and M. de la Barre appointed his successor. Soon after his arrival, the Iroquois assumed a tone of defiance, and made formidable preparations for war. These caused great apprehensions of a general war among the Indians, and the state of Canada became alarming in the highest degree, as the whole population consisted only of nine thousand persons.
The military strength of Canada had been reduced greatly in consequence of many of the troops having become proprietors and cultivators of land. M. de la Barre, 'however, determined upon war, and, having obtained a reinforcement of two hundred men, advanced up the St. Lawrence. He was met at Montreal by a deputation from the cantons, who made strong professions of friendship, but he considered them as unworthy of credit. He directed all bis force against the Senecas, because it was through
52 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
their country that the English had penetrated to the fur trade on the lakes. He found, however, that the tribes had determined to make common cause, and had received ample assurance of aid from New York, which had been taken possession of by the Eng lish. Through their various settlements, the English held a kind of dominion over the Iroquois country, and they endeavored, with success, to alienate them from the French, chiefly by dealing with the tribes on more advantageous terms.
The Iroquois soon found it to their interest not only to carry all their furs to the English market, but to buy up those of the other tribes in alliance with France. Heavy complaints were constantly made by the French, but the Indians treated them with great indifference. They shrewdly discovered, in the eager competition between these two European nations, the means of rendering their own position more secure and imposing.
After meeting the deputies at Montreal, M. de la Barre pro ceeded to the northern shore of Lake Ontario, where he had another interview with the Indians. He assumed a lofty tone, complained of their inroads into the country of the tribes in alliance with France, and of their having conducted the English to the lakes, and enabled them to supplant the commerce of his countrymen. He concluded by stating that, unless reparation was made for these injuries, with a promise to abstain from them in future, war and devastation of their country must be the imme diate consequence. The deputies very coolly replied "that he appeared to speak like one in a dream, and that if he would open his eyes, he would see himself wholly destitute of the means of executing these formidable threats." With regard to the English they said, "that they had allowed them to pass through their country on the same principle on which they had given permission to his people to pass." They professed themselves anxious "that the hatchet should still remain buried, unless the country granted to them should be attacked." The Onondaga deputies guaranteed reparation for any actual plunder inflicted on French traders, but added that no more could be conceded, and that the .army must be immediately withdrawn. Humiliating as these terms were after such lofty threats and preparations, De la Barre had no choice but to comply, and return to Quebec.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 53
Here he found that a fresh reinforcement had been landed. The letters he received from court intimated the expectation that he was carrying on a triumphant war with the Five Nations, and conveyed from the King an absurd and cruel request that he would send a number of Iroquois to man the galleys.
When the real issue of the campaign was reported at court, great dissatisfaction was felt. The Governor was immediately pro nounced unfit for his situation, and was superseded by the Mar quis de Denonville.
This active and brave officer, immediately on his arrival, pro ceeded to Cataraqui, now Kingston, with about two thousand troops. After a very short time he declared his conviction that the Iroquois could never be conciliated, and that it was necessary either to extirpate them or reduce them to a state of entire dependence. He proposed to erect a strong fort at Niagara, to prevent them from introducing the English fur trade into the Upper Lakes.
An instance of treachery stains the character of Deiionville. Having, under various pretences, assembled a number of chiefs at Fort Frontenac (Kingston), he iniquitously put them in irons, and sent them off to France, to fulfill the king's absurd wishes. He then proceeded towards the Seneca ^country, where he met with but little opposition, and marched for ten days, burning and destroy ing all grain and provisions not required by his troops. Although the Governor of New York remonstrated with him, urging that the Iroquois were the subjects of England, yet he persevered, and carried into execution his plan of erecting and garrisoning a fort at Niagara. He then found it necessary to return to the Canadian side of Lake Ontario.
Scarcely had he reached home before the Iroquois showed that they were masters of the country. They attacked Fort Niagara, and razed it to the ground. They covered the lake with their canoes, attacked Fort Frontenac, burned all the corn-stacks in the neighborhood, and captured a French bark laken with provisions and stores. The Indian allies of the French attacked the Iroquois of Sorel, and committed many depredations on the English settle ments, plundering the property and scalping the inhabitants.
54 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
At length both parties desired peace, and a treaty was set on foot for this purpose. Deputies from the Iroquois proceeded to Montreal, leaving at two days' distance behind them twelve hun dred of their countrymen, fit for immediate action. Proud of their commanding situation, they demanded the restoration of the chiefs, unjustly seized, and of all other captives. They allowed the Governor only four days to consider the offer, threatening, if not accepted, immediately to set fire to the buildings and corn fields, and to murder the inhabitants. The deepest consternation prevailed at Montreal, and Denonville found himself under the necessity of accepting these humiliating conditions, and of request ing back from France the chiefs he so basely sent thither. This deep and deserved mortification was a just recompense for his treachery to the Indians.
The state of affairs in Canada became desperate. The peace with the Iroquois was soon ended in another war. The Fort of Niagara had been destroyed. Fort Frontenac was blown up and abandoned by the French, and two ships that were built for the purpose of navigating Lake Ontario, were burned to prevent them from falling into the hands of the Iroquois. War, famine and dis ease seemed as if combined for the utter destruction of the colony.
In this extremity it was judged necessary to place at the head of affairs an officer possessing energy of character and address in dealing with the natives. These qualities were found united in the Count de Frontenac, who, during his former administration, had made himself both belo\^d and feared by the Indians.
The Count, in 1689, brought out with him the captive chiefs whom Denonville had so unjustly seized. So fascinating were his manners that he completely gained their favor, Oureonhare, the principal one, remaining ever most strongly attached to him. All the chiefs, indeed, had so great a regard for him that he enter tained hopes of conciliating the Iroquois without much difficulty. With this view he sent a deputy of that nation, with four of his captive countrymen, to announce his return and his wish to resume amicable relations. Oureonhare transmitted a message, requesting them to send an embassy to their " Ancient Father," from whom they would experience much tenderness and esteem.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 55
The Iroquois council sent back the same deputies with six belts, intimating their resolution, which was expressed in lofty and bitter terms. Choosing to consider "Ouinthio" one and the same, though they knew that Frontenac was not the offending person, they complained " that his rods of correction had been too sharp and cutting ; that the roots of the tree of peace, which he had planted at Fort Froutenac, had been withered by blood, and the ground had been polluted." They demanded atonement for these injuries, and that Oureonhare and his captive companions should be sent back previous to the liberation of the French prisoners. " Oninthio would then be free," they said, " to plant again the tree of liberty, but not in the same place."
Two circumstances emboldened the Iroquois to take so high a tone at this period. The first was that, in consequence of the revolution in England, the cause of James II was warmly embraced by the French, and the two kingdoms were at open war. On this account the Indians could depend upon the cordial coop eration of the English. The second was that they were engaged in a treaty with the Ottawas for a better market for their furs.
Frontenac, finding his attempts at negotiation fruitless, resolved to act with such vigor as to humble the Iroquois. He therefore collected his allies, and divided them amongst his regular troops, and several English settlements were surprised and pillaged. Schenectady, the frontier town of New York, was attacked by a party of one hundred French and^a number of Indians. The fort and every house were pillaged and burned, and all the horrors of Indian warfare let loose upon the inhabitants. The English accounts say that sixty-three men, women and children were mas sacred in cold blood.
His next care was to send detachments to convey to Montreal the furs which had been stored at Michilimackinac. This they effected, and a large party, who attempted to attack them, was completely defeated. Notwithstanding these successes, the Iro quois maintained the same hostility and haughtiness. The old allies of the French, seeing them resume their former energy, determined to prefer them to the English. The Ottawas owned that they had made some progress in a negotiation with the
56 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
English, but that, as soon as they had heard of the return of their "Ancient Father," they had broken it off. The Hurons denied " having entered into any treaty which could detach them from their beloved Oninthio."
The attention of Frontenac was called in the autumn of this year from the Indians to the English, who had determined to strike a blow which, they hoped, would deprive the French of all their possessions in America. This was a plan of attack on Can ada, which was carried out by the English colonists at an expense of £15,000. It was twofold : first, by land and inland naviga tion on the southern frontier, and, second, by a fleet sent from Boston to attack Quebec.
The squadron, under the command of Sir William Phipps, appeared as far up the river as Tadoussac before the alarm reached Quebec. Frontenac immediately hastened to strengthen the defenses of the place, which consisted of rude embankments of timber and earth, and to put it into as good condition as it was possible for him to do in so short a time.
On the 16th of October the squadron, consisting of thirty-four vessels of different descriptions, advanced as far as Beauport. Sir William Phipps immediately sent a flag of truce on shore to summon the town, to surrender. This was gallantly rejected by Frontenac. This officer, who was a man of great pride, lived in the castle of St. Louis, amidst all the splendor with which he could possibly surround himself. Being resolved to astonish the Eng lish officer who was sent on shore with the flag of truce, he caused him to be met by a French major, who placed a bandage over his eyes, and conducted him by a very circuitous route to the castle. Every delusion was practiced to make him believe that he was in the midst of a numerous garrison. On arriving at the castle the bandage was removed, and he found himself in the presence of the Governor-General, the Intendant, the Bishop, and a large staff of French officers in full uniform, who were clustered together in the middle of the hall. With the greatest self-posses sion, the young officer presented to Frontenac a summons to sur render, in the name of William and Mary, King and Queen of England. Frontenac gave a most spirited answer, refusing to
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 5?
acknowledge any King of England but James II. The English man wished to have his answer in writing. Fronteuac peremp torily refused, saying, " I am going to answer your master by the cannon's mouth. He shall be taught this is not the manner in which a person of my rank ought to be summoned." The ban dage being replaced, the officer was conducted with the same mys teries to his boat, and was no sooner on board the Admiral's vessel than the batteries began to play upon the fleet.
On the 18th fifteen . hundred English troops landed near the River St. Charles, but not without sustaining great loss from the constant fire kept up by the French from amongst the rocks and bushes. Four of the largest vessels were anchored opposite the town, and commenced a bombardment, but the fire from the bat teries was directed with such effect as to compel them to move up the river beyond Cape Diamond. A sharp skirmish took place on the 19th, and on the 20th an action was fought, in which the French made a gallant stand and compelled the English to retreat to Beauport, leaving their cannon and ammunition. Two days after they reembarked and returned to Boston.
Owing to the bad management of Sir William Phipps, this expedition was attended with great loss of life, seven or eight of his vessels being wrecked in the St. Lawrence. The expedition against Montreal did not take place at the appointed time, owing to a want of concert between the parties, and Frontenac was thus enabled to concentrate all his strength and oppose the plans of the English with vigilance and success.
CHAPTER IV.
HISTORY OF NEW FRANCE FROM THE ADMINISTRATION OF FRONTENAC TO ITS OVERTHROW BY THE ENGLISH AT QUEBEC, IN 1759 — THE BATTLE OF QUEBEC — THE FALL OF WOLFE AND MONTCALM — CANADA CEDED TO THE ENGLISH.
DURING the year 1691 the Iroquois, with the English and native allies, advanced along the Kiver Sorel or Richelieu to attack Montreal. De Caillieres, a very able officer, then held the command of that city. He had assembled nearly eight hundred Indians in addition to his own countrymen, and the assailants, after a very sharp contest, were obliged to retreat. They burned thirty houses and barns, and carried off several prisoners, whom they put to the most cruel torture.
At length, however, De Fronteuac, by the unremitting vigor of his measures, secured the defense of the colony so far that in 1692 the inhabitants were enabled to cultivate their lands, and the fur trade was renewed and carried on with considerable advantage.
In the beginning of 1694, the Iroquois made overtures of peace. Two Onoudagos arrived at Montreal, and asked the Governor if certain deputies, who were on their way, would be received. Though they Avere answered in the affirmative, several months elapsed before they appeared. They were well received, and brought several belts with them, one of which expressed the most friendly disposition, and solicited the restoration of the fort at Cataraqui.
On their return home, Oureonhare accompanied them. When he came back, he brought with him several persons of distinction, who had been long held in captivity by the Indians. Though the first belts brought by the deputies were friendly, the others were obscure, and all attempts to obtain an explanation were fruitless. All that was contemplated merely seemed to be " to suspend the hatchet." The Count rejected all the belts except one, declaring
filSTORY OF MlCHiGAtf. 59
that, unless more friendly sentiments were entertained, he could not long suspend the threatened blow.
Unwilling to come to an open rupture with a people who could muster three thousand warriors, he endeavored to gain time. In the meanwhile, he reestablished the fort at Cataraqui, and strengthened the outposts, intending in the summer to commence more active measures.
At length, in June, 1696, all the forces that could be mustered at Cataraqui marched into the canton of Onondago. On reaching a lake, they found suspended from a tree two bundles of rushes, which intimated that fourteen hundred and thirty-four warriors were waiting to engage them. They sailed across the lake immedi ately, and formed themselves in regular order of battle, expecting to engage their enemies. De Caillieres commanded the left wing, the Chevalier de Vaudreuil the right, and De Frontenac, then seventy-six years of age, was carried in the centre in an elbow- chair. The Five Nations, however, did not appear, and their principal fortress was found reduced to ashes. It soon, indeed, became evident that the Indians had determined to let them march through their country unmolested.
The Oneidas sent deputies to Frontenac, but he would accept nothing short of unconditional surrender. De Vaudreuil marched into their country and laid it waste. It had been determined to treat the Cayugas in the same manner, but the Count returned rather suddenly to Montreal, for which the French writers severely censure him. He might, it is thought, have completely humbled the Iroquois at this time. He could not, however, be prevailed upon to destroy the canton of the Goyoquins (or Cayugas), of which his friend Oureonhare was chief.
The shameful manner in which the Indian allies of the French were treated with regard to their chief source of wealth, the fur trade, gave continual cause of complaint and discontent. This traffic was carried on by an adventurous but desperate race, called "coureurs des bois" It was a strict monopoly, the merchants fitting out the coureurs with canoes and merchandise, and reaping profits so ample that furs to the value of 8,000 crowns were pro cured by the French for 1,000 crowns.
60 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
As soon as the Indians found out the true value of their com modities, they made loud and incessant complaints. In order to conciliate them, it was proposed that they should bring their own furs and dispose of them at Montreal. The Governor, however, and the other members of the administration, objected that this would bring the Indian allies from the retirement of their forests into the immediate neighborhood of the Five Nations and of the British ; and they dreaded that, while the profits of the fur trade would be lost, a general confederation of the tribes might be eifected.
In the meantime, the Iroquois continued the war with vigor, though both they and the English began to wish for peace. Negotiations were, however, entered into with them through Oureonbare", in whom Frontenac placed great and deserved confi dence, but his sudden death at Quebec retarded them. Their success was, however, secured by the treaty of peace signed at Ryswick, September 15, 1697, and the English and French Gov ernors mutually entered into arrangements for maintaining harmony among the Indians. The anxious desire manifested by both nations to secure the friendship of the Iroquois flattered that bold and deceitful people, and gave them an exalted opinion of themselves. The object of both the French and English should have been to diminish their power, but this rather tended to increase their consequence and conceit.
Soon after the conclusion of peace, Louis Count de Frontenac died, in the seventy-eighth year of his age, upwards of twenty of which he had spent in Canada. His great personal abilities pre served this colony to France, and always secured to him the
GOVERNOR J. J. BAGLEY. .
JOHN J. BAGLEY, the present Governor of the State of Michigan, was born July 24th, 1832, in Orleans County, New York. His father settled in St. Joseph County, in this State, 1840, where Mr. Bagley received a common school education. In 1846 he removed to Shiawassee County, and in 1847 to Detroit. He served his time at the tobacco trade with Isaac 8. Miller. In 1853 he engaged in business for himself, and is still conducting it.
Mr. Bagley has held various positions of public trust in the city gov-
GOVERNOR JOHN J. BAGLEY.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. bd
confidence of the King, the respect of his officers and the esteem of the Indians. He was buried in the Recollect church at Quebec, which formerly stood near the site of the present English cathedral. The only memorial of him now to be found in the city is in the street called from his family name Buade street.
Frontenac was succeeded by De Callieres, who had been for some time Governor of Montreal. He administered the affairs of the colony with more steadiness and prudence, and with equal vigor and address, and in 1700 effected a general pacification among the Indian tribes. Upon the exchange of prisoners which took place at this period, a most surprising and mortifying fact transpired. The natives early sought their homes ; the greater part of the French captives, however, were found to have con tracted such an attachment to the wild freedom of the woods, that neither the commands of the King nor the entreaties of their friends could induce them to quit their Indian associates.
Peace had scarcely been concluded between the savage tribes, when it was broken by their civilized neighbors. The succession of Philip of Anjou to the throne of Spain gave rise to a long and eventful war between France and Spain. It was begun by Louis XIV with every prospect of giving law to all Europe. Instead of this, the exploits of the great Marlborough and Prince Eugene, and the fields of Blenheim and Ramilies, reduced him to the lowest condition, and at one time seemed to place his throne in peril. The French colonists were thus left to their own resources, while England conceived the bold design of uniting within her territory the whole of North America.
The lamented death of De Callieres, its able Governor, placed Canada in a critical state, and endangered the French power in the colony.
eminent of Detroit, and in 1873 was Park Commissioner, Vice-President of the American National Bank, President of the Detroit Safe Company, Director of the Wayne County Savings Bank, Novelty Works, Detroit Fire and Marine Insurance Company, and Michigan Mutual Life Insur ance Company.
In the summer of 1872 Mr. Bagley was nominated by the Kepublican State Convention for Governor, and was elected by a large majority.
64 C4ENEEAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
The Count de Vaudreuil, who succeeded, proved himself worthy of his high office, and for several years managed to prevent the colonists from being molested, and to cherish the trade and culti vation of the country. In 1708 he carried warlike operations into the British frontier settlements, having previously negotiated for the neutrality of the Iroquois, who were flattered by being treated as an independent power. Little success, however, attended these operations, and he was soon compelled again to resume a defensive position.
The persecutions of the Protestants in France caused at this time a religious animosity to be added to the hatred entertained towards the French. This unfortunately encouraged a spirit of discord amongst the colonists themselves. A people like the New Englanders, who had themselves but just escaped from persecu tion, could not look with indifference upon their persecuted French Protestant brethren. Some of the persons in power amongst them, however, did not sympathize in this sentiment, and estrange ment from each other and opposition to authority increased daily.
During all the changes which took place in the colonies, it is surprising how the Iroquois contrived to preserve their neutrality, as they had it in their power to gain information on both sides. The court that was paid to them by both powers probably fostered in them habits of dissimulation. When the English called the Five Nations to assist them against the French, they showed the great est unwillingness. They alleged that "when they concluded a treaty they intended to keep it, but that the Europeans seemed to enter into such engagements solely for the purpose of breaking them ;" and one old chief, with the rude freedom of his country, intimated that " the nations were both drunk."
In 1709 a person of the name of Vetch laid before the court of Queen Anne a plan for the conquest of Canada, and was supplied with authority and resources, supposed to be sufficient for its accomplishment. The English forces which had been destined for the St. Lawrence were, however, required in Portugal, and thus the Marquis de Vaudreuil had time to make better prepara tions for defense.
The British in the meantime had occupied Lakes George and
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
65
Champlain, and erected forts. But the Iroquois treacherously deceived them, and attempted to poison the water they drank. They immediately abandoned the enterprise and returned to New York, after burning their canoes and reducing their forts to ashes.
GOVERNOR H. P. BALDWIN.
AMONG the numerous citizens of Michigan, who, from very small beginnings, by honest perseverance have accumulated wealth and local fame, ex-Governor Baldwin stands very prominent. He was born in Coventry, R I., February, 1814, and was left an orphan boy at the ten der age of eleven years, his parents having died previous to 1825. At the age of twelve he secured a position in a mercantile house near his native town, in which situation he remained eight years. In those days salaries were small, consequently, Mr. Baldwin was unable to lay by very much; but to say that he had not, during those eight years, accumulated a capi- 5
66 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
Canada now enjoyed a short interval of repose, though it was understood that the English were making active preparations for a fresh expedition, and were sparing no pains to secure the cooper ation of the Five Nations. At this time the French were engaged in a desperate struggle with an Indian nation called the Outagamis or Foxes. These people, who dwelt in the upper terri tory, were at last reduced to the necessity of humbly soliciting terms of peace, but the French were persuaded by their savage auxiliaries to push matters to the last extremity, and this unfor tunate tribe was nearly exterminated.
A combined land and sea expedition against Canada took place in 1711. This expedition was shamefully managed, and the Brit ish fleet, owing to tempestuous weather and ignorance of the coast, met with so many disasters that it was obliged to return to Boston. They lost, at the Seven Islands near the mouth of the St. Lawrence, in one day, eight vessels and eight hundred and eighty-four officers, soldiers and seamen.
tal that is more precious than gold, would be contradictory with the fol lowing circumstances. At the age of twenty he left this situation, and, entirely without capital of his own, began business for himself. Thus will be seen Mr. Baldwin had already established himself in the confi dence and esteem of the people of his own native State.
In 1838 Mr. Baldwin's keen penetration had foreseen the near future of lake commerce, as guaranteed by the rapid development of the North west, and he hastened to the scene of pioneer life. Having removed to Detroit, he immediately resumed mercantile pursuits. Success followed the effort, and has continuously attended all his business operations, which have increased to considerable magnitude. He has taken an active interest in many of the leading enterprises of Michigan, most of which have vigorously advanced the growth, prosperity and honor of the State. Prominent among these is the Second National Bank of Detroit. This institution commenced business in 1863 with a capital of $500,000, which was increased in 1865 to 81,000,000, and has been one of the most suc cessful enterprises of the West, having already accumulated a surplus fund of $600,000. Mr. Baldwin was its first president, and has continued to hold that responsible position during its whole career to the present time.
In relation to his political life, he has rather declined than sought after office or emolument. He was a staunch Whig when that party existed,
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 67
The restoration of peace between France and England, by the treaty of Utrecht, took place in 1713, by which France retained Canada, but ceded Acadia and Newfoundland, and made over to Great Britain all her claims to the sovereignty of the Five Nations. This once more left the colony an interval of rest, which lasted ten years, during which her trade and resources were greatly increased. The Marquis de Vaudreuil availed himself of the peace to strengthen the fortifications of Quebec and Montreal ; the training of the military, amounting to 5,000 in a population of 25,000, was carefully attended to, and barracks were con structed. An assessment was levied on the inhabitants, for the support of the troops and the erection of fortifications. During the remainder of M. de Vaudreuil's administration, which was terminated by his death in 1726, the province prospered under his vigilant, firm and just government.
The death of the Marquis de Vaudreuil in 1726, was deserv edly lamented by the Canadians. He was succeeded, in 1726, by
and became as firm a Republican at the organization of that party. He was twice nominated by his party to the mayoralty of Detroit, and in 1860 was elected to the State Senate. His career in the Senate was marked with considerable ability. He was chosen Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Senate, of the Joint Finance Committee of the two Houses, and of the Joint Committee for investigating into the condi tion of the State Treasury and the defalcation of John McKinney. It will be remembered that when the Legislature met in 1861 the State Treasury was without funds, the Treasurer being charged as a defaulter, and the State finances being in a most embarrassed condition. Senator Baldwin made a most thorough examination of the department, and embodied in his report to the Legislature a complete statement setting forth the irregularities by which the difficulty had been incurred, and suggesting plans whereby the State finances could be advantageously regulated and sustained in good condition. The report and measures recommended by Mr. Baldwin were adopted, and have been the basis of the successful management of the State finances up to the present time. In 1804 Senator Baldwin's name was brought forward spontaneously by the people for the distinguished office of Governor of Michigan. * At the State Convention of that year his nomination was defeated by a single vote. Had he even signified a desire to reach the gubernatorial chair, it is generally believed that he would have been unanimously chosen by the
68 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
the Marquis de Beauharnois. His ambitious administration excited greatly the alarm of the English colonists of New York and New England.
Beauharnois continued in power twenty years, and diligently employed himself in promoting the interests of the colony. He planned an enterprise to cross America to the South Sea, which did .not succeed. He erected also the important fort at Crown Point, on Lake Champlain, with several other forts at different places, for the purpose of keeping the English within the Alle- ghany Mountains, and preventing their approach to the lakes, the St. Lawrence, the Mississippi, and their tributary streams.
The war between Great Britain and France led to the reduction of Cape Breton in 1745, by a British naval and military force, assisted by the provincial troops of the New England colonies. The successful battle of Fontenoy, in Europe, however, roused the martial spirit of the Canadians to attempt the re-conquest of Nova Scotia, in 1746 and 1747, in which they failed, and the
Convention, but, having not even sanctioned the voice of the people, his nomination was carelessly though scarcely defeated.
In 1866 he was earnestly pressed to allow his name to be placed before the Republican Convention for the same honorable office, but, as it had been customary to renominate the Governor for a second term, he declined absolutely. Notwithstanding this, he received more than sixty votes at that time.
In 1868 he received the nomination of his party for the high office of Governor, and was elected by the largest majority which, at that time, had ever been given for a Governor of Michigan. In 1870 he was nomi nated by acclamation, and reelected. In 1872 he was again strongly pressed to accept the nomination, but positively refused* and, in a letter addressed to the Republican Convention of that year, requested that no votes should be cast for him.
Thus I have given, in a very concise manner, the most prominent fea tures of Governor Baldwin's life. In point of perseverance, purity or accomplishment, its estimation is enhanced by comparison. No stain mars the pages of his short history of success. Pie came forth from the obscurity of a humble orphan boy, and, through his own honest persever ance, unaided by naught save that which integrity, energy and affability merits, accumulated much wealth, and won a public name unblemished by coarse associations.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
treaty of Aix la Chapelle, in 1748, suspended further hostilities. Commissioners were then appointed to settle a boundary line between the British and French territories in North America. The Canadian government immediately proceeded to survey the
HON. FREDERICK L. WELLS,
FREDERICK L. WELLS, the present Senator in the State Legislature for the Twenty-second Senatorial District, was born in the town of Stanford, Duchess county, New York, on the 24th of March, 1833, and emigrated to Michigan in October, 1838, taking up his residence in the city of Port Huron, where he now resides. This trip, at that early time of railroads, consumed nearly a week, Mr. Wells traveling on the New York Central from Albany to Fonda, which at that time comprised the whole length of that road. From the latter place to Buffalo the passage was made on
70 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
projected line of demarcation, with a great display of military pomp, calculated to impress on the minds of the Indians the idea that France would assert her rights to the limits marked. Leaden plates, bearing the arms of France, were sunk at such distances upon this line as the Canadian Governor, in his liberality, pleased to assign to England, and the whole ceremony was conducted with much formality. Such an imprudent step seriously alarmed the Indians, and terminated in their active cooperation with the English, for the utter expulsion of the French from North America.
About this time a royal edict directed that no country houses should be built but on farms of one acre and a half in front and forty back. This law had the effect of confining the population along the banks of the river, and the Avhole shore, from Quebec to Montreal, was soon settled with cultivated farms. A favorable change took place, too, in the fur trade, and a more liberal and equitable system appears to have been adopted. A large annual fair was opened at Montreal, under judicious regulations, and became the general centre of the trade.
The Count de Galissoniere, a nobleman of great acquirements, succeeded M. de Beauharnois in 1747. He was superseded by the Sieur de la Jonquiere in 1749, who was superseded temporarily by the Baron de Longueuil, until the arrival of the Marquis du Quesne as Governor-General in 1752.
a canal boat, and at Buffalo he embarked on the steamboat "James Madison" for Port Huron, which boat was then considered first-class. Upon his arrival at Port Huron, he found that the Indians were more numerous than the whites ; and in his younger day he has often seen the former participating in the "savage war dance" in the center of the city, where now lie Huron avenue and Military street. He soon formed an admiration for the beautiful forest scenes surrounding his new home, and from early boyhood took a great interest in the welfare of his town. By his rigid honesty, indomitable energy, and rare business qualifications, he soon rose to the front rank among his townsmen.
Although Mr. Wells has never sought political honors, still his towns men have see'n fit to acknowledge their appreciation of his abilities by electing him to a large number of important official positions. In 1855 he was elected to the office of Village Recorder, and again, in 1857, he
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 71
Du Quesne appears, more openly than any other governor, to have carried on the system of encroaching on the British Colonies. So far did he proceed that the fort at Pittsburg, bearing his name, was erected within the confines of Virginia.
The British immediately erected another in the immediate vicinity, which they quaintly termed Necessity. To this a garrison was dispatched, from Virginia, under the command of George Washington, whose name afterward became so illustrious, and who then held a lieutenant-colonel's commission in the British army. Washington, on his march to assume the command of Fort Necessity, was met by a party from Fort Du Quesne, under M. de Jumonville, who peremptorily forbade the English to pro ceed further. The mandate was answered by a burst of indigna tion and a volley of musketry, which killed Jumonville and sev eral of his men. The French at Fort du Quesne, however, quickly commenced offensive hostilities, invested Necessity, and obliged Washington to capitulate.
A great alarm was now spread through the English settlements, and a plan of common defense was brought forward, in a conven tion held at Albany in July, 1754. At this meeting Benjamin Franklin proposed a general union of the colonies, to resist the French. Though not then acted upon, this document was the basis of the federal union subsequently formed for the overthrow of the British dominion in the United States.
was chosen for the same position. In 1859 he was elected City Clerk, and was reelected to the same office the two following years. He was Chief Engineer of the Fire Department during the year 1862, and in 1863 was chosen Mayor of the city. He has also held the office of Alder man for three terms of two years each, which makes him a city officer of thirteen years' standing. After a spirited contest, in 1870, Mr. Wells was elected to represent the Second District of St. Clair county in the State Legislature. He filled this position so well that the people of St. Clair county elected him to represent them as Senator in the Legislature of 1872-3. He was a member of the standing committees of the Senate — lumber interests, asylum for deaf, dumb and blind, and State capitol and public buildings, being chairman of the first mentioned — where he zeal ously looked after the interests of the State, performing a large amount of arduous labor.
72 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
England was at this time preparing for an open war with France, which the ambition of Frederick of Prussia, and the state of Europe, soon rendered general. A strong fleet with troops, was despatched from France to reinforce Quebec ; an English fleet pursued it, but succeeded in capturing only two frigates, with the engineers and troops on board, on the banks of Newfound land.
The Marquis de Quesne having resigned, was succeeded by the Sieur de Vaudreuil, the last French governor in Canada, in 1755. This administration was auspiciously opened by the defeat of the brave but rash General Braddock, in one of the defiles of the Alleghany Mountains. Braddock, unaccustomed to Indian war fare, neglected every precaution of scouts and outposts, and refused to make proper preparations for the meeting of the French and their Indian allies. When the British entered a gorge where retreat was impossible, they poured upon them, from their ambus cades, a deadly fire, under which numbers of the unfortunate sol diers fell. Braddock himself was killed, and the remainder of the army was saved only by the intrepidity of Colonel George Washington, who now, for the first time, distinguished himself, and won back the laurels he had lost at Fort Necessity.
These troops having afterward joined the provincial force under Generals Johnson, Lyman and Shirly, repulsed an attack made by the French under Baron Dieskau. After a battle of four hours' duration the French retreated to Crown Point, with a loss
Mr. Wells has also taken a great interest in Free Masonry, having received all the degrees to the " S. P. R. S.," thirty-second degree of the A. & A. Scottish rite. He has held many important offices in the lodge of which he is a member. He has been Worshipful Master of the Port Huron Lodge, No. 58, for five years ; High Priest of Huron Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, for two years, and has held for the past year, and still holds, the office of Eminent Commander of the Port Huron Com- mandery of Knights Templar.
For the past nineteen years, and at present, he is extensively engaged in the manufacturing of lumber. He is also a partner in the banking house of John Johnston & Co., Port Huron.
In all the positions Mr. Wells has held he has performed his duties faithfully, and exhibited a large amount of business tact.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
73
of one ^thousand men and the capture ^of their leader, who was severely wounded.
This success restored the drooping spirits of the British army, and these battles helped to train the colonists for those contests
HON. ELIHU L. CLARK.
ELIHU L. CLARK, President of the Lenawee County Savings Bank, was born in Wayne County, New York, on the 18th of July, 1811. Both of his grandfathers served in the Revolutionary War, the one on his father's side being one of Washington's Rangers, and the one on his mother's side being in active service at the battles of Monmouth, Princeton and a num ber of others.
Mr. Clark remained on the farm where he was born until he was nine teen years of age, when he went to the village of Palmyra, in the same county, and served as clerk in a dry goods store for one year. After-
74 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
which they were to wage with those very men by whose side they now fought hand to hand against the French. Little did Wash ington then contemplate the destiny that awaited him.
France, now fully aware of the importance of Canada, sent out a chosen body of troops, under the command of the gallant and experienced Marquis de Montcalm. He obtained a series of suc cesses, terminating by the reduction of the important British forts at Oswego, and Fort Edward, near Lake George. This victory was stained by the barbarous murder of near two thousand Eng lish prisoners, by the Indian allies of the French. This monstrous deed completely roused the indignation of the English, and led to those mighty preparations which finally destroyed the power of France in America.
As some compensation for these losses, the fortified and garri soned town of Louisburg, in the island of Cape Breton, was taken in the most gallant manner by the English army under General Amherst and Brigadier-General Wolfe, the future conqueror of Canada. In 1758 Fort Frontenac, near Kingston, and Fort Du Quesne, near the Ohio river, were captured by the colonists.
The campaign of 1759 was opened with a plan of combined operations by sea and land. Canada was to be invaded at three different points by Generals of high talent. The commander-in- chief, General Amherst, undertook the reduction of the forts at Crown Point and Ticonderoga. He was to cross Lake Champlain, and, proceeding along the Richelieu, was to reach the St. Law rence and join the other 'army before Quebec. The force destined to proceed by sea to Quebec was under the command of the heroic General Wolfe. General Prideaux, with another army and a
wards he was the owner of a mercantile establishment in the same town for two years. In September, 1834, he married Miss Isabella T. Bean, and in June of the following year he emigrated to Michigan, and at once engaged in the mercantile business, in which he remained until 1848. In the autumn of that year he was elected a Representative in the Legisla ture of Michigan from Lenawee County, being the only Whig in the Legislature from that county of five Representative districts. From that time until 1870 he has been engaged in a private banking and bro kerage business, accumulating considerable wealth. In 1870, upon the
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 75
large body of friendly Indians, under Sir William Johnson, was appointed to reduce the fort at Niagara.
Wolfe's army, amounting to about eight thousand men, was conveyed to the vicinity of Quebec by a fleet of vessels of war and transports, and landed in two divisions on the island of Orleans, on the 27th of June. The Marquis de Montcalm made vigorous preparations for defending Quebec. His armed force consisted of about thirteen thousand men, of whom six battalions were regulars and the remainder well disciplined Canadian militia, with some cavalry and Indians. He ranged these forces from the river St. Charles to the Falls of Montmorency, with the view of opposing the landing of the British.
Wolfe first attempted the entrenchment of Montmorency, land ing his troops under cover of the fire from the ships of war, but was gallantly repulsed by the French. In consequence of this repulse he sent dispatches to England, stating that he had doubts of being able to reduce Quebec during that campaign. His pros pects, indeed, were not encouraging. The great stronghold kept up an incessant fire from its almost inaccessible position, bristling with guns, defended by a superior force, and inhabited by a hostile population. Above the city steep banks rendered landing almost impossible ; below the country for eight miles was embarrassed by two rivers, many redoubts and watchful Indians. A part of the fleet lay above the town, and the remainder in the north channel, between the island of Orleans and Montmorency.
Soon after this repulse, however, Wolfe roused his brave and vigorous spirit, called a council of war, and proposed, it is gener ally said at the instigation of his second in command, General
organization of the Lenawee County Savings Bank, he was chosen President of that corporation, which office he still holds, performing the duties to the entire satisfaction of the stockholders and depositors in the bank.
During the late civil war, Mr. Clark was an active supporter of the Union cause, and did much for the Michigan soldiers. One of his sons sacrificed his life in defense of the nation. Mr. Clark is well known throughout Lenawee and the adjoining counties, and is held in very high esteem.
76 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
Townsend, to gain the Heights of Abraham behind and above the city, commanding the weakest part of the fortress. The council acceded to this daring proposal, and their heroic commander com menced his preparations, in the meanwhile making such active demonstrations against Montcalm's position that the French still believed it to be his main object.
On the llth of September the greater part of the troops landed and marched up the south shore opposite Quebec, forded the river Etchemin, and embarked on board the men-of-war and transports which lay above the town. On the 12th the ships of war sailed nine miles up the river to Cap Rouge. This feint deceived Mont- calm, and he detached DeBougainville, who with his army of reserve proceeded still farther up the river, to prevent the English from landing. During the night the English troops dropped silently down the river with the current in boats, and at four o'clock in the morning began to land.
It is surprising how the troops contrived to laud, as the French had posted sentries along the shore to challenge boats and give the alarm. The first boat was questioned, when Captain Donald McDonald, one of Frazer's Highlanders, who was perfectly well acquainted with the French language and customs, answered to " Qui vive?" which is their challenge, the word, "La France." When the sentinel demanded, " A quel regiment/" the captain replied, " De la Reine" which he knew by accident to be one of those commanded by DeBougainville. The soldier took it for granted that it was an expected convoy, and saying " Passe," the boats proceeded without further question. One of the sentries, more wary than the rest, running down to the water's edge, called out, "Pourquoi, est-ce que vous ne parlez pas plus haut?" to which the captain answered, in a soft tone of voice, " Tais-toi, nous serons entendus. Thus cautioned, the sentry retired, and the boats pro ceeded without further altercation, and landed at the spot now celebrated as " Wolfe's Cove."
General Wolfe was one of the first on shore, and, on seeing the difficulty of ascending the precipice, observed familiarly to Captain McDonald, " I do not believe there is any possibility of getting up, but you must do your endeavor." Indeed, the precipice here was
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
77
so steep that there seemed no possibility of scaling it, but the Highlanders, grasping the bushes that grew on its face, ascended the woody precipice with courage and dexterity. They dislodged a small body of troops that defended a narrow pathway up the
HENRY FISH.
HENRY FISH, one of the present leading citizens of Port Huron, Michi gan, was born five miles above Montreal, Canada, in 1824. His parents were of New England birth, but removed to Canada at an early day. In the year 1836 the family came to Michigan, and settled in Maconib county. In the year 1848 Henry Fish moved to Port Huron, and engaged in merchandising and lumbering. For the past eighteen years he, in connection with his brother, has been engaged in the lumbering business exclusively, the firm of A. & H. Fish being favorably and extensively
78 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
bank ; and, a few more mounting, the General drew up the rest in order as they arrived. With great exertion they reached the sum mit, and in a short time Wolfe had his whole army drawn up in regular order on the plains above.
Montcalm, struck with this unexpected movement, concluded that unless Wolfe could be driven from this position Quebec was lost. Hoping, probably, that only a detachment had as yet reached it, he lost his usual prudence and forbearance, and finding that his opponent had gained so much by hazarding all, he, with an infatuation for which it is difficult to account, resolved to meet the British army.
He crossed the St. Charles on the 13th, sallying forth from a strong fortress without field artillery, without even waiting the return of Bougainville, who with two thousand men formed a corps of observation. Before he could concentrate his forces, he advanced with haste and precipitation, and commenced a most gallant attack when within about two hundred and fifty yards of the English line. The English moved forward regularly, firing steadily until within thirty or forty yards of the French, when they gave a general volley, which did great execution. The English had only a light cannon, which the sa'lors had dragged up the heights with ropes. The sabre, therefore, and the bayonet decided the day. The agile Scotch Highlanders, with their stout claymores, served the purpose of cavalry, and the steady fire of
known. Mr. Fish is one of the most active and influential lay members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Michigan, being elected President of the State Convention of that church, held at Albion, in 1871. The Detroit Annual Conference, in company with Mr. John Owen, of Detroit, elected him as lay delegate to the General Conference of Ma}^ 1872.
He was the candidate of the Prohibition party for Governor of Michi gan in 1870 and a,gain in 1872. The National Prohibition party, yet in its infancy, presented its first national ticket to the people in 1872. It had its inception in a meeting of a few friends of temperance (of whom Mr. Fish was a leading one), held in Detroit, on the 8th of January, 1867. This meeting advised the formation of an independent political party, because, as they stated, legal prohibition of the liquor traffic is such a radical reform as cannot be accomplished through the agency of a politi cal party composed of temperance men and the sellers and drinkers of
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 79
the English fusileers compensated in some degree for the want of artillery.
The heroism of Montcalm was as conspicuous as that of his illustrious opponent ; both headed their men ; both rushed with eagerness where the battle raged most fiercely. Often by their personal prowess and example did they change the fortune of the moment. Both were repeatedly wounded, but still fought on with enthusiasm. And at last both these gallant commanders fell mor tally wounded, whilst advancing to the last deadly charge at the head of their respective columns.
Wolfe was first wounded in the wrist. He immediately wrapped a handkerchief round his arm, and, putting himself at the head of his grenadiers, led them on to the charge. He was then struck with a second ball, but still pressed on, when, just as the enemy were about to give way, he received a third ball in the breast and groin, and sank. When they raised him from the ground he tried, with a faint hand, to clear the death-mist from his eyes. He could not see how the battle went, and was sinking to the earth, when the cry, " They run ! they run ! " arrested his fleeting spirit. "Who run?" asked the dying hero. "The French," replied his supporter ; " they give way everywhere." " What ! " said he, " do they run already? Now God be praised — I die happy; " and, so saying, the youthful victor breathed his last. Such was the death
intoxicating liquors. Both the Republican and Democratic parties are so composed, and are, therefore, organically disqualified to indorse prohibi tion as a party measure, and without such indorsement no political party can be depended upon, when in power, to enact and enforce laws prohib iting the liquor traffic. Hence, they declared that both reason and expe rience proved the necessity of independent political action on the part of the friends of prohibition. As the result of this meeting, a State Conven tion was held at Jackson, January 27th, 1869, and such a party formed. The following year they nominated their first State ticket, headed by Mr. Fish for Governor, and at the election in November he received a vote exceedingly nattering to himself and his party. In 1872 he was again the candidate of the same party for the same office, and with similar results. Mr. Fish is a careful and competent business man, of far more than average culture, and a very affable and agreeable gentleman.
80 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
of Wolfe at the early age of thirty-five, when but few men begin even to appear on the theater of great events.
There is a small monument on the place of his death, with the date and this inscription : " Here Wolfe died victorious." He was too precious to be left even on the field of his glory ; England, jealous of his ashes, had them laid with his father's in Greenwich, the town in which he was born. The news of these events reached Britain but forty-eight hours later than the first discouraging dis patch, and spread universal joy for the great victory, and sorrow for its price. Throughout broad England were illuminations and songs of triumph ; one country village was, however, silent and still — there Wolfe's widowed mother mourned her only son.
The chivalrous Montcalm also died nobly. When his wounds were pronounced mortal, he expressed his thankfulness that he should die before the surrender of Quebec. On being visited by the commander of the garrison, M. de Ramzay, and by the com mandant, De Rousellon, he entreated him to endeavor to secure the retreat of the army beyond Cap Rouge.
Before he died he paid the victorious army this magnanimous compliment : " Since it has been my misfortune to be discomfited and mortally wounded, it is a great satisfaction to me to be van quished by so brave and generous an enemy." Almost his last act was to write a letter recommending the French prisoners to the generosity of their victors. He died at five o'clock on the morn ing of the 14th of September, and was buried in an excavation made by the bursting of a shell, near the Ursuline convent.
The battle had scarcely closed before Bougainville appeared in sight ; but the fate of Canada was decided, the critical moment was gone. He retired to Pointe aux Trembles en bas, where he encamped, and thence he retreated to Three Rivers and Montreal. Had all the French forces been concentrated under Montcalm, it is doubtful if the heroism of the British troops could have secured the victory, so great was the valor displayed. On the 17th a flag of truce came out of the city, and on the 18th a capitulation was effected on terms honorable to the French, who were not made prisoners, but conveyed home to their own country. General Murray then assumed the command.
CHAPTER V.
PROGRESS OP THE FRENCH TOWARD MICHIGAN — THE STRUGGLES AND ADVENTURES OP THE MISSIONARIES — LIFE AND DEATH OP THE GREAT AND GOOD MARQUETTE — PIONEER LIFE.
HAVING followed the history of New' France to the end of the French rule in Canada, we will now return and trace the west ward movements of civilization to the borders of Michigan.
The French settlers who had established themselves upon the banks of the St. Lawrence were never wanting in zeal and enter prise in extending their explorations westward. It was early the avowed object of the government to carry the cross of the Catho lic Church to the remotest bounds of the western territory, and thus to secure the advantages of its great resources. The princi pal directors of the ecclesiastical establishments that were collected at Quebec found it their policy to become informed of the con dition of the domain of the great lakes, and as early as 1634 the Jesuits Breboeuf and Daniel joined a party of Hurons, who were returning from that walled city, and, passing through to the Ottawa River, raised the first hut of the Society of Jesus upon the shore of Lake Iroquois, a bay of Lake Huron, where they daily rang a bell to call the savages to prayer, and performed all those kind offices which wTere calculated to secure the confidence and affection of the tribes on the lake shore. In order to confirm the missions a college was founded in Quebec during the following year, and a hospital was established at the same place for the unfortunate of every class. A plan for the establishment of mis sions, not only among the Algonquins of the north, but also south of Lake Michigan and in Michigan, was formed within six years after the discovery of Canada.
Carder was the pioneer, but Champlain was the founder of the French power upon this continent. For twenty years succeeding 6
82 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
the commencement of the seventeenth century he was zealously employed in planting and rearing upon the banks of the St. Law rence that infant colony which was destined to extend its branches into Michigan, and finally to contest with its great rival the sover eignty of North America.
We shall not here attempt to trace the progress of these remote settlements, nor to mark the alternations of prosperity and adver sity. They are in this work peculiarly interesting to us only as they exhibit the gradual and successive steps by which a knowl edge of the lake country was acquired, and its first settlements founded. As the tide of French power flows toward Michigan, we become more anxious to trace its principles and progress, and to inquire into the motives and means of the hardy adventurers who were every year ascending still further and further the boundless waters before them. It was early discovered that a profitable traffic in furs could be carried on with the Indians, and the excitement of gain prompted those engaged in it to explore every avenue by which the camp and hunting grounds of the Indians could be approached. A better and nobler feeling, too, brought to this work a body of learned and pious men, who left behind them their own world, with all its pleasures and attach ments, and sought in the depths of remote and unknown regions objects for the exercise of their zeal and piety. The whole history of human character furnishes no more illustrious examples of self- devotion than are to be found in the records of the establishments of the Roman Catholic missionaries, whose faith and fervor ena bled them to combat the difficulties around them in life, or to triumph over them in death.
By the operation of these causes a knowledge of the great fea tures of the continent was gradually acquired, and the circle of French power and influence enlarged. As early as 1632, seven years only after the foundations of Quebec were laid, the mission aries had penetrated to Lake Huron by the route of Grand River, and Father Sagard has left an interesting narrative of their toils and sufferings upon its bleak and sterile shores. The Wyandots had been driven into that region from the banks of the St. Law rence, by their inveterate enemies, the Iroquois, whose valor,
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83
enterprise and success constitute the romance of Indian history. The good priests accompanied them in this expatriation, and if they could not prevent their sufferings, they shared them. No portion of those wide domains was secure from the conquering
COL. WM. M. FENTON.
WM. M. FENTON, one of the greatest of Michigan men, was born on the 19th of December, 1808, in Norwich, Chenango county, New York. Here his father, Hon. Joseph S. Fenton, was one of the first citizens in wealth and social position, being a prominent banker, and an elder in the. Presbyterian church, of which he was one of the main pillars of support. His mother, a member of the same church, was distinguished for devoted piety and an earnest zeal in every good work.
William was the eldest of nine children, and in early life, while under the parental roof, was remarkable for his integrity and great love for knowledge, which made him a most indefatigable student, so that when
84 GENERAL HI8TORY OF THE STATES.
Iroquois, and they pursued their discomfited enemies with relent less fury. Little would be gained by an attempt to describe the events of this exterminating warfare. " The details are as afflict ing," says General Cass, " as any recorded in the long annals of human vengeance and human sufferings." Villages were sacked; and by night and by day, in winter and in summer, there was nei ther rest nor safety for the vanquished. The character of the missionaries did not exempt them from a full participation in the misfortunes of their converts, and many of them were murdered at the foot of the altar, with the crucifix in their hands and the name of God upon their lips. Some were burned at the stake, with all those horrible accompaniments of savage ingenuity which add intensity to the pangs of the victims and duration to their sufferings. But nothing could shake the fortitude of these apos tles. They lived the life of saints, and died the death of martyrs. It is now difficult to conceive what, however, is now well authen ticated, that two hundred years ago the great central point of Indian influence and intelligence was upon the southern shore of
but fourteen years of age he passed his examination, and entered Hamil ton College. From this institution he graduated at the head of his class in 1827, at the age of eighteen, when the most of students are only pre pared to enter. From the college halls he went into the banking house of his father. The confinement consequent upon this business was too close for his feeble health, and after a service of but a few months, he entered upon a seafaring life, shipping from Charleston, S. C., as a com mon sailor. Four years later he left this occupation, having acquired that physical culture and discipline, and gained that knowledge of human nature, which proved of great service to him through the remain der of his life. At the time of quitting his marine life he was mate of a merchantman, and was offered the captaincy of a similar craft.
In April, 1834, he married a daughter of Judge James Birdsall, of Norwich, and in July of the same year emigrated to Michigan, at the age of twenty-six. After residing for two years at Pontiac, being engaged in mercantile pursuits, he removed to Genesee county, and purchased the land where the village of Fenton now stands.
In 1839 he commenced the study of law in Fentonville, and in 1841, with Andrew Parsons, afterwards Governor, was admitted* to the bar. Soon after he engaged in politics, and his talents as a lawyer, and his extensive knowledge of men and things, at once made him a leader in
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 85
Lake Superior, and far toward its western extremity. This was the seat of the Chippewa power, and here was burning the eternal fire whose extinction foretold, if it did not occasion a national calamity. " No fact," says General Cass, " is better established in the whole range of Indian history, than the devotion of some, if not all the tribes, to this characteristic feature of the ancient superstition of the Magi. And it proves their separation from the primitive stock at an early day, when this belief was prevalent among the eastern nations. All the ceremonies attending the preservation of this fire yet lived in Indian tradition, and it was still burning when the French first appeared among them. There were male and female guardians, to whose care it was committed ; and when we recollect the solemn, and ritual, and dreadful impre cations with which the same pledge of Roman safety was guarded and preserved, it ought not to surprise us that such importance was attached by the Indians, whose duration was to be coeval with their national existence. The augury has proved but too true. The fire is extinct, and the power has departed from them. We have trampled on the one and overthrown the other."
the Democratic party, of which he was a member. In 1844 he was the candidate of his party for representative in the State Legislature, but was defeated. At the next election, however, he was chosen Senator from the district comprising the counties of Oakland, Macomb, Genesee and Livingston. He was twice elected Lieutenant-Governor, serving from 1848 to 1852 inclusive, while Governors Ransom and Barry were in office. He presided with dignity and ability over the Senate, and had the party to which he belonged continued in power, he would undoubtedly have been raised to the office of Governor. He was twice nominated for Cir cuit Judge by his party, and had he been elected he would have secured the same praise which he so unanimously received while performing other responsible public duties.
In 1850 Mr. Fenton removed to Flint, where he resided until his death. He was appointed Register of the Land Office in that city by President Pierce, in 1852, and held the position until the office was removed to Saginaw. During the year 1856 he traveled through Europe with his family, for the purpose of improving his wife's failing health. Return ing, he was elected Mayor of Flint in 1858.
When the first murmurings of the late civil war were indistinctly heard throughout our land, the voice of Mr. Fenton was raised far above
86 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
As the course of the French trade first took the route of the Ottawa River, their establishment upon the upper lakes preceded their settlements on the Detroit River. Soon after the middle of the seventeenth century trading posts were established at Michili- mackinac and the Sault Ste. Marie, at Oreen Bay, at Chicago and at St. Joseph. It was soon known, from the reports of the Indians, that a great river flowed through the country beyond the lakes in a southerly direction.
In August, 1665, Father Claude Allouez founded the first per manent white settlement on Lake Superior, among the kindly and hospitable Indians of the northwest. He soon lighted the torch of Catholicism at the council fires of more than twenty .nations. He came in peace, the messenger of religion and virtue, and he found warm friends. The Chippewas gathered round him to receive instruction ; Pottawatomies, Sacs, Foxes, and even Illinois, an hospitable race, having no weapon but the bow and arrow, diminished in numbers by wars with the Sioux and the Iroquois, came to rehearse their sorrows in the hearing of this devoted mis-
the din of party discord for his country, which he loved so well. He had been and was a Democrat, but he was more than either Democrat or Republican — he was a true patriot, and, dropping all considerations of a party character, he offered his services to his country in a way that at once attested his devotion to the principles of American union, and proved how much dearer his country was to him than his life. His wealth was also freely given to sustain the cause for which he fought, and, when financial difficulties first faced the government, he telegraphed to Governor Blair that the sum of $5,000 of his private means was at the disposal of the State for the equipment of the State troops. Early in the season of 1861 he was appointed a member of the State Military Board, and shortly afterward he received the appointment of major of the Seventh Infantry. On the 7th of August following, being commissioned by Gov ernor Blair, colonel of the Eighth Infantry, he, with that regiment, started for the seat of war in Virginia, on the 27th of September, 1861. This regi ment he was mainly instrumental in recruiting, and he seemed to diffuse his own courage through the entire command. No regiment has a better record, and, while health permitted, his record and that of the Eighth are identical. The rapidity and number of its marches were such as to give it the name of the " wandering regiment." From the time that it started for the seat of war until November 1st, 1861, a little more than
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 87
sionary. His curiosity was roused by their account of the noble river on which they dwelt, and which flowed toward the south. " They had no forests, but instead of them vast prairies, where herds of deer, and buffalo, and other animals, grazed on the tall grasses." They explained, also, the wonders of their peace pipe, and declared it to be their custom to welcome the friendly stranger with shouts of joy. " Their country," said Allouez, " is the best field for the gospel ; had I leisure I would have gone to their dwellings, to see with my own eyes all the good that was told me of them."
In 1668 additional missionaries arrived from France, who, fol lowing in the footsteps of those already mentioned, Dablon and Marquette, founded the mission at St. Mary's Falls, on the shores of Lake Superior. While residing at St. Mary's, Father Mar quette resolved to explore the Mississippi, of whose magnificence he had heard so much. Some Pottawatomie Indians, having heard him express this resolution, attempted to turn him from his purpose. " Those distant nations," said they, " never spare the
thirty clays, it had been engaged in nine battles, occurring in four differ ent States, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and Maryland. From this time until April 16th, 1862, it was engaged most creditably in several battles, and afterwards became specially noted in the spirited engagement at the reconnoissance made on board the steamer " Honduras," by Colonel Fenton, at Wilmington Island, Ga., where, after landing from the boat, it encountered the Thirteenth Georgia, about eight hundred strong, and drove them from the field in confusion. On the 16th of June following an assault was made on the enemy's works at Secessionville, on James's Island, S. C. The direct attack was made by Colonel Fenton, under General Stevens. Colonel Fenton led the brigade, while his own gallant regiment was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Graves. This was one of the most dashing assaults of the war, but made at a distressing sacri fice of life.
Colonel Fenton's health failing, he was compelled to tender his resig nation, which was accepted in March, 1863, after having clone his country incalculable service. His name has passed into the history of his coun try, and his gallantry and patriotism have become a part of the record of which his State may well feel proud. When he could no longer serve in the army, his whole energies and wide influence were given to aid the government in its mighty struggle to remain intact.
88 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
stranger; the great river abounds with monsters which devour both men and canoes."
" I shall gladly," replied Marquette, " lay down my life for the salvation of souls." Such was the noble spirit of this brave and worthy missionary, such his entire devotedness to the sacred prin ciples of that religion of which he was the humble expounder.
Continued and peaceful commerce with the French having con firmed the attachment of the Indian tribes of Canada and the Northwest, a friendly alliance was . now sought with them which was well calculated to extend the power of France on the conti nent. In May, 1671, a grand Indian council was hold at the Falls of St. Mary's. At this council, convoked by the agents of the French government, it was announced to the tribes assembled from the banks of the Mississippi, the head springs of the St. Lawrence and the Red River, that they were placed under the protection of the French king, formal possession being taken of Canada and the Northwest by officers acting under his authority. The Jesuit missionaries were present to consecrate the imposing
In 1864 lie was the Democratic candidate for governor of the State, in opposition to Governor Crapo.
Upon his return from the seat of war, he gave his attention to the prac tice of his profession, in which he ranked very high, and to the details of his personal business, which was quite large. He built the magnificent block in Flint which bears his name, was the founder of the Citizens' National Bank in that city, and the president of it at the time of his death. He was also chief engineer of the Fire Department of that city, and, while in the performance of the arduous duties of that office, he met with the accident which caused his death.
On the evening of May llth, 1871, hearing an alarm of fire, he ran rapidly to the rescue, striking himself against a hitching post with great violence, from which he received the injuries which resulted in his death at eleven o'clock the following evening.
The death of Colonel Fenton was a blow felt throughout the State, but more especially in his own city, where he occupied a position which but few men can ever attain. On the day of his funeral, all places of business in Flint were closed, and his remains were followed to their last resting place by a funeral cortege which constituted the most striking and bril liant spectacle ever witnessed in that city, being conducted under the imposing ceremonies of the Knights Templar.
90 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
ceremonial. A cross of cedar was erected, and by its side rose a column of similar wood, on which was engraved the lilies of the Bourbons. The authority and faith of France being thus pro claimed, " the whole company, bowing before the image of man's redemption, chanted to its glory a hymn of the seventh century."
On the 10th of June, 1673, Father Marquette, who had long entertained the idea of exploring the Mississippi, the great river of the West, accompanied by Joliet, five Frenchmen, and two Algonquin guides, ascended to the head of the Fox River, and, carrying their two bark canoes across the narrow portage which divides the Fox River from the Wisconsin, launched them upon the waters of the latter. The guides now left them, and for seven days they floated down the stream, between alternate prairies and hill sides, beholding neither man nor beast — through the solitudes of a ^Iderness, the stillness of which overawed their spirits. At length, to their inexpressible joy, their frail canoes struck the mighty waters of the Mississippi, rolling through verdant prairies dotted with herds of buffalo, and its banks overhung with primi tive forests.
Having sailed down this noble stream for about sixty leagues, they discovered, toward the close of June, an Indian trail on its western bank. It was like the human footsteps which Robinson Crusoe saw in the sand, and which had not been effaced by the rising of the tides or the rolling of the waters. A little footpath was soon found, and, leaving their companions in the canoes, Mar quette and Joliet determined to brave alone a meeting with the savages. After following the little path for about six miles, they discovered an Indian village. First imploring the protection of Divine Providence, they made known their presence to the Indi ans by uttering a loud cry. " At this cry," says Marquette, " the Indians rushed out of their cabins, and, having probably recog nized us as French, especially seeing a ' black gown,' or at least having no reason to distrust us, seeing we were but two, and had made known our coming, they deputed four old men to come and speak with us. Two carried tobacco pipes, well adorned and trimmed with many kinds of feathers. They marched slowly, lifting their pipes toward the sun, as if offering them to him to
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91
smoke, but yet without uttering a single word. They were a long time coming the little way from the village to us. Having reached us at last, they stopped to consider us attentively. I now took courage, seeing these ceremonies, which are used by them
HON. MARTIN S. BRACKETT.
MARTIN S. BRACKETT, one of the leading men of the Peninsular Rail way of this State, was born at Elbridge, Onondaga County, New York, December 19th, 1810. He is the youngest son of Captain Ezra Brackett, who was one of the first settlers of Elbridge. Mr. Brackett's boyhood days were passed with his father, on whose farm and in whose brickyard he worked during the summers, and attended school during the winters. At the age of fifteen he commenced his studies in the academy at Onon daga Hollow, where he remained three terms. At the expiration of the third term, he returned to his native town, and continued his studies
02 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
only with friends ; I therefore spoke to them first, and asked them who they were. ' We are,' said they, ' Illinois,'- and, in token of peace, they presented us their pipes to smoke. They then invited us to their village, where all the tribe awaited us with impatience. These pipes are called in the country calumets."
Our travelers having arrived at the village, an aged chief bid them welcome to his cabin with uplifted hands, their usual method of receiving strangers. " How beautiful," said the chief, " is the sun, Frenchman, when tliou comest to visit us! Our whole vil lage awaits thee ; thou shalt enter in peace into all our dwellings."
A grand council of the whole tribe was held, which Marquette addressed on the subject of the Christian religion, informing them at the same time that the French king had subjugated their ene mies, the Iroquois, and questioning them respecting the Mississippi and the tribes which inhabited its banks. The missionary having finished, the sachem of the Illinois arose, and spoke thus : " I thank thee, black gown, and thee, Frenchman," addressing M. Joliet, " for taking so much pains to come and visit us. Never has the earth been so beautiful, nor the sun so bright as to-day ; never has our river been so calm, nor so free from rocks, which your canoes have removed as they passed ; never has our tobacco
under the instructions of the Rev. Timothy Stowe, pastor of the Presby terian church of that village, until the latter part of the summer of 1828. At this time Mr. Bracket!, for his brother, took charge of a large number of men and teams going overland to Washington, D. C., and assisted in the construction of nine miles of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, in which there were nine locks. This work occupied some two years, at the end of which he again returned to Elbridge, and resumed his studies with the reverend gentleman heretofore mentioned.
In the spring of 1881 he commenced civil engineering, under the super vision of Judge Wright, in the State of New Jersey, and assisted in the construction of the canal built through New Jersey at that time, and also the partial excavation of the canal for the water works at Trenton. The Trenton Company being enjoined from further proceedings, Mr. Brack - ett went to Philadelphia, and took a contract on the Philadelphia, Ger- mantown and Morristown Railroad. After finishing his contract on this road, he went to New York City and contracted with Robert L. Stevens, Esq. , to furnish the stone blocks for the Camden and Amboy Railroad. Completing this contract, he returned to Onondaga and
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 93
had so fine a flavor, nor our corn appeared so beautiful as we behold it to-day. Here is my son that I give thee, that thou raayest know my heart. I pray thee to take pity on me and all my nation. Thou knowest the Great Spirit who has made us all, thou speakest to him and hearest his word ; ask him to give me life and health, and come and dwell with us that we may know him."
" Saying this," says Marquette, " he placed the little slave near us, and made us a second present, an all-mysterious calumet, which they value more than a slave. By this present he showed us his esteem for our governor, after the account we had given of him. By the third he begged us, in behalf of the whole nation, not to proceed further, on account of the great dangers to which we exposed ourselves. I replied that I did not fear death, and that I esteemed no happiness greater than that of losing my life for the glory of Him who made all."
This council was followed by a festival of Indian meal, fish, and the choicest products of the prairies. The town, consisting of about three hundred cabins, was then visited. Its inhabitants, who had never before seen a Frenchman, gazed at them with astonishment, and made them presents. " While we marched
entered the law office of the Hon. James R. Lawrence, where he studied the legal profession for over two years.
In 1836 the Auburn and Syracuse Railroad was commenced, and Mr. Brackett contracted for and completed the heaviest work on the line. It was also under his supervision that the Erie (.anal was enlarged from Syracuse to Geddes.
In the spring of 1838 Mr. Brackett removed to Michigan, settling in the village of Bellevue, where he still resides. He officiated as Deputy County Clerk at the first term of the Circuit Court held in his county, in in the autumn of 1838, the Hon. Judge Ransom presiding. The same fall he entered the firm of Gibbs & Bradley, attorneys, in Marshall, and, in the following year, was admitted to the practice of his profession in all the courts of the State. During the autumn of this year he was elected to the office of County Clerk, which position he held for three successive terms, performing the duties of the office in a creditable and highly satisfactory manner. Immediately upon the expiration of his third term as County Clerk, the citizens of his county chose him as their Prosecuting Attorney, in which official position he remained three years,
94 GENERAL flISTORY OE THE STATES
through the streets," says Marquette, " an orator was constantly haranguing, to oblige all to see us without being troublesome. We were everywhere presented with belts, garters, and other articles, made of the hair of the bear and wild cattle, dyed red, yellow and gray. These are their rarities, but, not being of con sequence, we did not burden ourselves with them. We slept in the sachem's cabin, and the next day took leave of him, promising to pass back through his town in four moons. He escorted us to our canoes with nearly six hundred persons, who saw us embark, evincing in every possible way the pleasure our visit had given them."
The following is a brief abstract from the account given by Father Marquette of the manners and customs of the Illinois Indians at the period of his visit. Happily, the Jesuits were men of learning and observation, who felt the importance of their position, so that while faithfully discharging the duties of their religious profession, they carefully recorded the progress of events around them :
" To say ' Illinois ' is, in their language, to say ' the men,' as if other Indians compared to them were beasts. They are divided into several villages, some of which are quite distant from each
holding it one year by appointment. In 1842 he received the nomination of the Whig party for State Senator, but, with his party, was defeated at the election. In 1848, finding himself differing* in many essential points from the Whigs, he left that party and joined his fortunes with the Demo crats, from whom he received the nomination for State Senator in 1856, and for Lieutenant-Governor in 1864.
On the 7th of September, 1865, the Peninsular Railway Company was organized in Mr. Brackett's office, in Bellevue, at which time he was elected a director, and secretary and attorney of the company. He has held these offices ever since, with the exception of the office of secretary, which was held by the Hon. Charles W. Clisbie from February, 1868, until March, 1869.
Mr. Brackett also held the office of Grand Worthy Chief of the Inde pendent Order of Good Templars of the State, for three years.
As a man he has at all times contributed much towards the reformation of the evils by which his fellow man was surrounded, and has ever worked for the good of his town and State.
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95
other, and which produces a diversity in their language, which in general has a great affinity for the Algonquin. They are mild and tractable in disposition, have many wives, of whom they are extremely jealous ; they watch them carefully, and cut off their
HON. TIMOTHY JEROME.
TIMOTHY JEROME, of Saginaw City, was born in the vicinity of Tru- mansburg, N. Y., in 1820. His parents settled in Detroit in 1828, and, except from 1831 to 1834, he has resided in the Territory and State of Michigan ever since — in St. Clair county until 1852, and from that time in Saginaw county. During the whole period of his residence in the latter county he has lived in the city of Saginaw, and there he has fixed his permanent abode. During his boyhood the opportunities for education in Michigan were limited, but he made the most of them. Though his attainments as a scholar were not such as to give any particular direction
§6 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
noses and ears when they do not behave well ; I saw several who bore the marks of their infidelity. They are well formed, nimble and very adroit in using the bow and arrow. They use guns, also, which they buy of our Indian allies, who trade with the French ; they use them especially to terrify the nations against whom they go to war. These nations have no knowledge of Euro peans, are unacquainted with the use of either iron or copper, and have nothing but stone knives." When the Illinois go to war, a loud cry is made at the door of each hut in the village, the morning and evening before the warriors set out. " The chiefs are distinguished from the soldiers by a scarf, ingeniously made of the hair of bears and wild oxen. The face is painted with red lead, or ochre, which is found in great quantities a few days' journey from the village. They live by game, which is abundant in this country, and on Indian corn. They also sow beans and melons. Their squashes they dry in the sun, to eat in the winter and spring. Their cabins are very large, and lined and floored with rush mats. They make all their dishes of wood, and their spoons of the bones of the buffalo. Their only clothes are skins ; their women are always dressed very modestly and decently, while the men do not take any pains to cover themselves.
"It now only remains for me to speak of the calumet, than which there is nothing among them more mysterious or more esteemed. Men do not pay to the crowns and sceptres of kings
to his labors in later life, they were sufficient, with the practical training of experience in his early manhood, to discipline his mind and develop his versatile talent.
In business he has displayed a resolute courage and great fertility of mental resource. He has succeeded as a lumberman, in steamboating, and in important and delicate negotiations. As the fruit of his varied operations, he has acquired a goodly property, and is recognized as one of the solid men of the Saginaw Valley.
He served one term in the Michigan Legislature, as member of the House for Saginaw county, in 1857-8. With that exception, and though occasionally a zealous politician, he has not held nor sought office.
Socially he is genial, attractive in manner and conversation, surrounded with hosts of friends and admirers. He is warm in his friendships, and possesses an unusually long and grateful memory of little kindnesses.
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the honor they pay to it. It seems to be the god of peace and war, the arbiter of life and death. Carry it about you and show it, and you can march fearlessly amid enemies, who, even in the heat of battle, lay down their arms when it is shown. Hence the Illinois gave me one, to serve as a safeguard amid all the Indian nations that I had to pass on my voyage."
Such is the account left by Marquette of the condition of .the Illinois Indians, at the time of his visit, in 1673. Taking leave of these hospitable savages, our adventurous travelers once more launched forth on the broad waters of the Mississippi. As they floated down this noble river day after day, they gradually entered on the richer scenery of a southern climate. The sombre pines of the woods of Canada, the forests of oak and maple, were, by degrees, exchanged for the lofty cottonwood, the fan-like palmetto, and the noble arborescent ferns of the tropics. They began to suffer from the increasing heat, and from legions of mosquitos, which haunt the swampy margin of the stream. At length they arrived at that part of the stream which, upwards of a century before, had been discovered by De Soto and his ill-fated compan ions, in the country of the war-like Chickasaws. Here they were attacked by a fleet of canoes filled with Indians, armed with bows and arrows, clubs, and axes ; but when the old men got a fair view of the calumet, or peace-pipe, which Marquette continually held up to view, their hearts were touched, and they restrained the
In the ordinary routine and exigencies of business, he is prompt, diligent, and quietly executive — he works out his plans without display. He has ever been punctilious in the performance of his undertakings, and so moderate and just in his dealings, that he has seldom, if ever, been a party to any litigation.
It is apparent, from many interesting episodes in his life, that he sel dom puts forth more than a minimum of his strength. When occasions arise of such interest or importance as to thoroughly arouse him, he dis plays powers of argument, ridicule and irony, amounting to genius. None of these outbursts are the result of preparation ; they come from a sudden impulse, like an inspiration ; they are eloquence in words and action — quick, apropos and decisive. His antagonist is first astonished, then confounded, then overwhelmed ; without the opportunity or power of resistance, he is seized and subdued, as by a coup de main. 1
98 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
impetuosity of their young warriors by throwing their bows and arrows into the two canoes, as a token of peace and welcome. Having been hospitably entertained by these Indians, they were escorted the following day by a deputation in a canoe, which pre ceded them as far as the village of Akamsea (Arkansas). Here they were received most kindly ; the natives continually bringing wooden dishes of sagamity — Indian corn — or pieces of dog flesh, which were, of course, respectfully declined. These Indians cooked in earthen pots, and served their food on earthenware dishes ; were very amiable and unceremonious, each man helping himself from the dish, and passing it on to his neighbor.
It was here that the travelers wisely terminated their explora tions. "M. Joliet and I," says Marquette, "held a council to deliberate on what we should do — whether we should push on, or rest satisfied with the discoveries we had made. After having attentively considered that we were not far from the Gulf of Mexico, the basin of which is 31° 40' north, and we at 33° 40', so that we could not be more than two or three days' journey off; that the Mississippi undoubtedly had its mouth in Florida, or the Gulf of Mexico, and not on the east, in Virginia, whose seacoast is 34° north. Moreover, we considered that we risked losing the fruit of our voyage if we fell into the hands of the Spaniards, who would undoubtedly make us prisoners ; and that we were not in condition to resist the Indians who infested the lower parts of the river. All these considerations induced us to return. This we announced to the Indians, and, after a day's rest, prepared for it."
On their return, they left the Mississippi at the thirty-eighth degree of latitude, and entered the Illinois River, which greatly shortened their voyage. The country through which this river flows was found to be full of fertile and beautiful prairies, abound ing in wild ducks, swans, parrots, and turkeys. The tribe of Illinois living on its banks entreated Marquette and his compan ions to come and live with them ; but as Marquette intimated his anxiety to continue his voyage, a chosen party conducted him by way of Chicago to Lake Michigan ; and before the end of Sep tember all were once more safely landed at Green Bay. Joliet
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returned to Quebec to announce the discoveries they had made, whilst Marquette remained to preach the gospel to the Miamis, near Chicago.
Father James Marquette having promised the Illinois Indians
THOMAS P. SHELDON,
THOMAS P. SHELDON, a leading banker of East Saginaw, Michigan, was born in White Pigeon, St. Joseph county, Michigan, in 1832. His parents removed to Detroit when he was but a child, where he remained until the spring of 1862, when he permanently located in East Saginaw, taking charge of the Saginaw Valley Bank. In 1867 he severed his con nection with that institution, and organized a Savings Bank in, that city, which he is still conducting with marked ability.
Mr. Sheldon is an energetic business man, well qualified to manage the
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to return among them to teach them the gospel, had great diffi culty in keeping his word. The hardships of his first voyage had brought on a disease which deterred him from undertaking a second. His malady, however, abating, and having obtained the permission of his superiors, he set out for this purpose in the month of November, 1674, with two men, one of whom had already made his first voyage with him. During a month's navigation on the Illinois Lake — Lake Michigan — his health became partially restored ; but when winter set in, his old malady returned with increased violence, and he was forced to stop in the river which leads to the Illinois. Here he spent the winter in such want of every comfort, that his illness constantly increased. The ice breaking up on the approach of spring, and feeling somewhat bet ter, he continued his voyage, and at length was enabled to fulfill his promise to the Illinois, arriving at their town on the 8th of April, where he was enthusiastically received. Being compelled to leave them by the return of his malady, he resumed his voyage, and soon after reached the Illinois Lake. His strength gradually failed as he sailed along the shores of the lake, and his men despaired of being able to carry him alive to the end of his jour ney. Perceiving a little river, with an eminence on the bank not far from its mouth, at his request his companions sailed into it, and carried him ashore. Here they constructed a " wretched bark cabin, where they laid him as little uncomfortably as they could ; but they were so overcome by sadness that, as they afterward said, they did not know what they were doing." Perceiving his end approaching, he called his companions and embraced them for the last time, they melting in tears at his feet. He then directed that his crucifix, which he wore constantly around his neck, should be held before his eyes ; and after repeating the profession of his faith, he devoutly thanked God for his gracious kindness in allow ing him to die as a humble missionary of Jesus Christ, and above all to die as he had always prayed that he might die — in a rude
affairs of, a banking institution, and the material success which he has fairly earned is alike beneficial to himself and to the place in which he has labored.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 101
cabin in the forests, destitute of all human aid. He afterwards became silent, his whole appearance denoting that he was con versing inwardly with God. His countenance then suddenly brightened with a smile, and he expired without a struggle.
His two poor broken-hearted companions, after shedding many tears over his inanimate body, carried it devoutly to the grave, and raised a large cross near it, to serve as a mark to passers by.
Did the savages respect that cross ? They did. We can pro nounce no higher enlogium on Father James Marquette, than the fact that the Kiskakon Indians, to whom he had preached the gospel, returning from hunting on the banks of Lake Illinois, repaired to the missionary's grave, and, after mature deliberation, resolved to act with their father as they usually did with the best beloved of their own tribe. They reverently disinterred the remains, and putting them into a neatly constructed box of birch bark, removed them from the wilderness to the nearest Catholic church, where they were solemnly buried with appropriate cere monies.
CHAPTER VI.
ROBERT DE LA SALLE — FIRST VESSEL ON LAKE ERIE — Loss OF THE GRIFFIN — UNFORTUNATE EXPEDITION IN SEARCH OF THE MISSIS SIPPI — MUTINOUS CONDUCT OF LA SALLE'S MEN — DEATH OF LA SALLE — His CHARACTER — FATE OF His COMPANIONS.
ABOUT the time of the death of Father Marquette there dwelt, at the outlet of Lake Ontario, Robert Cavalier de la Salle, an adventurer of good family, who was educated by the Jesuits. He was engaged in the fur trade with the Indians, in the prosecu tion of which he had explored Lakes Ontario and Erie. His energy and ability having attracted the attention of Frontenac, the French Governor, he repaired to France, and, aided by Fron tenac, obtained a patent of nobility, a monopoly of the trade with the Iroquois, and an extensive tract of country in the neighbor hood of Fort Frontenac, on the condition of his keeping the fort in an effective state. Around this stronghold soon clustered the huts of Indians and the dwellings of French traders. Their flocks and herds increased, pasture-land and corn-covered clear ings opened up the forest; groups of Iroquois built their cabins in the environs ; the missionaries commenced their labors ; canoes multiplied upon the borders of the lake; and La Salle, but yes terday a poor adventurer, suddenly found himself invested with all the power and opulence belonging to a feudal sovereign in the wilderness.
But his ambitious spirit would not let him rest contented with what he had acquired. Having heard of the mighty river of the far West, and the discoveries of Marquette, his imagination became inflamed, and he was induced to undertake schemes of colonization and aggrandizement, which ended in disaster and death.
In 1677 La Salle sailed to France and sought an interview with
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Colbert, then prime minister. To him he proposed the union of New France with the valley of the Mississippi, and suggested their close connection by a line of military posts. He proposed also to open the commerce of Europe to them both. Colbert lis-
HON. JONATHAN B. TUTTLE.
JONATHAN BROWNE TUTTLE, the subject of this sketch, was born at Lodi, Medina County, Ohio, on the loth day of August, 1841. His par ents were New England people, who emigrated to Ohio at an early day. Mr. Tuttle's early life was spent in his native village, and his education obtained in the local schools and at Oberlin College. At the age of sev enteen Mr. Tuttle began the study of law in the office of Wm. F. Moore, and afterwards pursued a regular course of study at the Ohio State and Union Law College, at Cleveland, Ohio, where he graduated in the early
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tened with delight to the gigantic schemes of the young enthusiast, and a royal commission was soon procured, empowering him to explore the valley of the Mississippi, and giving him an exclusive monopoly in the trade of buffalo skins.
On the 14th of July, 1678, La Salle sailed from France with all needful supplies for the voyage, and merchandise for the Indian trade, and in the month of September arrived again at Fort Frontenac. Having built " a wooden canoe " of ten tons burden, — the first that ever sailed on the Niagara River — he ascended that river to 'the vicinity, of the great falls, and, above them, com menced building a ship of 60 tons burden, which, in the summer of 1679, was launched on the waters of Lake Erie, amid a salvo from his artillery, and the chanting of the Te Deum. In this vessel, which was called the Griffin, La Salle sailed across Lake Erie, and up the Detroit, or strait which separates it from that limpid sheet of water, to which he gave the appropriate name of Lake St. Clair ; and having escaped from storms on Lake Huron, and constructed a trading-house at Mackinaw, on Lake Michigan, he cast anchor in Green Bay.
In Green Bay La Salle bartered his goods with the natives for a rich cargo of furs, with which the Griffin was loaded and sent back to Niagara, that the peltry might be sold and a remittance made to his creditors. In the meantime La Salle and his com panions, pending the return of the Griffiu with supplies, ascended Lake Michigan to the mouth of the St. Joseph, where the mission ary Allouez had established a station, and to which he now added a fort, known as the Fort of the Miamis. His whole fortune depended on the return of the Griffin, and of her no tidings were .
part of the year 1862, being the youngest of a graduating class of forty- five. He began his practice the same year at Cleveland, in the office of General John Crowell.
In the summer of the same year Mr. Tuttle entered the Union ariny as a private soldier, and, after passing through various grades of promotion to that of captain of infantry, was honorably discharged, by reason of physical disability, in the summer of 1864. Soon after leaving the army, Mr. Tuttle located at the city of Alpena, which then was a small hamlet, and entered upon the practice of law.
OP MICHIGAN. 105
heard. Wearied with delay, he resolved to explore the Illinois territory ; and leaving ten men to guard his little fort, La Salle, with a chosen body of thirty followers, ascended the St. Joseph's River, and transporting his bark canoes across a short portage, entered the Kankakee, a branch of the Illinois River. Descend ing its narrow stream, the travelers reached, by the end of Decem ber, an Indian village on the Illinois, the natives of which were absent on a hunting expedition. Being in great want of provi sions, La Salle took advantage of their absence to help himself to a sufficiency of maize, of which his followers found large quanti ties hidden in holes under their wigwams. The corn having been shipped they again set sail, and on the 4th of January, 1680, entered Lake Peoria. The Illinois Indians on the banks of this lake were friendly, and here La Salle erected another fort. As no tidings had been received of his missing vessel, to proceed farther without supplies was impossible ; his followers became discouraged, and in great despondency he named his new fort " Creveco3ur " — broken-hearted — in memory of his trials and misfortunes.
La Salle now perceived that he must go back himself to Fron- tenac for supplies ; and to prevent the entire stagnation of dis covery during his absence, he requested the Jesuit missionary, Father Hennepin, who accompanied the expedition, to go to the Mississippi, and explore that stream to its source, whilst Tbnti, a veteran Italian, was chosen to command in his absence, with instructions to endeavor to strengthen and extend his relations among the Indians. He then, in the month of March, 1680, with only three companions, set off on foot to travel a distance of at least 1,200 miles, through marshes and melting snows, through thickets and forests, with no supplies but what the gun afforded, a
In 1865 he was married to Miss Ross, a Canadian lady, by whom he has one child — a daughter.
He has since held the offices of judge of probate, circuit court commis sioner, prosecuting attorney, city attorney, and various other's, and con tinues to practice his profession at Alpena, where he still resides, having been identified with the growth and development of that active and nourishing city. Mr. Tuttle is one of the leading lawyers in the northern part of the State.
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blanket and a few skins, with which to make moccasins, or Indian shoes. No record exists of what befell him on that long journey, which he, however, finally accomplished.
La Salle found, as he fully expected, that the Griffin had been wrecked ; that his agents had cheated him ; and that his creditors had seized his goods. His courage overcame every difficulty ; and by midsummer, in 1680, he returned once more to his little garri son in Illinois, with a body of new adventurers, large supplies of merchandise, and storas for rigging a brigantine. But disasters had befallen his agents during his absence, and the post in Illinois was deserted. Having succeeded in finding Tonti, and collecting his scattered followers, he constructed a capacious barge, and in the early part of January, 1682, La Salle and his company descended the Mississippi to the sea.
They landed on the bank of the most western channel, about three leagues from its mouth. On the 7th, La Salle went to recon noitre the shores of the neighboring sea, while Tonti examined the great middle channel. They found there two outlets, beauti ful, large and deep. On the 8th they reascended the river a little above its confluence with the sea, to find a dry place beyond the reach of inundations. Here they prepared a column and a cross, and to the said column they affixed the arms of France, with this inscription :
"Louis LE GRAND, Roi DE FRANCE ET DE NAVARRE, REGNE
NEUVIEME AVRIL, 1682."
The Te Deum was then sung, and after a salute of fire-arms, the column was erected by La Salle, who laid claim to the whole of the Mississippi valley for the French king, with the usual formali ties. After erecting another fort, called St. Louis, and giving the title of Louisiana to the newly discovered territory, La Salle, in the autumn of 1683, returned in triumph to France.
The account given by him of the extraordinary beauty of the Mississippi valley created the utmost enthusiasm among the French people. Preparations were immediately commenced by the agents of the king, to provide an extensive outfit, and on the 24th of July, 1684, four vessels, having on board two hundred
108 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
and eighty persons, ecclesiastics, soldiers, mechanics and emigrants, left Kochelle full of ardor and expectation, for the far-famed country of Louisiana. The soldiers had for their commander, Joutel, a man of courage and truth, who afterwards became the historian of this disastrous expedition.
Misfortunes overtook them from the very commencement of their voyage. Difficulties arose between La Salle and the naval commander, which impeded the voyage ; and on the 10th of Jan uary, 1685, they unfortunately passed the mouth of the Missis sippi. La Salle soon perceived their error,, and wished to return ; but this the commander of the fleet refused to do, and they con tinued their course until they arrived at the Bay of Matagorda, in Texas. Completely tired of disputes with Beaujeau, the naval commander, and conjecturing that the numerous streams which had their outlet in the bay, might be branches of the Mississippi, or might lead to its discovery, La Salle resolved to disembark. As the vessels entered the harbor, the store-ship, on which the infant colony mainly depended, was completely wrecked by the carelessness of the pilot. Calming the terrible energy of his grief, La Salle, by the aid of boats from the other vessels, suc ceeded in recovering a part of the cargo, but night coming on, and with it a gale of wind, the store-ship was utterly dashed to pieces. To add to their distress, a party of Indians came down to the shore to plunder the wreck, and murdered two of the volun teers.
Several of the men who had now landed became discouraged, and returned to the fleet, which immediately set sail, leaving La Salle with a desponding company of two hundred and thirty souls, huddled together in a miserable fort, built with fragments of the wreck. Stimulated to extraordinary efforts by the energy and example of La Salle, a beautiful spot was selected, and a more substantial and comfortable fort constructed. La Salle was the architect, and marked the beams, mortises and tenons himself. This was the first settlement made in Texas. Desperate and des titute as was the situation of the settlers, they still exceeded in numbers those who landed in Virginia, or those who embarked on board the Mayflower, and possessed "from the bounty of Louis
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 109
XIV, more than was contributed by all the English monarchs together, for the twelve united colonies on the Atlantic."
The summer of 1685 was spent in the construction of this second fort, which was named Fort St. Louis, and La Salle, having finished its erection, set out with a selected party in canoes, in search of the Mississippi. After an absence of about four months, he returned in rags, having lost twelve or thirteen of his men, and completely failed in his object. His presence, however, as usual, inspired hope ; and in April, 1686, another expedition was attempted, which was lured into the interior by brilliant fictions of exhaustless mines on the borders of Mexico. This expedition returned without effecting any other discovery than that of the great exuberance and fertility of the soil in the immediate neigh borhood of the fort. La Salle had succeeded in obtaining a sup ply of maize and beans, and five horses from the Indians, but had suffered greatly ; and of the twenty men he had taken with him only eight returned, the remainder having either fallen sick, died, or deserted. Affairs had been equally unprosperous at Fort St. Louis, during his absence. The only remaining ship was a wreck, and the colony had been rapidly thinned by privation, misery and exposure, until there remained nothing but a mere handful of desperate, disappointed men.
Amid the ruin of all his prospects, once so proud and flourish ing, La Salle alone remained undaunted ; and, as a last resource, determined to visit the French settlements in Illinois, or, if neces sary, his feudal domain in Frontenac, in order to bring aid to his perishing colony. On the 12th of January, 1687, La Salle set out on his last expedition, accompanied by Joutel, across the prairies and forests of Louisiana. In his company were two men, Duhaut and L'Archeveque, who had both embarked capital in this enterprise. Each regarded the other for immediate purposes as his friend ; and both were actuated by a spirit of bitterness and animosity against La Salle, whom they regarded as the author of all the calamities that had befallen them. Moranget, a nephew of La Salle, was also one of the party following the tracks of buffaloes, who chose by instinct the best routes. La Salle marched through groves and plains of astonishing fertility and beauty;
110 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
now fording the rapid torrents, and now building a bridge by throwing some monarch of the forest across the stream, until he had passed the Colorado, and came to a branch of the Trinity River.
On the 17th of March, 1687, the whole party engaged in a buf falo hunt. Duhaut and L'Archeveque, having been successful, sent their commander word, who immediately despatched his nephew Moranget to the camp. When Moranget came to the spot where Duhaut and the rest were stopping, he found they had reserved for themselves the very best parts of the buffaloes ; and hasty and passionate, not considering where he was, nor with whom he was dealing, he " took from them their choice pieces, threatened them, and spoke harsh words." This enraged the mutinous spirits of Duhaut and his companions, who secretly took counsel together how to effect the destruction of Moranget and his associates. Night came on apace, and Moranget and his party having supped, wearied with their day's travel, laid themselves down to sleep on the prairie. Liotot, the surgeon, now took an axe, and with a few strokes killed Moranget and his comrades. Having good reason to fear the resentment of La Salle, the murderers next resolved to kill him also. Surprised at his nephew's delay, La Salle went forth on the 20th to seek him. Perceiving at a distance birds of prey, hovering as if over carrion, and suspecting himself to be in the immediate neighborhood of his men, La Salle fired a gun, which was heard by the conspirators, who were thus made aware of his approach. Duhaut and his associate hastened secretly to meet their victim — the former skulking in the grass, the latter showing himself. " Where," said La Salle to L'Archeveque, " is my nephew." Before an answer could be returned, Duhaut fired and La Salle fell dead on the prairie. The murderers then approached, and, with cruel taunts, stripped the corpse, leaving it naked and unburied, to be devoured by the wild beasts of the wilderness.
Thus perished La Salle, and with him that colonial settlement which he had attempted to form. His fortitude and bravery must ever command admiration, while his cruel and undeserved death awakens feelings of pity and indignation. Although he was not
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. Ill
the discoverer, yet he was certainly the first settler of the Mississippi valley, and the father of colonization in the "far West." As such his memory is imperishable, and will ever be honored. The Illinois settlements of Peoria, Kaskaskias, and Cahokia, are the fruit of La Salle's labors. It is true he did not found these places, yet he gave them their inhabitants, for it was by those whom he led into the West that they were peopled. Perseverance and courage, combined with a noble ambition to promote the interests of his country, led him into a gallant but unsuccessful career of enter prise. He did what he could to benefit his country ; and if he had lived he might have achieved much more splendid results.
CHAPTER VII.
THE SAULT STE. MARIE — FORT ST. JOSEPH — DETROIT FOUNDED — ITS EARLY CONDITION — ATTACKED BY THE OTTAWAS — BY THE FOXES- EARLY FRENCH TRAVELERS THROUGH THE LAKE REGION.
No SETTLEMENT had at this time been made at Detroit, because the traders and Jesuit missionaries had a more direct and safer route to the upper lakes, from Montreal to Michilimackinac, by the way of the Ottawa River. But this point had long been regarded an eligible position for a settlement, as it commanded a broad tract of country, and stood, as it were, at the gate of the upper lakes, in a direct route from these lakes to the English col onies of New York, by the way of Lake Erie.
The French and English both desired to obtain possession of this post. But while the English were looking to its acquisition, they were anticipated by their rivals. Taking counsel from the movements of their opponents, the French called a grand meeting of the Iroquois, or Five Nations, at Montreal. The chiefs of the different tribes from the St. Lawrence to the Mississippi, attended this meeting ; also the principal men and the Governor-General of Canada. Here the establishment of a post at that place was dis cussed, and the grounds on which the two nations based their claims to it weighed. The Iroquois, however, said that, under standing the French were about to make a settlement at that point, they were opposed to the measure, as they had already pro hibited the English from doing the same. The Governor-General of Canada replied that the land belonged neither to the Iroquois nor to to the English, but to the King of France, and that there was already an expedition on the march for the purpose of erect ing a colonial establishment at that place. In accordance with this plan, Antoiue de la Motte Cadillac, lord of Bouaget, Mont Desert, having been granted a tract of fifteen acres square, by
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Louis XIV, left Montreal, accompanied by a Jesuit missionary and one hundred men, and arrived at the point of the wilderness which is now the site of Detroit, in the month of July, 1701, where they commenced the foundation of the first permanent settlement
GEN. JOSEPH O. HUDNUT.
JOSEPH OPDYKE HUDNUT, son of Edward and Susan (Opdyke) Hudnut, was born at West Sparta, Livingston county, New York, June 80, 1824. He prepared for college at Genesee Academy, New York, under Prof. Robinson, author of Robinson's series of mathematics. Since gradua tion he has been engaged mostly in civil engineering, with the exception of two years and a half in the army during the war of secession. In the fall of 1849 he entered on his engineering profession, being engaged on the State canals of New York. He remained on the canals during 1849, 8
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in Michigan. Before, it had only been known by the French missionaries as a trading post, and in 1620 it was occupied by an Indian village, which was called Teuchsa Grondie. The TSault Ste. Marie, as we have seen, had at that time been founded, and a rude post was also erected at Fort Gratiot, which was a resting- point for the fur trade.
This chain of fortifications was all the defense which was con structed upon the lake shores for nearly a century and a half, and it comprised a part of that line of forts that was projected by La Salle, extending from the St. Lawrence down the Mississippi to New Orleans. Their object was to furnish outposts by which the territory of Canada on the borders of the lakes could be held, the English settlements hemmed in, the Jesuit missionaries and set tlers protected against the numerous and capricious tribes of sav ages in this quarter, and by which the fur trade might circulate, with full success, along the lakes and streams of the Northwest. The forts of Detroit, Michilimackinac, St. Joseph and Green Bay, were of rude construction, and the chapels erected by their sides were used for the religious assemblies of the French settlers, who were from thai time collected around the posts, and also for the Indians who were under the special guardianship of the Jesuit missionaries. These structures, minute points on the borders of the forest, were either roofed with bark or thatched with straw, and on their top was generally erected the cross. Tribes of friendly Indians that could be induced to settle near them, had
1850 and 1851. In the spring of 1852 he went to Memphis, Tenn., and run the first survey of the railroad from Memphis to Clarksville, Tenn. In 1853, 1854 and 1855, he was on the Louisville & Nashville and Louis ville & Covington Railroads, in Kentucky. In 1855 he removed to Waverly, Iowa, and in that year and in 1856 he was on the Iowa Central R. R. In 1858 he taught mathematics in the Genesee Academy, and in 1859 he taught in the Chicago High School. In the spring of 1860 he returned to Iowa, and was engaged as civil engineer on the Hannibal & St. Joseph R. -R. In the winter of 1861-2 he was a member of the Iowa Legislature, and in May, 1862, he entered the army as Major of the 38th Regiment of Iowa Volunteers. He was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, Colonel and Brigadier-General. While in the army he was much on detached service as military engineer, most of the time on the fortifica-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 115
their villages or wigwams around these posts, and also their plant ing grounds, in which they cultivated Indian corn, not only for the French settlers, but also for the persons connected with the fur trade. They derive their principal importance from the fact that they were the only outposts of the French government in this country before the English conquest, and, consequently, the thea tres of the most interesting frontier operations.
About three years after Detroit was founded, the Ottawa Indians in that vicinity were invited to Albany, in New York, upon what was supposed to be a friendly visit. As St. Joseph was surrounded by villages of the Hurons, Pottawatomies, and Miamis, so also was Detroit, at that time, guarded by parts of the friendly tribes of the Hurons and Pottawatomies near the settlements, and an Ottawa village had been erected on the opposite bank of the river. It would appear that while the Ottawas were in Albany, they had been persuaded by the English, who even then wished to obtain possession of the post of their rivals, that it was the design of the French to wrest the dominion of the country from their hands ; and they accordingly set fire to the town, but without success, as the fire was' soon extinguished. At this time, also, groups of sav ages of the same tribe, having made a successful expedition against their enemies the Iroquois, and warm with victory, were seen parading in hostile array in front of the fort ; but M. Tonti, who was the commandant of the post, despatching the Sieur de Vin-
tions at Vicksburg, Miss., and afterwards in building a military railroad fronr Brazos Harbor to Brownsville, Texas, with a shell bridge across the Boca Chica. At the close of the war he was elected Professor of Civil Engineering in the University of Chicago, which position he still retains, with occasional leave of absence for engineering purposes. In 1860 he made a survey and the estimates for a ship canal from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi river. In 1867 he was on the location of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific R. R., and the location of the bridge at Omaha, Nebraska. In February, 1868, he went on the Union Pacific R. R,, and located nearly all that part of it from the North Platte river to the Humboldt Wells, and in the winter and spring of 1868 and 1869 he ran the preliminary surveys for a railroad from the north end of Salt Lake, through Idaho and Oregon, to Portland, Oregon, and Puget Sound. Afterwards he was engaged as civil engineer on the St. Paul & Chicago
116 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
cennes against them, he dispersed their bands, and rescued the Iroquois prisoners whom they left behind them in their flight.
The progress of operation on the lake shores was not at this period marked with any very great interest, as the settlements were few ; but they reflect, nevertheless, the spirit which prevailed in France during their continuance. The lands lay sleeping in their original silence and solitude, undisturbed by the plow. Occasionally the settlers may have been surprised by their ancient enemies the Iroquois, but the appearance of parts of these nations excited only a surprise which soon settled down into peace. But in 1712, the Ottagamies or Foxes, who had been before but little known, but who were probably in secret alliance with the Iroquois, projected a plan for the 'destruction of Detroit. They made their arrangements in secret, and sent their bands to collect around the new French settlement, which was then garrisoned by a force of twenty soldiers, of whom M. Du Buisson was the commandant. The occupants of the three French villages of Indians, the Otta- was, Pottawatomies, and Hurons, were then absent on a hunting excursion. A converted Indian, however, under the influence of a Jesuit missionary, disclosed their plot before it was ripe for exe cution, and Du Buisson immediately sent dispatches through the forest to call in the aid of the friendly Indians, and prepare for an effective defense.
On the 13th of May of that year, the Foxes made their onset upon Detroit with fiendish yells. No sooner, however, was the
R. R, with headquarters at Minneapolis, Minnesota. Later he was Chief Engineer of the Grand Rapids & Indiana R. R. , in the employ of the Continental Improvement Company. In 1871 he went to the South in the employ of a company of which Gen. George W. Cass was president, and has been engaged in various railroad projects in that section ever since. His present headquarters are at Greenville, S. C., but his perma nent residence is at Big Rapids, Michigan.
Gen. Hudnut is a very eminent locating engineer, having within the last twenty years located thousands of miles of railroad most skillfully.
He married Miss Marcia Webster, at Lima, N. Y., October 23, 1851. He has had two children, viz: Edward Webster Hudnut, born December 15, 1852, and Byron Murray Hudnut, born March 21, 1858 ; died June 21, 1860.
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attack commenced, than portions of the friendly Indians were seen through the wilderness, painted for battle as is their custom, and the gates of the fort were opened to receive them. A consultation was now held at the council house, and they renewed their league
HON. J. W. BEGOLE.
JOSIAH W. BEGOLE, the present Representative in Congress from the Sixth District of Michigan, was born in the town of Groveland, Livings ton county, New York, on the 20th of January, 1815. His younger days were spent on a farm, where he received that physical training and cul ture which contributed largely to his health and prosperity in after years. Mr. Begole received a common school and academic education in his native State, and emigrated to Michigan in 1836, settling in the then town of Flint, where he still resides.
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with Du Buisson, and expressed their determination, if necessary, to die in the defense of the post. On the arrival of the friendly Indians, the Foxes retreated to the forest which now adjoins the eastern boundary of Detroit, and intrenched themselves in their camp.
The French then sallied out from the fort, and, backed by their savage allies, erected a block-house in front of their camp, in order to force the enemy from their position. Here the latter were closely besieged; being cut off from their supply of water, and driven to desperation by thirst and famine, they in turn rushed out from their strongholds upon the French and the friendly Indians, and succeeded in getting possession of a house near the village. This house they fortified, but they were here attacked by the French cannon, and driven back to their former intrenchment.
Finding that their attack was likely to prove unsuccessful, the Foxes now sent despatches to the French commandant asking for peace, which was denied them. Upon this they considered them selves insulted, and, burning with revenge, they discharged showers of blazing arrows upon the fort. The lighted matches they had affixed to their arrows coming in contact with the dry roof's of the houses, kindled them into flame, when the precaution was taken to cover the rest with wet skins, and by this means they were pre served. The desperation of the Foxes almost discouraged the French commandant, and he had nearly determined to evacuate
Mr. Begole's first official position was that of school inspector for the township of Genesee, which office he held from 1842 to 1844 inclusive. He was promoted to the office of township clerk in 1845. From 1840 to 1853 he was an active justice of the peace, doing most of the business for his own and three or four adjoining towns, never trying a case where he could prevail upon the parties to settle it. In 1854 and 1855 he held the office of supervisor in the same town. Performing the duties of these minor offices in a thorough and systematic manner, his townsmen saw fit to reward his services, in 1856, by electing him county treasurer of Genesee county, to which position he was reflected three times, holding the office eight consecutive years.
He, although constantly engaged in other business, has ever been a practical and successful farmer, devoting considerable time to bringing
* HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 119
Detroit, and to retire to Michilimackinac, when his Indian allies promised to redouble their efforts for his defense ; and the war- songs and dances of their bands, heard through the solitude of the forest, assured him that a more desperate effort was about to be made in his behalf. The preparations having been finished, the French and Indians advanced upon the Foxes with more deter mined courage, and, pouring upon their intrenchments a deadly fire, they were soon filled with the dying and the dead. Once more the Foxes demanded peace. Before any capitulation, how ever, was completed, the enemy retreated towards Lake St. Clair, during a storm at midnight, on the nineteenth day of the siege.
The French and their Indian allies, as soon as they discovered their flight, prepared for a pursuit, and soon came upon their camps. An action began, which at the outset was in favor of the Foxes, the French and Indians being repulsed. But a different plan of operation was soon after adopted, and with better success. At the end of three days a field battery was completed, and the intrenchment of the Foxes fell before the French cannon.
The Foxes may be considered the Ishmaelites of the wilderness, for they were at enmity with all the tribes on the lakes. They collected their forces on the Fox River of Green Bay, where they commanded the territory between the lakes and the Mississippi, so that it was dangerous for travelers to pass through that region except in large bodies, and armed, while their warriors were sent out to seek objects of plunder and devastation. So great was the
that great branch of our industry as near perfection as possible. In 1865 he commenced his career as a lumberman in the vast pine forests of our State, and has ever met an enviable success in this occupation, in which he is still heavily engaged.
In 1869 he was again called upon to fill an important political position, being elected State Senator from his Senatorial District, the duties of which office he performed much to the satisfaction of his constituents. He was chosen a delegate to the National Republican Convention, which met in Philadelphia during the summer of 1872, and nominated General Grant for President the second time. In the fall of the same year he was nominated by his party for Representative in Congress from the Sixth District of this State, to which position he was elected by a large majority.
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danger apprehended by the missionaries and traders in passing through that territory, as well as by the French settlers, and so great the injury already done by those tribes, that an expedition was fitted out against them by the French, backed by their Indian allies, who were rankling under a sense of repeated wrongs. This warlike nation had stationed itself on the banks of the Fox River, at a place then and now called by the French Butte des Morts, or the Hill of the Dead, defending their position by a ditch and three courses of palisades. Here they collected their women and chil dren, and prepared for a desperate resistance. M. de Louvigny, the commandant of the expedition, perceiving the strength of their works, determined not to expose his men by a direct attack, but entered upon a regular siege, and was preparing for the final crisis when the Foxes proposed a capitulation. This was accepted ; and the pride of the Foxes being thus humbled, they sank into obscurity during the remainder of the French war.
Thus it is seen that, although the few French forts upon the lakes were rudely constructed, and but poorly adapted to make a serious and effective defense, they were nevertheless competent, with their small garrisons, to protect the emigrants against the disaffected tribes which were from time to time arrayed against them. The pickets which surrounded them, composed of upright stakes, furnished a line of concealment rather than strong bul warks, and, together with the light cannon with which they were mounted, enabled the French to suppress the disturbances that occasionally sprang up around their posts.
The early missionaries and French travelers who journeyed through the region of the lakes exhibit a peculiar form of char acter. Tinctured with the spirit which prevailed in France at the period of their immigration, the novel scenes around them impressed them with those sentiments of romance so peculiar to the French. They show the spirit under which the missionaries and soldiers traveled, and the eloquence with which the scenes around them tended to inspire their minds.
The forests amid which their lot was cast were calculated to fill them with wonder and admiration. A vast chain of inland seas, which appeared to them like oceans, stretched a watery horizon
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 121
along the borders of the wilderness. Flocks of water fowl of varied plumage streamed along the shores of the lakes, and the waters swarmed with fish. The face of nature, fresh in the luxu riance of a virgin soil, was everywhere clothed with magnificent vegetation. Did they travel through the Indian trails or bridle paths which wound through the forest, extensive tracts of oak- lands, that seemed like cultivated parks, met their eye, studded with little crystal lakes and streams, and covered with flowers. Herds of buffaloes wandered over the prairies, trampling down the flowers which blushed in their track as they rushed on in clumsy motion. Great numbers of moose and elk, which in the size of their horns almost rivaled the branches of the trees, bounded through the thickets. Deer were here and there seen feeding upon the margin of the water courses. Flocks of wild turkeys and other game filled the woods ; the prairies were alive with grouse, and pigeons swept along like clouds above the forests, in numbers which sometimes almost obscured the sky.
Beyond this, they beheld in the luxuriance of the soil the source of inexhaustible wealth. Rich clusters of grapes hung from the trees, which reminded them of the, champagne districts of France, from which they had emigrated, and apples and plums abounded in thrifty groves.
CHAPTER VIII.
COLONIAL EMIGH AN TS — MERCHANTS — THE PEASANTRY — FRENCH SOL DIERS — LEGAL ADMINISTRATION — POLICY OF THE FRENCH GOVERN MENT — MODE OF LAND DISTRIBUTION.
OWING to the frequent changes in the government of the west ern outposts of Canada, as well as to the fact that, at various periods in its early history, it was entirely withdrawn, consequent either upon some freak of colonial policy in France, or resulting from difficulties with the savages, it is quite as impracticable to attempt a connected history of these settlements as it is impossible to detail all the trials and hardships endured or overcome by the colonists. The history of the French settlements in Michigan, during that period in which France held possession of the terri tory, is a record of constant changes, authenticated only by the " Jesuit relations," and this being rather a diary of church mat ters than a journal of political events, throws but a faint light upon those greater circumstances which the modern world calls history. Yet, after all, we are not left without a general history of the first settlements of Michigan.
The posts were inhabited by a hardy race of people, who had emigrated principally from Brittany and Normandy, provinces of France. They were mostly working men, drawn from the more dense settlements round Montreal and Quebec, and were sent out by the government for the purpose of building up the posts, and of protecting the fur trade carried v on through the chain of the great lakes. The population of the posts consisted of the military by which they were garrisoned, Jesuits, priests, merchants, traders and peasants. These, however, were moved from place to place, as the interests of the government seemed to require.
The French commandants were the most prominent individuals of the posts, and, with their garrisons, constituted a little mon-
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archy. Their power was arbitrary, extending to the right of doing whatever they might deem expedient for the welfare of the settle ment, whether in making laws or punishing crime. The oldest merchants were reverenced as the head men of their colony.
HON. JAMES WATSON.
JAMES WATSON, of Bay City, was born in Detroit, September 2, 1814. He removed to his present place of residence, then called Lower Saginaw, in 1850. He carried on a mercantile business successfully for several years; then he turned his attention, with even greater profit, to lumber ing, and continued in that business until 1870. He has been, and now is, one of the solid men of Bay City. He has contributed largely to its rapid growth by investing liberally in local improvements. He erected and now owns a model brick block, known as the "Watson Block,"
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They were careful and frugal in their habits, and exercised an influence among the settlers calculated to secure a willing obedience.
Mr. Lanman, in his history of Michigan, states that the early French settlers were wanting in virtue, and " often fostered a large number of half-breed children around their posts, who were the offspring of their licentiousness." To a careful reader of our early history this statement, or charge, seems to be entirely unsupported by truth. It would have appeared more reasonable, and less at variance with the facts, had Mr. Lanman attributed the existence of this race of half-breeds to the want of rigid virtue among the soldiers and the rangers of the woods.
This peculiar class, no doubt engendered by the manner in which the fur trade was conducted, were properly called bush rangers, or coureurs des bois, half-civilized vagrants, whose chief vocation was conducting the canoe of the traders along the lakes and rivers of the interior. Many of them, however, shaking loose every tie of blood and kindred, identified themselves with the Indians, and sank into utter barbarism. " In many a squalid camp," says Parkman, " among the plains and forests of the West, the traveler would have encountered men owning the blood and speaking the language of France, yet, in their swarthy vis ages and barbarous costume, seeming more akin to those with whom they had cast their lot. The renegade of civilization caught the habits and imbibed the prejudices of his chosen asso ciates. He loved to decorate his long hair with eagle feathers, to make his face hideous with vermilion, ochre and soot, and to adorn his greasy hunting frock with horse-hair fringe."
His dwelling, if he had one, was a wigwam. He lounged on a bear skin while his squaw boiled his venison and lighted his pipe. In hunting, in dancing, in singing, in taking a scalp, he rivaled the genuine Indian. His mind was tinctured with the supersti tions of the forest. He had faith in the magic drum of the con-
which is an ornament to the city. He has reared a large family, and is a gentleman of fine presence, kind and affable, and wields a large influence socially and politically. He has been twice elected county treasurer, twice mayor of Bay City, has held the office of president of the Board of Education, and served as president of the Bay City Temperance Society.
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juror. He was not sure that a thunder cloud could not be frightened away by whistling at it through the wing-bone of an eagle ; he carried the tail of a rattlesnake in his bullet-pouch, by way of amulet, and he placed implicit trust in his dreams.
HON. PETER DESNOYERS.
PETER DESNOYERS, one of the most prominent men of Michigan during its early history, was born in Detroit, Michigan, April 21st, 1800. His father, Peter J. Dcsnoyers, was born in the city of Paris, France, in 1772, came to America in 1790, and married Miss Marie Gobiel, of Detroit, Mich. He lived in Galliopolis a number of years, and afterwards in Pitts- burg, from which place he removed to Detroit with the army of "Mad Anthony" Wayne, in August, 1796, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1846. He was one of the leading merchants and citi-
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The peasants, or that class of lake settlers who subsisted by agricultural pursuits, within the narrow circle of their picket fences, were not numerous. Their dress was peculiar, and even wild. They wore surtouts of coarse blue cloth, fastened at the middle with a red sash, a scarlet woolen cap, containing a scalping knife, and moccasins made of deer-skin. Civilization was here strangely mingled. Groups of Indians from the remotest shores of the lakes, wild in their garb, would occasionally make their appearance at the settlements with numerous canoes laden with beaver skins, which they had brought down to these places of deposit. Among them were intermixed the French soldiers of the garrison, with their blue coats turned up with white facings, and the Jesuits, with their long gowns and black bands, from which were suspended by silver chains the rosary and crucifix, who, " with the priests, had their stations round the forts and ministered in the chapels."
Agriculture was not extensively encouraged by the policy of the fur trade or the character of the population. It was confined to a few patches of Indian corn and wheat, which they rudely culti vated. They ground their grain in wind-mills, which were scat tered along the banks of the Detroit river and the St. Clair lake. The recreations of the French colonists consisted in attending the religious services held in the rude chapels on the borders of the
zens of Detroit during his day, and his death was mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
Mr. Desnoyers, the subject of this sketch, was in Detroit attending school when the great fire of 1805 broke out, which entirely destroyed the town, leaving the inhabitants houseless, and in a very destitute con dition. He commenced business as a merchant in 1821, having just attained his majority, and was eminently successful in this occupation.
He was the first county treasurer of Wayne county elected by the popular vote, which occurred in 1826. At the next election he was reelected to the same office. In 1827 he was chosen one of the aldermen of the city of Detroit, and he also served some time in this position after the division of the city into wards, representing the fourth ward in the council.
In 1831 Mr. Desnoyers was appointed United States Marshal by Presi dent Jackson, which position he held until the organization of the
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wilderness, in adorning their altars with wild flowers, in dancing to the sound of the violin at each other's houses, in hunting the deer, and in paddling their light canoes across the clear and silent streams. The women employed themselves in making coarse cot ton and woollen cloths for the Indian trade. In their cottages were hung rude pictures of saints, the Madonna and child, and the leaden crucifix supplied the place of one of silver. Abundance of game roamed in the woods, and the waters were alive with fish.
The Jesuits, who were the most active agents of the government in the exploration of these regions, were, as a class, men of high intelligence. The narratives of their wanderings through the wilderness throw a coloring of romance around the prairies, and forests and lakes, which amounts almost to a classic spirit. Yet they have left upon the lake shores but few monuments either of their enterprise or Christian zeal. Their success in Christianizing the Indians was limited when compared with the extent of their labors. By the savages these Catholic missionaries were regarded as medicine men and jugglers, on whom the destiny of life and death depended; and although they were greatly feared, they succeeded in making but few converts to their religious faith, excepting young children, or Indians just about to die.
The administration of the law in the western outposts was founded, as far as possible, on the contume de Paris, which was
Territory into a State in 1837. He was appointed city treasurer of Detroit in 1838, and promoted to State treasurer in 1839 by Governor Stevens T. Mason. He served in the latter position until the commence ment of Governor Woodbridge's term, bringing great credit to himself as a shrewd financier, and guarding the State moneys in an honorable and trustworthy manner. In 1843 he was again elected county treasurer of Wayne county, and again in 1851.
Mr. Desnoyers removed from Detroit to Hamtramck in 1849, and still resides in the latter place.
In 1850 he was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention, which met in Lansing during that year and framed our present State Constitution. He was also a member of the State Constitutional Con vention of 1867, which closed his public career. At present he is living at Hamtramck in a very retired and quiet manner, enjoying the comforts of an active and prosperous life.
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the law of all Canada. This code, although received and prac ticed upon in the older and more populous settlements of the lower province, was not adopted with any degree of uniformity among these distant colonists. The commandants or governors of the posts had the principal cognizance of the population around them, and exercised their authority in an arbitrary manner. There was at this time no system of education like that which prevailed in New England, and all the knowledge acquired by the children of the colonists was obtained from the priests.
The plan of distributing the land was calculated to prevent the settlement of the country. A law was passed requiring the houses of the inhabitants to be placed upon ground with a front of only one acre and a half, and running forty acres back. This kept the settlements in a close line along the banks of the streams. A feudal and aristocratic spirit also controlled the grants of land. The commandants of the forts had the power to convey lands, with the permission of the Governor-General of Canada, subject to the confirmation of the King of France, special rights being reserved to the grantor.
As early as 1749, the post of Detroit and the others upon the northwestern lakes, Michilimackiuac, Ste. Marie, and St. Joseph, received an accession of immigrants. The last two were called after the saints of those names in the Catholic calendar. Michili- mackinac derives its name from the Indian words Michi-mackinac, meaning a great turtle, from its supposed resemblance to that animal, or from the Chippewa words Michine-maukinonk, signify ing the place of giant fairies, who were supposed by Indian superstition to hover over the waters around that beautiful island. The origin of the word Detroit is the French word Detroit, signify ing a strait, because the post was situated on the strait connecting Lake Erie with Lake St. Clair.
During the whole period of the French domination, extending from the first settlement of the country down to the year 1760, the traffic of Michigan was confined principally to the trade in furs. This interesting traffic upon the great lakes was carried on by the French under peculiar circumstances. As the forests of the lake region abounded with furs which were of great value in
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the mother country, it became an important object with the Cana dian government to prosecute that trade with all the energy in its power. The rich furs of the beaver and otter were particularly valuable, from the [great demand for them in Europe. Large
CAPT. JOHN CLARKE.
JOHN CLARKE, of St. Glair, one of the pioneers of Michigan, was born at Bath, Maine, July 29, 1797. In 1812 he went to Augusta, Maine, and accepted a situation in the mercantile establishment of T. Sargent, Esq., ,but he, through ill health, was soon compelled to give up this position and return to his home. Peace being declared between Great Britain and the United States, his physicians advised him to make a trip to Europe, and in April, 1815, he sailed for Bremen. After traveling through Germany, England and Scotland, and witnessing the great 9
130 GENERAL HISTOKY OF THE STATES.
canoes made of bark, and strongly constructed, were despatched annually to the lakes laden with packs of European merchandise, consisting of blankets, printed calicoes, ribbons, cutlery, and trinkets of various kinds, which the Indians used ; and Detroit, Michilimackiuac and Ste. Marie, were their principal places of deposit.
To secure the interests of the large companies, licenses for this trade were granted by the Governor-General of Canada to the mer chants, who sometimes sold them to the coureurs des bois. The possessor of one of these licenses was entitled to load two large canoes, each of which was manned by six men. The cargo of one of these canoes was valued at about a thousand crowns. This merchandise was sold to the traders on credit, and at about fifteen per cent advance on the price it would command in ready money. But the voyages were very profitable, and there was generally a gain of about one hundred per cent on the sum invested in the
rejoicings in those countries over the defeat and capture of Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo, he embarked from Liverpool with his uncle, Capt. F. Clarke, in the ship Ellington, for Boston. When about in mid-ocean, and during a severe gale, the vessel foundered, and the passengers and crew were obliged to take to the small boats. After remaining in these for three days, they were picked up by a dismasted brig from Scotland. At4he expiration of three more days, the "James Madison," from Phila delphia, came to their relief, and putting them on a short allowance of food, in order to make it last, brought them in safety to Philadelphia, after a lapse of thirty -two days. Upon arriving in the latter city, Mr. Clarke was unable to find his uncle (who, to gain time, had taken a steamer as soon as they entered the river), and having no money, wan dered around for three days without food. His condition becoming known, he was assisted by the kind hearted citizens, and his uncle, who had preceded him by steamer, finding him, gave him money with which to reach his home.
Arriving there, he received a clerkship in a store, and after serving in this position for a short time, he accepted of a similar one in the whole sale house of Page & Gitchell, in Hallowell, in 1817, receiving the highest salary paid for similar labors, which was only seventy-five dollars per year.
Mr. Clarke here united with the Baptfst Church, of which he is still a member, and at once took a deep interest in Sabbath schools. He still
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enterprise. The traders endured most of the fatigue, and the mer chants received most of the profit. On the return of one of these expeditions, six hundred crowns were taken by the merchant for his license, and as he had sold the thousand crowds' worth of goods at their prime cost, from this sum he also deducted forty per cent for bottomry; the remainder was then divided among the six coureurs des bois, who were thus left with but a small compensation for all their perils and hardships.
The coureurs des bois were the native agents of the fur trade. Thoroughly acquainted with the navigation of the lakes, they fearlessly swept along the waters of these inland seas, encamping at night upon their shores. Of mixed white and Indian, blood, they formed the connecting link between civilization and barbarism. Their dress was also demi-savage. Lively and sanguine, they were at all times ready to join the Indians in the dance, or pay respect to their ceremonies. Their French fathers had familiarly
retains his activity in this class of labors, although he has reached the advanced age of seventy-six years.
In 1818 he removed to Belfast, and engaged in the mercantile business, with more than average prosperity. He married Miss Mary Sherbun, of Hallowell, in December, 1819.
Upon attaining his majority he espoused the principles of the Jefferson republican party, and gave his support to the administrations of Madison and Monroe, and worked faithfully for the election of General Jackson during the following presidential campaign, which resulted in the elec tion of John Quincy Adams by the House of Representatives. Although he resolutely refused to accept any political position, he undertook many difficult tasks for his party, and performed his work in a manner to elicit the highest praise from the then Governor of Maine, and other prominent officials.
His health again failing him, he closed his business in Belfast, with the intention of coming to Michigan, but his friends prevailed upon him to return to Hallowell, where he took an active part in all political issues.
In 1829 Mr. Clarke was called to Washington on business, and while there was received by President Jackson in the kindest manner, and an intimate friendship soon sprung up between them.
He came to Michigan in 1830, arriving at Detroit in October of that year, and in the following December opened a mercantile establishment on Woodward avenue, two doors from Jefferson avenue, in a building
132 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
associated with the native tribes, and their mothers and wives were the inmates of Indian camps. In many respects their char acter resembled that of mariners upon the ocean, for the same general cause might be said to operate upon both. Instead of navigating the high seas in ships tossed by storms, and ploughing the waves from port to port, it was their lot to propel their light canoes over the fresh water seas of the forest, where, hurried from one Indian village to another, like the mariner on the ocean, they acquired all those habits which belong to an unsettled and wan dering life.
Advancing to the remote shores of Lake Superior or Lake Michigan, and following the courses of the rivers which flow into them, as soon as they reached the points where the Indians were in the habit of resorting, they at once encamped. Here they opened their packages of goods, exhibited them to their savage customers and exchanged them for furs ; and having disposed of
owned by Robert Smart, Esq. In the fall of 1832 lie purchased a large tract of land on the St. Clair river, where he now resides, and in the fol lowing spring removed to where the city of Port Huron now stands, and at which place there were then only three frame buildings. He took charge of the steamer Gen. Gratiot about this time, and sailed her on the route from Port Huron to Toledo. In 1835 he removed to his present residence, in the town of China, a few miles below the city of St. Clair, on the river of that name.
He was one of the delegates chosen from St. Clair county to the State convention for the framing of a State Constitution, which met in Detroit on the llth of May, 1835. As a member of this important body he per formed much good work, and his actions won him many influential friends.
Pending the admission of Michigan into the Union, at the request of a number of the influential men of the Territory he visited Washington, and upon arriving there found the objectionable bill had passed the very day he had started. He presented the facts in the case to President Jackson, and that official expressed his regrets that Mr. Clarke had not arrived sooner, as he would not have signed the bill had the matter been fully explained to him before. During his stay at the capitol, the Gov ernor of his Territory and other prominent men arrived in Washington. These gentlemen called upon the President, in the presence of the Secre tary of State, and after some discussion upon the admission of the
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all their merchandise, and loaded their canoes with the peltries it had procured, they bade adieu to their Indian friends, and started on their voyage back, with feathers stuck in their hats, keeping time with their paddles to the Canadian boat songs.
La Hontan, in his Journal, which was published in France, and a translation of which was afterwards published in this country, gives an interesting account of the fur trade, showing the general course of that traffic while the Canadas were under the French. The author resided at Montreal. At this time (1688) Michili- mackinac wras the principal stopping place for the traders on their way from Montreal and Detroit to the forests bordering on Lake Superior. Here their goods were deposited, and here the furs were collected for their return freight. Sometimes, however, the traders, accompanied by numerous canoes of the Ottawas, would proceed directly to the older settlements on the St. Lawrence,
Territory, President Jackson made this statement to them : " You have no influence with the Cabinet. We look to Mr. Clarke for all the infor mation we desire. We know him, and have the fullest confidence in him." The Secretary of State, meeting Mr. Clarke afterwards, informed him that he had but to mention what he desired in the gift of the Presi dent, and he should receive it. Mr. Clarke, however, declined accepting any office.
At the first election under the State Constitution, he having received the nomination of both parties, was elected State Senator for the Fifth Senatorial District without an opposing vote, and to which position he was reflected at the following election. Every effort was made by his friends at this time for permission to place his name before the Legisla ture as a candidate for the United States Senate, but he would not consent.
In 1837, President Jackson appointed him one of two commission ers to acquire the title of the Indians to the lands they claimed in Michigan, which duty he performed in a very satisfactory manner.
Afterwards he received the appointment of Receiver of the Land Office at Ionia, from President Van Buren, with whom he had been acquainted from 1829. Mr. Clarke declined to accept this position.
He was a member of the State Convention of 1850, for the revision of the State Constitution, and took a prominent part in the deliberations of that body.
With the nomination of James Buchanan for the presidency by the
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where they supposed they might be able to dispose of their car goes to greater advantage than at the interior posts.
The following is La Hontan's account of the fur trade at the period referred to:
" Much about the same day," says he, " there arrived twenty- five or thirty canoes, being homeward bound from the great lakes, and laden with beaver skins. The cargo of each canoe amounted to forty packs, each of which weighs fifty pounds, and will fetch fifty crowns at the farmer's office. These canoes were followed by fifty more of the Ottawas and Hurons, who come down every year to the colony in order to make a better market than they can do in their own country of Michilimackinac, which lies on the banks of the Lake of Hurons, at the mouth of the Lake of Illinese (Michigan). Their way of trading is as follows :
" Upon their arrival they encamp at a distance of five or six hundred paces from the town. The first day is spent in ranging
Democrats, Mr. Clarke left that party, and gave his support to General Fremont, whom he claimed represented the true principles of Jefferson and his associates.
In 1857 Mr. Clarke was again elected to the State Legislature, and dur ing its session exerted great influence in securing the passage of good laws, and the defeat of those he considered would be injurious to the State. At this session he used his entire influence, and no doubt aj^ed materially in the election of' the Hon. Zachariah Chandler to the United States Senate.
Mr. Clarke is a very prominent and influential Free Mason, having united with this order at Belfast, Maine, as early as 1820. Upon being admitted he strove to advance and learn its great principles, and traveled a distance of over fifty miles to receive the Chapter degrees. Upon its revival after the Morgan affair, he took an active part in perpetuating its existence and principles. He was elected E. C. of the John Clarke Com- mandery, of St. Clair, and was afterwards elected to the same position in the Port Huron Commandery. From their establishment until the pres ent time, over sixteen years, he has not been absent from a meeting of either of these bodies. Mr. Clarke has conferred more knightly orders than any other E. C. in the State. He was elected R E. G. C. of Michi gan, and appointed V. E. G. C. G. by the Hon. B. B. French, M. E. G. M. of the G. G. E. of the United States. He is known throughout the Union as a prominent Free Mason, and has received a number of valu able presents from the fraternity.
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135
their canoes, unloading their goods, and pitching their tents, which are made of birch bark. The next day they demand audience of the Governor-General, which is granted them that same day, in a public place.
HON. JOHN R. KELLOG.
JOHN R. KELLOG, a prominent man in Michigan during the time of Lewis Cass, was born at New Hartford, Oneida county, New York, in 1793. His father was one of the hardy pioneers of the New England States, the farm upon which he resided in New Hartford, being pur chased from George Washington and George Clinton. The original con tract of this purchase is still in existence and is now in the possession of A. J. Kellog, the youngest son of the subject of this sketch, who resides in Allegan, Michigan.
When he was six years of age, the parents of Mr. John R. Kellog
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" Upon this occasion each nation makes a ring for itself. The savages sit upon the ground, with pipes in their mouths, and the governor is seated in an arm-chair ; after which there starts up an orator or speaker from one of these nations, who makes a harangue, importing that his brethren are come to visit the Gov ernor-General, to renew with him their wonted friendship ; that their chief view is to promote the interest of the French, some of whom, being unacquainted wTith the way of traffic, and being too weak for the transporting of goods from the lakes, would be una ble to deal in beaver-skins if his brethren did not come in person to deal with them in their own colonies. That they knew very well how acceptable their arrival is to the inhabitants of Mon treal, in regard to the advantage they reap from it ; that, in regard to the beaver-skins, they were much valued in France, and the French goods given in exchange were of an inconsiderable value ; and that they mean to give the French sufficient proof of their readiness to furnish them with what they desire so earnestly.
" That, by way of preparation of another year's cargo, they are come to take in exchange fusees, and powder and ball, in order to hunt great numbers of beavers, or to gall the Iroquois in case they offered to disturb the French settlements; and, in fine, in
removed from New Hartford to Skaneateles, New York, taking him along with them. At the age of thirteen he went to Lowville, New York, as a clerk for Messrs. Leonard, in which occupation he remained until he was twenty-two years of age. From here he went to New York city as a clerk for John Glover, Esq. While in this city he united with the Presbyterian Church, Dr. John M. Mason, pastor, and lived an earnest and faithful Christian the remainder of his life.
In 1817 he married Miss Mary Otter son, of New York, a young lady highly respected for her many good qualities, who still survives him.
From this city with his wife and two children he returned to New Hartford in 1817, remaining one year, when he again removed and set tled in Marcellus, Onondaga county, New York. Here he retained his residence until 1836, being engaged in mercantile pursuits. In this year he emigrated to Michigan and served in the Legislature of the State dur ing the winter of 1837-38. In the latter year he settled in Allegan, Alle- gan county, Michigan, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1868.
Mr. Kellog was a member of the State Board of Education for six
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confirmation of their words, that they throw a porcelain collar (belt of wampum), with some beaver-skins, to the kitchi-okima (so they call the Governor-General), whose protection they laid claim to in case of any robbery or abuse committed upon them in the town. The spokesman having made an end of his speech, returns to his place and takes up his pipe, and the interpreter explains the substance of the harangue to the Governor, who commonly gives a very civil answer, especially if the presents be valuable, in consideration of which he likewise makes them a present of some trifling things. This done, the savages rise up and return to their huts, to make suitable preparation for the ensuing truck.
" The next day the savages make their slaves carry the skins to the houses of the merchants, who bargain with them for such clothes as they want. All the inhabitants of Montreal are allowed ' to traffic with them in any commodity but rum and brandy, these two being excepted upon the account that, when the savages have got what they want, and have any skins left, they drink to excess, and then kill their slaves ; for, when they are in* drink, they quarrel and fight, and, if they were not held by those who are sober, would certainly make havoc one of another.
years, and while in this position he did much for the advancement of education, and to him in a great measure are we indebted for the high position which Michigan occupies to-day when compared with her sister States in an educational point of view.
He was associate judge of Allegan county two years, during the judi cial term of Judge Ransom, and performed the responsible duties of that position in a manner that elicited the highest praise from that distin guished gentleman.
He was one of the main movers in his section of the State in organiz ing the association and raising the necessary funds for the erection of the Soldiers and Sailors' monument which now beautifies the Campus Martins in the City of Detroit.
Mr. Kellog's public history is well known throughout the State, as he occupied an enviable position during his life in all matters of importance concerning the government of the State and its welfare and prosperity. He was an intimate friend of Secretary Seward and General Cass, and maintained a friendly correspondence with them until separated by death.
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" However, you must observe that none of them will touch either gold or silver. As soon as the savages have made an end of their truck, they take leave of the Governor, and . return home by the River Ottawa. To conclude, they do a great deal of good, both to the poor and rich, for you will readily apprehend that everybody turns merchant upon such occasions."
To the question what was the condition of the Northwestern Territory when it was claimed and occupied by France, we can furnish a ready answer. It was a vast ranging ground for the numerous Indian tribes, who roamed over it in all the listless indo lence of their savage independence ; of the Jesuit missionaries, who, under the garb of their religious orders, strove to gain the influence of the red men in behalf of their government as well as their church, by their conversion to the Catholic faith ; the theatre of the most important military operations of the French soldiers at the West ; and the grand mart where the furs, which were deemed the most valuable products of this region, were collected for shipment to France, under a commercial system which was originally projected by the Cardinal de Richelieu.
The condition of a country, although often in some measute modified by the nature of the climate and the soil, is more gener ally founded upon the character of the people and that of its laws. This is clearly exhibited in the case of the Northwest ; for, while that domain was rich in all the natural advantages that could be furnished by the soil, it wras entirely barren of all those moral and intellectual fruits springing from bold and energetic character, directed by a free, enlightened, and wholesome system of juris prudence.
CHAPTER IX.
WAR BETWEEN THE FRENCH AND ENGLISH COLONIES — BRADDOCK'S MARCH — His DEFEAT — ACADIA, NIAGARA AND CROWN POINT — BATTLE OF LAKE GEORGE — CONDITION OF CANADA.
SCARCELY had the French established themselves in Canada, when a chain of circumstances occurred that resulted in their overthrow. The people of the northern English colonies had learned to regard their Canadian neighbors with the bitterest enmity. With them, the very name of Canada called up horrible recollections and ghastly images ; the midnight massacre of Sche- nectady, and the desolation of many a New England hamlet ; blazing dwellings and reeking scalps, and children snatched from their mothers' arms, to be immured in convents, and trained up in the abominations of Popery. To the sons of the Puritans, their enemy was doubly odious. They hated him as a Frenchman, and they hated him as a Papist.
• Hitherto, he had waged his murderous warfare from a distance, wasting their settlements with rapid onsets, fierce and transient as a summer storm ; but now, with enterprising audacity, he was intrenching himself on their very borders. The English hunter, in the lonely wilderness of Vermont, as by the warm glow of sun set he piled the spruce boughs for his woodland bed, started, as a deep, low sound struck faintly on his ears — the evening gun of Fort Frederic, booming over lake and forest. The erection of this fort, better known among the English as Crown Point, was a piece of daring encroachment, which justly kindled resentment in the northern colonies. But it was not here that the immediate occa sion of a final -rupture was to arise. By an article of the treaty of Utrecht, confirmed by that of Aix la Chapelle, Acadia had been ceded to England ; but, scarcely was the latter treaty signed, when debates sprang up touching the limits of the ceded province.
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Commissioners were named on either side, to adjust the disputed boundary ; but the claims of the rival powers proved utterly irrec oncilable, and all negotiation was fruitless. Meantime, the French and English forces in Acadia began to assume a belligerent atti tude, and indulge their ill blood in mutual aggression and reprisal. But, while this game was played on the coasts of the Atlantic, interests of far greater moment were at stake in the West.
The people of the middle colonies, placed by their local posi tion beyond reach of the French, had heard with great composure of the suiferings of their New England brethren, and felt little concern at a danger so doubtful and remote. There were those among them, however, who, with greater foresight had been quick to perceive the ambitious project of the rival nation ; and, as early as 1716, Spotswood, Governor of Virginia, had urged the expedi ency of securing the valley of the Ohio by a series of forts and settlements. His proposal was coldly received, and his plan fell to the ground. The time at length was come when the danger was approaching too near to be slighted longer. In 1748, an association, called the Ohio Company, was formed, with the view of making settlements in the region beyond the Alleghanies ; and, two years later, Gist, the company's surveyor, to the great disgust of the Indians, carried chain and compass down the Ohio as far as the falls at Louisville. But, so dilatory were the English, that, before any effectual steps were taken, their agile enemies appeared upon the scene. In the spring of 1753, the middle provinces were startled at the tidings that French troops had crossed Lake Erie, fortified themselves at the point of Presque Isle, and pushed for ward to the northern branches of the Ohio. Upon this, Governor Dinwiddie, of Virginia, resolved to despatch a message requiring their removal from territory which he had claimed as belonging to the British crown ; and, looking about him for the person best qualified to act as -messenger, he made choice of George Washing ton, a young man twenty-one years of age, Adjutant-General of the Virginia militia.
Washington departed on his mission, crossed the mountains, descended to the bleak and leafless valley of the Ohio, and thence
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continued his journey up the banks of the Alleghany, until the fourth of December. On that day he reached Venango, an Indian town on the Alleghany, at the mouth of French Creek. Here was the advanced post of the French, and here, among the Indian
HON. CHARLES W. GRANT.
CHARLES WESLEY GRANT, of East Saginaw, was born March 15, 1817, at Suiithville, Chenango county, New York. He came to Michigan at the age of twenty years, and settled in Saginaw county in the spring of 1849. At that time there being no railroad nor plank road, and scarcely any other leading to that county, he came in a skiff down Flint river from the then village of Flint with the late George R. Cummings, Esq. , who had just received a commission from Governor Ransom as prosecuting attorney for Saginaw county.
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log cabins and huts of bark, he sa.w their flag flying above the house of an English trader, whom the military intruders had unceremoniously ejected. They gave the young envoy a hospita ble reception, and referred him to the commanding officer, whose headquarters were at Le Bceuf, a fort which they had just built on French Creek, some distance above Venango. Thither Washing ton repaired, and on his arrival was received with stately courtesy by the officer, Legarduer de St. Pierre, whom he describes as an elderly gentleman of very soldier-like appearance. To the mes sage of Dinwiddie St. Pierre replied that he would forward it to the Governor-General of Canada ; but that, in the meantime, his orders were to hold possession of the country, and this he should do to the best of his ability. With this answer, Washington, through all the rigors of the midwinter forest, retraced his steps, with one attendant, to the English borders.
While the rival nations were beginning to quarrel for a prize which belonged to neither of them, the unhappy Indians saw, with alarm and amazement, their lands becoming a bone of contention between rapacious strangers. The first appearance of the French on the Ohio excited the wildest fears in the tribes of that quarter, among whom were those who, disgusted by the encroachments of the Pennsylvanians, had fled to those remote retreats to escape the intrusion of the white men. Scarcely was their fancied asylum gained, when they saw themselves invaded by a host of armed men from Canada. Thus, placed between two fires, they knew not which way to turn. There was no union in their counsels, and they seemed like a mob of bewildered children. Their native jeal-
In 1850, as a partner of A. M. Hoyt, the proprietor of the incipient city of East Saginaw, he built the first mill erected there, and for himself, the first dwelling house. He was one of the five voters who organized the township of Buena Vista in 1851. At that election he was elected town ship clerk, commissioner of highways, justice of the peace, school inspec tor, etc.
In 1856 he was elected sheriff of Saginaw county, and held that office for the four following years.
During President Buchanan's administration, and for two years after wards, he served as deputy United States marshal under Col. Rice, Col. Davis and John S. Bagg.
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ousy was roused to its utmost pitch. Many of them thought that the two* white nations had conspired to destroy them, and then divide their lands. " You and the French," said one of them, a few years afterwards, to an English > emissary, " are like the two edges of a pair of shears, and we "are the cloth which is cut to pieces between them."
The French labored hard to conciliate them, plying them with gifts and flatteries, and proclaiming themselves their champions against the English. At first, these arts seemed in vain, but their effect soon began to declare itself; and this effect was greatly increased by a singular piece of infatuation on the part of the pro prietors of Pennsylvania.
During the summer of 1754, delegates of the several provinces met at Albany, to concert measures of defense in the war which now seemed inevitable. It was at this meeting that the memor able plan of a union of the colonies was brought forward ; a plan, the fate of which was curious and significant, for the crown rejected it as giving too much power to the people, and the people as giving too much power to the crown. A council was also held with the 'Iroquois, and though they were found but lukewarm in their attachment to the English, a treaty of friendship and alliance was concluded with their deputies. It would have been well if the matter had ended here, but, with ill-timed rapacity, the proprie tary agents of Pennsylvania took advantage of this great assem blage of sachems to procure from them the grant of extensive tracts, including the lands inhabited by the very tribes whom the French were at that moment striving to seduce. When they heard
Mr. Grant came to Saginaw poor in purse, but rich in energy and cour age. Having satisfied his taste for public office, he turned his attention to lumbering, which he has diligently and successfully pursued ever since. By the exercise of his business talent, which is of a high order, he has built up an enviable credit and amassed an ample fortune. He is an exam ple of that steady advance in wealth and social standing that is invariably achieved by a young man of good habits and persevering industry, who has the good sense to husband his income and make it productive by judicious investment. He resides on the "James Riley Reservation," where he has erected a palatial residence. Here he enjoys his well earned wealth, and dispenses an elegant hospitality.
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that, without their consent, their conquerors and tyrants, the Iro- quois, had sold the soil from beneath their feet, their indignation was extreme ; and, convinced that there was no limit to English encroachment, many of them from that hour became fast allies of the French.
The courts of London and Versailles still maintained a diplo matic intercourse, both protesting their earnest wish that their conflicting claims might be adjusted by friendly negotiation ; but, while each disclaimed the intention of hostility, both were hasten ing to prepare for war. Early in 1755, an English fleet sailed from Cork, having on board two regiments destined for Virginia, and commanded by General Braddock ; and, soon after, a French fleet put to sea from the port of Brest, freighted with munitions of war and a strong body of troops, under Baron Dieskau, an officer who had distinguished himself in the campaigns of Marshal Saxe. The English fleet gained its destination, and lauded its troops in safety. The French were less fortunate. Two of their ships, the Lys and the Alcide, became involved in the fogs of the banks of Newfoundland ; and, when the weather cleared, they found- themselves under the guns of a superior British force, belonging to the squadron of Admiral Boscowen, sent out for the express purpose of intercepting them. " Are we at peace or at war ?" demanded the French commander. A broad side from the Englishman soon solved his doubts, and, after a stout resistance, the French struck their colors. News of the cap ture caused great excitement in England, but the conduct of the aggressors was generally approved ; and, under pretence that the French had begun the war by their alleged encroachments in America, orders were issued for a general attack upon their marine. So successful were the British cruisers, that; before the end of the year, three hundred French vessels and nearly eight thousand sailors were captured and brought into port. The French, unable to retort in kind, raised an outcry of indignation, and Mirepoix, their ambassador, withdrew from the Court of London.
Thus began that memorable war, which, kindling among the forests of America, scattered its fires over the kingdoms of Europe and the sultry empire of the Great Mogul ; the war made glorious
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by the heroic death of Wolfe, the victories of Frederic, and the exploits of Olive ; the war which controlled the destinies of America, and was first in the chain of events which led on to her Revolution, with all its vast and undeveloped consequences. On
PROF. DUANE DOTY.
DUANE DOTY, the present Superintendent of Public Instruction for the city of Detroit, was born in the State of Ohio. He, with his parents, came to Michigan during his early childhood, and in this State received a thorough education, graduating from the literary department of the Michigan University, in 1856.
With the exception of five years devoted to travel, army and editorial life, his whole time since his graduation has been occupied by educa tional work. In 1865 he was appointed Superintendent of Public 10
146 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
the old battle-ground of Europe the contest bore the same familiar features of violence and horror which had marked the strife of former generations — fields ploughed by the cannon ball, and walls shattered by the exploding mine, sacked towns and blazing sub urbs, the lamentation of women, and the license of a maddened soldiery. But in America, war assumed a new and striking aspect. A wilderness was its sublime arena. Army met army under the shadows of primeval woods ; their cannon resounded over wastes unknown to civilized man. And, before the hostile powers could join in battle, endless forests must be traversed, and morasses passed, and everywhere the axe of the pioneer must hew a path for the bayonet of the soldier.
Before the declaration of war, and before the breaking off of negotiations between the courts of France and England, the English ministry formed the plan of assailing the French in America on all sides at once, and repelling them, by one bold push, from all their encroachments. A provincial army was to advance upon Acadia, a second was to attack Crown Point, and a third Niagara ; while the two regiments which had lately arrived in Virginia, under General Braddock, aided by a strong body of provincials, were to dislodge the French from their newly-built fort of Du Quesne. To Braddock was assigned the chief command of all the British forces in America ; and a person worse fitted for the office could scarcely have been found. His experience had been ample, and none could doubt his courage ; but he was profligate,
Instruction for the city of Detroit, which difficult and laborious position he has acceptably filled for eight years. During his term of office many important improvements have been made ; the school work and school business have all been thoroughly systematized, and the city supplied with good school buildings.
Mr. Doty's organizing ^nd administrative ability is conceded to be of a very high order, and he belongs emphatically to the class of workers who richly merit the honors conferred upon them. His work and efforts in the cause of popular education have secured him an enviable reputation, and, besides this, he is well known for his knowledge of the vast and increasing resources of his country, and for availing himself of every opportunity for adding to his abundant fund of information on all sub jects.
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arrogant, perverse, and a bigot to military rules. On his first arrival in Virginia, he called together the Governors of the sev eral provinces, in order to explain his instructions and adjust the details of the projected operations. These arrangements complete, Braddock advanced to the borders of Virginia, and formed his camp at Fort Cumberland, where he spent several weeks in train ing the raw backwoodsmen who joined him into such discipline as they seemed capable of; in collecting horses and wagons, which could only be had with the utmost difficulty ; in railing at the contractors, who scandalously cheated him ; and in venting his spleen by copious abuse of the country and the people. All at length was ready, and early in June, 1755, the army left civiliza tion behind, and struck into the broad wilderness as a squadron puts out to sea.
It was no easy task to force their way over that rugged ground, covered with an unbroken growth of forest ; and the difficulty was increased by the needless load of baggage which encumbered their march. The crash of falling trees resounded in the front, where a hundred axemen labored with ceaseless toil to hew a passage for the army. The horses strained their utmost strength to drag the ponderous wagons over roots and stumps, through gullies and quag mires ; and the regular troops were daunted by the depth and gloom of the forest which hedged them in on either hand, and closed its leafy arch above their heads. So tedious was their pro gress, that, by the advice of Washington, twelve hundred chosen men moved on in advance, with the lighter baggage and artillery, leaving the rest of the army to follow, by slower stages, with the heavy wagons. On the eighth of July, the advanced body reached the Monongahela, at a point not far distant from Fort du Quesne. The rocky and impracticable ground on the eastern side debarred their passage, and the General resolved to cross the river in search of a smoother path, and re-cross it a few miles lower down, in order to gain the fort. The first passage was easily made, and the troops moved, in glittering array, down the western margin of the water, rejoicing that their goal was well nigh reached, and the hour of their expected triumph close at hand.
Scouts and Indian runners had brought the tidings of Braddock's
148 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
approach to the French at Fort du Quesne. Their dismay was great, and Contrecour, the commander, thought only of retreat, when Beaujeu, a captain in the garrison, made the bold proposal of leading out a party of French and Indians to waylay the Eng lish in the woods, and harass or interrupt their march. The offer was accepted, and Beaujeu hastened to the Indian camp.
Around the fort and beneath the adjacent forest were the bark lodges of savage hordes, whom the French had mustered from far and near: Ojibwas and Ottawas, Hurons and Caughnawagas, Abenakis and Delawares. Beaujeu called the warriors together, flung a hatchet on the ground before them, and invited them to follow him out to battle ; but the boldest stood aghast at the peril, and none wrould accept the challenge. A second interview took place, with no better success ; but the Frenchman was resolved to carry his point. " I am determined to go," he exclaimed. " What, will you suffer your father to go alone ?" His daring proved con tagious. The warriors hesitated no longer ; and when, on the morning of the ninth of July, a scout ran in wTith the news that the English army was but a few miles distant, the Indian camps were at once astir with the turmoil of preparation. Chiefs harangued their yelling followers, braves bedaubed themselves with war-paint, smeared themselves with grease, hung feathers in their scalp-locks, and whooped and stamped till they had wrought themselves into a delirium of valor.
That morning, James Smith, an English prisoner, recently cap tured on the frontier of Pennsylvania, stood on the rampart, and saw the half-frenzied multitude thronging about the gateway, where kegs of bullets and gunpowder were broken open, that each might help himself at will. Then band after band hastened away towards the forest, followed and supported by nearly two hundred and fifty French and Canadians, commanded by Beaujeu. There were the Ottawas, led on, it is said, by the remarkable man whose name stands so prominently on the pages of this history ; there were the Hurons, of Lorette, under their chief, whom the French called Athanose, and many more, all keen as hounds on the scent of blood. At about nine miles from the fort they reached a spot where the narrow road descended to the river through deep and
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gloomy ^woods, and where two ravines, concealed by trees and bushes, seemed formed by nature for an ambuscade. Beaujeu well knew the ground ; and it was here that he had resolved to fight ; but he and his followers were well nigh too late ; for, as
HON. J. G. SUTHERLAND,
JABEZ G. SUTHERLAND was born October 6, 1825, in Onondaga county, New York; removed with his lather to Michigan in 1836, and has ever since resided in the counties of Genesee and Saginaw. He commenced the study of law in 1844, and came to the bar in 1848. In 1849 he settled in Saginaw county, and was appointed by the Governor prosecuting attorney of that county. He served as delegate in the Constitutional Convention of 1850, and in 1853 as a member of the lower branch of the Legislature. In 1858 he was the unsuccessful Democratic candidate for
150 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
they neared the ravines, the woods were resounding with the roll of the British drums.
It was past noon of a day brightened with the clear sunlight of an American midsummer, when the forces of Braddock began, for a second time, to cross the Monongahela, at the fording-place, which, to this day, bears the name of their ill-fated leader. The scarlet columns of the British regulars, complete in martial appoint ment, the rude backwoodsmen, with shouldered rifles, the trains of artillery and the white-topped wagons, moved on in long proces sion through the shallow current, and slowly mounted the opposing bank. Men were there whose names have become historic : Gage, who, twenty-one years later, saw his routed battalions recoil in disorder from before the breastworks on Bunker Hill ; Gates, the future conqueror of Burgoyne ; and one destined to a higher fame, George Washington, a boy in years, a man in calm thought and self-ruling wisdom.
With steady and well-ordered march the troops advanced into the great labyrinth of woods which shadowed the eastern borders of the river. Rank after rank vanished from sight. The forest swallowed them up, and the silence of the wilderness sank down once more on the shores and waters of the Monongahela.
Several engineers and guides and six light horsemen led the way ; a body of grenadiers under Gage was close behind, and the army followed, in such order as the rough ground would permit, along a narrow road, twelve feet wide, tunneled through the dense and matted foliage. There were flanking parties on either side, but no scouts to scour the woods in front, and, with an insane con fidence, Braddock pressed on to meet his fate. The van had passed the low grounds that bordered the river, and were now ascending a gently rising ground, where, on either hand, hidden by thick trees, by tangled undergrowth and rank grasses, lay the two fatal ravines. Suddenly, Gorden, an engineer in advance, saw the French and Indians bounding forward through the forest and
Attorney-General; in 1863 was elected circuit judge of the tenth circuit, and reflected in 1869 without opposition. In 1870 he was elected to Congress, and thereupon resigned his judgeship.
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along the narrow track, Beaujeu leading them on, dressed in a fringed hunting-shirt, and wearing a silver gorget on his breast. He stopped, turned and waved his hat, and his French followers, crowding across the road, opened a murderous fire upon the head of the British column ; while, screeching their war cries, the Indians thronged into the ravines, or crouched behind rocks and trees on both flanks of the advancing troops. The astonished grenadiers returned the fire, and returned it with good effect ; for a random shot struck down the brave Beaujeu, and the courage of the assailants was staggered by his fall. Dumas, second in command, rallied them to the attack ; and while he, with the French and Canadians, made good the pass in front, the Indians from their lurking places opened a deadly fire on the right and left. In a few moments all wras confusion. The advance guard fell back on the main body, and every trace of subordination vanished. The fire soon extended along the whole length of the army, from front to rear. Scarce an enemy could be seen, though the forests resounded with their yells ; though every bush and tree was alive with incessant flashes ; though the lead flew like a hail-storm, and the men went down by scores. The regular troops seemed bereft of their senses. They huddled together in the road like flocks of sheep ; and happy did he think himself who could wedge his way into the midst of the crowd, and place a barrier of human flesh between his life and the shot of the ambushed marksmen. Many were seen eagerly loading their muskets, and then firing them into the air, or shooting their own comrades, in the insanity of their terror. The officers, for the most part, displayed a conspicuous gallantry ; but threats and commands were wasted alike on the panic-stricken multitude. It is said that, at the outset, Braddock showed signs of fear ; but he soon recovered his wonted intrepid ity. Five horses were shot under him, and five times he mounted afresh. He stormed and shouted, and, while the Virginians were fighting to good purpose, each man behind a tree, like the Indians themselves, he ordered them, with furious menace, to form in pla toons, where the fire of the enemy mowed them down like grass. At length, a mortal shot silenced him, and two provincials bore Mm off the field. Washington rode through the tumult, calm and
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undaunted. Two horses were killed under him, and four bullets pierced his clothes ; but his hour was not come, and he escaped without a wound. Gates was shot through the body, and Gage, also, was severely wounded. Of eighty-six officers only twenty- three remained unhurt ; and of twelve hundred soldiers, who crossed the Monongahela, more than seven hundred were killed and wounded. None suffered more severely than the Virginians, who had displayed throughout a degree of courage and steadiness which put the cowardice of the regulars to shame. The havoc among them was terrible, for, of their whole number, scarcely one- fifth left the field alive.
The slaughter lasted three hours, when, at length, the survivors, as if impelled by a general impulse, rushed tumultuously from the place of carnage, and, with dastardly precipitation, fled across the Monongahela. The enemy did not pursue beyond the river, flock ing to the field to collect the plunder, and gather a rich harvest of scalps. The routed troops pursued their flight until they met the rear division of the army, under Colonel Dunbar ; and then their senseless terrors did not abate. Dunbar's soldiers caught the infection. Common baggage, provisions and wagons were destroyed, and all fled together, eager to escape from the. shadows of those awful woods, whose horrors haunted their imagination. They passed the defenseless settlements of the border, and hurried on to Philadelphia, leaving the unhappy people to defend them selves as they might against the tomahawk and scalping-knife.
The calamities of this disgraceful rout did not cease with the loss of a few hundred soldiers on the field of battle ; for it brought upon the province all the miseries of an Indian war. Those among the tribes who had thus far stood neutral, wavering between the French and English, now hesitated no longer. Many of them had been disgusted by the contemptuous behavior of Braddock. All had learned to despise the courage of the English, and to regard their own prowess with unbounded complacency. It is not in Indian nature to stand quiet in the midst of war ; and the defeat of Braddock was a signal for the western savages to snatch their tomahawks and assail the English settlements with one accord, murdering and pillaging with ruthless fury, and turning the fron-
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tier of Pennsylvania and Virginia into one wide scene of havoc and desolation.
The three remaining expeditions which the British ministry had planned for that year's campaign were attended with various
HON. JOHN N. MELLEN.
JOHN N. MELLEN, the present State Senator from the twenty first sena torial district of this State, was born in the town of Garry, Chautauqua county, New York, September 30, 1831. His father, Leander Mellen, was born at Shaftsbury, Bennington county, Vt., February 17, 1797.
Mr. Mellen emigrated to Michigan in 1837, and settled in the town of Washington, Macomb county. He received a thorough common school education in the schools of that county, and removed to the town of Lenox, in the same county, in 1841. In 1869 he again changed his place of residence, and settled in the village of Romeo, where he still resides.
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results. Acadia was quickly reduced by the forces of Colonel Monkton ; but the glories of this easy victory were tarnished by an act of cruelty. Seven thousand of the unfortunate people, refusing to take the prescribed oath of allegiance, were seized by the conquerors, torn from their homes, placed on shipboard, like cargoes of negro slaves, and transported to the British provinces. The expedition against Niagara was a total failure, for the troops did not even reach their destination. The movement against Crown Point met with no better success, as regards the main object of the enterprise. Owing to the lateness of the season, and other causes, the troops proceeded no farther than Lake George ; but the attempt was marked by a feat of arms, which, in that day of failures, was greeted, both in England and America, as a signal victory.
General Johnson, afterwards Sir William Johnson, had been charged with the conduct of the Crown Point expedition ; and his little army, a rude assemblage of hunters and farmers from New York and New England, officers and men alike ignorant of war, lay encamped at the southern extremity of Lake George. Here, while they languidly pursued their preparations, their active enemy anticipated them. Baron Dieskau, who, with a body of troops, had reached Quebec in the squadron which sailed from Brest in the spring, had intended to take forcible possession of the English fort of Oswego, erected upon ground claimed by the French as a part of Canada. Learning Johnson's movement, he changed his plan, crossed Lake Champlain, made a circuit by way of Wood
From 1847 until 1853 Mr. Mellen was actively engaged in the govern ment surveys of the Upper Peninsula, and explored the wild and pic turesque scenery of the Lake Superior region. During the winter of 1853-54 he made a trip to the Pacific coast, and remained two years among the gold mines, becoming thoroughly conversant with the man ners and customs of those bold adventurers who, in search of wealth, had forsaken their comfortable homes in the East, and exposed them selves to the dangers and hardships of this new country, peopled with hostile Indians. He was with Lieutenant Richardson on a topographical survey of Northern California, Oregon and Washington Territory, in 1856, and while on this expedition learned a considerable of the habits of the different tribes of Indians dwelling in those regions.
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Creek, and gained the rear of the English army, Avith a force of about two thousand French and Indians. At midnight, on the seventh of September, the tidings reached Johnson that the army of the French baron was but a few miles distant from his camp. A council of war was called, and the resolution formed of detach ing a thousand men to reconnoitre. If they are to be killed, said Hendrick, the Mohawk chief, they are too many ; if they are to fight, they are too few. His remonstrance was unheeded ; and the brave old savage, unable from age and corpulence to fight on foot, mounted his horse and joined the English detachment, with two hundred of his warriors. At sunrise, the party defiled from the camp, and, entering the forest, disappeared from the eyes of their comrades.
Those who remained behind labored with all the energy of alarm to fortify their unprotected camp. An hour elapsed, when, from the distance, was heard a sudden explosion of musketry. The excited soldiers suspended their work to listen. A rattling fire succeeded, deadened among the woods, but growing louder and nearer, till none could doubt that their comrades had met the French, and were defeated.
This was indeed the case. Marching through thick woods, by the narrow and newly-cut road which led along the valley south ward from Lake George, Williams, the English commander, had led his men full into an ambuscade, where all Dieskau's army lay in wait to receive them. From the woods on both sides rose an appalling shout, followed by a storm of bullets. Williams was soon shot down ; Hendrick shared his fate ; many officers fell, and
In 1857 lie returned to "the States," and was engaged in government surveys at the head of the Red River of the North, in the State of Min nesota. Here he acquired much valuable information of the soil, climate and products of that region, and also increased his knowledge of the peculiar traits of the red man. In 1860 he was occupied on surveys in the northern portion of Wisconsin, with Alfred Millard, Esq. , and Har vey Mellen. He was employed in the early surveys of Dacota Territory in 1861-2-3, under the supervision of G. D. Hill, surveyor-general. Since that time Mr. Mellen has been engaged in exploring the unsettled por tions of the States of Wisconsin and Michigan, in search of pine lands and minerals, in which he is an extensive dealer.
156 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
the road was strewed with dead and wounded soldiers. The Eng lish gave way at once. Had they been regular troops, the result would have been worse ; but every man was a woodsman and a hunter. Some retired in bodies along the road ; while the greater part spread themselves through the forest, opposing a wide front to the enemy, fighting stubbornly as they retreated, and shooting back at the French from behind every tree or bush that could afford a cover. The Canadians and Indians pressed them closely, darting, with shrill cries, from tree to tree, while Dieskau's regu lars, with steadier advance, bore all before them. Far and wide through the forest rang shout and shriek and Indian whoop, min gled with the deadly rattle of guns. Retreating and pursuing, the combatants passed northward towards the English camp, leaving the ground behind them strewn with dead and dying. A fresh detachment from the camp came in aid of the English, and the pursuit was checked. Yet the retreating men were not the less rejoiced when they could discern between the brown columns of the woods, the mountains and waters of Lake George, with the tents of their encampments on its shores. The French followed no farther. The blast of their trumpets was heard recalling their scattered men for a final attack.
During the absence of Williams' detachment, the main body of the army had covered the front of their camp with a breastwork — if the name can be applied to a row of logs — behind which the marksmen lay flat on their faces. This preparation was not yet complete, when the defeated troops appeared issuing from the woods. Breathless and perturbed, they entered the camp, and lay down with the rest ; and the army waited the attack in a frame of mind which boded ill for the result. Soon, at the edge of the woods which bordered the open space in front, painted Indians were seen, and bayonets glittered among the foliage, shining, in the homely comparison of a New England soldier, like a row of icicles on a January morning. The French regulars marched in column to the edge of the clearing, and formed in line, confronting the English at the distance of a hundred and fifty yards. Their complete order, their white uniforms and bristling bayonets, were a new and startling sight to the eyes of Johnson's rustic soldiers,
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who raised but a feeble cheer in answer to the shouts of their ene mies. Happily, Dieskau made no assault. The regulars opened a distant fire of musketry, throwing volley after volley against the English, while the Canadians and Indians, dispersing through the
E. B. WARD.
EBER B. WARD was born in Canada in 1811, his parents having fled into that country from Vermont, to escape the ravages consequent upon " the war of eighteen hundred and twelve." But he was not destined to remain long in the enemy's country. As soon as the smoke had died away from the last battle-field, the family returned to their pleasant home in Rutland county, Vermont, wrhere they remained until Mr. Ward was about six years old. At this period, the future of the American States being fixed, civilization again resumed its westward march. Vermont, among other New England States, contributed to the movement, and in 1817 many of the best families of the Green Mountain State were seeking
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morasses on each flank of the camp, fired sharply, under cover of the trees and bushes. In the rear, the English were protected by the lake, but on the three remaining sides they were hedged in by the flash and smoke of musketry.
The fire of the French had little effect. The English recovered from their first surprise, and every moment their confidence rose higher and their shouts grew louder. Leveling their long hunting guns with cool precision, they returned a fire which thinned the ranks of the French, and galled them beyond endurance. Two cannon were soon brought to bear upon the morasses which shel tered the Canadians and Indians ; and, though the pieces were served with little skill, the assailants were soon terrified by the crashing of the balls among the trunks and branches, that they gave way at once. Dieskau still persisted in the attack. From noon until past four o'clock, the firifag was scarcely abated, when, at length, the French, who had suffered extremely, showed signs of wavering. At this, with a general shout, the English broke from their camp and rushed upon their enemies, striking them down with the butts of their guns, and driving them through the woods like deer. Dieskau was taken prisoner, dangerously wounded, and leaning for support against the stump of a tree. The slaughter would have been great, had not the English gen eral recalled the pursuers, and suffered the French to continue their flight unmolested. Fresh disasters still awaited the fugitives ;
a more lucrative inheritance in the boundless West and South. Mr. Ward's parents were among the travelers. They had set out for Ken tucky, but being delayed at Waterford, Pennsylvania, for some time, owing to a disarrangement in their plans for transportation, a sad dispen sation of Providence interrupted their journey. Mr. Ward's mother, after a severe illness, died, and was buried at this place. Changing their course, the father and son went into Ohio. Subsequently events led them westward until they were permanently located in Michigan.
Mr. Ward.first landed in Detroit in 1821, when he was only nine years old. Then he was a poor boy, without even the prospect of fortune and success; but, observe the course he pursued, and the results that attended his efforts. Nature seems to have qualified him to battle the perils of pioneer life; and, as if to increase the hardships that apparent ill fortune had already visited upon him, at the age of twelve years he secured the
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for, as they approached the scene of that morning's ambuscade, they were greeted by a volley of. musketry. Two companies of New York and New Hampshire rangers, who had come out from Fort Edward as a scouting party, had lain in wait to receive them. Favored by the darkness of the woods — for night was now approaching — they made so sudden and vigorous an attack, that the French thought them far superior in numbers, were totally routed and dispersed. This memorable conflict has cast its dark associations over one of the most beautiful spots in America. Near the scene of the evening fight, a pool, half overgrown by weeds and water lilies, and darkened by the surrounding forest, as pointed out to the tourist, and he is told that beneath its stagnant waters lie the bones of three hundred Frenchmen deep buried in mud and slime.
The war thus began was prosecuted for five succeeding years with the full energy of both nations. The period was one of suf fering and anxiety to the colonists, who, knowing the full extent of their danger, spared no exertion to avert it. In the year 1758, Lord Abercrombie, who then commanded in America, had at his disposal a force amounting to fifty thousand men, of whom the greater part were provincials. The operations of the war embraced a wide extent of country, from Cape Breton and Nova Scotia to the sources of the Ohio ; but nowhere was the contest so actively carried on as in the neighborhood of Lake George, the waters of which, joined with those of Lake Champlain, formed
humble position of cabin boy on a small schooner on the lakes. Thus was modestly inaugurated Captain Ward's marine life. It is inexpedient to tax the reader with all the changing scenes that came over his life since this dedication of boyhood to the interests of navigation. It is enough to say that from these humble beginnings, by hard industry and timely enterprise, he has won success for lake navigation, and wealth for himself. His accumulations are said to exceed five millions, and may be summed up as follows: $1,000,000 in Chicago Rolling Mills stock, $500,000 in Milwaukee Rolling Mills stock, $500,000 in Wyandotte Roll ing Mills stock, $500,000 in floating property, and over $2,000,000 in real estate.
Mr. E. B. Ward is now about sixty -two years of age, but is prosecuting his enormous business with all the vigor and exactness of his youth.
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the main avenue of communication between Canada and the Brit ish provinces. Lake George is more than thirty miles long, but of width so slight that it seems like some broad and placid river, enclosed between ranges of lofty mountains ; now contracting into narrows, dotted with islands and shadowed by cliffs and crags, now spreading into a clear and open expanse. It had long been known to the ^ French. The Jesuit, Isaac Jogues, bound on a fatal mis sion to the ferocious 'Mohawks, had reached its banks on the eve of Corpus Christi Day, and named it Lac St. Sacrement. Its soli tude was now rudely invaded. Armies passed and re-passed upon its tranquil bosom. At its northern point the French planted their stronghold of Ticonderoga ; at its south stood the English fort, William Henry ; while the mountains and waters between were a scene of ceaseless ambuscades, surprises, and forest skir mishing. Through summer and winter, the crack of rifles and the cries of men gave no rest to their echoes ; and at this day, on the field of many a forgotten fight, are dug up rusty tomahawks, corroded bullets, and human bones, to attest the struggles of the past.
The earliest years of the war were unpropitious to the English, whose commanders displayed no great degree of vigor or ability. In the summer of 1756, the French general, Montcalm, advanced upon Oswego, took it, and leveled it to the ground. In August of the following year, he struck a heavier blow. Passing Lake George with a force of eight thousand men, including about two thousand Indians, gathered from the farthest parts of Canada, he laid siege to Fort William Henry, close to the spot where Dieskau had been defeated two years before. Planting his batteries against it, he beat down its ramparts and dismounted its guns, until the garrison, after a brave defense, were forced to capitulate. They marched out with the honors of war ; but, scarcely had they done so, when Montcalm's Indians assailed them, cutting down and scalping them without mercy. Those who escaped came into Fort Edward with exaggerated accounts of the horrors from which they fled, and a general terror was spread through the country. The inhabitants were mustered from all parts to repel the advance of Montcalm ; but the French general, satisfied with what he had
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done, re-passed Lake George, and retired behind the walls of Ticonderoga.
In the year 1758, the war began to assume a different aspect, for Pitt was at the head of the government. Sir Jeffrey Amherst
HON. CHARGES M. GARRISON.
CHARLES M. GARRISON, a leading citizen of Detroit, Michigan, was born near Mt. Vernon, Ohio, on the 17th of March, 1837. His father, John J. Garrison, commenced business in Detroit in 1829 as a wholesale grocer. After being burned out and losing his entire stock on two differ ent occasions, he established himself a third time, and, in the midst of unbounded success, he retired in 1863, being succeeded by his son, the subject of this sketch.
Charles M. Garrison spent his youthful days, as he has his entire life, 11
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laid siege to the strong fortress of Louisburg, and at length reduced it ; while in the South, General Forbes marched against Fort du Quesne, and, more fortunate than his predecessor, Braddock, drove the French from that important point. Another successful stroke was the destruction of Fort Frontenac, which was taken by a pro vincial army, under Colonel Bradstreet. These achievements were counterbalanced by a great disaster. Lord Abercrombie, with an army of sixteen thousand men, advanced to the head of Lake George, the place made memorable by Dieskau's defeat and the loss of Fort William Henry. On a brilliant July morning, he embarked his whole force for an attack on Ticonderoga. Many of those present have recorded with admiration the beauty of the spectacle — the lines of boats, filled with troops, stretching far down the lake, the flashing of oars, the glittering of weapons, and the music ringing back from crags and rocks, or dying, in mel lowed strains, among the distant mountains. At night, the army landed, and, driving in the French outposts, marched through the woods towards Ticonderoga. One of their columns, losing its way in the forest, fell in with a body of the retreating French ; and, in the conflict that ensued, Lord Howe, the favorite of the army, was shot dead. On the eighth of July, they prepared to storm the lines which Montcalm had drawn across the peninsula, in front of the fortress. Advancing to the attack, they saw before them a breastwork of uncommon height and thickness. The French were drawn up behind it, their heads alone visible, as they leveled their muskets against the assailants ; while, for a
in the city of Detroit, receiving a thorough education in her common schools.
At the age of sixteen he entered his father's store, and has been con stantly engaged in the wholesale grocery trade ever since, building up one of the most extensive and important establishments in Michigan.
Mr. Garrison has filled a number of positions of importance and trust, and has ever been known to perform liis duties faithfully and well. In 1871 he was elected president of the Board of Trade without opposition, and his performance of the duties of that responsible position was such as to secure his unanimous reelection to the same office in 1872.
When the disastrous fires of the fall of 1871 swept over the northern and western portions of our State, laying whole towns in ashes, and
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hundred yards in front of the work, the ground was covered with felled trees, with sharpened branches, pointing outwards. The signal of assault was given. In vain, the Highlanders, screaming with rage, hewed with their broadswords among the branches, struggling to get at the enemy. In vain the English, with their deep-toned shout, rushed on in heavy columns. A tempest of musket balls met them, and Montcalm's cannon swept the whole ground with terrible carnage. A few officers and men forced their way through the branches, passed the ditch, climbed the breast work, and, leaping among the enemy, were instantly bayonetted. The English fought four hours with determined valor, but the position of the French was impregnable ; and at length, having lost two thousand of their number, the army drew off, leaving many of their dead scattered upon the field. A sudden panic seized the defeated troops. They rushed in haste to their boats, and, though no pursuit was attempted, they did not regain their composure until Lake George was between them and the enemy. The fatal lines of Ticonderoga were not soon forgotten in the provinces ; and marbles in Westminster Abbey preserve the mem ory of those who fell on that disastrous day.
This repulse, far from depressing the energies of the British commanders, seemed to stimulate them to new exertion ; and the campaign of the next year, 1759, had for its object the immediate and total reduction of Canada. This tmhappy country was full of misery and disorder. Peculation and every kind of corruption prevailed among its civil and military chiefs, a reckless licentious- doing incalculable damage to our pine forests and farming interests, and rendering hundreds of families houseless and destitute, Mr. Garrison did his utmost to render assistance, and contributed largely to that end. He was appointed chairman of the State relief committee, by Governor Baldwin, and in this position he did a work that prevented a large amount of suffering, and brought happiness to many an unfortunate family throughout the desolate region traversed by the fires.
In the autumn of 1872 he was chosen to represent the fourth ward of Detroit in her Common Council, and in the proceedings of that body he exerts considerable influence, and is ever found on the side of economy and honesty.
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ness was increasing among the people, and a general famine seemed impending ; for the population had of late years been drawn away for military service, and the fields were left untilled. In spite of their sufferings, the Canadians, strong in rooted antipathy to the English, and highly excited by their priests, resolved on fighting to the last. Prayers were offered up in the churches, masses said, and penance enjoined, to avert the wrath of God from the colony, while everything was done for its defense which the energies of a great and patriotic leader could effect.
The details of the fall of Quebec, and the death of Montcalm and Wolfe, having been given in another chapter, we will now follow the English army to Western Canada, Detroit, and other western outposts.
CHAPTER X.
THE ENGLISH TAKE POSSESSION OF THE WESTERN OUTPOSTS OF CANADA — MARCH OF MAJOR ROGERS AND THE PROVINCIAL RANGERS — APPEARANCE OF PONTIAC — SURRENDER OF DETROIT AND MICHILI- MACKINAC TO THE ENGLISH — END OF FRENCH RULE IN MICHIGAN.
CANADA had fallen ! Montcalm, her bold defender, had also fallen, and now the plains around Montreal were dotted with three victorious English armies. The work of conquest was com plete. Canada, with all her dependencies, had yielded to the British Crown. It remained only for the English to take posses sion of those western outposts, where the lilies of France were still flying from the flag staff. The execution of this very dangerous task was assigned to Major Robert Rogers, a provincial officer, and a native of New Hampshire.
Rogers commanded a body of provincial rangers. Putnam and Stark were his associates ; and it was in this woodland warfare that the former achieved many of those startling adventures which have made his name familiar at every New England fire side.
On the twelfth of September, 1760, Rogers, then at the height of his reputation, received orders from Sir Jeffrey Amherst to ascend the lakes with a detachment of rangers, and take posses sion, in the name of his Britannic Majesty, of Detroit, Michili- mackinac, and other western posts included in the capitulation of Montreal. He left the latter place on the following day with two hundred rangers in fifteen whale boats.
They gained Lake Ontario, skirted its northern shore, amid rough and boisterous weather, and, crossing at its western extrem ity, reached Fort Niagara on the first of October. Carrying their boats over the portage, they launched them once more above the cataract and slowly pursued their voyage ; while Rogers and
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a few attendants hastened on in advance to Fort Pitt, to deliver dispatches, with which he was charged, to General Monkton. This accomplished, he re-joined his army at Presque Isle, about the end of the month, and the whole proceeded together along the southern margin of Lake Erie. " The season was far advanced," says Parkman, " the wind wras chill, the lake was stormy, and the woods on shore were tinged with the fading hues of autumn."
On the seventh of November they reached the mouth of a river, called by Rogers, the Chogage. No body of troops under the British flag had ever penetrated so far before. The day was dull and rainy, and, resolving to rest until the weather should improve, Rogers ordered his men to prepare their encampment in the neighboring forest.
Soon after the arrival of the rangers, a party of Indian chiefs and warriors entered the camp. They proclaimed themselves an embassy from Pontiac, ruler of all that country, and directed, in his name, that the English should advance no further until they had had an interview with the great chief, who was already close at hand. In truth, before the day closed, Pontiac himself appeared ; and it is here, for the first time, that this remarkable man stands forth on the pages of the History of Michigan. He greeted Rogers with the haughty demand, what was his business in that country, and how dared he enter it without his permission. Rogers informed him that the French were defeated, that Canada had surrendered, and that he was on his way to take possession of Detroit, and restore a general peace to white men and Indians alike. Pontiac listened with attention, but only replied that he should stand in the path of the English until morning. Having inquired if the strangers were in need of anything which his country could afford, he withdrew, with his chiefs, at nightfall, to his own encampment ; while the English, ill at ease, and sus pecting treachery, stood well on their guard throughout the night.
In the morning, Pontiac returned to the camp, with his attend ant chiefs, and made his reply to Rogers' speech of the previous day. He was willing, he said, to live at peace with the English, and suffer them to remain in his country, as long as they treated him with due respect and deference. The Indian chiefs and
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provincial officers smoked the calumet together, and perfect har mony seemed established between them. Up to this time, Pontiac had been the fast ally of the French, but it is easy to see the motive that impelled him to renounce his old allegiance. The
HON. LYSANDER WOODWARD.
LYSANDER WOODWARD, one of the most prominent men in Oakland county, was born in the town of Columbia, Tolland county, Connecticut, November 19, 1817. His parents, Asahel Woodward and Harriet House, were natives of that State.
In 1825, with his parents, he removed to the town of Chili, Monroe county, N. Y. From here he emigrated to Michigan in the fall of 1838.
He married Miss Peninah A. Simpson on the llth of May, 1843, and settled near the village of Rochester, Oakland county, where he still resides.
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American forests never produced a man more shrewd and ambi tious. Ignorant as he was of what was passing in the world, he could clearly see that the French power was on the wane, and he knew his own interest too well to prop a falling cause.
A cold storm of rain set in, and the rangers were detained sev eral days in thejr encampment. During this time Rogers had several interviews with Pontiac, and was constrained to admire the native vigor of his intellect, no less than the singular control which he exercised over those around him. On the twelfth of November the detachment was again in motion, and within a few days they had reached the western end of Lake Erie. Here they heard that the Indians of Detroit were in arms against them, and that four hundred warriors lay in ambush at the entrance of the river to cut them off. The powerful influence of Pontiac being exerted in favor of his new friends, the warriors abandoned their design, and the rangers continued their march toward Detroit, now near at hand.
Lieutenant Brehm was sent forward by Rogers to inform Cap tain Beletre, the commandant at Detroit, that Canada had capitu lated, that his garrison was included in the capitulation, and that an English detachment was approaching to relieve it. Captain Beletre, in great wrath at these tidings, disregarded the message
Mr. Woodward's chief occupation is that of a farmer, but lie lias held many important offices in his township. In 1800 he was elected Repre sentative from the first district of Oakland county to the State Legislature, and served with considerable distinction during one regular and two extra sessions. He was county treasurer of Oakland county two terms, from 1866 to 1870, and performed his duties in a thoroughly satisfactory manner. Mr. Woodward was also president of the Oakland County Agricultural Society for three years, and in this position did great service in advancing the agricultural interests of his county. He was among the first to conceive and advocate the building of the Detroit & Bay City Railroad, and has been instrumental in canvassing for and promoting its construction. He was chosen the first president of this company in 1871, which important office he held up to May 15, 1873, and he still remains one of the directors of the company.
Mr. Woodward owns one of the largest and best cultivated farms in Oakland county.
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as an informal communication, and resolved to keep a hostile atti tude to the last. He did his best to rouse the fury of the Indians, but his faithless allies showed symptoms of defection in his hour of need.
HON. PETER C. ANDRE.
PETER CHARLES ANDRE, of Saginaw, was born in Detroit, Michigan, October 25, 1817. His grandfather, Joseph Andre, was the'founder and proprietor of Vincennes, Indiana, whence Joseph Clark Andre, the father of Peter C., removed in 1801 to Detroit, where, on July 29, 1813, he married Clemelia, daughter of Capt. John Fearson, of Boston, Mass., who is known as among the earliest navigators of the upper lakes. Of the issue of this marriage there are still surviving, besides the subject of this sketch, Julia, wife of Major Placedus Ord, U. S. A., Elias C. and Alexander Andre, Josephine Schick and Louisa Calnon.
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Rogers had now entered the mouth of the Detroit River, whence he sent forward Captain Campbell with a copy of the capitulation and a letter from the Marquis de Vaudreuil, directing that the place should be given up, in accordance with the terms agreed upon between him and General Amherst. Beletre was forced to yield, and with a very ill grace, declared himself and his garrison at the disposal of the English commander.
The whale boats of the rangers moved slowly upwards between the low banks of the Detroit, until at length they came in sight of the little town. Before them, on the right side, they could see the village of the Wyandots, and on the left, the clustered lodges of the Pottawattomies, while a little beyond, the flag of France was flying for the last time above the bark roofs and weather-beaten palisades of the little fortified settlement.
The rangers landed on the opposite bank, and pitched their tents upon a meadow, while two officers, with a small detachment, went across the river to take possession of the place. In obedience to their summons, the French garrison defiled upon the plain, and
Mr. Andre's family consists of Ins wife (formerly Miss Clarissa M. Stark), two daughters and himself.
At a very early age he entered the dry goods store of 8. P. Fletcher, then in the " John R. Williams Block," Detroit, as a clerk. After spend ing a few years in that capacity, and before reaching his majority, he went into the mercantile, forwarding and commission business, on his own account, at Grand Haven, Michigan, and in 1843 established five trading posts in the northern portion of the Lower Peninsula. These he conducted until 1846, when he removed to Saginaw and opened a mer cantile house, which he continued until 1803. Since then he has been, and still is, engaged largely in the real estate business.
Mr. Andre's fortune is among the largest in Saginaw; and it is perhaps due him to say that his tact, sagacity and energy, have carried him suc cessfully through the great financial troubles of the last forty years.
He has been mayor of Saginaw and register of deeds for Saginaw county, and has held responsible positions under the general government.
He has always taken a lively interest in all matters pertaining to the development and growth of his city and county. His advice and opin ions are much sought in the councils of both, and he contributes freely and generously to every enterprise tending to their prosperity and wel fare.
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laid down their arms. Thefleur de Us was lowered from the flag staff, and the cross of St. George rose aloft in its place, while seven hundred Indian warriors, lately the active allies of the French, greeted the sight with a burst of triumphant yells.
The Canadian militia were next called together, and disarmed. The Indians beheld these actions with amazement, being quite at a loss to understand why so many men should bow before so few. " Nothing," says Parkman, " is more effective in gaining the respect or even attachment of Indians, than a display of power." The savage spectators conceived- the loftiest ideas of English prowess, and were astonished at the forbearance of the conquerors in not killing their vanquished enemies on the spot.
Thus, on the 29th of November, 1760, Detroit fell into the hands of the English. The garrison were sent as prisoners down the lake, but the Canadian inhabitants were allowed to retain their farms and houses, on condition of swearing allegiance to the British crown. An officer was sent southward to take possession of the forts Miami and Ouatanon, which guarded the communica tion between Lake Erie and the Ohio ; while Rogers himself, with a small party, proceeded northward, to relieve the French garri son of Michilimackinac. The storms and gathering ice of Lake Huron forced him back, without accomplishing his object, and Michilimackinac, with the three remoter posts of Ste. Marie, Green Bay, and St. Joseph, remained for a time in the hands of the French. During the next season, however, a detachment of the Sixtieth Regiment, then called the Royal Americans, took pos session of them, a full account of which will be found farther on.
Nothing now remained within the power of the French, except the few posts and settlements on the Mississippi and the Wabash, not included in the capitulation of Montreal. The fertile wilder ness beyond the Alleghanies, over which France had claimed sovereignty — that boundless forest, with its tracery of interlacing streams, which, like veins and arteries, gave it life and nourish ment—had passed into the hands of England. The French in America were completely subdued, and, to the English mind, there wTas little to be feared from the red man. The lapse of two years, however, sufficed to show how complete and fatal was the mistake.
CHAPTER XI.
HOSTILITY BETWEEN THE NORTHERN INDIANS AND THE ENGLISH — EXPERIENCE OF THE FIRST ENGLISH TRADERS WHO VISITED MICH- ILIMACKINAC — THEIR PERSECUTIONS — THE ENGLISH SOLDIERS TAKE POSSESSION OF MICHILIMACKINAC.
WITH the change of jurisdiction narrated in the preceding chap ter a new scene opens before us. The victory on the Heights of Abraham gave to England the possession of a wide extent of terri tory ; but that territory was vast forest, broken only here and there by a prairie, a lake, or an Indian clearing. The emblems of power in these illimitable wastes were the log forts which had been, here and there, erected by the French for trading posts. The English took possession of these, garrisoned them with a few men, seemingly oblivious of the dangers by which they were sur rounded, dependent, as they were, upon the Indians for supplies, and weakened by the long distances which separated them from each other. But, weak as they were, their presence alarmed the, Indians. The untutored mind of the savage could not comprehend by what right the British flag was unfurled over their dominions, or why the English should claim any right to their lands because of a victory over the French. Hence, from the first, they were filled with suspicion and dislike ; and the conduct of the English was such as to foster, rather than allay, the feeling. The French had always treated the red man as a brother. " They called us children," said a Chippewa chief, " and we found them fathers." But the English were cold and harsh. The French had made them liberal presents ; but the English spurned them from their doors. The French traders had dealt honestly by them ; but the English had cheated them and outraged their families.
Another source of discontent was the advent of English set tlers. Their choicest lands were invaded, and the graves of their
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173
ancestors desecrated. These things aroused some of the tribes to the highest pitch of excitement.
In the meantime, the French were not idle. Every advantage was taken of the conduct of the English and the natural fears of
HON. CHARLES S. MAY.
CHARLES SEDGWICK MAY was born at Sandisfield, Berkshire county, Mass., March 22, 1830. In the year 1834, his father's 1'amily removed to Richland, Kalamazoo county, Michigan, being among the earliest settlers of the town. Until his fifteenth year he worked upon his father's farm, attending district school during the winter months. He then entered as a student the Kalamazoo branch of the Michigan University, and was in attendance with more or less regularity for four years, acquiring some knowledge of Latin and Greek, and laying the foundations of the rhetorical and oratorical excellence for which he has since been so well known. At the age of twenty he had acquired a command of both
174 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
the Indians. They told the Indians that the English were deter mined to exterminate them, or drive them from their homes and their hunting grounds ; that the King of France had been asleep, but was now awake, and hastening with a vast army to the assist ance of his red children.
Another cause which tended to increase their excitement, and hasten an outbreak, was the appearance of a prophet among the Delawares. He taught them to lay aside everything which they had received from the white man, and thus strengthen and purify their natures, and make themselves acceptable to the Great Spirit. He told them that by so doing the favor of the Great Spirit would be conciliated, and the white man would be forever driven from their dominions.
This excitement soon led them to action. In the spring of 1761, Captain Campbell, then commanding at Detroit, learned that a deputation of Senecas had come to the neighboring village of the Wyandots, for the purpose of instigating the latter to destroy him and his garrison. Upon examination, the plot was found to be general, and other posts were to share the fate of his own ; but his promptness in sending information to the other commanders
extemporaneous and written oratory rarely met with in so young a man. This naturally led him to the choice of law as a profession. After read ing at home for some time such elementary law books as he could obtain, he pursued his legal studies more regularly at Bennington, Vermont, and at Battle Creek, Michigan, while at the same time he was a frequent contributor to the anti-slavery journals of the State. He was duly admit ted to the bar of Michigan in 1854. From November, 1855, to October, 1856, he was associate political editor of the Detroit Daily Tribune, acting a considerable portion of that time as its editorial correspondent in Washington. Finding this employment too confining, he returned to the practice of law at Battle Creek, and in September, 1857, removed to Kalamazoo, where he has since resided, practicing his profession.
In November, 1860, Mr. May was elected Prosecuting Attorney for Kalamazoo county. Immediately after the bombardment of Sumter, in April, 1861, he resigned his office to raise a company for the Second Regiment of Michigan infantry, and, with his men, started at once for the seat of war. After serving through the first campaign of the Army of the Potomac, participating with honor in the battles of Blackburn's
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 175
nipped the conspiracy in the bud. During the following year, a similar design was detected and suppressed. But these proved to be only warnings of what was to come. In the spring of 1763, a scheme was matured, " greater in extent, deeper, and more com prehensive in design — such a one as was never, before or since, conceived or executed by a North American Indian." It contem plated, first, a sudden and contemporaneous assault upon all the English forts around the lakes ; and, second, the garrisons having been destroyed, the turning of a savage avalanche of destruction upon the defenseless frontier settlements, until, as many fondly believed, the English should be driven into the Atlantic Ocean, and the Indians reinstated in their primitive possessions.
But, before we proceed further with the narration of the events of this conspiracy, let us turn our attention to the condition of Michilimackinac, and note the events which were there transpir ing. The Indians of that locality as deeply regretted the change whick had taken place as their more southern neighbors, and for the same causes.
This post, it will be remembered, did not fall into the hands of the English until about one year after the surrender of Detroit.
Ford and Bull Run, he was compelled by ill health to resign his commis sion, and return to his home and profession.
In the fall of 1862, he was elected Lieutenant-Governor of Michigan; as such, presiding over the State Senate during its sessions, though the youngest member of that body, with signal ability and general approval. He was universally conceded to have been one of the ablest presiding officers that had ever occupied the chair of the Senate chamber.
On the 9th of February, J863, he addressed the Senate, in a carefully prepared speech, urging the Legislature to sustain the government in putting down the rebellion. The speech was widely circulated by his Republican friends, and was admitted, even by his political opponents, to be an effort of great power.
On the 25th of January, 1864, during the extra session, at the unani mous request of the Republican members of both branches of the Legislature, Mr. May made a speech in the Hall of Representatives, enti tled " Union, Victory and Freedom," of such clearness of statement and force of argument, that it was published as a pamphlet and very widely circulated, and copied into many of the leading Republican journals
176 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
Our purpose is now to narrate some of the important events which transpired during the last year of French occupation of this ancient Indian metropolis. The English flag floated over every post in the lake region save this. Here, alone, the fleur de Us still waved in the breeze ; and here were collected those savages who were most hostile to the Eoglish. The French constantly goaded their Indian allies to greater hostility to the English — determined to harass the enemy they could not conquer. The feeling which animated these Indians cannot be better described than by nar rating some of the adventures of Alexander Henry, the first Eng lish trader who ventured among them. No treaty having been made, it was with difficulty that Henry secured permission to trade. But consent was at last given, and, on the third of August, 1761, he began his perilous journey. Reaching Michilimackinac, he secured a house, but was immediately warned by the inhabit ants that his position was far from safe. They advised him to lose no time in returning to Detroit ; but he disregarded their admo nitions, and concluded to take his chances, his friend Campion having declared his belief that the Canadian settlers were more hostile than the Indians, and that their admonitions were prompted by jealousy of English traders.
throughout the West. Since the close of his term as Lieutenant- Governor, he has held no public office.
In the national and State campaigns from 1856 to 1870, he was actively engaged as a political orator on the Republican side. During the cam paign of 1872, he supported Horace Greeley for President, running as elector at large on the Liberal State ticket. Although prevented by a severe and protracted illness from participating in the campaign to any extent that season, yet on the 27th of September, while still much enfee bled, and suffering from disease, he made a notable and powerful speech at Union Hall, in Kalamazoo, in vindication of the Liberal movement, which was widely read and circulated throughout the State.
In conclusion, the subject of this sketch is well known as a man of uncompromising integrity, and of indomitable and undaunted moral courage in his advocacy of the great principles of justice, temperance, morality and equal rights, and both for his own high character and his unquestioned ability, he commands the respect and confidence of his fellow men.
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Fort Michilimackinac was built by order of the Governor-Gen eral of Canada, and garrisoned with a small number of militia, who, having families, soon became less soldiers than settlers. The fort and settlement stood on the south side of the strait connecting
HON. B. W. HUSTON.
BENJAMIN W. HUSTON, of Vassar, Tuscola county, was born near the city of Rochester, New York, March 5, 1831. His father, B. W. Huston, Sr. , removed from the State of New York in the spring of 1836, and set tled upon a farm in the township of Canton, Wayne county, Michigan, where he is still living.
Mr. Huston, Jr., the subject of this sketch, when very young, evinced a strong desire for an education, but the moderate means of his parents prevented them from gratifying this desire only in a limited manner. At 12
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Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. The settlement had an area of two acres, and was inclosed with pickets of cedar wood, and was so near the water's edge, that when the wind was from the west, the waves broke against the stockade. On the bastions were two small pieces of English brass cannon. Within the stockade were thirty houses, neat in their appearance, and tolerably commodious, and a church, in which mass was celebrated by a Jesuit priest. The number of families was nearly equal to that of the houses, and their subsistence was derived from the Indian traders, who assembled there on their voyages to and from Montreal. Michili- mackinac was the place of deposit, and point of departure between the upper countries and the lower. Here the outfits were prepared for the countries of Lake Michigan and the Mississippi, Lake Superior and the Northwest ; and here the return, in furs, was collected and embarked for Montreal.
Henry was not released from the visits and admonitions of the inhabitants of the fort before he received the equivocal intelli gence that the whole band of Chippewas, from the Island of Mich- ilimackinac, was arrived, with the intention of paying him a visit. There was in the fort a Mr. Farley, an interpreter, lately in the
eight years of age he was taken from the district school and placed at work on his father's farm, and from that time until he was nineteen years of age he seldom received over a month or six weeks' schooling during the year, and that in the winter season, when his services could not be made available on the farm. At the age of nineteen his health failed him to such an extent that he could not perform the laborious duties of a farmer, and, consequently, he enjoyed the benefits of an eleven weeks' term at the seminary, in Ypsilanti. He taught school the follow ing winter, and worked on the farm the two succeeding summers, attending the Ypsilanti seminary during the fall terms of those years.
In the spring of 1853, Mr. Huston entered the office of Hon. C. Joslin, of Ypsilanti, as a law student. At this time he was destitute of all pecu niary assistance, and had to rely entirely upon his own resources to acquire the desired knowledge. He, however, pushed his le-gal studies diligently, and was admitted to the bar at Ann Arbor in September, 1854.
At the time he was reading law he married Miss Nancy J. Vought, of Superior township, Washtenaw county, Mich.
In the spring of 1855 he removed from Ypsilanti to Tuscola county,
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employ of the French commandant. He had married a Chippewa woman, and was said to possess great influence over the nation to which his wife belonged. Doubtful as to the kind of visit which he was about to receive, Henry sent for this interpreter, and requested, first, that he would have the kindness to be present at the interview ; and, secondly, that he would inform him of the intention of the band. Mr. Farley agreed to be present ; and, as to the object of the visit, replied, that it was consistent with a uni form custom, that a stranger, on his arrival, should be wraited upon and welcomed by the chiefs of the nation, who, on their part, always gave a small present, and always expected a large one ; but as to the rest, declared himself unable to answer for the particular views of the Chippewas on this occasion, he being an Englishman, and the Indians having made no treaty with the English. He thought there might be danger, the Indians having protested that they would not suffer an Englishman to remain in their part of the country. This information was far from agreeable ; but there was no resource except in fortitude and patience.
At two o'clock in the afternoon, the Chippewas visited Mr. Henry, at his house, about sixty in number, and headed by Mina-
and settled in the town of Vassar, where he still resides. When he reached Vassar he found himself in a county that was almost an unbroken wilderness, having only two thousand inhabitants inside its boundaries. His possessions consisted of ninety dollars worth of law books, a loving wife, and several hundred dollars of debts. This was rather a discour aging start in life, but Mr. Huston showed himself equal to the heavy task before him. He received the appointment of prosecuting attorney for his county, at a salary of $150 a year, and with this, and what he earned by hard work at his profession, succeeded in maintaining himself for several years, until his county grew, and his practice with it.
From the time of attaining his majority until the breaking out of the rebellion, Mr. Huston acted with the Democratic party. In 1856 he received the nomination of prosecuting attorney of his county from that party, but the county being strongly Republican, he was defeated. In 1858 he was elected prosecuting attorney and circuit court commissioner on the Democratic ticket, although that party was still in the minority. At the following election he was defeated for the same office by only
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vavana, their chief. They walked in single file, each with his tomahawk in one hand and scalping-knife in the other. Their bodies were naked from the waist upward, except in a few instances, where blankets were thrown loosely over their shoulders. Their faces were painted with charcoal, worked up with grease ; their bodies with white clay, in patterns of various fancies. Some had feathers thrust through their noses, and their heads decorated with the same. It is not proper to dwell here on the sensations with which Henry beheld the approach of this uncouth, if not frightful assemblage.
The chief entered first, and the rest followed, without noise. On receiving a sign from the former, the latter seated themselves on the floor. Minavavana appeared to be about fifty years of age. He was six feet in height, and had in his countenance an inde scribable mixture of good and evil. Looking steadfastly at Henry, where he sat — with an interpreter on either side, and several Canadians behind him — he entered at the same time into conversa tion with Campion, Henry's friend, inquiring how long it was since Mr. Henry left Montreal, and observing that the English, as it would seem, were brave men, and not afraid of death, since they dared to come, as Henry had done, fearlessly among their enemies.
twenty-one votes. At this election he supported Stephen A. Douglass for the presidency, but has not acted with the Democratic party since.
In 1802, at the request of the war committee of his county, he raised and organized Co. "D," of the 23d Michigan Infantry Volunteers, and went out with it as captain. He started for the seat of war on the 18th of September, 1862, and remained with the regiment until the winter of 1865. Capt. Huston was in active service in many of the most important engagements during the war, among which were Morgan's raid, the battle of Campbell's Station, and the siege of Knoxville. He was engaged in the whole campaign in East Tennessee, and was with Gen. Sherman in the campaign against Atlanta. Being previously promoted to major, and owing to the sickness of Col. Spaulding, he was in command of the regiment during the greater portion of this campaign. Major Huston took an active part in the engagements around Lost Mountain and at Resaca. At the latter place he displayed great courage, remaining on the field after all the men and officers had retreated to the cover of the woods. With the exception of two short leaves of absence of twenty days each,
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The Indians now gravely smoked their pipes, while llenry inwardly endured "the torture of suspense. At length, the pipes being finished, as well as a long pause by which they were suc ceeded, Minavavana, taking a few strings of wampum in his hand, began the following speech :
" Englishman, it is to you that I speak, and I demand your attention. Englishman, you know that the French king is our father. He promised to be such, and we, in return, promised to be his children. This promise we have kept. Englishman, it is you that have made war with this our father. You are his enemies, and how, then, could you have the boldness to venture among us, his children ? You know that his enemies are ours. Englishman, we are informed that our father, the King of France, is old and infirm, and that, being fatigued with making war with your nation, he has fallen asleep. During his sleep, you have taken advantage of him, and possessed yourselves of Canada. But his nap is almost at an end. I think I hear him already stirring and inquiring for his children, the Indians ; and when he does awake, what must become of you? He will destroy you utterly. Englishman, although you have conquered the French, you have not yet con quered us ! We are not your slaves ! These lakes, these woods and mountains, were left to us by our ancestors. They are our
one of which was on account of injuries, Mr. Huston was not, absent from duty a single day from the time he entered the service until he left tho same, in January, 1865.
In the spring of 1865, he returned to Vassar, and again renewed the practice of his profession. In 1866 he was elected circuit court commis sioner of his county, which position he soon after resigned. He was elected a delegate to the State Constitutional Convention in 1867, without opposition. In this convention he succeeded in winning the confidence and esteem of his associates. In the fall of 1868 he was elected as a Representative to the State Legislature by a large -majority, and served as chairman of the committee on public lands, being also a member of the judiciary committee. Mr. Huston was reflected to the House in 1870, and was a prominent candidate for the speakership before the Republican caucus, being defeated by only one ballot, and that in the absence of a number of his friends. He served as speaker pro tern of the House during the sessions of 1869 and 1871-2, and was chairman of the judiciary com mittee during the latter session. As a member of the Constitutional
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inheritance, and we will part with them to none. Your nation supposes that we, like the white people, cannot live without bread, and pork, and beef. But you ought to know that He, the Great Spirit and Master of Life, has provided food for us in these spacious lakes, and on these woody mountains.
" Englishman, our father, the King of France, has employed our young men to make war upon your nation. In this warfare many of them have been killed, and it is our custom to retaliate, until such time as the spirits of the slain are satisfied. But the spirits of the slain are to be satisfied in either of two way? : the first is by the spilling of the blood of the nation by which they fell ; the other, by covering the bodies of the dead, and thus allaying the resentment of their relations. This is done by making presents.
"Englishman, your king has never sent us any presents, nor entered into any treaty with us, wherefore he and we are still at war ; and until be does these things, we must consider that we have no other father or friend among the white men but the King of France. But, for you, we have taken into consideration that you have ventured your life among us in the expectation that we should not molest you. You do not come armed, with an inten tion to make war ; you come in peace, to trade with us, and supply
Convention and the Legislature, Mr. Huston was one of the most untir ing and faithful workers in those bodies, never being absent from roll call of either of them during their entire sessions. He was one of the managers in the impeachment trial of Commissioner Edmonds, and he is said to have made the most convincing speech, from the facts that were proven, that was made on the part of the prosecution. He was one of the delegates to the Republican National Convention, which met in Philadelphia, in 1872, and nominated General Grant for a second term of the presidency.
As a lawyer, he has been remarkably successful, and although he started in a new country, and under very discouraging circumstances, he has, through the dint of hard labor, built up a large and lucrative prac tice.
As a man, he is social and pleasant in his intercourse with his fellow men. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and superin tendent of their Sunday school. He contributes freely to all charitable and religious purposes, and has the entire confidence of the community in which he resides.
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us with necessaries, of which we are much in want. We shall regard you, therefore, as a brother ; and you may sleep tranquilly, without fear of the Chippewas. As a token of our friendship, we present you this pipe to smoke."
RAY HADDOCK.
RAY HADDOCK, county clerk of Wayne county, was born in Herkimer county, New York, in the year 1815. He early manifested a strong pre dilection for the " art preservative of all arts," and commenced his appren ticeship in a printing office, in Little Falls, in 1830, closing it in Columbus, Ohio, whither he went with his parents, in 1832. He worked as a journeyman printer in Columbus, Cincinnati, Louisville, St. Louis, New Orleans, Natchez, Jackson and Clinton, Mississippi ; established the Republican at Brandon, in the same State, in 1837; returned north in 1839, and was connected successfully with the Cincinnati Message, Ohio States man, Cleveland Times, and Sandusky Mirror; came to Detroit in April, 1857, and accepted the position of commercial editor of the Detroit Tri bune, continuing in the same capacity upon the Advertiser and Tribune, after the consolidation of the two journals, a position which he resigned in 1866, to accept a situation upon the Detroit Post. Mr. Haddock was appointed secretary of the Detroit Board of Trade in 1860, which appointment he held for nearly 13 years, tendering his resignation in the
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As the chief uttered these words, an Indian presented Henry with a pipe, which, after he had drawn the smoke three times, was carried to the chief, and after him to every person in the room. This ceremony ended, the chief arose, and gave Henry his hand, in which he was followed by all the rest. Being again seated, the chief requested that his young men might be allowed to taste, what he called Henry's English milk (meaning rum), observing that it was long since they had tasted any, and that they were very desi rous to know whether or not there was any difference between the English milk and the French.
Henry's former adventures with Indians had left an impression on his mind which made him tremble when Indians asked for rum, and he would, therefore, have willingly excused himself in this particular ; but, being informed that it was customary to comply with the request, and, withal, satisfied with the friendly declara tions which he had received, he promised to give them a small cask at parting. After this, Henry, by the aid of an interpreter, made a reply to the speech of the chief, declaring that it was the good character, which had been reported to him, of the Indians, that had emboldened him to go among them ; that their late father, the King of France, had surrendered Canada to the King of Eng land, whom they ought to regard now as their father, and who would be as careful of them as the other had been.
Henry continued his speech at some length, and, at the parting, distributed a small quantity of rum among the Indians.
Henry now imagined himself free from cause for anxiety, as to the treatment which he was to receive from the Indians. He assorted his goods which he had taken with him, and hired Cana dian interpreters and clerks, in whose care he was to send them into various parts of the country. Everything was ready for their departure, when new dangers sprang up and threatened to over whelm him. This new danger came from a village of the Otta- was. Nearly everything was in readiness for the departure of the goods, when accounts of the approach of two hundred warriors
fall of 1872, having been nominated as the Republican candidate for county clerk, to which office he was elected in November of the same year.
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185
was received. They assembled in the house which had been built for the commandant, and ordered Henry's attendance, and also that of the other merchants who had already joined him from Montreal, viz : Stanley Godderd and Ezekiel Solomons*
HON. GEORGE H. DURAND.
THE subject of this sketch is one of the prominent and well known young men of Michigan, and is properly classed among those who, with large natural gifts, that have been utilized and strengthened by con tinued and well rewarded labor, have done so much to give character to our beautiful peninsula, and whose sterling qualities have demanded and received esteem, respect and acknowledgment. Mr. Durand was born at Cobleskill, Schoharie county, New York, in 1838. His educa tion was acquired through his own exertions entirely, his vacations being
186 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
After these men had entered the council room and taken their seats, one of the chiefs commenced an address, which he concluded as follows : " Englishmen, we see your canoes ready to depart, and find your men engaged for the Mississippi, and other distant regions. Under these circumstances, we have considered the affair, and you are now sent for that you may hear our determination, which is, that you shall give to each of our men, young and old, merchandise and ammunition to the amount of fifty beaver skins, on credit, and for which I have no doubt of their paying you in the summer, on their return from the wintering."
A compliance with this demand would have stripped them of nearly all their resources. They, therefore, tried to lessen the
employed ia earning the necessary means to enable him to prosecute his studies. He removed to Michigan in 1856, and like many of our promi nent citizens, Mr. Durand, at the time of his arrival in this State, possessed neither friends, influence or wealth. His future was an enigma to be solved only by passing years — to be solved, not by impotent resolve nor errant purpose, but by that strong and indefatigable will, which overcomes difficulties and dangers, and which is certain to bring to the man of intel lect that meed of success which is the test of merit.
Very soon after his arrival here he commenced the study of the law, and after pursuing his studies with great diligence, he was admitted to to the bar in 1858, when he immediately located in the enterprising city of Flint, where he has ever since resided. A young lawyer, under the most favorable auspices, has much to contend with, but young Durand, with no capital and no friends or influence at Flint, had still more than is usual to combat. He was brought in professional contact with such men as the late Hon. Wm. M. Fenton, Hon. Wm. Newton, the late Hon. Levi Walker and other distinguished lawyers, whose names are well known in the best legal circles of the State, and who had grown gray in the arduous labors of the courts ; but he persisted, and by his courteous and gentlemanly manners, his clear perception and great good judg ment, he gained not only the respect of his brothers in the profession but also- the confidence of the community, and his future as a lawyer was thus assured. For fifteen years Mr. Durand has followed his profession, devoting himself to it with much earnestness and industry, and has acquired a large and lucrative practice.
With politics he has had as little to do as is possible for a man of his ardent nature and his clear ideas of right and wrong. His sentiments, perhaps, more nearly affiliate with the Democracy of the conservative
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 187
demand ; but was informed that all had been said that would be said, and were given till the next day for reflection. The assur ance was also offered them that if the demand was not complied with, their goods would be taken by force.
They then retired for consultation. In the evening, Farley, the interpreter, informed them that their massacre had been determined upon, and advised them to accede to the demand. But this they determined not to do, as they suspected the interpreter of a design to prey upon their fears, and drive them from the post. They then barricaded their house, armed about thirty of their followers, and slept upon their arms. They were not molested, however, but the next morning were summoned to another council, which they refused to attend. There were none without in whom they had
school than with any other party, still, he may not be reckoned as a party man in the strictest sense. He was an ardent advocate of the war for the suppression of the rebellion, and has always been eminently patriotic in his views. Although preferring to remain in private life, attending to the ordinary duties of his profession, his ability and counsel have been sought after in other capacities, and, as a consequence, he has for years taken an active and leading part in public matters, political and otherwise, in his section of the State. He has often been nominated and frequently elected to office, always running largely ahead of his ticket, and at the municipal election held in Flint, in April, 1873, although run ning on the Democratic ticket, and against a worthy competitor, he was elected mayor of that strongly republican city by a majority greater than was ever given to any public officer in that place. This responsible office he now holds, as well as that of D. D. G. M., in the Masonic fraternity, for the eighth Masonic district of Michigan. In all of his official posi tions he invariably conducts himself with moderation and.good judgment, while his advice is peculiarly winning and convincing, and his personal character admirable. Mr. Durand, although but thirty-five years of age, has made for himself a record which is indeed an enviable one, and what ever of prominence or success, whether in his profession or the more liberal pursuits, whether in the political field or the world of letters, shall attend him in the future, it will be, as in the past, the result of a steady determination on his part to do whatever he undertakes in a careful, painstaking and intelligent manner, united with a special gift of unusual ability, whether as writer, orator or counselor. The lesson of his life may be easily gathered from a knowledge of its character, a study of its purposes, and a familiarity with its accomplishments.
188 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
any confidence, save Campion. From him they learned, from time to time, whatever was rumored among the Canadian inhabitants as to the designs of the Ottawas, and from him, toward sunset, they received the gratifying intelligence that a detachment of British soldiers, sent to garrison Michilimaekinac, was distant only five miles, and would enter the fort early the next morning. Near at hand, however, as relief was reported to be, their anxiety could not but be great, for a long night was to be passed, and their fate might be decided before the next morning. To increase their apprehension, about midnight they were informed that the Ottawas were holding a council, at which no white man was permitted to be present, Farley alone excepted ; and him they suspected, and afterwards knew to be their greatest enemy. The Englishmen, on their part, remained all night upon the alert ; but at daybreak, to their surprise and joy, they saw the Ottawas preparing to depart. By sunrise, not a man of them was left in the fort. The inhabit ants, who, while the Ottawas were present, had avoided all con nection with these Englishmen, now came with congratulations. They related that the Ottawas had proposed to them that, if joined by the Canadians, they would march and attack the troops, which were known to be advancing on the fort ; and they added that it was their refusal which had determined the Ottawas to depart.
At noon, three hundred troops of the Sixtieth Regiment, under command of Lieutenant Leslie, marched into the fort. This arrival dissipated all the fears the Englishmen had, and somewhat reversed their position in regard to the French. After a few days, detachments were sent into the Bay des Puans, by which was the route to the Mississippi, and at the mouth of St. Joseph, which led to the Illinois. The Indians from all quarters were eager to pay their respects to the commandant ; and the three English mer chants dispatched their canoes, though it was late in the season.
We will now leave Michilimaekinac to notice events elsewhere, but will return at the proper point, and resume our account of the adventures of Mr. Henry and his associates, of which the most thrilling part is yet to come. Interwoven with this narrative will also be found a true account of the massacres and barbaric wars in and around this northern fort.
CHAPTER XII.
HOSTILITY BETWEEN THE INDIANS AND THE ENGLISH — ITS CAUSE EXPLAINED — THE INDIANS RISING TO DRIVE THE ENGLISH FROM THE COUNTRY— PONTIAC'S MESSAGE— THE COUNCIL AND SPEECH IN WHICH THE CONSPIRACY is MATURED — THE WAR.
IT MUST not be supposed that the hostility between the Indians and the English was confined to Michilimackinac. France had scarcely yielded up her claim to the country, when smothered murmurs of discontent began to be audible among the Indian tribes throughout the entire Northwest. In every wigwam and hamlet of the forest a deep-rooted hatred of the English increased with rapid growth. Nor is this to be wrondered at. " We have seen with what sagacious policy," says Parkman, " the French had labored to ingratiate themselves with the Indians ; and the slaughter of the Monongahela, with the horrible devastation of the Western frontier, the outrages perpetrated at Oswego, and the massacre at Fort William Henry, bore witness to the success of their efforts. Even the Delawares and Shawanoes, the faithful allies of William Penn, had at length been seduced by their blan dishments ; and the Iroquois, the ancient enemies of Canada, had half forgotten their former hostility, and well nigh taken part against the British colonists. The remote nations of the West had also joined in the war, descending in their canoes for hundreds of miles to fight against, the enemies of France. All these tribes entertained towards the English that rancorous enmity which an Indian always feels against them to whom he has been opposed in war."
It would seem that, under these circumstances, the English would have used the utmost care in their conduct towards the Indians. But, even when the conflict with the French was impend ing, and the alliance with the Indian tribes was of the greatest
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importance, they treated them with careless indifference and neglect They were not likely to adopt a different course now that their friendship seemed a matter of no consequence. In truth, the intentions of the English were soon apparent. The fol lowing paragraphs, from Parkman's Conspiracy of Pontiac, car ries us to the point I desire to reach so admirably, that I will take the liberty to use them :
" In the zeal for retrenchment which prevailed after the close of hostilities, the presents which it had always been customary to give the Indians, at stated intervals, were either withheld alto gether, or doled out with a niggardly hand ; while, to make the matter worse, the agents and officers of the government often appropriated the presents to themselves, and afterwards sold them at an exorbitant price to the Indians. When the French had pos session of these remote forts, they were accustomed, with a wise lib erality, to supply the surrounding Indians with guns, ammunition and clothing, until the latter had forgotten the weapons and gar ments of their forefathers, and depended on the white man for support. The sudden withholding of these supplies was, there fore, a grievous calamity. Want, suffering and death were the consequences ; and this cause alone would have been enough to produce general discontent. But, unhappily, other grievances were added. The English fur trade had never been well regu lated, and it was now in a worse condition than ever. Many of the traders and those in their employ were ruffians of the coarsest stamp, who vied with each other in rapacity, violence and profli gacy. They cheated, cursed and plundered the Indians, and out raged their families; offering, when compared with the French traders, who were under better regulation, a most unfavorable example of the character of their nation. The officers and sol diers of the garrison did their full part in exciting the general resentment. Formerly, when the warriors came to the forts, they had been welcomed by the French with attention and respect. The inconvenience which their presence occasioned had been dis regarded, and their peculiarities overlooked, but now they were received with cold looks and harsh words by the officers ; and, as we have already noticed, at Michilimackinac, which, as we now
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observe, was no exception to the general rule of the whole western country, with oaths and ofttimes blows from the more reckless of the garrison. When, after their troublesome and intrusive fash ion, they were lounging everywhere about the fort, or lazily reclin ing in the shadow of the walls, they were met with muttered ejac ulations of impatience, or abrupt orders to be gone, enforced, perhaps, by a touch from the butt of a sentinel's musket. These marks of contempt were unspeakably galling to their haughty spirit."
But what most contributed to the growing discontent of the tribes was the intrusion of settlers upon their lands, which was at all times a fruitful source of Indian hostility. Its effects, it is true, could only be felt by those whose country bordered upon the English settlements ; but among these were the most powerful and influential of the tribes. The discontent of the Indians gave great satisfaction to the French, who saw in it an assurance of safe and bloody vengeance on their conquerors. Canada, it is true, was gone beyond the hope of recovery ; but they still might hope to revenge its loss. Interest, moreover, as well as passion, prompted them to inflame the resentment of the Indians ; for most of the inhabitants of the French settlements upon the lakes and the Mississippi were engaged in the fur trade, and, fearing the English as formidable rivals, they would gladly have seen them driven from the country. Traders and all classes of this singular population accordingly dispersed themselves among the villages of the Indians, or held councils with them in the secret places of the woods, urging them to take up arms against the English. They exhibited the conduct of the latter in its worst light, and spared neither misrepresentation nor falsehood.
It is difficult to determine which tribe was the first to raise the cry of war. There were many who might have done so, for all the savages in the backwoods were ripe for an outbreak, and the movement seemed almost simultaneous. The Delawares and Sene- cas were the most incensed, and Kiashuta, chief of the latter, was, perhaps, foremost. It, however, required a greater chief than he to give method and order to what would else have been a wild burst of fury. But for Pontiac, the whole might have ended in a
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193
few troublesome inroads upon the frontier, and a little whooping and yelling under the walls of Fort Pitt.
There has been some dispute as to the nationality of Pontiac. Some hold that he was a member of the tribe of the Sacs or Loa-
F. G. RUSSELL.
FRANK G. RUSSELL, the present city attorney of Detroit, was born in Green Oak, Livingston county, Michigan, in April, 1837. His father was a farmer, and Mr. Russell spent his youth at home, assisting in agricul tural pursuits. He had all the advantages of a common school, and was at an early age sent to the State Normal School, at which institution he graduated in the spring of 1858. He was principal of the Lansing Union School from the autumn of 1858 to the spring of 1861, when he resigned the position to accept a situation in the Interior Department at Washing- 13
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kies, but by far the greater number have placed him among the Ottawas. .His home was about eight miles above Detroit, on Pechee Island, which looks out upon the waters of Lake St. Glair. His form was cast in the finest mould of savage grace and strength, and his eye seemed capable of penetrating, at a glance, the secret motives that actuated the savage tribes around him. His rare personal qualities, his courage, resolution, wisdom, address and eloquence, together with the hereditary claim to authority which, according to Indian custom, he possessed, secured for him the esteem of both the French and the English, and gave him an influence among the lake tribes greater than that of any other individual. Early in life he distinguished himself as a chieftain of no ordinary ability. In 1746 he commanded a powerful body of Indians, mostly Ottawas, who gallantly defended the people of Detroit against the formidable attack of several combined north ern tribes, and it is supposed that he was present at the disastrous defeat of Braddock, in which several hundred of his warriors were engaged. He had always, at least up to the time when Major Rogers came into the country, been a firm friend of the French, and received many marks of esteem from the French officer, Mar quis de Montcalm.
How could he, then, the bravest chief of the great West, do
ton, D. C. He was engaged in the last mentioned capacity, principally as examiner of pension claims, from the spring of 1861 to the summer of 1864, when he resigned and came to Detroit. He was successfully engaged at the latter place for two years in the prosecution of war claims, and in 1866 returned to his home in Green Oak, and assumed charge of his father's farm, remaining there until the autumn of 1867, when he returned to Detroit, and commenced the study of law. He was admitted to the bar in the Supreme Court in October, 1868, and commenced the practice of law in the following spring.
In the practice of law, Mr. Russell has met with substantial success. Being favorably known in the whole State, both for ability and integrity, he immediately came into public favor, and has found unceasing demand for his professional labors. In the spring of 1869 he was appointed pri vate secretary to Governor H. P. Baldwin, holding this position till the inauguration of Governor Bagley, January 1, 1873. He was elected city attorney of Detroit in 1871.
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otherwise than dispute the English claim to his country ? How could he endure the sight of this people driving the game from his hunting grounds, and his friends and allies from the lands they had so long possessed? When he heard that Rogers was advancing along the lakes to take possession of his country, his indignation knew no bounds, and he at once sent deputies, request ing him to halt until such time as he could see him. Flattering words and fair promises induced him, at length, to extend the hand of friendship to Rogers. He was inclined to live peaceably with the English, and to encourage their settling in the country, as long as they treated him as he deserved ; but if they treated him with neglect, he would shut up the way and exclude them from it. He did not consider himself a conquered prince, but he expected to be treated with the respect and honor due to a king. While a system of good management might have allayed every suspicion, and engendered peace and good-will, a want of cordiality increased the discontent, and Pontiac soon saw that the fair promises which had been made him were but idle words. The Indians were becoming more and more dissatisfied, and he began seriously to apprehend danger from the new government and peo ple. He saw in the English a boundless ambition to possess them selves of every military position on the northern waters, an ambition which plainly indicated to his far-reaching sagacity that soon, nothing less than undisputed possession of all his vast domain would satisfy them. He saw in them a people superior in arms, but utterly destitute of that ostensible cordiality, personally, to which his people had been accustomed during the golden age of French dominion, and which they were apt to regard as neces sary indications of good faith. There seemed no disposition for national courtesy, individual intercourse, or beneficial commerce of any kind. All those circumstances which made the neighbor hood of the French agreeable, and which might have made their own at least tolerable, they neglected. Their conduct never gave rest to suspicion, while that of the French never gave rise to it. Hence, the Indians felt that they had " no father among the white men but the King of France," and Pontiac resolved, as he had threatened, to " shut up the way." His plan was to make a con-
196 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
temporaneous assault upon all the British posts, and thus effec tually extinguish the English power at a single blow. This was a stroke of policy that evinced an extraordinary genius, and demanded for its successful execution an energy and courage of the highest order. But Pontiac was fully equal to the task. He was as skillful in executing as he was bold in planning. He knew that success would multiply friends and allies, but friends and allies were necessary to insure success.
First, then, a council must be called, and, for this, purpose, at the close of 1762, he sent out his ambassadors to all the different nations. With the war-belt of wampum, and the tomahawk, stained red in token of war, these swift-footed messengers went from camp to camp, and from village to village, throughout the north, south, east and west, and in whatever tribe they appeared, the sachems assembled to hear the words of Pontiac. The mes sage was everywhere heard with approbation, the war-belt accepted, and the hatchet seized, as an indication that the assembled chiefs stood pledged to take part in the war.
The Grand Council assembled on the twenty-seventh day of April, 1763, on the banks of the little river Ecorse, not far from Detroit. The pipe went round, and Pontiac stepped forth, plumed and painted in the full costume of war. He called into requisi tion all the eloquence and cunning of which he was master. He appealed to their fears, their hopes, their ambition, their cupidity, their hatred of the English, and "their love for their old friends, the French. He displayed to them a belt, which he said the King of France had sent him, urging him to drive the English from the country, and open the way for the return of the French. He painted in glowing colors the common interests of their race, and called upon them to make a stand against a common foe. He told them of a dream, in which the Great Manitou had appeared to a chief of the Abenakis, saying : " I am the Maker of heaven and earth, the trees, lakes, rivers, and all things else. I am the Maker of mankind ; and because I love you, you must do my will. The land on which you live I have made for you, and not for others. Why do you suffer the white man to dwell among you ? My children, you have forgotten the customs and traditions of
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197
your forefathers. Why do you not clothe yourselves in skins, as they did, and use the bows and arrows, and the stone-pointed lances which they used ? You have bought guns, knives, kettles, and blankets from the white men, until you can no longer do with-
HON. A. F. R. BRALEY.
ALFRED F. R. BRALEY, of Saginaw City, was born October 20, 1828, at Albion, Orleans county, N. Y. He received an academic education at his native place, and studied law four years with Church & Davis, who have a national reputation as jurists. He attended lectures at the Albany Law School, and at a general term of the Supreme Court at Albany, in 1852, was admitted to the bar. In the spring of the following year he commenced practice at Toledo, Ohio. Ill health induced him to spend the winter of 1853-4 in the South, and suspended his labors for a period of five years. He returned discouraged to Albion. He was justice of
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out them ; and, what is worse, you have drunk the poison fire water which turns you into fools. Fling all these things away ; live as your wise forefathers lived before you ; and, as for these English — these dogs dressed in red, who have coine to rob you of your hunting grounds and drive away the game — you must lift the hatchet against them. Wipe them from the face of the earth, and then you will win my favor back again, and once more be happy and prosperous. The children of your great father, the King of France, are not like the English. Never forget that they are your brothers. They are very dear to« me, for they love the red men, and understand the true mode of worshiping me."
Such an appeal to the passions and prejudices of credulous and excited savages was well calculated to produce the desired effect. If the Great Spirit was with them, it was impossible to fail. Other speeches were doubtless made, and, before the council broke up, the scheme was well matured.
Thus was the crisis hastening on. While every principle of revenge, ambition and patriotism in the savage was thus being roused up to the '^highest pitch, and the tomahawk was already lifted for the blow, scarce a suspicion of the savage design found its way to the minds of the English. Occasionally, an English trader would see something in their behavior which caused him to suspect mischief, or some scoundrel half-breed would be heard
the peace there from 1859 to the spring of 1862, when he came to the City of Saginaw. Here his health being reestablished, he engaged in the manufacture of salt until 1866. He then opened a private banking office in company with Harry and Wm. M. Miller, under the name of Miller, Braley & Co. They did a successful business until their concern was merged in the First National Bank of Saginaw, of which Mr. B. has since been the cashier.
He has served two terms as recorder of the city of Saginaw, and three terms as mayor.
He is a gentleman of excellent business qualifications; he is honest and universally recognized as honest. Socially he is popular and entertaining. He is a good listener and a good talker; he can tell a good story, and when he does relate an anecdote, the moral is apparent, and the listener knows where the "laugh comes in." No man in Saginaw has more friends.
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boasting that, before the next summer, he would have English hair to fringe his hunting frock ; but these things caused no alarm. Once, however, the plot was nearly discovered. A friendly Indian told the commander of Fort Miami that a war-belt had been sent to the warriors of a neighboring village, and that the destruction of himself and garrison had been resolved upon ; but, when information of this had been conveyed to Major Gladwyn, of Detroit, that officer wrote to General Amherst, stating that, in his opinion, there had been some irritation among the Indians, but that the affair would soon blow over ; and that, in the neighbor hood of his own fort all was tranquil. Amherst thought that the acts of the Indians were unwarrantable, and hoped they would be too sensible to their own interests to conspire against the English ; he wished them to know that if they did, in his opinion, they would make a " contemptible figure." He asserted that they would be the sufferers, and, in the end, it would result in their destruction.
But the English were deluded. Almost within rifle-shot of Gladwyn's quarters was Pontiac, the arch-enemy of the English and the prime mover in the plot, and the sequel proved how " con temptible " was the figure which the savages made.
The work of extirpation soon began, and extended from north to south, and from east to west. Numbers of English traders, on their way from all quarters of the country to the different posts, were taken, and their goods made the prize of the conquerors. Large bodies of savages were seen collecting around the different forts ; yet, strange to say, without creating any serious alarm. When the blow was struck, nine out of twelve of the British posts were surprised and destroyed ! It will, doubtless, be interesting to notice in detail these surprises, three of which properly come within the scope of the History of Michigan.
CHAPTER XIII.
MICHILIMACKINAC — DESCRIPTION OF THE PLACE IN 1762 — ASSEMBLING OF HOSTILE INDIANS AROUND MICHILIMACKINAC — ADVENTURES OF AN ENGLISH TRADER — THE INDIANS PREPARING FOR THE MASSA CRE — THE GAME OF BALL COMMENCED.
BEFORE entering upon an account of the massacre at Fort Michilimackinac, we may, perhaps, entertain the reader with a short description of the place as it appeared just before the war broke out, in the spring of 1763.
Michilimackinac was the most northern English port in the lake region. It was located on the extreme northern point of the Southern Peninsula of Michigan, on the site of the present city of Mackinaw. The fort stood near the water's edge, and near by was a cluster of white Canadian houses, roofed with bark, and protected by fences of strong round pickets. As the visitor entered the gate of the fort he could see before him an extensive square area, surrounded by high palisades. Numerous houses, barracks, and other buildings, formed a smaller square within, and in the vacant space which they inclosed, appeared the red uniforms of British soldiers, the gray coats of Canadians, and the gaudy Indian blankets, mingled in picturesque confusion, while a multitude of squaws, with children of every hue, strolled rest lessly about the place. Such was Fort Michilimackinac in 1763. Though buried in the wilderness, it was still of no recent origin. As early as 1671 the Jesuits had established a mission of the same name on the northern side of the strait, and a military force was not long in following, for, under the French dominion, the priest and the soldier went hand in hand. Neither toil, nor suffering, nor all the terrors of the wilderness, could damp the zeal of the undaunted missionary ; and the restless ambition of France was always on the alert to seize every point of advantage, and avail
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201
itself of every means to gain ascendency over the forest tribes. Besides Michiliniackinac there were two other posts in the north ern region, Green Bay and Sault Ste. Marie. Both were founded at an early period, and both presented the same characteristic
DR. EDWARD W. JENKS.
EDWARD W. JENKS, one of the leading medical professors of the State, was born in* the town of Victor, Ontario county, New York, in 1833, where his father was a prominent business man at that time. In 1843, he, with his father, emigrated to Indiana, where the latter gentleman founded a town called Ontario, and endowed a collegiate institute called La Grange College.
The principal part of Dr. Jenks' earlier years was passed in New York and Indiana, where he received his general education. His medical training was pursued at the Medical University of New York, until ill
202 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
features — a mission house, a fort, and a cluster of Canadian dwel lings. They had been originally garrisoned by small parties of militia, who, bringing their families with them, settled on the spot, and were the founders of these little colonies. Michilimackinac, much the largest of the three, contained thirty families within the palisades of the fort, and about as many more without. Besides its military value, it was important as the center of the fur trade, for it was here that the traders engaged their men, and sent out their goods in canoes, under the charge of subordinates, to the more distant regions of the Mississippi and the Northwest.
The Indians near Michilimackinac were the Ojibwas and Otta- was, the former of whom claimed the eastern section of Michigan, and the latter the western ; their respective portions being sepa rated by a line drawn southward from the fort itself. The princi pal village of the Ojibwas contained about a hundred warriors, and stood on the island of Michilimackinac, now called Mack inaw. There was another smaller village near the head of Thun der Bay. The Ottawas, to the number of two hundred and fifty warriors, lived at the settlement of L'Arbre Croche, on the shores of Lake Michigan, some distance southward from the fort. This
health compelled him to make a change, when he went to Ver mont, graduating from Castleton Medical College in 1855. Dr. Jenks, however, was determined to be proficient in his profession, and after wards took an additional degree of medicine at Bellevue Hospital Medical College. After receiving this last degree, Dr. Jenks practiced medicine very successfully in New York and Indiana, where he made numerous professional friends. About this time, his health again failed, and his sufferings were such as compelled him to constantly change climate in order to retain his already shattered health. He, however, practiced his profession wherever his health permitted him to remain long enough, until 1864, when he came to Michigan and settled in Detroit. In that city he at once acquired an extensive practice, and he has ever since been known throughout this State and those adjoining, for his remarkable success in the treatment of difficult diseases.
He was one of the founders, in 1868, of the Detroit Medical College, and has occupied the presidency in that institution since its organization, and besides holds the honorable position of Professor of Medical and Surgical Diseases of Women and Clinical Gynascology. He has worked
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 203
place was then the seat of the old Jesuit mission of St. Ignace, originally placed by Father Marquette on the northern side of the straits. Many of the Ottawas were nominal Catholics. They were all somewhat improved from their original savage condition, living in log houses, and cultivating corn and vegetables, to such an extent as to supply the fort with provisions besides satisfying their own wants. The O jib was, on the other hand, were not in the least degree removed from their primitive barbarism.
At this time both these tribes had received from Pontiac the war belt of black and purple wampum, and painted hatchet, and had pledged themselves to join in the contest. Before the end of May the Ojibwas, or Chippewas, received word that the blow had already been struck at Detroit, and, wrought up to the highest pitch of excitement and emulation, resolved that peace should last no longer. Eager to reap all the glory of the victory, or prompted by jealousy, this tribe neither communicated to the Ottawas the news which had come to them, nor their own resolu tion to make an immediate assault upon Michilimackinac ; hence, the Ottawas, as we shall presently learn, had no part in that most bloody tragedy. There were other tribes, however, who,
with no ordinary amount of zeal to make the Detroit Medical College one of the leading institutions of that kind in the West, and the success of his efforts is shown in the very flattering report made by the committee appointed by the State Medical Society to examine into its condition. He was appointed surgeon of the department of diseases of women at St. Mary's Hospital in 1868. He was connected with Harper Hospital from its organization until 1872, when he resigned. Dr. Jenks ranks high as a surgeon in the Northwest, being called to practice this branch of his profession over a large extent of territory. He is a prominent member of numerous medical societies, being Professor of Medical and Surgical Diseases of Women in Bowdoin College; a member of the Ameri can Medical Association; corresponding member of the Gynaecological Society; President of the Detroit Academy of Medicine; an active mem ber and President of the State Medical Society, and a member of a num ber of other institutions.
Dr. Jenks was one of the original publishers of the Detroit Eemew of Medicine and Pharmacy, filling the position of editor on that magazine for some time with marked ability.
204 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
attracted by rumors of impending war, had gathered at Michili- mackinac, and who took part in the struggle.
We will now return to the Englishman, Mr. Henry, whom we left at Michilimackinac, at the close of the previous chapter, and relate his adventures simultaneously with an account of the mas sacre.
The British having taken possession of the fort, Henry's fears were entirely dispersed, and he spent the winter at Michilimack inac, amusing himself as best he could by hunting and fishing. But few of the Indians, he tells us, came to the fort, excepting two families. These families lived on a river five leagues below, and came occasionally with beaver flesh for sale. Their chief was an exception to the rule, for instead of being hostile towards the English, he was warmly attached to them. But, in this case, the exception proved the rule to a demonstration. He had been taken prisoner by Sir William Johnson, at the siege of Fort Niagara ; and had received from that intelligent officer, his liberty, the medal usually presented to a chief, and the British flag. Won by these acts of unexpected kindness, he had returned to Michili- mackiuac, full of praise of the English, and hoisted his flag over his lodge. This latter demonstration of his partiality nearly cost him his life ; his lodge was broken down, and his flag torn to pieces. The pieces he carefully gathered up and preserved with pious care, and whenever he visited the fort he drew them out and exhibited them. On these occasions it grew into a custom to give him as much liquor as he said was necessary to make him cry over the misfortune of losing his flag. The commandant would have given him another, but he thought he could not accept it without danger.
Upon the opening of navigation, Mr. Henry left Michilimack inac to visit the Sault Ste. Marie. Here he made the acquaintance of M. Cadotte, an interpreter, whose wife was a Chippewa, and, desirous of learning that language, he decided to spend the suc ceeding winter in the family of his new found friend. Here, also, there was a small fort, and during the summer, a small detach ment of troops, under the command of Lieutenant Jamette, arrived to garrison it. Late in the fall, however, a destructive
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fire, which consumed all the houses except Cadotte's, and all the fort supplies, made it necessary to send the garrison back to Michilimackinac. The few that were left at this place were now crowded into one small house, and compelled to gain a subsistence
HON. SAMUEL D. PACE.
SAMUEL D. PACE, of Port Huron, Mich., was born in the township of Yarmouth, Canada West, April 29, 1835. His father, a carpenter by trade, was a native of the State of New Jersey. His mother was a descendant of a New England family.
During the winter months of his early boyhood, he attended the dis trict school in the neighborhood where he was born, and in the summer season he was principally engaged with his father working as a carpenter. At the age of fifteen he removed with his father to Kacine, Wisconsin, where he shipped as a sailor on the schooner Amelia. He followed a
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by hunting and fishing. Thus inuring themselves to hard ships, a very good opportunity was afforded them of becoming familiar with the Chippewa tongue. Here Henry passed the second winter of his sojourn in the wilderness of the upper lakes. Early in the succeeding spring, 1763, he was visited by Sir Robert Dover, an English gentleman, who was on a " voyage of curios ity," and with whom Henry again returned to Michilimackinac. Here he intended to remain until his clerks should come from the interior, and then go back to the Sault.
When Henry reached Michilimackinac he found several other traders who had arrived before him, from different parts of the country, and who, in general, declared the dispositions of the Indians to be hostile to the English, and even apprehended some attack. One M. Laurent Ducharme distinctly informed Major Ethrington that a plan was absolutely conceived for destroying him, his garrison, and all the English in the upper country ; but the commandant believing this and other reports to be without foundation, proceeding only from idle or ill-disposed persons, and of a tendency to do mischief, expressed much displeasure against M. Ducharme, and threatened to send the next person who should
sailor's life for two years on the lakes, and in the month of November, 1852, while on board the sloop Ranger, was shipwrecked on Lake Michigan, a short distance south of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The vessel, after being tossed about three days and nights without rudder or sail, stranded and became a total loss. During this time he suffered intensely from hunger and cold. His wardrobe, by no means extensive, was materially diminished by this misfortune, as most of his personal effects shared the fate of the vessel, and he found himself on the streets of Mil waukee without hat, boots or coat. His loss in this respect, however, was more than made good by a kind-hearted Jew, who took pity on the shivering sailor boy, and presented him with substitutes for the garments he had lost, making the characteristic remark, "Dese cost you netting." It may be mentioned as a coincidence that at the time, Mr. Pace had just exactly nothing with which to pay for them.
At school, he was invariably at the head of his class, and he also took the lead in most kinds of boyish mischief. As a school boy, he mani fested a determination to succeed, which trait has never since left him. Although married at twenty-one years of age, he has never ceased to be
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bring a story of the same kind a prisoner to Detroit. The garri son consisted at this time of thirty-five men with their officers. The white inhabitants of the fort numbered about one hundred, and but few entertained anxiety concerning the Indians, who had no weapons but small arms. Meanwhile the Indians from every quarter, were daily assembling in unusual numbers, but with every appearance of friendship, frequenting the fort and dis posing of their peltries, in such a manner as to dissipate almost any one's fears. It was reported that not less than four hundred warriors were encamped near the fort.
As I have promised, I shall associate the account of Henry's adventures with a rehearsal of the horrible massacre at the fort.
Shortly after his first arrival at Michilimackinac, in the preced ing year, a Chippewa, named Wawatam, began to go often to his house, betraying in his demeanor strong marks of personal regard. After this had continued for some time, he went, on a certain day, taking with him his whole family, and at the same time a large present, consisting of skins, sugar and dried meat. Having laid these in a heap, he commenced a speech, in which he informed Henry that some years before, he had observed a fast, devoting him self, according to the custom of his nation, to solitude and mortifi-
a student. Medicine was always a favorite study with him, but owing to the up-hill road which poverty compelled him to travel, he did not reach the acme of his ambition in this respect until 1860, when he commenced the practice of his profession in Port Huron, Michigan. As a physician he was eminently successful.
In politics, Dr. Pace is a radical Republican, his first vote being cast for Abraham Lincoln, in 1860. In 1864, he agreed with President Lincoln that it was dangerous "to trade horses whilst crossing a stream," and consequently took an active part in the campaign which ended in the defeat of Gen. McClellan. In 1868, Dr. Pace took the stump for Gen. Grant, and again in 1872 he took an active part in the presidential cam paign.
In the spring of 1869 he was by President Grant appointed United States Consul, at Port Sarnia, Canada, a position which he still occupies.
In religion, Dr. Pace is also a radical. A reverence for the things and ideas of the past is not a leading trait with him, and he refuses to be tied to any article of faith.
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cation of his body, in the hope to obtain from the Great Spirit protection through all his days ; that on this occasion he had dreamed of adopting an Englishman as his son, brother and friend ; that from the moment in which he first beheld him he had recognized him as the person whom the Great Spirit had been pleased to point out as his brother; that he hoped that Henry would not refuse his present, and that he should forever regard him as one of his family.
Henry could not do otherwise than accept the present. He also declared his willingness to have so good a man for his friend and brother. Henry offered a present in return for the one he had received, which Wawatam accepted, and then, thanking Henry for the favor which he said he had rendered him, he left the house, and soon after set out 011 his winter's hunt.
Twelve months had now elapsed since the occurrence of this incident, and Henry had almost forgotten the person of his brother, when, on the second day of June, Wawatam again visited his house, in a mood visibly melancholy and thoughtful. He said he had just returned from his wintering ground, and went on to say that he was very sorry to find his old friend returned from the Sault ; that he had intended to go to that place himself immedi ately after his arrival at Michilimackinac ; and that he wished Henry and his family to go there with him the next morning. To all this Wawatam added an inquiry as to wiiether or not the com mandant had heard bad news, adding that, during the winter, he had himself been frequently disturbed with the noise of evil winds ; and further suggesting that there were numerous Indians near the fort, many of whom had never shown themselves within it. Wawatam was about forty-five years of age, of an excellent char acter among his nation, and a chief.
Referring much of what he had heard to the Indian character, Henry did not pay all the attention to the entreaties and remarks of his visitor which they were found to have deserved Henry said that he could not think of going to the Sault as soon as the next morning, but would follow him there after the arrival of his clerks. Finding himself unable to prevail, Wawatam withdrew for that day, but early the next morning he returned, bringing with him his
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wife, and a present of dried meat. At this interview, after stating that he had several packs of beaver, which he intended to trade with Henry, he expressed a second time his apprehensions from the numerous Indians who were around the fort, and earnestly
HON. JOHN MOORE.
JOHN MOORE, the present circuit judge of the tenth judicial circuit of this State, was born in the city of London, England, July 7, 1826. When four years of age, he, with his family, removed to the State of New York, and four years afterwards he emigrated to this State, and resided upon a farm in Milford, Oakland county, until the spring of 1846, when he commenced the study of law in the office of Hon. Augustus C. Baldwin, then of Milford, but now residing in Pontiac. In the spring of 1848, he entered the law office of Lothrop & Duffield, of Detroit, and in October of that year was admitted an attorney of the Supreme Court, at 14
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pressed his English friend to consent to an immediate departure for the Sault. As a reason for this particular request he assured Henry that all the Indians proposed to come in a body that day to the fort, to demand liquor of the commandant, and that he wished his friend to be away before they should grow intoxicated. This was as much as Wawatam dare reveal, but of course he had full knowledge of the plan for the awful massacre that followed.
Henry had made, at the period to which I am now referring, so much progress in the language in which Wawatam addressed him as to be able to hold an ordinary conversation in it. Yet after all, Henry tells us, that the Indian manner of speech is so extrav agantly figurative, that it is only a very perfect master that can follow and comprehend it entirely. " Had I been further advanced in this respect," says Henry, " I think that I should have gathered so much information from my friendly monitor, as would have put me "into possession of the designs of the enemy, and enabled me to save others as well as myself; as it was, it unfortu nately happened that I turned a deaf ear to everything, leaving Wawatam and his wife, after long and patient efforts, to depart alone, with dejected countenances, and not before they each let fall some tears."
a session of that body held in Pontiac. Mr. Moore commenced the prac tice of his profession soon afterwards in Fentonville, Genesee county, and remained there until the spring of 1851, when he removed to Sagi- naw, where he has ever since resided, engaged in professional business.
Mr. Moore was prosecuting attorney of -Saginaw county from 1855 to 1858, inclusive. He was also mayor of Saginaw City from 1861 to 1863, inclusive, and a member of the Board of Education for about fifteen years prior to June, 1870, when he declined to serve longer, his time being too much occupied with the business of his profession.
In 1868, Mr. Moore was the Democratic candidate for Governor of the State, in opposition to Governor Baldwin, and received thirty thousand more votes than any Democratic candidate for that office had ever received prior to that date, and above thirteen thousand more than any candidate of that party has since received for that office.
A vacancy occurred in the office of circuit judge of the tenth circuit, by the resignation of Judge Sutherland, January 1, 1871, and a meeting of the bar of that circuit was held shortly afterwards, and Mr. Moore
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In the course of the same day, Henry observed that the Indians came in great numbers into the fort, purchasing tomahawks, and frequently desiring to see silver arm-bands, and other valuable ornaments. These ornaments, however, they in no instance pur chased ; but after turning them over, left them, saying that they would call again the next day. Their motive, as it afterward appeared, was no other than the very artful one of discovering, by requesting to see them, the peculiar places of their deposit, so that they might lay their hands on them, in the moment of pillage, with greater certainty and despatch. At nightfall, Henry turned his mind to the visits of Wawatam ; but, although they excited uneasiness, nothing induced him to believe that serious mischief was at hand.
The next day, being the fourth of June, was the King's birthday. The morning was sultry. A Chippewa visited Henry, and told him that his nation was going to play at , boggattaway with the Sacks, another Indian nation, for a high wager. He invited Henry to witness the sport, adding that the commandant was to be there, and would bet on the side of the Chippewas. In conse quence of this information, Henry went to the commandant, and expostulated with him a little, representing that the Indians might
«
was requested, by an unanimous vote, to accept the office — a deserved compliment to his legal ability and standing in the profession. The members of the bar, and the leading men of the circuit, united, irrespec tive of party distinctions, in requesting Governor Baldwin to appoint Mr. Moore to the office, on the ground of his eminent ability and fitness of the position. He was accordingly appointed on the first day of February, 1871, to fill the vacancy until an election could be held. A special elec tion was held the following spring, at which the Republican and Demo cratic parties united in the nomination of Judge Moore, and he was elected without opposition. He has continued to discharge the duties of the office until the present time, and his work upon the bench has fully justified the expectations of his numerous friends, and has already given him an enviable reputation throughout the State. The business of his circuit, measured by the magnitude and variety of the interests involved, is second to none in the State, and has been administered by him, it is believed, with entire satisfaction to the profession and the public. When called to the bench he stood at the head of his profession in the circuit,
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possibly have some sinister end in view ; but the commandant only smiled at his suspicions.
The game of boggattaway, which the Indians played upon that memorable occasion, was the most exciting sport in which the red men could engage. It was played with bat and ball. The bat, so called, was about four feet in length, and one inch in diameter. It was made of the toughest material that could be found. At one end it was curved, and terminated in a sort of racket, or, per haps, more properly, a ring, in which a net-work of cord was loosely woven. The players were not allowed to touch the ball with the hand, but caught it in this net-work at the end of the bat. At either end of the ground a tall post was planted. These posts marked the stations of the rival parties, and were sometimes a mile apart. The object of each party was to defend its own post, and carry the ball to that of the adversary. This is, undoubtedly, the same game which is now called Lacrosse, and which is very popular in Canada and some parts of the United States.
At the beginning of the game the main body of the players assemble half-way between the two posts. Every eye sparkles, and every cheek is already aglow with excitement. The ball is tossed high into the air, and a general struggle ensues to secure it
and was in the enjoyment of a lucrative practice. In the surrender of his handsome income from this source for the pitiful salary of his office, Mr. Moore displayed a public spirit as commendable as it is rare.
As a judge, he is distinguished for his quick and clear discrimination, keen powers of analysis, thorough legal knowledge, and sound judgment in the application of the law, as well as promptness and impartiality in the discharge of his official duties.
Mr. Moore commenced life with habits of industry, energy and good character, and from this beginning he has risen to his present high posi tion, having occupied a place among the prominent men of his profession in the State for the past fifteen years, and been identified with nearly all ,the important litigation in his section.
In politics he is known as a Democrat, and highly esteemed for his always moderate and independent course. During the war he did as much as any person in that portion of the State to unite popular senti ment in support of President JUncQln's war policy, without regard to men pr measures.
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as it descends. He who succeeds, starts for the goal of the adver sary, holding it high above his head. The opposite party, with merry yells, are swift to pursue. His course is intercepted, and, rather than see the ball taken from him, he throws it, as a boy
E. T. JUDD.
E. T. JUDD, of East Saginaw, Michigan, was born in Geneva, New York, in 1823. At an early age he commenced business for himself in his native town, and continued it for eight years, winning many friends and prospering copiously. Closing up this business, he removed to Ham ilton, Canada West, where he remained until 1865, when he removed to East Saginaw, and has resided there ever since. On the 17th of June, of the same year, the First National Bank of East Saginaw was opened, with Mr. Judd as president, which position he still occupies. Under the management of Mr. Judd, this bank has secured a wide patronage, and proved a good investment to its stockholders, becoming one of the per manent institutions of the Saginaw Valley.
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throws a stone from a sling, as far towards the goal of his adver sary as he can. An adversary in the game catches it and sends it whizzing back in the opposite direction. Hither and thither it goes ; now far to the right, now as far to the left ; now near to one, now as near to the other goal ; the whole band crowding con tinually after it in the wildest confusion ; until, finally, some agile figure, more fleet of foot than others, succeeds in bearing it to the goal of the opposite party.
Persons still living at Michilimackinac, who, having seen this game played by the Indians, and themselves participated in it, say that often a whole day is insufficient to decide the contest. When such is the case, the following day is taken, and the game begun anew. As many as six or seven hundred Indians sometimes engage in a single game, while it may be played by fifty. In the heat of the contest, when all are running at their greatest speed, if one stumbles arid falls, fifty or a hundred, who are in close pursuit, and unable to stop, pile over him, forming a mound of human bodies, and frequently players are so bruised as to be unable to proceed in the game.
This game, with its attendant noise and violence, was well calcu lated to divert the attention of officers and men, and thus permit the Indians to take possession of the fort. To make their success more certain, they prevailed upon as many as they could to come out of the fort, while at the same time their squaws, wrapped in blankets, beneath which they concealed the murderous weapons, were placed inside the inclosure. The plot was so ingeniously laid that no one suspected danger.
CHAPTER XIV.
THE MASSACRE AT FORT MICHILIMACKINAC — INDIANS DRINKING THE BLOOD OF ENGLISHMEN — BUFFERINGS OF ENGLISH PRISONERS — THE OTTAWAS ESPOUSE THE CAUSE OF THE ENGLISH AND TAKE POSSES SION OF THE FORT — THE INDIAN COUNCIL.
THE discipline of the garrison was relaxed, and the soldiers permitted to stroll about and view the sport without carrying weapons of defense ; and even when the ball, as if by chance, was lifted high in the air, to descend inside the pickets, and was fol lowed by four hundred savage warriors, all eager, all struggling, all shouting, in the unrestrained pursuit of a rude, athletic exer cise, no alarm was felt until the shrill war-whoop told the startled garrison that the work of slaughter had actually begun.
Mr. Henry, of whom I have been speaking, did not attend the match which I have just described. There being a canoe prepared to depart on the following day for Montreal, he employed himself in writing letters to his friends. While thus engaged, he heard an Indian war cry and a noise of general confusion. Going instantly to his window, he saw a crowd of Indians, within the fort, furi ously cutting down and scalping every Englishman they found. In particular, he witnessed the fate of Lieut. Jamette. He had in the room in which he was a fowling-piece, loaded with swan- shot. This he immediately seized, and held it for a few moments, waiting to hear the drum beat to arms. In that dreadful interval he witnessed the scene of several of his countrymen falling under the tomahawk, and more than one struggling between the knees of an Indian, who, holding him in this manner, scalped him while yet living. At length, disappointed in the hope of seeing resistance made to the enemy, and knowing that no effort of his own unas sisted arm could avail against four hundred Indians, he thought only of seeking shelter. Amid the slaughter which was raging, he
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observed many of the Canadian inhabitants of the fort calmly looking on, neither opposing the Indians, nor suffering injury, and, from this circumstance, he conceived a hope of finding security in their houses.
Between the yard-door of his own house and that of M. Lang- lade, his next neighbor, there was only a low fence, over which he easily climbed. On entering, he found the whole family at the windows, gazing at the scene of blood before them. He addressed himself immediately to M. Langlade, begging that he would put him into some place of safety until the heat of the affair should be over, an act of charity by which he might, perhaps, be preserved from the general massacre. But, while he uttered his petition, M. Langlade, who had looked for a moment at him, turned again to the window, shrugging his shoulders, and intimat ing that he could do nothing for him.
With Henry this was a moment of despair ; but the next, a Pawnee woman, a slave of M. Langlade, beckoned him to follow her. She led him to a door, which she opened, desiring him to enter, and telling him that it led to the garret, where he- must go and conceal himself. Henry joyfully obeyed her directions ; and she, having followed him up to the garret door, locked it after him, and took away the key. This shelter obtained, Henry became anxious to know7 what might still be passing without. Through an aperture, which ' afforded him a view of the area of the fort, he beheld, in forms the foulest and most terrible, the fero cious triumphs of barbarian conquerors. The dead were scalped and mangled ; the dying were writhing and shrieking under the unsatiated knife and tomakawk ; and, from the bodies of some, ripped open, their butchers were drinking the blood, scooped up in the hollow of joined hands, and quaffed amid shouts of rage and victory. Henry was shaken, not only with horror, but with fear. The sufferings which he witnessed, he seemed on the point of experiencing himself. Not long elapsed before, every one being destroyed who could be found, there was a general cry of, "All is finished !" At the same instant, Henry heard some of the Indians enter the house in which he had taken shelter. The garret was separated from the room below only by a layer of single boards.
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The prisoner could, therefore, hear everything that passed ; and the Indians no sooner came in than they inquired whether or not any Englishmen were in the house. M. Langlade replied that he could not say ; they might examine for themselves, and would
DR. J. B. WHITE.
JOHN B. WHITE was born January 13, 1826, in the town of Pompey, Onondaga county, New York. His father was a farmer, and he remained with him on the farm until about his eighteenth year, receiving such education as could be obtained at a country school and village academy. He studied medicine with Dr. H. B. Moore, of Manlius, New York, who was then the leading surgeon of that part of the countiy. He attended his first course of medical lectures at Geneva, New York, where he became clinical assistant to the professor of surgery. The following year he went to Philadelphia, and graduated at the Philadelphia College
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soon be satisfied as to the object of their question. Saying this, he conducted them to the garret door.
The state of Henry's mind at this juncture may be imagined. When they arrived at the door, some delay was occasioned, owing to the absence of the key, and a few moments were thus allowed Henry in which to look round for a hiding place. In one corner of the garret was a heap of those vessels of birch bark used in making maple sugar.
The door was unlocked and opened, and the Indians ascended the stairs before Henry had completely crept into a small opening which presented itself at one end of the heap. An instant later, four Indians entered the room, all armed with tomahawks, and all besmeared with blood upon every part of their bodies. The die appeared to be cast. Henry could scarcely breathe, and he was sure that the throbbing of his heart occasioned a noise loud enough to betray him. The Indians walked in every direction about the garret, and one of them approached him so closely that, at a par ticular moment, had he put forth his hand, he could have touched him. Still, he remained undiscovered, a circumstance to which the dark color of his clothes, and the want of light in the room, must have contributed. In short, after taking several turns in the room, during which they told Langlade how many they had killed and how many scalps they had taken, they returned down stairs ; and Henry, with sensations not easily expressed, heard the door locked for the second time.
of Medicine, and in the spring of 1860 received an ad eundem degree from the medical department of Pennsylvania College. Soon after his gradua tion he returned to New York, and practiced his profession, with his old preceptor, for about two years, and while there received the appointment of demonstrator of anatomy in the New York College of Dental Surgery, but on the earnest solicitation of his old friend and room mate of the village academy (now the Hon. J. G. Sutherland), who had located and was practicing law at Saginaw City, Michigan, he was induced to remove to that city, where he arrived July 1, 1854. He early succeeded in acquiring a large and extensive practice, which declining health has now compelled him to partially abandon. He now devotes his time chiefly to the practice of gynaecology, and is medical advisor and acting surgeon of the Jackson, Lansing & Saginaw Division of the Michigan Central R. R.
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There «was a feather bed on the floor, and on this, exhausted as he was by agitation of mind, he threw himself down and went to sleep. In this condition he remained till the dark of the even ing, when he was awakened by a second opening of the door. The person who now entered was M. Langlade's wife, who was much surprised at finding him, but advised him not to be uneasy, observing that the Indians had killed most of the Englishmen, but that she trusted he would escape. A shower of rain having begun to fall, she had come to stop a hole in the roof. On retiring, Henry begged her to send him a little water to drink, which she did.
As night was now advancing, he continued to lie on the bed, thinking of his condition, but unable to discover a source from which he could hope for life. A flight to Detroit had no probable chance of success ; the distance from Miehilimackinac was four hundred miles ; he was without provisions, and the whole length of the road lay through Indian countries — countries of an enemy in arms — where the first Indian he should meet would take his life. To stay where he was threatened nearly the same thing. As before, fatigue of mind, and not tranquillity, suspended his cares, and procured him further sleep.
The respite which sleep afforded him during the night was ended by the return of morning. At sunrise, he heard the family stir ring, and presently after, Indian voices, informing M. Langlade that they had not found an Englishman named Henry among the
Dr. White has always been a diligent student, and taken great interest in the advancement of medical education, especially in the medical schools of our State, and is an active working member of the county and State medical societies. He is also a permanent member of the National Medi cal Association. As a practitioner, he has taken high rank, and by steady observance of the professional amenities, has ever been on good fellow ship and popularity with other members of his profession. He is a firm upholder of the dignity of the profession. Charlatanry, of whatever form or kind, is confronted boldly. He is unyielding in his opposition to all of the sophism of the day, convinced that whatever there is of value in the healing art is mainly due to the discoveries and investiga tions of those who continue to walk in the path of regular and legitimate medicine.
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dead, and that they believed him to be somewhere concealed. M. Langlade appeared from what followed, to be, by this time, acquainted with the place of Henry's retreat, of which, no doubt, he had been informed by his wife. The poor woman, as soon as the Indians mentioned Henry, declared to her husband, in the French tongue, that he should no longer shield the Englishman, but deliver him up to his pursuers, giving as a reason that, should the Indians discover his instrumentality in the matter, they might avenge it on her children. M. Langlade resisted at first, but soon suffered her to prevail, informing the Indians that he had been told Henry was in the house ; that he had come there without his knowledge, and that he would put him into their hands. This was no sooner expressed than he began to ascend the stairs, the Indians following at his heels. Henry now resigned himself to his fate ; and, regarding every attempt at concealment as vain, he arose from the bed, and presented himself in view to the Indians, who were entering the room. They were all in a state of intoxi cation, and entirely naked, except about the middle. One of them, named Wenniway, whom he had previously known, walked up to him, and seized him with one hand by the collar of the coat, while in the other he held a large carving-knife, as if to plunge it into his breast; his eyes, meanwhile, were fixed steadfastly on Henry's. At length, after some seconds of the most anxious sus pense, he dropped his arm, saying, " I won't kill you !" To this he added that he had been frequently engaged in war against the English, and had brought away many scalps ; that, on a certain occasion, he had lost a brother, whose name was Musinigon, and that Henry should be called after him. He then ordered him down stairs, and there informed him that he was to be taken to his cabin. Here, as indeed everywhere else, the Indians were all mad with liquor. Death, again, was threatened, and not as possi ble only, but as certain. Henry mentioned his fears on this subject to M. Lauglade, begging him to represent the danger to his mas ter. Langlade, in this instance, did not withhold his compassion, and the Indian immediately consented that Henry should remain where he was, until he found another opportunity to take him away.
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Thus far secure, lie reascended the stairs, in order to place him self the farthest possible out of the reach of insult from drunken Indians ; but he had not remained there more than an hour, when he was called to the room below, in which was an Indian who said
HON. ELEAZER JEWETT.
ELEAZER JEWETT was born in the State of New Hampshire, April 29, 1799. He came to Michigan and settled on the Saginaw river in Septem ber, 1826, traveling from Pontiac on foot, alone, carrying in a pack all his worldly goods. The country was then new and unsettled. Eight miles north of Pontiac was the residence of Alpheus Williams, father of Harvey Williams, one of the pioneers of the Saginaw Valley. There was no other trace of civilization on the way, except at Grand Blanc and the Grand Traverse of Flint River (now city of Flint). At the latter place a half-breed named Campau had a log hut on the south side of the river,
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that the Englishman must go with him out of the fort, Wenniway having sent for him. Henry had also seen this man before. In the preceding year he had allowed him to take goods on credit, for which he still owed ; and some short time previous to the sur prise of the fort he had said, upon being asked for the amount, that " he would pay the Englishman before long." This speech now came fresh in Henry's memory, and led him to suspect that the fellow had formed a design against his life. He communicated his suspicion to Langlade, but that gentleman gave for an answer, that he was not his own master, and must do as the Indian had ordered.
The Indian, on his part, directed the Englishman to undress himself before leaving the house, declaring that his coat and shirt would become an Indian better than they did Henry. His pleas ure in this respect being complied with, no other alternative was left to Henry than either to go out naked, or to put on the clothes of the Indian, which he freely gave him in exchange. His motive for thus stripping him of his own apparel was no other, as Henry afterwards learned, than that it might not be stained with blood when he killed him.
The Englishman was now ordered to proceed, and his driver fol lowed him close until he had passed the^gate of the fort, when he
near where the principal bridge stands. Between Flint river, at this place, and Saginaw, was an unbroken wilderness, and only an Indian trail to guide the adventurous traveler. There was no settlement in the Saginaw Y alley, except on the site where the city of Saginaw now is. Here was a narrow clearing on the margin of the river. Besides the Indian farmers and blacksmiths, provided by the government, the American Fur Com pany had a small trading establishment in charge of a Frenchman named Reauine. They constituted the civilized population.
Mr. Jewett went into the employ of the American Fur Company for two years, then he built a block house on Green Point and commenced trading with the Indians on his own account. He continued this trade for ten years.
He married in 1831. His eldest child, a daughter, now the wife of Dr. N. D. Lee, was the first white child born in the Saginaw Valley.
In 1832, Mr. Jewett purchased at Steben's mill, on Thread river, near the Grand Traverse of Flint river, 10,000 feet of pine boards, of which
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turned toward the spot where he knew the Indians to be encamped. This, however, did not suit the purpose of the Indian. He seized Henry by the arm, drew him violently in the opposite direction, to the distance of fifty yards above the fort. Here, finding that he was approaching the bushes and sand hills, Henry determined to proceed no farther, but told the Indian that he believed he meant to murder him, and that if so, he might as well strike where he was as at any greater distance. The Indian replied with coolness, that the Englishman's suspicions were correct, and that he meant to pay him, in this manner, for his goods. At the same time he produced a knife, and held Henry in a position to receive the intended blow. Both this and that which followed were neces sarily the affairs of a moment. By some effort, too sudden, and too little dependent on thought to be explained or remembered, Henry was enabled to arrest his arm, and give him a sudden push, by which he turned from him and became released from his grasp. This was no sooner done than Henry ran towards the fort with all the swiftness in his power, the Indian following him, and the pur sued expecting every moment to feel the knife of the pursuer. Henry succeeded in his flight, and on entering the fort, he saw Wenniway standing in the midst of the area, and hastened to him for protection. Wenniway desired the Indian to desist ; but
he formed a raft in Flint river. Unaided, he floated this raft down to the driftwood at the mouth of Flint river. Of this lumber he constructed a frame house on the opposite side of the river from Green Point, in which he afterwards resided and continued his business.
In January, 1837, when Saginaw City had attained considerable size as a village, he placed his house on four sleds and drew it with four pair of oxen down the river on the ice to the "city," where, notwithstanding some other migrations, it is still standing.
In 1828, he brought the first swine to 8aginawT county.
On the 4th of July, 1832, he invited the entire population of the Sag inaw Valley to a celebration of the national anniversary at his home on Green Point. All the inhabitants, old and young — twenty-nine in num ber — came at his hospitable invitation. The ceremonies were patriotic and interesting. They were enlivened by music and conviviality— the music on a bass drum, brought and played, solo, by Abraham Butts, a respected pioneer, who died only two years ago; the conviviality, aided
224 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
the latter still pursued him around the chief, making several strokes at Henry with his knife, and foaming at the mouth with rage at the repeated failure of his purpose. At length Wenuiway drew near to M. Langlade's house, and, the door being open, Henry ran into it. The Indian followed him, but on entering it he voluntarily abandoned the pursuit.
Preserved so often, and so unexpectedly, as it had already been his lot, he returned to his garret, with a strong inclination to believe that, through the will of an overruling Providence, no Indian enemy could do him hurt. Exhausted with fear, he threw himself upon the bed and was soon relieved by sleep. At ten o'clock in the evening he was again aroused, and once more desired to descend the stairs. Not less, however, to his satisfaction than surprise, he was summoned only to meet Major Etherington, Mr. Bostwick, and Lieutenant Leslie, who were in the room below. These gentlemen had been taken prisoners, while looking at the game without the fort, and immediately stripped of all their clothes. They were now sent into the fort under the charge of Canadians, because, the Indians having resolved on getting drunk, the chiefs were apprehensive that they would be murdered if they continued in the camp. Lieutenant Jamette and seventy English had been killed, and but twenty Englishmen, including soldiers, were still alive. These were all within the fort, together with more than double their number of Canadians.
by the spirituous beverage of the time, which was innocent of all the corruptions that at a later date have rendered it obnoxious. His three sons grew to manhood. One fell in the service of his country at Gettys- burgh ; the others reside at Saginaw, worthy examples of industry and thrift.
Mr. J. was elected justice of the peace at an early day, and has since served in that capacity for nearly thirty years. He also served as county surveyor for nearly twenty years, immediately succeeding the inaugura tion of Saginaw county, and served fourteen years as judge of probate.
He is the sole survivor of the first pioneers. In his prime, he was a man of courage and muscle. He is still in robust health, residing quietly and in comfort at .his country seat in Kochville. He does not appeal- to be the worse for the exposure and hardships of his rough pioneer experience.
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225
It was suggested among the English prisoners that an effort to regain possession of the fort might successfully be made. The Jesuit missionary was consulted on the subject, but his words dis couraged the idea. Thus the fort and prisoners remained in the
R. W. JENNY.
ROYAL W. JENNY came to Michigan in 1834, and engaged at his trade in Detroit, where he worked six years. In 1840, he launched the Lapeer Sentinel on his own account. This journal was first edited by Mr. Henry W. Williams, and at a later period by Col. J. R. White, who is still living at Lapeer. He moved to Saginaw City in the spring of 1844, where he edited and published the North Star, at that time the most northerly paper in the United States. Mr. Jenny not only edited and printed the Star, unaided by help of any kind, but for quite a period filled the responsible position of town clerk of Saginaw; was one of the superintendents of 15
226 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
hands of the Indians, though through the whole night the prisoners and whites were in actual possession. That whole night, or the greater part of it, was passed in mutual condolence. In the morn ing Henry was visited by Wenniway, and ordered to accompany that chief. He led him to a small house within the fort, where, in a narrow room which was almost dark, he found his old friend Solomons, an Englishman from Detroit, and a soldier, both pris oners. With these he remained in painful suspense as to the scene that was next to present itself. At ten o'clock in the forenoon, an Indian arrived, and immediately marched them to the lake side, when a canoe appeared ready for departure, and in which they were ordered to embark. Their voyage, full of doubt as it was, would have commenced immediately, but that one of the Indians who was to be of the party was absent. His arrival was to be waited for, and this occasioned a very long delay, during which the Englishmen were exposed to a keen northwest wind. An old shirt was all that covered Henry, and he suffered much from the cold. At noon the party was collected, the prisoners all
the poor of Saginaw county, and deputy postmaster. At this period, Judge G. D. Williams was postmaster at Saginaw, which was the only postoffice in all the territory now embraced within the counties of Sagi naw, Tuscola, Bay and Midland.
Mr. Jenny was married to Mrs. Sophia A. Hill, a sister of the late lamented James N. Gotee and Jerome H. Gotee, at Saginaw, in February, 1847. His wife is an estimable lady, of rare literary culture, and who, soon after her removal to Flint with her husband in 1849, wrote the con stitution and by-laws of the Ladies' Library Association of that city, and organized it. This was the first institution of the kind formed in the Northwest, and has become the model for the hundreds of similar associations scattered throughout Michigan and the whole Northwest. In this great field of usefulness, Mrs. Sophia A. Jenny has won the highest esteem of the people of this State, and endeared her memory to coming generations.
Since Mr. Jenny's removal to Flint, he has published the Genesae Demo crat — a journal which has ever been high-minded in discussion, honest in politics, and deserving of the extensive patronage which it has always enjoyed. During the late war, Mr. Jenny urged, through the columns of his journal, the "raising of men and money" that the general govern ment might need to suppress the rebellion. Major E. W. Lyon, at that
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 227
embarked, and they started for the Isles du Castor, in Lake Michi gan. The Indians in the canoe numbered seven, the prisoners four. The soldier was made fast to a bar of the canoe, by a rope tied around his neck, as is the manner of the Indians in trans porting their prisoners. The others were left unconiined, but pad dles were put into their hands, and they were ordered to use them. After paddling along for some time, keeping near shore on account of a dense fog that prevailed, they approached 'the land of the Ottawas, at Fox Point, eighteen miles from Michilimackinac. After the Indians had made their war whoop, an Ottawa appeared upon the beach and signaled them to land. When the canoe arrived in shallow water, a hundred Ottawas sprung from among the bushes, and dragged the prisoners out of it amid a terrifying shout. They gave as a reason for this action, that the Chippewas had insulted them by attacking the English without consulting them, and consequently they were friends of the English and ene mies of the Chippewas. They added that what they had done
time a partner with Mr. Jenny, at once raised a company for Col. Fen- ton's regiment, in which he was effectually aided by Mr. Jenny.
A few years ago, participating in the celebration of the completion of the railroad from East Saginaw to Bay City, Mr. Jenny, in response to a call, said: " You of the Saginaws do not duly appreciate your geographi cal position and the advantages you will receive in the not distant future. Quicker than you now dream will you find yourselves on the great line of communication between the orients and the Occidents. The Northern Pacific Railroad finished — now, I admit, only talked of — and the people of China and Japan will throng your streets and solicit your acquaintance and trade. You gentlemen over the table who laugh at my credulity, please remember my predictions."
If the reader will remember that those words were uttered when northern Michigan was a wilderness, and that his predictions have been already more than realized, it will be easy to appreciate the value of such a man to the infant growth of our State. It has been stated that Mr. Jenny has ' ' built in his paper " nearly every work of improvement pro jected in the northern part of the State, at least half a dozen times before they were undertaken by active operations. Two projects only now remain, heretofore advocated by him, but the lookout for these is not very encouraging. They are slack-water navigation of the Flint river from Flint to Saginaw, and the " Bad River Canal" in Saginaw county.
228 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
was for the purpose of saving their lives, aa the Chippewas were carrying them to the Isles du Castor to kill and eat them.
The prisoners were soon embarked again in an Ottawa canoe, and carried back to Michilimackinac, where they were marched into the fort by the Ottawas in view of the Chippewas, who were confounded at seeing their brothers of the forest opposing them. The Ottawas, being of sufficient numbers, at once took possession of the fort. The prisoners who had changed hands were lodged in the house of the commandant, and vigilantly guarded.
Early the next morning a general council was held, in which the Chippewas complained of the conduct of the Ottawas in rob bing them of their prisoners, and urging them to join in the war, as the English were meeting with destruction in every part of the world. As the Indians rarely make their answers until the day following the hearing of the arguments offered, the council adjourned for that purpose.
CHAPTER XV.
THE ENGLISH PERSECUTED AT MrcHiLiMACKmAC AFTER THE MASSACRE — THE ADVENTURE OF HENRY — PRISONERS DIVIDED BETWEEN THE OHIPPEWAS AND THE OTTAWAS— LIEUTENANT GORELL RESCUES THE PRISONERS FROM THE OTTAWAS, AND THE ENGLISH LEAVE THE COUNTRY — ESCAPE OF HENRY.
THE prisoners, whose fate was thus in controversy, were unac quainted at the time with this transaction, and, therefore, enjoyed a night of tolerable tranquillity. The result of the council was that the prisoners were returned to the Chippewas. While in the hands of the Ottawas, the prisoners had been informed that the former intended to kill them and make broth of them ; hence, we may imagine their feelings at being restored to their old enemies. The Chippewas marched them into a village of their own, and put them into a lodge, already the prison of fourteen soldiers, tied two and two, each having a rope about his neck that was made fast to a pole of the lodge. Henry was left untied ; but he passed a night sleepless and full of wretchedness. His bed was the bare ground, and his only clothing was the old shirt, already mentioned. He was, besides, in want of food, having for two days eaten nothing. Henry relates that, while he was in the canoe with the Chippewas, they offered him bread, but that it had been cut from the loaf with the same knives the Indians used in the massacre — knives still covered with blood. The blood they moistened with spittle, and, rubbing it on the bread, offered it to the prisoners, telling them to eat the blood of their countrymen.
Such was the situation of the Englishmen at Michilimackinac on the seventh of June, 1763, but a few hours produced an event that gave still a new color to Henry's lot. Toward noon, when the great war chief, in company with Wenniway, was seated at the opposite end of the lodge, his friend, Wawatam, suddenly entered. In passing by he gave Henry his hand, but went immediately
230 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
toward the great chief, and sat down beside him. The most uninterrupted silence prevailed ; each smoked his pipe ; and, this done, Wawatam arose and left the lodge, saying to Henry, as he passed, " Take courage !" An hour elapsed, during which several chiefs entered, and preparations appeared to be making for a council. At length, Wawatam reentered the lodge, followed by his wife, and both loaded with merchandise, which they carried up to the chiefs, and laid in a heap before them. Some moments of silence followed, at the end of which Wawatam delivered a speech.
" Friends and relations," he began, " what is it that I shall say ? You know what I feel. You all have friends, and brothers, and children, whom, as yourselves, you love ; and you — what would you experience, did you, like me, behold your dearest friend, your brother, in the condition of a slave-^-a slave, exposed every moment to insult and to menaces of death. This case, as you all know, is mine. See there (pointing to Henry) my friend and brother among slaves — himself a slave. You all well know that, long before the war began, I adopted him as my brother. From that moment he became one of my family, so that no danger of circumstances could break the cord which fastened us together. He is my brother ; and, because I am your relation, he is, there fore, your relation, too ; and how, being your relation, can he be your slave ?
" On the day on which the war began you were fearful lest, on this very account, I should reveal your secret; you requested, therefore, that I should leave the fort, and even cross the lake. I did so ; but I did it with reluctance. I did it with reluctance, notwithstanding that you (naming the chief) who had the com mand in this enterprise, gave me your promise that you would protect my friend, delivering him from all danger, and giving him safely to me. The performance of this I now claim. I come not with empty hands to ask it. I bring these goods, to buy off every claim which any man among you all may have on my brother, as his prisoner."
Wawatam having ceased, the pipes were again filled ; and, after they were finished, a further period of silence followed. At the end of this, Minavavana arose and gave his reply :
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" My relation and brother," said he, " what you have spoken is truth. We were acquainted with the friendship which subsisted between yourself and the Englishman, in whose behalf you have now addressed us. We knew the danger of having our secret dis-
GEN. MARK FLANIGAN.
MARK FLANIGAN was born in the county of Antrim, Ireland, in the year 1825. His parents, who belonged to the sect of Presbyterians known as Covenanters, emigrated to Canada in 1833, whence the subject of this sketch came to the United States in 1841, and settled in Detroit, Michigan, in 1845.
In 1847 he engaged in business, in which he continued down to the breaking out of the rebellion, soon after which he volunteered to serve during the war, entering the 24th Michigan Infantry, of which regiment he was made lieutenant-colonel. He served with distinction under all the generals who commanded the army of the Potomac.
232 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
covered, and the consequences that must follow ; and you say truly that we requested you to leave the fort. This was done out of regard for you and your family ; for, if a discovery of our design had been made, you would have been blamed, whether guilty or not ; and you would thus have been involved in difficul ties from which you could not have extricated yourself. It is also true that I promised to take care of your friend ; and this promise I performed by desiring my son, at the moment of the assault, to seek him out, and bring him to my lodge. He went, accordingly, but could not find him. The day after, I sent him to Langlade's, where he was informed that your friend was safe ; and, had it not been that the Indians were then drinking the rum which had been found in the fort, he would have brought him home with him, according to my orders. I am very glad to find that your friend has escaped. We accept your present, and you may take him home with you."
Wawatam thanked the chiefs, and, taking Henry by the hand, led him to his lodge, which was at the distance of a few rods only from the prison-lodge. His entrance appeared to give joy to the whole family ; food was immediately prepared for him, and he now ate the first hearty meal which he had made since his capture. He found himself one of the family ; and, but that he had still his fears as to the other Indians, he felt as happy as the situation could allow. In the course of the next morning, he was alarmed by a noise in the prison-lodge ; and, looking through the opening of the lodge in which he was, he beheld seven dead bodies of white men dragged forth. Upon inquiry, he was informed that a certain
For gallant conduct at Fitzhugh Crossing, Va., Lieut. -Col. Flanigan was made colonel by brevet, and received the further brevet rank of brigadier-general of volunteers for the bravery shown, and the valuable services rendered, at Gettysburg, in which famous battle he lost a leg. On his return home, after partially recovering from his wound, he was received by the city of Detroit with the most nattering tokens of the regard and approbation of her citizens.
In addition to an honorable military record, Gen. Flanigan has long occupied a prominent position in civil affairs. An active member of the old Detroit fire department, he was for many years foreman of Phoenix Co. No. 5, and also held the position of member of the board of trustees
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 233
*
chief, called by the Canadians, Le Grand Sable, had not long before arrived from his winter's hunt ; and that he, having been absent when the war began, and being desirous of manifesting to the Indians at large his hearty concurrence in what they had done, had gone into the prison-lodge, and there, with his knife, put the seven men to death. Shortly after, two of the Indians took one of the dead bodies, which they chose as being the fattest, cut off the head, and divided the whole into five parts, which were put into five kettles, hung over as many fires, kindled for this purpose at the door of the prison-lodge. Soon after, the horrible prepara tions were deemed completed, and the warriors were invited to the feast. The invitations are given by the master of the feast. Small cuttings of cedar wood, of about four inches in length, supply the place of cards ; and the bearer, by word of mouth, states the particulars. The Indians attend, each taking with him his dish and spoon. , Henry tells us that his friend Wawatam did not appear to have relished the repast, having returned, after an absence of about an hour and a half, bringing in his dish a human hand and a large piece of flesh.
In the evening of the same day, a large canoe was seen advanc ing to the fort. The Indian cry was raised in the village, a general muster ordered, and, to the number of two hundred, the savages marched up to the fort, where the canoe was expected to land. The occupants of the canoe, who were English traders, suspected nothing, and came boldly to the fort, when they were seized,
and treasurer of the department. He was an alderman of the city in 1859 and 1860, and sheriff of Wayne county in 1861 and 1862, until he entered the army.
The wound received at Gettysburg having unfitted him for further ser vice in the field, he was made provost-marshal at Detroit, and was afterwards assessor of internal revenue for the first district of Michigan. On the consolidation of revenue offices, and the reduction of the force, he was made collector of internal revenue at Detroit, which office he now holds. Gen. Flauigan's labors in the cause of free schools, during the many years he has been a leading member of the Detroit Board of Edu cation, are too well known to need comment or praise from us. It is sufficient to say that their results have uniformly been such as to add to the respect and regard felt for him by his fellow-citizens.
234 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
I
dragged through the water, beaten, reviled, marched to the prison, and there stripped of their clothes and confined.
Of all the English traders who fell into the hands of the Indians at the capture of the fort, Mr. Tracy was the only one who lost his life. Mr. Solomons and Mr Henry Bostwick were taken by the Ottawas ; and, after the peace, carried to Montreal, and there ran somed. One account says that, out of ninety troops, seventy were killed. This is probably incorrect, as there were only about thirty-five soldiers, with their officers, in the fort. It is only rea sonable to suppose that of the seventy killed, many were women and children, wives and children of the soldiers.
The peculiarities of the Indian character readily explain the part which the Ottawas played in this transaction. They deemed it a gross insult that the Chippewas had undertaken an enterprise of such vast importance without consulting them or asking their assistance. They had, therefore, rescued Henry and his compan ions in tribulation from the hands of their captors, and borne them back to the fort. After the council between the two nations, of which we have already spoken, some of the prisoners, among whom was Henry, were given up, but the officers and several of the soldiers were retained, and carried by the Ottawas to L'Arbre Croche. Here they were treated with kindness. From this point Ethrington dispatched two letters, one by Father Janois, to Major Gladwyn, of Detroit; and the other, by an Ottawa Indian, to Lieutenant Gorell, at Green Bay. These letters contained a brief account of the massacre, and an earnest entreaty for assistance.
When Father Janois reached Detroit, he found the place closely besieged ; and, consequently, no assistance could be had from that quarter ; but at Green Bay the Indian messenger was more for tunate. With seventeen men, Lieutenant Gorell had taken pos session of that post in 1761, and, by a system of good management, had succeeded in allaying the hostility of the savages, and secur ing the friendship of at least a part of the tribes around him. On receiving Ethrington's letter^ Gorell told the Indians what the Chippewas had done, and that he and his soldiers were going to Michilimackinac to restore order, adding that, during his absence, he commended the fort to their care. Presents
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
235
were distributed among them, and advantage taken of every cir cumstance that could possibly be made to favor the English cause ; so jthat, when the party was ready to embark, ninety warriors proposed to escort the garrison on its way.
J. M. STANLEY.
JAMES M. STANLEY, the leading delineator of Indian character, was a man of more than national reputation as an artist, and no mere bio graphical sketch can do justice to his achievements. He was born at Canadaigua, N. Y., on the 17th of January, 1814. At an early age he was thrown upon his own resources for a livelihood, and he spent the greater portion of his boyhood in Buffalo, N. Y. In 1834, he removed to this State, and, in 1835, commenced his profession of portrait painting in the city of Detroit. He remained there until 1837, when he went to
236 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
Arriving at L'Arbre Croche, where Captain Ethrington, Lieu tenant Leslie, and eleven men were yet detained as prisoners, Gorell received an intimation that the Ottawas intended to dis arm his soldiers ; but he promptly informed them that such an attempt would meet with a vigorous resistance. Several days were now spent in holding councils. The soldiers from Green Bay requested the Ottawas to set their prisoners at liberty, to which the latter at length assented. Thinking only of how they might escape their troublesome foes, they prepared to depart. One dif ficulty, however, yet remained. The Ojibwas (Chippewas) had declared that they would prevent the English from passing down to Montreal ; and again they had recourse to a council. A revul sion of feeling, as we shall soon see, had already taken place among the Chippewa chiefs ; and at length, though reluctantly, they yielded the point. On the eighteenth day of July, 1763,
Chicago, residing there and at Galena, Illinois, until 1839, where he spent much of his time in painting portraits of the Indians, and taking sketches of the Indian country in the region of Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Sub sequently he followed his profession in New York City, Philadelphia, Penn., Baltimore, Md., and Troy, K Y. In 1842, having in the mean time become imbued with a love for Indian scenes and adventures, he traveled extensively over the great prairies of the West, painting the portraits in full costume of the leading warriors around Fort Gibson, Arkansas, and in Texas and New Mexico. He accompanied the Kearney and Emory expeditions across the Rocky Mountains, and, after perform ing much important labor for the United States government in California, he visited Oregon and traversed the greater portion of the Columbia river, taking a large number of sketches of the scenery along the route and transferring them to canvas. Afterwards, he spent over a year in the Sandwich Islands, and, in 1851, settled in Washington, where he resided until 1863, when he returned to Detroit, residing there until his death, which occurred on the 10th of April, 1872, being caused from heart disease.
During his residence in Washington, he placed in the Smithsonian Institute a large and very valuable collection of portraits of the leading Indian chiefs of this country, and when a portion of that building was destroyed by fire on January 24, 1865, these pictures were burned with it. This collection was the result, substantially, of eleven years of travel and labor, and their pecuniary value cannot be estimated. This gallery
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 237
escorted by a fleet of Indian canoes, the English left L'Arbre Croche, and, on the thirteenth day of August, the whole party arrived in safety at Montreal, leaving not a British soldier in the region of the lakes except at Detroit.
For a little more than a year after the massacre, Michilimacki- nac was only occupied by the coureurs des bois, and such Indian bauds as chose to make it a temporary residence ; but, after the treaty with the Indians, Captain Howard, with a sufficiently large detachment of troops, was sent to take possession of that post ; and, once more, the English flag was a rallying point and the protection of the adventurous trader at Michilimackinac.
We will now turn back, in point of time, and follow Mr. Henry to the end of his thrilling adventures, after which we will resume our narrative of the nine surprisals by Pontiac and his brave warriors.
comprised one hundred and fifty-two paintings, mostly life-size, of the prominent chiefs and leading men of forty-two distinct tribes.
The opportunities that Mr. Stanley had for acquiring a thorough insight into the habits and manners of the North American Indians will, per haps, best be inferred from a brief outline of his labors and travels as a delineator of Indian life and character. These may be said to date from the visit to Fort Gibson, heretofore- referred to. During his sojourn at this frontier post, he painted the portraits of Alligator, Wild Cat, Tiger, Big Warrior, and many other prominent Seminole chiefs, then living. From Fort Gibson, Mr. Stanley went with the party of Col. Pierce M. Butler, U. S. Commissioner, to attend a council of the Texas tribes of Indians at Wacco village on the Brazos river, where terms of a treaty were discussed, but not finally settled. From Wacco village he returned with the Butler party to Fort Smith, Arkansas, by a circuitous route, crossing the Red river of the South at Shreveport, Louisiana, the whole distance being traversed^ without a military escort. Shortly after his return, Mr. Stanley left Fort Smith to visit a council of Indians at Talequah, attended by seventeen different prairie and border tribes, where he found an excellent opportunity to study savage life in some of its most striking and interesting phases. Upon this occasion, over fifteen thou sand Indians went daily through their favorite ball plays, dances and other diversions, and the opportunities thus afforded for enriching his portfolio were fully improved. In 1843, he attended a council near Cache Creek, on the Red river of the South, and, in 1846, in the capacity of
238 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
On the morning of the ninth of Jnne, a general council was held, at which it was resolved to remove to the Island of Macki naw, situated in the Straits of Mackinac, to the north, as a more defensible situation, in the event of an attack by the English. The Indians had begun to entertain apprehensions of a want of strength. No news had reached them from the Pottawattamies, in the Bay des Paunts, and they were uncertain whether or not the Monomins would join them. They even feared that the Sioux would take the English side. Their minds made up on this point, they prepared for a speedy retreat. At noon, the camp was broken up, and they embarked, taking with them the prisoners that were still undisposed of, among whom was Henry, the hero of this romantic adventure. By the approach of evening, they reached the island in safety, and the women were not long in erecting their cabins. In the morning, there was a muster of the
topographical draughtsman, he went with Gen. Kearney to New Mexico and California, passing along the Gila river, and this was the first time the American flag was ever unfurled in the Gila Valley. This expedition was frequently intercepted by Indians, but under the direction of the famous mountain guide and explorer, Kit Carson, they fought their way through. The march occupied three months. The expedition was severely handled at San Pasquale and San Bernardino, and, although Mr. Stanley lost all his clothing and other effects, he saved his sketches, paints and canvas.
From San Diego, California, the artist proceeded to San Francisco, where he completed his official engagement, and severed his connection with the public service. In 1847, he took with him some Indian guides, and made, at his own expense, a tour through the whole extent of the territory of Oregon. Having diligently observed the manners, customs and habits of the aborigines, sketched the beautiful scenery, and painted the principal chiefs and warriors of the different tribes, he returned to San Francisco, and engaged passage in a vessel homeward bound, by the Cape from Honolulu. On the way back, the artist passed some time on the Sandwich Islands, where he was engaged to paint the portraits of King Kamehameha I and his consort. It was from the Sandwich Islands that he shipped to the Atlantic States a large and valuable number of Indian curiosities collected in Oregon, which were unfortunately lost in the ship wreck of a whaler.
Mr. Stanley's fourth journey was made in the spring of 1853, when he
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 239
Indians, at which there were found three hundred and fifty fight ing men. In the course of the day, a canoe arrived from Detroit, with ambassadors, who endeavored to prevail on the Indians to repair thither, to the assistance of Pontiac ; but fear was now the prevailing passion. A guard was kept during the day, and a watch by night, and alarms were very frequently spread. Had an enemy appeared, all the prisoners would have been put to death. It is not difficult to imagine the feelings of Henry and his fellow- prisoners at this time.
One morning an alarm was given, and the Indians, in large numbers, ran toward the beach. In a short time it was ascer tained that canoes from Montreal were in sight. All the Indian canoes were immediately manned, and those from Montreal sur rounded and seized. The goods were consigned to a Mr. Levy, and would have been saved if the canoe-men had called them
formed one of the party that accompanied Isaac L. Stevens, the first Governor of Washington Territory, on his survey of the Northern Pacific Railway route. In this tour, he traversed the continent from the head waters of the Mississippi river via Forts Benton and Union, the Rocky Mountain chain, and the Bitter Root Mountains (to the west of the Rocky), to Fort " Coldville, one of the old Hudson Bay Company's stations, down the Columbia river to Fort Vancouver, and thence back by the Isthmus. It was with this party that Mr. Stanley became per sonally and intimately acquainted with all the tribes on the upper waters of the Missouri — the Creeks, Assiniboins, Crows, Sioux, Blackfeet and others, dwelling in the regions east of the Rocky Mountains; and renewed, on this occasion, his acquaintance with the tribes on the Upper Colum bia, whom he had already visited in 1847-48, after the Keftrney expedition. In these eleven years, during which Mr. Stanley explored all that vast region vaguely described on the older maps as the "Indian Country," but which now comprises the States and Territories of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Dacota, Montana, Idaho, and the British Possessions, he had every opportunity to become familiar with the Nomads, whose home the}T have been since time immemorial. Mr. Stanley was thrown into more or less immediate contact with nearly all the tribes in the Western country, and he wras therefore with justice regarded as one of the highest authorities on Indian life and character. The time when the red men, who were once the sole occupants of our prairies and forests, will survive only in song
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French property ; but they were so terrified that they disguised nothing. In the canoes was a large quantity of liquor — a dan gerous acquisition, and one which threatened disturbance among the Indians, from their bloodthirsty recklessness while under its influence.
Wawatam, always watchful of Henry's safety, no sooner heard the sounds of drunken revelry, in the evening, than he repre sented to Henry the danger of remaining in the village, and owned that he could not himself resist the temptation of joining his comrades in the debauch. That he might escape all mischief, the Indian requested Henry to accompany him to the mountain, where he was to remain hidden till the liquor should be drunk. They ascended the mountain, accordingly. After walking more than half a mile, they came to a rock, at the base of which was an opening, dark within, and appearing to be the entrance of a
and story, is not far distant; and these truthful and yet vivid delineations of a once great race of human beings will then constitute one of their best and most authentic records.
To enumerate all of this artist's productions would be too extended an undertaking for a limited sketch like this. His most important recent work, " The Trial of Red Jacket," is well known and has become popu larized by the faithful chromo reproductions of the original work, which were executed in Berlin, Prussia. This celebrated painting was exhibited in all the principal cities of this country and many in Europe, and is now in Detroit at the residence of Mrs. Stanley. It is valued at $30,000. Among his productions are several of great interest, depicting events in the history of Michigan, which have also been reproduced in chromolitho graphs; and creditable portraits of distinguished men from all parts of the country have been painted by him. He endeavored, by all means in his power, to cultivate a love for art matters wherever he resided, and several years since, by the expenditure of a great amount of labor and time, he succeeded in organizing the Western Art Association, and opening a gallery of paintings, which is now a permanent and valuable acquisition to Detroit.
Personally, he was a man among men. He was quiet, unobtrusive and gentlemanly — a thorough artist, and one who always had a good worcl for his fellows. He was greatly loved by those who knew him, and his death was lamented by all who were fortunate enough to have formed his acquaintance.
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cave. Here Wawatam recommended that Heiiry should take up his lodgings, and by all means remain till he returned.
The entrance to the cave was nearly ten feet wide ; and, on going in, he found the further end rounded like an oven, but with
JAMES SHEARER.
JAMES SHEARER, of Bay City, Michigan, was born in the city of Albany, i^ew York, in 1823.
In 1837, he emigrated to Michigan and settled in Detroit, where he resided until 1846, being engaged in business as an architect and builder. He was identified with many of the public and private enterprises con tributing to the development of that city during his residence there, and enjoyed the entire confidence of his fellow citizens.
In 1864, he removed to Bay City, Michigan,[and engaged in lumbering, 16
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a further aperture — too small, however, to be explored. After thus looking around him, he broke small branches from the trees, and spread them for a bed, then wrapped himself in his blanket, and slept till daybreak. On waking, he found himself incom moded by some object upon which he was lying, and, removing it, found it to be a bone. This he supposed to be that of a deer, or some other animal ; but, when daylight visited his chamber, he discerned, with some feelings of horror, that he was lying on nothing less than a heap of human bones and skulls, which cov ered the bottom of the cave. Henry passed the day without the return of Wawatam, and without food. As night approached, he found himself unable to meet its darkness in the charnel-house, which he had made his home during the day. He chose, there fore, an adjacent bush for this night's lodging, and slept under it ; but, in the morning, he awoke hungry and dispirited, and almost envying the repose of the dead in the mountain cave, to the view of which he returned. At length the sound of a foot reached his ear, and his Indian friend appeared, making many apologies for his long absence, the cause of which was an unfortunate excess in the enjoyment of his liquor.
On returning to the lodge Henry experienced a cordial wel come from the family, which consisted of the wife of his friend, his two sons, of whom the eldest was married, and whose wife and a daughter of thirteen years of age completed the list.
A few days after this occurrence, Minavavana, chief of the vil lage of Michilimackinac, Visited the lodge of Wawatam, and when the usual ceremony of smoking was finished, he observed
banking, real estate and other occupations, with more than average suc cess. Mr. Shearer has been President of the First National Bank, of Bay City, since January, 1868; President of the Lumberman's Associa tion since its organization in 1870; President of the Bay City Water Works Commission since its formation in 1871; and is one of the present Commissioners on the building of the State Capital at Lansing. He is also a director in a number of other business associations in his city, and has frequently declined many offices of trust and honor, preferring rather to follow in the quiet channel of a business life, than to travel the tumultous road of the public servant.
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that Indians were daily arriving from Detroit, some of whom had lost relations in the war, and who would certainly retaliate on any Englishman they found, upon which account he advised that Henry should be dressed like an Indian, an expedient by which he might hope to escape all future insult. He could not but assent to the proposal, and the chief was so kind as to assist Wawatam in effecting, that very day, the desired change. His hair was cut off, and his head shaven, with the exception of a spot on the crown of about twice the diameter of a silver dollar. His face was painted with three or four different colors, some parts of it red, and others black. A shirt was provided for him, painted with vermilion, mixed with grease. A large collar of wampum was put round his neck, and another suspended on his breast. Both his arms were decorated with large bands of silver above the elbows, besides several smaller ones on the wrists ; and his legs were covered with mitasses, a kind of hose, made of scar let cloth. A scarlet mantle, or blanket, was placed on his shoul ders, and his head was decorated with a large bunch of feathers.
Protected in a great measure by this disguise, he felt himself more at liberty than before, and the season being arrived in which his clerks from the interior were expected, and a portion of his property recovered, he begged the favor of Wawatam that he would enable him to pay a short visit to Michilimackinac. The Indian complied, and Henry found his clerks, but, owing to their misconduct, he obtained nothing. Indeed, he now began to think that he should require nothing during the remainder of his life. To fish and to hunt, to collect a few skins and exchange them for necessaries, was all that he seemed destined to do and to acquire for the future.
He returned to the Indian village, where at this time much scarcity of food prevailed. They were often for twenty-four hours without eating a morsel, and when, in the morning, they had no victuals for the day before them, the custom was to black their faces with charcoal, and exhibit thorough resignation and a tem per as cheerful as if in the midst of plenty. A continuance of this famine, however, soon compelled them to leave the island in search of food ; and they departed for the Bay of Boutchitaouy,
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distant eight miles, where they found plenty of wild fowl and fish. Leaving the bay mentioned, Henry, with his friend Wawatam, and family, went to St. Martin's Island, where, in the enjoyment of an excellent and plentiful supply of food, they remained till the twenty-sixth of August. It was now proposed by Wawatam, to Henry's great joy, to go to his wintering quarters. Prepara tion being made, they proceeded to the mouth of the River Aux Sables, and, " as they hunted along their way," says Henry, " I enjoyed a personal freedom, of which I had long been deprived, and became as expert in the Indian pursuits as the Indians them selves." The winter was spent in the chase ; and, by degrees, Henry became familiarized with that kind of life ; and, had it not been for the idea, of which he could not divest his mind, that he was living among savages, and for the whisper of a lingering hope that he should one day be released from it, he could have enjoyed as much happiness in this as in any other situation.
At the approach of spring, the hunters began their prepara tions for returning to Michilimackinac ; but their faces were no sooner turned towards the scene of the massacre, than all began to fear an attack from the English. On the twenty-seventh of April, 1764, they landed at the fort of Michilimackinac. The Indians who had arrived before them were few in number, and, as yet, Henry was treated with great civility.
With his earnings of the winter's chase Henry procured clothes, of which he was much in need, having been six months without a shirt! In addition, he purchased a good store of ammunition and tobacco, which exhausted his resources. Eight days had passed in tranquillity, when there arrived a band of Indians from the Bay of Saguenaum. They had assisted at the siege of Detroit, and were now trying to muster recruits for that service. Henry was soon informed that, as he was the only Englishman in the place, they proposed to kill him, in order to give their friends a mess of English broth, to raise their courage. This intelligence was not of the most agreeable kind, and he requested his Indian friend to carry him to the Sault Ste. Marie, at which place he knew the Indians to be peaceably inclined, and that M. Cadotte, a resident of that place, enjoyed a powerful influence over their
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COD duct. They considered Cadotte as their chief, and it is said he was a friend to the English. It was by him that the Chippewas of Lake Superior were prevented from joining Pontiac. Wawa- tam complied, and that same night transported. Henry and his
LORENZO B. CURTIS.
LORENZO B. CURTIS, of Saginaw City, was born in Boston, Erie county, New York, May 3, 1821. He emigrated to Michigan with his father, Benjamin Curtis, in September, 1830, and settled in Vicksburg, Wash- tenaw county. In the spring of the succeeding year his father purchased a farm in the township of Green Oak, Livingston county, and there the family immediately moved. They, with the family of Mr. Stephen Lee, were the first white settlers in the county.
It was in the common schools of this county that the subject of this sketch received his education. His father dying in the summer of 1834,
246 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
own lodge to Point St. Ignace, on the opposite side of the Strait. Here they remained till daylight. The following day, Henry hailed a canoe on the way .to the Sault, and, finding that it con tained the wife of Cadotte, already mentioned, he obtained per mission to accompany the party. Henry bid his Indian friends farewell ; and, putting on his Canadian suit, took his seat in the canoe. After an, agreeable journey, they arrived safe at the Sault, where Henry received a generous welcome from Cadotte. He had been at this place but six days, when he was informed that a canoe full of warriors was approaching, with the intention of kill ing him. Nearly at the same time he received a message from the chief of the village, telling him to conceal himself. A garret was, a second time, his place of refuge ; and, through the influence of Cadotte, his life was spared.
At this juncture the village was astir, on account of a canoe which had just arrived from Niagara. The straDgers bore a mes sage from Sir William Johnson, desiring the Indians of the Sault to send deputies to a great council, or feast, to be held at
he, being the oldest of seven children, was left in charge of the family. To fulfill this duty he carried on his father's farm for the two succeeding years, when, his mother marrying again, he started out in life for him self, working at farming and taking jobs at clearing land during the summer seasons, and attending school during the winters. In 1845 he removed to Genesee county, and purchased a saw mill ten miles north of Flint. After running this for two years it burned down, and with it about half a million feet of lumber, his barn and house, leaving him pen niless and |1,000 in debt. Nothing daunted, he removed to Saginaw in the spring of 1848, and at once went into the employ of Judge Gardner D. Williams, with whom he remained until he spring of 1852. He then was engaged by Capt. Millard, and after working for him one year, he rented the captain's saw mill, and shortly afterwards purchased it. Since that time he has been constantly engaged in the lumbering business, first in the firm of Curtis & King, until 1864, next in the firm of Curtis & Corning, until 1870, and since that time in the firm of L. B. Curtis & Co. Mr. Curtis was appointed swamp land State road commissioner by Governor Crapo in 1867, and held the position during the different admin istrations until the fall of 1872, when he resigned. He has held several other important offices in his town and city, and has given universal satisfaction in all the positions he has filled.
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Niagara. After a short consultation, it was agreed to send twenty deputies. Henry seized upon this opportunity of leaving the country; and, having received the permission of the great chief to accompany the deputation, he did so, and thereby escaped from the hands of his persecutors, after trials and tribulations seldom paralleled in the romance of Indian history.
CHAPTER XVI.
CONSPIRACY OF PONTIAC CONTINUED — THE PLOT TO DESTROY THE GAR RISON OF DETROIT DISCOVERED — PONTIAC COMMENCES THE SIEGE — CAPTAIN CAMPBELL'S CAPTIVITY — PONTIAC DEMANDS THE SURREN DER OF THE FORT.
WE NOW turn from Michilimackinac to the events that were transpiring elsewhere. On the fifth of May, 1763, a Canadian woman left her home at Detroit, and passed over to the Ottawa village, on the eastern side of the river, for the purpose of obtain ing a supply of venison from the Indians of that village. She noticed several of the warriors filing off the barrels of their guns, so as to reduce them, stock and all, to the length of about a yard. Returning home in the evening, she told her neighbors what she had seen. This, and other circumstances, excited the suspicions of the Canadians who had the welfare and peace of the commu nity at heart; and one M. Gouin, an old and wealthy settler, went to the commandant, and warned him to stand upon his guard, but Gladwyn, a man of fearless temper, slighted the advice. It is difficult to determine who Gladwyn's informant was ; but, before the next day had closed, he was in possession of a com plete knowledge of the plot, and actively preparing to meet the emergency. On the following page we present an engraving, which, if there be truth in tradition, illustrates the unveiling of this conspiracy. The story, as related to Carver, is as follows : In the Pottawattamie village lived an Ojibwa girl, who could boast of a larger share of beauty than is common in the wigwam. She had attracted the eye of Gladwyn, and there is no doubt that she loved the British officer with all the ardor of her untu tored mind. On the afternoon of the sixth, Catherine, as she was called by the officers of the fort, came to Detroit, and repaired to Gladwyn's quarters, bringing with her a pair of elk-skin mocca sins, ornamented with porcupine work, which he had requested
250 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
her to make. There was something unusual in her look and manner. Her face was sad and downcast. She said little, and soon [left the room ; but the sentinel at the door saw her still lingering at the street corner, though the hour for closing the gates was nearly come. At length, she attracted the notice of Gladwyn himself, and, calling her to him, he pressed her to declare what was weighing upon her mind. Still she remained for a long time silent ; and it was only after much urgency, and many promises not to betray her, that she revealed her momentous secret. " To-morrow," she said, " Pontiac will come to the fort, with sixty of his chiefs. Each will be armed with a gun, cut short, and hidden under his blanket. Pontiac will demand to hold a council, and, after he has delivered his speech, he will offer a peace-belt of wampum, holding it in a reversed position. This will be the signal of attack. The chiefs will spring up and fire upon the officers, and the Indians in the street will fall upon the garrison. Every Englishman will be killed, but not the scalp of a single Frenchman will be touched." Whether or not this was the true source of Gladwyn's information, it is difficult now to determine ; but he was, through some instrumentality, told that an attempt would be made, on the seventh, to capture the fort, through treachery.
He summoned his officers and told them what he had heard. The defenses of the place occupied a large area, and were quite feeble, and the garrison was too weak to repel a general assault. The force of the Indians at this time is variously estimated at from six hundred to two thousand ; and the commandant greatly feared that some wild impulse might change their plans, and that they would storm the fort before the morning. Gladwyn, accord ingly, prepared his garrison for a sudden emergency. He ordered half the soldiers under arms, and the officers to spend the night upon the ramparts. Night came on, and, from sunset till dawn, an anxious watch was kept from the slender palisades of Detroit. The soldiers were all ignorant of the danger, and the sentinels were anxious to know why their numbers were doubled. Again, and again, through that long and dreary night, the commandant mounted his wooden ramparts, and looked forth into the gloom.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 251
All was still, save at intervals, when the wind bore from the dis tance the sound of the Indian drum, and the wild chorus of Indian yells, as the warriors danced the war dance round their camp-fires on Belle Isle.
The night passed away quietly at the fort, but, with the morn ing, came evidences of intended massacre. The sun rose clear, and the fresh fields seemed to smile with the verdure of spring. The morning mists were scarcely dispelled, when the little garri son observed a fleet of canoes crossing the river from the western shore, not more than a cannon shot above the fort. Only two or three warriors could be seen in each, but the slow 'and steady motion of the canoes indicated greater numbers. In truth, they were full of savages, lying flat upon their faces, that their num bers might not be the cause of suspicion among the English. As the morning advanced, the common behind the fort was thronged with squaws, children and warriors ; some naked, and others dec orated with all the fantastic bravery of savage costume. Many of them moved toward the gate, and all were admitted; for Gladwyn determined not only to prove to them that he had detected their plot, but that he despised their hostility. The whole garrison was ordered under arms; the merchants closed their stores, many of them arming themselves, with the intention of aiding the garrison in the defense of the fort, and all stood waiting, in cool confidence, the result that was soon to follow. Meanwhile, Pontiac was approaching along the river road, at the head of sixty chiefs, all marching in Indian file. At ten o'clock, the great chief reached the fort, with his treacherous followers. All were wrapped to the throat in colored blankets. Some were crested with hawk, eagle, or raven plumes ; others had only the fluttering scalp-lock of the crown ; while others wore their long, black hair flowing loosely at their backs, or wildly hanging about their brows, like a lion's mane. For the most part they were tall, strong men, and all had the gait and bearing of brave war riors. " As Pontiac entered," says Parkman, " it is said that he started, and that a deep ejaculation half escaped his lips." Well might his stoicism fail, for, at a glance, he read the ruin of his plot. On either hand, within the gateway, stood ranks of sol-
252 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
diers and hedges of glittering steel. The swarthy engages of the fur-traders, armed to the teeth, stood in groups at the street cor ners, and the measured tap of a drum fell ominously on the ear. Soon regaining his composure, Pontiac strode forward into the narrow streets, and his chiefs filed after him in silence, while the scared faces of women and children looked out from the windows as they passed. Their rigid muscles betrayed no signs of emo tion ; yet, looking closely, one might have seen their small eyes glance from side to side with restless scrutiny. Traversing the entire length of the little town, they reached the door of the council house, a large building near the margin of the river. On entering, they saw Gladwyn, with several of his officers, seated in readiness to receive them, and the observant chiefs did not fail to remark that every Englishman wore a sword at his side, and a pair of pistols in his belt. The conspirators eyed each other with uneasy glances. " Why," demanded Pontiac, " do I see so many of my father's young men standing in the street with their guns ?" Gladwyn replied, through his interpreter, La Butte, that he had ordered the soldiers under arms for the sake of exercise and dis cipline. With delay, and many signs of distrust, the chiefs sat down on the mats prepared for them, and, after the customary pause, Pontiac rose to speak. Holding in his hand the wampum belt, which was to have given the fatal signal, he addressed the commandant, professing strong attachment to the English, and declaring, in Indian phrase, that he had come to smoke the pipe of peace and brighten the chain of friendship. The officers watched him keenly as he uttered these hollow words, fearing lest, though conscious that his designs were suspected, he might still attempt to accomplish them. And once, it is said, he raised the wampum belt, as if about to give the signal of attack ; but, at that instant, Gladwyn signed slightly with his hand. The sudden clash of arms sounded from the passage without, and a drum rolling the charge, filled the council room with its stunning din. At this, Pontiac stood like one confounded. Seeing Glad- wyn's unruffled brow, and his calm eye fixed steadfastly upon him, he knew not what to think, and soon sat down, in amaze ment and perplexity. Another pause ensued, and Gladwyn com-
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menced a brief reply. He assured the chiefs that friendship and protection should be extended towards them as long as they con tinued to deserve it, but threatened vengeance for the first act of aggression. The council then broke up. The gates of the fort,
RT. REV. SAMUEL A. M'COSKRY.
SAMUEL A. McCosKKY, the present Bishop of the Episcopal Church, for the Diocese of Michigan, was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Novem ber (J, 1804.
254 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
which had been closed during the conference, were again flung open, and the savages were suffered to depart unmolested.
" Gladwyn," says Parkman, " has been censured, and, perhaps, with justice, for not detaining the chiefs as hostages for the good conduct of their followers." Perhaps the commandant feared that, if he should arrest the chiefs when gathered at a public council, and guiltless of open violence, the act might be regarded as cowardly and dishonorable. Further than this, he was not aware of the magnitude of the plot. He regarded the affair as one of those impulsive outbreaks, so common among the Indians, and he hoped that the threatening cloud would soon blow over.
Disappointed in his aims of treachery, Pontiac withdrew to his village, enraged and mortified, yet determined to persevere. After a consultation with his chiefs, he resolved to visit the fort again ; and, accordingly, on the following day, he repaired to the council room, with three of his chiefs, bearing in his hand the sacred calumet, or pipe of peace. Offering it to the commandant, he addressed him and his officers to the following effect : " My fathers, evil birds have sung lies in your ears. We that stand before you are friends of the English. We love them as our brothers ; and, to prove our love, we have come this day to smoke
Bishop McCoskry's early studies were pursued under the direction of Major Kearsley, of Detroit, who, after the war of 1812, took charge of the grammar school in Dickinson College.
In 1820, he received a cadetship appointment to the Military Academy at West Point, then in charge of Colonel Thayer, of the U. 8. Engineers, Colonel Worth being the commandant of the cadets. He entered this institution with a very large class, at the age of fifteen years and eight months, and found the discipline and studies very severe. The first year he was third in mathematics and sixth in French, which made him rank fourth in general average. In military studies, he stood with the first, and was appointed a non-commissioned officer — the highest rank he could obtain in the class. He remained at West Point nearly two years, when, on the death of his brother, who was a surgeon in the United States Army, he resigned and returned to his home in Carlisle.
Dickinson College was then under the care of the celebrated Dr. John M. Mason, who had associated with him some of the most distinguished scholars in the country. Bishop McCoskry passed through the four years
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 255
the pipe of peace." When Pontiac left the fort, he gave the pipe to Captain Campbell, as a further pledge of his sincerity.
On the following day, the ninth of May, the Indians began to congregate on the common, near the fort ; and Pontiac advanced, once more, to the gate. It was closed against him. He demanded of the sentinels, in a haughty manner, an explanation ; but Glad- wyn replied that there was no objection to the great chief enter- . ing, if he chose ; but that the crowd he had brought with him must remain outside. Pontiac asked permission for his chiefs to enter with him, but to this he received a prompt refusal. Pon tiac then turned from the gate in great rage, and strode toward his followers, who lay, in great numbers, flat upon the ground, just beyond the reach of gun-shot. At his approach, they all leaped up and ran off towards the house of an English woman, who lived, with her family, on a distant part of the common. They beat down the doors, and rushed in. In a few moments, they had brutally murdered all the inmates. Another large party ran down to the river's edge, leaped into their canoes, and paddled, with all speed, to the Isle au Cochon, where an English man, named Fisher, resided. They dragged him from his hiding- place, murdered him on the spot, and took his scalp. Pontiac
course of this institution in two years and three months, and received the fourth honor in the graduating class.
He entered upon the study of the Jaw, under the distinguished lawyer, Andrew Carothers, Esq. , at Carlisle, and was admitted to practice in eighteen months'from the time he commenced studying. After practic ing one year, he was appointed deputy attorney-general for his county, which position he held two years. He remained at the bar for six years, building up a large and lucrative practice.
Having been for several years a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, at Carlisle, under the care of the Rev. L. Hare, he then com menced the study of Divinity, under the charge of the Right Reverend H. IT. Underdook, then Assistant Bishop of Pennsylvania. During his probation studies, he was invited to take charge of Christ Church, Reading, Pennsylvania, as a lay reader. The church would not call a pastor, and he continued to officiate in it for one year, when and where he was ordained a Deacon by Bishop Underdook. He was called to take ^charge of the parish the day of his ordination, and remained
256 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
had not taken any part in these murders. When he saw his second plan defeated, he turned towards the shore, no man daring to follow him in his terrible mood. Pushing a canoe from the bank, he paddled it to the opposite shore, where stood a village of the Ottawas. Arriving at this place, he ordered the inhabit ants to cross the stream, and encamp on the western shore, that the river might no longer interpose a barrier between his followers and the English. Preparation for the removal was made at once; but, before the embarkation, Pontiac delivered his great war speech. He was surrounded by his warriors, who, catching his enthusiasm, commenced the hideous war dance, circling round and round, with frantic gestures, and startling the distant garri son with their unearthly yells. When this performance was over, the work of transporting the tribe and their movables to the opposite side of the river was commenced ; and, long before the morning, the transfer was completed. The whole Ottawa popu lation crossed the river, and pitched their wigwams on the western side, just above Parent's Creek, afterwards appropriately named Bloody Run. During the same evening, fresh news of disaster reached the fort. Two English officers, Sir Robert Davers and Captain Robertson, had been waylaid and murdered by the Indians, above Lake St. Clair. The same messenger declared
its pastor one year, when he was invited to take charge of St. Paul's Church, in Philadelphia, which invitation he accepted at the earnest solicitation of Bishop White, remaining in the parish two years.
At the close of this time, he was nominated by the same Bishop to the Bishopric of Michigan, and the nomination was concurred in by the Bishops, and he was consecrated in St. Paul's Church, Philadelphia, July 7, 1836.
He entered upon his duties as Bishop of Michigan and Rector of St. Paul's Church, Detroit, on the 28th of August, 1836. Bishop McCoskry performed these twofold duties, without an assistant, for twenty-seven years, when he was relieved of the care of a parish, sufficient funds having been provided to support him as the Bishop of the diocese with out other labors.
In the discharge of the responsible work of this important position, Bishop McCoskry has continued in uninterrupted good health, and with a thankful heart for the help of God in his labors.
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that Pontiac had just been reinforced by a large band of Ojibwas, from Saginaw Bay.
Every man in the fort was now ordered under atms, and the little garrison spent the night full of anxiety, expecting every
HON. S. M. GREEN.
SANFORD M. GREEN, of Bay City, was born May 30, 1807, at Grafton, iiensselaer county, N. Y. He is a descendant of the Greens of Rhode Island.
His father was a farmer of limited estate, and uneducated. He per mitted this son to purchase his time at the age of sixteen years, and at that early age, he left the parental roof. During the next three years he labored on a farm for wages, and applied himself to study in the inter vals of labor, under a private instructor. Up to this time, he had never had any instruction in, nor given any attention to, geography or English 17
258 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
moment to hear the war-whoop under the walls of the fort. Gladwyn walked the ramparts throughout the whole night, for he had now begun to have serious apprehensions for the fate of his command. The night was quiet, but, with the dawn, came a burst of Indian yells, and in a moment the warriors swarmed to the attack. The bullets from the savage guns rapped hard and fast against the palisades, and the soldiers within flew to their posts, expecting that the Indians would make a rush against the weak barrier that surrounded them. The savages were firing from behind hills, trees, barns, or whatever afforded them shelter, and the guns of the fort replied with steadiness, and, in some instances, with good effect. A short distance from the fort stood a cluster of out-buildings, behind which a large number of Indians found shelter and opportunity to harass the garrison. A cannon was brought to bear upon them, loaded with red-hot spikes. The buildings once in flames, the Indians ran toward the woods, yelping with rage. The assault continued for six hours ^ until, seeing their efforts were futile, the Indians slackened their
grammar. At the age of nineteen, he had qualified himself to teach, though he had only attended school, and that a common school, for three months. For two years he taught school in winter and continued to labor on a farm through the remainder of the year.
In 1829, he commenced the study of law, and, in the same year, cast his first vote for President Jackson. He read law for a time with Geo. C. Sherman, and afterwards with Judge Ford, eminent lawyers of New York; still later, he pursued his reading in the office of Stirling & Bronson, .of Watertown.
Having pursued his studies for five years, he was admitted to the bar as an attorney at law and solicitor in chancery. He went into practice at Brownville, N. Y., and pursued it there until 1835, when he removed to the city of Rochester, where he became partner of the late Hon. H. L. Stevens. On Mr. Stevens removing to Michigan, a year afterwards, he formed a partnership with I. A. Eastman, Esq., with whom he continued until 1837. In the spring of that year he became interested in the land on which the city of Owosso, Michigan, has since been built, and went there to reside. He assisted in laying the foundation of that thriving town, and continued to live there for six years. During this period, he held the offices of justice of the peace, supervisor, assessor of a school district and prosecuting attorney of Shiawassee county.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 259
wild yells, and retired. During this engagement, five of the British had been wounded, while the injury sustained by the Indians was but trifling.
The garrison was once more enjoying peace, when Gladwyn, still deeming the attack which they had just suffered was only an outburst of Indian restlessness, and, being in great want of provisions, determined to open negotiations with the Indians by which he might be able to obtain the necessary sup plies. La Butte, the interpreter of the fort, was despatched to the camp of the great chief with a message from Gladwyn, offer ing to redress any real grievances of which he might complain. Two old Canadians, named Chapeton and Godefroy, offered to accompany the interpreter, and advance any measure looking toward a peace between the Indians and the English. The gates of the fort were now thrown open, and the three deputies departed, to hold an interview with the Indian king. Pontiac received them with kindness. La Butte delivered his message, and Pontiac seemed much pleased with his offer, when the inter preter withdrew, leaving the two Canadians to urge the case still
At the election, in 1842, he was elected State senator, and served for two years. At the close of his term as senator, in 1844, he was appointed by the chancellor and judges of the supreme court to revise the statutes of the State, and was required to report his revision at the commencement of the legislative session of 1846. He served, during this term, in the Senate as chairman of the judiciary committee. As such he reported the bill providing for that revision, and for the appointment, by the governor, of a commissioner to prepare it. The bill was passed by the Senate in this form. After it went to the House the question was started, who should be appointed commissioner. Senator Green was the general choice; but, under the bill which he reported, and as it passed the Sen ate, he was ineligible, as the then constitution prohibited the appointment by the governor of any person to an office created by the Legislature of which he was a member. To obviate this objection, the House amended the bill so as to transfer the appointing power to the judiciary, and the amendment was concurred in by the Senate. His appointment was recommended by the entire Senate, with one or two exceptions, and by all the professional men in the House.
In 1843, he removed to Pontiac, and there he prepared his revision. It was reported at the time prescribed; was adopted by the Legislature,
260 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
further. Returning to the fort, he informed the commander that the Indians could be easily pacified by giving them a few pres ents ; but, when he returned to the Indian camp, he found, to his great dissatisfaction, that his companions had made no progress with the chief whatever. Although professing a strong desire for peace, he haughtily refused to accept any definite proposal. When La Butte again returned, all the Indian chiefs withdrew, to hold a consultation among themselves. After a short absence, they returned, and Pontiac declared that, wishing to come to a satisfactory understanding, he and his chiefs desired to hold a council with their English fathers themselves. This seemed a very reasonable proposition, and the deputies returned to the fort and cheerfully announced Pontiac's request. They stated that the chiefs would be satisfied to negotiate with Captain Campbell, with whom they had always been on the most friendly terms. When Gladwyn heard this, he suspected treachery, and advised Captain Campbell not to go ; but the latter gentleman, feeling a confidence in his influence with the Indians, urged the command ant to permit him to comply with Pontiac's request. At length,
with, some amendments, and went into effect March 1st, 1847. He was reelected to the Senate immediately before making his report.
On the resignation of Judge Ransom, in 1848, after his election as gov ernor, and the transfer of Judge Whipple to the third circuit to fill the vacancy, .Judge Green was appointed to fill the vacancy in the fourth cir cuit as Judge Whip pie's successor. In this position of circuit judge, and ex. offitio judge of the supreme court, of which he was presiding judge for two years, he served until the reorganization of the latter court in 1858. After this change in the judiciary, he continued to hold the office of circuit judge of the sixth circuit, until 1867, when he resigned. He immediately removed to Bay City, and thenceforth devoted himself to the practice of the law, until he was appointed, in June, 1872, circuit judge of the eighteenth circuit, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Judge Greer. In this position he is still acting.
In 1860, he prepared and published a work on the practice of the circuit courts. An edition of twelve hundred copies was issued, and so eagerly was it sought for by the profession, that nearly every copy has been sold.
The important and conspicuous part performed by Judge Green, offi cially and otherwise, in giving judicious form and system to the statutes and the practice of the courts of this State, and in improving its general
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 261
lie gave his consent, and Campbell left the fort, accompanied by Lieutenant McDougal, La Butte, and several Canadians. When the)'- reached the Indian camp, Pontiac came forward and shook them by the hand, and led them to his camp, where, mats being- spread for the purpose, he ordered them to be seated. Instantly, the lodge was thronged with savages. Pontiac spoke a few words, when the usual pause ensued. This was ended by Campbell, who addressed the Indians in a short speech. It was heard in per fect silence, and fully an hour passed before the Indians made any reply, or turned their scrutinizing gaze from the officers. At length, Captain Campbell, conscious of the danger which threat ened him, and being determined to fully ascertain his true position, rose, and signified his intention of returning to the camp. At this, Pontiac made a sign that he should resume his seat, and said, " My father will sleep to-night in the lodges of his red chil dren."
The Indians were resolved to kill Campbell and his English companions on the spot, but Pontiac would not allow them to do so. He protected them from injury and insult, and conducted them to the house of M. Meloche, near Parent's Creek, where decent
jurisprudence, is worthy of a more extended notice than is admissible in this brief memoir.
The revised statutes of 1846 have remained now for a quarter of a cen tury, and no effort has been made to supersede it by another. Two com pilations have been made to bring together in convenient form the numerous changes made necessary by national events, by the expanding enterprise of the times, and the rapid development of cur local resources, but the general features of that revision remain. His judicial record, for over twenty years as a nisi prim judge, and for ten years in the court of last resort, is creditable alike to the State and to him. The opinions of the court prepared and read by him, published in the first four volumes of the Michigan Reports, are clear and forcible in style; they show a thorough acquaintance with the subjects involved, a modest deference to the current of decisions by other courts, a clear perception of the ethical philosophy of the law, a constant appreciation of its great purpose, and a bold adherence to recognized principles. These contain the results of his mature judgment after deliberate consideration. But he has exhi bited, in his long service at the circuit, a wider range of judicial qualities than can be called into exercise in a purely appellate court. He possesses
262 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
quarters were assigned them. Their danger was diminished by the fact that Gladwyn, at the same time, detained two Indians, for some offense, as prisoners in the fort. When La Butte returned to the fort, and informed the commandant of the deten tion of the officers, a sadness and melancholy pervaded the whole garrison.
Pontiac now began operations with greater vigor than ever. Receiving additional reinforcements, he made several changes in the disposition of his forces. A band of warriors were ordered to lie in wait along the river bank, below the fort, while others concealed themselves in the woods. Another band was stationed in the neighborhood of the fort. These were ordered to conceal themselves, and shoot down any soldier or trader who might hap pen to expose his person, when no general attack was in progress. These arrangements were completed on the eleventh of May, 1763, when a number of Canadians visited the fort, and advised the commandant to abandon the post, saying that it would be stormed, in less than an hour, by fifteen hundred Indians. Glad wyn refused, and, in half an hour afterward, the savages renewed the attack on the fort. This was kept up till evening, when the
rare qualifications for the nisi prius bench, for the trial of questions of fact. His analytical mind enables him at once to put aside what is for eign to the subject of inquiry, and to so classify the material evidentiary facts, as to disentangle the most intricate case, and bring order out of apparent chaos. His knowledge of the law is profound; he has mastered and digested it as a great moral science. In the administration of it, he is ready without being precipitate, dignified without austerity, patient and attentive to arguments, and independent and uniformly impartial in his decisions. He is ever serene and self-possessed, however the bustle and excitement of important trials may affect parties, counsel or the pub lic. He is popular with the profession, and enjoys the fullest confidence of the public. On his retirement from the bench, in 1867, he was ten dered a public dinner at Pontiac, and the festive occasion was empha sized by the presentation of a beautiful silver service, with toasts and speeches abounding in compliments, well merited, and which had the ring of "well done, good and faithful servant." Nor is Judge Green a mere judge or jurist; his reading has been extensive. He is, in short, a man of refinement and general culture, of broad and liberal views, social, public spirited — a just and good man. S.
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Indians retired. Soon after, a Canadian visited the fort, with a summons from Pontiac, demanding Gladwyn to surrender the post at once, and promising that, in case of compliance, the English should be allowed to go on board of their vessels unmolested, leaving their arms and effects behind. To this the commandant gave a flat refusal.
CHAPTER XVII.
CONSPIRACY OF PONTIAC CONTINUED — A COUNCIL AMONG THE OFFICERS OF THE FORT OF DETROIT — GLADWYN DETERMINES TO HOLD OUT — DIFFICULTY BETWEEN PONTIAC AND THE FRENCH — FATE OF CUTLER'S EXPEDITION — THE HORRORS OF INDIAN WARFARE THICKENING AROUND DETROIT.
THE officers of the fort of Detroit now assembled to consider what measures would be most advisable in the emergency. It is recorded that Gladwyn was alone in the opinion that the defense of the place should be continued — the others urging the policy of an immediate surrender and embarkation for Niagara. Their condition was, indeed, a deplorable one. The provisions on hand would not sustain the garrison more than three weeks, * within which time it was madness to hope for succor. But this was not their only source of fear. The wooden houses of the fort were thatched with straw, and might be set on fire, and the enemy might make a general onset, and cut or burn their way through the pickets. Kesistance would then be useless. " Day after day," says Parkman, " the Indians continued their attacks, until their war cries and the rattle of their guns became familiar sounds. For many weeks no man lay down to sleep, except in his clothes, and with his weapons by his side. Parties of volun teers sallied, from time to time, to burn the out-buildings, which gave shelter to the enemy. They cut down orchard trees and lev eled fences, until the ground about the fort was clear and open, and the enemy had no cover left from whence to fire. The two vessels in the river, sweeping the northern and southern curtains of the works with their fire, deterred the Indians from approach ing those points, and gave material aid to the garrison. Still, worming their way through the grass, the pertinacious savages would crawl close to the palisades, and shoot arrows, tipped
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265
with burning tow, upon the roofs of the houses ; but water was everywhere provided against such an emergency, and these attempts proved abortive. The little church, which stood near the palisades, was particularly exposed, and would probably have
HON. MOSES B. HESS.
MOSES B. HESS, an enterprising citizen of East Saginaw, was born in the town of Verona, Oneida county, New York, July 3, 1821.
At ten years of age, lie emigrated to Michigan and took up his residence at Hartland, Livingston county, where he worked on a farm until he removed to Brighton, in the same county. Here he served two years in the copper, tin and sheet-iron business.
In 1847, and before the State buildings were erected, he moved to Lansing, where he was assistant postmaster and State librarian until
266 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
been set on fire, had not the priest of the settlement threatened Pontiac with the vengeance of the Great Spirit, should he be guilty of such sacrilege. Pontiac neglected no expedient that his savage tactics could supply. He went further, and begged the French inhabitants to teach him the European method of attack ing a fortified place by regular approaches ; but the rude Cana dians knew as little of the matter as he ; or if, by chance, a few were better informed, they wisely preferred to conceal their knowledge. Soon after the first attack, the ^Ottawa chief had sent in to Gladwyn a summons to surrender ; assuring him that, if the place were at once given up, he might embark on board the vessels, with all his men, but that, if he persisted in his defense, he would burn him alive. To this Gladwyn made answer that he cared nothing for his threats. The attacks were now renewed with increased activity; and the assailants were soon after inspired with fresh ardor by the arrival of a hundred and twenty Ojibwas. Every man in the fort now slept upon the ramparts, yet confidence and cheerfulness still prevailed among the weary garrison."
Had it not been for the assistance of a few Canadians, who lived on the opposite side of the river, and who provided the gar rison with food, Detroit would have been abandoned, or destroyed.
1850. His services in the latter office were such as to merit and receive a special resolution of thanks from the State senate.
In 1850, he removed to what is now East Saginaw, and still makes that his home. From that time, he has been closely identified with the growth of that portion of our prosperous State. When he settled there, Buena Vista included what is now East Saginaw, Buena Vista and Blumfield.
He has held the offices of supervisor, town clerk, school inspector and highway commissioner. He was treasurer of the village of East Saginaw two terms, and, while in that office, paid every order when presented, often using his own personal funds to do it. Mr. Hess was also register of the United States land office for several years, and as such was faith ful and vigilant, and contributed largely to turning the tide of emigration to this State and removing the false opinions prevalent about its health - fulness and natural resources.
He was one of the few who, in 1858-59, had implicit faith in the saline
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 26?
These supplies were carried to the fort in boats, at night, with out exciting the suspicion of the Indians. No sooner had the garrison been relieved from apprehensions of immediate famine, than the Indians themselves began to suffer from hunger. Think ing to have taken Detroit at a single stroke, they had neglected to provide against the exigencies of a siege, and now, in small parties, they plundered the Canadian families along the river shore. These acts called forth a remonstrance from the Canadian settlers, and a number of them visited the camp of the great Ottawa chief, and urged him to prevent their continuance. He yielded to their requests ; and, in order to effectually put a stop to his young men committiDg further depredations, Pontiac organized a commissary department. He visited, in person, all the Canadian families ; and, inspecting the property belonging to them, he assigned to each the share of provisions which it must furnish. The contributions thus levied were all collected at the house of M. Meloche, Pontiac's headquarters, and the prison of Captain Campbell and his companions.
Pontiac, not wishing to offend the French, and being unable to make compensation for the provisions he had exacted, had recourse to a remarkable expedient. He issued promissory notes, drawn upon birch bark, signed with the figure of an otter, the
resources of the Saginaw Valley, and his energy, influence and money contributed largely toward getting the legislation and capital to sink the first well of the East Saginaw Salt Manufacturing Company. The success of this adventure, which contributed more to the prosperity and marvel ous growth of that region than any other one thing, is too well known to need comment here.
Mr. Hess was a pioneer in the work of dredging out the Saginaw river, and was one of the first movers and a director of the East Saginaw Street Railway.
He has always affiliated with the Democratic party, and for many years was a prominent politician in local and State affairs. For several years his ill health has kept him from all participation in public matters, but this has not prevented him from taking a deep interest in all public and private improvements.
In both public and private life, by his energy, uprightness, faithfulness and candor he won and retained the esteem of all.
268 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
" totem " to which he belonged, and it is authoritatively recorded that they were all faithfully redeemed.
The measures the chief had adopted allayed the anger of the French, and contributed largely to his own welfare. None of his followers would cross the cultivated fields of the French, but always followed the beaten paths, as Pontiac had commanded them.
But we will now turn to the work of the siege. " While perils were thickening around the garrison at Detroit," says Parkman, " the British commander-in-chief, at New York, remained igno rant of its danger. Indeed, an unwonted quiet had prevailed, of late, along the borders, and about the neighboring forts. With the opening of spring, a strong detachment had been sent up the lakes, with a supply of provisions and ammunition, for the use of Detroit, and other western posts. The boats of this convoy were now pursuing their course along the northern shore of Lake Erie, and Gladwyn's garrison, aware of their approach, awaited their arrival with an anxiety which every day increased. Day after day passed on, and the red cross of St. George still floated above Detroit. The keen-eyed watchfulness of the Indians had never abated, and woe to the soldier who showed his head above the palisades, or exposed his person before a loop-hole. Strong in his delusive hope of French assistance, Pontiac had sent messengers to M. Neyon, commandant at the Illinois, earnestly requesting that a force of regular troops might be sent to his aid ; and Glad- wyn, on his side, had ordered one of the vessels to Niagara, to hasten forward the expected convoy. The schooner set sail ; but, on the next day, as she lay becalmed at the entrance of Lake Erie, a multitude of canoes suddenly darted out upon her from the neighboring shores. In the prow of the foremost the Indians had placed their prisoner, Captain Campbell, with the dastardly purpose of interposing him. as a screen between themselves and the fire of the English. But the brave old man called out to the crew to do their duty, without regard to him. Happily, at that moment, a fresh breeze sprang up, and the schooner bore prosper ously on her course towards Niagara, leaving the savage flotilla far behind. The fort, or, rather, town of Detroit, had by this
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
269
time lost its wonted vivacity and life. Its narrow streets were gloomy and silent. Here and there strolled a Canadian, in red cap and gaudy sash ; the weary sentinel walked to and fro before the quarters of the commandant ; an officer, perhaps, passed
HON. JAMES^ BIRNEY.
JAMES BIRNEY is a native of Danville, Kentucky, and the eldest son of the late James G. Birney. His collegiate education was obtained at Centre College, Kentucky, and at Miami University, Ohio. At the latter institution he graduated in 1836. During the two succeeding years he was employed in the University as professor of the Greek and Latin languages.
During the next two years he attended the law lectures of Judge Stom and Professor Hitchcock, of the law school of Yale College, at New Haven, Connecticut.
270 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
along, with rapid step and anxious face ; or an Indian girl, the mate of some soldier or trader, moved silently by, in her finery of beads and vermilion. Such an aspect as this the town must have presented on the morning of the thirtieth of May, when, at about nine o'clock, the voice of the sentinel sounded from the southeast bastion, and loud exclamations in the direction of the river, roused Detroit from its lethargy. Instantly, the place was astir. Soldiers, traders and inhabitants, hurrying through the water- gate, thronged the canoe wharf and the narrow strand without. The half-wild courgurs des bois, the tall and sinewy provincials, and the stately British soldiers, stood crowded together, their uniforms soiled and worn,' and their faces haggard with unremit ting watching. Yet, all alike wore an animated and joyous look. The long-expected convoy was full in sight. On the farther side of the river, at some distance below the fort, a line of boats was rounding the woody projection, then called Montreal Point, their oars flashing in the sun, and the red flag of England flying from the stern of the foremost. The toils and dangers of the garrison were drawing to an end. With one accord they broke into three hearty cheers, again and again repeated ; while a cannon, glanc ing from the bastion, sent its loud voice of defiance to the enemy, and welcome to approaching friends. But, suddenly, every cheek grew pale with horror. Dark, naked figures were seen rising, with
Subsequently Mr. Birney removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, and entered upon the practice of the law. He devoted himself to this business for eleven years, and acquired a desirable position in the profession.
Mr. Birney, while in New Haven, married Miss Moulton, step-daughter of Nathaniel Bacon, Esq., of that city. Of this marriage there were five children, the eldest of whom distinguished himself in the army as Captain in the 7th Regiment of Michigan Volunteers, and died while an officer of the U. S. regular army.
In 1858, Mr. Birney was elected a member of the State Senate for the Saginaw district; was chairman of the committee on public instruction, and a member of the judiciary committee of that body.
In 1860, he was nominated by the State Republican Convention to the office of lieutenant-governor and elected by a majority of over 20,000. By virtue of this office] he became president of the State Senate, and as a presiding officer received great favor.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 271
wild gestures, in the boats, while, in place of the answering salute, the distant yell of the war-whoop fell faintly on their ears. The convoy was in the hands of the enemy. The boats had all been taken, and the troops of the detachment slain, or made captive. Officers and men stood gazing, in mournful silence, when an incident occured which caused them to forget the general calamity in the absorbing interest of the moment.
Leaving the disappointed garrison, we will pass over to the prin cipal victims of this deplorable misfortune. In each of the boats, of which there were eighteen, two or more of the captured sol diers, deprived of their weapons, were compelled to act as rowers, guarded by several armed savages, while many other Indians, for the sake of further security, followed the boats along the shore. In the foremost, as it happened, there were four soldiers, and only three Indians. The larger of the two vessels still lay anchored in the stream, about a bow-shot from the fort, while her com panion, as we have seen, had gone down to Niagara, to hasten up this very reinforcement. As the boat came opposite this vessel, the soldier who acted as steersman conceived a daring plan of escape. The principal Indian sat immediately in front of another of the soldiers. The steersman called, in English, to his comrade to seize the savage and throw him overboard. The man answered
While he was lieutenant-governor, a vacancy occurred in the office of circuit judge for the district of which he was a resident. The governor tendered the appointment to him, and it was accepted. He presided as circuit judge during the next four years. He was unanimously renomin- ated by the Republican Judicial Convention, but the district having a Democratic majority he has not elected.
After serving as judge, Mr. Birney returned to the practice of the law.
In 1871, he established the Bay City Chronicle as a weekly Republican paper. In June, 1873, he commenced the publication of the Morning Chronicle.
In 1872, Governor Baldwin nominated Mr. Birney to President Grant as Centennial Commissioner for Michigan to celebrate the Hundredth Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1876.
Mr. Birney is now residing at Bay City, and is devoting himself to the care of his estate and the editorial duties of the daily and weekly Chronicle. His son Arthur M. Birney is associated with him in business.
272 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES
that he was not strong enough ; on which the steersman directed him to change places with him, as if fatigued with rowing — a movement which would excite no suspicion on the part of their guard. As the bold soldier stepped forward, as if to take his companion's oar, he suddenly seized the* Indian by the hair, and, griping with the other hand the girdle at his waist, lifted him by main force, and flung him into the river. The boat rocked till the water surged over her gunwale. The Indian held fast to his enemy's clothes, and, drawing himself upward, as he trailed alongside, stabbed him again and again with his knife, and then dragged him overboard. Both went down the swift current, rising and sinking ; and, as some relate, perished, grap pled in each other's arms. The two remaining Indians leaped out of the boat. The prisoners turned, and pulled for the distant vessel, shouting aloud for aid. The Indians on shore opened a heavy fire upon them, and many canoes paddled swiftly in pur suit. The men strained with desperate strength. A fate inex pressibly horrible was the alternative. The bullets hissed thickly around their heads ; one of them was soon wounded, and the light, birch canoes gained on them with fearful rapidity. Escape seemed hopeless, when the report of a cannon burst from the side of the vessel. The ball flew close past the boat, beating the water in a line of foam, and narrowly missing the foremost canoe. At this, the pursuers drew back in dismay ; and the. Indians on shore, being further saluted by a second shot, ceased firing, and scattered among the bushes. The prisoners soon reached the ves sel, where they were greeted as men snatched from the jaws of fate ; " a living monument," writes an officer of the garrison, " that fortune favors the brave." They related many particulars of the catastrophe which had befallen them and their companions. Lieutenant Cuyler had left Fort Niagara as early as the thir teenth of May, and embarked from Fort Schlosser, just above the Falls, with ninety-six men, and a plentiful supply of provisions and ammunition. Day after day he had coasted the northern shore of Lake Erie, and seen neither friend nor foe amid those lonely forests and waters, until, on the twenty-eighth of the month, he landed at Point Pelee, not far from the mouth of the
274 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
River Detroit. The boats were drawn on the beach, and the party prepared to encamp. A man and a boy went to gather fire wood, at a short distance from the spot, when an Indian leaped out of the woods, seized the boy by the hair, and tomahawked him. The man ran into camp with the alarm. Cuyler immedi ately formed his soldiers into a semi-circle before the boats. He had scarcely done so when the enemy opened, their fire. For an instant, there was a hot blaze of musketry on both sides ; then the Indians broke out of the woods in a body, and rushed fiercely upon the center of the line, which gave way in every part, the men flinging down their guns, running in a blind panic to the boats, and struggling, with ill-directed efforts, to shove them into the water. Five were set afloat, and pushed off from the shore, crowded with the terrified soldiers. Cuyler, seeing himself, as he says, deserted by his men, waded up to his neck in the lake, and climbed into one of the retreating boats. The Indians, on their part, pushing two more afloat, went in pursuit of the fugi tives, three boat-loads of whom allowed themselves to be re-cap tured, without resistance ; but the remaining two, in one of which was Cuyler himself, made their escape. They rowed all night, and landed in the morning upon a small island. Between thirty and forty men, some of whom were wounded, were crowded in these two boats ; the rest, about sixty in number, being killed or taken. Cuyler now made for Sandusky, which, on his arrival, he found burnt to the ground. Immediately leaving the spot, he rowed along the south shore to Presque Isle ; from whence he pro ceeded to Niagara, and reported his loss to Major Wilkins, the commanding officer. The actors in this bold and well executed stroke were the Wyandots, who, for some days, had lain in ambush at the mouth of the river, to intercept trading boats, or parties of troops. Seeing the fright and confusion of Cuyler's men, they had forgotten their usual caution, and rushed upon them in the manner described. The ammunition, provisions, and other articles taken in this attack, formed a valuable prize ; but, unfortunately, there was, among the rest, a great quantity of whisky. This the Indians seized, and carried to their respective camps, which, throughout the night, presented a scene of savage
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 275
revelry and riot. Dormant jealousies were awakened ; old, for gotten quarrels kindled afresh ; and, had not the squaws taken the precaution of hiding all the weapons they could find, before the debauch began, much blood would, no doubt, have been spilt. As it was, many were wounded, of whom two died in the morning ; and several others had their noses bitten off — a singular mode of revenge, much in vogue upon similar occasions among the Indians of the upper lakes. The English were gamers by this scene of riot ; for, late in the evening, two Indians, in all the valor and vainglory of drunkenness, came running directly towards the fort, boasting their prowess in a loud voice ; but, being greeted with two rifle bullets, they leaped into the air, like a pair of wounded bucks, and fell dead on their tracks. It will not be proper to pass over in silence the fate of the unfortunate men taken prisoners in this affair. After night had set in, several Canadians came to the fort, bringing vague and awful reports of the scenes that had been enacted at the Indian camp. A cloud of deep gloom sank down upon the garrison ; and none could help reflecting how thin and frail a barrier protected them from a similar fate. On the following day, and for several succeeding days, they beheld frightful confirmation of the rumors they had heard. Naked corpses, gashed with knives and scorched with fire, floated down on the pure waters of the Detroit, whose fish came up to nibble at the clotted blood that clung to their ghastly faces.
CHAPTER XVIII.
CONSPIRACY OF PONTIAC CONTINUED — FATE OF THE FOREST GARRISON — THE MASSACRE AT FORT ST. JOSEPH — THE FATE OF SANDUSKT, MIAMI, OUATANON, PRESQUE ISLE, LE BOETJF, AND VENANGO — THE REIGN OF BLOOD AND HAVOC — THE BLOODY WORK OF THE GREAT PONTIAC AND His TREACHEROUS FOLLOWERS.
SUCH was the work of death and desolation around the forest garrisons, in 1763 — such the scenes enacted on the soil of Michi gan one hundred years ago. But we must hasten to close our narrative of Pontiac and his woeful war, as other events of great importance must not be crowded out ; and in this we will be guided by the authority of Francis Parkman. Late one after noon in May, 1763, the garrison were again greeted with the dismal cry of death, and a host of naked warriors was seen issu ing from the woods in the rear of the fort. Each savage was painted black, and each bore a scalp, fluttering from the end of a pole. It was now plain that some new disaster delighted the blood-thirsty savages ; and, in truth, this was so ; for, during the same evening, news reached the fort that Sandusky had been taken, and all its garrison slain, or made prisoners. This post had been attacked by the Wyandots, living in its neighborhood, aided by a detachment from the army of Pontiac. Among the few survivors of the slaughter was the commanding officer, Ensign Paully, who had been conducted to Detroit by the savages, bound hand and foot, and assured on the passage that he would be burnt alive, beside the camp of the great chief. .On being taken to the lodge of Pontiac, he was surrounded by a crowd of Indians, who pelted him with stones, and forced him to dance and sing. A worse infliction seemed in store for him, when, happily, an old woman, whose husband had lately died, chose to adopt him, in place of the deceased warrior. Seeing no alternative but the
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stake, Paully accepted the proposal; and, having been first plunged in the river, to wash the white blood from his veins, he was conducted to the lodge of the widow, and treated thence forth with all the consideration due an Ottawa warrior. The gar-
M. S. SMITH.
MARTIN S. SMITH, the senior partner of the firm of Messrs. M. S. Smith & •Co., the present leading jewelers of Detroit, was born in Lima, Livings ton county, State of New York, in 1834. At an early age he came to Michigan in company with his parents. In 1859, Mr. Smith established himself in the jewelry business in Detroit, and has conducted since that time, or from a period not long after, the leading jewelry establishment in Michigan.
In the summer of 1868, he visited Europe, and returned in the follow ing autumn, an importer of jewelry and such other goods as are usually
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rison at Detroit soon received a letter from him, through a Canadian, giving a full account of the capture of Fort Sandusky, which had taken place on the sixteenth of the same month.
A brief account of the surprise of this fort is as follows : Paully, the commandant, was informed that seven Indians were waiting at the gate to see him. As several of the number were well known to him, he ordered them to be admitted. Arriving at his headquarters, two of his treacherous visitors seated them selves on each side of the commandant, while the rest were dis posed in various parts of the room. The pipes were lighted, and the conversation began ; when an Indian, who stood in the door way, suddenly made -a signal, by raising his head. Upon this, the astonished officer was instantly pounced upon and disarmed ; while, at the same moment, a confused noise of shrieks and yells, the firing of guns, and the hurried tramp of feet, sounded from the area of the fort without. This soon ceased, and Paully, led by his captors from the room, saw the parade ground strewn with the corpses of his murdered garrison. During the night, he was conducted to the margin of the lake, where several birch canoes lay in readiness ; and, when the party had pushed out from the shore, Paully looked back through the darkness, to see the fort,
associated with gold and silver wares. About this time, a new spirit of enterprise seized the people, and the commerce of Detroit was nearly doubled in every important branch. Consequent upon this interchange with the outside world came all the wholesome characteristics of refined society.
With this favorable combination of circumstances and events, it is not a difficult matter to account for Mr. Smith's great success in business. In 1860, it may be observed, his sales touched only the modest figures of $17,000, but with a steady increase, year after year, reached the astound ing sum of $300,000 in 1872. A natural accompaniment of this commercial prosperity was the exchange of a small store, occupied at the time of purchasing the establishment, for the magnificent house on the corner of Woodward and Jefferson avenues which he now occupies. This building is richly ornamented with a large stock of American and imported jewelry, bronzes, etc., comprising one of the most complete establish ments of the kind in the Northwest.
Mr. Smith's deportment in business transactions has been such as to
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lately under bis command, bursting on all sides in sheets of flame. Such was the fate of Sandusky, in 1763.
Detroit was next startled with the news of the massacre of the garrison at Fort St. Joseph. This was on the fifteenth of June, when the soldiers noticed a number of Indians approaching the gate of the fort, bringing with them four English prisoners ; who proved to be Ensign Schlosser, lately commanding at St. Joseph's, together with three private soldiers. The Indians wished to exchange them for several of their own tribe, who had been, for nearly two months, prisoners in the fort. After some delay, this was effected ; and the garrison then learned the unhappy fate of their friends. St. Joseph stood near the mouth of the river bearing the same name, near the head of Lake Michigan. The garrison of that post seemed to have apprehended no danger, when, on the twenty-fifth of May, early in the morning, the officer was informed that a large party of Pottawattamies, of Detroit, had come to pay a visit to their relations of that place. Pres ently, a chief, named Washashe, with three or four followers, visited the commandant's quarters, as if to hold a council ; and soon after, a Canadian arrived, with the intelligence that the fort was surrounded by Indians, who evidently had hostile intentions.
win the highest confidence of the whole public, and already the people are pointing to him with messages of public trust. He has been for some time a member of the Board of Police Commissioners and Vice-President of the Detroit Trust and Safe Deposit Company. He is also director in the Wayne County Savings Bank, director in the American National Bank, American Plate Glass Company, and in the Mutual Life Insurance Company.
Mr. Smith went forth from a humble home at the age of twelve years, unaccompanied by assistance. From these obscure beginnings, by that perseverance which secures good will as well as material prosperity, he has done much to promote the commerce of Michigan, and secured fame as a merchant of Detroit. The character of his business has had a most salutary influence on society. When the first waves of civilization broke away the coldness of pioneer life, or the dignity of increasing wealth sent forth the demands for new luxuries, he was among the first to sup ply these wants, or even by keeping in advance of them to create a taste for the more expensive characteristics of refinement.
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At this, Schlosser ran out of the apartment, and, crossing the parade, which was full of Indians and Canadians, hastily entered the barracks. These were also crowded with savages, very inso lent and disorderly. While busying himself in getting his men under arms, he heard a wild cry from within the barracks. Instantly, all the Indians in the fort rushed to the gate, toma hawked the sentinel, and opened a free passage to their comrades without. In less than two minutes, eleven men were killed, and himself, with the three survivors, made prisoners, and bound fast. They were then conducted to Detroit, as already shown. Three days after these tidings were received, the news of the massacre at Michilimackinac came to the fort. Of this terrible event we have already given a full account in a previous chapter.
News of disaster was now the order of the day, and the wea ried garrison seemed to read their own fate in every tale of woe. Next came the tidings of the fate of Ouatanon, a fort situated on the Wabash, a little below the site of the present town of Lafayette. Lieutenant Jenkins commanded at this fort ; and, on the first of June, he and his garrison were made prison ers by the surrounding Indians, who spared their lives.
Close upon these tidings came the news that Fort Miami was taken. This post stood on the Maumee River, and was com manded by Ensign Holmes, who suspected the intention of the savages, and was, therefore, on his guard. On the twenty-seventh of May, a young Indian girl, who lived with him, told him that a squaw lay dangerously ill in a wigwam, near the fort, and urged him to come to her relief. Having confidence in the girl, Holmes forgot his caution, and followed her out of the fort. When Holmes came in sight of the Indian wigwams, the Indian girl pointed out the lodge in which the sick woman lay. When he drew near the lodge, two guns flashed from behind the hut, and he fell lifeless on the grass. The shots were heard at the fort, and the Sergeant rashly went out to learn the cause of the firing. He was taken prisoner at once, amid a tumult of Indian war whoops. The soldiers in the fort were next summoned to surrender, with a promise that, if they did so, their lives would be spared, but that otherwise they would all be killed, without mercy. The terrified men gave themselves up as prisoners.
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The news of the loss of Presque Isle reached Detroit on the twentieth of June. This fort stood on the southern shore of Lake Erie, at the site of the present town of Erie, and was com manded by Ensign Christie. After a long and formidable resist ance, he surrendered to the Indians. One Gray escaped, while the rest were conducted prisoners to Detroit. Christie soon after effected his escape, and succeeded in reaching the fort at Detroit in safety. After Presque Isle, Le Boeuf and Venango shared its fate ; while farther south, at the forks of the Ohio, a host of Indian warriors were gathering round Fort Pitt, and blood and havoc reigned along the whole frontier.
We will now return to Detroit, and follow the half-famished garrison through their sufferings and their battles. We will also see what became of Captain Campbell and his companions, who, when sent as deputies from Gladwyn, were detained by the great Pontiac, and lodged as prisoners in the house of M. Meloche, near Parent's Creek.
CHAPTER XIX.
CONSPIRACY OF PONTIAC CONTINUED— THE SIEGE OF DETROIT — ADVEN TURE OF A BRITISH SCHOONER ON THE DETROIT RIVER — MODE OF INDIAN WARFARE — PONTIAC INVITING THE FRENCH TO JOIN HIS ARMY — ANOTHER COUNCIL — EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS.
ON THE nineteenth of June, a rumor reached Detroit that one of the vessels had been seen near Turkey Island, several miles below the fort. It will be remembered that this vessel had, sev eral weeks before, gone down Lake Erie to hasten the advance of Cuyler's expected detachment. She passed these troops on her way, and sailed to Niagara, where she remained until the return of Cuyler, with the remnant of his men. After the latter had related his sad mishap, he was ordered to embark in the vessel that had come from Detroit, with as many soldiers as could be spared from the fort at Niagara, and return to Detroit. This order had been carried out, and now, as the rumor purported, the vessel was near the point of her destination, although the most dangerous part of the journey was yet to be traversed. The river channel was, in many places, narrow, and more than eight hundred Indians were on the alert to intercept their passage. Several days passed, and no tidings of the expected craft reached the garrison ; when, on the twenty -third, a great commotion was visible among the Indians, a large portion of whom were seen to pass along the outskirts of the woods, in the rear of the fort. The cause of this movement could not be conjectured till evening, when a Frenchman arrived at the fort, with the intelligence that the vessel was again attempting to ascend the river, and that all the Indians had gone to attack her. Upon this, two cannon were fired, that the crew might know that Detroit was still in the hands of the English ; and now all remained in great anxiety as .to the result. The schooner soon began to move slowly up the
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river, with a gentle breeze. About sixty men were crowded on board, of whom only ten or twelve were visible on deck. The officers had ordered the rest to lie hidden below, in hopes that the Indians, encouraged by their apparent weakness, might make
HON. JAMES TURRILL.
JAMES TUKRILL, of Lapeer, was born in Shoreham, Addison county, Vermont, September 24, 1797.
Leaving his father's farm at the age of twenty-one, he engaged in general merchandising in his native town, and at Bridport, in the same county. Mr. Turrill pursued his mercantile labors in the two places above mentioned, with very gratifying and remunerative results, until 1836, when he came to Michigan, and invested extensively in lands at and near the present nourishing city of Lapeer. Returning to Vermont, he continued his business until 1842, when he brought out his family, consisting of his wife and eight children — three sons and five daughters —
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an open attack. Just before reaching the narrowest part of the channel, the wind died away, and the anchor was dropped. Immediately above, and within gun-shot of the vessel, the Indians had thrown up a breastwork of logs, carefully concealed by bushes, on the shore of Turkey Island. Here they lay, in great force, waiting for the schooner to pass. Ignorant of this, but still cautious and wary, the crew kept a strict watch from the moment the sun went down. Hours wore on, and nothing had disturbed the deep repose of the night. At length, the sentinel could dis cern, in the distance, various moving objects upon the dark sur face of the water. The men were ordered up from below, and all took their posts in perfect silence. The blow of a hammer on the mast was to be the signal to fire. The Indians, gliding steadily over the water, had advanced to within a few rods of their sup posed prize, wrhen, suddenly, the dark side of the slumbering
and located in the village of Lapeer. Here he again turned his attention to mercantile affairs, dealing largely in real estate at the same time. Suc cess attended his efforts, and after a lapse of thirteen years he retired from active business, and has since given his attention to the cultivation of his farms and the management of his pine land interests. He is now, and has been for some time, one of the banking firm of R G. Hart & Co. He was one of the directors of the Port Huron & Lake Michigan Rail road, and aided largely with his means and advice, at a time when others were quite discouraged, in getting it completed from Port Huron to Flint. After that was done he retired from the directorship, at his own request, but remained quite active and efficient in the work.
Although Mr. Turrill has never been ambitious for public life, still his fellow-citizens have seen fit on several occasions to place him in positions of honor and trust. He was several times elected one of the trustees, and afterwards president of the village of Lapeer, and upon its incorporation as a city, he was chosen its first mayor. Mr. Turrill was also elected to the House of Representatives of the State Legislature in the fall' of 1848, and served in that body during the sessions of 1848-9. During the war he took an active part in putting down the rebellion, and his eldest son, Capt. J. Henry Turrill, a brave and noble-hearted officer of the 7th Michi gan Infantry, lost his life at the battle of Antietam.
In manner Mr. Turrill is dignified, but not overbearing. He is a man of strict integrity, liberal in the support of religious and charitable insti tutions, and gives with a free hand to the poor and needy.
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vessel burst into a blaze of cannon and musketry. Grape and musket shot flew tearing among the canoes, destroying several of them, killing fourteen Indians, wounding as many more, and driv ing the rest in consternation to the shore. Recovering from their
EZRA RUST.
EZRA RUST, of Saginaw City, was born September 23, 1832, at the town of Wells, Rutland county, Vermont, When he was five years of age, his parents removed to Newport, St. Clair county, Michigan. They were in limited circumstances and unable to provide him with an educa tion beyond that afforded by the common schools of the place. His advantages, though limited, were thoroughly improved. He developed a strong taste for mechanics in his boyhood, and, before he was sixteen years of age, was employed as second engineer of the steamer Pacific; and such was his skill and ability that in his seventeenth year he was
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surprise, they began to fire upon the vessel from behind their breastwork, upon which she weighed anchor, and dropped down, once more, beyond their reach, into the broad river. Several days afterwards she attempted to ascend. This time she met with better success. As she passed the Wyandot village, she sent a shower of grape among its yelping inhabitants, by which several were killed ; and then, furling her sails, lay peaceably beside her companion, abreast of the fort. She brought to the garrison a much needed supply of men, ammunition and provisions. She bore, also, the important tidings that peace had been concluded between France and England. The great struggle of the French war, which had disturbed the peace of the whole continent of North America since the year 1755, although virtually ended on the Plains of Abraham, and by the junction of the three British armies at Montreal, was not completely settled till the formal treaty of peace. To most of the French this peace was odious. They went about among the settlers and Indians, declaring that the pretended news of peace was only an invention of Major Gladwyn ; that the King of France would never abandon his children ; and that a great French army was even then ascending the St. Lawrence, while another was approaching from the country of the Illinois. These Indians believed these falsehoods, and thus the war continued. Pontiac himself clung to this delusive hope, and began the work of subduing the fort with renewed
promoted to the position of first engineer of the same steamer. During the three following years he held the same situation on the steamer Arctic. In 1854, he was transferred to the E. K. Collins, and was first engineer of that ill-fated steamer when she was burned near Maiden, in the same year.
For the three years following, he was engaged in manufacturing lum ber for his brothers, A. & D. W. Rust, at their mill in Newport. In the summer of 1858, his health failing, he went to Cuba, where he remained nearly a year, employed as an engineer upon Aldama's sugar estate, "Santa Rosa."
Upon his return, in 1359, he entered into partnership with Mr. James Hay, under the firm name of Rust & Hay, in the business of lumbering upon the tributaries of the Saginaw river, and since that time he has resided in Saginaw.
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vigor. He sent a message to Gladwyn, urging him to surrender, and advising him of the expected arrival of eight hundred Ojib- was, who, he said, would take the scalp of every Englishman in the fort. To this advice Gladwyn returned a brief and con temptuous answer.
Pontiac now resolved to gain the assistance of the French inhabitants, and for this purpose he called them together in coun cil. Near the camp of the Ottawas, the French inhabitants and Indians, headed by Pontiac, were convened. All was silent, and several pipes were passing round from hand to hand, when Pontiac rose and threw down a war-belt at the feet of the Canadians, and spoke as follows :
" My brothers, how long will you suffer this bad flesh to remain on your lands ? I have told you before, and I now tell you again, that when I took up the hatchet, it was for your good. This year the English must all perish throughout Canada. The Master of Life commands it ; and you, who know him better than I, wish to oppose his will. Until now, I have said nothing on this matter. I have not urged you to take part with us in the war. It would have been enough had you been content to sit quiet on your mats, looking on while we wrere fighting for you. But you have not done so. You call yourselves our friends, and yet you assist the English with provisions and go about as spies among our villages. This must not continue. You must be either wholly French or wholly English. If you are French, take up that war-belt and
In 1861, he, in company with others, sunk a salt well and constructed works for the manufacture of salt, which business he carried on success fully for two years following.
In the year of 1865, the firm of Rust, Eaton & Co. was formed, with Mr. Rust at its head, and he has, until the present time, continued to manage the extensive business of that firm, as well as that of Rust & Hay, with unvarying success.
As a business man, Mr. Rust is distinguished for his quick and correct perception and prompt decision — his unswerving honesty and unerring judgment. He is possessed of fine social qualities and a sympathetic nature, which manifests itself in kindness to his employes to a remark able degree. He is justly entitled to a prominent position among the successful and wealthy lumbermen of Michigan.
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lift the hatchet with us ; but if you are English, then we declare war upon you. My brothers, I know this is a hard thing. We are all alike children of our great father, the King of France, and it is hard to fight among brethren for the sake of dogs. But there is no choice. Look upon that belt and let us hear your answer."
One of the Canadians replied, holding a copy of the capitula tion of Montreal in his hand :
" My brothers, you must first untie the knot with which our great father, the King, has bound us. In this paper, he tells all his Canadian children to sit quiet and obey the English until he comes, because he wishes to punish his enemies himself. We dare not disobey him, for then he would be angry with us. And you, my brethren, who speak of making war upon us if we do not do as you wish, do you think you could escape his wrath if you should raise the hatchet against his French children. He would treat you as enemies, and not as friends, and you would have to fight both English and French at once. Tell us, my brethren, what can you reply to this ? "
For some moments Pontiac remained silent, when a rough Canadian trapper came forward and took up the belt, much to the disgust of the better class of the French present. He and his comrades joined the Indians, but this could not, in the least degree, be construed as indicating that the French inhabitants of Detroit had joined their Indian friend in the war.
On the following night, a party of these renegades, joined by about an equal number of Indians, approached the fort and intrenched themselves in order to fire upon the garrison. At day break, they were observed, the gate was thrown open, and a file of men, headed by Lieutenant Hay, sallied forth to dislodge them. This was effected without much difficulty. This party had retired to the fort, when, at about four o'clock in the afternoon, a man was seen running towards it, closely pursued by Indians. On his arriving within gunshot, the Indians gave up the chase, and the fugitive arrived safely in the fort, He proved to be the com mandant of Sandusky, who, having, as before mentioned, been adopted by the Indians, and married to an old squaw, now seized
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the first opportunity of escaping from her embraces. Through this man, the garrison learned the sad news that Captain Campbell had been killed. It appeared that an Indian, killed in the morning and scalped by Lieutenant Hay's party, was a nephew of Wasson,
DAVID PRESTON.
DAVID PRESTON, of Detroit, Michigan, was born in Harmony, Chau- tauqua county, New York, September 20, 1826.
He received a common school education in the schools of this county, and emigrated to Michigan in 1848, arriving in Detroit on the 4th of November of that year. Upon his arrival in that city Mr. Preston was without money and friends, having borrowed twelve dollars to pay his fare. During the first year of his residence in Detroit he received a salary of $150, the second year it was increased to 0200, and the third found him getting $350, while the fourth brought a further advance to $350.
Mr. Preston commenced the banking business in Detroit in Mny, 1852, with a capital of but $450, and out of which he furnished his house, hav- 19
290 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
chief of the Ojibwas. On hearing of his death, Wasson had immediately blackened his face in sign of revenge, called together a party of his followers, and, repairing to the house of Meloche, where Captain Campbell was kept prisoner, had seized upon him and tomahawked him on the spot, brutally mutilating his body. His heart is said to have been eaten by his murderers, to make them courageous. The corpse was thrown into the river, and afterwards brought to shore and buried by the Canadians. The other captive, McDougal, had previously escaped.
The two schooners anchored opposite the fort were now become objects of awe and aversion to the Indians. This is not to be wondered at, for, besides aiding in the defense of the place by sweeping two sides of it with their fire, they often caused great terror and annoyance to the besiegers. Several times they had left their anchorage, and taking up a convenient position, had battered the Indian camps and villages with no little effect. Once, in particular, and this was the first attempt of the kind, Gladwyn himself, with several of his officers, had embarked on board the smaller vessel, while a fresh breeze was blowing from the north west. The Indians, on the banks, stood watching her as she tacked from shore to shore, and pressed their hands against their mouths in amazement, thinking that magic power alone could enable her thus to make her way against wind and current.
ing been married but a short time previous. In May, 1854, through industry, honesty and strict attention to his business, Mr. Preston found that the small capital with which he had commenced banking two years previous had increased to the snug little sum of $5,000. With this amount he opened another banking house in Chicago, and, directly fol lowing this adventure, came the failure of A. Klernm, of New York, who had $6,000 of Mr. Preston's money in his possession. Although by this misfortune he lost his entire capital, still he was not discouraged, and going to work with renewed vigor, he soon placed himself on a firmer foundation than ever. His banking houses both here and in Chicago are widely known, and have enjoyed the confidence of the moneyed men of the country for a long term of years.
During the money panic of September, 1873, the banking house of D. Preston & Co., in Detroit, was obliged to suspend for a few days, not because they had sustained any loss, or of the defalcation of any person
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Making a long reach from the opposite shore, she came on directly towards the camp of Pontiac, her sails swelling, her masts leaning over until the black muzzles of her guns almost touched the water. The Indians watched her in astonishment. On she came, until their fierce hearts exulted in the idea that she would run ashore within their clutches, when suddenly a shout of command was heard on board, her progress was arrested, she rose upright, and her sails flapped and fluttered as if tearing loose from their fasten ings. Steadily she came round, broadside to the shore; then, leaning once more to the wind, bore away gallantly on the other tack. She did not go far. The wondering spectators, quite at a loss to understand her movements, soon heard the hoarse rattling of her cable as the anchor dragged it out, and saw her furling her vast white wings. As they looked unsuspectingly on, a puff of smoke was emitted from her side, a loud report followed, then another and another ; and the balls, rushing over their heads, flew through the midst of their camp and tore wildly among the forest trees beyond. All was terror and consternation. The startled warriors bounded away on all sides ; the squaws snatched up their children, and fled, screaming ; and, with a general chorus of yells, the whole encampment scattered in such haste that little damage was done, except knocking to pieces their frail cabins of bark.
This attack was followed by others of a similar kind ; and now the Indians seemed resolved to turn all their energies to the
connected with the firm, but entirely on account of their not being able to convert their securities into currency fast enough to supply the demand of their depositors. This suspension was only temporary, and within a very short time the doors were thrown open again and business proceeded with as usual. The Chicago firm of Preston, Kean & Co., of which Mr. Preston has been a member for the past ten years, were able to pass through the above mentioned financial trouble without any serious difficulty.
Mr. Preston is best known, however, to the people of Michigan for his unbounded generosity. No object of a charitable nature is ever pre sented to him for his aid, without receiving substantial assistance. Within the last ten years he has given away over $65,000 to forward various charitable enterprises, and has thus engrafted himself into the affections of the people of the whole Northwest.
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destruction of the vessel which caused them such annoyance. On the night of the tenth of July, they sent down a blazing raft, formed of two boats, secured together with a rope, and filled with pitch, pine, birch-bark, and other combustibles, which, by good fortune, missed the vessel and floated down the stream without doing injury. All was quiet throughout the following night; but about two o'clock on the morning of the twelfth, the sentinel on duty saw a glowing spark of fire on the surface of the water, at some distance above. It grew larger and brighter ; it rose in a forked flame, and at length burst forth into a broad conflagration. In this instance, too, fortune favored the vessel ; for this raft, which was larger than the former, passed down between her and the fort, and burned until its last hissing embers were quenched in the river.
Though twice defeated, the Indians would not abandon their plan, but, soon after this second failure, began another raft of different construction from the former and so large that they thought it certain to take effect. Gladwyn, on his part, provided boats which were moored by chains at some distance above the vessels, and made other preparations of defense so effectual that the Indians, after working four days upon the raft, gave over their undertaking as useless.
About this time, a party of Shawanoe and Delaware Indians arrived at Detroit, and were received by the Wyandots with a salute of musketry, which occasioned some alarm among the English, who knew nothing of its cause. They reported the pro gress of the war in the south and east ; and, a few days after, an Abenaki, from Lower Canada, also made his appearance, bringing to the Indians the flattering falsehood that their great father, the King of France, was at that moment advancing up the St. Law rence with his army. It may here be observed that the name of father, given to the kings of France and England, was a mere title of country or policy, for, in his haughty independence, the Indian yields submission to no man.
It was now between two and three months since the siege began ; and, if one is disposed to think slightingly of the warriors whose numbers could avail so little against a handful of half-starved
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English and provincials, he has only to recollect that where bar barism has been arrayed against civilization, disorder against discipline, and ungoverned fury against considerate valor,, such has seldom failed to be the result.
HON. BELA W. JENKS.
BELA W. JENKS, one of the citizens of St. Clair, Michigan, was born at Crown Point, Essex county, New York, June 6, 1824.
His father was a farmer, and being in moderate circumstances, was unable to give his son the advantages of an education. • However, the young man was industrious and diligent in his studies, and, by his own unaided exertions, received a fair instruction in the schools of Charlotte, Chittenden county, Vermont.
Mr. Jenks emigrated to Michigan in 1848, and settled in St. Clair, St. Clair county, where he has ever since resided. He at once engaged in
294 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
At the siege of Detroit, the Indians displayed a high degree of comparative steadiness and perseverance ; and their history cannot furnish another instance of so large a force persisting so long in the attack of a fortified place. Their good conduct may be ascribed to their deep rage against the English, to their hope of speedy aid from the French, and to the controlling spirit of Pontiac, which held them to their work. The Indian is but ill qualified for such attempts, having too much caution for an assault by storm, and too little patience for a blockade. The Wyandots and Pottawattamies had shown, from the beginning, less zeal than the other nations ; and now, like children, they began to tire of the task they had undertaken. A deputation of the Wyandots came to the fort, and begged for peace, which was granted them ; but when the Pottawattamies came on the same errand, they
mercantile pursuits, and soon built himself up a lucrative trade. Later, lie branched out in the lumbering business and also commenced dealing quite extensively in real estate. He is still engaged in these two latter occupations, and is constantly adding to his already ample wealth, while at the same time he is doing much to advance the interests of his city and State.
For some years past, Mr. Jenks has taken quite an active part in local and State politics, always acting with the Republican party. He has held a number of important official positions in the government of the city of St. Clair, performing his duties in a manner to elicit the praise of even his political opponents.
In the fall of 1869, he was elected State senator from the twenty-fourth senatorial district, comprising St. Clair county, and was reflected to the same position in 1871. While occupying a position in the Senate, he won the confidence of that body and took a leading part in much of the legislation of the one extra and two regular sessions which were held during the time he was a member. He was chairman of the committee on rules and joint rules, and a member of the committees on division of towns and counties, on public lands and on drainage during the session of 1869-70; and in the session of 1871-72 he was chairman of the com mittee on public lands, and a member of the committees on constitutional amendments and on the select committee on apportionment.
As a man, Mr. Jenks is social and pleasant, and his manners and general bearing is such as to win him the high regard and esteem of his fellow-citizens. He is a man of unswerving honesty and indomitable energy, seldom failing to secure the object for which he labors.
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insisted, as a preliminary, that some of their people who were detained prisoners by the English should first be given up. Gladwyn demanded, on his part, that the English captives known to be in their village should be brought to the fort, and three of them wrere accordingly produced. As these were but a small part of the whole, the deputies were sharply rebuked for their duplicity, and told to go back for the rest. They withdrew, angry and mortified ; but, on the following day, a fresh deputation of chiefs made their appearance, bringing with them six prisoners. Having repaired to the council room, they were met by Gladwyn, attended only by one or two officers. The Indians detained in the fort were about to be given up, and a treaty concluded, when one of the prisoners declared that there were several others still remain ing in the Pottawattamie village. Upon this, the conference was broken off, and the deputies ordered instantly to depart. On being thus a second time defeated, they were goaded to such a pitch of rage, that, as afterwards became known, they formed the desperate resolution of killing Gladwyn on the spot, and then making their escape in the best way they could ; but, happily, at that moment the commandant observed an Ottawa among them, and, resolving to seize him, called upon the guard without to assist in doing so. A file of soldiers entered, and the chiefs, seeing it impossible to execute their design, withdrew from the fort, with dark and sullen brows. A. day or two afterwards, however, they returned with the rest of the prisoners, on which peace was granted them, and their people set at liberty.
CHAPTER XX.
CONSPIRACY OF PONTIAC CONTINUED — THE BATTLE OF BLOODY EUN — CAPTAIN DALZELL'S DETACHMENT SLAUGHTERED BY THE SAVAGES — ADVENTURE OF THE SCHOONER GLADWYN— THE INDIANS SUE FOR PEACE — APPROACH OF WINTER.
FOR SOME time after this peace with the Wyandots and Pottawattamies, nothing of importance occurred at Detroit, except that the garrison was continually harassed by the Ojibwas and Ottawas. But, in the meantime, Gladwyn's little band was being reinforced. Captain Dalzell had left Niagara with twenty-two barges, bearing two hundred and eighty men, with several small cannon and a fresh supply of provisions and ammunition. This detachment reached Detroit at the end of July, 1763, and landed amid the cheers of the garrison. The detachment was composed of soldiers from the 55th and 80th regiments, with twenty inde pendent rangers, commanded by Major Rogers. The barracks in the place being too small to receive them, they were all quartered among the inhabitants.
On the day of his arrival, Captain Dalzell had a conference with Gladwyn, and strongly insisted that the time wras come when an irrecoverable blow might be dealt at Pontiac. Gladwyn, better acquainted with the position of the enemy, was averse to the attempt; but Dalzell, still urging his request, at last obtained the commandant's consent.
Owing to the delay of marching out as at first contemplated, their plans became known to the great chief, and he prepared himself for the battle. However, early the following morning, the thirty-first of July, the gates were thrown open in silence, and the detachment, two hundred and fifty in number, marched out. They filed two deep along the river road, while two bateaux, each bearing a swivel, rowed up the river abreast of them. Lieutenant Brown
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led the advance guard of twenty-five men, the centre was com manded by Captain Gray, and the rear by Captain Grant. The morning was close and sultry. On their right lay the river and on their left a succession of Canadian houses, with barns, orchards
E. O. HAVEN, D. D., LL. D.
ERASTUS OTIS HAVEN was born in 1820, and it is his double good fortune to have been a Boston boy and a farmer boy. In intervals of work, he found time to gratify varied and keen intellectual tastes ; and made thorough preparation for college. Entering at Middletown, in 1838, he not only mastered liberal studies but acquired their uses also. In 1843, he began — as instructor in the New York Anieuia Seminary (of which he became principal in 1846) — a career in the comparatively brief course of which he has left hardly a branch of higher knowledge untaught or ill-
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and corn fields. The inhabitants, roused from sleep, looked from the windows in astonishment and alarm. Thus the English moved forward to the attack, little thinking that behind every available shelter Indian scouts watched every movement, and still less suspecting that Pontiac, aware of their plan, had broken up his camp and was marching against them with all his warriors, armed and painted for battle.
" A mile and a half from the fort," says Parkman, " Parent's Creek, ever since that night called Bloody Run, descended through a wild and rough hollow, and entered the Detroit amid a growth of rank grass and sedge. Only a few rods from its mouth, the road crossed it by a narrow, wooden bridge, not exist ing at the present day. Just beyond this bridge, the land rose in abrupt ridges, parallel to the stream. Along their summits were rude intrenchments, made by Pontiac to protect his camp, which had formerly occupied the ground immediately beyond. Here, too, were many piles of fire-wood, belonging to the Cana dians, besides strong picket fences, inclosing orchards and gar dens connected with the neighboring houses. Behind fences, wood-piles and intrenchments crou.ched an unknown number of Indian warriors, with leveled guns. They lay silent as snakes,
taught, scarcely a form of wholesome discipline or an element of generous culture unutilized. His services as a minister of the Gospel, as an ecclesiastical journalist, as a public lecturer on various topics, and as a legislator, have been no less distinguished. From 1848 to 1853, he was pastor, successively, over three churches of New York; from 1853 to 1854, professor of Latin, and from 1854 to 1856, professor of rhetoric and English literature, in the University of Michigan; from 1856 to 1863, editor of Zioris Herald (Boston, Massachusetts), the organ of New Eng land Methodism — performing at the same time the duties of member of the local school committee, member of the State board of education, and (1862, 1863) of State senator from the first Middlesex district, being chair man of the joint committee of the legislature on education; from 1863 to 1869, president of the University of Michigan ; and, from 1869 to 1872, president of the Northwestern University.
While in the Massachusetts legislature, Dr. Haven introduced and secured the enactment of laws— excusing Roman Catholic children from reading the Bible in the public schools, and permitting it to be read by
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for now they could hear the distant tramp of the approaching column. The sky was overcast, and the morning exceedingly dark. As the English drew near the dangerous pass, they could discern the oft-mentioned house of Meloche, upon a rising ground to the left, while in front, the bridge was dimly visible, and the ridges beyond it seemed like a wall of undistinguished blackness. They pushed rapidly forward, not wholly unsuspicious of danger. The advance guard were half way over the bridge, and the main body just entering upon it, when a horrible burst of yells rose in front, and the Indian guns blazed forth in general discharge. Half the advanced party were shot down ; the appalled survivors shrank back aghast. The confusion reached even the main body, and the whole recoiled together; but Dalzell raised his clear voice above the din, advanced to the front, rallied the men, and led them forward to the attack. Again the Indians poured in their volley, and again the English hesitated ; but Dalzell shouted from the van, and, in the madness of mingled rage and fear, they charged at a run across the bridge, and up the heights beyond. Not an Indian was there to oppose them. In vain the furious soldiers sought their enemy behind fences and intrenchments. The active savages had fled ; yet still their guns
the teacher; creating an agricultural college and endowing the Institute of Technology; enlarging the scope of Normal schools, and granting much needed State aid to the Museum of Natural Science, of which Agassiz is the head.
The State of Michigan, during the three years of his first connection with its great Universitj^, he may be said to have canvassed. His services to the University during this time have scarcely been appreciated at their true value. The men gathered at Ann Arbor, in 1853, under the presi dency of Henry P. Tappan, numbered not a few of the most accomplished proficients in the various branches of liberal learning, and masters in the art of teaching them, of their day. The University — its single academic course antiquated, its faculty discordant and disorganized, its students scattered, the public confidence gone, the mere tool of sects and the sport of politicians — was on the point of being utterly broken up. The legis lature required that the University should have a scientific department, to which young men should be admitted without classical preparation. The constitution of this department was intrusted to a special committee
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flashed thick through the gloom, and their war-cry rose with undiminished clamor. The English pushed forward amid the pitchy darkness, quite ignorant of their way, and soon became involved in a maze of outhouses and inclosures. At every pause they made, the retiring enemy would gather to renew the attack, firing back hotly upon the front and flanks. To advance further would be useless, and the only alternative was to withdraw, and wait for daylight. Captain Grant, with his company, recrossed the bridge, and took up his station on the roa/1. The rest fol lowed, a small party remaining to hold the enemy in check while the dead and wounded were placed on board the two bateaux, which had rowed up to the bridge during the action. This task was commenced amid a sharp fire from both sides ; and, before it was completed, heavy volleys were heard from the rear, where Captain Grant was stationed. A great force of Indians had fired upon him from the house of Meloche and the neighboring orchards. Grant pushed up the hill, and drove them from the orchards at the point of the bayonet — drove them, also, from the house, and, entering it, found two Canadians within. These men told him that the Indians were bent on cutting off the English from the fort, and that they had gone in great numbers to occupy the houses which commanded the road below.
of the professors, of which Haven and Boise (who was then in the chair of Greek) were members. Its history is a record unsurpassed of unbroken progress — keeping equal pace with every advance of science, and instantly meeting the current demands of practical affairs. It was neck to neck with the classical course in a race in which each competitor enjoyed all that the other gained.
In Ib63, he was invited to the vacant presidency. The summons was by telegraph; likewise the response. The motives which induced a step that seemed to many sudden and unadvised, do honor to Haven's head and heart. The true friends of the University were again in a panic of terror. Knowing that Dr. Tappan would not be reflected — in thorough sympathy with the idea of the institution; enjoying the manly respect of all parties to the recent conflict, and the affectionate esteem of nearly all; familiar with the people of the State and the genius of jits institutions — he was inspired with a chivalrous desire to return and help to make the University a success. Suffice it to say that, having in hand the most difficult and delicate " case" of college management that ever arose, even
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It was now evident that instant retreat was necessary ; and, the command being issued to that effect, the men fell back into marching order, and slowly began their retrograde movement. Grant was now in the van, and Dalzell at the rear. Some of the Indians followed, keeping up a scattering and distant fire ; and, from time to time, the rear faced about, to throw back a volley of musketry at the pursuers. Having proceeded in this manner half a mile, they reached a point where, close upon the right, were many barns and outhouses, with strong picket fences. Behind these, and in a newly-dug cellar close at hand, lay concealed an immense multitude of Indians. They suffered the advanced party to pass unmolested ; but, when the center and rear came opposite their ambuscade, they raised a frightful yell, and poured a volley among them. The men had well nigh fallen into a panic. The river ran close on their left, and the only avenue of escape lay along the road in front. Breaking their ranks, they crowded upon one another, in blind eagerness to escape the storm of bul lets ; and, but for the presence of Daizell, the retreat would have been turned into a flight.
" The enemy," writes an officer who was in the fight, " marked him for his extraordinary bravery ; and he had already received
in our wayward and capricious community, he within a month achieved the promise of success; and at the end of two years there remained — neither in the University nor out of it — a trace of the bitter dissension that threatened to rend and ruin the institution.
Under his presidency, the number of students was nearly doubled, though the standards for admission were materially raised; the internal economy was renovated and improved; the "Senate" of the faculties exercised its proper and useful functions; efficient discipline was secured, though "personal government" scarcely made itself felt. The Univer sity, however, had but fairly begun its mature growth, though its income was at the maximum. President Haven determined that the State should grant pecuniary aid to the University. He spent several weeks with the legislature of 1866. An act was passed, granting aid on condition of the appointment to the medical department of a professor of homoeopathy. The condition reflected tl<3 opinion of a large minority of citizens. Dr. Haven simply urged the necessity of making the medical department (like that of the universities of Europe) strictly and broadly scientific.
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two severe wounds. Yet his exertions did not slacken for a moment. Some of the soldiers he rebuked, some he threatened, and some he beat with the flat of his sword ; till, at length, order was restored, and the fire of the enemy returned with effect. Though it was near daybreak, the dawn was obscured by a thick fog, and little could be seen of the Indians, except the incessant flashes of their guns amid the mist, while hundreds of voices, mingled in one appalling yell, confused the faculties of the men, and drowned the shout of command. The enemy had taken possession of a house, from the windows of which they fired down upon the English. Major Kogers, with some of his provincial rangers, burst the door with an axe, rushed in, and expelled them. Captain Gray was ordered to dislodge a large party from behind some neighboring fences. He charged them with his company, but fell, mortally wounded, in the attempt. They gave way, how ever ; and now, the fire of the Indians being much diminished, the retreat was resumed.
No sooner had the men faced about, than the savages came darting through the mist upon their flank and rear, cutting down stragglers, and scalping the fallen. At a little distance lay a sergeant of the Fifty-fifth, helplessly wounded, raising himself on
These views carried such weight with all who loved, not their favorite system less but the University more, that the next legislature, removing this onerous condition, provided for a slight increase of the State tax — $15,000 annually. The income from this and other sources was nearly doubled. Every department has reaped the fruits — the medical, in a course of pharmacy and a hospital ; the literary, by new material of study ; the scientific school, by the addition of mining and mechanical engineer ing; the law, by substantial enlargement of its facilities.
Another engrossing question was appealed to the legislature — the admis sion of women. Dr. Haven, while maintaining that in theory men and women should enjoy equal advantages, did not, as president of the University, advise the opening of its doors to women, until the legislature, having twice decided to make no other provision, finally recommended their admission. He then advised that the University, instead of waiting to have the matter thrust upon it, should talfe up the new policy and guide and shape it. The question was thus decided.
Dr. Haven finally accepted the call to the .Northwestern University, and
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his hands, and gazing, with a look of despair, after his retiring comrades. The sight caught the eye of Dalzell. That gallant soldier, in the true spirit of heroism, ran out, amid the firing, to rescue the wounded man, when a shot struck him, and he fell dead. Few observed his fate, and none durst turn back to recover his body. The detachment pressed on, greatly harassed by the pursuing Indians. Their loss would have been much more severe, had not Major Rogers taken possession of another house, which commanded the road, and covered the retreat of the party.
He entered it with some of his own men, while many panic- stricken regulars broke in after him, in their eagerness to gain a temporary shelter. The house was a large and strong one, and the women of the neighborhood had crowded into the cellar for refuge. While some of the soldiers looked, in blind terror, for a place of concealment, others seized upon a keg of whisky in one of the rooms, and quaffed the liquor with eager thirst ; while others, again, piled packs of furs, furniture, and all else within their reach, against the windows, to serve as a barri cade. Panting and breathless, their faces moist with sweat, and blackened with gunpowder, they thrust their muskets through the openings, and fired out upon the whooping assailants. At inter- before he severed his connection with that institution it was placed on a firm foundation. In the short time he was at its head, it developed from a college to a university, and promises to be one of the largest denomina tional institutions in the country.
The general conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, in 1872, established a board of education, to have supervision over the whole subject of education in the church, and unanimously elected Dr. Haven its corresponding secretary or superintendent, since which time his residence has been in New York City.
The lesson of the life here sketched is sufficiently apparent in- the life itself. To bring principle the most exalted and character the purest to practical affairs, thereby to make the most of the common opportunities and the common things of to-day, by the exercise of powers which are men's common endowment — such is, as we conceive, the problem of the "higher life" in our crowded, intense and practical civilization.
Of this perfection of the practical, Haven is so preeminently an example that it may be said that it is his genius; but it is a genius rich
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vals, a bullet flew sharply whizzing through a crevice, striking down a man, perchance, or rapping harmlessly against the parti tions. Jacques Campau, the master of the house, stood on a trap door, to prevent the frightened soldiers from seeking shelter among the women in the cellar. A ball grazed his gray head, and buried itself in the wall, where, a few years, since, it might still have been seen. The screams of the half-stifled women below, the quavering war-whoops without, the shouts and curses of the soldiers, mingled in a scene of clamorous confusion ; and it was long before the authority of Rogers could restore order. In the meantime, Captain Grant, with his advanced party, had moved forward about half a mile, where he found some orchards and inclosures, by means of which he could maintain himself until the center and rear should arrive. From this point he detached all the men he could spare to occupy the houses below ; and, as soldiers soon began to come in from the rear, he was enabled to reinforce these detachments, until a complete line of communication was established with the fort, and the retreat effectually secured. Within an hour the whole party had arrived, with the exception of Rogers and his men, who were quite unable to come off, being besieged, in the house of Campau, by full two hundred Indians.
in inspiration to multitudes who may never attain the high ideal. What ever else he is, he is always practical. His discourses have been sometimes criticised by those who are so shallow as to confound the art of bringing thought to the surface with superficiality. They rarely fail to gather up and utilize the profoundest thoughts, the remotest theorizings, the largest generalizations. But his style is a means, not an end; like the air, itself invisible, it reveals all things; its charm is that of purity, giving clear vision — never distortion or mirage. The still waters of his discourse run deep; his words always " set hearts beating pure," if rarely "fast."
At Detroit, in 1869, he innocently raised a tempest in the ecclesiastical tea-pot by doing what he had often done in the East — preaching a Christian sermon in a Unitarian pulpit. It fails to appear, however, that on these occasions he deviated from the orthodox standard of doctrine in his church. It is, at the same time, the habit of his mind, as it is the instinct of his pure heart and generous nature, to recognize and acknow ledge truth in doctrine and excellence in character wherever found.
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The two armed bateaux had gone down to the fort, laden with the dead and wounded. They now returned, and, in obedience to an order from Grant, proceeded up the river to a point oppo site Campau's house, where they opened a fire of swivels, which
HON. JOHN F. DRIGGS.
JOHN F. DRIGGS was born at Kinder-book, Columbia county, New York, March 8, 1813.
His parents were natives of the State of Connecticut, their ancestors having emigrated there at a very early period in the history of our country. His grandsires were both revolutionary soldiers.
When Mr. Driggs was but a small boy, his father moved from Kinder- hook, and settled, for a few years, on the banks of the Hudson, near West Point. It was while residing here, that Mr. Driggs first heard the history of the war of independence from the lips of many of the old 20
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swept the ground above and below it, and completely scattered the assailants. Rogers and his party now came out, and marched down the road, to unite themselves with Grant. The two bateaux accompanied them closely, and, by a constant fire, restrained the Indians from making an attack. Scarcely had Rogers left the house at one 4oor, when the enemy entered it at the other, to obtain the scalps from two or three corpses left behind. Fore most of them all, a withered old squaw rushed in, with a shrill scream, and, slashing open one of the dead bodies with her knife, scooped up the blood between her hands, and quaffed it with a ferocious ecstacy.
Grant resumed his retreat, as soon as Rogers had arrived back, from house to house, joined in succession by the parties sent to garrison each. The Indians, in great numbers, stood whooping and yelling, at a vain distance, unable to make an attack — so well did Grant choose his positions, and so steadily and coolly conduct the retreat. About eight o'clock, after six hours of marching and combat, the detachment entered once more within the shel tering palisades of Detroit. In this action, the English lost fifty- soldiers who lived in that patriotic region. From their stories, he imbibed those strong sentiments of hatred for slavery and oppression, and that love of liberty and justice which has so prominently influenced and con trolled his after life.
His father soon moved again, and took up his residence in the village of Tarrytown, also on the Hudson. He did not remain here long, how ever, as he shortly afterwards located in New York City, where he lived the remainder of his life.
In consequence of the frequent removals of his father, Mr. Driggs had but few opportunities of acquiring an education until he settled in New York City at the age of fourteen, and then such only as a natural strong mind, perseverance and an academy afforded. Of these opportunities he made the most.
Having been apprenticed to and learned the trade of sash, blind and door making, he followed that occupation — first as a journeyman, then for many years as a master mechanic.
Shortly after his marriage, and without application, he received the appointment, from the common council of the city of New York, of superintendent of the penitentiary and public institutions on Blackwell's Island, and his wife received at the same time the appointment of matron
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nine men killed and wounded. The loss of the Indians could not be ascertained ; but it certainly did not exceed fifteen or twenty. At the beginning of the fight their numbers were probably much inferior to those of the English, but fresh parties were continu ally joining them, until seven or eight hundred warriors must have been present. The Ojibwas and Ottawas alone formed the ambuscade at the bridge, under Pontiac's command ; for the Wyandots and Pottawattamies came later to the scene of action, crossing the river in their canoes, and passing round through the woods, behind the fort, to take part in the fray.
In speaking of the fight of Bloody Bridge, an able writer in the " Annual Register" for the year 1763, observes, with justice, that, although in European warfare it would be deemed a mere skirmish, yet in a conflict with the American savages, it rises to the importance of a pitched battle; since these people, being thinly scattered over a great extent of country, are accustomed to conduct their warfare by detail, and never take the field in any great force.
The Indians were greatly elated by their success, and reinforce-
of the penitentiary. The duties of these positions were performed to the entire satisfaction of the publi<t and all parties.
Though, in early life, Mr. Driggs had formed a preference for the Democratic principles of Thomas Jefferson, his strong opposition to slavery brought him in full sympathy and cooperation with such early advocates of emancipation as Leroy Sunderland, Orange Scott, Alvin Stewart, Lewis and Arthur Tappan, Friend Hopper and their co-laborers. His abolition sentiments prevented a sympathy between him and either of the dominant parties in 1836. Yet, in choosing between the two, he gave the preference to the Democrats, but these he virtually left when he cast his vote for Martin Van Buren for President on the Free Soil platform.
Leaving the city of New York in 1856, he, with his family, settled at East Saginaw, Michigan, where he entered into the mercantile and lumber business. The second year after his locating there, he was elected president of the village and held that position when East Saginaw was incorporated as a city. In 1859, he was elected to the State Legisla ture for two years, and, in 1861, was appointed register of United States land office for the Saginaw district. While holding this position, he was elected to Congress from the then Sixth Congressional District, compris-
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ments soon began to come in to swell the force of Pontiac. " Fresh warriors," writes Gladwyn, " arrive almost every day, and I believe that I shall soon be besieged by upwards of a thousand." The English, on their part, were well prepared for resistance, since the garrison now comprised more than three hundred effec tive men ; and no one entertained a doubt of their ultimate suc cess in defending the place. Day after day passed on ; a few skirmishes took place, and a few men were killed ; but nothing worthy of notice occurred until the night of the fourth of Sep tember, at which time was achieved one of the most memorable feats of which the chronicles of that day can boast.
The schooner Gladwyn, the smaller of the two armed vessels so often mentioned, had been sent down to Niagara with letters and dispatches. She was now returning, having on board Horst, her master, Jacobs, her mate, and a crew of ten men, all of whom were provincials, besides six Iroquois Indians, supposed to be friendly to the English. On the night of the third she entered the River Detroit, and, in the morning, the six Indians asked to be set on shore, a request which was foolishly granted. They dis-
ing the Upper Peninsula of thirty counties, being nearly one-half of the territory in the entire State. He was feelected twice by largely increased majorities, but, refusing to leave his post at Washington to secure a fourth nomination, he was, after a protracted session, defeated in the convention by one. Two years subsequent to this, he was again nomin ated by the Republican party and defeated, after an extraordinary contest, by Judge Sutherland, the Democratic nominee. The extraordinary means resorted to, to accomplish Mr. Driggs' defeat in the cKstrict where it is universally admitted that he made an enviable record as a faithful, patriotic and energetic representative, are well known to the people of his State, and cannot be further alluded to in this sketch. Suffice it to say, that during his congressional career, he established a record for fidelity, industry and patriotism, of which he may well be proud.
Near the close of the war, under the last call, he raised a full regiment in sixty days, while the other six regiments called for had to be consoli dated to fill their ranks, before leaving for the front.
Mr. Driggs still resides at East Saginaw, where he is much respected and largely engaged in the manufacture of salt and in real estate trans actions. He may well be included among the most worthy and prominent citizens of Michigan.
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appeared in the woods, and probably reported to Pontiac's war riors the small number of the crew. The vessel stood up the river until nightfall, when, the wind falling, she was compelled to anchor about nine miles below the fort. The men on board
REV. J. M. ARNOLD.
JOHN M. ARNOLD, one of the most widely known ministers of the Methodist Episcopal church in this State, was born in Durham, Greene county, New York, on the 15th of October, 1824. He began life as a farmer, and early attained a fair education. During his boyhood, he acquired an insatiable desire for knowledge, and soon became a constant reader, which laid the foundation of that general inf ormation and literary discrimination which has since characterized him and been the occasion of directing him to the peculiar sphere of activity that he now occupies.
Mr. Arnold came to Detroit in 1861, as pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal church, and at the close of his term with that church he com-
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watched with anxious vigilance. The night set in with darkness so complete, that, at the distance of a few rods, nothing could be discerned. Meantime, three hundred and fifty Indians, in their birch canoes, glided silently down the current, and were close upon the vessel before they were seen. There was only time to fire a single cannon shot among them before they were beneath her bows, and clambering up her sides, holding their knives clenched fast between their teeth. The crew gave them a close fire of musketry, without any effect ; then, flinging down their guns, they seized the spears and hatchets, with which they were all provided, and met the assailants with such furious energy and courage, that, in the space of two or three minutes, they had killed and wounded more than twice their own number. But the Indians were only checked for a moment. The master of the vessel was killed, several of the crew were disabled, and the assailants were leaping over the bulwarks, when Jacobs, the mate, called out to blow up the schooner.
This desperate command saved her and her crew. Some Wyan- dots, who had gained the deck, caught the meaning of his words, and gave the alarm to their companions. Instantly, every Indian leaped overboard in a panic, and the whole were seen diving and
menced the organization of the Detroit Book Depository, under the auspices of his denomination, which has since grown into a large and flourishing business institution, and is now conducted under the name of J. M. Arnold & Co. Mr. Arnold is widely known as an enthusiastic and penetrating book dealer, buying and selling, under protest only, any pub lication that does not tend to improve the head or heart, and has built up his present business without pandering in the least to that class of literature which tends to demoralize the younger portion of our popu lation.
Aside from attending to his business, Mr. Arnold continues to fill some one of the various pulpits of his own and other denominations, through out the State, during the majority of the Sabbaths in the year, in a highly acceptable manner. For a number of years, he has held from his conference the appointment of Sabbath school agent. In performing the duties of this position, he travels extensively, lecturing and preaching in all portions of the State, and is a man of wide personal influence in his own and other denominations.
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swimming off in all directions, to escape the threatened explosion. The schooner was cleared of her assailants, who did not dare to renew the attack ; and, on the following morning, she sailed for the fort, which she reached without molestation. Six of her crew escaped unhurt. Of the remainder, two were killed, and four seriously wounded ; while the Indians had seven men killed upon the spot, and nearly twenty wounded, of whom eight were known to have died within a few days after. As the action was very brief, the fierceness of the struggle is sufficiently apparent from the loss on both sides.
The appearance of the men, says an eye-witness who saw them on their arrival, was enough to convince every one of their brav ery, they being as bloody as butchers, and their bayonets, spears and cutlasses bloody to the hilt. The survivors of the crew were afterwards rewarded as their courage deserved. The schooner, so boldly defended by her crew against a force of more than twenty times their number, brought to the fort a much needed supply of provisions. It was not, however, adequate to the wants of the garrison, and the whole were put upon the shortest possible allow ance.
CHAPTER XXI.
CONCLUSION OP PONTIAC'S WAR — THE SIEGE OP DETROIT RAISED — BRADSTREET IN THE WEST — THE ENGLISH AT PEACE — THE REVOLU TIONARY WAR — INSTIGATING SAVAGES TO TAKE AMERICAN SCALPS — CAPTAIN BYRD'S EXPEDITION — HAMILTON'S EXPEDITION — His CAP TURE — DE PEYSTER COMMANDS AT DETROIT — AMERICAN LIBERTY TRIUMPHANT — PEACE RESTORED.
IT WAS now the end of September. The Indians had pressed the siege with a determination unknown to their race, since the beginning of May ; but at length their constancy began to wane. The tidings that Major Wilkins was approaching with a strong detachment reached their camp, and they began to fear the con sequences of an attack, especially as their ammunition was nearly expended. By this time, most of the tribes around Detroit were disposed to sue for peace. They wished to retire unmolested to their wintering grounds, and renew the war in the spring. Accord ingly, on the twelfth of October, Wapocomoguth, great chief of the Mississaugas, visited the fort with a pipe of peace. He made; a speech to Major Gladwyn, asking for peace, to which the conn mandant replied, telling him that he could not himself granli peace, but would consent to a truce. This was accepted, and Gladwyn availed himself of the opportunity to collect provisions from the Canadians, and succeeded so well that the fort was soor furnished for the winter. After overtures of peace, Pontiac with drew, with his chiefs, to the Maumee, to stir up the Indians ii that quarter, with a view of resuming the war in the spring.
About the middle of November, after quiet had been restore* around the fort at Detroit, two friendly Indians visited the fort and one of them took a closely folded letter from his powdei horn and handed it to Gladwyn. The note was from Major Wij kins, and contained the disastrous news that the detachmerj
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313
under his command had been overtaken by a storm ; that many of the boats had been wrecked ; that seventy men had perished ; that all its stores and ammunition had been destroyed, and the detachment forced to return to Niagara. This intelligence had
HON. R. P. ELDRIDGE.
ROBERT P. ELDRIDGE, a prominent lawyer of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, was born on the banks of the Hudson, in the township of Green wich, Washington county, New York, in 1808.
The winter after he was six years of age, his father moved to Lebanon, Madison county, and from there to the township of Hamilton, on the east side of the west branch of the Chenango river, in the same county. The spring after he reached his fourteenth year, he was sent to the academy at the village of Hamilton to prepare for a collegiate education, but his
314 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
an effect upon the garrison which rendered the prospect of the cold and cheerless winter yet more dreary and forlorn. But the winter came, and was endured by these hardy soldiers ; and, with the return of spring their savage enemies began to appear. They endured their assaults until the twenty-sixth of August, when Bradstreet's fleet came sailing up the river, to the relief of the disconsolate garrison. They were welcomed by the cannon of the garrison, and cheer after cheer pealed forth from the crowded ramparts. Well might Gladwyn and his soldiers rejoice at the approaching succor. They had been beset for more than fifteen months by their savage enemies; and, though there were times when not an Indian could be seen, yet woe to the soldier who should wander into the forest in search of game, or stroll too far beyond range of the cannon.
The army had no sooner landed than the garrison was relieved and fresh troops substituted in their place. Bradstreet next inquired into the conduct of the Canadians of Detroit, and pun ished such of them as had given aid to the Indians. A few only were found guilty, the more culpable having fled to the Illinois, on the approach of the army. Pontiac, too, was gone. The great war chief — his vengeance unslaked, and his purpose unshaken —
mother dying when he was sixteen, his father's family was broken up; the children, of which there were eight, were separated and never again were they all assembled under the one roof. From this time, he was compelled to teach school winters in order to study summers, and from necessity was obliged to abandon the idea of "going through college."
In his seventeenth year, at the earnest request of his father, he entered the law office of Stowe & Girdly, one of the most eminent law firms of Madison county, New York. While in this law office, he was required to labor very hard at the table, copying; yet he received much valuable information from Judge Girdly, in the science of the profession he was destined to pursue.
At the close of his school in the spring of 1826, after paying his little necessary indebtedness, he found himself the owner of twenty dollars, and with this amount he started for the territory of Michigan, being utterly unacquainted with the world, and with no practical experience in any business, except school teaching.
Mr. Eldridge landed in Detroit on the 26th day of May, 1826, poorly
OF MICHIGAN. 31 5
had retired to the banks of the Maumee, whence he sent a haughty defiance to the English commander. The Indian vil lages near Detroit were half emptied of their inhabitants, many of whom still followed the desperate fortunes of their indomitable leader. Those who remained were, for the most part, brought by famine and misery to a sincere desire for peace, and readily obeyed the summons of Bradstreet to meet him in council.
The council was held in the open air, on the morning of the seventh of September, with all the accompaniments of military display which could inspire awe and respect among the assembled savages. The tribes, or, rather, fragments of tribes, represented at this meeting, were the Ottawas, Ojibwas, Pottawattamies, Miamis, Sacs, and Wyandots. The Indians of Sandusky kept imperfectly the promise they had made, the Wyandots of that place alone sending a full deputation ; while the other tribes were merely represented by the Ojibwa chief, Wasson. This man, who was the principal chief of his tribe, and the most prominent orator on the present occasion, rose and opened the council. He frankly confessed that the tribes which he represented were all justly chargeable with the war, and now deeply regretted it. Bradstreet would grant peace only on condition that they should
clad, and with ten shillings as the sum total of his capital. After a short time, some gentlemen in Detroit with the under-sherifF of Wayne county, fitted up the " debtors room," in the jail, for a school room, and he went to teaching their boys at $8.00 per quarter. At the end of six weeks, pleasantly occupied in conducting his school, he was stricken down by a severe attack of bilious fever, which, had it not been for the kind care of a Mr. Seymour, with whom he boarded, and a naturally strong constitu tion, woujd have proved fatal. Recovering, he collected what was due him, paid his debts, and with the remainder, one dollar and a half, paid his stage fare to Pontiac, Michigan, where he had engaged to teach school during the winter of 1826-27. While teaching this school, he devoted his evenings and Saturdays to recording deeds in the register of deeds office for Oakland county. Aside from this, he found some time to pursue his legal studies in the office of Governor Richardson. During this winter, he was severely afflicted with inflammation of the eyes, the healing of which cost him more than what he had earned teaching school.
316 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
become subjects of the King of England, and acknowledge that he held over their country a sovereignty as ample and complete as over any other part of his dominions. Nothing could be more impolitic than this demand ; but, happily, not a savage present was able to comprehend it. The terms, therefore, met with a ready assent. They promised in the future to call the English King father, instead of brother.
A deputation was sent to Pontiac, who had retired to the Mau- mee, and that chief agreed to lead the nations to war no more ; but declared that he would never become a friend to the English ; although, two years afterwards, he was declaring himself the fast friend of that nation, in a speech to Sir William Johnson. In 1769, this great chief and warrior met his death, in Illinois, at the hands of an Indian of the Kaskaskia tribe, who was induced to commit the crime for a barrel of whisky, by an Englishman, named Williamson.
Bradstreet left Detroit, to compel Indian submission elsewhere ; and left the little garrison enjoying the luxury of peace. Now that the insurrection was quelled, the British adopted a system of conciliatory measures, to secure the good-will of the disaffected tribes ; small grants of land were made around the posts, and the
In the following summer, he found it necessary to seek a new location, and, borrowing a friend's horse, he rode down to Mt. Clemens, in Macomb county, and, after an examination, decided to locate there. Accordingly, on the 3d of July, 1827, he started out on foot from Pontiac, and after a fatiguing march reached Mt. Clemens the next day. Here he went into the employ of a merchant by the name of Ashley, working for his board. In the fall following, his father sent him a few law books, mostly elementary. Being obliged to leave Mr. Ashley's house on account of sickness in that family, he commenced keeping bachelor's hall, and reading his law books preparatory to being admitted by the supreme court of the territory as soon as he attained his majority. In the fall of 1828, he applied for admission. His examination was in open court, and after being thoroughly quizzed by six of the ablest lawyers in Detroit, before Judges Sibley and Chipman, he was admitted as an attorney at law and solicitor in chancery. The court at that time was held in the old State capital, and he was stopping at "Uncle Ben's Steamboat Hotel,'' but in going from the former to the latter, after passing his examination,
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 317
Indians themselves were induced to cede portions of their terri tory for a trifling consideration. The French settlements extended in a short time along the banks of the Detroit and St. Clair riv ers to a distance of about twenty miles above and below Detroit. The latter continued to be the most prominent post, and in 1766 the town contained more than a hundred houses, independent of the barracks. To the west of the latter lay the commons, which was also called the King's Garden. The post was surrounded by pickets, mounted with small cannon, and was garrisoned by two hundred soldiers.
Meanwhile, the Hudson's Bay Company extended its operations through the wilderness which had, for a century previous been the ranging ground of the French traders. This company had been chartered, in 1669, by Charles II. That charter, granted to a company of English merchants, authorized them to occupy a very extensive region, for the prosecution of the fur trade ; to estab lish military posts for their defense, and to traffic with the native tribes. In 1766, individual adventurers began to extend their operations along the lake shores, in the same track that had for merly been pursued by the French, and soon came in collision with the large companies, which were striving to occupy the whole territory for their exclusive benefit.
he has no recollection of passing any houses or pedestrians on the way. Returning to Mt. Clemens, he "put out his shingle." Mr. Eldridge was then the only lawyer in that county, and the good people in it were sober and industrious, and derived more pleasure and profit in cultivating their farms than in contentions and law suits, which made the prospects for a young lawyer, without means, relatives or influential friends to aid him, look very gloomy indeed. He would undoubtedly have sought a new location, only that poverty held him there with a firm grip. The county improved rapidly, however, settlers increased and grew wealthy, another lawyer located in the county, and then many suddenly discovered that they had received injuries at the hands of their neighbors, which their duty to themselves and society required them to have righted. From this time, Mr. Eldridge found it easy to support himself and family and to put away a few dollars for future contingencies.
He soon took an active part in politics, and, having been educated a Democrat, he was a warm supporter of Jackson and Van Buren, and the Democratic nominees for _State and county offices. In February, 1842,
318 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
The English made but little change, either in the laws or in their administration, and pursued the same general policy as their predecessors, the French. The commandants of the posts, although responsible to the Governor-General at Quebec, were still possessed of a discretionary power which was all but abso lute, and which they exercised in a highly arbitrary manner. In 1774, while Governor Hamilton was commanding at Detroit, an act was passed, called the Quebec Act, establishing the bounda ries of Canada, including Michigan, and extending thence to the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, on the south, and north, from the St. Lawrence to the latitude of 52°, or, to the lands of the Hudson's Bay Company. This act granted to the Catholic inhabitants the free exercise of their religion, the undisturbed possession of their church property, and the right, in all matters of litigation, to demand a trial according to the former laws of the province. But this right was not extended to the settlers on lands granted by the English Crown. The criminal laws of England were introduced into Canada, and the Crown reserved to itself the right of establishing courts of civil, criminal and ecclesiastical juris diction.
The enterprise of the people was not wholly confined to the fur trade. As early as 1773, the mineral regions of Lake Superior
Mr. Eldridge was appointed to the prominent position of secretary of State by Governor Barry, which office he held by reappointment during the four years of Governor Barry's administration. In the fall of 1846, he was elected a member of the State senate, and, in the winter of 1847, attended as a senator the first session of the legislature held at Lansing. With the close of that session, he ended his public labors, and severed his connection with politics so far as holding or seeking to hold any office was concerned.
Upon the expiration of his term of office as secretary of State, he resumed the practice of his profession at Mt. Clemens, and now, at the age of sixty-five, he is actively engaged in the pursuit of it. He is as attached to it now as when compelled to depend upon its receipts to sup port his family and educate his children. He looks upon the law as a noble science; he esteems and reverences it; he loves its practice, and he is now and ever has been an honor to the profession, occupying a position among the eminent lawyers of the State.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 819
were visited ; and a project was formed for working the copper ore discovered there, and a company in England had obtained a charter for that purpose. A sloop was purchased and the miners commenced operations, but soon found, however, that the expenses of blasting and of transportation were too great to warrant the prosecution of the enterprise, and it was abandoned. In 1783, several influential merchants, who had been individually engaged in the fur trade, entered into partnership for its more successful prosecution, and established what was styled the Northwest Fur Company. In 1787, the shareholders appointed from their num ber special agents, to import from England such goods as might be required, and to store them at Montreal. This plan of con ducting the trade was not dissimilar to that which had been pur sued by the French. Storehouses were erected at convenient places on the borders of the lakes ; and the posts formerly occu pied by the French were used for the same purpose. Agents were sent to Detroit, Mackinaw, the Sault Ste. Marie, and the Grand Portage, near Lake Superior, who packed the furs and sent them to Montreal, for shipment to England. The most important point of the fur trade was the Grand Portage of Lake Superior. Here the proprietors of the establishment, the guides, clerks and interpreters, messed together in a large hall, while the canoe men were allowed only a dish of " hominy," consisting of Indian corn boiled in a strong alkali, and seasoned with fat. Thus, this inter esting trade, which had been carried on for more than a century, still continued to circulate in its ordinary channels, along the waters of the lakes.
But the spirit of mercantile rivalry was carried to a great extent, and unhappily, excited the worst passions of those inter ested in the several companies. The employes of the Hudson's Bay and Northwest Companies, the boundaries of which were not very clearly defined, often came into active and desperate con flict, and made repeated attacks upon the trading posts of each other. Lord Selkirk, however, having placed himself at the head of the Hudson's Bay Company, succeeded at length in uniting the stock of the two companies, and this put an end to the strife. These two companies held dominion over the territory bordering
320 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
on the lakes, and studied only to keep it a barren wilderness, that their trade might be preserved and prolonged.
The American revolution was already bursting forth ; but, during this eventful struggle, the territory of the present State of Michigan, from its remote situation, was but little affected by the war, though the Indians within its borders were employed to harass the American settlements upon the frontiers of New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Detroit and Michilimackinac were, during this period, the points of greatest interest. At these posts the Indian warriors were assembled, and furnished with arms and ammunition, and from thence they were dispatched against the nearest American settlements, to burn and destroy, and to massacre and scalp the defenseless inhabitants. On their return from such murderous expeditions, these savage allies were met by the British commanders in the council houses of Michili mackinac and Detroit, and there paid a stipulated price for the scalps which they brought. In some instances, the Indians were supported in these expeditions by the regular troops and local militia.
One of these joint expeditions, commanded by Captain Byrd, set out from Detroit to attack Louisville. It proceeded in boats as far as it could ascend the Maumee, and from thence crossed over to the Ohio, and marched to Ruddle's Station. This post surrendered at once, without fighting, under the promise of being protected from the Indians. This promise, however, was violated, and the prisoners were all massacred. A small stockade, called Martin's Station, was also taken by the same commander, and his march through the whole region was attended with the utmost consternation.
Another expedition, under Governor Hamilton, the command ant of Detroit, started out in 1778. The commander appeared before the fort of Vincennes, in December, with an army of thirty regulars, fifty French volunteers, and four hundred Indians. The people living in the neighborhood of the fort made no effort to defend it, and the only garrison within its walls wras Captain Helm, and a private soldier, called Henry. Seeing the troops at a distance, they loaded a cannon, which they placed in the open
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- 321
gateway ; and the commandant of the fort, Captain Helm, stood by the cannon with a lighted match. When Governor Hamilton and his military approached within hailing distance, Helm called out with a loud voice, " Halt !" This show of resistance made
HON. W. L. WEBBER.
WILLIAM L. WEBBER, of East ^Saginaw, was born July 19, 1825, at Ogden, Monroe county, New York.
In June, 1836, lie came with his father and family to Michigan, and settled in Hartland, Livingston county. He studied medicine two years, in 1847-8, at Milford, Oakland county, when, discovering that the law would be more congenial to his taste, he changed his reading to fit him self for the latter profession, and was admitted to the bar in 1851. He removed to East Saginaw in March, 1853, where he at once took a lead- 21
322 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
Hamilton stop and demand a surrender of the garrison. " No man," exclaimed Helm, with an oath, "enters here until I know the terms." Hamilton replied, " You shall have the honors of war." Helm thereupon surrendered the fort, and the whole garrison, consisting of the two already named, marched out and received the customary marks of respect for their brave defense. Hamil ton was afterwards met by General Clark, to whom he surren dered. The British soldiers were suffered to return to Detroit ; but their commander, who was known to have been active in instigating Indian barbarities, was placed in irons, and sent to Virginia as a prisoner of war.
The pious Moravian missionaries, on the banks of the Mus- kingum, did not escape the hand of the English at Detroit. They were suspected of holding a secret correspondence with the Con gress at Philadelphia, and of contributing their influence, as well as that of their Indian congregation, to aid the American cause. Deputies were therefore sent to Niagara, and a grand council of the Iroquois was assembled, at which those Indians were urged to break up the Indian congregation collected by the Moravians. These tribes, not wishing to have anything to do with it, sent a message to the Chippewas and Ottawas, with a belt, stating that they gave the Indian congregation into their hands, "to make soup of."
ing position as a lawyer. For many years he has been one of the prominent lawyers of Northern Michigan. As a practitioner he was studi ous, mastering all the law applicable to his cases, painstaking to learn all the facts from his client, alert to find out whatever was to be known in advance about the plans of his adversary, self-possessed and dignified in his conduct on the trial of cases, affable and fair to his brethren in the profession, and, withal, zealous for his client. He was ever candid and faithful in his relations, professional and otherwise, keeping faith with everybody, as a matter of conscience and honor.
Latterly, for several years, he was been intimately associated with the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad as its attorney, and commissioner for the care and disposition of its large land grant. For this position he gave up general practice. By his judicious management of this land department, he has very largely contributed to the interior of the State north of the Saginaw river. He is at present mayor of the city of East Saginaw.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 323
In 1781, these Moravian missionaries arrived at Detroit, when they were brought before De Peyster, the commandant. A war council was held, and the council house completely filled with Indians. Captain Pipe, an Indian chief, addressed the assembly, and told the commandant that " the English might fight the Americans if they chose ; it was their cause, and not his ; that they had raised a quarrel among themselves, and it was their business to fight it out. They had set him on the Americans, as the hunter sets his dog upon the game." By the side of the British commander stood another war chief, with a stick in his hand, four feet in length, strung with American scalps. This warrior followed Captain Pipe, saying : " Now, father, here is what has been done with the hatchet you gave me. I have made the use of it that you ordered me to do, and found it sharp."
Such were the scenes at Detroit that occurred frequently, from the close of the Pontiac war till the advent of the " stars and stripes." During the whole course of the revolutionary war, the savage tribes in this vicinity were instigated to commit the most atrocious cruelties against the defenseless American settlements. Every avenue was closed whereby a different influence might be introduced among them, and they were made to believe that the Americans were only seeking to possess themselves of their lands, and to drive them away from the territory they had inherited from their fathers. But, at last, the great cause of American free dom was triumphant. The treaty of Versailles was concluded in 1783, and the settlers of Michigan were once more permitted to renew their labors in comparative peace.
CHAPTER XXII.
THE RETENTION OF THE WESTERN POSTS BY GREAT BRITAIN AFTER THE TREATY OF 1783 — NORTHWESTERN TERRITORY ORGANIZED — INDIAN TROUBLES AGAIN — THE GREAT WAR COUNCIL AT DETROIT — CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL HARMER — ST. GLAIR'S DEFEAT — WAYNE'S VICTORIES —MICHIGAN SURRENDERED TO THE UNITED STATES.
WE HAVE said that the war was ended and peace established ; but no sooner was a treaty of peace concluded, than new troubles began to arise. We have seen how, during the revolutionary war, the western outposts of Great Britain were instrumental in send ing the savages against the weak settlements ; and, now that the Americans had been victorious, England refused to withdraw her troops from the garrisons in the lake region. However, by the second article of Jay's treaty, in 1794, it was provided that the British troops should be withdrawn from all the posts assigned to the United States by the former treaty of 1783, on or before the first day of June, 1796. This matter being settled, the American people turned their attention to the Northwest, with a view to its settlement ; and measures were accordingly taken for its tempo rary government. The circumstance which had more particu larly directed the public attention to the western domain was a memorial from the soldiers and officers of the Revolutionary army, presented to General Washington in 1783, setting forth their claims to a portion of the public lands. One difficulty that lay in the way was that the territory northwest of the Ohio was claimed by several of the Eastern States, on the ground that it was included within the limits indicated by their charter from the English Crown. But, in answer to the wishes of the govern ment and people, these States, in a patriotic spirit, surrendered their claims to this extensive territory, that it might constitute a common fund, to aid in the payment of the national debt. Many of the native tribes conveyed to the United States their
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
325
rights to territory in this domain, and thus was the way prepared for the erection of the territory northwest of the Ohio. A gov ernment was formed for this extensive region, with Arthur St. Clair as Governor; and, on the seventh of April, 1788, a com-
CHESTER B. JONES.
CHESTER B. JONES, the subject of this sketch, was born in Western Pennsylvania, September 11, 1823.
At an early age he passed through an academic course of education, at Erie. This finished, he emigrated to Kentucky, and taught school there and in other Southern States for several years. Having a desire for an active business life, he connected himself with a mercantile house, and traveled extensively through the Union representing their interests.
In 1853, he became connected with a wealthy lumber firm in Albany,
326 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
pany of forty-seven individuals landed at the site of the present town of Marietta, and there commenced the settlement of Ohio.
We have seen that the western posts were still retained by the British government. This gave rise to several questions of no little interest, which excited unfriendly feelings between the two nations, and which largely governed their policy. Debts due by Americans to British subjects, the payment of which had been guaranteed by the treaty, were not paid ; and, on the other hand, the slaves belonging to Americans, and who had been taken away by British officers, were not restored. In consequence of these, and other unsettled matters, when Baron Steuben was sent by General Washington to Sir Frederic Haldimand, at Quebec, to arrange for the occupation of these posts, with instructions to proceed to Michigan, and along the line of the lake frontier, for the purpose of taking possession of them, he was informed that they would not be given up, and was refused passports to Niagara and Detroit.
In addition to the retention of the western posts by the English, a new confederacy among the savages was organizing. In Decem ber, 1786, a grand council of the different tribes was held near the mouth of the Detroit river. At this council were delegates from all the nations inhabiting the Northwest. The principal subject of discussion appears to have been the question of bound- New York, and on the first day of April in that year arrived in East Saginaw, to manage their interests in that section. Although where East Saginaw now stands was then a wilderness, he had the foresight to see that the time was not far distant when the great lumber resources of that region would build up a large and influential city. With this idea in view, he at once went to work with the intention of permanently locating there. Being an energetic, Christian young man, and faithful to the trusts consigned to his care, he soon built up an enviable reputation for integrity and good business qualities. Outsiders availed themselves of his knowledge and good judgment, and he rapidly became a prominent purchaser and shipper of lumber. He is also largely interested in real estate, and is intimately connected with the growth of his adopted city.
Being of a retiring disposition, he has many times refused offices of public trust, which his fellow-citizens wished to bestow upon him. However, he is very active in all educational affairs, and has served
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 327
ary. It was contended by the Indians that the United States had no right to cross the Ohio. This pending outbreak among the savages was undoubtedly the work of the English, who were again seeking their aid to harass the Americans.
England set forth as a plea for retaining the western posts, that the extensive and valuable country in which they were situated had been ceded away through some oversight on the part of the commissioners, or from their ignorance of the geography of the country ; and now, aided by the savages, they hoped to retain their possessions in the West, It was at this juncture that Alex ander McKenzie, an agent of the British government, visited Detroit, painted like an Indian, and stated that he had just returned from the remote tribes of the upper lakes, who were all in arms, and prepared to oppose the claims of the Americans to the western lands ; that large bodies of warriors had already assembled, and that they were about to attack the infant settle ment of Ohio. These stories, gotten up by McKenzie, succeeded as he had desired. In 1794, an agent was sent from the Spanish settlements, on the banks of the Mississippi, for the same object, and to hasten the organization of the Indian confederacy against the United States. Excited by his speeches, bands of savage war riors, armed with the tomahawk and scalping-knife, were seen hastening toward the lake posts, and the great Indian confeder acy was formed against the Americans, equaling that constituted
several years as a member of the board of education of his city. As chairman of the building committee of that body, he has been very efficient, as the many beautiful school-houses in East Saginaw, erected under his supervision, bear witness. He is now president of the board.
He was married to Miss Caroline H. Smith, daughter of Hon. Jeremiah Smith, of Grand Blanc, Michigan, on the llth of January, 1859.
In religious matters, Mr. Jones is liberal and generous, and takes a prominent part in the advancement of all good works. From his indus try he has secured a competency, which is freely used in comforting the sick and supplying the wants of the poor. He is a true friend to indus trious young men, and many have secured positions through his influence. He is truly one of that class of men that are an aid to the community in which they dwell, and is recognized as one of the public spirited pioneers and solid men of the Saginaw valley.
328 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
a quarter of a century previous, under the great Pontiac, against the English themselves.
The border incursions commenced immediately, and again the work of desolation reigned among the infant settlements on the Ohio. These outbreaks, which were believed to be the work of the British, induced the American government, in 1790, to send General Harmer, an able officer, with an army to quell them. He advanced against the hostile tribes with a force amounting to four teen* hundred men; but, imprudently dividing his army, he was taken by surprise and defeated by a body of Indians, led by Little Turtle. Harmer having failed, General St. Clair advanced into the Indian country, in 1792, with two thousand men. This army was defeated by a large body of Indians who lay in ambush, and com pelled to retreat. Efforts were now put forth to increase the army ; and, in 1793, General Anthony Wayne succeeded St. Clair in the command of the western army. Advancing through the forest to the spot which had been rendered memorable by the defeat of St. Clair, he there constructed a fort, and called it Fort Recovery.
Advancing further into the wilderness, he found many Indian villages deserted. At the Rapids of the Maumee he erected Fort Deposit, where he stored his supplies. They were now within a few miles of a British post, which had been garrisoned by soldiers sent from Detroit, for the purpose of aiding the Indians. General Wayne had been instructed to use his English opponents according to the usages of war ; and, with a bold deter mination, he pushed forward to the enemy's fort. The Indian force, their whole strength being collected at this point, was, in numbers, about the same as that of the Americans. The Indians were stationed in a dense forest, and protected by the bank of the river and a breastwork of fallen trees, and they were disposed in three lines, within supporting distance of each other. The bat tle soon followed ; and, through stratagem, Wayne was successful, and completely routed the savages. He destroyed the Indian villages and corn fields on the banks of the Maumee, and pro ceeded towards Fort Defiance. Before he left the battle ground, however, he paraded his force in front of the British post, that
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 329
they might see its strength ; while he advanced towards the glacis, to examine the character of the position, and to ascertain, as far as was possible, what were the intentions of the garrison. The American officers, as they drew near, could discover the Brit ish soldiers, with matches lighted and standing by their guns, ready for any emergency that might arise. General Wayne finally concluded a treaty with the Indians, at Greenville, which effectually broke up the whole confederacy.
In 1795, a project was started, which, had it been successful, would have injured the interests of the West. Robert Randall and Charles Whitney, of Vermont, in connection with several merchants of Detroit, entered into a compact, for the purpose of appropriating to themselves a vast territory, comprising nearly twenty millions of acres, situated between Lakes Erie and Michi gan. The land was to be divided into a number of shares, and distributed among the purchasers and the members of Congress who should exert their influence in procuring the passage of the necessary law. But, as soon as the corrupt character of the plot had been discovered, the two principal projectors were brought before the bar of the House of Representatives. On hearing the evidence, Randall was discharged, but Whitney was fined the amount of the costs, and received a severe reprimand.
Wayne's victory having broken the Indian power, and the treaty of Greenville binding them from further aggressions, the Island of Mackinaw and the fort of Detroit were surrendered by the English, but the retiring garrisons, to show their spite, locked the gates of the fort, broke all the windows in the bar racks, and filled the wells with stones, so as to annoy the new occu pants as much as was in their power.
It was in the beginning of June, 1796, that Captain Porter, with a detachment of American troops, entered the fort, which had been previously evacuated by the British. The American flag was displayed, and the dominion of the country peaceably transferred.
CHAPTER XXIII.
WILLIAM HULL APPOINTED GOVERNOR OF THE TERRITORY OF MICHI GAN — TECUMSEH'S WARRIORS ASSEMBLING — AN ARMY RAISED IN OHIO — IT MARCHES TO DETROIT UNDER GENERAL HULL — WAR DECLARED BETWEEN ENGLAND AND THE UNITED STATES — HULL ADVANCES INTO CANADA.
IT WAS a considerable time before the Territory of Micnigan, now in the possession of the United States, was improved or altered by the increase of settlements. The Canadian French continued to form the principal part of its population. The interior of the country was but little known, except by the Indians and the fur traders. The Indian title not being fully extinguished, no lands were brought into market, and consequently the settle ments increased but slowly. The State of Michigan at this time constituted simply the county of Wayne in the Northwest terri tory. It sent one representative to the legislature of that territory, which was held at Chilicothe. A court of common pleas was organized for the county, and the general court of the whole territory sometimes met at Detroit. No roads had as yet been constructed through the interior, nor were there any settlements, except on the frontiers. The habits of the people were essentially military, and but little attention was paid to agriculture, except by the French peasantry. A representation was sent to the gen eral assembly of the Northwest territory at Chilicothe until 1800, when Indiana was erected into a separate territory. Two years later Michigan was annexed to and continued to be a part of the Territory of Indiana until 1805, when, in the month of January of that year, it was erected into a separate territory, and William Hull appointed its first governor.
We will not interrupt the narrative here to notice the acts of Governor Hull's administration in detail, as this information will
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be found in succeeding chapters devoted to the political history of Michigan.
We have seen that Michigan had but just emerged from a suc cession of Indian wars, and now another was evidently preparing.
HON. JAMES F. JOY.
JAMES F. JOY, of Detroit, was born at Durham, New Hampshire, December 2, 1810.
His father, a manufacturer of scythes and other implements, was a man of iron muscles, large brain, and great mental as well as moral power. Like all the strong men of New England, he appreciated the value of education, and a moral and religious culture for his children, and so he labored earnestly day by day that they might enjoy those advantages which honest poverty had denied to him. He was a man who practiced
332 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
This was in the shape of another confederacy, which was directly instigated by the English. The old story was revived, that the Americans were about to drive the Indians from the lands, that they might occupy them themselves. The chief projectors of this war were Tecumseh and his brother, the prophet. Tecumseh led the nations to war, while his brother, Elkswatawa, operated on the minds of the savages by means of superstition, and excited them to a high pitch of ferocity. These new troubles were indeed nothing more than the Americans might have expected. The Indians saw a new power encroaching upon the inheritance that had been handed down to them from their ancestors. It was not difficult, therefore, to unite them in one last desperate effort to resist this usurping power. Their titles had been only partially extinguished, and they complained that, where this had been done, the treaties had been unfairly conducted ; that the Indians had been deceived ; that they were in a state of intoxication at the time they signed away their lands, and that, even under these circumstances, only a part of the tribes had given their consent. The dissatisfaction existing among them was artfully fomented by
himself and taught his family all the virtues of the New England calendar.
Having fitted himself for college with such aid as his father could give him, James F. Joy entered Dartmouth, and graduated therefrom in 1838, having the rank of the first scholar of his class and winning the valedic tory assigned to him as such. From Dartmouth College, with all its hoty and inspiring associations and memories as the school of Webster and Choate, and such men, and as the subject of Webster's grand constitu tional argument and most eloquent appeal to the supreme court, Joy went to -Cambridge, where, during the years 1833 and 1834, he had the benefit of the teaching and example, and was cheered, encouraged and stimulated by the friendship of Story and Greenleaf, and where he laid broad and deep the foundations for that great structure he has since reared thereon. Being poor, however, he was compelled to leave the law school and enter the academy at Pittsfield as its preceptor, and while there he was employed as tutor in Dartmouth College, to instruct the classes in Latin, which he did for a year, and then returned to the law school in Cam- Abridge, where he completed his studies and spent another year.
Mr. Joy was a thorough classical scholar, and, during all the labors of the last thirty years, while engaged in his profession, or in those vast
OF MICHIGAN. 333
the agents of the Northwest Fur Company, who foresaw that if the Americans were permitted to occupy this country they would be cut off from a valuable portion of their trade ; while the English government, which ceded away this extensive tract with out any very definite idea of its resources, looked with complacency on any attempts made by the savages to retain it in their hands. The American pioneers of the West had, no doubt, slighted the rights of the Indians, and wrongs had been inflicted which required correction. Taking advantage of this, the traders and the English generally were indefatigable in rousing the Indians to war. The prophet commenced his mission in 1806, and did all that supersti tion could do to excite the fury of the Indians against the Americans. The plan for the league was not unlike that formed by Pontiac. Tecumseh's plan was to surprise the posts of Detroit, Fort Wayne, Chicago, St. Louis and Vincennes, and to unite all the tribes from the borders of New York to the Mississippi. As early as the year 1807, the Shawanese chief and his brother, the prophet, were actively engaged in sending their emissaries, with presents and war-belts, to the most distant tribes, to induce them
railroad enterprises which he has founded and constructed with such eminent ability and success, has never neglected to keep up, as far as possible, his early studies. Although the railway king of the Northwest, he is more than this— he is a ripe scholar, a man of great literary attain ments and a most eminent and able lawyer, who, to-day, has few superiors in this country in all that vast code of law that has grown up as a part and parcel of the railway system of the United States, and is a thorough master of constitutional law. Take him away to-day from his avocation as president of several long lines of railway, place him at Cambridge, and he would be a most competent and able lecturer on the law; transfer him back to Dartmouth, and he would prove, even now, a thorough, capable teacher of Latin or nearly any other depart ment of learning.
In September, 1836, he came to Detroit and entered the law office of Hon. Augustus S. Porter. At that time, he was not worth a hundred dollars in the world. During the year that he remained in the office with Mr. Porter, he attracted attention to his character for industry, steadiness of purpose, devotion to business and high moral principles; and, when admitted in 1837, he at once entered on a fine and large practice.
Soon after he came to the bar, he became a partner of George F.
334 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
to join in the confederacy ; and when the comet appeared in 1811, the latter artfully turned it to account, by practicing on the super stitions of the savages. On the' 4th of May, a special mission, consisting of deputies from the Ottawas, was sent to a distant post upon the borders of Lake Superior, and a grand council being there assembled, it was addressed by Le Marquoit, or the Trout. He told the Indians that he had been sent by the messenger and representative of the Great Spirit, and that he was commissioned to deliver to them a speech from the " first man whom God had created, said to be in the Shawanese country." He then informed them what were the instructions of that Great Spirit in the suc ceeding address : " I am the Father of the English, of the French, of the Spaniards, and of the Indians. I created the first man, who was the common father of all these people as well as of our selves, and it is through him, whom I have awakened from his long sleep, that I now address you. But the Americans I did not make. They are not my children, but the children of the evil spirit. They grew from the scum of the great water when it was troubled by the evil spirit, and the froth was driven into the
Porter, a former banker, and a man of much practical business knowledge, and to Mr. Joy he was invaluable. Joy & Porter soon became the attorneys and counselors of the Dwights of Boston, Arthur and Frederick Bronson, of New York, and in 1847, when John W. Brooks came from Boston to Michigan to purchase the then Detroit & St. Joseph Railroad, he came consigned to Joy as the man to take the legal charge of all the negotiations and to act as counsel for the new stockholders in that great enterprise. Brooks intrusted to Mr. Joy all the negotiations, and by him the purchase was made from the State, the acts drawn and passed, the purchase money secured, and the Michigan Central Railroad, now one of the best in the world, was born into existence with Joy as the legal accoucheur at its birth.
With the completion of the new line to Chicago, he at once started to extend it to the Missouri river, and, organizing the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, he built up one of the most lucrative and best regulated and managed roads in the United States. Not only has he built this grand road, but he has paid regular dividends and more than quadrupled its stock out of its earnings. Instead of appropriating these earnings to his own private wealth like the officers of many other similar corporations, he has given them all to the stockholders. Mr. Joy is
OF MicfiiGAtf. 335
woods by a strong east wind. They are enormous, but I hate them. My children, you must not speak of this talk to the whites ; it must be hidden from them. I am now on the earth, sent by the Great Spirit, to instruct you. Each village must send me two or more principal chiefs, to represent you, that you may be taught. The bearer of this talk must point out to you the path to my wigwam. I could not come myself to L'Arbre Croche, because the world is changed from what it was. It is broken and leans down, and as it declines the Chippewas and all beyond will fall off and die ; therefore, you must come to see me and be instructed. Those villages which do not listen to this talk will be cut off from the face of the earth."
It was through these means that the savages were roused to attack the frontier settlements of the West, and, later, to unite with the English during the memorable war of 1812.
In 1805, as shown elsewhere, Detroit was destroyed by fire, and, on being rebuilt, the stockade was dispensed. But now that the forests were again filled with hostile Indians, a new stockade was constructed around the new town of Detroit for its better defense.
president and a director of the Michigan Central, president and director of the Hannibal & St. Joseph road, the Missouri River & Council Bluffs Railroad and their different branches, and is an officer and stock holder in several others. He and Mr. Brooks also organized the company for the construction of the St. Mary's Falls Ship Canal, connecting the navigation of Lake Superior with that of the lower lakes for all classes of vessels — a work of great national importance.
Since the close of the war, he has mainly devoted himself to the con struction of railroads, for the most part in this State. It was through his efforts that the Detroit, Lansing & Lake Michigan Railroad has thus far been completed. The road from Detroit to Bay City, and also the Chicago & Michigan Lake Shore Railroad, extending from New Buffalo to Pent water, with branches to Grand Rapids, and Big Rapids, have also been built by his means and influence. He did much also to promote the construction of the Grand River Valley, and the Jackson, Lansing & Saginaw roads, while at the same time also he was engaged in similar works in Kansas and Nebraska. Perhaps it is not too much to say, that no single man in the West has done so much to promote and push for ward the public improvements and contributed so much to the develop ment of the resources and wealth of the great West as he has done.
336 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
In September, 1809, a special counciLof the Hurons was called near Brownstown, and, at the instigation of their principal chief, Walk-in-the- Water, they freely spoke of their grievances to Gov ernor Hull. The speech addressed by this chief to the Governor, setting forth the title of his tribe to a large tract of territory near the Detroit river, which was claimed by the United States, under the treaty of Greenville, shows how dissatisfied they were with this treaty, and with the encroachments of the American people. In the midst of all these evidences of war, the Territory of Michi gan remained in a comparatively defenseless state. There were at this time, in the whole territory, but nine settlements of any importance ; nor were the inhabitants of these villages calculated to show any considerable resistance to the approaching incursions of the savages. These settlements were situated on the Rivers Miami and Raisin, on the Huron of Lake Erie, on the Ecorse, Rouge and Detroit rivers, on the Huron of St. Clair, the St. Clair river, and the Island of Mackinaw. In addition to these there were, here and there, a group of huts belonging to the French fur traders. The villages upon the Maumee, the Raisin, and the Huron of Lake Erie, contained a population of about
Mr. Joy's habits of mind and life are too rigid to allow him to be a politician, yet, at the commencement of the great war, he was induced to go to the legislature of the State, where his ability and influence did much to prepare the State for the great contest which was impending. He was chairman of the committee of ways and means, and had a large influence in settling the financial policy of the State, which has since relieved it from all embarrassment, and enabled it rapidly to extinguish its funded debt.
What his fortune is, no one but himself can state, but that it is very large all must know; yet all his habits of life, his dress, his home, his equipage, though rich and genteel, are simple and unostentatious. He neither indulges in the use of tobacco or intoxicating liquors. He never wastes his time in the follies of society, but devotes it to the improving of his mind, making the most of every hour and achieving something for the future; and yet he has neither became a miser or a greedy lover of money. As a member of the Congregational Church, he is consistent and liberal; and as a father, he has watched carefully over his children, giving them all the benefit of a thorough education, and training them to lives of industry and integrity.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
337
thirteen hundred ; the post of Detroit and the settlements on the Rivers Rouge and Ecorse, and on the Huron of Lake St. Clair, num bered about two thousand two hundred ; the Island of Mackinaw about one thousand. Detroit was garrisoned by ninety-four men,
HON. ALBERT MILLER.
ALBERT MILLER was born at Hartland, Windsor county, Vermont, May 10, 1810.
His father, Jeremy Miller, who was of English descent, was a native of Middletowu, Connecticut; and his mother was a native of Hartland, her maternal grandfather having been the first settler in that town, and her ancestors on her father's side were among those who landed at Plymouth Rock, in 1620.
Jeremy Miller died in March, 1817, leaving the subject of this sketch, who was the youngest of four children, to the care of a devoted mother, 22
338 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
and Mackinaw by seventy-nine. Thus, the entire population of the State was only about four thousand eight hundred, four-fifths of whom were French, and the remainder Americans.
An Indian war being now apparent, a memorial was presented to Congress, setting forth the defenseless condition of the Terri tory, and praying for aid from that body. This memorial was signed by the principal inhabitants of Detroit, and sent to "Washington on the twenty-seventh of December, 1811. Tecum- seh had collected his warriors, and was now ready for action. The first hostile demonstration was in the shape of marauding parties, going from one settlement to another and committing depredations.
On the banks of the Kalamazoo river, a smith's forge had been erected, where hatchets and scalping-knives were made by the savages ; and, at no great distance from this, the Indian women were cultivating corn, with which to supply the warriors with food. All the plans having been fully matured, the contest at length began, on the banks of the Wabash, at the Prophet's town. The Indian warriors from all quarters came to join
with but limited means ; and whatever success has attended him is attributable alone to his own exertions and the judicious training received from his mother.
Until he was nine years of age, he attended the district school in his n'ative town the three summer months of each year, and from that time until he was eighteen, he attended six months in the year. At this age, he had acquired sufficient education to teach a district school, and occu pied himself at that work the two succeeding winters. Determined to receive a thorough education, in 1830 he entered the Kimball and Union Academy, at Meriden, New Hampshire, to prepare himself for college, but, within four weeks after entering the academy, he was prostrated by a severe illness, which so enfeebled him that he was obliged to give up his long cherished wish to obtain a collegiate education.
Mr. Miller, upon recovering his health, decided to come West, and started from his home on the 2d of September, 1830, and arrived in Detroit, Michigan, on the 22d of the same month. The people of that town then pointed to its size with pride — it contained 2,222 inhabitants. Being joined by his father's family in the spring of 1831, he located and settled on eighty acres of land at Grand Blanc, Genesee county. In 1833,
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 339
Tecumseh, and the English, on the opposite shores, looked on with deep interest upon what was passing, regarding the savages as important allies in the conflict in which they expected shortly to be engaged.
A body of troops was collected in Ohio, consisting of about twelve hundred men, raised by order of the President of the United States ; and this number was largely increased by volun teers. These troops were formed into three regiments, under the command of Colonels McArthur, Finelly and Cass ; and a fourth regiment, about three hundred strong, under Colonel Miller, after wards joined them, the whole being under the command of Gen eral Hull, the Governor of Michigan. With this force, General Hull marched from Dayton towards Detroit.
While under march, near the River Raisin, on the third of July, 1812, General Hull received dispatches from Washington City, announcing the declaration of war against England. Two days after, they reached the River Huron, where a floating bridge was constructed, so that the entire army, with all the baggage and stores, passed over in safety. On the fifth of July, the army passed
he purchased from the government a tract of land on the east side of the Saginaw river, at the junction of the Shiawassee and Tittabawassee rivers with it, and settled there in February of that year.
At the spring election of that year, he was elected to an office which constituted him one of the inspectors of election for his township, and during his residence there of fifteen years, he was a constant member of the board of inspectors, and never ' absent from a single election. Upon the organization of the county of Saginaw, in 1835, he was appointed judge of probate for the county, by Stevens T. Mason, then acting gover nor of the territory, which office he held for nine years. He was also a justice of the peace for the township of Saginaw for thirteen successive years. In 1847, he represented the county of Saginaw in the State legis lature. At this session, the capitol was removed from Detroit to Lansing. He was one of the committee of arrangements at the laying of the corner stone of the new State capitol.
Judge Miller was married to Miss Mary Ann Daglish, of Detroit, February 6, 1838. Of this marriage, there has been six children, only one of whom is still living.
In December, 1838, Judge Miller and wife both united with the Presby-
340 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
the Indian council ground at Brownstown, crossed the River Rouge, and encamped at Springwells, about three miles below Detroit. The Fourth Regiment marched to the fort, and occupied it, on the following day. The volunteers took up their position near the fort, and a movement was made to procure a large num ber of boats, for the purpose of transporting the army into Canada. Orders were accordingly issued for the army to be in readiness to cross the river early on the following morning ; and, at this time, the army moved up the river to a point opposite the lower end of Hog Island. It was now daylight, of a delightfully bright summer morning. The whole line entered the boats, which had on the previous evening been taken from opposite the fort, at a point near Sandwich, in order to mislead the enemy as to the place selected for their advance. The army was not attacked on landing in Canada, as they expected, and marched down the road along the bank of the river, to a point opposite the town, presenting a fine appearance from the opposite shore. The inhabitants, nearly all Canadian French, welcomed the troops as friends, and white handkerchiefs and flags waved from every
terian church, and to-day they are still members of this denomination. He has materially aided the churches of the Saginaw valley from their infancy, and has twice represented the Presbytery of Saginaw in the general assembly — at Philadelphia, in 1863, and in 1870.
Judge Miller is now residing at Bay City, where he 'caused the town of Portsmouth to be laid out in 1836, and near where he built the second saw mill that was put in operation on the Saginaw river. He has resided here since 1848.
Judge Miller has always sustained the highest reputation for integrity, and, as a consequence, has enjoyed the fullest confidence of the com munities in which he has lived. He is gentle and affable in his manner to all classes; he has ever been in fellowship with the good, and full of sympathy for the poor.
Though he has borne the burden and seen all the vicissitudes of pioneer life, he has not been demoralized by its vices nor prematurely aged by its hardships. He is enjoying in competence a contented retirement. He witnesses with fatherly interest the varied activities that distinguish the Saginaw valley, without permitting the serenity of his old age to be dis turbed by an unseemly greed and scramble for more wealth.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 341
house, and many greeted the army with shouts of, " We like the Americans !" A vacant, unfinished, two-story brick house, belong ing to Colonel Baby, with extensive grounds, became the head quarters and intrenched camp of the northwestern army in
A. W. WRIGHT.
AMMI WILLARD WKIGHT, of Saginaw City, was born at Graf ton, Ver mont, July 5, 1822.
He emigrated to Michigan in 1850, remaining in Detroit for over a year. From here he removed to Portsmouth, now a part of Bay City, where he settled in November, 1851, making that his home until 1852.
During the winter of 1852, he commenced his lumbering operations, and has continued to deal heavily in this commodity ever since. In 1859, he entered the lumber manufacturing firm of Miller, Paine & Wright,
342 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
Canada. The roof of the house was shingled, the floors laid, and the windows in ; otherwise, it was entirely unfinished. A parti tion of rough boards was put up on each side of the hall, which ran entirely through the building. General Hull, with his aids, occupied the north half of the house ; General James Taylor, Quartermaster-General of the army, with his two assistants, occu pied the south side. The councils of war were held in the second story, over the room occupied by the Commanding Gen eral, access to which was had by a rough stairway. General Hull, and his son, Captain Hull, lodged, most of the time, at headquarters ; General Taylor, being unwell, lodged in Detroit.
While at these headquarters, General Hull issued a lengthy proclamation to the people of Canada. In this document he promised protection to life and property, if the inhabitants main tained a strict neutrality ; but that, if the barbarous policy of Great Britain, in letting loose the Indians to murder American citizens, was pursued, the war would become a war of extermina-
and after doing business for a number of years, this firm was dissolved. Mr. Wright went into a co-partnership with J. H. Pearson, Esq., of Chicago, in the spring of 1865, under the firm name of A. W. Wright & Co. In June following the formation of this firm, their mill burned clown, and they immediately rebuilt it on the old site on a much larger scale, and with many improvements. Afterwards, they erected another large mill, farther down the river, and carried on a very extensive lumber manufacturing business until they sold out their mill property. This firm still exists, but they are no longer engaged in the manufacture of lumber.
Mr. Wright stands in the front rank of the sterling business men of the Saginaw valley, and though shrinking from notoriety, has been a leading spirit in many public enterprises. He was president of the Saginaw & St. Louis Plank Road Company; is treasurer, director and a heavy stockholder in the Saginaw Valley & St. Louis Railroad Company; is a director in the Saginaw & St. Clair Railroad; is vice-president and director of the First National Bank; president and superintendent of the Tittabawassee Boom Company, and holds many other important business positions.
In manner, Mr. Wright is pleasant and social, of a kind disposition, and possessed of a generous nature. He is benevolent to his employes and ever enjoys their hearty good will.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 343
tion. He warned them that no white man caught fighting by the side of an Indian would be taken prisoner, but would instantly be put to death ; and closed with the hope that the Divine Ruler would guide them in their choice to a result most compatible with their rights, interests and happiness. This address is said to have been written by Governor (then Colonel) Cass.
CHAPTER XXIV.
MlCHILIMACKINAC — REMOVAL OF THE FORT TO MACKINAW ISLAND — CONDITION OF THE FORT AND SETTLEMENT IN 1812 — CAPTAIN ROBERTS' EXPEDITION CAPTURES THE FORT — THE GARRISON SENT TO DETROIT — THE ENGLISH ONCE MORE IN POSSESSION OF MACKI NAW.
LEAVING Hull and his army at Sandwich, in Canada, we will now return to long-forgotten Michilimackinac. We have seen how, about one year after the massacre, the British again sent troops, under Captain Howard, to garrison the fort. After this, the next event that attracts our notice was the removal of the fort. In 1779, a party of British officers from the post of Michili mackinac visited the Island of Mackinaw, which lies in the straits separating the two peninsulas of Michigan, for the purpose of selecting a suitable site for the fort. This done, they gained permission from the Indians to occupy it, and the fort was removed to the Island in the summer of 1780, the troops tak ing possession July fifteenth. The removal of the inhabitants from the mainland was gradual, and the fort, which was built on the site of the present one, was not completed until 1783.
In 1795, when the British gave up Fort Mackinaw to the Americans, they repaired to the Island of St. Joseph, which is situated in the St. Mary's river, about twenty miles above Detour, and there constructed a fort. At the commencement of the war of 1812, the fort was garrisoned by a small detach ment of British regulars, under command of Captain Roberts. At this time, the garrison of Fort Mackinaw consisted of only fifty-seven effective men, under the command of Lieutenant Hanks. The walls, which had been built by the English in 1780, and which are still standing, were surmounted by a palisade of cedar pickets, about ten feet high, intended as a defense against the Indians. To make it impossible to scale this palisade, each
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picket was protected at the top by sharp iron prongs. Through it were numerous port-holes, through which a leaden shower of death might be poured upon any foe that should come near. Two or three guns, of small calibre, were planted at convenient
HON. L. B. PARKER.
L. B. PARKER, a prominent citizen and a leading physician of St. Glair county, was bora at Moores, Clinton county, N. Y., July 19, 1818.
His father was a man of limited means, and unable to give his children such assistance as was essential to secure them a liberal education, but the subject of this sketch being well supplied with the "never give up " principle, found means to give himself the instruction requisite in the important positions he was destined to fill.
In 1824, his father moved to Fairfax, Vermont, and here he attended the common school for some time and until a high school was opened at
346 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
places upon the walls, and one small piece in each of the three block houses, which are yet standing. The town, at the time, was small. Except the old distillery, which stood upon the beach, some little distance from the present western limits of Shanty- town, no building had been erected west of the house recently occupied by Mr. A. Davenport, and none east of the fort garden, except one small shanty, which stood near the present site of the old mission church. With one exception, the houses were all one- story buildings, built of cedar, and roofed with cedar bark. The several traders then on the Island had each a store, and there was one dock, so called, which consisted of two cribs, filled with stone, and connected with each other and with the beach by ten logs, placed side by side.
When war was declared, there was an unpardonable negligence on the part of the War Department, in not furnishing the west ern frontier with information of that important event. Owing to this negligence, the English opposite Detroit were in posses sion of the news before it reached the American side, and the English commander, taking advantage of that fact, hastened to
Fairfax Centre, three miles distant, by Professor Hartwell Farrar. He attended this high school two terms. Leaving home at fifteen years of age, he, from that time, received no assistance, save from friends whom he had won by his manly exertions in his own behalf. Teaching school winters, he thus secured the means to attend the academy at St. Albans, during the summer seasons.
Mr. Parker commenced his medical studies with Drs. Hall and Ballou, of St. Albans, in 1839, and graduated at Castleton College, Castleton, Vermont, in June, 1842. He immediately commenced the practice of his profession at Cambridge, in the same State, where he remained two years and a half.
Dr. Parker emigrated to Michigan in 1846, and settled in Newport (now Marine City), St. Clair county, where he still resides. Here he soon built up a large and lucrative business, and he is now one of the leading and most successful physicians in that county.
He married Miss Jane Sparrow, of Algonac, July 6, 1852. Of this marriage, there has been seven children, six of whom are still living- four boys and two girls.
Dr. Parker has ever taken an active part in politics, and, being educated a Democrat, he still advocates the principles of that party. Yet, he is not
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 347
transmit the intelligence to all his outposts, and take such steps as would best secure the interests of the British Crown. With almost incredible dispatch, a messenger was sent to the Island of St. Joseph, situated in St. Mary's river, bearing a letter to Cap tain Roberts, containing the information of the declaration of war, and also the suggestion of an immediate attack on Fort Mackinaw. Roberts was but poorly prepared for an enterprise of such moment, yet, entering warmly into the views of his superior officer, and being cordially supported by the agents of the Northwest Fur Company, he was not long in deciding upon his course. The Ottawas and ChippeAvas, two neighboring Indian tribes, soon flocked to his standard in large numbers. The French, jealous of the Americans, still further augmented his strength ; and, in the short space of eight days, he had a force, naval and military, of more than a thousand men at his command. On the sixteenth day of July, he embarked for Mackinaw.
But all this was unsuspected by the little garrison and the inhabitants of Mackinaw. The first intimation which they received that all was not right was from the conduct of the
a bitter party man, but lends Ms influence and aid to the support of whatever is patriotic and tends to produce harmony and advance the condition of the State and Union. During the rebellion, he was known as a war Democrat, and did much to assist the government in its efforts to sustain the Union. In 1848, he was nominated by the Democrats as their candidate for representative in the State legislature from the first district of St. Clair county, but, that party being in the minority, he was not elected. He served as vice-president of the St. Clair county agricul tural society one year, and, in 1860, was elected to the State senate from St. Clair county and served in that body during the sessions of 1861-62. He has also held a number of important offices in the village in which he resides, and has taken a great interest in educational matters, being one of the union school trustees and president of the board of education for a number of years.
Dr. Parker is a man of strong determination, and performs his duties without fear or favor. He is universally honest and upright in all his dealings with his fellow men, and by his strict integrity and constant application to his profession, has secured an ample fortune, being now engaged in lumbering, and is also the owner of some valuable vessel property.
348 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
Indians. In obedience to the summons of Captain Roberts, they were going toward the Sault in large numbers. This caused some uneasiness, and Lieutenant Hanks, with the citizens of the place, made every effort to learn from them the object of their journey. Several councils were called, but in vain. Seegeenoe, chief of the Ottawas, was questioned closely, but not a word could be elicited from him which in any way explained their conduct.
Failing to get any satisfaction from the Indians, they next called a public meeting of the citizens, where it was resolved to make yet another effort to unravel the mystery. One Mr. Dous- man, an American fur trader, had, some time before, sent two of his agents into the Lake Superior region, to trade with the Indians for furs. He had heard of their return to the Sault, but knew of no reason why they had not returned to his head quarters at Mackinaw. He, therefore, on the sixteenth of July, under the pretense of ascertaining the reason of their delay, but really to learn what it was that called so many of the Indians in that direction, set out for the Sault. He had not gone far before he learned the whole truth ; for, meeting Captain Roberts' expedition, he was taken prisoner, barely escaping with his life. In the evening of the same day, when the expedition was near- ing the Island, it was proposed by Captain Roberts to send one Oliver, a British trader, to the people of the town, to inform them of his approach, and conduct them to a place of safety. Mr. Dousman now urged upon Captain Roberts that the people would, perhaps, be slow to believe such a report from a stranger ; and, anxious for the safety of his friends, asked leave to return on that mission himself. This he was permitted to do, having first taken oath that he would not give information of their approach to the garrison. He returned to the harbor, in front of the town, and, an hour before day, proceeded to the house of Mr. A. R. Daven port, and rapped loudly at the door. Mr. Davenport, on learning who was at the door, rose hastily, and went out, where he learned from his friend that war had been declared, and that the British had come to take the fort, being already upon the island. The news spread rapidly from one settler to another, yet the fort remained in ignorance of danger, for none dare betray the secret.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
349
Word was circulated that if the citizens took refuge in the dis tillery, they would be safe. Like wild-fire, the message went from mouth to mouth, until every man, woman and child were on their way to the place of promised safety.
HON. G. D. WILLIAMS.
GARDNER D. WILLIAMS, late of the city of Saginaw, was a descendant of a Welsh family. His ancestor, Robert Williams, settled in Roxbury, Massachusetts, in 1638, only eighteen years after the arrival of the Mayflower.
The branch of the family from which Judge Williams descended remained in Roxbury for five generations. His father, Oliver Williams, removed to Concord, Massachusetts, about the year 1794, where the sub ject of this sketch was born, September 7, 1804.
350 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
Meanwhile, Captain Roberts proceeded to the northwest side of the Island, landed his forces, and began his march toward the fort. At the farm near the landing they took possession of a number of cattle, and, before the dawn of day, reached the hol low which may be seen a short distance to the rear of the fort. Upon a little ridge, which separates this hollow from the parade ground, they planted a gun in the road, and anxiously awaited the approach of day. The dawn appeared, and the unsuspecting gar rison began to move. As Lieutenant Hanks looked out from his quarters, he was surprised at the unusual quiet that prevailed in the town below. No smoke was seen curling from the chimney- tops, and no footsteps were heard in the streets. This looked strange, and he ordered Lieutenant Darrow, with two men, to go down and ascertain the reason.
When this officer arrived at the distillery, the truth flashed upon him. Under a strong guard which had been sent by Cap tain Roberts, the inhabitants of the place were awaiting the deci sion that would again make them subjects of the British Crown. Darrow entered the distillery, and shook hands with its inmates ;
Oliver Williams came to Detroit in 1807, leaving his family in Concord. He engaged in business there as a merchant, and was one of the largest dealers in Detroit. He brought from Boston at one time, for his trade, $64,000 in goods. About the year 1811, he built the sloop "Friend's Good Will," on board of which he visited Mackinaw in 1812. At that place, his vessel was chartered by the government to go to Chicago for furs. He proceeded to that place under the charter, and took on board ninety-nine packs of furs belonging to the government, besides a quantity of his own. On his return voyage, his vessel was captured by the British at Mackinaw, that post having capitulated in his absence. The capture was effected by a ruse of the enemy. On approaching the fortress, Mr. Williams saw the American flag flying, and a sentry in American uniform on guard, and had no suspicion that the post had changed hands. He was undeceived only when too late to escape. He lost his vessel and cargo; and it is little to the credit of the government that it never made up to him the loss. The British changed the name of the vessel to the "The Little Belt." It was one of the vessels captured by Commodore Perry, in the battle of Lake Erie.
The family of Oliver Williams, including Gardner D., arrived at Detroit November 5, 1815, where they continued to reside until 1819. At that
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 351
but, when he started to return to the fort, the guards proposed to make him prisoner. Taking a pistol in each hand, and demand ing permission to return, he faced the guards, and, followed by his men, walked backwards till beyond their reach, when he returned, without molestation, to the fort. But Lieutenant Hanks did not have to wait for the return of Darrow, to learn the state of affairs below, for the sharp report of a British gun soon told him all. The report had scarcely died away, when a British officer, with flag in hand, appeared and demanded a surrender, emphasizing the demand by a statement of the overwhelming numbers of the invading army, and a threat of indiscriminate slaughter by the savages at the first motion towards resistance.
When the inhabitants of the town had been gathered under guard at the distillery, Messrs. Davenport, Abbot, Bostwick, Stone and Dousinau, who were among the leading citizens, were advised to go at once to the landing, and give themselves up to Colonel Dickinson, who had been left at that point by Captain Roberts, for that purpose. This they accordingly did. They were then urged by Colonel Dickinson to petition Lieutenant
time, they removed to Silver Lake, in Oakland county, being among the first to settle in that now populous and thriving county.
In 1827, Judge Williams, accompanying his brother Ephraim L., went to Saginaw and engaged, for the American Fur Company, in the fur trade. Here he continued to reside until his death, December 10, 1858.
During his eventful life, he held several important offices. He was a member of the first convention to form a constitution for the State of Michigan. He was successively a member of each branch of the State legislature, commissioner of internal improvements, county judge, and treasurer of Saginaw county. He was the first mayor of the city of Saginaw, and held that office at the time of his decease.
He was no ordinary man. Though deprived of opportunities in youth for education, yet by native force of character he was equal to the requirements of all the positions he was called to occupy. He had broad views of public affairs, and enjoyed the full confidence of his fellow citizens. He was eminently honest, kind and genial. He was married in 1829, and left three sons surviving him, who, continuing the lumber ing business established by the father, and in which he was a pioneer; have amassed liberal fortunes. They are respected socially, and classed among the best citizens of the Saginaw valley.
352 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
Hauks to surrender the fort at once, stating that the Indians would be entirely unmanageable in case there should be any resistance. This they did promptly. Lieutenant Hanks' position can now be easily imagined. Not having received intelligence of the declaration of war, he was wholly off his guard, and unpre pared to defend himself. The British troops, though less in num bers than the garrison under his command, had a position which commanded the fort, and were supported by nearly a thousand Indian warriors, who had been instructed to show no mercy, in case that any resistance was made. Under these circumstances, Lieutenant Hanks surrendered the fort at once, and his men were paroled and sent to Detroit.
Some have censured Lieutenant Hanks for his precipitate sur render ; but, when it is considered that the first act of resistance would have been the signal for an indiscriminate massacre of the garrison, the justice of such censures may well be questioned.
After the surrender, the citizens were assembled at the Govern ment House, and the oath of allegiance to the British Crown administered to them. They were generally willing to take the oath, but Messrs. Davenport, Bostwick, Stone, Abbot and Dous- maii refused to turn traitors. These men were immediately sent away with the soldiers, and were not permitted to return till after the declaration of peace. Captain Roberts and his men were highly complimented by the British government, and richly rewarded, for thus surprising and capturing the fort. Prize money, to the amount of ten thousand dollars, was distributed among the volunteers and soldiers, and merchandise and arms given to the Indians.
Having thus easily and cheaply succeeded in wresting from the American people one of their most important military positions, the English at once set about strengthening themselves in their new possession. Fearing that they would not be able to hold what they had so easily gained, they hastened to construct a forti fication on the crowning point of the island, which, in honor of their reigning sovereign, they called Fort George. The remains of the old fort, afterwards called Fort Holmes, may still be seen.
CHAPTER XXV.
GENERAL HULL'S COWARDICE — HE EVACUATES CANADA — ALLEGED TREASON — A DETACHMENT SENT TO MEET COLONEL BRUSH — THE FORT SURRENDERED TO THE BRITISH — INDIGNATION OF THE ARMY — COLONEL BRUSH ESCAPES — DETROIT AGAIN UNDER THE BRITISH FLAG.
WE WILL now return to General Hull's army, at Sandwich, Canada. Here the troops quartered for four weeks, during which time a detachment, under the command of Colonel McArthur, marched up the Thames river, and returned with large supplies of flour, wheat, beef, cattle, and about a thousand sheep. The latter were all sent over the river, and were permitted to range at large upon the extensive common back of the fort, where they remained until after the surrender of the army, when they were killed by Indians, and the meat appropriated to their use. A reconnoissance in force, under Colonels McArthur and Cass, marched to the vicinity of Maiden, where they dislodged a picket- guard, posted at the bridge over the Canard river, fourteen miles from camp, and four miles above Maiden.
Another reconnoissance, by the Light Infantry and a small detachment of the Fourth U. S. Regiment, commanded by Cap tain Snelling, was made about the twentieth of July, by which it was ascertained that the enemy had withdrawn his outpost at the Canard bridge, and had stationed a vessel, named the Queen Char lotte, off and near the mouth of the Canard river, in a position of observation. A plan was formed by these officers and others to construct some floating batteries, place a twenty-four pound gun upon each, and, with the addition of a few gunners and sailors then in Detroit, to descend along the shore of the river on the first dark night, and capture the Queen Charlotte. This project met with a refusal at headquarters, and all that could be obtained 23
354 GENERAL aiSfORY OF THE STAfES.
was a permission to make a further reconnoissance, and ascertain the exact position of the vessel. In making this reconnoissance, it was intended, if possible, to carry her by boarding, but the attempt, for the want of the batteries and sailors, and owing to the night brightening after twelve o'clock, did not succeed.
At this time, the British had posted a small Indian force on the line of communication between Detroit and Ohio, and had captured a bearer of dispatches from headquarters, as well as private correspondence, which of course were taken to Maiden. General Hull, therefore, ordered Major Vanhorne, of the Second Regiment of Volunteers, with two companies of infantry, a part of a company of volunteer cavalry, together with a part of a rifle company, to escort the mail and dispatches, as well as a few gen tlemen, belonging to the commissary department, returning to Ohio. He proceeded down the same road the army had marched up on its approach to Detroit, and, on reaching a point nearly opposite Maiden, about the center of Grosse Isle, was attacked, and, after the loss of many brave men and officers, compelled to retreat back to the fort. This, together with the reception at headquarters of the news that Fort Mackinaw had been captured by Roberts, seemed to have shocked the commanding general, and to have divested him of all control over his fears.
From the twentieth of July, the army was in hourly expecta tion of orders to march on Maiden. The enemy's weakness was well known, and it is believed that the English would have made but a small resistance. But time passed on, and no such orders were given. On the evening of the seventh of August, march ing orders were given. At eleven o'clock, tents were struck and loaded, and the wagon train was moving ; but, instead of moving down the road, in the direction of the enemy, it was driven to the landing, and taken by ferry-boats across the river, and stationed on the common, north of the fort. Orders were issued during the night to break up camp, and the army recrossed to Detroit. This act created astonishment and indignation among the soldiers, and it was freely whispered that General Hull had disgraced him self and the army.
This act of Hull's is the more astonishing, when we consider
356 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
that the enemy's force was known to him to be slight, and hourly becoming weaker. It had already been reduced by desertion from six hundred and sixty Canadian militia to one hundred and sixty ; from one hundred Indians, under Tecumseh, to sixty, and having but two hundred and twenty-five regulars. It was also known to Hull that the British officers had already sent their most valuable effects on board their vessels in the port, prepara tory to a precipitate evacuation of the post. Such were the forces, and such the condition of the British. Now let us see what was the strength of the American army. According to the official report of the Brigade Major, acting as Adjutant-General of the army, the forces numbered 2,300 effective men, well supplied with artillery, independent of the guns of the fort and advanced bat teries. As we have already seen, there was an abundance of pro visions, and nothing was wanting to secure the most favorable action of the troops. But, with this superiority of numbers, with the enemy already defeated with alarm, General Hull ingloriously surrenders Detroit and his whole army to a handful of Eoglish !
But we shall see more particularly how this was done. On the ninth of August a strong detachment was marched down the road, with orders to attack the enemy, who had crossed from Maiden in force, and taken up a position nearly opposite the center of Grosse Isle, cutting off the road of communication with Ohio. The detachment reached them at three o'clock in the afternoon, and immediately charged upon their lines, and drove them three miles to their boats, when, as it had become dark and was rain ing, the most of them escaped to Maiden. In this action, some say that the forces 'were about equal; but it is probable that the Americans had the strongest force. The British brought into the field a large part of their regulars, together with all the Indian contingent, the whole being under the command of Major Muir. The following day, the American detachment, after sending for ward the mails and dispatches, returned to the fort. The Ameri cans lost sixty-eight men in the battle ; the English loss was somewhat less. This action is known as the Battle of Browns- town.
This fight developed the fact that a largely increased Indian
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
357
force had joined the standard of Tecumseh, who had circulated the news of the fall of Mackinaw among the tribes, and sum moned them to him with promises of plunder. Instead of sixty men under his command, he had now nearly six hundred ; and,
COL. WM. L. P. LITTLE.
WILLIAM L. P. LITTLE, one of the earliest pioneers of the Saginaw valley, was born in Avon, Livingston county, New York, Novem ber 26, 1814.
He was the second son of Dr. Charles Little, who made the first entry of government lands on the Saginaw river, which entry comprised a large portion of the territory now included in the corporation limits of East Saginaw.
His son, the subject of this sketch, received a common school educa-
358 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
by the sixteenth, seven hundred warriors had joined him, who, as a body of savages, were probably never equaled for bravery.
" A suspicion, strongly grounded and deeply felt, on the part of the most active and intelligent of the volunteers," says Col. W. S. Hatch, " had now risen to such a point, that there was no longer any confidence reposed in the valor or patriotism of the commanding general. A consultation was held, and it was decided to get up a ' Round Robin' — a written document, signed by names in a ring or circle, so as not to show who signed it first — addressed to the colonels of the Ohio volunteers, requesting the arrest or displacement of the general, and devolving the command on the eldest of the colonels, McArthur." This was on the twelfth of August, and on the following day it was reported that an armistice, or, at least, a temporary cessation of hostilities, had been agreed upon by the British authorities and the American armies on the Niagara and northern frontier ; and that Major- General Brock, Governor of Upper Canada, an officer of high reputation, had arrived at Maiden, to conduct operations in that quarter.
" The suspicion and distrust of the army," says Colonel Hatch,
tion in the State of New York, and in early life developed to a remark able degree that indomitable energy, rare financial capacity —
" iron will,
With axe-like edge, unturnable,"
and mathematical exactness in matters of business, which were his distinguishing characteristics throughout a long and ever crowded active business life.
Mr. Little settled in Saginaw in 1836, and shortly afterwards was appointed a colonel in the State militia. He went into the employ of the Saginaw City Improvement Company in that year and remained with them until 1840, when he commenced mercantile business with his brother-in-law, Hiram L. Miller.
In 1851, he removed to East Saginaw, and entered into partnership with Jesse Hoyt, in general merchandising. Their establishment being consumed by fire on the 5th of July, 1854, they closed up their business.
In November, 1855, Colonel Little opened the banking office of W. L. P. Little & Co., in the then village of East Saginaw, and managed its affairs without the least aid from a cashier, teller, book-keeper, clerk or
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 359
" was increased by General Hull's peremptory refusal to allow that distinguished officer, Captain (afterwards Colonel) Snelling, to cross the river in the night, to carry and destroy an unfinished battery, which was being constructed on the opposite bank, under the direction of Captain Dixon, of the Royal Artillery. This was the only battery of any consequence established by the enemy, and the only one that injured the Americans. It opened on the afternoon of the fifteenth, and continued its cannonade during the morning of the sixteenth, when one of its balls struck, and instantly killed, Lieutenant Hanks, who had been in com mand at Mackinaw." The same ball passed on and mortally wounded Surgeon Reynolds, of the Third Regiment of Volun teers.
On Thursday, August thirteenth, it was absolutely necessary that the greatest vigilance should be maintained, and that the outlying pickets should be largely increased. At eleven o'clock of this evening a boat was discovered approaching the fort from the Canadian side of the river, and, as it neared the shore, two men were noticed sitting aft, and two more at the oars. On being challenged, the boat came up, and one of the gentlemen gave the countersign. " He was well known, and known to have the con- messenger, for one year. This was the first banking house on the Saginaw river. At the expiration of that time, Mr. James F. Brown, the present president of the Merchants' National Bank of East Saginaw, entered into the employ of the firm, and together they conducted the business for three years, when other help was required, and Mr. Douglass Hoyt was made assistant cashier. From this time, the business of the firm rapidly increased, and, on January 1st, 1866, it opened as the Merchants' National Bank of East Saginaw, with Colonel Little as its president; James F. Brown, cashier, and Douglass Hoyt, assistant cashier. Aside from Colonel Little's banking business, he was largely engaged in real estate and general commercial transactions. He was also largely interested in the development of the salt interest, and was one of the heaviest dealers and manufacturers of lumber in the Saginaw valley. Every local improvement, both of a public and private nature, secured his influence and aid.
At the first charter election of the city of East Saginaw, held in March, 1859, Colonel Little was elected to the mayoralty by a handsome major ity, notwithstanding that the Democratic party, with which he always
360 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
I
fidence of the commanding general more than any other officer," says the same authority, already quoted, " and, in almost every instance, had been intrusted with the duty of intercourse by flag with the enemy. The other gentleman appeared, as near as could be judged by the dim light, to be young, well formed, and of mili tary bearing. They directed their steps to the headquarters of the commanding general, remaining there three hours. They then returned to the boat, and crossed to the Canadian shore. The boat came back ; but one of the gentlemen only was with her. He gave the word, and passed on. At that time, on that night, the capitulation of the fort and the surrender of the northwestern army was agreed upon. The parties to that agreement were General Hull, and, on the part of the British, Major Glegg, one of the aids-de-camp of General Brock."
Colonel Hatch further substantiates his views as follows : " This is a historic fact, which Major Glegg, if alive, will corroborate, as, after the war, in 1815, at a hotel in Philadelphia, he communi cated his participation in the act, as above stated, to the late Quartermaster-General of the northwestern army, General James Taylor, of Newport, Kentucky."
Previous to this time, a reinforcement of two hundred and
acted, was then in the minority in the city. The duties of this position he discharged with zeal and fidelity.
Under President Buchanan's administration, he held the position of receiver of the United States land office, Moses B. Hess being the register, and it was mainly through the efforts of these gentlemen that the transfer of that office from Flint to East Saginaw was effected.
Just past the meridian of life, in full possession of every comfort and luxury wealth could bestow — the result of years of unremitting toil — surrounded by associates ever ready to yield an unquestioning assent to the suggestions of his ripe judgment and experience; happy to all appear ance in the possession of an attractive home, an affectionate family and a devoted circle of relatives and friends; a fearful malady seized his over-worked brain — filled for the time with clouds and shadows — and in an instant of temporary hallucination of mind, that terrible energy of character which had so often before seemingly wrought miracles in his behalf, was turned to the horrid work of self-destruction. This tragical event occurred on Monday, the 9th of December, 1867, and his funeral was conducted by the Masonic fraternity on the following Wednesday.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
361
thirty men, under the command of Colonel Henry Brush, of Chilli- cothe, Ohio, conveying supplies, including one hundred head of cat tle, had arrived at the little French settlement at the crossing of the River Raisin, thirty-five miles from the fort. Here they halted,
BRADFORD SMITH.
BRADFORD SMITH was born at Moira, Franklin county, New York, on the 15th of November, 1820.
He is a lineal descendant of William Bradford, of "Mayflower" memory, who was for thirty years Governor of Plymouth Colony.
He is a graduate of St. Lawrence Academy, and was connected with Oberlin College, in the capacity of pupil and teacher, for four years, receiving the degree of A. M. from that institution in 1870. As early as 1853, he moved to Detroit, where he has ever since resided.
362 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
in consequence of the threatening attitude of the enemy, and reported to the commandiog general, who issued orders on the afternoon of Friday, the fourteenth of August, for a detachment of about three hundred and sixty men, under command of the colonels of the First and Third Regiments of Ohio Volunteers, to march at twilight on the line of a circuitous route or trail, which passed by the River Rouge, several miles above its mouth, and continued far into the interior, passing the Huron, and striking the Raisin, and passing down that stream to French- town. Accompanying the order was the information that Colonel Brush had been ordered to move from his camp up this route, and would doubtless be met between the Rouge and the Huron, and at a distance not exceeding twelve miles from the fort ; but the detachment was to continue its march till he was met.
" The officers of the detachment," says Colonel Hatch, " believ ing that they would meet Colonel Brush and party, and return with it to Detroit by two or three o'clock A. M. ; and, desiring the troops to march light and rapid, directed that no food or bag gage be taken along, not even their blankets, nor would they remain for supper. This order, at the time, excited no particular suspicion. The course adopted was attributed to timidity, over-
Since his removal to Detroit, he has had much to do with the educa tional interests of the city. Fifteen years of his life have been devoted to teaching. Eight years of this time, he was principal of what is now known as the Houghton school, and superintendent of the schools connected therewith. He has also been a member of the board of managers of the Young Men's Christian Association, and was president of that society for two years. He was also chairman of the employment committee of the Young Men's Christian Association, and as such has proved a most useful member of society. Hundreds of young men acknowledge their indebtedness to him for their first start in life. No worthy young man ever appealed to him in vain for reasonable aid, or assistance to obtain employment. He takes a lively interest in all public improvements of the city and State of his adoption, particularly those which tend to render them beautiful, healthful and attractive. But his chief delight is in improvements of an intellectual, moral and religious character, especially such as promote the culture of the young. He believes in education, sanctified by the spirit of truth, free from all sec-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 363
ruling sagacious and prompt military conduct on the part of the commanding general. But here all were deceived, as no order had been sent to Colonel Brush to move in the direction stated, or to move at all. The sole object of the movement was to reduce the active force at the fort, preliminary to carrying into effect the capitulation which had already been agreed upon, to get rid of a large number of officers and men known to be keenly sensitive to an honorable success, and had been openly hostile to the inaction of the army when in Canada, and to the recrossing the river ; and who, if present, would have resisted, to the extrem- est point, regardless of all or any consequences, any attempt to surrender the fort or the army."
The detachment left the fort at dusk, and entered the woods just in rear of the common. They continued their march until thirty-five miles from Detroit, when, ascertaining that Colonel Brush had not started from his camp, they returned. As they neared the fort a brisk cannonading was heard, from which it was supposed that the enemy had crossed the river below the town, and made an attack on the fort. " If the firing had continued until the detachment had reached the little settlement on the River Rouge," says the same authority, " it would have
tarian bias. He is ever found, as time will allow, in the various schools of the city, cheering the teachers in their noble vocation, and inspiring the pupils by words of counsel and encouragement. On the Sabbath, he is in the Bible class, " studying," as he says, " the Book." He is also one of the board of trustees of the Mayberry avenue mission — now the Calvary Presbyterian Church.
As a business man, he is ever prompt, reliable and efficient, carrying into his every day transactions the principles of morality and Christi anity, which form the guiding star of his existence. His benevolence is only bounded by his ability to give relief to the needy or assistance to works of charity. It is not too much to say that, in proportion to his means, he gives in charity as much as any other man in Detroit.
He never aspired to political honors, rather choosing to be the means of doing good, and assisting others, in the private walks of life. In the fall of 1873, however, he was nominated for mayor of Detroit, on the Prohibition ticket, but, at his own earnest solicitation, his name was withdrawn.
364 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
entered by the Springwells road, and have come in on the left flank and rear of the enemy ; and, doubtless, as we believed, would have captured the entire of the British forces, as they would have been between the fires of our volunteers in front of the fort, and ours in their rear. Entertaining these exhilarat ing hopes, although without food for so long a time, the troops composing this detachment, without exception, appeared stimu lated by the anticipated and hoped for conflict. With these high and cheering expectations, they not only marched in double-quick time, but actually kept up with the slow trot of the horses for at least twenty miles, when the cannonading ceased. We resumed this unusual march, and, without once halting until we arrived, at about midnight, at the edge of the woods which we had entered the night before ; when to our utter astonishment and indigna tion, we beheld the British flag floating from the flag-staff of the fort, and the Indians in the extensive common before us, taking horses and cattle."
The fort of Detroit and the northwestern army had been sur rendered. The detachment that we have just followed was also included, as well as that under Colonel Brush, at the Kaisin. Colonel Brush, however, decided that he would not be surren dered. He detained the British flag, sent to inform him of the capitulation, only long enough to obtain supplies for his soldiers, and the whole force was then started for Ohio, which they reached in safety.
CHAPTER XXVI.
THE BRITISH CELEBRATING THEIR SUCCESS AT DETROIT — ACCOUNT OF GENERAL BROCK'S EXPEDITION AGAINST DETROIT — SCENES AND CIR CUMSTANCES IN AND ABOUT DETROIT AFTER THE SURRENDER — THE
MASSACRE AT CHICAGO — COMMODORE PERRY ON LAKE ERIE— HAR RISON'S CAMPAIGN — RECAPTURE OF THE WESTERN POSTS, INCLUDING DETROIT, BY THE UNITED STATES.
ON the 17th day of August, at noon, the British celebrated their success by firing a salute, General Brock and his aids appear ing in full dress. They used on this occasion one of the brass six-pounders belonging to the fort, which had been taken at the great revolutionary triumph at Saratoga, on the 16th of October, 1777, which was recorded on it in raised letters of brass. The salute was responded to by the Queen Charlotte, which came sweeping up the centre of the river, replying to each discharge. This same brass field piece came again into the possession of the Americans at the battle of the Thames.
Let us now return and follow General Brock through the short campaign. He arrived at or near Maiden on the 12th of August, where he found everything looking prosperous for the English cause. General Hull had already broken up his camp, and recrossed the river on the night of the 7th and morning of the 8th. He also received, at the same time, the additional and most gratifying intelligence, obtained from intercepted dispatches, that General Hull had, at a council of war, held prior to this date, spoken of the probability of his having to capitulate at no dis tant day.
On the thirteenth he reconnoitered the position of his enemy ; and receiving, whilst at the little village of Sandwich, a flag from General Hull, with some excuses as to the burning of a house in the afternoon after his evacuation of Canada, detained the flag until late at night, and then dispatched his aid, Major Glegg, with
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the return flag to General Hull, demanding a surrender of the fort and army in the following language : " Sir, the forces at my disposal authorize, me to require of you the immediate surrender of Fort Detroit. It is far from my inclination to join in a war of extermination ; but you must be aware that the numerous body of Indians, who have attached themselves to my troops, will be beyond my control the moment the contest commences."
On the fifteenth, General Brock established his headquarters at Sandwich, and made his arrangements for crossing the river. On the sixteenth, he crossed the river, formed in column, and marched up to within one mile of the fort, and halted. His Indian force, organized and led by Tecumseh, under the command of Colonel Elliott and Captain McKee, landed one mile below, and moved up in the edge of the woods west of the common, keeping a mile and a half distant. The strength of his force, according to his report to Lieutenant-Gen eral Prevost, was as follows : Royal Artillery, 30 men ; Forty-first Regiment, 250 ; Royal Newfoundland Regiment, 50 ; militia, 400 ; and about 600 Indians — making a total force of 1,330 men, with three six- pounders and two three-pounders.
We will now read the reply of General Hull to General Brock's demand for the surrender of the fort : " I have no other reply to make than to inform you that I am prepared to meet any force which may be at your disposal, and any conse quences which may result from any exertion of it you may think proper to make," etc. This bold reply contrasts strangely with his act of the following morning, when he invited the enemy to receive his surrender of the fort and army, without even firing a gun.
There is a mystery surrounding this surrender. If we say it was brought about through cowardice, how shall we explain away the sending out of the detachment to meet Colonel Brush ? General Hull is chargeable with cowardice or treason. The reader must judge for himself between these two offenses, or say that it was probably both.
General Brock lost no time in returning to the Niagara fron tier. Paroling the volunteers not to serve until exchanged, fur-
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nishing them with boats and vessels to pass the lake to Cleveland, sending General Hull and the regular troops to Montreal, and his militia to their homes, issuing his proclamation to the inhabit ants of his conquered territory, and leaving Colonel Proctor in
SPENCER BARCLAY.
SPENCER BARCLAY, one of the most extensive business men in Michi gan, was born in Lyons, Wayne county, New York, on the 22d of June, 1835. In that State, he carded on the meat packing business for four years, then changing, he commenced as a merchant, in which occupation he remained seven years.
Mr. Barclay emigrated to Michigan in 1855, settling in Grand Rapids during September of that year. He at once started in the mercantile trade, which he followed for three years with a somewhat varied success. Afterwards, he removed to Ionia, where for the same length of time he
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command, he went on board the Queen Charlotte, and on the next day, the eighteenth, sailed down the lake, stopping at Fort Erie and Fort George, arriving in triumph, on the twenty-second, at his seat of goverment, which he had left on the fifth.
In this short period of twelve days he had moved two hundred and fifty miles against his enemy, effected a surrender of a strong fort and well equipped army of 2,300 effective men, and one of the territories of the United States.
A provisional government was established by the British at Detroit, and a small force placed in the fort. The Indians, who were numerous, and claimed large rewards for their cooperation, and who were but slightly, if at all restrained by the garrison, carried plunder and devastation into almost every house, and through almost every farm in the Territory. The miserable inhabitants had no alternative but to submit, or incur the hazard of more aggravated outrage. Most of the citizens of Detroit were sent into exile, and distress and ruin appeared to be the inevitable lot of all.
Contemporaneously with these events on the eastern side of the peninsula of Michigan, another disaster, rendered memorable by the folly which led to it and the blood which accompanied it, occurred on the western side, under the walls of Chicago. While yet in Canada, General Hull, actuated, no doubt, by the appre hensions which made him regard all things under his control with trembling anxiety, sent orders to Captain Heald, who commanded at Chicago, to evacuate that post, and retreat to Fort Wayne. Every order of this unfortunate general appeared to be pregnant with misfortune. That which was issued at this time to Captain Heald, involved a garrison, which had ample means of defense at its post, in disgrace and blood.
was again engaged in the packing business. From here, he moved to East Saginawinl862, and commenced the same business that he followed in the latter place, having only $900 as a capital. However, he went to work with renewed zeal and a determination to succeed, and success has nobly crowned his efforts, as he is now doing a business of from $75,000 to $100,000 per year, which is the result of an undivided and earnest attention to business, aided by a keen penetration and a sound judgment.
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The order for evacuation was received on the ninth of August. Captain Wells, of the Indian department, who, with a few faithful Miamis, was to guide the retreat, mistrusting the fidelity of the Pottawattamies, recommended an immediate evacuation, before
HON. T. J. CAMPAU.
THEODORE J. CAMPAU, the fifth son of the late Joseph Campau, was born in Detroit.
On his return from college at Notre Dame, Indiana, in 1846, he entered his father's office and remained there sixteen years. He was a young man of energy and good business habits, possessing the entire confidence of his father. Having had the advantage of sixteen years' experience in the management of the estate during his father's life-time, it made him familiar with all the details of it, every house being described in his rent books. The antecedents, recommendations and disadvantages of his 24
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that tribe should have time to concentrate around the fort. His recommendation was disregarded, and, in a short time, more than four hundred of them had collected in the neighborhood. In order to secure their forbearance, a promise was made to them that all of the surplus stores should be left at their disposal. Captain Heald prudently foresaw that large quantities of whisky and powder, such as were then on hand, might be dangerous gifts to the Indians, and resolved to destroy clandestinely as much of them as possible before the evacuation. He, accordingly, during the nights when the Indians were not present, threw most of the powder into a well, and wasted a greater part of the whisky. The Indians are said to have obtained some intima tion or knowledge of these nocturnal transactions ; and, regarding them as an infringement on their1 rights, may have then conceived the plan of vengeance which they afterwards so fearfully exe cuted. After the Pottawattamies had assembled in such num bers, both Captain Wells and Mr. Kenzie (who was an Indian agent at the place, and knew well the character and feelings of these Indians) [represented to Captain Heald that a retreat would then be unsafe. But their representations had no effect. He had neglected to make it at a time when no obstacles were in the way, and by delaying, in order to destroy the surplus
tenants were always entered with a full description of the property rented. The labor of doing this was immense, but the system was com plete and the information needed always on hand. Every lease granted by him and every receipt taken is regularly indorsed and alphabetically filed away for each year.
He continues to occupy the old homestead, 140 Jefferson avenue, as his office, it being one of the parcels allotted to him as his share of his father's estate.
Mr. Canipau has held many positions of trust and honor, being a mem ber of the State legislature for two years. He was appointed to the Democratic national convention, held at Chicago on the 29th of August, 1864, which nominated General George B. McClellan for the presidency. He once received and declined the nomination for school inspector of his ward in the city of Detroit, and, in 1862, was twice nominated alderman of his ward, but declined each time. In 1863, he received the nomina tion for mayor of Detroit, and withdrew in favor of K. C. Barker, who
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whisky and ammunition, had deprived himself of the means of remaining, when it had become prudent and proper to do so.
On the fifteenth of August, the garrison, consisting of fifty-four regular troops and twelve militia -men, together with several families, evacuated the fort. When about a mile on its march, Captain Heald observed that the Indians were preparing for an attack, and made dispositions for defense. A short conflict ensued, in which about one-half of the garrison, and some women and children, were killed, when Captain Heald surrendered. The fort was burnt by the Indians the next morning, and the prison ers were distributed among the bands.
The most distinguished victim of this short and sanguinary action was Captain Wells. In his chagrin and despondency at the fate which the Willfulness and blindness of Captain Heald was bringing upon the whole retreating party, he had, according to the custom of the savages under such feelings, blackened his face, and was thus found among the slain. We have already alluded to his services and gallantry in General Wayne's cam paign. His singular and eventful life, the energy and boldness of his character, entitle him to a passing notice. He was, while a child, captured by the Indians, and became the adopted son of Little Turtle, the most eminent forest warrior and statesman
was elected by an overwhelming majority. He was chairman of the Democratic city convention in 1863, and again in 1865. In 1864, he was appointed administrator of his father's estate; he was elected chairman of the second senatorial district Democratic committee in 1864 and 1866, and chairman of the first congressional Democratic committee four years — from I860 to 1870. In 1864, and again in 1866, he was nominated to the office of State senator, but declined the honor. He was appointed, in 1871, a commissioner of the plan of the city of Detroit, and also one of the committee on the location of the Detroit park.
Very many of our past and present prominent men owe their position to Mr. Campau. He is considered one of the most influential men of the Democratic party in Detroit, as well as a leading spirit among its mem bers. Mr. Campau is a prudent, sagacious and trustworthy gentleman, and a true Democrat. In social life, he is modest and unassuming; charitable to a fault, punctual to his engagements, but in business an autocrat in bearing.
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of his time. In the defeats of Harmer, on St. Clair, he took a distinguished part, commanding, in the latter action, three hun dred young warriors, who were posted immediately in front of the artillery, and caused much carnage among those who served the pieces.
After this sanguinary affair, his forecast led him to anticipate the final ascendency of the whites, who would be roused by these reverses to such exertions as , must be successful, with their pre ponderance of power ; and he resolved to abandon the savages. His mode of announcing this determination was in accordance with the simple and sententious habits of a forest life. He was traversing the woods in the morning, with his adopted father, Little Turtle, when, pointing to the heavens, he said : " When the sun reaches the meridian, I leave you for the whites ; and, wherever you meet me, in battle, you must kill me, as I shall endeavor to do the same with you." The bonds of affection and respect which had bound these two singular and highly gifted men together were not severed or weakened by this abrupt declar ation. Captain Wells soon after joined Wayne's army ; and, by his intimacy with the wilderness, his perfect knowledge of the Indians' haunts, habits, and modes of warfare, became an invalu able auxiliary to the Americans. He served faithfully and fought bravely through the campaign ; and, at the close, when peace had restored amity between the Indians and the whites, rejoined his foster-father, Little Turtle, and their friendship and connec tion was broken only by the death of the latter. When his body was found among the slain, at Chicago, the Indians are said to have drunk his blood, from a superstitious belief that they should thus imbibe his warlike endowments, which had been considered by them as preeminent.
During the fall and winter succeeding these events, General Harrison had been collecting an army, for the purpose of recover ing the northwestern frontier. Having advanced as far as San- dusky, he detached General Winchester, in advance, to the Maumee. General Winchester sent forward a foraging party as far as the River Raisin, which reached that place on the eighteenth of January, 1813, and dislodged a body of Indians found there.
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The next day, General Winchester, with his main body, joined this advance, having a force of about one thousand men. He encamped on the left bank of the river; but, although fore warned of the approach of a hostile party from Maiden, it does
HON. T. J. CAMPAU'S RESIDENCE.
The above illustration of Mr. Campau's residence shows that he lives in a style becoming his wealth and position. His brick mansion, situated at 500 Jefferson avenue, was erected by himself in 1869, and is furnished in princely style. The stables, which contain a fine assortment of
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not appear that lie made any disposition of his troops to meet the emergency. On the twenty-second, early in the morning, his camp was attacked by the British and Indians. Portions of the line defended themselves with obstinacy and success, particularly the left, under Major Madison. General Winchester himself had taken lodgings on the opposite side of the river, at some dis tance from the scene of action ; and it is said that he was cap tured before he joined his troops. Being without any general direction, the line, with the exception before mentioned, soon fell into confusion and gave way, retreating across the river ; but the savages, who anticipated such a movement, were in readiness there to meet the fugitives, and few escaped the slaughter. Major Madison continued to defend himself, until informed by General Winchester — then a prisoner — that his party had been surren dered.
The bloody scene which followed this disastrous morning has given celebrity to the spot, far beyond the importance of this event. The massacre at the River Raisin will, ever remain a san guinary blot on the military fame of Great Britain. Most of the wounded were collected in one or two houses near the battle ground. General Winchester, whose situation enabled him to observe the conduct and disposition of the savages, felt an appre hension for the fate of those unfortunate sufferers, and frequently reminded General Proctor of his solemn engagements to protect them. Whether his comparatively small number of regular troops could not control the cannibal ferocity of his allies ; or, whether he looked on their bloody orgies without opposition or remonstrance, may be left undetermined by the charity of his tory, as long as the proofs are at all questionable. There appears to be a dark shadow, suited to the blackness of the transaction, resting over it, and nothing, perhaps, is distinctly known, except-
blooded horses, and which are the pride of Mr. Campau, are situated in the yard, and are a marvel of unrivaled convenience and comfort. The front part contains the carriage house, harness room, wash house and the coachman's room, and in the rear are the stables. His noted trot ting horses are White Bird, Ida, Mary, Ned and Prince, each one being kept in a box stall.
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ing the horrible result. Butchery and conflagration were at work through the night, and these unhappy victims, who trusted to the mercy or honor of the British character, were mostly, if not all, buried under a heap of smoldering ruins.
This series of events, so unfortunate for the Americans, and so triumphant for the British, filled the inhabitants of Michigan with despondency. General Harrison's operations on the frontier of Ohio threw an occasional gleam on their dark fortunes. The signal triumph of Croghan, at Sandusky, and some of the events at Fort Meigs, showed that victory might still revisit the Ameri can arms. These operations, however, had no immediate influ ence on the condition of the Territory, until Perry's victory, on the tenth of September, 1813, opened a passage over the lake for the American forces. This brilliant and important naval action, which was so instrumental in restoring Michigan to the Union, deserves particular notice, as an essential part of her history.
Commodore Perry's fleet had been built, under great disadvan tages, at Erie, Pennsylvania. The bar at the mouth of the har bor would not permit the vessels to pass out with their armament on board. For some time after the fleet was ready to sail, the British commodore continued to hover off the harbor, well knowing it must either remain there inactive, or venture out with almost a certainty of defeat. During this blockade, Commodore Perry had no alternative but to ride at anchor at Erie. For tunately, early in September, the enemy relaxed his vigilance, and withdrew to the upper end of the lake. Commodore Perry seized the opportune moment to pass the bar, and fit his vessels for action. This triumph over the vigilance of the British was a presage of the still greater triumph that followed.
On the tenth of September, at sunrise, while at anchor at Put-in-Bay, Commodore Perry discovered the enemy towards the head of the lake. He immediately got under weigh, and, with a favoring wind, brought him to action a few minutes before noon. His flag vessel, the Lawrence, was engaged with the whole force of the enemy for nearly two hours before the wind permitted her consorts to join in close combat. She gallantly maintained the unequal fight, until all her rigging was cut to pieces, every gun
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rendered useless, and the greater part of her crew either killed or wounded. In this perilous condition, Commodore Perry adopted one of those bold, decisive resolutions which often enable a great commander to convert an apparent defeat into a certain victory. He caused his boat to be lowered, and launched himself and his fortunes upon the bosom of the lake, amid the showers of death that fell around him. Reaching the Niagara in safety, which was just coming into close action, with a swelling breeze, he at once determined to break through the enemy's fleet, already somewhat crippled by the contest with the Lawrence. The Niagara had every rope and spar, every gun and man untouched. She broke into the enemy's line, and, ranging by the vessels in succession, poured in her broadsides, compelling them, one by one, to lower their flags in token of submission, until they all were " ours." In achieving this decisive victory, the Niagara was assisted by the smaller vessels, which were brought into cooperation by Captain Elliott, who had volunteered in this service when Commodore Perry assumed command of his vessel. Not long after Commo dore Perry boarded the Niagara, the Lawrence struck her colors. She was, however, but a fleeting trophy ; for, before she could be taken possession of, every British flag had followed her humiliat ing example.
This consummate victory opened the lake to General Harrison, who, soon after, crossed his army to the Canadian shore, and, in the course of a short campaign, which was brilliantly finished by the battle of the Moravian towns, drove the enemy from the northwestern frontier. On the twenty-ninth of September, 1813, Detroit was occupied by a detachment of his army. An armis tice was concluded with the Indians on the eighteenth of October following, thus restoring tranquillity and security to the Territory.
General Harrison soon after moved down, with his main body, to the Niagara frontier, and left General Cass in command at Detroit. No military movements took place during the winter following, excepting an incursion into the interior of the upper province by Major Holmes, who was attacked near Stony Creek, and maintained his ground with great bravery and success.
CHAPTER XXVII.
MACKINAW — EXPEDITION UNDER COMMODORE SINCLAIR AND COLONEL CROGHAN FOR ITS REDUCTION — COLONEL TURNER CAPTURES THE PERSEVERANCE AT ST. MARY'S, AND REDUCES THAT POST—CAPTURE OF THE MINK — DESTRUCTION OF GOODS BELONGING TO THE NORTH WEST COMPANY — LANDING OF THE FORCES AT MACKINAW — FALL OF MAJOR HOLMES — DEFEAT OF THE AMERICANS — FULL ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE, ETC.
So FAR as the Northwest was concerned, the war was now prac tically closed, yet there was one post of great importance which had not been wrested from the English. That was Fort Macki naw. Active steps were soon taken to dispossess the English of this stronghold, and drive them wholly from the American soil. Immediately after the battle of the Thames, an expedition to the upper lakes was contemplated ; but, unfortunately, it was pre vented by the non-arrival of two schooners, which had been sent to Cleveland and Bass Islands for provisions. These vessels had arrived off Maiden, but a storm from the west drove them to the lower end of the lake, where they were stranded. Early in the following April, 1814, this expedition up Lake Huron was again proposed, the object being twofold — the capture of Fort Macki naw, and the destruction of certain vessels, which it was said the English were building in Gloucester, or Matchadash Bay, at the southeast extremity of the lake. But this plan was also aban doned ; partly from a want of men, partly from the belief that Great Britain did not, as had been supposed, intend to make an effort to regain the commerce of the upper lakes; and partly, also, from a misunderstanding between General Harrison and Colonel Croghan, who commanded at Detroit, on the one hand, and the Secretary of War on the other. No sooner had this plan been abandoned than it was revived again, in consequence of new information of the establishment at Matchadash Bay.
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Accordingly, orders were issued on the second day of June, and ample preparations were soon made. A squadron was fitted out, consisting of the United States sloops-of-war Niagara and Lawrence, carrying twenty guns each, with the smaller schooners, Caledonia, Scorpion, Tigress, Detroit, and others, and a land force of seven hundred and fifty men, placed on board. Commodore Sinclair was the naval commander, and Lieutenant - Colonel Croghan, a young man who had gallantly and successfully defended Sandusky during the early part of the war, had charge of the militia.
The squadron reached Lake Huron on the twelfth of June, on its way to Matchadash Bay. Disappointment, however, awaited them. Every possible effort was made to gain the desired bay and destroy the imaginary vessels there building, but in vain. No pilot could be found for that unfrequented part of the lake. Islands and sunken rocks were numerous, and threatened destruc tion to the fleet. The lake was almost continually covered with a dense fog, and, from the time already consumed in the fruitless attempt, provisions were growing short, hence, that part of the work was abandoned, and the squadron proceeded to Mackinaw.
When nearing the place of destination, a council was called, to decide whether they should proceed at once to the capture of Fort Mackinaw, or first repair to St. Joseph's, and destroy the enemy's works at that place. It was urged that an immediate attack upon the fort was policy, inasmuch as the English, having had no intimation of their approach, were, probably, without Indian allies, and unprepared to defend the island ; that, should they first proceed to St. Joseph's, time would thus be given the English to call in these savage auxiliaries, and so strengthen themselves, that, upon their return, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to take the place; but Sinclair thought that, by leaving a part of the squadron to cruise around the island during his absence, this could be prevented ; hence, in spite of salutary advice from those who knew the Indian character far better than themselves, it was agreed between the naval and military commanders to proceed at once to St. Joseph's. This was a fatal error, as will be seen in the sequel.
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On the twentieth of July, they arrived at St. Joseph's, and found the British establishment at that point deserted. This they burned, but left untouched the town and Northwest Com pany's storehouses. While wind-bound at this point, Sinclair
HON. ALFRED RUSSELL.
ALFRED RUSSELL, one of Detroit's most distinguished members of the bar, was born at Plymouth, Grafton county, New Hampshire, March 18, 1830. Mr. Russell graduated at Dartmouth College in the class of 1850, and at the Dane law school of Harvard University in the class of 1852. He was admitted to the bar at Meredith Bridge, New Hampshire, Novem ber, 1852, and emigrated to Michigan during the same month and settled in Detroit. Soon after his arrival in that city, he entered the law office of Hon. James F. Joy — studied law with that gentleman for a brief
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captured the Northwest Company's schooner, Mink, on her way from Mackinaw to St. Mary's, with a cargo of flour, and by this means received intelligence that the schooner Perseverance was lying above the Falls of St. Mary, at the foot of Lake Superior, in waiting to transport the Mink's cargo to Fort Williams. Upon the receipt of this intelligence, he dispatched Lieutenant Turner, an active and enterprising officer, to capture her, and, if possible, get her down the falls. Colonel Croghan dispatched Major Holmes, with a party of regulars, to cooperate in the expedition, in which the capture of St. Mary's was included. The following official report of Lieutenant Turner to Sinclair will give the reader a clear idea of what was effected by this movement. It is dated U. S. schooner Scorpion, off Michilimackinac, July 28th, 1814:
" SIR — I have the honor to inform you that, agreeably to your orders of the 22d instant, I proceeded on the expedition to Lake Superior, with the launches. I rowed night and day ; but, hav ing a distance of sixty miles against a strong current, informa tion had reached the enemy, at St. Mary's, of our approach, about two hours before I arrived at that place, carried by Indians, in their light canoes, several of whom I chased, and by firing on them, and killing some, prevented their purposes ; some I cap tured and kept prisoners until my arrival ; others escaped. The force under Major Holmes prevented anything like resistance at
period as did he also with the Messrs. Walker. Mr. Russell was admitted to the bar of Michigan in 1853, and, in 1854, formed a partnership with the Messrs. Walker, which lasted until 1861. During that year, Mr. Russell was appointed United States district attorney for Michigan, by President Lincoln, and was reappointed by President Johnson in 1865. Mr. Russell was originally a Whig of the New England Federal party school, and acted with the Free Soilers during the existence of that party. Upon the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Bill, he took a prom inent part in the organization of the Republican party in Michigan, and has since been more or less closely identified with that organization. Mr. Russell is, however, a free thinker and an independent actor in politics. As a lawyer, he stands in the front rank of the profession, and is known throughout the State as an eminently useful citizen, and, in his social relations, as a polished gentleman.
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the fort, the enemy, with their Indians, carrying with them all the light, valuable articles, peltry, clothes, etc. I proceeded across the strait of Lake Superior without a moment's delay ; and, on my appearance, the enemy, finding they could not get off with
DR. J. W. KERMOTT.
AMONG the numerous professional men represented in this work will be found many who have, through their own unaided industry, raised themselves from small beginnings to positions of usefulness and import ance. This may be truly said of Dr. J. W. Kermott. He was born in the province of New Brunswick, in 1819. At the very early age of nineteen, he emigrated to Canada West, where, after availing himself, through many obstacles, of such educational advantages as his industry could command, he began to teach school. In this occupation, he made valuable progress for himself. The advantages were twofold, for while
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the vessel I was in quest of, set fire to her in several places, and left her. I succeeded in boarding her, and, by considerable exer tions, extinguished the flames, and secured her from sinking. I then stripped her and prepared for getting her down the falls. Adverse winds prevented my attempting the falls until the twenty- sixth, when every possible effort was used, but, I am sorry to say, without success, to get her over in safety. The fall, in three- quarters of a mile, is forty-five feet, and the channel very rocky. The current runs from twenty to thirty knots, and in one place there is a perpendicular leap of ten feet, between three rocks. Here she bilged, but was brought down so rapidly that we succeeded in running her on shore, below the rapids, before she filled, and burned her. She was a fine, new schooner, upwards of one hun dred tons, called the Perseverance, and will be a severe loss to the Northwest Company. Had I succeeded in getting her safe, I could have loaded her to advantage from the enemy's store houses. I have, however, brought down four captured boats, loaded with Indian goods, to a considerable amount ; the balance, contained in four large and two small storehouses, was destroyed, amounting in value to from fifty to one hundred thousand dollars. All private property was, according to your orders, respected. The officers and men under my command behaved with great activity and zeal, particularly Midshipman Swartwout."
On the return of the launches to St. Joseph's, the squadron proceeded to Mackinaw, where it arrived on the twenty-sixth.
his duties in the school room brought moderate pecuniary gain, the nature of his labors had a most salutary effect in training his mind in all those practical questions so requisite for the foundation of the profes sional studies with which he was soon after deeply absorbed.
Prudence and perseverance, at the end of several years' teaching, enabled him to proceed to Philadelphia, where, at the most celebrated medical university in America, he entered upon the study of medicine. In this institution, he displayed that energy characteristic of his life, and prosecuted his most difficult studies with marked success. Graduating in due time, he returned to his adopted home in Canada West, where he entered upon the practice of his profession. Not many years previous, he had arrived in the same place a stranger to its inhabitants and without means. Now he was welcomed by warm friends and enjoyed the
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Daring the time that had now elapsed since the first appearance of the fleet off Lighthouse Point, Colonel McDonall, British commander at Mackinaw, had been strengthening his position ; and such aid as the country afforded had been summoned to his assistance. Nor was this aid inconsiderable. Under the unfortunate circumstances attending the attack, more efficient auxiliaries could not have been found than those very savages, who, during that brief period of delay had gathered, in large numbers, upon the island. Batteries had been planted at various places on the heights which best commanded the approaches to the island. One was situated on the height overlooking the old distillery, another upon the high point just west of the fort, and others along the ridge back of the present town, from the fort to Robinson's Folly. Thus that officer, though he had but few men, comparatively, in command, and must have surrendered at once had an immediate attack been made upon him, was able, with the advantages he had now gained, to withstand a strong force.
Sinclair pushed up as near to the channel between Round and Mackinaw islands as he dared, on account of the batteries of the enemy, and as close to the eastern extremity of Round Island as safety would permit, and anchored. Scarcely, however, had the anchors reached the bottom, when the English opened a brisk fire upon him, and he concluded to move to a. more respectful distance.
When the fleet had been moved further away toward Bois
accomplishments of his recent efforts at college. He at once entered upon a most flattering practice, and in a few years accumulated a large fortune, which, it should be mentioned here, he afterwards lost in an unfortunate speculation.
In 1856, he emigrated to Detroit, where he has since remained, enjoying a practice only due to his usefulness and professional abilities. In 1860, he commenced the manufacture of medicines, which he has continued until the present date with remarkable success.
Dr. Kermott is rendering himself useful to society in religious as well as medical labors. He is an active member of the Central Methodist Church, and his efforts, with other useful men in that church, have been productive of much good.
384 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
Blanc, out of the reach of the enemy's guns, Croghan dispatched an officer, with a number of men, to Round Island, to reconnoiter the enemy's position, and, if possible, find some advantageous point at which to erect a battery. They landed, and selected, as the most advantageous position for a battery, a point just above the old lime kiln, which is the crowning point of the island. No sooner, however, had the movement been discovered by the British, than two or three hundred birch bark canoes, with sev eral bateaux and other boats, were launched, and a large party of Indians started in pursuit. Discovering the movement, the party hastened back. When they reached their boats, the Indians could be seen skulking through the woods after them, and one of their number, a Frenchman, who had been a little behind, was captured. They now sprang into their boats and pushed off, with as much dispatch as possible ; but, at a short distance from the beach, scarcely out of reach of the enemy's fire, the boat struck a rock, which was just beneath the surface of the water, and swung around, as though on a pivot. At this the savages, who were fast emerging from the thickets and approaching the beach, fired upon them. The fire was returned, but without execution on either side. Fearing that the Indians, upon arriving at the point from which they had embarked, would be able to reach them, the officer ordered the soldiers to cease firing and endeavor to clear the boat from the rock. This accomplished, they returned without further mishap to the fleet. Upon learning that one of the party sent out had been captured by the Indians, Sinclair ordered a small vessel of one gun to pass round to the further side of the island, that, if possible, he might be retaken. A strong wind was blowing from the west, against which the little bark had to make her way through the narrow channel that separates Round and Bois Blanc islands ; hence the task was diffi cult. She had scarcely laid her course, when the beach was thronged with savages, and, as often as she came in reach, in beating through this channel, these savages poured upon her a shower of musket-balls. This fire was returned with much spirit, but neither party suffered loss. The Indians now began their return to Mackinaw, with their victim, chanting the death-dirge.
HISTORY OP MICHIGAN.
385
A shot was fired at them from the Lawrence, but without effect. As they neared the island, the Indians that had remained came down to meet them, and the prisoner would have been killed and feasted upon by his inhuman captors, had not the British
HON. ZACHARIAH CHANDLER.
ZACHARIAH CHANDLER was born in Bedford, New Hampshire, Decem ber 10, 1813, received an academic education, settled in Detroit, Mich., in 1833, where he became an eminently successful dry goods merchant.
In politics a Whig, while that party was in existence, he was elected mayor of Detroit in 1851, but, while leading the Whig ticket largely, was defeated for governor of Michigan in 1852. He was the first Repub lican senator in Congress from Michigan, succeeding Senator Cass in office, taking his seat in the Thirty-fifth Congress in 1857, and served as 25
386 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
commander sent a strong guard of soldiers and rescued him, the moment the canoes touched the shore.
During the next day, as the Lawrence was cruising about the island, a thick fog suddenly came down, and enveloped all in obscurity. When, later in the day, this fog lifted, the commander found that he was within a very short distance of the southwest part of the island, with scarcely any wind, and in range of the enemy's guns. A vigorous fire was opened upon him from the battery near the west end of the fort ; but with such want of skill that he suffered no damage from it. He fired a single shot in return, but could not elevate his guns sufficiently to batter the walls of the fort. Unfavorable weather prevented operations for several days, when Colonel Croghan, having learned something of the strength of the enemy's fortifications, and of the number and spirit of the savage allies which the English had called to their assistance, despaired of being able to take the place by storm, as he had hoped. He therefore determined to effect a land ing, and establish himself on some favorable position whence he might annoy the enemy, by gradual and slow approaches, under cover of his artillery, which he knew to be superior to that of the foe.
On the fourth of August, the vessels of the fleet were ranged in line at the distance of three hundred yards from the beach, and the small boats made ready to carry the army to the island. Scarcely, however, had the work of embarkation commenced,
a member of the committee on the District of Columbia, the committee on commerce, and the committee on revolutionary claims.
At the first session of the Thirty-seventh Congress, in July, 1861, the Democratic senators from the Southern States having withdrawn from the United States Senate, leaving the Republicans in the majority for the first time, Mr. Chandler was appointed chairman of the committee on commerce, which position he has held during each succeeding Congress to the present time, he having been reflected to the Senate in 1863, for the full term of six years, and again in 1869, for the term ending in 1875.
In addition to his important position on the committee on commerce, after the committee on mines and mining was formed, he was a member of that committee, and was also a member of each of the celebrated joint congressional committees on the conduct of the war, during the Thirty-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 387
when the adjacent thickets were observed to be full of savages, plumed and painted for the strife. When all was ready, and the word of command had been spoken, they moved toward the land ing, with measured dip of the oar, and, meanwhile, a brisk can nonading cleared the thickets of their lurking foes. Under cover of the guns the landing was easily effected, and the best possible arrangements of the troops made preparatory to the marching.
Colonel Croghan quickly formed his line, and advanced to the edge of the clearing, where he received intelligence that the enemy was in waitiug for him, and ready to dispute his progress. In a few seconds after he received this information, a fire was opened upon him from the enemy's battery. He now carefully surveyed the clearing before him, and became convinced that the enemy's position was well selected ; but, by a vigorous movement, he hoped to outflank him and gain his rear. Accordingly, he decided to change his own position, and advance Major Holmes' battalion of regulars on the right of the militia. This move ment was immediately ordered, and, to encourage his men, Major Holmes led them in person; but, while gallantly pressing on to the charge, a destructive fire was opened by some Indians con cealed in a thicket, near the American right, and the brave Major fell, mortally wounded. The battalion, having now lost the ser vices of its commander, fell into confusion, from which the best efforts of its remaining officers were not able to recover it.
Finding it impossible to gain the enemy's left, owing to the
seventh and Thirty-eighth Congresses, and was a member of the joint committee on Southern outrages since the war. He strongly advocated all practical measures for the discomfiture of the rebels and their allies, and for the suppression of the rebellion.
During the war, his relations with President Lincoln were of a most cordial and intimate character, and he was a member of the national committee appointed to accompany the remains of the martyred chief magistrate to Illinois. His faith in the maintenance of the integrity of the Republic against the assaults of its foes never faltered nor wavered during the darkest hours of the great conflict.
He was an earnest and powerful advocate of our admirable national banking system, and aided materially in its establishment upon a broad and substantial basis, and his efforts in behalf of the commercial and
388 GENERAL HISTORY OF TfiE STATES.
impenetrable thickness of the woods, a charge was ordered to be made by the regulars immediately against the front. This charge, though made in some confusion, served to drive the enemy back into the woods, whence an annoying fire was kept up by the Indians. Lieutenant Morgan was now ordered up with a light piece, to assist the left, which at this time was particularly galled, and the excellent service of this piece forced the enemy to retire to a greater distance.
Croghan had now reached the point at which he had hoped to fortify himself, and thence harass the enemy at pleasure ; but he found it by no means tenable, on account of the thickets and ravines surrounding it. He therefore determined no longer to expose his troops to the fire of an enemy having every advantage which could be obtained from numbers and a knowledge of the position, and ordered an immediate retreat to the place of land ing. When the troops had regained the shipping, the fleet again moved round towards Bois Blanc, and anchored.
While the forces were preparing to disembark, previous to the engagement, Mr. Davenport had urged Major Holmes to exchange his uniform for a common suit, stating that the Indians would otherwise certainly make a mark of him ; but Holmes replied that his uniform was made to wear, and he intended to wear it ; adding that, if it was his day to fall, he was willing. The sequel showed how unwise he was in not listening to this advice. The party of Indians posted on the right were Winne-
other vital interests of the country have been during his whole public career assiduous and untiring, accompanied with a large degree of suc cess. During the presidential campaign of 1872 he was chairman of the Union Republican Congressional Executive Committee, and the skill and energy with which this very successful campaign was conducted was due largely to his efforts.
Throughout his long and successful Congressional career he has been particularly noted for his unswerving devotion to the interests of the State he represents, winning, even from his opponents, unqualified approval. Amidst all the temptations which necessarily surround a leader of a great and successful party, he has never stained his hands with corruption, and even his political enemies admit that his official career has been distinguished by the most rigid integrity.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
bagoes, from Green Bay, the most savage and cruel of all the British allies, and they, indeed, did make a mark of him. Five well-aimed bullets simultaneously entered his breast, and he expired almost instantly. Captain Desha also felt the fury of
CHARLES H. BORGMAN.
CHARLES H. BORGMAN, the present city clerk of Detroit, and for many years a teacher of the German language in that city, is a native of Prussia.
He came to the United States at, a very early age, and, after receiving a substantial education in Cincinnati, Ohio, removed to Michigan.
His first active employment in this State was the execution of several railroad contracts. Subsequently he entered upon the duties of teacher of the German language in Detroit, in which capacity he labored zeal ously for ten years, achieving much success and winning considerable local popularity as a professor of that difficult language. These duties brought him in connection with the better class of citizens, and seems to
390 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
those savages, but, fortunately, escaped with his life. Captain Vanhorn and Lieutenant Jackson, both brave, intrepid young men, also fell, mortally wounded, at the head of their respective commands. Twelve privates were killed ; six sergeants, three cor porals, one musician, and twenty-eight privates wounded, and two privates missing.
The most shocking barbarities were practiced on the bodies of the slain. They were literally cut to pieces by their savage con querors. Our informant remembers seeing the Indians come to the fort, after the engagement, some with a hand, some with a head, and some with a foot or limb ; and it is officially stated by Sinclair, upon the testimony of two ladies (Mrs. Davenport and Mrs. John Dous- man), who were present and witnessed it, that the hearts and livers of these unfortunate men were taken out, and actually cooked and feasted on — and that, too, in the quarters of the British officers, sanctioned by Colonel McDonall — by the savages. Fragments of these bodies were taken to the Indian graveyard, west of the village, and placed on poles over the graves, where they remained for ten days. The body of Major Holmes, whicji, by neglect of the soldiers in whose hands it had been placed, had been left on the field, escaped mutilation. During the action, these men concealed the body by covering it with rails and leaves, so that the Indians did not find it. It had, however, been stripped, but the British commander threatened to hang the rob bers of the dead if the articles taken were not immediately returned. This threat soon brought the clothes, watch, papers, etc., which had been stolen by two Frenchmen, into his posses sion, and, with the body, they were given up to the Americans.
have been the secret force that secured his popular majority at the elec tion of city officers in 1871.
Mr. Bergman's performance of the duties of city clerk was marked with care, ability and faithfulness. In the fall of 1873, he was reflected by the largest majority given to any candidate before the people at that election.
Mr. Borgman has also made considerable progress as a merchant, hav ing established, in connection with Mr. Ling, a large book, music and musical instrument store, on Monroe avenue, corner of Randolph street, Detroit, Michigan.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 391
Thus, in loss and disgrace, ended the effort to wrest Fort Mackinaw, and the island upon which it stands, from the English. When the fleet first appeared off Lighthouse Point, there was but a single company of troops in the fort, and but few, if any, Indian auxiliaries upon the island ; and, had Colonel Croghan at once demanded a surrender, instead of at first going to St. Joseph's, the post would doubtless have passed back into the hands of the Americans without bloodshed, and with as little parley as, two years before, it had passed into the hands of the English. Or, had a prompt and willing surrender been refused, a vigorous attack must have quickly reduced it, as the American force was greatly superior to the English. But the delay was pregnant with disaster and disgrace.
Having failed in the reduction of Fort Mackinaw, which Sin clair denominated a perfect Gibraltar, measures were now taken to starve it into submission, by cutting off its supplies. The troops, with the exception of three companies, were dispatched in two vessels, to join General Brown on the Niagara, and the remainder of the squadron, a pilot having been now secured, directed its course to the east side of the lake, to break up any establishments which the enemy might have in that quarter. While the Americans were masters of Lake Erie, there were only two practicable lines of communication between the remote garrison of Fort Mackinaw and the lower country. The first of these was with Montreal by way of the Ottawa, Lake Nip- pising and French river ; and the second with York, by means of Lake Simcoe and the Nautauwasaga river. Having learned that the first of these communications was impracticable at that season of the year, on account of the marshy state of the port ages, they proceeded to the mouth of the Nautauwasaga, in hopes of finding the enemy's schooner Nancy, which was thought to be in that quarter.
On the thirteenth of August, the fleet anchored off the mouth of that river, and the troops were quickly disembarked, for the purpose of fixing a camp on the peninsula formed by the river and the lake. On reconnoitering the position, the schooner was discovered in the river, a few hundred yards above, under cover
392 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
of a block-house, erected on a commanding situation, on the opposite shore. On the following morning, a fire was opened by the shipping upon the block-house, but with little effect, owing to a thin wood, which intervened and obscured the view. But, about twelve o'clock, two howitzers were landed ; and, being placed within a few hundred yards of the block-house, commenced throw ing shells. In a few minutes, one of these shells burst in the block-house, and, shortly after, blew up the magazine, allowing the enemy scarcely time to escape. The explosion of the magazine set fire to a train, which had been laid for the destruction of the vessel, and in a few minutes she was enveloped in flames ; and her valuable cargo, consisting of several hundred barrels of provi sions, intended as a six months supply for the garrison at Macki naw, was entirely consumed.
Colonel Croghan did not think it advisable to fortify and gar rison Nautauwasaga, because the communication with York was so short and convenient, that any force left there might be easily cut off during the winter ; hence, Sinclair left the Tigress and Scorpion to blockade it closely, until the season should become too boisterous for boat transportation, and the remainder of the squad ron returned to Detroit. But this blockade, which, had it been properly enforced, must speedily have made a bloodless conquest of Mackinaw, was soon brought to an end by the capture of both these schooners. After the destruction of the Nancy, her cap tain, with several of his men, at once repaired to Fort Mackinaw, to communicate the news of the loss to Colonel McDonall, and the little garrison under his command. Under the circumstances, it was unwelcome news, indeed. Provisions were already getting low; a single loaf of bread was worth one dollar and a half; the men were subsisting on half rations, and had already been reduced to the necessity of killing several horses, to ward off starvation. And, worse than all, a long and dreary winter was near at hand, portending nothing but death from starvation.
Something must be done ; and, accordingly, an expedition was at once fitted out by Colonel McDonall, consisting of a force of a hundred and fifty sailors and soldiers, and two hundred and fifty Indians, in open boats, to break the blockade, if possible. The
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 393
Tigress, which for several days had been separated from the Scorpion, was surprised and boarded during the night of Septem ber third, it being very dark ; and, after a desperate hand-to-hand struggle, in which some were killed and several wounded, was captured. During the contest, an attempt was made by the Americans to destroy the signal-book, but, unfortunately, without success ; and, by the aid of this book, the Tigress, now manned by English officers and men, surprised and captured the Scor pion, on the morning of the sixth, at the dawn of day. This was a finishing stroke to the ill-fated enterprise, and Mackinaw was left secure in the hands of the English, until peace was declared, which took place in the following winter ; and, in the spring of 1815, the British troops evacuated the post, and a com pany of American soldiers, under Colonel Chambers, took pos session of i-t.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
THE ORDINANCE OF 1787 — ERECTION OF THE TERRITORY OF MICHIGAN — ITS BOUNDARY — JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION — THE WOODWARD CODE OF LAWS— GOVERNOR HULL — His TRIAL BY COURT-MAR TIAL.
WE WILL now turn from scenes of warfare, and notice more particularly the political history of Michigan. Under the French and British dominion, the points occupied, on the eastern bound ary of what now constitutes the State of Michigan, were con sidered a part of New France, or Canada. Detroit was known to the French as Fort Pontchartrain. The military commandant, under both governments, exercised a civil jurisdiction over the set tlements surrounding their posts. When possession was yielded to the United States, in the year 1796, the British garrisons at Detroit and Michilimackinac were replaced by detachments, by General Wayne, and Michigan became a part of the Northwest ern Territory. That Territory was then in the first stage of gov ernment, prescribed by the ordinance of 1787. Arthur St. Clair was its Governor ; and he was, therefore, the first American chief magistrate under whom Michigan was placed. In the year 1798, the Northwestern Territory assumed what was called the second grade of Territorial government. The county of Wayne, then coextensive with the Territory of Michigan, as afterwards estab lished, sent one representative to the General Assembly of the Northwestern Territory, held at Chillicothe, whose election gave the first occasion for the exercise of the right of suffrage in this county.
In the year 1800, Indiana was established as a separate Terri tory, embracing all the country lying west of the present State of Ohio, and of an extension of the western line of that State due north to the Territorial limits of the United States. In the year
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
395
1802, the peninsula was annexed to the Territory of Indiana, by the same act of Congress which authorized the formation into a State of that part of the Northwestern Territory which now con stitutes Ohio.
HON. A. B. TURNER.
AARON B. TURNER was born in 1822, at Plattsburgh, N. Y., whence his father, Isaac Turner, moved his family to Grand Rapids in the spring of 1836. He commenced type-setting in the office of the Grand River Times, the first paper published at Grand Rapids, in the winter of 1838. December 25, 1844, he commenced the publication of the Grand Rapids Eagle (at first called the Grand River Eagle), and has continued it ever since, a period of twenty-nine consecutive years. He started the Daily Eagle May 26th, 1856. Since 1865 he has had as a business partner Eli F. Harrington, a brother-in-law. As founder of the Eagle, continuous publisher and owner, still retaining control as principal proprietor, Mr.
396 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
In the year 1805, Michigan commenced its separate existence. That part of the Territory which lies east of a north and south line drawn through the middle of Lake Michigan, was formed into a distinct government by an act of Congress passed in that year. The provisions of the ordinance of 1787 continued to regu late the form of government. That ordinance wisely provided for the establishment of those fundamental principles of law which are regarded as" the best securities of civil and religious liberty and political equality, and was marked in its provisions and its tone by prudence, discretion and humanity. The prohibi tion of slavery wThich it contained may have saved the country northwest of the Ohio from an incalculable evil. Under this constitution, granted to the inhabitants of the country northwest of the Ohio, the executive power was vested in a governor ; the judicial in three judges ; and the legislative in both united. The officers were appointed by the general government; their legis lative authority was restricted to the adoption of laws from codes of the several States. This was the form of government provided until the Territory should contain five thousand free white males of full age ; and it then became optional with the people to choose a legislative body among themselves; to be supported, however, at their own proper cost. Subsequent legislation of Congress was more liberal, as well in providing a legislature
Turner may be styled "the veteran journalist " of Michigan. A pioneer in the Grand Eiver valley, and struggling with the slow growth and limited means of pioneer life, during what were called the " hard times," he has built up an extensive and prospering printing house, keeping pace with the growth of Western Michigan, his newspaper ranking with the leading press of the State. From a small beginning, he has acquired a handsome property and profitable business interests.
Mr. Turner has had considerable experience in public life— as city clerk, as assistant clerk of the House in the Legislature, and as secretary of the Michigan Senate in 1859 and 1861 ; was appointed by President Lincoln collector of internal revenue for the fourth collection district, organizing that service and serving four years; was appointed postmaster of Grand Rapids by President Grant in April, 1869, and reappointed in 1873. He is yet in the full vigor of manhood, and ranks among the successful men of Western Michigan.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 397
upon better principles, at the expense of the United States, as in the footing upon which it placed the elective franchise and eligibility to office. Under the ordinance, a freehold qualification was required, both on the part of the elector, and to render an individual eligible to the General Assembly, which was, under certain circumstances, provided for.
In 1818, upon the admission of Illinois into the Union, all the territory lying north of that State and of Indiana was annexed to Michigan. From 1805, when the Territory was erected, to 1819, our political condition was, in every respect, that prescribed by the ordinance of 1787. By an act passed in the latter year, the Territory was authorized to elect a delegate to Congress. Under the ordinance, the privilege only accrued to a Territory when it should have entered upon the second grade of govern ment, and the delegate was then to be chosen by the General Assembly. By the act referred to, the power was given direct to the people, and the right of suffrage was extended to all taxable citizens. In the year 1823, the form of the Territorial govern ment was essentially changed by an act of Congress, which abro gated the legislative power of the governor and judges, and granted more enlarged ones to a council, to be composed of nine persons, selected by the President of the United States, from eighteen chosen by the electors of the Territory. By this law, eligibility to office was made coextensive with the right of suffrage as established by the act of 1819. The limitation of the tenure of the judicial office to a term of four years, is another important feature of the act of 1823.
In the year 1825, all county officers, with the exception of those of a judicial character, or whose functions connected them with the administration of justice, were made elective ; and the appoint ments which remained in the hands of the executive were made subject to the approval of the legislative council. In 1827, the electors of the Territory were authorized to choose a number of persons, corresponding with that at which the members of the council was fixed, and their election made absolute. This, indeed, was the last form of the Territorial government of Michigan — certainly a liberal one to be maintained by the parent State. The
398 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
legislative council was empowered to enact all laws not incon sistent with the ordinance of 1787; their acts, however, were subject to be annulled by Congress, and to the absolute veto of the Executive of the Territory.
General Hull was the first Governor of the Territory of Michi gan. When he arrived at Detroit to assume his official duties, he found the town in ruins, it having been destroyed by fire. Whether this disaster had been occasioned by accident or design was not known. However this may have been, as the town was very compact, covering only two acres of ground, and the mate rials were of the most combustible character, it was soon entirely consumed, and the unfortunate inhabitants were obliged to encamp in the open fields, almost destitute of food and shelter. Still, they were not discouraged, and soon commenced rebuilding their houses on the same site. The general government also took their case into consideration, and an act of Congress was passed, grant ing to the sufferers the site of the old town of Detroit, and ten thousand acres of land adjoining.
As before mentioned, a judiciary system was now established, and the Territorial militia organized. In October of the same year, a report was made to Congress of the condition of the Ter ritory ; and in May of the following year a code of laws was adopted similar to those of the original States. This code wras signed by Governor Hull, Augustus B. Woodward, and Frederick Bates, Judges of the Territory, and was called the " Woodward Code." The bounds of the Territorial government, as then estab lished, embraced all the country on the American side of the Detroit river, east of a north and south line drawn through the center of Lake Michigan. The Indian land claims had been par tially extinguished previous to this period. By the treaty of Fort Mclntosh, in 1785, and that of Fort Harmer, in 1787, extensive cessions had either been made or confirmed, and, in the year 1807, the Indian titles to several tracts became entirely extinct. In consequence of the settlements which had been made under the French and English governments, some confusion sprang up in regard to the titles to valuable tracts that were claimed by differ ent individuals, under the French laws. Congress, accordingly,
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
399
passed an act establishing a board of commissioners, to examine and settle these conflicting claims ; and, in 1807, another act was passed, confirming, to a certain extent, the titles of all such as had been in possession of the lands then occupied by them from
PEAR TREES IN THE OLD JESUIT GARDEN.
the year 1796, when the Territory was surrendered, up to the date of that act. Other acts were subsequently passed, extending the same conditions to the settlements on the upper lakes.
In addition to the settlements along the shores of the Detroit and St. Clair rivers, and the lake of the latter name, where there
400 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
was a continued line of cottages, with farms adjoining, containing orchards of pear and apple trees, planted at an early date, and the old posts on the island of Mackinaw, at Ste. Marie, and at St. Joseph, the French colonists had a line of cabins on the Kiver Raisin, where the city of Monroe now stands. The interior of the country was but little known, except by those who were engaged in the fur trade, and these were interested in representing it in as unfavorable a light as possible. No portion of the public domain had yet been brought into the market. But few American set tlers had, therefore, ventured into this region, though the adjoin ing State of Ohio had already acquired a considerable population. Such was the condition of Michigan just before the Tecumseh war, a full account of which is given in a previous chapter.
After this contest, Michigan emerged into a new existence. Colonel Cass, who had served with much zeal during the war, was appointed Governor of the Territory ; and under his administra tion it gradually advanced in prosperity.
But we must not enter upon the successful administration of Governor Cass, without following General Hull, the first Governor of the Territory, a little further. In our last mention of him, he was being conveyed to Montreal, a prisoner of war. We next find him before a court-martial, at Albany, New York. The court convened January 3d, 1814, with a full board, and General Dearborn was the President. No objection was taken to the con stitution of this court by the accused. The session of the court was protracted, and every facility afforded to General Hull to present his defense. The Judge- Advocate, Mr. Van Buren, was remarkably fair and impartial in conducting the examination. The charges were three in number : treason, cowardice, and neglect of duty. The court acquitted the accused of the high crime of treason. As to the other charges, the court, upon mature deliber ation, found General Hull guilty, and sentenced him to be shot ; but, by reason of his services in the war of the Revolution, and his advanced age, earnestly recommended him to the mercy of the President. The President approved of the finding of the court, but remitted the execution of the sentence, and dismissed him from the service.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 401
The civil administration of Governor Hull presents but few salient points. His military administration, ending, as it did, by the ignominious surrender of Detroit to a British force far inferior to his own, was fraught with irretrievable ruin to himself, as well as temporary disgrace to the American arms.
What was the actual moving cause of this disgraceful capitula tion will probably never be known, till the final day. Time, how ever, has somewhat softened the harsh judgment which was passed upon him at the time ; and some of the earlier impressions, which attributed his conduct to money, the price of treason, have been removed. But the most that charity can do is to attribute it to cowardice and imbecility. Efforts have, from time to time, been made to rescue his name from obloquy ; but such efforts have uni versally proved failures. It is enough for an American to know that he surrendered his command to a force of less than one-third his own strength. General Hull's principal excuse was, that he was short of ammunition and provisions. He does not allege that he was destitute — the contrary was well known to be the case — but that he apprehended that he had not enough to last till the final issue of the campaign. But this, instead of being an excuse for an unconditional surrender, was the stronger reason for promptitude and energy. After ammunition and provisions fail, the worst disaster that can befall an army is that which he forced upon his command before a blow was struck.
The situation was briefly this : He had been instructed to pro tect Detroit. The invasion of Canada was left discretionary with him. He did neither. It is true he crossed the river, but only to make a disgraceful retreat. When followed, and summoned to surrender, he complied with the demand ; only holding out long enough to increase the pomposity of the enemy, and provoke the curses of his command. His flight commenced at the bridge of the Canards, and terminated in the American fortress. His retreat was without a reason, and his surrender without a parallel.
Nothing but the memory of other and prouder days, and gal lant deeds, can rescue the name of Hull from unmitigated con tempt ; and the kindest judgment which a dispassionate posterity can pronounce upon him is to ascribe his errors to cowardice and imbecility.
26
CHAPTER XXIX.
GENERAL CASS APPOINTED GOVERNOR — DEFENSELESS CONDITION OF THE TERRITORY — INDIAN DEPREDATIONS AROUND DETROIT — BRAV ERY AND ENERGY OF GENERAL CASS — His TREATY WITH THE INDIANS — CONDITION OF MICHIGAN AT THE CLOSE OF THE WAR — EXPEDITION OF GENERAL CASS TO THE UPPER PENINSULA — DISCOVERIES— PROS PERITY OF THE TERRITORY UNDER CASS' ADMINISTRATION— THE TREATY OF CHICAGO— EXECUTION OF INDIANS.
A NEW era now dawned upon the Territory of Michigan. Gen eral Lewis Cass, who had served, with great credit and distinc tion, through the war of 1812, was appointed Governor of the Territory. At that time its prosperity and advancement may be said to have commenced. Up to this time, there had been no inducement whatever for the immigration of people from the Eastern States. The country had just emerged from a bloody and devastating war, and the public lands had not been brought into market. The beautiful and fertile lands of the lower penin sula, now studded with happy homes and nourishing cities, and traversed in every direction by the locomotive, were traversed only by wild beasts, and wilder men. The streams, now white with the sails of noble ships, and dotted with manufactories, were navigated only by the bark canoe. The feeble settlements along the frontier had been converted into scenes of desolation ; not a road had been constructed through the interior ; and there was no means of access to the country except by the rivers and lakes, and the military road along the Detroit river. The British garrisons were broken up, it is true, and Tecumseh was no more, but the people were by no means free from the calamities of war. The ill feeling of the Indians continued unsubdued, and their pro pensities to murder, rob and plunder, were still as great as when Tecumseh led them to battle. The British flag still waved over Mackinaw, and the intermediate country was filled with fur-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
403
traders who regarded their interests as antagonistic to the United States.
At this time, it must be remarked, all of the province of Can ada which had been held in submission by the British army, was
ISAAC NEWTON SWAIN.
ISAAC NEWTON SWAIN, one of the earliest pioneer settlers of the inte rior and western parts of the lower peninsula of Michigan, was born near Sackett's Harbor, in Jefferson county, New York, November 20th,
404 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
now subject to the order of the Governor of Michigan, and upon him rested the responsibility of protecting the rights of the people on the east side of the river, in common with the citizens upon the west side. How long the war would continue, or how it would end, or whether Canada would eventually become a part and par cel of Michigan, no one could tell. But it was sufficiently obvious to the mind of General Cass that the peninsula of Michi gan, at least, was to remain under the Stars and Stripes ; and he set himself to work, with great wisdom and industry, to provide for the future welfare of the people intrusted to his charge. In order to do this effectually, it wras first necessary to inspire the people with confidence in their personal safety, and to assure them that their property was protected by the sleepless vigilance of the law. His first act was to tender his resignation as brigadier-gen eral in the army, believing that such extensive civil and military powers should not be vested in the same person. His resignation was accepted, with the proviso that he should, in his capacity as Governor, take charge of the defenses of the Territory.
The seat of war at this time having been transferred to the East, Michigan was left with only a company of twenty-seven sol diers for her defense. With this feeble force, and the local militia, the Governor was required to defend the Territory against the
1807. He yet distinctly remembers hearing the reports of the first guns fired in our second war with England in 1812. His home was the scene of some of the most exciting events of that final contest with Britain, and he thus early imbibed indelible hostility to the " red coats," notwithstanding both sides of his ancestry, being of the Quaker order, came early from the south of England. They were numbered among the first settlers of Rhode Island and Nantucket.
When only nine years old, his parents and their family of five children, of whom he was the youngest, removed and settled on the " Holland Purchase" (so called), in western JSTew York, now Royalton, in Niagara county. This was several years before the existence of the Erie canal, and at a period when the products of the settlers had scarcely any cash value. Money was a great rarity among the people there, in those days, and when an occasional shilling was discovered in the neighborhood, its possessor at once became an object of considerable attention.
Such was the condition and customs of the infant settlement in which
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 405
bands of hostile Indians who were constantly hovering around Detroit.
It was at this time, when Detroit was thus exposed, that a war party of savages issued from the dense forests which skirted the town, and marked their irruption by one of those deeds of blood which have made the early history of Michigan a record of trials, sufferings and hardships without a parallel in the annals of fron tier life. The strength of the party was not great, as it after wards appeared, but, as it was unknown, the excitement and alarm of the inhabitants were intense. But Governor Cass was equal to the emergency, and in a short time rallied his undisciplined troops, pursued the savages to their native haunts, and, after a sharp and bloody conflict, returned to Detroit victorious. It is within the memory of men now living, how the people of the town were terrified, upon the return of the victorious band, by the scalp halloa that was raised by some friendly Indians, to indicate the victory of the party. The horrid sound, which has curdled the blood of the stoutest hearts in many a lonely cabin in the wilderness, and tells the tale of blood before the gory trophies are exhibited, broke the silence of the evening air. The helpless women and children, whose husbands and fathers had gone forth to fight in their defense, had no means of knowing whether the
Mr. Swain spent the largest part of his youth. At length, however, roads were opened, and when these were connected and made passable, at least, by " bridges built by the frosts of winter," the dense forests were awakened by occasional teams. A few loads of the best " Genesee wheat " were transported from that " far off western country," and carried more than fifty miles over rough and troublesome roads to a small ham let, then the nearest cash market, and now the prosperous city of Eochester, New York. There this grain was sold at twenty-five to twenty-eight cents per bushel, and added very considerably to the circulating medium of the pioneer settlement. The erection of the first school house in the settlement is an event not easily forgotten by Mr. Swain. It was constructed by a "bee," and occupied but one day for its completion. This is the more surprising since the building was transformed from standing trees to a temple of science in this short space of time. The "neighbors all turned out," and at four o'clock in the morning the sound of their axes, the falling of heavy trees, and the
406 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
terrible cry came from friend or foe, and, in their uncertainty, many of them fled to their canoes, and took refuge on the other side of the river. Happily, the return of their friends removed their fears, and secured their safety ; and their return was as joy ful as their departure had been precipitous.
The bravery of Governor Cass as a soldier, fighting the bands of hostile Indians which surrounded the feeble settlements under his charge, was only equaled by his wisdom in dealing with them in times of peace. He was at this time, by virtue of his office of Governor, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and as such it became his duty to advise with the government at Washington on that subject. He had long been under the impression that the only proper way to deal with the Indians was, as a means of paci fication, to purchase their possessory rights to the lands they occu pied ; to limit their hunting grounds to a narrow compass ; to teach them agriculture and mechanics, and provide the means for their instruction and religious training. The policy of the French and English had been to pacify them with presents of whisky and gew-gaws, merely for the purpose of obtaining a temporary foothold, to enable them to carry on the fur trade. This policy, of course, brought permanent settlers into the country, and those who were benefited by the traffic lived thousands of miles away,
loud driving of ox teams, indicated that something unusual had taken possession of these earnest settlers. The heavy logs were "switched" together and hewed. Then strong arms and willing hands placed them one upon another, until the roof was made whole. The floor was next " dubbed" off so as to be agreeable to little feet, for no boards could be had for that purpose, and this exercise completed the first school house in that district. The labor of the day being over, the eager inhabitants commenced their celebration. Then came genuine ladies, real women — pioneer women — with well prepared refreshments. Rude tables were constructed, and a wholesome collation spread out for the builders. When the appetite had been satisfied, the floor was made clear and danc ing commenced, which continued with a spirit until an early hour the following morning.
It was in this "bee" school house that Mr. Swain received his ele mentary education. This, however, was attended with its disadvantages. Books were scarce and difficult to obtain. For the winter's use of
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 407
and had no interest in the permanent development of the country. It was clear that this was not the policy of the United States, and the President heartily coincided in the views expressed by General Cass. The result was that General Cass and General Harrison were intrusted with the power to treat with the Indians on the Miami and Wabash, and, on the twentieth of July, a treaty was signed with the Wyandots, Senecas, Shawnees, Miamis and Dela- wares, which restored comparative tranquillity to the frontiers.
At one time, during this summer, it became necessary for Gen eral Cass to send troops down the lake, to the assistance of General Brown, on the Niagara ; and he ordered his whole force to repair to the seat of war, reserving only thirty men for the defense of the fort at Maiden. During this defenseless state, the hostile Indians became bolder. Their war parties roamed the country, and caused much alarm and apprehension ; and the Governor found it necessary to call the whole adult male population to arms. Scouting parties were sent out in all directions, and many skir mishes occurred. The Governor frequently headed these parties in person, and the hostile tribes were driven from place to place, until, finally, they retreated to Saginaw.
In July of this year an attempt was made to recover Mackinaw. A force was detailed, under the command of Colonel Croghan, for
Pike's arithmetic, he dug potatoes two days, and he husked corn four days for a slate.
After graduating in this "bee" institution, Mr. Swain's ambition for further knowledge was largely increased. He often walked forty-three miles in a day, to and from the nearest academy, teaching school in the winter season, to bear his academic expenses in the summer. Through all these obstacles, he displayed that matchless energy characteristic of his life, and obtained an ample education.
When the Erie canal was completed, a new era dawned upon western New York. A market and highway for commerce were opened, reveal ing richer fields in the great West, which he visited, and, early in the year 1830, he settled permanently in Michigan, to share its pioneer hardships, and aid in developing its great resources. In the former he has taken a front rank position, while in the latter ^he has but few compeers.
His first earnings were invested in land situated near the Kalamazoo
408 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
this purpose, with the assistance of a part of the fleet on Lake Erie. But the British works were too strong, and, with the assistance of the savages, they were enabled to hold possession. The establishments at St. Joseph's and at Sault Ste. Marie, how ever, were destroyed.
In the winter of 1815, the treaty of peace was ratified between England and the United States. The population of the Territory at that time was not over five or six thousand, and that population was spread over a vast extent, and in a state of great destitution, owing to the calamities of war. Scarcely a family, when it resumed its domestic establishment, found more than the rem nants of former wealth and comfort. Families had been broken up and dispersed ; parents had been torn from children, and chil dren from each other ; some had been slain on the battle field, and others had been massacred by the ruthless savages. Laws had become a dead letter, and morals had suffered in the gen eral wreck. Agriculture had been almost abandoned, and com merce • paralyzed. Food, and all the necessaries of life were scarce, and luxuries were unknown. Money was difficult to get, and the bank paper of Ohio, which was almost the sole circulat ing medium, was twenty-five per cent below par in New York. Consequently commercial transactions were precluded, except at a ruinous figure to the merchant and the consumer.
river, in the southwest part of Jackson county. He added to the orig inal purchase, as he acquired means by farming, surveying, civil engin eering, merchandising, milling, lumbering, etc. His labors have been eminently successful, not only in accumulating a large fortune, but in developing the resources of the State.
This biography might very justly be enlivened by a recital of Mr. Swain's many adventures in the pioneer days of Michigan. His conflicts with wild beasts and wild men, are filled with the essence of adventure; the hardships he has endured in "camping out" and travel ing through the unexplored forests, are replete with heroic exploits, with man and beast, and would constitute of themselves a volume full of interest and instruction. But we shall pass over these, and briefly notice the results of his industry.
Having failed to secure the Michigan Central ^Railroad through his place of business, at Concord, by a distance of four miles, he pulled up
410 GENEKAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
In this gloomy and unpromising condition was Michigan when General Cass assumed the office of Governor of the Territory. Civil government was yet to be established, and laws enacted and enforced, before any permanent advancement in prosperity could be hoped for. His task was a delicate and difficult one. He was not only a part of the legislative power, but was the sole execu tive. The laws which were enacted in the one capacity, he was obliged to execute in the other. How well he performed his task, the condition of the State when he resigned his office, after eighteen years of service, abundantly testifies.
In 1817, General Cass made a most important treaty with the Indians, by which their title was extinguished to nearly all the land in Ohio, a part in the State of Indiana, and a portion in the State of Michigan. This was not only the most valuable treaty that had at that time been made with the Indians, but was of the utmost importance to the Territory of Michigan. It attached the isolated population of Michigan to the State of Ohio ; made the Territorial government, in a fuller sense, an integral part of the Federal Union, and removed all apprehension of a hostile con federacy among the Indian tribes along the lake and river frontier.
Up to this time there was not a road within the limits of the Territory, save the military road along the Detroit river. But,
and went still farther into the dense forest, down the Paw Paw valley, to the present site of the village of Watervleit, in Berrien county, thus endeavoring to make a certainty of locating on this road. The State, which at that time owned the Michigan Central Eoad, had definitely located its route through this valley, with a view of making the western terminus on Lake Michigan, at St. Joseph. But these plans were over ruled by various circumstances. The State, with the system of internal improvements in 1847, being nearly bankrupt, and the Michigan Central Railroad being completed with strap rails only as far as the village of Kalamazoo, sold her franchise to the present Michigan Central Railroad Company. This company departed from the original plan, and thereby left Watervleit oft* twenty miles in the forest.
Notwithstanding these obstacles, Mr. Swain prosecuted his business enterprises in that locality with unabated energy. At Watervleit he con ducted the same business already mentioned, increasing the . lumbering branch to a considerable extent. He is still interested in the latter at the
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 411
now that the Indian settlements and lands could not be interposed as a barrier to the undertaking, General Cass resolved to bring the attention of Congress to the necessity and advantage of a military road from Detroit to Sandusky. He pointed out the peculiar political and pecuniary advantages of such an under taking, and Congress immediately authorized the road to be built over the route indicated ; taking in its course what was known as the Black Swamp, then a trackless morass for teams and wagons, but now one of the most fertile regions of the country.
In the summer of this year, the first newspaper published in Michigan was started at Detroit. It was called the Detroit Gazette, and was published by Messrs. Sheldon & Reed, two enterprising young men, who for many years, continued its publi cation.
The great problem which then occupied the minds of the author ities of the Territory was how to induce a flow of immigration from the East. That was, indeed, a difficult question to solve- much more so than we can fully appreciate at this day. There were, as before remarked, no roads in existence leading to the interior of the Territory ; and no steamboats as yet vexed the placid bosom of the Detroit river. The difficulty was greatly increased by a false impression which then universally prevailed
same place, and also in large and valuable tracts of land in that vicinity, and he is now doing much to increase the value of real estate in that section of Michigan.
In 1861, he commenced, under his own supervision, the erection of his magnificent residence at Riverside, on Fort street, near Detroit. This building is a fitting monument to its projector. Being one of the sub stantial kind, he embodied in the construction of this residence much that indicates his most prominent characteristics. It is, perhaps, the most elegantly finished, and by far the most substantial building of the kind in the Northwest. Its basement and foundation are, in themselves, wonderful accomplishments, and from the floor of the former to the deck of the tower is a distance of one hundred feet.
At the top of this tower, which is easily attained by a most magnifi cent winding stairway, the observer has one of the grandest views of lake, river and landscape scenery in the country. The head of Lake Erie and much of Lake St. Clair are made plainly visible, with the most
412 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
in regard to the character of the soil of Michigan, and its adapta bility to the purposes of agriculture. It was popularly supposed to be the very home of disease and death, uninhabited and unin habitable ; a horrible place abounding in swamps, marshes and lagoons, impenetrable save by means of canoes. Nor were these reports without high official authority to back them, as will be seen by the following facts :
On the sixth of May, 1812, Congress passed an act, requiring that 2,000,000 acres of land should be surveyed in the then Terri tory of Louisiana, and a like quantity in the Territory of Illinois, north of the Illinois river, and the same quantity in the Territory of Michigan, in all 6,000,000 acres, to be set apart for the soldiers in the war with Great Britain. Each soldier was to have 160 acres of land, fit for cultivation. The lands were surveyed and appropriated under this law in Louisiana and Illinois, but the sur veyors reported that there were no lands in Michigan fit for culti vation. The following is that portion of the Surveyor-General's report which relates to the lands of Michigan :
" The country on the Indian boundary line, from the mouth of the great Augiaize river, and running thence for about fifty miles,
picturesque surroundings of city and country. His grounds surrounding the residence are not only extensive, but rich in all the beauties of garden landscape.
Mr. Swain, although a man of large experience and no small literary attainments, is extremely simple in his manners, making himself alike agreeable with men in business circles, or in entertaining friends at his well appointed mansion.
To a question as to whether or not he had ever figured in politics, Mr. Swain stated that he had never sought office but once in his life. He admits of once having had an ambition to become ''overseer of high ways," brought on by the deplorable condition of certain roads in which he was interested, and which he desired to improve. On this occasion he was not elected for want of votes, and although more than a third of a century has passed since this defeat, he has not since been troubled with an appetite for office. It is not improbable, however, that he may have intended this answer as indicating his disapproval of the tricks of modern politics.
HISTORY OP MICHIGAN,
413
is (with some few exceptions) low, wet land, with a very thick growth of underbrush, intermixed with very bad marshes, but generally very heavily timbered with beech, cottonwood, oak, etc. ; thence continuing north, and extending from the Indian boundary
AARON DIKEMAN.
AARON DIKEMAN, one of the representative pioneers of northwestern Michigan, was born in Norwalk, Fairlield county, Connecticut, January 3, 1796.
He lived in his native town until reaching his majority, when he emi grated to New York City, and embarked in the jewelry business. He carried on this business in that city for twenty years, with uninterrupted success.
Closing up his affairs in New York, he emigrated to Michigan, and settled in what is now Grand Rapids, arriving there in May, 1837. Here
414 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
eastward, the number and extent of the swamps increases, with the addition of numbers of lakes, from twenty chains to two and three miles across. Many of the lakes have extensive marshes adjoining their margins, sometimes thickly covered with a species of pine called ' tamarack/ and other places covered with a coarse, high grass, and uniformly covered from six inches to three feet (and more at times) with water. The margins of these lakes are not the only places where swamps are found, for they are inter spersed throughout the whole country, and filled with water, as above stated, and varying in extent. The intermediate space between these swamps and lakes, which is probably near one- half of the country, is with a very few exceptions, a poor, barren, sandy land, on which scarcely any vegetation grows, except very small scrubby oaks. In many places, that part which may be called dry land is composed of little, short sand-hills, forming a kind of deep basins, the bottoms of many of which are composed of a marsh similar to the above described. The streams are gen erally narrow, and very deep, compared with their width, the shores and bottoms of which are (with a very few exceptions)
he again engaged in the jewelry business, opening the first establishment of that kind in the State north of the Michigan Central Railroad. Mr. Dikeman continued in this occupation in Grand Rapids until 1867, and dur ing this long period was seldom absent a day from his bench. During this time he built up a large trade, established a high reputation for an honest business man, and, after fifty years of unremitting toil, he retired in May, 1867, with a fair fortune and hosts of friends as his reward. At the time of his retiring he was the oldest jeweler working at the trade in the United States, being seventy-one years of age.
In 1855, Mr. Dikeman became largely interested in the steamboat navi gation of Grand river. In that year, he built the steamer Empire, and run her on the lower river line between Grand Rapids and Grand Haven.
Mr. Dikeman was elected county treasurer of Kent county, in Novem ber, 1838, and the abilities with which he performed the duties of that office can be best adduced from the fact that he held it for three succes sive terms. In 1849, he was elected supervisor of the township of Grand Rapids, which then included the village of Kent, now the city of Grand Rapids. He was chosen alderman of the third ward of that city in in 1852, and his public life closed with the expiration of his term of office as alderman.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 415
swampy beyond description ; and it is with the utmost difficulty that a place can be found over which horses can be conveyed in safety.
" A circumstance peculiar to that country is exhibited in many of the marshes by their being thinly covered with a sward of grass, by walking on which evinced the existence of water, or a very thin mud immediately under their covering, which sinks from six to eighteen inches from the pressure of the foot at every step, and at the same time rising before and behind the person passing over. The margins of many of the lakes and streams are in a similar situation, and in many places are literally afloat. On approaching the eastern part of the military lands, toward the private claims on the straights and lake, the country does not con tain so many swamps and lakes, but the extreme sterility and barrenness of the soil continues the same. Taking the country altogether, so far as has been explored, and to all appearances, together with the information received concerning the balance, is so bad there would not be more than one acre out of a hundred, if there would be one out of a thousand that would in any case admit of cultivation."
Mr. Dikeman became a member of Phoenix Lodge, No. 4, Free and Accepted Masons of New York city, in 1823, and lie was one of the first officers and charter members of Grand River lodge, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has been indentified with this order for over fifty years, and enjoys the full esteem of his brother Masons.
Being one of the pioneers of northwestern Michigan, he had unbounded faith in the future growth and prosperity of the Grand River valley, and he has ever worked with both his mind and means for its development. In its infancy, he prophesied a glorious future for it, and time has proved how correct his foresight was, as he now finds himself surrounded by as beautiful and prosperous a country as our truly great State can boast of.
On the 14th of February, 1822, Mr. Dikeman married Miss Susanna Butler, of Norwalk, Connecticut, and, on the 14th of the same month, 1872, they celebrated their golden wedding, at their residence on Fulton street, Grand Rapids.
Now, at the advanced age of seventy-nine, Mr. Dikeman, in a happy home, with a fair fortune and surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and hosts of friends, is enjoying the closing years of an active and prosperous life.
416 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
Accordingly, on the twenty-ninth of April, 1816, Congress passed an act repealing so much of the law of the sixth of May, 1812, as related to Michigan, and provided for taking 1,500,000 acres in Illinois, north of the Illinois river, and 500,000 acres in the Territory of Missouri, in lieu of the 2,000,000 acres which could not be found in Michigan.
It is difficult, at this late day, to imagine how such a report could have been honestly made. It is probable, however, that no examination worthy the name was made. Again, the fur-traders were interested in preventing the settlement of the country, and the Surveyor-General may have chosen to rely upon their state ments, instead of making a thorough examination for himself. Be that as it may, the country, through the energy of General Cass, was soon, to a certain extent, undeceived ; although it was many years before the bad impression was eradicated from the minds of the people of the East. During that year and the fol lowing, the country was more fully explored, and numerous tracts of the most fertile land, with a rolling surface, were discovered. Prosperity began to abound, and population to increase by immi gration and settlement. When General Cass became thoroughly convinced of the falsity of the reports concerning the quality of the soil of the interior, and saw a hardy and enterprising popula tion gathering around him, he called for the views of the inhabit ants, in March, 1818, upon the question of changing the civil authority by entering upon the second grade of Territorial govern ment. A vote wras accordingly taken, and a majority were against it. But, for the purpose of facilitating emigration and settlement, General Cass recommended to the Secretary of the Treasury that the lands in the district of Detroit be at once sur veyed and brought into market. The department at once acted upon this suggestion, and in the following September and October sales were made. This movement gave a new impetus to agricul ture, and added greatly to the permanent prosperity of the country. A great change took place in public opinion concerning the value of these lands, and subsequent surveys more fully con firmed the inaccuracy of former impressions.
In the following year, General Cass met the Chippewas in coun-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
417
cil at Saginaw, and concluded a treaty by which large relinquish- ments to lands in Michigan were obtained, embracing about six millions of acres.
During the year 1819, two events occurred in the history of
MAJOR LOWELL HALL.
LOWELL HALL, the subject of this sketch, was born in Middlesex county, Massachusetts, June 24, 1802.
At the age of two years, with his parents, he emigrated to the State of Vermont, and, two years later, he went from there to the Black river country, in northern New York. Here, with such limited means as the country afforded, he learned the elementary branches — studying evenings by the cheerful blaze of a fire-place, in a log house. Removing from here, in 1815, he took up his residence in Genesee county, New York. 27
418 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
Michigan, which may be said to have inaugurated a new era in her progress. The first was when the first steamboat, the Walk- in-the- Water, made her appearance on Lake Erie, crossing that lake, and passing up to Mackinaw. The second was the granting to the people of Michigan the privilege of electing a delegate to Congress. These events were great advances in the hopes and prosperity of Michigan. By the first, a new and valuable means of commercial intercourse was introduced ; and, by the latter, a new channel of communication was opened, through which the people could communicate to Congress and the national govern ment their wants and situation. Again, what was, perhaps, of as great importance as either of the above events, further sales of public lands were ordered and made. This would cause settle ments to be made further into the interior of the peninsula, and land, now studded, at long intervals, on the banks of her lakes and rivers, by the Frenchman's hut, or the solitary post of the fur trader, would soon become the sites of towns and villages, teeming with commerce and civilization.
By the census taken about this time, the population of the Ter ritory was ascertained to be eight thousand eight hundred and
After a short course at the Middlebury academy, now in Wyoming- county, he commenced teaching in the district schools. He followed this occupation for two successive winters, receiving as a salary twelve dollars per month, payable in wheat, at three shillings per bushel, and he was also required to " board around."
Not satisfied with this mode of life, in 1823 he engaged as clerk in a village store, owned by Hon. Henry Hawkins, of Alexander, Genesee county, New York, with whom he remained as clerk and partner respect ively for eleven years. During these years, he had acquired considerable wealth and married Miss Collins, of Orleans county. In 1838, his fortune was almost entirely swept away, through his becoming bondsman for men who failed.
With an untiring energy, nothing daunted, he succeeded in organizing the Attica and Buffalo Railroad (a charter having been secured in 1836), which was the last link in the chain of railway from Albany to Buffalo. He was a director and secretary of this road, which was finished in seventeen months, and which was the best and cheapest road in the State at that time.
Subsequently he procured the charter and organized the Attica and
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 419
ninety-six. Detroit contained two hundred and fifty houses, and fourteen hundred and fifty inhabitants, not including the garrison. The island of Mackinaw, which continued to be the central mart of the fur trade, had a stationary population of four hundred and fifty, which occasionally increased to not less than two thousand, by the Indians and fur traders who resorted there from the upper lakes. The settlement at the Sault Ste. Marie contained fifteen or twenty houses, occupied by French and English families.
The ordinance of 1787 provided that lot number sixteen in every township should be set apart for the support of common schools, but as yet no measures had been taken to establish any system of public instruction in Michigan. The act drawn up by Judge Woodward, however, and passed by the governor and judges, in 1817, must be excepted. But this was of no practical value at that time, although it deserves mention as a curiosity, if nothing more. The act referred to was for the establishment of what was styled in it the Catholepestemiad, or University of Michigan. The University was to have thirteen didaxia, or professorships, each of which was to be endowed in the most liberal manner. It was designed, undoubtedly, to lay the foundation for a thorough education, both broad and deep ; but, at that early date, was
Hornellsville road, now the New York and Erie, and over which fifty trains are now passing daily.
In 1855, he came to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the interest of the Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad, and continued with it until its com pletion.
During the rebellion, Mr. Hall was actively engaged in raising troops, and, in the winter preceding its close, at the advanced age of sixty-three, he accepted an unsolicited commission and entered the service, where he remained until peace was declared, when he was mustered out, having been breveted major for meritorious services.
Returning home, he organized and was elected president of the Grand Rapids and Lake Shore Railroad, which is now consolidated with the Chicago and Michigan Lake Shore. Following the completion of the above road, he organized the Grand Rapids and Saginaw Railroad, of one hundred miles in length, and nearly an air line. Mr. Hall is the presi dent of this organization, and now, at the age of seventy-one, is as actively and energetically engaged in its construction as he was in those with which he was connected thirty years ago.
420 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
ridiculously impracticable. Judge Woodward, its author, would seem to have been endowed by nature with fair abilities and to possess extensive acquirements ; but, at the same time, to have a fatal tendency towards impracticable schemes, and to lay out his work on such a magnificent scale, as to preclude the possibility of its completion. It is to him that Detroit is indebted for the early plan of the city, laid out in the form of a cobweb. His classical mind was pleased with the idea of a Campus Martins, and a Grand Circus, with avenues radiating in every direction from a grand center, with cross streets connecting them, and grand pub lic squares and parks interspersed. The result was, a plan so vast in extent, and so complex in design, that centuries would be required to fill it. His plan for a University was on an equally magnificent scale ; and the act was clothed in language more suited to the learned professors of the law of five, centuries ago, than to the practical backwoodsman of 1817.
Michigan was now rapidly increasing in population. Koads were being built, and the sound of the woodman's axe was heard in every direction. Settlers were extending themselves along the Rivers St. Clair, Raisin, and Huron ; and settlements were made where now stand the cities of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Jackson, Tecumseh and Pontiac. But they were not yet free from the annoyance of the Indians. The Foxes and Sacs annually made their appearance to receive thousands of dollars of presents from the British agents at Maiden. It was no unfrequent occurrence for them, as they passed along, to commit depredations upon the property of the whites. This annual tribute also had a tendency to create and strengthen an attachment and sympathy between the Indians and the British government. It became obvious, then, that some measures were necessary to put a stop to this custom, and to remove the Indians as far as possible from British influ ence, so annoying to the settlers even in time of peace, and in time of war so dangerous. Besides, the country situated upon the borders of the upper lakes was then but little known, and it was desirable that a more intimate knowledge of its characteristics and resources should be in possession of the general government. Accordingly, in the fall of 1819, General Cass directed the atten-
HISTOKY
MICHIGAN.
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tion of the government at Washington to the matter, and set forth the reasons why an exploration should be made. Among the important objects were : To obtain a more thorough knowl edge of the resources of the country ; a more intimate acquaint-
JAMES SCRIBNER.
ASSOCIATED with the early history of Grand Rapids, stands prominent the name of James Scrilmer, who was born in the city of New York, in the year 1801.
Going to sea at an early age, he was taken prisoner in his fourteenth year, by the British frigate Endymion, and carried to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he was retained three months. Returning to the United States, two years later, he enlisted among the Sea Fencibles, and was stationed at the Narrows, near New York.
With the close of the war, he was apprenticed to a boot and shoe maker, but at the age of seventeen, he changed his occupation and
422 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
ance with the Indians ; a knowledge of their moral condition, their numerical strength, and of their feelings towards the United States, and to obtain a cession of the lands in the vicinity of the Straits of St. Mary's, Prairie du Chien, Green Bay, and open the communication between the latter places. Another important object was to ascertain the extent of the mineral deposits in the vicinity of Lake Superior. It was also desirable to explain to the Indians the views of the government respecting their annual visits to Maiden, and to announce to them that these visits must be dis continued ; to ascertain the state of the British fur trade within our jurisdiction ; and, above all, to " carry the flag of the United States into those remote regions where it had never been borne by any person in a public station."
These were the principal reasons urged by General Cass for desiring the expedition to be set on foot. But the government decided that it would be inexpedient to obtain any further extin guishment of the Indian title, except ten miles square at the Sault Ste. Marie, for military purposes, and of some islands, near Mackinaw^ where beds of plaster had been found to exist.
It will readily be perceived by the intelligent reader that differ ent motives relative to the matter actuated the government and General Cass. The former only looked to the necessity for mili tary defense, whilst the latter was filled with a desire to benefit the people of his Territory, and to secure its permanent advance- shipped on a vessel bound for the Shetland Islands. Leaving the vessel on the coast of Brazil, he traversed the southern and western coasts of South America, and the western coast of Central America, making him self familiar with the Spanish and Portugese languages and visiting all important points between Valparaiso and San Francisco.
In 1820, he crossed the Pacific to China, and returned by the way of the Cape of Good Hope to Rio Janeiro, from whence he sailed across the Atlantic to Cadiz, Spain. Leaving his ship here, he traveled across Spain by land and reshipped at Gibraltar, from whence he sailed to Bordeaux, France. Here he was detained a year by sickness, and upon his recovery he visited Italy, Turkey and the northern coast of Africa.
Having now circumnavigated the globe, visited the four quarters of the earth, and made himself familiar with the French, Spanish, Portu gese and Italian languages, so as to speak them fluently, he returned to
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 423
ment and prosperity. The government, however, sanctioned the fitting out of the expedition for the purposes named, and ordered a topographical engineer, a mineralogist, and a physician, to join it. It also provided it with an escort of soldiers, all to be under the guidance and direction of General Cass.
The expedition was viewed at the time as the most important ever undertaken under the auspices of the government. It was to travel in birch canoes, which, combining lightness with strength, could be readily carried over portages, and bear considerable bur dens when afloat.
The names of the party were as follows : General Cass, and Robert A. Forsyth, his private secretary ; Henry R. Schoolcraft, mineralogist ; Captain D. B. Douglass, topographer and astron omer ; Dr. Alex. Wolcot, physician ; James D. Doty, official sec retary, and Charles C. Trowbridge, assistant topographer. Lieut. Evans Mackey was commander of the escort, which consisted of ten United States soldiers. Besides these, there were ten Canadian voyageurs, to manage the canoes, and ten Indians, to act as hunters. The latter were under the direction of James Riley and Joseph Parks, who were also to act as interpreters.
On the twenty-fourth day of May the party left Detroit. The banks of the river were lined with people, who cheered the depart ing expedition with the greatest enthusiasm. They passed up nine miles to Grosse Point, and landed, in consequence of a storm,
New York city, at the age of twenty-three, and went into the boot and shoe business.
Mr. Scribner emigrated to Michigan in 1836, 'and made Detroit his home for some months, while he was visiting different parts of the State to decide upon a place for a permanent location. His choice fell upon Grand Rapids, and he removed there in the winter of 1836-7 and pre- emted a tract of land on the west side of the river. There being conflicting claims to the property, he spent several years in securing a perfect title. Succeeding in this, he platted it and placed it in the market. By almost giving away lots, he drew settlers to the west side of the river, and this tract of land is now an important part of the city of Grand Rapids, and one of the principal avenues bears Mr. Spencei's name.
In connection with Mr. E. Turner, he built the first bridge at Grand
424 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
and did not proceed further till mid-day of the twenty-sixth. On the sixth of June, they reached Michilimackinac, having coasted along the shore the whole distance, and been detained several days, in consequence of storms and rainy weather. When they reached this place, they were saluted from the fort by the firing of guns, and the inhabitants turned out en masse to bid them wel come. They spent eight days on this island, recuperating, and when they took their departure, twenty-two soldiers, under the command of Lieutenant John S. Pierce, were added to the party. The expedition now numbered sixty -four persons. They left the island on the fourteenth of June, and reached the Sault Ste. Marie on the evening of the sixteenth, and encamped for the night on the bank of the river.
This place was the seat of government of the Chippewas, and had been occupied as a military and trading post from an early period of the settlement of Canada. Under the treaty of Green ville, made in 1795, a reservation was made, covering any gifts or grants of land in the Northwest Territory, which the Indians had formerly made to the French or English, and this reservation had been renewed and confirmed by subsequent treaties. The United States now claimed these concessions which had formerly been made to the French, and General Cass proposed to hold a council for settling the boundaries of the grant, and by that
Rapids, at Bridge street (the piers of which are still standing and in use), on contract with the State for six thousand acres of land. In 1848, we find him associated with Mr. A. B. Turner, in the publication of the Grand River Eagk.
His public spirit and personal enterprise identified him with many projects, some of which were eminently successful, and others were doomed to end in disappointment. One of the prominent enterprises in which he was a leading and moving spirit — the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad — he did not live to see completed.
Weary with the mental labors of forwarding extensive projects, he spent the last few years of his life in ordinary business.
Mr Scribner was a man of commanding presence, jolly, frank and social in his manner, and was known as a warm friend, but an uncom promising enemy when he felt himself or friends injured. His death occurred on the 2d of October, 1862.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 425
means obtain an acknowledgment, and a renewal of the conces
sion.
Accordingly, the next day, the council assembled at the mar quee of the Governor. The chiefs were arrayed in their grandest
HON. R. M'CLELLAND.
ROBERT MCCLELLAND was born on the first day of August, 1807, at Green Castle, Franklin county, Pennsylvania. Among his ancestors were several officers of rank in the war of the revolution, and some of his family connections also distinguished themselves in the war of 1812, and in that with Mexico.
His father was an eminent physician and surgeon, who studied his profession under Dr. Benjamin Rush, of Philadelphia, and practiced it with great success until six months before his death, when he was eighty- four years of age.
426 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
habiliments, and, besides the usual profusion of feathers, they made a conspicuous display of the medals which they had from time to time received from the British government. They entered the marquee, seated themselves with all their native dignity, and opened the council with the ceremony of smoking the pipe of peace. This ceremony over, the object of the council was explained to them. They paid the strictest attention to the inter preter's speech, but it was evident at once that it was not well received. Many of them replied, and expressed strong opposi tion to the proposed reoccupancy. They at first pretended igno rance of the former grants to the English and French ; but were soon pressed from that position by a recurrence to facts of which they could not pretend to be uninformed. The talk soon became desultory, and it was evident that they disagreed among them selves. Some were willing to adjust the boundaries, providing no military garrison was to be established there. They suggested a fear that if it was so occupied, their young men might prove unruly, and kill the hogs and cattle that might stray from the gar rison. This was construed by General Cass into a threat, and he
Although the family of Mr. McClelland had been in good circum stances, yet, at the age of seventeen, he was thrown upon his own resources, and had thereafter to rely upon them.
After passing through the usual course of preliminary study, and teaching school to obtain the means, he entered Dickinson College, Car lisle, Pennsylvania, from which he graduated, among the first in his class, in the year 1829. He then recommenced his school teaching, and went through the usual course of law study and was admitted to the bar, at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, in the year 1831. Soon afterwards, he removed to the city of Pittsburgh, where he vigorously prosecuted his profession for almost a year. His early success at the bar was such as is usual with young practitioners of fair promise.
In the year 1833, Mr. McClelland removed to Monroe, in the Territory of Michigan, where, after passing through a very severe examination, such as a committee with Hon. A. D. Fraser, then in full practice, at its head, would be likely to give, he became a member of the bar of Michi gan, and entered upon the practice here. The early years in the law profession furnish a " hard road to travel," but Mr. McClelland found it as easy, with prospects as bright, as the fortunate aspirants in the pro fession usually find it.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 427
at once informed them, in a dignified tone and manner, that the establishment of a garrison at that place was irrevocably settled, and that, as sure as the sun set in the west, the United States would send a garrison to that place, whether the grant was renewed or not. This decisive language had its desired effect, and at once brought matters to a crisis. High words now passed between the Indians themselves. Shingabowassin, the head chief of the band, a tall and stately chieftain, counseled moderation. Shingwauk, who had been on the war path in 1814, advocated extreme measures. The last who spoke was Sassaba, a tall, mar tial looking chief, wearing a British uniform, and uaid to hold the rank of brigadier-general in the British army. At the close of his speech he assumed a look of savage wildness, struck his war lance furiously into the ground, and, retaking it, left the marquee, spurning the presents which had been laid before him. This brought the council to a summary close, and the Indians retired to their encampment, and the Americans to their tents.
As soon as the Indians reached their encampment, they raised the British flag, and, confident of their invincibility, owing to
In 1835, a convention was called to frame a constitution for the pro posed State of Michigan. Mr. McClelland was elected a member of this convention. He took a prominent part in its deliberations and ranked among its clearest-headed and ablest debaters. After this, he still con tinued in the practice of his profession at Monroe, and was engaged in most of the important litigations in that part of the country.
He was appointed the first bank commissioner of the State, by Gover nor Mason, and was offered the attorne}r-generalship, but declined both of these offices.
In the year 1837, he was married to Miss Sarah E. Sabin, of Williams- town, Massachusetts. He has had six children, three of whom now survive.
In the year 1838, he was elected a member of the State Legislature, in which he soon became distinguished as the head of several important committees, speaker pro tempore, and as a very active and efficient member.
In the year 1840, General Harrison, as candidate^ for the presidency, swept the country by an overwhelming majority, and at the same time the State of Michigan was carried by the Whig party, under the popular cry of " Woodbridge and reform," against the Democratic party.
428 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
their superiority in numbers, they indulged in acts of the grossest insolence. Matters were now brought to a crisis, and a conflict seemed inevitable. Only one act could avert it and that act it required the sublimest courage to perform. But General Cass was equal to the emergency. He instantly ordered the expedition under arms, and, calling to his interpreter, he proceeded, unarmed and alone, to Sassaba's lodge. On reaching it, he indignantly tore down the British flag, trampled it under his feet, and, turning to Sassaba, told him that the hoisting of that insulting flag was an indignity which would never be tolerated on American soil. He then proceeded to say that the United States were the natural guardians and friends of the red man, and desired to act justly by them, and to promote their comfort and happiness ; that the flag was the emblem of national power, and that two national flags could not fly in friendship over the same territory ; and that the red man must not raise any but the American, and that, if they again did it, the United States government would set a strong foot upon their necks, and crush them to the earth. He then returned to his own quarters, taking the offending flag with him.
At this time, Mr. McClelland stood among the acknowledged leaders of the latter party, was elected a member of the State House of Repre sentatives, and, with others, adopted a plan to regain a lost authority and prestige. This party soon came again into power in the State, and Mr. McClelland being again returned to the St/ite Legislature, his leader ship was acknowledged by his election as speaker of the House of Repre sentatives, in the year 1843.
Down to this time, Michigan had constituted one congressional district. The late Hon. Jacob M. Howard had been elected to Congress against the Hon. Alpheus Felch, by a strong majority; but, in 1848, so thoroughly had the Democratic party recovered from its defeat of 1840, that Mr. McClelland, as candidate for Congress, carried Detroit district by about 2,500 majority.
Mr. McClelland soon took a respectable stand in Congress among the oldest veterans of that body. During his first term, he was placed on the committee on commerce and originated what were known as the harbor bills, and carried them through.
The continued confidence of his constituency was manifested in the fact, that he was reflected to the Twenty-ninth Congress by a strong majority. At the opening of this Congress, he had acquired a national
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 429
This act of bravery had its desired effect, and the Indians were completely overawed. They respect courage, in friend or foe. Expecting so decisive an act to be followed by an instant attack, the Indians at once cleared their camp of women and children, and prepared for battle. The expedition also looked for a con flict, and held themselves in readiness, expecting every moment to hear the wild war-whoop. But moderate counsels prevailed among the Indians ; and, before the day passed, a better feeling existed among them, and Shingabowassin renewed negotiations. Before nightfall a treaty was signed, ceding four miles square, and reserving the perpetual right to fish at the rapids of the river. This treaty was signed by all the chiefs save Sassaba, the warlike chieftain whose violent conduct so nearly brought on a conflict.
The next day, the seventeenth of June, the expedition resumed its journey, and launched their canoes upon the waters of Lake Superior. On the twenty-first they reached the Pictured Rocks, which consist of a series of lofty bluffs, extending along the south ern shore of the lake for several miles, and presenting some of the most curious, sublime, and commanding views in nature. On the
reputation, and so favorably was he known as a parliamentarian, that his name was mentioned for speaker of the House of Representatives. He declined, however, in favor of Hon. John W. Davis, of Indiana, who was elected. In this term, he was placed at the head of the committee on commerce, in which position his reports and advocacy of important measures at once attracted public attention. The members of this com mittee, as an evidence of the esteem in which they held his services, and of personal regard for him, presented him with a beautiful cane, which he now retains as a souvenir of the donors and of his labors in Congress. So strong was the favor in which he was held by his constituency, that at the election of 1847, he was reelected for a third term to Congress, not withstanding the two term principle had then become one of the standing rules of party discipline. At the opening of the Thirteenth Congress, he was placed on the committee on foreign relations by the Hon. Mr. Winthrop, Whig speaker of the House of Representatives. He continued to justify the confidence which was thus reposed in him, while he remained a member of Congress. As a member of the committee on foreign relations, what was known as the French spoliation bill came under his special charge, and his management of the same was such as to command universal approbation.
430 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
evening of this day they came across a band of Chippewas, and were welcomed to their lodges. The Indians proved to be friendly and hospitable, and entertained the expedition with songs and dancing. On the twenty-fifth of June they left Lake Superior, ascended Portage river, and returned home by way of Lake Mich igan, after having traveled over four thousand miles.
The results of this expedition were, a more thorough knowledge of a vast region hitherto almost unknown in its important charac teristics ; a fund of valuable knowledge respecting the numbers and disposition of various tribes of Indians ; several important Indian treaties, by which valuable lands were ceded to the United States ; a more accurate topography of the vast region watered by the great lakes ; a knowledge of the operations of the North west Fur Company, and the selection of sites for a line of military posts.
In the meantime, as before mentioned, public lands had been brought into market, and sold, in most instances, to actual settlers. The sales of this and the subsequent year gave a new impetus to the rising destinies of the Territory. As yet, however, the
While in Congress, Mr. McClelland was an advocate of the right of petition, as maintained by the distinguished John Q. Adams, when the peti tion was couched in decorous language, and presented in a proper manner. This, he regarded as a constitutional right of the citizen, which should not be impaired by any doctrines of temporary expe diency. He also voted for the reception of Mr. Giddings' bill for the abolition of slavery in the district of Columbia.
Mr. McClelland was one of the few Democratic associates, about eighteen in number, of David Wilmot, of Pennsylvania, in bringing for ward for adoption by Congress and the country the celebrated " Wilmot Proviso," with a view to prevent the further extension of slavery in new territory, which might be acquired by the United States. He and Mr. Wilmot messed together at the time in Washington, and were on intimate and confidential terms.
He was in several national conventions, and in the Baltimore conven tion which nominated General Cass for the presidency in 1848, and did valiant service in that year in favor of the election of that distinguished statesman to the high position for which he had been selected.
On leaving Congress, in 1849, Mr. McClelland returned to his practice in Monroe. In 1850, a convention of the State of Michigan was called
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 431
great want of the people was roads, and but few had been con structed. What few there were in existence were in a miserable condition, and almost impassable for the traveler. Congress was appealed to, and responded in a liberal manner. Bills were passed and appropriations made for opening the road between Detroit and the Miami river, for the construction of a road from Detroit to Chicago, a road from Detroit to Fort Gratiot, and for the improvement of La Ploisance bay.
The system of surveys of the public domain was carried into the Territory. Two straight lines were drawn through the center of the Territory — east and west, north and south. The north and south line was called the principal meridian, and the line east and west was called the base line. The Territory was then divided into townships, six miles square, and the townships were subdi vided into sections, a mile square. These townships were then numbered, increasing from the meridian and base lines. By this means mathematical accuracy was obtained in the surveys, and the system of marking divisions and subdivisions furnished unmis takable evidence of the true boundaries of each tract surveyed.
to revise the State Constitution. He was elected a member, and was regarded therein as among the ablest and most experienced leaders. His clear judgment and wise moderation were conspicuous, both in the com mittee room and on the floor in debate.
Mr. McClelland was an advocate of the great compromise measures of Mr. Clay, and, while a member of the constitutional convention, in 1850, attended a large meeting of the friends of those measures at the State capitol, where he was active in giving form to a series of resolutions, which were adopted in favor of the so called compromise measures.
In the fall of 1850, he was a member and president of a Democratic State convention, which, with his cordial approval, also adopted resolu tions in support of the compromise measures. But the anti-slavery agita tion was too strong to be arrested by any such means. It finally took four years of civil war and desolation, to settle the slavery question in the United States.
He was in the Democratic national convention of 1852. In that year, he, in company with General Cass and Governor Felch, made a thorough canvass of the State. The pending political issues were thoroughly discussed, and he continued a strong advocate of the Clay compromise measures. He took an active part generally in the canvass which
432 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
ID 1821 there was still a tract lying south of Grand River that had not been added to the United States, and it became necessary once more for Governor Cass to negotiate with the Indians. Accordingly, in the summer of that year, he embarked in a birch canoe for another long journey over stream and portage. The route selected, it is needless to say, was different from the one that is usually traveled to-day. The place he desired to reach was Chicago, and the route was as follows : Leaving Detroit, he descended to the mouth of the Maumee river. He ascended that river and crossed the intervening country to the Wabash, and, descending that stream to the Ohio, proceeded down the Ohio to the Mississippi river ; ascended that river to the Illinois, and thence by that river to Chicago. It was a long, lonely and cir cuitous voyage, and is mentioned for the purpose of reminding the reader of the difficulties and hardships encountered by our early pioneers, and to show what changes a half a century has wrought.
The American commissioners were General Cass and Judge Sibley, of Detroit. Here an incident occurred which illustrates in a striking manner one of the peculiar phases of Indian charac-
resulted in the election of General Pierce to the presidency over General Scott.
In 1851, the new State convention took effect, and it was necessary that a governor should be elected for the short term of one year, in order to prevent an interregnum, and to bring the State government under the new constitution into operation in harmony with the old one. Mr. McClelland was elected as Governor, and then, in the fall of 1852, he was reflected for the term of two years from the first of January, 1853. His administration as Governor was regarded as wise, prudent and concilia tory, and it was as popular as could be expected at a time when party spirit ran high. There was really no opposition to it, and when he resigned, in March, 1853, the State treasury was full to overflowing, and the State was otherwise prosperous.
So thoroughly and favorably had Mr. McClelland become known as a national statesman, that on the organization of the Cabinet by President Pierce, in March, 1853, he was invited to take the position of Secretary of the Interior, a place which he filled during four }rears of the Pierce administration most creditably.
He carried into the Cabinet his genial temperament and his conciliatory
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 433
ter. As a preliminary step to the negotiations, the commissioners ordered that no spirits should be given to the Indians, and informed them that " the bungs were driven into the barrels." This was a serious matter in the eyes of these thirsty sons of the forest, and forthwith a deputation of chiefs waited upon the com missioners to remonstrate. At the head of the deputation was an aged chieftain, on whose head the frosts of nearly a hundred win ters had rested, but who was still, as will be seen, in the full pos session of his mental faculties, and physically well preserved. The commissioners urged every argument to convince him of the propriety of the course they had adopted, but all to no purpose. " Father," said the hoary-headed chief, when he was urged to remain sober and make a good bargain for his people, " Father, we do not care for the land, nor the money, nor the goods. What we want is whisky. Give us whisky." But the commissioners were inexorable, and the Indians were forced to content them selves. A treaty was finally entered into by which nearly all the country within the bounds of Michigan, south of Grand river, and not before ceded, was granted to the United States.
Soon after the return of the commissioners to Detroit, Gover-
spirit. He thoroughly reorganized his department, reduced the expen ditures, adopted a course with the Indians \vhich relieved them from the impositions and annoyances of the traders, produced harmony and extended civilization among them, and during his administration there were no complaints by, and no outbreaks in the different tribes; there was no corruption among agents, and none in any of the bureaus. No parti san distinctions were made among the clerks, and merit alone was regarded in making promotions. No censure or complaint was made from partisan or other sources. His intercourse with all was courteous and indulgent, and when he left the department it had been brought into perfect order and system. He had otherwise performed its duties to the entire satisfaction of the President and his fellow-members of the Cabinet, as well as to the public at large.
In 1867, Michigan again called a convention to revise the State Consti tution. Mr. McClelland was a member, and here again his long and tried experience made him conspicuous as a prudent adviser, and as a sagacious parliamentary leader.
As a lawyer, he was terse and pointed in the argument of law ques tions, and clear, candid and forcible in his addresses to juries. His great 28
434 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
nor Cass was called upon to exercise the pardoning power in two cases of murder. The novelty of the cases impels a mention of them in this volume. Two Indians, named respectively Ketawka and Kewabiskim, had been tried by the Supreme Court of the Territory, and found guilty — one for the murder of Dr. Madison, of the United States Army, and the other of the mur der of a trader at Green Bay. An application was made to the Governor to pardon them. The attitude of our relations with the Indians at the time rendered the decision of the question some what embarrassing. Besides, it was well known to the Governor that the British, who were seeking every opportunity to foment quarrels between the Indians and our people, would take advan tage of the execution of the murderers, and endeavor to excite the savages to fresh atrocities against the peaceful settlers of the Territory. Another consideration which had some weight in the mind of the Governor was that higher or more certain evidence of malice aforethought should be required in the case of a savage. Some time elapsed before the decision was made, but finally the conclusion was arrived at that the evidence was too clear to allow of executive interference, and the law was allowed to take its course.
sincerity and earnestness, with which he occasionally intermixed a pleas ant humor and a light playfulness, showing his complete mastery of his subject, were sure to carry most doubtful cases in his favor.
In his political addresses before the people, he was especially forcible and happy. The arrangement of his argument was natural, and, going directly to the strong points in his favor, and to the weak points of his adversary, he could carry his audience with him on most occasions.
In private party consultations, he was always regarded as a prudent and safe adviser, urging^an avoidance of all extremes, and the pursuit of the golden mean, as the surest way to success.
In the year 1870, being in private life, he made the tour of Europe, which, through his extensive learning, and his personal acquaintance with many of the European diplomats, he was well calculated to relish and enjoy as few tourists are enabled to do.
Mr. McClelland is a genial companion, a good neighbor, an earnest friend, and his great experience and extended knowledge of men and public officers enables him to observe with deep interest the great pano rama of public events, and enjoy all the attractions of private life.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 435
December twenty-fifth, 1821, was the day fixed for the execution of the prisoners. They met their fate with the stoical indifference which it is the pride of the Indian to exhibit when his fate is sealed, and resistance out of the question. After their own cus toms, they prepared to meet their fate. They laid aside, as an offering to the Great Spirit, all the tobacco, pipes, and such other articles as they were possessed of. They drew a piece of leather over their drinking vessel, thus forming a kind of drum, around which, after painting their faces black, they danced their death dance and sang their death song. They drew upon the prison walls, in red paint, rude figures of men, beasts and reptiles. On their blankets they painted a representation of the execution of an Indian by hanging. The gallows was erected in plain view of their prison window, and they were informed that it was for their execution. But the sight excited no expression of dread or fear of death. They had resolved to die, as their fathers had died, heroically, and with no exhibition of emotion or weakness. When the day of execution arrived they were as stoical as ever, and ascended the platform with the utmost firmness and composure. When the fatal moment arrived, they shook hands with their counsel and others who stood near, and asked pardon of the peo ple for the crime they had committed. Then, shaking hands with each other, the black caps were drawn over their faces, and, hand- in-hand, they passed over to the happy hunting grounds.
The following year it became necessary, so rapid was the settle ment of the country going forward, to create six new counties. These extended from the head of Lake Erie, parallel with the Detroit river and Lake St. Clair, towards Saginaw Bay. The counties thus laid out were Lapeer, Sanilac, Saginaw, Shiawassee, Washtenaw and Lenawee. Public travel also began to increase, and for the first time in the Territory a stage line was established. This line of stages ran from Detroit to the county seat of Macomb county, connecting with the steamer Walk-in-the- Water.
In 1823, Congress passed an act changing the form of the Terri torial government. This act abrogated the legislative power of the Governor and Judges, and established a Legislative Council, to consist of nine members. These members were to be appointed
436 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
by the President of the United States, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, out of eighteen candidates elected by the people of the Territory. This council and the Governor of the Territory were invested with the same powers which had been before granted by the ordinance of 1787 to the Governor, Legis lative Council and House of Representatives of the Northwestern Territory. By this law the term of a judicial office was limited to four years, and eligibility to office required the same qualifications as the right of suffrage.
This act met the cordial approbation of the people of the Ter ritory. They were now invested with a more compact and ener getic government. An interest was awakened in the minds of the people in the affairs of their government, and they began to experience that sensation of citizenship which underlies the growth and prosperity of all civilized communities.
The first Legislative Council convened under this act met for the first time at the council house at Detroit, on the seventh day of June, 1824. Governor Cass then delivered his message, briefly reviewing the progress of the Territory since his administration commenced, and marking out what he considered the proper line of policy in its existing condition. Amongst other matters to which the Governor called the attention of the council was that of schools and education — a subject not so much discussed or gener ally appreciated as since.
In the course of this year Governor Cass called the attention of the general government to the mineral resources of the Lake Superior country, and asked that steps might be taken to procure from the Indians the privilege of exploring and mining in that country. In compliance with this recommendation, the Senate passed a bill conferring authority on the President to appoint a commissioner to treat with the Indians for this purpose. The House, however, refused to concur; but at the next session of Congress the bill passed both Houses. This was the first legisla tion which led to the commencement of mining operations on Lake Superior.
In November, 1826, the council again convened. During that session they were called upon to consider a question which, sev-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
437
eral years after, threatened to embroil the Territory in an armed conflict with the State of Ohio. This was in reference to the dividing line between Michigan and the contiguous States of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. A discussion of this question, is, however, more properly reserved for a future chapter.
M. V. BORGMAN.
MARTIN V. BORGMAN, who has efficiently discharged the duties of superintendent of the metropolitan police department of Detroit since 1866, was born in Minster, Ohio, in 1838.
At the age of twenty he visited Michigan, and in 1861 he was among the first citizens of Detroit who volunteered to serve the State in the Union army to suppress the rebellion. He entered as a private, and three years later returned with the honors of first lieutenant. Soon after his return he was appointed by the board of police commissioners to the position of captain of the Detroit police force, an appropriate recognition
438 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
In the meantime, a change had been made in the manner of selecting the minor officers of the Territory. All the county officers, save those of a judicial character, were made elective by the people, and all executive appointments were required to be approved by the Legislative Council. An act was also passed empowering the Governor and council to divide the Territory into townships, to incorporate the same, and to define their rights and privileges.
The country was now rapidly increasing in wealth and popula tion. A new impetus had been given to the growth of the whole Northwest, by the opening, in 1825, of the Erie canal from the Hudson river to Buffalo. The effect of the completion of this mag nificent enterprise was to cheapen transportation, and give to the West the foreign merchandise of which it stood in need, at a greatly reduced price. At the same time it had the effect of enhancing the price of the agricultural products of the West in a still greater proportion. Consequently, lands increased in value, and new facilities and new motives were offered for settlement. The Walk-in-the- Water was now found too slow and of insuffi cient capacity to accommodate the travelers and their goods over the rough waters of the lakes. To accommodate this increase, the Henry Clay, and other steam vessels, were built. To meet the increasing demand for land, new surveys were made, and large tracts of land thrown upon the market. Capital began to flow in and seek investment in the fertile acres which were thrown open for settlement. Improvements, local and general, were made ; the small settlements began to swell into villages ; public edifices and private mansions were projected and built ; the echo of the
of his services in the war. Subsequently, Superintendent Drake tendered Ms resignation, which was accepted by the board, and thus devolved upon Captain Borgman the functions of that official station, in addition to the duties of his own office. His deportment under these trying cir cumstances was highly commendable, and secured his promotion to the high station of superintendent soon after Mr. Drake's resignation, in 1866. Since that time Mr. Borgman has continued in the same responsible office, and enjoys to-day the entire support of the police board, with the confidence and esteem of the whole public.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 439
woods was supplanted by the busy hum of commerce ; and rich fields of golden grain, and other products of agricultural industry, were to be seen on every hand, and were harvested and shipped to the sea-board. Michigan now began to be considered the asy lum and the retreat for all who would better their fortunes by industry. It was, indeed, a country where honest industry was sure to be rewarded by a competence, and eventual wealth. The hardy pioneers scattered all over the country ; the stroke of the woodman's axe made the ancient woods resound, and the smoke of their cabins everywhere ascended from the depths of the forest. The lakes and rivers presented a no less busy scene. The white wings of commerce were spread upon their waters, and the black smoke of mighty steamers, like a portentous cloud, stretched along the horizon. The reign of nature in these mighty forests had ended — the reign of man had begun.
In the meantime, in order to meet the claims of the increasing population of the Territory, new privileges of a political charac ter had been granted them. The Legislative Council was increased to thirteen members, to be chosen by the President from twenty- six selected as candidates by the people. This change was made in 1825. In 1827 an act was passed authorizing the electors to choose their representatives directly, without the further sanction of either the President or Congress. The power of enacting laws was given to the council, subject, however, to the approval of Congress, and the veto of the Governor of the Territory. Upon this footing the government of the Territory remained until the organization of the State government.
The prosperity of the Territory continued to ^increase from this time forward ; and it is but simple justice to say that to the wise and beneficent administration of Governor Cass this unexampled growth is to be, in a great measure, attributed. It would be unjust, however, to omit the just praise to which his counselors are entitled. William Woodbridge, particularly, who was the Secretary of the Territory during the administration of Governor Cass, and acting governor during the absence of the chief execu tive, is entitled to great credit for the ability and untiring zeal with which he performed the arduous duties of his office. He was
440 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
also the Territorial delegate to Congress during a portion of the time, and ably represented his constituency in that body. He was a man of great culture and refinement, and strictly honorable and conscientious in his official and private life. He retired from the office of Secretary of the Territory in 1828, when he was suc ceeded by James Witherell, who held the office two years, and was succeeded by the appointment of General John T. Mason of Kentucky.
In 1831, Governor Cass was appointed Secretary of War in the Cabinet of President Jackson, and he thereupon retired from the office of Governor of Michigan, having served in that capacity for the period of eighteen years. He had been appointed six times, running through the presidency of Madison, Monroe, and John Quincy Adams — without a single representation against him from the people in all that time, or a single vote against him in the Senate. He had, in the meantime, faithfully dis charged his duties as Indian Commissioner, and had concluded nineteen treaties with the Indians, and acquired large cessions in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan. The people of the Territory fully appreciated his worth at the time, as was more than once manifested in after years.
CHAPTER XXX.
THE ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR PORTER — THE BLACK HAWK WAR — CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS — THE FIRST RAILROAD COMPANY ORGAN IZED — BANKS CHARTERED — COMMON SCHOOLS ORGANIZED — CHANGE IN THE METHOD OF DISPOSING OF PUBLIC LANDS — DEATH OF GOV ERNOR PORTER.
UPON the elevation of General Cass to a seat in the cabinet of President Jackson, and his consequent resignation of the office of Governor of the Territory of Michigan, General George B. Por ter, of Pennsylvania, was appointed governor. This occurred in July, A. D. 1831, and Governor Porter entered upon the dis charge of the duties of his office on the twenty-second of the fol lowing September. The population of the Territory at that time amounted to about thirty-five thousand.
The administration of Governor Porter presents but few points that possess attractions for the pen of the historian. It was a time of almost profound peace. The terrible wars which had devastated the country in former years were over. The Territory was on the high road to prosperity and affluence. The arts of peace alone were cultivated. It is at such times that States grow to greatness, such as wealth and population can give ; but it is the tale of hardships, struggles, bloodshed and rapine that fills the pages of a nation's history. Fortunately for Michigan, the long struggle for the mastery of her soil was now practically ended, and the attention of her people and her rulers was directed to the promotion of her material advancement and the development of her resources. The only war cloud that appeared above the hori zon during the administration of Governor Porter was what is known as the Black Hawk war ; but this was confined, in its effects on Michigan, more to that part of the Territory now con stituting the State of Wisconsin, than to the peninsula. Gover-
442 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
nor Porter, however, cooperated with the executives of the States of Missouri, Illinois and Indiana, and furnished militia from the western part of the Territory to aid in punishing the savages. The campaign was short and decisive, and ended in the unquali fied submission of the hostile party, and in the adoption of meas ures for the permanent security of the frontier. Treaties of cession were formed with the Winnebagoes, and the Sacs and Foxes, by which the Indian title was extinguished to all the coun try south of the Ouisconsin and east of the Mississippi, and to an extensive region west of that river.
During Governor Porter's administration, Wisconsin, which had before been annexed to Michigan, was erected into a separate Territory. In the meantime the commerce on Lake Erie was rapidly increasing. Many new townships were organized, and roads were constructed into the interior. In looking over the records of that time, it is found that in the year 1832 alone there were roads constructed, or authorized by the Territorial council as follows : From Point du Chene to the Fort Gratiot turnpike, from Battle Creek to the mouth of the Kalamazoo river, from a point on the Chicago road to the county seat of Calhoun county, from Pontiac to Ann Arbor, from Southfield to Detroit, from Kochester to Lapeer, from Pontiac to Adrian, from Vistula to Indiana, from Branch county to the mouth of the St. Joseph's river, from Ten Eycks to the principal meridian, from Ecorse to the Chicago road, from Jacksonburgh to the mouth of the St. Joseph's river, and from Monguagon to St. Joseph's. In conse quence of these improvements, the country became better known, a spirit of speculation became awakened, and, in addition to the actual settlers, there were hundreds of speculators traversing the woods in search of eligible lands, which they purchased and held for an increase in value. The same year the Legislative Council passed an act to provide for the establishment and regulation of common schools. An act was also passed incorporating "The Lake Michigan Steamboat Company," with a capital of forty • thousand dollars. The names of the corporators were, James Abbott, Oliver Newberry, Benjamin F. Lamed, B. Kercheval, John Palmer, and Reynold Gillett. The Legislative Council of
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
443
that year is also entitled to the credit of having passed the first act of incorporation under which a railroad company was organ ized in Michigan. This was the act incorporating the Detroit and St. Joseph Kailroad Company. The names of the commissioners
JOHN P. ALLISON.
JOHN P. ALLISON, a prominent business man of East Saginaw, was born in the town of Haverstraw, Rockland county, in the State of New York, April 15, 1817.
At an early age, he removed to New York city, and [from there emi grated to Michigan, in June, 1854, taking up his residence in East Saginaw, then but a small village. In his journey from New York, Mr. Allison traveled by railroad and boat to Detroit, and found the accom modations for travelers in those days far different from w^at they are at
444 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
were John Biddle, John K. Williams, Charles Larned, E. P. Hastings, Oliver Newberry, De Garmo James, James Abbott, John Gilbert, Abel Millington, Job Gorton, John Allen, Anson Brown, Samuel W. Dexter, W. E. Perrine, William A. Thomp son, Isaac Crary, O. W. Golden, Caleb Eldred, Cyrus Lovell, Cal vin Brittain, and Talman Wheeler. The State reserved the right to purchase the road at its original cost and fourteen per cent interest. The act also contained the following provision :
" Said corporation, hereby created, shall have power to con struct a single or double railroad, from the city of Detroit to the mouth of the St. Joseph river, commencing at Detroit, and pass ing through, or as near as practicable to the village of Ypsilanti and the county seats of Washtenaw, Jackson, Calhoun, and Kala- mazoo, with power to transport, take and carry property and per sons upon the same, by the power and force of steam, of animals, or of any mechanical, or other power, or of any combination of them."
It also provided that the road should be completed within thirty years. As this road was the one now known as the Michigan Central Railroad, it is needless to add that the latter condition was complied with. The same council also passed an act incor porating the " Bank of the River Raisin," with a branch at Pon-
present. From Detroit he went to Pontiac by rail, and from there he traversed the remainder of his journey to East Saginaw by the old fashioned stage-coach.
Arriving at East Saginaw, he soon afterwards became engaged in the manufacture of lumber (an occupation that pretty much everybody in that region was interested in at that time), and has since built up a vast and lucrative trade in that commodity.
Mr. Allison was also an early adventurer in the saline experiments of the Saginaws, and was the second person to produce a good article of merchant salt. He likewise enjoys the reputation of being one of the pioneer farmers of the Saginaw valley, having, at an early day, cleared up and placed under good cultivation a large farm near the city of East Saginaw, upon which he now resides.
Mr. Allison's character is such as to command the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens, and his industry, enterprise and integrity are well worthy of emulation by the young men of the country, who by their own exertions expect to attain positions of honor and trust.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
445
tiac. This was the third bank established in the Territory. Pre vious to this the Bank of Michigan (1817), with a branch at Bron- son, had been incorporated, and also, in 1829, the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank of Michigan, with a branch at St. Joseph's.
COUNTRY RESIDENCE OF W. W. BACKUS.
The above engraving represents the country residence of Mr. W. Wood- bridge Backus, grandson of the late William Woodbridge. It is" situated at Grosse Point, about eight miles above Detroit, and commands an exten sive view of the beautiful Lake St. Glair, the great highway of the nation's commerce. Grosse Point is rapidly becoming the favorite locality for the summer residences of the wealthy citizens of the metrop olis. In salubrity of climate, beauty of scenery, proximity to the city of Detroit, and all that goes to make a desirable country-seat, it already stands without a rival.
The earliest settlers were French, many of whom were men of high social and political standing in la belle France, but who emigrated to this country to seek a home free from the terrible political strifes which con-
446 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
The same council authorized a vote of the inhabitants to be taken on the question of organizing a State government, and ask ing admission into the Union. A vote was accordingly taken on the first Tuesday of October of that year, which resulted in a small majority in favor of the measure. But the vote was exceed ingly light, and a question arose as to whether it really represented the sentiments of the majority of the people, or not. Governor Porter, in his message, recommended that, in view of the facts, another vote should be taken ; but he was overruled by the coun cil, and a memorial was sent to Congress, setting forth the facts, and praying for action by that body. It does not appear, however, that the petition was considered, as it was not till two years after wards that serious measures were taken to secure a State organiza tion.
vulsed their native land. They readily appreciated and seized upon this lovely spot, and made it their home. The descendants of one or two families retain to this day the original letters patent granted by the unfortunate Louis XV. Grosse Point is rich in historical incident. It was the place most resorted to by the numerous tribes of Indians as their place of meeting to make their treaties with each other and smoke the pipe of peace. It was there that the fierce and warlike tribes, the Sacs and the Foxes, fought their last and most sanguinary battle, a battle which resulted in the extermination of the first mentioned tribe. The little creek on whose banks this battle was fought took its name from the victors, a name which it still retains. Near this place is Presque Isle, where the lighthouse now stands. That locality was held by the Indians in sacred veneration, from the fact of its being the burial place for the numerous tribes inhabiting this portion of the lower peninsula. It was also the rallying point for Pontiac and his confederated tribes during the terrible war which he waged against Detroit.
Around Mr. Backus' residence are many of the oldest landmarks, mak ing the place truly historical. In the front garden, as will be seen by the engraving, are numerous apple and pear trees, ranging from one hundred and fifty to two hundred years old. With the hammock stretched beneath the branches of these venerable old trees, and the breeze from Lake St. Clair gently fanning the whole neighborhood, there is no more healthy or delightful spot in Michigan. Mr. Backus resides in this beau tiful home during the summer months, and when the chilly winds of autumn render the place too cold for comfort he retreats to his city resi dence, on Fort street west.
HISTORY OP MICHIGAN. 447
About this time a change was made in the manner of disposing of the public lands, which was of great benefit to the settlers in the West. Previous to the year 1820, the price of government land was two dollars an acre. One-fourth of this was to be paid down at the time of purchase, and the remainder in three annual installments. The land was subject to forfeiture if these payments were not promptly met. A discount was allowed, however, of eight per cent, if the whole amount was paid in advance. This system was found to be productive of serious evils. The hope of gain ^induced many to make large purchases. Some, it is true, realized large fortunes, while others, whose judgment was not so good, were left without the means of paying when their payments became due, and their lands were consequently subject to forfeit ure. This led to a total change of the system. The price was reduced to one dollar and a quarter an acre, and the whole was required to be paid at the time of purchase. This was attended with the desired effects. It prevented much loss to the govern ment, saved a great deal of trouble, discouraged reckless specula tion, and enabled the honest and industrious settler, with moderate means, to acquire a clear and unincumbered title to his lands.
On the sixth day of July, 1834, the office of Governor became vacant, by the death of Governor Porter. By the provision of law for the government of the Territory in case of the death, removal, resignation, or necessary absence of the Governor, the Secretary of the Territory was required to execute the powers and perform all the duties of Governor during the vacancy. The functions of the office, consequently, devolved upon the Secretary, Stevens T. Mason.
CHAPTER XXXI.
THE ORGANIZATION OF A STATE GOVERNMENT— THE BOUNDARY QUES TION — THE TOLEDO WAR — INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS — SETTLEMENT OF THE QUESTION — ADMISSION OF MICHIGAN INTO THE UNION.
THE ordinance of 1787 provided that the Northwest Territory should be divided into not less than three States, nor more than five, as Congress should determine. Three States had already been formed from that Territory, viz : Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. By that ordinance, and subsequent acts of Congress, conferring upon Michigan the benefits contained in its provisions, Michigan was entitled to admission into the Union as a State so soon as her free white population numbered sixty thousand. In 1834, Michi gan took the preliminary steps to secure for herself the rights to which she claimed to be entitled. On the sixth of September of that year, the Legislative Council passed an act directing a census to be taken. The result showed that there were 87,273 free white inhabitants in the Territory. At the next session of the Council, in January, 1835, an act was passed authorizing a convention to be held at Detroit, on the second Monday of May following. This convention was composed of eighty-nine delegates. It met upon the day specified, and continued in session till the twenty- fourth of June. A Constitution was formed and submitted to the people in the October following, and by them adopted. At the same election, a full set of State officers and a legislature were elected to act under the Constitution. In November following, the legislature met, and the whole machinery of a State govern ment was set in motion. Stevens T. Mason, the Secretary of the Territory, and acting governor after the decease of Governor Por ter, was the Governor of the new State.
In the meantime, the difficulty in reference to the southern boundary of the Territory was rapidly approaching a crisis. To
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
449
give a full and complete history of this difficulty, and relate all the incidents, ludicrous and otherwise, that occurred during the progress of the contest, would require a volume. The most that can be done in the space allotted is to give the leading facts con nected with it.
HON. GEORGE VAN NESS LOTHROP.
THE name which heads this brief article is a familiar one in every town of this State, and widely known throughout the entire Northwest. Except for the sudden political revolution which swept the West during the last dozen years, and which still holds the great majority of the people beneath the sway of its opinions, the name and abilities of Mr. Lothrop would doubtless ere this have had a national renown. But having in early life identified himself with the Democratic party, and this organization having commenced decay shortly after Mr. Lothrop entered that period of 29
450 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
The origin of this dispute was not dissimilar to the causes which produced the several State and colonial contentions for boundary among the original States of the confederacy, all of which arose either from ignorance of local geography, the unap preciated importance of the incipient colony, or an unpardonable disregard of the sacredness of vested rights. In consequence of these loose notions, or inadvertence to rights once granted, char tered rights were frequently conferred by the Crown of England to one company, and at a succeeding day the same territory was included in the charter of another.
Michigan claimed for her southern boundary a line running east across the peninsula from the extreme southern point of Lake Michigan, extending through Lake Erie, to the Pennsylvania line. This she claimed as a vested right — a right accruing to her by compact. This compact was the ordinance of 1787, the parties to which were the original thirteen States, and the Terri tory northwest of the Ohio ; and, by the succession of parties under statutory amendments to the ordinance and laws of Con gress — the United States on the one part, and each Territory northwest of the Ohio, as far as affected by their provisions, on the other. Michigan, therefore, claimed under the prior grant, or assignation of boundary.
Ohio, on the other hand, claimed that the ordinance had been
his life when his talents began to make him conspicuous among his fel lows, the opportunity for his political distinction narrowed with every year. His friends, however, with a passionate devotion rivaling that which inspired the enthusiastic followers of Henry Clay, clung hopefully to him, and repeatedly and persistently thrust him forward as their chosen leader for congressional honors. Believing him without a peer in point of professional ability as well as in native talent, they bade him lead the forlorn hope of their party through several successive and desperate campaigns immediately preceding the outbreak of the war. With a gallantly and an untiring zeal peculiar to men of his tempera ment, he flung himself into the strife and did brave battle for the standard under which he fought. But as those familiar with the rising political tide of that period in the country's history well remember, such a combat was like unto a man battling against the billows of the ocean. Not he only, but his entire party passed into the minority, and have
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 451
superseded by the Constitution of the United States, and that Con gress had the right to regulate the boundary. It was also claimed that the Constitution of the State of Ohio having described a different line, and Congress having admitted the State under that Constitution, without mentioning the subject of the line in dispute, Congress had thereby given its consent to the line as laid down by the Constitution of Ohio. This claim was urged by Ohio at some periods of the controversy, but at others she appeared to regard the question as unsettled, by the fact that she insisted upon Con gress taking action in regard to the boundary. Accordingly, we find that, in 1812, Congress authorized the Surveyor-General to survey a line, agreeably to the act, to enable the people of Ohio to form a Constitution and State government. Owing to Indian hostilities, however, the line was not run till 1818. In 1820, the question in dispute underwent a rigid examination by the com mittee on public lands. The claim of Ohio was strenuously urged by her delegation, and as ably opposed by Mr. Woodbridge, the then delegate from Michigan. The result was that the committee decided unanimously in favor of the claim of Michigan ; but, in the hurry of business, no action was then taken by Congress, and the question remained open till Michigan organized her State gov ernment.
In order to show more clearly the grounds upon which Michi-
remained outside of active political life ever since. Many of Mr. Lothrop's friends, however, well knowing his great abilities, his varied culture, his unspotted integrity, his public spirit, and his extraordinary gifts as a public debater and orator, although opposed to him in their political faith, nevertheless sincerely desired to see him in the councils of the nation. Even though in opposition to the dominant party, they would have been glad if his superior gifts could even thus have been given to the nation at large. But so strong were his political preferences (or perhaps we should rather say connections), that while scores of men were leaving the ranks of the Democratic party and attaching their fortunes to the new organization then rising rapidly into popular favor, he preferred to "fling away ambition," and give himself loyally, faith fully, absolutely to the profession of his choice. "The law," some old black-letter writer says, " is a hard mistress," and, we doubt not, Mr. Lothrop, as he looks back over his severe and constant labors at the bar
452 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
gan based her claims, the following recited acts will be of interest : The ordinance of 1787 "for the government of the territory of the United States northwest of the River Ohio," declares the acts therein contained " articles of compact between the original States and the people and States in said territory, and forever to remain unalterable, unless by common consent." This ordinance defines the territory to include all that region lying north and northwest of the Ohio and east of the Mississippi rivers. In the fifth article it is provided that there shall be formed not less than three nor more than five States within its confines. The boundaries of the three States are defined so as to include the whole territory ; conditioned, however, that if 'it should be found expedient by Congress to form the one or two more States men tioned, Congress is authorized to alter the boundaries of the three States " so as to form one or two States in that part of the said territory which lies north of an east and west line drawn through the southerly bend, or extreme of Lake Michigan."
The first act touching this point, is an act of Congress passed in 1802, enabling the people of Ohio to form a Constitution. The boundary of that State is declared to be, " on the north by an east and west line drawn through the southerly extreme of Lake Michigan, running east, after intersecting the due north line afore said from the mouth of the Great Miami, until it shall intersect
for the last thirty years (the record of which will be found in the twenty- eight volumes of our Michigan Reports from the first to the last), will be inclined right heartiljfrto indorse the sentiment.
With a mind of rare native strength, clear in its perceptions, naturally inclined towards metaphysical studies (often wandering into stealthy indulgences of this sort), yet never allowing his pursuit of them to bear him away from a sure anchor-hold on the ground of common sense; gifted with a beauty and fluency of speech that permits us with out exaggeration to characterize his eloquence as certainly Ciceronian if not Attic ; with a memory stored with more than ample gleanings, gathered not only in the field of his profession, but also in those of philosophy and letters, as well as the various branches of natural science, he seems to be not only well but lavishly furnished with all the various endowments calculated to build up and make a man of power; and this he is. This, too, we believe all his friends and contemporaries readily con-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 453
Lake Erie, or the Territorial line, and thence, with the same, through Lake Erie, to the Pennsylvania line." The Constitution of Ohio adopted the same line, with this condition : " Provided, always, and it is hereby fully understood and declared by this con vention, that if the southerly bend or extreme of Lake Michigan should extend so far south, that a line drawn due east from it should not intersect Lake Erie, or, if it should intersect Lake Erie east of the mouth of the Miami river, then, in that case, with the assent of the Congress of the United ^States, the northern bound ary of this State shall be established by, and extend to, a direct line, running from the southern extremity of Lake Michigan to the most northerly cape of the Miami bay, after intersecting the due north line from the mouth of the Great Miami, as aforesaid, thence northeast to the Territorial line, and by said Territorial line to the Pennsylvania line."
At the next session of Congress the Constitution of Ohio was submitted to that body, and referred to a committee of the House, which reported that, " as the suggested alteration was not submit ted in the shape of a distinct proposition, by any competent authority, for approval or disapproval, it was not necessary or expedient for Congress to act on it at all." And it was not acted upon until another disposition was made of it, as we shall see, in 1805. The proposition was considered by all parties concerned, to
cede him to be — nay, more, the writer of this article does not hesitate to assert that his professional brethren throughout the State, without detract ing from the merits of others, would and do alregflfy unite to crown him primus inter pares — the leading lawyer of this State. As such, he is justly entitled to a page in this volume, and being still in his prime, it is the hope of his friends that even yet in the upturnings and overturnings of modern politics, the State, if not the nation at large, may be awarded in some judicial or other administrative position, some of the advantages of his great learning and thorough culture.
A sketch of his life would give his birth at Easton, Bristol county, Massachusetts, on the 8th day of August, 1817. His early years were spent upon his father's farm. After an academical course, he entered Brown University, and graduated under its distinguished president, Dr. Francis Wayland, in the year 1838. In the fall of the same year, he entered the law school of Harvard University, then in charge of Judge
454 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
be of a distinct character, requiring the special consent of Con gress to make it a valid part of the Constitution of Ohio ; and that it had ever been so regarded by Ohio, her repeated applica tion to Congress for the right of extending her boundary to the proposed line would seem to demonstrate.
Again, the third section of the act of 1802 provides that all that part of the territory lying north of this east and west line, shall be " attached to,aand make a part of, the Indiana territory." Again, the act of 1805, entitled " an act to divide the Indiana territory into separate governments," erects Michigan into a sep arate Territory, and defines her southern boundary to be " a line drawn east from the southerly bend or extreme of Lake Michigan, until it intersects Lake Erie."
In a legal point of view, this would seem to have settled the question, even if, as Ohio claimed, the ordinance had no binding effect, having been superseded by the Constitution. The " con sent of Congress " had not been given to the line conditionally proposed by the Constitution of Ohio. On the contrary, the dis sent of Congress would seem to have been clearly expressed by this act.
The territory in dispute is about five miles in width at the west end, and about eight miles in width at the east end, and extends
Story and Professor Greenleaf. In the summer of 1839, being somewhat out of health, he abandoned for a time the study of the law, and in the fall of that year came out to Prairie Ronde, in Kalamazoo county, Mich igan, where his brother, the Hon. Edwin H. Lothrop (then and since a manyof note in our State politics and government), owned and cultivated a very extensive and beautiful farm. Here, for the next two or three years, he spent most of his time engaged in practical farming, and in building up his health. In the spring of 1843, he came to the city of Detroit, and resumed the study of the law in the office of Joy & Porter, then prominent members of the Detroit bar. The first case he ever argued in a court of record, was the celebrated one of the Michigan State Bank vs. Hastings and others. 1st Doug. (Mich.) Rep., 225. This argument was made before the supreme court, and prior to Mr. Lothrop's admission to that court; the court, on motion of Mr. Joy, having granted special leave for Mr. Lothrop to open the case. So ably was the case pre sented by the youthful student, that the members of the court did not
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 455
along the whole northern line of Ohio, west of Lake Erie. The line claimed by Michigan was known as the " Fulton line," and that claimed by Ohio was known as the " Harris line," from the names of the surveyors. The territory was valuable for its rich agricultural lands ; but its chief value consisted in the fact that the harbor on the Maumee river, where now stands the flourish ing city of Toledo, was included within its limits. The town originally bore the name of Swan Creek, afterwards Port Law rence, then Vistula, and then Toledo. What gave the possession of this harbor more importance at this time was the fact that it was the proposed terminus of the Wabash and Erie canal. The early settlers acknowledged their allegiance to Michigan ; but, when the canal became a possibility, and its termination at Toledo being dependent upon the question whether or not it was within the State of Ohio, many of the inhabitants became suddenly con vinced that they had all along been residing in the wrong State. Others, it is said, became convinced that Ohio was a much more healthy State than Michigan, and, consequently, they coveted the change which would remove them from the former State to the more salubrious regions of the latter. The feeling among the inhabitants, however, was far from unanimous, and, during the struggle, partisans of each State were found in Toledo who would communicate the plans and movements of the other.
hesitate openly to express their admiration at the effort, and to predict for him a successful and brilliant future. This prediction, it is hardly necessary to say, has been more than fulfilled in the student's subsequent professional career.
In the spring of 1844, he commenced practice in the city of Detroit, having formed a co-partnership with D. Bethune Duffield, Esq., which continued until the close of the year 1850.
In the month of April, 1848, he was appointed attorney-general of the State (in place of Hon. Edmund Mundy, then raised to the bench of the supreme court), and continued to hold the office until January, 1851. About this time, in connection with the controversy over the public schools which suddenly broke forth in the city of Detroit, Mr. Lothrop took a prominent part in the organization of an independent ticket, the object of which was to rally the popular vote in support of our free school system. So earnestly did he enlist in this good work, that he was
456 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
As we have before remarked, the approaching organization of the State goverment invested the disputed question with pressing importance ; and hostilities on the disputed territory soon became active. In February, 1835, the Legislature of Ohio passed an act extending the jurisdiction of the State over the territory in question ; erected townships, and directed those townships to hold elections and elect officers in April following. It also directed Governor Lucas to appoint three commissioners to survey and re-mark the Harris line ; and named the first of April as the day to commence the survey. Acting Governor Mason, however, anticipated this action on the part of the Ohio Legislature, sent a special message to the Legislative Council, apprising it of the contents of Governor Lucas' message, and advised immediate action by that body to anticipate and counteract the proceedings of Ohio. Accordingly, on the twelfth of February, the council passed an act making it a criminal offense, punishable by a heavy fine, or imprisonment, for any one to attempt to exercise any offi cial functions, or accept any office within the jurisdiction of Michigan, under or by virtue of any authority not derived from the Territory, or the United States. On the ninth of March, Governor Mason wrote to General Brown, then in command of the Michigan militia, directing him to hold himself in readiness to meet the enemy in the field in case an attempt was made on the
placed upon the ticket as recorder and most triumphantly, elected to that office. The citizens of Detroit, in this particular struggle and triumph, owe Mr. Lothrop a debt of gratitude which ought never to be forgotten so long as a free school building stands within the city limits. Nor is this the only occasion, when in times involving the security of the public welfare, Mr. Lothrop has come resolutely forward in support and defense of the people's wishes. Perhaps no man ever lived among us, who in such times was clothed with such large power to lead and influence the masses in the right direction as Mr. Lothrop.
As already intimated in this article, he was twice the Democratic candi date for Congress in the first district, once in the year 1856 and again in 1860, and on both occasions defeated. Twice he received the votes of the Democratic members of the State legislature for the United States Senate, but that party not being then in the ascendency, the votes were of no effect.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 457
part of Ohio to carry out the provisions of the act of the Legis lature. On the thirty-first of March Governor Lucas, with his commissioners, arrived at Perrysburgh, on their way to commence resurveying the Harris line. He was accompanied by General Bell and staff, of the Ohio militia, who proceeded to muster a volunteer force of about six hundred men. This was soon accom plished, and the force fully armed and equipped. The force then went into camp at Fort Miami, to await the Governor's orders.
In the meantime, Governor Mason, with General Brown and staff, had raised a force eight hundred to twelve hundred strong, and were in possession of Toledo. General Brown's staff con sisted of Captain Henry Smith, of Monroe, Inspector ; Major J. J. Ullman, of Constantine, Quartermaster; William E. Broadman, of Detroit, and Alpheus Felch, of Monroe, Aids-de-camp. When Governor Lucas observed the determined bearing of the Michigan braves, and took note of their numbers, he found it convenient to content himself for a time with "watching over the border." Several days were passed in this exhilarating employment, and just as Governor Lucas had made up his mind to do something rash, two commissioners arrived from Washington on a mission of peace. They remonstrated with Governor Lucas, and reminded him of the consequences to himself and his State if he persisted in his attempt to gain possession of the disputed territory by force.
He was a member of the constitutional convention of 1867, and the records of its debates afford abundant evidence of the learning and pro fessional ability he brought before that body.
In 1873, he was appointed by the Republican Governor, John J. Bagley, a member of the constitutional commission, assembled under his administration, but the appointment was respectfully declined.
For upwards of twenty years past, Mr Lothrop has been the general attorney of the Michigan Central Railroad Company, and still continues to be their adviser. He is also the trusted adviser of many other corpor ations of the State, and enjoys the universal confidence of the people of Michigan, not as a lawyer alone, but as a public man, and as a private citizen.
In the limits prescribed to the writer of this article, no opportunity is given for even an allusion to the more private virtues and social qualities of the subject of this notice — and perhaps it is well that it is so. No
458 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
After several conferences with both governors, the commissioners submitted the following propositions for their consideration :
" 1st. That the Harris line should be run and re-marked, pur suant to the act of the last session of the Legislature of Ohio, without interruption.
" 2d. The civil elections under the laws of Ohio having taken place throughout the disputed territory, that the people residing on it should be left to their own government, obeying the one jurisdiction or the other, as they may prefer, without molestation from the authorities of Ohio or Michigan, until the close of the next session of Congress."
Governer Lucas at once accepted the propositions, and dis banded his forces, affecting to regard the arrangement as having been made with the President, and regarding Governor Mason as a subaltern, subject to the control of the President, through the commissioners.
Governor Mason, on the other hand, refused to accede to the arrangement, and declined to compromise the rights of his people by a surrender of possession and jurisdiction. When Governor Lucas disbanded his forces, however, Governor Mason partially followed suit, but still held himself in readiness to meet any emer gency that might arise.
Governor Lucas now supposed that his way was clear, and that
man, while he lives, especially one such as has here been sketched, can tolerate a public presentation of his more private walks and ways. Nor is it necessary. All know what attractiveness there is in him for his fellow-citizens; and how they love to listen and linger about him in his bril liant moments, whether as the presiding officer of some public banquet, in the forum of the courts while standing in defense of some poor, trembling prisoner, on the rostrum in the midst of a turbulent sea of excited citizens, or in the quiet circle, where lawyers, judges, politicians, editors and men of scholarly ease and culture incline to gather about him and share his unpremeditated and eloquent discourse.
We close our article as we opened it, characterizing Mr. Lothrop as a man of power, and expressing the hope that he may long remain in the Northwest, an ornament to his profession, an aid to his fellow citizens, and a source of strength to his country at large.
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he could re-mark the Harris line without being molested, and ordered the commissioners to proceed with their work.
President Jackson, meantime, had applied to Attorney-General Butler for his opinion concerning the power of the President over
HON. R. A. HAIRE.
ROBERT A. HAIRE was born in the township of Bombay, Franklin county, New York, July 20, 1836.
He removed with his parents to western New York, in 1841, and settled near the city of Rochester, from whence he emigrated to Michigan, with his father's family, in 1844, settling near Marshall. They remained in this locality only two years, and then took up their residence in the vicinity of Grand Rapids.
Mr. Haire received a thorough common school education, and is^a graduate of the Grand Rapids commercial college.
460 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
the contending parties. In reply, Mr. Butler gave it as his unqualified opinion that the act of the Legislature of Ohio, extending the jurisdiction over a part of the Territory of Michigan, was "repugnant to the act of Congress of the llth of January, 1805, creating that Territory, and to the acts subsequently passed for its government, and its actual and complete enforcement would, therefore, involve a most serious violation of the laws of the United States." He also gave it as his opinion that the act of the Michi gan Legislative Council was a valid law, and could properly be enforced.
Notwithstanding this, Governor Lucas ordered his men to pro ceed to run the line, commencing at the northwest corner of the disputed tract. In the meantime, Governor Mason kept a watch ful eye upon the proceedings. General Brown sent scouts through the woods to watch their movements, and report when operations were commenced. When the surveying party got within the county of Lenawee, the under-sheriff of that county, armed with a warrant, and accompanied by a posse, suddenly made his appear- In 1852 he removed to the eastern part of Ottawa county, near Grand- ville, and engaged in the lumbering trade.
In August, 1862, he enlisted as supernumary second lieutenant in the Fifth Michigan Cavalry, then being organized at Detroit, and started for the front in December, 1862. Mr. Haire participated in the battle of Gettysburg and nearly all the subsequent battles in which the army of the Potomac was engaged, and was one of the five hundred men chosen by General Kilpatrick, and placed under Colonel Dahlgren, in March, 1864, for the purpose of capturing Richmond and liberating the Union prisoners; and, for gallantry in this battle, he was promoted to first lieu tenant. He was also with General Sheridan during the Shenandoah cam paign, and for meritorious service was raised to the rank of captain, in December, 1864. During a portion of the winter of 1864-5, he had command of his regiment, and, at the close of the war, was immediately mustered out.
Returning home, he settled in Spring Lake, Ottawa county, and at once engaged in the manufacture of lumber, being now a member of the firm of Haire, Savidge & Cutler.
In the fall of 1872, he was chosen to represent his district in the lower house of the State legislature, and served with considerable distinction in that body during the session of 1872-3.
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461
ance, and succeeded in arresting a portion of the party. The rest, including the commissioners, took to their heels, and were soon beyond the disputed territory. They reached Perrysburgh the following day in a highly demoralized condition, and reported
E. H. TURNER.
ELIPHALET HASKZNS TURNER was born on the 5th of October, 1795, in the village of Pittsburgh, in the State of New York. His father, Colonel Ezra Turner, served in the war of 1812, and was a mail of note in the village.
From a child, young Eliphalet had an unusual firm and vigorous con stitution, which made him bold and fearless, and which, through after life, qualified him to endure, without injury, the hardships of the pioneer. At the age of eighteen, he was enrolled in the militia, and served under his father as a non-commissioned officer, and was engaged
462 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
that they had been attacked by an overwhelming force of Michi gan militia, under command of General Brown. They also reported that they had been fired upon, and after performing won derful deeds of valor, had been borne down by overwhelming numbers and forced to retreat, whilst their less fortunate comrades were all either killed or taken prisoners. They formally reported these assertions to the Governor, who, in turn, reported them to the President.
The President thereupon sent a copy of the report to Governor Mason, and asked for a statement of the facts " by the officers engaged in the transactions complained of." Accordingly, the under-sheriff was appealed to, who made a very amusing report, setting forth the real facts, which showed that it was a civil force that made the arrests; that there was no bloodshed connected with the affair ; that nine persons in all were arrested on a civil warrant, issued by a justice of the peace ; and closing with the information that " the commissioners made very good time on foot through the cottonwood swamp, and arrived safe at Perrysburgh the next morning, with nothing more serious than the loss of hats,
in the battle near Plattsburgh, in 1812. In the year following, he was married to Miss Eliza M. Havens, who bore him ten children.
Mr. Turner, for a number of years, engaged as a partner with his father in the manufacture of lumber— afterwards in the iron business, but only with partial success.
In 1832, he came to Michigan, where he resided until his death. After remaining in Detroit a few weeks, he removed to Ypsilanti, and there resided for more than a year. While at Ypsilanti, he obtained consider able notoriety, in arresting the young Governor Mason, who in his haste attempted to disregard the quarantine regulations, established to prevent the spread of the cholera in that village. In 1833, he came to Grand Rapids, then just starting into existence, and here he made his home until his death, which took place on the 8th of October, 1870. His life, for thirty-seven years, has been identified with the history of Grand Rapids. He was the builder of the county jail, and, in company with James Scribner, his partner, built the Bridge street bridge. Under Lucius Lyon, he made the first successful attempt to drill an artesian well, in hopes of finding brine sufficiently strong to warrant the manu facture of salt at Grand Rapids. Mr. Turner has been alderman of the
HISTORY OP MICHIGAN. 463
and their clothing like Governor Marcy's breeches without the patch:'
This summary breaking up of the surveying party produced the most tremendous excitement throughout Ohio. Governor Lucas called an extra session of the Legislature. That body met on the 8th of June, and at once proceeded to fulminate an act " to prevent the forcible abduction of the citizens of Ohio." The wording of the title bears silent testimony to the excitement which prevailed in the legislative mind of the State of Ohio, and it would seem that they were fearful that the under-sheriff of Lena- wee county was liable at any moment to make a wholesale job of it, and " abduct the citizens of Ohio " en masse. The act made such an offense punishable by imprisonment in the penitentiary not less than three nor more than seven years. An act was also passed to create the new county of Lucas, making Toledo the seat of justice, and directing the court to be held on the first Monday of the next September, at any convenient house in Toledo. They then solemnly passed an act accepting the propositions of the President's commissioners. Another act was passed making an appropriation of $600,000 to carry these laws into effect over the
city, and held other offices of trust. His last public work was the grad ing and graveling of West Bridge street.
In 1856, he buried his wife, with whom he had lived about forty years. His second wife was Mrs. Lydia H. Rosa, who bore him a daughter, and who still survives hirn.
We close this brief sketch with an extract from the funeral discourse of the Rev. H. H. Northrop, pastor of the Presbyterian church, of which Mr. Turner was an accepted member:
" He has lived long among you, and written his own epitaph upon the mind of this community. I think I say what you all know to be true, when I affirm that he was an honest man. He was not a rich man, in the modern acceptation of the term, though he had a competence; he was not a learned man, or a great man, or a faultless man, but, may I not say it with emphasis, he was a good man. He loved his neighbors; he loved the city of Grand Rapids — it was his home, it was his pride; he loved all its citizens, and its institutions; he prayed for its welfare and rejoiced in its prosperity. He came to this city, when the State was a territory, and the untutored Indian still lingered upon much of its soil, and claimed to be its owner. A few pioneers, with a keen foresight, had here pitched
464 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
disputed territory. A resolution was adopted inviting the Presi dent to send a commissioner to go with the Ohio commissioners to re-mark the Harris line.
It was evident that Ohio was aroused. Her State pride had been wounded. The idea that the young Territory of Michigan, with her stripling Governor, should successfully defy the great State of Ohio, with a million of inhabitants, and her aged Gover nor, was one that the authorities could not endure with any degree of patience or equanimity. A call was then made to ascertain the number of men who were willing to go forth to battle for the humiliation of Governor Mason and the protection of the com missioners. Ten thousand men were reported as ready to " do or die."
These proceedings, however, did not have the desired effect on the authorities or people of Michigan. On the contrary, it only served to rouse them to renewed zeal in the cause, and they hurled defiance in the teeth of Governor Lucas, and dared him to enter the disputed territory.
In the meantime, the authorities of Michigan were active in sustaining their supremacy on the disputed ground. Prosecutions
their habitations and determined that this should be their home. The ground upon which we tread was not open for settlement. The pioneers came, guided by blazed trees, or the north star, from Kalamazoo to these falls of the Grand river, through an unbroken wilderness. Mr. Turner was a man of very decided character ; he had his own views, upon which he formed his own opinions, and, when his mind was once made up, nothing but truth and duty could change it. The pliable and time serving might call it stubbornness, and men wont to control others might deem him obstinate, but it was the true workings of an earnest mind that carried out its own convictions into all the affairs of practical life. In early life, Mr. Turner became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, but, during his later years, he became a member of the Presby terian church, and he gave largely of his means for its support. The large and beautiful church edifice where we worship would never have been built but for his beneficence. It is his monument. He was also an honored and acceptable member of the Masonic fraternity."
His name is perpetuated in one of the principal streets of the city, which is called after him, and in a marble slate in the Presbyterian church edifice, of which he was one of the founders.
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for holding office under Ohio were conducted with the greatest vigor. For a long time the people of Monroe county were kept busy assisting the sheriff in executing his processes, and making arrests in Toledo. The partisans of Ohio were continually har-
HON. N. B. ELDREDGE.
N. BUEL ELDREDGE was born in Aurelius, now Auburn, Cayuga county, New York, in 1813.
He commenced the study of medicine in his native town, and graduated in that profession at Fail-field Medical College, New York.
Mr. Eldredge emigrated to Michigan in 1837, and settled in Commerce, Oakland county, where he remained for six years, in the practice of his profession. In 1843, he removed to Lapeer county and took up his resi dence in the village of Lapeer. Here he resumed the practice of medi cine and continued it until 1852. 30
466 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
assed. Suit after suit was commenced against them, and each suit was the breeder of a score of others. The officers of Ohio made a feeble attempt to retaliate, but were generally unsuccessful. Every inhabitant of the disputed ground was kept busy in watch ing and reporting the movements of either the bailiffs of Wood or of Monroe counties. Many of the Ohio partisans were arrested and conveyed to the jail of Monroe county. Sometimes these arrests were attended with some danger — always with great diffi culty. An instance is related of Major Stickney's arrest, which created some amusement at the time. He and his whole family fought valiantly, but were at length overcome by numbers. After the major was secured, he was requested to mount a horse, but flatly refused. He was then put on by force, but he would not sit on the horse. Finally, two men were detailed to walk beside him and hold his legs, while a third led the horse. In this way they succeeded in getting him about half way to Monroe, when the men became tired of that means of securing him, and then proceeded to tie his legs under the horse. In that manner he was at last got to jail. An attempt was made to arrest a son of the major called Two Stickney. A severe scuffle ensued, in which the officer was stabbed with a knife. The blood flowed pretty freely, but the wound did not prove dangerous. It is believed that this
Two years prior to this time, he commenced the study of the law, and in this year he was elected judge of probate for Lapeer county, and was admitted to the bar in 1854. During the residence of Mr. Eldredge in Lapeer, he held the office of justice of the peace three terms, and was a supervisor four successive years, being chairman of the board each year.
In 1845, during Governor Barry's administration, he was elected clerk of the Michigan State Senate, and was a representative in the State Legis lature of 1848.
On the breaking out of the late civil war, Mr. Eldredge was the first man to enlist from his county. Immediately following his enlistment, he raised and organized Company "A" of the Seventh Michigan Infantry, and was commissioned as its captain and ordered to the school of instruc tion at Fort Wayne. In the same year, 1861, the major of his regiment was promoted to colonel, and Mr. Eldredge was promoted to fill the vacant office of major. His command having been transferred to the army of the Potomac, he participated in a sharp skirmish at Edward's
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 467
was the only blood shed during the " war." The officer let go his hold, and Stickney fled to Ohio. He was indicted by the grand jury of Monroe county, and a requisition was made on the Gover nor of Ohio for his rendition, but the Governor refused to give him up. On one occasion an officer attempted to arrest a man in the night. The man had but a moment's warning, and sought safety by flight. He succeeded in reaching the Maumee river, and throwing himself across a saw-log, paddled himself, with his hands and feet, safely to a " foreign shore." A very pious man was elected justice of the peace, and fled to the woods, where he lived many days in an old sugar shanty. It was currently reported, and generally believed among the Ohio partisans, that a miracle had been wrought in his behalf — that " robin red-breasts " brought him his daily food and drink. The belief in this "miracle" strengthened the cause of Ohio in many quarters very materially.
A report of the stabbing of the Monroe county officer by Two Stickney was forwarded to the President, together with the state ment that Governor Lucas was protecting him ; and an urgent appeal was made for assistance. This made a great impression on the mind of the President, and convinced him that something should be done to prevent serious trouble from ensuing.
Governor Lucas soon after sent commissioners to Washington
Ferry the day following the battle of Ball's Bluff. About this time, Mr. Eldredge wrote a letter home, censuring General Stone's manner of transporting troops across the Potomac. This letter was published, and he was placed under arrest by General Stone, and, after waiting six weeks for a trial without obtaining one, he resigned and came home. This was in the winter of 1862. General Stone was afterwards arrested and confined one year, for the same charges made by Colonel Eldredge's letter. The legislature of Michigan was in session on his return, and Governor Blair immediately requested him to come to Lansing. He did so, and was appointed a member of the State Military Board. He served in this capacity during that winter and in the following spring was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the Eleventh Michigan Infantry. He immediately joined his regiment, which was then at Columbia, Ten nessee, and served with them until 1863, being in the battle of Stone River, where he had his horse shot under him. Returning home, in 1863, he remained in Lapeer until January, 1864,
468 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
to confer with the President, and a correspondence was entered into between these commissioners and the Secretary of State. The Secretary, in reply to an earnest appeal for interference on the part of the general government, said that the President would immediately cause an earnest recommendation to be made to Governor Mason, that no obstruction shall be interposed to the re-marking of the " Harris line ; that all prosecutions under the Territorial act of February be discontinued ; and no further prose cutions shall be commenced until the next session of Congress.
This " recommendation," however, had no effect on the action of Governor Mason. He was determined to protect his Territory and her jurisdiction at all hazards. The " recommendation " of the President was made on the third day of July, and the deputy sheriff of Monroe was wounded by Two Stickney on the fifteenth of that month. Prosecutions went on the same as before. When the President became aware of this, he superseded Acting- Governor Mason as Secretary of Michigan, and appointed Charles Shaler, of Pennsylvania, as his successor. He also advised Gov ernor Lucas to refrain from any act of jurisdiction over the disputed territory pending the action of Congress. It now became apparent to Governor Lucas that any attempt to take forcible possession of the territory would be stopped by the mili tary forces of the United States. This was a matter of great
when he removed to Adrian, at which place he still resides. Resuming the practice of the law, he continued it until 1872 as a member of the firm of Eldredge & Walker, and enjoyed the largest practice of any member of the profession in Lenawee county. He has now retired from the practice of law and engaged in farming.
In 1870, Mr. Eldredge was elected mayor of the city of Adrian by a large majority, and served in this capacity for one term. He was nomi nated for Congress, from the first district, in the fall of the same year, by the Democratic party, and was only defeated by 901 votes, when the dis trict had previously been strongly Republican, and eleven hundred negro votes had just been added. This illustrates his great personal popularity and the high esteem in which he is held by his fellow-citizens.
Mr. Eldredge is a man of imposing presence, strong determination, genial in his intercourse with his fellow man, and popular in all classes of society.
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469
humiliation to the Governor of Ohio. The eyes of the country were upon him, and he felt it incumbent upon him to perform some act of jurisdiction in order to save himself from the impu tation of having backed down. A happy thought struck him at
CAPT. J. F. MARSAC.
JOSEPH F. MARSAC was born in Hamtramck, Wayne county, in the year 1792. He was reared in that vicinity, spending most of his minor ity there, with the exception of the time he spent in St. Clair county, between the years 1807 and 1812.
His parents were French, and emigrated from France about the time of the revolutionary war, and settled in Hamtramck. His father was appointed, by General Wayne, captain of the first company of the militia that was raised in Wayne county, and served in that capacity.
While in St. Clair, young Marsac spent so much time with the^Indians
470 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
an opportune moment. The Legislature of Ohio had organized a county, and ordered court to be held at Toledo on the seventh of September. To actually hold this court in the face and eyes of the military force of Governor Mason, and the " recommenda tion" of the President, would be a grand achievement — an act of jurisdiction greater even than re-marking the Harris line. But how to do even that was the question. Calling to his assistance the Adjutant-General of the State, they devised a plan. The result was that the matter was placed in the hands of the Adju tant-General to manage. He ordered out a regiment to act as an escort for the judges and to protect them in the performance of their duty. The judges met on Sunday afternoon, the sixth of September, at Maumee, a few miles from Toledo. They were to proceed to Toledo, under the escort that had been provided for them, the next morning, and hold court. Some time during the evening, a scout, which had been sent out by the colonel of the regiment, returned from Toledo and reported that twelve hundred men, under command of General Brown, were in Toledo, ready to demolish court, soldiers and all, in case of an attempt to open court. This report turned out to be false ; but it immediately sub dued all the valor of the judges, as well as that of the regiment which was to escort them. But it would not do to back out at this
that he became familiar with their language. On this account, he was engaged to accompany an Indian delegation to Washington, in the year 1836, while General Jackson was President of the United States. He paid his respects to the President and was received very kindly by him. He assisted in making the treaty of 1836 with the Chippewas. General Cass was then Secretary of War.
Captain Marsac left Hamtramck in the fall of 1838, and removed to Lower Saginaw — now Bay City.
The captain, when removing, took passage with his family upon the first steamer that ever came into the Saginaw river, the Governor Marcy. To use his language, " she was as slow as a scow." She reached the Saginaw river on the 23d of November, 1838, and became fast in the forming ice about half a mile from the light house, and had to remain there all winter.
He first rented the house in Portsmouth that had been built by Mr. Rice, and subsequenty occupied by Judge Miller. In the spring of 1845, he
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stage of the proceedings. The honor and dignity of the State of Ohio must be maintained. Besides, they would be laughed at if they did not hold court. But the judges hesitated at undertak ing so daring an exploit. The colonel of the regiment finally came to their assistance. He upbraided the judges for their cow ardice and hesitation, and proposed to take the honor of the State into his own keeping. Stepping in front of his soldiers, he called for volunteers for a " hazardous undertaking." A few brave men answered the call. The trembling judges placed themselves under the charge of this forlorn hope ; and, at three o'clock on Monday morning, the seventh day of September, A. D. 1835, they sneaked into Toledo, hunted up a school-house, held court about two minutes, and then ran for dear life back to Maumee.
Thus did the State of Ohio triumph over her enemies. Thus did her patriotic sons sustain her dignity. Thus did her brave soldiers throw themselves in the " imminent and deadly breach."
It is needless to say that Governor Mason and General Brown were surprised and chagrined. They had an ample force within reach to prevent the holding of a court, as courts are generally held. But they were unacquainted with Ohio legal practice, and did not look for midnight tribunals, held in dark school-rooms or outhouses.
bought land at the upper end of Portsmouth, and has lived there ever since.
In the year 1848, Captain Marsac was appointed, by the Indian Depart ment under President Polk, Indian farmer for the Chippewa Indians of the Saginaw valley. His duty, under this appointment, was to teach the Indians agriculture and buy implements for them. "When General Taylor became President, he was removed, and James Fraser was appointed in his stead.
Captain Marsac is still living, with a good degree of health for one of his extreme age. His sound constitution, good health, and long life, speak well for the good effects of the climate of central Michigan.
There is no one in northern Michigan who has a wider circle of per sonal acquaintance among those who have had anything to do with the Saginaw valley. In former years, no one came to this region without making the acquaintance, if not the friendship, of Captain Marsac. His jovial disposition and his genial humor made every one at home in his presence.
472 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
It appears that Charles Shaler did not accept the appointment of Governor of Michigan, as Mr. Mason was still acting Governor on the occasion just referred to. John S. Homer, of Virginia, was soon after appointed Secretary and Acting Governor ; but did not commence the duties of his office till the twenty-first of Sep tember. He was not popular with the people of Michigan, and, during his stay in the Territory, appears to have possessed merely the shadow of the authority of his office, as will hereafter appear. He represented the conservative feeling, in reference to the ques tion at issue, entertained by the Washington authorities, and as such representative did not possess the confidence of the people. It is said that, in some instances, he was treated with personal discourtesy. His authority was certainly ignored to a \ ery great extent ; and in May, 1836, he left the Territory, having received the appointment of Secretary of Wisconsin, that portion of Mich igan having then been erected into a separate Territory. During his term of office, however, he carried on a lengthy correspond ence with Governor Lucas, of Ohio, which resulted in the discon tinuance of the prosecutions commenced by Michigan, under the act of February 12th, 1835. The case of Two Stickney, however, was made an exception, and Governor Homer claimed him as a fugitive from justice; but, notwithstanding the action of the Presi dent, Governor Lucas refused to give him up. No serious diffi culty appears to have grown out of it.
But little remains to be said in reference to the " war." The question continued for some time to agitate the minds of the opposing parties; and the action of Congress was impatiently awaited. A volume might be written, relating the incidents of that bloodless struggle, and the story of the privations endured by the citizen soldiers — privations which were occasionally relieved, however, by a raid on a neighboring hen-coop, melon patch, or potato field — the ludicrous incidents, " the hair-breadth 'scapes by field and flood," would constitute the most entertaining literature imaginable ; but the limits of this volume forbid more than the passing glance we have bestowed upon it.
The election to ratify the Constitution of the State, and to elect State officers, had been held on the first Monday in October. The
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result was the ratification of the Constitution by a large majority, and the election of a full set of State officers. Stevens T. Mason was elected Governor, Edward Muudy Lieutenant Governor, and Isaac E. Crary representative in Congress. The first session of
HON. GEORGE W. SWIFT.
GEORGE WASHINGTON SWIFT was born in Palmyra, Wayne county, New York, May 21, 1817. He is a grandson of General John Swift, a soldier of the revolution, and son of Rev. Marcus Swift, who emigrated to Michigan in 1825. His maternal grandfather was Weaver Osband, also a veteran of the revolution.
Mr. Swift remained with his father upon the farm, in Nankin, Wayne county, where they first settled, until his twentieth year, performing labor and enduring hardships and privations, known only to the pioneer,
474 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
the Legislature under the Constitution was commenced at the capi- tol, in the city of Detroit, on the first Monday of November, and John Norvell and Lucius Lyon were elected United States Sena tors. A regular election was also held under the Territorial laws for delegate to Congress, and George W. Jones, of Wisconsin, received the necessary certificate of election, although it is said that William Woodbridge received the highest number of votes. The machinery of the State government was now in full opera tion, with the exception of the judiciary, which was not organized until the fourth of July, 1836. The people submitted to, and were governed by the State authorities from this time forward, although a Territorial Governor was also here in the person of John S. Homer. This anomalous state of things continued till the organization of Wisconsin as a separate Territory, and the appointment of Mr. Homer as its Secretary. It does not appear however, that any serious difficulty arose between the two Gov ernors. Meantime, application had been made for admission into the Union under the Constitution. But it was not until the fif teenth of June, 1836, that Congress took action on the question. It then passed an act accepting the Constitution and State gov-
struggling with seeming impossibilities in a new country, widely separated from civilization by the waters of the lake. From his eighth to his fourteenth year, there were no schools in the country; and, until his twentieth year, opportunities for education were meagre. At twenty years of age, he returned to his native State and enjoyed educational advantages until 1841. At this time, he again became a resident of Michi gan, having married Miss Sarah Pudney, of Saratoga county, New York. For some years, his principal business was farming, devoting, however, some attention to the study of the law. Having never regularly entered the practice of law, he was, notwithstanding, much resorted to for legal counsel, and, possessing good forensic ability, his services were generally sought in matters of public interest.
He early displayed rare talents for debate, and entered actively into public defense of the reforms of the day and soon became a champion in the anti-slavery and temperance movements. Many signal victories were achieved by his eloquence and polemic power. Many of his efforts were pronounced to be of the highest order, and competent judges have declared that his addresses to the people in defense of the war to sup press the rebellion of 1861 are among the best put forth at that exciting
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 475
ernment of Michigan, and providing for her admission into the Union as a State, on condition that she, by a convention of delegates elected for that purpose, should consent to accept the boundary as claimed by Ohio, and receive as compensation for the . loss of the territory in dispute what is now known as the Upper Peninsula. This act could be viewed by the people of Michigan in no other than an odious light. The value of the Upper Penin sula was then unappreciated. Copper was known to exist there, it is true; but in what quantities no one could tell. It was looked upon as a barren waste, too mountainous for cultivation, and of problematical value for any purpose. Besides, the work of excision by Congress, it was thought, had proceeded far enough. p*By the act of 1802, Congress had given the eastern tract, belonging originally to Michigan, of more than a thousand square miles, to Ohio. By the act of 1816, it had given to Indi ana a tract of between eleven and twelve hundred square miles, originally belonging to Michigan. And now Congress required her to purchase her admission into the Union by agreeing to a still further excision of most valuable territory. This was the view taken by the people at the time. Governor Mason, nevertheless,
time. One of the most notable of the many important discussions in which Mr. Swift has been engaged, was a debate with a distinguished New England divine, who lectured for several weeks in his vicinity, to the agitation and dismay of orthodox Christians. His challenge to the clergy to discuss his doctrine was declined, the most able among them declaring that they disbelieved the doctrine but could not cope with its defender.
After much persuasion from the leading members of the churches, Mr. Swift consented to meet that gentleman in debate on the following resolu tion, Mr. Swift taking the negative, viz: Resolved, "That man, being mortal, dies, and becomes non-existent; but, at a time in the future, he will be restored and brought to judgment; the righteous shall receive eternal life, and the wicked shall cease to be forever." After an animated discussion, which lasted five days, both parties declared the resolution" lost, and Mr. Swift's friends realized, as never before, his masterly power.
Gratiot, Isabella, Montcalm, and adjoining counties, were settled chiefly by means of the graduation act of Congress, which put lands that had long been in market at a very low price. As a result, a great number of
476 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
issued a call for a special session of the Legislature, to meet in Detroit, on the eleventh of July, 1836. On the twentieth, an act was approved providing for the election of delegates to a conven tion, to accept or reject the proposition of Congress. It provided that fifty delegates should be elected, and that the convention should be held at Ann Arbor, on the twenty-sixth of September. This convention was composed of a full representation of both political parties. It met on the day appointed, and, after being in session four days, it decided to reject the proposition of Con gress so far as it related to the boundary question. The vote stood twenty-one for acceptance, and twenty-eight for rejection. It then appointed three delegates, to repair to Washington at the next session of Congress, to cooperate with our representatives in securing measures for the promotion of the general interests of the State.
The dissent of the convention was very unsatisfactory to a large portion of the people of the State. Two formidable parties had grown out of the discussion of the question. Although a decided unanimity prevailed with regard to the justness of the claim of Michigan to the territory in dispute ; yet, under the cir-
very poor people settled on them in a short time, and, in consequence, years of fearful destitution ensued. For two successive years, they were * relieved by private contributions, but at the expiration of that time, the agents left their field of labor, greatly excited, being charged with having shown partiality in the distribution of the relief. A striking incident, illustrating Mr. Swift's power of discrimination and executive ability, may be mentioned in this connection. In the winter of 1859, the State legislature made an appropriation of money, to be expended by the Governor in purchasing provisions, to be a loan to these people. The Governor called on Mr. Swift and gave the entire distribution into his hands. The task was at once entered upon and executed with vigor. More than one hundred and twenty tons of provisions were transported by teams into the wilderness and distributed among the people, to secure the payment of which over two thousand notes were taken. This duty was delicate and arduous, requiring the exercise of great wisdom and discre tion. After the supplies were transported into the woods, depositories being made many miles apart, notice was given of the time when they would be distributed. At each place of sale, Mr. Swift was present, neces sitating many miles of travel, by night, through the dark pine forests,
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 477
cumstances, the expediency of retaining or relinquishing her right had become a matter of serious contention. A year had already elapsed since the formation of a State Constitution, and half that period had been spent by her delegation to Congress in fruitless solicitation for admission. Many began to despond. One party seemed to consider the participation in the benefits of the Union paramount to all other considerations. This idea had greater weight at the time from the fact that a large amount of surplus revenue was about to be distributed among the several States. This, it was supposed would be lost to the State by a too long delay in securing admission. Therefore, there was much to lose by delay, and nothing to gain. With the other party these rea sons had little or no weight. Kather than submit to the injustice of having so important a portion of her domain wrested from the State, they were inclined to submit to the inconveniences which might result from delay, till a more favorable action of Congress. They placed full reliance in the ultimate action of Congress, and hoped that a sense of justice would eventually compel that body to admit the State unconditionally. They also argued that the State, having a present right to admission, would have an equit-
almost destitute of roads. He performed this labor in about three months, rendered his accounts, delivered the sureties and received his discharge with the full approval of the State authorities. Not a voice was lifted to condemn any act of his, but universal approval followed him from the grateful people, many of whom wept as they gave him a last farewell. In the earlier part of Mr. Swift's career, his radical opinions and unswerving adherence to his convictions of right, without regard to per sonal consequences, provoked much enmity and opposition, in conse quence of which his friends hesitated somewhat in bringing him before the people as a candidate for office. But, after the organization of the Republican party, to which he lent an actively helping hand and of which he became an able champion, he received the nomination to the State legislature, and in the election outstripped every candidate on the ticket. Many of his life-long opponents voted for him on the personal ground of ability and integrity. He served the State four years, occupying a pro minent position in the House. On his reelection, he led, by many votes in his district, the great general who was elected to the presidency. Mr. Swift resigned his seat in the legislature in 1869, having accepted the office of United States Consul, at Windsor, Canada, which he still holds.
478 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
able right to her proportion of the surplus revenue, which Congress could not refuse to grant whenever she was admitted.
Thus stood parties when the convention decided to reject the proposition of Congress. The dissatisfied party thereupon resolved that another convention should be held, without waiting for another call by the Legislature. During the autumn, two respect able primary assemblies of that portion of the people assenting to the conditions were held, one in Wayne county, and the other in the county of Washtenaw, two of the most populous counties in the State. A second convention of the people was proposed for the trial of the question, and the Governor was requested to call the same by proclamation. Although the convention was approved of; yet, as it was wholly unauthorized by law, the Gov ernor declined to take such a step. A convention, however, had been decided upon ; and, on the fourteenth of November, a circu lar from the proper officers of the assenting party was issued, which recommended the qualified voters in the several counties to meet on the fifth and sixth of December, and elect delegates to attend a convention ; that the number of delegates be twice the number elected to the popular branch of the Legislature ; and
Here, as elsewhere in public service, he displays eminent ability and integrity. Through unwise measures, an unhappy state of feeling for merly existed between the two countries. In place of mutual respect, distrust and suspicion prevailed, and commerce between the two nations at that point had fallen to a low ebb, but, under Mr. Swift's supervision, order and confidence have been restored, commerce revived, and a happy and prosperous state of affairs inaugurated.
Mr. Swift is yet in the prime of life, actively engaged in the battle of reform, and right against wrong His life and labors thus far have been devoted largely to benevolent efforts in behalf of the poor, the oppressed, the victims of wrong and unholy greed, and in the interests of free schools— the diffusion of intelligence, morality and religion. To his influence and efforts, while in the legislature, is largely due the law establishing free schools — the more ample endowment of the University, and the liberal provision which has been made for the various beneficiary institutions, in which our State may indulge a commendable pride.
Mr. Swift has held many places of trust and honor (in all of which he has commanded and received public approval), among which was that of State librarian.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 479
that the election be conducted at the^proper places, by the same officers, and according to the legal formalities governing other elections. Accordingly, the election was held, though generally unattended by those who dissented from the proposition of bound ary, or who considered the election void from its illegality. The delegates met at Ann Arbor, on the fourteenth day of December. As might be expected from a body thus constituted, a decided unanimity of sentiment prevailed in regard to the vital question ; and, on the fifteenth, it unanimously resolved to accept the condi tion imposed in the proposition of Congress. It protested, how ever, against the constitutional right of Congress to require this preliminary assent as a condition of admission into the Union.
The proceedings of this convention were immediately submitted to Congress. As might have been expected, the validity of the last convention was seriously called in question. A lengthy and spirited debate ensued, in which the whole question was discussed. There seemed, however, to be a disposition among all parties to admit the State, notwithstanding the irregularity of the conven tion. How much the electoral vote of Ohio had to do with the action of Congress in reference to the various matters in dispute, is a question not proper for consideration in these pages.
The final decision was made by an act approved January 26th, 1837, which, after asserting, by preamble, that the people of the State had given their consent to the proposed boundaries, in the convention of the fifteenth of December, 1836, declared Michigan to be " one of the United States, and admitted into the Union on an equal footing with the original States, in all respects what-
CHAPTER XXXII.
MICHIGAN AS A STATE — RESOURCES AND POPULATION — ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR MASON — WOODBRIDGE — GORDON— BARRY — FELCH — GREENLY — RANSOM — BARRY — MCCLELLAND — BINGHAM — WISNER.
MICHIGAN was now mistress of her own destinies. The diffi culties which had retarded her progress had been removed. The questions which had diverted the minds of her people from the labor of developing her resources had been settled. She was on an equal footing with the others in the great sisterhood of States, and it needed but the proper development of her great natural resources to place her in the front rank of greatness and power. How well she has succeeded, the following pages will demonstrate.
The romantic story of the birth, childhood and early youth of Michigan is ended. We have seen her as she was before the white man had penetrated the solitudes of her giant forests — before aught beside the bark canoes of the savage had vexed the waters of her lakes and rivers. We have seen her under the blighting influence of the feudal institutions of France, whose highest aim was to preserve her forests as a shelter for fur-bearing animals. We have witnessed the change from French dominion to that of Great Britain, whose policy had no higher aims, and was pro ductive of no nobler results than that of France. And, finally, we have seen the red cross of England supplanted by the stars and stripes of our great Republic, and witnessed the happy results of the enactment of just laws and the establishment of free insti tutions. It now becomes our duty to consider her as she is found at the present day; to patiently, though briefly, trace her steps from youth to maturity, and to exhibit her in the greatness and prosperity she has attained through the development of her unbounded resources.
From the nature of things, the following pages must consist
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of a mere compilation of information from official documents. The history of the State during the period of its peaceful settle ment, and progress in arts and sciences, must necessarily be devoid of the attractions which interest many readers ; but, though devoid
SANFORD HOWARD.
SANFORD HOWARD,'' late secretary of the State board of agriculture, was born in Easton, Bristol county, Massachusetts, August 7, 1805. He was the sixth descendant from John Howard, who came from England in 1651, and subsequently settled in West Bridgewater. 31
482 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
of tales of bloodshed, hardship and suffering, it is the record of the events which have made her great and powerful, and trans formed her solitudes into marts of commerce, cleared away her mighty forests, and dotted her landscape with happy homes and flourishing cities.
The first Governor of Michigan under her State organization was, as we have already seen, Stevens T. Mason, a native of Vir ginia. He was elected Governor of the prospective State in 1835, and held the office till January, 1840. When Michigan was admitted into the Union as a State, her population was about two hundred thousand. It possessed an area of about forty thousand square miles, which was divided into thirty-six counties. Almost the first act that was passed by the State Legislature, after the admission into the Union, was one for the organization and sup port of common schools. Congress had already set apart one section of land in each township for this purpose, and the new State was not slow to avail itself of the advantages of the dona tion. In March of the same year another act was passed estab lishing the University of Michigan. As a separate chapter will
Living in a country neighborhood, his advantages for education were limited to three or four months in a year at a district school, but being of a studious turn, and quick to learn, he supplemented his studies with such reading as assisted him in laying the foundation for future useful ness.
When quite a boy he evinced a decided love for natural history, espe cially that relating to domestic animals. In early life he became acquainted with Col. Samuel Jaques and the Hon. John Welles, two of the most noted breeders of their times. To this acquaintance, and the intimate friendship that followed, the world is indebted in a measure for much of the information disseminated through Mr. Howard's pen during the last thirty years of his life.
When about seventeen years of age, he was placed in a dry goods and grocery store, where he remained about two years, when finding him dis inclined to any pursuit but farming, his father consented to his return home. From this time he remained with his father in his favorite occu pation till 1830, when he married Miss Matilda Williams, and removed to Halowell, Maine, where he took charge of the celebrated Vaughn farm. Here he organized the Kennebec county agricultural society, which was the pioneer society of the State.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 483
be devoted to this institution, we will not stop to consider it here. The Legislature also paid particular attention to the mineral resources of the State. It appropriated $29,000 for a geological survey, and appointed Dr. Douglass Houghton State geologist. Internal improvements also received a large share of attention. A board of seven commissioners was established, of which the Gover nor was made president. This board authorized a number of sur veys for railroads. Three routes were surveyed through the State, and eventually became known as the Michigan Central, the Michigan Southern, and Detroit and Milwaukee. The latter road, however, was originally intended to have Port Huron for its east ern terminus. Acts were at the same time passed incorporating the roads between Gibraltar and Clinton, and Detroit and Shia- wassee. Thus was the energy and public spirit of the citizens of the new State manifested, and thus was the first start made in the grand system of railroads which now traverse the State in every direction. The next year appropriations were made for the sur vey of the St. Joseph, Kalamazoo and Grand rivers, with the view of improving their navigation. In 1839 the militia of the State
In 1837, Mr. Howard removed with his family to Zanesville, Ohio, where he became engaged in farming, and also for some years conducted an agricultural department in the Zanesvttle Gazette. Here, too, he was chiefly instrumental in establishing the Muskinguni county agricultural society.
In 1844, he was offered and accepted a position as associate editor of the Albany Cultivator.
January 4, 1852, Mr. Howard removed to Boston, Massachusetts, to take charge of the agricultural department of the Boston Cultivator, which position he maintained with benefit to its readers and satisfaction to its proprietor during twelve years.
In 1857, the Massachusetts society for the promotion of agriculture decided to make an importation of stock for the improvement of their domestic animals, and Mr. Howard was selected for that purpose to visit England, Scotland, Ireland and France. He performed his mission in a highly satisfactory manner, and made another trip to Europe for a simi lar purpose, and while there received marked attention from many of the first people of the countries in which he traveled. Returning, he contin ued to edit the Boston Cultivator until he removed to Michigan.
In February, 1864, Mr. Howard was elected secretary of the Michigan
484 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
was organized, and eight divisions, with two brigades of two regi ments each, were provided for. Another event of this year was the completion of the Jackson penitentiary. With this year also terminated the administration of Governor Mason, who had been twice elected to the chief magistracy of the State. The official report in reference to the educational interests of the State shows that nearly thirty thousand pupils attended the common schools that year, and that the amount of money expended was over eighteen thousand dollars. The agricultural statistics published in 1838 gives the following figures for that year: Rye, 21,944 bushels; oats, 1,116,910; buckwheat, 6,422; flax, 43,826 pounds; hemp, 524 ; neat cattle, 89,610 ; horses, 14,059 ; sheep, 22,684 ; swine, 109,096.
The second Governor of Michigan was William Woodbridge. He served in that capacity from January, 1840, to February, 1841, when he resigned to accept a seat in the United States Senate. J. Wright Gordon was Lieutenant-Govern or, and became acting Governor upon the resignation of Governor Woodbridge. The principal events which occurred during the joint administration
State board of agriculture, and, in the May following, he removed from Boston to Lansing, Michigan, and entered upon the duties of his office.
His removal from. Boston was the occasion of a dinner and presenta tion, at which time he received from the Massachusetts agricultural club a massive silver pitcher.
Mr. Howard's labors in Michigan were more in the interests of the agriculture of the State at large than with the State agricultural college. He was, however, a member of the faculty, and took his turn in the general lectures delivered before the college, and his addresses were always highly welcome by his audience. He did very much to improve the agriculture of the State, and in these labors became widely acquainted with the agriculturists, fruit growers and stock raisers of Michigan.
In the spring of 1871, Mr. Howard was stricken with partial paralysis, affecting his right side. He went from his office, where the fatal disease had found him at his work, to his home, where, after an eight days' illness, he died on the 9th of March.
The newspapers throughout the entire country paid their tribute of respect to the memory of the deceased, and resolutions of regret and sympathy on his death were passed by both branches of the State legis lature and by the State board of agriculture.
HISTORY OP MICHIGAN.
485
were as follows : The railroad from Detroit to Ann Arbor, a dis tance of forty miles, was completed ; branches of the University were established at Detroit, Pontiac, Monroe, Niles, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Jackson, White Pigeon, and Tecumseh. The
HON. D. HORTON.
DEXTER HORTON, a prominent citizen of Fenton, Michigan, was born in the town of Groveland, Oakland county, Michigan, in 1837, on the farm where his father, H. W. Horton, now resides.
His education was mostly acquired in the school district where he was born. At the age of fourteen, he was sent to Albion college, but was so given to practical joking that his stay there was of short duration. While there he was acknowledged to be a good student, being marked perfect in nearly all his studies; was well liked by his teachers and fellow students, but was so constantly into mischief, that they were obliged to expel him. When he left college he was president of the Eclectic and
486 GENERAL HISTOEY OF THE STATES.
population of the State exceeded two hundred and twelve thou sand, and the leading cities claimed the following numbers: Detroit, nine thousand one hundred ; Ypsilanti, two thousand four hundred ; Pontiac, nineteen hundred ; Marshall, seventeen hun dred and sixty-three, and Monroe seventeen hundred and three.
To denote the growth of the material wealth of the State, we present the following statistics, gathered in 1841 : The average price of wheat was seventy cents a bushel, and the crop amounted to $2,100,000; corn was sold for thirty cents, and that crop amounted to $810,000 ; oats, twenty cents, and the amount $800,- 000 ; hay, five dollars per ton, and the amount $750,000 ; pork was sold for ten cents per pound, and amounted to $900,000 ; the fur trade amounted to $425,000; the potato crop to 2,051,000 bushels ; whisky and wines, $400,000 ; maple sugar, $83,151 ; the fish trade, $192,000 ; wool, $70,000 ; dairies, $300,000, and home made goods, $100,000. The exports for that year amounted to over four millions of dollars ; and, as the result of the distribution act of Congress, the State became possessed of five hundred thou sand acres of public lands, many portions of which were selected with great care, and were to become the foundation of an import ant revenue. Associated with the administration of Governor
Atheniades societies. After his departure from college his time was occupied in teaching school winters, and farming summers, until he arrived at his majority, when he took up his residence at Fenton, Genesee county, where he now resides.
At this time, his whole capital consisted of two colts and fifteen bags of corn. But being an energetic business man, he soon acquired a com petency, and has ever used his means to increase the prosperity of his town. He is an extensive dealer in flour, grain and wool, and, within the last three years, has built up one of the largest retail trades, in farm ing implements, that there is in the State. His great energy was shown in a large procession of farmers and farming machines which paraded the streets of Fenton, on the 14th of June, 1873. This procession was very highly spoken of at the time in the local papers, for its numbers, beautiful display of all kinds of farming implements, decorated with banners, and for the business ingenuity of Mr. Horton in organizing it, and surprising the people of Fenton by its unexpected entrance into their village.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. . 487
Gordon was the reorganization of the Grand Lodge of Free Masons, with the constitutional number of lodges.
Governor Gordon was succeeded by John S. Barry, who served from 1841 to 1845. During the first year of his term, the Uni versity was opened for the reception of students. The Central and Southern railroads were now being rapidly constructed, and general progress was everywhere in great activity. In 1842, the number of pupils reported as attending the common schools was nearly fifty-eight thousand. In 1843, a State land office was estab lished at Marshall, which was invested with the charge and dis position of all the lands belonging to the State. In 1844, the taxable property of the State was found to be $28,554,282, the tax being at the rate of two mills on the dollar. The expenses of the State were only seventy thousand dollars, while the income from the two railroads was nearly $300,000. The University had already become so prosperous that its income was ample to pay the interest on the University debt ; and the amount of money which the State was able to loan to the several progressing rail roads was one hundred and twenty thousand dollars. Efforts were made to increase the efficiency of the common schools, with good
Mr. Horton was from boyhood an active and shrewd worker in politics. He first acted with the Whigs, but upon the organization of the Repub lican party, he espoused their cause, and, believing his party right, he earnestly worked for its triumph. In 1861, a struggle occurred for the appointment of a postmaster in Fenton. Mr. Horton, although only twenty-three years of age, became an applicant for the office, and, not withstanding another person received the recommendation of the repre sentative in congress from that district, Mr. Horton secured the appointment. In 1863, when the Fifth Michigan Cavalry was at Brandy Station, Virginia, he went to that place for the purpose of enlisting, but before doing this, he was informed that he could have an appointment from President Lincoln as captain and commissary of subsistence in the United States volunteers, liesigning his postmastership, he at once accepted of this position, reported to General Thomas for duty, and remained with the armies of the Tennessee and Georgia until they were disbanded. While in the army, he was promoted to the rank of major, by President Lincoln, for efficient and meritorious services.
At the close of the war, he was reappointed postmaster at Fenton, but
488 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
results. In 1845, the population of the State was more than three hundred thousand.
Governor Barry was succeeded by Alpheus Felch, who served the State in the capacity of Governor from 1845 till 1847. The important events under his administration may be summed up as follows : The two railroads belonging to the State were sold to private corporations — the Central for two millions of dollars, and the Southern for five hundred thousand dollars. In 1846, the University library was enriched with a choice collection of five thousand volumes, purchased in Europe. These books were much needed by the University, and added largely to its usefulness. The exports of the State for 1846 amounted to $4,647,608 ; the aggregate capacity of vessels enrolled in the collection district of Detroit was 26,928 tons ; the steam vessels numbering 8,400, and the sailing vessels 18,527 — the whole giving employment to eighteen thousand seamen. In 1847, the counties in the State numbered thirty-nine, and the townships four hundred and thirty- five, of which two hundred and seventy were supplied with good libraries, containing in the aggregate thirty-seven thousand vol umes. The pupils in the common schools numbered ninety -eight thousand, and in the 2,869 districts were employed twelve hun dred male teachers, and nearly two thousand female teachers. On the third of March, 1847, Governor Felch resigned his posi tion as Governor to accept a seat in the United States Senate, whereupon Lieu tenant -Governor "W. L. Greenly assumed the
was removed by President Johnson, for political reasons. He was a delegate to the soldiers' convention, at Chicago, that nominated General Grant for the presidency.
In 1867, Mr. Horton was appointed assistant sergeant-at-arms of the State senate, and, in November, 1869, he was elected a representative to the State legislature. In 1871, he was nominated, but having 'voted at the former session of that body for the adoption of the fourteenth amendment to the United States constitution, and advocating the election of a candidate to the United States senate, who was unpopular in his district, he was defeated by thirty one votes.
Mr. Horton is a man of great personal popularity, unswerving honesty, fine social qualities and winning manners. He has great business tact and energy, and is of inestimable value to his town.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
489
duties of the executive. During the latter's administration, the war with Mexico commenced and terminated ; and, in answer to a requisition from the War Department, Michigan furnished one regiment of volunteers, commanded by Thomas W. Stockton, and
HON. GEO. E. HUBBARD.
GEORGE E. HUBBARD, son of Mr. Alonzo Hubbard, was born in 1833, at Hamilton, in the State of New York. In 1834, the family removed to Detroit, Michigan, where they continued five years. In 1838, they removed to the Western Reserve, Ohio, and in 1848, to Cleveland, in the same State, where he graduated at the high school and subsequently at the mercantile college of E. G. Folson. He then learned the tinner's trade, serving three years in the shop of Mr. W. L. Marvin. At the ter mination of his apprenticeship he became foreman.
In 1855, Mr. Hubbard removed to Chicago, where he worked at his trade and soon became clerk in the hardware store of Mr. C. Metz. The
490 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
one independent company, at a cost of about ten thousand five hundred dollars.
Governor Greenly was succeeded by Epaphroditus Ransom, who served the State from 1847 till November, 1849. We sum up the events and affairs of the State under his administration as follows : The Asylum for the Insane was established, as also the Asylum for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind. Both of these institutes were liberally endowed with lands, and each of them placed in charge of a board of five trustees. The appropriation in 1869 for the deaf and dumb and blind amounted to $81,500. On the first of March, 1848, the first telegraph line was completed from New York to Detroit, and the first dispatch transmitted on that day. The following figures show the progress in agriculture: The land reported as under cultivation in 1848 was 1,437,460 acres ; of wheat there were produced 4,739,300 bushels ; other grains, 8,197,767 bushels; wool, 1,645,756 pounds ; maple sugar, 1,774,369 pounds ; horses, 52,305 ; cattle, 210,268 ; swine, 152,541 ; sheep, 610,534 ; while the flour mills numbered two hundred and twenty-eight, and the lumber mills amounted to seven hundred and thirty. In 1847, an act was passed removing the Legislature from Detroit to Lansing, and temporary buildings for the use of the Legislature were immediately erected, at a cost of $12,450.
Governor Hansom was succeeded by John S. Barry, who was again, and for a third term, elected Governor of the State of
same year, lie was married to Christiana, daughter of Mr. John Landreth, of Cleveland. In September, 1856, he removed to Grand Haven, where he started a small hardware store, with a stock worth less than one thousand dollars. In 1858, Mr. Hubbard purchased the interest in the business hitherto held by Mr. C. Metz, the stock then amounting to over five thousand dollars. He continued the business until 1866, when Mr. George E. Miller joined him in a partnership which continued two years. He also formed a partnership with Mr. A. J. Emlaw, who carried on a hardware business in Muskegon. At the end of two years, Mr. Emlaw was succeeded in the Muskegon business by Mr. John H. Landreth, brother of Mrs. George E. Hubbard. He continued it three years.
At the time Mr. Miller joined the firm, the stock was valued at sixteen thousand dollars. Mr. Landreth took an interest in the Grand Haven business in 1872, and continued in it one year, since which time the con-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 491
Michigan. He continued in office till November, 1851. During this administration a Normal School was established at Ypsi- lanti, which was endowed with lands and placed in charge of a board of education, consisting of six persons ; a new Constitution for the government of the State was adopted, and the " Great Rail road Conspiracy Case " was tried. This grew out of a series of lawless acts which had been committed upon the property of the Michigan Central Railroad Company, along the line of their road, and, finally, the burning of their depot, at Detroit, in 1850. In 1851, thirty-seven men were brought to trial, and of them twelve were convicted. The conspirators were defended by William H. Seward, of New York, and the prosecution was conducted by Alex. D. Fraser, of Detroit. Judge Warner Wing presided.
Robert McClelland [followed Barry into the executive chair, and served as Governor from 1851 until March, 1853, when he resigned to accept a position in the Cabinet of President Pierce, as Secretary of the Interior. On his retirement, the Lieutenant Governor, Andrew Parsons, became the acting governor, and continued in that capacity until November, 1854.
Kingsley S. Bingham was the next Governor of Michigan. He served from November, 1854, to November, 1858. With regard to this administration we copy from the " Red Book " as follows : The most notable event of Governor Bingham's first term was the completion of the ship canal, at the Falls of St. Mary. In 1852,
cern has been carried on by Mr. Hubbard, the capital invested being about thirty thousand dollars.
In 1870, Mr. Hubbard erected the first brick three-story building in the city, and the completion of the building was celebrated in February, 1871, by the largest party ever gathered together in Grand Haven, con sisting of friends from all parts of Michigan and some from Illinois, Ohio and Wisconsin.
In 1872, Mr. Hubbard was elected mayor, on the Republican ticket, when it was conceded there was a Democratic majority of one hundred in the city. In the spring of 1873, he was reelected mayor, a position he still continues to fill with honor to himself and the general satisfaction of his fellow-citizens.
As a business man, Mr. Hubbard ranks high, and is among the most successful. He is persevering, energetic and enterprising. He has
492 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
August twenty-sixth, an act of Congress was approved, granting to the State of Michigan seven hundred and fifty thousand acres of land, for the purpose of constructing a ship canal between Lakes Huron and Superior. In 1853, the Legislature accepted the grant, and provided for the appointment of commissioners to select the donated lands, and to arrange for building the canal. A com pany of enterprising men was formed, and a contract was entered into, by which it was agreed that the canal should be finished in two years ; and the work proceeded. Every article of con sumption, machinery, working implements and materials, timber for the gates, stones for the locks, as well as men and supplies, had to be transported to the site of the canal from Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago, and other lake ports. The rapids which had to be surmounted have a fall of seventeen feet, and are about a mile long. The length of the canal is less than one mile, its width one hundred feet, depth twelve feet, and it has two locks of solid masonry. In May, 1855, the work was completed, accepted by the commissioners, and formally delivered to the State authori ties. The disbursements on account of constructing the canal and selecting the lands amounted to $999,802; while the lands which were assigned to the company, and selected through the agency at the Sault, as well as certain lands in the upper and lower peninsulas, filled to an acre the government grant. The opening of this canal was a most important event in the history of the improvements of this State. It was a valuable link in
acquired a large social, and consequently political influence, mainly by his straightforward, honorable dealing and accommodating spirit. He is a valuable citizen, paving aided, to the utmost of his ability, both public and private enterprises calculated to advance the interests of the city.
As a presiding officer, he has never been^ equaled in the common coun cil, having a good knowledge of parliamentary practice and a nice sense of justice and impartiality.
As a member of the ancient order of Knight Templars, he enjoys the unbounded confidence of the fraternity.
As a citizen and neighbor, he is known to be a friend, especially to the laboring portion of the community, among whom he is exceedingly popular, while his standing in commercial circles needs no encomium.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 493
the chain of lake commerce, and particularly important to the interests of the upper peuinsula of Michigan.
Moses Wisner was the next Governor of Michigan. He served from 1858 to November, 1860. He was succeeded by Austin Blair, whose connection with the State during the progress of the civil war, properly brings any notice of his administration within the scope of the records of that bloody event.
Turning from the routine of political and legislative records, we will pass on to her struggles and triumphs during the great rebellion.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR BLAIR — THE WAR OP THE REBELLION — PATRIOTIC ACTION OF MICHIGAN — THE TROOPS SENT TO THE FIELD — THE DRAFT— GOVERNOR CRAPO'S ADMINISTRATION — CLOSE OF THE WAR— THE TROOPS RETURN HOME — FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE STATE.
AUSTIN BLAIR was the thirteenth Governor of Michigan under the State organization. The principal events occurring under his administration were those connected with the war of the rebellion. To give a complete history of the events of that trying period, to enumerate the heroic deeds of the brave sons of Michigan, recount their struggles and triumphs, and place their record on the pages of history as it deserves, would require many volumes. But that record would form some of the brightest pages in the annals of this nation.
Michigan soldiers were among the most prompt to offer their services when the first gun was fired on Fort Sumter, and were among the last to leave the field after the last rebel had laid down his arms. They were among those who first crossed the Long Bridge and captured Alexandria. They were under command of the gallant and lamented Richardson, who first opened fire at Blackburn's Ford, near Bull Run. They were with McClellau, in "West Virginia, in 1861. In 1862 they were in South Caro lina and Georgia, in the Army of the Potomac, on the Peninsula, and in Maryland ; with Banks in the Shenandoah Valley, with Burnside in Virginia, with Butler in Louisiana, and with Pope in Missouri. In 1863 they bore a gallant part in* the campaign in Virginia under Hooker, and Meade, in Pennsylvania. They assisted in the defense of Knoxville, under Burnside ; in the cap ture of Vicksburg, by Grant ; and in the raid on Richmond, by Kilpatrick. They were with Rosecrans, in his campaign against
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 495
Chattanooga, and did gallant service, under other generals, in Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky. In the closing years of the war they were with Grant, in his march against Richmond ; with Sherman, in his march "to the sea, and with Sher idan, in his campaign in the Shenandoah Valley. They assisted in the defense of Nashville, under Thomas ; and were with Wil son and Stoneman, in their raids in Georgia and North Carolina. They were at the capture of Mobile ; and, after the surrender of Lee, served in Texas and against the Indians in the West. Mich igan soldiers saw the surrender of Lee and of Johnson, and it was a Michigan regiment that captured the President of the Southern Confederacy. Her heroic dead sleep in every national cemetery, and her best blood has been poured out on every battle field. In every encounter they were conspicuous for their bravery and devo tion. In every position they were true and faithful.
It would be a pleasant task to follow the soldiers of Michigan through every campaign, and tell the tale of their heroism and recount their deeds of valor ; but the limits of this volume forbid, and we must rest content with the briefest outline of the part which was taken by the State in that memorable contest. Besides, the task has already been performed in an able manner by one of the soldiers of Michigan. Reference is had to General Rob ertson's History of Michigan during the Rebellion, in Lanman's Red Book of Michigan. And we here take occasion to acknowl edge our indebtedness to that volume for many of the facts which are here set forth.
When Governor Blair assumed the gubernatorial chair, in January, 1861, the mutterings of the coming storm were already heard in the distance. The retiring Governor, the lamented Moses Wisner, delivered a stirring and patriotic valedictory mes sage to the Legislature, which served as the key-note to the action of the State in the subsequent contest. Governor Blair's inau gural, delivered at the same time, was an equally patriotic message, in which he discussed, in a most able and philosophical manner, the true nature of our complex system of government, and of the real significance of the impending issues, and closed by recom mending that the State proffer her whole military resources to the
496 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
President to aid in upholding the laws, and maintaining the supremacy of the Constitution. The Legislature was prompt in its response to this recommendation, and passed a series of resolu tions, declaring the loyalty of the State to the Union and the Constitution, and its readiness to aid the government with all its material resources and military power.
Michigan was in reality, at that time, ill prepared for war. The long years that had elapsed since there had been any enemies to fight had caused her to forget that war was possible. Its militia had dwindled to next to nothing. There were only twenty- eight companies in the State, with an effective force of a little over one thousand men. The population of the State was about 800,000. The number of able-bodied men, capable of bearing arms, was estimated at 110,000. The State debt was $2,228,842, besides $100,000 in canal bonds, guaranteed by the State. The taxable value of the State was about $275,000,000. The financial embarrassments were neither few nor unimportant, and the annual tax of $226,250, was considered a grievous burthen upon the peo ple. Notwithstanding these embarrassments, the people were willing to sacrifice everything to maintain the integrity of the Union, and the utterances of the two Governors, and the resolu tions of the Legislature, struck a responsive chord in every patri otic heart.
On the 12th day of April, 1861, the telegraph flashed the news to Detroit that Fort Sumter had been fired upon — that civil war had been inaugurated. This news produced the most intense excitement. The first body to move in the matter was the Detroit bar. A meeting was held on the 13th, and patriotic resolutions passed. On the 15th the news was received that Fort Sumter had surrendered. At the same time, the President's call for 75,000 troops was received. Public meetings were at once held in every part of the State, and pledges made to assist the nation in this its hour of peril. Volunteering commenced. On the 16th, Governor Blair arrived in Detroit, and immediately held a con sultation with the leading citizens. The State had been called upon for one regiment, fully armed and equipped. One hundred thousand dollars was required for this purpose, and the treasury
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
497
was empty. To meet this expenditure, the meeting at once pledged Detroit to loan the State $50,000. A further sum of $25,000 was also pledged by those present, and a committee appointed to solicit further subscriptions. The same day the
REV. MARCUS SWIFT.
MARCUS SWIFT was born in Palmyra, Wayne county, New York, June 23, 1793. His father, General John Swift, a prominent citizen of that section, secured to his son as good educational advantages as the country afforded in that early time, and at the age of eighteen, Mr. Swift married Miss Anna Osband, and entered on the active pursuits of life. At the age of twenty, he became a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was licensed, soon after, to preach the Gospel. In this field he was eminently successful. Philosophical and logical as a thinker, 32
498 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
Governor issued a proclamation calling for ten companies of volunteers. The State promptly responded to this call, and the tenders of troops soon far exceeded the requisition. On the 24th the Governor called an extra session of the Legislature to meet on the seventh of May. Orders were issued for organizing the First Regiment. This was promptly done, and the Coldwater Battery was also organized and equipped, with money loaned the State by the citizens of Coldwater. The Second Regiment was also hurriedly recruited, and went into camp at Detroit. The Third and Fourth immediately followed, and were conditionally accepted, it being apprehended that they would not be needed.
On the seventh of May the Legislature met, and legalized what had been done, clothed the Governor with ample power for the future, and authorized the raising of ten regiments and a war loan of $1,000,000. It also passed the " Soldiers' Relief Law," by which counties were required to afford certain relief to the families of soldiers.
forcible and fluent as a speaker, simple and easy in address, the young licentiate drew around him a circle of friends appreciative of his rapidly developing powers and rich in kindness and sympathy. Pecuniary embarrassments overtook him in consequence of the sudden death of an elder brother by drowning, and caused him to remove with his family to the wilds of Michigan in 1825. He purchased land, eighteen miles west of Detroit, Wayne county, in the township of Bucklin (afterwards divided into the townships of Bedford, Dearborn, Livonia and Nankin, in the latter of which was his location), and making that a permanent home, became identified with the growth and development of that part of the State.
In 1827, he was elected supervisor. Under the territorial regime, this office was one of primary importance, involving the entire interests of the rapidly developing country. This office he filled for nine successive terms, the remote settlers (from necessity) spending two days in going to vote, taking their provisions with them and " camping out " in the woods during the journey. He was also appointed justice of the peace by Presi dent Jackson, which office he continued to hold until the Territory was admitted as a State.
The last four terms Mr. Swift served as supervisor, he was elected without an opposing vote. The public business involved in the division of the township, devolved on him and was disposed of with judgment
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 499
On the thirteenth day of May, the First Regiment, under the command of Colonel O. B. Wilcox, left for the seat of war, fully armed and equipped. The Second soon followed, commanded by Colonel Israel B. Richardson. Many other companies were organ ized; but, not being able to find places in the regiments in this State, sought and found service in other States. The Third and Fourth, however, were recruited, under the authority of the Gov ernor ; and, while this was in process, a letter was received from the Secretary of War, limiting the number of regiments that would be accepted from this State to four, and enjoining the Gov ernor from raising any more than that number.
Governor Blair, however, decided to disregard these instruc tions, and immediately established a camp of instruction for the officers of the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh regiments. Companies were soon assigned to these regiments ; and the course of instruc tion proceeded till the first of August, when the camp was broken up, and the force sent to various localities to recruit and organize
and dispatch. His increasing acquaintance, and the duties connected with the ministry, which profession he faithfully and laboriously exer cised among the scattered and almost shepherdless flocks of Christ, caused his gradual withdrawal from public business, that he might devote himself wholly to the chief purpose of his life.
The Methodist Episcopal church having organized a conference in 1833, he took charge of Oakland circuit, which embraced within its limits 125 miles. This circuit he made once in four weeks, preaching thirty-one times each month, and receiving $120 per year for the two years he occupied it, in anything but money. The next year he had charge of Plymouth circuit, after which he withdrew from conference and performed voluntary labor, until the organization of the Wesleyan church, preaching every Sabbath and frequently during the week, for which he received occasional contributions from the indigent people. He always responded with cheerful alacrity to calls for pastoral service, and it was no unfrequent occurrence for one of the horses to be taken from the plow in the middle of the furrow (for he combined farming with his other avocations), in order that its master might repair to some distant neighborhood and preach one of the pathetic funeral sermons for which he was famous.
The principal occasion of Mr. Swift's separation from the conference, was the complicity of the church with slavery. As early as 18£5, he began
500 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
the regiments. This was promptly done, and before the twelfth of September, all had left for the field, the President having, in the meantime, called for 500,000 volunteers. The quota of Mich igan under this call was put at 21,337. In addition to this force, two companies of sharpshooters were organized and mustered in. Also, two companies of cavalry, for a Missouri regiment ; seven of infantry for Illinois regiments, and two for New York regi ments. In obedience to this call, recruiting was pushed with the utmost rapidity until December, 1861, at which time the State had sent the following regiments to the front :
The First Regiment Infantry, three months, from Detroit, May 15th, 780 strong — Colonel 0. B. Wilcox commanding.
The First Regiment, from Ann Arbor, September 16th, 751 strong — Colonel John C. Robinson commanding.
The Second Regiment Infantry, from Detroit, June 5th, 1,020 strong — Colonel J. B. Richardson commanding.
to agitate the subject, and made himself heard with telling effect. In the conference, he had not a man to hold up his hands as he invited attention to an investigation of the sin and its dire effects on the church and nation. He insisted that the church ought to take such action as would show to the world that it regarded God rather than man, and refuse to bind itself with the fetters of expediency by tolerating apologists of slavery and slave-holding ministers and laymen. He exercised charity towards those who honestly entertained the opinion expressed by Bishop Hedding, viz: " Slaves could be held in obedience to the golden rule," and was willing to believe that what seemed to him a monstrous and unnatural invasion of the rights of his sable brethren might assume to some the aspect of missionary work. But "his heart burned in him like a fire," and the wrongs and sufferings of the slaves stung every fibre of his sympathetic nature with pain. His open denunciation of the church polity, regard ing slavery and episcopacy, brought upon him the censure of the official boards of the conference, and they, together with the bishop, refused to ordain him an elder, notwithstanding he had fulfilled all the disciplinary requirements, and passed a complete examination. The condition exacted was, that he cease the agitation of the slavery question. For such pledge on his part, ordination was offered him, and the most inviting station in the conference tendered. His talent as a preacher made him eminent — a pillar of strength to the church as an advocate and defender of its doctrines. Learned in the formulas of the churches, familiar with
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 501
The Third Regiment Infantry, from Grand Rapids, June 13th, 1,042 strong — Colonel D. McConnell commanding.
The Fourth Regiment Infantry, from Adrian, June 25th, 1,024 strong — Colonel D. A. Woodbury commanding.
The Fifth Regiment Infantry, from Detroit, September llth, 900 strong — Colonel H. D. Terry commanding.
The Sixth Regiment Infantry, from Kalamazoo, August 30th, 1,020 strong — Colonel F. W. Curtenius commanding.
The Seventh Regiment Infantry, from Monroe, September 5th, 1,020 strong — Colonel Ira R. Grosvenor commanding.
The Eighth Regiment Infantry, from Detroit, September 27th, 900 strong — Colonel W. M. Fenton commanding.
The Ninth Regiment Infantry, from Detroit, October 25th, 943 strong — Colonel W. W. Duffield commanding.
The Sixteenth Regiment Infantry, from Detroit, September 16th, 960 strong — Colonel T. B. W. Stockton commanding.
ecclesiastical history and literature, lie presented an impregnable front to the assaults of infidelity. The soundness of his judgment and his remarkable familiarity with the Scriptures, caused his counsel and advice to be sought and held in high esteem by his ministerial brethren. But all these gifts were light as an airy bubble when weighed in the balance with his denunciations of the "peculiar institution." The unswerving fidelity to moral and religious convictions which character ized him, demanded the renunciation of worldly position and gain, and he renounced them. The imposition of priestly hands was "nothing worth " if purchased by the stifling of the voice of conscience. All the manhood in him rose in rebellion at the infamous bargain, and he proclaimed persistently, trumpet-tongued, and in discussions with his opponents proved that stains of guilt and crime darkened the slave-hold ing churches. He contended that the complicity and even neutrality of the non-slave-holding portion of the church was criminal, a sin against God and humanity, in direct violation of the discipline and opposed to the spirit and teachings of the founders of the Methodist Episcopal church.
The storm of persecution which had been gathering since 1834, fell upon him more fiercely with each evidence that he was fearfully in earnest in the work of reform. The destruction of his property, mob violence, nor threats of malignant enemies could intimidate him, and to cries of "peace," his response .was, "first pure, then peaceable." At
502 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
The Eleventh Regiment Infantry, from White Pigeon, Decem ber 9th, 1,000 strong— Colonel W. J. May commanding.
The First Regiment Mechanics and Engineers, from Marshall, December llth, 1,000 strong — Colonel W. P. Innes commanding.
The First Regiment Cavalry, from Detroit, September 29th, 1,150 strong — Colonel T. F. Broadhead commanding.
The Second Regiment Cavalry, from Grand Rapids, November 14th, 1,170 strong — Lieutenant-Colonel W. C. Davis commanding.
The Third Regiment Cavalry, from Grand Rapids, November 28th, 1,180 strong — Lieutenant-Colonel R. H. G. Minty command ing.
The First Battery, from Detroit, June 1st, 123 strong — Captain C. O. Loomis commanding.
The Second Battery, from Grand Rapids, December 17th, 110 strong — Captain W. S. Bliss commanding.
The Third Battery, from Grand Rapids, December 17th, 80 strong — Captain A. W. Dees commanding.
length, hopeless of reform in the church and feeling it no longer con sistent with his principles to maintain connection with it, in 1841, he formally withdrew.
Politically, he acted in the same decided manner. Always loyal to laws he believed to be in accord with the constitution, he never advocated more radical political action than that upon which the present Republi can party based its existence. He acted with the American Anti-Slavery Society, but was not a Garrisonian abolitionist, believing rather that the franchise should be exercised in correcting national evils.
In 1840, his vote was one of two cast in the township for the "Liberty party" candidate for the presidency, James G. Birney. This party received his support until merged in the Free Soil party, in 1848, and the Republican party in 1856, and ever after during his life.
In Michigan, soon after Mr. Swift's secession from the church, a large number followed his example, and, in the same year (1841), an organiza tion was effected under the name of the " Wesleyan Methodist Church." A book of " doctrines and discipline" was adopted, chiefly compiled by his hand. The withdrawals continued to increase in number, and, in May, 1843, a large convention of Wesleyan Methodists assembled at Utica, New York, to which Mr. Swift was a delegate. Nine States were repre sented, and the " Wesleyan Methodist Connection of America" organized with about 170 preachers and 8,000 members. Into this connection was
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 503
The Fourth Battery, from White Pigeon, December 9th, 126 strong — Captain A. F. Bidwell commanding.
The Fifth Battery, from Marshall, December 17th, 76 strong — Captain J. H. Dennis commanding.
Ten of these regiments were clothed and subsisted by the State, under the direction of the Quartermaster-General.
The commencement of the year 1862 found the recruiting going on with unabated vigor. Five regiments of infantry and three batteries of artillery, in various portions of the State, were being rapidly recruited, and they left for the field as follows :
Thirteenth Infantry from Kalamazoo, February 12th, 925 strong — Colonel M. Shoemaker commanding.
Twelfth Infantry, from Niles, March 18th, 1,000 strong— Colo nel Francis Quinn commanding.
Fifteenth Infantry, from Monroe, March 27th, 869 strong— Col onel J. M. Oliver commanding.
Fourteenth Infantry, from Ypsilanti, April 17th, 925 strong — Colonel R. P. Sinclair commanding.
merged the church organized in Michigan two years before. In the itinerancy of this church and connection, Mr. Swift labored actively, and in the ministry to the close of his life. He expired, February 19, 1865, after a brief illness, at the residence of his son, Dr. J. M. Swift, of Northville, lamented by all who knew him. His last words were, " ' Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.' The great principles for which 1 labored and fought amid reverses and persecution are now the ruling sentiments of the people. I have lived in a glorious age, and my eyes have seen the powers of darkness give way before the coming of the glorious reign of liberty and equality." And so he entered into rest.
The influence of Mr. Swift, in moulding the moral sentiment of the community in which he lived, can hardly be over-estimated. His famili arity with all the interests pertaining to a newly settled country, to rural life, to the administration of the laws and to the spiritual concerns of his fellows, gave him the position of adviser, advocate and judge. His repu tation for candor and probity frequently enabled him to reconcile con flicting interests by mediation, and his voice was ever for peace and good fellowship. He was hospitable and charitable, giving vastly more for benevolent objects than he ever received for public services, and his ear was ever open, and his sympathetic heart quick to respond, to the
504 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
Tenth Infantry, from Flint, April 22d, 997 strong— Colonel C. M. Lum commanding.
Seventh Battery, from Kalamazoo, February 12th, 145 strong — Captain C. H. Lamphere commanding.
Sixth Battery, from Coldwater, March 3d, 158 strong — Captain J. S. Andrews commanding.
Eighth Battery, from Monroe, March 13th, 156 strong — Cap tain Samuel De Golyer commanding.
In addition to these there were three more companies of sharp shooters raised and sent forward, and one company to serve as a guard for three prominent Southern men, who had been arrested by Andrew Johnson for treason and imprisoned at Mackinaw. A lancer regiment and a battalion of cavalry had also been raised, but disbanded by the government. The reports made in July gave an additional number of 2,028 recruits to the organizations before mentioned, showing a total of 24,281 enrolled since the commencement of the war, not including the lancer regiment, the cavalry battalion which had not been accepted, or the companies enlisted in regiments in other States. Including these, there
cry of the friendless and oppressed. His vigorous intellect and strong, enthusiastic character left its imprint on the civil, political and educa tional polity of his time. As a speaker, he was logical, forcible and inspiring. His searching and pathetic appeals to the hearts and con sciences of his hearers were responded to, in multitudes of instances by purified lives, and thousands called him their spiritual father. In his latter years, he was universally greeted with the loving title of "Father Swift."
The Wesleyan Methodist church was an organized protest against the immorality of slavery, before which other churches trembled, shorn of power. It put forth in the form of a religious idea, what was soon to become a political necessity, and from its despised position among the small things of the earth, it sent forth roots into the heart of society, which nourished the mighty tree whose branches are now, truly, "for the sheltering of all nations." It drew within its pale such hosts of free, aspiring and self-sacrificing spirits, that its wonderful work was speedily accomplished. A generation of men sufficed to do this work, chief among whom was Rev. Marcus Swift, who cast into its treasury worldly ambition, power and gain, counting all these things but dross for the grandeur of the interests it represented.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
505
would be an aggregate of about 27,000 men. Adding only those who went into the regiments of other States would give a grand total of 25,734 men who went to the front from Michigan up to July 1st, 1862 — over 6,000 more than had been called for.
DR. G. L. CORNELL.
GEORGE L. CORNELL was born at Crown Point, Essex county, New York, December 3d, 1829. His parents were both natives of this country. His father was a physician of considerable eminence and extensive practice.
In 1834, the family removed to Michigan, and settled at Spring Arbor, in the county of Jackson. Here he passed through the ordinary course taught in a common school, and prepared himself for college. He studied medicine under the instruction of his father and Dr. M. Gunn, \vlio was at that time surgeon of the University of Michigan, and graduated
506 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
In the meantime, the Union armies had met with some disas trous reverses in the field, which, for the time being, cast a feeling of gloom and despondency over the people of the whole North. But Michigan soon rallied from that state of feeling ; and, when the President, on the second of July, issued a call for " three hun dred thousand more," she was as prompt as ever in her response. The quota for Michigan under that call was 11,686. Six regi ments were immediately ordered — one for each Congressional dis trict. In addition to these, the people of Detroit and Wayne county organized one regiment from their own citizens. Other regiments followed in rapid succession, and, by the thirteenth of December following, fourteen additional regiments were organized and sent forward, as follows :
The Seventeenth Regiment Infantry, from Detroit, August 27th, 982 strong — Colonel W. H. Withington commanding.
The Twenty-fourth Regiment Infantry, from Detroit, August 29th, 1,027 strong — Colonel H. A. Morrow commanding.
The Twentieth Regiment Infantry, from Jackson, September 1st, 1,012 strong — Colonel A. W. Williams commanding.
The Eighteenth Regiment Infantry, from Hillsdale, September 4th, 1,002 strong — Colonel C. E. Doolittle commanding.
The Twenty-second Regiment Infantry, from Pontiac, Septem ber 4th, 997 strong — Colonel M. Wisner commanding.
The Twenty-first Regiment Infantry, from Ionia, September 12th, 1,007 strong — Colonel A. E. Stevens commanding.
The Nineteenth Regiment Infantry, from Dowagiac, September 14th, 995 strong — Colonel H. C. Gilbert commanding.
from that institution in the class of 1852. The next year after finishing his collegiate course, he removed to the city of St. Clair and entered upon the practice of his profession. Since that time, he has devoted himself, with rare skill and ability, to the practice ; and has won for himself a position in the front rank of the profession in Michigan. During the administration of James Buchanan, he was appointed collector of cus toms at St. Clair, which office he held until the election of Lincoln, in 1860. During the war of the rebellion, he went to the front in the capacity of surgeon in the army, where his rare skill as a surgeon was exercised to the greatest advantage on many a bloody battle-field. After the close of the war, he returned to St. Clair and resumed practice.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 507
The Twenty-third Regiment Infantry, from East Saginaw, Sep tember 18th, 883 strong — Colonel M. W. Chapin commanding.
The Fourth Regiment Cavalry, from Detroit, September 26th, 1,223 strong — Colonel R. H. G. Minty commanding.
The Twenty-fifth Regiment Infantry, from Kalamazoo, Septem ber 29th, 896 strong — Colonel O. H. Moore commanding.
The Ninth Battery, from Detroit, December 4th, 168 strong — Captain J. J. Daniels commanding.
The Fifth Regiment Cavalry, from Detroit, December 4th, 1,305 strong — Colonel J. T. Copeland commanding.
The Sixth Regiment Cavalry, from Grand Rapids, December 10th, 1,220 strong — Colonel George Gray commanding.
The Twenty-sixth Regiment Infantry, from Jackson, December 13th, 903 strong — Colonel J. S. Farrar commanding.
In the meantime, an order had been made by the President (August 4) for a draft of 300,000 militia, for nine months' service. The quota assigned for Michigan was the same as under the call of July second, viz: 11,689. In accordance with this demand the Governor issued a proclamation, directing a census to be taken of the citizens in the State capable of bearing arms. This was accordingly done, and the result showed that the number of men in the State subject to draft was 91,071. Many difficulties pre sented themselves in the way of making a draft, and the Presi dent, therefore, left the time for drafting to the discretion of the governors, hoping that each would be able to raise the number required by volunteer enlistments. Governor Blair accordingly,
He has been repeatedly elected mayor of the city of St. Clair, and alderman of his ward, and his services are nearly always sought as a member of the board of supervisors of the county. Although his politi cal influence is second to none in his county, he has persistently refused, with rare exceptions, to allow his name to be used in connection with any office, the performance of the duties of which would call him away from his chosen field of labor — the practice of his profession. He has acquired a handsome fortune by his own unaided exertions, and occupies a prominent and leading position, not only in his profession, but in social and political life. He is remarkable for his benevolence and public spirit, and is especially active in the promotion of the educational inter ests of the city and county in which he resides.
508 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
on the ninth of November, issued a stirring appeal to the citizens of Michigan to come forward and save the State from the impend ing draft. Less than four thousand were now needed to fill the quota. In the meantime, enlistments had gone forward rapidly. The Twenty-seventh Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas S. Sprague ; the Seventh Cavalry, under Colonel F. W.' Kellogg ; the Eighth Cavalry, under Colonel John Stockton ; the Ninth Cavalry, under Captain James J. David; the Twenty - eighth Infantry, under Colonel Edward Doyle, and another regiment of sharpshooters, under Captain C. V. DeLand, had been organized, and vigorous efforts were being made to fill up the ranks.
The aggregate number of troops enlisted and mustered up to December 23d, 1862, as reported by the Adjutant-General, was as follows :
" Total, including recruits, sent to the field before July 1st, 1862, 24,281; 'Lancers' and 'Hughes' Horse Guards,' regularly mus tered into the service, but disbanded without leaving the State, 987 ; three regiments of cavalry, ten of infantry, and one battery, sent since July 1st, 13,739; recruits (including six for nine months) received from July 1st to December 23d, 2,162 ; estimated strength of three regiments of cavalry, two of infantry, one of sharpshoot ers, and two batteries, organizing in the State, 4,400. Total, 45,- 569."
This does not include volunteers from this State who had gone into the regiments of other States, to a number known to exceed 1,400, nor those who had enlisted in the regular army — probably three or four hundred.
In January, 1863, the Legislature met and passed an act offer ing $50 bounties for enlistments, and legalized the local bounties that had been offered throughout the State. It also appropriated $20,000 for the relief of the sick and wounded soldiers in the field. This amount was increased, subsequently, by an additional $25,000.
At the commencement of this year, three regiments of cavalry, two of infantry, one of sharpshooters, and two batteries, were in process of recruitment within the State. During January, the " Provost Guard," a company raised by Captain E. D. Robinson,
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
509
for duty at the Detroit Barracks, was mustered into service ; also, Company L, " Merrill Horse," recruited by Almon E. Preston. On the twentieth of February, eight completed companies of the Seventh Cavalry, under command of Colonel W. D. Mann, were
COLIN CAMPBELL.
COLEN CAMPBELL was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in June of the year 1811.
At an early age his father died, leaving him the special care of a devoted mother, who earty taught him the religious principles which are the foundation to his present success.
At the age of fourteen, Mr. Campbell entered into the stationery 'and paper business in his native country. At the age of nineteen, he engaged as book-keeper in a bottling or brewing house, and two years afterwards
510 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
ordered to Washington. The remaining battalion was left to recruit, and joined the regiment in May following. The Eighth Cavalry, 1,117 strong, under Colonel Stockton, left for Kentucky on the twelfth of May. The Ninth Cavalry, under Colonel David, left on the eighteenth, twentieth, and twenty-fifth of May, leaving two incomplete companies to be filled. These joined the regiment soon after, increasing the number in this regiment to 1,073. The Twenty-seventh and Twenty-eighth Infantry were consolidated as the Twenty - seventh Infantry, and left for Cincinnati on the twelfth of April, 865 strong, under command of Colonel D. M. Fox. The First Regiment of Michigan Sharpshooters, under Colonel DeLand, was ordered, on the eighth of July, to Indian apolis. When this regiment was completed, it showed a strength of 963. The Tenth Battery, 104 strong, under Captain J. C. Shultz, left with the Seventh Cavalry. The Eleventh Battery, 108 strong, under Captain C. J. Thompson, left with the Ninth Cavalry. The Twelfth Battery, under Captain E. G. Hillier, left for Indianapo lis in July. When completed this battery was 219 strong.
In the meantime a draft was made, in February, in the counties
he again established himself in business. This was in the outskirts of Glasgow, where he conducted a general provision and grocery store for a considerable time.
A few years later, he disposed of his effects in Scotland and sailed for the United States, arriving in Detroit in 1842. Here he formed a co-part nership with Messrs. J. H. Thompson and James Jack, two friends who had preceded him to this country, and they entered into -the dry goods business under the firm name of Campbell & Jack. As their business increased from time to time the firm was changed, and they removed from one store to another until they finally settled in their present build ing on the corner of Woodward avenue and Congress street, under the firm name of Colin Campbell & Sons.
Mr. Campbell has achieved substantial though perhaps not extravagant success in mercantile pursuits. His life has not been altogether given up to business matters; on the contrary, he has devoted much to the study of the Bible, and has made it, to a great extent, the guide of his life.
Looking beyond the narrow limits of pecuniary gain, he has concerned himself with questions of politics and religion, and, although shunning public preferment, he has won the highest esteem of the people in his adopted State.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 611
then in arrear for the small deficiency then existing. The number drafted was 1,278. Of these, 710 were delivered at Detroit, 545 of whom were sent to various regiments in the field, the rest being discharged for various causes. Of these 430 enlisted for three years, only 115 going into the field for nine months. On the twenty-third of June the War Department authorized Colonel F. W. Kellogg to raise two additional regiments of cavalry and two more batteries of artillery. These were to be completed within forty days. It was found impossible to do this in so short a time ; but the recruiting commenced at once with the utmost vigor, and, on the first of December, the Tenth Cavalry, under Colonel Thad- deus Foote, left for Kentucky, 912 strong, and was followed, on the seventeenth, by the Eleventh Cavalry, under command of Colonel S. B. Brown, 921 strong. The two batteries were left in camp, in the process of organization. In July Colonel Henry Barns commenced the arduous task of raising a colored regiment. The organization was completed in February following, and mustered into the service, 895 strong. It was afterwards designated as the One Hundred and Second United States colored troops.
In March of this year Congress passed an act " for enrolling and calling out the national forces." The execution of this act was under the exclusive control of the Federal authorities, and it pro vided elaborate details for attaining the object in view. The national force was declared to consist, with certain specified excep tions, of " all able-bodied male citizens of the United States, and persons of foreign birth who shall have declared on oath their intention to become citizens under and in pursuance of the laws thereof, between the ages of twenty and forty-five years ;" and this force was divided into two classes, the first to comprise " all persons subject to do military duty between the ages of twenty and thirty-five years, and all unmarried persons subject to do military duty above the age of thirty-five and under the age of forty-five,' the second to comprise " all other persons subject to do military duty ;" and it was provided that the latter class " shall not, in any district, be called into the service of the United States until those of the first class shall have been called." Each Congres sional district was formed into an enrollment district, a provost
512 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
marshal and board of enrollment provided for each, and these districts were again divided into sub-districts, consisting of wards and townships.
Lieutenant-Colonel B. H. Hill was appointed Acting Assistant Provost Marshal General of the State. Provost marshals were appointed for each Congressional district, and through these agen cies the enrollment was completed during the summer. The total numbers enrolled were: of the first class, 80,038 ; second class, 40,226. On the completion of the enrollment in the several States a draft was ordered of one-fifth of the first class, subject to adjust ments of the surplus or deficiency existing in the accounts of each State under previous calls.
On the twenty-seventh of October a draft began in all the dis tricts except the First, which was delayed till the fifth of Novem ber. The number drafted was 6,383. Of these, 261 were delivered at the general rendezvous ; 643 furnished substitutes (43 of whom deserted) ; 1,626 paid each $300 commutation money ; 2,130 were exempted ; and 1,069 failed to report. The total amount paid as commutation money was $487,800.
In October, the government offered recruiting agents $15 for each recruit furnished, and increased the bounties to $302 for those enlisting for the first time, and $402 for veterans reenlisting. Liberal local bounties were offered in most of the counties.
On the seventeenth of October the President issued a call for 300,000 more men, and ordered a draft to commence the fifth of January ensuing, to fill any deficiency then existing. The quota for Michigan under this call was 11,298. The Governor immedi ately issued a stirring proclamation, calling upon the people to " fill up the ranks once more," and promising that " the next blast of the bugle for an advance will sound the knell of revolution and herald in the return of peace." The appeal was responded to by the people with the same cordiality that had characterized their action on every previous call. The returns and muster rolls showed that, down to December 31st, 1863, an aggregate of 53,749 men had been mustered into the service of the United States since the commencement of the war, not including the troops dis banded.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
513
The important event which occurred in the early part of 1 864 was the return of the " veterans," who had reenlisted, and were home on furlough and reorganizing. Five thousand five hundred and forty-five of these reentered the service, entitling the following
HON. WM. A. BURT.
WILLIAM AUSTIN Bum\ who was very prominently identified with the (early days of the State, was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, June 13, .1792. At this place, Alvin Burt and Miss Wealthy Austin, parents of "William Austin Burt, were born. They resided there until 1798, when they removed with their son William, then six years of age, to Mont gomery county, New York. At that time, there were no schools, and young Burt, whose eager thirst for knowledge had begun to develop at that early age, encountered many difficulties in acquiring an education. .Fortunately Jor him, a gentleman resided in the neighborhood who had 33
514 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
organizations to which they belonged to the title of " veteran : " First, Second and Third Cavalry ; Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, and Sixteenth Infantry ; the Sixth Heavy Artillery, and Batteries B, C, and E, First Light Artillery, and 148 of the Engineers and Mechanics. On the first of February a draft was ordered by the President for 500,000 men, to serve for three years, or during the war. This order was interpreted to mean an exten sion of the then pending call for 300,000, and was so acted upon. On the fourteenth of March the President made an additional order for 200,000 men, giving till the fifteenth of April for enlist ments before the draft should take place. An act was also passed by Congress abolishing the commutation system. The distinction of classes had already been abolished. On the eighteenth of July the President issued a proclamation calling for 500,000 men, and directing that volunteers be accepted for one, two, or three years, as they might elect ; and that on the fifth of September, a draft should be made for any deficiency that might be found to exist. Upon the reception of this call, Governor Blair issued a stirring proclamation, calling upon the people for prompt efforts to meet
been a teacher in the old country, and who took an interest in his studies and gave him every assistance and encouragement. Here he began the study of surveying and national astronomy, and at the age of fourteen, he had mastered these difficult studies. His parents were poor and could give him but little aid, and after the toil of the day was ended, the young man pursued his studies by the light of a pine knot, the luxury of a " tallow dip" being at that time not easily obtained. Thus employed, the time went by until he was seventeen years of age, when the family emigrated to Erie county, New York, the then "far west," and began the slow and tedious labor of making for themselves a home in the wilderness.
At the age of twenty-one, he married Phoebe Cole, a daughter of John Cole, Esq., a prominent citizen of that country. This occurred in 1813, and the United States being engaged in a war with Great Britain, young Burt joined the American forces, and after participating in an unsuccess ful attack on Fort Burlington, Canada, the order was given for the soldiers to save themselves as best they could. Burt and a companion secured a canoe, made their way to Buffalo, and finally reached their home. The following year Burt enlisted in the service for another term
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 515
the demand of the President. The quota assigned to the State was 18,282, of which a little over 12,000 remained to be recruited at the time of issuing the proclamation. The Adjutant-General at once issued orders authorizing the organization of six regi ments, one in each Congressional district. Accordingly, on the twenty-sixth of July, Colonel J. W. Hall was authorized to reor ganize the old Fourth Infantry, whose term of service had expired. On the twenty-ninth of the same month, Colonel M. B. Hough- ton was authorized to reorganize the Third Infantry, whose term had also expired. On the same day, Hon. J. F. Driggs was appointed to take charge of the organization of a new regiment, to be called the Thirty-first Infantry. On the ninth of August, Hon. S. S. Lacey was authorized to organize the Twenty-ninth Infantry. On the fifteenth of the same mouth, Hon. W. B. Wil liams was intrusted with the organization of the Twenty-eighth Infantry. On the twenty-fourth of August, Major John Atkin son, of the Twenty-second Infantry, was authorized to raise and organize the Thirtieth Infantry.
Recruiting now proceeded with renewed vigor; but the quota was so great that it was impossible to fill it before the impend-
of sixty days, and served at Buffalo in the capacity of fife major. At the close of the war, he engaged in mercantile pursuits, was elected magistrate for his district, and did occasional jobs of surveying for his neighbors.
Mr. Burt's mercantile career was not, strictly speaking, a success. This failure in business, no doubt, induced him to make a journey to the far west, which he did in the autumn of 1817.
His journal of this expedition is very interesting, and we regret that our limited space prevents us from giving it to our readers. He left the outlet of Chautauqua Lake, on the 13th of August, 1817, and after reach ing the Alleghany he passed down that river to the Ohio, and down the Ohio to the Falls at Jeffersonville. From here, he went overland to Vin- cennes and further on to St. Louis, where he arrived on the 10th of September. Returning, he left the latter place on the 25th of the same month, and after passing through Vincennes and Fort Harrison, he reached Detroit on the 28th of October, remained until the 30th, when he took passage on the schooner Washington, for Buffalo, which place he reached on the 5th of November.
Early in the spring of 1822, he came to Michigan in hopes of getting
516 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
ing draft took place. On the tenth of June a draft was made, but even that-did not fill the quota, and another draft was ordered to take place in subdistricts ; and again, on the twentieth of September, still another. The result of these efforts during the first ten months of 1864 was as follows : Volunteers, 20,041 ; drafted men, 1,956 ; veterans reenlisted, 5,545 ; enlisted in the navy, 430 ; total credits in numbers, 27,972. Of these, 356 paid commutation money previous to the act abolishing commutation, deducting which would leave the total number of men actually raised during ten months, 27,616. The total credit to the State up to this time from the beginning of the war was 83,347.
On the third of September, authority was given to Colonel W. L. Stoughton to reorganize the Eleventh Infantry. In November a regiment was raised for the defense of the eastern border of Michigan. The term of enlistment was twelve months. This regi ment was called the Thirtieth Infantry, and was commanded by Colonel G. S. Wormer.
It was now hoped that no more calls would be made ; but, on the nineteenth of December, the President issued a call for " three hundred thousand more," to supply a deficiency in the call of July
employment in the public land surveys, or in lieu thereof, to engage in mill building. After his arrival, he worked for a while at his trade, and built a saw mill at Auburn, Oakland county. Then, taking an Indian trail to the Indian trading post at Flint, Mr. Burt went in search of the government land surveyor, Mr. Fletcher, who was in that vicinity, sub dividing the towns into sections. Returning from thence, he made a selection of government land in the present township of Washington, Macomb county, upon which he moved his family in the season of 1824. From this date until 1833, he was mainly occupied in mill building and in local surveying. He was elected a member of the territorial council in 1826, and served in 1826-27. He was elected county surveyor of Macomb county in 1831, and served three years. In the meantime he had been appointed district surveyor by Governor George B. Porter in 1832. At this time he was appointed postmaster at Mt. Vernon, an office which he held for twenty-four years. April 23, 1833, he was appointed an associate judge for the Macomb circuit. In the autumn of 1833, he received his appointment as United States deputy surveyor from the sur veyor general's office at Cincinnati, for the district northwest of the Ohio,
518 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
eighteenth, and designated the fifteenth of February as the day for another draft, in case the quota should not be full. Accord ingly, the enrollment was at once corrected, and the quotas assigned to each subdistrict. This done, it was found that in the State there were on the enrollment 77,999 men subject to draft. The quota for the State under the call was 10,010.
But the end was now approaching. The close of the year found Sherman in possession of Savannah, Thomas triumphant in Ten nessee, and Grant in the trenches before Petersburgh. Michigan had nobly done her duty, under the statesmanlike guidance of her " Great War Governor " — a title nobly earned by Austin Blair during the four eventful years of his administration. His term of office was now drawing to a close. On the fifth of January, 1865, the Legislature met, and Governor Blair prepared to vacate the chair he had filled with such distinguished ability. Nobly had he performed his duty to the State, the government, and to the soldiers of Michigan. The soldiers in the field he never suf fered himself to forget, and on retiring from office, his last official utterances were addressed to them and in their behalf. The fol lowing beautiful tribute paid to them in his valedictory message
and immediately left for the field, his district of survey lying northward of Fort Gratiot, on the borders of Lake Huron.
During all these years of unsuccessful endeavor to obtain employment in the public land surveys, his inventive genius had not been idle; and soon after his removal to Michigan he had constructed a simple but prac tical printing apparatus, whereby business men could conduct their cor respondence by printed letter. The invention, however, failed to come into general use, and for want of adequate means to make the enterprise a success, the project was abandoned.
As early as 18353, he had conceived the idea and discovered the prin ciples that resulted in the invention of the solar compass — that crowning achievement of his life. He began soon after the construction of a model, which he exhibited in 1835 to a committee of the Franklin Insti tute of Philadelphia, of which scientific body he was a member. The institute unanimously awarded him a Scott's legacy medal. This result was highly gratifying and gave him much encouragement, emanating as it did from the first scientific body in the land. In the meantime he •. was engaged in the public land surveys in Iowa and west of the Missis-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 519
on that occasion is not only characteristic of the man who uttered it, but finds a response in the heart of every patriot :
"GENTLEMEN— Again, and for the last time, I commend the Michigan troops to your continued care and support. They have never failed in their duty to the country or to the State. Upon every great battle-field of the war their shouts have been heard and their sturdy blows have been delivered for the Union and victory. Their hard-earned fame is the treasure of every house hold in the State, and the red blood of their veins has been poured out in large measure to redeem the rebellious South from its great sin and curse. At this hour they stand under the flag of their country, far away from home, in every quarter where the enemy is to be met — along the banks of the father of waters, in the great city at its mouths, on the Arkansas, in the captured forts of the Gulf, by the waters of the Cumberland, the Tennessee, and of the Savannah, in the chief city of the Empire State of the South, among the conquering columns in the Valley of the Shen- andoah, and in the trenches under the eye of the Lieutenant- General in the great leaguer of Petersburg and Richmond. Alas, that they are also perishing of cold and hunger, and disease, in
sippi, also in Wisconsin, making the subdivisions near where the city of Milwaukee now stands. This was in the winter of 1834-35. In 1838, he was elected one of the commissioners of public improvements for the State of Michigan, which had but recently been admitted into the Union. Michigan was then entering upon a career of vast internal improvements by way of canals and railways, and the people of the State may feel well assured that through the sound sense and practical knowledge of William A. Burt, some millions of dollars were saved to the taxpayers of the State.
; . Mr. Burt had not, in the meantime, suffered his inventive genius to remain idle. His solar compass had occupied largely his thoughts,- and many alterations and improvements had been made as practical use seemed to suggest. On the 14th of December, 1840, he exhibited to the Franklin Institute, a perfect solar compass, for which he received, by order of the committee through William Hamilton Actuary, the highest commendation and a most gratifying and able support on the value of his invention.
From 1840 to 1847, he was mostly occupied in the public land surveys of northern Michigan, near Chocolate River, Lake Superior, but he pub-
520 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
the filthy rebel prisons and pestilential camps of the South. In every situation their bravery has won the approval of their com manders, and their heroic endurance of hardships has added lustre to their name. It is my sole regret at quitting office that I part with them. My earnest efforts for their good shall follow them while I live, and now from this place I bid them hail, and farewell!"
The Legislature responded by passing resolutions highly com plimentary to Governor Blair, and tendering the grateful thanks of the people of Michigan for the able and satisfactory manner in which he had conducted the affairs of the State during the four years of his administration.
On the retirement of Governor Blair, Henry H. Crapo was inaugurated Governor of Michigan. He was a man possessing sterling qualities of mind and heart, great executive ability, scru pulous honesty of purpose, and strong and inherent patriotism. He came to the executive chair at a time when all these qualities were required, in an eminent degree, in the chief magistrate of the State. The nation was engaged in the last desperate struggle with the great rebellion. The resources of the whole people were
lished a small manual for the adjustment and use of the solar compass, which was of very great benefit to those using the instrument.
In that year, he was associated with the lamented Dr. Douglass Hough- ton, in the prosecution of the linear and geological surveys. In the autumn of 1845, on the 13th of October, Dr. Houghton lost his life by the upsetting of a boat during a storm on Lake Superior. Owing to his death, Judge Burt had the geological reports to make out, which he did with marked ability and entire satisfaction to the department. The labor of those years was enormous. Great numbers of specimens were collected and properly labeled. The immense body of iron ore south of Teal Lake was discovered by him on September 19, 1844; and during that season and the year 1846, more than twenty beds of iron ore were dis covered by him and reported to the world, thus giving some idea of the vast hidden wealth of northern Michigan. No other living man had done so much or placed his information in such tangible shape for the general good, and public attention was at once turned in that direction.
In the summer of 1851, Mr. Burt visited Europe, for the purpose of exhibiting his instrument at the world's fair, in London. He took the occasion while there to visit the eminent geologist, Hugh Miller, at Edin-
522 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
being taxed to the utmost to meet the demands of the hour. The bone and sinew of the State, the flower of its population, were in the trenches before Petersburg, with Thomas in his struggle in the Southwest, with Sherman on his grand "march to the sea," or sleep ing beneath the bloody sod of a thousand battle-fields, or languish ing in the dark, dismal, and pestilential prisons of the Southern Confederacy. Thousands of widows and orphans were at home, demanding the care which a grateful people could not withhold. The sick and wounded soldiers were in every hospital, the heroic dead in every cemetery. The treasury, State and national, was being rapidly depleted. Every city, village, ward, and township had taxed itself to the utmost to meet the demands of patriotism. The war was not yet ended, and the nation demanded of Michigan ten thousand more of her sons. Truly it required a strong heart and a steady hand to enable the new executive to meet the demands of the hour, and preserve to the State the brilliant and unsullied record she had made during the administration of her great War Governor. How well Governor Crapo performed the task, every citizen of Michigan can testify.
Happily, however, but little of the war record of Michigan
burg, Scotland, whose writings had given him so much pleasure and profit. He also visited Paris, and returning to London, he received a prize medal from the jurors on astronomical instruments, and the fol lowing certificate from Prince Albert.
" I hereby certify that her majesty's commissioners, upon the award of the jurors, have presented a prize medal to Wm. A. Burt, for a Solar Compass and surveying instrument shown the exhibition.
ALBERT,
President of the Royal Commission. Hyde Park, London, October 15, 1851."
Returning home in the fall of 1852, he was elected a member of the legislature, and among the duties discharged by him was that of chairman of the committee on St. Mary's Falls ship canal, of the session of 1852-3. To him, it is confidently believed, may be attributed the success of favor able legislation and for the speedy construction of that work, so impor tant to the State and country.
During the summer of 1855, Mr. Burt compiled a manual, which he published, and which he entitled "A Key to the Solar Compass and Sur veyor's Companion."
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 523
remains to be told. The beginning of the year 1865, as has been seen, found the State with a draft impending for more than ten thousand men. On the first of January the Eleventh Regiment of Infantry was being recruited. The organization of the Thirti eth, designed for duty on the Detroit and St. Glair rivers, was completed on the ninth, and at once assigned to duty. On the fourth of March four companies of the Eleventh left for Nash ville, and on the eighteenth, the remaining six companies followed, under command of Colonel P. H. Keegan. The whole force con sisted of 898 officers and men. On the fourth of February the Legislature offered $150, State bounty, and authorized townships to pay $100. These bounties continued to be paid until the four teenth of April, when recruiting ceased within the State.
The war had now drawn to a close. On the ninth of April General Lee surrendered his army to General Grant. The surren der of Johnston to Sherman soon followed.
Previous to this, and subsequent to November 1st, 1864, there had been raised in the State 9,382 recruits. Of these, 7,547 vol untarily enlisted in the army, 53 in the navy, and 1,782 'were drafted. The Adjutant-General's report shows that the total
In 1856, he obtained letters patent in the United States, England, France and Belgium, for the Equatorial Sextant. This instrument had cost him more brain labor than the solar compass, and is of ingenious construction and of much promise to the navy and mercantile marine, its powers being ascertained by Lieutenant Maury, as follows:
"The Equatorial Sextant being manipulated properly, it will show without computation, but by a simple reading off, the latitude, hour, angle, and azimuth, and this at any time of day, thus giving the position of a ship at sea at once, with the use of a chronometer."
Unfortunately for the interest of commerce and the commercial world, the inventor was not permitted to perfect the instrument. He died of heart disease, August 18, 1858, at his home in Detroit. Surrounded by his family, he passed peaceably away, and was buried at the family grounds at Mt. Vernon, near his first home in Michigan.
Mr. Burt was a. Christian man, and led a Christian life. The religion he professed he practiced. There was nothing spasmodic about it. It was of practical moment to him and influenced his life all through. He was one of the early founders of the Baptist church at Mt. Vernon, and always a liberal contributor to its various objects, and throughout life a
524 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
number of men furnished by Michigan, from the beginning of the war to its close, was ninety thousand seven hundred and forty- seven. The sum paid into the Treasury of the United States by drafted citizens of Michigan as commutation money was five hun dred and ninety-four thousand six hundred dollars.
The task of the soldiers of Michigan was now ended. How nobly they had performed their duty, every one knows; and the pages of history will tell the story of their patriotism and heroic deeds to thousands of generations yet unborn.
On the fourth day of June, 1865, the Twentieth Regiment returned home. Others followed in succession, but it was not till the tenth of June, 1866, that the last regiment arrived in the State. The Third and Fourth Infantry were the last to leave the field.
On the fourteenth of June, 1865, Governor Crapo issued a pro clamation of thanks to the Michigan troops. After speaking of the untold toils and hardships they had endured, of their bravery and patriotism, their honorable scars, and their heroic dead, he closed as follows :
" In the name of the people of Michigan, I thank you for the
consistent member. His life was one of constant activity. He possessed a strong, compact frame, capable of enduring great fatigue, which many times was put to the utmost test in his great labors in the wilderness. His perceptions were quick and elastic, and his judgment was seldom if ever at fault. Without the education of the schools, he possessed that practi cal education which was the result of a lifetime of earnest thought and labor, and he was recognized among scholars as a teacher in all that per tained to science. It was only by labor — persistent and determined labor — that he had accomplished so much. Working his way up by toil and through privation, striving for a livelihood by day and laboring in the interests of science by night, he has given to the world a valuable inven tion, and to himself an immortal name. A pioneer in the State of Mich igan, he had lived to see it one of the first in the nation, a result to which he had largely contributed, and the people of the Peninsular State will ever have a warm place in their hearts for the memory of William A. Burt.
Mr. Burt had five sons, viz: John, Alvin, Austin, Wells and William, all but one of whom (Alvin) are now living, and were for many years his associates in the surveys of the public lands.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
525
honor you have done us by your valor, your soldierly bearing, your invincible courage everywhere displayed, whether upon the field of battle, in the perilous assault, or in the deadly breach ; for your patience under the fatigues and privations and sufferings
HORACE R. GARDNER.
HORACE R. GARDNER was born at Auburn, New York, March 25, 1827. Ten years later he removed from Onondaga county, with his father, John G. Gardner, to Hillsdale county, Michigan, and was engaged with him in the manufacture of lumber and flour, and in farming, until the year 1857, when he became interested in the Jonesville Woolen Mills. In 1859, he became associated with Ransom Gardner, under the firm name of H. R. Gardner & Co., and greatly increased the capacity of the factory, soon making it one of the most extensive of its kind in the West. The factory was destroyed by fire on the 3d of January, 1866, but was rebuilt and greatly enlarged the same year, and manufacturing resumed within nine months after the fire.
526 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
incident to war, and for your discipline and ready obedience to the orders of your superiors. We are proud in believing that when the history of this rebellion shall have been written, where all have done well, none will stand higher on the roll of fame than the officers and soldiers sent to the field from the loyal and patri otic State of Michigan."
The total number of troops furnished by Michigan, as we have before seen, was 90,747. Of these, 67,468 were natives of the United States ; of British America, inclusive of Canada, 8,886 ; of Europe, 14,393. In regard to color, they were divided as fol lows : White, 88,941 ; colored, 1,661 ; Indians, 145. When it is remembered that the total population in the State, in 1864, was but 805,379, Michigan may well be proud of her war record.
The number of enlisted men who died in action or of wounds was 3,926. The number who died of disease was 9,133. The number of commissioned officers who died of wounds or in action was 249. The number who died of disease was 97. The total of all classes was 13,405.
The State Legislature, from time to time, during the war, passed laws for the payment of bounties to soldiers enlisting. These bounties ranged from $50 to $150. The Quartermaster-General paid out in all nearly $2,000,000 for this purpose alone. He also
In 1872, Mr. Gardner became interested in the organization and con struction of the Jonesville Cotton Factory. This is the first cotton factory in Michigan, and was erected by a joint stock company, with a capital of $100,000, of which Mr. Gardner was elected president. Through his indomitable energy, and his extensive acquaintance, formed during his connection with the woolen mills, subscriptions were rapidly received for the entire amount of stock, and the factory is now in successful operation. The best grade of cloth made at the factory is branded " Gardner A."
Mr. Gardner has been vice president of the Northwestern Manufac turers' Association since its organization, and a director of the National Manufacturers' Association, the headquarters of which are at Boston.
Through his correct business deportment, his long residence in the village, and the interest he has taken in every enterprise tending to increase its prosperity, Mr. Gardner is deservedly one of the most popu lar citizens of Jonesville.
HISTOKY OP MICHIGAN. 527
paid $60,000 as premiums for procuring recruits. Aside from these amounts, he paid out $815,000 for other purposes connected with the war.
Besides these expenditures by the State, the aggregate amount expended by the several counties of the State for war purposes is something enormous. The amount paid for bounties by the coun ties prior to December 19th, 1863, and liabilities; also liabilities under the act of 1865, amounted in the aggregate to $2,015,588.
The aggregate expenditures and liabilities of the various town ships, cities and wards of the counties in the State for war pur poses was $8,157,748.70. The amount expended by the counties of the State from 1861 to 1867, for the relief of soldiers' families, was $3,591,248.12.
Aside from the expenditures of the State government and of the municipalities, large sums were contributed by various benevolent societies, organized for the purpose of aifording relief to sick and wounded soldiers. The Michigan Soldiers' Relief Association is said to have been the first of the kind put into the field, and the last to leave it. It was organized in 1861, and continued in operation till 1866. It was a source of great benefit to the sol diers of Michigan, giving them many comforts and necessaries of which they would otherwise have been deprived. Its field of operations was in and around Washington, and was composed of citizens of Michigan who resided there, including the Congres sional delegation. Its funds were at first raised by assessments on its individual members, but were afterwards largely augmented by contributions from all parts of the State. The cash contributed amounted to nearly twenty-five thousand dollars. This was exclu sive of specific contributions of clothing and hospital stores, which were always furnished, with great liberality, by the various aid societies in the State. The services of the members of the associ ation were in all cases rendered gratuitously.
In addition to the Washington association, the people of the State organized, in 1862, the Michigan Soldiers' Relief Associa tion. It continued in successful operation during the war, collect ing and sending to the front such articles as were most needed by the sick and wounded soldiers. It also received $3,600 in cash,
528 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
which was expended in furnishing relief to sick and destitute sol diers ; in paying rent for the Soldiers' Home, in Detroit, and in providing refreshments for returned veterans.
The Michigan Soldiers' Aid Society was another most useful association. This was a branch of the United States Sanitary Commission. It was organized in November, 1861, and kept its office open till 1866, and after that continued to supply destitute soldiers and soldiers' families. It forwarded to the front and dis tributed at home 6,317 packages of articles which had been con tributed in kind. From the date of its organization to 1868, it had expended in cash the sum of $28,129.
These societies were largely aided, in 1864, by the Ladies Aid Society of Kalamazoo, under whose auspices a " Sanitary Fair " was held, which netted the handsome sum of $9,618.78.
In addition, to the aid furnished by these societies there were large amounts of both money and supplies sent by private parties. In fact, the history of the world does not furnish a parallel to the liberality with which the Union armies were sustained, and the soldiers relieved, by contributions from the people. Volumes would have to be written to give an adequate idea of the immense labor performed by these societies, and to enumerate their deeds of Christian charity.
In February, 1864, the State Legislature appropriated $3,500 for the purpose of paying the proportion of the State of the expenses of establishing a National Cemetery at Gettysburg. Hon. T. W. Ferry was appointed a commissioner to carry out the design. A further sum of $2,500 was appropriated for this pur pose in 1865. This cemetery contains 3,559 bodies of Michigan soldiers. Numerically, Michigan stands third in the number slain on that battle-field. In proportion to her population, she stands first. Mr. Ferry closes his final report, made to the Governor in 1864, as follows :
" It will, however, matter little, who were immediately instru mental in devising and developing the sacred memorial which is to hand down to future generations the lustrous records of patriots who prized country above life.
" They will be forgotten, while shaft, and speech and song shall
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 529
tell of battle and heroism to ages yet unborn. The decisive con test — the turning strife of the war, from which victory, leaping from field to field, eventuated in peace, national liberty and reunion — this, this alone will be the enduring, emblazoning chap-
HON. THOMAS W. FERRY.
THOMAS W. FERRY, United States Senator from Michigan, was born at Mackinaw, Michigan, June 1, 1827.
A little more than half a century ago, the father of Senator Ferry emigrated from Massachusetts, and founded a mission school upon the Island of Mackinac. Here, for twelve years, in a somewhat social isola tion, he maintained his school successfully, and only left his post when the government removed the Indians farther west. Leaving Mack inac in a canoe with a couple of Indians as guides and oarsmen, he coasted along down the eastern and southern shores of Lake Michigan until he reached a military post where Chicago now stands. Returning part way, he chose the site where the city of Grand Haven now is as his future residence.
34
530 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
let which time shall weave for the gallant heroes who sleep beneath the shadow of the nation's mausoleum at Gettysburg."
An appropriation of $3,344.48 was also made by the Legisla ture to pay the proportion of the State for the purchase, prepara tion and care of the National Cemetery at Sharpsburg, Maryland. In this cemetery rest 137 of Michigan's soldiers. Andersonville, Georgia, which acquired such an unenviable notoriety during the war as a rebel prison pen, in which the most inhuman bar barities were practiced, contains one of the most noted of the national cemeteries. It contains about 13,000 graves of Union soldiers, six hundred and twenty-three of whom were from Mich igan.
Michigan was not entirely free from war's alarms, notwithstand ing her remoteness from the scene of conflict. Being on the Canadian border, she was much exposed to raids by rebel refugees who had taken up their residence in Canada.
The following, condensed from Adjutant-General Kobertson's report for 1864, is an account of the principal occurrence of the kind which affected the State of Michigan :
At that time there was not a white inhabitant in the entire county, and only three miserable log huts broke the monotony of its dense pine forests. Here, through all the hardships and adversities of a pioneer life, the family dwelt, but after a time emigration set in, and better times dawned upon the little settlement.
Mr Ferry, the subject of this sketch, was but six years of age when he left the Island of Mackinac, and going at that early day to where Grand Haven now stands, his educational advantages were very meagre, being only those offered by a pioneer settlement Still, under home tutorship, he acquired a fair education and a good practical training.
His first public occupation was supplying the settlement with mails jointly with his brother, William M. Ferry, by paddling a canoe to and from Grand Rapids during the season of navigation. Naturally active, he served on his fathers farm and in his saw mill, and at a later date was clerk in a store in Illinois for two years. Returning, he ree"ntered the employ of his father and remained with him until a partnership was formed between them, which continued until his father's death, in 1867, since which time an extensive business, with his brother, E. P. Ferry, has been under the general control of Senator Ferry. In this position, he has exhibited a wide executive capacity, great industry, and an enter-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 531
"In November, 1863, the War Department was officially notified by the British Minister, Lord Lyons, that, from a telegraphic dispatch received by him from the Governor-General of Canada, there was reason to believe that a plot was on foot by persons hostile to the United States, who had found an asylum in Canada, to invade the States on that frontier ; tljat they proposed to take possession of some of the steamers on Lake Erie, to surprise Johnson's Island, near Sandusky, and set free the rebel prisoners of war confined there, and proceed with them to attack Buffalo. This information was communicated by the War Department to the Governors of the States bordering on Canada, and to the mili tary and civil authorities thereof, and urging them to employ all the means in their power to suppress any attempt to carry the plot into effect. That there was such a scheme on foot, and that it was concocted and put in operation in Canada by the rebel gov ernment, there can be no doubt, as circumstances have transpired and documentary evidence been received during the past year fully confirming it, and that its execution was only prevented at
prise that has made his management eminently prosperous. In a readi ness to engage in active pursuits, was laid the foundation for the energy and versatility which characterizes his public life.
Mr. Ferry's early education was such as to cause him to unite with the old Whig party, with which he acted until the organization of the Repub lican party, when, imbibing the zeal of his father, he at once became a strong advocate of the principles put forward by that organization.
His more than ordinary abilities soon brought him to the front, and we find him holding the office of county clerk of Ottawa county before he attained his majority.
In 1850, he was elected a representative to the State legislature and served two years. He also served two years as State senator from 1857, and was a member of the Republican State central committee for eight years. He was a delegate to the convention at Chicago which nominated Abraham Lincoln for the presidency, and served as vice-president from Michigan in that body. In 1864, he was appointed to represent Michi gan on the board of managers of the Gettysburg Soldiers' National Cemetery, which position he still retains.
In 1864, he was elected representative to the Thirty-ninth Congress from the fourth district, and served on the committees on post-offices and post-roads, militia and the war debts of the loyal States, and was selected as
532 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
that time by the prompt measures taken by the military authori ties in the States referred to ; and, although their plans were frus trated, their determination was still to carry them into effect, and their execution was only deferred until a more favorable oppor tunity. During the present year the United States military offi cers, and also the civil and military authorities of the State, have been almost daily in the receipt of rumors and reports from various sources of contemplated raids to be made on American frontier cities, and on the shipping of the lakes, to burn and destroy, many of which could not be traced to any reliable origin, yet they served to keep up a continual state of excitement and alarm in the cities and villages on the border of the State, and to require the vigilant attention of the authorities ; and all the preparations within their power to successfully meet any attempted invasion of the State were made, which were considered at the time ample to repel any force that might be expected of that description. Yet, notwithstanding, there was a distrust and a nervous forebod ing of coming mischief amongst the people of the frontier cities
the representative from Michigan to accompany the funeral cortege which bore the remains of President Lincoln from Washington to his home in Illinois. He was reelected to the Fortieth, Forty-first and Forty second Congresses by increased majorities, and served in the sessions of the Fortieth and Forty-first on some of the most important committees of the House. Being subsequently elected to the United States Senate, after a heated contest, to succeed the Hon. Jacob M. Howard, he did not take his seat in the House of the Forty second Congress. •
He took his seat in the Senate, March 4, 1871; was appointed a mem ber of the committees on finance, post-offices and post-roads, and on the District of Columbia, and is now also chairman of the committee on the revision of the rules.
Mr. Ferry's course in Congress, both in the House and in the Senate, has been such as commends him to the people of his State, and the United States. He has labored zealously to forward the interests of Michigan and to promote the welfare of the whole country. He has done much to perfect our postal system, his work on this committee eliciting the highest praise from the press throughout the Union. To his efforts, Michigan is greatly indebted for the generous harbor and river appropria tions she has received, which aid so materially in developing her vast resources, and in the preservation of the lives and property of her
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 533
and villages. This distrust also prevailed among the railroad agencies, and those engaged in the shipping on the lakes, which led to the arming of the community generally as individuals, and of railroad trains and lake and river steamers, and to the estab lishing of safeguards about private dwellings, public places of business, and railroad depots. This condition of affairs continued ; no overt act having been committed, and no visible combination of force having been traced to any locality until the nineteenth day of September, 1864, when they concluded to make the attempt by seizing the steamer Philo Parsons, belonging to Detroit, and running as a passenger boat from that point to Sandusky, in the State of Ohio. On the morning of the day above referred to, four of the raiders, including Bennett G. Burley, one of their apparent leaders, took passage on the said boat at Detroit. On her way down the Detroit river, on her passage to Sandusky, she landed at the Canadian ports of Sandwich and Amherstburg, where the balance of the raiders got on board, the whole numbering about thirty.
" Those who went aboard at the latter place, brought with them a large trunk, which, as was afterwards ascertained, contained arms
sailors. He has labored earnestly for the protection of Michigan's lum ber interests, and in the cause of her soldiers and sailors who went bravely to the front in defense of the Union. His effort to convert the beautiful Island of Maeldnac into a national park is but one illustration of the intense interest he takes in the advancement of his State, from which he is the first senator to the manor bo.rn.
Mr. Ferry received a very complimentary vote for president pro tern- pore of the Senate, and only for Senator Carpenter's seniority would undoubtedly have been elected to that important position.
As an orator, Mr. Ferry's powers lie mainly in extempore debate. He speaks from brief notes with great fluency, his style possessing directness, vigor and business brevity.
He is a man of good personal presence, and, being free from all pre sumption, his manner invites acquaintance. He is modest and genial, and although eminently successful in business and politics, he makes no attempt at display. In conversation, he is ready and animated and enters into all discussions with an earnestness that carries great force with it. He is generous, and gave freely to the families of the soldiers who were absent doing duty for their country.
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A: *.:.-: :.'::^ O -.-.-.-::•:.-.- C.-i.:.--. the duties of his office, in 1865, he fo a bonded debt of $3^41,149^0, with $440,047.27. There had been expen poses, the year before, the sum of dosed, but the obligations of the Stat expenditures were, consequently, en commercial prosperity followed; bu administration, the bonded debt of $3,077,921.25. There had been paid out of the war fund during that time $1,099^55.20. At the dose of his second term the debt had been reduced to $3,614,078.49, with a balance in the treasury of $1,130,229.67.
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HDERMCT OP MICHIGAN. 535
and the present condition of the State. By this method a dearer view of the whole may be obtained, at each inteteat will lie dis cussed under its proper head.
For a long period after Michigan was erected into a State, the marked advantages which it poeBcned were but little known and appreciated. The report that its soil was with difficulty brought under cultivation sent many emigrants to the more wertem States ; but, during the last few years, the superiority of its loca tion, " the great value of its forests of timber, its immfm** ml rich mineral resources, its healthful climate, its productive soil, beautiful lakes and rivers, the high character and flourishing con dition of its educational and charitable institutions., the prosperous state of its finances, the light burden imposed upon the people by way of taxation, and the general prudence and economy of its government, have come to be fully understood, and have all com bined to give the State the prominence and high character to which it is justly entitled."
The vacant lands of the State are being rapidly taken up by an industrious and prudent class of settlers. Railroads traverse the State in almost every direction, and are being rapidly carried forward to the utmost extremities of both peninsulas. This great prosperity of the present, to which the State has attained, grandly foreshadows iis future importance.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
GOVERNOR HENRY P. BALDWIN'S ADMINISTRATION — STEADY GROWTH OF THE STATE — CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT — GOVERNOR BALD WIN'S RE-ELECTION — THE STATE CAPITOL — THE GREAT AND DE STRUCTIVE FIRES IN MICHIGAN — THE SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MONUMENT — ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR BAGLEY.
HENRY P. BALDWIN, on being called to the high office of Gov ernor of Michigan, in 1868, found the affairs of the State in a much more prosperous and satisfactory condition than they were when his predecessor took his seat. He found the nation at peace. The integrity of the Union had been secured, and freedom fully guaranteed to all in the land. There was, indeed, cause for heart felt gratitude for the blessings of peace, for the abundance of the harvests, for the rewards of labor, and for the moral, intellectual, and material advancement of the people.
Perhaps no period in the history of the State has been marked by a more steady and healthful growth in population, and in the wealth of the people of Michigan, than that of Mr. Baldwin's administration. It was estimated that, in 1869, the taxable valu ation of real and personal property in the State amounted to $400,000,000, while, in 1871, it exceeded $630,000,000.
There was nothing remarkable in the course of legislation dur ing the year 1869, but in the year following a question of consider able importance grew out of a Supreme Court decision, which caused the Governor, in July, to summon the Legislature, in extra session. A series of laws, enacted at five successive sessions of the Legislature, and approved by three successive Governors, had, by the decision mentioned, been pronounced unconstitutional and void. These laws were intended to enable the people of either counties, townships, cities, or incorporated villages, in their cor porate capacity, to aid in the construction of railroads. Under
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 537
the authority contained in these laws, securities or bonds for a very considerable amount had been delivered, and were then held by parties who had purchased them in good faith.
As this emergency could only be provided for by an amend ment of the fundamental law of the State, the Governor earnestly recommended that an amendment to the Constitution be submit-
MYRON BUTMAN.
MYRON BUTMAN was bora in Milan, Erie county, Ohio, October 5,1826. In 1855, he removed to Michigan and settled at Saginaw City, where he has been largely engaged in the lumber trade to the present time. He has through his constant exertions secured for himself quite a fortune and built up a business of considerable magnitude. Mr. Butman is one of the prominent citizens of Saginaw City, and is much respected by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
538 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
ted to the people at the general election to be held in November, 1870, such as would enable the several municipalities to ratify all such railroad aid bonds as had been issued and delivered to the people. This recommendation was duly carried out by the Legis lature, and the necessary amendment submitted to the people, but was by them defeated.
At the expiration of Mr. Baldwin's first term, he took his seat for a second term of two years, having been reflected in November, 1870. On the meeting of the Legislature in January, 1871, he found the affairs of the State in a condition of great prosperity in all departments. This was in no small degree due to the wise policy suggested by him, and executed by the Legislature during the previous session. The population of the State had increased from 749,113 to 1,184,059 in the decade preceding, and the assessed valuation of the real and personal property of the State had increased from $172,055,808 in 1861, to $630,000,000 in 1871.
By an act of Congress previously passed, it was made the duty of the Legislature to cause a new apportionment of the State into Congressional districts. From 1863 to 1870, Michigan had been entitled to six representatives in the lower branch of the national legislature ; but, according to this last apportionment, which was based upon the ninth census, the number was increased to nine.
During the last two years of Mr. Baldwin's administration the question of building of the new State Capitol engrossed much of his attention. The Legislature received the full benefit of his wise counsel concerning this important project in his second regu lar message to it, which was convened in extra session in March, 1872. Most of his plans were acceded to by the Legislature, and all thus adopted have resulted in the better advancement of that object.
During 1870, the one-eighth mill tax for the purpose of consti tuting a sinking fund, was abolished, ample provision for the pay ment of the funded debt of the State having been made by setting apart some of the trust fund receipts, and such portion of the specific taxes as were not required for the payment of interest on the public debt. This caused a reduction in the State tax of $78,750.
HISTORY OP MICHIGAN.
539
The year 1871 must ever be remembered, on account of its great fires in several of the northwestern States. While the good peo ple of Michigan were engaged in the noble work of furnishing relief to the sufferers by the great Chicago fire, the same devour-
HON. THOMAS H. BOTTOMLEY.
AMONG the representative men of St. Clair county, is the Hon. Thomas H. Bottomley. He was born in the town of Southouram, Yorkshire, Eng land, on the 5th day of October, 1837, where his early life was spent.
Mr. Bottomley was educated at the Saltrauble Academy, Yorkshire, England, receiving a liberal education. He came to the United States in the year 1854, and took up his residence in the city of Buffalo, New York. Here he resided until 1856, when he emigrated to New Baltimore, Macomb county, where, by his great energy and business tact, he placed himself in comfortable circumstances, and gained the respect of his
540 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
ing element was making sad havoc in our own State. Thriving towns, farm and school-houses, churches, live stock, crops, and thou sands of acres of valuable timber were consumed. Nearly three thousand families, or about eighteen thousand persons, were ren dered houseless, and deprived of the necessaries of life. Relief committees were organized at Detroit and Grand Rapids, and in a short time there was subscribed by individuals and corporations within the State, and paid over to these committees, the sum of $462,106, besides two hundred and fifty thousand dollars' worth of clothing.
So prompt and bountiful were the donations, that, believing the people of Michigan would be unwilling to tax a generous public any longer than was necessary, the Governor issued a proclama tion, thanking the public for their noble charity, and announcing that further contributions were unnecessary.
One of the most notable events that happened during the administration of Governor Baldwin was the dedication of the Soldiers and Sailors' Monument at Detroit, which event occurred on the ninth day of April, 1872. This monument was designed by Randolph Rogers, a native of Michigan, and one of the most eminent of American sculptors now living. The money required to erect this beautiful tribute to the heroes of the war was raised by subscription, the people from all parts of the State contribut ing most liberally to the object. The association under whose auspices the subscriptions were raised and the work done, was
fellow-citizens. From there he removed to Romeo, where an extensive business was perfected in hoop-skirts, etc., in 1865, and remained until the spring of 1872, from which place he removed to the village of Capac, St. Glair county, where his good qualities were soon ascertained by the people, and were rewarded by his nomination and election as represen tative of the third district of that county, in the State legislature, in November, 1872. He served in that body during its session of 1872-3.
Mr. Bottomley has held several offices of trust in the different places where he has resided, which invariably were administered with credit to himself and fellow-citizens. At present he is one of the largest mer chants in the village where he resides, and is doing a profitable business, not only in the mercantile line, but also as the contractor of the Lynn and Maple valley State ditch.
MICHIGAN SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MONUMENT.
542 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
incorporated in 1868, and it is due to the indefatigable exertions of its officers and members that the work has been successfully accomplished. The monument is about forty-six feet in height, and is surmounted by a colossal statue of Michigan in bronze, ten feet in height. She is represented as a semi-civilized Indian Queen, with a sword in her right hand and a shield in her left. Beneath the plinth on which she stands are stars and wreaths. On the next section, in front, is the dedication : " Erected by the People of Michigan, in honor of the Martyrs who fell and the Heroes who fought in defense of Liberty and Union." On the right are the arms of the United States, and on the left are the arms of the State of Michigan. On the next section below are four projecting butmeuts, on which will be seated, when the monu ment is finished, four allegorical figures in bronze, representing Victory, Union, Emancipation and History. These figures are all that now remain to be placed in position. This will be done as soon as sufficient funds are raised. The next section below con tains four projecting butments, upon which are standing the defenders of Liberty and Union, the representations of the army and navy. These consist of four bronze statues, seven feet high, soldiers of infantry, artillery and cavalry, and a sailor of the navy. On the panels are various bassi relievi and inscriptions. On the outer pedestals are four bronze eagles.
It was originally intended to place the monument in the Grand Circus, and it was there that the ceremony of laying the corner stone was performed, on the Fourth of July, 1867. But, at the earnest solicitation of the sculptor, Mr. Rogers, it was placed on the Campus Martius. An immense concourse of people were present upon the occasion of unveiling the monument. Every part of the State, and almost every society in the State, was rep resented. Not less than one hundred thousand people were pres ent. The address was delivered by ex-Governor Austin Blair.
The four years in which Governor Baldwin administered the affairs of Michigan were four years of prosperity. The functions of the various offices of the State government were discharged with integrity and ability, and on the first of January, 1873, Mr. Baldwin passed the management of the executive affairs into the hands of Hon. John J. Bagley, his successor.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 543
In reference to the administration of Governor Bagley, which began in January, 1873, but little can be said, for, at this writing, less than half of his term of office has expired. In his inaugural message to the Legislature, in January, 1873, he truly said that, " the growth of the State in every direction, through the develop ment of our great natural resources, was a surprise even to our selves."
With this brilliant condition of affairs, Mr. Bagley's adminis tration was inaugurated. The session of the Legislature begin ning in January was in all points successful. Every interest of the State received due and proper encouragement, while a spirit of enlightened economy seemed to pervade all its deliberations.
The Governor's recommendations were received with a due regard for the wise policy which they contained, and, in the, absence of any radical measures, the session may be regarded as mainly characterized by diligent labor for the common welfare of the State. The most important act was that making it the duty of the Governor to appoint a Constitutional Commission, whose duty it should be to revise the Constitution of the State, and pre sent the result of their labors to the next regular or extra session of the Legislature. This Commission was duly appointed by the Governor, and it has already finished its work. Of the result of its labors it is here manifestly improper to speak, as its work is now under consideration by the people.
Having come to the end of the list of Governors, and noticed the principal events in their several administrations, we will close our work with a short notice of the present condition, prosperity and advancement of the State.
CHAPTER XXXV.
PRESENT CONDITION OF MICHIGAN RAILROADS.
IN THE preceding chapters we have given, with some minute ness, the history of the early settlement of the Territory up to the time of its admission into the Union as a State ; and then briefly traced the leading events of its history after it became a State, down to the present time. It is now proposed to take up the lead ing institutions of the State separately, and record their history and development. The mention of them thus far has been pur posely avoided, in order to save repetition. The mention of the resources and productions of the State has also been avoided, for the same reason. The intelligent reader will not fail to recognize the propriety of this plan, inasmuch as, while it seems at first glance to necessitate much repetition, it in reality avoids it.
The State of Michigan, although possessing a population of nearly, if not quite, a million and a half, and an amount of accu mulated wealth that will far surpass that of many of the older States, is, nevertheless in her infancy. Whilst her growth has been marvelous, and the development of her resources enormous, she has, nevertheless, been retarded in her growth, to a great extent, by several untoward circumstances. Prominent among these is the ignorance which prevails, outside her borders, regard ing her great natural advantages. This ignorance has been caused, first, by the fact, which has been recorded in a preceding chapter, that the surveyor employed by Congress to survey lands set apart for soldiers' bounties, made a report to that body which contained a statement that the soil of Michigan was almost com pletely barren, and that, on that account, together with another alleged fact, that it was extremely unhealthy, the Territory was utterly unfit for a human habitation. It took many years to dis pel the prejudice thus engendered, if, indeed, it has ever been
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
545
thoroughly eradicated from the public mind. Again, the State authorities have persistently neglected to adopt such means to increase immigration as have usually been resorted to by other western States. Many of the northwestern States have been built
HON. JOHN BALL.
JOHN BALL, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was born in the White Moun tain region of New Hamphsire, in the year 1794.
His early years were passed upon a farm, and it was mainly through his own exertions that he prepared himself for and obtained a collegiate education. Pie graduated from Dartmouth College in the class of 1820, and among his classmates were George P. Marsh and Rufus Choate.
After leaving college, he engaged in teaching school at Lansinburgh, Rensselaer county, New York, and there he also commenced the study of the law.
Shortly afterwards', he shipped from New York, and on his first voy age was shipwrecked off the coast of Georgia, where he barely escaped with his life.
35
546 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
up, in a great measure, by the circulation of books and pamphlets showing the advantages they possess as a home for the tens of thousands who annually laud upon our shores. Michigan has never had the advantage of a proper representation abroad regard ing her resources and characteristics. So long as this state of affairs continues, Michigan is liable to be grossly misrepresented abroad, as, indeed, she has been, by those interested in diverting the tide of immigration to other States. It is to be hoped that this will be remedied in the future.
The area of the territory of the State of Michigan is over 56,000 square miles; being more than 10,000 square miles larger than either the State of New York or Pennsylvania; more than 16,000 square miles larger than Ohio, and nearly equal in size to the whole of New England. When as thickly populated as Massa-
Passing the winter at Darien, Georgia, he again devoted his time to teaching, and while there, he for the first time saw the practical work ings of the institution of human slavery, and noted its pernicious effects upon both master and slave.
Returning to New York, he engaged in the practice of the law with fair prospects of success, but was soon called away to the superintend- ency of a manufacturing business.
On New Year's Day, 1832, Mr. Ball left Lansingburgh for Oregon, taking a very different route there than travelers do at the present day. He went from home to Baltimore, Maryland, by sleigh. Starting west ward from here, he traveled by horse-power over the Baltimore and Clio Railroad, a distance of sixty miles, which was at that time the longest line of railway on the continent. Crossing the Alleghanies, he reached Pittsburg, from whence he went by steamboat to St. Louis, Missouri, which was then but a small village, mostly on one street.
Joining a party of fur traders here, headed by William Lublette, he went up the Missouri to Lexington, from whence, on the 12th of May, 1832, the company, consisting of about eighty men, with three hundred horses and mules, started for the interior.
In their journey, they crossed the Rocky Mountains, through the cele brated South Pass, which was discovered ten years later by Colonel Fremont. Crossing the head waters of the Colorado river, they reached the Columbia, and from this point, Lublette and his party returned to St. Louis, while Mr. Ball, with eleven others, traveled on to Walla- Walla, then a post of the Hudson Bay Company, where, leaving their horses, they descended the Columbia to the Pacific.
HISTOEY OP MICHIGAN. 547
chusetts now is, she will possess more than nine millions of inhab itants. Surrounded on almost all sides by noble inland seas, her shores are washed by fourteen hundred miles of navigable waters. The productions of her soil are more varied than that of any other State in the Union. Most other States are practically lim ited to some one or two staple productions. Michigan can pro duce, in the greatest abundance, every variety of fruit, grain and vegetable belonging to her latitude. Her immense forests of choicest timber are of incalculable value, giving employment to thousands of men in converting it into lumber, and to railroads and ships in conveying it to market, thereby creating a home demand for much of her surplus agricultural products. Her hard-wood forests are of immense value and extent, and the soil that underlies them is unsurpassed in fertility. Her fisheries are
Mr. Ball spent the winter at Fort Vancouver, where he taught the first public school opened in Oregon. The succeeding spring he engaged in farming, and after harvesting his crops, took passage for the Sandwich Islands in an English vessel, which in its voyage lay for some days at San Francisco, which was then only a Jesuit mission station, and was a mingled scene of forest, sand-hills and wild cattle. From the Sandwich Islands he sailed in a whaler around Cape Horn to Rio Janeiro. From this city, as clerk to Lieutenant (since Commodore) Farragut, he shipped on the United States schooner Boxer, for Norfolk, Virginia, and from thence to Baltimore, the point of his departure.
Mr. Ball's memoranda of his overland journey, published in Sullivan's Journal, and afterwards translated into German, were the first scientific accounts of the geology and climate of Oregon that were published.
After his return, he engaged for a year or two in the practice of his profession in Troy, New York, and in September, 1836, he emigrated to Michigan. From Detroit he traveled on horseback to Kalamazoo, and from there north to the Grand River. At that time he found Mr. Marsac at the mouth of the Flat River, Mr. Rix Robinson at the mouth of the Thorn Apple, a few hundred settlers at Grand Rapids, a small settlement at Grandville and another at Grand Haven, all subsisting on game, and on provisions brought from Buffalo and Cleveland.
In 1837, Mr. Ball was elected to the lower house of the State legislature, his district being composed of the four counties of Ottawa, Kent, Ionia and Clinton.
In 1842, he was appointed to locate, for the State, the half million acres of land granted by the general government for internal improve-
548 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
of great value, and even now there are not more than four States in the Union whose fisheries produce larger returns. A great portion of her territory is underlaid by vast beds of mineral deposits. No State in the Union possesses such a great extent and variety of mineral resources as Michigan. Her copper is of great purity, and immense, incalculable value. Her iron ore is the richest and best in the Union, and the extent of the deposits of this metal is probably unsurpassed. Extensive fields of coal also underlie the State — enough to feed the furnaces of the world. Vast beds of gypsum are to be found in various parts of the State, and in close proximity to railroads and navigable waters. Numer ous saline wells abound in the Saginaw Valley, and other parts of the State, of unsurpassed strength and inexhaustible yield.
These are some of the great natural resources of Michigan, and which, when properly developed, are destined to make her one of the most prosperous and populous, as well as one of the most wealthy States in the Union.
Again, as a manufacturing State her facilities are unsurpassed.
ments, which task he faithfully performed, personally inspecting all the lands located by him.
From that time he has resided in Grand Rapids, and has been engaged in his profession and in real estate operations. He is well known throughout the western portion of the State, and has been instrumental in turning the tide of emigration in that direction. He also takes a deep interest in public education, and the present prosperous condition of the schools in the city of his residence is largely due to his unwearied efforts in their behalf.
In politics, from the first, he has been a firm and consistent Democrat, and has ever been distinguished for his advocacy of the rights of man, and for his loyalty to the Union ; and those sentiments were fitly expressed upon the memorable occasion when he presided as chairman over the meeting of citizens called to express their indignation at the firing upon Fort Sumter.
Mr. Ball remained single until 1850, when he married Miss Mary T. Webster, of New Hampshire. He has a family of five children.
He has spent the last two years and six months in Europe, traveling with his family, and has just returned to his home in Michigan, satisfied from his observations of foreign governments, customs and climates, that there is no better country and no more fortunate people than his own.
HISTORY OP MICHIGAN.
549
She possesses not only the raw material for many of the leading staple manufacturing products of the country, but also, in the greatest abundance, the necessary supplies for the sustenance of those employed in manufacturing establishments. She not only
HON. JAY A. HUBBELL.
JAY A. HUBBELL, of Houghton, Houghton county, Michigan, member of Congress from the ninth district, was born at Avon, Oakland county, Michigan, September 15, 1829. His father, Samuel Hubbell, a native of the State of New York, came to that town about 1820, being one of the earliest settlers of that portion of the State, where he cultivated a farm until his death in 1870. The subject of this sketch, until the age of eighteen years, bore his part in the usual farm labors, and there laid the foundation of the robust health and strength he has since enjoyed.
After two years of preparatory study at Romeo and Rochester, made more than usually arduous by a painful disease of the eyes, which had often interrupted and at times had for long periods suspended application
550 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES;
possesses, to a great extent, a home market for these products, but can reach a vast western market at less expense than can those portions of our country now supplying such market.
How the people of Michigan are availing themselves of these advantages, the following pages will attempt to show.
The first railroad enterprise in the State was inaugurated, as we have already seen, by the granting of the charter of the Detroit and St. Joseph Railroad, by the Legislative Council of the Territory, in 1832. By the terms of the law, the State reserved the right to purchase the road at a price not exceeding its cost and interest at fourteen per cent. Within two years from this time, work was commenced between Detroit and Ypsilanti, and, up to the time of the admission of the State into the Union, in 1837, about $30,000 had been expended. When this event occurred, almost the first thing the State Legislature did was to pass " an act to provide for the construction of certain works of public improvement, and for other purposes." This act provided, among other things, for the purchase of the Detroit and St. Joseph Rail- to books, he entered the University at Ann Arbor, in the sophomore class, and graduated in the year 1853.
After reading law for two years at Pontiac and Detroit, he was, in 1855, admitted to the bar by the supreme court, at its session at Adrian. Immediately after admission, Mr Hubbell went to Ontonagon, in the Upper Peninsula, where he formed a law co-partnership with Hon. A. H. Hanscom.
In 1858, he was elected prosecuting attorney of Ontonagon county and district attorney of the Upper Peninsula. From this time until 1860, in which year he removed to Hougbton county and opened an office, Mr. Hubbell was in active practice and took a prominent and growing part in the public aftairsof the county in which he then resided, and laid the foundation of an extensive acquaintance with the citizens and business interests of the Upper Peninsula, into all parts of \vhich he was required to go in the discharge of his duties as district attorney.
In 1860, he commenced practice in Iloughton county, the mining inter ests of which were just beginning to develop.
From that time until 1871, at which date he gave up active practice, he was an industrious and successful lawyer, being elected district attorney for another term and prosecuting attorney of Houghton county for three terms.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 551
road, and, under its provisions, that road passed into the hands of the State, and its name was changed to .the Michigan Central. Laws were passed authorizing a loan by the State of $5,000,000 for internal improvements. Between $2,000,000 and $3,000,000 were subsequently realized from this loan, but the monetary crash of 1837 caused the corporators who had taken the loan to become insolvent. This left the State, for the time being, utterly powerless to proceed with the great plans it had marked out. These plans, as we have before seen, were to construct three through routes across the State ; one terminating at Port Huron, another at Detroit, and a third at Monroe. A canal was also projected from Clinton river to Kalamazoo. A large sum was expended on this enterprise, but it was finally abandoned. The northern road was graded some distance west from Port Huron, and also abandoned. The State proceeded with the construction of the Central road until it reached Kalamazoo. In the mean time, it became apparent that the State was far from being a shrewd railroad manager. There were no funds in the treasury to
A strong Republican, he took an energetic part in politics, making political addresses in several counties during the Presidential campaign of 1868. In the same year, he was sent to Washington by the people of the copper mining district to aid in securing a higher tariff upon copper, being successful and returning in the summer of that year. At the Con gressional convention of the sixth district (in which Houghton county was then embraced), Mr. Hubbell was a prominent candidate. On the formation of the ninth district, comprising the whole Upper Peninsula, embracing nine counties, and eighteen counties in the Lower Peninsula, Mr. Hubbell was nominated for Congress by the Republican convention, held at Luclington, in the summer of 1872. In the excited campaign which followed, he addressed political meetings in nearly every county in this large district, and was elected by a majority of 6,405 votes over Mr. Samuel P. Ely, of Marquette, the total number of votes cast being 17,511.
Mr. Hubbell is a fluent, and has shown himself both at the bar and on the stump an unusually forcible and convincing speaker. Through a profitable legal practice, and by judicious investment of money in many of the leading and most prosperous enterprises of his section, Mr. Hub- bell has acquired a property so considerable as to make further applica tion to business unnecessary. It is fair to presume that the energy and
552 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
meet the Internal Improvement warrants, and they depreciated in value to an enormous extent. The road as far as built was rap idly wearing out, the old strap rail having been used, and the State had neither money nor credit to repair it. The consequence was that the Legislature of 1846 concluded to sell the road. This was soon effected, and it passed into the hands of eastern capital ists, $2,000,000 being the amount paid for the road and its fran chises. The company were required to re-lay the road with T rail, and complete the road to Lake Michigan with the same rail. They were also allowed to change the terminus to any point in the State on Lake Michigan. Subsequently, they were allowed to change the western terminus to Chicago. The road was then pushed through with great rapidity, and is now one of the most magnificent and best equipped roads in the Union.
The Southern road was also sold about the same time. That road had then been completed from Monroe to Palmyra, at a cost of over $1,000,000. The eastern terminus was afterwards fixed at Toledo. A perpetual lease of the Erie and Kalamazoo road was effected, and its indebtedness to the State assumed. The price paid to the State was $500,000, for the road and its appur tenances. The Tecumseh branch, running from Adrian to Man chester, and the Palmyra and Jacksonburg road, subsequently known as the Jackson division of the Southern, were also included in the sale. The former road had then been completed as far as Tecumseh. Immediate preparations were then made to complete the road westward. The work progressed slowly for some time, however, owing to the want of means ; but, subsequently, a con trolling interest in the stock passed into the hands of a few
enthusiasm which have always marked his professional and political career, and his very extensive acquaintance with the men and interests of his widely extended district, will render him as effective and useful in the more extended career now opened before him as in his past life. He is the first member of Congress ever sent from the Upper Peninsula, and will carry with him to Washington the best wishes of a large constitu ency, who have confidently intrusted to his keeping the interests of a district comprising all the copper and iron mines and a large portion of the lumbering of the State.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
553
wealthy men, and it was then pushed rapidly on to Chicago, arriv ing there in advance of the Central. In 1855 it was consolidated with the Northern Indiana road. The next year, the Detroit, Monroe and Toledo road was chartered. This road was at once
GEN. J. G. PARKHURST.
JOHN G. PARKHURST was born at Oneida Castle, New York, in 1824. His father, Stephen Parkhurst, was a native of New Hampshire, who removed from that State and settled in Oneida county, New York.
The subject of this sketch received an academical education prepara tory to entering college, and then entered upon the study of the law. In 1847, he was admitted to practice, after having devoted three years to classical studies and four in a law office-, seven years study then being required before an admission to the bar. Following his admission, he practiced his profession in his native town for two years.
In 1849, he removed to Michigan and settled in Coldwater, where he formed a co-partnership with the late Gorge A. Coe, who was then
554 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
built, and a perpetual lease granted to the Southern. The sub sequent consolidations with other roads and the building of other branches have made the Southern one of the finest and most exten sive roads in the Union.
The old Detroit and Pontiac Railroad was chartered in 1834, by the Legislative Council, with a capital stock of $100,000. A great deal of difficulty was experienced in the financial manage ment of this enterprise, and many amusing stories are related illus trating the troubles encountered. It was not till 1839 that the road was finally completed as far as Birmingham. The cars of this road were for some time propelled by horse power. It was finally sold under an execution, in 1840. It was completed to Pontiac in 1843, and subsequently leased to Detroit parties for ten years. Previous to the expiration of this lease, a company, headed by the Hon. H. N. Walker, purchased the road, and raised enough money on its bonds to re-lay the track.
In April, 1848, a charter was granted to the Oakland and Ottawa Railroad Company. Work was not commenced on this road till 1852. The following year, Hon. H. N. Walker went to
lieutenant-governor of the State. The business of this firm soon assumed large proportions and became quite lucrative. It continued until 1856, when Mr. Parkhurst succeeded to the whole and continued his practice until 1861, being part of the time prosecuting attorney for Branch county.
In 1860, he was a delegate to the famous Charleston convention, and was secretary of that body. After the final adjournment at Baltimore, he published the proceedings of the convention.
Upon the receipt of the news of the firing upon Fort Sumter, he addressed an impromptu meeting of citizens at the court house in Cold- water, and urged the immediate organization of troops for the defense of the flag and the preservation of the Union. The citizens of Branch county responded to his appeal to their patriotism by raising a company for the First Michigan Infantry, and also the celebrated Coldwater (Loomis') Battery.
In consequence of the severe illness of his wife, who died in July, he did not enter the army until September. On the 10th of September, 1861, he was mustered into the service as lieutenant-colonel of the Ninth Mich igan Infantry, went with his regiment to Kentucky and reported to General Sherman for duty. Colonel Parkhurst served in Kentucky until
HISTOEY OF MICHIGAN. 555
Europe in the interests of this road, and purchased enough iron to lay the track as far as Fentonville.
In 1855, the above two roads were consolidated, under the name of the Detroit and Milwaukee Railway. The bonds of the com pany were then negotiated in Europe, by Mr. Walker, to the amount of $1,250,000. A subsequent arrangement was made with the Great Western Railway Company, by which the financial embarrassments of the company were finally relieved. In 1860 the mortgage was closed, and the name of the road changed to the Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad. In the meantime, the road had been completed to Grand Haven, on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, thus completing the three great through routes across the State which was originally contemplated by the State government.
The monetary crisis of 1857 put a stop for several years to railroad enterprises in Michigan, and it was not till within the last eight years that operations were resumed. Within that time a large number of enterprises have been projected, and many of them carried successfully through. Railroad building in Michi-
the spring of 18G2, when his regiment was ordered into Tennessee and joined to the army of the Cumberland.
At the battle of Murfreesboro, in July, 1862, he was taken prisoner, and was afterwards confined in the rebel prisons at Knoxville, Atlanta, Madisonville, Columbia, and at Libby prison in Richmond. Upon his exchange in December of that year, he returned to his home in Cold- water, and was given a public reception by its citizens. In response to the address of the mayor on this occasion, he gave the people a vivid account of his life in tlie prisons of the South, and there ventured the prediction that it would require a million of men and two years time to put down the rebellion and restore the Union. He urged upon the people to give up their speculations and to devote themselves and their means to the salvation of their country.
Returning to the army again, he reported for duty to General Rose- crans, at Nashville, Tennessee, took command of his regiment and par ticipated in the six days battle at Stone River, which terminated in a victory for the Union troops. Colonel Parkhurst was promoted for gal lant conduct during this battle, received a distinguished compliment in the official report of General George H. Thomas, and immediately after the battle was assigned to duty as provost-marshal on the staff of Gen eral Thomas.
556 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
gan has been stimulated, to a certain extent, by the land grants made by Congress from time to time, and some projects have been carried successfully through that did not seem to be warranted by the present business or population along the line. But most of them are the outgrowth of commercial necessity, and consequently are not only likely to be paying investments of themselves, but exhibit the wonderful growth and material prosperity of the com monwealth.
Many of the roads which have been built within the last eight or nine years owe their existence to the enterprise of the men controlling the two great corporations known as the Michigan Central and the Michigan Southern Railroads. Of the former, the Hon. James F. Joy has been the leading and controlling spirit for a number of years. Under his management the Michigan Central has not only risen to the position of being one of the most magnificent roads in existence, but has aided, directly or indi rectly, in building a large number of tributary roads in the State of Michigan.
The first road aided by the Michigan Central was the Jackson,
After the battle of Chickamauga, he was made provost-marshal-gen eral of the army of the Cumberland, and for gallant services was recommended to the President by General Thomas for a brigadier-general ship in the army.
Following the battle of Nashville, he was made provost-marshal- general of the military division of the Tennessee, which comprised the States of Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia, and he retained this position until he left the service in November, 1865.
General Parkhurst was upon the staff of General Thomas for three years of the war, and was in all the battles fought by that great military hero, having his entire confidence and continuing an intimate acquaint ance until his lamented death in 1870, when he was selected by General Sherman as one of the escort to accompany the distinguished hero's remains to Troy, New York, for burial.
Having married a lady in Tennessee, for his second wife, General Parkhurst contemplated settling in Nashville, and after leaving the army he opened a law office there, but finding the feeling towards Northern men not yet sufficiently mollified to make a residence there agreeable for an ex-provost-marshal-general of the Union army, he returned to his old residence in Coldwater, Michigan, in 1866, and was that year a candidate
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 557
Lansing and Saginaw. Lansing was as far north as it was at first intended to go with this road ; but upon its completion to that place it was concluded to carry it to Saginaw. The Amboy, Lan sing and Traverse Bay Railroad was then in operation between Lansing and Owosso, and the Jackson, Lansing and Saginaw pur chased its franchises, made it a part of their line, and carried it forward to Saginaw. This road is now in process of construction north to the Straits of Mackinaw, and the cars are running to Gaylord, two hundred and thirty-six miles north of Jackson. When completed, it will eventually form an important link in the Northern Pacific, and, in connection with the Detroit and Bay City road, will form practically an air line road from the Straits of Mackinaw to Detroit. It may be also mentioned, in this connec tion, that the road from Marquette to Mackinaw, being now ren dered certain to be built, will form a connection with this road which will bring Detroit three hundred and forty miles nearer Marquette than by any road now in existence, and will enable the former city to control the entire trade from the Upper Peninsula during the season when navigation is closed.
The Grand River Valley road is another which has been mate-
upon the people's ticket for lieutenant-governor of the State, and received the full vote of the ticket.
In October, 1866, he was appointed United States marshal for the east ern district of Michigan, but the Republicans in the United States Senate could not forgive his representing his district in the Philadelphia conven tion held in the interest of President Johnson's policy, and when his appointment came up in 1867, they did not confirm it.
Afterwards, he was made a special agent of the treasury department, which position he held until 1869.
Since that year, he has devoted a good part of his time to the interests of his adopted city, and to him in a great measure is due the credit of securing for Coldwater the Mansfield, Coldwater and Lake Michigan Railroad, and also the State public school.
In the fall of 1872, he was the candidate of the Democratic Liberal party for representative in Congress from the Third Congressional Dis trict, and received the largest vote of any candidate on his ticket in the district,
He is still residing in Coldwater, and is devoting his attention to agri culture and to his other private business.
558 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
rially aided by the Michigan Central. This road is ninety-four miles long, running north from Jackson to Grand Rapids. It there intersects the Detroit and Milwaukee road, and by means of that road connects with the Chicago and Michigan Lake Shore road running north to Montague.
The Jackson and Fort Wayne road is one hundred miles in length, its name indicating the termini. The Detroit, Eel River and Illinois road connects with this, as does also the Jackson, Lan sing and Saginaw, thus giving the State two most important connec tions with Indiana. Its connection with the latter road furnishes a route over which much of the lumber of northern Michigan passes on its way to the southern cities.
The Michigan Air Line was originally intended as a short line from Chicago to Buffalo, crossing the St. Clair river at St. Clair, and connecting with the St. Clair branch of the Canada Southern. The Michigan Central aided in building it between Niles and Jackson, and finally absorbed and made it a part of its own sys tem. It passes through a rich agricultural region, and shortens the distance of travel between Detroit and Chicago about fifteen miles.
The Detroit, Hillsdale and Indiana road was also built through the aid of the Michigan Central. It runs on the track of the Central between Detroit and Ypsilanti. The distance from the latter place to Hillsdale is sixty-five miles. This company took the franchises of the Eel River road from Butler to Logansport, Indiana, and has finished the road to the latter place. This road furnishes a direct route from Detroit to Indianapolis, via the Indianapolis, Peru and Chicago road.
The Kalamazoo and South Haven road is forty miles in length ; is owned chiefly by the Michigan Central, and connects with the Chicago and Michigan Lake Shore road.
The Chicago and Michigan Lake Shore road runs at present from New Buffalo, Berrien county, to Pentwater. Its ultimate destina tion is Manistee, a distance of about two hundred miles. A branch twenty-four miles long has been built from Holland to Grand Rapids. This road was consolidated, in 1872, with the Muskegon and Big Rapids road, the latter being now completed.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
559
The main line of the Chicago and Michigan Lake Shore road, north of Grand Haven, is operated by the Michigan Central, and, with the Grand River Valley road, constitutes a direct line from
SMITH R. WOOLLEY.
SMITH R. WOOLLEY was born in 1840, in Bridgewater, New York. He moved to Michigan, with his parents, in 1847, and was left an orphan in 1851. Being left at the tender age of eleven years, without any means of support, he engaged with a farmer, with whom he remained until 1853, when he visited Detroit and obtained a situation in the banking house of W. H. King & Co. He remained in this house until 1854, when he accepted a position in the banking house of C. & A. Ives, where he
560 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
Detroit to the western part of the State. These roads afford an outlet for an immense amount of pine lumber.
The Detroit, Lansing and Lake Michigan is the result of a con solidation of the Detroit and Howell, the Howell and Lansing, and the Ionia and Lansing roads. The latter road was the first one built, the Hon. James F. Joy, of the Central, furnishing the capi tal. He afterwards took up the Detroit and Howell project with a view of making a connection from Detroit to Lake Michigan. The road has been completed as far as Howard City, where it connects with the Grand Rapids and Indiana road. This road now forms one of the great arteries for the commerce of the State.
The Detroit and Bay City is another of the roads aided by the Michigan Central, and has lately been completed. It is over one hundred miles in length, and passes through a rich agricultural region, forming practically an air line from Detroit to Bay City.
As before remarked, the Michigan Southern, now known as the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern, has also done much in the way of aiding roads which are tributary to the main line. The first in order is the road now known as the Lansing Division of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern, but formerly known as the Northern Central Michigan. This division is fifty-nine miles long, extend ing at present from Jonesville to Lansing. It will eventually be extended to St. Johns, and thence northward.
The Kalamazoo Division was originally started without any clearly defined idea as to what place would eventually constitute its northern terminus. It was commenced about seven years ago. A strap road was already in existence from White Pigeon to Three Rivers. A road was then built north as far as Schoolcraft,
remained for about ten years. He then engaged in the manufacture of vinegar and the distillation of alcohol on a small scale. He has con tinued in the same business to the present time with remarkable success. Although a young man, he has always possessed the confidence of the people. He is an active member of the board of trade, and one of its vice-presidents.
In 1871, he was elected a member of the common council of Detroit, and has proved to be one of its most active members.
Mr. Woolley was recently elected a member of the Detroit stock exchange.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
561
and the two united in one interest. After this another corpora tion was formed to build a road from Schoolcraft to Kalamazoo, and it was eventually extended to Grand Rapids, when it passed into the hands of the Michigan Southern. A branch of this road
HON. A. N. HART.
ALVIN N. HART was born in Cornwall, Litchfield county, Connecticut, on the llth of February, 1804.
He resided with his parents and labored on the farm until he was fifteen years of age. He received his education partially at the academy in Sharon, Connecticut, and partially at the academy and college in Amherst, Massachusetts, finishing it in the latter institution.
Mr. Hart married Miss Charlotte F. Ball, daughter of Dr. Benjamin Ball, of Wendell, Franklin county, Massachusetts, July 8, 1828.
At the time of his marriage he resided in Utica, New York, where he remained for three years, at the end of which time he removed to the 36
^ GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
was also built from Allegan to Holland. This was again extended north to Muskegon, and is known as the Michigan Lake Shore Road. It is now under the control of the Continental Improvement Company, which has also built a road from Alle gan to Martin's Corners, on the Grand Rapids and Indiana line.
The Detroit, Monroe and Toledo Division was built by subscrip tions at Detroit and other points along the line. It is of consider able importance to the former city, as it affords a channel of com munication to the southern cities.
The Jackson Division was constructed about thirteen years ago, under a special charter. It affords a direct communication from Jackson to Toledo, and has the effect of diverting a part of the Michigan Central traffic to the latter city.
The Adrian and Monroe Division was originally a part of the main line, the latter place being the eastern terminus of the road, as originally chartered. The line from Adrian to Toledo, as we have before seen, was acquired by a perpetual lease from the old Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad Company.
This concludes the lines owned or controlled by the two great corporations. Of the following roads many are important, and all, as far as completed, are well constructed and equipped.
The Grand Rapids and Indiana road is of great importance, traversing, as it does, a region possessing unbounded natural
Territory of Michigan. It was a long, tedious journey in those days, and Mr. Hart had to cut his way, for fourteen miles, through the forests, where there was no road yet built before he reached his destination.
He commenced his pioneer life where the city of Lapeer now stands, being the first inhabitant of that settlement, and camping under a majes tic elm,r.which is still standing a venerable landmark, protected from the lightning, which has struck it several times, by a rod placed on it by his son, R. G. Hart, of Lapeer.
Having built the first log cabin in that vicinity, he moved into it with his family, consisting of his wife and one child, on the llth of Novem ber, 1831.
In the spring of 1832, Mr. Hart was commissioned a justice of the peace for Oakland county, to which was attached, for judicial purposes, all the country north of that county.
In the winter of 1835, Mr. Hart was^appointed sheriff of Lapeer county,
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 563
resources. Its ultimate termini are the Straits of Mackinaw on the north, and Fort Wayne, Indiana, on the south. The track is already laid from Grand Rapids north to Petoskey, sixty miles from Mackinaw, and the cars are running to Traverse City. This road has been greatly assisted by land grants, amounting in the aggregate to 1,160,382 acres.
The Flint and Pere Marquette road is another very important road, traversing a region rich in agricultural resources, lumber and salt. The first division was built, from Flint to East Sagi- naw, about seven years ago. In 1866, the second division was built, extending from East Saginaw to six miles beyond Midland. In 1868, a lease was effected of the Flint and Holly road, which had been in operation about four years ; also, of the Saginaw and Bay City road. The work on the main line has since steadily progressed, and, at the present writing, is completed as far as Reed City, 141 miles from Holly. A contract has been concluded for the unfinished portion, Ludington, on Lake Michigan, being its western terminus. A branch has also been built from Flint to Otter Lake, fifteen miles in length. Another branch has been projected from East Saginaw to the St. ^Clair river, terminating either at Port Huron, or St. Clair.
The Holly, Wayne and Monroe road, which has recently been built, is now consolidated with the Flint and Pere Marquette.
and at the election in the fall of 1835, in which the constitution of the new State was submitted and adopted, he was elected a representative to the State legislature. In 1842 he was elected supervisor of Lnpeer town ship, and held the office" for the succeeding seven years. In 1843, Mr. Hart was elected State senator from the Sixth Senatorial District, which then comprised the counties of Lapeer, Oakland, Genesee, Shiawassee, Tuscola, Saginaw and the Upper Peninsula. In 1846, he was elected the first judge of the Lapeer county court, for a term of four years, and in 1847, he was again elected to the State senate to fill the vacancy occa sioned by the death of Senator Witherbee, and reflected in 1848 for the regular term. In 1856, he was almost unanimously again elected a justice of the peace.
In 1860, he removed to the city of Lansing and was -elected alderman of the first ward of that city in 1863, which office he still holds. In 1870, he was elected a representative from Ingham county to the State legisla-
564 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
This road is 63 miles long, and gives the Saginaw Valley a direct connection with Toledo.
The Chicago and Lake Huron road is the result of a consoli dation of the Port Huron and Lake Michigan and the Peninsular roads. This is destined to be one of the most important lines in the State. The Peninsular has a Chicago connection on the west, and from the Indiana State line, running northeast, it passes through a very rich agricultural region. It is finished as far as Lansing, where it will eventually be connected with the Port Huron and Lake Michigan, the two roads, as before remarked, having consolidated their interests under the name of the Chicago and Lake Huron Railroad. The Port Huron and Lake Michi gan road was finished from Port Huron west as far as Flint pre vious to the consolidation. It was projected as long ago as 1836, and constituted one of the three great through lines then laid out by the State. The financial embarrassments of 1837, however, stopped the work after a few miles had been graded. In 1841, another company was formed, but nothing was done further than to locate the line and obtain the right of way. Again, in 1856, another company, called the Port Huron and Milwaukee Railroad Company, was formed, a line was laid out, and some work done. But financial embarrassments again put a stop to work, the prop erty was sold under an execution, and the company dissolved.
ture and materially aided in securing the magnificent appropriation which was made for the erection of the new State Capitol now in process of construction.
Mr. Hart was one of the projectors of that portion of the Amboy, Lansing and Traverse Bay Railroad, running from Lansing to Owosso, and is a director in the Detroit and Bay City Railroad.
Mr. Hart has ever been a consistent member of the Presbyterian denomination, being one of the founders of the flourishing church of that sect in Lapeer, and also of the one in North Lansing. He is eminently a social man, and one that has always given freely for the advancement of Christianity and social improvement, and, wherever he is known, is universally loved and respected.
His business has been mostly mercantile and real estate, and he has ever showed himself a good financier, both in public and private enter prises.
HISTORY OP MICHIGAN.
565
In 1865, the franchises and property of the road passed into the hands of the Port Huron and Lake Michigan Railroad Company. Of this company the Hon. William L. Bancroft was the leading spirit ; and it is due to his energy and ability that it wag com-
DR. L. YOUNGHUSBAND.
LANCELOT YOUNGHUSBAND, M. D., LL. D., of Detroit, was born in Richmond, in the North of England, January 11, 1828.
His father, John Younghusband, brought his family to this country in 1841. He is yet living in St. Clair county of this State. At an early age, Lancelot was sent to Victoria College, Cobourg, and was a student under the celebrated Rev. Dr. Ormiston, now of New York.
He graduated in arts at Acadia College, Dominion of Canada. For several years he was engaged as principal in high schools. While thus employed, he prepared quite a number of young men for college, who
566 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
pleted as far as Flint, the present terminus. It runs through a fine agricultural country, and furnishes an outlet for an immense amount of oak and pine timber, staves, etc. Now that it has been consolidated with the Peninsular, it will join that road at Lansing, thus forming one of the great thoroughfares between Chicago and the seaboard. It connects at Port Huron with the Grand Trunk and Great Western Railways, of Canada. At the present writing Mr. Bancroft is in Europe, negotiating the bonds of the new company, the proceeds of which will enable the com pany to complete the link between Flint and Lansing, and push the western division of the road forward to Chicago. The line of this road crosses the track of nearly twenty different railroads between Port Huron and Chicago.
The Ohio and Michigan is the corporate name of the road which is best known as the Mansfield, Coldwater and Lake Mich igan road. It is being constructed by the Continental Improve ment Company, a corporation nearly identical in interest with the Pennsylvania Central Railroad Company. The line extends from Mansfield, Ohio, to Allegan, Michigan, where it joins the road from that place to Muskegon, which, as we have before seen, is controlled by the same company.
The Michigan Division of the Grand Trunk extends from Port
completed their course at Antioch College, Ohio, at the time when that institution was under the charge of the distinguished Horace Mann; and so highly pleased was he with the proficiency exhibited by Professor Younghusband's pupils, that he inquired out their preceptor and con ferred upon him the honorary degree of master of arts. At the age of twenty-four, he began the study of medicine in the office of two eminent physicians, at Port Hope, Ontario.
Some years afterwards, he adopted the homoeopathic system of medi cine, and received the degree of M. D. from the oldest homoeopathic medical college in America, at Philadelphia, Pa.
For many years he was engaged in a large and successful practice at Mt. Clemens, Mich. In the year 1868, his alma mater conferred its highest honors upon him— the degree of doctor of laws. In the fall of 1871, he was elected president and professor of theory and practice in the Detroit Homoeopathic College, an institution, the success of which is already assured.
OF MICHIGAN. 567
Huron to Detroit, 59 miles, and was built in 1859, by the Grand Trunk Railway of Canada. The road is a great benefit to ship pers, affording a competing line from Detroit to the seaboard. It extends to Portland, Maine, 861 miles from Detroit.
The Saginaw Valley and St. Louis road extends from East Saginaw to St. Louis, 34 miles.
The Grand Rapids and Newaygo road, 36 miles long, is com pleted between the points named. It is proposed to extend the line northward to Fremont, the junction of the Muskegon and Big Rapids, and the Detroit, Lansing and Lake Michigan roads.
The Marshall and Coldwater road has been graded from Elm Hall, Gratiot county, to Muir, on the Detroit and Milwaukee road ; also twenty miles in Eaton county, and work is being done in Ionia county. No track has yet been laid.
The Canada Southern road has recently been completed in Canada. The main line reaches Michigan at Trenton. There is also a branch running from St. Thomas, Ontario, to St. Clair, Michigan. At Trenton the main line will have three branches : one to Chicago, passing through Flat Rock, Blissfield and Morenci. This branch is now completed as far as Fayette. Another branch, now completed, extends to Toledo. The other extends to Detroit, and has recently been opened for traffic.
For moral, conservative and generally wholesome influence over stu dents, no educational institution in the land has in its president one who excels him.
On removing to Detroit, he formed a partnership with Dr. E. R Ellis, a prominent physician of that city, and professor of surgery in the col lege. Here Dr. Younghusband and his partner have built up an exten sive practice. Scarcely a day passes that patients from distant parts of this State, and even Canada, do not call upon them.
Besides general practice, they give^ special attention to surgery, and the treatment of chronic and difficult cases of disease, particularly of the lungs and heart.
In the management of and as a teacher in the college, Professor Young- husband has more than fulfilled the expectations of his friends, and his conceded abilities, both natural and acquired, well entitle him to the position which he has gained as one of the foremost physicians of this State, if not of the West.
568 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
At St. Clair, the Canada Southern connects with the Michigan, Midland and Canada road, which extends from St. Clair to Ridge- way, on the Grand Trunk road, a distance of 15 miles. The Michigan Air Line extends from the latter place to Romeo. The franchises of the Michigan Air Line road have been disposed of to parties in Pontiac, who propose to extend it as far as the lat ter place.
A road has been projected from Rockford to Greenville by the Continental Improvement Company. Some grading has already been done.
The Paw Paw and Lawton road extends from Paw Paw, Van Buren county, to Lawton, on the Michigan Central, a distance of four miles.
The Toledo, Ann Arbor and Northern road has been graded between Toledo and Ann Arbor.
The Owosso and Northern road has for its proposed northern terminus, Frankfort, on Lake Michigan. Forty miles of grading have already been done.
An air line from Detroit to Adrian is in contemplation, and the grading done between the latter place and Tecumseh.
Several other meritorious projects are agitating the Lower Pen insula, among which may be mentioned a road from Wenona to Big Rapids; one from Elkhart, Indiana, to Benton Harbor, Michigan ; one from Lapeer to Port Austin ; one from Utica to Almont ; one from the main line of the Jackson, Lansing and Saginaw road to Alpena ; and one from East Saginaw to Port Huron or St. Clair. The grading on the latter road has been done from East Saginaw to Vassar.
In the Upper Peninsula, the Marquette, Hough ton and Onto- nagon road stands first in interest and importance. This com pany was formed by the consolidation of the Marquette and Ontouagon and the Houghton and Ontonagon railroads. The road is in operation from Marquette to L'Anse, and passes through the richest mineral region on earth. It has magnificent harbor facilities at each terminus, and in proportion to the invest ment it is doing a larger business than any other railroad in the world. At least a million and a half tons of iron alone passed
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
569
over this road during the past year. The road will be eventually extended westward as far as the Montreal river, where it is expected to connect with the Northern Pacific, thus forming an important link between Duluth and the Lower Peninsula.
HON. E. S. EGGLESTON.
EBENEZER S. EGGLESTON was born in the village of Batavia, Genesee county, New York, May 12, 1825.
He emigrated to Michigan in 1837, settling in the town of Litchfield, Hillsdale county.
Mr. Eggleston received a thorough common school education, and afterwards studied law with Lieutenant-Governor Gordon. He was admitted to the bar in 1852.
In 1851, he removed to Grand Rapids, where, after being admitted, he commenced the practice of his profession, and soon won a high reputa tion for his legal ability. He still continues the practice of the law at
570 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
The gap between Escanaba and the Wisconsin State line, on the Chicago and Northwestern road, has recently been built, thus forming a direct connection between Marquette and Chicago.
The Marquette, Mackinaw and Sault Ste. Marie road has recently been chartered. This road is to extend from Marquette to Sault Ste. Marie, with a branch to Mackinaw. The branch will give a direct railroad connection between the two peninsulas, which will be of the utmost importance to the people of both, and bring the winter trade from the Upper Peninsula through Mackinaw to the Lower Peninsula, and shorten the distance to be traveled from Detroit to Marquette 340 miles.
The aggregate length of the railroads of Michigan, as stated by Governor Bagley in his message to the Legislature in January, 1873, is about 3,200 miles.
The question of bridging the river at Detroit is being vigorously discussed at the present writing, and it is probable that at no distant day this great desideratum of western shippers, agricultur ists and railroad men will be accomplished. The scheme is, how ever, violently opposed by vessel owners and others, interested in the commerce of the lakes. A board of engineers has been appointed to report as to its propriety and feasibility.
No better idea of the immense interests at stake, of the com merce of the lakes and of the business of Michigan railroads, can be obtained than by a mere statement of the leading argument used on each side of this question. The vessel owners show that at least $50,000,000 are invested in vessels which pass through the Detroit river ; and that the passage of these vessels average one every six minutes during navigation. On the other hand, those in
that city, and ranks among the leading lawyers of the western portion of the State.
He was appointed Consul to Cadiz, Spain, by President Lincoln, in 1861, and served in that capacity for four years.
Mr. Eggleston was chosen representative to the State legislature from the first district of Grand Rapids, in the fall of 1872, and served in the house during the session of 1872-73. He was an active member of the judiciary committee and chairman of the committee on private corpora tions of that body.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 571
favor of a bridge show that at least $150,000,000 of railway property are interested in crossing the Detroit river, to say noth ing of the immense mercantile and agricultural interests of the State, and, indeed, of the whole northwest, that are interested in securing quick and cheap transportation to and from the sea board. Vessel owners assert that their interests would be materially affected, and navigation obstructed during the summer months, by a bridge across the river. Railroad men, merchants and agriculturists assert that the blockade of freight occasioned by ice during the winter months, occasions the loss of many mil lions of dollars annually.
How the question will be settled time only can determine. It is mentioned here merely to give a faint idea of the immense interests involved — the untold wealth and possibilities of the commerce which annually passes through and along the shores of the State of Michigan.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
MINERAL AND FOREST WEALTH OF MICHIGAN — IRON — COPPER — SALT — GYPSUM — COAL — OTHER MINERALS — LUMBER.
IRON.
THE existence of iron in the Upper Peninsula has long been known. The Indians, at an early day, gave information to the white traders which led to investigations ; but it was not until a comparatively recent period that operations on an extended scale commenced. The first company organized for the purpose was called the Jackson Iron Company. This company was organized in 1845. It is still in existence, and its mine has yielded the largest amount of iron of any in the district, save one — the Lake Superior mine only producing a larger amount.
Upon the organization of the Jackson Iron Company, one of the corporators visited the Lake Superior country, and, guided by the Indians, discovered and located what are now known as the Jackson and Cleveland mines. On his return home he brought a specimen of the ore, a portion of which he sent to Pittsburg, and another portion to Coldwater, in this State, for the purpose of having its quality tested. At the former place it was pronounced utterly worthless, but at the latter a more favorable report was made. In 1846 the first opening was made in the Jackson mine. The year following a forge was put in operation, in which the first ore taken out of the Jackson mine was manufactured into blooms. Hon. E. B. Ward purchased the first blooms manufactured by this company, and used the iron in constructing the walking-beam of the steamer Ocean. Other forges followed soon after, and in 1853 three or four tons of iron were shipped to the World's Fair, at New York. Owing to the difficulties of shipping, there was little done until 1856, when regular shipments commenced.
The Cleveland mine was opened about the same time. The
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
573
Marquette mine was next opened, and made its first shipment in 1868. Other mines were opened from time to time, as the atten tion of capitalists were attracted to the region.
Notwithstanding the unfavorable report made by the Pitts-
PROF. DAVID PARSONS.
DAVID PARSONS was born in the town of New Haven, Oswego county, New York, in the year 1820.
When not quite fifteen years of age, he, without a cent in his pocket and but poorly clad, started for the Territory of Michigan, where three of his brothers had preceded him. After traveling on foot and by water several hundred miles, he found two of his brothers at Ann Arbor. They being unable to assist him, he started for Spring Arbor, where his other brother was located. He found him in no better circumstances
574 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
burg parties who tested the ore first shipped ,to them, Lake Superior iron is now acknowledged to be the best in the world. Its strength per square inch, in pounds, has been found to be no less than 89,582. The nearest approach to this is in the best Russia iron, the strength of which is 76,069 pounds ; whilst the best Swedish iron shows a strength of only 58,184. The common English and American iron bears a test of about 30,000 pounds.
Lake Superior iron has been practically tested in every possible use to which iron can be put, and the universal testimony is that it is the best in existence, both as regards strength and ease of manipulation.
The mines thus far developed are mainly in the county of Marquette. They are generally found in hills which are from 400 to 600 feet in height. These hills are in a range of about six miles wide, and one hundred miles in length. They extend from Lake Fairbanks to Keweenaw Bay. In Menominee county there is another range of hills, equally rich in this ore, but they are at present undeveloped. This range crops out at Bayfield, and at several other points large deposits of magnetic ores are found, which prove to be almost pure native iron. Five different varieties of ores have been found. The most valuable is the
than the others, and after traveling about the country some thirty miles, he finally succeeded in getting employment on a farm.
Returning to Ann Arbor in the winter, he taught the school in Lower Ann Arbor that season.
After his school closed, he again engaged in farming, about two miles south of where the city of Marshall now stands, and while thus employed, passed through many exciting and dangerous scenes with wolves and other wild animals, and endured all the severe hardships consequent upon a pioneer's life in a wild country.
Disliking farming, and having early resolved to obtain an education and become a professional teacher, Mr. Parsons devoted all his spare moments with his books, even carrying them to the field with him that he might utilize every possible minute in which he was not otherwise employed, in acquiring information from them.
By his own unwearied exertions at teaching school winters and work ing on a farm summers, and through the aid of his brother John, he succeeded in receiving an academic education and preparing himself for his profession. At the age of twenty, he was called to take charge of
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 575
specular hematite, which yields about 60 to 75 per cent of metal lic iron. The second in importance is the soft hematite, which yields about 50 per cent in the furnace, and has the advantage of being more easily reduced than any other ore of the district. The magnetic ore is found west of the other ores of the district. The Michigan, Washington, Edwards and Champion mines pro duce this ore almost exclusively. The flag ore is slaty or shistose silicious hematite, containing a less per centage of metallic iron than the ores above named, and is rather more difficult to reduce. It is often magnetic and sometimes banded with dull red or white quartz. The iron is cold short, which is said to be one of the best qualities of this ore. The other ores of the district are red short. This ore is believed to be the most abundant in the dis trict. At several points in the district, and accompanying the flag ore, is found a silicious iron ore, which contains a variable amount of oxide of manganese. This is of great value as a mixture.
There are forty mines now in the district, which have produced since their opening, up to and including the year 1872, an aver age of over 139,184 tons. The aggregate yield, in tons, from 1856 to 1872 inclusive, is 5,567,373. The value of this yield has
one of the public schools at Salina, New York. This school was one of the most unruly in existence, and when Mr. Parsons informed the trus tees that he was going to teach it without the use of a rod, they were loth to give him the situation, but finally concluded to allow him a week's trial. At the expiration of that time, he had the pupils entirely under his control, and so complete was his success that he remained in charge of the school for three years.
Mr. Parsons was one of the early advocates of moral suasion in the public schools, his motto being ' 4 a school well taught is a school well governed."
In 1844, the first State teachers' convention held in the State was called to meet in Syracuse, New York, and a State association organized. At that convention, Mr. Parsons had gained such a prominence among the teachers of the State as to be elected the secretary.
Shortly afterwards, he made a tour of New York State, conducting teachers' institutes, and doing much toward driving corporal punishment from the public schools.
When but twenty-one years of age, Mr. Parsons published a work on
576 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
been $44,373,833. There are fifteen furnaces in the district, which have produced since their establishment, an average of over 23,858 tons. Their aggregate production since 1858, when the first was started, up to and including 1872, is 357,880 tons.
Michigan ranks as the second State in the union in the produc tion of iron, Pennsylvania only leading her. The magnitude of her iron interest is seen in the fact that in 1872 she furnished about one-thirteenth of the entire product of the world. But, great as it is, it is yet in its infancy. Mountains of solid ore, covering many square miles, exist within her limits ; and, thous ands of years hence, when this continent shall contain a popula tion greater than now exists in the world, the iron mines of Michigan will still continue to pour out their rich treasures in inexhaustible abundance.
COPPER.
The principal copper mines in Michigan, are in the counties of Keweenaw, Houghton and Ontonagon. The existence of copper in the Upper Peninsula was known to the Indians long before the white man had penetrated the depths of our forests ; and the early white settlers were informed of its existence many years
" Analysis of Words," which he had written when he was but eighteen. Shortly afterwards, he published a chart, entitled "Parsons' Philosophi cal and Practical Orthography." This chart, after passing through several editions, was placed upon a more practical basis by being accom panied by a book on "Orthography, the Elements of Elocution and Analysis, and the introduction of the ' Union System ' of Teaching, Reading," etc., by the same author. Mr. Parsons has published several other educational works.
In 1855, in connection with Professor Alfred Holbrook, he started the project which has resulted in the present magnificent and efficient national normal school, at Lebanon, Ohio, with Professor Holbrook at its head.
Mr. Parsons is widely known as an organizer. He organized the Wellsville union school, the Jefferson academy, the Belle Fontaine union schools, and Tafton collegiate seminary.
For a number of years past, Mr. Parsons has been engaged in the life insurance business, and is acknowledged to be one of the most success ful men in that occupation in the State.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
577
ago. But no active measures were taken to ascertain the extent of the deposits, or to reap any benefit from their rich stores, until the year 1845. At 'that time the fever of copper speculation broke out, and had a most disastrous run for several years.
GEN. A. T. M'REYNOLDS.
ANDREW T. MCREYNOLDS was born in Dungannon, Tyrone county, Ireland, on Christmas day, 1808.
He emigrated to America in August, 1830, in his twenty-second year, and was a resident -of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, for some time before coining to Michigan.
While there, he was one of the original members and first ensign, of the Duquesne Grays of that city, organized in 1831, and which was the first independent volunteer company formed west of the Alleghanies. 37
578 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
Numerous companies were organized, and speculations in cop per stocks were indulged in to an enormous extent. The Cliff mine was the first one developed. Three years were spent in developing it, with very discouraging results ; but at the end of that time, and just at the moment of success, the mine changed hands. In the hands of the new owners it proved to be exceed ingly rich in both copper and silver. This mine is situated in Keweenaw county, just back of Eagle Harbor. In 1848 the Minnesota mine was discovered. Several years were spent in this mine with very little show of success. In 1855 the Pcwabic mine was opened. The first four years the sum of $230,813 was expended, and $153,168 worth of copper was produced. Other mines were worked with similar results, some even more disas trously. Several causes conspired to produce these results. The St. Mary's canal was not yet built, and all supplies had to be packed around the falls. They were then carried in boats along the shores for hundreds of miles. When the mining region was reached everything had to be packed on the backs of beasts or of men to the mines. Again, the want of practical experience in those who worked the mines led to much loss, great embarrass-
While in Pittsburg, he volunteered to aid under General Scott, in put ting down nullification in South Carolina.
Coming to Detroit in 1833, he has been a resident of Michigan for forty years.
In 1834, he was appointed major on the staff of Major-General Williams, who was in command of all the militia in the Territory of Michigan.
In the winter of 1834-35, he was one of four that organized the Brady Guards of Detroit, the other three being Major Isaac Rowland, Marshal Bacon and John Chester. The Brady Guards was the first independent military organization west of Lake Erie subsequent to the war of 1812.
He commenced the practice of the law in Detroit in 1840, and soon rose to a prominence in the profession.
He organized the Montgomery Guards of Detroit, and was their first captain; and he also served eleven years as lieutenant-colonel and colonel of the first regiment of Michigan militia.
Having, in 1847, received a captain's commission in the dragoon service of the United States army, he resigned the seat he was then occupying in the Michigan State Senate, and served under General Scott during the
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 579
ments, and final abandonment of enterprises that with practical skill and good judgment might have been successfully carried out. The want of scientific exploration and examination of these regions was also a serious drawback. With the completion of the canal all this was changed, and copper mining received a new impetus. Goods could be transported more cheaply, and the pro duct of the mines could be readily transported to market. Scien tific explorations followed, and capital and skilled labor were brought into requisition. The finances were managed with more care, and the mines were worked with greater judgment. The result has been a rich reward for the enterprise and capital invested, and the production of copper has come to be one of the great industries of the Northwest.
The ore mined is of the richest quality, yielding about 80 per cent of ingot copper. Many times vast masses of pure native copper, weighing many tons, have been taken out. Smelting works have been established at Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburg and Portage Lake. Twenty-five mines are now in successful opera tion, giving employment to over seven thousand men. The num ber of tons produced from 1845 to 1872, inclusive, is 175,756.
war with Mexico. He was attached to the headquarters; his troops, in conjunction with those under General Philip Kearney, acting as the body guard of the commanding general during the campaign that terminated in planting the American banner in triumph on the halls of the Monte- zumas.
The following extract, which gives a vivid description of General McReynolds' bravery, appears in the "Life of General Philip Kearney," which was written by J. Watts De Peyster:
" The charge of dragoons refered to was made by two troops — one led by Captain Kearney, the other by Captain McReynolds. The name of Kearney sounds rather Irish, but of the birth or descent of that gallant soldier we are unable to speak. We are happy, however, to be able to claim Captain McReynolds as Irish born, and no one will believe him to be a whit the less a true American on that account. Captain McReynolds is a native of Dungannon, in the county of Tyrone. The Detroit Free Press, in quoting from the New Orleans Picayune the passage which we subjoin, speaks thus: ' It was in this charge that Captain McReynolds, of this city, received his serious wound, his troop — all Michigan boys —
580 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
The value of the copper produced in that time is estimated at $76,560,720.
The richness of the copper mines of the Upper Peninsula is not surpassed in the world. It is already one of most important industries in the Northwest, and further scientific research will undoubtedly lead to still more important results, and materially increase the wealth and commerce of the State.
SALT.
The first attempt to develop the saline resources of the State was made by the late Dr. Douglas Houghton, then State Geologist, under the authority of the Legislature. An appropriation of $3,000 was made for this purpose, and operations were commenced in June, 1838. A spot was selected on the Tittabawassee river, ten miles above the site of the present village of Midland. Two thousand dollars of this appropriation were expended before the depth of 100 feet was reached, and those engaged in the prosecu tion of the work began to look upon the enterprise as hopeless. Work was continued, however, until a depth of 140 feet was reached, when it was abandoned. Dr. Houghton never lost faith in the ultimate success of the enterprise, having the fullest confi-
together with Kearney's, participating. It was undoubtedly one of the boldest and most desperate charges on record.' The commanding gen eral of the division thus speaks of the charge and Captain McReynolds and his bold dragoons : ' Capain McReynolds' Third Dragoons nobly sus tained the daring movements of their squadron commander.' Both of these fine companies sustained severe losses in their rank and file. We are informed that the enemy numbered, by their own report, two thou sand infantry and one thousand cavalry, while our dragoons did not exceed one hundred. This small force drove the Mexicans upwards of two miles, and ceased not until they were within the battery that covered the gate of the city. In this charge, the dragoons cut down more than their entire number of the enemy. When we consider the extraordinary disparity in point of numbers, and the raking position of the enemy's battery, into the very mouth of which our brave dragoons fearlessly threw themselves, we think we may safely say it has no parallel in modern warfare." — Dublin Freeman's Journal.
When the war with Mexico closed, he returned to Detroit and resumed the practice of his profession.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 581
dence in the existence of rich and extensive saline deposits under lying a large area of the surface of Michigan. After this failure the matter rested for a time. Occasionally wells were sunk in various parts of the State, but with poor success, until 1860, when the first paying well was sunk in the Saginaw valley. Before the close of that year 4,000 barrels were shipped. Since that time numerous paying wells have been sunk, the manufacturing pro cess has been improved so as to materially reduce the cost of production, and to-day salt is one of the staple productions of the State. The principal salt region, as far as developed, is in the Saginaw valley. The wells are usually sunk in the vicinity of the saw mills, in order to be able to utilize the exhaust steam or the refuse of the mills, in the manufacture of the salt. This reduces the expense of manufacture to a minimum, and produces large returns in proportion to the capital invested and the labor involved.
A little over twelve years have elapsed since the first shipments were made from this State ; but in that time over six millions of barrels have been manufactured.
At the close of the year 1872 there were sixty salt manufactur-
Upon the breaking out of the rebellion, he tendered his services to the government, and having received the appointment of colonel from Presi dent Lincoln, he organized and brought into the field the "Lincoln Cavalry," which was the first regiment of cavalry organized for the Union army.
General Mclleynolds commanded his regiment during the first year of the war. Subsequently, he was in command of a brigade for nearly two years and of a division for some six months, when, his term of service having expired, he received an honorable discharge, returned to his home at Grand Rapids, and again resumed the practice of his profession.
General McReynolds has held many important civil positions, and has lived a very eventful life. Shortly after coming to Detroit he became connected with the Michigan Bank, and remained in it four years.
He was an alderman of the city of Detroit in 1838-39, and in the latter year was elected a representative to the State legislature, serving in that body during the session of 1839-40. He was a delegate from Michigan to the Harrisburg convention of December, 1839, which nominated Gen eral Harrison as the Whig candidate for the Presidency. Under Presi-
582 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
ing firms in the State, with a capital of $3,500,000 invested. These firms give employment to about 1,000 men, in the manu facture of salt and the business incident thereto. Their manufac turing capacity is about 1,158,000 barrels per annum.
The following shows the districts, and the character and capacity of the works, as arranged by the State salt inspector :
District No. 1, East Saginaw, has 4 salt companies, with 10 kettles, 1 steam and 2 pan blocks. Capacity 140,000 barrels.
District No. 2, South Saginaw, 10 firms, with 10 kettles and 3 steam blocks. Capacity 135,000 barrels.
District No. 3, Saginaw City, 8 firms, with 5 kettles, 7 steam and 1 pan block. Capacity 150,000 barrels.
District No. 4, Carrolton, 6 firms, with 12 kettles, 2 steam and 1 pan block. Capacity 175,000 barrels.
District No. 5, Zilwaukee, 6 firms, with 3 kettles, 4 steam and 3 pan blocks, and 2,776 solar salt covers. Capacity 150,000 barrels.
District No. 6, Portsmouth, Bay City and Salzburg, 9 firms, with 6 kettles and 8 steam blocks. Capacity 175,000 barrels.
District No. 7, Bay, Banks and Kawkawlin, 13 firms, with 4 kettles, 7 steam and 5 pan blocks, and 521 solar salt covers. Capacity 175,000 barrels.
dent Tyler, he was Indian agent for some three years. He was elected State senator from Detroit, in 1846, and served until he entered the army during the Mexican war. He was prosecuting attorney of Wayne county in 1851-52, and was a member of the board of education of Detroit, and its first president under its charter. General McReynolds was United States district attorney for the western district of Michigan, at Grand Rapids, under President Johnson, and was the Democratic and Liberal Republican nominee for Congress in the fifth Michigan district in the fall of 1872, but was defeated by his Republican opponent, the late Hon. Wilder D. Foster.
General McReynolds is held in high esteem by the citizens of Michi gan, and in fact of the whole Union, for his gallant and long service in .defense of the flag of his adopted country, and his name will long be honored and cherished by them, not only for his brave military deeds, but also for the prominent and noble acts of his civic life.
He is at present residing in Grand Rapids', where he moved in 1859, and is actively engaged in the practice of his profession.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
588
District No. 8, Huron county, 3 firms, one at Port Austin, one at Caseville, and one at White Rock. They have 2 kettles, 1 steam and 2 pan blocks, and 50 solar salt covers. Capacity 50,000 barrels.
D. M. FERRY.
D. M. FERRY was born in Lowville, Lewis county, New York; in 1833. His father died when he was but three years of age, and shortly after his mother removed with her two children to Penfield, Monroe county, in the western part of the same State. At the age of sixteen, Master Ferry started in life on his own account, by engaging to work for a neighboring farmer during the summer of 1849, for ten dollars per month. He remained in the farmer's employment two summers, attending a country school in the neighborhood during the winter season. Being forcibly impressed with a desire to obtain a liberal education such as could not be acquired at a country school, he secured a situation with a gentleman
584 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
District No. 9, Mount Clemens, 1 firm, with 1 steam block. Capacity 8,000 barrels.
At St. Clair a well was sunk several years since. Good brine was obtained, and a salt block erected, from which a prime quality of salt was manufactured ; but the manufacture was soon aban doned, owing, it is said to the high price of fuel.
The manufacture of salt has also commenced in East Tawas, and a new inspection district is about to be erected.
The quality of Michigan salt is unsurpassed, and is rapidly taking the place of all others in the markets of the West. The following chemical analysis will show its character : Chloride of sodium, 97.288 ; chloride of calcium, 0.229 ; chloride of magne sium, 0.340 ; sulphate of lime, 0.697 ; moisture, 1.300 ; insoluble matter, 0.046. Total, 100.000.
The refuse from the manufactories is now being utilized. It produces aniline, one of the best known bases of color, and bromo- chloralum, an excellent disinfectant.
of wealth, near Rochester, New York, in order to avail himself, during the winter months, of the benefits of more advanced city schools. After remaining in the last mentioned gentleman's employment for a consider able time, and making substantial advancement in his studies, his employer, being favorably moved by his industry and apt perseverance, kindly assisted him in procuring a situation in a wholesale and retail book store in Detroit, where he arrived in November, 1852.
As we have already seen, while only a boy Mr. Ferry was thrown upon his own resources and left quite alone in his struggles with the world. But simultaneously with this early commencement to do for himself, he seems to have been endowed with energy and ability equal to the task.
There are but few men in the whole Northwest who have in so short a time made such progress in business, and became so favorably and gener ally known to the people of the central, southern and western States, as Mr. D. M. Ferry, senior member of the firm of Messrs. D. M. Ferry & Co., of Detroit. He commenced in the seed business in Detroit in 1856, when only twenty-three years of age. This beginning was exceedingly small, but, through almost matchless energy and enterprise, in the short space of seventeen years, Mr. Ferry has established an immense and profitable business, and accumulated for himself an ample fortune.
Such men are indeed a credit to the metropolis of Michigan, as they are rapidly placing her among the first commercial States in the Union.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
585
GYPSUM.
The discovery of gypsum in Michigan dates as far back as the time when General Cass was Governor of the Territory. Nothing was done in the way of developing the beds until 1840, when the
HON. IRA MAYHEW.
IRA MAYHEW, late superintendent of public instruction of the State of Michigan, was born in Ellisburg, Jefferson county, New York, in 1814.
He received a common school education, and entered the Union Aca demy in Belleville at the age of fourteen. He commenced teaching school in 1832, and followed this profession with eminent success until 1836, when, finding his health considerably impaired, he made a voyage to the banks of Newfoundland. In 1837, he was appointed principal of the Adams Seminary, in which capacity he labored until the fall of 1841,
586 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
first plaster mill was erected at Grand Rapids. Two years before this Dr. Douglass Hough ton visited the Grand Rapids beds, and made a report which led to their development. The stratum of gypsum at this place is from eighteen to twenty feet in thickness, and covers an area of about 1,000 acres. The manufacture of plaster at Grand Rapids aggregates about 40,000 tons of land plaster, and about 60,000 barrels of stucco per annum. About $500,000 is invested in the business, giving employment to ab&ut three hundred men.
It is an excellent fertilizer, and finds a ready market among the farmers of this State and of Indiana.
Plaster is also found at Alabaster, losco county, and in the Upper Peninsula. The mines at Alabaster were only opened about six or seven years ago. They are located close to the water's edge, on an excellent harbor, and the facilities for mining and shipping are excellent. The plaster is taken from the mines to the dock over a tramway, where it is dumped from the cars into the vessel.
A chemical analysis of the gypsum found in Michigan presents the following result : Sulphuric acid, 48 ; lime, 32 ; water, 20. Total, 100.
This business is destined to assume great magnitude, as the country settles up and the agricultural resources are developed. Its value as a fertilizer is rapidly becoming known and appreci ated, and the demand increases from year to year.
when he was elected county superintendent of common schools in his native county.
At the expiration of his first term as county superintendent, in 1843, Mr. Mayhew removed to Michigan, where his most valuable labors for the promotion of educational interests have been performed. The people of the Peninsular State were neither slow to observe his qualifications, nor backward in securing the services of his talents. He was first appointed principal of the Monroe branch of the State University, and, in the winter of 1845, he was nominated by the Governor and elected by the legislature to the office of superintendent of public instruction, a position to which he was reflected in 1847. The Middletown University, Connecticut, conferred upon him the degree of master of arts in 1848.
In the early part of 1849, he delivered, by invitation, a series of lectures
HI8TOBY OF MICHIGAN. 587
COAL.
Geologists have long since demonstrated the fact that an immense coal basin underlies the whole central portion of the State. Prof. J. W. Foster estimates the coal field of Michigan to be about one hundred feet in thickness, and to cover an area of five thousand square miles. Mines have thus far been opened at Jackson, at Corunna, Shiawassee county, and at Williamston, in the county of Ingham. The first operations in this line com menced in 1858, at Jackson, and this mine has been regularly worked since that time. The coal is bituminous, and is strongly impregnated with sulphur, which renders it unpopular for domestic use. In many branches of manufacture, however, it is well adapted and largely employed. The coal improves in quality as the shaft descends through the stratum.
At Corunna, mining operations have^been carried on for about ten years. The quality of the coal is similar to that at Jackson. A vein containing a very superior quality of coal has recently been opened, which bids fair to prove of great importance. A railroad track has been laid directly to the mine, thus affording the best facilities for shipment.
The coal found at Williamston is much superior in quality to that of either of the above mines, and resembles, more nearly than any other in the State, the celebrated block coal of Indiana. Very little has heretofore been done at this mine, owing to a lack of
on education in the State Capitol, after which he was requested by the legislature to edit and publish a volume containing the views set forth in his lectures, and at the end of his second term of office, he retired from public life a short time for the purpose of complying with that request. This volume was entitled " Means and Ends of Universal Edu cation," and was received by the public and press, as well as by dis tinguished men of literature, with much praise and merited acceptation. In 1851, he published his work on " Practical Book-keeping," which up to the present date has passed through more than ninety editions.
In 1853, Mr. Mayhew was elected President of Albion Seminary and College. After occupying this position one year, he was recalled to the office of superintendent of public instruction, and, in 1856, he was elected for the fourth time to this office, by the largest majority given to
588 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
railroad facilities. But this difficulty has recently been overcome, and mining is carried on vigorously.
Coal mining in Michigan is yet in its infancy; but there is enough within the limits of the State to supply the furnaces of the world for thousands of years to come.
OTHER MINERALS.
There are many other minerals in the State besides those enum erated above, some of which are destined to be developed and add greatly to the wealth of Michigan. Silver and gold are known to exist in the Upper Peninsula. The former, in no inconsiderable quantities, has been found in the copper mines. Lead and plum bago are also known to exist in that region. The Indians supplied themselves with bullets from mines at Lake Superior, but could never be induced to reveal the locality from which they obtained it. Mines have already been opened, but never worked to any great extent. It is safe to predict, however, that at no distant day profitable mines will be opened, and thus another branch of mining industry will be added to the other resources of the State.
The business of manufacturing grindstones has assumed con siderable magnitude of late, the Huron grit-stones being unri valed in the market.
Marble, of great variety and superior quality, is also found in the Marquette iron region.
any candidate on the State ticket up to that time, which was an unmis takable evidence of the popular appreciation of the valuable services he had rendered in this important part of the State government. He retired from public life for a time in 18S9, having served the State in the same high office for eight years.
The next year, Mr. Mayhew thoroughly revised and republished his work on "Practical Book-keeping."
The same year, he established the Albion Commercial College, which was afterwards removed to Detroit, and is noticed in another part of this work, in the chapter devoted to the educational interests of Michigan.
In 1862, he was appointed to and accepted the office of collector of internal revenue for the third district of Miclygan, which position he held until 1865, since when, his whole time has been occupied in con ducting his Business College in Detroit.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
589
Yellow and red ochre and manganese beds are found in the St. Mary's Peninsula, where coloring material can be mined in unlim ited quantities.
Building stone of a very superior quality is found in various
JAMES NALL, JR.
JAMES NALL, JR., was born in Huddersfield, England, in April, 1828, and came to America with his parents when only four years old.
His father, Rev. James Nail, a Congregational minister, of consider able reputation in Canada, being favorably impressed with the practical side of life, resolved to settle his sons on farms, and in furtherance of this purpose, purchased in the fall of 1844, a tract of land located in the heart of a forest about twelve miles northwest of Port Sarnia, Ontario.
In the fall of that year the subject of this sketch, when only sixteen years of age, in company with his brother, set out from his home in
590 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
localities, equal in beauty and durability to the free stone of New England.
Material for quick limes and hydraulic limes is also found in unlimited quantities. Clays of every variety for brick making are found in the greatest abundance. White and lemon colored bricks, so popular for building fronts, are made in many locali ties. Vast quantities of peat are found in many places, which, in future years, will prove of immense value.
LUMBER.
It is safe to say that no region on this continent of the same area possesses so much of valuable timber as Michigan. Not less than 20,000,000 acres, or one-half the area of the State, was originally covered with pine. What are here mentioned as pine lands must not be understood as being covered exclusively with that timber. Along the margins of the streams the pine forests are very dense ; but away from the streams it is generally liber ally interspersed with various hard woods. The superior quality of the pine thus interspersed with the hard timber amply compen sates for the lack of quantity.
Burford, Ontario, to clear up a farm in the midst of a dense forest. They spent the winter at this work and in the following spring had eleven acres cleared, but the amount of labor it had taken to accomplish this task caused Mr. Nail to seek some other less laborious employment.
Accordingly he visited Port Sarnia and secured a position in the general store of the Hon Malcolm Cameron, with whom he remained two years and a half, and until that gentleman had retired from business Upon closing out his business Mr. Cameron offered to procure Mr. Nail a situation either in Toronto or Montreal. He declined this offer, however, having already closely watched and admired the march of commercial prosperity in the United States, he procured a letter of recommendation from his former employer to the Hon. Zachariah Chandler, of Detroit, and visit ing that city in 1848, was engaged by that gentleman, with whom he remained uiitil 1853, when he went into the employ of Mr. William A. Raymond, a prominent dry goods merchant in Detroit at that time. After serving with this gentleman for two years he succeeded to a one-third interest in the establishment, and at the expiration of the three succeed ing years he became an equal partner with Mr. Raymond. About one year from this time the senior partner died, and the entire business
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
591
The principal lumber region, thus far developed, is the valley of the Saginaw river, and along its tributary streams, extending to the upper Muskegon, and thence to Lake Michigan. The region around Thunder Bay also contains a large area of pine
RESIDENCE OF JAMES NALL, JR.
passed into the hands of Mr Nail, who is still conducting it, but on a much larger scale, and with the same characteristic success.
In the early part of 1872 Mr. Nail began the erection of a residence on Jefferson avenue, opposite Christ's church, Detroit, of which the above engraving is a representation. It is now completed and is recognized as one of the handsomest, in point of exterior adornments, in the city. It is located on large and pleasant grounds which have an extended frontage on Jefferson avenue and Larned street. The interior of the residence has been arranged with great care, and the whole constitutes a very fashion able and commodious dwelling.
592 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
timber, and the Au Sable and the Manistee rivers penetrate an immense pine region. On all these streams lumbering operations are extensively carried on, but the^principal sources of supply are at present the Saginaw valley on the east, and on the Muskegon river on the west.
Before railroads penetrated the pine forests of the interior, lum bering operations were confined almost exclusively to the immedi ate vicinity of streams. The logs were cut in the winter, and hauled on the snow to the streams, and floated to the mills on the current formed by the spring freshets. With the advent of rail roads, immense tracts of valuable pine, heretofore inaccessible, have been brought into the market. Mills spring up along the tracks of the railroads as they are laid through the forests, flour ishing villages appear as if by magic, the forests are cleared and brought under cultivation, thus giving employment to thousands of men, homes and productive farms to the hardy pioneers, and abundant and remunerative employment to the railroads in trans porting lumber and supplies. The principal roads that have thus penetrated the pine forests of the interior are the Jackson, Lan sing and Saginaw, the Flint and Pere Marquette, and Grand Rap ids and Indiana Railroads.
It is estimated that there are about 7,000,000 acres of pine lands in the Lower Peninsula that are yet untouched. It is true that some of this is interspersed with hard wood timber ; but that is compensated for by the fact that the pine is of better quality and the lands better adapted to the purposes of agriculture than those covered exclusively with pine. In the Upper Peninsula it is estimated that there are at least 10,000,000 acres of pine as yet untouched, which will produce, probably, 7,000,000,000 feet of lumber.
It may be well in this connection to correct a mistake that pre vails to a great extent in reference to the adaptation of pine lands to the purposes of agriculture. No better farming lands exist than those which have produced a mixed growth of pine and hard wood timber ; and even the land that has been covered exclusively with pine is very rich and productive under proper care and management.
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593
The quality of Michigan pine is unsurpassed for the purposes of lumber. It is principally white pine, of which there are sev eral varieties. Norway pine grows abundantly in some localities, but the proportion is small compared with the more valuable
JAMES W. FRISBIE.
JAMES W. FKISBIE was born in New York State, in 1828. In 1857 he visited Detroit, and immediately commenced the dry goods business, locating at No. 167 Jefferson avenue, one door from the corner of Wood ward avenue. His business increased rapidly, and in a few years his establishment included No. 53 Woodward avenue, connecting in the rear with his original store on Jefferson avenue. Following these strides of success came a still further extension, which included the store No. 55 on the former thoroughfare.
It should be stated that at that date Detroit had little more than 38
594 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.'
white pines. On the best pine lands the quantity of hard wood often exceeds that of pine. In many parts of the State walnut and cherry grow in abundance, and are largely used by the furni ture makers of the State and of the East. Oak grows abundantly in many localities, and the trade in that timber for ship-building purposes is of late years assuming magnificent proportions. Aside from that used in the ship-yards along our own shores, vast quan tities are annually shipped to Montreal, Quebec, Buffalo and Cleveland. In the interior, where the heavy ship-timber cannot be transported to the streams, the oak is manufactured into staves, which are shipped mainly to Europe and the West Indies.
It may be proper in this connection to correct an erroneous impression that has gone abroad, backed by apparently high authority, in reference to the variety of oak timber that is shipped from this State for purposes of ship-building. Reference is had to the popular belief that the variety known as " live oak " grows abundantly in the forests of Michigan. The fact is live oak does not grow in this State at all. That variety is only found in the Southern States, and is known to botanists as Quercus virens. The variety which forms the bulk of the shipments from Michigan is
awakened from what journalism denominates " ancestral lethargy." The highways of commerce had just opened their gateways of trade, and the great City of the Straits of the present day was commercially an infant. In the light of these facts, it is a difficult matter to properly estimate the value of such effort and innovation as were put forth by Mr. Frisbie dur ing the first six years of his business life in Detroit. In remodeling and modernizing the stores occupied by him at the corner of Woodward and Jefferson avenues, he introduced the first plate glass windows in this city, which at that time, reaching from the pavement to the ceiling, created wonder and admiration. These early improvements had a most salutary influence in producing in rapid succession the many splendid features of modern Detroit.
When the collection of stores occupied by Mr. Frisbie on Jefferson and Woodward avenues became too narrow for his continually expanding business, he removed to the extensive Weber block, further up Wood ward avenue, which he still occupies. In this new and elegant building he opened to the public one of the finest retail dry goods houses in the Northwest.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 595
Quereus alba, popularly known as white oak. It is highly esteemed for ship-building, and is only exceeded in value for that purpose by the live oak of the South.
The following will serve to give some idea of the magnitude of the lumber and timber trade of Michigan :
In the year 1872 the aggregate of pine lumber cut by the mills of the State was 2,253,011,000 feet. Of this amount, the mills of the Saginaw valley cut 837,798,484 feet. The Muskegon Lake mills cut 316,031,400 feet; the Huron shore mills 175,500,000; Manistee mills, 161,900,000 ; Grand Haven mills, 150,000,000 ; Menominee mills, 136,113,360 ; Flint and Pere Marquette Rail way mills, 114,234,554; White Lake mills, 85,302,347 ; Detroit and St. Clair River mills, 80,000,000 ; Jackson, Lansing and Sag inaw Railway mills, 68,216,009 ; Saugatuck mills, 50,000,000 ; Ludington mills, 47,912,846 ; other mills, 30,000,000.
Of shingles it is estimated that not less than 400,000,000 were produced the same year. Of lath about 300,000,000.
The shipments of staves for the same year were as follows : Saginaw river, 8,663,200 ; Detroit, 2,102,000 ; Port Huron, 1,536,- 900 ; Lexington, 204,000 ; New Baltimore, 184,000.
About $20,000,000 are invested in the production of pine lum ber, giving employment to nearly twenty thousand persons. This estimate does not include the enormous amount of money invested in pine lands, nor the men employed in the transportation of the lumber to market, or those employed in the lumber camps in the woods.
In addition to the pine timber of the State, as before intimated, the hard wood forests are immense and valuable. These, espe cially in the northern portion of the Lower Peninsula, have scarcely been touched. The quality of that kind of timber in the forests of Michigan is unrivaled ; and it is safe to predict that but a few years will elapse before the product from this source will equal in value the present traffic in pine.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
EDUCATION IN MICHIGAN — THE COMMON SCHOOL SYSTEM — THE UNI VERSITY — AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE — STATE NORMAL SCHOOL — ALBION COLLEGE — ADRIAN COLLEGE — KALAMAZOO COLLEGE — HILLS- DALE COLLEGE — OLIVET COLLEGE — STATE REFORM SCHOOL — STATE PUBLIC SCHOOL — ASYLUM FOR THE DEAF, DUMB AND BLIND — MICHIGAN FEMALE SEMINARY — DETROIT MEDICAL COLLEGE — DETROIT HOMEOPATHIC COLLEGE— GOLDSMITH'S BRYANT & STRAT- TON BUSINESS UNIVERSITY — MAYHEW BUSINESS COLLEGE.
THE ordinance passed by Congress for the government of the Northwestern Territory, known as the Ordinance of 1787, pro vided that " Schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged." In 1804 Congress passed an act providing for the sale of lands in the Indian Territory, of which Michigan was a part, and in that act there was an express reservation from sale of Section 16 in every township, "for the support of schools." The year following the Territory of Michigan was organized, and all the rights and privileges which were conferred by the above named acts were confirmed to the Territory of Michigan. Subsequently a provision was incorporated in the State constitution declaring that the proceeds of these lands shall " remain a perpetual fund for that object." The ordinance admitting Michigan into the Union declared that section 16 of each township should be granted to the State for the use of schools. The wisdom of this provision can be readily under stood when it is known that much difficulty arose in other States from the inequality of the grant in different townships. This inequality was owing to the fact that in some townships the sec tion would be found to be utterly worthless. This led to serious difficulties, and Congress or the Legislature was constantly besieged by these townships to come to their relief. Learning wisdom from the experience of other States, Michigan submitted
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597
an ordinance granting the lands to the State at large; thus equalizing the grant among the several townships, and obviating the difficulty experienced by other States who had attempted to carry out the original design of Congress by giving each township
J. H. GOLDSMITH.
J. H. GOLDSMITH, President of Goldsmith's Bryant and Stratton Busi ness College, Detroit, was born in the town of Newburg, Orange county, New York, in 1813.
At the age of twenty-four, he went to Ohio, taking up his residence in Deavertown, which was at that time a young but flourishing town. Mr. Goldsmith first secured a position as book-keeper with a merchant in that place; but without taxing the reader with the details of his industry, or by following him step by step in the hours of his hope and struggle, it is sufficient to state that in six years after his arrival in Deavertown he was
598 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
separate control of the section granted. Under the arrangement adopted in the case of Michigan, the loss occasioned by worthless sections fell upon the State at large, and the benefits accrued to all alike, each sharing, in common with the rest, the benefits of the common school fund.
The first law passed by the Territorial Legislature in reference to schools was in 1827. This law provided that the citizens of any township having fifty householders should provide themselves with a school teacher, of good moral character, to teach the children to read and write. Any township having two hundred householders was required to provide themselves with a teacher who was capable of teaching Latin, French and English. A penalty of $50 to $100 was provided for neglect to comply with the provisions of the law. In 1833 another law was passed creating the office of superintendent of common schools. It also provided for three commissioners and ten inspectors, who were to have charge of the school lands.
Upon the admission of the State into the Union, in 1837, the first State Legislature passed a primary school law, similar, in almost every respect, to the law of the State of New York. It provided for the division of the State into school districts, having a sufficient number of inhabitants to support a teacher. All grades of pupils were admitted to these schools. When the pop- elected to the office of Mayor of that place. Having served the people in a most satisfactory manner during the first term, he was designated by the popular voice to fill the same position a second term. He remained in Deavertown until 1849, and during his residence in that place occupied many offices of public trust in the municipal government, besides mak ing considerable advancement in mercantile pursuits.
In 1849, he accepted the position of teacher in the business college of Mr. John Gundry, at Cincinnati, and since that date his life has been uninterruptedly devoted to the interesting theme of actual business prac tice, and with what results will be seen anon.
After several years in this college at Cincinnati, which gave him no small reputation as a professor of commercial ethics and business disci pline, Mr. Goldsmith went to Sandusky, Ohio, and opened the Commer cial Institute in connection with the School of Design in that place. Subsequently he was induced by Messrs. Bryant & Stratton to accept a
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 599
illation increased so that the school'houses were too much crowded the district was subdivided. The same process was adopted in the villages, the result of which was that there would sometimes be five or six school houses within a stone's throw of each other. Very little attention was paid to school architecture, and some of the school houses were bad and some were worse. The character and duration of the several schools were also exceedingly vari able ; some being good and some poor, and some continued for nine months and some for three. This state of affairs continued for a number of years ; but upon the discontinuiug of the branches of the University, a new system was devised. By the new plan the various schools in the villages were united into one. These were called union schools. They were divided into several departments, called primary, intermediate, grammar and high school. Each department was divided into grades or classes, for purposes of different degrees of advancement. These schools are now designated as graded schools. The curriculum of the high school department is the same as that of the best academies, and pupils graduating from the high schools are entitled to enter the University without further examination.
As has been intimated, the character of the school architecture of the State was of a very low order for many years. The estab lishment of graded schools, however, created a necessity for a
position as teacher in the graduating department of the Buffalo Bryant & Stratton Business College, and after filling the last mentioned post with honor to himself and credit to the institution for several years, he was admitted as a partner, and commissioned to found a Bryant & Stratton Business College in Detroit. Accordingly, in 1857, he visited the Queen City of the Straits, and purchased Mr. William D. Cochrane's Commer cial Institute. It then took the name of Bryant, Stratton & Goldsmith's Business College, which it bore until 1869, when the last named gentle man purchased the interests of his partners, thereby becoming the sole proprietor of one of the best commercial institutions in the Northwest.
It should be stated that at the death of Mr. Stratton, which occurred about this time, a change in the proprietorship of all the Bryant & Stratton Business Colleges took place, the resident principal or partner at each point purchasing Bryant & Stratton's interest in the same. This necessitated a new and more permanent organization, based upon the
600 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
better class of buildings. The State had, in the meantime, grown wealthy, the people were prosperous and intelligent, and fully appreciated the demands of the age. The result is that Michigan possesses, perhaps, the finest school buildings of any State in the Union, in proportion to its wealth and population. Each town vied with the others in erecting the finest school edifice, and it is not uncommon to find, in a town of two or three thousand inhabi tants, a school house costing $20,000 or $30,000. In the cities and larger towns they sometimes cost over $100,000. There are about 5,500 school houses in the State, the aggregate value of which is estimated to be not far from $7,500,000.
In addition to the land granted by act of Congress before referred to, one-half the amount of the cash sales of the swamp lands of the State goes to augment the primary school fund. Of the former there were originally about 1,000,000 acres. A little over one-half of these lands have been sold, from which the sum of $2,601,319 has been realized. From the sale of swamp lands there has been received the sum of $218,462, making a total of $2,819,781 as the present school fund of the State. It is esti mated that when the remaining school and swamp lands are sold, the school fund of Michigan will amount to at least $5,000,000.
There are about 250 graded schools in the State, and 5,500 district schools. These give employment to 3,035 male teachers,
reciprocity plan, in order to perpetuate the benefits of the chain scholar ship, and to secure such other advantages as would be likely to flow from organized effort, uniformity of text-books, similarity of practice, etc.
In answer to this demand came the International Business College Association, extending throughout the United States and Canada, com prising the best colleges formerly belonging to the Bryant & Stratton chain, and including some other first class commercial institutions that did not belong to it.
As already observed, in 1869, the Bryant, Stratton & Goldsmith Detroit Business College came under the proprietorship of Mr. J. H. Goldsmith, and is noticed in another part of this work, under the head of the educa tional interests of Michigan.
Since the above date, Mr. Goldsmith has devoted his whole time to the advancement and interests of his college and undoubtedly has brought it to nearly a state of perfection.
HISTORY OP MICHIGAN.
601
and 8,624 female teachers. The number of children reported in 1872, between the ages of five and twenty years, is 404,235.
The purpose of the founders of the school system of Michigan, was to adopt that of Prussia, so far as it was found adapted to the
HON. C. C. COMSTOCK.
CHARLES C. COMSTOCK was born March 5, 1818, in Sullivan, Cheshire county, N. H. He is the youngest of the family of a respectable farmer of moderate means. At an early age he manifested much business tact and enterprise, was quite successful, and by industry and economy (so com mon among New England people) at thirty-five years of age, had accu mulated a property of about $10,000, and was considered one of the most thrifty farmers of that region. He had also built and operated two saw mills there. With his family, he removed to Grand Rapids, in 1853, and was soon one of the foremost in the lumbering and wood manufacturing
602 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
genius of our institutions, and the character and condition of the inhabitants of the State. It is safe to say that no better system prevails in America.
THE UNIVERSITY.
The act which we have before mentioned, passed in 1804, for the disposal of the public lands in the Indian Territory, reserved three townships " for the use of seminaries of learning." The year following the Territory of Michigan was organized, and one of these townships was set apart for her use. In 1817 Congress granted three sections of land to the College of Detroit. The moneys arising from the sale of these two grants of lands, together with another township subsequently granted, constitute the University fund.
The lands granted by the act of 1804 were not selected until many years after. After the lapse of twenty years the authorities of the Territory decided to make the selection ; but it was then discovered that so much land had been taken up by settlers that it was difficult to secure a good township of which none of the lands had been sold. An appeal was thereupon made to Congress, and, through the exertions of Hon. Austin E. Wing, then territo rial delegate to Congress, that body passed an act adding another township to the grant, and giving permission to select the land in detached sections. Aside from the permanent fund arising from
enterprises in that then young but vigorous city. The financial crash of 1857-60 temporarily checked his business; but with redoubled energy, strong will, and resolution which knew no failure, he rallied, and in a short time was at the head of one of the most flourishing manufactories of cabinet wares in the West; had increased his lumbering operations and several branches of lumber manufacture many fold, and also invested largely in real estate, which was rapidly increasing in value. He built up and still owns and operates one of the largest pail and wooden- ware factories in the West; and in many other private and public enter prises has taken an active and leading part. His strong hold is to " push things." With unflagging energy, tireless industry, indefatigable perse verance, great power of endurance, thorough business integrity, prompt ness and punctuality, strong judgment, managing, even in detail, heavy and various interests, he has built up a handsome property, and is reputed one of the wealthy citizens of the State. A worker himself, he has given
604 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
the sale of these lands, the successive Legislatures have made liberal appropriations from time to time for its support and the advancement of its interests.
The framers of the constitution under which the State was organized took good care to provide in the organic law that all lauds granted for educational purposes should be invariably appropriated, and annually applied to the specific objects of the original grant. A similar provision was incorporated into the present constitution. The University fund was thus made inalien able, and can never be diverted from its proper uses without a gross violation of the organic law of the State. Notwithstanding those safeguards thus thrown around the University fund, it required the most jealous watchfulness on the part of the friends of that institution, during the monetary pressure which pre vailed in the early history of the State, to prevent a diversion of the fund to other purposes.
The first Legislature which convened after the admission of the State into the Union, passed a law establishing the University. It was not, however, until 1841 that buildings were completed, so that its work could be entered upon. The act also provided that in addition to the University proper, which was located in Ann Arbor, several branches should be established in various parts of the State, to serve as preparatory schools. This experiment proved to be a failure, there not being sufficient funds arising
employment to thousands, and tlius and by the interest he has taken in municipal affairs has contributed greatly to the progress and material growth of his city and county. Though absorbed in business he is liberal in feeling, responding freely to calls for religious, benevolent and public purposes. Mr. Comstock has served ably in official positions; was mayor of Grand Rapids for two terms, in 18G3-4; was the Democratic candidate for governor of the State in 1870, receiving the full vote of his party, and in his own county running ahead of the rest of his party ticket. In the fall of 1873, he received the nomination as the people's candidate for representative in Congress from his district to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Hon. W. D. Foster, and at the special election held for that purpose, he made an unprecedented run, reducing the majority of the dominant party from 8,006 to 114. He may be regarded as a prominent representative of the successful business men of the West.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
605
from the grant to meet the expenses of the University itself. It was therefore abandoned, after a few years' trial, and the union or graded schools have now taken therplace of the branches. The University buildings were erected with borrowed capital,
HON. JONATHAN SHEARER.
THE subject of the following sketch, Jonathan Shearer, was born in Colerain, Hampshire (now Franklin) county, Massachusetts, August 23, 1796. His grandfather, James Shearer, was a native of Scotland, and emigrated to this country at an early day. William Shearer, father of Jonathan Shearer, entered the revolutionary army at an early age, and served in several of the principal battles of the war for independence. The subject of this sketoh spent the early part of his life upon a farm, working on the same during the summer season and usually attending school in winter. He volunteered his services to the State government
606 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
the State borrowing $100,000 and re-loaning it to the University, with the understanding that principal and interest should be returned at some future time, from money arising from the sale of University lands. In 1842 the University was opened, having a preparatory school connected with it. Two professors were appointed, each having a salary of $500 per annum. They were also entitled to whatever money was paid for tuition in the pre paratory school. A multitude of hindrances presented themselves in the way of the advancement of the University, but, notwith standing all the difficulties it had to encounter, it soon rose to a commanding position among the educational institutions of the country.
The governing body of the institution consists of a Board of Regents. They are elected for a term of eight years by popular vote. The president of the University is ex officio president of the board. The University is organized in three departments ; the department of literature, science, and the arts ; the depart ment of medicine and surgery ; and the department of law. Each department has its faculty of instruction, who are charged with the special management of it. The University Senate is composed of all the faculties, and considers questions of common interest and .importance to all the departments.
The department of literature, science and the arts has six regu-
in the war of 1812, but not being of the proper age, was rejected. He then determined to ship as a sailor on a privateer, but parental influence caused him to change his mind.
In 1814, he attended a select school in New York, and at the age of nineteen, he commenced teaching school in and about the districts where he was born, and also gave some attention to the study of medicine and the statute laws of Massachusetts.
Mr. Shearer subsequently removed to the State of New York, and settled in the town of Phelps, Ontario county, in which place he married.
Mr. Shearer served as assessor in this place for four years. After a residence of thirteen years in New York, he sold his farm, removed to Michigan with his family and settled at Plymouth, Wayne county. Soon after his settlement in the above place, he was elected supervisor, and subsequently county commissioner. Mr. Shearer served the county of Wayne in this official position without losing a single day while he held
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 607
lar and full courses of four years each, and two shorter courses. The regular courses are the classical, the scientific, the Latin and scientific, the Greek and scientific, the course in civil engineering, and the course in mining engineering. The special courses are the course in analytical chemistry, and the course in pharmacy. Past graduate courses are provided for the graduates of this Uni versity, or for the graduates of any college or university, who may desire to pursue advanced study, whether for a second degree or not. Students who do not wish to pursue any one of the above courses may, if they are prepared to enter the University, pursue selected studies, for such time-— not less than one semester — as they may choose. The department of medicine and surgery, fur nishes instruction chiefly by lectures. The lecture course extends over a period of six months. The department of law, also, con tinues its lectures for six months, from the beginning of October to the end of March. Students in any department may enter the classes in any other upon obtaining permission from the faculties of the respective departments.
The University library contains about 22,000 volumes. In 1871 it was enlarged by the addition of the library of the late Prof. Kau, professor of political economy in the University of Heidelberg, Germany. This library was purchased and presented to the University by the Hon. Philo Parsons, of Detroit. About
office. Soon after this, he was elected to the State senate, and at the expiration of his first term, was reflected. While a member of the senate, Mr. Shearer was chairman of the committee on agriculture, and used his influence to organize a State agricultural society, and the normal school at Ypsilanti.
In 1851, he was elected to serve in the State house of representatives, and in 1867, was elected to serve as a member of the convention to revise the constitution of the State. He contributed not a little towards influencing the legislature to select Lansing as the site of the new State Capitol.
Mr. Shearer, at the advanced age of seventy-seven, is still active in body and mind. As an early pioneer, and as a high-minded, honorable citizen, he has long held the respect and high esteem of all those with whom he has been brought in contact, either as a private or a public citizen.
608 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
two thousand dollars is annually appropriated for the enlarge ment of the University library. The medical library contains about fifteen hundred volumes. The law library contains about three thousand volumes. The libraries accessible to the students amount, in the aggregate, to about 30,000 volumes.
In connection with the University there is an astronomical observatory. This was a donation from the citizens of Detroit. The building consists of a main part, with a movable dome, and two wings, one of which contains the rooms for the observer, while in the other is mounted a splendid meridian-circle. This was pre sented to the University by the Hon. H. N. Walker, of Detroit. This instrument is one of the largest and best of its kind in exist ence. The same room contains a sidereal clock, and two collima- tors for the determination of the error of collimation. The west wing contains a chronograph, with Bond's new isodynamic escape ment, for recording observations by the electro-magnetic method. In the dome is mounted a large refracting telescope, with an object glass thirteen inches in diameter.
The collections in the University museum are illustrative of natural science, ethnology, art, history, agriculture, astronomy and materia medica, and are constantly increasing. The geological, zoological and botanical cabinets together are estimated to con tain about 29,000 separate entries, and 100,000 specimens. Besides these there are the departments of the fine arts and history, anatomy and materia medica, and of archaeology and relics, each of which contains numerous specimens.
In this University no charge is made for tuition. The only charges made are, to residents in Michigan, an admission fee of ten dollars ; to those who come from other States, or countries, an admission fee of twenty-five dollars ; and to every student an annual payment of ten dollars. Females are admitted to this University on the same condition as males.
The University is now in a flourishing condition, and is acknowl edged as standing at the head of the educational institutions of America. It has come up through great tribulation, but the glorious results amply compensate for the labor and money expended in bringing it to its present state of perfection.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
609
The whole number of students in the University, as reported in the calendar for 1872-3, is 1,163. Of these 476 are in the department of literature, science and the arts, 357 in the depart ment of medicine and surgery, and 331 in the department of law.
OKEMOS.
The above engraving is a portrait of the noted Indian chief Okemos, who belonged to the Chippewa tribe.
He was born about the year 1788, and the first distinguished act recorded of him is his participation in the attack on Fort Sandusky, in the war of 1812. The commandant of the fort had been ordered to sur render, which, coming to the knowledge of the Indians, made them much bolder than usual, and thay made a charge upon the fort, but were driven back. Cheered on by the chief Tecurnseh and his subordinates, they made a second charge and were again driven back. In this charge, while urging on his braves, Okemos was severely wounded in the shoulder, the bullet passing through his body. He fell to the ground, and as the Indians retreated, the occupants of the Fort made a charge upon them with their cavalry, and as many of the soldiers rode past the wounded chief, they gave him, as they supposed, the finishing blow. 39
610 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
THE STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.
The Michigan State Agricultural College was located under act of the Legislature, by the State Board of Education, about the middle of the year 1855, on a piece of land, purchased for the purpose, situated three and a half miles directly east from Lan sing.
This farm of 676 acres was entirely covered by forest at the time of purchase, but has since developed an excellent diversity of soil for farming and experimental purposes, and sufficient vari ety of contour to render it a beautiful and attractive place.
Under the direction of the Board of Education, there were erected a college hall, boarding hall, three cottages for officers, and a small barn. These were all of brick. The college was opened for students May 13th, 1857, with Joseph R. Williams as presi dent.
The institution continued under the control of the State Board
With that endurance known only to his race, he received these wounds without showing the least sign of life, not even uttering a groan. After the return of the soldiers, he crawled to a swampy piece of woods near by, where he buried himself in the soft soil and leaves, and there remained until the darkness of night afforded him a shelter for escape. Weak from the loss of blood and exhausted by the strife of the day, he mounted a pony which was. grazing near by, and made his way to his camp on the Maumee river, where he remained until his wounds were healed.
Subsequently he participated in many of the Indian depredations on the frontiers, and took part in three different treaties made with General Cass.
Under the influence of the Indian agent, Colonel G. Godfrey, he was induced to forsake the British standard and espouse the cause of the Americans, to whom he remained a true friend until his death.
After the close of hostilities, with his band, he settled on the Looking Glass river, near Lansing, Michigan, where now stands the beautiful vil lage which bears his name.
During his later days, though a, beggar and a constant imbiber of "fire water," he was very proud of his name, and related the brave deeds of his more youthful days Avith great animation and pride.
He died at his wigwam, on the Looking Glass river, in 1863, leaving three sons, one of whom has since followed him to "the happy hunting grounds far beyond the setting sun."
614 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
cattle, horse and sheep barns and piggery, besides smaller tempo rary buildings for experiments, implements, etc., a large brick farm-house and a green-house.
The State Legislature, in 1869, appropriated $30,000 for the erection of the boarding hall, and, in 1871, $10,000 for the chemi cal laboratory. The Legislature has also appropriated at different times about $12,000 for the finishing of some of the buildings. All other expenditures for buildings and other improvements and repairs have been met by sales of swamp lands.
The total value of property at the college, as shown by inven tory, December 1, 1872, is as follows :
Farm of 676 acres $47,320 00
Buildings 116,500 00
Stock 9,387 00
Farm Implements 3,253 00
the whole of the lands of Mackinaw, and at once proceeded to lay out a city on a modern scale.
This gigantic speculation, which must result in great advantages to Michigan, brings Mr. Conkling prominently before the people of the State; and when it is considered to what extent his theory of establish ing a commercial mart at Mackinaw — as we shall proceed to do in this sketch — is sound and practicable, we are left to wonder at his unparal leled foresight and the philosophy of his project.
Of Mr. Conkling's personal history we can say but little, since the space given to this sketch must be occupied by an examination into the merits of his great " Mackinaw City " scheme. He was the originator of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, and was the first to urge the con struction of the Jackson, Lansing and Saginaw Railroad to the Straits of Mackinaw. It is only necessary to observe the growth of these enter prises to be able to comprehend the value of Mr. Conkling's prescience to the prosperity of Michigan.
In looking at the "Mackinaw City" project (in which the reader is aided by the accompanying map), one is at once struck with its feasi bility. With the Northern Pacific Railroad terminating at the extreme southern point of the northern peninsula, and directly across the straits from Mackinaw City, it is evident that, by the aid of some system of ferriage, the great volume of commerce transported eastward by that road must connect with railroads in the southern peninsula of Michigan at Mackinaw City. This will, of itself, do much to induce population to that place, and to furnish a basis of an extensive commercial metropolis.
HISTOKY OF MICHIGAN.
615
Library, Museum and Apparatus $10,000 00
Greenhouse Plants 2,127 00
Apiary 11600
Furniture 3,28600
$191,989
The institution aims to give its students a good practical educa tion that shall make men of them, and enable them to undertake any occupation they may find suited to their tastes.
To this end the course pursued does not differ much from that of other colleges, except that the natural sciences are studied more thoroughly, and classics not at all ; and all branches bearing upon agriculture, those which are of most use to farmers, are very thoroughly investigated. Chemistry and botany are given nearly two years each. Physiology, zoology, geology and entomology are all pursued as far as possible ; and, during the course, the stu-
But this is only one of the many avenues of •wealth that must in the future empty their treasures at Mackinaw City. The immense commerce of the lakes, the growth of which has been unparalleled in the history of
EDGAR CONKLING PROPRIETOR
j
. VT^ J
the world, and the vast mineral, timber and agricultural resources of their shores, which are even now only beginning to attract attention, may well awaken a desire on the part of enterprise to get possession of the key position which is to command and unlock the future wealth of this vast empire. Already six important cities, with an aggregate popu lation of over 600,000 inhabitants, have sprung up on these inland waters, and are the most nourishing of any away from the Atlantic coast. Others are rising into notoriety on the borders of Lake Superior, and must, at no very distant period, become important and active places of business. But, the place of all others, where a city must ultimately spring up and grow into importance, is undeveloped.
The Toledo Blade, speaking of the probable future of Mackinaw City, as projected by Mr. Conkling, says : " The point which projects north-
616 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
dents receive a year of lectures on practical agriculture, the like of which probably cannot be obtained elsewhere in the United States.
A peculiar feature of the institution is its labor system. Stu dents are required to work three hours a day ; and, although they are paid a small sum per hour, the labor is considered a valuable part of the course of instruction. Not that it is expected that students will attain proficiency in all the practices of the farm, or even in any of them ; but the general influence toward the enno bling of labor, the forming and keeping up of habits of industry, and the good eifect upon the health and strength of the students, all tend to make it valuable. Very few students leave the college because of ill health.
The pursuits followed by the graduates show better than any thing else the general influence of their studies.
ward into the lake from the Michigan peninsula to form the strait, is admirably located for a great city. In health and commercial position, it can have no rival in these northern waters. This point has been selected by Mr. Conkling, on which to plant the commercial city of the north. It will hold the key (jointly with her sister on the opposite side of the strait) of all the northern lakes; and should its growth be marked by energy and enterprise, will command the trade of the greatest mining region in the world; be the chief depot of the northern fisheries, the outlet of an immense lumber trade, and the focus of a great net-work of railways, communicating with tropics on the south, and stretching out its iron arms, at no distant day, to the Atlantic on the east, and the Pacific on the west. The proposed city will have the advantage of the most salubrious climate to be found in the temperate zone, and will be the resort of those seeking health as well as those seeking wealth."
We have no space to speak of its commercial position at length. It must be seen at a glance that all the produce which flows through Chicago, Milwaukee and the great west, must sweep by on its way to the east, and all the goods and merchandise of the east must be borne by its wharves on their way to the west, and that it cannot fail to be a point which must spring at once into importance. This grand project of Mr. Conk- ling's is growing rapidly in favor. A good dock has been constructed, the site of the city and its streets surveyed, and such steps taken as will insure its early settlement and near prosperity. Mr. Conkling has appro priated a large tract of his land for the benefit of a university, which he expects will be established at Mackinaw City at an early day.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
617
In spite of all assertions of opponents to the college that its graduates do not engage in agricultural pursuits, the actual facts in the case are found to be as follows :
The occupation of the members of the last graduating class
HON. JOHN S. BARRY.
JOHN S. BARRY, who was governor of Michigan for three terms, was born in the State of Vermont, in 1802.
While he resided in that State he acquired a thorough common school education.
From Vermont, at an early age, he emigrated to Georgia, and settled in the city of Atlanta, where he remained for a number of years, when he removed to the Territory of Michigan, and took up his residence in the town of Constantine, at which place he resided until his death.
Mr. Barry was educated for a lawyer, but disliking the profession, he
618 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
(1872) is not known. Of the sixty-eight graduates of the years 1861 to 1871 inclusive, the occupations are shown in the following list:
Died in the army before engaging in business 2
Farmers and Horticulturists 30
Teachers in Colleges and having charge of Farms or Horticultural
Departments 5
Teachers in Colleges but having no charge of Farms 3
Students in Chemistry 1
Engineers and Surveyors 3
Manufacturers 1
In Medicine or Drug Stores 6
Lawyers 8
Merchants, Agents, etc 4
Clergymen 1
Teachers not in Colleges 4
Total 68
Fifty-eight of these graduates spent four years at least at the college ; all the others spent three. The average age at gradua tion is twenty-two and one-fifth years.
More than one-half the number depended in a large degree, some of them entirely, on their earnings, for the means of gaining an education.
Graduates of the college form part of the faculties of instruc tion in Cornell University, Wisconsin University, Minnesota Uni-
early turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, in which he was emi nently successful.
His first public office was that of a member of the first constitutional convention which assembled and framed the constitution upon which Michigan was admitted into the Union. He took a prominent part in the proceedings of this body, and showed himself to be a man of far more than ordinary ability.
He was chosen one of the first State senators under the new State gov ernment, and so favorably were his associates impressed with his abilities at the first session of the legislature, that he received the nomination and was elected governor of the State in 1841, and reelected in 1842. He was governor of the State during her greatest financial difficulties, and it is to his wisdom and sound judgment that Michigan's finances were placed upon a firm basis.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 619
versity, Iowa Agricultural College, and Michigan Agricultural College. One was selected by Colonel Capron to go with him to Japan, in the agricultural service of its Emperor. One gained the first Walker Prize, for an essay on a topic assigned by the Boston Society of Natural History, and was assistant director in an exploring expedition sent to the Valley of the Amazon. Another was made botanist of an expedition sent from a neighbor ing State into Western Kansas and Colorado. Another is the entomologist, and still another is the meteorologist of the State Pomological Society, and still another is Secretary to the State Bee Keepers' Association; two of them have charge of divisions as assistant engineers on railroads ; three of them have had places on the editorial staff of agricultural papers ; two more farmers have of their own accord given up good places in the faculties of agricultural colleges, and the clergyman has been for several years the president of a farmers' club, whose average weekly attendance is over three hundred persons, and most of the lawyers are not infrequent writers on the subject of agricultural education.
THE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.
When the branches of the University were abolished, their loss was severely felt throughout the State, as they gave a great deal of attention to the training of teachers. Numerous petitions were sent to the Legislature, by parents and teachers, urgently request ing the establishment of a school especially devoted to that object.
In 1840, lie became deeply interested in the cultivation of the sugar beet, and visited Europe in this connection, obtaining much desirable information in regard to it.
In 1849, Mr. Barry was, for the third time, called to the executive chair of the State, and therefore has the reputation of being the only person that ever held that elevated position for three terms. He was twice a presidential elector, and his last public service was that of a delegate to the Democratic national convention held in Chicago in 1864.
Mr. Barry was a man who, throughout life, maintained a high charac ter for integrity and fidelity to the trusts bestowed upon him, whether of a public or a private nature, and he is acknowledged by all to have been one of the most efficient and popular governors our State has ever had. He died at Constantine, on the 15th of January, 1870.
620 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
Accordingly, in 1849, the Legislature passed an act creating a normal school. It was located at Ypsilauti, and opened in 1852. It is under the control of the State Board of Education, consisting of three members chosen by the people. The superintendent of public instruction is ex officio secretary of the board.
This school has been eminently successful, and its value to the State can hardly be ever estimated. The demand for its gradu ates to serve as teachers, in different parts of the State, is more than can be supplied. Professor Estabrook, the principal, reports for the year 1872, an attendance of about four hundred pupils. Eleven teachers are employed to do the work.
ALBION COLLEGE.
Albion College is located at Albion, a thriving village in the central portion of the State. In 1843 the Wesleyan Seminary was opened at Albion. A few years later its charter was so amended that it enjoyed the powers and immunities of a female college. In 1861 its charter was again amended, and Albion Col lege was founded, with full collegiate powers, admitting both ladies and gentlemen to equal privileges, duties and honors.
The institution is under the patronage of the Michigan and Detroit annual conferences of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It is in a nourishing condition, having, in 1872, two hundred and sixteen students.
ADRIAN COLLEGE.
Adrian College is located at Adrian, a beautiful and flourish ing town in the southeastern part of the State. The college was incorporated in 1859, and its first term of instruction commenced the same year. It was formerly under the patronage of the Wes leyan Methodist denomination, but, in 1867, was transferred to the Methodist Church. It is, however, based upon a liberal policy, and its board of trustees and faculty are chosen solely with reference to their fitness for their respective positions, and without reference to whether they belong to that particular religious denomination. Its departments of instruction are open to both sexes, and include thorough classical and scientific courses. Commercial studies, teaching, painting and music are
flISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
621
also included in the course of instruction. Its buildings are handsome and spacious, and are all that could be desired for a first-class institution.
HON. MOSES WISNER.
MOSES WISNER, governor of the State of Michigan in 1859 and I860, was born in Springport, Cayuga county, New York, June 3, 1815.
His early education was only such as could be obtained at a common school, and embraced such branches as are taught to the sons of farmers and others in moderate circumstances.
In 1837 he emigrated to Michigan and purchased a farm in Lapeer county, upon which he labored for two years, when he gave up the idea of living a farmer's life, removed to Pontiac, Oakland county, and com menced the study of law in the office of his brother, George W. Wisner,
622 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
KALAMAZOO COLLEGE.
Kalamazoo College embraces several departments, each, to a considerable extent, distinct from the others. It embraces a college proper, designed to furnish instruction to young men in a course of .study similar to that adopted in the best institu tions of other States. It also embraces a female department, with a four years course, including all the higher branches usu ally taught in colleges of this class. There is also a prepara tory department, open to the youth of both sexes. There is also a commercial department, designed to fit students for any situation in commercial life. There is also a normal depart ment for the training of those who desire to teach.
This college was chartered in 1833, and the first building erected was burned in 1844. The present buildings are fine and costly edifices, and beautifully situated. The village of Kalamazoo is one of the most beautiful and healthful towns in America. It contains about ten thousand inhabitants, and is known as the " big village " of Michigan. In 1872 there were, in all the departments, 207 students.
HILLSDALE COLLEGE.
Hillsdale College is located at the flourishing town whose name it bears. It is under the jurisdiction of the Free-will
and Rufus Hosmer. In 1841 he was admitted to the bar and established himself in his new vocation at the village of Lapeer. While here he was appointed by Governor Woodbridge prosecuting attorney for that county. He did not remain here long, however, but shortly returned to Pontiac, where he became a member of the firm with his brother.
He was in politics a Whig of the Henry Clay stamp, but with a decided anti-slavery leaning. His practice, however, becoming large, he took little part in politics until after the election of Franklin Pierce to the presidency in 1852. In the great struggle respecting the freedom of the territory acquired by the Mexican war, he took a decided stand against the introduction of slavery into it.
On the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska act of 1854, repealing the Mis souri Compromise, he was among the foremost in Michigan to denounce it, and actively participated in organizing and consolidating the elements opposed to it, and was a member of the popular gathering at Jackson in July, 1854, which was the first formal Republican gathering held in the
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 623
Baptist Church. Its buildings are spacious and handsome, and the institution bears a brilliant reputation. Both sexes are admitted on equal terms. In addition to the college proper there are preparatory departments for both ladies and gentlemen; a theological department, a commercial department, a department of music, and a department of art. In 1872 there were 606 stu dents in attendance in all the departments.
OLIVET COLLEGE.
Olivet College is situated in the flourishing town of Olivet, and is one of the leading denominational institutions of the State. It is under the patronage of the Congregational Church. Stu dents are admitted to this college without regard to sex. Besides the college proper there is a preparatory department, to which a normal course has been added within the last two years, and a professorship of the theory and practice of teaching established. The college library numbers over four thousand volumes, and about $400 per annum is expended in the increase of the library, and in the support of the reading room, in which are found the leading magazines and newspapers of the day. The number of students in attendance, during the year 1872, was 307. Of these 124 were ladies and 183 were gentlemen.
United States. At this convention Mr. Wisner was urged to accept the nomination of attorney-general, but declined. He, however, took an active part in the campaign, and had the gratification to see the whole Kepulican ticket elected by a majority of nearly ten thousand.
In the presidential canvass of 1856 he supported the Fremont or Repub lican ticket, and at the session of the legislature of 1857 he was a candi date for the United States senate, and as such received a very handsome support.
In 1858 he was nominated for governor of the State by the Republican convention, and at the subsequent election in November was chosen by a large majority. He served in this capacity for one term, and his adminis tration was marked by a high statesmanship and by a large number of internal improvements which greatly aided in the development of the resources of the State. With the close of his term in January, 1861, he returned to his home in Pontiac and to the practice of his profession.
Upon the breaking out of the rebellion he arranged his private business,
624 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
In addition to the foregoing there are several colleges in dif ferent parts of the State, of more or less importance, prominent among which are the Hope College of Holland, and the Michi gan Female College at Lansing. Another institution of great importance to the State, is
THE STATE REFORM SCHOOL.
This School was established at Lansing, in 1856, and is designed to afford homeless boys an opportunity to escape from a career of crime which would otherwise await them, and to afford such instruction as will enable them, upon leaving the school, to obtain an honest livelihood. It occupies a beautiful building, which overlooks the Grand river, at Lansing. The pupils are chiefly employed in farming and gardening; but a portion of them work at various trades. All the branches of a common school education are taught. A chapel is attached to the school, and everything is done to elevate and reform its inmates.
STATE PUBLIC SCHOOL.
In 1871 the State Legislature passed an act to establish a State public school for dependent and neglected children. The act provided for the appointment, by the Governor, of three com-
and in the spring and summer of 1862 raised the Twenty-second Regi ment of Michigan Infantry and was commissioned its Colonel on the 8th of September of that year. His regiment was sent to Kentucky and quartered at Camp Wallace. Remaining here some time he became impatient at the delay, and this and the hardships of camp life soon made their influence felt upon his health, and he was seized with the typhoid fever and removed to Lexington in that State. Here he received all the aid kind friends and the medical fraternity could bestow upon him, but the malady baffled all skill, and on the 5th of January, 1863, he breathed his last.
As a lawyer Governor Wisner was a man of great ability, with an intrepidity and richness of illustration and a power of argument that rendered him a most formidable opponent His eloquence was at once graceful and powerful, and his logic was irresistible.
He was kind; he was generous and brave; and, like thousands of others, he sleeps the martyr's sleep which his love of country cost him.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
625
missioners for the purpose of selecting a suitable site, and erecting buildings thereon, for this school. The Governor appointed a commission in pursuance of this law, and the beautiful and flour ishing city of Coldwater was selected as the site for the school.
HON. E. RANSOM.
EPAPHRODITUS RANSOM, the seventh governor of the State of Michi gan, was a native of Massachusetts. In that State he received a colle giate education, studied law, and was admitted to the bar.
Removing to Michigan about the time of its admission to the Union, he took up his residence at Kalamazoo.
Mr. Ransom served with marked ability for a number of years in the State legislature, and in 1837 he was appointed associate justice of the supreme court. In 1843 he was promoted to chief justice, which office he retained until 1845, when he resigned. 40
626 GENERAL msTORY OF THE STATES*
The act provides that there shall be received as pupils in this school, those children that are over four and under sixteen years of age, that are in suitable condition in body and mind to receive instruction, who are neglected and dependent, especially those who are now maintained in the county poor houses, those who have been abandoned by their parents, or are orphans, or whose parents have been convicted of crime. The children in the school are to be maintained, and educated in the branches usually taught in common schools, and are to have proper physical and moral training. It is declared to be the object of this act to provide for such children only temporary homes, until homes can be procured for them in families. Preference is given to depend ent and indigent orphans, or half orphans, of deceased soldiers and sailors of this State.
MICHIGAN ASYLUM FOR THE DEAF, DUMB AND BLIND.
A review of the educational institutions of Michigan would not be complete without the mention of the above named benevo lent institution. It is located at Flint, one of the most enter prising and flourishing cities in the State. Operations were begun in this institution in 1854. It has a large number of inmates, who are taught to manufacture wagons, paper boxes, and to weave carpets, mats, etc. They are also taught to read and write, and are enabled to acquire a liberal education. The asy-
Shortly afterwards he became deeply interested in the building of plank roads in the western portion of the State, and in this business lost the greater portion of the property which he had accumulated by years of toil and industry.
Mr. Ransom became governor of the State of Michigan in the fall of 1847, and served during one term, performing the duties of the office in a truly statesmanlike manner. He subsequently became president of the Michigan agricultural society, in which position he displayed the same ability that shone forth so prominently in his acts as governor. He held the office of regent of the Michigan University several times, and ever advocated a liberal policy in its management.
Subsequently he was appointed receiver of the land office in one of the districts in Kansas, by President Buchanan, to which State he had removed, and where he died before the expiration of his term of office.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 627
lum is free to all the deaf and dumb and blind in Michigan, between the ages of ten and thirty years. All are entitled to an education without charge for board or tuition.
MICHIGAN FEMALE SEMINARY.
The " Michigan Female Seminary," located at Kalamazoo, was organized by the adoption of its " articles of association," consti tuting it a corporation, on the fifteenth day of December, A. D. 1856. The powers of the association were vested in twenty-one trustees. An executive committee of five act for the board in the interim between its meetings, with powers to carry out the instruc tions and resolutions of the board.
MICHIGAN FEMALE SEMINARY.
The Board of Trustees have power to fill vacancies in their own body, subject to the ratification of the Synod of Michigan. To guard against any strictly sectarian influence in the manage ment and teachings of the seminary, its charter provides that, " religiously considered, the board of trustees shall secure the inculcation of a pure Christianity, without any preference what ever to any particular church, form or practice."
During the year 1836, the exterior walls of the center part of the seminary were erected and inclosed, but the building remained unfinished until the fall of 1866. It was then finished and fur nished, and now has accommodations for seventy-five pupils, and the proper number of teachers.
628 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
As expressed in the charter, the intent was " to establish, endow and control a seminary of learning, for the education of young ladies in the higher branches of a thorough education, having reference to the entire person, physically, intellectually, morally and religiously considered, and to be essentially modeled after the Mt. Holyoke Seminary, in Massachusetts, founded by Mary Lyon, and the Western Female Seminary, at Oxford."
THE DETROIT MEDICAL COLLEGE.
The Detroit Medical College is one of the most important insti tutions of the kind in the country. It has been established about five years only, but during that time it has secured for itself an enviable reputation.
In estimating the work of this institution, it must be regarded not only in its character as an institution of learning, but also in that of a public charity.
Since its establishment, in 1868, one hundred and nineteen stu dents have received the degree of M. D. No one is permitted to graduate from this institution who has not fulfilled all the follow ing requirements :
Evidences are required of having studied medicine during a period of three years, and attended at least two courses of lectures, of which the last must have been in this institution. He must also have attended clinical instruction for one term, have dissected every part of the cadaver, and have taken a course of analytical chemistry in the laboratory. These are not required on graduation, but every candidate for a degree must write two essays on subjects assigned to him. These essays will have to be defended publicly. Finally, he will be required to pass a satisfac tory written and oral examination in all the fundamental branches in medicine and surgery.
Especial attention is given in this institution to the method of clinical teaching which prevails in the medical colleges of Germany, and which has hitherto been almost completely neglected by those of the United States. The hospitals connected with the college supply a large number of cases for this mode of instruc tion; and it is in this that the institution is to be regarded in the
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
629
light of a public charity. It has been a source of relief to thou sands of the city and country poor. There have been maintained at the expense of the college two dispensaries, at which the poor can obtain, daily (except Sundays), medical and surgical relief
HON. WM. WOODBRIDGE.
WILLIAM WOODBHIDGE, the second governor of Michigan, and a man thoroughly identified with its history for thirty-five years, was born in Norwich, Connecticut, August 20, 1780.
He received his early education in his native State, studied law in Litchfield, in that State, and with his father emigrated to the Northwest territory in 1791, settling in Marietta, Ohio.
In 1806, he was admitted to the bar, in Ohio, and in the following year was elected to the assembly of that State. From 1808 until 1814 he
630 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
free of charge. During the year 1872 there were 1,335 patients treated at these dispensaries ; 8,280 prescriptions were prepared and dispensed gratuitously ; and over two thousand persons were vac cinated. A large number of surgical operations are performed every year, before the class, on hospital and dispensary patients.
THE DETROIT HOMEOPATHIC COLLEGE.
This institution was organized in the fall of 1871, and opened for the first course of lectures early in March following. At the end of the term nineteen were graduated. The whole number of students in attendance was thirty-two.
The second session began November 6th, 1872, and ended the last of February, 1873. The attendance of students numbered fifty-one, and there were twenty graduates, three of whom were ladies. It is a feature of this institution to give to women all its privileges.
was prosecuting attorney of his county and also a member of the Ohio State senate. During the latter year, without solicitation, he received the appointment of secretary of the Territory of Michigan, from Presi dent Madison, and removed to Detroit and entered upon the performance of the duties of his new office. He was elected the first delegate to Con gress from Michigan, in 1819, and forwarded the interests of his con stituents in a manner to elicit the warmest approbation. He was appointed judge of the supreme court of the Territory in 1828, and performed the duties of that office four years. He was one of the mem bers of the convention which framed the State constitution in 1835, and was elected a State senator under it in 1837. He was chosen to succeed Stevens T. Mason as governor of the State in 1839, and served during one term. At the expiration of his term of office as governor, he was elected a United States senator, and served in that capacity from 1841 until 1847. While in the senate, he took a leading part in much of the important legislation of that body, both as a member of a number of the principle committees and also as a debater on the floor of the senate.
His last days were spent in retirement in Detroit, where he died, October 20, 1861.
Governor Woodbridge was an eminent jurist and constitutional lawyer, and at the time of his death, was the oldest and most distinguished mem ber of the Detroit bar. He was a man of true principle and honor, who had served the public for many years with fidelity and integrity, and who died leaving to his children an unblemished name.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
631
The third session began October 15th, 1873, with fifty students, and more daily coming in. The term is expected to close about March 1st, 1874.
The faculty, or corps of instructors, is complete in all depart ments, and the college is claimed to rank with any similar insti tution in this country. The president of the college, particularly, is a gentleman of large experience as a practical physician and as an instructor.
THE DETROIT HOMEOPATHIC COLLEGE.
The Detroit Homeopathic College was organized with the appro val of the Board of Regents of the Uni versity of Michigan, for its becoming a branch of the University, and it is hoped that this result will be brought about, and thus the difficulty which has attended the attempt to introduce homeopathic professors into the allopathic department at Ann Arbor be amicably resolved. This is the wish of the greater portion of the profession in the State, and seems to meet the wishes of those who have the University in charge. So far, it must be confessed, the enterprise is attended
632 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
with complete success, and its founders are uuited in pushing it to the front rank of medical colleges. The fees are the same as are charged students in the University. Thus, to those who are residents of the State, $20 ; to those from other States $35.
The college building is situated in Detroit, at the corner of Woodward avenue and the Campus Martius, and adjoining the Opera House. It is very convenient of access, being in the very center of the city.
The following are the officers and faculty of the college : Presi dent, Lancelot Younghusband, M. D., LL. D. ; Treasurer, Thomas W. Palmer, Esq. ; Secretary, Erastus R. Ellis, M. D. Faculty— L. Younghusband, M. D., LL. D., Emeritus Professor of Theory and Practice ; Benjamin F. Bailey, Jr., M. D., Professor of Theory and Practice of Medicine; Charles H. B. Kellogg, M. D., Pro fessor of Obstetrics and Diseases of Women and Children ; James H. P. Frost, A. M., M. D., Special Lecturer on Psychological Med icine; Erastus R. Ellis, M. D., Professor of Principles and Prac tice of Surgery; Isaiah Dever, M. D., Professor of Materia Medica; Francis X. Spranger, M. D., Professor of Pathology, Diagnosis and Clinical Practice ; Oscar R. Long, M. D., Professor of Anatomy ; John D. Kergan, A. B., M. D., Professor of Physiology ; William C. Clemo, M. D., Professor of Chemistry and Botany; William B. Silber, A. M., M. D., Ph. D., Lecturer on Medical Jurisprudence.
The history of the educational institutions of Michigan would not be complete without a more than passing notice of 'the busi ness colleges. These have within a few years grown into consid erable importance, and filling, as they do, a peculiar vacancy in the chain of educational agencies in the State, should be regarded as constituting a very valuable means of promoting the success and prosperity of mankind. The importance of sound business colleges is seen and recognized the world over. The theme of actual business practice engages the attention of the best mathe matical minds in the country. It is true that this class of educa tional institutions are yet in their infancy, but it is also true that even now their utility is so far recognized by the business com munity that the graduates of these institutions are placed in the highest places as accountants in the commercial arena of America.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
633
Upon this department of education, more than all others, falls
the labor of teaching the language and import of business and
commerce, through whose channels all nations and tongues find intercourse.
HON. O. D. CONGER.
OMAR D. CONGER was born in Cooperstown, New York, in 1818. His father was a clergyman, with whom, in 1824, he removed to Huron county, Ohio. He pursued his preparatory studies at Huron Institute, Milan, Ohio, and graduated at Western Reserve College in 1842. From 1845 to 1847 he was employed in the geological survey and mineral explorations of the Lake Superior copper and iron regions. Having studied law, Mr. Conger, in 1848, engaged in the practice of his profes sion at Port Huron, Michigan, where he has since resided. In 1850, he was elected a judge of the St. Clair county court. He was a senator in the Michigan legislature for the biennial terms of 1855, 1857 and 1859,
634 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
GOLDSMITH'S BRYANT & STRATTON UNIVERSITY.
This institution is located at Detroit, near the post-office, and is presided over by Mr. J. H. Goldsmith, a gentleman who has had a life-long ^experience in this department of education. It was established in 1857, by the present proprietor, as one of the Bry ant and Stratton chain of colleges, and bore the name of Bryant, Stratton and Goldsmith's Business College. It bore this name until 1869, when the last named gentleman purchased the interest of his partners, and became sole proprietor. It may be proper here to remark that upon the death of Mr. Stratton, which occurred about this time, a change in the proprietorship of all the Bryant and Stratton colleges took place, the resident partner in each purchasing the interest of Bryant and Stratton. In order to perpetuate the benefits of the chain scholarship, uniformity of text books, etc., the International Business College Association was organized, which includes a majority of the Bryant and Stratton institutions, as well as a number of other commercial institutions in the United States and Canada. Of this association the college
and in the last term was elected president pro tempo-re of the senate. In 1867, he was a member of the constitutional convention of Michigan. In 1868, he was elected a representative from Michigan to the Forty-first Congress as a Republican, receiving 16,347 votes, against 14,623 for Hon. Byron G. Stout, the Democratic nominee. In 1870, he was reflected to the Forty-second Congress over the same competitor, and in 1872, he was elected to the Forty-third Congress by a majority of between four and five thousand.
On taking his seat in the Forty-first Congress, Mr. Conger was appointed a member of the committee on commerce, and took an active part in legislation. He frequently addressed the house, chiefly on subjects referred to or reported from the committee on commerce. The propriety of his appointment to this committee is evident from the important com mercial interest of his own district, in which it is surpassed by no other portion of the Union not on the sea-board, lying as it docs immediately on the route of the great inland lake trade.
The following is an extract from a speech delivered by Mr. Conger in the house of representatives, June 13, 1870, on the bill for river and har bor appropriations, which aptly illustrates the deep interest he takes in the welfare of his district:
"In closing these remarks, Mr. Speaker, I invoke the attention of this
GOLDSMITH'S BRYANT & STRATTON BUSINESS COLLEGE.
636 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
under consideration became a member ; and it has since pursued a career of continual progress, keeping, pace with the most advanced principles and theories of business. It has a board of trade, college, bank, and mercantile houses of all kinds. In each of these all of the formalities of actual business transactions are regularly gone through with by the students. The regular weekly law lectures are another important feature of this institution.
MAYHEW BUSINESS COLLEGE.
This institution, situated on the corner of Congress and Ran dolph streets, Detroit, was established in Albion, in 1860, and removed to Detroit in 1869. Its founder, the Hon. Ira Mayhew, had had large experience as a teacher, had written valuable works on education, had been two years county superintendent of schools in New York, and eight years superintendent of public instruc tion in Michigan, and was, therefore, well prepared for the suc cessful management of such an institution.
Professor Mayhew has devoted his time and energies to the
house and the country to the great historical fact that appears in all the traditions of the human race, shines through every page of history, through every period of human greatness, through the rise and fall of empires, through all the long successions of national growth and decay, that whatever people controlled the commerce of the world controlled the world itself ; and this, too, whether their municipal power extended over vast realms of sea and land, or was confined to a single city or cir cumscribed island.
"To our legislation, in part, is committed the duty of realizing the lessons of history, and asserting the supremacy of our national com merce.
"Athough the task is difficult, the consummation will be glorious. Over what a world of waters do our laws extend! For what vast high ways of commerce within our own borders must we legislate!
" From the Kennebunk to the Rio Grande, along the thousand miles of coast line we front the Atlantic and woo the traffic of the East. From San Diego to Behring's Straits we welcome across the calm Pacific ' the treasures of Cathay and farthest Inde!'
" Between the two oceans what magnificent inland seas! What vast interlacing rivers! on which ten thousand vessels are wafted by the winds of heaven, or driven by the energy of steam, as they bear onward the
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 637
establishment of a superior business college, worthy of his reputa tion as a teacher, an author, and a school officer. Early in the late war his partner entered the army, and remained until its close. Prof. Mayhew, during this time, conducted his business college, and for three years officiated as collector of internal reve nue for the third district of Michigan, in which he at that time resided. With several years of experience in conducting a busi ness college, in which his practical book-keeping, first published in 1851, was used as a text-book, he found it desirable to employ a fuller and more complete treatise. This led to the preparation of Mayhew's University Book-keeping, which was published in 1868, and which is regarded as a very superior work. A most valuable business practice, employing money and business papers in the great number and variety required for reducing to actual practice the sets of Mayhew's University Book-keeping, was soon prepared, which added greatly to its efficiency as a text-book for business colleges. Institutions using it became strongly attached to it, and urged upon its author the formation of an association to be known as the Mayhew Business College Association.
accumulated wealth and vast commerce of modern civilization; where these are wanting, through the great forests, across the prairies, and over the mountain ranges, the iron track and the tireless engine must supply the necessities of travel and compensate the lack of navigation, and furnish to all these vast regions of our country the modern highways which human genius has devised to supplement the deficiencies of nature and equalize the conditions of locality."
In the Forty- second Congress, Mr. Conger was again assigned a posi tion on the committee on commerce of the house, and frequently addressed that body on the important questions brought before it for legislation.
In the Forty-third Congress, Mr. Conger is third on the committee on commerce, and chairman of the committee on patents, and is acknowl edged to be one of the ablest representatives from his State.
On the 4th of July, 1871, Mr. Conger delivered an oration in Port Huron, from which we give a few extracts, both as illustrating his popu lar style of eloquence, and as giving an interesting view of the commercial importance of his district :
" What thronging memories of the past crowd upon us to-day. The scenery around us is all eloquent of our national growth. On the very spot where we now stand was planted the first settlement of white men
638 GENERAL HISTORY OF TfiE STATES.
This was accordingly done, and the institution, and its patrons, now enjoy whatever of advantage there is to be derived from the cooperation of first-class institutions, situated in different parts of the country.
Students in this institution receive a thorough course of instruc tion, beginning with the rudimentary principles of business and of keeping accounts, after which they are instructed in the differ ent forms of accounts, business correspondence, commercial papers, commercial calculations, the philosophy and morals of business, and in relation to the organization and management of the differ ent kinds of banks. After this preliminary training has been gone through with, instruction is given in double-entry book keeping, and in the manner of opening and closing of books. A number of carefully graded sets of examples for practice are worked by the student, each set embracing a large number and variety of transactions. The elements of commercial law receive proper attention throughout the course.
on the lower peninsula of Michigan. Before the Griffin floated on these waters — before Detroit was discovered or settled — the gallant Du Lhut, with his coureurs des bois, had traversed the eastern shore of Lake Huron from the Ottawa route, and crossing from the low point that guards the foot of Lake Huron, which was then an island, he erected on this mound Fort St. Joseph, and for more than two years held encampment near where we stand, with the beautiful St. Clair before him, the River Dulude (named after him, as you find it in the older maps) in his rear, and Lake Huron sleeping in solitary grandeur within the range of his vision.
" To the adventurous Frenchman and his band of military hunters, and to his companion, the learned and devoted priest, who shared his perils and recorded 'his discoveries, all around was the grandeur of solitude, the mysterious voices of the unexplored wilderness, and the flood of waters rushing to an unknown bourne. Then they were the only Chris- tain inhabitants of Michigan. To-day we number a million and a quarter of souls. Then his few frail boats were all that dotted the face of the lake or river. To-day the rushing of steam, the splashing wheels, the white-winged vessels, the car-laden barge, the graceful yacht, all the living, moving panorama of water life, spreads before you, awakening the delightful consciousness of the prosperity and glory of our beloved land, and gratifying your taste with glimpses of scenery unsurpassed in its quiet beauty and loveliness in any land under the sun."
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 639
This closes our review of the educational institutions of Michi gan. The public schools of the State are free to all pupils within the limits of the district, so that poverty is no bar to the acquire ment of a good common school education. Within the last few years a system of compulsory education has been adopted, making it obligatory upon every w one having the control or custody of children, between the ages of eight and fourteen years, to send them to school for a period of at least twelve weeks in each school year, six weeks of which, at least, shall be consecutive.
Thus we have seen that Michigan, within a period of a little over thirty-five years, has established a system of education unex celled in any of the States, old or new. No people have ever been more prompt to take advantage of the educational facilities offered them than have the people of Michigan. The utmost liberality has been manifested by them in everything that pertains to their- educational interests ; and the good results are every where manifest in the superior intelligence and virtue of the rising generation.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
AGRICULTURE — MANUFACTURES — COMMERCE.
IN regard to the agricultural productions of Michigan, it has already been remarked that no State in the Union produces a greater variety of crops, and few, if any, produce a greater aver age yield per acre of the more important cereals. Of the other western States each one is remarkable for the production of some one or two crops, whilst its soil is unadapted to the growth of any other in profitable quantities. But Michigan produces in great abundance all crops belonging to its latitude. The quality of nearly all agricultural productions of this State will compare favorably with those of any other State in the Union. Its wheat is sought after in all the markets of the east, and the highest price is paid for it. The average yield per acre is greater than in a majority of the States, and in some years outranks, in this respect, every western State east of the Rocky mountains. For the purpose of comparison, the four States immediately surround ing Michigan will be taken, viz : Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin.
In 1870 the average yield per acre of the principal crops/in the five States named, was as follows : Wheat, bushels — Ohio, 13.8 ; Indiana, 11.0; Illinois, 12.0; Wisconsin, 13.4; Michigan, 14.0. Rye— Ohio, 13.8; Indiana, 13.7; Illinois, 16.4; Wisconsin, 13.6; Michigan, 18.2. Oats— Ohio, 31.1 ; Indiana, 28.1 ; Illinois, 26.0; Wisconsin, 27.9 ; Michigan, 35.3. Barley — Ohio, 2.35 ; Indiana, 24.1; Illinois, 20.0; Wisconsin, 26.5; Michigan, 25.0. Buck wheat— Ohio, 16.3 ; Indiana, 19.2 ; Illinois, 18.8; Wisconsin, 20.1; Michigan, 17.3. Potatoes — Ohio, 72; Indiana, 45 ; Illinois, 81 ; Wisconsin, 57; Michigan, 95. Tobacco, pounds — Ohio, 916; Indiana, 850; Illinois, 840; Wisconsin, 900; Michigan, 950. Hay, tons — Ohio, 1.31; Indiana, 1.27; Illinois, 1.18; Wisconsin,
HISTORY OP MICHIGAN.
641
1.34; Michigan, 1.36. Indian corn, bushels — Ohio, 39.0; Indiana, 39.5 ; Illinois, 35.2 ; Wisconsin, 38.0 ; Michigan, 37.0. Thus it will be seen that of the five States named, none of them outrank Michi gan in the average production of any crops, save those of Indian
HON. ISRAEL V. HARRIS.
THE subject of this sketch is a descendant of one of the oldest and best known families in Dutchess county, New York.
He was born at Pine Plains, in that county, April 2d, 1815; received an academic education, and, until his removal to Michigan in 1836, was engaged in farming. His early associates conceded him a prominence, as was evinced by their election of him as first lieutenant in the militia company in which he was enrolled in his eighteenth year; in the suc ceeding year electing him captain, and as such he was commissioned by Governor Marcy, and the title has ever since been attached to him.
In December, 1836, he came to Michigan, and remained in Detroit some three months, from whence he made his way on foot to Grand Rapids, 41
642 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
corn, buckwheat and barley. Of the other six crops, viz : wheat, rye, oats, potatoes, tobacco and hay, Michigan stands ahead. It will be seen that we have taken for the purpose of comparison with Michigan, four of the best agricultural States in the Union. The above figures, and those _which follow, are taken from the census reports for 1870.
In 1850 the total number of acres of land in farms in this State was 1,929,110. Twenty years later the number was swelled to 10,019,142. More than fifty per cent of this land is under culti vation. The total valuation of the farm lands in the State is 6398,240,578 ; of farming implements and machinery $13,71 1,979. The value of all farm productions, including betterments and additions to stock, for the same year was $81,508,623. Animals slaughtered, and sold for slaughter, $11,711,624. Home manu factures, $338,008. Forest products, $2,559,682. Market-garden products, $352,658. Orchard products, $3,447,985. Wages paid during the year, including the value of board, $8,421,161. There were raised during the year, of spring wheat, 268,810 bushels; winter wheat, 15,996,963; rye, 144,508; corn, 14,086,238; oats,
in February, 1837, and soon located about eight miles west from there on Band Creek, at a place now named in honor of him "Victor's Mills." He was mainly instrumental in having the town organized, and named " Tallmudge " The same year he was joined by his brother Silas G., and they began as merchants in Grand Rapids, and were immediately recognized as among the leading men of the city.
They were both ardent Democrats, and there are thousands who will remember the terse logic, the absolute command of language, and the graceful oratory of Silas G. Harris He was elected speaker of the House of Representatives in this-State, in 1850, and was recognized by all as aa impartial, prompt and efficient officer.
In 1843 Captain Harris and Silas were joined by their brother Myron, and the succeeding year they built a mill on Sand Creek and commenced lumbering, which, in connection with large operations in real estate, has since been their business.
For six years in succession Captain Harris was supervisor of the town of Tallmudge, and iu 1852 he was elected to the State Senate in the dis trict, comprising some twenty-three counties, embracing Ottawa and those lying north to Mackinac. His opponent in the senatorial contest was Senator Thomas W. Ferry. In a subsequent contest Senator Ferry
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 643
8,954,466; barley, 834,558; buckwheat, 436,755. Of horses there were 253,670, of which number 228,302 were on farms. Of fibrous productions there were raised, of flax, 240,110 pounds; of wool, 8,726,145 pounds. The other farm productions for the same year were as follows: Hay, 1,290,923 tons; hops, 828,269 pounds; tobacco, 5,385 pounds; sugar, 1,781,855 pounds ; sorghum molasses, 94,686 gallons ; maple molasses, 23,627 gallons ; Irish potatoes, 10,318,799 bushels; sweet potatoes, 3,651 bushels; peas and beans, 349,365 bushels; beeswax, 14,571 pounds; honey,* 280,325 pounds; domestic wine, 21,832 gallons; clover seed, 49,918 bushels; flax seed, 5,528 bushels; grass seed, 2,590 bush els. The value of all live stock in the State, at that time, was given as follows: Total value, $49,809,869; horses, $228,302; mules and asses, $2,353 ; milch cows, $250,859 ; working oxen, $36,499; other cattle, $260,171 ; sheep, $1,985,906 ; swine, $417,- 811. Dairy products— butter, 24,400,185 pounds ; cheese, 670,804 pounds; milk sold, 2,277,122 gallons.
MANUFACTURES.
The census reports for 1870 give the following summary of the principal manufacturing interests of Michigan :
defeated him. The captain has ever since held a prominent position as a leader in the Democratic party of the State. He has been one of the State central committee, but has declined to be a candidate for office.
He is a modest and unobtrusive gentleman, watchful of events, and whose intelligence and social qualities make him not only a genial, but an instructive companion.
In planning railroad enterprises and improvements for the benefit of Grand Haven, where he is largely interested, his sound judgment and practical business tact have placed him in the front rank of the business men of that city.
Coming to Michigan at a time when —
"The rudiments of empire here Were plnstic yet. and warm,"
his intellect, his integrity, and knowledge of the wants of the country, have been widely felt in perfecting those organizations for the conduct of public affairs which make a wilderness secure and preserve order in society. He now lives at Grand Haven, environed by the respect and cordial regard of those among whom his days have been passed almost from boyhood to the vigor of his prime.
644 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
For the manufacture of agricultural implements there were 164 establishments, employing 969 hands, $1,254,759 of capital, pay ing $362,844 for wages, consuming $714,933 worth of material, and producing the value of $1,569,596. Boots and shoes — estab lishments 81, hands 830, wages $372,844, material $587,104, capi tal 578,172, product $1,249,130. Bread, and other bakery pro ducts — establishments 82, hands 306, wages $95,251, material $459,716, capital $291,672, products $684,458. Brick— establish ments 136, hands 1,584, wages $275,331, material $128,665, capi tal $438,800, products $681,480. Carriages and wagons — estab lishments 531, hands 2,239, wages $761,764, material $862,903, capital $1,649,860, products $2,393,328. Cars, freight and passen ger — establishments 3, hands 823, wages $496,058, material $687,282, capital $615,223, products $1,488,742. Clothing - establishments 288, hands 2,593, wages $606,881, material $1,444,- 826, capital $1,085,650, products $2,577,154. Confectionery— establishments 14, hands 89, wages $30,794, material $179,769, capital $57,400, products $261,179. Cooperage — establishments 291, hands 1,139, wages $325,096, material $530,706, capital $438,165, products $1,176,768. Copper, milled and smelted— establishments 19, hands 636, wages $350,909, material $8,499,- 496, capital $1,591,000, products $9,260,976. Flouring mill pro ducts—establishments 305, hands 1,389, capital $5,369,700, wages $519,848, material, $14,882,834, products $17,633,158. Furniture — establishments 246, hands 2,365, capital $2,067,620, wages $660,179, material $679,612, products $1,954,688. Iron, forged and rolled — establishments 3, hands 465, capital $725,000, wages $239, 164, material $446,000, products $780,750. Iron, pigs— estab lishments 17, hands 1,625, capital $2,528,000, wages $844,259, material $1,651,102, products, $2,911,515. Iron, castings, not specified — establishments 196, hands 1,101, capital $1,571,447, wages $519,433, material $1,077,021, products $2,082,532. Lea ther, tanned — establishments 99, hands 479, capital $897,047, wages $192,150, material $1,167,876, products $1,606,311. Leather, curried — establishments 73, hands 249, capital $395,493, wages $87,799, material $833,380, products $1,064,297. Liquors, malt — establishments 128, hands 481, capital $1,327,441, wages
HISTORY OP MICHIGAN.
645
$162,768, material $598,828, products $1,216,286. Looking- glasses and picture frames — establishments 9, hands 330, capital $97,125, wages $90,989, material $111,085, products $281,050. Lumber, planed — establishments 58, hands 488, capital $659,650,
HON. DAVID H. JEROME.
DAVID HOWELL JEROME was born November 17th, 1829, at Detroit. His father dying soon after his birth his mother removed to and lived in Central New York until 1834. when she settled in St. Clair county. David H continued to reside here until 1854. The last year, however, of this period he spent in California, and while there located the claim for the "Live Yankee Tunnel and Mine" at Forest City, which has since proved to be worth millions of dollars. He projected the tunnel and constructed it for 600 feet into the mountain towards the mine.
In 1854 he settled in Saginaw City, and in the following year engaged in trade as a merchant, commencing in general merchandise, and after wards changing to hardware. He is still in this business as the senior
646 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
wages $192,157, material $710,105, products $1,085,860. Lum ber, sawed— establishments 1,180, hands 18,817, capital $26,086,- 445, wages $6,274,374, material $14,045,223, products $31,078,167. Machinery, not specified — establishments 63, hands 685, capital $808,666, wages $371,965, material $687,740, products $1,355,371. Machinery, steam engines and boilers — establishments 31, hands 412, capital $476,743, wages $211,076, material $369,913, pro ducts $723,704. Meat, packed, pork — establishments 4, hands 33, capital $170,000, wages $12,050, material $493,033, products $533,750. Millinery — establishments 114, hands 409, capital $132,700, wages $49,555, material $197,542, products $332,371. Monuments and tomb-stones — establishments 50, hands 242, capi tal $176,175, wages $82,966, material $11 2,603, products $291,782. Paper, printing — establishments 4, hands 170, capital $215,000, wages $50,900, material $257,580, products $384,679. Plaster, ground — establishments 22, hands 240, capital $687,100, wages
partner in the firm of D. H Jerome & Co., who have one of the largest hardware establishments in the Saginaw Valley. He has conducted his business on sound principles, and has amassed a handsome fortune.
In 1862 he was authorized by Governor Blair to raise the regiment apportioned to the Sixth Congressional District, and was commissioned Commandant of Camp with the rank of Colonel, to prepare the regiment for the field. This regiment — the Twenty-third — was placed in camp on the east side of Saginaw river for such preparation. It afterwards made a splendid record in the service.
During 1865-6 Colonel Jerome was military aid to Governor Crapo, and in 1865 he was also appointed a member of the State Military Board, of which he continued a member, and president, until the present year.
In 1862 he was elected to the State senate ; he was reflected in 1864, and again in 1856, serving six consecutive years in that branch of the legislature. In that body he was prominent in the debate in opposition to the legislation authorizing municipal aid to railroads, and after the batch of such measures had gone through both houses, he freely sup ported Governor Crapo's veto and the policy it recommended.
During his entire senatorial services he was chairman of the committee on State affairs as well as a member of other important committees. As such chairman he had much to do in shaping the policy of all the important legislation made necessary by the war. Among other prom inent and humane measures Mr. Jerome brought forward and was instru-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 647
$9*7,702, material $160,391, products $333,600. Printing and publishing — establishments 65, hands 726, capital $697,777, wages $393,999, material $302,104, products $1,071,523. Saddlery and harness — establishments 288, hands 824, capital $460,436, wages $194,497, material $413,637, products $851,388. Salt— establish ments 65, hands 858, capital $1,717,500, wages $331,239, material $410,561, products $1,176,811. Sash, doors and blinds — estab lishments 150, hands 1,305, capital $1,279,200, wages $564,959, material $835,852, products, $1,868,596. Ship-building, repairing and materials — establishments 26, hands 637, capital $547,000, wages, $233,031, material $271,064, products $709,384. Tin, cop per and sheet-iron ware — establishments 260, hands 835, capital $487,515, wages $256,595, material $437,998, products $967,972. Tobacco and cigars — establishments 6, hands 205, capital, $228,500, wages $67,105, material $445,660, products $717,640. j. Tobacco, chewing, smoking and snuff — establishments 9, hands 470, capital
mental in procuring the passage of the bill creating the Soldiers' Home at Harper Hospital in Detroit.
It was largely due to his influence that the proceeds of the swainp lands have been so largely saved to assist local improvements in the new counties. His whole legislative career was characterized by a faithful devotion to the interests of the State and of his constituents, as well as by intelligent industry, practical wisdom, and unquestioned integrity. He never traded votes with his associates for the purpose of getting aid on his local bills, but treated all bills alike and left his own to be considered on thuir merits. The expediency of this manly course was emphatically illustrated in his experience. At the same session in which the bills for municipal aid to railroads and other like enterprises were vetoed by the Governor, a bill came before the senate for such aid for a plank road leading to Senator Jerome's place of residence. His action on that bill was looked for with curious interest. After it had been vetoed and reconsidered, he arose in the senate and frankly stated his interest in the road and his conviction that that particular bill was right. He expressed himself with such felicity, and defined his position with such consum mate address, that the bill was carried over the veto by twenty-two of the twenty-eight senators present voting for it.
His splendid qualifications as a legislator so usefully and honorably exercised in the senate doubtless led to his appointment as one of the commissioners, in 1873, to prepare a new State constitution. In this
646 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
wages $192,157, material $710,105, products $1,085,860. Lum ber, sawed— establishments 1,180, hands 18,817, capital $26,086,- 445, wages $6,274,374, material $14,045,223, products $31,078,167. Machinery, not specified — establishments 63, hands 685, capital $808,666, wages $371,965, material $687,740, products $1,355,371. Machinery, steam engines and boilers— establishments 31, hands 412, capital $476,743, wages $211,076, material $369,913, pro ducts $723,704. Meat, packed, pork — establishments 4, hands 33, capital $170,000, wages $12,050, material $493,033, products $533,750. Millinery — establishments 114, hands 409, capital $132,700, wages $49,555, material $197,542, products $332,371. Monuments and tomb-stones — establishments 50, hands 242, capi tal $176,175, wages $82,966, material $11 2,603, products $291,782. Paper, printing — establishments 4, hands 170, capital $215,000, wages $50,900, material $257,580, products $384,679. Plaster, ground — establishments 22, hands 240, capital $687,100, wages
partner in the firm of D. H Jerome & Co., who have one of the largest hardware establishments in the Saginaw Valley. He has conducted his business on sound principles, and has amassed a handsome fortune.
In 1862 he was authorized by Governor Blair to raise the regiment apportioned to the Sixth Congressional District, and was commissioned Commandant of Camp with the rank of Colonel, to prepare the regiment for the field. This regiment — the Twenty-third—was placed in camp on the east side of Saginaw river for such preparation. It afterwards made a splendid record in the service.
During 1865-6 Colonel Jerome was military aid to Governor Crapo, and in 1865 he was also appointed a member of the State Military Board, of which he continued a member, and president, until the present year.
In 1862 he was elected to the State senate ; lie was reelected in 1864, and again in 1856, serving six consecutive years in that branch of the legislature. In that body he was prominent in the debate in opposition to the legislation authorizing municipal aid to railroads, and after the batch of such measures had gone through both houses, he freely sup ported Governor Crapo's veto and the policy it recommended.
During his entire senatorial services he was chairman of the committee on State affairs as well as a member of other important committees. As such chairman he had much to do in shaping the policy of all the important legislation made necessary by the war. Among other prom inent and humane measures Mr. Jerome brought forward and was instru-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 647
$9*7,702, material 8160,391, products $333,600. Printing and publishing — establishments 65, hands 726, capital $697,777, wages $393,999, material $302,104, products $1,071,523. Saddlery and harness — establishments 288, hands 824, capital $460,436, wages $194,497, material $413,637, products $851,388. Salt— establish ments 65, hands 858, capital $1,717,500, wages $331,239, material $410,561, products $1,176,811. Sash, doors and blinds — estab lishments 150, hands 1,305, capital $1,279,200, wages $564,959, material $835,852, products, $1,868,596. Ship-building, repairing and materials — establishments 26, hands 637, capital $547,000, wages, $233,031, material $271,064, products $709,384. Tin, cop per and sheet-iron ware — establishments 260, hands 835, capital $487,515, wages $256,595, material $437,998, products $967,972. Tobacco and cigars — establishments 6, hands 205, capital, $228,500, wages $67,105, material $445,660, products $717,640. ^Tobacco, chewing, smoking and snuff— establishments 9, hands 470, capital
mental in procuring the passage of the bill creating the Soldiers' Home at Harper Hospital in Detroit.
It was largely due to his influence that the proceeds of the swamp lands have been so largely saved to assist local improvements in the new counties. His whole legislative career was characterized by a faithful devotion to the interests of the State and of his constituents, as well as by intelligent industry, practical wisdom, and unquestioned integrity. He never traded votes with his associates for the purpose of getting aid on his local bills, but treated all bills alike and left his own to be considered on their merits. The expediency of this manly course was emphatically illustrated in his experience. At the same session in which the bills for municipal aid to railroads and other like enterprises were vetoed by the Governor, a bill came before the senate for such aid for a plank road leading to Senator Jerome's place of residence. His action on that bill was looked for with curious interest. After it had been vetoed and reconsidered, he arose in the senate and frankly stated his interest in the road and his conviction that that particular bill was right. He expressed himself with such felicity, and defined his position with such consum mate address, that the bill was carried over the veto by twenty-two of the twenty-eight senators present voting for it.
His splendid qualifications as a legislator so usefully and honorably exercised in the senate doubtless led to his appointment as one of the commissioners, in 1873, to prepare a new State constitution. In this
648 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
$847,500, wages $160,250, material $697,904, products $1,131,743. Tobacco, cigars — establishments 99, hands 581, capital $225,202, wages $214,575, material $304,741, products $723,140. Wooden ware — establishments 17, hands 227, capital $324,200, wages $69,774, material $87,795, products $257,710. Wood, turned and carved — establishments 43, hands 282, capital $206,825, wages $85,262, material $92,703, products $309,590. Woollen goods- establishments 38, hands 585, capital $858,200, wages $174,872, material $530,064, products $996,203.
This must not be understood to include all the manufacturing industries of the State. Only the principal ones are included, and of the industries here specified those establishments produc ing less than the value of $500 per year are left out. If all were included it would swell the amount enormously. In another table the grand totals for Michigan are given as follows :
Manufacturing establishments 9,455 ; steam engines employed,
body, which has just concluded its labors, he was chairman of the com mittee on finance. He took a leading part in the debates and consult ations on all the important questions that the commission had to deal with, and a prevailing influence in moulding many of the new provisions. While he opposed unfettered monopoly, he steadily fought against the insertion in the organic law of restrictions that were dictated by mere hostility to railroad and other corporations. He intelligently insisted that they were indispensable in the conduct of the business of the country, and they should not be crippled in the exercise of their proper func tions; that it is safer and wiser to leave it to the legislature to correct abuses as they arise.
Mr. Jerome is a man of great force of character, careful and deliberate in the formation of his opinion, but steadfast in them when formed, and persevering in carrying them out in practice. He is kind and genial in his social nature, and well calculated to exercise a powerful and general influence over the popular mind. He is every day the same bland and cultivated gentlemen. He is ever keenly alive to every scheme aiming at the moral, intellectual and material advancement of his fellows, and ever ready with labor and money to cooperate. He deserves and enjoys the distinction of being a pleasant, social gentleman, a model business man, a public spirited and exemplary citizen, and a statesman of fair stature, who displays in his public capacity all the virtues that adorn and beautify his daily life. J. G. S.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
649
2,215, having a total horse-power of 70,956; water-wheels employed 1,500, having a total horse-power of 34,895; hands 63,694, of whom 58,347 are males above 16 years of age, 2,941 are females above the age of 15, and 2,406 youth; aggregate capi-
GEORGE WILLARD.
GEORGE WILLARD was born in Bolton, Vermont, March 20, 1824, and emigrated with his parents to Michigan in 1836, and settled in Battle Creek, where he now resides. In 1856 he was elected a member of the State board of education, and occupied the position for six years. He has also been for the last ten years a regent of the University, and dur ing that time has held the chairmanship of the committee in the classical department. Upon the board of regents, he strenuously advocated the admission of women into the University, and introduced the resolution for that measure, which was finally adopted.
Mr. Willard was .a member of the Michigan house of representatives in 1867, and also of the constitutional convention in the same year, serv-
650 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
tal employed 871,712,283; wages, $21,205,355; materials, $68,- 142,515; products, $118,394,676.
COMMERCE.
There can be no question of the immense superiority of the commercial advantages possessed by Michigan over those of any other State in the Union. Her natural harbors are numerous, and so favorably located as to require but little expense or labor to make them available for all classes of shipping. Her coast line is longer than that of any other State, it being not less than one thousand four hundred miles in length, and her shores are washed by the waters of navigable lakes whose combined area is eighty-four thousand square miles. With these great inland seas almost surrounding her, with her numberless water-courses flow ing through her gigantic forests of pine, and emptying at con venient distances into the great highways of commerce, with her long Hues of railroad traversing the State in every direction, she enjoys advantages which many an empire might envy, and which few nations of the world possess.
On the twentieth day of May, 1819, a little over fifty years ago, the steamer Wai k-in-the- Water landed at Detroit. This was the first steamboat that made its appearance on the lakes. She was commanded by Captain Jedediah Rogers, and occupied a whole week in making the trip to Black Rock. Two years later, this celebrated pioneer steamer was wrecked near Buffalo. Other steamers and numerous sailing vessels soon followed, each year increasing the number and improving the quality of each .kind, until 1855, which was about the culminating period of passenger traffic on the lakes. At that time there were from eight to ten departures of passenger steamers daily from Detroit to the ports on Lake Erie alone. Since that time the railroads have absorbed most of the passenger traffic ; but the number of freight vessels
ing in both bodies as chairman of the committee on education, and in 1872, was elected to Congress from the Third Congressional District. He is editor and publisher of the Battle Creek Journal, a daily and weekly newspaper, and was a delegate at large from this State to the last Republi can national convention.
652 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
of all kinds has increased with wonderful rapidity. It is esti mated that the tonnage on the lakes is, and has been for a number of years, increasing at the rate of twenty per cent each year. And yet it no more than keeps pace with the growth of the State and the great Northwest. Each year produces an increase in the size and an improvement in the character of the vessels built.
In this connection it is proper to mention the fact that within the last few years a change has been gradually taking place in the character of the freight vessels, and the mode of freight transportation on the lakes. Up to 1864 or 1865, the only method of transporting freight by water was by the common, well known steamers, propellers, and sailing vessels. At that time what may justly be called a new era was inaugurated by the building of steam barges. These for a time were run independently, and used for the transportation of lumber. In process of time the steam barges began to be utilized for towing other barges laden with lum ber. This at once lessened the cost of building freight trans ports, decreased the amount of help necessary to man them, and increased the carrying capacity of the bottoms by dispensing with masts and machinery. This method, as intimated, was first used in the lumber trade, but gradually extended to other freights, and present indications seem to point to a total revolution in the carrying trade of the lakes. The accompanying engraving repre sents one of the finest of the steam barges here spoken of. A glance will show how admirably this model is adapted to the end in view. In addition to the great amount of freight capacity, both in the hold and on deck, this class of vessels is provided with machinery capable of towing from four to ten common barges, whose aggregate carrying capacity amounts to millions of feet of lumber.
Common usage has given these vessels the name of " barges " — a name which, applied to this class of vessels, would convey an erroneous impression to the general reader, inasmuch as it is com monly used to designate an inferior order of freight transports. A glance at the engraving will show that in point of beauty of model, they are not inferior to the finest specimens of marine architecture. They are as substantially built as [the best propel-
STSTORY OF MICHIGAN. 653
lers, and their machinery is inferior to none. Properly speaking, the name of propeller should be applied to them. These facts are mentioned, and this engraving is presented, for the reason that the class of vessels which is thus represented is destined to revolu tionize the carrying trade of the great lakes.
HON. O. M. BARNES.
ORLANDO M. BARNES, of Mason, Michigan, was born in Ira, Cayuga county, New York, November 21, 1824.
Mr. Barnes is a descendant from the Puritans of New England, his ancestors having been among the early settlers jof Plymouth colony, Massachusetts.
In 1837, his father and family emigrated to Michigan, and settled in Aurelius, Ingham county. The settlement of this county had just com menced at that time, and this family were among the pioneer settlers of Aurelius township.
Mr. Barnes received a thorough education, graduating from the Michi-
654 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
In 1859 the total number of vessels navigating the waters'oi the great lakes, all of which paid tribute to Michigan, was over sixteen hundred, with an aggregate carrying capacity of about 14,000 tons.
In 1873 the carrying capacity of the vessels belonging to Detroit alone amounted in the aggregate to 129,180 tons.
Reduced to tabular form, the carrying capacity of Michigan vessels stands thus :
Number of steam craft in Detroit 106
Number of sail craft, including barges, in Detroit 139
Total in Detroit , 245
Number of steam craft owned in other towns in Michigan 69
Number of sail craft owned in other towns in Michigan, includ ing barges 151
Total in Michigan outside of Detroit 210
Aggregate number in Michigan 455
Carrying capacity of steam craft in Detroit, in tons. . 63,886 Carrying capacity of sail craft in Detroit, including
barges 65,294
Total in Detroit 129 , 180
Carrying capacity of steam craft in State outside of
Detroit 15 , 388
Carrying capacity of sail craft in the State outside of
Detroit, including barges 44,063
Total in State outside of Detroit 59,451
Aggregate carrying capacity of Michigan vessels 188,631
gan University with the class of 1850, and receiving the degree of master of arts from that institution four years later.
Having selected the law for his profession, he began its study, and after devoting himself diligently to it through a regular course of instruc tion, he was admitted to the bar in 1851.
In the following j^ear, he married Miss Amanda W. Fleming, of Albion, Michigan.
The first years of Mr. Barnes' professional practice were attended with more than ordinary success He was made prosecuting attorney of his county, and held the position during the first five years he was a mem ber of the bar.
Retiring from this office, his abilities were given a wider field of opera-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 655
Total capacity of steam vessels of the State including
Detroit 79,275
Total capacity of sail vessels of the State including
Detroit 109 , 356
Aggegate, as above stated 188,031
Value of steam vessels in State outside of Detroit, $1,063,020 Value of sail vessels in the "State outside of Detroit 1,248,240
Total in the State outside of Detroit $2,311,260
Value of steam vessels in Detroit $3, 818, 500
Value of sail vessels in Detroit . . 2 , 539 , 600
Total in Detroit 6,358,100
Aggregate value of vessel property in Michigan $8,669,360
It is proper to state that the number of vessels here represented is taken from the register of the board of underwriters, and rep resents only those that are insurable under the strict rules of that board. There are hundreds of others that ply the waters of our lakes and rivers, that are not included in this estimate, whose aggregate tonnage would swell these figures largely, and whose trade forms no insignificant item in the commerce of the State.
tions, and they with his untiring energy and devotion to business soon gained him a position among the first lawyers in the interior of the State.
In the fall of 1863, he was elected a member of the State legislature, and took a prominent part in the proceedings of that body during its sessions in 1863-4.
Shortly after his service in the State legislature, he, in a great measure, withdrew from his legal practice, devoting himself more particularly to his railroad enterprises. Mr. Barnes has been connected with the Jackson, Lansing and Saginaw Railroad since its organization, and to his ability, energy and perseverance, the success of this important measure is to a great degree attributable. lie has been the secretary and attorney of this company since its commencement, and is now also its land commis sioner. Mr. Barnes has proven himself an able railroad man, showing a keen foresight and clear judgment upon all questions connected with the building and running of a first class railroad in these days of close com petition.
In bis business and social relations, he has made many warm friends throughout the State and country, and it can safely be said that but few men are held in such universal esteem at their homes as he is in Mason, the place of his residence.
656 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
In this connection it may not be uninteresting to note the amount of commerce that passed through the Detroit river in 1872. The following figures are made from information derived from the custom houses and boards of trade at Chicago, Milwau kee, Detroit, Toledo, Sandusky, Cleveland, Erie, Buffalo, Tona- wanda, and Welland Canal, and for which we acknowledge our indebtedness to the courtesy of George W. Bissell, Esq., of the Detroit Board of Trade :
TONNAGE OF FREIGHT THROUGH DETROIT RIVER IN 1872.
TONS.
Lumber, 971,977,849 feet, which reduced to tons amounts to. . 1,943,954
Coal 1,109,196
Grain, 75,146,567 bushels, equals 2,028,857
Flour, 800,034 barrels, equals 86,403
Iron ore, scrap, pig and railroad iron 985 , 621
Salt, 616,000 barrels, equals 92,400
Staves 108,693
Received at Detroit from small vessels 373 ,468
General merchandise 876,789
ENTERED AND CLEARED AT DETROIT, NOT BEFORE INCLUDED.
Vessels of 150 tons, and under 328,717
Vessels over 150 tons 1,182,472
Total tons 9,116,570
CARRYING CAPACITY OF THE LAKE MARINE.
NUMBER. TONS.
Sail vessels 1 ,542 423,655
Steam vessels 529 171,079
New vessels, steam and sail 134 167,500
Totals 2,205 762,234
Whole estimated value $50,000,000
It will be seen by comparing the above figures with those we have given for the State, that over seventeen per cent, in value, of the lake shippiag is owned in Michigan ; and that the car rying capacity of the vessels of Michigan amounts to over twenty- five per cent, or more than one-fourth, of the whole tonnage of the lakes. The apparent discrepancy between the two per cent- ages is accounted for by the fact that the lumber barges heretofore
HIST6RY OF MICHIGAN. 657
alluded to, possess a much greater carrying capacity, in proportion to their cost, than other vessels. As most of these barges are owned in Michigan the apparent discrepancy will be readily understood.
It will be seen by the foregoing that the commerce of the lakes increases enormously from year to year, notwithstanding the num ber of railroads that span the continent and traverse the State in all directions. This wonderful growth of the lake marine, how ever, no more than keeps pace with the demands of trade in the great Northwest. Nor is there any prospect in the near future of any diminution in the rate of increase. The time is not far dis tant when the loading of ships at our wharves with merchandise for Liverpool will be the rule instead of the exception. Quite a large direct trade with Europe has already been established ; but with the building of canals now in contemplation, or the enlarge ment of those now in existence, that trade will swell to enormous
proportions.
42
CHAPTER XXXIX.
MINERAL SPRINGS OP MICHIGAN — THEIR DISCOVERY — ANALYSES OF THE WATERS — THE LOCATION OF EACH — THE ST. Louis SPRING — ALPENA — MIDLAND — EATON RAPIDS — SPRING LAKE — LANSING — FRUITPORT — BUTTERWORTH'S — Owosso — HUBBARDSTON — LESLIE — MOUNT CLEMENS.
Within the last four or five years Michigan has acquired a national reputation as a watering place and a resort for invalids. This is owing to the discovery that the water flowing from arte sian wells in various parts of the State is highly charged with various minerals that are recognized by physicians as valuable in the treatment of disease.
The first discovery of this kind was made at St. Louis, Gratiot county, in the summer of 1869. In that year a company began boring for salt water. At the depth of 200 feet a vein of water was struck which spouted up to the height of twenty-four feet above the surface. The tube was three and a half inches in diameter, and it delivered 300 gallons of water per minute. The water was beautifully clear and cold, and to the taste was barely perceptibly alkaline. It was not saline, and was therefore aban doned for manufacturing purposes. An accident finally revealed the fact that pieces of iron or steel held in the water a few min utes became charged with magnetism. This led to further experi ments, resulting in the discovery that the water possessed medical properties invaluable in the treatment of various forms of disease. An analysis of the waters was made by Prof. Duffield, which con firmed the opinion as to their value, and the wells soon became a resort for hundreds of the afflicted. This led to further searches in different parts of the State, and the result is that nearly a hun dred wells of water have been found to possess (as their friends claim) magnetic properties. Upwards of twenty of these have
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
659
been advertised as containing mineral qualities, and those that have been analyzed show the statement to be correct. It is proper to state in this connection that the question in regard to the magnetic properties claimed for these springs is still an open one.
HON. A. C. BALDWIN.
AUGUSTUS C. BALDWIN was born at Salina, in the State of New York, December 24, 1817.
When but five years of ?.ge, he lost his father by death, and was thrown upon his own resources for support. By unremitting industry, he gained a comfortable livelihood, and acquired a thorough English education.
In 1837, he settled in Oakland county, Michigan, where he studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1842. He began the practice of his profession at Milford, but soon removed to Pontiac, Oakland county, where he has since resided, ,and where he is still in regular practice. f .
660 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
Scientific men differ on this point ; but as to their mineral proper ties there is no room for doubt.
In the following pages the analyses of the more prominent wells will be given, the order of their arrangement having no reference to the date of their discovery or their value in the treat ment of disease. In regard to the latter point, the analysis will be the best guide ; some being adapted to the treatment of one class of diseases and others to another. It is not in the province of the historian to discriminate. Many of them are extensively patronized, and thousands of remarkable cures have been reported.
ST. LOUIS MAGNETIC SPRINGS.
St. Louis is a quiet and pleasant little town of about 1,500 inhabitants, situated about 34 miles west of Saginaw, and is reached by the Saginaw Valley and St. Louis Railroad. It has four hotels, capable of accommodating three or four hundred guests. A commodious bath house has been erected at the well, and is under the supervision of Dr. Silas Kennedy, resident physi cian. The following analysis of this water was made by Dr. Samuel P. Duffield, of Detroit Medical College. It is calculated on the imperial or wine gallon, S. G. 1011.
Mr. Baldwin was a member of the legislature of Michigan in 1844 and 1846; prosecuting attorney for Oakland county in 1853 and 1854, and representative for the (then) fifth congressional district of Michigan, in the Thirty-eighth Congress of the United States, serving upon the com mittee on agriculture and the committee on expenditures in the Depart ment of the Interior.
His political affiliation has. always be r. with the Democratic party. He was a delegate to the national Dcmoci'ii-e conventions at Charleston and Baltimore in 1860, and at Chicago in 1864.
He has devoted a considerable portion of -his fortune to the acquisition of an extensive library in the depart men IP of law and literature. In 1871, he was in possession of one of only ;,uee complete sets of Ameri can Reports in the United States, for some single volumes of which he paid as high a price as $75. This valuable1 and rare collection was sold to the Bar Association of Kansas city, Missouri. His private library consists of about 7,000 volumes, and his collection of paintings is one of the finest in Michigan.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
661
Sulphate lime, 66.50 ; silicate lime, 6.72 ; chloride, a trace ; bicarbonate soda, 106.40; bicarbonate lime, 69.40; bicarbonate magnesia, 17.50; bicarbonate iron, 1.20; silica, free, 2.88; organic matter and loss, 2.00; total constituents, 272.60. Bicar-
HON. CHARLES RYND, M. D.
THE subject of the present sketch is emphatically a self-made man. Unaided by any circumstances of birth or fortune, he has by sheer force of intellect, by industry and by indomitable persistence of purpose, attained a position of honor among men, socially, politically and as an eminent practitioner of medicine. He was born December $8, 1836, in the county of Donegal, Ireland, and belongs to that race of Protestant Irishmen which has given to the world so many persons eminent in the various walks of life. In May, 1851, not yet fifteen 3rears of age, but having received, for a boy of his age, the ground-work of a first-class education, he came to this country alone, landed in New York city in June, and from thence went directly to Canada. His experience in
662 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
bonates, 194.50 ; free carbonic acid in gallon, 6.21 ; sulphureted hydrogen, traces. Total mineral matter in gallon, 276.81.
ALPENA MAGNETIC WELL.
This well is situated in the town of Alpena, on Thunder bay, about 100 miles south of Mackinaw. It is a very pleasant, thriving town, and posesses many advantages as a summer resort, having good hotel accommodations, bathing facilities, churches and billiard tables. The place is reached by steamer from Detroit and Saginaw. The chemical analysis shows the following constit uent elements of the water :
Bicarbonate of soda, 15,736 grains; bicarbonate of lime, 55,136 ; bicarbonate of magnesia, 62,920 ; bicarbonate of iron, 1,840; sulphate of lime, 30,056; 'silica and aluminum, 3,088; chloride of sodium (salt), 68,256 ; organic matter and loss, 928 ; total, 237,960. Total mineral constituents 237,032 grains; sulphu reted hydrogen gas, 3.91 cubic inches ; carbonic acid gas, a trace.
MIDLAND MAGNETIC SPRING.
This well is situated in the town from which its name is derived, a thriving village on the Tittabawassee river. It is about 20 miles northwest of Saginaw, and is reached by the Flint and Pere Marquette Railway. It has good hotel accommodations, and a
Canada was that of every boy, either here or there, who is thrown entirly on his own resources. What he secured, either in money or knowledge, was honestly earned. He worked on a farm, clerked in the store of Hon. T. B. Guest, of St. Mary's, since a member of parliament, and afterwards assumed charge of a large school, which he managed with marked ability and success for five consecutive years. During these years he made good use of his spare time.
Under the private tuition of a Presbyterian clergyman he became a good classic scholar. He wrote largely for the Toronto journals, and studied medicine under the instruction of Dr. Daniel Wilson, a dis tinguished and scholarly practitioner of St. Mary's. Anxious to enlarge his acquisitions in this direction, he left the Dominion and entered the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he took a thorough course of instruction, not only in medicine, but also in the chemical laboratory. While in the university, he was the private pupil and assistant of Profes-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 663
good bath house has been opened in connection with the well. An analysis of its waters shows it to contain, in one imperial gallon :
Sulphate of lime, 4.4591 grains; sulphate of potassa, 82.1930 ; sulphate of soda, 22.0690; phosphate of alumina, 1.7287, chlor ide of calcium, 6.2194; chloride of magnesium, 2.1948; chloride of sodium, 32.7025 ; silica, 2.9631; organic .matter, 2,4692 ; loss, 3.2120; total salts, 160.2108.
EATON RAPIDS MAGNETIC SPRINGS.
These wells are in the town of Eaton Rapids, twenty-five miles northwest from Jackson, on Grand river, and are reached by the Grand River Valley Railroad. It is a beautiful, enterprising and healthful town, and has become within a few years an exceed ingly popular summer resort. Seven wells are found here, each one being connected with a hotel, and possessing ample bathing facilities. The Frost well is the oldest, and bears the following analysis, by Professor Duffield :
Sulphate of lime, 4.64 grains ; carbonate of lime, 46.24 ; car bonate of magnesia, 9.11; carbonate of iron, 2.38; chloride of sodium, 9.21 ; silica, 15.74 ; organic matter and loss, .90. Total mineral contents of one imperial gallon, 88.22 ; total carbonic acid, 22.22 cubic inches.
sor M. Gunn, now of Rush Medical College, Chicago. In the spring of 1859, he graduated with honor, and devoted the following summer to hospital practice, settling in Adrian in November of the same year, where he has ever since resided. He has, since his residence in Adrian, served four years in the common council, where he inaugurated several important measures of civic reform, which have since been copied by nearly all the leading cities of the State. He has also served as president of the board of education with credit to himself, and advantage to the city. In the spring of 1871, he was, after a somewhat warm contest, nominated by the State Republican convention as a candidate for regent of the university, and was elected by a very large majority, his vote at home showing the appreciation in which he was held. In the city of Adrian, he ran ahead of his colleagues, on the State ticket, nearly 900 votes, and he also ran largely ahead in all parts of the county. Dr. Rynd has always been an indefatigable worker. His will secures
664 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
The Shaw spring, analyzed by Prof. Kedzie, of the State Agricultural College, bears the following analysis :
Cubic inches per gallon of carbonic acid gas, 15.97 ; solid resi due left on evaporating one gallon, 90.45 grains. An analysis of the residue shows the following : Sulphate of lime, 48.13 grains ; carbonate of lime, 20.74; carbonate of magnesia, 3.84; carbonate of iron, 2.23 ; carbonate of soda, 11.57 ; carbonate of potassa, 1.27 ; chloride of sodium, .90 ; silica acid, 1.40 ; organic matter and loss, .90.
Professor Kedzie also analyzed the Mosher spring, with the following result :
Sulphate of lime, 45.16 grains ; carbonate of lime, 19.43; car bonate of magnesia, 4.52; carbonate of iron, 1.00; carbonate of potassa, 1.15; carbonate of soda, 5.38; chloride of sodium, 90; silicic acid, 2.54 ; organic matter and loss, .85. Total solid con tents in grains, 79.23 ; cubic inches carbonic acid gas, 15.38.
Dr. C. T. Jackson, State Assayer of Massachusetts, made the following analysis of the Sterling spring :
Sulphate of lime, 55.20 grains; sulphate of soda, 12.59; sul phate of magnesia, 9.40 ; carbonate of soda and chloride of sodium, 5.21 ; carbonate of iron, 2.80. Total solid contents, 85.20.
Professor Kedzie also made the analysis of the Bordine spring with the following result ;
success in every work he undertakes. Possessed of a vigorous constitu tion and being extremely simple and temperate in all his habits, he has secured a large and remunerative practice, has secured also a comfortable competence, and has invested largely in industrial interests in the city of his residence. His action on the board of regents has been characterized by an intelligent liberality, a keen insight into the necessities of the university, and an intense hatred of shams and dishonesty. In the sum mer of 1873, he was tendered a professorship in the medical department of the university, which he declined.
He is a very ready writer, a fluent and vigorous public speaker, a hard worker, keeps a keen and intelligent watch of public affairs, is a warm friend to those he esteems, liberal to a fault, thoroughly independent — is, in short, a good citizen, public spirited and enterprising, ever on the side of right and justice — a good illustration of what may be accomplished by energy, industry and integrity under adverse and untoward circum stances.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
665
Sulphate of lime, 57.50 grains ; bicarbonate of lime, 40.47 ; bicarbonate of magnesia, 8.40 ; bicarbonate of potassa, 3.00 ; bicarbonate of soda, 5.05 ; bicarbonate of iron, 2.25 ; chloride of sodium, 1.50; silicia, 2.00. Total grains in a gallon, 120.17; cubic inches carbonic acid, 17.35.
HON. HENRY H. CRAPO.
HENRY H. CRAPO, the fourteenth governor of Michigan, was born in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, May 24th, 1804.
He received his education in that State, and took up his residence in New Bedford, where he remained for many years.
Mr. Crapo removed to Michigan in 1857, and settling in the village of Flint, soon became extensively interested in the manufacture and sale of
666 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
SPRING LAKE MAGNETIC SPRING.
This well is in the town whose name it bears, which is situated on the Grand river at its junction with the body of water known as Spring lake. It is two miles from Grand Haven, and is con nected with that town by a line of stages. A good bath house has been erected at the well, and the hotel accommodations are excellent. Prof. Wheeler, of Chicago, has analyzed the waters with the following result :
Chloride of potassium, 4.2880 grains ; chloride of sodium, 405.5330; chloride of calcium, 113.4200; chloride of magnesium, 36.2000 ; bicarbonate of soda, 0.0547 ; bicarbonate of lirne, 0.1308 ; bicarbonate of ferri, 1.0090; bicarbonate of magnesium, 0.0040; bicarbonate of manganese, 0.0534; bromide, 2.1700; sulphate of soda, 46.7000 ; silicia, 0.5030 ; alumina, traces ; ammonia, 0.0158; organic matter, 18.2902 ; lithia, traces.
LANSING MAGNETIC SPRING.
This spring is situated at Lansing, the capital of the State, a beautiful and flourishing city of about 6,500 inhabitants. The town is easily reached by railroad from any direction. The hotel accommodations are ample and excellent. The spring is located at the confluence of Grand and Cedar rivers, about a mile up the Grand river. A commodious bath house is in operation, and a large first-class hotel has been built in connection with the spring. The well is about 1,400 feet in depth, and discharges 1,500 gallons per day. An analysis made by Dr. Jennings, of Detroit, presents the following result :
Chloride of sodium, 320.224; bicarbonate of lime, 107.590;
lumber, and did much to promote the growth of his adopted city by encouraging its manufacturing interests.
He served the city of Flint as mayor for some time, and was called to the executive chair of the State in January, 1864, and served in that capacity two terms, or until the close of 1867. He was governor of the State during the last years of the rebellion, and performed invaluable services for the North in its final struggle, which resulted in the complete overthrow of the Southern Confederacy.
Governor Crapo died at his home, in Flint, on the 23d of July, 1869.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 667
bicarbonate of soda, 112.081 ; bicarbonate of magnesia, 23.027 ; bicarbonate of iron, 1.882: sulphate of potassa, 14.940; sulphate of soda, 30.065; silica, 3.966. Solid contents of one imperial gallon, 613.775. Total carbonic acid, 235.550 cubic inches.
FRUITPORT SULPHUR AND MAGNETIC WELL.
This well is located in Fruitport, a new and flourishing town situated at the head of Spring lake. It occupies a prominent position in the fruit region of the western part of the State, on the shore of Lake Michigan. It possesses ample hotel accommo dations, a commodious bath house, and is a popular resort for pleasure and health seekers. Prof. Wheeler, of Chicago, pre sents the following analysis of its waters :
Bicarb, soda, 6.5156 ; bicarb, lime, 5.1100 ; bicarb, iron, 7.5000 ; bicarb, magnesia, 4.1511 ; bicarb, manganese, 0.1050 ; chloride sodium, 464.0319; chloride lime, 111.1110; chloride potassium, 0.4312; chloride magnesium, 46.8072 ; bromide, 0.7666; sulphate soda, 45.9960 ; silica and silicates, 10.6050 ; alumina, traces. Total fixed residue, 679.7489. Total free gas, 7 cubic
inches.
BUTTERWORTH'S MAGNETIC SPRING.
This spring is located at Grand Rapids, one of the most flour ishing cities in Michigan, situated on the Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad. The hotel accommodations are first class in every respect, and ample bathing facilities are offered at the spring. The waters of this spring are said to resemble that of Bath, England. Prof. Duffield's analysis presents the following result :
Sulphate of lime, 90.190; chloride of potassium, 11.790; chlo ride of sodium, 15.280 ; chloride of calcium, 7.330 ; chloride of magnesium, 50.240 ; bicarb, soda, 6.003 ; bicarb, lime, 10.012 ; bicarb, magnesia, 7.020 ; bicarb, iron, 1.170; silica, .617; alum ina, .494; organic matter and losss, .801. Total mineral matter,
200.947.
OWOSSO CHALYBEATE SPRING.
Owosso is a flourishing town, situated on the Detroit and Mil waukee Railroad, at the crossing of the Jackson, Lansing and Saginaw Railroad. The spring is situated about a mile south of
668 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
the town. A bath-house has been erected, and the place is des tined to become a popular resort. The following is the analysis of the water :
Bicarb, lime, 25.667; bicarb, magnesia, 19.094 ; bicarb, iron, 15.920 ; chlorides sodium and potassium, 2.102 ; silica and alum ina, .617. Total mineral in one gallon, 63.400.
HUBBARDSTON MAGNETIC SPRING.
This spring is located in the town whose name it bears, and is reached by the Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad to Pewamo, thence by stage six miles to the well. A bath house has been erected, and hotel accommodations are convenient. Prof. Doug lass, of the Michigan University, has analyzed the waters, with the following result :
Bicarb, of lime, 23.812; bicarb, magnesia, 10.712; protoxide of iron, .154 ; silica, .139. Total mineral matter in one gallon, 34.817.
LESLIE MAGNETIC SPRING.
This spring is situated at Leslie, a smart village on the Jackson, Lansing and Saginaw Railroad, between Jackson and Lansing. A good bath house is in operation, and hotel accommodations are convenient. Prof. Kedzie's analysis of the waters present the fol lowing result :
Bicarb, lime, 30.62 ; sulphate of lime, 7.04 ; bicarb, magnesia, 10.53; bicarb, iron, 2.27; bicarb soda, 5.27; bicarb potassa, 4.55; silica, 2.08; organic matter, .65. Grains solid matter in imperial gallon, 63.01. Free carbonic acid gas in gallon 13i cubic inches.
MOUNT CLEMENS MAGNETIC MINERAL SPRING. This spring is situated on the banks of the Clinton river, at Mount Clemens, twenty miles from Detroit, and is reached by the Grand Trunk Railway and by boat from Detroit. The town is beautifully situated, ample hotel accommodations are convenient to the springs, and a commodious bath house is in operation. A well known physician, Dr. H. Taylor, acts as consulting physician at the establishment. A committee appointed by the Northeast-
HISTORY OP MICHIGAN.
669
ern Medical and Scientific Society reported these waters as being unsurpassed by any in this State, or the State of New York. The following is the analysis of the water made by Prof. Duffield :
Specific gravity at 60° Fahrenheit, 1129.00. Total amount of mineral matter per pint, 1417.6200. Total amount of chloride of sodium per pint 1350.8498 = 66.7702.
Composition — Sulphate soda per pint, 12.0700 — per gallon, 96.5600; sulphate lime per pint, 5.4992 — per gallon, 43.9936; chloride sodium per pint, 1350.8498 — per gallon, 10806.7984; chloride calcium per pint, 26.9399 — per gallon, 215.5120; chloride magnesium per pint, 20.2400 — per gallon, 161.9200; carbonate
SAUGATUCK UNION SCHOOL.
THE above engraving is a very correct representation of the Union School at Saugatuck, Allegan county, Mich., and is a fair sample of the beautiful school buildings found in the different villages of about one thousand inhabitants throughout the State.
670 GENERAL HISTORY OF TSE STATES.
lime per pint, .6210 — per gallon, 4.9680 ; carbonate magnesia, a trace ; silica and alumina per pint, 1.4010 ; organic matter, trace ; grains, per pint, 1417.6200— per gallon, 11340.9600.
Amount of sulphureted hydrogen per gallon, 3.41 cubic inches; carbonic acid, trace.
The foregoing are the principal mineral springs in the State. They have all won a high reputation for their curative properties, and thousands in this and other States attest their value. There are many others, probably of equal importance, and when better known will take their places in the front rank of curative agen cies. At present Michigan seems destined to become the great popular resort for pleasure-seekers and for those whose physical constitutions require the reconstructive agencies of medicinal waters.
GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN.
DURING FRENCH RULE.
Sieur de Mesey, appointed 1663 ; Sieur de Courcelle, 1665 ; Sieur de Frontenac, 1672; Sieur de Barre, 1682; Sieur Marquis de Nouville, 1685; Sieur de Frontenac, 1689; Sieur Chevalier de Callieres, 1699; Marquis de Vaudreuil, 1703; Marquis de Beauharnais, 1726; Sieur Compt de la Gal- lisoniere, 1749; Sieur de la Jonquiere, 1749; Marquis du Quesne de Men- neville, 1752; Sieur de Vaudreuil de Cavagnal, 1755.
DURING BRITISH RULE.
James Murray, appointed 1765 ; Paulus Emelius Irving, 1766 ; Guy Carleton, 1766; Hector T. Cramahe, 1770; Guy Carleton, 1774; Frederick Haldeman, 1774; Henry Hamilton, 1774; Henry Hope, 1775; Lord Dor chester, 1776; Alured Clarke, 1791; Lord Dorchester, 1798.
GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN TERRITORY.
William Hull, appointed in 1805; Lewis Cass, 1814; George B. Porter, 1829; Stevens T. Mason (ex officio}, 1834; John T. Horner (ex officio), 1835.
MICHIGAN STATE GOVERNORS.
Stevens T. Mason, 1835; William Woodbridge, 1840; J. Wright Gordon (acting), 1841; John S. Barry, 1842; Alpheus Felch, 1846; William L. Greenly (acting), 1847 ; Epaphroditus Ransom, 1848; John S. Barry, 1850; Robert McClelland, 1852; Andrew Parsons (acting), 1853; Kinsley S. Bingham, 1855; Moses Wisner, 1859; Austin Blair, 1861; Henry H. Crapo, 1865; Henry P. Baldwin, 1869; John J. Bagley, 1873.
LIEUTENANT-GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN.
Edward Mundy, 1835; J. Wright Gordon, 1840; Origen D. Richardson, 1842; William L. Greenly, 1847; William M. Fenton, 1848; William L. Greenly, 1849; William M. Fenton, 1850; Andrew Parsons, 1853; George A Coe, 1855; Edmund B. Fairneld, 1859; James Birney, 1861; Joseph R. Williams (acting), 1861; Henry T. Backus (acting), 1862; Charles S. May, 1868; Ebenezer O Grosvenor, 1865; D wight May, 1867; Morgan Bates, 1869; Henry H. Holt, 1873.
672 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Ezra Convis, 1835 ; Charles W. Whipple, 1836 ; Kinsley S. Bingham, 1838; Henry Acker, 1840; Philo C. Fuller, 1841; Kinsley S. Bingham, 1842; Robert McClelland, 1843; Edwin H. Lothrop, 1844; Alfred H. Hanscom, 1845; Isaac E. Crary, 1846; George W. Peck, 1847; Alexander W. Buel, 1848; Leander Chapman, 1849; Silas G. Harris, 1850; Jefferson G. Thur- ber, 1851; Daniel G. Quackenboss, 1853; Cyrus Lovell, 1855; Byron G. Stout, 1857; Henry A. Shaw, 1859; Dexter Mussey, 1861; Sullivan M. Cutcheon, 1863; Gilbert E. Read, 1865; P. Dean Warner, 1867; Jonathan J. Woodman, 1869; Charles M. Croswell, 1873.
SECRETARIES OF STATE.
Keutzing Pritchette, 1835; Randolph Manning, 1838; Thomas Rowland, 1840; Robert P. Eldridge, 1842; Gideon O. Whittemore, 1846; George W. Peck, 1848 ; George Redfield, 1850 ; Charles H. Taylor, 1850 ; William Graves, 1853; John McKinney, 1855; Nelson G. Isbell, 1859; James B. Porter, 1861; Oliver L. Spaulding, 1867; Daniel Striker,1871, reflected and now in office.
STATE TREASURERS.
Henry Howard, 1836; Peter Desnoyer; 1839; Robert Stuart, 1840; George W. Germain, 1841; John J. Adam, 1842; George Redfield, 1845; George B. Cooper, 1846; Banard Whittemore, 1850; Silas M. Holmes, 1855; John McKinney, 1859; John Owen, 1860; Ebenezer O. Grosvenor, 1867; Victory P. Collier, 1871, reflected and now in office.
ATTORNEYS-GENERAL.
Daniel Le Roy, 1836; Peter Morey, 1837; Zephaniah Platt, 1841; Elon Farnsworth, 1843; Henry N. Walker, 1845; Edward Mundy, 1847; George V. N. Lothrop, 1848; William Hall, 1851; Jacob M. Howard, 1855; Charles Upson, 1861; Albert Williams, 1863; William L. Stoughton, 1867; Dwight May, 1869; Byron D. Ball, 1873.
AUDITORS-GENERAL.
Robert Abbott, 1836; Henry Howard, 1839; Eurotas P. Hastings, 1840; Alpheus Felch, 1842; Henry L. Whipple, 1842; Charles G. Hammond, 1842; John J. Adam, 1845; Digby V. Bell, 1846; John J. Adam, 1848; John Swegles, jr., 1850; John Swegles, 1853; Whitney Jones, 1855; Daniel L. Case, 1859; Lang-ford G. Berry, 1861; Emil Anneke, 1863; William Humphrey, 1867, reelected and now in office.
SUPERINTENDENTS OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.
John D. Pierce, 1838; Franklin Sawyer, jr., 1841; Oliver C. Comstock, M. D., 1843 ; Ira Mayhew, M. A., 1845; Francis W. Shearman, M. A.,
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 673
184 ; Ira Mayhew, M. A., 1855; John M. Gregory, M. A., 1858 ; Oramel Hosford, 1865; Daniel B. Briggs, 1873.
PRESIDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY.
Rev. Henry Philip Tappan, D. D. LL. D., 1852 ; Rev. Erastus Otis Haven, D. D., LL. D., 1863; James Burrill Angell, D. D., LL. D., 1871.
JUDGES OF THE TERRITORIAL SUPREME COURT.
Augustus B. Woodward, 1805-24; Frederick Bates, 1805-8; John Griffin, 1806-24 ; James Witherell, 1808-28 ; Solomon Sibley, 1824-36 ; Henry Chipman, 1827-32 ; William Woodbridge, 1828-32 ; George Morell, 1832-36; Ross Wilkins, 1832-36.
CHANCELLORS OF THE STATE.
Elon Farnsworth, 1837-42-46; Randolph Manning, 1842-46.
JUDGES OF THE SUPREME COURT UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF 1835.
William A. Fletcher, 1836-42; Epaphroditus Ransom, 1836-47; George Morell, 1836-42; Charles W. Whipple, 1837-48 and 1852-55; Alpheus Felch, 1842-45; David Goodwin, 1843-46; Edward Mundy, 1848-51; War ner Wing, 1845-52 and 1854-57; George Miles, 1846-50; Sanford M. Green, 1848-54 and 1856-58 ; George Martin, 1851-58 ; Joseph T. Copeland, 1852-57; Samuel T. Douglas 1852-57; David Johnson, 1852-57; Abner Pratt, 1851-57; Nathaniel Bacon, 1855-58 ; E. H C.Wilson, 1856-58; Benjamin F. H. Witherell, Benjamin F. Graves, Josiah Turner, Edwin Lawrence, to fill vacancies in the latter part of 1857.
JUDGES OF SUPREME COURT UNDER PRESENT ORGANIZATION.
George Martin, 1858-68; Randolph Manning, 1858-64; Isaac P. Chris- tiancy, 1858, twice reflected, and term expires with 1881; James V. Campbell, 1858, twice reflected, and term expires with 1879; Thomas M. Cooley, 1865, reflected, and term expires with 1877; Benjamin F. Graves, 1868, term expires with 1875.
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
John Norvell, 1836-41; Lucius Lyon, 1836-40; Augustus 8. Porter, 1840-45; William Woodbridge, 1841-47; Lewis Cass, 1845-48, and 1850-57; Thomas H. Fitzgerald, session of 1848-49; Alpheus Felch, 1847-53; Charles E. Stuart, 1H53-59; Zachariah Chandler, 1857-75, Kins ley S. Bingham, 1859-61; Jacob M. Howard, 1861-71; Thomas W. Ferry, 1871-77.
43
674 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS.
Isaac E. Crary, 1836-41; Jacob M. Howard, 1841-43; Lucius Lyon, 1843-45; Robert McClelland, 1843-49; James B. Hunt, 1843-47; John S. Chipman, 1845-47; Charles E. Stuart, 1847-49, and 1851-53; Kinsley S. Bingham, 1849-51; Alexander W. Buel, 1849-1851; William Sprague, 1849-51; James L. Conger, 1851-53; Ebenezer J. Penniman, 1851-53; Samuel Clark, 1853-55; David A. Noble, 1853-55; Hester L. Stevens, 1853-55; David Stuart, 1853-55; George W. Peck, 1855-57; William A. Howard, 1855-61; Henry Waldron, 1855-61, and 1871-75; David S. Wai- bridge, 1855-59; D. C. Leach, 1857-61; Francis W. Kellogg, 1859-65; B. F. Granger. 1861-63; F. C. Beaman, 1861-71; Rowland E. Trow- bridge, 1861-63, and 1865-69; Charles Upson, 1863-69; John W. Long- year, 1863-67; Augustus C. Baldwin, 1863-65; John F. Driggs, 1863-69; Thomas W. Ferry, 1865-71; Austin Blair, 1867-73; William L. Stough- ton, 1869-73. Omar D. Conger, 1869-75; Randolph Strickland, 1869-71; Jabez G. Sutherland, 1871-73; Moses W. Field, 1873-75; George Willard, 1873-75; Julius C. Burrows, 1873-75; Wilder D. Foster, 1873; Josiah W. Begole, 1873-75; Nathan B. Bradley, 1873-75; Jay A. Hubbell, 1873-75; W. B. Williams, 1873-75.
POPULATION OF MICHIGAN.
In 1820, 8,896; in 1830, 31,639; in 1840, 212,267; in 1850, 397,659; in 1860, 749,113; in 1870, 1,184,059,,
HON. JOSEPH CAMPAU.
MARQUIS JACQUES CAMPAU, father of the late Hon. Joseph Campau, who was so intimately identified with the earlier days of the city of Detroit, was born in that city about the year 1730. This is a date in the history of Detroit surrounded with the greatest ambiguity. No records, either in the English or the French languages, afford any information touching this period, or for several years both preceding and succeeding this date. However, an examination of the papers and documents preserved by the descendants of Mr. Jacques Campau discloses many items of history that would have otherwise been lost to all generations. A digest of this collec tion of papers constitutes the following interesting piece of biography and history: The father of Mr. Jacques Campau must have accompanied M. la Motte Cadillac to Detroit in 1701, being one of that original company who left their homes and united their hopes with -the sanguine la Motte, to establish an outpost on the Detroit. At this time he was probably not more than fifteen or twenty years of age. He sustained some relations to the court of the commandant, or " Governor of the Post," as he was then called, being originally appointed as Cadillac's private secretary. Mr. Jacques Campau, the father of the Hon. Joseph Campau, distinguished himself in the battle of Abraham's Plains, and attained many honors with General Montcalm at Quebec in 1759.
Mr. Jacques Campau was among the first settlers of the little fort who pushed out beyond its narrow limits to establish an independent hoine, and the engraving of his house and the little church which he afterwards erected, which is presented here, affords a view of his success. The dwelling represented in the scene was erected on the lot now known as the James Campau farm, being the orignal claim, No. 91. It was built about the year 1757, and was the birth-place of the late Hon. Joseph Campau. It was in this building where Captain Rogers and his patriotic soldiers took refuge while endeavoring to make a retreat after the battle of Bloody Run. He entered it with some of his own men, while many panic-stricken regulars broke in after him in their eagerness to gain a temporary shelter. The house was strong, being the most substantial dwelling in that neighborhood, and the women of the place had crowded into the cellar for refuge. While some of the soldiers looked in great terror for a place of concealment, others seized upon some wine in one of the rooms, and drank it down with eager thirst; while others, again,
676 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
piled packs of furs, furniture, and all else within their reach, against the windows, to serve as a barricade. "Panting and breathless, their faces moist with sweat and blackened with gunpowder," says Parkrnan, " they thrust their muskets through the openings and fired out upon the whoop ing assailants. At intervals a bullet flew sharply whizzing through a crevice, striking down a man, perchance, or rapping harmlessly against the partitions. The venerable and dauntless old Jacques Campau, the owner of the house, stood guarding a trap door, to prevent the frightened soldiers and Indians from seeking shelter among the women in the cellar. A ball grazed his gray head and buried itself in the wall, where, even to the day the building was demolished, it might still have been seen. The screams of the half-stifled women below, the quavering war whoops without, the shouts and curses of the soldiers, mingled in a scene of clamorous confusion, and it was long before the authority of Rogers 'could restore order."
Such was one of the scenes enacted in the old dwelling of Mr. Jacques Campau. It has rendered the house interesting in history, hence we preserve its appearance.
Mr. Jacques Campau erected the little church, which is represented in the engraving on page 677 as standing near his own house on the Kiver Road, about the year 1778. It was temporarily used for public worship, and stood for many years after as a mark of his benevolence.
Mr. Jacques Campau commanded at Detroit previous to its surrender by Captain Bellestre, or in 1758, and held a military office at the fort on the date of the surrender. His wife, and mother of Major Joseph Cam pau (Catharine Manard), was born in Montreal. She was married to Mr. Jacques Campau, and removed to Detroit about seven years before the surrender of the post to the English.
Jean Bte. Campau, uncle of the late Joseph Campau, was grand judge of Detroit in 1767.
Major Joseph Campau was born in Detroit on the 20th of February, 1769. His parents, M. Jacques Campau and Catherine Manard, were at this time residing in the fort, on the old Campau homestead, which dates its origin among the first plots of land ever granted by M. la Motte, through the consent of the Governor-General of Canada, and sanction of the King of France. The British garrison, consisting partly of regulars and partly of provincial rangers, was then quartered in a well built range of barracks within the town or fort. The latter contained about one hundred and twenty small houses. Its form was nearly square, and the palisade which surrounded it was about twenty-five feet high. At each corner was a wooden bastion, and a block-house was erected over each gateway. The houses were small, chiefly built of wood, and roofed with bark or thatch of straw. The streets were extremely narrow, though
678 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
a wide passage way, known as the chemin du ronde, surrounded the town, between the houses and the palisade. Beside the barracks, the only public buildings were a council-house and a rude little church.
Joseph Campau received his primary education from his devoted mother, to whose great care and anxiety for the proper Christian train ing and early education of her son, we are indebted for those traits of benevolence and great leniency of which Mr. Campau's life was after wards characteristic. At the age of ten he was sent to school at Montreal, where he remained five years. He received a good French education, and returned to Detroit in 1786, one of the most accomplished Frenchmen of the old aristocratic town. Nor did he lack any of those qualities which make Frenchmen attractive in society. His name was an acknowl edged title to French nobility, and his polished manners and finished education invested him with much interest.
On his return from Montreal, his father having died during his absence, he entered into the employment of Mr. McGregor, a storekeeper at Sand wich, Canada, as a clerk. He remained in this capacity for some time, or until the commencement of his Maiden enterprise. Having accumu lated some funds, he entered into a contract with the British government to erect a fort at Maiden. He proceeded to execute this work, collecting a vast quantity of timber for the buildings of the fort, when a freshet came and swept it all away, leaving him quite penniless. He then returned to the employment of Mr. McGregor, and shortly afterwards entered into the mercantile business on his own account. From this period dated his success. - He generally procured his goods in Montreal, but was the first merchant of Detroit who purchased goods in Boston and transported them to the western settlements. Joseph Campau was indeed the great pioneer merchant of Michigan. He was not only the leading spirit in mercantile pursuits in his day, but through almost unparalleled success — the result of his own great energy and exemplary integrity — he accumulated a large fortune, and was, at an early day, the most extensive dealer in Detroit.
As early as 1786 he commenced buying and selling real estate. In this business Mr. Joseph Campau rendered his country an invaluable service. It was his rule to purchase uncultivated lands, erect comfortable dwell ings upon them, and dispose of the lots after they had been prepared for the reception of civilization. On almost all these lots he placed buildings costing from $3,000 to $4,000, and paid, on the average, $50 an acre for clearing the land. He displayed almost matchless enterprise in this work, providing attractive homes for hundreds of the early settlers of Detroit and Michigan. It was his custom to either sell or rent these places, after clearing a large portion of the land and placing comfortable dwellings upon it. His customers were, for the most part, poor people, who, with
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
679
but a few dollars, had come to develop a home among the pioneers of the northwest. Mr. Carnpau's books show that many were the tenants who depended upon his charity for a home. When times were hard and money was scarce, and rents or mortgages came due, it was Mr. Campau's pride to visit his debtors and encourage them with words of good cheer, assuring them that the kind Providence who had intrusted so much
HON. JOSEPH OAMPAU.
property to his care and disposal had taught him to " do unto others as he would that others should do unto him." In this way many an aching mother's heart was made glad, and hundreds of little children were per mitted to enjoy the fruits of a father's industry, that, with a less benevo lent master than Mr. Campau, they would have suffered for. Hundreds still live, and thousands have gone to their graves, who have borne testi-
680 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
mony to the great philanthropy and willing chanty of this good old pioneer and patriarchial citizen. His books show that there was due him at one time two and a half millions of dollars, of which he never collected one cent. Besides this, he left an estate worth over three millions. He had seventy-four farms or plantations, the bulk of which was in the vicinity of Detroit.
Mr. Oampau also entered very largely into stock raising, and stocked all his farms with horses, cattle and sheep, renting them with everything necessary for agricultural pursuits. Some of his tenants remained on his farms for two or three generations, and many without consideration therefor. He was the largest "Norman horse" owner in the northwest. These animals, originally from Arabia, were imported from Normandy, in France, and, thriving greatly in this country, produced the present popular breed of horses for which Canada and the northwest have become renowned. At one time Mr. Campau owned over five hundred horses.
He was a member of the Board of Trade Britannic as early as 1798, and, in many respects, was the leading merchant of the northwest for many years subsequent to that period. In 1812 he was connected with the Northwestern Fur Company, with John Jacob Astor, James Abbott and J. G. Schwarz. Mr. Schwarz afterwards became United States Min ister to Vienna, and more recently, one of the secretaries of Pope Pius IX. In his connection with the Northwestern Fur Company, Mr. Campau was remarkably successful, both for himself and for the company.
In 1802 Mr. Campau was elected one of the trustees of the city of Detroit, and, although he was adverse to holding public offices, in the course of his useful life he was always exerting a valuable influence for the public good. We find him identified with every public improvement of his day, and in many things he assumed a leading position, freely expending his own means to further the common welfare. In 1806 he erected, at his own expense, the first school-house that ever appeared in Detroit.
Mr. Campan was not only active and liberal in his work to promote the educational interests of his native city, but assumed much responsibility for the cause of the church. In 1806 he contracted for the building of St Ann's church.
In 1808 he was married to Adelaide Dequindre, sister of the late Major Antoine Dequindre, and daughter of Antoine Pontchartrain Dequindre and Catherine Desriviere Lomoinodiere. His brother-in-law, Major Antoine Dequindre, referred to here, is the same who distinguished him self at the battle of the Monguagon, in 1812, and who received the fol lowing complimentary joint resolution from the State Legislature for gallant services rendered on that occasion :
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 681
Resolved, By the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Michigan, That the gallantry and good conduct of Major Antoine Dequindre, and the company of volunteers under his command, and also of the other Michigan volunteers, at the battle of Monguagon, in August, eighteen hundred and twelve, are held in high estimation by this Legislature, and should ever be cherished in the remembrance of the people Qf the State of Michigan.
Resolved, That the Governor be requested to transmit a copy of these resolutions to Major Dequindre.
JOHN BIDDLE, Speaker of the House of Representatives. THOMAS J. DRAKES, President of the Senate pro tern. Approved April 12, 1841.
J. WRIGHT GORDON.
(A TRUE COPY.)
THOMAS ROWLAND, Secretary of State.
In 1809, Mr. Campau, being held in the highest esteem by all who knew him, was appointed Major over the militia by Governor William Hull. The original document, of which the following is a true copy, is preserved to this day:
" WILLIAM HULL, GOVERNOR OF THE TERRITORY OF MICHIGAN.
" To all to whom these presents may come :
"Be it known that, reposing special trust in the patriotism, valor, fidelity and abilities of Joseph Campau, I have appointed him Major of the First Regiment of Militia in the Territory of Michigan, to take rank as such. He is, therefore, care fully and diligently to discharge the duty of Major, by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging; and I do strictly charge and require all offi cers and soldiers under his command to be obedient to his orders as major, and he is to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time as he shall receive from the President of the United States of America, or the Governor of the Territory of Michigan for the time being, or the general or other superior officers set over him according to law, and military rule and discipline. This commission to continue in force during the pleasure of the Governor of the Territory of Michigan for the time being. In testimony whereof I have caused these letters to be made patent, and the seal of the Territory of Michigan to be thereunto affixed.
" Given under my hand at Detroit, in the Territory of Michigan, the Twenty- fourth day of February, one thousand eight hundred and nine, and of the Indepen dence of the United States of America the thirty-third.
[Signed] WILLIAM HULL.
[SEAL.]
" By the Governor,
" REUBEN ATWATER,
" Secretary Michigan Territory."
There were no blank forms used by Governor Hull in those days; and the above is said to be in the handwriting of the general. It was written just about four years after Hull's appointment to the government, and at a time when a bitter war with the various Indian tribes in the vicinity of Detroit seemed inevitable.
Two years previous to the date of this commission, General Hull appointed Mr. Campau captain in the regiment over which he was after-
682 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
wards called to act as major. Following is a true copy of the commis sion, which is also from the pen of Governor Hull:
" TERRITORY or MICHIGAN, TO WIT :
" WILLIAM HULL, GOVERNOR or THE TERRITORY or MICHIGAN.
" To all to whom these presents shall come : .
"Be it known that, reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity and ability of Joseph Campau, I have appointed him captain in the First Regiment of Militia in the Territory of Michigan, to take rank from the 18th day of September, 1805. He is, therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of that office, by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging; and I do strictly charge and require all officers and soldiers under his command to be obedient to his orders as captain ; and he is to observe and follow such orders and directions as he shall from time to time receive from the President of the United States of America, or the Governor of Michigan for the time being, or general or other superior officers set over him according to law and military discipline. This commission to continue in force during the pleasure of the Governor of Michigan for the time being. In testimony whereof I have caused these letters to be made patent, and the seal of the Territory of Michigan to be hereto affixed.
" Given under my hand at the city of Detroit, this twelfth day of August, eighteen hundred and seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the
thirty-first.
[Signed] WILLIAM HULL.
[SEAL.]
" By the Governor,
" STANLEY GRISWOLD, " Secretary Territory of Michigan."
Thus it will be seen that the Hon. Joseph Campau was identified with the militia of the Territory of Michigan, from its earliest organization, through most of its struggles and triumphs. In July, 1812, when the military forces of Detroit were astir, preparing for the march to the River Raisin, the following order was addressed to Major Joseph Cam pau: " Major Joseph Campau :
" SIR— I am directed by the acting commander-in-chief to reqiiire you to order the whole of the militia of the First Regiment, residing in the upper settlement, to march immediately to this place, and to re-organize on the common, armed and equipped according to law.
[Signed] "JAMES WATSON,
" Lieutenant-Colonel and Aide-de-Camp. " HEADQUARTERS AT DETROIT, ) " July 2, 1812." |
A speedy termination of difficulties at the River Raisin made it unneces sary for the militia to proceed to battle. Therefore, Major Campau dis missed his little army until further orders calling them into action should be necessary.
Although Mr. Campau rendered his State considerable service in mili tary affairs, his greatest and most beneficial work was principally that of establishing and promoting the commerce of Detroit. In 1809 he
• HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 683
erected, and for many years after operated a large distillery. This enter prise gave profitable employment to many needy colonists, and assisted to inaugurate activity in manufacturing pursuits in the infant city. Shortly after this period his business affairs became eminently prosper ous. In the same year he conducted ten branch stores in the Territory of Michigan. He also assisted in establishing the banking business in this State, being one of the original stockholders in the Territorial Bank, of which his nephew, General John R. Williams, was president. General Williams, who was the first mayor of Detroit, was also successful in business. As early as 1818 he operated a cabinet shop, silversmith shop, blacksmith shop, bakery, a butcher stall in the old market, a grist mill propelled by wind, a saw mill and a brick yard. At an early day Mr. Williams became associated with Mr. Campau in many projects, all of which promoted the public good not less than their own individual inter ests. In 1831 they purchased the Oakland Chronicle, and called it the Democratic Free Press, thus firmly establishing the present Detroit Free Press, one of the leading daily journals of the northwest. In 1835 Mr. Campau was an extensive stockholder in the Detroit and St. Joseph Rail road, now the Michigan Central. He also aided materially in the erection and establishment of Detroit College, which was built in the year 1817.
Mr. Campau's great business energy was equaled only by his benevo lence. He gave his brothers and sisters, and nephews and nieces, a good education; many of them he sent to Montreal for that purpose, where superior educational advantages wTere attainable. Nor was he satisfied until he had secured to his brothers a profitable business education and established them successfully in business. In 1807 Mr. Campau sent Robert McNiff and John R. Williams as cadets to West Point, thus pre paring these young men for the success that afterwards distinguished them as useful citizens of Detroit.
It was his rule, on visiting Montreal or Boston, to hold out such inducements to mechanics and tradesmen as would secure their company on his return. He always furnished them with employment on their arrival, and in this and other ways greatly increased the population and business of the settlement.
But it must not be supposed that in Mr. Campau's day it was " all work and no play." The little colony had its society enjoyments. These, too, were conducted in a real aristocratic style. They had their balls, their theatres, dances, and indulged in all the fashionable recreations for which their country is popularly known. The following is a fac-simile of a card of invitation, written in French, sent to Mr. Campau in 1798:
if 4
GENERAL HISTORY OP THE
JClitaiy, as well as civic entertainments were encouraged. Many were flhe wine aaiHnaB and balls given by the officers of the line and staff in 1798. These were always conducted in the Council House, which stood within the stockade, being the same building which Pontiac afterwards ^nffffd with MB band of conspirators, on the memorable morning; when IBB fg*""*^* conspiracy was overthrown. The following card is an engraving from the original invitation received by Mr. Joseph Campau in 1798, asking the honor of his attendance at one of these military balls :
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
6*0
The little town had its private theatre as early as 1819. At this dote
we find its managers bestowing their compliments upon Mr. Campau in the following card:
In 1821 the little theatre was still flourishing. Mr. Stockton lad retired from its management, and Messrs. Mackay, Davis and Brooks had taken his place. These gentlemen re-fitted the theatre building, and con ducted it on a more popular basis. On the occasion of their grand open ing in 1821, Mr. Campau was tendered the following card:
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C/p
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w^
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Among Ms old papers still preserred are many others. The following is a copy of one:
686 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
Mr. Joseph Campau was a man of very liberal views. He made no distinction in creed or nationality, was generous and charitable to all with whom business brought him in contact. He was a man of few words, unassuming in manners, and a gentleman of the old school. But with all, he was very enterprising, and evinced great perseverance in the prosecution of the various projects which he undertook. An instance showing his force of energy is related, as follows: His esteemed friend, Mr. Solomon Sibley, was at one time a candidate for Circuit Judge, and on the day of election the opposition took possession of the polls, and surrounded it with bullies, for the purpose of intimidating the friends of Mr. Sibley. Early in the day it was ascertained that this action was working with great effect against him. Mr. Campau, on learning the state of matters, ordered four strong men to procure a large basket, and carry Mr. Sibley from his residence to the polling booth. The men obeyed his order, proceeded to Mr. Sibley's house, where he had • remained all day, through delicacy, put him into the basket, we>?ms wfe^s, and carried him on their shoulders to the scene of conflict. Mr. Sibley was triumphantly elected, and the happy result was largely due to the radical plans of Mr. Campau.
He was careful to encourage all worthy enterprises. The first debating society in Detroit, of which he was a prominent member, held their meetings in his office. His old friends, General Cass, Major Biddle, Major Rowland, Judge John McDonnell, Major Kearsley, Judge Chip- man, and others, were also members of the same society, and night after night mingled together in the heat of debate in the little office of Joseph Campau.
He ransomed many white men who had fallen into the hands of the cruel and treacherous Indians. On May 14, 1813, they captured an
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
687
American by the name of James Hardan, with the view of getting a ran som, and, failing in that, to kill him. Mr. Campau, having learned the facts from the Indians who were passing through Detroit, on their way to Mackinac, and, taking compassion on the captive, opened negotia tions with his persecutors, and purchased his freedom from Micksonenis, an Indian from Saginaw, for a considerable sum. The man gave Mr. Carnpau his note for the amount, which was never paid. This is one case out of many that might be related showing to what extent Mr. Cam pau exerted himself for the welfare of those around him. The store operated by Mr. Campau was located on the homestead lot, in Detroit,
THE JOSEPH CAMPAU RESIDENCE.
and was used by him for mercantile purposes and also a residence, from 1796 to the time of his death. In 1805 the house was destroyed by fire, and the building still standing on the old foundation, at No. 140 Jeffer son avenue, was immediately erected, at a cost of $7,000. He subse quently built, on the river in the rear of the homestead, a storehouse and a dock for the accommodation of his batteaux, of wrhich he had several in the Montreal trade. The residence, which in its early days was one of the finest buildings on St. Ann street (now Jefferson avenue), is repre sented here as one of the oldest buildings now standing in Detroit.
Major Joseph Campau's homestead is on the lot where the headquarters of M. de la Motte Cadillac were originally situated.
688 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
Among other things which indicate the advanced ideas of Mr. Joseph Campau, was the leading position which he took in establishing Free Masonry in the northwest. The following card of dimit shows his connection with old Zion Lodge, No. 10 :
To whom it may concern :
These are to certify that Brother Joseph Campau has been regularly made, passed and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason, in due form, in late Zion Lodge, No. 10, of Free and Accepted Masons, and has behaved, during his stay with us, Zion Lodge, No. l,as becomes a true and faithful Mason, and as such we recommend him to all regular Lodges and Brethren throughout the world, after due trial and examination.
Given under our hands and seals, in our Lodge Room, at Detroit, the first day [SEI.L.] of May, 1809, and of Masonry 5809.
W. H. SCOTT, Worshipful Master. GEO. MCDOUGALL, /Senior Warden. JAMES ABBOTT, Secretary. J. EASTMAN, Junior Warden.
After a sojourn of nearly a century in the city of Detroit, the great and good pioneer passed on to join his compeers and receive the rewards of his Christian life. He died on the 23d of July, 1863, in the ninety- fifth year of his age. On the 27th of the same month he was buried, with Masonic honors, in Elniwood Cemetery. His funeral is said to have been the largest ever witnessed in Detroit. It was attended by the entire Masonic fraternity, the municipal officers, members of the Detroit bar, the Lafayette Association, and an immense concourse of citizens. Col. Levi Cook, Col. Dibble, Hon. Jacob M. Howard, Hon. Robert McClelland, Peter Desnoyers, Esq., Thomas Lewis, Esq., Hon. A. D. Eraser, Judge H. L. Chipman, Judge Shubael Conant, John Palmer, Esq., E. B. Ward, Esq., Hon. N. B. Carpenter, John Roberts, Esq., and Dr. J. L. "Whiting, acted as pall bearers. The Rev. Benjamin H. Pad dock, of Christ Church, Detroit, preached the funeral sermon, in which he paid a suitable tribute to the memory of the deceased.
GRAND RAPIDS.
Grand Rapids is located on Grand river — the largest inland stream in the State — about forty miles from its mouth, and at the head of naviga tion. Its site is one of great natural beauty, lying on both sides of the river, between the high bluffs that stand nearly two miles apart, and from whose summits the eye takes in a beautiful panorama of bill, vale and river, with all the streets of the busy city laid out like a map at the feet of the beholder.
Grand Rapids contains a population (August, 1873) of 23,000, and it is the county seat of Kent county, which county was organized in the year 1836. In point of population it is the second city in size next to Detroit, in this State, and is to Western Michigan, in point of location, business and influence, what the City of the Straits is to the eastern part of the State.
It was incorporated in 1850, and its growth has been healthy and vigor ous. The city is located on both sides of Grand river — which is 900 feet wide at this point, running over a fall in one mile of twenty feet of rocky bed— from which rapid current its name is derived.
The river at this point runs nearly south, but soon after leaving the city resumes its general westerly direction On the west side of the river the ground is nearly level back to the bluffs ; on the east side there were smaller hills between the bank and the bluffs, the leveling of which has cost, and is yet to cost, large sums of money. These bluffs, which nearly surround the city, are being rapidly covered with elegant residences and substantial homes, from which beautiful views of the city are obtained and at a score of points. Speaking of the locality of Grand Rapids, a writer, as far back as 1837, in one of our city — then village— papers, used the following language :
" Though young in its improvements, the site of this village has long been known and esteemed for its natural advantages. It was here that the Indian traders long since made their grand depot. It was at this point that the missionary herald established his institution of learning — taught the forest child the beauties of civilization and inestimable benefits of the Christian religion. This has been the choicest, dearest spot to the unfortunate Indian, and now is the pride of the white man. Like other vil'ages of the west, its transition from the savage to a civilized state has been as sudden as its prospects are now flattering. 44
690 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
" Who would have believed, to have visited this place two years since, when it was only inhabited by a few families, most of whom were of French origin, a people so eminent for exploring the wilds and meander ing rivers, that this place would now contain its twelve hundred inhabi tants ? Who would have imagined that this rapid would have been the improvement of this romantic place. The rapidity of its settlement is beyond the most visionary anticipation; but its location, its advantages, and its clime, were sufficient to satisfy the observing mind that nothing but the frown of Providence could blast its prospects!
' ' The river upon which this tow^n is situated is one of the most important and delightful to be found in the country — not important and beautiful alone for its clear, silver-like water winding its way through a romantic valley of some hundred miles, but for its width and depth, its suscepti bility for steam navigation, and the immense hydraulic power afforded at this point.
' ' We feel deeply indebted to our Milwaukee friends for their lucid des cription of the advantages to be derived from a connection of the waters of this river with those of Detroit, by canal or railroad. A canal is nearly completed around the rapids at this place sufficiently large to admit boats to pass up and down with but little detention. Several steamboats are now preparing to commence regular trips from Lyons, at the mouth of Maple river, to this place, a distance of sixty miles, and from this to Grand Haven, a distance of thirty-five or forty miles; thence to Milwaukee and Chicago.
" Thus the village of Grand Rapids, with, a navigable stream — a water power of twenty-five feet fall — an abundance of crude building materials — stone of excellent quality — pine, oak and other timber in immense quantities within its vicinity, can but flourish — can but be the Rochester of Michigan! The basement story of an extensive mill, one hundred and sixty by forty feet, is now completed; a part of the extensive machinery is soon to be put in operation. There are now several dry goods and grocery stores, some three or four public houses, one large church erected and soon to be finished in good style, upon the expense of a single individual, who commenced business a few years ago by a small traffic with the Indians. Such is the encouragement to western pioneers ! The village plat is upon the bold bank of a river, extending back upon an irregular plain, some eighty to a hundred rods, to rising bluffs, from the base and sides of which some of the most pure, crystal-like fountains of water burst out in boiling springs, pouring forth streams that murmur over their pebbly bottoms, at once a delight to the eye and an invaluable luxury to the thirsty palate.
" New England may surpass this place with her lofty mountains, but not with her greatest boast, purity and clearness of water. The soil is sandy
692 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
and mostly dry. The town is delightful, whether you view it from the plain upon the banks of the river, or from the bluffs that overlook the whole surrounding country. To ascend these bluffs you take a gradual rise to the height of a hundred feet, when the horizon only limits the extent of vision. The scenery to an admirer of beautiful landscape is truly picturesque and romantic. Back east of the town is seen a wide spread plain of burr oak, at once easy to cultivate and inviting to the agriculturist. Turning westward, especially at the setting of the sun, you behold the most enchanting prospect — the din of the ville below— the broad sheet of water murmuring over the rapids — the sunbeams dancing upon its swift gliding ripples — the glassy river at last losing itself in its distant meanderings, presents a scenery that awakes the most lively emotions.
" It is from this point, too, that you can see in the distance the evergreen tops of the lofty pine waving in majesty above the sturdy oak, the beech and maple, presenting to the eye a wild, undulating plain, with its thou sand charms. Such is the location, the beauties and the advantages of this youthful town. The citizens are of the most intelligent, enterprising and industrious character. Their buildings are large, tasty and hand somely furnished — the clatter of mallet and chisel— the clink of the hammer — the many newly raised and recently covered frames — and the few skeleton boats upon the wharves of the river, speak loudly for the enterprise of the place! Mechanics of all kind find abundant employ, and reap a rich reward for their labor. Village property advances in value, and the prospect of wealth is alike flattering to all ! What the result, of such advantages and prospects will be, time alone must deter mine.
" But a view of this place and vicinity, where we find a rich and fertile soil, watered with the best of springs, and enjoying as we do a salubrious climate, a healthful atmosphere, and the choicest gifts of a benign Bene factor, would satisfy almost any one that this will soon be a bright star in the constellation of western villages. Such, gentle reader, is a faint description of the place from which our paper hails— from which we hope will emanate matter as pleasing and interesting as the town is beautiful and inviting. "
Thirty-six years have passed away since the foregoing was written, and the visitor now beholds a lively, bustling and active city, full of energy and enterprise and doing an amount of manufacturing and mercantile trading truly surprising. There are three daily newspapers, the Eagle, Democrat and Times, representing the Republican and Democratic parties, and the latter Independent. There are also several weekly papers, one of which is printed exclusively in the Holland language. There are twenty- three organized churches, and some of the edifices are of a superior kind
HISTORY OP MICHIGAN.
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in point of architectural design. The First Congregational is a gothic building, elegant in finish, costing $65,000. St. Marks, Episcopal, one of the old church edifices in the city, has lately been enlarged and im proved at a cost of $30,000, and is one of the largest gothic edifices west
HON. H. M. LOOK.
HENTCY M LOOK was born at Hadley, Michigan, October 27, 1837. His ancestors were from Scotland, and settled on the island of Martha's Vineyard, in 1758. They removed thence to Massachusetts, while it was yet a province of Great Britain, and bore an active part in the war of the revolution, two members of the family losing their lives in that struggle— one while leading a charge at the battle of Bennington, the other while a prisoner of war.
His parents were both natives of New York, and settled in the (then) Territory of Michigan in 1834. Having received a thorough education, including an extensive course of historical and classical reading, he began the study of law in 1857, and was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of Michigan, in November, 1859, and to the Circuit Court of the United States, in 1867. He is still in the active and successful practice of his profession.
He was a member of the legislature of Michigan in 1865 and 1866; prosecuting attorney for Oakland county in 1871 and 1872; city attorney
694 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
of Detroit, in Michigan, worth $60,000. The First Methodist has a fine structure in the Roman style, elaborately finished and furnished, costing $45,000. The Baptist Society are erecting a very costly gothic church which will be a a superb contribution to the many beautiful houses of worship in the city, its estimated price, when completed, being $80,000. The First Presb}^terian have a very fine house, nearly completed, on the west side, which will cost $30,000. The Methodists have also, in this locality, a really handsome gothic church, almost ready, containing in its tower the largest bell in the city and a fine clock. Cost, $40,000. The Roman Catholics have a handsome gothic church done and are occupying it, which cost $43,000, and have another, building, for a German congre- gration, at an expense of $60,000. The Episcopalians have in addition to the parent church — St. Mark's — three chapels, while the two Holland churches have large and finely appointed edifices completed, one costing $35,000. The Westminster Presbyterian Society has a very nice church edifice on the east side, while the Dutch Reformed congregation is taking steps to build a $25,000 house. The old Catholic church of St. Andrew has been disposed of, and plans for a $100,000 cathedral are now being perfected. The Universalists have a very pretty and well finished and furnished church.
The manufacturing interests of Grand Rapids are large and rapidly increasing. Generally, they may be summed up in three flouring, one woolen, fifteen saw, four plaster and other mills, three furnaces, two boiler factories, four tanneries, six large furniture manufactories, and a dozen smaller ones, three extensive chair factories, ten large cooper shops, six extensive carriage manufactories, ten wagon shops, one chem ical works, three pail and bucket factories, one clothes pin factory, one gypsum ornament manufactory, several sash, door and blind shops, two saw manufactories, three marble and stone yards, one brush factory, Waters' patent barrel factory, two hub factories, two manufactories of farming implements, one faucet manufactory ; in fact, almost every-
of the city of Pontiac, and member of its board of education from 1864 to 1868 ; delegate to the national Democratic convention at Baltimore in 1872.
As a speaker and writer, Mr. Look has a wide reputation. Some of his public addresses have commanded extraordinary approbation, and have been republished in the leading American and foreign journals. He is the author of a work upon "The Law and Practice of Masonic Trials," which has become a standard authority in its department throughout the United States. Such of his productions as he has given to the press have elicited an instant and universal approval, and it is to be hoped that his useful and powerful pen may not lie idle in the future. His merits as a writer consist in clearness and boldness of conception, fertility in expression, correctness of taste, and a remarkable grace and purity of style.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 695
thing that can be made from wood has a manufactory in this city. ' Fanning mills, milk safes, and such like useful articles are extensively fabricated, and all these varied industries— large numbers of which we have not attempted to enumerate — furnish employment for an army of mechanics, artisans and laborers, who are paid weekly for their skill and efforts in developing the city's resources.
Upon either side of the Grand river is a canal, which furnishes a vast amount of power for propelling the machinery incident to the manufac turing enterprises of the place, the descent in the river over the rapids producing a head and fall of sixteen feet ; and yet it is safe to say that fully one-half of the whole power used in the various departments of mechanical effort in the city is made from steam.
At this time of writing six railroads are in operation, under the control of some of the most extensive corporations in the country, sending out and receiving daily the passengers upon thirty trains of cars, while the immense freighting business incident to the lumber, plaster and manufac turing interests are indeed great. A street railway from the Detroit and Milwaukee Railway has long been in operation, running through Leonard, Canal, Monroe and Fulton streets, and when continued to the Fair grounds, will be a source of great convenience.
This year (1873) upwards of three hundred buildings of all kinds, including forty stores, are in process of erection, and it is one of the strong points of the resources of Grand Rapids that all the stone for paving or building, and fine yellow brick, as good as those made in Mil waukee, with lime, plaster of Paris, stucco and sand, are found within the corporation, while the country immediately north abounds with the best of pine, cedar, beech, maple and other pierchantable woods out of which lumber is made. With the exception of paint, nails and gas piping, the materials for an entire ordinary dwelling are to be found in the city, the product of the county.
The public schools of the city are as good as the best in the State, and comprise one Union or High school and eight ward schools, all under the control of a Board of Education consisting of two members from each ward, with the Mayor, who are elected by the people. The build ings occupied for school purposes are mostly of brick, and of attractive design, with good play grounds. There is a City Library of upwards of 6,000 volumes, supported by fines, the result of violated ordinances; also a " Kent Scientific Institute," which has one of the most valuable collec tions of specimens, minerals, fossils, etc., to be found in the State, and one which has attracted considerable attention from scientists.
The Young Men's Christian Association is in a very flourishing state, and its organization has not only been efficient but exceedingly useful in the line of its Christian duty and quiet charities. " St. Mark's Home" is
696 GENERAL HISTORY OP THE STATES.
a hospital under the immediate control of some ladies of St. Mark's church, and has proved itself of great benefit to many, as its doors are open to all, without distinction of creed. The charges for board and care are just sufficient to cover actual cost, for such as can pay, and to such as cannot and are worthy, no charge is made.
"The Union Benevolent Society" is another charitable hospital, of a more enlarged character, which has been in existence for upwards of fifteen years. It is managed by ladies and gentlemen selected from the various Protestant organizations, and is incorporated. Having an eligible and admirably located lot, steps are now being taken towards the erection of a suitable building to accommodate their rapidly increasing wants.
This city is the acknowledged metropolis of western and northwestern Michigan. Its location is one of admitted beauty, having a rare variety of hill and dale for landscape, while it is noted for its elegant residences, suburban villas, fine business blocks, and the air of activity and thrift which characterizes so many of our western towns. The United States have decided to erect a suitable public building here for its District Courts, Pension Office, U. 8. Marshal's Office, Collector, Post-office, etc., etc., and has ordered a free postal delivery system, in accordance with a law of Congress passed at its last session. It should be added that during the season of navigation boats ply regularly on the Grand river to Grand Haven, and a large amount of business is transacted along the shores, which are dotted with thriving villages.
The traveling public are well cared for in several hotels, which are well kept, though the rapid increase of population and the influx of strangers, attracted by the wide-spread notoriety of the place for business, demand increased facilities in this line, and steps are being taken towards the erection of more hotel room. There are two free bridges and one toll bridge spanning the river — which is 900 feet wide — also two railroad bridges. The wholesale business of Grand Rapids in groceries, boots and shoes, dry goods, hardware and manufactured articles from wood, is large and rapidly increasing. Several of its streets are paved with stone, while wooden pavements are now coming into general use. Owing to the hilly nature of a large part of the city plat and the necessity of much filling ne »r the river, on the east side, the grading and leveling of streets has been a costly undertaking, but it has been accomplished during the ten years past at an outlay of nearly a hundred thousand dollars per annum. The ground forming the plat on the west side is very level, and calculated for a large city, backed and skirted as it is by very bold and delightful bluffs Situated as Grand Rapids is, in the vicinity of a splendid farming, fruit, wool raising and well wooded country, it must continue to increase in wealth, population and intelligence, and remain in the future, as it is now, the second city of Michigan, and through its
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 697
various institutions and enterprises of a business, religious and social nature, must do no small share in moulding the thought and giving tone and direction to the population which is rapidly rilling up the great country north as far Mackinaw, and west to the shore of Lake Michigan. The view which we give of a portion of the city is taken from the Union school hill, looking south and southwest, and covering in the foreground portions only of the first, second and third wards, on the east side, and the eighth ward across the river in the distance.
ADRIAN.
ADRIAN is a beautiful and flourishing city of about 12,000 inhabitants, situated on the south branch of the River Raisin, on high, rolling ground, in the midst of one of the richest farming districts in the State. It is located very nearly in the center of Lenawee county, of which it is the county seat. It is easy of access by rail — thirty-three miles from Toledo, seventy-four miles from Detroit, two hundred and ten miles from Chicago, and eighty-five miles from Lansing.
The site upon which the city is built was located by Addison J. Corn- stock, in 1825, and a plat of forty-nine lots, comprising a part of what is now the business portion of the city, was made by him, and recorded March 31, 1828.
Adrian was incorporated in 1853, since which time its boundaries have twice been enlarged. It now covers an area of nearly three miles square, and has grown to be one of the most important manufacturing cities in the State. It is an orderly, well regulated city — governed in the interest of economy and good order. Its present officials are Wm. H. Waldby, Mayor; W. H. Stone, Treasurer; F. B. 'Nixon, Recorder; Simeon M. Bab- cock, Marshal; George L. Bachman, City Attorney; Daniel T.Anderson, Collector. Aldermen — First Ward — George W. Larwill, Michael Molloy; Second Ward— Lorenzo Tabor, George S. Brown; Third Ward— W. T. Lawrence, Edward Swords ; Fourth Ward — C. H. Comstock, James Warner.
The buildings of Adrian are of a superior order. It contains many very elegant residences, and numerous very fine public buildings. Its healthfulness, cleanliness, beauty and prosperity evoke universal com mendation. Its church edifices are models of convenience and elegance. Perhaps no city in the country is better provided with churches. The Presbyterians, Methodist Episcopal, Congregationalists, Baptists, Luther ans and Catholics each have large brick church edifices. Other denomi nations have convenient but less pretentious churches. The increasing importance of Adrian College is a subject of much interest. Its struggle to maintain itself and its final triumph command the admirl^**" Ml lovers of education. From a weak beginning it has grown to be one of the first educational institutions in the State. It is situated on a fine elevation in the western part of the city, overlooking it from the west. It has four fine brick buildings, and an endowment of $100,000.
_
EEE^ES
700 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
The school system of Adrian is unsurpassed, possessing as it does the most perfect facilities for bestowing upon all who may avail themselves of the benefits of it, an education at once the most liberal and thorough. ; The schools are admirably conducted, the corps of teachers being second to none in the State. The instructions are thorough and upon the broad-: est and most liberal basis. The graduates therefrom are admitted to the: University without examination. The school buildings consist of the central building, so called, erected in 1869, costing about $100,000, and four large branch buildings, of brick — one in each ward.
The city is well provided with hotels, some of them ranking among the best in the West, affording ample accommodations of the first order.
The Adrian Car Manufacturing Company, with a capital of $300,000, manufactures passenger and freight cars, and employs three hundred men. There is connected with these works one of the largest and most important foundries in the State, outside of Detroit and Wyandotte.
The Illinois Manufacturing Company employs a capital of $200,000 and one hundred and fifty men; has orders from all parts of the country, and is noted for the promptness and dispatch with which it fills them. It manufactures all kinds of car trimmings and brass fittings. •
The Adrian Paper Mill Company manufactures wrapping and print paper; has a capital of $75,000, and employs fifty men.
The Adrian Hand Car Company, recently organized, manufactures an improved hand car, and has orders from all parts of the country.
There are three first class flouring mills here in successful operation, two of them being run by water and one by steam.
Boots and shoes, carriages and furniture are manufactured [for the wholesale trade to a considerable extent.
There is about to be established a file manufactory, also a factory for the manufacture of all kinds of wooden- ware, which will furnish employ ment for a considerable number of men.
Adrian has four banks — First National, formerly Waldby's Bank of Adrian, long atfd successfully conducted by Wm. H. Waldby, the present Mayor of the city; W. H. Stone & Co., private bankers; Lenawee County Savings Bank, and the Adrian Savings Bank.
The Michigan State Insurance Company, located here, is one of the best insurance companies in the State. It is doing a large business, and is perfectly reliable.
The first newspaper was published here October 22, 1834, called thfc Lenawee Republican and Adrian Gazette, afterwards the Watcktower, R. W. Inglass, proprietor.
In 1865, a portion of the Watchiower establishment was purchased by General Wm. Humphre}', now Auditor-General of the State, and he, in conjunction with T. S. Applegate, one of the owners of the Watchtowery
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
701
established the Adrian Daily Times, which took the place of the Watch- tower.
The Adrian Expositor was established in 1843, and was consolidated with the Times in 1866. The Times and Expositor is ably conducted by its present proprietors, Messrs. Applegate & Fee, and has a large circula tion daily and weekly.
HON. J. W. GORDON.
J. WRIGHT GOKDON was lieutenant-governor of Michigan during the administration of Governor Woodbridge, and upon the resignation of the latter gentleman to accept a seat in the United States Senate, Mr. Gordon became acting governor. He was a gentleman of high character and ability, find was at one time the regular Whig candidate for United States Senator; but was defeated by a combination of Whigs and Demo crats in the legislature. After leaving the public service, his health became impaired, and he visited South America. He died at Pernain- buco, from the effects of a fall from a balcony, in December, 1853.
702 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
The Press (daily and weekly), recently established by William A. Whitney, is receiving an extensive patronage, and is also ably conducted.
The Journal is issued every Friday morning, and has a circulation throughout the county. Japheth Cross, proprietor.
The Adrian Auzeiger is a German paper of modest pretensions, well managed by Messrs. Lohmann & Son, and well patronized by the German population of the city and county.
Adrian has a very efficient and well ordered paid Fire Department — two steam fire engines, one Babcock self-acting fire engine, one hand engine, and one hook and ladder company. The department employs fifty men. The apparatus is of the best class, and comfortable and elegant brick engine houses afford quarters for the men and horses employed, the city owning the teams used.
The Mineral Springs, connected with the hotel by that name, located in the western part of the paved district, are pronounced by chemists, and show by analysis, to be possessed of excellent medicinal properties. They are well patronized, with the best results. The bath and hotel accommodations are of the first order.
There are a number of other mineral springs in the city — one located between Adrian College and the business portion of the city, on the premises of J. J. Newell, Esq. , which has recently been analyzed, and pro nounced a very superior and healthful beverage. Besides being possessed of excellent curative powers, it is cold and exceedingly palatable. One on the premises of Colonel J. H. Wood, in the southern portion of the city, is also rapidly increasing in favor. It is located in a beautiful spot and is attracting much notice. There are others of more or less merit in different parts of the city. A large number of strangers, from all sections of the country, visit Adrian for the purpose of enjoying the benefits of these springs and the healthful atmosphere of the place. The influx of these visitors is so large that the hotels and boarding houses of the city, heretofore affording ample accommodations, are filled to their utmost capacity, and the erection of new buildings for the especial purpose of accommodating those who corne here to recreate and restore themselves to health and vigor is contemplated.
Adrian has several parks, the most important of which is Monument Square, in which is located the Soldiers' Monument. The monument consists of an Italian marble shaft, thirty feet high, surmounting a base, twenty feet high, built of cut stone.
The Adrian Gas Light Company was organized in 1856, with a capital of $50,000, since which time the works have been enlarged and the capi tal stock increased.
The Young Men's Christian Association, and the Ladies' Library Asso ciation, deserve mention. The former has a free reading-room, supplied
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703
with the best papers and magazines of the day, and is doing much good in the city. The latter possesses one of the finest miscellaneous libraries in the State, consisting of about two thousand volumes of choice works. Much interest is taken in horticulture and in ornamenting the homes of the city with shrubs and flowers. There is a horticultural society maintained here, which does much to create and foster a proper spirit of
HON. WM. L. GREENLY.
WILLIAM L. GREENLY was born at Hamilton, Madison county, New York, September 18, 1813; graduated at Union College, Schenectady, in 1831; studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1834. In 1836, he settled in Adrian, Michigan, where he has since resided. The year fol lowing, he was elected State senator, and served in that capacity until 1839. In 1845, he was elected lieutenant-governor of the State, and became acting governor by the resignation of Governor Felch, who was, in February, 1847, elected to the United States Senate. Governor Greenly is a gentleman of high character and attainments, and during his^official career served the State with great acceptability.
704 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
emulation. Adrian is one of the best ornamented cities in the State, and is beautifully shaded with maple and elm trees.
Oakwood Cemetery, situated in the northeast portion of the city, on the east bank of the River Raisin, is one of nature's most beautiful land scapes — is laid out in the best style — is ornamented and beautified with that taste and solemn elegance becoming the sacred city of the dead. It is indeed a beautiful and hallowed spot. Here solemnity and beauty associate in harmonious combination.
Situated as Adrian is — upon the main line of the Lake Shore and Michi gan Southern Railway, at its junction with the Jackson and Detroit branches, with fair prospects of the speedy completion of the Adrian and Detroit Railroad with its connections, making a grand trunk line between the East and Southwest, with a good market, for which it has justly been noted since the completion of the Erie and Kalamazoo Rail road to this point in 1836, with its large and constantly increasing manu facturing interests, the rich farming country surrounding it, the heauty and healthfulness of its location, its superb schools and the general intel ligence of its people— it has a grand future before it.
The Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway company employs three hundred men in its repair and car building shops here, which shops are located in the immediate vicinity of the works of the Adrian Car Manufacturing Company. City lots, convenient to these shops, have been laid out and platted, affording mechanics an excellent opportunity to provide for themselves comfortable homes.
Fine building lots, in other portions of the city, can be purchased on very easy terms at comparatively low prices. No city in the State affords better opportunities or offers better inducements to those desirous of pro curing houses, whether they wish to engage in business or retire from the active pursuits of life to educate their children, or to enjoy the society of an educated and intelligent people.
45
DETROIT.
IN preceding chapters of this work, we have given the incidents con nected with the history of Detroit more iu detail than space will allow at this place. It is our purpose in this sketch to follow, very briefly, the outline of its history, and then to notice its growth, improvements and future prospects.
Established in 1701, by the French, Fort Detroit soon came into rivalry with its older and distant sister, Michilimackinac. Previous to the date mentioned, the latter place had been regarded as the central western out post of New France, but the establishment of a fort and trading post on the Detroit river drew largely from that place. Its advantages in climate, government and the liberality of its commandant were all that was needed to divert the tide of settlement from Michilimackinac.
Three years after the establishment of Fort Detroit, the English influenced the Indians to set fire to the town, which was, however, but partially destroyed.
In 1712, the Fox Indians made a desperate attempt to destroy it, but after a bold and determined siege of nineteen days, they were repulsed with great loss.
In 1749, the settlement was extended by emigrants sent out at the expense of the French government, but the policy of the new command ant was such as to prevent the rapid growth of the town.
In 17G3, Fort Detroit, with all Canada, was transferred to the British Crown. This change was not only distasteful to the French settlers at Detroit, but to the Indians in the surrounding country, who had learned to respect and love their "brothers, the French." This savage dissatis faction, goaded on by the French, resulted in what is known to history as the Pontiac war, a full account of which has already been given in this work.
In 1796, the American army entered Detroit. The British had pre viously left the town, and their authority was thus peacefully transferred to the United States.
The Territory of Michigan was organized in 1805, at which date Gen eral William Hull was appointed its first Governor. He formed a gov ernment at Detroit, in July of that year. The town of Detroit had been entirely destroyed by fire a short time previous, and now advantage was
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, DETROIT.
708 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
taken of this circumstance to widen the streets and lay out the future city on an entirely new and enlarged plan.
The growth of Detroit, for many years, depended on the fur trade and the disbursement of public moneys. There was yet needed that impulse which is only produced by the settlement of the surrounding country.
The old town of Detroit was situated a little west of the heart of the present city of Detroit and was built entirely of wood. The streets were narrow, and the place presented a rude, uninviting appearance.
Passing on from 1805 to 1815, we find the "new town" or city of Detroit considerably improved. It had one commodious dock, called the "public wharf." It consisted of a pier, formed by a crib of logs, filled in with stone and gravel. It was about one hundred and fifty feet from the shore, with which it was connected by a bridge, or plank-way. All vessels, whether public or private, were then accustomed to load and unload at this wharf. The rest of the water front was in a state of nature. A second wharf was built in 1826.
There were six or seven stores, for general business, in the town at this date, but not a vessel which then navigated the lakes was owned in Detroit.
The military grounds were occupied by Fort Shelby and the Infantry cantonment. This fort was erected in 1777, by Major Le Noult, the British commander, and was thrown down in 1827. The cantonment was built in 1815, occupying nearly the whole square between Fort Wayne, Lafayette and Cass' line. It consisted of a group of log build ings about one hundred feet long. The court room used in 1834 was, in 1820, used by the court-martial, and as the dancing hall of the can tonment.
The city of Detroit was incorporated by an act passed by the Governor and judges, on the 4th of October, 1815. By this act the municipal authority was invested in five trustees, a secretary, an assessor, a collec tor and a city marshal, who were to be chosen on the first day of May, annually, by the householders of the city, paying an annual rent of forty dollars.
General John R. Williams was elected the first mayor of Detroit, in 1824, and in 1836, the legislature passed an act extending the limits of the city. This opened the way for that influx of immigration and advance ment of commercial enterprise which has made Detroit a great city.
Until 1827, Detroit was the only municipal corporation in the Territory of Michigan, and at that time it contained a population of about two thousand souls, which was about one-tenth of the population of the Ter ritory. Even at that late date, the city was but little else than a military and fur trading post. The inhabitants were principally native French, with a few^families from the eastern States. Then only three or four
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
709
steamboats a week arrived in Detroit; now a craft of some nature passes it every six minutes on an average, and nearly all the steamers on the upper and lower lakes make it a stopping point. Then there were but four wharves at which vessels could unload; now its docks extend for miles on the river front. Then there were but three turnpike roads lead ing from Detroit; now there are plank roads and railroads in almost every
CITY HALL, DETROIT.
direction. Then the eastern mail arrived once a week ; now we have four mails from that quarter daily, and the telegraph wires extend to all points in America and Europe. The latter means of communication was opened to Detroiters on the first day of March, 1848.
Among those institutions whose growth has rendered Detroit famous in the nation, may justly be mentioned the public schools. It is true that the schools of Detroit — where every child in the city can obtain the elements of a good English education free of charge — are the pride and boast of the city. The free public schools were first established in 1842. But little interest had been manifested in the subject of education pre vious to this date, and the citizens of Detroit are indebted to Dr. Zina
710 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
Pitcher for the first step towards establishing a general system of educa tion. While mayor, in 1841, he called the attention of the common council to the great need of public schools in the city; and a report was subsequently made to that body, showing that there were twenty-seven English schools, one French and one German school. The whole num ber of pupils reported was about seven hundred, while there were over two thousand children of school-age in the city.
Measures were then taken for the establishment of common schools, and, in a short time, seven new schools were opened. In 1842, the Legis lature passed an act incorporating the schools of the city into one district, under the charge of the Board of Education of the city of Detroit. Since that date, this board has had the management of the school system, which, to the credit of its several members, is one of the most efficient in the United States.
The first house for public worship erected in Detroit, was built by the Roman Catholics, in 1723. This building stood on the present site of Jefferson avenue, and directly opposite the Masonic Hall. It was, of course, destroyed by the fire of 1805. The Cathedral of St. Ann was commenced in 1817, by the Rev. Gabriel Richard, but was not completed until 1832.
The Methodists organized a society in Detroit in 1812, and the Episco pal society was organized in 1824. The first Presbyterian church was organized in 1825, and the society erected a church on the corner of Woodward avenue and Larned street as early as 1826. This building was destroyed by fire in 1854.
The Second Presbyterian church was organized in 1849, with the Rev. R. R. Kellogg as pastor. The membership of this church then consisted of only twenty-six members. Public worship was held in the old capitol building until April 7, 1850, when the society took possesion of their new edifice, on the corner of Lafayette and Wayne streets. There they con tinued until November 18, 1855, when they removed to their present place of worship, with one hundred and sixty-seven members.
In the month of February of the same year, Rev. Arthur T. Pierson, then of Waterford, New York, was called to the vacant pastorate, which he still (1873) occupies.
In the spring of 1860, it was determined by the trustees to go forward with sundry extensive improvements upon the church edifice, long con templated, and felt to be essential to the completion of the original design. The work was begun in July, 1870, and completed within the year, the re-opening and re-dedication services being held January 1st, 1871.
From corner stone to cornice, the whole building was remodeled and refitted, especially as to its interior, furnished with black walnut pews and pulpit and a crescent gallery, and also with carpets and cushions.
FORT STREET, DETROIT.
712 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
Space, in this late stage of our work, will not admit of mention of the multitude of useful institutions now existing in the city. The most important is the House of Correction, which is an honor to Detroit.
The Detroit City Hall — an engraving of which is presented here — is one of the finest and most substantial edifices owned by any munici pality of equal population in America.
But Detroit is not alone indebted to artificial and architectural accom plishments for its magnificence. Nature, in her munificence, has bestowed her beauties with a free hand. This is noticeable in the view of Fort street, here presented.
The present condition of the city, in a commercial point as in all others, is most satisfactory. The numerous extensive manufactories attest its steady growth; and the volume of its commerce, which is becom ing broader and more profitable year \yy year, is a safe guarantee of its future greatness.
HON. WILLIAM C. DUNCAN.
WILLIAM CHAMBERLAIN DUNCAN was born in Lyons, New York, on the 18th of May, 1820. His father's family removed from Lyons to Roch ester, New York, when he was about five years of age. In the latter city his younger years were spent, and he received there the advantage of an ordinary common school education. At the age of twenty one, desiring to engage in some employment for himself which might lead him into active business, he accepted the position of steward on one of the passen ger steamers then plying on the lakes, and remained in this employ ment until 1846, when he became engaged in a similar occupation extend ing up Lake Superior.
714 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
Any one familiar with the vast commerce which is now seen upon Lake Superior, and the almost countless craft that course its waters, and who know Mr. Duncan, still a young man, will find it difficult to realize that he was present, and engaged in the enterprise of taking the " Julia Palmer," the first side-wheel steamer that ever floated on Lake Superior, across the portage at the Sault Ste. Marie.
In the year 1849 Mr. Duncan became a permanent resident of Detroit, and engaged in the business of a brewer and malster. Detroit was then a comparatively small city, and Mr. Duncan has "grown with its growth."
He brought into business life great personal activity, strict devotion to his chosen pursuit, prudence and sagacity, and energy which was never relaxed. These qualities secured him success, and enabled him to lay the foundation of what has since become an ample fortune.
Mr. Duncan early attracted to himself the esteem of his fellow-citizens, and was pointed out as a suitable candidate for political preferment. He was elected an alderman in the year 1853, and served in that position for five years. He was the first president of the Common Council after that office was created by an amendment of the city charter. Mr. Dun can was always a Democrat, and his personal popularity and his services in the city council led to his nomination in 1861 for the office of mayor. To this post he was triumphantly elected, and served during the years 1862 and 1863. His administration was distinguished for his careful attention to city affairs, his rigid honesty and frugality, and his particular efforts and influence in favor of the war for the Union. In the fall of 1862 he was chosen as a State senator from the second district, and filled that office during the years 1863 and 1864.
In 1865 Mr. Duncan retired from active business, his impaired health requiring that he should enjoy more recreation and rest. Since that time he has given his attention to the management of his large estate, is a director in financial corporations, has visited Europe twice, and is enjoy ing the fruits of a youth and manhood of business energy and enterprise.
He manifests a deep interest in the welfare and prosperity of Detroit, and his fellow citizens have not ceased to honor him by calling into pub lic employment his intelligence and forecast. In the spring of 1873, upon the organization of the board of estimates, a body which has a large control of the municipal expenditures, he was chosen a member at large. In the fall of 1873 the unanimous voice of his party selected him a second time as its candidate for the mayoralty, but the condition of his health compelled him to decline the nomination.
Mr. Duncan is a notable example of the sound and practical business qualities which lead to success, and of the personal habits and character which secure and retain public esteem.
filSTORY OP MICHIGAN. 715
His energy, perseverance, integrity, and cordial manners, early gave him a high place in the community in which he has lived. By these qualities and habits he has been able to build up his fortune and estab lish his position in society.
His popularity is not exhausted, and, as he is still in the prime of life, it is the hope of all who know him that his health may be spared for the higher duties in business and political life, to which his fellow-citizens are sure to summon him.
HON. W. W. WHEATON.
THE subject of our sketch, the Hon. Wm. W. Wheaton, of Detroit, is an example of what can in the United States be accomplished without extrinsic aid or influence when ability, energy and ambition are united with perseverance and determination to succeed.
Mr. Wheaton was born in New Haven, Conn., on the 5th of April, 1833, and is therefore now only in his fortieth year. Yet he has for twenty years been a prominent wholesale merchant, most of the time at the head of a firm; has been at the head of the city government of Detroit as Mayor for four years, and has been chairman of the Demo cratic State Central Committee for two years. In the fall of 1866 he ran
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 717
for Senator for the Second District of Michigan and was only defeated by twelve votes, and he was twice elected Mayor. It is rarely that mer cantile, official and political prominence have been secured so early in life without any strong outside influences to aid in attaining them.
Mr. Wheaton's parents were only in moderate circumstances. When he was but ten years old his father died. He obtained a common school education by working for his board and schooling. He was preparing for college under the late Judge Simeon Baldwin, of New Haven, when he was offered a situation in the mercantile establishment of C. H. JSTor- thum & Co., of Hartford. He remained with them four years, laying the foundation of business qualifications that have since secured him his success. He then removed to Detroit and entered into business for himself in the firm of Farrand & Wheaton, and subsequently at the head of the firm of Wheaton, Leonard & Burr, and Wm. W. Wheaton & Co. He has accumulated a fine property from no capital but business capacity and able management. He is at the present time the treasurer and general agent of the Marquette and Pacific Rolling Mill Company of Marquette, which represents $500,000, and is owned mostly in Detroit. He has been successful as an official through incorruptibility and atten tion to his duties. He has acquired prominence as a politician through his knowledge of men, his frankness, his energy and his independence of individual or selfish influences.
FLINT.
THE city of Flint, the county seat of Genesee county, is beautifully located upon the banks of the Flint river, and is about equi-distant between Saginaw and Pontiac. Its present population is about 10,000, and it is a town of no inconsiderable business. Located in the center of a rich agricultural county, numbering about 40,000 inhabitants, the growth of the city has never been rapid and spasmodic, but certain and healthy.
Mr. Jacob Smith was the first white settler, having removed here soon after the treaty was concluded with the Indians at Saginaw in 1819. Mr. Smith had but few white neighbors before his death, and it was not until about the years 1828 and 1830 that the place could be called "fairly started." Among the first settlers, may be mentioned the names of Lyman Stow, Rufus W. Stevens, John Todd, R. F. Stage, D. S. Freeman, I. D. Wright, G. and R. Bishop, L. G. Biskford, C. S. Payne, T. B. W. Stockton, Charles C. Hascall, II. M. and I. Henderson, Win. Moon.
About the year 1834, a land office was established here for the sale of lands in the Saginaw district, and General C. C. Hascall was appointed receiver and Michael Hoffman register. Political changes taking place, these gentlemen were succeeded by George M. Dewey, as receiver, and E. B. Witherbee, as register, and who in their turn were succeeded by R. Bishop, as receiver, and Wm. M. Fenton, as register, who held their appointments until the office was removed to Saginaw, in the year 1858.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
The Asylum for the Deaf, the Dumb and the Blind was located here by the legislature of 1847. The building is one in which the people of the State may take a just pride. The site was donated to the State by Colonel T. B. W. Stockton. Hon. I. B. Walker was the resident commissioner until his declination in 1872, when W. L. Smith was appointed as his suc cessor. The institution is at present in a highly flourishing condition under the management of Professor E. L. Bangs. It has a general attend ance of 150 students.
The Court House and City Hall are creditable structures.
HAILKOADS.
The Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad passes through the city, opening a direct line of communication to all points north and south. The Port
720 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
Huron and Lake Michigan Railroad having lately been consolidated with the Peninsula Railroad, extending from Lansing to Valparaiso, in Indiana, secures the early completion of the road from Flint to Lansing — the new organization taking the name of "The Chicago and Lake Huron Railroad Company." This road will, when finished, be of great advantage to the people of the Northwest, and will constitute the shortest route from Chicago to the sea-board.
SCHOOLS.
Flint has vied with its sister cities of the State in its educational facili ties. A central " Union school" building is now being erected at a cost of $100,000, which will be one of the finest school buildings in the State. Professor Tumsdell now stands at the head and supervises the educa tional interests of the city, and students are admitted to the University upon his certificate without further examination.
LIBRARIES.
The only public library in the city is that of the " Ladies1 Library Association," organized in 1851, and which is the pioneer or "mother association " of the hundreds of similar ladies' library associations now in the full tide of successful and useful operation, not only in Michigan, but in neighboring States. The plan of this "peculiar institution" origi nated with Mrs. R. "W. Jenny, who wrote its constitution and by-laws, and under which Mrs. Colonel Stockton was chosen its first president. It owns a large and valuable circulating library.
Colonel E. H. Thompson has one of the largest and best private libra ries in the State.
The "Flint Scientific Institute," pioneered by Dr. Daniel Clarke, Dr. Manly Miles, Hon. F. H. Rankin, Hon. E. H. Thompson, and others, is one of the best of its kind. It has a rare and valuable collection for the study of the naturalist and the scientist.
BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES.
One commandery Knights Templar; one chapter Royal Arch Masons; two lodges F. & A. M. ; two lodges I. O. O. F. ; one lodge I. O. G. T. ; St. Michael's Benevolent Society.
BANKS.
Her banks are the First National, Citizens' National, and the Genesee County Savings Bank.
Flint has also a Riding Park Association; an excellent Brass Band, under charge of Professor G. I. H. Gardner; a military company — " The Flint Union Blues."
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 721
NEWSPAPERS.
There are three weekly newspapers. The Wolverine Citizen, published and edited by F. H. Rankin ; the Globe, by A. L. Aldrich (both Republi can), and the Oenesee Democrat, by Jenny & Fellows.
CHURCHES.
Two Methodist, one Presbyterian, one Episcopal, one Baptist, one Con gregational, one German Evangelical, one Catholic. The new Episcopal church is not excelled in architectural design and beauty by any in the State.
MANUFACTORIES.
The manufacture of lumber has contributed largely to the prosperity of the city. There are ten steam saw mills, of usual capacity, besides planing mills, two woolen mills, three foundries, etc., giving employment to a large force of workmen.
Among the recent improvements in the city have been the sinking of two artesian wells, by the city council, and the erection of the Holly Water Works, by A. McFarlan, Esq., on his premises, for the protection of his saw mill and lumber yard from fire.
ORGANIZATION.
The city charter was granted by the legislature in 1855. G. Decker was chosen the first mayor. The subsequent mayors were Hons. R. I. S. Page, Porter Hazelton, E. S. Williams, H. M. Henderson, Win. Paterson, S. M. Axford, W. B. McCreery, Wm. M. Fenton, Wm. Hamilton, A. B. Witherbee, Wm. S. Patrick, H. H. Crapo, I. B. Walker, D. S. Fox, and the popular and efficient incumbent, Hon. George H. Durand.
Many of the early settlers and prominent professional and business men of Flint have died within the past few years, among whom may be mentioned the names of Governor H. H. Crapo, Governor Fenton, Hon. H. M. Henderson, Hon. A. B. Witherbee, Hon. A. P. Davis, Hon. C. P. Avery, Hon. Levi Walker, General C. C. Hascall, B. Pierson, James Hen derson, Esqrs., and Rev. Daniel E. Brown. While their bodies repose in the glades of our beautiful Glenwood, the memory of their worth and virtues will be enshrined in the memories of those permitted to "linger behind."
" Give them the meed they have won in the past- Give them the honors thQir future forecast."
HON. ALEXANDER H. MORRISON.
ALEXANDER HAMILTON MORRISON, of St. Joseph, Michigan, projector and builder of the Chicago and Michigan Lake Shore Railroad, and its vice-president and general manager, was born in the Province of Quebec, Canada, February 22, 1822. At the age of fifteen, he was engaged as clerk for B. W. Smith, now sheriff of Simcoe, Ontario, and with him came West in 1838, arriving at Chicago in October of that year, when Chicago contained less than four thousand inhabitants. Here he entered the employ of David Ballentine, Esq., then a contractor on the Illinois and Michigan Canal, and remained with him as clerk for several years. At the age of nineteen, he engaged in active business on his own account.
In 1847, 1848 and 1849, Mr. Morrison was engaged as a contractor on public works in Illinois and Iowa. In 1850, he came to St. Joseph, where
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 723
he has since resided and been connected in extensive business as a mer chant and lumberman, until he engaged in the railroad enterprise which now occupies his attention.
The Chicago and Michigan Lake Shore Railroad, of which Mr. Morri son is the projector, builder and successful general manager, extends from New Buffalo on the Michigan Central to Pentwater, which is the main line — a distance of one hundred and seventy miles — with a branch of twenty-five miles from Holland to Grand Rapids, and another branch from Muskegon to Big Rapids of fifty-five miles, making in all two hun dred and fifty miles of road.
Considering the difficulties encountered in consequence of the decision of the supreme court, declaring void all municipal aid voted to help con struct railways, together with the fact that the road was built through a new country, sparsely populated, which would not have been undertaken without the encouragement the law of 1869 proposed, the success of the enterprise, in both its completion and management, entitles to the projector and builder to an amount of praise for commercial sagacity, foresight and economy in all the details of construction and management, seldom awarded to men of these times, and which to him, in his declining years, will be a great source of consolation and pride.
Mr. Morrison, while engaged in extensive business, has at the same time given some attention te politics and been the recipient of political honors, and seen much of public life for a man of his years, now only fifty-two.
In 1851, he was chairman of the board of supervisors of Berrien county. In 1852, he was a candidate for presidential elector on the Whig ticket. In 1856, he was elected to the Senate of this State. In 1860, he was elected to the house of representatives and was chairman of the committee on State affairs for three sessions, and during that time was one of the special joint committee on war matters, of which Hons. Jas. F. Joy, H. P. Baldwin and Thomas D. Gilbert were members. To the members of that committee must be awarded the honor of successfully projecting that policy which at the end of the war found the State unin- cumbered with a war debt. The individual members of that committee were also foremost in sustaining a policy not less important, inaugurated by Mr. Joy at the first session of the legislature of 1861, for the establish ment of a sinking fund, which, in 1881, will find the State entirely out of debt.
In 1862, Mr. Morrison was appointed, by President Lincoln, collector of internal revenue for the second district of Michigan, and, in 1867, assessor of internal revenue for the same district, which office he held until June, 1869, when he resigned to enter upon the railroad project, of which mention is made above.
724 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
Mr. Morrison belongs to one of the pioneer families of the western country who were Indian traders in the Lake Superior country in the latter part of the last century and the first part of this. His father was a member of the old Northwestern Fur Company, and one of the few part ners in that company that refused to surrender to, and successfully resisted Lord Selkirk, in his war made upon it in the interest of the Hudson Bay Company, immediately after the late war with Great Britain. His guar dian, in his boyhood, and under whose care he was educated, was his friend and relative — the late William Morrison — the discoverer of the sources of the Mississippi river, from whom he obtained a knowledge of pioneer life in the beginning of this century by hearing him relate adventures that to the young have a charm that is irresistible.
Mr. Morrison ascribes his late success to his business connection with the Hon. James F. Joy, the great railroad magnate of the Northwest, to whom he always gives the entire praise. Be that as it may, the people of Michigan will always remember the subject of this sketch as one of her distinguished characters ; and the people of the town of St. Joseph and Berrien county, as its most prominent, widely known and ambitious business man, who for nearly twenty-five years has maintained a spotless reputation as a merchant and railroad manager.
HON. JOHN S. HORNER.
JOHN SCOTT HORNER was born at Warrenton, Fouquier county, Vir ginia, on the 5th day of December, 1802. He was the third son of Dr. Gustavus Brown Homer, assistant surgeon, and nephew of Dr. Gustavus Brown, Surgeon-General of the Revolutionary Army. His ancestors were English and resided in Yorkshire, near Kipon. His paternal grand father emigrated to the State of Maryland at an early day, and went into
726 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
business as a wholesale importing merchant. He was a near relative of Sir Francis Horner. The subject of this sketch graduated in 1819 at Washington College, Pennsylvania, and practiced law in Virginia until September, 1835. On the 9th day of that month he was appointed by President Jackson, Secretary and Acting Governor of the Territory of Michigan, inclusive of the Territories of Wisconsin and Iowa. As chief executive of the Territory, Governor Horner did much to allay the hos tile feeling then existing between the people of the Territory and of the State of Ohio in reference to the boundary question. Subsequently he was appointed Secretary of the Territory of Wisconsin, and received orders from President Jackson to take up his quarters near the Missis sippi river, in order to meet the apprehended difficulty between the Win- nebago Indians and the settlers in the mineral region of Wisconsin. On his arrival he learned that that tribe were besieging Fort Winnebago. Taking with him a single guide he made a perilous journey of eighty miles to Fort Crawford, called upon General Taylor for a force of one hundred and twenty men, and with them proceeded to. the relief of Fort Winnebago. Arriving there he demanded a council with the Indians, and received a reply from the chiefs that they were "falling to pieces" from starvation, owing to the non-payment of the annuities due from the United States. Upon learning this Governor Horner promptly took the responsibility of issuing an order to deliver to the starving Indians one- half the pork and flour in the military stores of the fort. This action prevented an Indian war, and was highly approved by General Jackson ; and Congress passed an act granting one thousand dollars to Governor Horner as a recognition of his services.
As secretary of the Territory of Wisconsin, his career was distinguished by ability and integrity, and he received many evidences of the confi dence of the people and of the general government. After his retirement from this office, he was appointed by President Jackson register of the Green Bay land office, and by successive appointments by Presidents Van Buren and Tyler, held the position for thirteen years. He has also served for four years as probate judge for the counties of Green Lake and Marquette, in the State of Wisconsin.
Governor Horner now resides in the beautiful and flourishing city of Ripon, Wisconsin, a city which he founded, and to which he gave its name, in compliment to the home of his ancestors in England.
Early in life, Gov. Horner distinguished himself by his advocacj7 of slave emancipation, and the records of the Virginia courts show many evidences of his success as an advocate for slaves suing for their freedom. This sincerity in the cause was proved by his promptitude in freeing the slaves descended to him from his father's estate. This act was performed soon after his coming of age — an act as rare as it wTas commendable at that early day.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.
727
Gov. Homer is still in the enjoyment of vigorous health, the result of temperance and daily active exercise. His life has been an active one, and his official career has been distinguished by ability and strict integrity, and in his dignified retirement he enjoys the results of a well-spent life — health, competence, and troops of friends.
HON. ALPHEUS FELCH.
ALPHEUS FELCH was born at Limerick, York county, Maine, Septem ber 28, 1806; graduated at Bowdoin College, and adopted the law as a profession. When quite young he emigrated to Michigan, and was elected in 1836 to the State Legislature, and re-elected in 1837. In 1838 he was appointed Bank Commissioner, and resigned that office in 1839. For a short time in 1842 he was Auditor-General, but relinquished that position for a seat on the Supreme bench of the State. He was elected Governor of Michigan in 1845, and resigned in 1847 to accept a seat in the
728 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
United States Senate, in which capacity he served a term of six years. He was appointed by President Pierce one of the commissioners to settle land claims in California, under the Act of Congress, and the Treaty of Guaclalupe Hidalgo, in March, 1853. The business of this Commission was closed by disposing of all the cases before it in March, 1856. In 1864 he was a delegate to the Chicago Convention. Since the close of his official career Governor Felch has lived in retirement at Ann Arbor. His official career has been marked by the strictest integrity, and he has ever enjoyed the entire confidence of the people whom he has so long and honorably served.
HON. KINSLEY S. BINGHAM.
KINSLEY SCOTT BINGHAM was born in Camillus, Onondaga county, N. Y., December 16, 1808. He was a farmer's son, and his early life was spent in that occupation. He received a good academic education in his native State, and studied law in the office of Gen. James K. Lawrence, now of Syracuse, N. Y. In the spring of 1833 he married an estimable lady recently from Scotland, and immediately emigrated to Michigan and purchased a new farm, in company with his brother-in-law, Mr. Robert Warden, in Green Oak, Livingston county. Here, on the border of civilization, he commenced the arduous task of clearing and fencing a new farm, putting up the buildings and making it habitable, and bring-
730 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATES.
ing it to a high state of cultivation. He held the offices of justice of the peace and postmaster under the Territorial Government, and was the first judge of probate in the county. In the year 1836 when Michigan became a State, he was elected to the first legislature. He was four times re-elected, and was Speaker of the House of Representatives three years. In 1846 he was elected Representative in Congress, and was the only practical farmer in that body. He did many things in the interest of the farmers, and in particular he opposed and prevented the extension of Wood's patent cast iron plow. He was re-elected to Congress in 1848. He strongly opposed the extension of slavery in the Territories of the United States, and was committed and voted for the Wilmot Proviso. In 1854, at the first organization of the Republican party, he was nominated and elected Governor of the State. In 1856 he was re-elected Governor, and during his administration the farming interest was not forgotten. Among his best acts he recommended and assisted in establishing the Agricultural College at Lansing. In 1859 he was elected Senator in Con gress. He took an active part in the stormy campaign in the election of Abraham Lincoln, and witnessed the inauguration of the rebellion. On the 5th of October, 1861, he was attacked with apoplexy, and died sud denly at his residence in Green Oak.
HON. STEVENS T. MASON.
STEVENS THOMPSON MASON was a son of General John T. Mason, of Kentucky, but was born in Virginia in 1812. At the age of nineteen he was appointed Secretary of Michigan Territory, and served in that capa city during the administration of Governor George B. Porter. Upon the death of Governor Porter, which occurred on the 6th of July, 1834, Mr. Mason became acting governor. In October, 1835, he was elected gov ernor under the State organization, and immediately entered upon the performance of the duties of the office, although the State was not yet admitted into the Union. After the State was admitted into the Union, Governor Mason was reflected to the position, and served with credit to himself and to the advantage of the State. He died January 4th, 1843.
RESIDENCE OF J. W. FRISBIE.
FOLLOWING are six engravings — views of the magnificent residence of Mr. James W. Frisbie, of Detroit. It is located on Cass avenue, one of the most popular and aristocratic thoroughfares in the city, and occu pies nearly the entire square bounded by Cass avenue on the east, Bagg street on the north and Ledyard street on the south. A brief description of this elegant residence will, no doubt, be interesting to the reader.
FRONT VIEW FROM CASS AVENUE.
As the visitor enters the broad gates from Cass avenue, a magnificent scene is laid out to view. Its richness, however, varies according to the season. In spring, or early summer, it gives one the impression that nature had collected her rarest beauties and concentrated her most deli cate fragrance on this spot. The scene is not more ennobling in its store of nature's rich attire than imposing as a real work of true art. On the right is a triangle of three Norway spruce trees, about twelve feet high.
RESIDENCE OF J. W. FRISBIE.
733
This is converted into a pyramid by a tall balsam rising from its base to a height of fifteen feet, overlooking the whole from the corner. On the left this view is repeated as perfect as though it were reflected by a mir ror. The trees are of the same kind, stand exactly in corresponding places, have been allowed to grow to the same height and no higher, and are trimmed so as to present precisely the same appearance. There is also on either side of the walk a drooping mountain ash. These two ar«
VIEW OF FRONT GARDEN.
the same in appearance, each exciting the curiosity of the visitor. Near these on either side of the walk is a weeping willow about six feet high, trimmed and developed into a perfect umbrella. These are as near alike as is possible, and complete the similarity of the grounds and trees on one side of the front walk with those on the other.
As the visitor advances from the front gate toward the residence, the walk divides itself into three directions, one leading to the front door,
734
RESIDENCE OF J. W. FRISBIE.
another around the north side of the residence, a third around the south side, meeting the last named in the rear and connecting in its course with the grand northern winding walk leading through the hedge to the sum mer house.
At the intersection of these walks the visitor has one of the grandest views of garden landscape in America. The scene is perfectly indescrib able, and the eye of the beholder is lost in wonder and admiration as the handiwork of nature and triumphs of art blend together in harmony in
VIEW OF RESIDENCE AND GROUNDS.
every feature presented. From the tallest balsam, Norway spruce or pine, to the most delicate foliage of the tinted rose is constantly visible marks of artful man; a drooping branch on the one side has its counter part on the other. The great vase on the right, whose flower-laden vines stream down on either side, covering the massive base with the profusion of nature's delicacy, has its grand rival and perfect duplicate in a corres ponding place on the left; the fragrance-breathing mound that lies like a bright painting on the canvas of earth, ever greeting the eye with new
RESIDENCE OF J. W. FRISBIE.
735
beauties that magnify among the rich foliage of a thousand brilliant shades and colors, is repeated again with a skill that has compelled nature to duplicate her rarest charms; the Michigan prairie rose vines that rise from the soft grass ascend to meet and intertwine their rich and heavy flower wreaths in arched magnificence over the front windows of the residence, while the quaint beauty of the Indian maiden hair tree
VIEW THROUGH ARBOR AND SUMMER HOUSE TO RESIDENCE.
adds wonder to the scene by interweaving its strange branches. But as if to constitute ail these wreaths and arches a back-ground to the great picture before the visitor, a magnificent vase of many kinds of flowers has been placed on either side of the entrance, just near enough to the elevation to produce the richest effect.
) LANSING HOUSE.
THIS extensive and popular hotel is justly the pride of the capitol city. The building ^vas erected at a cost of $85,000, and is one of the finest structures in Lansing. It is located on Washington avenue, opposite the old State house. The proprietor, Mr. M. Hudson, is one of the most genial and accomplished of hosts. During the sessions of the legislature, this hotel is the center of fashionable society in Lansing. Its large par lors and ball rooms present an elegant appearance, and the building is in every way arranged for a first-class hotel. 47
CENTRAL DRUG STORE, DETROIT.
THIS elegant establishment occupies a large part of the ground floor of the Fisher Block. It forms in its obtuse angle one of the most prominent corners on Campus Martius. The front of this store presents a^splendid appearance. A prismatic glass morter, once the property of H. T. Helm- bold, of Broadway, New York, and sixteen large colored show globes, illuminate the square, making an attractive display.
Messrs. Prittie & Buffuin, proprietors of the Central Drug Store, are gentlemen of reputed standing. Dr. W. H. Prittie is a graduate of Harvard College, and has been favorably known in Boston for several years as a reliable and competent apothecary, and also, in Jersey City, as a practicing physician. He removed from the latter place to purchase the Central Drug Store, and to settle in Detroit. Mr. J. J. Buffum, his partner, has been favorably known in this State as a prominent merchant during the last twenty-two years.
MICHIGAN EXCHANGE.
Tins is one of the oldest and most celebrated hotels in Detroit. It was erected in 1834-5, but has, at different times, been enlarged. ) To-day it occupies nearly an entire square, with a frontage of one hundred and forty feet on Jefferson avenue. It is two hundred feet deep/ extending from Jefferson avenue to Woodbridge street, and being six stories high on the latter street and four on the former. This extensive and popular hotel is conducted by Mr. Edward Lyon, who has been connected with the Michigan Exchange for several years. He came to this State in 1836. After remaining in Detroit a few months, he removed to the site of the present town of Lyons, which was then a wilderness. After founding a settlement there, he returned to Detroit, in 1840; and has since been prominently connected with the two leading hotels of the city — formerly the Russell House, and at present the Michigan Exchange, of which the foregoing engraving is a good illustration.
FERRY & CO/S SEED STORE
THE seed establishment of D. M. Ferry & Co. is one of the most exten sive wholesale establishments in the State, and it is the largest of the kind in the whole Northwest.
This enterprising firm furnishes constant employment to several hun dred persons, and their trade extends over the whole Union, but is mainly confined to the Middle, Southern and Western States. r*
The reputation of the house is an enviable one, and the goods they send out need no recommendation.
This immense establishment has risen to its present prominence within the last sixteen years, under the supervision of Mr. Ferry, whose name is at the head of the firm. His wealth, acquired mainly, during that period, is variously estimated at from five hundred thousand to a million dollars. It is unquestionably in advance of the former figure.
There is something really cheering in these figures; not so much, how ever, because an enterprising individual has thus quickly acquired a fortune, but because they indicate the prosperity of the Peninsular State, and constitute a part of that data which renders it a pleasing and an enviable task to compare the history of Michigan's commerce with that of the surrounding and competing States.
^gi]
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THE SIMEONS & CLOUGH ORGANS.
AMONG the great industries of Michigan, the organ factory is a pleasing feature, especially since it indicates the equal growth of all the interests necessary to the development of a grand and prosperous State. " Of the many large manufacturing establishments which are making Detroit known throughout the country as a manufacturing city," says the Detroit Tribune, "the Simmons &Clough Organ Company are doing their share, inasmuch as their justly celebrated instruments are being shipped every week into all parts of the United States, from the Atlantic to the Pacific." On the first of Januar}^ 1872, the Simmons & Clough Organ Company was organized, with a capital of $ 50,000, taking the business of Messrs. Simmons & Clough, which firm began the business of making organs some six for seven years ago in Detroit. The new company purchased a lot 120x138 feet, and erected a five-story brick factory, on the corner of Sixth and Congress streets. The original building was completed and occupied on the 1st of June, 1872. The business of the concern increased so rapidly that it was necessary to increase the size of the building, which has recently been done. The factory has now a frontage of 120 feet on Sixth street by 138 feet on Congress street. The new addition on Con- gress street is six stories high. We present an engraving of the factory, showing the growth of the establishment in the short space of two years.
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FORM NO. DD6
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERK^ BERKELEY, CA 94720
M316065
GENERAL LIBRARY -U.C. BERKELEY
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BOOOBM3102
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